bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical visualization of the signature of activated Hedgehog signaling pathway in cutaneous epithelial tumors
Authors: Tanese Keiji , Emoto Katsura , Kubota Naoto , Fukuma Mariko , Sakamoto Michiie
Published: July 2018

Activation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays a critical role in the development of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). HH signaling activity is produced by nuclear translocation of transcription factors, glioma‐associated oncogene homolog (GLI). Among three GLI subfamilies, GLI1 is the only full‐length transcriptional activator, and its nuclear localization is recognized as a signature event in HH signaling activation. However, limited published work has investigated the nuclear staining of GLI1 protein in human tumor tissue samples by immunohistochemical analysis. In this study, we performed immunohistochemical staining of GLI1 in 382 cases of cutaneous epithelial tumors, including 196 BCC cases, using rabbit monoclonal antihuman GLI1 antibody (C68H3). As a result, 98.2% cases of BCC showed a diffuse and strong nuclear staining pattern regardless of the histological subtype. Positive staining was mainly restricted to the tumor nests, while the overlying epidermis was negative suggesting specificity of the antibody. In further analysis of other cutaneous epithelial tumors, 100% (4/4) cases of trichoblastoma, 15.1% (5/33) Bowen's disease, 3.5% (1/28) actinic keratosis and 12.5% (4/32) squamous cell carcinoma showed the nuclear staining pattern of GLI1. This suggested that HH signaling is also dysregulated in some other cutaneous malignant tumors. In conclusion, the C68H3 antibody is a useful tool for revealing activation of HH signaling in immunohistochemical analysis.
Topical efinaconazole: A promising therapeutic medication for tinea unguium
Authors: Noguchi Hiromitsu , Matsumoto Tadahiko , Hiruma Masataro , Asao Kae , Hirose Miki , Fukushima Satoshi , Ihn Hironobu
Published: July 2018

We treated tinea unguium (onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes) patients with efinaconazole 10% solution. All patients with tinea unguium who tested positive for fungi in fingernails and toenails, regardless of age or severity, were eligible for the treatment. The number of patients was 106, consisting of 43 men and 63 women with a mean age of 66.7 years. The patients were treated with efinaconazole for a mean treatment duration of 38.1 weeks. Therapeutic efficacy was rated on a 5‐point scale as follows: “cured”, “markedly improved”, “improved”, “slightly improved” or “no change”. A single nail was selected in each patient as the target nail. Selected nails were the big toenails with less than 50% involvement in 25 patients, the big toenails with 50% or more involvement in 52 patients, the fingernails in 10 patients and the second to fifth toenails in 19 patients with a mean treatment duration of 43.9, 38.1, 38.7 and 33.7 weeks, respectively. All groups showed an improvement in the percentage involvement from 30.6% to 9.8%, 77.6% to 35.7%, 82.7% to 17.6% and 80.3% to 15.5%, respectively (P < 0.01). The improvement rate (i.e. percentage of those rated as improved and better) was 76.0%, 65.4%, 80.0% and 89.5%, respectively. Efinaconazole 10% topical solution is beneficial for patients, regardless of age, severity or clinical type.
Characteristics of multiple basal cell carcinomas: The first study on Japanese patients
Authors: Adachi Koji , Yoshida Yuichi , Noma Hisashi , Goto Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Osamu
Published: July 2018

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most frequent skin cancer, has been increasing in incidence. However, the characteristics of multiple BCC have not been clarified in Japan. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study to elucidate the features of multiple BCC compared with solitary BCC. The study population consisted of 327 patients with histopathologically proven BCC who were referred to the Department of Dermatology in Tottori University Hospital between November 2006 and April 2016. Of the 327 patients, 304 (93.0%) had solitary BCC and 23 (7.0%) had multiple BCC. The mean age of the patients with solitary BCC was 74.7 years (range, 31–102) and that of patients with multiple BCC was 79.3 years (range, 63–91). There was a significant difference in mean age between the two groups (P = 0.01). Approximately four‐fifths of the BCC were located on the head or neck in the total study population. In the group of patients with multiple BCC, the incidence of lesions on the head and neck was lower and that on the trunk was higher than those in patients with solitary BCC. There was a significant difference in the tumor site between the two groups (P < 0.0001). With respect to tumor histopathology, the ratio of superficial BCC was significantly higher in the group of patients with multiple BCC than in the group of patients with solitary BCC (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, we demonstrated that older age, truncal location and superficial histopathological type of tumor are features of multiple BCC in Japanese subjects.
Geographical distribution of Orientia tsutsugamushi strains in chiggers from three provinces in Korea
Authors: Choi Yeon‐Joo , Lee In‐Yong , Song Hyeon‐Je , Kim Jeoungyeon , Park Hye‐Jin , Song Dayoung , Jang Won‐Jong
Published: July 2018

Chiggers were collected from the central and southern parts of South Korea between April and November, 2009 with the aim of investigating the seasonal and geographical distribution of Or. A total of 1136 chiggers were identified. They included eight species belonging to four genera, as follows: Leptotrombidium scutellare (27.2%, n = 309), L. pallidum (54.6%, n = 621), L. orientale (6.25%, n = 71), L. palpale (1.59%, n = 18), L. zetum (2.0%, n = 23), Euschoengastia koreaensis (1.5%, n = 17), Cheladonta ikaoensis (0.08%, n = 1) and Neotrombicula japonica (1.05%, n = 12). The density of L. pallidum was high from April to May, whereas L. scutallare was not found in spring, being observed from October. Serotype‐specific nested PCR targeting the 56 kDa protein gene and sequencing analysis identified that the strains of 1136 O. tsutsugamushi in the chiggers as Boryong (6.8%), Kanda (0.4%), Oishi (0.3%), Jecheon (0.1%), Youngworl (0.1%) and Wonju (0.1%). Our findings indicate that L. pallidum and L. scutellare are dominant species in Korea and have geographical and seasonal variations.
Genome variations between rhizosphere and bulk soil ecotypes of a Pseudomonas koreensis population
Authors: Lopes Lucas Dantas , Pereira e Silva Michele de C. , Weisberg Alexandra J. , Davis Edward W. , Yan Qing , Varize Camila de S. , Wu Chih‐Feng , Chang Jeff H. , Loper Joyce E. , Andreote Fernando D.
Published: July 2018

Bulk soil and rhizosphere are soil compartments selecting different microbial communities. However, it is unknown whether this selection also can change the genome content of specific bacterial taxa, splitting a population in distinct ecotypes. To answer this question we compared the genome sequences of 53 isolates obtained from sugarcane rhizosphere (28) and bulk soil (25). These isolates were previously classified in the Pseudomonas koreensis subgroup of the P. fluorescens complex. Phylogenomics showed a trend of separation between bulk soil and rhizosphere isolates. Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) identified differences in the accessory genome of rhizosphere and bulk soil sub‐populations. We found significant changes in gene frequencies distinguishing rhizosphere from bulk soil ecotypes, for example, enrichment of phosphatases and xylose utilization (xut) genes, respectively. Phenotypic assays and deletion of xutA gene indicated that accumulation of xut genes in the bulk soil sub‐population provided a higher growth capacity in a d‐xylose medium, supporting the corresponding genomic differences. Despite the clear differences distinguishing the two ecotypes, all 53 isolates were classified in a single 16S rRNA gene OTU. Collectively, our results revealed that the gene pool and ecological behavior of a bacterial population can be different for ecotypes living in neighbouring soil habitats.
Applying a Gendered Lens to the Stay and Defend or Leave Early Approach to Bushfire Safety
Authors: Reynolds Benjamin , Tyler Meagan
Published: July 2018

This paper provides an historical and cultural context, from a feminist perspective, of the Prepare, Stay and Defend or Leave Early (PSDLE) bushfire safety policy, colloquially known as ‘Stay or Go’, in Australia. We examine the historical, cultural, and political factors that have devalued and marginalised women's experience and knowledge of bushfire preparedness and response. The central tenet of Stay or Go is that able bodied, prepared people should remain with their houses during a fire threat, best embodied by the common maxim ‘people save houses and houses save people’. This approach has been routinely presented as evidence‐based policy but the argument presented here challenges the evidence base for the policy by applying a feminist analysis, through the application of a ‘gendered lens’. This shows that an assumed masculine norm, at a number of different levels, has had a profound effect on the dominant readings of the available evidence about bushfire safety which has skewed bushfire safety policy and compromised the possibility of effective alternative responses. The PSDLE/Stay or Go policy is a prime example of the importance of applying critical feminist analyses to unsettle existing assumptions of policy development and implementation.
Supplemental prophylactic intervention for chemotherapy‐induced nausea and emesis (SPICE) trial: Protocol for a multicentre double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomised trial
Authors: Marx Wolfgang , McCarthy Alexandra , Marshall Skye , Crichton Megan , Molassiotis Alex , Ried Karin , Bird Robert , Lohning Anna , Isenring Elizabeth
Published: July 2018

Aim

There is significant recent interest in the role of ginger root (Zingiber officinale) as an adjuvant therapy for chemotherapy‐induced nausea. The supplemental prophylactic intervention for chemotherapy‐induced nausea and emesis (SPICE) trial aims to assess the efficacy by reduced incidence and severity of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting, and enhanced quality of life, safety and cost effectiveness of a standardised adjuvant ginger root supplement in adults undergoing single‐day moderate‐to‐highly emetogenic chemotherapy.

Methods

Multisite, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomised trial with two parallel arms and 1:1 allocation. The target sample size is n = 300. The intervention comprises four capsules of ginger root (totalling 60 mg of active gingerols/day), commencing the day of chemotherapy and continuing for five days during chemotherapy cycles 1 to 3. The primary outcome is chemotherapy‐induced nausea‐related quality of life. Secondary outcomes include nutrition status; anticipatory, acute and delayed nausea and vomiting; fatigue; depression and anxiety; global quality of life; health service use and costs; adverse events; and adherence.

Results

During the five‐month recruitment period from October 2017 to April 2018 at site A only, a total of n = 33 participants (n = 18 female) have been enrolled in the SPICE trial. Recruitment is expected to commence at Site B in May 2018.

Conclusions

The trial is designed to meet research gaps and could provide evidence to recommend specific dosing regimens as an adjuvant for chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting prevention and management.
Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten as a Foaming Agent in Food: Incorporation in a Meringue Recipe as a Proof‐of‐Concept
Authors: Wouters Arno G.B. , Rombouts Ine , Fierens Ellen , Brijs Kristof , Delcour Jan A.
Published: July 2018

There is a growing interest in substituting animal proteins with plant protein sources in food systems. A notable example is the replacement of hen egg white (EW) protein, which is used in a wide range of food products because of its excellent foaming characteristics. Here, enzymatically hydrolyzed wheat gluten, which has greater solubility and better foaming properties than wheat gluten itself, was prepared and incorporated in a classical meringue recipe to investigate its potential as a foaming agent. Meringues based on gluten hydrolysates (GHs) had batters with lower density and greater apparent viscosity than those based solely on EW protein. Furthermore, after baking, these GH containing meringues had greater specific volume than those based on EW protein alone and no notable differences in color or texture between the different samples were noted. These outcomes were related to basic insights in the air–water interfacial behavior of GHs obtained in earlier studies. More specifically, the greater foaming capacity of GH than of EW protein solutions was related to their superior meringue batter (density and apparent viscosity) and product (specific volume) properties. While EW protein solutions had better foam stability than GH solutions (in the absence of sugar), this was apparently less relevant for meringue properties, probably due to the very high viscosity of the sugar rich batter, which could obscure differences in the intrinsic foam stabilizing ability of the samples.

Practical Application

Replacing animal proteins with plant protein sources in the food industry is desirable from an economic and environmental perspective. Enzymatic hydrolysis serves as a tool to improve the foaming properties of water‐insoluble wheat gluten proteins. We conclude that wheat gluten hydrolysates can be a valid functional alternative for egg white proteins in meringues, and possibly other food systems.
Vascular endothelial growth factor gene transfer therapy for coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yuan Rong , Xin Qiqi , Shi Weili , Liu Wei , Lee Simon‐M. , Hoi Puiman , Li Lin , Zhao Jun , Cong Weihong , Chen Keji
Published: July 2018

Aim

It is not clear whether treatment by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transfer can improve myocardial ischemia through a proangiogenesis mechanism and is effective against coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared VEGF gene therapy and standard treatments in CAD.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases and relevant references for RCTs (published up to May 2018; no language restrictions) and performed meta‐analysis using both fixed and random effects models. Our primary outcome measures were mortality and serious cardiac events. The secondary outcome measures were follow‐up left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), change in LVEF (ΔLVEF), and angina outcomes. The registration number is CRD42017058430.

Results

Of 524 identified studies, 14 were eligible and were included in our analysis. At a mean follow‐up of 6 months, VEGF gene therapy demonstrated a decreased risk of serious cardiac events (11.7% vs 21.2%, relative risk: 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37, 0.84; P = 0.005) and a slight improvement in follow‐up LVEF (weighted mean difference: 1.95; 95%CI: 1.28, 2.62). Furthermore, VEGF gene therapy using adenoviral vectors showed more potential benefit in terms of the risk of serious cardiac events, ΔLVEF, and Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class. Nevertheless, mortality and angina frequency scores were not different.

Conclusions

Vascular endothelial growth factor gene therapy appears to be safe and effective regarding serious cardiac events, with greater benefit when using adenoviral vectors. This meta‐analysis highlights the need for further exploration in these areas.
Harm from Known Others' Drinking by Relationship Proximity to the Harmful Drinker and Gender: A Meta‐Analysis Across 10 Countries
Authors: Stanesby Oliver , Callinan Sarah , Graham Kathryn , Wilson Ingrid M. , Greenfield Thomas K. , Wilsnack Sharon C. , Hettige Siri , Hanh Hoang Thi My , Siengsounthone Latsamy , Waleewong Orratai , Laslett Anne‐Marie
Published: July 2018

Background

Drinking is a common activity with friends or at home but is associated with harms within both close and extended relationships. This study investigates associations between having a close proximity relationship with a harmful drinker and likelihood of experiencing harms from known others' drinking for men and women in 10 countries.

Methods

Data about alcohol's harms to others from national/regional surveys from 10 countries were used. Gender‐stratified random‐effects meta‐analysis compared the likelihood of experiencing each, and at least 1, of 7 types of alcohol‐related harm in the last 12 months, between those who identified someone in close proximity to them (a partner, family member, or household member) and those who identified someone from an extended relationship as the most harmful drinker (MHD) in their life in the last 12 months.

Results

Women were most likely to report a close male MHD, while men were most likely to report an extended male MHD. Relatedly, women with a close MHD were more likely than women with an extended MHD to report each type of harm, and 1 or more harms, from others' drinking. For men, having a close MHD was associated with increased odds of reporting some but not all types of harm from others' drinking and was not associated with increased odds of experiencing 1 or more harms.

Conclusions

The experience of harm attributable to the drinking of others differs by gender. For preventing harm to women, the primary focus should be on heavy or harmful drinkers in close proximity relationships; for preventing harm to men, a broader approach is needed. This and further work investigating the dynamics among gender, victim–perpetrator relationships, alcohol, and harm to others will help to develop interventions to reduce alcohol‐related harm to others which are specific to the contexts within which harms occur.
Remember the Children, Honey! Spouses' Gender‐Role Attitudes and Working Mothers' Work‐to‐Family Conflict
Authors: Steiner Rebekka S. , Krings Franciska , Wiese Bettina S.
Published: July 2018

Work‐to‐family conflict (WFC) is a pressing issue for many working parents, in particular for working mothers, and hence, understanding the factors that contribute to WFC is important. We examined gender‐role attitudes as antecedents of working mothers' WFC, focusing on both working mothers' own and their husbands' gender‐role attitudes. Building on cognitive dissonance theory and crossover research, we assumed that working mothers who hold more traditional gender‐role attitudes or who live with a husband who holds more traditional gender‐role attitudes experience more WFC. Additionally, we assumed that the strength of these effects further depends on mothers' workload and the age of their children. We tested our hypotheses with several waves of recent data of 222 dual‐earner couples, drawn from a representative sample of the Swiss Household Panel. Results showed that working mothers experienced more WFC if they held more traditional gender‐role attitudes, but only if they had a high workload. Working mothers also experienced more WFC if their husbands held more traditional gender‐role attitudes, however, independently of mothers' workload or age of the children. These results suggest that both spouses' gender‐role attitudes influence working mothers' WFC, albeit in somewhat different ways.© 2018 International Association of Applied Psychology.
Does the level of forage neutral detergent fiber affect the ruminal fermentation, digestibility and feeding behavior of goats fed cactus pear?
Authors: Pinho Ricardo Martins Araujo , Santos Edson Mauro , de Oliveira Juliana Silva , de Carvalho Gleidson Giordano Pinto , da Silva Thiago Carvalho , Macêdo Alberto Jefferson da Silva , Corrêa Yohana Rosaly , Zanine Anderson de Moura
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of forage neutral detergent fiber (fNDF) levels on the voluntary feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and feeding behavior of goats fed diets with cactus pear. Five non‐lactating ruminally cannulated goats fed ad libitum were randomly assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of levels of fNDF at 0, 109, 222, 339 and 463 g/kg of dry matter (DM) in cactus pear‐based diets. The intakes of DM and NDF were quadratically affected (p ≦ .045) by fNDF levels. Voluntary water intake (VWI) increased linearly as the fNDF levels increased in the diet. The digestibility coefficients of organic matter, NDF and ether extract and total digestible nutrients concentration were quadratically affected (p ≦ .048) by fNDF levels. The ruminal pH linearly increased (p = .001) with fNDF levels, ranging from 5.44 to 5.81 for diets containing 0 and 463 g fNDF/kg DM, respectively. The fNDF levels promoted a linear increase (p = .006) in chewing time, linearly decreased (p = .007) resting time and quadratically affected (p = .033) rumination time. The inclusion of fNDF in the diets provided favorable conditions for ruminal function, digestibility and feeding behavior in goats fed diets containing cactus pear.
Immune synergistic oligodeoxynucleotide from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG enhances the immune response upon co‐stimulation by bacterial and fungal cell wall components
Authors: Nigar Shireen , Yamamoto Yoshinari , Okajima Takuma , Sato Takashi , Ogita Tasuku , Shimosato Takeshi
Published: July 2018

Bacterial genomic DNA has recently been shown to elicit a highly evolved immune defense. This response can be selectively triggered for a wide range of therapeutic applications, including use as a vaccine adjuvant to immunotherapies for allergy, cancer, and infectious diseases. Previously, we identified a low‐concentration immune synergistic oligodeoxynucleotide (iSN‐ODN, named iSN34) from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG that has immunosynergistic activity upon costimulation of target cells with ligands of Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9). Here, we extend that observation by demonstrating the synergistic induction (in mouse splenocytes) of IL‐6 by the combination of iSN34 with cell wall components of bacteria and fungi. We observed that splenocytes pretreated with iSN34 and then costimulated with agonists for TLR1/2 (Pam3CSK4), TLR4 (lipopolysaccharide), or TLR2/6 (Zymosan) exhibited enhanced accumulation of IL‐6. These results suggested that the combination of iSN34 with TLR1/2, TLR4, or TLR2/6 agonists may permit the induction of a potent immune response.
Effect of niacin supplementation in long‐distance transported steer calves
Authors: Takemoto Satoshi , Funaba Masayuki , Matsui Tohru
Published: July 2018

Long‐distance transportation has negative impacts on production and health in cattle. Feed and water are routinely deprived from cattle during transportation. We investigated whether niacin supplementation could improve niacin nutrition and mitigate the adverse effect of transportation with feed and water deprivation in steer calves. We also studied the adverse effect of feed and water deprivation in nontransported steer calves. Twelve calves were assigned to feed and water deprivation for 2 days, or full access to feed and water in experiment 1. Ten calves were assigned to 2‐day transportation with feed and water deprivation, or the transportation with feed and water deprivation, but with supplementation of rumen‐protected niacin at 100 g/day per head in experiment 2. Bodyweight was measured and blood was collected for 32 days in each experiment. Feed and water deprivation temporarily decreased serum glucose concentrations and bodyweight gain. Transportation with deprivation of feed and water caused a temporal decrease in bodyweight gain and serum albumin concentration, and a continuous decrease in serum glucose and total cholesterol concentrations, which was suppressed by niacin supplementation. Niacin supplementation increased blood niacin concentration. These results suggest that niacin supplementation mitigates adverse effects of transportation with feed and water deprivation in steer calves.
The ethics of ordinary and exact justification in blood donation deferral categories for men who have sex with men
Authors: Blankschaen Kurt M.
Published: July 2018

In 2015, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed their indefinite deferral policy towards donors who were men who had sex with men (MSM). I develop an empirical case for the current, revised MSM deferral policy and show that rights‐based objections fail. This empirical case, however, misleadingly accounts for an elevated risk for MSM donors because it lumps two distinct kinds of MSM donors into the same category. Building on some recent work that has been published since the revision, I introduce and defend a distinction between MSM donors who have what I call ‘exact justification’ and those who have what I call ‘ordinary justification’. MSM donors with exact justification present no risk with respect to the deferral and should be allowed to donate. I conclude by addressing a practical issue about how primary partner testimony is not enough to create exact justification, but it is enough to sustain it.
Community engagement in global health research that advances health equity
Authors: Pratt Bridget , de Vries Jantina
Published: July 2018

Community engagement is gaining prominence in global health research. So far, a philosophical rationale for why researchers should perform community engagement during such research has not been provided by ethics scholars. Its absence means that conducting community engagement is still often viewed as no more than a ‘good idea’ or ‘good practice’ rather than ethically required. In this article, we argue that shared health governance can establish grounds for requiring the engagement of low‐ and middle‐income country (LMIC) community members in global health research, where such research aims to help reduce health disparities. This philosophical basis has important implications for the ethical goals ascribed to engagement and the approach adopted to undertake it. We suggest the ethical goals of engagement in equity‐oriented global health research should include: (a) generating research topics and questions that reflect the key problems disadvantaged groups face in accessing healthcare, services and broader social determinants of health and (b) promoting the translation of research findings into policy and practice in ways that benefit the health of disadvantaged groups. We propose engagement practice should have the following features: deliberation with LMIC community members to make a range of project decisions, beginning with setting research topics and questions; inclusion of members of disadvantaged groups and those with the power to change policy and practice to benefit them; and purposeful structuring of deliberations to minimize the impact of power disparities between LMIC community members. Finally, we reflect on how these features differ from those typical of much current community engagement practice in LMICs.
A conception of genetic parenthood
Authors: Douglas Thomas , Devolder Katrien
Published: July 2018

We seek to develop a plausible conception of genetic parenthood, taking a recent discussion by Heidi Mertes as our point of departure. Mertes considers two conceptions of genetic parenthood—one invoking genetic resemblance and the other genetic inheritance—and presents counter‐examples to both conceptions. We revise Mertes’ second conception so as to avoid these and related counter‐examples.
On the assessment of procedural knowledge: From problem spaces to knowledge spaces
Authors: Stefanutti Luca
Published: July 2018

By generalizing and completing the work initiated by Stefanutti and Albert (2003, Journal of Universal Computer Science, 9, 1455), this article provides the mathematical foundations of a theoretical approach whose primary goal is to construct a bridge between problem solving, as initially conceived by Newell and Simon (1972, Human problem solving. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice‐Hall.), and knowledge assessment (Doignon and Falmagne, 1985, International Journal of Man‐Machine Studies, 23, 175; Doignon and Falmagne, 1999, Knowledge spaces. Berlin, Germany: Springer‐Verlag.; Falmagne et al., 2013, Knowledge spaces: Applications in education. New York, NY: Springer‐Verlag; Falmagne and Doignon, 2011, Learning spaces: Interdisciplinary applied mathematics. Berlin, Germany: Springer‐Verlag.). It is shown that the collection of all possible knowledge states for a given problem space is a learning space. An algorithm for deriving a learning space from a problem space is illustrated. As an example, the algorithm is used to derive the learning space of a neuropsychological test whose problem space is well known: the Tower of London (TOL; Shallice, 1982, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 298, 199). The derived learning space could then be used for adaptively assessing individual planning skills with the TOL.
Five‐year cohort prospective study on single implants in the esthetic area restored using one‐abutment/one‐time prosthetic approach
Authors: Canullo Luigi , Omori Yuki , Amari Yoshiyuki , Iannello Giuliano , Pesce Paolo
Published: July 2018

Purpose

This study was aimed to investigate, over 5 years, bone response to “one‐abutment onetime” (OA‐OT) protocol in the restoration of implants inserted in the anterior maxilla. Additionally, influence of soft tissue biotype in the bone remodeling was investigated.

Materials and Methods

From January 2011 to January 2012, all consecutive patients presented with a hopeless tooth in the maxillary area between canines were enrolled. Post‐extraction ridge preservation was performed. After 6 months, implant was midcrestaly inserted and intraoperative impression was taken. Two months thereafter an immediate definitive abutment with a provisional crown was inserted. At final crown connection, patients underwent a standardized periapical radiograph (T0). At 12 (T1), 24 (T2), 36 (T3), 48 (T4), and 60 (T5) months, radiographic follow‐up and clinical control were carried out. Independent sample t‐test was conducted to compare bone loss at different times. To detect the potential role of biotype, groups (thick TK vs thin TH) were compared by analysis of variance with general linear model.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were enrolled, but only 22 patients concluded the study. The radiographic analysis showed a stable longitudinal condition of bone levels after the first‐year significant increasing (0.17 ± 0.25mm, 0.33 ± 0.25mm, 0.28 ± 0.27mm, 0.25 ± 0.26mm, 0.31 ± 0.35mm, and 0.31 ± 0.29mm, respectively at T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). No statistical significant differences in bone loss among the two groups TH vs TK over the time (P = 0.952) were demonstrated.

Conclusion

Results showed that the OA‐OT approach allow to obtain stable bone levels.
Exhibit Designs for Girls' Engagement (EDGE)
Authors: Dancstep (née Dancu) Toni , Sindorf Lisa
Published: July 2018

This paper describes an NSF‐funded study which explored the relationship between female‐responsive exhibit designs and girls' engagement. Across three participating science centers, 906 museum visitors ages 8–13 were observed at 334 interactive physics, math, engineering, and perception exhibits. We measured girls' engagement based on whether they chose to use or return to the exhibits, opted to spend more time at them, or demonstrated deeper engagement behavior. Findings suggest that the design strategies identified in our previously developed Female‐Responsive Design Framework can inform exhibit designs that better engage girls. However, the specific design attributes that address the broader strategies are not all equal: we identified a subset of nine exhibit design attributes that were consistently strongly related to girls' engagement. Further, none of those nine design attributes were harmful to boys' engagement. In practice, we hope educators will help address gender disparities in museums by considering female‐responsive design when creating STEM exhibits: broadening their design approaches and choosing among the nine EDGE Design Attributes based on their appropriateness for a particular exhibit experience or set of exhibits.
Speak their Language: Designing Effective Messages to Improve Employees’ Information Security Decision Making
Authors: Johnston Allen C. , Warkentin Merrill , Dennis Alan R. , Siponen Mikko
Published: July 2018

Employee disinterest in information security remains one of the greatest impediments to effective information security management programs. How can organizations enhance the persuasiveness of the information security messages used to warn employees of threats and encourage employees to take specific actions to improve their security? We use fear appeal theory and the elaboration likelihood model to argue that security messages presented using more personally relevant language are more likely to induce employees to engage in the recommended protective security behaviors. Our strategy uses organization identification theory to segment employees into two groups and then develops security messages that use language aligned with each of the two segments. We tested this strategy within a large U.S. organization, and found that employees were more likely to consider and act upon messages that used language aligned with their organizational identification than messages using language not aligned. The effect size was large. Our results show that subtly changing less than a dozen words in the way a security message was presented without changing its substantive content (e.g., using “our” instead of “your”) has both significant and meaningful effects on how employees think about and respond to it.
Myocardial infarction is sufficient to increase GLP‐1 secretion, leading to improved left ventricular contractility and mitochondrial respiratory capacity
Authors: Diebold Sebastian , Moellmann Julia , Kahles Florian , Haj‐Yehia Elias , Liehn Elisa A. , Nickel Alexander , Lebherz Corinna , Maack Christoph , Marx Nikolaus , Lehrke Michael
Published: July 2018

Myocardial infarction causes rapid impairment of left ventricular function and requires a hypercontractile response of non‐infarcted tissue areas to maintain haemodynamic stability. This compensatory adaptation is mediated by humoral, inflammatory and neuronal signals. GLP‐1 is an incretin hormone with glucoregulatory and cardioprotective capacities and is secreted in response to nutritional and inflammatory stimuli. Inactivation of GLP‐1 is caused by the ubiquitously present enzyme DPP‐4. In this study, circulating concentrations of GLP‐1 were assessed after myocardial infarction and were evaluated in the light of metabolism, left ventricular contractility and mitochondrial function. Circulating GLP‐1 concentrations were markedly increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Experimental myocardial infarction by permanent LAD ligation proved sufficient to increase GLP‐1 secretion in mice. This took place in a time‐dependent manner, which coincided with the capacity of DPP‐4 inhibition, by linagliptin, to augment left ventricular contractility in a GLP‐1 receptor‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, DPP‐4 inhibition increased AMPK activity and stimulated the mitochondrial respiratory capacity of non‐infarcted tissue areas. We describe a new functional relevance of inflammatory GLP‐1 secretion for left ventricular contractility during myocardial infarction.
Cross‐Validated Prediction of Academic Performance of First‐Year University Students: Identifying Risk Factors in a Nonselective Environment
Authors: Meijer Eline , Cleiren Marc P. H. D. , Dusseldorp Elise , Buurman Vincent J. C. , Hogervorst Roel M. , Heiser Willem J.
Published: July 2018

Early prediction of academic performance is important for student support. The authors explored, in a multivariate approach, whether pre‐entry data (e.g., high school study results, preparative activities, expectations, capabilities, motivation, and attitude) could predict university students’ first‐year academic performance. Preregistered applicants for a bachelor's program filled out an intake questionnaire before study entry. Outcome data (first‐year grade point average, course credits, and attrition) were obtained 1 year later. Prediction accuracy was assessed by cross‐validation. Students who performed better in preparatory education, followed a conventional educational path before entering, and expected to spend more time on a program‐related organization performed better during their first year at university. Concrete preuniversity behaviors were more predictive than psychological attributions such as self‐efficacy. Students with a “love of learning” performed better than leisure‐oriented students. The intake questionnaire may be used for identifying up front who may need additional support, but is not suitable for student selection.
Plasma cell depletion with bortezomib in the treatment of refractory N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibody encephalitis. Rational developments in neuroimmunological treatment
Authors: Keddie S. , Crisp S. J. , Blackaby J. , Cox A. , Coles A. , Hart M. , Church A. J. , Vincent A. , Zandi M. , Lunn M. P.
Published: July 2018

Background and purpose

The aim was to assess the therapeutic potential of bortezomib in the treatment of refractory N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibody encephalitis and its potential in other immune‐mediated, B‐cell‐driven neurological diseases.

Methods

Two cases of severe NMDAR antibody encephalitis, resistant to first and second line therapy with steroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasma exchange, cyclophosphamide and rituximab, were treated with four and five cycles of 1.3 mg/m2 bortezomib at 350 and 330 days following initial presentation.

Results

Both patients showed significant clinical improvement with reductions of NMDAR antibody titres following bortezomib treatment. This is the first case in the literature where the NMDAR antibody level was undetectable following treatment with bortezomib.

Conclusion

Bortezomib's unique ability to target long‐lived autoreactive plasma cells appears to be a useful adjunct to standard second line immunosuppressive therapy in treatment‐refractory NMDAR antibody encephalitis. The drug's pharmacodynamics, cell targeting and mechanism of action are reviewed, and it is postulated that bortezomib may be useful in a host of B‐cell‐driven neuroimmunological diseases.
Population genomics through time provides insights into the consequences of decline and rapid demographic recovery through head‐starting in a Galapagos giant tortoise
Authors: Jensen Evelyn L. , Edwards Danielle L. , Garrick Ryan C. , Miller Joshua M. , Gibbs James P. , Cayot Linda J. , Tapia Washington , Caccone Adalgisa , Russello Michael A.
Published: July 2018

Population genetic theory related to the consequences of rapid population decline is well‐developed, but there are very few empirical studies where sampling was conducted before and after a known bottleneck event. Such knowledge is of particular importance for species restoration, given links between genetic diversity and the probability of long‐term persistence. To directly evaluate the relationship between current genetic diversity and past demographic events, we collected genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism data from prebottleneck historical (c.1906) and postbottleneck contemporary (c.2014) samples of Pinzón giant tortoises (Chelonoidis duncanensis; n = 25 and 149 individuals, respectively) endemic to a single island in the Galapagos. Pinzón giant tortoises had a historically large population size that was reduced to just 150–200 individuals in the mid 20th century. Since then, Pinzón's tortoise population has recovered through an ex situ head‐start programme in which eggs or pre‐emergent individuals were collected from natural nests on the island, reared ex situ in captivity until they were 4–5 years old and subsequently repatriated. We found that the extent and distribution of genetic variation in the historical and contemporary samples were very similar, with the latter group not exhibiting the characteristic genetic patterns of recent population decline. No population structure was detected either spatially or temporally. We estimated an effective population size (Ne) of 58 (95% CI = 50–69) for the postbottleneck population; no prebottleneck Ne point estimate was attainable (95% CI = 39–infinity) likely due to the sample size being lower than the true Ne. Overall, the historical sample provided a valuable benchmark for evaluating the head‐start captive breeding programme, revealing high retention of genetic variation and no skew in representation despite the documented bottleneck event. Moreover, this work demonstrates the effectiveness of head‐starting in rescuing the Pinzón giant tortoise from almost certain extinction.
Stepping‐up innovations in the water–energy–food nexus: A case study of anaerobic digestion in the UK
Authors: Hoolohan Claire , Soutar Iain , Suckling James , Druckman Angela , Larkin Alice , McLachlan Carly
Published: July 2018

Grand societal challenges such as climate change, poverty and biodiversity loss call for rapid and radical changes to systems of production and consumption. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the dynamics of innovation, both social and technical, to accelerate innovation diffusion so as to increase the possibility of a step‐change or large‐scale transition. Research on the water–energy–food nexus adds an additional dimension to existing discussions, calling for transitions that recognise the sustainability challenges facing three major resource domains, and the synergies and tensions involved in their management. This paper examines anaerobic digestion (AD) – an example of innovation with potential benefits across the water–energy–food nexus – to understand the conditions that influence the rate of AD implementation and the achievement of its potential multi‐sectoral benefits across the water–energy–food nexus. Interview data regarding 15 AD plants are examined alongside complementary data from interviews and workshops using the Technological Innovation Systems framework. This framework provides an analytical structure through which the processes that enable and constrain the implementation of AD in the UK can be examined, enabling the identification of potential mechanisms to support AD's wider and more effective deployment. The findings call for recognition of the unintended consequences of sectoral support mechanisms for technological adaptation, and consequent performance of AD in other resource domains and call for greater integration between policy mechanisms to enable AD to perform across the nexus. They also highlight a need to assimilate knowledge from multiple sources (including site‐specific understanding gained from experimentation) to enhance the base on which policy and decision‐making occurs. These findings contribute to existing literature on sustainable transitions by examining the complexities of multi‐sectoral resource management in the context of nexus research.
Qualitative Change in Migraine Prevention?
Authors: Cady Roger , Lipton Richard B.
Published: July 2018

A new generation of drugs that target calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) pathways offers a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between responder rates (RRs) and improvement in patient outcomes. The authors hypothesize a “tipping point” exists for patients with a ≥75% migraine response. They propose higher RRs reported in trials with CGRP inhibitory antibodies deliver not only a quantitative change in monthly headache days, but also a qualitative change in function, for a clinically meaningful subpopulation of patients.
Effect of heat treatment on the creep behavior of α/β SiAlON sintered with multication oxide sintering additives
Authors: Turan Dilek , Uludag Alper , Turan Servet
Published: July 2018

SiAlONs are important materials for high‐temperature applications and creep properties of SiAlONs are largely controlled by the amount and type of sintering additives. It has been established that heat treatment can reduce the amount of amorphous intergranular phase through crystallization. However, there is no study on the creep behavior of heat‐treated SiAlON ceramics containing multication sintering additives. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effect of heat treatment on the creep properties of multication containing (Y‐Sm‐Ca oxides) α/β‐SiAlON ceramics. The heat treatments of the sintered samples were carried out at 1600°C for 2 hours. The creep tests were carried out in the range 1300‐1400°C under different loads (50‐150 MPa). The existing phases and the microstructures of samples before and after creep were investigated using XRD and SEM techniques. It was found that heat treatment resulted in a better creep performance compared to as‐sintered samples. The activation energy and stress exponent for heat‐treated SiAlONs were also calculated as 708 ± 45 kJ/mol and 1.4, respectively. Compared to the sintered sample values, the results suggested that the acting creep mechanism of grain‐boundary sliding and cavitation was reduced with the heat treatment.
Physicochemical properties and antidiabetic effects of a polysaccharide obtained from Polygonatum odoratum
Authors: Jiang Huiyan , Xu Yao , Sun Congyong , Adu‐Frimpong Michael , Yu Jiangnan , Deng Wenwen , Xu Ximing
Published: July 2018

In this study, we isolated a novel polysaccharide (YZ‐2) (molecular weight: 5345.3 Da) from Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce and investigated its physicochemical properties and antidiabetic effects in the type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) mice induced by a low dose of streptozotocin coupled with a high‐fat diet. The results showed that YZ‐2 had no triple‐helix conformation and was mainly composed of α‐mannopyranose, α‐glucopyranose and α‐galactopyranose residues. Moreover, YZ‐2 could significantly decrease the fasting blood glucose (Glc) level (P < 0.01), the serum TC, TG and LDL‐c concentrations (P < 0.05), as well as the fasting insulin level and improve the Glc tolerance capacity in the T2DM mice. Additionally, YZ‐2 could protect livers and pancreas by remarkably increasing SOD and CAT activities and GSH content (P < 0.05) in the liver of T2DM mice. Collectively, these results suggested that YZ‐2 could be a promising functional food supplement for T2DM treatment.
Perspectives of lupine wholemeal protein and protein isolates biodegradation
Authors: Bartkiene Elena , Sakiene Vytaute , Lele Vita , Bartkevics Vadims , Rusko Janis , Wiacek Claudia , Ruzauskas Modestas , Braun Peggy G. , Matusevicius Paulius , Zdunczyk Zenon , Zdunczyk Przemysław , Juskiewicz Jerzy
Published: July 2018

Lupine (Lupinus angustifolius L.) protein (in wholemeal and protein isolates) was biodegraded using Pediococcus acidilactici in submerged and solid‐state fermentation conditions. The changes in the molecular weight of lupine protein fractions, amino acid (AA) profile, biogenic amine formation, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and protein digestibility in vitro and in vivo (in Wistar rats) were evaluated. After biotreatment, lower molecular weight peptides (from 10 to 20 kDa) were established, and the free AA content increased. Biodegradation improved the antioxidant properties, modulated the antimicrobial properties, and led to higher in vitro and in vivo digestibility and functionality of the lupine in treated rats (significant increase in body weight of Wistar rats, and increased acetic acid concentration and lowered Escherichia coli count in the caecum). Overall, the biodegradation of lupine protein can transform the plant protein, producing enhanced functionality and bioavailable products.
Working conditions in the export industry of northern Morocco: Legal framework and situation on the ground
Authors: TRINIDAD REQUENA Antonio , SORIANO MIRAS Rosa M. , BARROS RODRÍGUEZ Francisco
Published: July 2018

Companies in northern Morocco that export manufactured goods and services run on a production system characterized by high pressure, flexible use of labour, strict supervision and the challenging of certain labour rights. This article studies the conditions of work at these enterprises on the basis of the theoretical model of the “localized global economy”, drawing distinctions based on types of enterprise, industry and occupational categories. The results show how changes to the labour law in 2004, which adopted the standards contained in international conventions, have given more power to multinational enterprises.