bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optogenetic inhibition of the medial prefrontal cortex reduces methamphetamine-primed reinstatement in male and female rats
Authors: Cordie Rebecca , McFadden Lisa M.
Published: April 2019

Preclinical findings suggest sex-differences exist in drug-seeking behavior following methamphetamine (METH) self-administration. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), is thought to contribute to the reinstatement of drug-seeking in males. Glutamatergic neurons project from the prelimbic portion of the mPFC to various brain regions modulating activity including the nucleus accumbens; thus the prelimbic region of the mPFC is thought to contribute to drug-seeking behaviors. Although studied in males, little research has investigated the role of the mPFC in females. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the prelimbic portion of the mPFC plays a role in METH-seeking behavior in both male and female rats. Animals were allowed to self-administer METH, and underwent extinction and two reinstatement sessions. Reinstatement sessions were counterbalanced such that optogenetic inhibition targeting the prelimbic cortex of the mPFC occurred only during one reinstatement session. Results revealed an increase in METH consumption during self-administration in male and female animals. During extinction, lever-pressing behavior decreased as training progressed. Under sham conditions, female rats exhibited significantly higher drug-seeking behavior during reinstatement. However, when optogenetic inhibition was applied, both male and female animals significantly decreased drug-seeking. In both males and females, the prelimbic portion of the mPFC plays an important role in drug-seeking behavior as related to METH-seeking.
Functional Outcome Trajectories Following Inpatient Rehabilitation for TBI in the United States: A NIDILRR TBIMS and CDC Interagency Collaboration
Authors: Dams-O'Connor Kristen , Ketchum Jessica M. , Cuthbert Jeffrey P. , Corrigan John D. , Hammond Flora M. , Haarbauer-Krupa Juliet , Kowalski Robert G. , Miller A. Cate
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To describe trajectories of functioning up to 5 years after traumatic brain injury (TBI) that required inpatient rehabilitation in the United States using individual growth curve models conditioned on factors associated with variability in functioning and independence over time.

Design:

Secondary analysis of population-weighted data from a multicenter longitudinal cohort study.

Setting:

Acute inpatient rehabilitation facilities.

Participants:

A total of 4624 individuals 16 years and older with a primary diagnosis of TBI.

Main Outcome Measures:

Ratings of global disability and supervision needs as reported by participants or proxy during follow-up telephone interviews at 1, 2, and 5 years postinjury.

Results:

Many TBI survivors experience functional improvement through 1 and 2 years postinjury, followed by a decline in functioning and decreased independence by 5 years. However, there was considerable heterogeneity in outcomes across individuals. Factors such as older age, non-White race, lower preinjury productivity, public payer source, longer length of inpatient rehabilitation stay, and lower discharge functional status were found to negatively impact trajectories of change over time.

Conclusions:

These findings can inform the content, timing, and target recipients of interventions designed to maximize functional independence after TBI.
Brain Amygdala Volume Increases in Veterans and Active-Duty Military Personnel With Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Pieper Joel , Chang Douglas G. , Mahasin Sarah Z. , Swan Ashley Robb , Quinto Annemarie Angeles , Nichols Sharon L. , Diwakar Mithun , Huang Charles , Swan James , Lee Roland R. , Baker Dewleen G. , Huang Mingxiong
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To identify amygdalar volumetric differences associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals with comorbid mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) compared with those with mTBI-only and to examine the effects of intracranial volume (ICV) on amygdala volumetric measures.

Setting:

Marine Corps Base and VA Healthcare System.

Participants:

A cohort of veterans and active-duty military personnel with combat-related mTBI (N = 89).

Design:

Twenty-nine participants were identified with comorbid PTSD and mTBI. The remaining 60 formed the mTBI-only control group. Structural images of brains were obtained with a 1.5-T MRI scanner using a T1-weighted 3D-IR-FSPGR pulse sequence. Automatic segmentation was performed in Freesurfer.

Main Measures:

Amygdala volumes with/without normalizations to ICV.

Results:

The comorbid mTBI/PTSD group had significantly larger amygdala volumes, when normalized to ICV, compared with the mTBI-only group. The right and left amygdala volumes after normalization to ICV were 0.122% ± 0.012% and 0.118% ± 0.011%, respectively, in the comorbid group compared with 0.115% ± 0.012% and 0.112% ± 0.009%, respectively, in the mTBI-only group (corrected P < .05).

Conclusions:

The ICV normalization analysis performed here may resolve previous literature discrepancies. This is an intriguing structural finding, given the role of the amygdala in the challenging neuroemotive symptoms witnessed in casualties of combat-related mTBI and PTSD.
Are Male Partners the Missing Link to Eliminating Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa? Evidence From a Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Nyandat Joram , Van Rensburg Gisela
Published: April 2019

When male partners of pregnant women living with HIV do not participate in antenatal care, it decreases the uptake of prevention of mother-to-child transmission interventions, which increases the risk of HIV transmission to newborns. We evaluated the association of male partner involvement and vertical HIV transmission at 6 weeks along 4 constructs: antenatal clinic accompaniment, mother's awareness of partner HIV status, disclosure of mother's HIV status to partner, and couple testing. Thirty-three HIV-exposed infants with positive 6-week polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were compared with 144 HIV-exposed infants with a negative PCR. Mothers of PCR-negative infants were 14 times more likely to have disclosed their HIV status to their partners (odds ratio [OR] = 14.1 [5.0–39.4]), to be aware of partner HIV status (OR = 0.2 [0.1–0.96]), and to have been accompanied by their male partners to the antenatal clinic (OR = 0.6 [0.5–0.9]). There is a need for male engagement in prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs.
Couples’ Experience of the Decision-Making Process in Breast Reconstruction After Breast Cancer
Authors: Lamore Kristopher , Vioulac Christel , Fasse Léonor , Flahault Cécile , Quintard Bruno , Untas Aurélie
Published: April 2019

Background

One in 3 women with breast cancer will have a mastectomy and face the decision of whether to have breast reconstruction (BR). This decision is shared by the women and their physician, as well as discussed with her partner.

Objective

This study aimed to understand the decision-making process of BR through a lexical analysis of the women and their partners' discourse. A secondary aim was to identify the differences between the couples when the woman had, or did not have, BR.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews with 9 women, and their partners, who underwent a mastectomy after a first episode of breast cancer. A lexical analysis using IRaMuTeQ software was carried out.

Results

The analysis yielded 3 classes, each one being more represented by one of the different BR categories. Class 1 contained words reflecting a preoccupation with body modification. Class 2 was related to the surgery and its consequences. Words contained in class 3 were about the couples’ issues regarding surgeries, treatments, and medical care. The question of temporality emerged particularly in classes 2 and 3.

Conclusions

This study underlines the differences in the discourse of couples when talking about BR decision-making. Furthermore, it shows the importance of giving women time to think about BR and discuss its issues.

Implication for Practice

Decisions about BR are difficult to make and should always be discussed between the women and health professionals, as BR is not always possible or desired by women. Partners need to be included in treatment decision-making.
Pathogenesis of Testicular Germ Cell Neoplasia: A Conceptual Approach
Authors: Baraban Ezra G. , Cooper Kumarasen
Published: April 2019

Testicular germ cell tumors are a diverse group of neoplasms, consisting of the prepubertal type 1 tumors, pure teratoma, and pure yolk sac tumor, the type 2 tumors, which are biologically malignant, preceded by germ cell neoplasia in situ, and harbor chromosome 12p abnormalities, and the type 3 tumor, spermatocytic tumor, which features chromosome 9p amplification.1 These arise in distinct clinical settings, and harbor distinct genetic abnormalities, immunohistochemical properties, and morphologic features. Here we have attempted to unify embryology, morphology, immunohistochemistry, and genetics in order to distill this fascinating group of neoplasms into what we hope is a useful framework for understanding their classification.
Well-differentiated Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Larynx: Confusion of Terminology and Uncertainty of Early Studies
Authors: Hunt Jennifer L. , Barnes Leon , Triantafyllou Asterios , Gnepp Douglas R. , Devaney Kenneth O. , Stenman Göran , Halmos Gyorgy B. , Bishop Justin A. , Skálová Alena , Willems Stefan M. , Hellquist Henrik , Rinaldo Alessandra , Ferlito Alfio
Published: April 2019

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (also known as “carcinoid”) of the larynx is an exceedingly rare tumor that has an epithelial origin. These tumors are malignant and have a low, but definite, risk of metastasis. Although it can be challenging, this tumor should be differentiated from moderately differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (also known as “atypical carcinoid”). The clinical and pathologic features of this tumor, as well as treatment and prognosis, are reviewed in detail.
Subcutaneous Migration: A Dynamic Anatomical Study of Gluteal Fat Grafting
Authors: Wall Simeon , Delvecchio Daniel , Teitelbaum Steven , Villanueva Nathaniel L. , Dayan Erez , Durand Paul , Sanniec Kyle , Rohrich Rod J.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Recent anatomical studies have demonstrated that fat placed subjacent to the fascia of the gluteus maximus muscle can migrate deep through the muscle into the submuscular space, possibly causing tears in the gluteal veins, leading to fat embolisms. The purpose of this study was to define and to study subcutaneous migration and to determine whether fat placed in the subcutaneous space under a variety of pressures and fascial integrity scenarios can indeed migrate into the deep submuscular space.

Methods:

Four hemibuttocks from two cadavers were used. Proxy fat was inserted using syringes with various fascia scenarios (1: fascia intact; 2: cannula perforations; 3: 6mm fascia defects) or using expansion vibration lipofilling (4: fascia intact). Subcutaneous pressures were recorded. After injections, anatomical dissections were performed to evaluate the migration of the proxy fat for each of the scenarios.

Results:

Scenario 1: pressure reached approximately 125 to 150 mmHg and then plateaued and all the proxy fat remained in the subcutaneous space. Scenario 2: pressure reached a 199-mmHg plateau and no proxy fat spread deeper into the muscle or beneath it. Scenario 3: pressure gradually rose to 50 mmHg then fell again and the submuscular space contained a significant amount of proxy fat. Scenario 4: pressure rose to a maximum of 30 mmHg and all of the proxy fat remained in the subcutaneous space.

Conclusions:

The gluteus maximus fascia is a stout wall that sets up the dangerous condition of deep intramuscular migration with subfascial injections and the protective condition of subcutaneous migration with suprafascial injections. These persuasive findings are profound enough to propose a new standard of care: no subfascial or intramuscular injection should be performed, and all injections should be performed exclusively into the subcutaneous tissue.
Perfusion Bioreactor Culture of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Enhances Cranial Defect Regeneration
Authors: Gandhi Jarel K. , Kao Shu-Wei , Roux Brianna M. , Rodriguez Raul A. , Tang Shu-Jun , Fisher John P. , Cheng Ming-Huei , Brey Eric M.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Cell-seeded biomaterial scaffolds have been proposed as a future option for reconstruction of bone tissue. The ability to generate larger, functional volumes of bone has been a challenge that may be addressed through the use of perfusion bioreactors. In this study, the authors investigated use of a tubular perfusion bioreactor system for the growth and differentiation of bone marrow stromal (mesenchymal stem) cells seeded onto fibrin, a highly angiogenic biomaterial.

Methods:

Cells were encapsulated within fibrin beads and cultured either within a tubular perfusion bioreactor system or statically for up to 14 days. Scaffolds were analyzed for osteogenic differentiation. A rodent cranial defect model (8-mm diameter) was used to assess the bone regeneration of scaffolds cultured in the bioreactor, statically, or used immediately after formation. Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize CD31+ vessel density. Micro–computed tomographic imaging was used to visualize mineral formation within the defect volume.

Results:

Tubular perfusion bioreactor system–cultured samples showed significantly greater osteodifferentiation, indicated by an increase in VEGF expression and mineral deposition, compared with statically cultured samples. Increased expression of OPN, RUNX2, VEGF, and CD90 was seen over time in both culture methods. After implantation, bioreactor samples exhibited greater bone formation and vessel density compared with all other groups. Analysis of micro–computed tomographic images showed full union formation through the greatest diameter of the defect in all bioreactor samples and the highest levels of mineralized volume after 8 weeks.

Conclusion:

Mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in fibrin beads and cultured in the tubular perfusion bioreactor system resulted in increased vascularization and mineralized tissue formation in vivo relative to static culture.
Three-Dimensionally Printed Hyperelastic Bone Scaffolds Accelerate Bone Regeneration in Critical-Size Calvarial Bone Defects
Authors: Huang Yu-Hui , Jakus Adam E. , Jordan Sumanas W. , Dumanian Zari , Parker Kelly , Zhao Linping , Patel Pravin K. , Shah Ramille N.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Autologous bone grafts remain the gold standard for craniofacial reconstruction despite limitations of donor-site availability and morbidity. A myriad of commercial bone substitutes and allografts are available, yet no product has gained widespread use because of inferior clinical outcomes. The ideal bone substitute is both osteoconductive and osteoinductive. Craniofacial reconstruction often involves irregular three-dimensional defects, which may benefit from malleable or customizable substrates. “Hyperelastic Bone” is a three-dimensionally printed synthetic scaffold, composed of 90% by weight hydroxyapatite and 10% by weight poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), with inherent bioactivity and porosity to allow for tissue integration. This study examines the capacity of Hyperelastic Bone for bone regeneration in a critical-size calvarial defect.

Methods:

Eight-millimeter calvarial defects in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with three-dimensionally printed Hyperelastic Bone, three-dimensionally printed Fluffy–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) without hydroxyapatite, autologous bone (positive control), or left untreated (negative control). Animals were euthanized at 8 or 12 weeks postoperatively and specimens were analyzed for new bone formation by cone beam computed tomography, micro–computed tomography, and histology.

Results:

The mineralized bone volume–to–total tissue volume fractions for the Hyperelastic Bone cohort at 8 and 12 weeks were 74.2 percent and 64.5 percent of positive control bone volume/total tissue, respectively (p = 0.04). Fluffy–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) demonstrated little bone formation, similar to the negative control. Histologic analysis of Hyperelastic Bone scaffolds revealed fibrous tissue at 8 weeks, and new bone formation surrounding the scaffold struts by 12 weeks.

Conclusion:

Findings from our study suggest that Hyperelastic Bone grafts are effective for bone regeneration, with significant potential for clinical translation.
The Use of Twitter by Plastic Surgery Journals
Authors: Asyyed Zeina , McGuire Connor , Samargandi Osama , Al-Youha Sarah , Williams Jason G.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Social media have revolutionized the way we access information. Twitter is the most popular microblogging website and has become a tool for plastic surgery journals to connect with the greater academic community and public. The purpose of this study was to objectively assess the use of Twitter by plastic surgery journals.

Methods:

Twelve plastic surgery journals were searched on Twitter. The following data were collected: age of Twitter profile, number of followers and tweets posted, and whether the journal’s website had a link to Twitter or another social media website. All tweets were reviewed from May to July of 2017 inclusive, and the level of evidence of each original article posted in the tweets was recorded. Impact factor and Klout score (a social media influence score) were collected for all journals.

Results:

Six of 12 plastic journals had a Twitter profile. The most social media–influencing journal in plastic surgery was Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. This was followed by the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and the Journal of Hand Surgery (American and European Volumes). The presence of a Twitter profile was not associated with a higher impact factor for the journal. The Klout score was correlated with impact factor. Since joining Twitter, five of the six journals with Twitter profiles experienced increases in their impact factor.

Conclusion:

Twitter can be a quick and easy-to-use tool to increase exposure to evidence-based information from academic journals in plastic surgery.
Surgical Correction of Craniofacial Microsomia: Evaluation of Interventions in 565 Patients at Three Major Craniofacial Units
Authors: Pluijmers Britt I. , Caron Cornelia J. J. M. , van de Lande Lara S. , Schaal Sontje , Mathijssen Irene M. , Wolvius Eppo B. , Bulstrode Neil , Evans Robert D. , Padwa Bonnie L. , Koudstaal Maarten J. , Dunaway David J.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Craniofacial microsomia is characterized by an asymmetric hypoplasia of derivatives of the first and second pharyngeal arch, leading to a variety of phenotypic presentations. Studies on surgical correction of patients with craniofacial microsomia have small cohorts, leaving controversial opinions on the optimal treatment modality, the indication for surgery, and the optimal timing of surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the types of, timing of, and total number of surgical corrections performed and the number of surgical procedures in correlation to the severity of the phenotype.

Methods:

A retrospective chart study was conducted including patients diagnosed with craniofacial microsomia from three large craniofacial units. Demographic, radiographic, and clinical information was obtained, including type and number of surgical procedures and age at the time of surgery.

Results:

A total of 565 patients were included. In total, 443 (78.4 percent) of all patients underwent some form of surgery during their life, varying from skin tag removal to major craniofacial operations. The number of surgical interventions was higher with increasing severity of phenotype, bilateral presentation, and a younger age at the first intervention.

Conclusions:

Multiple surgical corrections are frequently seen in patients with a more severe or bilateral presentation. Furthermore, those who are treated earlier in life for correction of asymmetry of the mandible will undergo significantly more surgical procedures to correct the asymmetry later on, independent of the Pruzansky-Kaban type mandible. A prospective international multicenter study is designed with a uniform registration and outcome measurement tool to identify the optimal treatment strategy.
The Azygos Vein From A to Z
Authors: Rivaud Yayone , Maldjian Pierre D.
Published: April 2019

Congenital and acquired abnormalities of the azygos vein can affect its size and position. Alteration of contrast material flow dynamics of the azygos vein on computed tomography can be an indication of superior vena cava obstruction. Recognition and accurate characterization of abnormalities of the azygos vein on imaging studies is critical to facilitate prompt diagnosis and direct workup when necessary. The main purpose of this article is to illustrate and describe the radiologic features of various congenital and acquired abnormalities affecting the azygos venous system.
Synchrotron science in the UK: NINA, the SRS and Diamond
Authors: Hasnain S. Samar , Catlow C. Richard A.
Published: April 2019

The development of synchrotron science over the last 50 years is reviewed from the perspective of the authors' own scientific programmes.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Fifty years of synchrotron science: achievements and opportunities’.
Sociality and Interaction Envelope Organize Visual Action Representations
Authors: Tarhan Leyla , Konkle Talia
Published: April 2019

Humans observe a wide range of actions in their surroundings. How is the visual cortex organized to process this diverse input? Using functional neuroimaging, we measured brain responses while participants viewed short videos of everyday actions, then probed the structure in these responses using voxel-wise encoding modeling. Responses were well fit by feature spaces that capture the body parts involved in an action and the action’s targets (i.e. whether the action was directed at an object, another person, the actor, and space). Clustering analyses revealed five large-scale networks that summarized the voxel tuning: one related to social aspects of an action, and four related to the scale of the interaction envelope, ranging from fine-scale manipulations directed at objects, to large-scale whole-body movements directed at distant locations. We propose that these networks reveal the major representational joints in how actions are processed by visual regions of the brain.

Significance Statement

How does the brain perceive other people’s actions? Prior work has established that much of the visual cortex is active when observing others’ actions. However, this activity reflects a wide range of processes, from identifying a movement’s direction to recognizing its social content. We investigated how these diverse processes are organized within the visual cortex. We found that five networks respond during action observation: one that is involved in processing actions’ social content, and four that are involved in processing agent-object interactions and the scale of the effect that these actions have on the world (its “interaction envelope”). Based on these findings, we propose that sociality and interaction envelope size are two of the major features that organize action perception in the visual cortex.
Overexpression of the Arabidopsis thaumatin-like protein 1 in transgenic potato plants enhances resistance against early and late blights
Authors: Ali Gul Shad , Hu X , Reddy A.S.N.
Published: April 2019

The Arabidopsis thaumatin-like protein 1 (ATLP1), which belongs to the PR5 family of pathogenesis-related proteins, is induced by pathogen attacks and by systemic acquired resistance (SAR)-inducing compounds. To test whether the overexpression of ATLP1 will enhance fungal resistance in transgenic plants, the cDNA of this gene under the control of a constitutive promoter was transferred into Solanum tuberosum Cv. Desiree. The expression of the introduced gene was confirmed by Northern and Western blot analyses. Western blot analysis performed with intercellular fluid (ICF) showed that ATLP1 is secreted to apoplast. Several independent transgenic lines with high-level expression of the ATLP1 were assayed for resistance against early blight (Alternaria solani) and late blight (Phytophthora infestans). The rate of Alternaria lesions development was significantly reduced in the ATLP1 transgenic lines as compared to a control line. Percent reductions in area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) values for the ATLP1 transgenic lines as compared to control line ranged between 52 and 82%. In response to P. infestans, infection efficiency (IE), lesion size (LS) and sporulation capacity (SC) were significantly reduced in ATLP1 transgenic lines as compared to a control line. On the average, IE, LS and SC were reduced by 18, 22 and 20%, respectively, for all transgenic lines with a maximum reduction of 25% in IE, 25% in LS and 32% in SC. Resistance assays against P. infestans using whole plants showed 40-70% reduction in symptoms as compared to control. These results suggest that constitutive expression of a heterologous ATLP in potato confers enhanced resistance against early and late blights.
Evaluating the Impact of Purifying Selection on Species-level Molecular Dating
Authors: He Chong , Liang Dan , Zhang Peng
Published: April 2019

The neutral theory of molecular evolution suggests that the constancy of the molecular clock relies on the neutral condition. Thus, purifying selection, the most common type of natural selection, could influence the constancy of the molecular clock, and the use of genes/sites under purifying selection may produce less reliable molecular dating results. However, in current practices of species-level molecular dating, some researchers prefer to select slowly evolving genes/sites to avoid the potential impact of substitution saturation. These genes/sites are generally under a strong influence of purifying selection. Here, from the data of 23 published mammal genomes, we constructed datasets under various selective constraints. We compared the differences in branch lengths and time estimates among these datasets to investigate the impact of purifying selection on species-level molecular dating. We found that as the selective constraint increases, terminal branches are extended, which introduces biases into the result of species-level molecular dating. This result suggests that in species-level molecular dating, the impact of purifying selection should be taken into consideration, and researchers should be more cautious with the use of genes/sites under purifying selection.
Measuring shared cultural characteristics in Malaysia: scale development and validation
Authors: Abu Bakar Hassan , Connaughton Stacey L.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess statistically the shared cultural values scale that incorporates Malaysia’s multi-ethnic cultural values.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved three phase statistical testing. In the first phase, the authors evaluated the 152 items for the affiliation, community embeddedness, respecting elders, harmony, faith, brotherhood, morality, future orientation, conformity and survival cultural dimensions with a sample of 270 employees from three organizations. In the second phase, 355 employees from two organizations completed a survey test-retest reliability and a factor analysis consisting of community embeddedness, focus on respect, conformity and future orientation as a four-factors solution with 22 items. Confirmatory factor analysis based on data from 310 employees in two organizations verified that the four dimensions correlated with affective commitment.

Findings

The results suggest that shared cultural characteristics is a multidimensional construct and at the individual level makes a unique contribution in explaining employees’ affective commitment. Managers from multinational corporations operating in this emerging market will benefit from this new scale because they can use it to identify specific individual cultural characteristics within their organization and develop a strategy to target employees’ affective commitment.

Originality/value

The new shared cultural characteristics scale for Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society demonstrates adequate reliability, validity and across-organization generalizability for this specific cross-cultural communication setting.
Accommodating linguistic prejudice? Examining English teachers’ language ideologies
Authors: Metz Mike
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to support the integration of scientifically grounded linguistic knowledge into language teaching in English Language Arts (ELA) classrooms through building an understanding of what teachers currently know and believe about language.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 310 high school English teachers in the USA responded to a survey about their language beliefs. Statistical analysis of responses identified four distinct constructs within their belief systems. Sub-scales were created for each construct, and hierarchical regressions helped identify key characteristics that predicted beliefs along a continuum from traditional/hegemonic to linguistically informed/counter-hegemonic.

Findings

Key findings include the identification of four belief constructs: beliefs about how language reveals speaker characteristics, beliefs about how society perceives language use, beliefs about how language should be treated in schools and beliefs about the English teacher’s role in addressing language use. In general, teachers expressed counter-hegemonic beliefs for their own role and their view of speaker characteristics. They expressed hegemonic beliefs for societal perceptions and the dominant school language narrative. Taking a linguistics class was associated with counter-hegemonic beliefs, and teaching longer was associated with more hegemonic beliefs.

Practical implications

The findings of this study suggest that the longer teachers teach within a system that promotes hegemonic language practices, the more they will align their own beliefs with those practices, despite having learned linguistic facts that contradict pervasive societal beliefs about language. The Dominant School Language Narrative currently accommodates, rather that disrupting, linguistic prejudice.

Originality/value

A current understanding of teachers’ language ideologies is a key step in designing teacher professional development to help align teaching practices with established linguistic knowledge and to break down a socially constructed linguistic hierarchy based on subjective, and frequently prejudicial, beliefs.
Robot path optimization for laser cladding forming
Authors: Zheng Huadong , Cong Ming , Liu Dong , Dong Hang , Liu Yi
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an optimization method of robot cladding path, which is helpful to solve the problem of path under-optimization in laser cladding forming (LCF) based on robot.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the error influence parameters need setting before the cladding path generation, and the model of seeking appropriate error influence parameters is established based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO). Second, to solve the problem of collapse during the LCF process, the reason for collapse is analyzed and a robot cladding path error optimization method based on the layer path interpolation is proposed. Finally, the simulation and experiments are carried out.

Findings

Under the premise of giving the expected error of stereo lithography (STL) model, the optimal range of the chord height and the angle control can be quickly found by using PSO algorithm. Aiming at the collapse problem in the laser cladding process, a robot cladding path optimization method based on the layer path interpolation is proposed. A four-layer path interpolation simulation and the contrast experiments before and after the path optimization are completed; the results show that the robot cladding path optimization method can solve the problem of the collapse in laser cladding.

Practical implications

Robot cladding path optimization is one of the key technologies of LCF, and the quality of the robot cladding path is affected by STL model error and the path optimization method. This paper proposed a robot cladding path optimization method for LCF. This method can be used in other additive manufacturing techniques.

Originality/value

The quality of cladding path is important for LCF; this paper first proposed the optimization method of the robot cladding path for LCF to solve the collapse problem.
The change-ready leadership of technology-savvy superintendents
Authors: Sterrett William L. , Richardson Jayson W.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to help the researchers sought to take a closer look at the technology challenges facing district superintendents in today’s leadership climate.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors chose semi-structured interviews as the data collection method. Through 45 min, one-on-one, semi-structured telephone interviews, the researchers were able to collect data about overcoming the challenges of being a modern technology-savvy superintendent.

Findings

Through the analysis, the authors identified four themes related to the challenges faced by these district leaders, including meeting the needs of stakeholders, supporting professional development, fostering mindset changes and addressing a fear of the unknown.

Research limitations/implications

This study only relied on interviews and did not examine evidence from the field, such as site visits or artifact examination.

Practical implications

This study provides the field with insights into the role of the change-ready district leaders who foster lasting technology-infused transformation.

Social implications

While challenges for any district leader wishing to make long-lasting change exist, there are district leaders today who embody second-order change leadership when overcoming the challenge of school technology leadership. These technology-savvy superintendents play an important role as whole-system change agents.

Originality/value

This study highlighted that there many district leaders today who embody second-order change leadership in helping move their districts forward.
The σB signalling activation pathway in the enteropathogen Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Kint Nicolas , Alves Feliciano Carolina , Hamiot Audrey , Denic Milica , Dupuy Bruno , Martin‐Verstraete Isabelle
Published: April 2019

Clostridium difficile is the main cause of antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea. Inside the gut, C. difficile must adapt to the stresses it copes with, by inducing protection, detoxification and repair systems that belong to the general stress response involving σB. Following stresses, σB activation requires a PP2C phosphatase to dephosphorylate the anti‐anti‐sigma factor RsbV that allows its interaction with the anti‐sigma factor RsbW and the release of σB. In this work, we studied the signalling pathway responsible for the activation of σB in C. difficile. Contrary to other firmicutes, the expression of sigB in C. difficile is constitutive and not autoregulated. We confirmed the partner switching mechanism that involved RsbV, RsbW and σB. We also showed that CD2685, renamed RsbZ, and its phosphatase activity are required for RsbV dephosphorylation triggering σB activation. While CD0007 and CD0008, whose genes belong to the sigB operon, are not involved in σB activity, depletion of the essential iron–sulphur flavoprotein, CD2684, whose gene forms an operon with rsbZ, prevents σB activation. Finally, we observed that σB is heterogeneously active in a subpopulation of C. difficile cells from the exponential phase, likely leading to a ‘bet‐hedging’ strategy allowing a better chance for the cells to survive adverse conditions.
The implementation of complex social policy: Institutional layering and unintended consequences in the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Nevile Ann , Malbon Eleanor , Kay Adrian , Carey Gemma
Published: April 2019

In this article, we identify the unfolding unintended consequences which flow from one instance of policy layering in Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We show how use of a causal diagram, which highlights feedback loops and emergent properties, to map complex chains of causal factors can assist policy scholars and policy practitioners to understand the likely direction of change and possible responses. In the case of Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme, our analysis suggests that the likely direction of change will work against two of the fundamental design features of the NDIS: providing participants with more choice and control, and ensuring all eligible Australians are able to access appropriate services and supports regardless of where they live. Our analysis points to the use of price regulation as the site of potential intervention because of the role it plays in subsequent feedback loops and the development of the two, unwelcome, emergent properties.
Efficacy of Plasma Exchange in Anti‐Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody‐Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Nishimura Keisuke , Waki Daisuke , Kadoba Keiichiro , Mukoyama Hiroki , Yokota Toshihiko , Murabe Hiroyuki
Published: April 2019

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of plasma exchange on severe anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis (AAV). Of 182 patients with AAV in our hospital, 12 patients with life‐threatening organ damage (rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and/or diffuse alveolar hemorrhage) underwent centrifuge‐based therapeutic plasma exchange and immunosuppressive therapy. Twenty‐four patients matched for age, serum creatinine, and severity of vasculitis, who received high‐dose glucocorticoids with or without immunosuppressants, were included in the nonplasma exchange group. Renal survival rate at 2 years from induction treatment was not significantly different between the plasma and nonplasma exchange groups (P = 0.524). Mortality rate at 5 years from induction treatment was not significantly different between the plasma and nonplasma exchange groups (P = 0.631). In this retrospective study, we could not show the significant differences in the renal survival rate and survival rate between the two groups.
Improvement of Major Problems in the Cell‐Free and Concentrated Ascites Reinfusion Therapy System─Constructing of Cell‐Free and Concentrated Ascites Reinfusion Therapy System Using External Pressure for Filtration
Authors: Yoshizawa Mitsutaka , Nakatsuji Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2019

There are major problems with the occlusion of filtration membrane and fever of patients in the cell‐free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) system using internal pressure‐type filtration. We constructed a modified CART system using external pressure‐type filtration in order to resolve the major problems. After we adopted the external pressure‐type filtration for CART system with the safety level raised, we studied the volume of treated ascites, the weight of recovered protein, and the body temperature of patients after the reinfusing of concentrated ascites in five cases with refractory ascites. There were no cancelled trials despite membrane occlusion in two of 22 trials. Moreover, use of this modified CART system could minimize the temperature increase of patients and suppress the occurrence of that variation with steroid injection. We were able to construct the modified CART system using external pressure‐type filtration. This improved and safe CART system could be widely used by any facilities.
Changes in associations between prescription opioid use disorder and illegal behaviors among adults in the United States from 2002 to 2014
Authors: Mintz Carrie M. , Hartz Sarah M. , Borodovsky Jacob T. , Bierut Laura J. , Grucza Richard A.
Published: April 2019

Background and Aims

In the United States, the availability of prescription opioids has decreased in recent years. Whether there have been corresponding changes in the likelihood of people with prescription opioid use disorder (POUD) to engage in illegal behaviors related to drug use remains unknown. We examined changes in prevalence of illegal behaviors between people with and without POUD over time, and how transactions for obtaining opioids have changed among people with POUD over time.

Design

Temporal trend analysis of repeated cross‐sectional data.

Setting

United States household dwelling population from all 50 states and District of Columbia.

Participants

Adult subsamples from the 2002–14 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (n = 5393 people with POUD; n = 486 768 people without POUD).

Measurements

Outcome variables were selected illegal behaviors and sources of opioids used non‐medically. POUD was defined using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, criteria. Time was treated as a continuous variable. The variable of interest for each illegal behavior analysis was the interaction between POUD diagnosis and time. Covariates included age, sex and race/ethnicity.

Findings

During the 13‐year period examined, the adjusted interaction odds ratio (AIOR) describing the change in association between POUD and selling illicit drugs increased by a factor of 2.41 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.56–3.71, P < 0.001]. Similar trends were noted for stealing (AIOR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.31–3.44, P = 0.002) and for life‐time history of arrest (AIOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.06–2.19, P = 0.021). People with POUD became less likely to receive opioids for free from friends and family [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.25–0.71, P = 0.001] and more likely to buy them from friends and family (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.76–6.13, P < 0.001) from 2005 to 2014.

Conclusions

In the United States, against a backdrop of a decreasing prescription opioid supply, rates of some crimes potentially related to drug use increased among people with prescription opioid use disorder compared with those without prescription opioid use disorder from 2002 to 2014.
Revisiting structure/functions of the human epididymis
Authors: Sullivan R. , Légaré C. , Lamontagne‐Proulx J. , Breton S. , Soulet D.
Published: April 2019

Background

The epididymis is the hallmark of all vertebrate species practicing internal fertilization. While the functions of the epididymis are well documented in laboratory rodents and some domestic animals, the structure and functions of the epididymis in humans remain poorly documented.

Objectives

Using human tissues obtained with the collaboration of our local organ transplantation program, the histology, cell types, and three‐dimensional organization of the excurrent duct were investigated. Microarrays were performed to determine the gene expression pattern along the human epididymis.

Materials and methods

The histology of longitudinal sections of the proximal epididymis was described, and immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies was used to characterize cell types of the efferent duct and caput epididymis epithelia. The epididymis was divided into eight segments permitting gene profiling by microarray and gene ontology analysis.

Results

The proximal region of the human epididymis is formed exclusively by efferent ducts. These ducts form a complex histological structure particularly at the junction of the efferent ducts and caput epididymis. The efferent ducts exhibit a specific cellular signature when compared with the adjacent epididymis tubule. Efferent duct gene expression is not segmented and is dedicated to cilium differentiation and movement. The gene expression pattern of the caput segment is homogeneous and specialized in defense and immune responses and fertilization.

Discussion

In murine species, the epididymis is segmented into the initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda regions, whereas in humans, the proximal region is formed by efferent ducts. The caput tubules have their own histological organization with a well‐defined gene expression pattern. The distal corpus and cauda epididymis are distinct by a limited number of differentially expressed genes.

Conclusions

Knowledge of epididymis functions and structure obtained using laboratory species should be extrapolated to humans with caution.
Nationwide population‐based study showed that the rotavirus vaccination had no impact on the incidence of biliary atresia in Korea
Authors: Lee Jee Hyun , Ahn Hyeong Sik , Han Seungjin , Swan Heather S. , Lee Yoon , Kim Hyun Jung
Published: April 2019

Aim

Rotaviruses have been associated with biliary atresia. This study investigated whether the rotavirus vaccine, which was introduced to Korea in 2008, had an impact on the incidence of biliary atresia.

Methods

We identified all rotavirus infections (n = 436 826) and biliary atresia cases (n = 528) diagnosed from 2006 to 2015 from insurance and health databases. The annual and seasonal incidence of biliary atresia and rotavirus infection rates in neonates and children were calculated. The difference in the risk of biliary atresia between rotavirus‐infected and non‐infected neonates was analysed.

Results

The incidence of rotavirus infections was 20.6 versus 13.4 per 1000 cases before (2006–2008) and after (2009–2015) vaccine implementation. However, neonatal rotavirus infection rates did not decrease, with an incidence of 14.5 versus 14.8 per 1000 cases before and after vaccination. The biliary atresia incidence remained constant at 12.0 per 100 000 cases. Rotavirus infections in neonates were a risk factor for biliary atresia (odds ratio 3.14, 95% confidence interval 1.87–5.26).

Conclusion

Rotavirus vaccination had no impact on the incidence of biliary atresia, possibly because the vaccination did not change the neonatal rotavirus infection rate through herd immunity. However, rotavirus infections in neonates were significantly associated with biliary atresia.
Optimizing collagenase Clostridium histolyticum therapy for Peyronie’s disease using a novel approach with percutaneous needle tunnelling
Authors: Fernández‐Pascual Esaú , González‐García Francisco Javier , Angulo Javier , Cerezo Eugenio , Quintana Luis M. , Turo Jorge , Martínez‐Ballesteros Claudio , Carballido Joaquín , Martínez‐Salamanca Juan Ignacio
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and safety of a combined treatment of percutaneous needle tunnelling (PNT) and a modified collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) protocol (PNT/CCH) vs the modified protocol alone (CCH) in the treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD).

Patients and Methods

A prospective registry of patients treated with a modified CCH protocol was maintained between June 2014 and February 2018. The last 50 patients received PNT as an adjuvant therapy (PNT/CCH), and their data were compared with those of the other 94 patients treated previously (CCH). PNT involves the creation of multiple holes made percutaneously in the plaque before each injection. The modified protocol consisted of two collagenase injections, at 1‐week intervals, followed by penile modelling. Patients used penile traction therapy, tadalafil and pentoxifylline for the next 2 months and were followed up for 6 months. The main outcome was improvement of curvature. Secondary outcomes were improvements in erectile function, PD symptoms, stretched penile length and satisfaction.

Results

Improvement in curvature was greater in patients in the PNT/CCH group than in the CCH group (mean ± sd 19.2 ± 6.1° vs 12.7 ± 5.0°; P < 0.001 [36.2 ± 12.5% vs 28.1 ± 14.5%; P = 0.001]). Compared with baseline, both interventions were associated with significant improvement in secondary outcomes. The main complications were ecchymosis, bruising and penile pain, with no significant differences between groups.

Conclusions

Treatment of PD with CCH using our modified protocol in combination with PNT is safe and more effective than the modified protocol alone, with the potential for improved cost‐effectiveness.