bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of morin‐induced insulin secretion in cultured pancreatic cells
Authors: Lin Mang Hung , Hsu Chia‐Chen , Lin Jenshinn , Cheng Juei Tang , Wu Ming Chang
Published: July 2017

Morin is a flavonoid contained in guava that is known to reduce hyperglycemia in diabetes. Insulin secretion has been demonstrated to increase following the administration of morin. The present study is designed to investigate the potential mechanism(s) of morin‐induced insulin secretion in the MIN6 cell line. First, we identified that morin induced a dose‐dependent increase in insulin secretion and intracellular calcium content in MIN6 cells. Morin potentiated glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Additionally, we used siRNA for the ablation of imidazoline receptor protein (NISCH) expression in MIN6 cells. Interestingly, the effects of increased insulin secretion by morin and canavanine were markedly reduced in Si‐NISCH cells. Moreover, we used KU14R to block imidazoline I3 receptor (I‐3R) that is known to enhance insulin release from the pancreatic β‐cells. Without influence on the basal insulin secretion, KU14R dose‐dependently inhibited the increased insulin secretion induced by morin or efaroxan in MIN6 cells. Additionally, effects of increased insulin secretion by morin or efaroxan were reduced by diazoxide at the dose sufficient to open KATP channels and attenuated by nifedipine at the dose used to inhibit L‐type calcium channels. Otherwise, phospholipase C (PLC) is introduced to couple with imidazoline receptor (I‐R). The PLC inhibitor dose‐dependently inhibited the effects of morin in MIN6 cells. Similar blockade was also observed in protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor‐treated cells. Taken together, we found that morin increases insulin secretion via the activation of I‐R in pancreatic cells. Therefore, morin would be useful to develop in the research and treatment of diabetic disorders.
Belonging across the lifetime: Time and self in Mass Observation accounts
Authors: May Vanessa
Published: July 2017

Our sense of belonging rarely stands still, yet the research literature has hitherto paid little attention to the temporal nature of belonging. Based on an analysis of 62 Mass Observation Project (MOP) accounts written by people living in the UK aged from their 20s to their 90s, this paper argues that as people age, how they locate belonging in time shifts. This has to do with changing concerns related to belonging, but also to metaphysical issues of temporality and mortality, namely how people experience their own finite lifetime. The paper thus offers an illustrative example of how time can be empirically researched in sociology, with a particular focus on the important role that the future plays in how people construct their ‘functional present’ (Mead ). The central argument put forward is that time itself can be an important source of belonging, but one that is unequally accessible to people of different ages because of contemporary cultural scripts that present life as a linear progression into the future and construct the future as a more meaningful temporal horizon than the past.
Analysis of individual cells identifies cell‐to‐cell variability following induction of cellular senescence
Authors: Wiley Christopher D. , Flynn James M. , Morrissey Christapher , Lebofsky Ronald , Shuga Joe , Dong Xiao , Unger Marc A. , Vijg Jan , Melov Simon , Campisi Judith
Published: July 2017

Senescent cells play important roles in both physiological and pathological processes, including cancer and aging. In all cases, however, senescent cells comprise only a small fraction of tissues. Senescent phenotypes have been studied largely in relatively homogeneous populations of cultured cells. In vivo, senescent cells are generally identified by a small number of markers, but whether and how these markers vary among individual cells is unknown. We therefore utilized a combination of single‐cell isolation and a nanofluidic PCR platform to determine the contributions of individual cells to the overall gene expression profile of senescent human fibroblast populations. Individual senescent cells were surprisingly heterogeneous in their gene expression signatures. This cell‐to‐cell variability resulted in a loss of correlation among the expression of several senescence‐associated genes. Many genes encoding senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors, a major contributor to the effects of senescent cells in vivo, showed marked variability with a subset of highly induced genes accounting for the increases observed at the population level. Inflammatory genes in clustered genomic loci showed a greater correlation with senescence compared to nonclustered loci, suggesting that these genes are coregulated by genomic location. Together, these data offer new insights into how genes are regulated in senescent cells and suggest that single markers are inadequate to identify senescent cells in vivo.
Laughter yoga activities for older people living in residential aged care homes: A feasibility study
Authors: Ellis Julie M , Ben‐Moshe Ros , Teshuva Karen
Published: July 2017

Objective

To evaluate the effects of a laughter yoga activities (LY) program for older people living in residential aged care homes (RACHs).

Methods

A 6‐week LY program was implemented at three RACHs with twenty‐eight residents. A pre–post design was used to measure positive and negative affect, happiness, blood pressure and pulse.

Results

Post‐session mean scores for positive mood, and happiness were significantly higher than pre‐session scores in weeks 1, 3 and 6, and the post‐session mean negative mood scores were significantly lower than pre‐session scores in weeks 3 and 6. Post‐session readings for mean systolic blood pressure were significantly lower than pre‐session readings in weeks 1 and 6.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential for using LY to improve mood and lower blood pressure of older people living in RACHs.
Telomere length and somatic mutations in correlation with response to immunosuppressive treatment in aplastic anaemia
Authors: Park Hee S. , Park Si N. , Im Kyongok , Kim Sung‐Min , Kim Jung‐Ah , Hwang Sang M. , Lee Dong S.
Published: July 2017

We investigated the frequencies of cytogenetic aberrations and somatic mutations of prognostic relevance in 393 patients with aplastic anaemia (AA). Clonality was determined by G‐banding/fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) (n = 245), and targeted capture sequencing was performed for 88 haematopoiesis‐related genes (n = 70). The telomere length (TL) of bone marrow nucleated cells was measured at the single cell level by FISH (n = 135). Eighteen (4·6%) patients showed disease progression, and monosomy 7 (50·0%) was the most predominant cytogenetic evolution at disease transformation. One third of patients (32·9%) presented at least 1 mutation; the most frequently mutated genes were NOTCH1, NF1, SCRIB, BCOR and DNMT3A. The patient group with clonal changes (30·7%) showed an adverse response to immunosuppressive treatment (IST), compared to the non‐clonal group, but this finding did not show statistical significance. The TL of AA patients was significantly shorter than normal control and patients with clonal changes showed significantly shorter TLs. Patients with TL>5·9 showed a higher response rate to IST (P = 0·048). In conclusion, the patients with clonal changes or TL attrition showed a poor response to IST. Shorter TL can be used not only as a biomarker, but also as a predictive marker for treatment response to IST.
Elevation of serum lactate dehydrogenase in AL amyloidosis reflects tissue damage and is an adverse prognostic marker in patients not eligible for stem cell transplantation
Authors: Muchtar Eli , Dispenzieri Angela , Lacy Martha Q. , Buadi Francis K. , Kapoor Prashant , Hayman Suzanne R. , Gonsalves Wilson , Warsame Rahma , Kourelis Taxiarchis V. , Chakraborty Rajshekhar , Russell Stephen , Lust John A. , Lin Yi , Go Ronald S. , Zeldenrust Steven , Dingli David , Leung Nelson , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kyle Robert A. , Kumar Shaji K. , Gertz Morie A.
Published: July 2017

The significance of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in light chain (AL) amyloidosis has not been previously explored. We studied 1019 newly diagnosed patients and correlated the elevation of LDH above the upper limit of normal (ULN) with disease characteristics and outcome. Four hundred and nine patients had an LDH above ULN, representing 40% of the study population. Patients with an elevated LDH were older, were less likely to be male and had more extensive organ involvement compared to patients with a normal LDH. Patients with high LDH had greater cardiac and renal dysfunction. Elevated LDH was an independent prognostic marker for overall survival and for death within 6 months of diagnosis, but this was restricted to patients not eligible for stem cell transplant. Serum LDH may act as a marker for organ damage and should be explored as a potential marker for tissue healing and organ recovery.
Angiogenic, inflammatory and immunologic markers in predicting response to sunitinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mizuno Ryuichi , Kimura Go , Fukasawa Satoshi , Ueda Takeshi , Kondo Tsunenori , Hara Hidehiko , Shoji Sunao , Kanao Kent , Nakazawa Hayakazu , Tanabe Kazunari , Horie Shigeo , Oya Mototsugu ,   The Tokyo Metropolitan Study Group
Published: July 2017

The objective of this prospective study was to identify baseline angiogenic and inflammatory markers in serum as well as the baseline levels of immune cells in whole blood to predict progression‐free survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib. Blood samples were collected at baseline in all 90 patients to analyze serum angiogenic and inflammatory markers together with peripheral blood immunological marker. The association between each marker and sunitinib efficacy was analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional model analyses were used to assess the correlation between those markers with survival. Baseline levels of interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells were significantly higher in patients who progressed when compared with those with clinical benefit. Analysis by the Cox regression model showed that baseline interleukin‐8, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein and percentage of T helper type 1 cells were significantly associated with progression‐free survival in univariate analysis. Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, those three markers were independent indices to predict progression‐free survival. In conclusion, angiogenic (interleukin‐8), inflammatory (interleukin‐6, high sensitivity C‐reactive) and immunologic (myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, percentage of T helper type 1 cells) markers at baseline would predict the response to sunitinib therapy and/or disease progression in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
The Toll of Racial/Ethnic Discrimination on Adolescents' Adjustment
Authors: Benner Aprile
Published: July 2017

Experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination are all too common in the lives of adolescents of color. In this article, I identify who is at risk for discriminatory treatment and describe the far‐reaching effects of discrimination on adolescents' adjustment, including their mental and physical health, academic performance and engagement, and risky behaviors. After establishing the impact of racial/ethnic discrimination during adolescence, I then address how personal relationships and individual assets can protect youth from some of the detrimental effects of discrimination. Finally, I discuss the limits of research on this topic and explore promising areas of inquiry, including the contexts in which discrimination occurs and the potential for interventions to reduce discrimination.
Disaggregated Effects of Device on Score Comparability
Authors: Davis Laurie , Morrison Kristin , Kong Xiaojing , McBride Yuanyuan
Published: July 2017

The use of tablets for large‐scale testing programs has transitioned from concept to reality for many state testing programs. This study extended previous research on score comparability between tablets and computers with high school students to compare score distributions across devices for reading, math, and science and to evaluate device effects for gender and ethnicity subgroups. Results indicated no significant differences between tablets and computers for math and science. For reading, a small device effect favoring tablets was found for the middle to lower part of the score distribution. This effect seemed to be driven by increases in performance for male students when testing on tablets. No interactions of device with ethnicity were observed. Consistent with previous research, this study provides additional evidence for a relatively high degree of comparability between tablets and computers.
Conventional sunscreen application does not lead to sufficient body coverage
Authors: Jovanovic Z. , Schornstein T. , Sutor A. , Neufang G. , Hagens R.
Published: July 2017

Objective

This study aimed to assess sunscreen application habits and relative body coverage after single whole body application.

Methods

Fifty‐two healthy volunteers were asked to use the test product once, following their usual sunscreen application routine. Standardized UV photographs, which were evaluated by Image Analysis, were conducted before and immediately after product application to evaluate relative body coverage. In addition to these procedures, the volunteers completed an online self‐assessment questionnaire to assess sunscreen usage habits.

Results

After product application, the front side showed significantly less non‐covered skin (4.35%) than the backside (17.27%) (P = 0.0000). Females showed overall significantly less non‐covered skin (8.98%) than males (13.16%) (P = 0.0381). On the backside, females showed significantly less non‐covered skin (13.57%) (P = 0.0045) than males (21.94%), while on the front side, this difference between females (4.14%) and males (4.53%) was not significant.

Conclusion

In most cases, the usual sunscreen application routine does not provide complete body coverage even though an extra light sunscreen with good absorption properties was used. On average, 11% of the body surface was not covered by sunscreen at all. Therefore, appropriate consumer education is required to improve sunscreen application and to warrant effective sun protection.
Common components and specific weights analysis for the discrimination and evaluation of vegetable oil quality
Authors: Ferreira Maresa Custódio Molinari , Macedo dos Santos Poliana , Rampazzo Valéria , Bona Evandro , Sanchez Jorge Leonardo , Maciel Giselle Maria , Haminiuk Charles Windson Isidoro
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of different vegetable oils by applying common components and specific weights analysis as a tool for the evaluation and discrimination of chromatography, spectral and physicochemical data. This multiblock method of data analysis divided the data into three common components, corresponding to 56.44%, 34.74% and 8.77% of variance, and it was influenced mostly by chromatography, physicochemical and spectral data, respectively. Gas chromatography, which was used for discrimination of the botanical origin of oil and the groups of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, was situated in the first common dimension; physicochemical analysis, which was applied to evaluate quality parameters such as acid and saponification value and determine the stability of the product, was situated in the second common dimension.FTIRanalysis, by exerting a minor influence on the common dimensions, was considered dispensable in evaluating the quality of vegetable oils by common components and specific weights analysis. Therefore, multiblock analysis could efficiently discriminate vegetable oils.
‘I – from dreams to reality’: A Case Study of Developing Youngsters’ Self‐Efficacy and Social Skills through an Arts Educational Project in Schools
Authors: Ruokonen Inkeri
Published: July 2017

This is a case study of a one‐year arts educational project ‘I – from dreams to reality’ in which artists worked at school with teachers and learning at the school was planned through arts‐based, co‐operative teamwork during one extra school year of 10th grade students in Finnish basic education. The theme of the year was ‘I’, and so the project was designed to highlight everyone's own way of thinking and expressing art. The research task was to determine whether long‐term holistic arts pedagogy and artist co‐operation at school have any significant connection to students’ self‐efficacy and social skills. Data has been collected through students’ self‐evaluations before and after the school year. Altogether 40 students from 10th grade participated in this case study. Half of the pupils participated in an arts educational project called ‘I – from dreams to reality’ and half formed the control group. Artists worked with the test group weekly during a period of one school year (altogether nine months). Students’ self‐evaluations concerning their self‐efficacy and social behaviour were collected by e‐questionnaire. The measures used were Likert‐based evaluation scores of pupils’ self‐assessment of their self‐efficacy and social behaviour in everyday situations at school. According to the results, artist–teacher co‐operation and learning through the arts can be worthwhile experiences to develop students’ self‐efficacy and social skills.
Apoptosis inhibition of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) peritoneal macrophages by Piscirickettsia salmonis
Authors: Díaz S , Rojas M E , Galleguillos M , Maturana C , Smith P I , Cifuentes F , Contreras I , Smith P A
Published: July 2017

To improve the understanding of the piscirickettsiosis pathogenesis, the in vivo apoptosis modulation of peritoneal macrophages and lymphocytes was studied in juvenile Salmo salar intraperitoneally injected with Piscirickettsia salmonis. Five fish were sampled at post‐exposure days 1, 5, 8 (preclinical), 20 (clinical) and 40 (post‐clinical period of the disease), and the leucocytes of their coelomic washings were analysed by flow cytometry (using the JC‐1 cationic dye), TUNEL and cytology to detect apoptotic cells. A selective and temporal pattern of apoptosis modulation by P. salmonis infection was observed. Apoptosis in lymphocytes was not affected, whereas it was inhibited in macrophages but only during the preclinical stage of the induced piscirickettsiosis. Hence, it is postulated that P. salmonis inhibits macrophage apoptosis at the beginning of the disease development to survive, multiply and probably be transported inside these phagocytes; once this process is complete, macrophage apoptosis is no longer inhibited, thus facilitating the exit of the bacteria from the infected cells for continuing their life cycle.
Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification‐based proteomic analysis that reveals the roles of progesterone receptor, inflammation, and fibrosis for slow‐transit constipation
Authors: Li Yuwei , Yu Yongjun , Li Shuyuan , Zhang Mingqing , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Xipeng , Shi Yang , Zhang Shiwu
Published: July 2017

Background and Aim

Progesterone receptor, inflammation, neurotransmitter expression, and fibrosis are involved in slow‐transit constipation. The aim of the present study was to examine whether patients with slow‐transit constipation have an overexpression of progesterone receptor and serotonin, which may impair the fibrosis of muscularis propria in colorectal wall.

Methods

High‐resolution colon manometry was used to record the colorectal peristaltic contractions of the proximal ascending and sigmoid colon in patients. Protein samples prepared from frozen sigmoid colon tissue and the proximal margin of the ascending colon of four female patients were compared using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification labeling technique coupled to 2D liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Immunohistochemical staining of progesterone receptor, serotonin, and fibronectin was performed in paraffin‐embedded sigmoid colon tissues and the proximal margin of the ascending colon or ileum from 43 patients with slow‐transit constipation.

Results

Among these differentially regulated proteins based on isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis, 56 proteins involved in the response to progesterone, inflammation, matrix remodeling, fibrosis, and muscle metabolism. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that there was significantly higher expression of progesterone receptor (t = 19.19, P = 0.000) and serotonin (t = 13.52, P = 0.004) in sigmoid colon than in the proximal margin of the ascending colon and ileum. Progesterone receptor and fibronectin expression in the outer layer of muscularis propria were higher than in the middle layer.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that progesterone receptor, along with inflammation and fibrosis, may take part in slow‐transit constipation development.
Spinal nociceptive circuit analysis with recombinant adeno‐associated viruses: the impact of serotypes and promoters
Authors: Haenraets Karen , Foster Edmund , Johannssen Helge , Kandra Vinnie , Frezel Noémie , Steffen Timothy , Jaramillo Valeria , Paterna Jean‐Charles , Zeilhofer Hanns Ulrich , Wildner Hendrik
Published: July 2017

Recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) vector‐mediated gene transfer into genetically defined neuron subtypes has become a powerful tool to study the neuroanatomy of neuronal circuits in the brain and to unravel their functions. More recently, this methodology has also become popular for the analysis of spinal cord circuits. To date, a variety of naturally occurring AAV serotypes and genetically modified capsid variants are available but transduction efficiency in spinal neurons, target selectivity, and the ability for retrograde tracing are only incompletely characterized. Here, we have compared the transduction efficiency of seven commonly used AAV serotypes after intraspinal injection. We specifically analyzed local transduction of different types of dorsal horn neurons, and retrograde transduction of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and of neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) and the somatosensory cortex (S1). Our results show that most of the tested rAAV vectors have similar transduction efficiency in spinal neurons. All serotypes analyzed were also able to transduce DRG neurons and descending RVM and S1 neurons via their spinal axon terminals. When comparing the commonly used rAAV serotypes to the recently developed serotype 2 capsid variant rAAV2retro, a > 20‐fold increase in transduction efficiency of descending supraspinal neurons was observed. Conversely, transgene expression in retrogradely transduced neurons was strongly reduced when the human synapsin 1 (hSyn1) promoter was used instead of the strong ubiquitous hybrid cytomegalovirus enhancer/chicken β‐actin promoter (CAG) or cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter fragments. We conclude that the use of AAV2retro greatly increases transduction of neurons connected to the spinal cord via their axon terminals, while the hSyn1 promoter can be used to minimize transgene expression in retrogradely connected neurons of the DRG or brainstem.

Cover Image for this issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.13813.

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Regulation of synaptic acetylcholine concentrations by acetylcholine transport in rat striatal cholinergic transmission
Authors: Muramatsu Ikunobu , Uwada Junsuke , Masuoka Takayoshi , Yoshiki Hatsumi , Sada Kiyonao , Lee Kung‐Shing , Nishio Matomo , Ishibashi Takaharu , Taniguchi Takanobu
Published: July 2017

In addition to hydrolysis by acetylcholine esterase (AChE), acetylcholine (ACh) is also directly taken up into brain tissues. In this study, we examined whether the uptake of ACh is involved in the regulation of synaptic ACh concentrations. Superfusion experiments with rat striatal segments pre‐incubated with [3H]choline were performed using an ultra‐mini superfusion vessel, which was developed to minimize superfusate retention within the vessel. Hemicholinium‐3 (HC‐3) at concentrations less than 1 μM, selectively inhibited the uptake of [3H]choline by the high affinity‐choline transporter 1 and had no effect on basal and electrically evoked [3H]efflux in superfusion experiments. In contrast, HC‐3 at higher concentrations, as well as tetraethylammonium (>10 μM), which inhibited the uptake of both [3H]choline and [3H]ACh, increased basal [3H]overflow and potentiated electrically evoked [3H]efflux. These effects of HC‐3 and tetraethylammonium were also observed under conditions where tissue AChE was irreversibly inactivated by diisopropylfluorophosphate. Specifically, the potentiation of evoked [3H]efflux was significantly higher in AChE‐inactivated preparations and was attenuated by atropine. On the other hand, striatal segments pre‐incubated with [3H]ACh failed to increase [3H]overflow in response to electrical stimulation. These results show that synaptic ACh concentrations are significantly regulated by the postsynaptic uptake of ACh, as well as by AChE hydrolysis and modulation of ACh release mediated through presynaptic muscarinic ACh receptors. In addition, these data suggest that the recycling of ACh‐derived choline may be minor in cholinergic terminals. This study reveals a new mechanism of cholinergic transmission in the central nervous system.

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A descriptive qualitative study of perceptions of parents on their child's vaccination
Authors: Kurup Liana , He Hong‐Gu , Wang Xuefei , Wang Wenru , Shorey Shefaly
Published: July 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore the perceptions of parents on their child's vaccination in Singapore.

Background

Vaccination is a key part of health care, and the management of vaccination for children has gained increasing interest globally. Previous studies found that parents had multiple concerns and low confidence in making vaccination decisions for their children. As no study in this area has been conducted in Singapore, the views and needs of parents regarding their child's vaccination remain unknown.

Design

Descriptive qualitative study.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit 19 parents of children undergoing routine vaccination in a clinic in Singapore. Semistructured face‐to‐face or telephone interviews were conducted using an interview guide and were audiorecorded. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

The thematic analysis generated four themes from 15 subthemes. Theme 1 summarised the factors promoting vaccination uptake, theme 2 was factors impeding vaccination compliance, theme 3 described parents' supportive roles before, during and after the vaccination, and theme 4 was about parents' need for improvement in vaccination services, information and communication with healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

This study provided insight into parental views, experiences and needs regarding their child's vaccination. The results suggest a need for developing intervention programmes addressing information needs and pain management strategies to improve parents' experiences regarding their children's vaccination.

Relevance to clinical practice

Healthcare professionals and policymakers should take actions to improve parents' experiences regarding their child's vaccination by minimising the impeding factors and improving services, information provided and communications with parents.
Ex‐centric textualities and rehearsed narratives at a gender identity clinic in Brazil: Challenging discursive colonization
Authors: Borba Rodrigo
Published: July 2017

Transsexuality is classified as a disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which shapes trans‐specific healthcare policies worldwide. This paper addresses the discursive effects the imposition of a psychiatric diagnosis impinges on the daily life of Brazilian gender identity clinics. It aims to assess the epistemological and political dynamics which make the global circulation of this manual possible and to understand the socialization trajectory that leads to the materialization of diagnostically driven, rehearsed narratives in a gender clinic in the global South. I argue that the globalization of medical epistemologies and their textualities homogenizes transsexuality and impels transsexual individuals and their doctors to engage in textually constrained interactional performances which make the construction of a trusting healthcare relationship virtually impossible. The paper, thus, discusses how a sociolinguistics from the South may contribute to foster (trans)autonomy in healthcare settings where epistemological imbalances produced by ex‐centric, globalized textualities constrain possibilities for agency.
Mesenchymal stem cells and their immunosuppressive role in transplantation tolerance
Authors: Contreras‐Kallens Pamina , Terraza Claudia , Oyarce Karina , Gajardo Tania , Campos‐Mora Mauricio , Barroilhet María Teresa , Álvarez Carla , Fuentes Ricardo , Figueroa Fernando , Khoury Maroun , Pino‐Lagos Karina
Published: July 2017

Since they were first described, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to have important effector mechanisms and the potential for use in cell therapy. A great deal of research has been focused on unveiling how MSCs contribute to anti‐inflammatory responses, including describing several cell populations involved and identifying soluble and other effector molecules. In this review, we discuss some of the contemporary evidence for use of MSCs in the field of immune tolerance, with a special emphasis on transplantation. Although considerable effort has been devoted to understanding the biological function of MSCs, additional resources are required to clarify the mechanisms of their induction of immune tolerance, which will undoubtedly lead to improved clinical outcomes for MSC‐based therapies.
Water loss and metabolic activity in bed bug eggs (Cimex lectularius)
Authors: Campbell Brittany E. , Miller Dini M. , Devries Zachary C. , Appel Arthur G.
Published: July 2017

Few studies have evaluated water loss and respiratory activity of insect eggs, particularly insects that are known to live within indoor environments. The present study quantifies water loss and respiratory activity for the eggs of a re‐emerging indoor pest of human environments Cimex lectularius (L.). Water loss is measured gravimetrically and calculated as a function of chorion permeability. For these studies, bed bug eggs are placed at 0% relative humidity and repeatedly weighed over 48 h. Temperature effects and bed bug strain differences on the standard metabolic rate (SMR) and respiratory quotient are measured using closed system respirometry. The SMR (; mL g−1 h−1) is measured for two field strain bed bugs and compared with a laboratory strain held at one temperature (25 °C). The standard metabolic rate is measured for Harlan (laboratory) strain bed bug eggs at six different temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 39 °C). Total water loss is not significantly different between all three strains. However, water loss across the chorion (chorion permeability) is significantly different between the Harlan laboratory strain and the two field collected strains. Standard metabolic rates for Harlan (laboratory) strain bed bug eggs increase with temperatures from 15 to 35 °C but decline at 39 °C. Overall, the Harlan bed bug eggs have the largest standard metabolic rates (0.18 ± 0.05 mL g−1 h−1) compared with the Epic Center strain eggs (0.14 ± 0.03 mL g−1 h−1) and Richmond strain eggs (0.16 ± 0.04 mL g−1 h−1), although this difference is not significant.
Neural responses to social and monetary reward in early adolescence and emerging adulthood
Authors: Ethridge Paige , Kujawa Autumn , Dirks Melanie A. , Arfer Kodi B. , Kessel Ellen M. , Klein Daniel N. , Weinberg Anna
Published: July 2017

Reward processing is often considered to be a monolithic construct, with different incentive types eliciting equivalent neural and behavioral responses. The majority of the literature on reward processing has used monetary incentives to elicit reward‐related activity, yet social incentives may be particularly important due to their powerful ability to shape behavior. Findings from studies comparing social and monetary rewards have identified both overlapping and distinct responses. In order to explore whether reward processing is domain general or category specific (i.e., the same or different across reward types), the present study recorded ERPs from early adolescents (ages 12–13) and emerging adults (ages 18–25) while they completed social and monetary reward tasks. Temporospatial principal components analysis revealed morphologically similar reward positivities (RewPs) in the social and monetary reward tasks in each age group. In early adolescents, no significant difference was found between the magnitude of the RewP to social and monetary rewards. In emerging adults, however, the RewP to monetary rewards was significantly larger than the RewP to social rewards. Additionally, responses to feedback between the two tasks were not significantly correlated in either age group. These results suggest that both domain‐general and category‐specific processes underlie neural responses to rewards and that the relative incentive value of different types of rewards may change across development. Findings from this study have important implications for understanding the role that neural response to rewards plays in the development of psychopathology during adolescence.
On the Decomposition of the Foster and Wolfson Bi‐Polarization Index by Income Sources
Authors: Bárcena‐Martin Elena , Deutsch Joseph , Silber Jacques
Published: July 2017

This paper proposes a simple algorithm based on a matrix formulation to compute the Foster and Wolfson bipolarization index and then to decompose it by income sources. An empirical illustration based on EU‐SILC data for the years 2007 and 2014 shows the usefulness of the proposed decomposition.
Health promotion in specialist and community care: how a broadly applicable health promotion intervention influences patient's sense of coherence
Authors: Heggdal Kristin , Lovaas Beate Jelstad
Published: July 2017

Background

Chronic illness health interventions aim to strengthen individuals' wellness resources, in addition to their ability to handle their condition. This presupposes a partnership between patients and professionals and flexibility in care organization.

Aim

This study aims to investigate possible changes in individuals' sense of coherence while living with long‐term illness as they engage in a broadly applicable health promotion intervention developed in specialist care settings that was later implemented in the community care context.

Method

This study had a pre–postdesign. Sense of coherence was measured using the SOC‐29 questionnaire at baseline and within 14 days of programme completion. The total baseline sample included 108 Norwegian adults (aged 21–89) with chronic illness. Data were analysed using paired samples t‐tests.

Results

In both clinical sites, the total sample's mean SOC score changed positively from the baseline to the follow‐up 4 months later. This change was larger for the participants in the community care context. Manageability increased significantly for women. Significant positive changes in SOC score and the manageability dimension were also identified among participants who had children. Similar findings were found for those who were living with a partner, as well as for public transfer payment recipients.

Conclusion

The intervention contributed to a positive change in participants' SOC while living with illness. The findings revealed that the intervention is a flexible health promotion tool across age, diagnostic categories and clinical sites. The community participants' SOC changed the most, which indicates that the intervention is especially relevant in the follow‐up of persons living with long‐term illness within the community. The intervention contributes to a shift of perspectives in health care towards strenght‐based care and health within illness.
Ultrasonographic features of insulinoma in six ferrets
Authors: Wu Ruey‐Shyuan , Liu Yi‐Jing , Chu Che‐Chu , Heng Hock Gan , Chia Min‐Yuan , Wang Hsien‐Chi , Chen Kuan‐Sheng
Published: July 2017

Insulinoma is a functional, insulin‐secreting tumor, arising from the beta islet cells of the pancreas. It is one of the most common neoplasms in ferrets and has been associated with clinical signs of hypoglycemia, such as ptyalism, pawing at the mouth, seizures, lethargy, and coma. The ultrasonographic features of insulinoma in ferrets have not been previously reported. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to describe the ultrasonographic features of confirmed insulinoma in a group of ferrets. Inclusion criteria were abdominal ultrasound examination and histological confirmed insulinoma by surgical biopsy. Six ferrets met the inclusion criteria, all of which had multiple hypoglycemic episodes. Ultrasonographic images were reviewed and the characteristics of the pancreatic nodules were recorded. Twenty‐eight pancreatic nodules were observed in the six ferrets and were primarily hypoechoic (89.3%, 25/28) and homogenous (46.4%, 13/28) with a smooth margin (78.6%, 22/28). The distribution of the pancreatic nodules was 46.4% in the left lobe, 50% in the right lobe, and 3.6% in the body of the pancreas. The sizes of the pancreatic nodules varied from 1.5 × 1.5 to 4.1 × 5.6 mm. All of the pancreatic nodules removed from surgery were histopathologically confirmed as insulinoma. The findings indicated that insulinoma in ferrets could be detected through ultrasonography, which may facilitate diagnosis and preoperative surgical planning.
Efficacy of a School-Based Universal Program for Bullying Prevention: Considering the Extended Effects Associated with Achievement of the Direct Purposes of the Program
Authors: Yamasaki Katsuyuki , Umakoshi Atsuko , Uchida Kanako
Published: July 2017

We have developed a group of universal prevention programs for children’s health and adjustment. The programs are characterized by new theories such as the somatic-marker hypothesis and enjoyable methods that utilize animated stories and games. This study adopted one of the programs, a universal program for bullying prevention in third-grade students, and evaluated its efficacy. Participants were third-grade students in two public elementary schools in Japan. Homeroom classes in the schools were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The final intervention group included 99 children (58 boys, 41 girls) and the final control group included 96 children (45 boys, 51 girls). The program was implemented weekly in one regular 45-minute class over eight weeks for all homeroom class members. Participants completed two questionnaires both before and after the program. Similar assessment periods were used for the control group. The questionnaires assessed the main purposes of the program (to enhance the understanding of bullying, to cultivate empathetic feelings for bullying victims, and to cultivate behavioral capabilities that stop bullying), and measured the adaptive status of children in homeroom class and at school. Results indicated that all of the main program purposes were achieved in the intervention group compared to the control group. Moreover, the level of the children’s adjustment in homeroom class and at school significantly increased with the program, except for motivation for learning, which did not change. The necessity of future research that examines the sustainability of the efficacy of the program with randomized controlled trials is discussed, along with the study limitations.
Effect of Workplace Factors in Professional Teacher Development on the Implementation of Small Class Teaching
Authors: Pow Jacky , Wong Marina
Published: July 2017

It is commonly believed that small class teaching can greatly enhance student learning because the individual needs of each student can be better addressed, the students can learn more through more innovative and flexible teaching methods and the students have more time to interact with each other and to gain feedback from their teachers. Although studies have shown that students benefit from small class teaching, they have failed to identify the benefits as the natural consequences of a simple reduction in class size. As increasing numbers of researchers argue that professional development in small class teaching is more important than a simple reduction in class size, it is timely to determine the factors that affect teachers’ participation in small class teaching professional development programmes and their use of small class teaching after participation in these programmes. This study explored teachers’ concerns about or obstacles to applying their knowledge from professional development programmes to their teaching. Teachers who had participated in a government-funded professional development programme were invited to complete an end-of-programme questionnaire, and 160 valid questionnaires were collected. The initial findings indicate that workplace factors were the most common factors in the implementation of small class teaching.
An Extended Lumped-Parameter Model of Melt–Pool Geometry to Predict Part Height for Directed Energy Deposition
Authors: Li Jianyi , Wang Qian , Michaleris Panagiotis (Pan) , Reutzel Edward W. , Nassar Abdalla R.
Published: July 2017

There is a need for the development of lumped-parameter models that can be used for real-time control design and optimization for laser-based additive manufacturing (AM) processes. Our prior work developed a physics-based multivariable model for melt–pool geometry and temperature dynamics in a single-bead deposition for a directed energy deposition process and then validated the model using experimental data from deposition of single-bead Ti–6AL–4V (or Inconel®718) tracks on an Optomec® Laser Engineering Net Shaping (LENS™) system. In this paper, we extend such model for melt–pool geometry in a single-bead deposition to a multibead multilayer deposition and then use the extended model on melt–pool height dynamics to predict part height of a three-dimensional build. Specifically, the extended model incorporates temperature history during the build process, which is approximated by super-positioning the temperature fields generated from Rosenthal's solution of point heat sources, with one heat source corresponding to one bead built before. The proposed model for part height prediction is then validated using builds with a variety of shapes, including single-bead thin wall structures, a patch build, and L-shaped structures, all built with Ti–6AL–4V using an Optomec® LENSTM MR-7 system. The model predictions on average part height show reasonable agreement with the measured average part height, with error rate less than 15%.
Fractal Geometry Rooted Incremental Toolpath for Incremental Sheet Forming
Authors: Nirala Harish K. , Agrawal Anupam
Published: July 2017

Single point incremental sheet forming (SPISF) technique is an emerging process for die less forming. It has wide applications in many industries viz. automobile and medical bone transplants. Among several key parameters, toolpath planning is one of the critical aspects of SPISF. Also, formability and geometric accuracy have been the two major limitations in SPISF. Spiral and constant incremental toolpaths and their variants have been investigated in detail by several researchers. Fractal-based toolpath planning is also an attempt to improve the process of SPISF. Formability is measured in terms of thickness distribution and maximum forming depth achieved. This paper investigates a fractal geometry-based incremental toolpath (FGBIT) strategy to form a square cup using incremental sheet forming (ISF). Fractal toolpath is a space-filling toolpath which is developed by the fractal geometry theory. A comparison-based study is conducted to observe the benefits of using FGBIT over traditional toolpaths (spiral and constant Z). Better formability, stress, and thickness distribution have been observed by adopting the proposed toolpath strategy. This toolpath strategy is new in its kind and has not been investigated in the metal forming domain. Experiments and simulations are conducted to validate the concept with reasonable accuracy.
Investigation on the Effects of Process Parameters on Defect Formation in Friction Stir Welded Samples Via Predictive Numerical Modeling and Experiments
Authors: Ajri Abhishek , Shin Yung C.
Published: July 2017

Setting optimum process parameters is very critical in achieving a sound friction stir weld joint. Understanding the formation of defects and developing techniques to minimize them can help in improving the overall weld strength. The most common defects in friction stir welding (FSW) are tunnel defects, cavities, and excess flash formation, which are caused due to incorrect tool rotational or advancing speed. In this paper, the formation of these defects is explained with the help of an experimentally verified 3D finite element (FE) model. It was observed that the asymmetricity in temperature distribution varies for different types of defects formed during FSW. The location of the defect also changes based on the shoulder induced flow and pin induced flow during FSW. Besides formation of defects like excess flash, cavity defects, tunnel/wormhole defects, two types of groove like defects are also discussed in this paper. By studying the different types of defects formed, a methodology is proposed to recognize these defects and counter them by modifying the process parameters to achieve a sound joint for a displacement-based FSW process.
An Integrated Approach for Design Improvement Based on Analysis of Time-Dependent Product Usage Data
Authors: Ma Hongzhan , Chu Xuening , Lyu Guolin , Xue Deyi
Published: July 2017

With the recent advances in information gathering techniques, product performances and environment/operation conditions can be monitored, and product usage data, including time-dependent product performance feature data and field data (i.e., environmental/operational data), can be continuously collected during the product usage stage. These technologies provide opportunities to improve product design considering product functional performance degradation. The challenge lies in how to assess data of product functional performance degradation for identifying relevant field factors and changing design parameters. An integrated approach for design improvement is developed in this research to transform time-dependent usage data to design information. Many data modeling and analysis techniques such as hierarchal function model, performance feature dimension reduction method, Gaussian mixed model (GMM), and data clustering method are employed in this approach. These methods are used to extract principal features from collected performance features, assess product functional performance degradation, and group field data into meaningful data clusters. The abnormal field data causing severe and rapid product function degradation are obtained based on the field data clusters. A redesign necessity index (RNI) is defined for each design parameter related to severely degraded functions based on the relationships between this design parameter and abnormal field data. An associate relationship matrix (ARM) is constructed to calculate the RNI of each design parameter for identifying the to-be-modified design parameters with high priorities for product improvement. The effectiveness of this new approach is demonstrated through a case study for the redesign of a large tonnage crawler crane.