bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The deposit of KHB‐1, Ra’s al Khabbah (Ja’lān region, Sultanate of Oman): Stratigraphy, features and structures
Authors: Cavulli Fabio , Scaruffi Simona
Published: January 2020

The excavation of KHB‐1 archaeological site was part of the Joint Hadd Project [Joint Hadd Project is a project operating in the Ja’lān region since 1985, born under the collaboration between ISIAO (Istituto Italiano per l’Africa e l’Oriente, Rome), CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris) and the University of Bologna] carried out in the Ja’lān region, along the coast of the Sultanate of Oman. Different phases of occupation with significant structural evidences were identified within the deposit: an early short‐term occupation in the 7th millennium, followed by a longer, extended period of occupation during the 4th millennium by a community of hunter‐gatherers, with some evidence of animal husbandry. The material culture recovered from KHB‐1, which includes architectural remains, provides new insights on the cultures of this region, highlighting a need for further excavations and analysis.

This paper will illustrate the stratigraphic sequence and the main features recovered at KHB‐1, followed by a discussion on the two main periods of occupation which will help shed a light on the site function and more broadly provide key insights on mobility, economy, and material culture of Ja’lān in the beginning of 7th and along the 4th millennium B.C.
Estimated changes in hospital admissions for alcohol intoxication after partial bans on off‐premises sales of alcoholic beverages in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland: an interrupted time–series analysis
Authors: Wicki Matthias , Bertholet Nicolas , Gmel Gerhard
Published: January 2020

Aims

To estimate age‐specific changes in hospital admissions for alcohol intoxication following two consecutive restrictions on off‐premises alcohol sales introduced in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland.

Design

Primary analyses used interrupted autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) time–series analyses (repeated cross‐sectional), with Lausanne and Vaud as experimental sites and the rest of Switzerland as the control. Secondary analyses used, for example, a different control site (other French‐speaking cantons only) or a different statistical model.

Setting

Switzerland between 2010 and 2016.

Participants

In‐patients (i.e. patients assigned a bed overnight) hospitalized between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. (n = 1 261 564), as documented in the Swiss Hospital Statistics.

Interventions

Ban 1, only effective in the canton's capital, Lausanne, prohibited off‐premises sales of all alcoholic beverages after 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays from September 2013 to June 2015. In July 2015, Ban 2 replaced this, covered the whole canton and affected off‐premises sales of beer and spirits (but not wine) after 9 p.m. (8 p.m. in Lausanne) every night of the week.

Measurements

Proportions of monthly hospital admissions for alcohol intoxication (ICD‐10 diagnoses F10.0/F10.1, T51.0) per 1000 monthly overall admissions.

Findings

Proportions of overall hospitalizations for alcohol intoxication declined after both bans in Lausanne [ωBan1 = −0.017, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.025, –0.008; ωBan2 = −0.021, 95% CI = −0.030, –0.013] but only after Ban 2 in the remainder of the canton of Vaud (ωBan2 = −0.008, 95% CI = −0.014, –0.002). Estimated changes in % were largest among 16–19‐year‐olds. However, as admission rates for alcohol intoxication were more frequent in adulthood than adolescence, the estimated change in number of cases was also relevant to public health among 20–69‐year‐olds. Secondary analyses supported the findings of the primary analyses.

Conclusion

Even partial restrictions of off‐premises sales of alcohol in Switzerland (only 2 days per week or only for beer and spirits) appeared to reduce hospital admissions for alcohol intoxication across a wide age range (ages 16–69 years).
Effects of statin therapy and exercise on postprandial triglycerides in overweight individuals with hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Mora‐Rodriguez Ricardo , Ortega Juan Fernando , Morales‐Palomo Felix , Ramirez‐Jimenez Miguel , Moreno‐Cabañas Alfonso
Published: January 2020

Aims

To determine the effects of statins on postprandial lipaemia (PPL) and to study if exercise could enhance statin actions.

Methods

Ten hypercholesteraemic (blood cholesterol 204 ± 36 mg dL−1; low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol 129 ± 32 36 mg dL−1) overweight (body mass index 30 ± 4 kg m−2), metabolic syndrome individuals chronically medicated with statins (>6 months) underwent 5‐hour PPL tests in 4 occasions in a randomized order: (i) substituting their habitual statin medication by placebo for 96 hours (PLAC trial); (ii) taking their habitual statin medicine (STA trial); (iii) placebo combined with a bout of intense aerobic exercise (EXER+PLAC trial); and (iv) combining exercise and statin medicine (EXER+STA trial).

Results

Before the fat meal, statin withdrawal (i.e. PLAC and EXER+PLAC) increased blood triglycerides (TG; 24%), low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol (31%) and total cholesterol (19%; all P < .05) evidencing treatment compliance. After the meal, statin withdrawal increased 5‐hour postprandial TG (PPTG) compared to its matched trials (94% higher PLAC vs STA and 45% higher EXER+PLAC vs EXER+STA; P < .05). EXER+PLAC trial did not lower PPTG below PLAC (i.e. incremental AUC of 609 ± 152 vs 826 ± 190 mg dL−1 5 h; P = .09). Adding exercise to statin did not result in larger reductions in PPTG (i.e. EXER+STA vs STA incremental area under the curve of 421 ± 87 vs 421 ± 84 mg dL−1 5 h; P = .99).

Conclusion

In hypercholesteraemic metabolic syndrome individuals, chronic statin therapy blunts the elevations in TG after a fat meal (i.e. incremental area under the curve of PPTG) reducing the cardiovascular risk associated to their atherogenic dyslipidaemia. However, a single bout of intense aerobic exercise before the high fat meal, does not reduce PPTG but also does not interfere with the effects of statin treatment.
High infiltration of mast cells is associated with improved response to adjuvant chemotherapy in gallbladder cancer
Authors: Bo Xiaobo , Wang Jie , Wang Changcheng , Nan Lingxi , Gao Zhihui , Xin Yanlei , Li Min , Shen Sheng , Liu Han , Ni Xiaoling , Suo Tao , Zhang Dexiang , Lu Pinxiang , Wang Yueqi , Liu Houbao
Published: January 2020

Recent studies have reported that tumor‐infiltrating mast cells (TIM) play an important role in tumor regression, but the effect of TIM in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains unclear. The present study aims to investigate the prognostic value of TIM in GBC patients and its responsiveness to gemcitabine‐based adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT). A total of 298 GBC patients from Zhongshan Hospital were recruited for this study. TIM infiltration was measured by immunohistochemical staining. Accumulation of TIM is significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in GBC patients. The benefit from gemcitabine‐based ACT was superior among patients with high infiltration of TIM with GBC. Multivariate analysis identified TIM infiltration as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. A heatmap showed that TIM‐activated gene signatures were positively correlated with CD8+ T cells' gene signatures. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) suggested that TIM was related to multiple T cell‐related processes and signaling pathways, including the interferon gamma signaling pathway and the leukocyte migration signaling pathway. It was confirmed that CD8+ T cell infiltration was positively correlated with high TIM infiltration in tissue microarray (TMA), suggesting that TIM infiltration was linked to the immune surveillance in GBC. TIM can be used as an independent prognostic factor and a predictor of therapeutic response of gemcitabine‐based ACT in GBC patients, which may mediate immune surveillance by recruiting and activating CD8+ T cells in GBC.
Occupational sitting time and subsequent risk of cancer: The Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study
Authors: Ihira Hikaru , Sawada Norie , Yamaji Taiki , Goto Atsushi , Shimazu Taichi , Kikuchi Hiroyuki , Inoue Shigeru , Inoue Manami , Iwasaki Motoki , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   for the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective (JPHC) Study Group
Published: January 2020

Although occupational sitting time has been associated with adverse health outcomes and mortality, the association with cancer incidence remains unknown. This study investigated the association between occupational sitting time and risk of total and site‐specific cancer in a Japanese population. We evaluated 33 307 participants aged 50‐79 years who responded to a questionnaire in 2000‐2003 in the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study and were followed until 2013. Participants were grouped by sitting time at work. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of cancer incidence were calculated with adjustment for potential confounders including moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity. During 10.2 years of follow‐up, 3807 newly diagnosed cases of cancer were identified. Occupational sitting time was marginally associated with total cancer, with multivariable HRs for the ≥7 h/d vs 1 to <3 h/d category of 1.12 (95% CI, 0.99‐1.26; P for trend = .071) in men, but not women. Among findings for cancers at specific sites, long occupational sitting time was associated with increased risk of pancreas cancer, with multivariable HRs for the ≥7 h/d vs 1 to <3 h/d category of 2.25 (95% CI, 1.17‐4.34; P for trend = .021) in men, and lung cancer, with multivariable HRs for the ≥7 h/d vs 1 to <3 h/d category of 2.80 (95% CI, 1.33‐5.90; P for trend = .013) in women. Extended sitting time at work was associated with an increased risk of pancreas cancer in men and lung cancer in women.
Parentally reported barriers to seeking help and advice for child sleep from healthcare professionals
Authors: Cook Georgia , Appleton Jane V. , Wiggs Luci
Published: January 2020

Background

Healthcare professionals (HCPs), largely doctors, paediatricians, health visitors, midwives, and practice nurses, are in a good position to provide information, help, advice, or guidance to parents for child sleep. However, evidence suggests that there is a gap between the number of parents who desire assistance from HCPs and those that make use of these sources, yet very little is known about the reason for this apparent disparity. The aim of this study was to understand the barriers reported by parents to consulting HCPs about child sleep.

Methods

In this study, 266 U.K.‐based parents of children aged 6–36 months old completed an online questionnaire (between October 2015 and October 2016) about their help‐seeking behaviours in relation to child sleep. This included reporting perceived barriers to consulting HCPs for child sleep information and advice about problems.

Results

Thematic analysis highlighted five themes, which parents reported acted as barriers to them consulting HCPs. Specifically, parents perceived HCPs to have a lack of knowledge or training around the topic of child sleep and that advice would be limited in terms of breadth of information or management options that would be offered. Parents were also concerned about wasting their own or HCPs' time, perceived there was a lack of continuity in the information they received, and held concerns about possible negative consequences for their family if they shared details about any child sleep difficulties.

Conclusions

Possible practical approaches to address the barriers reported by parents are highlighted. This includes improving training around the topic of child sleep for HCPs and adapting the content or manner in which the topic of child sleep and any associated issues are addressed with parents.
Neuronal branching of sensory neurons is associated with BDNF‐positive eosinophils in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Guseva Daria , Rüdrich Urda , Kotnik Nika , Gehring Manuela , Patsinakidis Nikolaos , Agelopoulos Konstantin , Ständer Sonja , Homey Bernhard , Kapp Alexander , Gibbs Bernhard F. , Ponimaskin Evgeni , Raap Ulrike
Published: January 2020

Background

Pruritus is a major symptom of atopic dermatitis (AD) and is transmitted by a subpopulation of non‐myelinated C‐type free nerve endings in the epidermis and upper dermis. Stimulation of these nerve terminals is affected by histamine, neurotrophins and physical factors. Eosinophils of patients with AD are a source of neurotrophins, including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), levels of which correlate with disease severity.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical localization of eosinophils in the skin of patients with AD with regard to peripheral nerves and to investigate whether eosinophils induce sprouting and neurite outgrowth in murine sensory neurons.

Methods

Cryosections of skin derived from AD and control (NA) patients were subjected to immunofluorescence analysis with markers for eosinophils, BDNF and neuronal cells. Stimulated eosinophil supernatants were used for the treatment of cultured peripheral mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons followed by morphometric analysis.

Results

Dermal axon density and the proximity of eosinophils to nerve fibres were significantly higher in AD patients vs NA. Both neuronal projections and eosinophils expressed BDNF. Furthermore, activated eosinophil supernatants induced BDNF‐dependent mouse DRG neuron branching.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Our results indicate that BDNF‐positive eosinophils are also localized in close proximity with nerve fibres in AD, suggesting a functional relationship between BDNF‐expressing eosinophils and neuronal projections. These observations suggest that eosinophils may have considerable impact on pruritus by supporting sensory nerve branching.
Measuring Displacement: Assessing Proxies for Involuntary Residential Mobility
Authors: Carlson H. Jacob
Published: January 2020

Research has repeatedly found that displacement is not more likely in gentrifying neighborhoods. Since the dependent variable—displacement—is difficult to measure, researchers resort to a variety of proxy measures for it. I classify three types of proxies: a population approach that measures compositional changes in neighborhoods over time, an individual approach that measures individual housing mobility, and a motivational approach that traces both individual mobility as well as the reasons why a household moved to determine whether that move was involuntary. I examine the prevalence of these approaches across a sample of the literature. I then test the commensurability of the proxy measures with data from New York City by comparing the rank orderings of neighborhoods with the most and least displacement. I find widely different results across the approaches. I explain these results by examining the underlying mechanisms of displacement that are masked by the other approaches.
Ultrasonographic characterization of lingual structures pertinent to oral, periodontal, and implant surgery
Authors: Barootchi Shayan , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Namazi Sharon S. , Wang Hom‐Lay , Kripfgans Oliver D.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Increased applications of ridge augmentation in the lingual posterior mandible call for an urgent need to study its anatomy. Therefore, our first aim was to validate ultrasound in measuring the mandibular lingual structures in human cadavers. Secondarily, to test its feasibility in imaging the lingual nerve in live humans.

Materials and methods

Nine fresh un‐embalmed fully/partially edentulous cadaver heads were utilized for aim 1. Three areas in the lingual mandible were imaged (mandibular premolar, molar, and retromolar). Immediately after, biopsies were harvested from each site. The thickness of the mucosa, mylohyoid muscle, and lingual nerve diameter was measured via ultrasound and statistically compared to histology. Similarly, the lingual nerve in live humans was also imaged.

Results

None of the differences between the ultrasound and histology measurements reached statistical significance (p > .05). The mean mucosal thickness via ultrasound and histology was 1.45 ± 0.49 and 1.39 ± 0.50 mm, 5 mm lingual to the mylohyoid muscle attachment. At 10 mm beyond the attachment, the ultrasound and histologic values were 1.54 ± 0.48 and 1.37 ± 0.49, respectively. The mean muscle thickness measured via ultrasound and histology was 2.31 ± 0.56 and 2.25 ± 0.47 mm, at the 5 mm distance. At the 10 mm distance, the measurements were 2.46 ± 0.56 and 2.36 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. The mean ultrasonic lingual nerve diameter was 2.38 ± 0.44 mm, versus 2.43 ± 0.42 mm, with histology. The lingual nerve diameter on 19 live humans averaged to 2.01 ± 0.35 mm (1.4–3.1 mm).

Conclusions

Within its limitations, ultrasound accurately measured mandibular lingual soft tissue structures on cadavers, and the lingual nerve on live humans.
Change without Transformation: Social Policy Reforms in the Philippines under Duterte
Authors: Ramos Charmaine G.
Published: January 2020

This article explores social policy reforms championed by the Philippines’ strongman president Rodrigo Duterte during his first three years in office (2016–19), as a case for examining the transformative potential of social policy expansion under rising new right‐wing and authoritarian leaders. By showing how political economy and historico‐institutional conditions foreclose the transformative possibilities of the social policy changes effected by Duterte, the author offers a critique of current tendencies in global development discourses to treat all forms of social policy expansion as progressive. In the Philippines case, there is no progressive ideology guiding the reforms, nor are there political movements overseeing the expansion of social rights now inscribed in law. Rather, the reforms institutionally entrench a minimalist approach to universalism and strengthen the foothold of poverty targeting as an organizing principle of social provisioning. Social policy expansion under Duterte manifests aspects of the ‘dark side’ of social policy reforms during the current global political moment, including the use of such policy reforms to legitimize a conservative and authoritarian political order, and the functionality, across the political spectrum, of ‘narrow universalism’ — the type championed by international development agencies — which serves to deepen segmentation in social provisioning.
Neoliberalism, Authoritarian Politics and Social Policy in China
Authors: Duckett Jane
Published: January 2020

This article explores the relationships among neoliberalism, social policy expansion and authoritarian politics in contemporary China. It argues that in the era of neoliberalism, rising new right and authoritarian governments, the Chinese Communist Party has sought to retain power by shifting politically to the right and promoting neoliberal‐looking economic policies. These policies have raised average living standards but also increased insecurity for most of the Chinese population, while new social policies have facilitated marketization. Social policy expansion includes minimal cash transfers as well as social old‐age and health insurance for hitherto excluded sections of the population. These policies have begun to erode long‐standing urban–rural segregation, but they have added new, underfunded, social programmes rather than widening participation in existing ones, re‐segregating provision so that urban elites and formal sector workers enjoy much more generous provisions than many people working informally and those without work. These social policies’ most significant dark sides thus include compounded income inequalities and the segmentation and stigmatization of the poorest. Authoritarian controls have enabled the Communist Party to avoid redistributive policies that would undermine its urban support, so that politics in China differ from the right‐wing populism of new, anti‐establishment authoritarian regimes.
Industrial Policy in the 21st Century
Authors: Chang Ha‐Joon , Andreoni Antonio
Published: January 2020

Industrial policy is back at the centre stage of policy debate, while the world is undergoing dramatic transformations. This article contributes to the debate by developing a new theory of industrial policy, incorporating some issues that have been neglected so far and taking into account the recent changes in economic reality. The authors explore how the incorporation of some of the neglected issues — commitments under uncertainty, learning in production, macroeconomic management (especially demand management), and conflict management — changes the theory. They then examine how the theory of industrial policy should be modified in light of recent changes in economic reality: the rise of the global value chain, financialization and new imperialism. This contribution aims at promoting a pragmatic approach to industrial policy and pointing to new areas for policy intervention in a changing world.
Neurodevelopmental assessments of rare genetic conditions
Authors: Gada Srinivas
Published: January 2020

This commentary is on the case series by Lane et al. on pages 993–998 of this issue.
Rivaroxaban versus apixaban in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation patients with end‐stage renal disease or receiving dialysis
Authors: Miao Benjamin , Sood Nitesh , Bunz Thomas J. , Coleman Craig I.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban vs apixaban in non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and/or receiving dialysis in routine practice.

Methods

Using US MarketScan claims data from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2017, we identified new‐users of rivaroxaban or apixaban during 2015 with at least 12 months of insurance coverage prior to oral anticoagulant (OAC) initiation. Differences in baseline covariates between cohorts were adjusted using inverse probability‐of‐treatment weighting based on propensity scores. Patients were followed for stroke or systemic embolism (SSE) or major bleeding hospitalizations. Cox proportion hazards regression was used to compare rivaroxaban and apixaban. Analyses stratified by age, sex, CHA2DS2‐VASc score, prior stroke, prior bleed, diabetes, and reduced OAC dose were performed.

Results

We identified 787 rivaroxaban and 1836 apixaban users. Median (25, 75% range) age = 70 (61, 79), CHA2DS2‐VASc score = 3 (2, 4), and follow‐up = 0.87 (0.38, 1.56) years. No differences in the risks of SSE (HR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.53‐2.63), ischemic stroke (HR = 1.12, 95%CI = 0.45‐2.76), or major bleeding (HR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.63‐1.58) were observed. No significant interactions were observed upon subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

In NVAF patients with ESRD and/or receiving dialysis, rivaroxaban and apixaban were associated with similar risks of SSE and major bleeding.
Differential genetic risk for methamphetamine intake confers differential sensitivity to the temperature‐altering effects of other addictive drugs
Authors: Mootz John R. K. , Miner Nicholas B. , Phillips Tamara J.
Published: January 2020

Mice selectively bred for high methamphetamine (MA) drinking (MAHDR), compared with mice bred for low MA drinking (MALDR), exhibit greater sensitivity to MA reward and insensitivity to aversive and hypothermic effects of MA. Previous work identified the trace amine‐associated receptor 1 gene (Taar1) as a quantitative trait gene for MA intake that also impacts thermal response to MA. All MAHDR mice are homozygous for the mutant Taar1
m1J allele, whereas all MALDR mice possess at least one copy of the reference Taar1
+ allele. To determine if their differential sensitivity to MA‐induced hypothermia extends to drugs of similar and different classes, we examined sensitivity to the hypothermic effect of the stimulant cocaine, the amphetamine‐like substance 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and the opioid morphine in these lines. The lines did not differ in thermal response to cocaine, only MALDR mice exhibited a hypothermic response to MDMA, and MAHDR mice were more sensitive to the hypothermic effect of morphine than MALDR mice. We speculated that the μ‐opioid receptor gene (Oprm1) impacts morphine response, and genotyped the mice tested for morphine‐induced hypothermia. We report genetic linkage between Taar1 and Oprm1; MAHDR mice more often inherit the Oprm1
D2 allele and MALDR mice more often inherit the Oprm1
B6 allele. Data from a family of recombinant inbred mouse strains support the influence of Oprm1 genotype, but not Taar1 genotype, on thermal response to morphine. These results nominate Oprm1 as a genetic risk factor for morphine‐induced hypothermia, and provide additional evidence for a connection between drug preference and drug thermal response.
Warming counteracts defoliation‐induced mismatch by increasing herbivore‐plant phenological synchrony
Authors: Ren Ping , Néron Valérie , Rossi Sergio , Liang Eryuan , Bouchard Mathieu , Deslauriers Annie
Published: January 2020

Climate change is altering phenology; however, the magnitude of this change varies among taxa. Compared with phenological mismatch between plants and herbivores, synchronization due to climate has been less explored, despite its potential implications for trophic interactions. The earlier budburst induced by defoliation is a phenological strategy for plants against herbivores. Here, we tested whether warming can counteract defoliation‐induced mismatch by increasing herbivore‐plant phenological synchrony. We compared the larval phenology of spruce budworm and budburst in balsam fir, black spruce, and white spruce saplings subjected to defoliation in a controlled environment at temperatures of 12, 17, and 22°C. Budburst in defoliated saplings occurred 6–24 days earlier than in the controls, thus mismatching needle development from larval feeding. This mismatch decreased to only 3–7 days, however, when temperatures warmed by 5 and 10°C, leading to a resynchronization of the host with spruce budworm larvae. The increasing synchrony under warming counteracts the defoliation‐induced mismatch, disrupting trophic interactions and energy flow between forest ecosystem and insect populations. Our results suggest that the predicted warming may improve food quality and provide better growth conditions for larval development, thus promoting longer or more intense insect outbreaks in the future.
The insulin‐PI3K‐Rac1 axis contributes to terminal adipocyte differentiation through regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics
Authors: Kunitomi Haruko , Oki Yoshinao , Onishi Nobuyuki , Kano Koichiro , Banno Kouji , Aoki Daisuke , Saya Hideyuki , Nobusue Hiroyuki
Published: January 2020

Adipocyte differentiation is accompanied by a pronounced change in the actin cytoskeleton characterized by the reorganization of filamentous (F)‐actin stress fibers into cortical F‐actin structures. We previously showed that depolymerization of F‐actin stress fibers induced by inactivation of RhoA–ROCK (Rho‐associated kinase) signaling acts as a trigger for adipocyte differentiation. The relevance and underlying mechanism of the formation of cortical F‐actin structures from depolymerized actin during adipocyte differentiation have remained unclear, however. We have now examined the mechanistic relation between actin dynamics and adipogenic induction. Transient exposure to the actin‐depolymerizing agent latrunculin A (LatA) supported the formation of adipocyte‐associated cortical actin structures and the completion of terminal adipocyte differentiation in the presence of insulin, whereas long‐term exposure to LatA prevented such actin reorganization as well as terminal adipogenesis. Moreover, these effects of insulin were prevented by inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)–Rac1 signaling and the actin‐related protein 2/3 (Arp2/3) complex which is a critical component of the cortical actin networks. Our findings thus suggest that the insulin‐PI3K‐Rac1 axis leads to the formation of adipocyte‐associated cortical actin structures which is essential for the completion of adipocyte differentiation.
A Single Packer Method for Characterizing Water Contributing Fractures in Crystalline Bedrock Wells
Authors: Flahive Neil A. , Robbins Gary A.
Published: January 2020

Water levels and water quality of open borehole wells in fractured bedrock are flow‐weighted averages that are a function of the hydraulic heads and transmissivities of water contributing fractures, properties that are rarely known. Without such knowledge using water levels and water quality data from fractured bedrock wells to assess groundwater flow and contaminant conditions can be highly misleading. This study demonstrates a cost‐effective single packer method to determine the hydraulic heads and transmissivities of water contributing fracture zones in crystalline bedrock wells. The method entails inflating a pipe plug to isolate sections of an open borehole at different depths and monitoring changes in the water level with time. At each depth, the change in water level with time was used to determine the sum of fracture transmissivities above the packer and then to solve for individual fracture transmissivity. Steady‐state wellbore heads along with the transmissivities were used to determine individual fracture heads using the weighted average head equation. The method was tested in five wells in crystalline bedrock located at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. The single packer head and transmissivity results were found to agree closely with those determined using conventional logging methods and the dissolved oxygen alteration method. The method appears to be a simple and cost‐effective alternative in obtaining important information on flow conditions in fractured crystalline bedrock wells.
Open‐cell porous sound‐absorbing ceramics prepared by a new procedure that combines foamed and templated methods
Authors: Tian Yongshang , Tang Yitian , Wang Jinshuang , Zhang Ruirui , Yan Xinyue , Peng Guiyu , Fang Linxia , Jing Qiangshan
Published: January 2020

Low‐grade nonmetal ore, mainly magmatic soil and tuff, was used to prepare porous sound‐absorbing ceramics. A new processing method that combines the foaming and templating methods was used to produce open‐cell porous ceramics. Silicon carbide and carbon powders were used as the foaming agent and template agent, respectively, and their effects on open‐cell preparation and sound‐absorption properties were also investigated. The results showed that sound‐absorption performance was closely related to the apparent porosity (H). Compared with either foaming or template methods, the new method incorporating both processes increased the sound‐absorption coefficient (α) and H by 51%‐258% and 69%‐728%, respectively. Optimum sound absorption of the ceramics, that is, α = 0.68, noise reduction coefficient (NRC) = 0.48, and H = 50.22%, were obtained at foaming agent contents (FACs) of 1.5 wt% and template agent contents (TACs) of 4 wt%. The Delany‐Bazley and Voronina models were selected to simulate the sound‐absorption coefficients and the latter one fitted well with our experimental results.
Reduced and Earlier Snowmelt Runoff Impacts Traditional Irrigation Systems
Authors: Bai Yining , Fernald Alexander , Tidwell Vincent , Gunda Thushara
Published: January 2020

Seasonal runoff from montane uplands is crucial for plant growth in agricultural communities of northern New Mexico. These communities typically employ traditional irrigation systems, called acequias, which rely mainly upon spring snowmelt runoff for irrigation. The trend of the past few decades is an increase in temperature, reduced snow pack, and earlier runoff from snowmelt across much of the western United States. In order to predict the potential impacts of changes in future climate a system dynamics model was constructed to simulate the surface water supplies in a montane upland watershed of a small irrigated community in northern New Mexico through the rest of the 21st century. End‐term simulations of representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 suggest that runoff during the months of April to August could be reduced by 22% and 56%, respectively. End‐term simulations also displayed a shift in the beginning and peak of snowmelt runoff by up to one month earlier than current conditions. Results suggest that rising temperatures will drive reduced runoff in irrigation season and earlier snowmelt runoff in the dry season towards the end of the 21st century. Modeled results suggest that climate change leads to runoff scheme shift and increased frequency of drought; due to the uncontemporaneous of irrigation season and runoff scheme, water shortage will increase. Potential impacts of climate change scenarios and mitigation strategies should be further investigated to ensure the resilience of traditional agricultural communities in New Mexico and similar regions.
A Survey of Perceptions and Attitudes about Water Issues in Oklahoma: A Comparative Study
Authors: Eck Christopher J. , Wagner Kevin L. , Chapagain Binod , Joshi Omkar
Published: January 2020

Understanding people’s perceptions of the environment, drinking water issues, and protecting and preserving water resources is of great importance. This study aims to assess and compare the perceptions of the general public (n= 414), post‐secondary students (n= 103), and water professionals (n= 104) in Oklahoma on water issues in the state. To address these goals, a 53‐item paper questionnaire was first administered to a randomly sampled mailing list of Oklahoma residents. As a follow up to the initial survey, post‐secondary students at Oklahoma State University were sampled in addition to Oklahoma water professionals at regional conferences. Respondents ranged from 18 to over 65 years old, with all three demographics agreeing the top water priority to be clean drinking water. The majority were satisfied with their home water supply and felt it was safe to drink, while they were not sure of the quality of ground and/or surface water. Age was a key factor in information delivery and learning preferences as the older participants favored print material versus the younger demographic interest in technology. Data collected via this study provide insight into the perceptions, priorities, and learning preferences of these three populations. Despite our finding that clean water is a priority in Oklahoma, regardless of demographic, results suggest more education and outreach is needed to provide additional information regarding water in Oklahoma.
A Review of Water Resources Education in Geography Departments in the United States
Authors: Pease Mike , Chaney Philip L. , Hoover Joseph
Published: January 2020

Geographers have long played an important role in water resources scholarship; however, academic literature has not focused on the teaching contributions of geographers in this area. To address this gap, we cataloged courses taught and faculty interests for geography departments in the United States with a stated focus on water resources. We identified 129 departments with both courses and faculty having water resources expertise. The majority of water‐related courses focused on climatology or climate change, suggesting that students are regularly provided opportunities to learn about water topics primarily through the lens of climatology and water resources. We also summarize a panel organized at the 2017 American Association of Geographers Annual Conference that focused on water resources curriculum in geography programs. The panel discussed curriculum and pedagogical approaches, concluding that a water resources course syllabi repository would be beneficial for creating new and refining existing water resources courses. The panel also recommended that faculty consider incorporating water resources topics into their general education classes to concurrently enhance student learning opportunities and positively impact recruitment and interest in geography programs. Additionally, online education represents a substantial change in higher education that presents new challenges and opportunities for geographers. We hope these data and the summary of the panel session stimulate greater discussions of curricular needs across all disciplines that offer water resource focused courses.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signaling regulates inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α activation to protect β‐cells against terminal unfolded protein response under irremediable endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Ishibashi Tatsuya , Morita Shuhei , Kishimoto Shohei , Uraki Shinsuke , Takeshima Ken , Furukawa Yasushi , Inaba Hidefumi , Ariyasu Hiroyuki , Iwakura Hiroshi , Furuta Hiroto , Nishi Masahiro , Papa Feroz R , Akamizu Takashi
Published: January 2020

Aims/Introduction

Under irremediable endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, hyperactivated inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α) triggers the terminal unfolded protein response (T‐UPR), causing crucial cell dysfunction and apoptosis. We hypothesized that nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) signaling regulates IRE1α activation to protect β‐cells from the T‐UPR under ER stress.

Materials and Methods

The effects of nicotine on IRE1α activation and key T‐UPR markers, thioredoxin‐interacting protein and insulin/proinsulin, were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in rat INS‐1 and human EndoC‐βH1 β‐cell lines. Doxycycline‐inducible IRE1α overexpression or ER stress agents were used to induce IRE1α activation. An α7 subunit‐specific nAChR agonist (PNU‐282987) and small interfering ribonucleic acid for α7 subunit‐specific nAChR were used to modulate nAChR signaling.

Results

Nicotine inhibits the increase in thioredoxin‐interacting protein and the decrease in insulin 1/proinsulin expression levels induced by either forced IRE1α hyperactivation or ER stress agents. Nicotine attenuated X‐box‐binding protein‐1 messenger ribonucleic acid site‐specific splicing and IRE1α autophosphorylation induced by ER stress. Furthermore, PNU‐282987 attenuated T‐UPR induction by either forced IRE1α activation or ER stress agents. The effects of nicotine on attenuating thioredoxin‐interacting protein and preserving insulin 1 expression levels were attenuated by pharmacological and genetic inhibition of α7 nAChR. Finally, nicotine suppressed apoptosis induced by either forced IRE1α activation or ER stress agents.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that nAChR signaling regulates IRE1α activation to protect β‐cells from the T‐UPR and apoptosis under ER stress partly through α7 nAChR. Targeting nAChR signaling to inhibit the T‐UPR cascade may therefore hold therapeutic promise by thwarting β‐cell death in diabetes.
Comparison of color stability of two laminate veneers cemented to tooth surfaces with and without preparation
Authors: Tuncdemir Makbule T. , Gulbahce Nilgun , Aykent Filiz
Published: January 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of preparation vs nonpreparation of tooth surfaces and the types of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) on color changes after 300 hours of artificially accelerated aging (AAA).

Materials and methods

Forty extracted maxillary central incisors were used. The teeth were divided into four groups (n = 10) to evaluate preparation methods and porcelain types: Group A: tooth preparation with IPS e.max computer‐assisted design (CAD), group B: tooth preparation with IPS e.max press, group C: nonpreparation with IPS e.max CAD, and group D: nonpreparation with IPS e.max press. Veneers were fabricated and cemented using a dual‐polimerized cement. Initial color measurement was performed and repeated after AAA. Color changes were calculated with the CIEDE 2000 (ΔE00) formula. Color differences were analyzed with two‐way ANOVA (P < .05).

Results

The two‐way ANOVA test showed no significant difference among the groups (P > .05). The highest color change value was observed in group C, followed by groups B, A, and D.

Conclusion

Preparation of veneers caused more color changes in PLVs than nonpreparation. However, IPS e.max CAD systems for fabrication of nonprepared PLVs increased the color change of the PLVs measured after AAA.

Clinical Significance

The results provide information on the effect of the amount of preparation and the type of porcelain on color change in porcelain laminate veneers. In terms of esthetic dentistry, IPS e.max press and non‐prep treatment should be used in the anterior region, where esthetics are important.
The geographic distribution of reef and oceanic manta rays (Mobula alfredi and Mobula birostris) in Australian coastal waters
Authors: Armstrong Amelia J. , Armstrong Asia O. , Bennett Michael B. , McGregor Frazer , Abrantes Kátya G. , Barnett Adam , Richardson Anthony J. , Townsend Kathy A. , Dudgeon Christine L.
Published: January 2020

The known distribution of manta rays in Australian waters is patchy, with records primarily centred around tourism hotspots. We collated 11,614 records of Mobula alfredi from photo‐ID databases (n = 10,715), aerial surveys (n = 378) and online reports (n = 521). The study confirms an uninterrupted coastal distribution from north of 26°S and 31°S on the west and east coasts, respectively. More southerly M. alfredi records relate to warm‐water events with a southernmost extent at 34°S. Coastal sightings of Mobula birostris were rare (n = 32), likely reflecting a preference for offshore waters, but encompass a wider latitudinal extent than M. alfredi of 10–40°S.
Coherence of jaw and neck muscle activity during sleep bruxism
Authors: Gouw Simone , Frowein Angela , Braem Carlijn , de Wijer Anton , Creugers Nico H. J. , Pasman Jaco W. , Doorduin Jonne , Kalaykova Stanimira I.
Published: January 2020

Background

Studies have shown co‐contraction of jaw and neck muscles in healthy subjects during (sub) maximum voluntary jaw clenching, indicating functional inter‐relation between these muscles during awake bruxism. So far, coherence of jaw and neck muscles has not been evaluated during either awake or sleep bruxism.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the coherence between jaw and neck muscle activity during sleep bruxism.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional observational design, the electromyographic activity of jaw (masseter, temporalis) and neck (sternocleidomastoid, trapezius) muscles in individuals with “definite” sleep bruxism was measured using ambulatory polysomnography (PSG). Coherence for masseter‐temporalis, masseter‐sternocleidomastoid and masseter‐trapezius was measured during phasic and mixed rhythmic masticatory muscle activity episodes using coherence‐analysing software. Outcome measures were as follows: presence or absence of significant coherence per episode (in percentages), frequency of peak coherence (FPC) per episode and sleep stage.

Results

A total of 632 episodes within 16 PSGs of eight individuals were analysed. Significant coherence was found between the jaw and neck muscles in 84.9% of the episodes. FPCs of masseter‐temporalis were significantly positively correlated with those of masseter‐sternocleidomastoid or masseter‐trapezius (P < .001). Sleep stages did not significantly influence coherence of these muscular couples.

Conclusion

During sleep bruxism, jaw and neck muscle activation is significantly coherent. Coherence occurs independently of sleep stage. These results support the hypothesis of bruxism being a centrally regulated phenomenon.
Effects of sitting posture and bolus volume on activation of swallowing‐related muscles
Authors: Moon Il‐Young , Yi Chung‐Hwi , Park Il‐Woo , Yong Joon‐Hyoung
Published: January 2020

Background

The pharyngeal phase is a particularly important clinical factor related to swallowing dysfunctions. Head and neck posture, as well as bolus volume, are important factors affecting the pharyngeal stages of normal swallowing.

Objective

The aim of our study was to identify the effects of sitting posture and bolus volume on the activation of swallowing‐related muscles.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐four subjects participated in the study. The subjects were positioned in three sitting postures—slump sitting (SS), lumbo‐pelvic upright sitting (LUS), and thoracic upright sitting (TUS). While sitting in the chair, the subject was instructed to swallow 10 and 20 mL of water. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure the muscle activity of the supra‐hyoid (SH) and infra‐hyoid (IH) muscles. Also, sitting posture alignment (head, cervical and shoulder angle) was also performed. Data were analysed with a repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) using a generalised linear model.

Results

There was no significant difference in terms of the head angle (P = .395). However, significant differences were found in relation to the cervical angle (P < .001) and shoulder angle (P < .001). The TUS produced the lowest SH EMG activity (P = .001), in comparison to SS and LUS. The bolus volume for 20 mL showed greater SH and IH EMG activity (P < .001) than did the bolus volume for 10 mL.

Conclusions

Correcting sitting posture from SS to TUS may better assist swallowing‐related muscles with less effort, irrespective of the bolus volume.
Successful renal transplantation in a family with a novel mutation in COL4A3 gene and autosomal recessive Alport syndrome
Authors: Girimaji Niveditha , Murugan SM Sakthivel , Nada Ritambhra , Sharma Ashish , Rathi Manish , Kohli Harbir S. , Gupta Krishna L. , Ramachandran Raja
Published: January 2020

Alport syndrome (AS) is an inherited disorder of basement membranes caused by mutations affecting specific proteins of the type IV collagen family, presenting with nephropathy and extrarenal manifestations such as sensorineural deafness and ocular anomalies. Ten percentage to 15% of the patients with AS have autosomal recessive (ARAS) due to mutation in either COL4A3 or COL4A4 gene. We report a novel mutation in the COL4A3 gene in an Indian family with ARAS. The above‐mentioned genetic anomaly was a missense variation in exon 26 of the COL4A3 gene (chr2:228137797G>A; c.1891G>A) that resulted in the amino acid substitution of Arginine for Glycine at codon 631 (p.Gly631Arg) that was present in the heterozygous state in the asymptomatic parents and homozygous state in the male offspring who presented with early‐onset end‐stage renal disease, lenticonus and hearing loss. The patient (male offspring) underwent successful renal transplantation with his mother as a donor.