bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Level of evidence in endodontics: what does it mean?
Authors: Haapasalo Markus
Published: November 2016

This review is a short summary of how the level of evidence in endodontics and endodontic research in particular is defined. The goal of this review is to help dentists and endodontists to become familiar with the evidence pyramid and thereby better evaluate the reliability of evidence on daily practices and choices in patient care. All medical treatment, including endodontic treatment, should be based on the best available evidence. In this review, the definition of evidence is presented and the different levels in the evidence pyramid are discussed with a special focus on endodontics. Much of the presently published endodontic research is done in vitro, which is regarded as the lowest level of evidence. However, it is important to understand that a low level of evidence does not mean that the research in itself is of poor quality or somehow unreliable. Instead, it means that one cannot draw conclusions from in vitro studies to clinical events with a high probability of accuracy. The in vitro results may be true, and often are, but more evidence from different types of studies such as case‐control and cohort studies and even randomized controlled trials is needed to increase the probability that the results obtained in research do in fact correctly reflect the real events, e.g. level of probability of healing after a specific type of treatment for a specific disease. This review also discusses why the highest level of evidence may be difficult to obtain for a variety of practical and ethical reasons, and why not all endodontic treatment needs to be based on information from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews.
Associative effects between fresh perennial ryegrass and white clover on dynamics of intake and digestion in sheep
Authors: Niderkorn V. , Martin C. , Le Morvan A. , Rochette Y. , Awad M. , Baumont R.
Published: November 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the associative effects between fresh perennial ryegrass and fresh white clover on intake and digestion in sheep. Five proportions of ryegrass and white clover, ranging from 0 to 1 in 0·25 increments (DM basis), were allocated to two groups of five sheep according to a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design, and intake behaviour and digestive parameters including methane (CH4) emissions were measured. Feeding behaviour was affected through increased forage intake when the proportion of white clover was increased, and there were positive associative effects on intake, eating time and eating rate during the main meals consumed immediately after feed was given. These effects seemed to be related to a greater motivation to eat, rather to more efficient digestion, as no difference on DM digestibility (average 766 g kg−1) was detected. There were no differences in CH4 yield (average 18·1 g kg−1 DM intake) among the treatments. The optimal proportion of white clover fed with ryegrass to optimize intake and digestion was between 0·25 and 0·50. These results indicate that mixing perennial ryegrass and white clover positively affects forage intake in sheep and their motivation to eat.
The impact of physicians' communication styles on evaluation of physicians and information processing: A randomized study with simulated video consultations on contraception with an intrauterine device
Authors: Bientzle Martina , Fissler Tim , Cress Ulrike , Kimmerle Joachim
Published: November 2016

Objective

This study aimed at examining the impact of different types of physicians' communication styles on people's subsequent evaluation of physician attributes as well as on their information processing, attitude and decision making.

Method

In a between‐group experiment, 80 participants watched one of three videos in which a gynaecologist displayed a particular communication style in a consultation situation on contraception with an intrauterine device. We compared doctor‐centred communication (DCC) vs patient‐centred communication (PCC) vs patient‐centred communication with need‐orientation (PCC‐N).

Results

In the PCC condition, participants perceived the physician to be more empathetic and more competent than in the DCC condition. In the DCC condition, participants showed less attitude change compared to the other conditions. In the PCC‐N condition, the physician was perceived as more empathetic and more socially competent than in the other conditions. However, participants acquired less knowledge in the PCC‐N condition.

Conclusion

We conclude that appropriate application of particular communication styles depends on specific consultation goals. Our results suggest that patients' needs should be addressed if the main goal is to build a good relationship, whereas a traditional PCC style appears to be more effective in communicating factual information.
Cultural Linguistics as an investigative framework for paremiology: comparing time in English and Persian
Authors: Dabbagh Ali
Published: November 2016

This paper introduces Cultural Linguistics to the analysis of proverbs using the three analytical tools of cultural metaphor, cultural schema, and cultural category, which are collectively referred to as cultural conceptualisations. To substantiate this, the paper reports on a study in which English and Persian cross‐culturally equivalent proverbs related to the concept of time were scrutinised using this analytical framework. The results revealed a number of similar and different images of time in the proverbs investigated metaphorically and schematically but not categorically. The paper concludes that such analysis can assist paremiologists to deepen their understanding of proverbs especially in comparative paremiology from different languages with distinct cultural backgrounds.
A novel spontaneous mutation in the TAP2 gene unravels its role in macrophage survival
Authors: Lapenna Antonio , Omar Ibrahim , Berger Michael
Published: November 2016

We report a new mouse strain with a single point mutation in the type 2 transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP2). This strain randomly arose in one of our C57BL/6J mouse colonies and was initially discovered because of the lack of CD8+ T cells in the periphery. Following our observation, we subsequently revealed a lack of cell surface MHC‐I expression, derived from TAP2 protein deficiency. Our strain, named eightless, has a C to T substitution in exon 5 resulting in a glutamine to stop codon substitution at position 285 in the TAP2 protein. Interestingly, in addition to the expected lack of CD8+ T cell phenotype, eightless mice have a diminished number of macrophages in their peritoneum. Moreover, following peritoneal inflammation, elicited eightless macrophages showed impaired survival both in vivo and ex vivo. Our study describes the first ever TAP2 complete knockout mouse strain and provides a possible explanation for why patients with TAP2 deficiency syndrome present clinical manifestations that would suggest a phagocyte defect rather than a lack of CD8+ T cells.
Commentary: Mapping the young, resilient brain – reflections on Burt et al. (2016)
Authors: Shaw Philip
Published: November 2016

The resilience of many children in the face of adversity has long been a research focus. The study by Burt et al. delineates the neuroanatomy of resilience, using in vivo magnetic resonance images acquired on 1,800 youth. They find that resilient youth had a larger right lateral prefrontal cortex compared to youth who either lacked resilience or did not experience adversity. The size of the right lateral prefrontal cortex was further associated with a likelihood of a maladaptive problem of alcohol use. These findings implicate high‐order regulatory processes supported by the right lateral prefrontal cortex as pivotal in resilience. The study also sets the stage for exploring how neuroimaging data, combined with behavioral and genomic information might be used to assess treatment efficacy and identify children who need therapeutic interventions to boost their resilience.
Commentary: The evolving conception of posttraumatic stress disorder – reflections on Danzi and La Greca (2016)
Authors: Brewin Chris R.
Published: November 2016

As first formulated in 1980, the description of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was based on people exposed to severe and repeated traumatic events. Although the conceptualisation of PTSD in successive versions of the DSM has changed, the symptom picture remains complex and there have been concerns over whether the threshold is too high. In contrast, ICD‐11 proposes a simpler diagnosis based on six symptoms and a distinction between PTSD and Complex PTSD. This approach may be more clinically useful and easier to employ for children in younger age groups. Danzi and La Greca's data are valuable in suggesting that PTSD in preadolescent as well as preschool children should be diagnosed using different criteria to adults. They also identify a lack of overlap between diagnostic systems that suggests PTSD may not be optimally identified using current methods.
Local adaptation of reproductive performance during thermal stress
Authors: Porcelli D. , Gaston K. J. , Butlin R. K. , Snook R. R.
Published: November 2016

Considerable evidence exists for local adaptation of critical thermal limits in ectotherms following adult temperature stress, but fewer studies have tested for local adaptation of sublethal heat stress effects across life‐history stages. In organisms with complex life cycles, such as holometabolous insects, heat stress during juvenile stages may severely impact gametogenesis, having downstream consequences on reproductive performance that may be mediated by local adaptation, although this is rarely studied. Here, we tested how exposure to either benign or heat stress temperature during juvenile and adult stages, either independently or combined, influences egg‐to‐adult viability, adult sperm motility and fertility in high‐ and low‐latitude populations ofDrosophila subobscura. We found both population‐ and temperature‐specific effects on survival and sperm motility; juvenile heat stress decreased survival and subsequent sperm motility and each trait was lower in the northern population. We found an interaction between population and temperature on fertility following application of juvenile heat stress; although fertility was negatively impacted in both populations, the southern population was less affected. When the adult stage was also subject to heat stress, the southern population exhibited positive carry‐over effects whereas the northern population's fertility remained low. Thus, the northern population is more susceptible to sublethal reproductive consequences following exposure to juvenile heat stress. This may be common in other organisms with complex life cycles and current models predicting population responses to climate change, which do not take into account the impact of juvenile heat stress on reproductive performance, may be too conservative.
A review of capture and post‐release mortality of elasmobranchs
Authors: Ellis J. R. , McCully Phillips S. R. , Poisson F.
Published: November 2016

There is a need to better understand the survivorship of discarded fishes, both for commercial stocks and species of conservation concern. Within European waters, the landing obligations that are currently being phased in as part of the European Union's reformed common fisheries policy means that an increasing number of fish stocks, with certain exceptions, should not be discarded unless it can be demonstrated that there is a high probability of survival. This study reviews the various approaches that have been used to examine the discard survival of elasmobranchs, both in terms of at‐vessel mortality (AVM) and post‐release mortality (PRM), with relevant findings summarized for both the main types of fishing gear used and by taxonomic group. Discard survival varies with a range of biological attributes (species, size, sex and mode of gill ventilation) as well as the range of factors associated with capture (e.g. gear type, soak time, catch mass and composition, handling practices and the degree of exposure to air and any associated change in ambient temperature). In general, demersal species with buccal‐pump ventilation have a higher survival than obligate ram ventilators. Several studies have indicated that females may have a higher survival than males. Certain taxa (including hammerhead sharks Sphyrna spp. and thresher sharks Alopias spp.) may be particularly prone to higher rates of mortality when caught.
Rapid proliferation of an endemic galaxiid following eradication of an alien piscivore (Perca fluviatilis) from a reservoir
Authors: Beatty S. J. , Morgan D. L.
Published: November 2016

Following the complete eradication of the alien piscivorous perch Perca fluviatilis from a potable reservoir, the abundance of the endemic western minnow Galaxias occidentalis, which was previously undetectable prior to the initial eradication event, increased dramatically. The study reveals the potential of reservoirs to act as ecological refuges and has implications for understanding the relative effects of alien fishes v. habitat alteration on native freshwater fishes.
Assessment of self‐produced PCR methods for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in meat
Authors: Jiang Shoufu , He Yanyan , Zhang Yaoguang , Zhang Xiaoping , Jiang Li , Wang Zhenyu , Zhu Qian , Ma Xiaojiang
Published: November 2016

The objective was to develop a highly sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii DNA in meat. To increase the capacity for the processing of meat samples by improving DNA extraction, four PCR assays were developed and compared using the B1 gene as the target gene for the detection of T. gondii DNA in meat. The results show high specificity and reproducibility for all four PCR assays in clearly detecting DNA samples from four strains of T. gondii while producing no amplification signal for ten other parasites or in healthy meat. Three real‐time quantitative PCR assays were 10‐fold more sensitive than the conventional PCR assay, with a detection limit of 4.5 × 101 copies of T. gondii DNA being equivalent to 1.3 bradyzoites. The most sensitive method was SYBR Green I qPCR because it uses special fluorescent dyes directly binding to the amplified double‐stranded DNA sequences and the fluorescence signal is proportional to the amount of PCR products that observed by nearly 1,000‐fold increase in fluorescence intensity. This assay has another advantages over other PCR assays, including less expense (without probe), ease of operation and quicker operation of the test.

Practical applications

The traditional method for detecting T. gondii in meat samples involves the use of a bioassay that is laborious, time‐consuming and not sensitive. The SYBR Green I qPCR assay developed in this study provides a rapid, sensitive, and specific technique and is applicable to surveillance measures for foodborne toxoplasmosis pathogens in meat or meat products as an alternative detection method.
Local partial melting of the lower crust triggered by hydration through melt–rock interaction: an example from Fiordland, New Zealand
Authors: Stuart C. A. , Daczko N. R. , Piazolo S.
Published: November 2016

We investigate a low‐strain outcrop of the lower crust, the Pembroke Granulite, exposed in northern Fiordland, New Zealand, which exhibits localized partial melting. Migmatite and associated tschermakite–clinozoisite (TC) gneiss form irregular, elongate bodies that cut a two‐pyroxene–pargasite (PP) gneiss. Gradational boundaries between rock types, and the progressive nature of changes in mineral assemblage, microstructure and chemistry are consistent with the TC gneiss and migmatite representing modified versions of the PP gneiss. Modification is essentially isochemical, where partial modification involves hydration of the assemblage and mineral chemistry changes, and complete modification involves additional recrystallization and in situ partial melt production. Microstructures of quartz and plagioclase, including small dihedral angles, string of beads textures and films surrounding amphibole and garnet grains are consistent with the former presence of melt in modified rock types. The documented rock modification is attributed to melt–rock interaction occurring during porous melt flow of a dominantly externally derived, hydrous silicate melt. Microstructures indicate melt flow occurred along grain boundaries and field relationships show it was focused into channels tens of metres wide, with preference for following the pre‐existing foliation. Melt–rock interaction at the grain scale resulted in hydration and modification of the host PP gneiss, which resulted in localized partial melting. These relationships indicate prograde hydration during localized melt–rock interaction drove migmatization of the lower crust.
Fatigue Failure of Narrow Implants with Different Implant‐Abutment Connection Designs
Authors: Bordin Dimorvan , Witek Lukasz , Fardin Vinícius P. , Bonfante Estevam A. , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the reliability of narrow diameter dental implants (NDIs) with similar macrogeometry and 3 implant‐abutment connection designs.

Materials and Methods

Eighty‐four NDIs (3.5 × 10 mm) were selected and divided into 4 groups (n = 21/group) according to implant‐abutment connection design, as follows: EH – external hexagon, IH – internal hexagon, IC – internal conical, and IC‐M – internal conical connected to a monolithic titanium abutment. Identical abutments were torqued to the implants, and standardized maxillary incisor crowns were cemented and subjected to step‐stress accelerated life testing (SSALT) in water. Use of level probability Weibull curves, and reliability for a mission of 50,000 cycles at 75 N and 200 N were calculated.

Results

The beta (β) values were: 1.48 for IC, 1.40 for IC‐M, 8.54 for EH, and 1.98 for IH, indicating that damage accumulation was an acceleration factor for failure of all groups. At 75 N the probability of survival was not significantly different between groups. A decrease in reliability was observed for all groups at 200 N with no significant differences between IC (81.71%) and IC‐M (94.28%), or between EH and IH (0%) which presented the lowest values. EH failures were primarily restricted to the screw, while IH involved screw and implant fracture. IC and IC‐M were restricted to prosthetic failures (fracture and bending).

Conclusions

Narrow implants with external or internal hexagon connections presented the lowest reliability at high loads compared to internal conical connections. Failure modes differed among connections.
Feeling Better When Someone Is Alike: Poor Emotion Regulators Profit From Pro‐Social Values and Priming for Similarities With Close Others
Authors: Chatterjee Monischa B. , Baumann Nicola , Koole Sander L.
Published: November 2016

Objective

The dispositional inability to self‐regulate one's own emotions intuitively is described as state orientation and has been associated with numerous psychological impairments. The necessity to search for buffering effects against negative outcomes of state orientation is evident. Research suggests that state‐oriented individuals can benefit from feeling close to others. Yet, there are individual differences in the extent to which supportive relationships are valued. The objective of the present article was to examine whether high importance of relatedness increases the utilization of its situational activation among state‐oriented individuals.

Method

In two studies, we examined whether situational activation of relatedness (by priming for similarities with a close other) is particularly advantageous for state‐oriented individuals who attach high importance to relatedness (i.e., benevolence values). The sample consisted of 170 psychology undergraduates in Study 1 and 177 in Study 2.

Results

In both studies, state‐oriented participants high in benevolence had reduced negative mood after thinking about similarities (vs. differences). State‐oriented participants low in benevolence did not benefit from priming for similarities. In Study 2, physical presence of a close other did not boost priming effects for state‐oriented participants but stimulated action‐oriented participants to attune their self‐regulatory efforts to the context.

Conclusions

The results show that state‐oriented individuals who value benevolence do benefit from a situational activation of relatedness.
Modulation of multidrug resistance-associated proteins function in erythrocytes in glycerol-induced acute renal failure rats
Authors: Matsushima Aoi , Oda Keisuke , Mori Nobuhiro , Murakami Teruo
Published: November 2016

Objectives

Evaluation of the function of multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) expressed in erythrocytes and screening of endogenous MRPs modulator(s) in glycerol-induced acute renal failure (ARF) rats.

Methods

Concentrations of 2,4-dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione (DNP-SG), a substrate for MRPs, in erythrocytes after administration of 1-chloro-2,4-dintrobenzene (CDNB), a precursor of DNP-SG, were determined in control and ARF rats. The screening of endogenous MRPs modulator(s) was performed using washed erythrocytes and inside-out erythrocyte membrane vesicles (IOVs) in vitro.

Key findings

Accumulation of DNP-SG in erythrocytes was observed in ARF rats. Uraemic plasma components exhibited a greater inhibitory effect on DNP-SG uptake by IOVs than control plasma components and increased the DNP-SG accumulation significantly in washed erythrocytes. Several protein-bound uraemic toxins at clinically observed concentrations and bilirubin significantly inhibited DNP-SG uptake by IOVs. In washed erythrocytes, bilirubin (10 μm) and l-kynurenine (100 μm), a precursor of kynurenic acid being MRPs inhibitor, increased DNP-SG accumulation significantly.

Conclusions

Glycerol-induced ARF rats contain various MRPs inhibitors in plasma, and membrane-permeable MRP substrates/inhibitors including their precursors inhibit the MRPs function in erythrocytes cooperatively.
Melatonin is required for H2O2‐ and NO‐mediated defense signaling through MAPKKK3 and OXI1 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Lee Hyoung Yool , Back Kyoungwhan
Published: November 2016

Melatonin influences plant innate immunity through the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. However, the most upstream MAPK component in melatonin signaling and the dependence of generation of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst on melatonin synthesis and signaling remain unclear. In this study, treatment of several mekk (alias mapkkk)‐knockout Arabidopsis mutants with melatonin revealed that the MAPKKK3 and OXI1 (oxidative signal‐inducible1) kinases are responsible for triggering melatonin‐induced defense signaling pathways. In addition, melatonin induction upon infection with the avirulent pathogen Pseudomonas syringae DC3000 (avrRpt2) was independent of H2O2 and NO individually, but dependent on the combination of H2O2 and NO. Moreover, melatonin‐mediated induction of the expression of defense‐related genes, such as PR1 and ICS1, was not altered in the H2O2‐deficient rbohD/F‐knockout mutant cotreated with an NO scavenger, indicating that melatonin functions downstream of the ROS and NO burst. Collectively, the data indicate that melatonin‐mediated induction of an innate immune response requires multiple signaling molecules and activation of MAPKKK3 and OXI1, followed by triggering of downstream MAPK cascades, such as MAPK3 and MAPK6.
Evaluation of a Biofloc System for Intensive Culture of Fathead Minnows, Pimephales promelas
Authors: Park Jeonghwan , Roy Luke A. , Renukdas Nilima , Luna Trevor
Published: November 2016

This study was carried out to test the suitability of biofloc technology to improve the productivity of the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, a commercially important baitfish in North America. Biofloc growth was induced in treatment tanks by periodic additions of a carbon source (glucose) to maintain a C : N ratio of 12:1. Control tanks (no aeration and no carbon addition) accommodated densities equivalent to 1 million fish/ha, while treatment tanks (biofloc) had densities of 1, 2, 4, and 8 million fish/ha. Fish were fed 4% body weight using a 32% protein commercial diet. There were no significant differences in condition of fish harvested from control and treatment densities (P < 0.05). However, fish growth indicators such as final individual weight, feed conversion efficiency, and specific growth rate were significantly impaired at higher stocking densities. Survival rate was significantly lower in the 8 million/ha treatment (P < 0.05). Results were indicative of possible production efficiencies of twofold higher in biofloc systems stocked at or below 4 million/ha compared with traditional ponds. Although biofloc systems maintained the desired water‐quality parameters, biofloc microbial biomass did not seem to significantly enhance feed conversion and specific growth rates of fathead minnows.
Liver stiffness and platelet count for identifying patients with compensated liver disease at low risk of variceal bleeding
Authors: Marot Astrid , Trépo Eric , Doerig Christopher , Schoepfer Alain , Moreno Christophe , Deltenre Pierre
Published: November 2016

Background & Aims

The 2015 Baveno VI guidelines recommend against performing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with compensated cirrhosis who have a liver stiffness <20 kPa and a platelet count >150 000/mm³ because of a low prevalence of varices at risk of bleeding in this population. The aim was to synthesize the available evidence on the usefulness of the combined use of liver stiffness and platelet count to identify patients without oesophageal varices.

Methods

Meta‐analysis of trials evaluating the usefulness of a given cut‐off for liver stiffness and platelet count to rule out the presence of oesophageal varices.

Results

Fifteen studies were included. All studies excepting five used the Baveno VI criteria. Compared to patients with either high liver stiffness or low platelet count, those with low liver stiffness and normal platelet count had a lower risk of varices at risk of bleeding (OR=0.22, 95% CI=0.13‐0.39, P<.001) with low heterogeneity between studies (I2=21%). They also had a lower risk of varices (OR=0.23, 95% CI=0.17‐0.32, P<.001) with moderate heterogeneity between studies (I2=28%). In patients with low liver stiffness and normal platelet count, the pooled estimate rates for varices at risk of bleeding was 0.040 (95% CI=0.027‐0.059) with low heterogeneity between studies (I2=3%).

Conclusions

Patients with low liver stiffness and normal platelet count have a lower risk of varices than those with either high liver stiffness or low platelet count. Varices at risk of bleeding are found in no more than 4% of patients when liver stiffness is <20 kPa and platelet count is normal.
BOUNDING WRONG‐WAY RISK IN CVA CALCULATION
Authors: Glasserman Paul , Yang Linan
Published: November 2016

A credit valuation adjustment (CVA) is an adjustment applied to the value of a derivative contract or a portfolio of derivatives to account for counterparty credit risk. Measuring CVA requires combining models of market and credit risk to estimate a counterparty's risk of default together with the market value of exposure to the counterparty at default. Wrong‐way risk refers to the possibility that a counterparty's likelihood of default increases with the market value of the exposure. We develop a method for bounding wrong‐way risk, holding fixed marginal models for market and credit risk and varying the dependence between them. Given simulated paths of the two models, a linear program computes the worst‐case CVA. We analyze properties of the solution and prove convergence of the estimated bound as the number of paths increases. The worst case can be overly pessimistic, so we extend the procedure by constraining the deviation of the joint model from a baseline reference model. Measuring the deviation through relative entropy leads to a tractable convex optimization problem that can be solved through the iterative proportional fitting procedure. Here, too, we prove convergence of the resulting estimate of the penalized worst‐case CVA and the joint distribution that attains it. We consider extensions with additional constraints and illustrate the method with examples.
Genetic differentiation between humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Atlantic and Pacific breeding grounds of South America
Authors: Cypriano‐Souza Ana Lúcia , Engel Márcia H. , Caballero Susana , Olavarría Carlos , Flórez‐González Lilián , Capella Juan , Steel Debbie , Sremba Angie , Aguayo Anelio , Thiele Deborah , Baker C. Scott , Bonatto Sandro L.
Published: November 2016

Humpback whales wintering in tropical waters along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the South American continent are thought to represent distinct populations or “stocks.” Here we present the first analysis of genetic differentiation and estimates of gene flow between these breeding stocks, based on both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences (465 bp) and 16 microsatellite loci from samples collected off Brazil (n = 277) and Colombia (n = 148), as well as feeding areas near the western Antarctic Peninsula (n = 86). We found significant differentiation between Brazilian and Colombian breeding grounds at both mtDNA (FST = 0.058) and microsatellite (FST = 0.011) markers and corroborated previous studies showing genetic similarity between humpbacks from Colombia and those from Antarctic Peninsula feeding areas. Estimates of long‐term gene flow between Brazil and Colombia were low to moderate, asymmetrical, and mostly mediated by males. Assignment procedures detected some cases of interchange and individuals of admixed ancestry between breeding grounds, indicating limited mixing of individuals between these stocks. Overall, results highlight the differentiation of humpback whale breeding populations with adjacent feeding grounds. This appears to be a remarkable example of fidelity to seasonal habitat in the absence of any contemporary barriers.
The Beginning of Wisdom: On the Postliberal Interpretation of Scripture
Authors: James Mark Randall
Published: November 2016

This essay sketches a postliberal account of scriptural interpretation as a process of formation in wisdom. Building on Lindbeck's claim that scripture constitutes exemplary utterances of Christian language, it argues that the sort of theological hermeneutics that results from this model depends upon one's philosophy of language. Against the conventionalist assumption that a community's norms for using language are distinct from the rules of rationality, it argues that linguistic and rational norms are intertwined, exemplified by the Biblical wisdom tradition and developed by contemporary philosophers like Peter Ochs and Robert Brandom. It suggests that reading scripture forms wisdom by correcting common sense. To make this process explicit, it examines how the book of Proverbs trains its readers, as beginners in the pursuit of wisdom, to learn to use proverbs by performing a reading of the proverb as “wounds from a friend can be trusted” and reflecting on the role of reasoning implicit in that process. It then draws on Brandom's inferential semantics and Grice's pragmatic theory of implicature to make this reasoning process explicit. Finally, it suggests that for theological readers of scripture, there can be no bounds to the process of reasoning: the full meaning of scripture can only be exhausted by one with complete knowledge and a perfect capacity to draw inferences.
Nutrient deficiencies and depression in older adults according to sex: A cross sectional study
Authors: Park Yeon‐Hwan , Choi‐Kwon Smi , Park Kyung‐Ae , Suh Minhee , Jung Young‐soon
Published: November 2016

Abstract

This paper explores the prevalence and predicting factors of depression in older Korean community‐dwelling adults, giving special attention to nutrition and social support. Data from male (n = 123) and female (n = 135) older adults were collected in two senior centers in 2009. We found that depression was present in 17.1%. No significant gender difference was found in the prevalence of depression although the predicting factors were gender specific. In male participants, deficient protein intake, having more chronic diseases, and having a subjective perception of difficulties in mastication were predicting factors for depression, whereas deficient vitamin B6 intake, lower cognition, and lack of social support were predicting factors in female participants. The high prevalence of depression, regardless of gender, highlights the urgent need to screen depressed elders. The different predicting factors for depression in male and female older adults suggest a need to develop gender‐specific interventions to alleviate depressive symptoms.
Distributed data networks: a blueprint for Big Data sharing and healthcare analytics
Authors: Popovic Jennifer R.
Published: November 2016

This paper defines the attributes of distributed data networks and outlines the data and analytic infrastructure needed to build and maintain a successful network. We use examples from one successful implementation of a large‐scale, multisite, healthcare‐related distributed data network, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration–sponsored Sentinel Initiative. Analytic infrastructure–development concepts are discussed from the perspective of promoting six pillars of analytic infrastructure: consistency, reusability, flexibility, scalability, transparency, and reproducibility. This paper also introduces one use case for machine learning algorithm development to fully utilize and advance the portfolio of population health analytics, particularly those using multisite administrative data sources.
Cloning of the Orange Light‐Producing Luciferase from Photinus scintillans—A New Proposal on how Bioluminescence Color is Determined
Authors: Branchini Bruce R. , Southworth Tara L. , Fontaine Danielle M. , Murtiashaw Martha H. , McGurk Alex , Talukder Munya H. , Qureshi Rakhshi , Yetil Deniz , Sundlov Jesse A. , Gulick Andrew M.
Published: November 2016

Unlike the enchanting yellow‐green flashes of light produced on warm summer evenings by Photinus pyralis, the most common firefly species in North America, the orange lights of Photinus scintillans are infrequently observed. These Photinus species, and likely all bioluminescent beetles, use the same substrates beetle luciferin, ATP and oxygen to produce light. It is the structure of the particular luciferase enzyme that is the key to determining the color of the emitted light. We report here the molecular cloning of the P. scintillans luc gene and the expression and characterization of the corresponding novel recombinant luciferase enzyme. A comparison of the amino acid sequence with that of the highly similar P. pyralis enzyme and subsequent mutagenesis studies revealed that the single conservative amino acid change tyrosine to phenylalanine at position 255 accounted for the entire emission color difference. Additional mutagenesis and crystallographic studies were performed on a H‐bond network, which includes the position 255 residue and five other stringently conserved beetle luciferase residues, that is proximal to the substrate/emitter binding site. The results are interpreted in the context of a speculative proposal that this network is key to the understanding of bioluminescence color determination.
Asymmetric Monotone Comparative Statics for the Industry Compositions
Authors: Rosenstand Laugesen Anders
Published: November 2016

Within a standard model of international trade with heterogenous firms and two asymmetric countries, we derive sufficient conditions for monotone comparative statics (MCS) for the industry composition. This model outcome is defined as first‐order stochastic dominance shifts in the equilibrium distributions of all activities across active firms. MCS for the industry composition occurs in a country that experiences a decline in its costs of serving the foreign market and meanwhile experiences an increase in its level of competition. In the other country, the industry‐level implications are exactly opposite. These clear industry‐level results hold while firms respond asymmetrically to the trade shock.
T Cell Responses and Regulation and the Impact of In Vitro IL‐10 and TGF‐β Modulation During Treatment of Active Tuberculosis
Authors: Feruglio S. L. , Kvale D. , Dyrhol‐Riise A. M.
Published: November 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is particularly challenging for the immune system being an intracellular pathogen, and a variety of T cell subpopulations are activated by the host defence mechanism. In this study, we investigated T cell responses and regulation in active TB patients with drug‐sensitive Mtb (N = 18) during 24 weeks of efficient anti‐TB therapy. T cell activation, differentiation, regulatory T cell (Treg) subsets, Mtb‐induced T cell proliferation and in vitro IL‐10 and TGF‐β modulation were analysed by flow cytometry at baseline and after 8 and 24 weeks of therapy, while soluble cytokines in culture supernatants were analysed by a 9‐plex Luminex assay. Successful treatment resulted in significantly reduced co‐expression of HLA‐DR/CD38 and PD‐1/CD38 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, while the fraction of CD4+CD25highCD127low Tregs (P = 0.017) and CD4+CD25highCD127low CD147+ Tregs (P = 0.029) showed significant transient increase at week 8. In vitro blockade of IL‐10/TGF‐β upon Mtb antigen stimulation significantly lowered the fraction of ESAT‐6‐specific CD4+CD25highCD127low Tregs at baseline (P = 0.047), while T cell proliferation and cytokine production were unaffected. Phenotypical and Mtb‐specific T cell signatures may serve as markers of effective therapy, while the IL‐10/TGF‐β pathway could be a target for early inhibition to facilitate Mtb clearance. However, larger clinical studies are needed for verification before concluding.
How stressors are dynamically appraised within a team during a game: An exploratory study in basketball
Authors: Doron J. , Bourbousson J.
Published: November 2016

Little is known about how team sport athletes individually and collectively experience sources of stress during competitive sport encounters. This study aimed to examine the nature of the stressors team sport athletes appraised during games at individual and team levels, as well as their degree of synchronization during an unfolding game. Through individual self‐confrontation interviews, the activities of nine basketball players of the same team were examined in detail. The results revealed that 12 categories of stressors were reported, and categorized into two larger units reflecting stressors perceived as affecting (a) “the team functioning as a whole” and (b) “a player's own functioning”. Thus, the nature and degree of similarity of the game‐specific stressors experienced by basketball players within a single team were identified during a game. In addition, the findings showed six different patterns of synchronizations of team members’ stressors, as well as their changes over the course of the game. They provided support for the synchronized appraisal and experience of stressors within a team during a game. By adopting an interpersonal perspective and examining the temporal interplay in team members’ activities, this study shed light on stress within teams.
Kinks in the STEM Pipeline: Tracking STEM Graduation Rates Using Science and Mathematics Performance
Authors: Redmond‐Sanogo Adrienne , Angle Julie , Davis Evan
Published: November 2016

In an effort to maintain the global competitiveness of the United States, ensuring a strong Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce is essential. The purpose of this study was to identify high school courses that serve as predictors of success in college level gatekeeper courses, which in turn led to the successful completion of STEM degrees. Using a purposive sample of 893 students who had declared a STEM major between the fall of 2006 and the spring of 2008, data were collected on students' high school grades, college grades, national test scores, grade point average, gender, and ethnicity. Using analysis of variance, correlations, multiple discriminant function analysis, and multiple regression models we found that high school calculus, physics, and chemistry (respectively) were predictors of success in STEM gatekeeper college courses. Then using those courses, we constructed a predictive model of STEM degree completion. The implications of this study highlight and reinforce the importance of providing rigorous mathematics and science courses at the high school level, as well as provide some evidence of a potential mediated model of the relationship between high school performance, college performance, and graduating with a STEM degree.
Nicotinic receptor activation augments muscarinic receptor‐mediated eccrine sweating but not cutaneous vasodilatation in young males
Authors: Fujii Naoto , Louie Jeffrey C. , McNeely Brendan D. , Zhang Sarah Y. , Tran My‐An , Kenny Glen P.
Published: November 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Acetylcholine released from cholinergic nerves can activate both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. Although each receptor can independently induce cutaneous vasodilatation and eccrine sweating, it remains to be elucidated whether the two receptors interact in order to mediate these responses.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We show that although nicotinic receptor activation does not modulate muscarinic cutaneous vasodilatation, it lowers the muscarinic receptor agonist threshold at which onset for eccrine sweating (augmentation of muscarinic eccrine sweating) occurs in young men in normothermic resting conditions. These results provide new insights into the physiological significance of nicotinic receptors in the regulation of cutaneous perfusion and eccrine sweating.

Acetylcholine released from cholinergic nerves can activate both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors; each is known independently to induce cutaneous vasodilatation and eccrine sweating in humans. However, it is not known whether the two receptors interact in order to mediate cutaneous vasodilatation and eccrine sweating. In 10 young men (27 ± 6 years old), cutaneous vascular conductance and sweat rate were evaluated at intradermal microdialysis sites that were continuously perfused with either lactated Ringer's solution (control) or three different concentrations of nicotine (0.1, 1 and 10 mm), a nicotinic receptor agonist. Co‐administration of methacholine, a muscarinic receptor agonist, was performed at all skin sites in a dose‐proportional fashion (0.0125, 0.25, 5, 100 and 2000 mm, each for 25 min). Administration of nicotine alone caused dose‐dependent transient increases in cutaneous vascular conductance and sweat rate (all P ≤ 0.05), which thereafter returned to pre‐nicotine levels, except that a portion of transient responses remained with continuous administration of 10 mm nicotine (both P ≤ 0.05). Cutaneous vascular conductance was increased by administration of ≥0.25 mm methacholine at the control site, and this response was likewise observed in the presence of co‐administration of all doses of nicotine used (all P ≤ 0.05). Sweat rate at the control site was increased by administration of ≥0.25 mm methacholine, but the lowest dose of methacholine (0.0125 mm) was able to increase sweat rate in the presence of 10 mm nicotine (P ≤ 0.05). We conclude that nicotinic receptor activation lowers the muscarinic receptor agonist threshold for eccrine sweating (augmentation of muscarinic sweating) but does not affect muscarinic cutaneous vasodilatation in young men in normothermic resting conditions.
Rockwood grade I and II acromioclavicular injuries: as benign as commonly believed?
Authors: North Alexander
Published: November 2016

The acromioclavicular (AC) joint is the articulation between the distal clavicle and the acromion process of the scapula. As the upper limb moves, passive motion of the AC joint occurs in three planes, with the AC and coracoclavicular ligaments providing stability. Injuries are common, particularly during contact sports, and are classified using Rockwood’s system. Grade I (sprain) and II (rupture) injuries only affect the AC ligaments and are generally managed conservatively. However, recent reports have indicated that long-term outcomes after these injuries are poor, perhaps due to an inadequate period of immobilization preventing complete ligamentous healing.
Biological enhancement of graft-tunnel healing in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Saccomanno Maristella , Capasso Luigi , Fresta Luca , Milano Giuseppe
Published: November 2016

The sites where graft healing occurs within the bone tunnel and where the intra-articular ligamentization process takes place are the two most important sites of biological incorporation after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, since they help to determine the mechanical behavior of the femur-ACL graft-tibia complex. Graft-tunnel healing is a complex process influenced by several factors, such as type of graft, preservation of remnants, bone quality, tunnel length and placement, fixation techniques and mechanical stress. in recent years, numerous experimental and clinical studies have been carried out to
evaluate potential strategies designed to enhance and optimize the biological environment of the graft-tunnel interface.

Modulation of inflammation, tissue engineering and gene transfer techniques have been applied in order to obtain a direct-type fibrocartilaginous insertion of the ACL graft, similar to that of native ligament, and to accelerate the healing process of tendon grafts within the bone tunnel. Although animal studies have given encouraging results, clinical studies are lacking and their results do not really support the use of the various strategies in clinical practice. Further investigations are therefore needed to optimize delivery techniques, therapeutic concentrations, maintenance of therapeutic effects over time, and to reduce the risk of undesirable effects in clinical practice.
Semitendinosus and gracilis free muscle-tendon graft for repair of massive rotator cuff tears: surgical technique
Authors: Gigante Antonio , Bottegoni Carlo , Milano Giuseppe , Riccio Michele , Dei Giudici Luca
Published: November 2016

Massive rotator cuff tears are difficult to treat surgically due to retraction, degeneration and fraying of the ends of torn tendons, severe fatty infiltration and atrophy of the respective muscles.

Procedures developed to close the gap between the rotator cuff and the greater tuberosity of the humerus, such as soft tissue release may be inadequate for
large tears. Human or porcine dermal allografts still have uncertain benefits, and tendon transfers seem to be associated with poor outcomes, donor site morbidity and altered mechanics. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has limited durability and is not indicated in young patients with high functional demands. We developed a new technique for repairing massive rotator cuff tears by semitendinosus and gracilis myotendinous grafting. This novel therapeutic option allows massive rotator cuff tears to be repaired using autologous material that is adequate and adaptable, making it possible to cover any width of defect. The technique is low-invasive and not technically demanding, with minimal donor site morbidity.