bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Juvenile generalized pustular psoriasis is a chronic recalcitrant disease: an analysis of 27 patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Lau Bi‐Wen , Lim Dee‐Zhen , Capon Francesca , Barker Jonathan N. , Choon Siew‐Eng
Published: February 2017

Background

Limited information exists regarding juvenile generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). We aim to determine the clinical profile and outcome of Malaysians with juvenile GPP.

Methods

Review of hospital case notes on patients with juvenile GPP.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients with juvenile GPP were identified. Female to male ratio was 1.4:1. The median age at onset of GPP was 6.5 years. Ten patients had prior psoriasis with a median pre‐pustular duration of 2.7 years. Onset of GPP was earlier in patients without prior psoriasis (5.1 years vs. 12.0 years, P = 0.002). Precipitating factors identified included stress, upper respiratory tract infection, systemic steroid use, vaccination, and pregnancy. A positive family history of psoriasis and GPP was present in six and one patient(s), respectively. Twenty‐one patients had acute, five annular, and one localized variant of GPP. Arthritis was present in 22.2%. Fever, leukocytosis, and transaminitis were mainly seen in patients with acute GPP at 80.9, 72.2, and 11.1%, respectively. Among 20 patients screened, eight carry IL36RN variants and one has CARD14 mutation. IL36RN‐positive patients have more severe disease characterized by early onset, low prevalence of prior plaque psoriasis, high prevalence of systemic inflammation, and need for continuous long‐term systemic therapy. Acitretin and cyclosporine were effective in aborting acute GPP in 100% of 16 and 66.7% of six patients treated, respectively. However, relapses were common. Only three of the 17 patients whose initial acute GPP was controlled with systemic agents were successfully weaned off treatment.

Conclusions

Juvenile GPP is a chronic recalcitrant disease. IL36RN‐positive patients have more severe disease.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of polyphenols from potato peels: profiling and kinetic modelling
Authors: Kumari Bibha , Tiwari Brijesh K. , Hossain Mohammad B. , Rai Dilip K. , Brunton Nigel P.
Published: February 2017

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) at 33 and 42 kHz has been investigated in the extraction of polyphenols from peels of two potato varieties, cream‐skinned Lady Claire (LC) and pink‐skinned Lady Rosetta (LR), commonly used in snack food production. Extraction efficacy between the UAE‐untreated (control) and the UAE‐treated extracts was assessed on the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacities (DPPH and FRAP). Application of UAE showed significantly higher recovery of phenolic compounds compared to solid–liquid extraction process alone. Lower ultrasonic frequency (33 kHz) was more effective in recovering polyphenols compared to 42 kHz ultrasonic treatment. The liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry revealed that chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were the most prevalent phenolics in LR peels, whereas caffeic acid was dominant in LC peels. Peleg's equation showed a good correlation (R2 > 0.92) between the experimental values and the predicted values on the kinetics of UAE of phenolic compounds.
Access to palliative care services during a terminal hospital episode reduces intervention rates and hospital costs: a database study of 19 707 elderly patients dying in hospital, 2011–2015
Authors: Ireland Anthony W.
Published: February 2017

Background

The burden of healthcare costs for persons approaching death is of increasing concern. This study examines cost savings associated with access to palliative care (PC) during a hospital episode ending in death for a large sample of elderly patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of administrative data for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients identified patient demographics, hospital characteristics, utilisation data and component costs for the hospital terminal episode for patients aged ≥ 70 years who died in hospital between July 2011 and June 2015. Differences between patients with and without access to PC were analysed with descriptive statistics and negative binomial regression models.

Results

Access to PC service was reported for 33.2% of patients, 59.5% for those with a cancer diagnosis and 24.3% for other patients. Rates were significantly lower in private hospitals for all patient groups. For the complete sample, PC access was associated with significantly lower rates of admission into the intensive care unit (1.9% vs 10.6%, P < 0.001), fewer coded procedures and lower costs for hospital accommodation, medical and diagnostic services. Mean total cost for terminal episodes was $10 801 for PC patients and $16 165 for those with no recorded PC access (P < 0.001). All differences remained significant after adjustment for patient age, comorbidity and hospital type.

Conclusion

In a hospital episode ending in death, access to PC services was associated with significantly lower rates of medical interventions and total hospital costs.
Runoff Modeling to Inform Policy Regarding Development of Green Infrastructure for Flood Risk Management and Groundwater Recharge Augmentation along an Urban Subcatchment, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Authors: Granados‐Olivas Alfredo , Alatorre‐Cejudo Luis Carlos , Adams David , Serra Yolande L. , Esquivel‐Ceballos Víctor Hugo , Vázquez‐Gálvez Felipe Adrián , Giner Maria Elena , Eastoe Chris
Published: February 2017

Changes in land use patterns at expanding border cities along the U.S.‐Mexico transboundary area have severe impacts on runoff coefficients and flood risk management. Severe rain is the most representative type of precipitation in the Paso del Norte (PdN) region (New Mexico and Texas in the United States and Chihuahua in Mexico), characterized by high intensity, low duration, and high volumes of rain falling in localized, small areas. Rains generate flooding and damage to urban infrastructure, putting at risk people and properties along the arroyos, which lack hydraulic design to control overflowing. While using a Geographic Information System (GIS), we applied the Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC‐HMS) to model streamflow at the study site while building the hydrologic domain using ArcGIS with the Flow Area extension. Flood risk analysis was generated to evaluate potential sites for establishment of Green Infrastructure (GI) as a means of reducing risk and induce recharge to local aquifers. A hydrologic model was created using HEC‐HMS under GIS tools and later using Flood Area® hydrologic software to evaluate flood risk analysis. For small‐scale watersheds (< 10 km2) runoff can be greatly reduced by using and developing an urban hydrology approach. Furthermore, using GI and applying an urban hydrology approach can generate synergistic benefits by reducing flood risk, enhancing recharge to aquifer formations, weakening urban heat islands, improving habitat for regional species, and generating a common site for social interaction between neighbors. Binational agencies have adapted a new policy to address and promote the generation of such sites while academia, local government, and Non‐Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have taken up the challenge of promoting joint collaboration leading to local solutions to the ancient problem of flood risk.
Application of Environmental Tracers in the Memphis Aquifer and Implication for Sustainability of Groundwater Resources in the Memphis Metropolitan Area, Tennessee
Authors: Larsen Daniel , Waldron Brian , Schoefernacker Scott , Gallo Haley , Koban John , Bradshaw Elizabeth
Published: February 2017

Fourteen years of results from environmental tracer sampling for 3H, He isotopes, noble gases, and SF6 in production wells screened in the Memphis aquifer in Memphis, Tennessee, are presented and used to determine the age and mass proportion of modern water (<60 years old) pumped from this regionally important public supply aquifer. The results indicate persistent presence of modern water in water pumped from one or more production wells in most of the well fields sampled. The percentage of modern water is quantified by three methods: tritium‐loading history, inverse geochemical modeling, and lumped parameter modeling. The mixing percentages and ages determined from each technique are generally in agreement, but also emphasize the unique information provided by each tracer and associated modeling approaches. The implications of the tracer data for sustainability and vulnerability are also considered, especially in regard to potential water quality threats to the water supply in the Memphis, Tennessee, metropolitan area.
Geochemical Factors Controlling the Mobilization of Arsenic at an Artificial Recharge Site, Clearwater, Florida
Authors: Darling Bruce K.
Published: February 2017

Aquifer storage and recovery and artificial recharge projects are common methods of developing and managing groundwater resources for future use by cities that face pressure to maintain sustainable supplies of water for growing populations. Such projects, however, are often accompanied by water‐quality problems that can be mitigated by careful attention to geological and geochemical factors that account for the occurrence and mobilization of contaminants such as arsenic in storage zones. Investigations of artificial recharge systems in Florida, for example, have identified oxidative dissolution of pyrites by treated injectate waters as the principal factor causing the mobilization of arsenic from the matrix of an aquifer. This paper describes major‐ion chemistry and associated reduction‐oxidation factors that account for the occurrence of arsenic in groundwater at an artificial recharge site under development by the City of Clearwater, Florida. The results of this investigation are fully consistent with those of previous studies. Of particular significance is the apparent sensitivity of arsenical sulfides to slight changes in the redox conditions under which those minerals are otherwise stable.
Issues of Stream‐Aquifer Interactions in Grout Lined Channels in Urban Watersheds
Authors: Hibbs Barry , Harrison Michael , Merino Mercedes
Published: February 2017

Grout lined storm drains are used worldwide to convey storm runoff away from urban areas. They also convey dry weather flows such as car wash runoff, lawn runoff, and other “nuisance flows” in urban centers. Areas in Southern California and elsewhere have shallow water tables where dry weather flows in grout lined storm drains consist primarily of perennial groundwater baseflows. In these areas, groundwater leaks through cracks, joints, weepholes, and intentional dewatering structures into storm drains and eventually flows into natural channels, coastal wetlands, and estuaries. The “lined” sections of these channels are not always impervious; in fact, the lining of the channels often affords excellent opportunities to collect groundwater samples at discrete points that are usually not present along unlined channels where well control is sparse or where technical or legal issues prevent installation of piezometers. Frequently, as much as 95% of the nutrient and trace element loading to urban catchments during dry weather is from seepage of groundwater that is laden with pollutants. This project presents several examples of our experiences in conducting stream/aquifer studies in lined and semi‐lined channels in Southern California. Sub‐projects include evolution of groundwater quality along flowpaths, detection of unwanted recharge mounds in shallow groundwater systems due to leaky water main pipes, and comparisons of water quality in lined and unlined sections of a creek. Tools that are utilized and described in the paper include isotopic tracers; trace element and standard inorganic constituents; and innovative sampling methods.
PbZr0.4Ti0.6O3 dielectric reflectors with large photonic band gap and high average optical reflectivity
Authors: Li Shi Min , Hu Gu Jin , Wang Chao , Zhao Wen Chao , Ma Guo Hong , Chen Xiao Shuang , Chu Jun Hao , Dai Ning
Published: February 2017

PbZr0.4Ti0.6O3 multilayer, comprising of three PbZr0.4Ti0.6O3 stacks with a slight difference in their periodic thickness, has been designed and fabricated on FTO substrate based on one single chemical solution and on the simple spinning‐coating and annealing technique. The obtained multilayer exhibits a high reflectivity band with 110 nm photonic stop‐band width and average reflectivity of over 80% at room temperature, rendering the novel arrange of PbZr0.4Ti0.6O3 multilayer system a promising candidate as tunable dielectric mirrors, optical cavities and selective filters.
Phosphor‐in‐glass thick film formation with low sintering temperature phosphosilicate glass for robust white LED
Authors: Ahn Sang Hyun , Nam Yoon Hee , Han Karam , Im Won Bin , Cho Kuk Young , Chung Woon Jin
Published: February 2017

Phosphor‐in‐glass (PiG) thick film was fabricated on a borosilicate glass substrate using a conventional screen printing method and employing phosphosilicate glass to allow low‐temperature sintering. The vehicle content and sintering temperature were optimized to form a thick film with a thickness of ~50 μm. Commercial yellow (Y3Al5O12:Ce3+) and red (CaAlSiN3:Eu2+) phosphors were successfully incorporated within the glass matrix and then sintered at 550°C. Color‐tunable white LEDs were achieved using the PiG thick films as a color converter by varying the glass to phosphor (GtP) ratio. The high luminous efficacy of up to ~120 lm/W and high color rendering index of up to 89 in combination with the thermal quenching property prove the practical feasibility of the PiG thick films for high‐power/high‐brightness LED applications.
High lithium ionic conductivity in the garnet‐type oxide Li7−2xLa3Zr2−xMoxO12 (x=0‐0.3) ceramics by sol‐gel method
Authors: Liu Xiaoting , Li Yuan , Yang Tiantian , Cao Zhenzhu , He Weiyan , Gao Yanfang , Liu Jinrong , Li Guorong , Li Zhi
Published: February 2017

Lithium garnet‐type oxides Li7−2xLa3Zr2−xMoxO12 (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) ceramics were prepared by a sol‐gel method. The influence of molybdenum on the structure, microstructure and conductivity of Li7La3Zr2O12 were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and impedance spectroscopy. The cubic phase Li7La3Zr2O12 has been stabilized by partial substitution of Mo for Zr at low temperature. The introduction of Mo (x≥0.1) can accelerate densification. Li6.6La3Zr1.8Mo0.2O12 sintered at lower temperature 1100°C for 3 hours exhibits highest total ionic conductivity of 5.09 × 10−4 S/cm. Results indicate that the Mo doping LLZO synthesized by sol‐gel method effectively lowers its sintering temperature and improves the ionic conductivity.
High‐pressure synthesis of a 12CaO·7Al2O3–12SrO·7Al2O3 solid solution
Authors: Miyakawa Masashi , Kobayashi Kiyoshi , Taniguchi Takashi
Published: February 2017

Solid solutions of 12CaO·7Al2O3 (C12A7) and 12SrO·7Al2O3 (S12A7) crystals were synthesized under high pressure. X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed that the lattice constants of the synthesized samples depend linearly on the compositional ratio of C12A7 and S12A7. Electron‐probe X‐ray microanalyses show that the chemical compositions of the crystals are represented by xC12A7·(1−x)S12A7 (0<x<1). These results indicate that the variation in the lattice constants is originated from a difference in the ionic radii of Ca2+ and Sr2+ ions. From impedance measurements, it was found that S12A7 has the highest conductivity (~1 × 10−3 Scm−1 at 550°C) among the solid solutions in the C12A7–S12A7 system.
Effects of fictive temperature on the leaching of soda lime silica glass surfaces
Authors: Amma Shin‐ichi , Luo Jiawei , Kim Seong H. , Pantano Carlo G.
Published: February 2017

The fictive temperature of glass characterizes the glass network structure and its thermal history, and thereby can influence ion and water transport in the glass surface. In this study, IR specular reflectance (SR), refractive index, and density measurements were used to characterize and confirm the effects of glass sample processing, especially the fictive temperature/thermal‐history variations. The subsequent acid leaching of these glasses created leached surface layers due to interdiffusion and reaction of hydrous species in the surface; the hydrogen depth profiles obtained with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) confirmed enhanced leaching with increasing fictive temperature. Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) in the mid‐ and near‐IR indicated increases in both SiOH and H2O species with increasing fictive temperature. The relative intensities and shapes of the ATR peaks were found to vary between the samples suggesting that speciation of the hydrous reaction products (eg, strong and weakly hydrogen‐bonded OH) is also influenced by the original fictive temperature of the glass, but could not be quantitatively determined.
Fiber‐draw‐induced elongation and break‐up of particles inside the core of a silica‐based optical fiber
Authors: Vermillac M. , Lupi J.‐F. , Peters F. , Cabié M. , Vennéguès P. , Kucera C. , Neisius T. , Ballato J. , Blanc W.
Published: February 2017

Particles in the core of optical fibers are widely studied to tailor or to improve optical properties. The analysis of nanoparticles embedded in silica‐based optical fiber allowed new observations of the evolution of amorphous particles during fiber drawing. Even at the nanoscale, competition between viscous stresses and surface tension on the particles induces elongation and even break‐up of particles during the process. Indeed, particles between 140 and 200 nm diameter inside the preform can break up in fragments with diameters down to 60 nm inside the drawn fiber. Break‐up of particles appears as a new “top‐down” strategy to produce small particles. These observations are promising for micro/nanostructured and multiphasic optical fibers.
Developmental psychopathology in the post‐genomics era – substantial challenges but reasons for hope
Authors: Halperin Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2017

One only has to quickly look through the Table of Contents for this issue of JCPP to gain an appreciation of the ever‐increasing influence of genetic research in the field of developmental psychopathology. Among the 13 articles in this issue that follow this editorial: two employ large family and/or twin studies to provide compelling behavioral genetic findings bolstering the importance of genes in the emergence of ADHD (Chen, Brikell, Lichtenstein, Serlachius, Kuja‐Halkola, Sandin, and Larsson) and level of educational achievement in adolescents (Lewis, Asbury, and Plomin); one paper focuses on cortical development in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and its association with positive symptoms of psychosis (Radoeva, Bansal, Antshel, Fremont, Peterson, and Kates); a Commentary (Border and Keller) and Response to Commentary (Moore) debate the relative advantages and disadvantages of candidate gene versus genome‐wide approaches to detecting certain genetic markers, particularly in relation to interactions with the environment; and two more focus on the identification of endophenotypes for autism spectrum disorders which will presumably facilitate the identification of genes for this complex disorder (Jones, Venema, Earl, Lowy, and Webb; Van Eylen, Boets, Cosemans, Peeters, Steyaert, Wagemans, and Noens).
Blood‐brain barrier models derived from individual patients: a new frontier
Authors: Xiang Jianming , Andjelkovic Anuska V. , Wang Michael M. , Keep Richard F.
Published: February 2017

Read the highlighted article ‘An isogenic blood–brain barrier model comprising brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, and neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells’ on page 874.
Vaccination against T‐cell epitopes of native ApoB100 reduces vascular inflammation and disease in a humanized mouse model of atherosclerosis
Authors: Gisterå A. , Hermansson A. , Strodthoff D. , Klement M. L. , Hedin U. , Fredrikson G. N. , Nilsson J. , Hansson G. K. , Ketelhuth D. F. J.
Published: February 2017

Background and Objectives

The T‐cell response to low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) in the vessel wall plays a critical role in atherosclerotic plaque formation and stability. In this study, we used a new translational approach to investigate epitopes from human apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100), the protein component of LDL, which triggers T‐cell activation. We also evaluated the potential of two selected native ApoB100 epitopes to modulate atherosclerosis in human ApoB100‐transgenic Ldlr−/− (HuBL) mice.

Methods and Results

HuBL mice were immunized with human atherosclerotic plaque homogenate to boost cellular autoimmune response to tissue‐derived ApoB100 epitopes. In vitro challenge of splenocytes from immunized mice with a library of overlapping native peptides covering human ApoB100 revealed several sequences eliciting T‐cell proliferation. Of these sequences, peptide (P) 265 and P295 were predicted to bind several human leucocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes and induced high levels of interferon (IFN)‐γ. Vaccination of HuBL mice with these peptides mounted a strong adaptive immune response to native ApoB100, including high levels of epitope‐specific plasma IgGs. Interestingly, P265 and P295 vaccines significantly decreased plaque size, reduced macrophage infiltration and increased IgG1 deposition in the plaques. Purified IgGs from vaccinated mice displayed anti‐inflammatory properties against macrophages in vitro, reducing their response to LPS in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

We identified two specific epitopes from human native ApoB100 that trigger T‐cell activation and protect HuBL mice against atherosclerosis when used in a vaccine. Our data suggest that vaccination‐induced protective mechanisms may be mediated at least in part through specific antibody responses to LDL that inhibit macrophage activation.
Why do children present to emergency departments? Exploring motivators and measures of presentation appropriateness for children presenting to a paediatric emergency department
Authors: Cheek John A , Braitberg George , Craig Simon , West Adam
Published: February 2017

Aim

To compare the parental motivators and referring general practitioner's (GP's) reasons for advising emergency department (ED) attendance with the assessment of ED medical staff. To compare ED clinician opinion with other published methods that have attempted to define ‘primary care suitable' presentations to the ED.

Methods

A prospective observational study and series of surveys regarding the attendance of children presenting to a single tertiary paediatric ED. Surveys were distributed to the treating ED clinician, the child's parent/guardian, and the referring GP. Results between the three groups were analysed and compared.

Results

There were a total of 1069 presentations during the study period. Six hundred (58.4%, 95% CI 55.3–61.4%) presentations were judged as ‘ED appropriate’ by the treating ED clinician. When compared with methods used to retrospectively judge whether ED patients are considered ‘primary care suitable’, ED clinicians disagree between 22.4 and 38.8% of the time. For patients who presented directly to ED, 85.6% did so for a medical reason, whilst 32.1% did so for a GP access reason. Being referred by a GP improved the ED clinicians’ opinion of the appropriateness of the presentation (49.2 vs. 73.9%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We caution that many strategies attempting to ‘solve’ the issue of increasing ED attendances by paediatric patients have been driven by opinion, and a better understanding of the motivators that drive this behaviour is needed. We believe the solution to increasing utilisation of EDs by children must be a balanced approach that addresses community expectations and appropriately resources EDs.
Implicit Learning of Spatial Configuration Occurs without Eye Movement
Authors: Higuchi Yoko , Saiki Jun
Published: February 2017

Studies have demonstrated that eye movements enhance visual memory. However, the role of eye movement in implicit learning is not clear. We investigated whether implicit learning of spatial configuration requires eye movement using the contextual cueing paradigm. Eye movements were restricted by instructing participants to maintain fixation on the center of a display during a visual search. The results demonstrated that contextual cueing occurs even without eye movements. Furthermore, contextual cueing effects were obtained more rapidly when eye movements were restricted compared to when eye movements were allowed. The findings suggest that eye movements mediate the learning progress in contextual cueing: stabilization of spatial layout representation by restriction of eye movements induces a rapid learning of configuration.
Systematic genetic dissection of PTS in Vibrio cholerae uncovers a novel glucose transporter and a limited role for PTS during infection of a mammalian host
Authors: Hayes Chelsea A. , Dalia Triana N. , Dalia Ankur B.
Published: February 2017

A common mechanism for high affinity carbohydrate uptake in microbial species is the phosphoenolpyruvate‐dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS). This system consists of a shared component, EI, which is required for all PTS transport, and numerous carbohydrate uptake transporters. In Vibrio cholerae, there are 13 distinct PTS transporters. Due to genetic redundancy within this system, the carbohydrate specificity of each of these transporters is not currently defined. Here, using multiplex genome editing by natural transformation (MuGENT), we systematically dissect PTS transport in V. cholerae. Specifically, we generated a mutant strain that lacks all 13 PTS transporters, and from this strain, we created a panel of mutants where each expresses a single transporter. Using this panel, we have largely defined the carbohydrate specificities of each PTS transporter. In addition, this analysis uncovered a novel glucose transporter. We have further defined the mechanism of this transporter and characterized its regulation. Using our 13 PTS transporter mutant, we also provide the first clear evidence that carbohydrate transport by the PTS is not essential during infection in an infant mouse model of cholera. In summary, this study shows how multiplex genome editing can be used to rapidly dissect complex biological systems and genetic redundancy in microbial systems.
Visualization of xylem embolism by X‐ray microtomography: a direct test against hydraulic measurements
Authors: Nolf Markus , Lopez Rosana , Peters Jennifer M. R. , Flavel Richard J. , Koloadin Leah S. , Young Iain M. , Choat Brendan
Published: February 2017

X‐ray microtomography (microCT) is becoming a valuable noninvasive tool for advancing our understanding of plant–water relations. Laboratory‐based microCT systems are becoming more affordable and provide better access than synchrotron facilities. However, some systems come at the cost of comparably lower signal quality and spatial resolution than synchrotron facilities. In this study, we evaluated laboratory‐based X‐ray microCT imaging as a tool to nondestructively analyse hydraulic vulnerability to drought‐induced embolism in a woody plant species.

We analysed the vulnerability to drought‐induced embolism of benchtop‐dehydrated Eucalyptus camaldulensis plants using microCT and hydraulic flow measurements on the same sample material, allowing us to directly compare the two methods. Additionally, we developed a quantitative procedure to improve microCT image analysis at limited resolution and accurately measure vessel lumens.

Hydraulic measurements matched closely with microCT imaging of the current‐year growth ring, with similar hydraulic conductivity and loss of conductivity due to xylem embolism. Optimized thresholding of vessel lumens during image analysis, based on a physiologically meaningful parameter (theoretical conductivity), allowed us to overcome common potential constraints of some lab‐based systems.

Our results indicate that estimates of vulnerability to embolism provided by microCT visualization agree well with those obtained from hydraulic measurements on the same sample material.
Environmental degradation results in contrasting changes in the assembly processes of stream bacterial and fungal communities
Authors: Mykrä Heikki , Tolkkinen Mikko , Heino Jani
Published: February 2017

Environmental degradation may have strong effects on community assembly processes. We examined the assembly of bacterial and fungal communities in anthropogenically altered and near‐pristine streams. Using pyrosequencing of bacterial and fungal DNA from decomposed alder Alnus incana leaves, we specifically examined if environmental degradation deterministically decreases or increases the compositional turnover of bacterial and fungal communities. Our results showed that near‐pristine streams and anthropogenically altered streams supported distinct fungal and bacterial communities. The mechanisms assembling these communities were different in near‐pristine and altered environments. Environmental disturbance homogenized bacterial communities, whereas fungal communities were more dissimilar in disturbed sites than in near‐pristine sites. Compositional variation of both bacteria and fungi was related to water chemistry variables in disturbed sites, further implying the influence of environmental degradation on community assembly. Bacterial and fungal communities in near‐pristine streams were weakly controlled by environmental factors, suggesting that the relative importance of niche‐based versus neutral processes in assembling microbial communities may strongly depend on the spatial scale and local environmental context. Our results thus suggest that environmental degradation may strongly affect the composition and β‐diversity of stream microbial communities colonizing leaf litter, and that the direction of the change can be different between bacteria and fungi. A better understanding of the environmental tolerances of microbes and the mechanisms assembling microbial communities in natural environmental settings is needed to predict how environmental alteration is likely to affect microbial communities.
Do brachiopods show substrate‐related phenotypic variation? A case study from the Burgess Shale
Authors: Topper Timothy P. , Strotz Luke C. , Skovsted Christian B. , Holmer Lars E.
Published: February 2017

As sessile, benthic filter feeders, brachiopods share an intimate relationship with their chosen substrate. Individuals of Micromitra burgessensis in the Burgess Shale Formation are preserved in life position, attached to a range of hard substrates, including skeletal debris, conspecific brachiopods, sponges and enigmatic tubes. Here we investigate the phenotypic variability of M. burgessensis associated with differing substrate attachments. We apply geometric morphometrics to test for variation by plotting landmarks on the exterior of ventral and dorsal valves of M. burgessensis specimens that are preserved attached to different substrates. Using principal component, canonical variate analyses and anova, we determine that there is some variation in shape related to substrate. Canonical variate analyses, for ventral valves and dorsal valves, indicate that specimens attached to the same substrate are recognizable in shape from specimens attached to other substrate types. The strength of differentiation however, is not robust and combined with our discriminate analysis of separate populations suggests that there is the potential for substrates to exercise only weak control over the morphology of Brachiopoda.
Exploring the views of relatives of frail elderly patients about participating in a geriatric dentistry program
Authors: Ardenghi Diego Machado , Wyatt Chris
Published: February 2017

Elderly residents of long‐term care facilities (LTC) have difficulty accessing dental services. Aiming to improve access for this population, the Geriatric Dental Program (GDP) was established by UBC Faculty of Dentistry in 2002. Within the GDP, elderly people receive fee‐for‐service dental care. The objective of this research was to explore whether accessing these services had an impact on the lives of the patients’ relatives. Data was collected through semi‐structured, face‐to‐face, audio‐recorded interviews with family members of 12 GDP patients. A criterion sampling method was used to select the interviewed family. Interview transcription and data coding procedures were conducted following Saldaña. NVivo software was used to code and organize the transcripts. Data analysis followed a qualitative thematic analysis. Final analysis shows that patient relatives are worried about their relatives’ oral health. They believe that it is difficult to find private dentists with geriatric expertise and to make appointments for their family members in private practice. In addition, they report that the GDP made their life less stressful and relieved the burden of setting up appointments for their relatives. Thus, it is expected that a similar program may positively affect the lives of patient relatives by improving access to dental care services.
Slope and Line of Best Fit: A Transfer of Knowledge Case Study
Authors: Nagle Courtney , Casey Stephanie , Moore‐Russo Deborah
Published: February 2017

This paper brings together research on slope from mathematics education and research on line of best fit from statistics education by considering what knowledge of slope students transfer to a novel task involving determining the placement of an informal line of best fit. This study focuses on two students who transitioned from placing inaccurate to accurate lines of best fit during a task‐based interview. The analysis focuses on describing shifts in slope reasoning that accompanied the change to accurately placed lines, and investigates factors that may have influenced the shift in reasoning. The results have implications for the teaching of both slope and the line of best fit.
Science Self‐Efficacy of Preservice Teachers in Face‐to‐Face versus Blended Environments
Authors: Knaggs Christine M. , Sondergeld Toni A. , Henry Dawn
Published: February 2017

Using a quasi‐experimental mixed methods concurrent design, this study measured the science self‐efficacy of pre‐service elementary teachers before and after a survey of science content course. Further, this course was delivered in two different formats: face‐to‐face and hybrid (approximately 50% online), and compared pre‐and post‐science self‐efficacy of students in the two different course formats. Our quantitative results showed increases in personal efficacy, but not outcome expectancy for both formats, and no significant differences between the increases for either format. Our qualitative data showed that participants attributed their increased levels of personal efficacy to the hands‐on components of the course, as well as perceived teacher attitudes toward science, both of which would be challenging to replicate in a purely online format, as opposed to the hybrid format included in this study.
Examining Elementary Teachers’ Engineering Self‐Efficacy and Engineering Teacher Efficacy
Authors: Hammack Rebekah , Ivey Toni
Published: February 2017

Research indicates that teacher efficacy influences student achievement and is situation specific. With the Next Generation Science Standards calling for the incorporation of engineering practices into K–12 classrooms, it is important to identify teachers’ engineering teaching efficacy. A study of K–5 teachers’ engineering self‐efficacy and engineering teaching efficacy revealed that that they have low engineering self‐efficacy and low teacher efficacy related to engineering pedagogical content knowledge. Additionally, significant differences existed in self‐efficacy levels based on gender, ethnicity, Title I school status, and grade level taught.
The Contact‐Prejudice Relationship Among Ethnic Minorities: Examining the Facilitative Influence of Religiosity
Authors: Thomsen Jens Peter Frølund , Rafiqi Arzoo
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The pioneers of intergroup contact research suggested that the positive impact of face‐to‐face interaction might fail among “intolerant” participants. To challenge this view, the present study extends previous research by examining religiosity as a boundary condition of intergroup contact among ethnic minority members.

Methods

The results were generated in a regression analysis of a Danish national probability sample from 2006 (N = 3,958).

Results

Analyses show that: (a) the ability of intergroup contact to reduce prejudice is strongest among the most religious and (b) that contact reduces prejudice at all levels of religiosity.

Conclusions

These findings support the general claim that intergroup contact is sufficiently powerful to produce positive outcomes, even among the most “intolerant.” Additionally, the findings suggest that intergroup contact is not necessarily seriously infected by selection biases, as the most intolerant do not systematically avoid contact. The concluding section discusses the theoretical implications of the findings.
Warding Off Competition: The Impact of School District Outreach on Charter Expansion in Arizona
Authors: Milliman Scott , Maranto Robert , Wood William C.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To assess whether charter‐competition‐induced changes in traditional school district policies—in this case outreach programs—can slow subsequent charter growth.

Methods

Using Arizona data in a regression analysis, the impact of district outreach intensity on charter growth from 1997 to 2000—when these marketing activities were probably modified in response to prior (1994–1997) charter entry—is determined. This impact is then compared to the effect of outreach intensity on initial charter growth for 1994–1997, when competition‐induced changes in outreach activities were less likely to have been implemented.

Results

High district outreach intensity did not influence charter expansion during 1994–1997, but did slow this growth during 1997–2000.

Conclusion

Traditional school districts are capable of slowing charter growth via competition‐induced changes in outreach activities, but the effect occurs with a lag. The analysis suggests that charter entry also generates responses from private schools that slow charter growth.
A Growing Rift in Values? Income and Educational Inequality and Their Impact on Mass Attitude Polarization
Authors: Bosancianu Constantin Manuel
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Competing theoretical models from economics and social psychology would suggest either a negative or positive association between income inequality and attitude polarization. In order to address the conflicting nature of the predictions made by these theoretical accounts, this analysis tests whether inequality indeed impacts polarization in Left‐Right ideological self‐placement for a diverse sample of democracies.

Methods

I use World Values Surveys—European Values Surveys 1981–2008 combined data for obtaining a large time‐series cross‐sectional data set of indicators of attitude polarization. I rely on mixed‐effects models to test whether there is any connection between income inequality and polarization, after controlling for additional relevant factors, such as educational inequality.

Results

Findings point to no effect of income inequality on any measure of attitude polarization once educational inequality is controlled for. The latter type of inequality, on the other hand, has a consistent effect on two indicators of inequality, spread and bimodality, in the expected direction.

Conclusions

In spite of a highly plausible posited connection between income inequality and Left‐Right attitude polarization, this analysis has failed to find any connection between the two. Instead, educational inequality appears to exert a consistent effect on attitude polarization. The findings point to the need for a more nuanced view of connections between economic inequality and political attitudes and behaviors, and to the possibility that shifts in inequality of the magnitude observed in OECD countries might not lead to social tensions.
The Economic Crisis (2009–2013) and Electoral Support for the Radical Right in Western Europe—Some New and Unexpected Findings
Authors: Stockemer Daniel
Published: February 2017

Objectives

This article evaluates the influence of the economic crisis (2009–2013) on the vote share of the radical right in Western European regions. I ask two questions: (1) Has the radical right electorally benefited from the recession that has hit Western Europe in the aftermath of the U.S. and European stock market crisis in 2008/2009? (2) Has it performed particularly well in areas that have been very hard hit by the crisis?

Methods

I evaluate both questions in a longitudinal and multivariate framework through pooled time series analysis. The analysis, which controls for immigration, the education level of the region, and population density, covers more than 150 regions in 17 European countries from 1990 to 2013.

Results

First, I find that the 2009 to 2013 economic crisis has merely triggered a very moderate increase of 1 percentage point in the aggregate average regional vote share of the radical right. Second, and with the exception of regions in Greece and France, my results also indicate that the radical right has had the strongest electoral gains in regions and countries that have been relatively spared from the gust of the crisis.

Conclusion

This quantitative study highlights that an economic crisis is no panacea for the success of the radical right.
Human‐to‐human transmission of Brucella – a systematic review
Authors: Tuon Felipe F. , Gondolfo Regina B. , Cerchiari Natacha
Published: February 2017

Objective

The most common form of transmitting human brucellosis is through contaminated food or direct contact with infected animals. Human‐to‐human transmission (HHT) has been described as isolated case reports. The aim of this systematic review was to describe all cases of HHT of human brucellosis reported in the medical literature.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Scielo databases using specific search terms published until March 2016. Two investigators independently determined study eligibility. All clinical data were evaluated to construct a table comprising the most important clinical aspects, age, gender, confirmed infection and detection method, transmission method and HHT confirmation and potential source of infection for human transmission. No statistical method was employed in this study.

Results

The initial search resulted in 615 publications, but only 35 were included. 45 brucellosis HHT cases were identified. 61% of patients who acquired brucellosis from another human were <1 year old (newborn and breastfeeding). Other cases include sexual transmission, blood transfusion, bone marrow transplantation and aerosol from an infected patient. Most patients (40/45) presented symptoms upon diagnosis. Diagnostic tests included culture, molecular methods and serum testing.

Conclusion

Human brucellosis is a disease liable to transmission between humans by placental barrier, lactation, sexual and tissues such as blood and bone marrow. The indication for screening in tissue banks, transplants, blood and pregnancy is not yet established.
Hepatitis E risks: pigs or blood—that is the question
Authors: Tedder Richard S. , Ijaz Samreen , Kitchen Alan , Ushiro‐Lumb Ines , Tettmar Kate I. , Hewitt Patricia , Andrews Nick
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Infection with hepatitis E virus (HEV) Genotype 3 is recognized as a food‐borne zoonosis in developed countries where it usually causes a mild self‐limited acute hepatitis. It may cause a persistent infection in the immunosuppressed human that can progress to cirrhosis. To protect the patient from transfusion‐acquired HEV infection, steps have been taken in the United Kingdom to provide for at‐risk patients only components from donors screened for HEV viremia. This strategy does not protect from dietary exposure and calls into question estimation of relative risk between blood transfusion and diet.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Using data on HEV viremia, component exposure, residual plasma volume, and resulting transmission, the dose of virus administered and subsequent transmission rates were determined and used to populate a model that can infer the relationship between blood and dietary exposure.

RESULTS

The annual attack rate of a population, defined as seroconversion, provides an estimate of the risk of receiving a component containing HEV from a viremic donor. The lowest viral dose that resulted in infection was 2 × 104 IUs and 55% of components containing this dose transmitted infection. The transfusion risk of infection only exceeds the annual dietary risk when more than 13 individual donor components are transfused.

CONCLUSION

For many solid organ transplant patients dietary exposure far exceeds the risk of transfusion from unscreened donors. It is only in the immunosuppressed patient requiring extensive blood component support that transfusion risk dominates. This understanding should inform policy decisions on HEV RNA screening of blood donations.
Surgical margins in the veterinary cancer patient
Authors: Milovancev M. , Russell D. S.
Published: February 2017

In veterinary oncologic specimens, histopathology is the gold standard for determining adequacy of excision. Despite limitations of this technique, the pathologist's interpretation of margin status significantly impacts patient management, including indications for adjuvant therapy. This article aims to summarize peer‐reviewed literature as it relates to histologic margin evaluation in veterinary cancer patients. The value of histologic tumour‐free margins and technical factors influencing histopathologic margin outcomes are also discussed. We review alternative strategies for determining excisional status, and discuss how an evolving understanding of tumour biology might inform clinical and research perspectives on surgical margins. In doing so, we aim to provide context and a stimulus for future investigations into this important yet incompletely understood topic.
Mechanisms of haem toxicity in haemolysis and protection by the haem‐binding protein, haemopexin
Authors: Smith A. , McCulloh R. J.
Published: February 2017

Haem (iron‐protoporphyrin IX) is vital to aerobic life. However, haemolysis generates massive amounts of free haem that can be maintained for several days. Haem is toxic because the chemical reactions of haem that occur in the presence of oxygen can destroy most biological molecules and haem activates cells of the immune system to drive inflammation. Haemopexin captures haem and disarms its chemical activity, thus protecting cells and molecules in biological fluids from haem toxicity. A surprisingly large number of disease states characterized by haemolysis or complicated by haemolysis (e.g. sickle cell disease, sepsis, haemolytic anaemias, viral haemorrhagic fevers) lack targeted therapies. Novel treatments from proof of principle studies in mice models of sickle cell disease and sepsis include replenishment therapies with haemopexin infusions or hepatic gene therapy to express haemopexin. Here, we characterize the key protective mechanisms that haemopexin instigates, explain how methaemoglobin and methemalbumin produce haem toxicity and evaluate the clinical importance of the haemopexin system in protecting against extracellular haem‐activated pathology in intravascular haemolysis. The main findings are that endocytosis of haem–haemopexin co‐regulates the safe trafficking of three redox‐active metals through subcellular compartments and, compared with the response to ‘free’ haem, uniquely activates several signalling pathways and transcription factors that induce the production of antioxidant enzymes and molecules known to maintain the intracellular redox state. Mounting evidence from patient longitudinal studies supports that impairments of haem and haemoglobin clearance are often unrecognized. Clinical data suggest that haemopexin is likely the best plasma biomarker for assessing a haem load as, unlike haptoglobin, it responds to heme and is not an acute‐phase reactant. Knowledge of the biology of haemopexin has yielded a potential novel therapeutic and also provided an impetus and means for improving diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring of patients with haemolysis.