bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide association study of callus induction variation to explore the callus formation mechanism of rice
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyang , Zhao Hu , Li Wei , Wu Jiemin , Zhou Zaihui , Zhou Fei , Chen Hao , Lin Yongjun
Published: December 2018

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the most widely cultivated food crops, worldwide. Tissue culture is extensively used in rice breeding and functional genome research. The ability to induce callus determines whether a particular rice variety can be subjected to tissue culture and Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. Over the past two decades, many quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to callus induction traits have been identified; however, individual genes associated with rice callus induction have not been reported. In this study, we characterized three callus‐induction traits in a global collection of 510 rice accessions. A genome‐wide association study of the rice population in its entirety as well as subpopulations revealed 21 significant loci located in rice callus induction QTLs. We identified three candidate callus induction genes, namelyCRL1,OsBMM1, andOsSET1, which are orthologs ofArabidopsis LBD17/LBD29,BBM, andSWN,respectively, which are known to affect callus formation. Furthermore, we predicted that 14 candidate genes might be involved in rice callus induction and showed that RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated disruption ofOsIAA10inhibited callus formation on tissue culture medium. Embryo growth in theOsIAA10RNAi line was not inhibited by synthetic auxin (2,4‐D) treatment, suggesting thatOsIAA10may perceive auxin and activate the expression of downstream genes, such asCRL1, to induce callus formation. The significant loci and candidate genes identified here may provide insight into the mechanism underlying callus formation in rice.
ESCRT‐dependent vacuolar sorting and degradation of the auxin biosynthetic enzyme YUC1 flavin monooxygenase
Authors: Ge Chennan , Gao Caiji , Chen Qingguo , Jiang Liwen , Zhao Yunde
Published: December 2018

YUC flavin monooxygenases catalyze the rate‐limiting step of auxin biosynthesis. Here we report the vacuolar targeting and degradation of GFP‐YUC1. GFP‐YUC1 fusion expressed in Arabidopsis protoplasts or transgenic plants was primarily localized in vacuoles. Surprisingly, we established that GFP‐YUC1, a soluble protein, was sorted to vacuoles through the ESCRT pathway, which has long been recognized for sorting and targeting integral membrane proteins. We further show that GFP‐YUC1 was ubiquitinated and in this form GFP‐YUC1 was targeted for degradation, a process that was also stimulated by elevated auxin levels. Our findings revealed a molecular mechanism of GFP‐YUC1 degradation and demonstrate that the ESCRT pathway can recognize both soluble and integral membrane proteins as cargoes.
Comparative effect of allopolyploidy on transposable element composition and gene expression between Gossypium hirsutum and its two diploid progenitors
Authors: Cheng Hua , Sun Gaofei , He Shoupu , Gong Wenfang , Peng Zhen , Wang Ruiping , Lin Zhongxu , Du Xiongming
Published: December 2018

An allopolyploidization event formed allotetraploid Gossypium species from an A‐genome diploid species and a D‐genome diploid species. To explore the responses of transposable elements (TEs) to allopolyploidy, we assembled parallel TE datasets from G. hirsutum, G. arboreum and G. raimondii and analyzed the TE types and the effects of TEs on orthologous gene expression in the three Gossypium genomes. Gypsy was the most abundant TE type and most TEs were located ∼500 bp from genes in all three genomes. In G. hirsutum, 35.6% of genes harbored TE insertions, whereas insertions were more frequent in G. arboreum and G. raimondii. G. hirsutum had the highest proportion of uniquely matching 24‐nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that targeted TEs. TEs, particularly those targeted by 24‐nt siRNAs, were associated with reduced gene expression, but the effect of TEs on orthologous gene expression varied substantially among species. Orthologous gene expression levels in G. hirsutum were intermediate between those of G. arboreum and G. raimondii, which did not experience TE expansion or reduction resulting from allopolyploidization. This study underscores the diversity of TEs co‐opted by host genes and provides insights into the roles of TEs in regulating gene expression in Gossypium.
Seven Fallacies Concerning Milton Friedman's “The Role of Monetary Policy”
Authors: NELSON EDWARD
Published: December 2018

This paper analyzes Milton Friedman's (1968a) article “The Role of Monetary Policy,” via a discussion of seven fallacies concerning the article. These fallacies are as follows: (i) “The Role of Monetary Policy” was Friedman's first public statement of the natural rate hypothesis. (ii) The Friedman–Phelps Phillips curve was already present in Samuelson and Solow's (1960) analysis. (iii) Friedman's specification of the Phillips curve was based on perfect competition and no nominal rigidities. (iv) Friedman's (1968a) account of monetary policy in the Great Depression contradicted the Monetary History’s version. (v) Friedman (1968a) stated that a monetary expansion will keep the unemployment rate and the real interest rate below their natural rates for two decades. (vi) The zero lower bound on nominal interest rates invalidates the natural rate hypothesis. (vii) Friedman's (1968a) treatment of an interest‐rate peg was refuted by the rational expectations revolution. The discussion lays out the reasons why each of these seven items is a fallacy and infers key aspects of the framework underlying Friedman's (1968a) analysis.
In vitro antioxidant activity and solar protection factor of blackberry and raspberry extracts in topical formulation
Authors: Cefali Letícia Caramori , Franco Julia Gomes , Nicolini Giulia Ferreira , Ataide Janaína Artem , Mazzola Priscila Gava
Published: December 2018

Background

Berries are known for their antioxidant activity due to the presence of flavonoids. Antioxidants’ usage guarantees skin protection against free radicals and, flavonoids, especially, can act as sunscreen. The aim of this paper was to evaluate solar protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant activity in vitro of blackberry and raspberry extracts incorporated in topical formulation and study their stability.

Results

Raspberry presented 29.93 mg of anthocyanins/100 g of fruit and blackberry 65.58 mg of anthocyanins/100 g of fruit. In vitro solar protection factor was 54.57 to blackberry and 37.32 to raspberry. When incorporated in O/W emulsions, final formulations showed light pink color, creamy aspect, and typical fruity odor. Formulations submitted to indirect light and stove showed odor and color alterations.

Conclusions

Based on the results, formulations containing extracts should be kept under refrigeration in opaque package to ensure stability due to the presence of flavonoids. In addition, blackberry and raspberry extracts are potential natural alternatives to be used as sunscreen and to prevent skin aging.
Durable response by olaparib for a Japanese patient with primary peritoneal cancer with multiple brain metastases: A case report
Authors: Sakamoto Ikuko , Hirotsu Yosuke , Nakagomi Hiroshi , Ikegami Atsushi , Teramoto Katsuhiro , Omata Masao
Published: December 2018

Brain metastases (BM) from epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) or primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) are extremely rare, accounting for 1–2.5% of all cases. Although therapeutic options, such as surgery, irradiation and chemotherapy are proven to yield survival benefit, the overall prognosis of these patients remains unsatisfactory. Poly (adenosine diphosphate‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, olaparib is useful for patients with recurrent EOC or PPC. However, reports suggesting the efficacy of PARP inhibitors for patients with EOC or PPC with BM are limited. We report the case of a 58‐year‐old Japanese woman with recurrent PPC with multiple BM. After obtaining informed consent from the patient, we performed BRCA testing that detected a deleterious BRCA 1 mutation. At that time, olaparib was not yet approved in Japan, we learned about the compassionate use program of olaparib called Managed Access Program (MAP). Of note, we have established a system to enroll patients in MAP. After olaparib treatment, the patient exhibited a considerable decrease of BMs. Eighteen months since the initiation of olaparib treatment, the patient has reported no evidence of disease progression. Olaparib maintenance treatment could be effective for Japanese patients with PPC and multiple BMs.
Effect of a maternal role training program on maternal identity in primiparous women with unplanned pregnancies
Authors: Fasanghari Maryam , Kordi Masoumeh , Asgharipour Negar
Published: December 2018

Aim

Primiparous women with unplanned pregnancies experience greater levels of anxiety that reduce their ability to perform their maternal role.

Methods

This clinical trial was conducted in 2014 on 67 primiparous women with unplanned pregnancies visiting the health centers of Mashhad, Iran, who were randomly divided into an intervention and a control group. The intervention group received maternal role training based on Mercer's Maternal Role Attainment Theory, and the control group received the routine pregnancy care. Maternal identity was measured before training and 4 weeks and 4 months after delivery.

Results

Four months after delivery, 28 women (80%) in the intervention group and 18 women (56%) in the control group successfully formed a maternal identity (P = 0.036).

Conclusion

A maternal role training program given based on Mercer's theory facilitates the formation of maternal identity in primiparous women with unplanned pregnancies.
Achieving Temporal Ambidexterity in New Ventures
Authors: Wang Stephanie L. , Luo Yadong , Maksimov Vladislav , Sun Jinyun , Celly Nikhil
Published: December 2018

Organizations face a common intertemporal choice problem, where actions suitable in the shortterm are different from those that work in the longterm. Building on the organizational ambidexterity theory, we argue that organizations can reconcile their short‐term and long‐term tensions, but this does necessitate managerial endeavours that orchestrate this reconciliation. We introduce the concept of temporal ambidexterity and define four intertemporal tensions involving an organization’s objectives, resources, markets, and uncertainty. We examine how firms can address these tensions successfully in the context of new ventures, and to do so we focus on three managerial capabilities of founder‐CEOs: expertise breadth, external connectivity, and empowering leadership. Results from 243 new ventures in China suggest that temporal ambidexterity improves with these managerial capabilities, and more so for younger ventures. Our findings shed light on solutions and mechanisms by which intertemporal balance is fulfilled, particularly for new ventures in a dynamic environment.
Culture as a determinant of option choice in a situational judgement test: A new look
Authors: Schmitt Neal , Prasad Joshua J. , Ryan Ann Marie , Bradburn Jacob C. , Nye Christopher D.
Published: December 2018

Past research on cultural correlates of biased items in multiple‐choice tests have almost always considered post‐hoc explanations that have not been very convincing and they have considered only differential subgroup responses to the correct or preferred answer. In an effort to determine the degree to which culture explains the difference between Chinese and Americans’ responses to a situational judgement test (SJT), 135 options to 25 SJT items were rated on the degree to which they reflected seven dimensions of culture. Ratings of the cultural content of the options were significantly and moderately correlated with Chinese–American differences in Most Likely responses to the options. In addition, a loglinear analysis of differential distractor functioning (DDF) yielded results consistent with the hypothesis that culture was at least partly the reason for subgroup differences in option choices and the resultant findings of DDF. The results suggest that SJTs and perhaps other non‐academic measures must be used with caution across cultural groups.

Practitioner points

Consultation with experts and test takers in the cultures with which you hope to use an instrument should always precede test use. Review with them both the item stems and options (if any) for items that may have a different meaning across cultural groups.

Measurement invariance of instruments used with different cultural groups should be assessed. When sample sizes do not permit sophisticated analyses such as confirmatory factor analyses or item response theory analyses, examine and seek to understand any simple descriptive statistics that reflect a difference across cultural groups.

There should be an examination of examine response differences to distractors in multiple‐choice items as well as differences in responses to correct options.
A Latent Variable Approach to Measuring Social Dynamics in Adolescence
Authors: Cole Veronica T. , Hussong Andrea M. , Faris Robert W. , Rothenberg William A. , Gottfredson Nisha C. , Ennett Susan T.
Published: December 2018

In the study of adolescent health, it is useful to derive indices of social dynamics from sociometric data, and to use these indices as predictors of health risk behaviors. In this manuscript, we introduce a flexible latent variable model as a novel way of obtaining estimates of social integration and social status from school‐based sociometric data. Such scores provide the flexibility of a regression‐based approach while accounting for measurement error in sociometric indicators. We demonstrate the utility of these factor scores in testing complex hypotheses through a combination of structural equation modeling and survival models, showing that deviance mediates the relationship between social status and smoking onset hazard at the transition to high school.
Latent tuberculosis may be missed by current screening practices: Analysis of interferon‐gamma release assay results from a paediatric refugee clinic
Authors: Colgan Katrina , Anderson Jennifer , Maycock Alanna , Britton Philip N , Mackenzie Merran , Isaacs David , Gunasekera Hasantha
Published: December 2018

Aims

(i) To determine the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and characteristics associated with LTBI in children attending a paediatric refugee clinic and (ii) to determine whether current New South Wales (NSW) Health screening practices could miss LTBI cases.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of tuberculosis (TB) screening data from refugee and asylum seeker children who attended a refugee clinic in a tertiary children's hospital during 2014 and 2015. We determined associations between LTBI and child characteristics at 5% significance levels.

Results

Of 358 children attending the clinic, 235 children (66%) received interferon‐gamma release assay (IGRA) testing, of whom 28 (11.9%) had positive results. Of the 28 with positive IGRAs, 12 (42.9%) would have been missed using NSW Health screening guidelines: two because they were younger than 2 years old, one who was born in Australia and 10 because they were not born in high TB incidence countries. IGRA results were not significantly associated with any of the child characteristics examined, including age, gender, travel through transit countries, boat versus plane arrival into Australia, whether the child had been in a detention centre or TB incidence in the source country.

Conclusions

We identified 12 children with LTBI who would have been missed using current NSW Health Department screening practices. These children are at risk of progression to active disease, particularly the two aged younger than 2 years old. We recommend universal screening.
Oral dextrose gel to treat neonatal hypoglycaemia: Clinician survey
Authors: Alsweiler Jane M , Woodall Sonja M , Crowther Caroline A , Harding Jane E
Published: December 2018

Aims

To determine the use of oral dextrose gel to treat neonatal hypoglycaemia in New Zealand (NZ), to identify barriers and enablers to the implementation of the guideline and to determine if there is variation in management between clinical disciplines caring for at‐risk babies.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to clinicians (including doctors, midwives and nurses) caring for babies with neonatal hypoglycaemia via stakeholders and maternity hospitals.

Results

A total of 251 clinicians from all 20 District Health Boards (DHBs) completed the survey. Of the responding clinicians, 148 (59%) from 15 (75%) DHBs reported oral dextrose gel use in their hospital, and of these, 129 (87%) reported a local guideline. In 12 of 15 (80%) DHBs, oral dextrose gel could be prescribed by midwives. For a clinical scenario of a baby with neonatal hypoglycaemia, doctors were more likely to prescribe oral dextrose gel than midwives (odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 2.9 (2.2–3.8), P < 0.0001). Of 32 possible combinations of treatment options for this scenario, 31 were selected by one or more clinicians. A guideline was perceived to be the most useful enabler, and availability of oral dextrose gel was seen as the most important barrier.

Conclusions

Oral dextrose gel is widely used to treat neonatal hypoglycaemia in NZ. Increasing availability of dextrose gel and the clinical practice guideline are likely to further increase the use of oral dextrose gel.
Tobacco screening and cessation efforts by dental providers: A quality measure evaluation
Authors: Neumann Ana , Kumar Shwetha , Bangar Suhasini , Kookal Krishna Kumar , Spallek Heiko , Tokede Oluwabunmi , Simmons Kristen , Even Joshua , Mullins Joanna , Mertz Elizabeth , Yansane Alfa , Obadan‐Udoh Enihomo , White Joel , Walji Muhammad , Kalenderian Elsbeth
Published: December 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to adapt, test, and evaluate the implementation of a primary care “Preventive care and Screening” meaningful use quality measure for tobacco use, in dental institutions. We determined the percentage of dental patients screened for tobacco use, and the percentage of tobacco users who received cessation counseling.

Methods

We implemented the dental quality measure (DQM), in three dental schools and a large dental accountable care organization. An automated electronic health record (EHR) query identified patients 18 years and older who were screened for tobacco use one or more times within 24 months, and who received cessation counseling intervention if identified as a tobacco user. We evaluated EHR query performance with a manual review of a subsample of charts.

Results

Across all four sites, in the reporting calendar year of 2015, a total of 143,675 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Within 24 months, including 2014 and 2015 calendar years, percentages of tobacco screening ranged from 79.7 to 99.9 percent, while cessation intervention percentages varied from 1 to 81 percent among sites. By employing DQM research methodology, we identified intervention gaps in clinical practice.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the successful implementation of a DQM to evaluate screening rates for tobacco use and cessation intervention. There is substantial variation in the cessation intervention rates across sites, and these results are a call for action for the dental profession to employ tobacco evidence‐based cessation strategies to improve oral health and general health outcomes.
Early‐breeding females experience greater telomere loss
Authors: Graham Jessica L. , Bauer Carolyn M. , Heidinger Britt J. , Ketterson Ellen D. , Greives Timothy J.
Published: December 2018

Annual reproductive success is often highest in individuals that initiate breeding early, yet relatively few individuals start breeding during this apparently optimal time. This suggests that individuals, particularly females who ultimately dictate when offspring are born, incur costs by initiating reproduction early in the season. We hypothesized that increases in the ageing rate of somatic cells may be one such cost. Telomeres, the repetitive DNA sequences on the ends of chromosomes, may be good proxies of biological wear and tear as they shorten with age and in response to stress. Using historical data from a long‐term study population of dark‐eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis), we found that telomere loss between years was greater in earlier breeding females, regardless of chronological age. There was no relationship between telomere loss and the annual number of eggs laid or chicks that reached independence. However, telomere loss was greater when temperatures were cooler, and cooler temperatures generally occur early in the season. This suggests that environmental conditions could be the primary cause of accelerated telomere loss in early breeders.
Impact of haemoglobin A1c trajectories on chronic kidney disease progression in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Low Serena , Zhang Xiao , Wang Jiexun , Yeoh Lee Y , Liu Yan L , Ang Su F , Subramaniam Tavintharan , Sum Chee F , Lim Su C
Published: December 2018

Aim

To characterize haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) trajectories and examine their associations with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study on 770 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending a diabetes centre in 2002–2017. Group‐based trajectory modelling was used to identify HbA1c trajectories. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine association between the trajectories and CKD progression which was defined as deterioration across the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes estimated glomerular filtration rate categories with ≥25% drop from baseline.

Results

We identified four HbA1c trajectories: ‘near‐optimal stable’ (49.1%), ‘moderate stable’ (37.9%), ‘moderate‐increasing’ (6.0%) and ‘high‐decreasing’ (7.0%). Over a median follow‐up period of 4.6 years (interquartile range 2.5–5.6), CKD progression occurred in 35.6% of patients. The risk of CKD progression was significantly higher in the moderate‐increasing with adjusted hazard ratios (HR) 2.23 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09–4.57). After additional adjustment for mean HbA1c, the association between the moderate‐increasing subgroup and CKD progression remained significant at HR 3.07 (95% CI 1.08–8.77).

Conclusion

Moderate‐increasing HbA1c trajectory is associated with renal disease progression in patients with T2DM, independent of mean HbA1c. The deleterious effects of deteriorating HbA1c trajectory highlight the importance of achieving sustained good glycaemic control in diabetes management.
Gene disruption through base editing‐induced messenger RNA missplicing in plants
Authors: Li Zhenxiang , Xiong Xiangyu , Wang Fengzhu , Liang Jieping , Li Jian‐Feng
Published: December 2018

Gene knockout tools are highly desirable for basic and applied plant research.

Here, we leverage the Cas9‐derived cytosine base editor to introduce precise C‐to‐T mutations to disrupt the highly conserved intron donor site GT or acceptor site AG, thereby inducing messenger RNA (mRNA) missplicing and gene disruption.

As proof of concept, we successfully obtained Arabidopsis null mutant of MTA gene in the T2 generation and rice double null mutant of GL1‐1 and NAL1 genes in the T0 generation by this strategy.

Elimination of the original intron donor site or acceptor site could trigger aberrant splicing at a new specific exonic site, but not at the closest GT or AG site, suggesting cryptic rules governing splice site recognition. The strategy presented expands the applications of base editing technologies in plants by providing a new means for gene inactivation without generating DNA double‐strand breaks, and it can potentially serve as a useful tool for studying the biology of mRNA splicing.
Historical Injustice in East Asia: A Case for Interspatial Law
Authors: Oh Si‐Jin
Published: December 2018

Despite recent interest in the history of international law, the question of historical justice is a challenging issue due to the principle of intertemporal law. However, such a formalistic application renders historical injustice on a structural level alongside its substantial level. The injustice issue arising from conflicting normative structures is the focus here. Why is it that European international law was considered the only legitimate rule of law when the case in question occurred and when complicated plural or parallel orders coincided and conflicted with each other? This spatial issue seems to be one of the premises that has not been addressed sufficiently. This study suggests that for the positivistic tenet of the principle of intertemporal law to stand, the interspatial aspects of international law are relevant in the discourse on issues of historical justice, especially in the context of East Asian civilizations. International legal discourse should take into account the social space of law or interspatial law. This study does not attempt to deconstruct the validity of current international law or demand reparation for historical wrongs. Instead, it suggests that interspatial law may contribute to the international legal system on two counts. First, interspatial law may supplement the agonistic, positivistic application of intertemporal law to historical cases. Second, the recognition of the spatiality of law may promote the idea that differences can be accepted while avoiding the monopolization of the so‐called “universal international law.”
Japan's Foreign Policy on Postwar Issues Relating to South Korea
Authors: Chun JaHyun , Choi Daeun
Published: December 2018

This study investigates the causes of Japan's failure to reconcile the matter of South Korean “comfort women” from World War II. It draws on reconciliation theory to determine the cause of failure by Japan. After a review of the literature on this issue with an emphasis on its history, the effect of Japan's problem‐solving attempts, and the backlash after the 2015 “comfort women” agreement, we call attention to Japan's weak civil society and its distortion of history in textbooks as internal causes of this failure. Moreover, we highlight the US–ROK–Japan trilateral security cooperation as an external cause of the deterioration of the reconciliation attempts. We conclude by noting that internal and external factors have made it more difficult for Japan to reconcile the matter of South Korean “comfort women.”
Allantoin accumulation through overexpression of ureide permease1 improves rice growth under limited nitrogen conditions
Authors: Redillas Mark Christian Felipe R. , Bang Seung Woon , Lee Dong‐Keun , Kim Youn Shic , Jung Harin , Chung Pil Joong , Suh Joo‐Won , Kim Ju‐Kon
Published: December 2018

In legumes, nitrogen (N) can be stored as ureide allantoin and transported by ureide permease (UPS) from nodules to leaves where it is catabolized to release ammonium and assimilation to amino acids. In non‐leguminous plants especially rice, information on its roles in N metabolism is scarce. Here, we show that OsUPS1 is localized in plasma membranes and are highly expressed in vascular tissues of rice. We further evaluated an activation tagging rice overexpressing OsUPS1 (OsUPS1OX) under several N regimes. Under normal field conditions, panicles from OsUPS1OX plants (14 days after flowering (DAF)) showed significant allantoin accumulation. Under hydroponic system at the vegetative stage, plants were exposed to N‐starvation and measured the ammonium in roots after resupplying with ammonium sulphate. OsUPS1OX plants displayed higher ammonium uptake in roots compared to wild type (WT). When grown under low‐N soil supplemented with different N‐concentrations, OsUPS1OX exhibited better growth at 50% N showing higher chlorophyll, tiller number and at least 20% increase in shoot and root biomass relative to WT. To further confirm the effects of regulating the expression of OsUPS1, we evaluated whole‐body‐overexpressing plants driven by the GOS2 promoter (OsUPS1GOS2) as well as silencing plants (OsUPS1RNAi). We found significant accumulation of allantoin in leaves, stems and roots of OsUPS1GOS2 while in OsUPS1RNAi allantoin was significantly accumulated in roots. We propose that OsUPS1 is responsible for allantoin partitioning in rice and its overexpression can support plant growth through accumulation of allantoin in sink tissues which can be utilized when N is limiting.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for post‐traumatic stress disorder: Assessor‐blinded, randomized controlled study
Authors: Feng Bin , Zhang Ying , Luo Li‐Yuan , Wu Jian‐Yong , Yang Sen‐Jun , Zhang Ning , Tan Qing‐Rong , Wang Hua‐Ning , Ge Nan , Ning Fang , Zheng Zi‐Li , Zhu Rui‐Ming , Qian Min‐Cai , Chen Zhi‐Yu , Zhang Zhang‐Jin
Published: December 2018

Aim

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) has the potential to alleviate post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether adding TEAS to sertraline or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could improve the anti‐PTSD efficacy.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 240 PTSD patients (60 in each group) were assigned to receive simulated TEAS combined with sertraline (group A) or with CBT (group B), active TEAS combined with CBT (group C), or active TEAS combined with CBT plus sertraline (group D) for 12 weeks. The outcomes were measured using the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale, PTSD Check List‐Civilian Version, and 17‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression.

Results

While PTSD symptoms reduced over time in all patients, groups C and D had markedly greater improvement in both PTSD and depressive measures than groups A and B in all post‐baseline measurement points, with moderate to very large effect sizes of 0.484–2.244. Groups C and D also had a significantly higher rate than groups A and B on clinical response (85.0% and 95.0% vs 63.3% and 60.0%, P < 0.001) and on remission (15.0% and 25.0% vs 3.3% and 1.7%, P < 0.001). The incidence of adverse events was similar between groups A and D and between groups B and C.

Conclusions

Additional TEAS augments the anti‐PTSD and antidepressant efficacy of antidepressants or CBT, without increasing the incidence of adverse effects. TEAS could serve as an effective intervention for PTSD and comorbid depression. This trial was registered with www.chictr.org (no.: ChiCTR1800017255).
Effects of prenatal sex hormones on behavioral sexual dimorphism
Authors: Mitsui Takahiko , Araki Atsuko , Miyashita Chihiro , Ito Sachiko , Ikeno Tamiko , Sasaki Seiko , Kitta Takeya , Moriya Kimihiko , Cho Kazutoshi , Morioka Keita , Kishi Reiko , Shinohara Nobuo , Takeda Masayuki , Nonomura Katsuya
Published: December 2018

Background

We investigated the association between the hormone environment during the prenatal period using cord blood, and gender‐role play behavior in school‐aged children.

Methods

A total of 879 school‐aged children (433 boys and 446 girls) in a prospective birth cohort study in Hokkaido were enrolled to analyze the relationship between cord blood level of the sex hormones estradiol (E), testosterone (T), progesterone (P), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and the Pre‐School Activities Inventory (PSAI) score. The PSAI evaluated sex‐typical characteristics, the type of preferred toys and play activities. The PSAI consists of 12 masculine and 12 feminine items, and the composite scores were calculated by subtracting the feminine score from the masculine score. Higher scores indicated male‐typical behavior.

Results

Composite and masculine PSAI scores were significantly higher in boys. Meanwhile, the feminine score was significantly lower in boys. Although T and P were significantly higher in boys, E/T was significantly higher in girls. In a multivariate regression model, including covariates of social factors, there was no correlation between any of the hormones and PSAI score in boys. In girls, only P and E/T were positively correlated with the feminine score.

Conclusions

Prenatal sex hormone exposure may influence the dimorphic brain development and behavior in school‐aged girls. Furthermore, the cord blood hormone levels may not fully reflect the hormone environment during the prenatal period.
Parasitic worms hijack key plant protein to build their nest
Authors: Baral Anirban
Published: December 2018

Parasitic nematode worms infect a variety of crop plants worldwide. Roots infected by these worms start to look rather unsavory – with knot like tumors (galls) developing all over them. At the core of each gall, a worm matures and lays its eggs. Olmo et al. (2018) looked into the developmental reprogramming that leads to gall formation and found an Arabidopsis protein to be a necessary component in this process.
Uncertain Pension Income and Household Saving
Authors: van Santen Peter
Published: December 2018

This paper investigates the relationship between household saving and pensions, and estimates both the displacement effect of pensions on private saving and the precautionary saving effect due to uncertainty in pension income. I estimate the savings equation implied by a simple life‐cycle model featuring income uncertainty using survey data for Dutch households, with subjective expectations on pension benefits and uncertainty. Exploiting exogenous variation due to pension fund performance, I find that households save significantly more due to uncertainty in pension income. Not controlling for uncertainty biases the estimated displacement effect of pensions on private savings towards zero.
Subject to Evaluation: How Parents Assess and Mobilize Information from Social Networks in School Choice
Authors: Fong Kelley
Published: December 2018

A rich literature examines how information spreads through social networks to influence life opportunities. However, receiving information does not guarantee its use in decision making. This article analyzes information evaluation as a fundamental component of social network mobilization. The case of school choice, where the value of information may be more uncertain, brings this evaluative dimension to the forefront. Interviews with 55 parents in Boston show how parents selecting schools assess their social network ties as information sources, privileging information from those they perceive to have affinity and authority. These evaluative criteria map onto disparate networks to engender unequal mobilization of this information. The findings illuminate mechanisms sustaining inequality in social network mobilization and reorient scholars to consider processes underlying information use alongside information diffusion to attain a more complete understanding of how network resources are mobilized in action.
The Subpoena of Ethnographic Data
Authors: Khan Shamus
Published: December 2018

This essay outlines the author's experience of having his ethnographic data subpoenaed. It outlines the challenges of subpoena's to research, and suggests four solutions: (1) Apply for and utilize the National Institutes of Health certificate of confidentiality by asking health‐related questions over the course of one's research; (2) Establish a task force that articulates clear ethical guidelines for ethnographic research, with attention to the conditions wherein ethnographers can break confidentiality (and might also comply with subpoenas). These ethical guidelines should then be made clear to research subjects as a part of informed consent processes; (3) Demand that institutions (institutional review boards) that require confidentiality as a condition of research be required to defend that confidentiality through the office of the general counsel; (4) Socialize the cost of subpoenas, wherein scholars can be part of an insurance pool that will defend them in the event of a subpoena and thereby defend the general enterprise of ethnographic research.
Barriers of Visceral Leishmaniasis reporting and surveillance in Nepal: comparison of governmental VL‐program districts with non‐program districts
Authors: Lim DaJull , Banjara Megha Raj , Singh Vivek Kumar , Joshi Anand Ballabh , Gurung Chitra Kumar , Das Murari Lal , Matlashewski Greg , Olliaro Piero , Kroeger Axel
Published: December 2018

Objectives

At the time when Nepal is on the verge of reaching the maintenance phase of the Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) elimination program, the country is facing new challenges. The disease has expanded to 61 of the country's 75 districts including previously non‐endemic areas where there is no control or patient management program in place. This study aimed to assess which elements of the surveillance and reporting systems need strengthening to identify cases at an early stage, prevent further transmission and ensure sustained VL elimination.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional mixed‐method study, we collected data from two study populations in VL program and non‐program districts. From February to May 2016, structured interviews were conducted with 40 VL patients, and 14 in‐depth and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with health managers.

Results

The median total delay from onset of symptoms to successful reporting to the Ministry of Health was 68.5 days in the VL‐program and 83 days in non‐program districts. The difference in patient's delay from the onset of symptoms to seeking health care was 3 days in VL‐program and 20 days in non‐program districts. The diagnostic delay (38.5 days and 36 days, respectively), treatment delay (1 vs. 1 days) and reporting delay (45 vs. 36 days) were similar in program and non‐program districts. The diagnostic delay increased three‐fold from 2012, while treatment and reporting delay remained unchanged. The main barriers to surveillance were: (i) lack of access and awareness in non‐program districts; (ii) growing private sector not included in and not participating to referral, treatment and reporting; (iii) lack of cooperation and coordination among stakeholders for training and deployment of interventions; (iv) insufficient validation, outreach and process optimisation of the reporting system.

Conclusions

Corrective measures are needed to maintain the achievements of the VL elimination campaign and prevent resurgence of the disease in Nepal. A clear patient referral structure, reinforcement of report notification and validation and direct relay of data by local hospitals and the private sector to the district health offices are needed to ensure prompt treatment and timely and reliable information to facilitate a responsive system of interventions.
Variations in the germination characteristics in response to environmental factors between the hairy and spiny seeds of hedge parsley (Torilis arvensis Huds.)
Authors: Payamani Rezvan , Nosratti Iraj , Amerian Masoomeh
Published: December 2018

Torilis arvensis Huds. produces two types of mericarps, spiny and hairy (referred to as seeds hereafter), but little information is available on their germination behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the different germination characteristics of hairy and spiny seeds in T. arvensis in response to environmental factors. Both seed types were dormant at harvesting, but the spiny type had a deeper dormancy level and required a more prolonged after‐ripping period. In general, T. arvensis seed germination and seedling emergence responses to examined factors were similar between the two seed types. The highest germination percentage was observed in pH 7. Germination was the highest at a temperature of 20°C. Light did not affect seed germination. T. arvensis was sensitive to osmotic stress induced by NaCl or PEG6000. No seedlings emerged when the seeds were buried at soil depth of 6 cm and deeper soil depths. The results indicate that T. arvensis has the potential to spread into more areas devoted to Apiaceae crops in Iran. Tillage would be beneficial to its effective control in these crops.
NUMERICAL STUDY ON AIR-CORE VORTEX INSIDE DRAINING TANK USING DIFFERENT COMPUTATIONAL MODELLING APPROACHES
Authors: Mohd Sakri Fadhilah , Mat Ali Mohamed Sukri , Shaikh Salim Sheikh Ahmad Zaki , Azizan Mohd Amzar
Published: December 2018

Accurate numerical simulation of liquid draining is important to study the physics fluid flow. However, liquid draining involves multiphase and rotational flows, where numerical simulation is expensive to accurately recreate these flow behaviors. The accuracy of numerical results has been also debatable and it is mainly affected by the computational modeling approaches. Therefore, this study evaluates different computational modelling approaches such as DNS, RANS k-ε, RANS k-ω and LES turbulence models. The results for the draining time and flow visualization of the generation of an air-core are in a good agreement with the available published data. The Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) seems most reasonably satisfactory for VOF studies relating air-core compared to other different turbulence modeling approaches.
STATIC FAILURE OF THE ADHESIVE AND COMBINATION JOINTS ON COLD-FORMED STEEL JOINT USING A COHESIVE ZONE MODEL APPROACH
Authors: Anwar Siti Nur Rahmah , Suprobo Priyo , Wahyuni Endah , Faimun Faimun , Anwar Siti Aminah
Published: December 2018

A research of new connection method due to axially static loading on the cold-formed steel in civil engineering structures has been investigated. Joint failure was modeled with a cohesive zone model (CZM) approach where the governing parameters were determined from fracture mechanics test specimens. The incremental in capacity strength of cold-formed steel single lap joints (SLJs) was successfully predicted. Video microscope records carried out on the failure surface of the joints in experimental works. The modeling results have a good correlation with the experimental works. Strength capacity deviation of experimentation to FEM are 21.93%, 18.5%, 36.3%, 12.47% and 4.03% for srew, epoxy resi adhesive, polyester resin adhesive, combination screw with epoxy resin and combination screw with polyester resin connections.
Exploring Cooperative Learning Method to Enhance Speaking Skills Among School Students
Authors: Kandasamy Chandravathani , Habil Hadina
Published: December 2018

One of the current challenges in English Language education is to produce learners who can speak confidently, fluently, accurately and to carry out presentations without anxiety or feeling nervous. The aim of this study was to investigate how cooperative learning could assist and guide students in speaking skills. This paper reports the effectiveness of cooperative learning method to enhance speaking skills among school students. This study used cooperative learning together with the Interaction Theory as well as group work. The target group consists of 36 Form One students. They were interviewed using structured questions to find out the methods that they used while completing their tasks. The finding proved that through cooperative learning, learners had social interaction among themselves through groupwork such as discussions, rephrasing, pronunciation, explanations, elaborations and motivating peers before the actual speaking or presentation session. The findings proved that students enjoyed cooperative learning and carried out presentations without feeling nervous. The findings further showed that students learnt to depend on each other to complete the task which is also one of the main principles of cooperative learning. The students also said that cooperative learning was a fun way of learning English language as it was student centered with less teacher intervention.
Using Game-based Technology, KAHOOT! for Classroom Engagement
Authors: Mohd Muhridza Nur Hazwani , Mohd Rosli Nur Afifah , Sirri Azura , Abdul Samad Adlina
Published: December 2018

In the recent years, numerous game-based technologies have been developed with the aim of providing fun yet meaningful experience to their users. These technologies are also common among instructors and students in the English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom since they act as supplements for effective teaching and learning. Instructors and students who are now more advanced with technology could benefit from these available game-based technologies as these technologies offer various features that could be utilized for classroom activity. As to ensure the successful implementation of the technologies, students’ engagement in the classroom where the technologies are concerned should be paid attention to. Hence, in the context of this study, the use of one game-based technology, KAHOOT in an ESL classroom was observed. The study examines the students’ level of engagement while playing KAHOOT and also looks at the students’ level of attainment towards the topic content. The study was conducted qualitatively with the participation of 29 undergraduate students. The data was collected via interviews and observations which later was analysed descriptively. The findings suggest that KAHOOT is proven to be useful in initiating and fostering students’ engagement in language learning activity and at the same time enhancing their language skills. The study hopes to provide insights for better implementation of game-based technologies in English language classroom curriculum.
Smoking during pregnancy increases chemerin expression in neonatal tissue
Authors: Reynolds Leryn J. , Chavan Niraj R. , DeHoff Logan B. , Preston Joshua D. , Maddox Hannah F. , O'Brien John M. , Armstrong David A. , Marsit Carmen J. , Pearson Kevin J.
Published: December 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is chemerin, an adipokine implicated in obesity, increased in neonates following in utero cigarette smoke exposure.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Chemerin mRNA expression was increased and chemerin DNA methylation was decreased in babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy. These data provide a potential mechanism that may be mediating the increased obesity risk in individuals that are born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy.

It has been shown that in utero tobacco exposure increases offspring risk for obesity, but the mechanisms responsible for this increased risk are not well understood. Chemerin is an adipokine that regulates adipocyte differentiation. This chemokine is elevated in obese individuals and with smoke exposure, but its levels have not been measured in neonates exposed to cigarette smoke in utero. We examined chemerin gene expression [n = 31 non‐smoker (NS) and 15 smoker (S)] and DNA methylation (n = 28 NS and n = 11 S) in skin collected from babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy as compared to non‐smoking controls. Quality RNA and DNA were isolated from foreskin tissue following circumcision, and chemerin gene expression and DNA methylation were assessed. Further, in a second cohort, we utilized primary dermal foreskin fibroblasts as a functional measure of adipogenesis in living cells (n = 11 NS and n = 8 S). Cells were stimulated with an adipogenic cocktail, mRNA was isolated from cells after 14 days, and chemerin gene expression assessed via real‐time PCR. Chemerin mRNA was elevated in both whole tissue (NS: 2409.20 ± 555.28 counts and S: 2966.72 ± 636.84 counts; P < 0.01) and primary fibroblasts (NS: 1.12 ± and S: 2.13 ± ; P = 0.04) collected from infants born to smoking mothers. Chemerin DNA methylation was reduced in whole tissue of offspring born to smokers (NS: 4.18 ± 1.28 and S: 3.07 ± 1.31%; P = 0.02), which may contribute to the increased gene expression. Neonates born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy exhibit distinct changes in chemerin gene expression in response to in utero tobacco smoke exposure which are regulated in part by epigenetic alterations.
The role of echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of a giant unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm
Authors: Serban Adela Mihaela , Bătrâna Nicoleta , Cocoi Mihai , Ianoș Raluca , Moț Ștefan , Kovacs Emese , Axente Dan Damian , Man Carmen , Molnar Adrian
Published: December 2018

Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm (SVA) is an aortic root anomaly, consisting of a lack of continuity between the aortic media and the aortic annulus, caused by a structural deficiency of muscular and elastic tissue. We present the case of a 49-year-oldman with atypical chest pain. Echocardiographic imaging described a giant unruptured aneurysm of the right sinus of Valsalva which was confirmed by cardiac computed tomography and coronary angiography. The obstruction of the right coronary artery without intravascular thrombosis and the compression of the right ventricular outflow tract with dynamic obstruction gradient represent the particularities of our case.