bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DelayedTSHrecovery after dose adjustment duringTSH‐suppressive levothyroxine therapy of thyroid cancer
Authors: Kim Hye In , Kim Tae Hyuk , Kim Hosu , Kim Young Nam , Jang Hye Won , Kim Jung‐Han , Hur Kyu Yeon , Chung Jae Hoon , Kim Sun Wook
Published: April 2017

Background

Delayed thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) recovery during treatment of Graves’ disease is caused by long‐term excessive thyroid hormone, which results in downregulation of pituitary thyrotrophs. However, it is unknown whether delayedTSHrecovery exists after levothyroxine (LT4) dose reduction in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) after long‐termTSHsuppression.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 97DTCpatients withLT4 dose reduction after long‐termTSHsuppression.TSHlevels at baseline (point 1), 6 months (point 2) and 12‐18 months (point 3) afterLT4 dose reduction were compared. A delayedTSHrecovery group whoseTSHlevels changed to upper targetTSHcategory (2015 revisedATAguidelines) from point 2 to point 3 was identified, and risk factors were analysed.

Results

The medianTSHlevel at point 3 was significantly higher than that of point 2 (0.17 vs 0.09 mIU/L;P<.001). The delayedTSHrecovery group (44.3%) showed increased body weight (60.84 vs 62.73 kg;P=.01), while normal response group did not. Greater reduction (%) in theLT4 dose per weight [HR1.10, 95%CI(1.00‐1.22),P=.04] and higherBMIbefore thyroid surgery [1.19, 1.03‐1.38,P=.01] predicted the occurrence of delayedTSHrecovery, while higher dose ofLT4 per weight after reduction showed preventive effect [HR0.01, 95%CI(0.00‐0.54);P=.02].

Conclusions

DelayedTSHrecovery was common duringLT4 dose reduction after long‐termTSHsuppression forDTCmanagement. Six months may not be enough forTSHrecovery and to evaluate thyroid hormone status by serumTSH.
Clinical spectrum of Kabuki‐like syndrome caused by HNRNPK haploinsufficiency
Authors: Dentici Maria Lisa , Barresi Sabina , Niceta Marcello , Pantaleoni Francesca , Pizzi Simone , Dallapiccola Bruno , Tartaglia Marco , Digilio Maria Cristina
Published: April 2017

Kabuki syndrome is a genetically heterogeneous disorder characterized by postnatal growth retardation, skeletal abnormalities, intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms and a variable range of organ malformations. In ~30% of affected individuals, the underlying genetic defect remains unknown. A small number of inactivating heterozygous HNRNPK mutations has recently been reported to be associated with a condition partially overlapping or suggestive of Kabuki syndrome. Here, we report on an 11‐year‐old girl with a complex phenotype in whom the diagnosis of KS was suggested but molecular testing for the known causative disease genes was negative. Whole‐exome sequencing identified a previously undescribed de novo truncating mutation in HNRNPK as the molecular defect underlying the trait. Analysis of available records of patients with HNRNPK haploinsufficiency was performed to delineate the associated clinical phenotype and outline their distinguishing features in comparison with the KS clinical spectrum. The clinical profile associated with inactivating HNRNPK mutations supports the idea that the associated disorder should be considered as a distinct nosologic entity clinically related to KS, and that the condition should be considered in differential diagnosis with KS, in particular in subjects exhibiting brain malformation (nodular heterotopia), craniosynostosis, and polydactyly.
The appropriate dose of thymoglobulin induction therapy in kidney transplantation
Authors: Nafar Mohsen , Dalili Nooshin , Poor‐Reza‐Gholi Fatemeh , Ahmadpoor Pedram , Samadian Fariba , Samavat Shiva
Published: April 2017

Background

Thymoglobulin is used effectively as an induction agent in kidney transplantation, but there is no consensus on the optimal dose. In order to delineate the safest effective dose, an open‐labeled randomized clinical trial was designed.

Methods

In this study, 90 adult kidney transplant recipients (KTR) were randomized before transplantation in three groups to receive thymoglobulin: Arm A (4.5 mg/kg in 3 days), Arm B (4.5 mg/kg single bolus dose), and Arm C (6 mg/kg in 3 days). Renal function, infections, and rate of readmissions were evaluated during the first post transplantation year.

Results

Ninety adult kidney recipients were enrolled (51% deceased donor). No significant statistical difference was found in acute rejection episodes or type of rejection between these groups, although patients in Arm A showed more severe histopathologic changes according to Banff 2013 criteria, in renal biopsies (P=.03). At the first month after transplantation serum Cr was lower (P=.001) and GFR was higher (P=.04) in Arm A, but there was no significant difference among the three groups at 3, 6, and 12 months post‐transplant.

Conclusion

Although all regimens showed the same efficacy regarding the rate of rejection episodes, 3‐day 4.5 mg/kg Thymoglobulin had significantly fewer complications.
The utility of using immunohistochemistry in the differentiation of metastatic, cutaneous clear cell renal cell carcinoma and clear cell hidradenoma
Authors: Velez Moises J. , Thomas Courtney L. , Stratton Jason , Bergfeld Wilma , Weaver Joshua
Published: April 2017

Background

Clear cell hidradenoma and cutaneous clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) overlap morphologically. The distinction may be difficult in a patient with a history ofCCRCC, presenting with a cutaneous nodule, potentially leading to an erroneous diagnosis. We investigated the usefulness of napsin A and paired box gene 8 (PAX‐8) with previously studied markers epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), vimentin and cluster of differentiation marker 10 (CD10) in differentiatingCCRCCfrom hidradenoma.

Methods

We evaluated hidradenomas and cutaneousCCRCCsfor immunohistochemical expression of napsin A,PAX‐8,EMA,CEA, vimentin andCD10.

Results

PAX‐8 was expressed in allCCRCCs(8/8) while negative in hidradenomas. Napsin A was negative in both hidradenomas (0/12) andCCRCCs(0/10).EMAshowed membranous reactivity in 11 of 12 hidradenomas and 8 of 10CCRCCs; and highlighted ductal epithelium in 1 of 12 hidradenomas and cystic areas in 4 of 10CCRCCs.CD10showed ductal expression in 3 of 12 hidradenomas and membranous staining in 8 of 9CCRCCs.CEAhighlighted ductal epithelium in 11 of 12 hidradenomas while absent inCCRCCs(0/10). Vimentin highlighted neoplastic cells in 8 of 8CCRCCsand failed to stain the hidradenomas (0/12).

Conclusion

A conservative immunohistochemical panel includingPAX‐8, vimentin andCEAallow for easy distinction ofCCRCCfrom hidradenoma, whereas napsin A added no additional value.
Diagnoseleistung des MelaFind‐Geräts im klinischen Alltag
Authors: Fink Christine , Jaeger Claudia , Jaeger Katharina , Haenssle Holger A.
Published: April 2017

Hintergrund

MelaFind ist ein multispektrales, Computer‐gestütztes Bildgebungssystem, das Zusatzinformationen zu melanozytären Läsionen mit Verdacht auf ein Melanom liefern soll, indem es deren dreidimensionale Morphologie objektiv bewertet.

Ziele

Die Analyse der Diagnoseleistung von MelaFind unter klinischen Alltagsbedingungen.

Patienten und Methodik

In dieser Beobachtungsstudie wurden 360 pigmentierte Hautläsionen (PHL) bei 111 Patienten durch niedergelassene Dermatologen mit MelaFind bewertet. PHL mit Werten ≥ 2 wurden als verdächtig für Melanom angesehen. Die Entscheidung für die chirurgische Exzision lag im Ermessen der untersuchenden Dermatologen.

Ergebnisse

MelaFind‐Werte ≥ 2 wurden bei 147 der 360 PHL (40,8 %) beobachtet. Bei drei von 107 exzidierten Läsionen mit einem MelaFind‐Wert ≥ 2 wurde ein Melanom diagnostiziert; 53 (49,5 %) der Läsionen stellten sich als dysplastische Nävi heraus. Bei den biopsierten Läsionen (n = 113) betrugen Sensitivität und Spezifität von MelaFind 100 % beziehungsweise 5,5 %. Zwar könnte hinsichtlich des gesamten Datensatzes (n = 360) eine höhere Spezifität von 68,5 % angenommen werden, diese Annahme ist jedoch aufgrund unvollständiger Nachsorgedaten, die zur Bestätigung der Gutartigkeit nicht‐exzidierter Läsionen erforderlich wären, limitiert.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die hohe Sensitivität von MelaFind unterstützte die Erkennung von Melanomen. Insgesamt waren die Resultate für Spezifität und das Verhältnis von exzidierten gutartigen zu exzidierten bösartigen Läsionen akzeptabel. Diese Parameter könnten durch höhere Schwellenwerte für Exzisionsbiopsien sowie eine strengere Auswahl der PHL für die MelaFind‐Untersuchung verbessert werden.
Retinal haemorrhage: a red flag for raised intracranial pressure
Authors: Squier Waney
Published: April 2017

This commentary is on the original article by Minns et al. on pages 597–604 of this issue.
Fludrocortisone therapy for persistent hyperkalaemia
Authors: Dobbin S. J. H. , Petrie J. R. , Lean M. E. J. , McKay G. A.
Published: April 2017

Background

Type 4 renal tubular acidosis causes hyperkalaemia, for which diabetes and medications commonly used in this patient group are aetiological factors. Here we describe the novel use of fludrocortisone in this difficult condition.

Case Report

A 55‐year‐old woman with complex co‐morbidities, including Type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 37 mmol/mol 5.5%), was admitted with renal failure. Bloods on admission: eGFR 25 ml/min, creatinine 184 ?mol/L, urea 35.9 mmol/L, sodium 128 mmol/L, potassium 5.6 mmol/L, bicarbonate 15 mmol/L, and albumin 30 g/L. Her admission was prolonged, complicated by hospital‐acquired sepsis (lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, and infected leg ulcers), poor venous access and severe depression. She had recurrent hyperkalaemia and deteriorating renal function, from presumed Type 4 renal tubular acidosis and excessive fluid losses from leg ulcers. Her renal function recurrently deteriorated, despite conventional treatment methods. After 69 days, she was commenced on fludrocortisone 50 mcg/day. Her renal function and serum potassium stabilized and she was discharged with potassium 4.3 mmol/L, eGFR 42 ml/min, and bicarbonate 23 mmol/L. She has remained stable on this treatment, without requiring further hospital admission for over 6 months, with eGFR 40 ml/min, and potassium 5.5 mmol/L, and albumin 26 g/L.

Conclusion

This woman was presumed to have Type 4 renal tubular acidosis and recurrent hyperkalaemia due to renal insufficiency, in the context of underlying diabetes and chronic kidney disease, which was poorly responsive to conventional management. There is limited evidence for using fludrocortisone in this setting. Our case suggests that fludrocortisone might offer a novel therapeutic strategy when conventional management is not working.
A Simple Model of Banking Competition With Bank Size Heterogeneity and Lending Spillovers
Authors: Heddergott Daniel , Laitenberger Jörg
Published: April 2017

We develop a multimarket spatial competition model in which large banks compete with small banks for transparent and opaque borrowers. Opaque borrower lending is influenced by a spillover from transparent borrower markets that depends on the structure of the banking market and is transmitted by banks’ risk‐bearing capacities. Consistent with diverse empirical findings, the structure of the banking market determines whether competition improves credit access (small bank dominated markets) or reduces bank lending (large bank dominated markets). In sufficiently heterogeneous (homogeneous) banking markets, a U‐shaped (inverse U‐shaped) relationship between credit access and bank competition applies.
Assessing the diet of North American Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.) off the West Greenland coast using gut content and stable isotope analyses
Authors: Dixon Heather J. , Dempson J. Brian , Sheehan Timothy F. , Renkawitz Mark D. , Power Michael
Published: April 2017

Investigations on the marine feeding of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.) in the Northwest Atlantic are limited compared with the Northeast Atlantic. Climate‐induced changes to food webs in Atlantic salmon feeding areas have been noted, alongside increased mortality despite a cessation of most marine fisheries. As forage efficiency may be hampering survival, it was important to address this knowledge gap. Atlantic salmon were sampled at three sites on the West Greenland coast (Sisimiut, Nuuk and Qaqortoq) between 2009 and 2011. Gut content and stable isotope analyses were combined to assess spatial and temporal differences in feeding. Capelin (Mallotus villosus) dominated the diet at Nuuk and Qaqortoq, whereas boreoatlantic armhook squid (Gonatus fabricii) was the dominant prey at Sisimiut. Hyperiid amphipods (Themistospp.) and sand lance (Ammodytesspp.) were also important. Significant differences were found among sites for both gut contents and stable isotope analyses, with fewer differences evident temporally. Dietary differences were also evident across larger scales, with little overlap demonstrated with Northeast Atlantic diets and the emergence of boreoatlantic armhook squid as an important prey item over time. Atlantic salmon diets are frequently anchored on one or two prey items, on which they appear to specialize, but they will diversify to consume other available pelagic prey. Thus, Atlantic salmon are an opportunistic, generalist predator within the pelagic food web. The variability evident in diet suggests that the limited data available are insufficient to appropriately understand potential vulnerabilities that the species may have to ecosystem changes, and suggest further research is needed.
Climate and productivity shape fish and invertebrate community structure in subarctic lakes
Authors: Hayden Brian , Myllykangas Jukka‐Pekka , Rolls Robert J. , Kahilainen Kimmo K.
Published: April 2017

Climate change and land‐use intensification are increasing productivity in subarctic lakes. Simultaneously, fish and invertebrate species adapted to temperate conditions are expanding their range northwards into subarctic habitats. Community level studies are required to predict long‐term effects of these dual stressors on subarctic freshwater ecosystems.

We conducted a space‐for‐time study examining the fish, benthic invertebrate and pelagic zooplankton communities in littoral, profundal and pelagic habitats in 19 subarctic lakes situated on a temperature, land‐use and productivity gradient in northern Europe.

Fish density (ranging between 0.5 and 150.5 fish per net series h−1) and biomass (range between 92 and 5,147 g per net series h−1) increased significantly with increasing lake temperature and productivity. This was associated with significantly decreasing body size (26 to 12 cm total length; 174 to 19 g body mass) and a shift in fish community structure from salmonid (Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus, whitefish Coregonus lavaretus), to percid (ruffe Gymnocephalus cernua, perch Perca fluviatilis) and ultimately cyprinid (roach Rutilus rutilus, bleak Alburnus alburnus) dominance. Changes in fish community composition were most apparent in littoral and pelagic zones.

Benthic macroinvertebrate density peaked in mesotrophic lakes, zooplankton density was highest at either end of the gradient, indicating habitat specific differences in predation pressure and top‐down control. Body size of zooplankton and benthic macroinvertebrates was negatively related to temperature and productivity.

These results suggest that climate change and intensification of land‐use practices are gradually turning subarctic lakes into warmer, less transparent and more productive systems harbouring abundant, small‐sized and warmer adapted communities.
Bimodal fire regimes unveil a global‐scale anthropogenic fingerprint
Authors: Benali Akli , Mota Bernardo , Carvalhais Nuno , Oom Duarte , Miller Lee M. , Campagnolo Manuel L. , Pereira José M. C.
Published: April 2017

Aim

While fire is recognized as an integral part of the Earth system, the ability of humans to shape fire regimes both spatially and temporally remains poorly understood. Our goals were to identify the extent of fire regimes exhibiting two annual fire seasons and to investigate the environmental correlates of such regimes at the global scale.

Location

All areas of the globe exhibiting relevant fire activity, at 0.5º spatial resolution.

Time period

2002‐2012.

Major taxa studied

(not applicable).

Methods

The modality of fire seasonality at the global scale was classified using a 10‐year record of satellite‐derived fire activity and model fitting of circular statistical distributions. The main environmental correlates controlling global fire regimes were then analysed over bimodal and unimodal areas using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test.

Results

About 25% of the global land surface with relevant fire activity has two significantly distinct fire seasons per year, with at least one of these seasons occurring under sub‐optimal fire weather conditions. In these bimodal areas, population density and the fraction of fires occurring in actively managed land, especially in croplands and pastures, are significantly higher than in neighbouring unimodal areas. Results reveal that through these land‐use and management practices humans have a strong influence on global patterns of fire seasonality.

Main conclusions

We identified a bimodal seasonality pattern, previously unreported at the global scale, and show that it reveals an anthropogenic fingerprint on fire regimes. Insights into where and when fire is actively employed as a land management tool enhance our understanding of the role of fire in the Earth system, and highlight the need to better understand how fire practices may change in the future.
Teaching and Learning Guide for “The Unbelieved and Historians, Parts I and II”
Authors: Clossey Luke , Jackson Kyle
Published: April 2017

This teaching and learning guide accompanies the series of “The Unbelieved and Historians” articles, which argues that we should approach religious history with open minds. This guide offers related resources, readings, and a project designed for classroom use.
Mining for pairs: shared clinic visit dates identify steadyHIV‐positive partnerships
Authors: Marzel A , Shilaih M , Turk T , Campbell NK , Yang W‐L , Böni J , Yerly S , Klimkait T , Aubert V , Furrer H , Calmy A , Battegay M , Cavassini M , Bernasconi E , Schmid P , Metzner KJ , Günthard HF , Kouyos RD ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS)
Published: April 2017

Objectives

Here we examined the hypothesis that some stableHIV‐infected partnerships can be found in cohort studies, as the patients frequently attend the clinic visits together.

Methods

Using mathematical approximations and shuffling to derive the probabilities of sharing a given number of visits by chance, we identified and validated couples that may represent either transmission pairs or serosorting couples in a stable relationship.

Results

We analysed 434 432 visits for 16 139 SwissHIVCohort Study patients from 1990 to 2014. For 89 pairs, the number of shared visits exceeded the number expected. Of these, 33 transmission pairs were confirmed on the basis of three criteria: an extensive phylogenetic tree, a self‐reported steadyHIV‐positive partnership, and risk group affiliation. Notably, 12 of the validated transmission pairs (36%; 12 of 33) were of a mixed ethnicity with a large median age gap [17.5 years; interquartile range (IQR) 11.8−22 years] and these patients harbouredHIV‐1 of predominantly non‐B subtypes, suggesting imported infections.

Conclusions

In the context of the surge in research interest inHIVtransmission pairs, this simple method widens the horizons of research on within‐pair quasi‐species exchange, transmitted drug resistance and viral recombination at the biological level and targeted prevention at the public health level.
Dental students’ knowledge regarding the indications for antibiotics in the management of endodontic infections
Authors: Martín‐Jiménez M. , Martín‐Biedma B. , López‐López J. , Alonso‐Ezpeleta O. , Velasco‐Ortega E. , Jiménez‐Sánchez M. C. , Segura‐Egea J. J.
Published: April 2017

Aim

To determine the knowledge of undergraduate Spanish dental students regarding the indications of systemic antibiotics in the management of endodontic infections.

Methodology

The final year dental students from four Spanish dental schools were requested to answer a one‐page questionnaire on the indications for systemic antibiotics in the treatment of endodontic infections. One hundred and seventy‐five students were asked to participate in this research. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi‐square test.

Results

One hundred and four students (93.7%) completed satisfactorily the survey and were included in the study. The average duration of antibiotic therapy was 7.0 ± 2.0 days. All respondents chose amoxicillin as the first‐choice antibiotic in patients with no medical allergies, alone (47%) or associated with clavulanic acid (53%). The first drug of choice for patients with an allergy to penicillin was clindamycin 300 mg (99%). For cases of irreversible pulpitis, up to 63% of students would prescribe antibiotics. For the scenario of a necrotic pulp, symptomatic apical periodontitis and no swelling, 44% would prescribe antibiotics. Almost 40% of students would prescribe antibiotics for necrotic pulps with asymptomatic apical periodontitis and a sinus tract.

Conclusions

It is necessary for the Spanish schools of dentistry to improve students’ knowledge about antibiotics and their indications in endodontics. Interactive education analysing real endodontic cases using problem‐based learning would help students acquire better skills in prescribing antibiotics in pulp–periapical pathosis.
Native casein micelles as nanocarriers for β‐carotene: pH‐and temperature‐induced opening of the micellar structure
Authors: Moeller Henrike , Martin Dierk , Schrader Katrin , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Lorenzen Peter Chr.
Published: April 2017

To apply native casein micelles (CM) as nanocarriers for lipophilic substances in non‐ or low‐fat food products, they have to be conditioned before loading. In this study, an experimental set‐up for the production and loading of CM was developed. Microfiltration was used to separate CM from skimmed milk. To identify optimal loading conditions temperatures (2, 20, 40 °C), pH values (6.8 and 5.5) and holding times (5, 15, 30, 60 min) were varied. The release of calcium, phosphate and protein from the micellar phase as well as static light scattering and transmission electron microscopy showed that CM were optimally primed at 2 °C and a pH of 5.5 for 5 min. Therefore, loading with β‐carotene was performed under those conditions. After the back‐extraction of β‐carotene, the photometrical analyses revealed total recovery rates of >79% whereby 94% of it was associated with the native CM.
Intravesical prostatic protrusion can predict therapeutic response to silodosin in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Ishida Shohei , Majima Tsuyoshi , Funahashi Yasuhito , Sassa Naoto , Kato Masashi , Yoshino Yasushi , Gotoh Momokazu
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To investigate the predicting factors of therapeutic response to α1‐blockers in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement based on a urodynamic study.

Methods

This was a prospective study involving 125 outpatients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement. They received 8 mg of silodosin for 12 months. International Prostate Symptom Score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, International Prostate Symptom Score quality of life assessment, and urodynamic study were used to assess subjective and objective symptoms. Patient age, prostate‐specific antigen level, prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, maximum flow rate and post‐void residual urine volume, and intravesical prostatic protrusion were investigated as potential parameters to predict the therapeutic response. Baseline parameters that influenced the improvement of International Prostate Symptom Score and bladder outlet obstruction were statistically analyzed.

Results

A total of 103 patients with mean age of 69.2 years and mean prostate volume of 46.8 mL were included in the analysis. A total of 39 patients (37.9%) showed insignificant improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score (<25%), whereas 36 patients (35.0%) showed insufficient improvement in bladder outlet obstruction index (less than 25%). Prostate volume, maximum flow rate and intravesical prostatic protrusion were independent predictors of ineffective treatment. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, intravesical prostatic protrusion was found to be the only factor related to improvement of both the International Prostate Symptom Score and bladder outlet obstruction. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis showed that intravesical prostatic protrusion was the only significant factor for predicting improvement of the International Prostate Symptom Score (r = −0.56, P < 0.001) and bladder outlet obstruction (r = −0.59, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Intravesical prostatic protrusion can be considered a useful predictor of therapeutic response to silodosin for subjective symptoms and bladder outlet obstruction in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostate enlargement.
Spatially Balanced Sampling: A Review and A Reappraisal
Authors: Benedetti Roberto , Piersimoni Federica , Postiglione Paolo
Published: April 2017

Spatially distributed data exhibit particular characteristics that should be considered when designing a survey of spatial units. Unfortunately, traditional sampling designs generally do not allow for spatial features, even though it is usually desirable to use information concerning spatial dependence in a sampling design. This paper reviews and compares some recently developed randomised spatial sampling procedures, using simple random sampling without replacement as a benchmark for comparison. The approach taken is design‐based and serves to corroborate intuitive arguments about the need to explicitly integrate spatial dependence into sampling survey theory. Some guidance for choosing an appropriate spatial sampling design is provided, and some empirical evidence for the gains from using these designs with spatial populations is presented, using two datasets as illustrations.
Cloudy with a Chance of Engagement
Authors: Selby David
Published: April 2017

David Selby and colleagues set out to explore the association between weather and pain, but ended up devising a method for assessing patterns in study participation
The “Ferguson effect”, or too many Guns?
Authors: Towers Sherry , White Michael D.
Published: April 2017

President Trump has threatened to “send in the Feds” to reduce violent crime in the USA's third most populous city. But what might explain the increase? Sherry Towers and Michael D. White assess two hypotheses
Deeper Pockets, Deeper Pleasure?
Authors: Warner Jamie , Dobromyrova Olga , Shay Dana , Wang Qing
Published: April 2017

If you are looking to impress with your next purchase of Scotch, Jamie Warner, Olga Dobromyrova, Dana Shay, and Qing Wang suggest you find a bottle with moderate floral notes – but be prepared to spend a little extra cash
The ASA's p-value Statement, One Year on
Authors: Matthews Robert , Wasserstein Ron , Spiegelhalter David
Published: April 2017

Its aim was to stop the misuse of statistical significance testing. But Robert Matthews argues that little has changed in the 12 months since the ASA's intervention
Hydrothermal‐carbothermal synthesis of highly sinterable AlN nanopowders
Authors: Xiang Ming , Zhou Youfu , Xu Wentao , Huang Decai , Wang Kun , Pan Wei
Published: April 2017

Aluminum nitride (AlN) nanopowders have been synthesized by a novel method which combines the hydrothermal and carbothermal techniques. The phase of the nitridation products can be controlled through adjusting the carbon content of precursor by adding different amount of urea (U). The nitridation product synthesized from the precursor (U/Al=2) was comprised of spherical and well‐distributed particles with sizes ranging from 50 to 100 nm. The nitridation procedure was investigated in detail withTG/DSC,XRD, andTEMmeasurements. It was found that the core‐matrix structured Al2O3/C mixture presents after pyrolysis, favoring the nitridation completed at low temperature, and brings in temperature independency for AlN grain size. Finally, the additive‐free AlN ceramic with 99.08% relative density has been achieved by pressureless sintering at 1850°C.
Thermoelectric properties and stability of glasses in the Cu‐As‐Te system
Authors: Vaney Jean‐Baptiste , Carreaud Julie , Morin Cédric , Delaizir Gaëlle , Piarristeguy Andrea , Colas Maggy , Cornette Julie , Le Parc Rozenn , Alleno Eric , Monnier Judith , Ribes Michel , Escalier Raphaël , Pradel Annie , Pereira Gonçalves Antonio , Branco Lopes Elsa , Candolfi Christophe , Lenoir Bertrand
Published: April 2017

Chalcogenide glasses and more importantly their glass‐ceramics counterparts have been an interesting but very peculiar class of thermoelectric materials, with inherently low thermal conductivity (<0.3 W/m·K). In this study, we report on the fabrication of glasses in the ternary system Cu‐As‐Te (CuxAs55−xTe45 [5≤x≤20], Cu15As85−yTey [45≤y≤70], and Cu20As80−yTey [45≤y≤65]) by melt‐quenching and subsequent spark plasma sintering treatment. Their thermal and structural properties have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry and Raman spectroscopy, leading to give insights into the structural evolution of the glassy matrix. Coupling this information with the analysis of their electrical transport properties allowed us to deepen further our understanding of the compositional effect on their thermoelectric properties, and indirectly how the evolution of their electronic band structure is at play. Despite exhibiting low ZT values by themselves, Cu‐As‐Te glasses may still be interesting candidates for thermoelectricity through partial crystallization for which knowing the relationship between composition and properties remains essential.
Educators’ evaluations of children's ideas on the social exclusion of classmates with intellectual and learning disabilities
Authors: Nowicki Elizabeth A , Brown Jason D , Dare Lynn
Published: April 2017

Background

Reasons underlying the social exclusion of children with intellectual or learning disabilities are not entirely understood. Although it is important to heed the voices of children on this issue, it is also important to consider the degree to which these ideas are informed. The present authors invited educators to evaluate the content of children's ideas on the causes of social exclusion.

Method

Educators thematically sorted and rated children's ideas on why classmates with intellectual or learning disabilities are socially excluded. Sorted data were analysed with multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis.

Results

Six thematic clusters were identified differing in content to those provided by children in an earlier study. Educators generally rated children's ideas as showing somewhat uninformed ideas about why social exclusion occurs.

Conclusions

Educators indicated that children need to be better informed about intellectual and learning disabilities. Limitations and implications are discussed.
Effects of Distribution Choice on the Modeling of Life Cycle Inventory Uncertainty: An Assessment on the Ecoinvent v2.2 Database
Authors: Muller Stéphanie , Mutel Christopher , Lesage Pascal , Samson Réjean
Published: April 2017

Life cycle inventory data have multiple sources of uncertainty. These data uncertainties are often modeled using probability density functions, and in the ecoinvent database the lognormal distribution is used by default to model exchange uncertainty values. The aim of this article is to systematically measure the effect of this default distribution by changing from the lognormal to several other distribution functions and examining how this change affects the uncertainty of life cycle assessment results. Using the ecoinvent 2.2 inventory database, data uncertainty distributions are switched from the lognormal distribution to the normal, triangular, and gamma distributions. The effect of the distribution switching is assessed for both impact assessment results of individual products system, as well as comparisons between product systems. Impact assessment results are generated using 5,000 Monte Carlo iterations for each product system, using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2001 (100‐year time frame) method. When comparing the lognormal distribution to the alternative default distributions, the difference in the resulting median and standard deviation values range from slight to significant, depending on the distributions used by default. However, the switch shows practically no effect on product system comparisons. Yet, impact assessment results are sensitive to how the data uncertainties are defined. In this article, we followed what we believe to be ecoinvent standard practice and preserved the “most representative” value. Practitioners should recognize that the most representative value can depart from the average of a probability distribution. Consistent default distribution choices are necessary when performing product system comparisons.
Acyl ghrelin improves cognition, synaptic plasticity deficits and neuroinflammation following amyloid β (Aβ1‐40) administration in mice
Authors: Santos V. V. , Stark R. , Rial D. , Silva H. B. , Bayliss J. A. , Lemus M. B. , Davies J. S. , Cunha R. A. , Prediger R. D. , Andrews Z. B.
Published: April 2017

Ghrelin is a metabolic hormone that has neuroprotective actions in a number of neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke and traumatic brain injury. Acyl ghrelin treatment in vivo and in vitro also shows protective capacity in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we used ghrelin knockout (KO) and their wild‐type littermates to test whether or not endogenous ghrelin is protective in a mouse model of AD, in which human amyloid β peptide 1‐40 (Aβ1‐40) was injected into the lateral ventricles i.c.v. Recognition memory, using the novel object recognition task, was significantly impaired in ghrelin KO mice and after i.c.v. Aβ1‐40 treatment. These deficits could be prevented by acyl ghrelin injections for 7 days. Spatial orientation, as assessed by the Y‐maze task, was also significantly impaired in ghrelin KO mice and after i.c.v. Aβ1‐40 treatment. These deficits could be prevented by acyl ghrelin injections for 7 days. Ghrelin KO mice had deficits in olfactory discrimination; however, neither i.c.v. Aβ1‐40 treatment, nor acyl ghrelin injections affected olfactory discrimination. We used stereology to show that ghrelin KO and Aβ1‐40 increased the total number of glial fibrillary acidic protein expressing astrocytes and ionised calcium‐binding adapter expressing microglial in the rostral hippocampus. Finally, Aβ1‐40 blocked long‐term potentiation induced by high‐frequency stimulation and this effect could be acutely blocked with co‐administration of acyl ghrelin. Collectively, our studies demonstrate that ghrelin deletion affects memory performance and also that acyl ghrelin treatment may delay the onset of early events of AD. This supports the idea that acyl ghrelin treatment may be therapeutically beneficial with respect to restricting disease progression in AD.
Antinociceptive effect of natural and synthetic alkamides involves TRPV1 receptors
Authors: de la Rosa-Lugo Vianey , Acevedo-Quiroz Macdiel , Déciga-Campos Myrna , Rios María Yolanda
Published: April 2017

Objective

To establish the role of TRPV1 receptor in the antinociceptive effect of natural alkamides (i.e. affinin, longipinamide A, longipenamide A and longipenamide B) isolated from Heliopsis longipes (A. Gray) S.F. Blake and some related synthetic alkamides (i.e. N-isobutyl-feruloylamide and N-isobutyl-dihydroferuloylamide).

Methods

The orofacial formalin test was used to assess the antinociceptive activity of natural (1–30 μg, orofacial region) and synthetic alkamides (0.1–100 μg, orofacial region). The alkamide capsaicin was used as positive control, while capsazepine was used to evaluate the possible participation of TRPV1 receptor in alkamide-induced antinociception.

Key findings

Natural (1–30 μg) and synthetic (0.1–100 μg) alkamides administered to the orofacial region produced antinociception in mice. The antinociceptive effect induced by affinin, N-isobutyl-feruloylamide and N-isobutyl-dihydroferuloylamide was antagonized by capsazepine but not by vehicle.

Conclusions

These results suggest that alkamide affinin, longipinamide A, longipenamide A and longipenamide B isolated from Heliopsis longipes as well as the synthesized analogue compounds N-isobutyl-feruloylamide and N-isobutyl-dihydroferuloylamide produce their effects by activating TRPV1 receptor and they may have potential for the development of new analgesic drugs for the treatment of orofacial pain.
Hume's Table, Peacocke's Trees, the Tilted Penny and the Reversed Seeing‐in Account
Authors: Schroer Robert
Published: April 2017

In seeing a tilted penny, we are experientially aware of both its circularity and another shape, which I dub ‘β‐ellipticality’. Some claim that our experiential awareness of the intrinsic shapes/sizes of everyday objects depends upon our experiential awareness of β‐shapes/β‐sizes. In contrast, I maintain that β‐property experiences are the result of what Richard Wollheim calls ‘seeing‐in’, but run in reverse: instead of seeing a three‐dimensional object in a flat surface, we see a flat surface in a three‐dimensional object. Using this new account, I re‐examine the phenomenological directness of visual experience and undermine an argument for skepticism about β‐property experiences.
The δ18O and δ2H of water in the leaf growth‐and‐differentiation zone of grasses is close to source water in both humid and dry atmospheres
Authors: Liu Hai Tao , Schäufele Rudi , Gong Xiao Ying , Schnyder Hans
Published: April 2017

The oxygen and hydrogen isotope composition of water in the leaf growth‐and‐differentiation zone, LGDZ, (δ18OLGDZ, δ2HLGDZ) of grasses influences the isotopic composition of leaf cellulose (oxygen) and wax (hydrogen) – important for understanding (paleo)environmental and physiological information contained in these biological archives – but is presently unknown.

This work determined δ18OLGDZ and δ2HLGDZ, 18O‐ and 2H‐enrichment of LGDZ (∆18OLGDZ and ∆2HLGDZ), and the 18O‐ and 2H‐enrichment of leaf blade water (∆18OLW, ∆2HLW) in two C3 and three C4 grasses grown at high and low vapor pressure deficit (VPD).

The proportion of unenriched water (px) in the LGDZ ranged from 0.9 to 1.0 for 18O and 1.0 to 1.2 for 2H. VPD had no effect on the proportion of 18O‐ and 2H‐enriched water in the LGDZ, and species effects were small or nonsignificant. Deuterium discrimination caused depletion of 2H in LGDZ water, increasing (apparent) px‐values > 1.0 in some cases.

The isotopic composition of water in the LGDZ was close to that of source water, independent of VPD and much less enriched than previously supposed, but similar to reported xylem water in trees. The well‐constrained px will be useful in future investigations of oxygen and hydrogen isotopic fractionation during cellulose and wax synthesis, respectively.
Drivers of plant species’ potential to spread: the importance of demography versus seed dispersal
Authors: Hemrová Lucie , Bullock James M. , Hooftman Danny A. P. , White Steven M. , Münzbergová Zuzana
Published: April 2017

Understanding the ability of plants to spread is important for assessing conservation strategies, landscape dynamics, invasiveness and ability to cope with climate change. While long‐distance seed dispersal is often viewed as a key process in population spread, the importance of inter‐specific variation in demography is less explored. Indeed, the relative importance of demography vs seed dispersal in determining population spread is still little understood. We modelled species’ potential for population spread in terms of annual migration rates for a set of species inhabiting dry grasslands of central Europe. Simultaneously, we estimated the importance of demographic (population growth rate) versus long‐distance dispersal (99th percentile dispersal distance) characteristics for among‐species differences in modelled population spread. In addition, we assessed how well simple proxy measures related to demography (the number and survival of seedlings, the survival of flowering individuals) and dispersal (plant height, terminal velocity and wind speed during dispersal) predicted modelled spread rates.

We found that species’ demographic rates were the more powerful predictors of species’ modelled potential to spread than dispersal. Furthermore, our simple proxies were correlated with modelled species spread rates and together their predictive power was high. Our findings highlight that for understanding variation among species in their potential for population spread, detailed information on local demography and dispersal might not always be necessary. Simple proxies or assumptions that are based primarily on species demography could be sufficient.
Demographic stochasticity and resource autocorrelation control biological invasions in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Giometto Andrea , Altermatt Florian , Rinaldo Andrea
Published: April 2017

Mounting theoretical evidence suggests that demographic stochasticity, environmental heterogeneity and biased movement of organisms individually affect the dynamics of biological invasions and range expansions. Studies of species spread in heterogeneous landscapes have traditionally characterized invasion velocities as functions of the mean resource density throughout the landscape, thus neglecting higher‐order moments of the spatial resource distribution. Here, we show theoretically that different spatial arrangements of resources lead to different spread velocities even if the mean resource density throughout the landscape is kept constant. Specifically, we find that increasing the resource autocorrelation length causes a reduction in the speed of species spread. The model shows that demographic stochasticity plays a key role in the slowdown, which is strengthened when individuals can actively move towards resources. We then experimentally corroborated the theoretically predicted reduction in propagation speed in microcosm experiments with the protist Euglena gracilis by comparing spread in landscapes with different resource autocorrelation lengths. Our work identifies the resource autocorrelation length as a key modulator and a simple measure of landscape susceptibility to biological invasions, which needs to be considered for predicting invasion dynamics within naturally heterogeneous environmental corridors.
Cancer recurrence and mortality after pediatric heart transplantation for anthracycline cardiomyopathy: A report from the Pediatric Heart Transplant Study (PHTS) group
Authors: Bock Matthew J. , Pahl Elfriede , Rusconi Paolo G. , Boyle Gerard J. , Parent John J. , Twist Clare J. , Kirklin James K. , Pruitt Elizabeth , Bernstein Daniel
Published: April 2017

We aimed to determine whether malignancy after pediatric HTx for ACM affects overall post‐HTx survival. Patients <18y listed for HTx for ACM in the PHTS database between 1993 and 2014 were compared to those with DCM. A 2:1 matched DCM cohort was also compared. Wait‐list and post‐HTx survival, along with freedom from common HTx complications, were compared. Eighty subjects were listed due to ACM, whereas 1985 were listed for DCM. Although wait‐list survival was higher in the ACM group, post‐HTx survival was lower for the ACM cohort. Neither difference persisted in the matched cohort analysis. Primary cause of death in the ACM group was infection, which was higher than the DCM group. Malignancy rates were not different. All ACM malignancies were due to PTLD without primary cancer recurrence or SMN. Long‐term graft survival after pediatric HTx for ACM is no different than for matched DCM peers, nor is there an increased risk of any malignancy. However, risk of infection and death from infection after HTx are higher in the ACM group. Further studies are needed to assess the effects of prior chemotherapy on susceptibility to infection in this group.
The Evaluation of Noninvasive Measurements of Erythema as a Potential Surrogate for DNA Damage in Repetitively UV‐exposed Human Skin
Authors: Miller Sharon A. , Coelho Sergio G. , Yamaguchi Yuji , Hearing Vincent J. , Beer Janusz Z. , de Gruijl Frank
Published: April 2017

Erythema (i.e. visible redness) and DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in human skin have similar action spectra and show good correlation after a single exposure to UVR. We explored the potential to use instrumental assessments of erythema as a surrogate for DNA damage after repeated exposures to UVR. We exposed 40 human subjects to three different exposure schedules using two different UVR sources. Cyclobutane‐pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) in skin biopsies were measured by immunofluorescence, and erythema was assessed by both the Erythemal Index (EI) and the Oxy‐hemoglobin (Oxy‐Hb) content. Surprisingly, the skin with the highest cumulative dose ended up with the lowest level of DNA damage, and with the least erythema, as assessed by Oxy‐Hb (but not EI) 24 h after the last UV exposure. Although the level of CPDs, on average, paralleled Oxy‐Hb (R2 = 0.80–0.94, P = 0.03–0.11), the correlation did not hold for the pooled individual measurements (R2 = 0.009, P = 0.37) due to potential individual differences in UV‐induced photoadaptation. We suggest that the methodology may be optimized to improve the correlation between DNA damage level and erythema to enable noninvasive risk assessment based on erythema/Oxy‐Hb content for individual human subjects.
Neutrophil alterations in pregnancy‐associated malaria and induction of neutrophil chemotaxis by Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Boström S. , Schmiegelow C. , Abu Abed U. , Minja D. T. R. , Lusingu J. , Brinkmann V. , Honkpehedji Y. J. , Loembe M. M. , Adegnika A. A. , Mordmüller B. , Troye‐Blomberg M. , Amulic B.
Published: April 2017

Pregnancy‐associated malaria (PAM) is a severe form of the disease caused by sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum‐infected red blood cells (iRBCs) in the developing placenta. Pathogenesis of PAM is partially based on immunopathology, with frequent monocyte infiltration into the placenta. Neutrophils are abundant blood cells that are essential for immune defence but may also cause inflammatory pathology. Their role in PAM remains unclear. We analysed neutrophil alterations in the context of PAM to better understand their contribution to disease development. Pregnant women exposed to Plasmodium falciparum had decreased numbers of circulating neutrophils. Placental‐like BeWo cells stimulated with malaria parasites produced the neutrophil chemoattractant IL‐8 and recruited neutrophils in a trans‐well assay. Finally, immunostaining of a PAM placenta confirmed neutrophil accumulation in the intervillous space. Our data indicate neutrophils may play a role in placental malaria and should be more closely examined as an etiological agent in the pathophysiology of disease.