bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties of currently available left atrial appendage occlusion devices: A bench‐testing analysis
Authors: Menne Matthias F. , Schrickel Jan W. , Nickenig Georg , Al‐Kassou Baravan , Nelles Dominik , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich , De Backer Ole , Sedaghat Alexander
Published: December 2018

Endoluminal left atrial appendage occlusion is an emerging therapy to treat patients suffering from atrial fibrillation with contraindications against oral anticoagulation. Different occlusion devices have been introduced into the clinical setting while comparative studies between the devices are sparse. This in vitro study compares several endoluminal left atrial appendage occlusion systems regarding 2 mechanical properties: radial (RF) and tug force (TF). Seven different occluder systems of various sizes (24 in total) underwent testing throughout their recommended sizing range. RF was measured in a commercial RF tester. TF was assessed according to a recently published bench test. RF increased with compression of the devices: The LAmbre 2228 device exerted the highest RF (8.6 N) at maximum compression of 16 mm. The lowest RF of 0.1 N was exhibited by the 27 mm Occlutech occluder at minimal compression. The highest TFs were exerted by the WaveCrest devices at maximum compression with 4.6 and 3.6 N for the 22 mm and the 27 mm device, respectively. The lowest TFs were measured for the first‐generation Occlutech devices, particularly for the 24 mm device with 1.1 N at maximum compression and 0.4 N at minimum compression. A strong positive correlation was found between the number of hooks per millimeter circumference of an occluder and its tug force (r = 0.87, P < 0.01). The analysis revealed device stability to be more dependent on anchoring structures than on RF. The wide range of mechanical properties makes comparison of current LAA occluders difficult and emphasizes the need for standardized preclinical testing to prompt clinical compatibility.
Inclusion of memory effects in a dynamic model of electroporation in biological tissues
Authors: Weinert Rodolfo , Pereira Eduardo , Ramos Airton
Published: December 2018

This article presents experimental and computational results of electroporation in rat liver. The experiments were performed using different forms of electrodes and waveforms of applied electric pulses. For the numerical simulation, the electroporation model proposed by Ramos and Weinert in a previous publication was used. Dynamic adjustments were used for obtaining a good modeling of the electric current. A single set of model parameters was obtained to fit the simulated current response for different waveforms and electrodes. These parameters were obtained with the use of a genetic algorithm that minimized the error between the simulated and experimental currents. The electroporation model with dynamic adjustment proved to be an appropriate simulation tool to predict the tissue conductivity during stimulation by intense electrical fields.
Effect of rifampin on enantioselective disposition and anti‐hypertensive effect of benidipine
Authors: Sunwoo Yu Eun , Nguyen Phuong Thi Thu , Chien Chin May , Ryu Ji Young , Shon Jihong , Shin Jae‐Gook
Published: December 2018

Aims

In vitro study showed that benidipine is exclusively metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A. This study evaluated the effect of rifampin on the enantioselective disposition and anti‐hypertensive effect of benidipine.

Methods

Benidipine (8 mg) was administered to healthy subjects with or without repeated rifampin dosing, in a crossover design. Plasma concentrations of (S)‐(S)‐(+)‐α and (R)‐(R)‐(−)‐α isomers of benidipine and blood pressure were measured for up to 24 h after dosing. In addition, CYP3A metabolic capacity was evaluated in each subject using oral clearance of midazolam.

Results

The exposure of (S)‐(S)‐(+)‐α‐benidipine was greater than that of (R)‐(R)‐(−)‐α‐benidipine by approximately three‐fold following single dose of benidipine. Repeated doses of rifampin significantly decreased the exposure of both isomers. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) (95% CI) of Cmax and AUC∞ for (S)‐(S)‐(+)‐α‐benidipine were 0.14 (0.10–0.18) and 0.12 (0.08–0.18), respectively. GMRs (95% CI) of Cmax and AUC∞ for (R)‐(R)‐(−)‐α‐benidipine were 0.10 (0.06–0.17) and 0.10 (0.06–0.17), respectively. Oral clearances of both isomers were increased equally by approximately 10‐fold. There were no significant differences in cardiovascular effect following benidipine administration between control and rifampin treatment. CYP3A activity using midazolam did not appear to correlate with oral clearance of benidipine.

Conclusions

After single administration of racemic benidipine, enantioselective disposition of (S)‐(S)‐(+)‐α‐ and (R)‐(R)‐(−)‐α‐benidipine was observed. Treatments with rifampin significantly decreased the exposure of both isomers but appeared to marginally affect its blood pressure‐lowering effect in healthy subjects. Impact of coadministration of rifampin on the treatment effects of benidipine should be assessed in hypertensive patients.
Cross‐national comparison of paediatric antibiotic use in Norway, Portugal and Hungary
Authors: Benko Ria , Matuz Maria , Silva Ana , Ferreira Joaquina , Machado Maria Céu , Furtado Cláudia , Fungie Galistiani Githa , Bordas Reka , Blix Hege Salvesen
Published: December 2018

A cross‐national comparison was performed on paediatric (0‐19 years) antibiotic use in Hungary, Norway and Portugal to explore and compare the scale and pattern of paediatric antibiotic use in these three European countries. Ambulatory care systemic antibiotic use (ATC: J01) was retrieved from national databases for year 2014. The main outcome measure was number of antibacterial packages per child inhabitant per year (packages/child/year) and was further stratified by age groups. Paediatric antibiotic use peaked in Hungary with 1.3 packages/child/year, followed by Portugal (0.8) and Norway (0.3). This ranking was retained and was most prominent in the 5‐ to 9‐year and 10‐ to 14‐year age groups. The pattern of antibiotic use in different paediatric age groups varied also substantially between countries. Narrow‐spectrum penicillins were much commonly used in Norway in all paediatric age subgroups in comparison with Hungary and Portugal. Newer, broad‐spectrum cephalosporins and macrolides were widely prescribed for Hungarian and Portuguese children in all paediatric subgroups in contrast to Norway, while tetracyclines were commonly prescribed for Norwegian adolescents. The scale and pattern of paediatric antibiotic use in Hungary and Portugal were very different compared with Norway. The high antibiotic exposure and the high consumption of broad‐spectrum penicillins begin in childhood in Hungary and Portugal which underpins the responsibility of paediatric GPs.
Educational videos from a film theory perspective: Relating teacher aims to video characteristics
Authors: Wijnker Winnifred , Bakker Arthur , van Gog Tamara , Drijvers Paul
Published: December 2018

Teachers are increasingly using video in their lessons, with various aims (eg, to raise students’ levels of conceptual knowledge or interest). Videos that can be used for educational purposes are numerous, ranging from instruction videos to fiction films. Such videos have different characteristics, for example regarding the amount and structure of information, and the audio‐visual presentation. However, guidelines on which video characteristics can help to achieve specific teacher aims are lacking. As a first step towards composing such guidelines, we added a film theory perspective to educational research on videos. The study included seven science teachers, 13 videos, and 233 students (aged 13–18 years). We used teacher interviews, video analyses, student questionnaires and a cross‐case analysis connecting all the data. Data analysis followed a grounded theory approach, including open and axial coding to structure the data, and the constant comparative method to interconnect them. The results showed that videos that posed questions were associated with an increase in students’ interest, and that highly informative videos with authoritative speakers were associated with an increase in students self‐reported conceptual knowledge gains. Moreover, teachers often did not have explicit aims for using a particular video, and they selected and used videos in their lessons intuitively. Stimulating teachers to use videos in a more aim oriented way may make video usage more effective. From these findings, we developed a framework to assist teachers in selecting or making videos that match their aims, and a model of possible connections between teacher aims and film types as a first step towards guidelines for teachers using educational videos.
Animal prion diseases: the risks to human health
Authors: Houston Fiona , Andréoletti Olivier
Published: December 2018

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) or prion diseases of animals notably include scrapie in small ruminants, chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids and classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (C‐BSE). As the transmission barrier phenomenon naturally limits the propagation of prions from one species to another, and the lack of epidemiological evidence for an association with human prion diseases, the zoonotic potential of these diseases was for a long time considered negligible. However, in 1996, C‐BSE was recognized as the cause of a new human prion disease, variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD), which triggered an unprecedented public health crisis in Europe. Large‐scale epidemio‐surveillance programs for scrapie and C‐BSE that were implemented in the EU after the BSE crisis revealed that the distribution and prevalence of prion diseases in the ruminant population had previously been underestimated. They also led to the recognition of new forms of TSEs (named atypical) in cattle and small ruminants and to the recent identification of CWD in Europe. At this stage, the characterization of the strain diversity and zoonotic abilities associated with animal prion diseases remains largely incomplete. However, transmission experiments in nonhuman primates and transgenic mice expressing human PrP clearly indicate that classical scrapie, and certain forms of atypical BSE (L‐BSE) or CWD may have the potential to infect humans. The remaining uncertainties about the origins and relationships between animal prion diseases emphasize the importance of the measures implemented to limit human exposure to these potentially zoonotic agents, and of continued surveillance for both animal and human prion diseases.
Modulation of α‐adrenoceptor signalling protects photoreceptors after retinal detachment by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Li Tong , Yang Shiqi , She Xiangjun , Yan Quan , Zhang Pengfei , Zhu Hong , Wang Fenghua , Luo Xueting , Sun Xiaodong
Published: December 2018

Background and Purpose

Currently available treatments do not halt progression of photoreceptor death and subsequent visual impairment related to retinal detachment (RD) which is observed in various retinal disorders. This study investigated the neuroprotective effects of two adrenoceptor ligands, the α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist doxazosin and the α2‐adrenoceptor agonist guanabenz, against photoreceptor cell death in RD.

Experimental Approach

We used a model of experimental RD in Brown‐Norway rats induced by subretinal injection of sodium hyaluronate. Oxidative stress biomarkers and cytokine production were quantified with elisa. Protein expression levels and immunofluorescent labelling were determined in rats with RD and controls for mechanistic elucidation. The effects of systemic (i.p.) administration of doxazosin or guanabenz on photoreceptor apoptosis, retinal histology and electroretinography were evaluated in rats with RD and compared to the effects in vehicle controls.

Key Results

Photoreceptors were the major source of RD‐induced ROS overproduction in the rat retina through the regulation of NADPH oxidase. Systemic administration of doxazosin or guanabenz decreased the RD‐induced production of ROS and proinflammatory cytokines, including IL‐1β and the chemokine CCL2, and suppressed retinal gliosis, resulting in attenuation of photoreceptor death and preservation of retinal structures and functions in RD.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings point to α‐adrenoceptors as novel therapeutic targets to provide photoreceptor protection and suggest that both doxazosin and guanabenz, two FDA‐approved drugs, could be further explored to treat retinal diseases.
Discovery of 2‐(3,4‐dialkoxyphenyl)‐2‐(substituted pyridazin‐3‐yl)acetonitriles as phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors with anti‐neuroinflammation potential based on three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship study
Authors: Huang Chang , Zhong Qiu‐Ping , Tang Lv , Wang Hai‐Tao , Xu Jiang‐Ping , Zhou Zhong‐Zhen
Published: December 2018

Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors with potential activities for CNS disorders provide a new therapeutic strategy for depression. To discover PDE4 inhibitors with anti‐neuroinflammation activities, reliable three‐dimensional quantitative structure‐activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) models on our previous reported catecholic PDE4 inhibitors was built with a statistically significant cross‐validated coefficient (q2), conventional coefficient (r2), and good predictive capabilities based on the molecular docking results, using comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity index analysis (CoMSIA) methods. Based on the analysis of CoMFA and CoMSIA contour maps, a series of 2‐(3,4‐dialkoxyphenyl)‐2‐(substituted pyridazin‐3‐yl) acetonitriles 16a–i was designed and synthesized. Among these compounds, compound 16a exhibited good inhibitory activities toward PDE4B1 and PDE4D7 with mid‐nanomolar IC50 values and potential anti‐neuroinflammation activity in BV‐2 cells. Docking simulation of compound 16a in the PDE4 catalytic domain activity pocket revealed that compound 16a maybe assumed a “V‐shaped” conformation, extending the side chain to S‐pocket.
Factors determining exercise capacity evaluated during cardiopulmonary exercise testing in 6‐month follow‐up after ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Turski Maciej , Kocierz‐Woźnowska Magdalena , Wybraniec Maciej , Grabka Marek , Wita Marcin , Berger‐Kucza Adrianna , Wita Krystian , Mizia‐Stec Katarzyna
Published: December 2018

Introduction

ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is one of the main causes of congestive heart failure (CHF). The main symptom of CHF is exercise tolerance impairment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for impaired exercise tolerance in patients after STEMI.

Methods and Results

A total of 84 patients with STEMI were analysed in the study. Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed 6 months after STEMI. Impaired exercise tolerance defined as peak VO2 < 84% predicted for age and sex was present in 49 (58%) patients and was connected with lack of abciximab administration (91.4 versus 69%, P = 0·02) and the presence of mitral regurgitation (47 versus 23%, P = 0·02). In univariate analysis, the troponin I level at admission (OR 1·89, P = 0·047), the use of abciximab (OR 0·21, P = 0·03), the presence of mitral regurgitation (OR 2·98, P = 0·03) and NT‐proBNP concentration (OR 2·17, P = 0·021) were related to impaired exercise tolerance. The best multivariate model for predicting impaired exercise tolerance included mitral regurgitation and lack of abciximab administration.

Conclusions

Impaired exercise tolerance after STEMI is common. Mitral regurgitation and lack of abciximab administration are the best predicting factors of impaired exercise tolerance after STEMI.
Increasing living donation by implementing the Kidney Coach Program
Authors: LaPointe Rudow Dianne , Geatrakas Sara , Armenti Jonathan , Tomback Ariella , Khaim Rafael , Porcello Lisa , Pan Stephanie , Arvelakis Antonios , Shapiro Ron
Published: December 2018

Candidates for living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) find it difficult to discuss living donation with people in their social network, and there is a lack of useful interventions to train them. The Kidney Coach Program (KCP) was developed to equip individuals (advocates for candidates and candidate themselves) with the tools needed to find potential donors. The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the effects of the KCP on increasing the number of people considering living donation.

Methods

Candidates for the KCP were recruited. Data were collected on the number of live donor inquiries in the coach group compared to listed patients (historical controls).

Results

Over a 12‐month period, 20 transplant candidates enrolled in the KCP were compared to 50 controls. Eighty percent of the participants in the KCP had at least one donor inquiry compared to 38% of controls (P = 0.001). Significantly, more Caucasian candidates participated in the KCP compared to other racial groups.

Conclusions

The KCP can be an effective method to increase awareness of a patient's need for LDKT. Existing clinical staff successfully implemented the program. Transplant programs should provide training to candidates and their supports on effective ways to find a living donor.
Radial incision and cutting for refractory benign esophageal stricture
Authors: Mizusawa Takeshi , Kobayashi Masaaki , Terai Shuji
Published: December 2018

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Standards of diagnostic colonoscopy for early‐stage neoplasia: Recommendations by an Asian private group
Authors: Sano Yasushi , Chiu Han‐Mo , Li Xiao‐bo , Khomvilai Supakij , Pisespongsa Pises , Co Jonard Tan , Kawamura Takuji , Kobayashi Nozomu , Tanaka Shinji , Hewett David G. , Takeuchi Yoji , Imai Kenichiro , Utsumi Takahiro , Teramoto Akira , Hirata Daizen , Iwatate Mineo , Singh Rajvinder , Ng Siew C. , Ho Shiaw‐Hooi , Chiu Philip , Tajiri Hisao
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

In recent years, the incidence of colorectal cancer has been increasing, and it is now becoming the major cause of cancer death in Asian countries. The aim of the present study was to develop Asian expert‐based consensus to standardize the preparation, detection and characterization for the diagnosis of early‐stage colorectal neoplasia.

Methods

A professional group was formed by 36 experts of the Asian Novel Bio‐Imaging and Intervention Group (ANBI2G) members. Representatives from 12 Asia–Pacific countries participated in the meeting. The group organized three consensus meetings focusing on diagnostic endoscopy for gastrointestinal neoplasia. The Delphi method was used to develop the consensus statements.

Results

Through the three consensus meetings with debating, reviewing the literature and regional data, a consensus was reached at third meeting in 2016. The consensus was reached on a total of 10 statements. Summary of statements is as follows: (i) Adequate bowel preparation for high‐quality colonoscopy; (ii) Antispasmodic agents for lesion detection; (iii) Image‐enhanced endoscopy (IEE) for polyp detection; (iv) Adenoma detection rate for quality indicators; (v) Good documentation of colonoscopy findings; (vi) Complication rates; (vii) Cecal intubation rate; (viii) Cap‐assisted colonoscopy (CAC) for polyp detection; (ix) Macroscopic classification using indigocarmine spray for characterization of colorectal lesions; and (x) IEE and/or magnifying endoscopy for prediction of histology.

Conclusion

This consensus provides guidance for carrying out endoscopic diagnosis and characterization for early‐stage colorectal neoplasia based on the evidence. This will enhance the quality of endoscopic diagnosis and improve detection of early‐stage colorectal neoplasia.
Using automated controlled rearing to explore the origins of object permanence
Authors: Prasad Aditya , Wood Samantha M. W. , Wood Justin N.
Published: December 2018

What are the origins of object permanence? Despite widespread interest in this question, methodological barriers have prevented detailed analysis of how experience shapes the development of object permanence in newborn organisms. Here, we introduce an automated controlled‐rearing method for studying the emergence of object permanence in strictly controlled virtual environments. We used newborn chicks as an animal model and recorded their behavior continuously (24/7) from the onset of vision. Across four experiments, we found that object permanence can develop rapidly, within the first few days of life. This ability developed even when chicks were reared in impoverished visual environments containing no object occlusion events. Object permanence failed to develop, however, when chicks were reared in environments containing temporally non‐smooth objects (objects moving on discontinuous spatiotemporal paths). These results suggest that experience with temporally smooth objects facilitates the development of object permanence, confirming a key prediction of temporal learning models in computational neuroscience.
Selectivity for mid‐level properties of faces and places in the fusiform face area and parahippocampal place area
Authors: Coggan David D. , Baker Daniel H. , Andrews Timothy J.
Published: December 2018

Regions in the ventral visual pathway, such as the fusiform face area (FFA) and parahippocampal place area (PPA) are selective for images from specific object categories. Yet images from different object categories differ in their image properties. To investigate how these image properties are represented in the FFA and PPA, we compared neural responses to locally‐SCRAMBLED images (in which mid‐level, spatial properties are preserved) and globally‐SCRAMBLED images (in which mid‐level, spatial properties are not preserved). There was a greater response in the FFA and PPA to images from the preferred CATEGORY relative to their non‐preferred category for the scrambled conditions. However, there was a greater selectivity for locally‐scrambled compared to globally‐scrambled images. Next, we compared the magnitude of fMR‐adaptation to intact and scrambled images. fMR‐adaptation was evident to locally‐scrambled images from the preferred category. However, there was no adaptation to globally‐scrambled images from the preferred category. These results show that the selectivity to faces and places in the FFA and PPA is dependent on mid‐level properties of the image that are preserved by local‐scrambling.
Impairments in gait kinematics and postural control may not correlate with dopamine transporter depletion in individuals with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease
Authors: Cabeleira Maria Eduarda Parcianello , Pagnussat Aline Souza , do Pinho Alexandre Severo , Asquidamini Ane Caroline Dotta , Freire Ariane Bolla , Pereira Brenda Tubelo , de Mello Rieder Carlos Roberto , Schifino Giulia Palermo , Fornari Luis Henrique Tieppo , Junior Neivo da Silva , Corrêa Philipe Souza , Cechetti Fernanda
Published: December 2018

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter involved in regulating movement. Nuclear medicine imaging methods such as single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with radiotracers can obtain the density of this neurotransmitter. This reduced density leads to classic PD symptoms, such as bradykinesia, tremor and stiffness, consequently affecting walking and postural control. The aim of this study was to verify the correlation between disorders of gait kinematics and postural instability with dopamine depletion in individuals with mild to moderate PD. This is a descriptive, observational cross‐sectional study. Subjects were assessed for spatiotemporal gait parameters by a three‐dimensional motion capture system, for postural control by stabilometry on a force plate. Dopamine depletion was verified through 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 (SPECT‐CT) examination. The subjects were in the off‐stage of levodopa in all analysis. We evaluated 71 individuals, 32 with mild to moderate PD (HY 2 and 2.5) and 39 healthy individuals matched for gender, age, and height. There was a significant difference between the groups regarding the spatiotemporal variables of gait, as well as in the stabilometric variables. However, there was no correlation between these disturbances and the uptake values of 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1. The results indicate that there is no correlation between gait impairments and postural instability of individuals with mild to moderate PD and the dopaminergic depletion measured through the 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 (SPECT‐CT).
Feeding cycle alters the biophysics and molecular expression of voltage‐gated Na+ currents in rat hippocampal CA1 neurones
Authors: Bastos André E. P. , Costa Pedro F. , Varderidou‐Minasian Suzy , Altelaar Maarten , Lima Pedro A.
Published: December 2018

The function of hippocampus as a hub for energy balance is a subject of broad and current interest. This study aims at providing more evidence on this regard by addressing the effects of feeding cycle on the voltage‐gated sodium (Na+) currents of acutely isolated Wistar rat hippocampal CA1 neurones. Specifically, by applying patch clamp techniques (whole cell voltage clamp and single channel in inside‐out patches) we assessed the influence of feeding and fasting conditions on the intrinsic biophysical properties of Na+ currents. Additionally, mass spectrometry and western blotting experiments were used to address the effect of feeding cycle over the Na+ channel population of the rat hippocampus. Na+ currents were recorded in neurones obtained from fed and fasted animals (here termed “fed neurones” and “fasted neurones”, respectively). Whole cell Na+ currents of fed neurones, as compared to fasted neurones, showed increased mean maximum current density and a higher “window current” amplitude. We demonstrate that these results are supported by an increased single channel Na+ conductance in fed neurones and, also, by a greater Nav1.2 channel density in plasma membrane‐enriched fractions of fed samples (but not in whole hippocampus preparations). These results imply fast variations on the biophysics and molecular expression of Na+ currents of rat hippocampal CA1 neurones, throughout the feeding cycle. Thus, one may expect a differentiated regulation of the intrinsic neuronal excitability, which may account for the role of the hippocampus as a processor of satiety information.
A Sam68‐dependent alternative splicing program shapes postsynaptic protein complexes
Authors: Witte Harald , Schreiner Dietmar , Scheiffele Peter
Published: December 2018

Alternative splicing is one of the key mechanisms to increase the diversity of cellular transcriptomes, thereby expanding the coding capacity of the genome. This diversity is of particular importance in the nervous system with its elaborated cellular networks. Sam68, a member of the Signal Transduction Associated RNA‐binding (STAR) family of RNA‐binding proteins, is expressed in the developing and mature nervous system but its neuronal functions are poorly understood. Here, we perform genome‐wide mapping of the Sam68‐dependent alternative splicing program in mice. We find that Sam68 is required for the regulation of a set of alternative splicing events in pre‐mRNAs encoding several postsynaptic scaffolding molecules that are central to the function of GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses. These components include Collybistin (Arhgef9), Gephyrin (Gphn), and Densin‐180 (Lrrc7). Sam68‐regulated Lrrc7 variants engage in differential protein interactions with signalling proteins, thus, highlighting a contribution of the Sam68 splicing program to shaping synaptic complexes. These findings suggest an important role for Sam68‐dependent alternative splicing in the regulation of synapses in the central nervous system.
Where Newton might have taken ecology
Authors: Currie David J.
Published: December 2018

A dilemma in ecology

Ecologists aspire to build a discipline to both understand the natural world and to provide society with tools to make responsible decisions about the environment. For both of these purposes, most sciences have, at their core, a set of empirical generalizations that predict the behaviour of important properties of nature (e.g., Newton’s laws of mechanics, Mendeleev’s periodic table, Mendel’s genetics). Ecological science, in contrast, has favoured studies to understand processes (competition, population regulation, etc. – i.e., independent variables) rather than models that predict attributes of nature (dependent variables). Classical reductionist scientific training emphasizes studies of mechanisms under controlled experimental conditions. Yet, inferences about nature from experiments are nearly always unjustifiable extrapolations beyond the experimental conditions. Mechanisms that are statistically detectable in experimental systems may contribute very little to the variation of nature. Studies of ecological processes in isolation may contribute to “expert understanding,” but experts have been shown to be poor predictors of the behaviour of natural systems.

A proposed solution

The more relevant, often neglected question is: what factors can statistically account for the observed variance of nature? A more Newtonian approach to ecology would: (a) first, specify the properties of nature (i.e., dependent variables) whose variance is of concern; (b) develop models that statistically capture the variance of those properties in nature; (c) demonstrate that those models can predict independent data; and, only last, (d) experimentally test hypotheses about processes that could give rise to the predictable patterns in nature.

Why it matters

Successful disciplines identify specific goals and measure progress toward those goals. Predictive accuracy of properties of nature is a measure of that progress in ecology. Predictive accuracy is the objective evidence of understanding. It is the most useful tool that science can offer society.
Intestinal F‐box protein regulates quick avoidance behavior of Caenorhabditis elegans to the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Saito Ryuichi , Shinkai Yoichi , Doi Motomichi
Published: December 2018

In most animals, avoiding pathogenic bacteria is crucial for better health and a long life span. For this purpose, animals should be able to quickly sense the presence or uptake of pathogens. The intestine could be a candidate organ to induce escape behaviors; however, the intestinal signaling mechanism for acute regulation of neuronal activity is not well understood. Here, we show that adult Caenorhabditis elegans can respond to the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa within 30 min of exposure. This behavior was much faster than previously observed avoidance behaviors in response to P. aeruginosa. By genetic screening, we isolated a mutant defective in this quick avoidance behavior and found that the novel F‐box protein FBXC‐58 is involved. FBXC‐58 is expressed in several tissues, but defective avoidance was rescued by expression of the protein in the intestine. Interestingly, we also found that some but not all mutants in the p38‐MAPK and insulin‐like signaling pathways, which function in the immune response to pathogens in the intestine, were defective in the quick avoidance behavior to P. aeruginosa. These results suggest that a novel signaling pathway in the intestine exists to regulate neuronal activity for a quick behavioral response.
Diagnostic performance of an artificial neural network to predict excess body fat in children
Authors: Duran Ibrahim , Martakis Kyriakos , Rehberg Mirko , Semler Oliver , Schoenau Eckhard
Published: December 2018

Background

Waist circumference (WC) and z scores of body mass index (BMI) are commonly used to predict childhood obesity, although BMI and WC have a limited sensitivity.

Objectives

To generate an artificial neural network (ANN), using the input parameters age, height, weight, and WC, to predict excess body fat in children.

Methods

As part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) study, in the years 1999 to 2004, the body fat percentage of randomly selected Americans from 8 to 19 years were measured using whole‐body dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. Excess body fat was defined as a body fat percentage ≥ 85th centile.

Results

The data of 1999 children (856 female) were eligible. In females, the sensitivity of the BMI, WC, and ANN approaches to predict excess body fat were 0.751 (95% CI, 0.730‐0.771), 0.523 (0.487‐0.559), and 0.782 (0.754‐0.810), respectively. In males, the sensitivity of the BMI, WC, and ANN approaches to predict excess body fat were 0.721 (95% CI, 0.699‐0.743), 0.572 (0.549‐0.594), and 0.795 (0.768‐0.821).

Conclusions

Only in boys, the diagnostic performance in identifying excess body fat was better by using an ANN than by applying BMI and WC z scores. In girls, the ANN and BMI z scores performed comparable and significantly better than WC z scores.
A VPE‐like protease NtTPE8 exclusively expresses in the integumentary tapetum and is involved in seed development
Authors: Wang Wei , Xiong Hanxian , Lin Rongxin , Zhao Nantian , Zhao Peng , Sun Meng‐Xiang
Published: December 2018

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an essential process for development, and shows conserved cytological features in both plants and animals. Caspases are well‐known critical components of the PCD machinery in animals. However, currently few typical counterparts have been identified in plants and only several caspase‐like proteases are known to be involved in plant PCD, indicating the existence of great challenge for confirming new caspase‐like proteases and elucidating the mechanisms regulating plant PCD. Here, we report a novel cysteine protease, NtTPE8, which was extracted from tobacco seeds and confirmed as a new caspase‐like protease. Recombinant NtTPE8 exhibited legumain and caspase‐like proteolytic activities, both of which could be inhibited by the pan‐caspase inhibitor (Z‐VAD‐FMK). Notably, NtTPE8 possessed several caspase activities and the capacity to cleave the cathepsin H substrate FVR, indicating a unique character of NtTPE8. NtTPE8 was exclusively expressed in the integumentary tapetum and thus, is the first specific molecular marker reported to date for this cell type. Down‐regulation of NtTPE8 caused seed abortion, via disturbing early embryogenesis, indicating its critical role in embryogenesis and seed development. In conclusion, we identified a novel caspase‐like cysteine protease, NtTPE8, exclusively expressed in the integumentary tapetum that is involved in seed development.
Exploring Similarity and Stability of Differentiation in Relationships: A Dyadic Study of Bowen's Theory
Authors: Handley Valerie A. , Bradshaw Spencer D. , Milstead Kaitlyn A. , Bean Roy A.
Published: December 2018

Bowen family systems theory (BFST) identifies differentiation of self as a crucial characteristic that relates to one's individual and relational maturity. Bowen theorizes that an individual's level of differentiation typically remains static over time and that individuals select and pair in relationships with others who have similar levels of differentiation. This study aimed to test the hypotheses of BFST by using components of differentiation of self, emotional reactivity, and emotional cutoff, in dyadic structural equation modeling. Specifically, a longitudinal dyadic confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation longitudinal panel model were two analyses utilized to statistically test the dyadic nonindependence and stability of emotional reactivity and emotional cutoff across time. Results indicated mixed support for Bowen's assumptions regarding similarity (nonindependence) and stability. That is, small levels of nonindependence and significant stability paths across time were found. Theoretical implications and considerations for future research are discussed.
Pain process of patients with cardiac surgery—Semantic annotation of electronic patient record data
Authors: Heikkilä Kristiina , Axelin Anna , Peltonen Laura‐Maria , Heimonen Juho , Anttila Pauliina , Viljanen Timo , Salakoski Tapio , Salanterä Sanna
Published: December 2018

Aims and objectives

To describe and compare the pain process of the patients’ with cardiac surgery through nurses’ and physicians’ documentations in the electronic patient records.

Background

Postoperative pain assessment and management should be documented regularly, to ensure optimal pain care process for patients. Despite availability of evidence‐based guidelines, pain assessment and documentation remain inadequate.

Design

A retrospective patients’ record review.

Methods

The original data consisted of the electronic patient records of 26,922 patients with a diagnosed heart disease. A total of 1,818 care episodes of patients with cardiac surgery were selected from the data. We used random sampling to obtain 280 care episodes for annotation. These 280 care episodes contained 2,156 physician reports and 1,327 days of nursing notes. We developed an annotation manual and schema, and then, we manually conducted semantic annotation on care episodes, using the Brat annotation tool. We analysed the annotation units using thematic analysis. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guideline was followed in reporting where appropriate in this study design.

Results

We discovered expressions of six different aspects of pain process: (a) cause, (b) situation, (c) features, (d) consequences, (e) actions and (f) outcomes. We determined that five of the aspects existed chronologically. However, the features of pain were simultaneously existing. They indicated the location, quality, intensity, and temporality of the pain and they were present in every phase of the patient’s pain process. Cardiac and postoperative pain documentations differed from each other in used expressions and in the quantity and quality of descriptions.

Conclusion

We could construct a comprehensive pain process of the patients with cardiac surgery from several electronic patient records. The challenge remains how to support systematic documentation in each patient.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study provides knowledge and guidance of pain process aspects that can be used to achieve an effective pain assessment and more comprehensive documentation.
Attitudes and needs of residents in long‐term care facilities regarding physical activity—A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Maurer Carola , Draganescu Sever , Mayer Hanna , Gattinger Heidrun
Published: December 2018

Aims and objectives

To identify the attitudes and needs of nursing home residents regarding physical activity.

Background

Nursing home residents often have mobility problems and are at high risk for further mobility impairment. From their point of view, being physically active is an important part of their perceived quality of life. However, no study has synthesised existing qualitative literature on residents’ attitudes and needs regarding physical activity.

Design

Synthesis of qualitative studies.

Methods

A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies was performed, using ENTREQ statement for reporting. Three databases (PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO) were searched, supplemented by a hand search. Qualitative studies published in English or German were included if they addressed the attitudes and needs of residents concerning the promotion of physical activities. Finally, 12 studies were critically reviewed, and a thematic synthesis was conducted.

Results

Four analytical themes relating to residents’ attitudes were identified: “promoting physical activity increases the quality of life,” “accepting the conditions,” “personal initiative is significant” and “promoting physical activity is not helpful.” Relating to residents’ needs, the analyses yielded five themes: “living autonomously,” “continuing life as before,” “competent care,” “individually adapted programme and support,” and “barrier‐free accessibility.”

Conclusion

Nursing home residents have different attitudes and needs regarding being physically active. It is important to perceive these attitudes and needs of each resident and to offer an individually adapted programme and support. Further research should consider motivational strategies for residents who are not very much familiar with being physically active and offer exercise programmes with individual parts to address residents’ preferences.

Relevance to clinical practice

To motivate and activate residents, institutions should be aware of residents’ individual attitudes and needs regarding physical activity. Further development of interventions concerning mobility promotion activities and their implementation in long‐term care settings should consider the outlined factors.
Leaving the Financial Nest: Connecting Young Adults' Financial Independence to Financial Security
Authors: Bea Megan Doherty , Yi Youngmin
Published: December 2018

Objective

This study examines variation in young adults' transitions to financial independence and the relationship between these transitions and financial security.

Background

Individuals rely on their families for substantial financial support well into early adulthood, even as young adults perceive independence as a key marker of adulthood. Given known variation in transitions to adulthood and unequal exposure to financial precariousness across social groups, the authors ask whether heterogeneity emerges with regards to the timing of financial independence and types of support received and how differences in pathways to independence may matter for financial security later in young adulthood.

Method

The authors estimate group‐based trajectory models of four indicators of financial independence for 1,719 young adults from age 18 to 27 using data from the 2005 to 2015 Panel Study of Income Dynamics. These trajectories are then used to estimate predicted levels of financial security at the end of the study period using logistic and linear regression analysis.

Results

The results show that paths to young adults' financial independence are best characterized by four types of trajectories: consistently independent (23%), quickly independent (41%), gradually independent (23%), and consistently supported (13%), with types and duration of support varying substantially across trajectories. The authors find that young adults experiencing trajectories characterized by lower levels of familial support also report higher levels of financial insecurity by the end of the survey.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the patterning and timing of financial independence in the transition to adulthood has implications for early adult financial well‐being.
The effect of religion on Muslims’ charitable contributions to members of a non‐Muslim majority
Authors: Morton Rebecca B. , Ou Kai , Qin Xiangdong
Published: December 2018

We investigate the effects of religion on charitable contributions of Muslims who are in a minority to non‐Muslims who are in a majority and to fellow Muslims. We find that religious thinking leads to significantly more charitable giving by 10%. The effect of religious thinking is dependent on the ethnic identity of the recipient. We find a significant effect on giving behavior toward relatively more privileged out‐group members (Han Chinese), but a small and generally insignificant effect toward in‐group members (fellow Muslims). With religious thinking, prosocial behavior toward out‐group members is significantly higher by 14%, which is mainly explained by the religiosity of Muslims. Our results have implications for our understanding of the influence of Islamic rules on Muslims’ attitudes and behavior toward non‐Muslims and for the design of fundraising mechanisms in Muslim communities.
Global crude oil market shocks and global commodity prices
Authors: Melichar Mark , Atems Bebonchu
Published: December 2018

This paper examines the relationship between shocks to the global crude oil market and commodity prices, and whether recent changes in US renewable energy policy have altered this relationship. Although other papers have studied the effect of oil price shocks on commodity prices (particularly agricultural commodity prices), this paper contributes to the literature in that it accounts for endogenous oil price shocks as in Kilian (). We find asymmetric responses in commodity index prices to endogenous oil price shocks, with oil demand shocks leading to higher energy and non‐energy commodity index prices for the full sample period and oil supply shocks producing less of an impact. We also find evidence of heterogeneity after changes in US energy policy in 2006, with a stronger relationship between oil and other commodity prices. Specifically, oil‐specific demand shocks lead to responses of greater magnitude and statistical significance for non‐energy commodity indexes.
Development of multi‐lens aerial cameras in the UK for topographic mapping during the 1920s and 1930s
Authors: Petrie Gordon , Nolan Michael
Published: December 2018

This paper provides an account of the development of the multi‐lens aerial photographic cameras that were constructed in the UK for topographic mapping purposes under the auspices of the Air Survey Committee during the interwar period of the 1920s and 1930s. Three‐, five‐ and seven‐lens cameras were designed and built by the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough and by Barr & Stroud in Glasgow; these are described in some detail. The results of the mapping tests that were carried out with these cameras are also presented. Comparisons are made with the similar multi‐lens cameras that were constructed in the USA and Europe during the same period. The recent revival of multi‐lens aerial cameras with their oblique pointing lenses is also briefly discussed.
Afterword: Dark Anthropology in Papua New Guinea?
Authors: Jorgensen Dan
Published: December 2018

Ranging from colonial modernism to postcolonial disappointment, the papers in this collection explore the possibilities of Dark Anthropology and an Anthropology of the Good in Papua New Guinea. With these two prospects in mind, I consider what these papers tell us about the situations of rural people on the peripheries of large resource projects and those in ‘Last Places’ bypassed by development and the State. In all of these cases, difficult predicaments entail hardship or suffering, but are also met with responses seeking to realise varying versions of the good. This, in turn, prompts further questions about which and whose good are at issue amid a plurality of values. I conclude by suggesting that the ensemble of papers offers a retrospective on local versions of modernity as possibility contends with experience.