bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic short stature and growth hormone sensitivity in prepubertal children
Authors: Derraik José G. B. , Miles Harriet L. , Chiavaroli Valentina , Hofman Paul L. , Cutfield Wayne S.
Published: March 2019

Objective

We compared growth hormone sensitivity to an insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) generation test in children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) and of normal stature (NS) across the birthweight range.

Methods

Forty‐six prepubertal children (~7.1 years) born at term were studied: ISS (n = 23; 74% boys) and NS (n = 23; 57% boys). Children underwent a modified IGF‐I generation test with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH; 0.05 mg/kg/d) over four consecutive days. Hormonal concentrations were measured at baseline and day 5.

Results

Children with idiopathic short stature were 1.90 SDS lighter (P < 0.0001) but had 4.5% more body fat (P = 0.0007) than NS children. Overall, decreasing birthweight SDS across the normal range (−1.9 to +1.5 SDS) was associated with lower percentage IGF‐I response to rhGH stimulation in univariable (r = 0.45; P = 0.002) and multivariable models (β = 24.6; P = 0.006). Plasma IGF‐I concentrations rose in both groups with rhGH stimulation (P < 0.0001). GHBP levels (P = 0.002) were suppressed in ISS children (−19%; P = 0.029) but increased among NS children (+18%; P = 0.028), with contrasting responses also observed for leptin and IGFBP‐1. Further, the increase in insulin concentrations in response to rhGH stimulation was ~3‐fold greater in NS children (142% vs 50%; P = 0.006).

Conclusions

A progressive decrease in birthweight SDS was associated with a reduction in GH sensitivity in both NS and ISS children. Thus, the lower IGF‐I response to rhGH stimulation in association with decreasing birthweight indicates that the ISS children at the lower end of the birthweight spectrum may have partial GH resistance, which may contribute to their poorer growth.
Teleological Essentialism
Authors: Rose David , Nichols Shaun
Published: March 2019

Placeholder essentialism is the view that there is a causal essence that holds category members together, though we may not know what the essence is. Sometimes the placeholder can be filled in by scientific essences, such as when we acquire scientific knowledge that the atomic weight of gold is 79. We challenge the view that placeholders are elaborated by scientific essences. In our view, if placeholders are elaborated, they are elaborated by Aristotelian essences, a telos. Utilizing the same kind of experiments used by traditional essentialists—involving superficial change (study 1), transformation of insides (study 2), acquired traits (study 3), and inferences about offspring (study 4)—we find support for the view that essences are elaborated by a telos. And we find evidence (study 5) that teleological essences may generate category judgments.
Cytological tumour cell characteristics and reactive small lymphocytes influence patient prognosis in acute and lymphoma type adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma
Authors: Kobata Katsumi , Mihashi Yasuhito , Nonaka Shuichi , Matsumoto Shinji , Kawauchi Shigeto , Iwasaki Hiroki , Takamatsu Yasushi , Takeshita Morishige
Published: March 2019

Objective

Acute and lymphoma type adult T‐cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) patients show an aggressive clinical course. While some clinical signs indicate good prognosis, definitive cytohistological prognostic factors have yet to be described.

Methods

We classified 65 ATLL patients into three groups by tumour cell size and nuclear pleomorphism on fine‐needle aspiration and tumour touch smear samples. Semi‐quantitative analysis of background small lymphocytes, reactive CD20‐positive B cells and CD8‐positive T cells was performed.

Results

Thirty‐one patients had pleomorphic lymphoma with predominantly medium‐sized cells and coarse granular nuclei. Another 24 patients showed pleomorphic large cell lymphoma with stippled chromatin. The remaining 10 demonstrated monomorphic large lymphoma cells with fine granular chromatin. Patients with pleomorphic lymphoma with medium‐sized cells showed significantly higher serum lactate dehydrogenase and lower CD30 and C‐MYC expression in lymphoma cells than the other two groups (P = .0216, P < 0.01, respectively). Patients with pleomorphic medium‐sized ATLL had few usual small lymphocytes observed on routine morphological examination and showed less concurrent detection of CD20‐positive B cells and CD8‐positive T cells, both of which were lower than in the other two groups (P = .006, P = .019, respectively). Furthermore, ATLL patients with predominantly medium‐sized lymphocytes exhibited a worse prognosis than patients with pleomorphic large cells (P = .0197). Background small lymphocytes and concurrent detection of CD20‐positive B cells and CD8‐positive T cells may thus be good prognostic factors (P = .011, P = .021, respectively).

Conclusions

Morphological features, size of neoplastic cells and background non‐neoplastic lymphocyte (B cells and CD8‐positive T cells) volume appear to influence the prognosis of patients with aggressive‐type ATLL.
Coccidioidomycosis with emperipolesis in fine needle aspiration
Authors: Grosse Alexandra , Grosse Claudia
Published: March 2019

While this case of coccidioidomycosis presenting with emperipolesis, may be a one‐off unusual presentation, it is important, nevertheless, to consider the possibility of coccidioidomycosis when confronted with this rare morphological finding during evaluation of cytology specimens.
Measurement of community‐based walking activity in cerebral palsy
Authors: Bjornson Kristie F
Published: March 2019

This commentary is on the original article by Sala et al. on pages 1309–1313 of this issue.
Head tossing behaviour in six horses: Trigeminal‐mediated head‐shaking or musculoskeletal pain?
Authors: Thomson K. , Chan C. , Dyson S.
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to report the clinical findings of six horses referred for investigation of head‐shaking and to compare and contrast the findings to those of trigeminal‐mediated head‐shaking. The case records of six horses showing head tossing behaviour (vertical up and down movement of the head during ridden exercise) that were referred to the Animal Health Trust were reviewed and a summary of the clinical findings reported. The history was appraised, including video footage when available. A comprehensive clinical examination at rest and exercise, including ridden assessment, was performed on several occasions over at least 2 days; diagnostic analgesia and imaging were carried out. A thorough review of the literature on trigeminal‐mediated (idiopathic) head‐shaking was performed. All horses showed headtossing behaviour when ridden and two horses also tossed their heads on the lunge. All horses had various sources of musculoskeletal pain. Five horses had abolition of headtossing behaviour after diagnostic analgesia resolved musculoskeletal pain. The remaining horse had significant improvement in this behaviour. This horse also displayed clinical signs at rest and it is likely that there was a component of trigeminal‐mediated head‐shaking. Many horses with trigeminal‐mediated head‐shaking show clinical signs both at rest and when ridden, often with worsening of clinical signs when ridden. However, all horses in this series showed additional signs of musculoskeletal pain when ridden compared with in hand and on the lunge. None of these horses displayed excessive sneezing or snorting, acting like an insect was flying up the nostril and rubbing and/or striking at the nose with the forelimbs which can often be seen in horses with trigeminal‐mediated head‐shaking. No horse had a history of seasonality of clinical signs. It was concluded that it is important for veterinarians to recognise behavioural signs of pain, such as headtossing during ridden exercise and to be able to differentiate this behaviour from trigeminal‐mediated head‐shaking.
Folliculitis decalvans is characterized by a persistent, abnormal subepidermal microbiota
Authors: Matard Bruno , Donay Jean Luc , Resche‐Rigon Matthieu , Tristan Anne , Farhi David , Rousseau Clotilde , Mercier‐Delarue Severine , Cavelier–Balloy Bénédicte , Assouly Philippe , Petit Antoine , Bagot Martine , Reygagne Pascal
Published: March 2019

Folliculitis decalvans (FD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology. Although Staphylococcus aureus, frequently found on lesional skin, is thought to play a causal role, the importance of its involvement remains controversial. To examine the role of S aureus, we compared superficial and subepidermal microbiota in 20 FD patients who had S aureus on lesional skin and in 20 healthy controls using culture techniques and genomic identification, before and after an anti‐staphylococcal treatment; we also screened for S aureus virulence factors. When present on lesional skin, S aureus colonized non‐lesional and subepidermal skin in 80% of cases. These data imply a break in the epidermal barrier integrity and that an abnormal non‐lesional skin microbiota persists in FD. S aureus had no superantigenic toxin in 31% of cases and no toxin specificity. Clinical improvement obtained in most cases upon treatment was associated with the disappearance of S aureus in all studied areas, with an incomplete restoration of normal microbiota and a significant increase in negative bacterial samples. This persistent unbalanced, subepidermal microbiota may act as a reservoir of abnormal flora and explain the chronicity of FD, suggesting new avenues of research to restore normal microbiota.
Efficacy of a rhamnolipid biosurfactant to inhibit Trichophyton rubrum in vitro and in a mice model of dermatophytosis
Authors: Sen Suparna , Borah Siddhartha Narayan , Kandimalla Raghuram , Bora Arijit , Deka Suresh
Published: March 2019

Dermatophytic infections caused by Trichophyton rubrum are the most prevalent superficial mycoses worldwide. The present study was aimed at evaluating the anti‐dermatophytic effect of a rhamnolipid biosurfactant (RL) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa SS14 (GenBank Accession no. KC866140) against T. rubrum in experimentally induced dermatophytosis in mice models. The purified RL could effectively suppress spore germination and hyphal proliferation of T. rubrum at 500 μg/mL. Ultramicroscopic observations involving SEM and AFM studies revealed severely altered hyphal morphology in the RL‐treated mycelia. The membrane disruptive effect of RL was measured by the uptake of propidium iodide (PI) as visualized by CLSM. The absorbance of the RL‐treated cell suspension at 260 nm showed concentration‐dependant exudation of nucleic acid due to loss of cell membrane integrity. On evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of RL on experimentally induced cutaneous dermatophytosis in mice models, we observed that the RL, when applied topically at a concentration of 500 μg/mL, was effective in completely curing dermatophytosis at the end of 21‐day treatment period. The results were statistically similar to those obtained using the standard drug terbinafine as control. Apart from macroscopic observation, the results were confirmed by culture of skin scrapings and histopathological examination. The results are suggestive of the effectiveness of RL in control of dermatophytosis caused by T. rubrum.
Structure and characterization of Aspergillus fumigatus lipase B with a unique, oversized regulatory subdomain
Authors: Huang Weiqian , Lan Dongming , Popowicz Grzegorz M. , Zak Krzysztof M. , Zhao Zexin , Yuan Hong , Yang Bo , Wang Yonghua
Published: March 2019

Fungal lipases are efficient and environment‐friendly biocatalysts for many industrially relevant processes. One of the most widely applied lipases in the manufacturing industry is Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). Here, we report the biochemical and structural characterization of a novel CALB‐like lipase from an important human pathogen—Aspergillus fumigatus (AFLB), which has high sn‐1,3‐specificity toward triolein. AFLB crystal structure displays a CALB‐like catalytic domain and hosts a unique tightly closed ‘lid’ domain that contains a disulfide bridge, as well as an extra N‐terminal subdomain composed of residues 1–128 (including the helix α1–α5 located above the active site). To gain insight into the function of this novel lid and N‐terminal subdomain, we constructed and characterized a series of mutants in these two domains. Deleting the protruding bulk lid's residues, replacing the bulk and tight lid with a small and loose lid from CALB, or breaking the disulfide bridge increased the affinity of CALB for glyceride substrates and improved its catalytic activity, along with the loss of enzyme fold stability and thermostability. N‐terminal truncation mutants revealed that the N‐terminal peptide (residues 1–59) is a strong inhibitor of AFLB binding to lipid films. This peptide thus limits AFLB's penetration power and specific activity, revealing a unique enzyme activity regulatory mechanism. Our findings on the functional and structural properties of AFLB provide a better understanding of the functions of the CALB‐like lipases and pave the way for its future protein engineering.

Database

Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 6IDY.
Plasticity in elk migration timing is a response to changing environmental conditions
Authors: Rickbeil Gregory J. M. , Merkle Jerod A. , Anderson Greg , Atwood M. Paul , Beckmann Jon P. , Cole Eric K. , Courtemanch Alyson B. , Dewey Sarah , Gustine David D. , Kauffman Matthew J. , McWhirter Douglas E. , Mong Tony , Proffitt Kelly , White Patrick J. , Middleton Arthur D.
Published: March 2019

Migration is an effective behavioral strategy for prolonging access to seasonal resources and may be a resilient strategy for ungulates experiencing changing climatic conditions. In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), elk are the primary ungulate, with approximately 20,000 individuals migrating to exploit seasonal gradients in forage while also avoiding energetically costly snow conditions. How climate‐induced changes in plant phenology and snow accumulation are influencing elk migration timing is unknown. We present the most complete record of elk migration across the GYE, spanning 9 herds and 414 individuals from 2001 to 2017, to evaluate the drivers of migration timing and test for temporal shifts. The timing of elk departure from winter range involved a trade‐off between current and anticipated forage conditions, while snow melt governed summer range arrival date. Timing of elk departure from summer range and arrival on winter range were both influenced by snow accumulation and exposure to hunting. At the GYE scale, spring and fall migration timing changed through time, most notably with winter range arrival dates becoming almost 50 days later since 2001. Predicted herd‐level changes in migration timing largely agreed with observed GYE‐wide changes—except for predicted winter range arrival dates which did not reflect the magnitude of change detected in the elk telemetry data. Snow melt, snow accumulation, and spring green‐up dates all changed through time, with different herds experiencing different rates and directions of change. We conclude that elk migration is plastic, is a direct response to environmental cues, and that these environmental cues are not changing in a consistent manner across the GYE. The impacts of changing elk migration timing on predator–prey dynamics, carnivore–livestock conflict, disease ecology, and harvest management across the GYE are likely to be significant and complex.
Evaluating Subsurface Parameterization to Simulate Hyporheic Exchange: The Steinlach River Test Site
Authors: Chow Reynold , Bennett Jeremy , Dugge Jürnjakob , Wöhling Thomas , Nowak Wolfgang
Published: March 2019

Hyporheic exchange is the interaction of river water and groundwater, and is difficult to predict. One of the largest contributions to predictive uncertainty for hyporheic exchange has been attributed to the representation of heterogeneous subsurface properties. Our study evaluates the trade‐offs between intrinsic (irreducible) and epistemic (reducible) model errors when choosing between homogeneous and highly complex subsurface parameter structures. We modeled the Steinlach River Test Site in Southwest Germany using a fully coupled surface water‐groundwater model to simulate hyporheic exchange and to assess the predictive errors and uncertainties of transit time distributions. A highly parameterized model was built, treated as a “virtual reality” and used as a reference. We found that if the parameter structure is too simple, it will be limited by intrinsic model errors. By increasing subsurface complexity through the addition of zones or heterogeneity, we can begin to exchange intrinsic for epistemic errors. Thus, the appropriate level of detail to represent the subsurface depends on the acceptable range of intrinsic structural errors for the given modeling objectives and the available site data. We found that a zonated model is capable of reproducing the transit time distributions of a more detailed model, but only if the geological structures are known. An interpolated heterogeneous parameter field (cf. pilot points) showed the best trade‐offs between the two errors, indicating fitness for practical applications. Parameter fields generated by multiple‐point geostatistics (MPS) produce transit time distributions with the largest uncertainties, however, these are reducible by additional hydrogeological data, particularly flux measurements.
Intraprocedural computed tomography/magnetic resonance–contrast‐enhanced ultrasound fusion imaging improved thermal ablation effect of hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparison with conventional ultrasound
Authors: Ma Qiu‐Ping , Xu Er‐Jiao , Zeng Qing‐Jing , Su Zhong‐Zhen , Tan Lei , Chen Jia‐Xin , Zheng Rong‐Qin , Li Kai
Published: March 2019

Aim

To retrospectively compare the treatment effect of intraprocedural computed tomography/magnetic resonance–contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CT/MR‐CEUS) fusion imaging (FI) with that of conventional ultrasound (US) in the guidance and assessment of thermal ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The FI group (112 patients with 129 HCC) was treated between April 2010 and December 2012, whereas the US group (83 patients with 90 HCC) was treated between January 2008 and March 2010. Either CT/MR‐CEUS FI or US was used to guide puncture, provide immediate assessment, and guide supplementary ablation. Technical efficacy, cumulative local tumor progression rate (LTP), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated and compared during follow‐up. Technical success rate of CT/MR‐CEUS FI was also recorded.

Results

Technical efficacy was significantly higher in the FI group than in the US group (100% vs. 86.7%, P < 0.001). The 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐year cumulative LTP rates in the FI group were significantly lower than in the US group (3.8%, 4.9%, 6.0%, 6.0%, 7.2%, and 7.2% vs. 16.9%, 20.1%, 25%, 25%, 25%, and 25%, respectively; P < 0.001); RFS and OS were significantly higher in the FI group than in the US group (P = 0.027 and P = 0.049, respectively). The technical success rate of FI was 85.3%.

Conclusions

Intraprocedural CT/MR‐CEUS FI improved the treatment effect of thermal ablation of HCC by immediately assessing treatment response and guiding supplementary ablation relative to those resulting from the use of conventional US.
VLFBERHT swords: Origin, material, and manufacture
Authors: Petri Ingo
Published: March 2019

VLFBERHT or ULFBERHT is the most frequent inscription on Viking Age sword blades. The majority of these swords have been found in Scandinavia, much less in the Frankish Empire so that it might seem that they have been produced in Scandinavia. But this is most probably a result of different burial customs. The blades were most probably produced in the Frankish Empire and came to Scandinavia as loot or ransom. The signature has been interpreted as the name of the sword smith. But recently, it has been shown that the person behind this name rather was an overseer over the sword production who had position in ecclesiastical or monastic hierarchy. The reverse side of the blades show geometrical marks. These may have developed from the Pagan serpent or worm symbolism connected to swords. The patterns may have survived into Christian times, but with a changed symbolic meaning. It has always been tried to distinguish between original VLFBERHT blades and imitations or falsifications. Recently, metallographic analyses have shown a correlation between special inscription variants and different methods of manufacture.
A protocol for developing reporting guidelines for laboratory studies in Endodontology
Authors: Nagendrababu V. , Murray P. E. , Ordinola‐Zapata R. , Peters O. A. , Rôças I. N. , Siqueira J. F. , Priya E. , Jayaraman J. , Pulikkotil S. J. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: March 2019

Laboratory‐based research studies are the most common form of research endeavour and make up the majority of manuscripts that are submitted for publication in the field of Endodontology. The scientific information derived from laboratory studies can be used to design a wide range of subsequent studies and clinical trials and may have translational potential to benefit clinical practice. Unfortunately, the majority of laboratory‐based articles submitted for publication fail the peer‐review step, because unacceptable flaws or substantial limitations are identified. Even when apparently well‐conducted laboratory‐based articles are peer‐reviewed, they can often require substantial corrections prior to the publication. It is apparent that some authors and reviewers may lack the training and experience to have developed a systematic approach to evaluate the quality of laboratory studies. Occasionally, even accepted manuscripts contain limitations that may compromise interpretation of data. To help authors avoid manuscript rejection and correction pitfalls, and to aid editors/reviewers to evaluate manuscripts systematically, the purpose of this project is to establish and publish quality guidelines for authors to report laboratory studies in the field of Endodontology so that the highest standards are achieved. The new guidelines will be named–‘Preferred Reporting Items for Laboratory studies in Endodontology’ (PRILE). A steering committee was assembled by the project leads to develop the guidelines through a five‐phase consensus process. The committee will identify new items as well as review and adapt items from existing guidelines. The items forming the draft guidelines will be reviewed and refined by a PRILE Delphi Group (PDG). The items will be evaluated by the PDG on a nine‐point Likert scale for relevance and inclusion. The agreed items will then be discussed by a PRILE face‐to‐face consensus meeting group (PFCMG) formed by 20 individuals to further refine the guidelines. This will be subject to final approval by the steering committee. The approved PRILE guidelines will be disseminated through publication in relevant journals, presented at congresses/meetings, and be freely available on a dedicated website. Feedback and comments will be solicited from researchers, editors and peer reviewers, who are invited to contact the steering committee with comments to help them update the guidelines periodically.
Physicochemical characterisation andin vitroStarch digestion of Avocado Seed Flour (Persea americana V. Hass) and its starch and fibrous fractions
Authors: Rivera–González Gerardo , Amaya–Guerra Carlos Abel , de la Rosa–Millán Julián
Published: March 2019

The avocado seed is considered a by‐product of their pulp exploitation and today it does not present relevant food or industrial applications. In this study, we evaluate the potential use of its flour, their isolated starch and fibre fractions. After processing, the flour yielded 46.28%, and showed 6.7% of protein and low fat and ash contents (3.4, and 2.71% respectively). The starch yielded 27.28% with low‐fibre content that influenced its viscosity properties; as well as their water absorption index (WAI), water solubility index (WSI) and oil absorption index (OAI), that were 2.43%, 11.22% and 0.16% respectively. Thein vitrostarch digestion of the different obtained fractions showed higher amounts of rapidly digestible starch (56.8%–75.36%, flour and starch respectively). The functional properties of the materials were correlated with strong molecular interactions with their apparently unique amylose structure; for this, this by‐product may have different potential for food applications.
Spicing Up a 150‐Year‐Old Porcelain Factory: Art, Localism and Transnationalism in Arita's Happy Lucky Kiln
Authors: Morais Liliana
Published: March 2019

The Kouraku Kiln, a 150‐year‐old Japanese porcelain factory in the traditional rural pottery town of Arita, has been struggling with the economic decline brought by the burst of the bubble in the mid‐1990s, rural migration and changes in lifestyle and tastes. Using ethnographic fieldwork, I look at the independent innovative activities that the Kouraku Kiln factory has put into place to overcome such problems: an artist‐in‐residence program and a treasure hunt, both coordinated by Brazilian ceramic artist and cultural agitator Sebastião Pimenta. By making use of the local history, identity, and infrastructure to attract visitors from all over the world to the production site, Kouraku Kiln has changed its focus from its products by selling knowledge and experiences. Besides contributing to the revitalization of the local economy, the constant presence of Pimenta and other international artists at the factory has added to the creation of multicultural exchanges in the local community, raising issues about social integration and local citizenship. With this case study, I aim to add to discussions about the revitalization of rural places and the regeneration of Japanese traditional crafts through the acknowledgment of globalization and mobility. By addressing issues related to the impact of transnational flows in rural communities, this article argues for the contributions of migrants in their communities of destination and examines the transforming relationships between art, society, and local development.
Overcoming “Crisis”: Mobility Capabilities and “stretching” a Migrant Identity among Young Irish in London and Return Migrants
Authors: Lulle Aija , Coakley Liam , MacÉinrí Piaras
Published: March 2019

We bring into dialogue the migrant identities of young Irish immigrants in the UK and young returnees in Ireland. We draw on 38 in‐depth interviews (20 in the UK and 18 in Ireland), aged 20–37 at the time of interview, carried out in 2015–16. We argue that “stretching” identities – critical and reflective capabilities to interpret long histories of emigration and the neglected economic dimension – need to be incorporated into conceptualizing “crisis” migrants. Participants draw on networks globally, they choose migration as a temporary “stop‐over” abroad, but they also rework historical Irish migrant identities in a novel way. Becoming an Irish migrant or a returnee today is enacted as a historically grounded capability of mobility. However, structural economic constraints in the Irish labour market need to be seriously considered in understanding return aspirations and realities. These findings generate relevant policy ideas in terms of relations between “crisis” migrants and the state.
Constructive Copying: Exploring the Vocabulary
Authors: Schenk Pam , Parker Mark
Published: March 2019

Increasingly, concerns are being expressed about the negative effects of digital copying in both industry and higher education. A project was formulated to investigate the use of paper‐based drawing methods for copying from visual source material in varied and structured ways and, thereby, to mitigate the adverse effects of design student dependency on screen‐based copying. A Copying Vocabulary Matrix was formulated based on findings accrued through a practice‐based enquiry where methods of copying were explored and a terminology of copying identified by the authors. A Constructive Copying Workshop was then devised for integration into an existing printed textile design course. Students were asked to respond to the words in the matrix through copying from the same visual source and were limited to pencils and paper. They were also encouraged to keep a reflective journal to record their thoughts as they worked. Their views were monitored during and after the workshop, and the drawings produced were then reviewed and analysed. It was found that a wide variety of images were produced based on either experimentation or strategic rationale by the students and that their visual literacy, analytical skills and understanding of textile design were enhanced, leading to the conclusion that similar teaching interventions into the design drawing curricula could benefit the student learning experience.
A sequenced multimodal learning approach to support students' development of conceptual learning
Authors: Magana Alejandra J. , Serrano Mayari I. , Rebello N. Sanjay
Published: March 2019

Virtual learning environments can now be enriched not only with visual and auditory information, but also with tactile and kinesthetic feedback. However, the way to successfully integrate haptic feedback on a multimodal learning environment is still unclear. This study aims to provide guidelines on how visuohaptic simulations can be implemented effectively, thus the research question is: Under what conditions do visual and tactile information support students' development of conceptual learning of force‐related concepts? Participants comprised 170 undergraduate students of a Midwestern University enrolled in a physics for elementary education class. Four experiments were conducted using four different configurations of multimodal learning environments: Visual feedback only, haptic force feedback only, visual and haptic force feedback at the same time, and sequenced modality of haptic feedback first and visual feedback second. Our results suggest that haptic force feedback has the potential to enrich learning when compared with visual only environments. Also, haptic and visual modalities interact better when sequenced one after another rather than presented simultaneously. Finally, exposure to virtual learning environments enhanced by haptic forced feedback was a positive experience, but the ease of use and ease of interpretation was not so evident.
Intermittent left bundle branch block: What is the mechanism?
Authors: Upadhyay Gaurav A. , Tung Roderick
Published: March 2019

We present an illustrative case of a patient with intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB) that underwent electrophysiological study with detailed multielectrode recordings of the right and left septum. The case elucidates the nature and location of conduction block and provides further insight into the underlying mechanisms of LBBB.
Signs of enhanced formation of gist memory in children with autism spectrum disorder – a study of memory functions of sleep
Authors: Kurz Eva‐Maria , Conzelmann Annette , Barth Gottfried Maria , Hepp Lisa , Schenk Damaris , Renner Tobias J. , Born Jan , Zinke Katharina
Published: March 2019

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired cognitive and social skills, including emotional dysregulation, and symptoms have been suspected to partly arise from impaired formation of memory representations regulating these behaviours. Sleep, which is subjectively impaired in ASD, is critical for forming long‐term memories and abstracted gist‐based representations. We expected a generally reduced memory benefit from sleep in children with ASD, and a diminished enhancement of gist representations, in particular.

Methods

We compared effects of sleep on memory consolidation between boys (9–12 years) with ASD (n = 21) and typically developing (TD, n = 20) boys, matched for age and IQ, in a within‐subjects crossover design. We employed an emotional picture recognition task and the Deese–Roediger–McDermott (DRM) word list task for assessing gist memory formation in the emotional and nonemotional domain, respectively. Learning took place before retention intervals of nocturnal sleep and daytime wakefulness, and retrieval was tested afterwards.

Results

Surprisingly, on the DRM task, children with ASD showed an enhanced sleep‐dependent formation of gist‐based memory (i.e. more recall of ‘critical lure words’ after sleep compared to wakefulness) than TD children, with this effect occurring on top of a diminished veridical word memory. On the picture recognition task, children with ASD also showed a stronger emotional enhancement in memory (i.e. relatively better memory for negative than neutral pictures) than TD children, with this enhancement occurring independent of sleep. Sleep polysomnography was remarkably comparable between groups.

Conclusions

Children with ASD show well‐preserved sleep‐dependent memory consolidation. Enhanced gist memory formation in these children might reflect a compensatory response for impairments at earlier stages of memory processing, that is during encoding.
Effect of carbamide peroxide bleaching agent on the surface roughness and gloss of a pressable ceramic
Authors: Rea Felipe Tarosso , Roque Ana Carolina Cabral , Macedo Ana Paula , de Almeida Rossana Pereira
Published: March 2019

Objective

This study evaluated the influence of carbamide peroxide, 10% and 16%, on the surface roughness and gloss of a pressable ceramic.

Materials and Methods

Carbamide peroxide (10% or 16%) was applied for 4 hours or 3 hours per day for 14 days, respectively, in pressable ceramic discs (14 mm × 2 mm). Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C. Surface roughness and gloss were determined before carbamide peroxide application (T0), 7 days (T7) and 14 days (T14) after the initial treatment. ANOVA was used with repeated measures and multiple comparisons with a Bonferroni adjustment (P < 0.005).

Results

Significant increase in surface roughness was observed over time (P < 0.001), with T0 < T7 < T14. When the gloss was analyzed, significant differences were found (P < 0.001), control group showed a higher gloss than those of the 10% and 16% groups. Significant decrease in gloss was observed over time (P < 0.001), with T0 > T7 > T14.

Conclusions

The surface roughness of pressable ceramics increased, while their gloss significantly decreased when 10% or 16% carbamide peroxide was applied. The specimens treated with 16% carbamide peroxide exhibited higher surface roughness and less gloss than the specimens treated with 10% carbamide peroxide.

Clinical significance

This study found that carbamide peroxide gels commonly used in at‐home procedures influenced the surface roughness and gloss of a pressable ceramic that is often used for rehabilitation esthetics.
Integrating lifecycle assessment and urban metabolism at city level: Comparison between Spanish cities
Authors: González‐García Sara , Dias Ana Claudia
Published: March 2019

Urban systems are important consumers of resources and producers of wastes derived from the lifestyles and daily needs of their citizens. The quantification of environmental impacts arising from urban metabolism (UM) plays a key role in the design of more sustainable cities and in the development of decision‐making strategies into more effective urban policies. This article combines UM and lifecycle assessment methodology to quantify mass and energy flows within the city limits and derived urban environmental pressures, thus prioritizing the environmental perspective of sustainability. This methodology is applied to the two very different Spanish cities of Bilbao and Seville. The results acquired in this study identify the consumption of construction materials, electricity, fossil fuels, and food and beverages as environmental hotspots. The results are primarily affected by differences in the climate (extreme conditions), which mainly affect the consumption of fossil fuels, and differences in purchasing power, which mainly influence the intake of foodstuffs. Further research should focus on data management and quality as well as on designing more efficient cities (e.g., through the introduction of more energy‐efficient buildings, sustainable building materials, and public transport) in order to create improvements in their environmental profiles.
Overcoming climate change adaptation barriers: A study on food–energy–water impacts of the average American diet by demographic group
Authors: Bozeman Joe F. , Bozeman Rayne , Theis Thomas L.
Published: March 2019

Effectively adapting to climate change involves overcoming social and ecological system barriers. The present study uses a three‐phase adaptation framework to propose adaptation strategies aimed at overcoming socioecological barriers of the food–energy–water (FEW) nexus. Cradle‐to‐farm‐gate land, greenhouse gas (GHG), and water impacts—that derive from food consumption in the United States—are analyzed and differentiated by major demographic groups (Black, Latinx, and White). Results indicate that the White demographic yields the highest per capita GHG (680 kg of CO2 eq⋅year−1) and water impacts (328,600 L⋅year−1) from food consumption, whereas the Black demographic yields the highest per capita land impacts (1,770 m2⋅year−1) from food consumption. Our findings suggest that obtaining data with the intention of building consensus across sociodemographic lines overcomes barriers in the understanding phase, leading to increased social receptivity for many planning and managing phase processes. Specifically, we find that identifying and developing leaders who possess the cognitive and interpersonal capacity to manage many variables and stakeholders is key to assessing and selecting adaptation options in the planning phase. We also propose using government programming to encourage environmentally friendly food purchasing behavior. Then, we discuss how our proposals could be used in adaptation feasibility and evaluation activities in the managing phase. In all, these findings facilitate the development of improved climate change adaptation and policy by satisfying the understanding phase of the climate change adaptation framework, establishing a cross‐disciplinary methodological approach to addressing socioecological problems, and providing useful FEW impact data for FEW nexus and climate change researchers.
Complete rectal prolapse in wild anubis baboons (Papio anubis)
Authors: Taniguchi Haruka , Isbell Lynne A. , Bidner Laura R. , Matsumoto‐Oda Akiko
Published: March 2019

This report describes two cases of rectal prolapse in wild anubis baboons (Papio anubis), with one spontaneous resolution. Both occurred after individuals consumed low‐water, high‐fibre dried maize during provisioning prior to capture, while one also experienced distress during capture.
Factors Associated With Leisure Time Physical Activity Among Schoolchildren in a Predominantly Latino Community
Authors: Escaron Anne L. , Vega‐Herrera Celia , Steers Neil , Chung Jane , Martinez Corina , Hochman Michael , Lara Marielena
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

School initiatives aimed at increasing physical activity (PA) may improve the health of children in low‐income communities.

METHODS

Assessors completed 5909 observations of students' PA during leisure periods using a validated instrument in 19 schools in low‐income Latino communities. We examined relationships between school environment factors (eg, presence of playground equipment) and levels of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

RESULTS

Overall, 16.4% of students were engaged in vigorous activity, lower than reported in prior analyses. Consistent with earlier reports, boys were more engaged in vigorous PA than girls (18.6% vs 13.2%). Playground equipment, such as balls and jump ropes, were present in 27.5% of activity areas. Supervision was present in 83.1% of observations; however, staff members were only observed leading organized activity in 1.7%. Playground equipment was associated with higher rates of MVPA, particularly among elementary boys (p < .0001). Staff supervision was not associated with MVPA, possibly because staff members rarely led organized activity.

CONCLUSIONS

We found low rates of leisure time PA among students in this low‐income Latino community. The presence of playground equipment was favorably associated with activity levels. Increasing the availability of playground equipment might promote activity among children in similar populations.
Rheological predictions of sensory attributes of lotions
Authors: Ahuja Amit , Lu Joey , Potanin Andrei
Published: March 2019

Complex behavior of 33 commercial lotions was investigated in order to identify correlations between laboratory instrumental measurements and sensory attributes of these products. Sensory attributes were evaluated by trained panelists. Six attributes were identified as potentially related to rheology, which belong to three main sensory categories: appearance, pickup, and rub out. Potential rheological predictors were extracted from the data of rotational rheometry. Yield stress and instantaneous viscosity maximum (IVM) were determined in stress ramp. Alternative definitions of yield stress based on step‐shear and oscillatory strain sweeps were also considered along with linear viscoelastic moduli, G′ and G″. Statistical analysis has shown all these definitions of yield stress and IVM are in fact closely correlated and that IVM is the best overall predictor of most attributes although G′/G″ ratio also is significant for rub out attributes. However, integrity of shape, the main appearance attribute, is even better predicted by an imitative slump‐like test in which image analysis is used to quantify sample spreading on a flat surface.
Randomized field trial on the effects of body weight and short transport on stress and immune variables in 2‐ to 4‐week‐old dairy calves
Authors: Masmeijer Christien , Devriendt Bert , Rogge Tina , van Leenen Katharina , De Cremer Lieze , Van Ranst Bonny , Deprez Piet , Cox Eric , Pardon Bart
Published: March 2019

Background

Whether underweight calves respond differently to transport stress, enhancing their disease risk, is currently unknown.

Objective

To determine the effects of low body weight and transport stress on immune variables.

Animals

Twenty‐one 2‐ to 4‐week‐old male Holstein calves, housed on a commercial farm.

Methods

Randomized clinical trial. Full factorial design with 4 treatment groups: low body weight (≤46 kg)/no transport (LOWCON); low body weight/transport (LOWTRANS); normal body weight (>46 kg)/no transport (NORMCON), and normal body weight/transport (NORMTRANS). Transport duration was 2 hours.

Results

Transport significantly increased serum cortisol concentration (77.8 μg/mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 37.8‐131.6; P < .001), interleukin (IL)‐17A (344.9 pg/mL; 95% CI, 32.2‐556.5; P = .04), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (218.2 pg/mL; 95% CI, 32.5‐368.3; P = .03) production after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Body weight did not affect any of the studied variables. However, the interaction of transport and body weight was significant. LOWTRANS calves showed increased monocyte count (2.0 × 109/L; 95% CI, 0.6‐4.2; P < .05) and interleukin IL‐17A production (106.0 pg/mL; 95% CI, 4.2‐306.9; P = .03) compared to normal weight calves and increased TNF‐α production (275.6 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2.6‐463.0; P = .02) compared to LOWCON calves in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after transport.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

These findings contribute to our understanding of increased disease susceptibility of underweight calves when transported. Gamma globulin concentration was identified as important interfering factor in studies on immune variables in neonatal calves.
The tumour microenvironment and immune milieu of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Fabris Luca , Perugorria María J. , Mertens Joachim , Björkström Niklas K. , Cramer Thorsten , Lleo Ana , Solinas Antonio , Sänger Hanna , Lukacs‐Kornek Veronika , Moncsek Anja , Siebenhüner Alexander , Strazzabosco Mario
Published: March 2019

Tumour microenvironment is a complex, multicellular functional compartment that, particularly when assembled as an abundant desmoplastic reaction, may profoundly affect the proliferative and invasive abilities of epithelial cancer cells. Tumour microenvironment comprises not only stromal cells, mainly cancer‐associated fibroblasts, but also immune cells of both the innate and adaptive system (tumour‐associated macrophages, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and T and B lymphocytes), and endothelial cells. This results in an intricate web of mutual communications regulated by an extensively remodelled extracellular matrix, where the tumour cells are centrally engaged. In this regard, cholangiocarcinoma, in particular the intrahepatic variant, has become the focus of mounting interest in the last years, largely because of the lack of effective therapies despite its rising incidence and high mortality rates worldwide. On the other hand, recent studies in pancreatic cancer, which similarly to cholangiocarcinoma, is highly desmoplastic, have argued against a tumour‐promoting function of the tumour microenvironment. In this review, we will discuss recent developments concerning the role of each cellular population and their multifaceted interplay with the malignant biliary epithelial counterpart. We ultimately hope to provide the working knowledge on how their manipulation may lead to a therapeutic gain in cholangiocarcinoma.
Defining the regulon of genes controlled by σE, a key regulator of the cell envelope stress response in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Tran Ngat T. , Huang Xiaoluo , Hong Hee‐Jeon , Bush Matthew J. , Chandra Govind , Pinto Daniela , Bibb Maureen J. , Hutchings Matthew I. , Mascher Thorsten , Buttner Mark J.
Published: March 2019

The extracytoplasmic function (ECF) σ factor, σE, is a key regulator of the cell envelope stress response in Streptomyces coelicolor. Although its role in maintaining cell wall integrity has been known for over a decade, a comprehensive analysis of the genes under its control has not been undertaken. Here, using a combination of chromatin immunoprecipitation‐sequencing (ChIP‐seq), microarray transcriptional profiling and bioinformatic analysis, we attempt to define the σE regulon. Approximately half of the genes identified encode proteins implicated in cell envelope function. Seventeen novel targets were validated by S1 nuclease mapping or in vitro transcription, establishing a σE‐binding consensus. Subsequently, we used bioinformatic analysis to look for conservation of the σE target promoters identified in S. coelicolor across 19 Streptomyces species. Key proteins under σE control across the genus include the actin homolog MreB, three penicillin‐binding proteins, two L,D‐transpeptidases, a LytR‐CpsA‐Psr‐family protein predicted to be involved in cell wall teichoic acid deposition and a predicted MprF protein, which adds lysyl groups to phosphatidylglycerol to neutralize membrane surface charge. Taken together, these analyses provide biological insight into the σE‐mediated cell envelope stress response in the genus Streptomyces.