bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Procedural sedation in children with autism spectrum disorders: A survey of current practice patterns of the society for pediatric sedation members
Authors: Kamat Pradip P. , Bryan Leah N. , McCracken Courtney E. , Simon Harold K. , Berkenbosch John W. , Grunwell Jocelyn R.
Published: May 2018

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder are challenging to sedate because of communication, sensory, and behavioral challenges.

Aims

The aim of this survey was to determine how procedural sedation is provided to children with autism spectrum disorders and whether sedation programs have specialized protocols for procedural sedation of these children.

Methods

We surveyed physician Medical Directors of sedation programs who are members of the Society for Pediatric Sedation, asking about practice characteristics and resource utilization during procedural sedation of children with autism spectrum disorders.

Results

Of 58 directors, 47 (81%) responded. Of the programs surveyed, 53% were either a large university medical center and 40% were a freestanding children's hospital. Only (12/47, 25.5%) of the programs used an individualized autism coping plan. To accomplish procedural sedation in this study cohort, 36% of the programs used additional nurses, whereas a child life specialist was used in 55% of the programs surveyed. Only 28% of the centers allotted additional time to accommodate children with autism spectrum disorders. Distraction methods were used in 80% whereas restrains were used in 45% programs for were used most commonly for i.v. catheter placement. Propofol was the preferred agent for 70% of programs for imaging, while propofol + fentanyl was used by 66% of programs for painful procedures. Although 57% of directors reported that their program staff was extremely comfortable providing procedural sedation for children with autism spectrum disorder, 79% of the directors wanted more education about behavioral management strategies for procedural sedation of these children.

Conclusion

Among the Society for Pediatric Sedation programs, significant institutional variation exists on the delivery of procedural sedation to children with autism spectrum disorders. A better understanding of resources required, standardization of behavioral management strategies and pharmacologic approaches, and protocol development may help optimize care to this vulnerable population.
Efficacy of Cryoablation to Control Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ferrer‐Mileo Laura , Luque Blanco Ana Isabel , González‐Barboteo Jesús
Published: May 2018

The use of opioids to control cancer pain could be insufficient. Interventional techniques such as a cryoablation have emerged as alternatives to opioids.

Objectives

To summarize the current scientific evidence on the use of cryoablation to control cancer pain.

Methods

A systematic search of the Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane databases was performed. All articles published before December 31, 2015, whose title or abstract specified cancer pain control as the endpoint were selected. Articles without abstracts and all nonsystematic reviews were excluded.

Results

22 articles were included: 1 randomized clinical trial (RCT), 2 non‐RCTs, 1 ambispective study, 9 retrospective studies, 2 nonspecified cohort studies, 3 case series, and 4 case reports. 496 patients with 580 lesions were treated. Lung cancer was the most common primary tumor. 82.8% of the metastases were bone metastases, with or without soft tissue involvement. Cryoablation decreased mean pain scores by 62.5% at 24 hours post‐cryoablation, by 70% at 3 months, and by 80.9% at 6 months. Cryoablation was associated with a 44.2% improvement in quality of life after 4 weeks and a 59.6% improvement at 8 weeks. The need for opioids decreased by 75% at 24 hours and by 61.7% at 3 months. Cryoablation in combination with radiotherapy, vertebroplasty, or bisphosphonates appears to be better than cryoablation alone. Complications were highly variable among the studies, but no fatal complications were reported.

Conclusions

Cryoablation is effective in controlling cancer pain without relevant side effects. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results.
Zinc finger nuclease‐mediated precision genome editing of an endogenous gene in hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) using a DNA repair template
Authors: Ran Yidong , Patron Nicola , Kay Pippa , Wong Debbie , Buchanan Margaret , Cao Ying‐Ying , Sawbridge Tim , Davies John P. , Mason John , Webb Steven R. , Spangenberg German , Ainley William M. , Walsh Terence A. , Hayden Matthew J.
Published: May 2018

Sequence‐specific nucleases have been used to engineer targeted genome modifications in various plants. While targeted gene knockouts resulting in loss of function have been reported with relatively high rates of success, targeted gene editing using an exogenously supplied DNA repair template and site‐specific transgene integration has been more challenging. Here, we report the first application of zinc finger nuclease (ZFN)‐mediated, nonhomologous end‐joining (NHEJ)‐directed editing of a native gene in allohexaploid bread wheat to introduce, via a supplied DNA repair template, a specific single amino acid change into the coding sequence of acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) to confer resistance to imidazolinone herbicides. We recovered edited wheat plants having the targeted amino acid modification in one or more AHAS homoalleles via direct selection for resistance to imazamox, an AHAS‐inhibiting imidazolinone herbicide. Using a cotransformation strategy based on chemical selection for an exogenous marker, we achieved a 1.2% recovery rate of edited plants having the desired amino acid change and a 2.9% recovery of plants with targeted mutations at the AHAS locus resulting in a loss‐of‐function gene knockout. The latter results demonstrate a broadly applicable approach to introduce targeted modifications into native genes for nonselectable traits. All ZFN‐mediated changes were faithfully transmitted to the next generation.
Targeting intracellular transport combined with efficient uptake and storage significantly increases grain iron and zinc levels in rice
Authors: Wu Ting‐Ying , Gruissem Wilhelm , Bhullar Navreet K.
Published: May 2018

Rice, a staple food for more than half of the world population, is an important target for iron and zinc biofortification. Current strategies mainly focus on the expression of genes for efficient uptake, long‐distance transport and storage. Targeting intracellular iron mobilization to increase grain iron levels has not been reported. Vacuole is an important cell compartment for iron storage and the NATURAL RESISTANCE ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGE PROTEIN (NRAMP) family of transporters export iron from vacuoles to cytosol when needed. We developed transgenic Nipponbare rice lines expressing AtNRAMP3 under the control of the UBIQUITIN or rice embryo/aleurone‐specific 18‐kDa Oleosin (Ole18) promoter together with NICOTIANAMINE SYNTHASE (AtNAS1) and FERRITIN (PvFER), or expressing only AtNRAMP3 and PvFER together. Iron and zinc were increased close to recommended levels in polished grains of the transformed lines, with maximum levels when AtNRAMP3, AtNAS1 and PvFER were expressed together (12.67 μg/g DW iron and 45.60 μg/g DW zinc in polished grains of line NFON16). Similar high iron and zinc levels were obtained in transgenic Indica IR64 lines expressing the AtNRAMP3, AtNAS1 and PvFER cassette (13.65 μg/g DW iron and 48.18 μg/g DW zinc in polished grains of line IR64_1), equalling more than 90% of the recommended iron increase in rice endosperm. Our results demonstrate that targeting intracellular iron stores in combination with iron and zinc transport and endosperm storage is an effective strategy for iron biofortification. The increases achieved in polished IR64 grains are of dietary relevance for human health and a valuable nutrition trait for breeding programmes.
Epistemic approaches to deliberative democracy
Authors: Min John B. , Wong James K.
Published: May 2018

This article offers a comprehensive review of the major theoretical issues and findings of the epistemic approaches to deliberative democracy. Section 2 surveys the norms and ideals of deliberative democracy in relation to deliberation's ability to “track the truth.” Section 3 examines the conditions under which deliberative mini‐publics can “track the truth.” Section 4 discusses how “truth‐tracking” deliberative democracy is possible through the division of epistemic labor in a deliberative system.
Significant in vitro antagonism of the laurel wilt pathogen by endophytic fungi from the xylem of avocado does not predict their ability to control the disease
Authors: Pérez‐Martínez J. , Ploetz R. C. , Konkol J. L.
Published: May 2018

The ascomycete Raffaelea lauricola causes laurel wilt, a lethal vascular disease of avocado, Persea americana, and other members of the Lauraceae plant family. Few effective control measures for laurel wilt exist and new measures are needed. In this study, biological control of the disease with endophytic fungi from avocado was examined. Thirty‐two endophytes (24 operational taxonomic units or OTUs) isolated from the xylem of healthy trees (the infection court of R. lauricola) were evaluated against R. lauricola with in vitro dual‐culture assays. Nine OTUs that showed strong in vitro antagonism of the pathogen were tested in planta against laurel wilt. In three greenhouse experiments, grafted avocado plants of Simmonds or Russell cultivars, which are both susceptible to laurel wilt, were inoculated with endophytes and, after 10–16 days, inoculated with the same isolate of R. lauricola that was used in the in vitro assays. Within 14 days of inoculation with R. lauricola, laurel wilt developed in plants that were not treated with endophytes (positive controls) but also developed in endophyte‐treated plants to the extent observed in the positive controls (P = 0.05). The pathogen colonized plants rapidly and systemically, but endophytes generally did not colonize xylem more than 2 cm above the point at which plants were inoculated. Although the tested endophytes strongly antagonized the pathogen in vitro, this did not translate to an ability to reduce development of laurel wilt. The management of laurel wilt and other plant diseases with fungal endophytes is discussed.
Stomatal movements are involved in elevated CO2‐mitigated high temperature stress in tomato
Authors: Zhang Huan , Pan Caizhe , Gu Shaohan , Ma Qiaomei , Zhang Yiqing , Li Xin , Shi Kai
Published: May 2018

Climate changes such as heat waves often affect plant growth and pose a growing threat to natural and agricultural ecosystems. Elevated atmospheric CO2 can mitigate the negative effects of heat stress, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. We examined the interactive effects of elevated CO2 (eCO2) and temperature on the generation of the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and stomatal movement characteristics associated with heat tolerance in tomato seedlings grown under two CO2 concentrations (400 and 800 µmol mol−1) and two temperatures (25 and 42°C). eCO2 ameliorated the negative effects of heat stress, which was accompanied by greater amounts of RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE 1 (RBOH1) transcripts, apoplastic H2O2 accumulation and decreased stomatal aperture. Silencing RBOH1 and SLOW-TYPE ANION CHANNEL, impeded eCO2‐induced stomatal closure and compromised the eCO2‐enhanced water use efficiency as well as the heat tolerance. Our findings suggest that RBOH1‐dependent H2O2 accumulation was involved in the eCO2‐induced stomatal closure, which participate in maintaining balance between water retention and heat loss under eCO2 concentrations. This phenomenon may be a contributor to eCO2‐induced heat tolerance in tomato, which will be critical for understanding how plants respond to both future climate extremes and changes in CO2.
Reanalyzing language expectations: Native language knowledge modulates the sensitivity to intervening cues during anticipatory processing
Authors: Giannelli Francesco , Molinaro Nicola
Published: May 2018

We investigated how native language experience shapes anticipatory language processing. Two groups of bilinguals (either Spanish or Basque natives) performed a word matching task (WordMT) and a picture matching task (PictureMT). They indicated whether the stimuli they visually perceived matched with the noun they heard. Spanish noun endings were either diagnostic of the gender (transparent) or ambiguous (opaque). ERPs were time‐locked to an intervening gender‐marked determiner preceding the predicted noun. The determiner always gender agreed with the following noun but could also introduce a mismatching noun, so that it was not fully task diagnostic. Evoked brain activity time‐locked to the determiner was considered as reflecting updating/reanalysis of the task‐relevant preactivated representation. We focused on the timing of this effect by estimating the comparison between a gender‐congruent and a gender‐incongruent determiner. In the WordMT, both groups showed a late N400 effect. Crucially, only Basque natives displayed an earlier P200 effect for determiners preceding transparent nouns. In the PictureMT, both groups showed an early P200 effect for determiners preceding opaque nouns. The determiners of transparent nouns triggered a negative effect at ∼430 ms in Spanish natives, but at ∼550 ms in Basque natives. This pattern of results supports a “retracing hypothesis” according to which the neurocognitive system navigates through the intermediate (sublexical and lexical) linguistic representations available from previous processing to evaluate the need of an update in the linguistic expectation concerning a target lexical item.
Neural activation and memory for natural scenes: Explicit and spontaneous retrieval
Authors: Weymar Mathias , Bradley Margaret M. , Sege Christopher T. , Lang Peter J.
Published: May 2018

Stimulus repetition elicits either enhancement or suppression in neural activity, and a recent fMRI meta‐analysis of repetition effects for visual stimuli (Kim, 2017) reported cross‐stimulus repetition enhancement in medial and lateral parietal cortex, as well as regions of prefrontal, temporal, and posterior cingulate cortex. Repetition enhancement was assessed here for repeated and novel scenes presented in the context of either an explicit episodic recognition task or an implicit judgment task, in order to study the role of spontaneous retrieval of episodic memories. Regardless of whether episodic memory was explicitly probed or not, repetition enhancement was found in medial posterior parietal (precuneus/cuneus), lateral parietal cortex (angular gyrus), as well as in medial prefrontal cortex (frontopolar), which did not differ by task. Enhancement effects in the posterior cingulate cortex were significantly larger during explicit compared to implicit task, primarily due to a lack of functional activity for new scenes. Taken together, the data are consistent with an interpretation that medial and (ventral) lateral parietal cortex are associated with spontaneous episodic retrieval, whereas posterior cingulate cortical regions may reflect task or decision processes.
Managing ambidextrous organizations for corporate transformation: a case study of Fujifilm
Authors: Shibata Tomoatsu , Baba Yasunori , Kodama Mitsuru , Suzuki Jun
Published: May 2018

The concept of ambidextrous organizations, allowing exploration and exploitation activities to coexist within an organization, has attracted considerable interest. We aim to advance the framework of ambidextrous organizations by incorporating the concept of product substitutability. We initially focus on the substitutability of an exploratory product for an existing core product, propose cannibalistic and complementary types of ambidextrous organizations, and discuss their effective management. This is followed by an in‐depth case study of Fujifilm, illustrating how distinguishing between two types of an ambidextrous organization explains effectively the corporate transformation process of Fujifilm.
Influence of organic phosphorus on reproductive performance and metabolic profiles of anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics at the end of breeding season
Authors: Senosy W , Kassab AY , Hamdon HA , Mohammed AA
Published: May 2018

Contents

The effect of organic phosphorus on metabolic, haematological and hormonal status, restoration of ovarian functions and conception rate in anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics were evaluated. Anoestrous Farafra ewes (n = 24; 34.72 ± 0.52 kg body weight) were allocated into two equal groups: control and phosphorus groups. The ewes of phosphorus group were treated with sodium 4‐dimethylamino‐2‐methyl‐phenyl‐phosphonate as an organic bound phosphorous twice a week for successive 3 weeks. Ovarian follicle development and corpora lutea were checked three times a week till occurrence of oestrus using ultrasonography while pregnancy was confirmed at 30 days post‐service. Plasma metabolites, reproductive hormones, thyroid hormones and minerals were detected at weeks −2, −1, 0 (mating day) and + 4 weeks post‐oestrus. Phosphorus group had significantly (p < .05) short interval to oestrous resumption if compared to control ewes (2.1 ± 0.8 weeks vs. 4.6 ± 1.1 weeks). In addition, phosphorous supplementation significantly (p < .05) increased the number of antral follicles (developed and their sizes in addition to sizes of corpora lutea (8.72 ± 0.3 mm vs. 7.46 ± 0.9 mm) as well. Number of services per conception (2.6 vs. 1.4; p < .01) was higher in control group than that of phosphorus group. Pregnancy rate (80 vs. 50%) was significantly (p < .01) higher in phosphorus group when compared to control. White blood cells in treated ewes (10.8 ± 0.44; p < .05) and monocytes (2.93 ± 0.13; p < .01) were higher than that of control group (white blood cells; 9.53 ± 0.50 and monocytes; 2.24 ± 0.14). Metabolic parameters did not differ between phosphorus and control groups during different times of treatment. It could be concluded that phosphorous administration to anoestrous Farafra ewes in subtropics could improve reproductive performance and restore ovarian activity at the end of spring and early summer.
m‐carboxycinnamic acid bishydroxamide improves developmental competence, reduces apoptosis and alters epigenetic status and gene expression pattern in cloned buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos
Authors: Agrawal H , Selokar NL , Saini M , Singh MK , Chauhan MS , Palta P , Singla SK , Manik RS
Published: May 2018

Contents

Incomplete or aberrant reprogramming of nuclear genome is one of the major problems in somatic cell nuclear transfer. In this study, we studied the effect of histone deacetylase inhibitor m‐carboxycinnamic acid bishydroxamide (CBHA) on in vitro development of buffalo embryos produced by Hand‐made cloning. Cloned embryos were treated with CBHA (0, 5, 10, 20 or 50 μM) for 10 hr from the start of reconstruction till activation. At 10 μM, but not at other concentrations examined, CBHA increased (p < .05) the blastocyst rate (63.77 ± 3.97% vs 48.63 ± 3.55%) and reduced (p < .05) the apoptotic index of the cloned blastocysts (8.91 ± 1.94 vs 4.36 ± 1.08) compared to untreated controls, to levels similar to those in IVF blastocysts (4.78 ± 0.74). CBHA treatment, at all the concentrations examined, increased (p < .05) the global level of H3K9ac in cloned blastocysts than in untreated controls to that observed in IVF blastocysts. Treatment with CBHA (10 μM) decreased (p < .05) the global level of H3K27me3 in cloned blastocysts than in untreated controls but it was still higher (p < .05) than in IVF blastocysts. CBHA (10 μM) treatment increased (p < .05) the relative expression level of pluripotency‐related genes OCT‐4 and NANOG, and anti‐apoptotic gene BCL‐XL, and decreased (p < .05) that of pro‐apoptotic gene BAX than in untreated controls but did not affect the relative expression level of apoptosis‐related genes p53 and CASPASE3 and epigenetics‐related genes DNMT1, DNMT3a and HDAC1. These results suggest that treatment of cloned embryos with 10 μM CBHA improves the blastocyst rate, reduces the level of apoptosis and alters the epigenetic status and gene expression pattern.
Assessing ecosystem functioning in forests undergoing restoration
Authors: Rosenfield Milena Fermina , Müller Sandra Cristina
Published: May 2018

Restoration projects may have broad and complex ecological goals that require distinct and integrative measures for evaluating restoration development and success. However, most studies usually evaluate structural and species composition parameters, with less emphasis on ecological processes and functioning. The main objective of this study is to use an integrated approach that considers structural and floristic parameters as well as ecological processes and functional traits to evaluate and identify the parameters that most differentiate forests undergoing restoration and their reference sites. Additionally, we tested if the recovery of ecosystem functionality happens at the same rate as the recovery of vegetation structure. We performed the study in three 10‐year‐old restoration and three adjacent reference areas located in the south of Brazil (subtropical forest). We sampled a total of 15 plots (100 m2 in size) per treatment, per site and collected data of trees, natural regeneration, litter stock, decomposition, detritivory, and litter and soil C:N ratio. We also used a multifunctionality index to account for the broad functionality of the ecosystem. Results showed that forests undergoing restoration had lower values of vegetation structure and multifunctionality, indicating that restoration sites have not yet achieved values similar to the reference ecosystem. Values for species richness and functional diversity, however, were higher in restoration sites. Moreover, even though values were lower for multifunctionality, differences toward reference sites were less pronounced than we expected when compared to values of vegetation structure, showing that ecological processes may recover even before the full recovery of aboveground vegetation.
Screening and treatment of obesity in school health care – the gap between clinical guidelines and reality
Authors: Häkkänen Paula , Ketola Eeva , Laatikainen Tiina
Published: May 2018

Aims

School health care offers a natural setting for childhood obesity interventions. Earlier studies reveal inadequate screening and treatment in primary care. However, longitudinal studies in unselected populations are lacking. We aimed to examine how school nurses and physicians identified obesity, diagnosed it and offered interventions over primary school. We compared the results with Finnish recommendations.

Methods

From our cohort of 2000 primary school sixth graders (aged 12–14), 172 were obese at least once during primary school. We manually collected retrospective electronic health record (EHR) data of these ‘ever‐obese’ children.

Results

Of the ever‐obese children, 96% attended annual nurse assessments more than twice. School physicians met 53% of the ever‐obese children at health checks at first grade and 93% at fifth grade. Of overweight‐related extra visits to school nurses, 94% took place without parents. Parents were present in 48% of extra school physician visits.

Only 29% of the 157 who became obese during the first five school grades received an obesity diagnosis. However, school physicians mentioned weight problems in EHR for 90% of the children and, similarly, school nurses for 99%. The majority received a treatment plan at least once. For 78%, at least one plan was made with the parents. Still, 28% missed nutrition plans, 31% exercise plans and 90% lacked recorded weight development targets.

Conclusions

The gap between clinical guidelines and reality in school health care could be narrowed by improving diagnosing and parent collaboration. Obstacles in parent involvement and work methods in school health care need further study.
How turbidity current frequency and character varies down a fjord‐delta system: Combining direct monitoring, deposits and seismic data
Authors: Stacey Cooper D. , Hill Philip R. , Talling Peter J. , Enkin Randolph J. , Hughes Clarke John , Lintern D. Gwyn
Published: May 2018

Submarine turbidity currents are one of the most important processes for moving sediment across our planet; they are hazardous to offshore infrastructure, deposit petroleum reservoirs worldwide, and may record tsunamigenic landslides. However, there are few studies that have monitored these submarine flows in action, and even fewer studies that have combined direct monitoring with longer‐term records from core and seismic data of deposits. This article provides one of the most complete studies yet of a turbidity current system. The aim here is to understand what controls changes in flow frequency and character along the turbidite system. The study area is a 12 km long delta‐fed fjord (Howe Sound) in British Columbia, Canada. Over 100 often powerful (up to 2 to 3 m sec−1) events occur each year in the highly‐active proximal channels, which extend for 1 to 2 km from the delta lip. About half of these events reach the lobes at the channel mouths. However, flow frequency decreases rapidly once these initially sand‐rich flows become unconfined, and only one to five flows run out across the mid‐slope each year. Many of these sand‐rich, channelized, delta‐sourced flows therefore dissipated over a few hundred metres, once unconfined, rather than eroding and igniting. Upflow migrating bedforms indicate that supercritical flow dominated in the proximal channels and lobes, and also across the unconfined mid‐slope. These supercritical flows deposited thick sand beds in proximal channels and lobes, but thinner and finer beds on the unconfined mid‐slope. The distal flat basin records far larger volume and more hazardous events that have a recurrence interval of ca 100 years. This study shows how sand‐rich delta‐fed flows dissipate rapidly once they become unconfined, that supercritical flows dominate in both confined and unconfined settings, and how a second type of more hazardous, and much less frequent event is linked to a different scale of margin failure.
Sediment distribution and depositional processes along the fluvial to marine transition zone of the Mekong River delta, Vietnam
Authors: Gugliotta Marcello , Saito Yoshiki , Nguyen Van Lap , Ta Thi Kim Oanh , Tamura Toru
Published: May 2018

The area of coastal rivers with a combination of fluvial, tidal and wave processes is defined as the fluvial to marine transition zone and can extend up to several hundreds of kilometres upstream of the river mouth. The aim of this study is to improve the understanding of sediment distribution and depositional processes along the fluvial to marine transition zone using a comprehensive dataset of channel bed sediment samples collected from the Mekong River delta. Six sediment types were identified and were interpreted to reflect the combined action of fluvial and marine processes. Based on sediment‐type associations, the Mekong fluvial to marine transition zone could be subdivided into an upstream tract and a downstream tract; the boundary between these two tracts is identified 80 to 100 km upstream of the river mouth. The upstream tract is characterized by gravelly sand and sand and occasional heterolithic rhythmites, suggesting bed‐load supply and deposition mainly controlled by fluvial processes with subordinate tidal influence. The downstream tract is characterized by heterolithic rhythmites with subordinate sand and mud, suggesting suspended‐load supply and deposition mainly controlled by tidal processes with subordinate fluvial influence. Sediment distributions during wet and dry seasons suggest significant seasonal changes in sediment dynamic and depositional processes along the fluvial to marine transition zone. The upstream tract shows strong fluvial depositional processes with subordinate tidal influence during the wet season and no deposition with weak fluvial and tidal processes during the dry season. The downstream tract shows strong coexisting fluvial and tidal depositional processes during the wet season and strong tidal depositional processes with negligible fluvial influence during the dry season. Turbidity maxima are present along the downstream tract of the fluvial to marine transition zone during both wet and dry seasons and are driven by a combination of fluvial, tidal and wave processes.
Quantity, quality, and functionality of peripheral blood cells derived from residual blood of different apheresis kits
Authors: Knörck Arne , Marx Stefanie , Friedmann Kim S. , Zöphel Sylvia , Lieblang Lisa , Hässig Carmen , Müller Isabelle , Pilch Jan , Sester Urban , Hoth Markus , Eichler Hermann , Sester Martina , Schwarz Eva C.
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Research with primary human white blood cell (WBC) subpopulations requires high quantity, quality, and functionality of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a source to further characterize cellular subpopulations such as T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, or natural killer cells. Apart from buffy coats derived from whole blood, residual blood from preparative hemapheresis kits are used as a source for PBMCs, but knowledge on the yield and functionality of cells from different devices is limited.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We evaluated quantity and quality of PBMCs isolated from apheresis kits of two apheresis devices (AMICUS, Fenwal; and Trima Accel, Terumo BCT), the latter being our standard source for many years. PBMCs derived from Trima or AMICUS were tested for yield and subtype composition by flow cytometry. Functionality was assessed by cytokine induction of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and by degranulation. Moreover, cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells was quantified by a real‐time killing assay.

RESULTS

Mean numbers of isolated cells were 5.5 ± 2.4 × 108 for AMICUS, and 10.3 ± 6.4 × 108 for Trima Accel, respectively. The proportion of WBC subtypes corresponded to well‐known numbers from whole blood, with minor differences between the two apheresis systems. Likewise, minor differences in cytokine induction were found in stimulated CD4+ or CD8+ T cells. Finally, PBMCs derived from the two systems showed comparable cytotoxic activity.

CONCLUSION

PBMC derived from residual blood of the AMICUS and Trima Accel apheresis devices serve as an economic and easily accessible source for functional PBMCs with comparable quantity and quality to PBMCs derived from whole blood.
Irradiation and prolonged storage of red cells are associated with increased adverse events
Authors: Chen J. , Biller E. , Losos M. , Li J. , Hamad D. , Blower L. , Grevenow M. , Oakley J.
Published: May 2018

Background

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is associated with the most transfusion‐related adverse events (AE). Recent clinical studies showed no significant difference in transfusion‐associated mortality between fresh and older RBCs. However, the impact of storage duration as well as irradiation on nonfatal yet much more common complications has not been fully investigated.

Materials/methods

In this retrospective study of RBC transfusion‐associated AEs, a total of 188,562 units of leucocyte‐reduced RBCs were transfused in approximately 5·5 years. After excluding washed, deglycerolized, autologous or directed RBCs and RBCs transfused during a massive transfusion protocol, 149,052 units were analysed. Attributes of RBCs including storage time, collection method, CMV serological status and gamma irradiation, as well as the recipient's gender, were analysed. A total of 358 RBC transfusion AEs were categorized into allergic and non‐allergic reactions and analysed.

Results

Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses showed that irradiated RBCs were associated with a significantly increased frequency of non‐allergic reactions (OR (95% CI): 1·89 (1·52, 2·35); P < 0·001). There was a significant association between the frequency of non‐allergic reactions and the storage time of irradiated RBCs (OR (95% CI): 1·024 (1·001, 1·048); P = 0·042). In contrast, there was no association between the frequency of allergic reactions and the storage time of irradiated RBCs or between the age of non‐irradiated RBCs and the frequency of non‐allergic reactions.

Conclusions

Prolonged storage of irradiated RBCs was associated with a significant increase in non‐allergic transfusion reactions. Overall, the irradiated RBCs appeared to cause more non‐allergic reactions compared with non‐irradiated RBCs.
Patterns of diversification in a North American endemic fish, the Blackbanded Darter (Perciformes, Percidae)
Authors: Hayes Malorie M. , Piller Kyle R.
Published: May 2018

The coastal plain of the south‐eastern United States shows multiple biogeographic patterns of plant and animal dispersal; however, few freshwater fish taxa span these biogeographic barriers. Percina nigrofasciata, the Blackbanded Darter (Teleostomi: Percidae), is a small, benthic, freshwater fish species with an extensive range in the south‐eastern United States. Recently, two species have been elevated from within P. nigrofasciata: P. crypta and P. westfalli, but their ranges have not been established. We broadly sampled across the south‐eastern United States, encompassing the range of P. nigrofasciata sensu lato. We reconstruct the phylogeny of Percina using both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Eighty‐four specimens of Percina nigrofasciata were sampled for the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (1,119 bp) to form a base phylogeny. The nuclear marker S7‐I1 was subsampled across populations to detect instances of hybridization. Phylogenetic relationships with other members of the genus Percina were assessed through Bayesian inference. Our results suggest that Percina nigrofasciata sensu stricto occurs from the Lake Pontchartrain Basin in Louisiana to the rivers of the Mobile Basin with little genetic structuring throughout its range. Percina westfalli occurs from the Apalachicola River drainages to the Atlantic Slope from the Savannah River to the St. Johns River. We find that P. crypta is not genetically distinct from P. westfalli in the Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers. Possible ancestral hybridization occurred between the P. nigrofasciata and P. westfalli in the panhandle of Florida between Mobile Bay and the Apalachicola River.
Unemployment Anxiety of Student Taking Sports Education in University
Authors: Mohammed Shalal Abdulla , Devecioglu Sebahattin
Published: May 2018

Anxiety is one of the critical medical conditions that affect individuals due to various reasons. Some of these reasons may be related to inheritance while others are acquired during major life events. In this investigation, the level of unemployment anxiety was evaluated for students at Firat University, Elazığ, Turkey. The study population comprised of 1161 students. The sampling of investigation consisted of 30% of the population (333) students randomly selected from both genders. Spielberger State -Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) has been utilized for evaluating both state and unemployment anxiety levels. Furthermore, for analysing the results, SPSS 22.0 was applied. The null hypothesis in this research was considered as (p < .05) where any lower significance was considered as evidence proofing the existence of a relationship. The results revealed that there were significant relationships between the state anxiety and gender (for both male and female), age ranges (16-18) and (19-21), first and second educational years, job priorities (having a status and being a human useful for society), work experience, and for the hope of finding a job. On the other hand, significant relationships were found between the trait anxiety and both male and female students, age ranges (19-21), (22-25) and (26-28), study level, job priorities (earning money and being a human useful for society), work experience and the hope of finding a job.
Scaling up Innovative Teaching Approaches in Mathematics: Supporting Teachers to Take up a New Role as Professional Development Course Leaders for Inquiry-Based Learning
Authors: Maaß Katja
Published: May 2018

This paper reports on a professional development activity (PD) for course leaders, which was designed within the European project Primas (2010-13, www.primas-project.eu). Primas aimed at the implementation of inquiry-based learning (IBL) in day-to-day teaching on a large scale. The focus is on the education of mathematics course leaders in Germany, who were all teachers. In order to support them in taking up their role and run courses on (IBL), a course leader seminar following design research was developed. The course aimed at course leaders’ learning on two levels: (1) as mathematics teachers about IBL and (2) as course leaders about running PD on IBL. A small scale retrospective interview study gives insights into the needs the participants face when learning about IBL as teachers and when learning as future course leaders. It also illuminates in which way participants took up their role as a course leader. These insights suggest how to optimize the course following design research.
A Practical Estimation of Frequency Response Functions for System Decoupling Indirectly Using a Variable Cross Section Rod
Authors: Wang Jun , Meng Tian-Ya , Li Ming-Yu , Lim Teik C. , Kuang Wen-Xuan
Published: May 2018

It is of high importance to be able to decouple a system to obtain the dynamic characteristics of its substructures; however, the necessary frequency response functions (FRFs) of the coupling interface are usually challenging to measure due to the limited accessible space and complex geometries. In this paper, a measurement technique in the decoupling process of a coupled system is proposed in order to obtain the FRFs at coupling interface. Specifically, a variable cross section rod is adopted to transmit the dynamic behavior of coupling interface. The proposed technique has three advantages: (a) the thick end with large cross section can provide enough area for applying excitation force like using impact hammer and/or setting up sensors; (b) the slender end with small cross section can break through the spatial limitation more easily; and (c) the convenience that no additional experimental setup is required but just using an available variable cross section rod. Vibrational equation of the variable cross section probe method is derived and then combined with the existing decoupling theories. Finally, the proposed probe method and the new decoupling theory combining probe theory are validated through numerical simulations (FEM) and laboratory experiments, respectively. The results show its great practicability in decoupling process especially in low frequency range.
Addressing concerns about child maltreatment in schools: A brief research report on social work involvement in reporting processes
Authors: Beddoe Liz , De Haan Irene
Published: May 2018

INTRODUCTION: School-based social workers (SWiS) in Aotearoa New Zealand work alongside teachers and principals to improve child wellbeing. The SWiS experience in addressing concerns about possible child abuse and neglect (CAN) is under-researched.METHOD: In the first phase of the project, the authors undertook semi-structured interviews with 20 SWiS to explore their experiences of how school professionals addressed CAN.FINDINGS: Some considerable variation in making formal notifications of concerns to the statutory agency was found. In some schools SWiS made all the notifications, in others none, and in some schools the process was variable. Stigma associated with child abuse was reported as a factor in attitudes towards reporting. School-based social workers reported the need for better education and policy to guide schools to address CAN.IMPLICATIONS: More joint education is needed to ensure a common knowledge base and better interprofessional work. There is potential for SWiS to support this work if better resourced.
Challenging the politics of early intervention: Who’s saving children and why?
Authors: Gillies Val , Edwards Rosalind , Horley Nicola
Published: May 2018

Reviewed by Eileen Joy.
Epitaxial titanium nitride on sapphire: Effects of substrate temperature on microstructure and optical properties
Authors: Smith Hadley A. , Elhamri Said , Eyink Kurt G. , Grazulis Lawrence , Hill Madelyn J. , Back Tyson C. , Urbas Augustine M. , Howe Brandon M. , Reed Amber N.
Published: May 2018

Titanium nitride (TiN) is a mechanically robust, high-temperature stable, metallic material receiving considerable attention for resilient plasmonics. In this work, the authors fabricated six heteroepitaxial TiN films on sapphire using controllably unbalanced reactive magnetron sputtering. They examined the effect of substrate growth temperature on the plasmonic and crystalline quality of the film. Optical properties of all films were obtained from spectroscopic ellipsometry; plasmonic quality factors were determined from the real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function. The authors determined crystallinity using x-ray diffraction and surface morphology using atomic force microscopy. X-ray diffraction showed (111) TiN peaks with Pendellösung fringes indicating consistent heteroepitaxy. Atomic force microscopy showed smooth surfaces with root mean square surface roughness ranging from 0.2 to 2.6 nm. Based on this characterization, the authors determined that the substrate deposition temperature of 550 °C yielded (111)-oriented heteroepitaxial TiN with minimal surface roughness. The authors found that 550 °C also gave highest plasmonic quality factors for all wavelengths, approaching the values of today's best plasmonic materials (such as Au and Ag). Further, the Q-factors at wavelength 1550 nm inversely correlated with calculated lattice constants. Their results indicate that the plasmonic response of TiN is directly linked with structural quality of the film.
Prosody-driven syntax learning is robust to impoverished pitch and spectral cues
Authors: Hawthorne Kara
Published: May 2018

Across languages, prosodic boundaries tend to align with syntactic boundaries, and both infant and adult language learners capitalize on these correlations to jump-start syntax acquisition. However, it is unclear which prosodic cues—pauses, final-syllable lengthening, and/or pitch resets across boundaries—are necessary for prosodic bootstrapping to occur. It is also unknown how syntax acquisition is impacted when listeners do not have access to the full range of prosodic or spectral information. These questions were addressed using 14-channel noise-vocoded (spectrally degraded) speech. While pre-boundary lengthening and pauses are well-transmitted through noise-vocoded speech, pitch is not; overall intelligibility is also decreased. In two artificial grammar experiments, adult native English speakers showed a similar ability to use English-like prosody to bootstrap unfamiliar syntactic structures from degraded speech and natural, unmanipulated speech. Contrary to previous findings that listeners may require pitch resets and final lengthening to co-occur if no pause cue is present, participants in the degraded speech conditions were able to detect prosodic boundaries from lengthening alone. Results suggest that pitch is not necessary for adult English speakers to perceive prosodic boundaries associated with syntactic structures, and that prosodic bootstrapping is robust to degraded spectral information.
Attenuation and group speed in water-saturated granular materials at MHz frequencies
Authors: Hare Jenna , Hay Alex E.
Published: May 2018

Attenuation and group speed measurements are reported for water-saturated granular materials (natural sand and glass beads) at frequencies of 1.0 to 1.8 MHz. Median grain diameters were 219 to 497 μm, corresponding to kd≳1, i.e., the scattering regime. The measurements were made for different thicknesses of sediment resting on a reflective surface using a monostatic geometry. The attenuation estimates compare well with previously reported experimental results and to the predictions of multiple scattering theory, confirming in particular the tendency toward f 4 dependence for kd≳1. Group speed estimates exhibit the negative dispersion predicted by theory and are comparable in magnitude to previously reported measurements made using transmission geometries. It is found that the available data exhibit a O(10)% spread among the sound speed measurements at a given kd value, and that this spread is reduced to 2.2% when the data are scaled by a factor dependent on porosity and grain density, and that essentially all of the reduction can be attributed to differences in porosity.
NASA lander to probe interior of Mars
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: May 2018

By listening for marsquakes, InSight will measure Red Planet's core, mantle, and crust.
Paternally inherited cis-regulatory structural variants are associated with autism
Authors: Brandler William M. , Antaki Danny , Gujral Madhusudan , Kleiber Morgan L. , Whitney Joe , Maile Michelle S. , Hong Oanh , Chapman Timothy R. , Tan Shirley , Tandon Prateek , Pang Timothy , Tang Shih C. , Vaux Keith K. , Yang Yan , Harrington Eoghan , Juul Sissel , Turner Daniel J. , Thiruvahindrapuram Bhooma , Kaur Gaganjot , Wang Zhuozhi , Kingsmore Stephen F. , Gleeson Joseph G. , Bisson Denis , Kakaradov Boyko , Telenti Amalio , Venter J. Craig , Corominas Roser , Toma Claudio , Cormand Bru , Rueda Isabel , Guijarro Silvina , Messer Karen S. , Nievergelt Caroline M. , Arranz Maria J. , Courchesne Eric , Pierce Karen , Muotri Alysson R. , Iakoucheva Lilia M. , Hervas Amaia , Scherer Stephen W. , Corsello Christina , Sebat Jonathan
Published: May 2018

Inherited variation contributes to autism

About one-quarter of genetic variants that are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are due to de novo mutations in protein-coding genes. Brandler
et al.
wanted to determine whether changes in noncoding regions of the genome are associated with autism. They applied whole-genome sequencing to ∼2600 families with at least one affected child. Children with ASD had inherited structural variants in noncoding regions from their father. Regulatory regions of some specific genes were disrupted among multiple families, supporting the idea that a component of autism risk involves inherited noncoding variation.

Science
, this issue p.
327
Systematic analysis of complex genetic interactions
Authors: Kuzmin Elena , VanderSluis Benjamin , Wang Wen , Tan Guihong , Deshpande Raamesh , Chen Yiqun , Usaj Matej , Balint Attila , Mattiazzi Usaj Mojca , van Leeuwen Jolanda , Koch Elizabeth N. , Pons Carles , Dagilis Andrius J. , Pryszlak Michael , Wang Jason Zi Yang , Hanchard Julia , Riggi Margot , Xu Kaicong , Heydari Hamed , San Luis Bryan-Joseph , Shuteriqi Ermira , Zhu Hongwei , Van Dyk Nydia , Sharifpoor Sara , Costanzo Michael , Loewith Robbie , Caudy Amy , Bolnick Daniel , Brown Grant W. , Andrews Brenda J. , Boone Charles , Myers Chad L.
Published: May 2018

Trigenic interactions in yeast link bioprocesses

To dissect the genotype-phenotype landscape of a cell, it is necessary to understand interactions between genes. Building on the digenic protein-protein interaction network, Kuzmin
et al.
created a trigenic landscape of yeast by using a synthetic genetic array (see the Perspective by Walhout). Triple-mutant analyses indicated that the majority of genes with trigenic associations functioned within the same biological processes. These converged on networks identified in the digenic interaction landscape. Although the overall effects were weaker for trigenic than for digenic interactions, trigenic interactions were more likely to bridge biological processes in the cell.

Science
, this issue p.
eaao1729
; see also p.
269
Body size downgrading of mammals over the late Quaternary
Authors: Smith Felisa A. , Elliott Smith Rosemary E. , Lyons S. Kathleen , Payne Jonathan L.
Published: May 2018

Megafaunal loss

Today, it is well known that human activities put larger animals at greater risk of extinction. Such targeting of the largest species is not new, however. Smithet al.show that biased loss of large-bodied mammal species from ecosystems is a signature of human impacts that has been following hominin migrations since the Pleistocene. If the current trend continues, terrestrial mammal body sizes will become smaller than they have been over the past 45 million years. Megafaunal mammals have a major impact on the structure of ecosystems, so their loss could be particularly damaging.

Science, this issue p.310