bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral nerve pathology in sickle cell disease mice
Authors: Sadler Katelyn E. , Lewis Tylor R. , Waltz Tyler B. , Besharse Joseph C. , Stucky Cheryl L.
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Many patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) suffer from chronic pain, which is often described as neuropathic in nature. Although vascular and inflammatory pathology undoubtedly contribute to the SCD pain experience, the nociceptive signals that ultimately drive symptoms are detected and transmitted by peripheral sensory neurons. To date, no systematic histological examination of peripheral nerves has been completed in patients or mouse models of SCD to diagnose disease-related neuropathy.

Objectives:

In this brief report, we compared peripheral nerve morphology in tissues obtained from Berkeley transgenic SCD mice and control animals.

Methods:

Sciatic nerves were visualized using light and transmission electron microscopy. Myelin basic protein expression was assessed through Western blot. Blood–nerve barrier permeability was measured using Evan's blue plasma extravasation.

Results:

Peripheral fibers from SCD mice have thinner myelin sheaths than control mice and widespread myelin instability as evidenced by myelin sheath infolding and unwrapping. Deficits are also observed in nonmyelinating Schwann cell structures; Remak bundles from SCD nerves contain fewer C fibers, some of which are not fully ensheathed by the corresponding Schwann cell. Increased blood–nerve barrier permeability and expression of myelin basic protein are noted in SCD tissue.

Conclusions:

These data are the first to characterize Berkeley SCD mice as a naturally occurring model of peripheral neuropathy. Widespread myelin instability is observed in nerves from SCD mice. This pathology may be explained by increased permeability of the blood–nerve barrier and, thus, increased access to circulating demyelinating agents at the level of primary sensory afferents.
Neurological Involvement in Patients With Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Fan Guihua , Dai Fan , Chen Shiju , Sun Yuechi , Qian Hongyan , Yang Guomei , Liu Yuan , Shi Guixiu
Published: July 2019

Background/Objective

The neurological involvement associated with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) can be life threatening. However, the specific characteristics of pSS-related neurological involvement remain obscure. This study aimed at determining the clinical characteristics of this neurological involvement in patients with pSS.

Methods

The clinical data of 205 patients with pSS who were admitted to our department between January 2015 and June 2017 were studied. Characteristics and laboratory findings of pSS patients with neurological abnormalities were compared with pSS patients without.

Results

Forty of the 205 patients with pSS exhibited neurological abnormalities (19.51%); of these, 13 patients exhibited central nervous system (CNS) involvement only, 20 patients exhibited peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement only, and 7 patients exhibited both, yielding a total of 20 (9.76%) patients with CNS involvement and 27 (13.17%) patients with PNS involvement. The titers of anti-Sjögren’s syndrome type A (SSA) antibodies were significant higher while the presence of anti-Sjögren’s syndrome type B (SSB) antibodies was significant lower in patients with vs. without neurological involvement. Similar results were found in patients with CNS involvement. No significant differences between patients with and without neurological involvement were found for the other clinical parameters examined.

Conclusions

Neurological involvement in patients with pSS is common and needs to be carefully evaluated. Patients with pSS with a high titer of anti-SSA and low presence of anti-SSB antibodies might have a relatively high risk of developing neurological involvement. Future studies should focus on identifying biomarkers that may aid in the early diagnosis of neurological involvement in patients with pSS.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Following Nasal Packing for Epistaxis
Authors: Sireci Federico , Immordino Vincenzo , Galletti Francesco , Galletti Bruno , Cimino Giovanni , Sbacchi Claudio
Published: July 2019

Anterior epistaxis is commonly treated with Merocel nasal packing insertion. A 63-year-old male patient showed a cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea and pneumocephalus immediately after insertion of a Merocel tampon used for spontaneous right anterior epistaxis. He later developed fever and headache. This clinical report is to highlight how the nasal merocel should be positioned by specialized personnel and to describe how to manage this type of complication.
Long-term Outcomes of Laparoscopy-assisted Gastrectomy for T4a Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Luyang , Zang Lu , Sun Jing , Dong Feng , Feng Bo , Lu Ai-guo , Wang Ming-liang , Zheng Min-hua , Ma Jun-jun , Hu Wei-guo
Published: June 2019

Background:

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy (LAG) has been proven to be feasible and oncologically safe for early gastric cancer. Despite the rapid increase in the number of LAG cases, there are few reports on the long-term outcomes of T4a (serosalinvasion) gastric cancer after LAG. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes in patients with stage T4a gastric cancer after laparoscopic gastrectomy.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 578 patients with gastric cancer were treated with LAG between February 2004 and December 2014. Among these patients, 224 patients were pathologically confirmed with T4a advanced gastric cancer. The clinical and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed, the survival rates were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the risk factors for overall and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated by Cox regression.

Results:

Among these 224 patients, 129 patients were above 60 years old, and the male-to-female ratio was 157:67. Furthermore, among these patients, 125 patients received laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy, whereas 99 patients received laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy. Forty (17.90%) patients experienced postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Median follow-up time was 32 months. Recurrence was observed in 99 (44.20%) patients. The cumulative 5-year overall survival (OS) and DFS rates were 47.20% and 43.60%, respectively. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 72.50% and 70.00% for stage N0, 57.00% and 53.90% for stage N1, 41.60% and 37.00% for stage N2, and 23.30% and 21.30% for stage N3, respectively. In the univariate analysis, tumor size, tumor location, N stage and metastatic lymph node ratio (MLR) were correlated with OS and DFS. The MLR was identified as an independent predictor for OS (P<0.05; hazard ratio=1.828; 95% confidence interval, 1.353-2.469) and DFS (P<0.05; hazard ratio=1.197; 95% confidence interval, 0.945-1.516).

Conclusions:

The long-term outcomes of LAG for T4a (M0) gastric cancer were acceptable, compared with previous reports. Therefore, this treatment could be considered as an alternative operative approach for T4a gastric cancer. The MLR was an independent predictor for OS and DFS.
A Novel Approach on dTMS Coil Design Based on Tractography and Neural Cable Theory
Authors: Jafari Ali Mohtadi , Abdolali Ali
Published: June 2019

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) plays a useful role in the treatment of many diseases. In previous designs, it is only desired to maximize the absolute value of the electric field in the target zone. Whereas due to the nerve cable equation (NCE), the membrane potential of a nerve cell is changed due to the rate of change in the tangential electric field . In this paper, the criterion of the design is to maximize along the nerve cell fiber and simultaneously minimize the absolute value of the electric field. The direction of the nerve fibers is obtained using Tractography. Then, the specifications of source and coils such as position and spatial angles are determined in such a way that every two coils cancel the absolute value of the electric field of each other by using reciprocity theorem. This happened whereas the is maximized. For better comparison, a 20-coil array is designed for stimulation of cingulum region of the brain. Results of this array are compared with results of the FO8-Halo coil and it is shown that with the same value for , an absolute value of the induced field in the brain for the 20-coil array is much smaller than the FO8-Halo coil. Also, designed coil array requires smaller sources. So, the array can stimulate the target zone more accurately and with higher efficiency. This new technique can solve the problem of stimulation of the large areas of the brain and stimulate the desired target zone with more accuracy.
Inhibition Controls Receptive Field Size, Sensitivity, and Response Polarity of Direction Selective Ganglion Cells Near the Threshold of Vision
Authors: Yao Xiaoyang , Field Greg D.
Published: June 2019

Information about motion is encoded by direction-selective retinal ganglion cells (DSGCs). These cells reliably transmit this information across a broad range of light levels, spanning moonlight to sunlight. Previous work indicates that adaptation to low light levels causes heterogeneous changes to the direction tuning of ON-OFF (oo)DSGCs and suggests that superior-preferring ON-OFF DSGCs (s-DSGCs) are biased toward detecting stimuli rather than precisely signaling direction. Using a large-scale multi-electrode array, we measured the absolute sensitivity of ooDSGCs and found that s-DSGCs are ten-fold more sensitive to dim flashes of light than other ooDSGCs. We measured their receptive field sizes and found that s-DSGCs also have larger receptive fields than other ooDSGCs, however, the size difference does not fully explain the sensitivity difference. Using a conditional knockout of gap junctions and pharmacological manipulations, we demonstrate that GABA-mediated inhibition contributes to the difference in absolute sensitivity and receptive field size at low light levels, while the connexin36-mediated gap junction coupling plays a minor role. We further show that GABA-mediated inhibition masks the OFF response of ooDSGCs under scotopic conditions, restricting their responses to increases in light. These results reveal that GABAergic inhibition controls and differentially modulates the responses of ooDSGCs under scotopic conditions.

Significance Statement

Light adaptation and parallel processing are two major functions of retina. Here we show that parallel processing is differentially regulated between photopic and scotopic conditions across DSGCs. This differential adaptation alters the absolute sensitivity and RF size of s-DSGCs relative to other ooDSGC types. These results point to novel mechanisms and possibly new circuit elements that shape retinal processing of motion under rod-mediated light levels.
Circadian control of intrinsic heart rate via a sinus node clock and the pacemaker channel
Authors: Wang Yanwen , Olieslagers Servé , Johnsen Anne Berit , Mastitskaya Svetlana , Ni Haibo , Zhang Yu , Black Nicholas , Anderson Cali , Cox Charlotte , Bucchi Annalisa , Wegner Sven , Bano-Otalora Beatriz , Petit Cheryl , Gill Eleanor , Logantha Sunil Jit , Ashton Nick , Hart George , Zhang Henggui , Cartwright Elizabeth , Wisloff Ulrik , Da Costa Martins Paula , DiFrancesco Dario , Dobrzynski Halina , Piggins Hugh D. , Boyett Mark R. , D’Souza Alicia
Published: June 2019

In the human, there is a circadian rhythm in the resting heart rate and it is higher during the day in preparation for physical activity. Conversely, slow heart rhythms (bradyarrhythmias) occur primarily at night. Although the lower heart rate at night is widely assumed to be neural in origin (the result of high vagal tone), the objective of the study was to test whether there is an intrinsic change in heart rate driven by a local circadian clock. In the mouse, there was a circadian rhythm in the heart rate in vivo in the conscious telemetrized animal, but there was also a circadian rhythm in the intrinsic heart rate in denervated preparations: the Langendorff-perfused heart and isolated sinus node. In the sinus node, experiments (qPCR and bioluminescence recordings in mice with a Per1 luciferase reporter) revealed functioning canonical clock genes, e.g. Bmal1 and Per1. We identified a circadian rhythm in the expression of key ion channels, notably the pacemaker channel Hcn4 (mRNA and protein) and the corresponding ionic current (funny current, measured by whole cell patch clamp in isolated sinus node cells). Block of funny current in the isolated sinus node abolished the circadian rhythm in the intrinsic heart rate. Incapacitating the local clock (by cardiac-specific knockout of Bmal1) abolished the normal circadian rhythm of Hcn4, funny current and the intrinsic heart rate. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Hcn4 is a transcriptional target of BMAL1 establishing a pathway by which the local clock can regulate heart rate. In conclusion, there is a circadian rhythm in the intrinsic heart rate as a result of a local circadian clock in the sinus node that drives rhythmic expression of Hcn4. The data reveal a novel regulator of heart rate and mechanistic insight into the occurrence of bradyarrhythmias at night.
Amplification of RNA for Microarrays
Authors: Rando Oliver
Published: July 2019

Gene expression profiling typically requires microgram quantities of mRNA, which can be difficult to obtain. In such cases, RNA must be amplified to have enough material for microarray labeling and hybridization. This protocol generates amplified antisense RNA (aRNA) from limited quantities of total RNA. It is designed around maximizing yield and product length while minimizing template-independent side reactions. Template-independent reactions compete with the desired template-dependent reaction, an undesirable situation that becomes more severe as less RNA template is used. Amplification products dominated by template-independent product result in greatly reduced sensitivity and compression of differences in microarray hybridization experiments. Most notably, the oligo(dT) primer used in reverse transcription (RT) yields a high-molecular-weight product in the in vitro transcription (IVT) reaction independent of any cDNA template. This protocol therefore limits the amount of primer used by using small cDNA synthesis volumes. In addition, high-molecular-weight, template-independent product is generated in the presence of biotinylated NTPs and the absence of any polymer when excessive amounts of T7 RNA polymerase activity are used. Template-dependent product of questionable molecular weight and limited functionality in downstream reactions can also be produced with excessive T7 RNA polymerase activity. Essentially, more yield is not always better. Here, a single round of amplification typically results in a fivefold to 20-fold mass conversion of starting material. If the first-round aRNA is used as a template for a second round of amplification, 200- to 400-fold amplification is typical.
Synthesis of cDNA Probes from mRNA Using Random Oligonucleotide Primers
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: July 2019

This protocol describes the generation of radiolabeled cDNA probes from poly(A)+ RNA in a random priming reaction. Probes of this type are used for differential screening of cDNA libraries.
High-resolution phonon energy shift measurements with the inelastic neutron spin echo technique
Authors: Li Fankang , Shen Jiazhou , Parnell Steven R. , Thaler Alex N. , Matsuda Masaaki , Keller Thomas , Delaire Olivier , Pynn Roger , Fernandez-Baca Jaime A.
Published: June 2019

The energy resolution of the conventional way of measuring a small change in a phonon dispersion curve using neutron scattering is restricted by the relatively coarse intrinsic resolution ellipsoid of the neutron triple-axis spectrometer (TAS). By implementing inelastic neutron spin echo on the host TAS using the Larmor precession of the neutron spin, the energy resolution of such measurements can be further improved without reducing the resolution ellipsoid. Measurements of the temperature-dependent phonon energy change are demonstrated using superconducting magnetic Wollaston prisms at the HB-1 instrument of the High-Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the achievable resolution is <10 µeV.
The story so far-digital preservation in institutional repositories
Authors: Adjei Emmanuel , Mensah Monica , Amoaful Eric Amponsah
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the standards, strategies, support and challenges of digital preservation in institutional repositories in academic libraries in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was qualitative. Data used for analysis were drawn from interviews with respondents selected purposively from eight Ghanaian academic libraries.

Findings

A key finding of the study was that although the academic libraries had operational directions for digital preservation activities in the institutional repositories, available standards and practices for ensuring long-term preservation seem to be unsuitable.

Research limitations/implications

Recommendations based on findings included development of comprehensive digital preservation policies to provide mandate and direction to preservation of the libraries digital collections, development of disaster plans, adequate funding, staff development and support from management.

Originality/value

The study has demonstrated the need for academic libraries in Ghana to have and develop good digital preservation standards for sustaining the institutional repositories to help in realizing its benefits.
Diffusion behaviors of liquid ammonia in the cellulose based on molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Huang Shuang , Wu Xin , Li Peixing
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In the textile industry, liquid ammonia treatment is an important way to modify the structure of natural fibers. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the diffusion behaviors of liquid ammonia in cellulose.

Design/methodology/approach

To analysis the diffusion behaviors of liquid ammonia in cellulose, the cellulose model and the system of ammonia and cellulose are built. Infrared spectrum is carried out to test the model of cellulose, which is found to agree with experiment. Diffusion coefficients, free volume and hydrogen bonds are discussed to explain diffusion behaviors.

Findings

The results demonstrate that diffusion coefficients and free volume of systems rise with increasing temperature. The diffusion coefficients of ammonia are larger than those of water, a result in agreement with free volume. To understand the mechanism of diffusion, the numbers of hydrogen bonds are tracked. It is found that without ammonia, intrachain hydrogen bonds decrease with the increase of temperature, which indicate that the structural stability of cellulose is deteriorated. And the increased interchain hydrogen bonds show that swelling properties of cellulose become better with the increase of temperature. After ammonia treatment, the numbers of intrachain hydrogen bonds remain stable, indicating that the structure stability of cellulose chain is maintained. But, there is a substantial rupture of interchain hydrogen bonds, ammonia molecule destroys the hydrogen bond network between the original cellulose molecular chains, which intensifies the activity of cellulose molecular chains and enlarges the distance between cellulose molecular chains, showing good swelling properties.

Originality/value

The research findings give a detailed information about the diffusion behaviors of liquid ammonia in cellulose, which provide the theoretical evidence for liquid ammonia treatment.
The year of establishment effect on brand heritage and attitudes
Authors: Pizzi Gabriele , Scarpi Daniele
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether and how the inclusion of the year of establishment (YOE) in the brand logotype affects consumers’ perceptions of brand heritage and attitudes toward the brand.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies are conducted, one on 12 service brands (universities) and the other on 12 product brands (beers), with 250 and 200 respondents, respectively, testing a model of moderated mediation to estimate the effect of YOE on brand attitude through brand heritage as moderated by brand familiarity.

Findings

Reporting YOE on the brand logo invokes heritage that in turn increases attitudes. Older YOEs are more effective than recent YOEs. YOE effects are stronger for less-known brands. The findings support full mediation of heritage and moderation of familiarity.

Research limitations/implications

YOE invokes heritage, especially when YOE is old and the brand, less known. Additional research should examine the YOE effect among product categories where old means “outdated,” as in the hi-tech industry.

Practical implications

Managers have been using YOE since long: the findings provide guidelines for leveraging heritage. YOE works but must be signaled in the logotype to be effective and is particularly helpful for less-known brands. Thus, YOE effect gives less-known brands an additional counterbalance to the market power of their known competitors.

Originality/value

Previous research showed that companies can exploit their past heritage in the present times. Nonetheless, previous studies highlighted the complexity and paucity of tools to induce heritage. This is the first study to address the YOE effect. Empirical evidence also answers recent calls for easily implementable ways to induce heritage.
Does teaching experience increase teacher effectiveness? A review of US research
Authors: Podolsky Anne , Kini Tara , Darling-Hammond Linda
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the key findings from a critical review of relevant US research to determine whether teachers, on average, improve in their effectiveness as they gain experience in the teaching profession.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the authors’ review of 30 studies published since 2003 that analyze the effect of teaching experience on student outcomes in the USA.

Findings

The authors find that: teaching experience is positively associated with student achievement gains throughout much of a teacher’s career; as teachers gain experience, their students are more likely to do better on measures of success beyond test scores; teachers make greater gains in their effectiveness when they teach in a supportive, collegial environment, or accumulate experience in the same grade, subject or district; and more experienced teachers confer benefits to their colleagues.

Originality/value

A renewed look at this research is warranted due to advances in methods and data systems that have allowed researchers to examine this question with greater sophistication.
Audit report lag and client industry homogeneity
Authors: Stewart Errol G. , Cairney Timothy D.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association between audit report lag (ARL), the length of time between the fiscal year end and the date the auditors’ report is signed, and client industry homogeneity, a measure of the similarity of operations of members of an industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression models are used to test the significance of industry homogeneity on the ARL, of specialists in homogenous industries on the ARL, and the completion of the audits of homogenous industry clients in the year of tightening Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing deadlines.

Findings

The evidence suggests that auditors complete audits of clients more quickly in more homogenous industries. The association between ARL and homogeneity is negative, which indicates that auditors are more efficient in audits in homogenous industries. The association between ARL and specialist audits in homogenous industries is also negative. Finally, homogenous industry audits are better able to be completed by the compressed filing dates imposed by the SEC on accelerated and large accelerated filers in 2003 and 2006.

Originality/value

This study extends recent research on industry homogeneity’s influence on the audit market. By reporting an association between the homogeneity of a company’s industry and the ARL, investors and regulators have additional information to better evaluate the timing and monitor trends in the timing of the audit report dates.
Synthesis of new diazobenzene dyes clubbed with sulphonamide moiety and their biological applications
Authors: Abu-Melha Sraa
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesise some novel diazobenzene dyestuffs clubbed with sulphonamide moiety and their application for polyester fabrics in addition to evaluating their biological activities.

Design/methodology/approach

New diazobenzene disperse dyes with improved chemical construction via sulphonamides were designed. This amendment of diazobenzene dyes was completed by introducing sulphonamide derivatives through Japp–kilingman reaction. All new synthesised dyes were elucidated by elemental analyses and spectral data (IR and 1 H-NMR). Biological activities of the synthesised diazobenzene sulphonamide derivatives were evaluated.

Findings

The synthesised diazobenzene dyestuffs clubbed with sulphonamides were applied on polyester fabrics. The synthesised dyes showed that good fastness properties and their biological evaluation exhibited good efficacy towards antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer.

Originality/value

Sulphonamide derivatives have numerous uses, such as being used in dyestuff and providing antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Sulphonamide derivatives with diazobenzene coupler components exhibited an interesting colorant for polyester and provided better biological efficacy for other non-textile applications. This work afforded new disperse dyes beside their medical applications.
Supply chain resilience for performance: role of relational practices and network complexities
Authors: Chowdhury Md Maruf Hossan , Quaddus Mohammed , Agarwal Renu
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Following a contingent resource-based view (CRBV) perspective, this paper aims to explore the operating context in which supply chain resilience (SCRE) is likely to enhance the supply chain performance (SCP) of organizations. More specifically, the authors developed the ‘Supply Chain Resilience’ model wherein we considered two important exogenous context variables (supply chain relational practices [SCRPs] and network complexities [NCs]) and studied their moderating roles on the relationship between SCRE and SCP. The authors also investigated the conditional effect of SCRE on SCP at different levels of SCRPs and NCs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. For the qualitative approach, a field study was undertaken, while the quantitative study was conducted via the use of a survey questionnaire of 274 apparel manufacturers and their suppliers in Bangladesh. The authors applied Hayes PROCESS enabled multiple regression analysis and structural equation modelling to statistically test the proposed research models.

Findings

The research findings revealed that SCRP and NC individually moderated the link between SCRE and SCP. The link between SCRE and SCP was strengthened via the interaction effect of SCRP and NC, even if the NC value was high.

Practical implications

The findings will assist supply chain managers in managing supply chain performance during uncertainties by strengthening resilience capability at different levels of NCs and SCRPs.

Originality/value

Drawing on CRBV, the authors studied how the conditional effects of exogenous variables (SCRP and NC) moderated the relationship between SCRE and SCP in both two- and three-way interactions, which is a novel approach in the SCRE literature and also extends the theoretical perspective of CRBV.
Warming can destabilize predator–prey interactions by shifting the functional response from Type III to Type II
Authors: Daugaard Uriah , Petchey Owen L. , Pennekamp Frank
Published: July 2019

The potential for climate change and temperature shifts to affect community stability remains relatively unknown. One mechanism by which temperature may affect stability is by altering trophic interactions. The functional response quantifies the per capita resource consumption by the consumer as a function of resource abundance and is a suitable framework for the description of nonlinear trophic interactions.

We studied the effect of temperature on a ciliate predator–prey pair (Spathidiumsp. andDexiostoma campylum) by estimating warming effects on the functional response and on the associated conversion efficiency of the predator.

We recorded prey and predator dynamics over 24 hr and at three temperature levels (15, 20 and 25°C). To these data, we fitted a population dynamic model including the predator functional response, such that the functional response parameters (space clearance rate, handling time and density dependence of space clearance rate) were estimated for each temperature separately. To evaluate the ecological significance of temperature effects on the functional response parameters, we simulated predator–prey population dynamics. We considered the predator–prey system to be destabilized, if the prey was driven extinct by the predator.

Effects of increased temperature included a transition of the functional response from a Type III to a Type II and an increase of the conversion efficiency of the predator. The simulated population dynamics showed a destabilization of the system with warming, with greater risk of prey extinction at higher temperatures likely caused by the transition from a Type III to a Type II functional response.

Warming‐induced shifts from a Type III to II are not commonly considered in modelling studies that investigate how population dynamics respond to warming. Future studies should investigate the mechanism and generality of the effect we observed and simulate temperature effects in complex food webs including shifts in the type of the functional response as well as consider the possibility of a temperature‐dependent conversion efficiency.
Gender differences in aphasia outcomes: evidence from the AphasiaBank
Authors: Sharma Saryu , Briley Patrick M. , Wright Heather Harris , Perry Jamie L. , Fang Xiangming , Ellis Charles
Published: July 2019

Background

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Aphasia is a language impairment which results as a consequence of stroke. Gender differences are reported in underlying mechanisms of stroke, however, gender differences in aphasia type and severity remain unclear.

Aims

To examine gender differences in aphasia impairment based on data from AphasiaBank, a research repository of data obtained from studies of aphasia.

Methods & Procedures

The data were collected from AphasiaBank for 294 persons with aphasia (PWA) (172 men, 122 women). Baseline comparisons by gender groups were completed using independent samples t‐tests and Pearson Chi square statistics. Univariate comparisons of the total Western Aphasia Battery—Revised (WAB‐R) ‐AQ and ‐R subtests’ scores were compared between the two groups using independent samples t‐tests. Multivariate comparisons were completed by using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA).

Outcomes & Results

Gender differences were observed in the severity of aphasia with men exhibiting more severe aphasia than women. Analyses of WAB‐R indicated greater impairment among men based on AQ and greater impairment was observed in individual subtest performance. Men exhibited statistically significantly lower WAB‐R AQs than women (67.4 versus 75.6). Lower WAB‐R AQs were derived from lower scores among men on individual subtests; information content, fluency, repetition, sentence completion, responsive speech and tests of comprehension (yes/no, auditory word recognition and sequential commands).

Conclusions & Implications

This study offers evidence of gender differences in aphasia severity, global communication impairment and lower scores on individual subtests used to derive the WAB‐R AQ. The limitations of the study with suggestions for future directions are presented.
Comparative analysis of 2‐week glycaemic profile of healthy versus mild gestational diabetic pregnant women using flash glucose monitoring system: an observational study
Authors: Nigam A , Sharma S , Varun N , Munjal YP , Prakash A
Published: July 2019

Objective

To compare glycaemic profiles in women with mild gestational diabetes (GDM) and those with a healthy pregnancy.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Hospital‐based.

Population

Healthy nonpregnant, healthy pregnant, and women with GDM, diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test.

Methods

Nine nonpregnant women, 33 healthy pregnant women, 29 pregnant women with GDM between 24 and 36 weeks’ gestation, received ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) monitoring for a 2‐week period. AGP values were compared in the three groups: 100 days (9600 data points) for nonpregnant women, 396 days (33 792 data points) for healthy pregnant women, and 348 days (34 408 data points) for women with GDM.

Results

Mean glucose values for fasting and postmeals were highest in nonpregnant healthy women and lowest in healthy pregnant women (P < 0.001). Women with mild GDM had significantly higher blood glucose values than did healthy pregnant women, though still within the target range. Blood glucose values >160 mg/dl were observed in 41.4% (12/29) in the GDM group compared with 18.2% in women with a healthy pregnancy. The maximum peak of day and night time glucose was respectively 234 and 215 mg/dl in women with GDM compared with 183 and 171 mg/dL in the control group. Glycaemic variability as measured by interquartile range was higher in GDM pregnancies.

Conclusions

Although the blood glucose level remained within the target levels in women with mild GDM, glycaemic variability and mean blood glucose levels were significantly higher among women with GDM than among women with a healthy pregnancy.

Tweetable abstract

Average blood glucose levels and glycaemic variability are significantly higher in women with GDM than in women with a healthy pregnancy.
Morphological and functional comparison of lingual papillae in suckling and adult feral cats: Forensic evidence
Authors: Haddad Seham , Noreldin Ahmed E. , Kamal Basma , Abdeen Ahmed , Farouk Sameh M. , Abbott Louise C. , Abdo Mohamed
Published: July 2019

Feral cats are considered as strays and are more likely to hunt in the street. We investigated the effect of environmental adaptations on the structures of lingual papillae in feral cats, which could be used as forensic evidence for their identification. There are no reported studies about the structural comparison of lingual papillae between suckling and adult feral cats. The present study described the lingual papillae of both suckling and adult cats macroscopically and microscopically via light and scanning electron microscopy. A total of nine tongue samples each for suckling and adult feral cats were examined grossly and histologically. Papillae distributions of suckling cats were similar to those observed in adult cats. Meanwhile, the shapes of those papillae were markedly different from that of corresponding papillae in adults. The change in taste bud position and size seemed to be related to the progressive growth of the papillae between adult and suckling cats; absence of taste buds in foliate papillae of feral cats at any stage; and marginal papillae which were a characteristic feature for all suckling cats. All previous elements could be affected by the specific feeding behaviour and mastication mode adaptation in suckling and adult feral cats which might help to identify suckling and adult feral cats among other breeds and animal species. We anticipate these findings may provide promising forensic evidence to discriminate between adult and suckling feral cat remains as well as prediction of environmental harshness and feeding behaviour.
Better way to measure ageing in Oceania that takes life expectancy into account
Authors: Gietel‐Basten Stuart , Scherbov Sergei
Published: June 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to improve the measurement of ageing in Oceania taking into account characteristics of populations and, in particular, changes in life expectancy.

Method

Using past and projected life tables, we calculated prospective old age dependency ratios (POADRs) to 2060, placing the boundary to old age at a moving point with a fixed remaining life expectancy (RLE) for thirteen territories of Oceania.

Results

In some territories, POADRs grow less rapidly than old age dependency ratios (OADRs). For example, in Australia and Guam, the OADR is forecast to increase from 0.20 and 0.07 in 1980, respectively, to 0.45 and 0.39 in 2050‐55, while the POADR is forecast to increase from 0.17 and 0.07 to 0.19 and 0.19, respectively, over the same period.

Conclusion

Policymakers may consider this more rational approach to measurement when considering holistic policy responses to both current issues relating to ageing and mitigating against future challenges.
The Bureaucratic Capture of Child Migrants: Effects of In/visibility on Children On the Move
Authors: Humphris Rachel , Sigona Nando
Published: June 2019

This article investigates the “bureaucratic capture” of migrant children through three technologies of the state: labelling, data production and social services, illuminating the ways visibility and invisibility are constructed and managed in the context of restrictionist immigration regimes. Using the case of unaccompanied asylum‐seeking children, Roma children and undocumented children, we examine how in/visibility is produced; for what purposes, and with what consequences. We demonstrate through the simultaneous broadcasting and disappearance of migrant children, bordering is reconstituted through various performances, rationalities and technologies of immigration governance. The article argues the notion of “best interests” is drawn on when the state can define these interests in accordance with their political aims and resources. The set of cases taken together provide novel insights into how states reconcile conflicting logics and reveals how the implementation of the child rights regime prevents some children from actualising their rights.
Fostering deeper learning in a flipped classroom: Effects of knowledge graphs versus concept maps
Authors: Cui Jingjing , Yu Shengquan
Published: July 2019

Flipped classroom is an approach that has been increasingly used in K‐12 and higher education. Many studies on the flipped classroom have focused on student behaviors, with inadequate attention to student thinking, which is crucial to learning. Meanwhile, prior studies have examined the effects of visualization tools, such as concept map, on improving student learning through in‐depth thinking. Another related approach is knowledge graph, which presents a set of entities and their relationships in a graph as well as in a machine language for further processing and reasoning. It has a potential to support collaborative knowledge construction by automatic combination of individual knowledge graphs. To compare the effects of knowledge graph and concept map on student learning in a flipped classroom, we conducted an experimental study in fifth grade class at an elementary school. Students in the experimental group used a knowledge graph tool in the Learning Cell System, while those in the control group used a concept map tool, XMind, to support their learning of ancient Chinese poetry. The results showed that learning with knowledge graph resulted in better performance in the breadth and depth of subject knowledge as reflected in the students’ learning products (ie, concept maps or knowledge graphs).

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

The flipped classroom can improve student learning by enabling active participation and interactions.

The concept map is an effective learning tool that can foster meaningful understanding and higher order thinking in both traditional and flipped classrooms.

The knowledge graph is a related tool that presents a set of entities and their semantic relationships in a graph as well as in a machine language to support further processing.

The knowledge graph can support collaborative knowledge construction by automatic combination of individual knowledge graphs.

What this paper adds

We conducted an experimental study to compare the effects of knowledge graph and concept map on student learning in a flipped classroom.

Compared with concept map, learning with knowledge graph resulted in better performance in the breadth and depth of subject knowledge as reflected in the students’ learning products (ie, concept maps or knowledge graphs).

Implications for practice and/or policy

Learning with knowledge graph fosters more cognitive engagement in exploring the relationships between concepts represented in both individual and converged knowledge graphs.

The converged knowledge graph offers the teacher a big picture of the entire class in student understanding.

Relevant training should be provided to students and teachers for effective use and learning with the knowledge graph tool.
Multimodal communication and language origins: integrating gestures and vocalizations
Authors: Fröhlich Marlen , Sievers Christine , Townsend Simon W. , Gruber Thibaud , van Schaik Carel P.
Published: June 2019

The presence of divergent and independent research traditions in the gestural and vocal domains of primate communication has resulted in major discrepancies in the definition and operationalization of cognitive concepts. However, in recent years, accumulating evidence from behavioural and neurobiological research has shown that both human and non‐human primate communication is inherently multimodal. It is therefore timely to integrate the study of gestural and vocal communication. Herein, we review evidence demonstrating that there is no clear difference between primate gestures and vocalizations in the extent to which they show evidence for the presence of key language properties: intentionality, reference, iconicity and turn‐taking. We also find high overlap in the neurobiological mechanisms producing primate gestures and vocalizations, as well as in ontogenetic flexibility. These findings confirm that human language had multimodal origins. Nonetheless, we note that in great apes, gestures seem to fulfil a carrying (i.e. predominantly informative) role in close‐range communication, whereas the opposite holds for face‐to‐face interactions of humans. This suggests an evolutionary shift in the carrying role from the gestural to the vocal stream, and we explore this transition in the carrying modality. Finally, we suggest that future studies should focus on the links between complex communication, sociality and cooperative tendency to strengthen the study of language origins.
Fuleco™ revisited: Football, conservation and lessons learned from the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Authors: Bernard Enrico , Melo Felipe P. L.
Published: June 2019

In 2014, Brazil hosted the FIFA World Cup (FWC), whose mascot was the Brazilian Three‐banded armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus). In an article published in Biotropica in June 2014, we provocatively called out the Brazilian government for failing to live up to the environmental commitments made in its World Cup bid, and proposed that they should preserve 1,000 ha of the armadillo's habitat for every goal scored. At the time the paper received media coverage worldwide; here, we reflect on the experience of writing one of Biotropica's most high‐profile commentaries and the conservation outcomes of our essay. We end by providing guidance for other authors on how to harness high‐profile events for conservation action.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
In vivo accuracy of tooth surface reconstruction based on CBCT and dental MRI—A clinical pilot study
Authors: Hilgenfeld Tim , Juerchott Alexander , Deisenhofer Ulrich Karl , Weber Dorothea , Rues Stefan , Rammelsberg Peter , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Schwindling Franz Sebastian
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Guided implant surgery (GIS) requires alignment of virtual models to reconstructions of three‐dimensional imaging. Accurate visualization of the tooth surfaces in the imaging datasets is mandatory. In this prospective clinical study, in vivo tooth surface accuracy was determined for GIS using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and dental magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI).

Materials and methods

CBCT and 3‐Tesla dMRI were performed in 22 consecutive patients (mean age: 54.4 ± 15.2 years; mean number of restorations per jaw: 6.7 ± 2.7). Altogether, 92 teeth were included (31 incisor, 29 canines, 20 premolars, and 12 molars). Surfaces were reconstructed semi‐automatically and registered to a reference standard (3D scans of stone models made from full‐arch polyether impressions). Reliability of both methods was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Accuracy was evaluated using the two one‐sided tests procedure with a predefined equivalence margin of ±0.2 mm root mean square (RMS).

Results

Inter‐ and intrarater reliability of tooth surface reconstruction were comparable for CBCT and dMRI. Geometric deviations were 0.102 ± 0.042 mm RMS for CBCT and 0.261 ± 0.08 mm RMS for dMRI. For a predefined equivalence margin, CBCT and dMRI were statistically equivalent. CBCT, however, was significantly more accurate (p ≤ .0001). For both imaging techniques, accuracy did not differ substantially between different tooth types.

Conclusion

Cone‐beam computed tomography is an accurate and reliable imaging technique for tooth surfaces in vivo, even in the presence of metal artifacts. In comparison, dMRI in vivo accuracy is lower. Still, it allows for tooth surface reconstruction in satisfactory detail and within acceptable acquisition times.
Malignant melanoma with metaplastic cartilaginous transdifferentiation: A case report
Authors: Berro Juliett , Abdul Halim Nour , Khaled Chirine , Assi Hazem I.
Published: July 2019

Malignant melanoma is notorious for its remarkable morphological variation and aberrant histopathological patterns. However, melanoma with prominent cartilaginous transdifferentiation simulating chondrosarcoma is extremely rare. A 75‐year‐old male developed a swelling in his left inguinal region and was diagnosed with a metastatic melanoma, which was found to harbor a BRAF V600E mutation. Later on, the left inguinal lymph node was excised and immunohistochemistry done on the specimen revealed an undifferentiated component negative for S‐100 protein, HMB‐45 and Melan‐A and a cartilaginous component positive for S‐100 protein and diffusely positive for BRAF V600E mutation. To our knowledge, there are around 14 cases reported in the literature of malignant melanoma with pure cartilaginous transdifferentiation. In all cases, immunohistochemistry of the cartilaginous component was positive for S‐100, which is not an indicator of melanoma because cartilage expresses S‐100. BRAF mutational studies support that the tumor arose from a common melanoma cell that harbored the mutation and subsequently transdifferentiated. This case illustrates the importance of an accurate and thorough clinical assessment when it comes to the diagnosis of melanomas as they are notable for their impressive degree of morphologic variability. Moreover, this report helps shed light on the use of immunohistochemical analysis to reach a definitive diagnosis.
Lipofibromatosis: Clues to the cytological diagnosis of a rare tumour
Authors: Agarwal Harshita , Singh Lavleen , Mahajan Nidhi , Gupta Chhabi R.
Published: June 2019

LF is a rare benign fibrous tumor of infancy and childhood characterized by slow growth, infiltrative margins and local recurrence post incomplete excision. FNAC may be diagnostic if the skeletal muscle fragments are seen admixed with the fibroblastic and adipocytic components in a proper clinical context.