bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prescription opioid misuse and comorbid substance use: Past 30‐day prevalence, correlates and co‐occurring behavioral indicators in the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Authors: Grigsby Timothy J. , Howard Jeffrey T.
Published: January 2019

Background and Objectives

Prescription opioid misuse has not been well examined in the context of comorbid substance use in representative samples of substance users. Past 30‐day comorbid prescription opioid misuse and recreational substance use (eg, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, etc.) was studied in a representative sample of substance users in the United States using the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

Methods

Prevalence of prescription opioid misuse with and without comorbid substance use was estimated with the 2016 NSDUH. Generalized linear modeling was used to describe demographic correlates of opioid and comorbid substance use and explore the relation of opioid and comorbid substance use with social and behavioral health indicators.

Results

The majority of past month prescription opioid misusers reported use of other substances including cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, or hard drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.). Males and younger respondents had a significantly higher risk of reporting past month prescription opioid misuse with illicit drug or polydrug use (p's < .01). Prescription opioid and polydrug users had the greatest odds of stealing property, selling drugs, having suicidal ideations, major depressive episode, and perceived treatment need in the past year compared to all other categories of prescription opioid misuse categories.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Prescription opioid misuse is likely a part of a larger set of psychological, behavioral, and mental health problems. More attention should be given to the profiles of recreational (non‐medical) substance use involving prescription opioids to curtail the current opioid crisis and prevent other similar epidemics in the future. (Am J Addict 2019;XX:1–8)
Novel targeted therapeutic agents for the treatment of childhood, adolescent and young adult non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Barth Matthew J. , Minard‐Colin Veronique
Published: January 2019

Non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies. Most NHLs in children, adolescent and young adult patients are aggressive lymphomas that are generally treated with multi‐agent chemotherapy or immunochemotherapy regimens. While overall survival is high, the treatment can lead to a high rate of acute and long‐term toxicity. However, in the rarer instance of relapsed or refractory disease, outcomes are dismal. Novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of both T‐cell and B‐cell NHLs are critical to improve outcomes while also minimising the associated toxicity of current treatment regimes. Potential therapeutic approaches in development include humoral and cellular immunotherapies, small molecule inhibitors of relevant signalling pathways and epigenetic modifying agents. In this review, we will highlight the current state of development of agents of interest with a focus on agents relevant to childhood, adolescent and young adult NHL.
Innovation contests, routine dynamics and innovation management
Authors: Ikävalko Heini , Lempiälä Tea
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates an innovation contest as organizational routine of innovation management. We draw from a qualitative longitudinal study in an industrial company. We examine the meanings, performance and artifacts related to the contest and show their mutual dynamics. Our results indicate that a common orientation towards a sense of the exceptional created by the contest allows it to sustain itself despite discrepancies in its internal routine structure. Sufficient interpretive flexibility is central in hosting the varied private meanings and performances. The study highlights the relevance of the artifactual elements in creating the common orientation, yet leaving space for variety in the meanings and performance of the contest. With these findings, we contribute to a better understanding of innovation contests as tools for innovation management.
Ageing and skills: The case of literacy skills
Authors: Barrett Garry F. , Riddell W. Craig
Published: January 2019

The relationship between ageing and skills is of growing policy significance due to population ageing, the changing nature of work and the importance of literacy for social and economic well‐being. This article examines the relationship between age and literacy skills in a sample of OECD countries using three internationally comparable surveys. By pooling the survey data across time we can separate birth cohort and ageing effects. In doing so, we find that literacy skills decline with age and that, in most of our sample countries, successive birth cohorts tend to have poorer literacy outcomes. Therefore, once we control for cohort effects, the rate at which literacy proficiency falls with age is much more pronounced than that which is apparent, based on the cross‐sectional relationship between age and literacy skills at a point in time. Further, in studying the literacy‐age relationship across the skill distribution in Canada we find a more pronounced decline in literacy skills with age at lower percentiles, which suggests that higher initial literacy moderates the influence of cognitive ageing.
Latin American and Ecumenical Insights in Laudato Si’
Authors: Kerber Guillermo
Published: January 2019

Pope Francis' encyclical on “Care for our common home,” Laudato si', marked a turning point in the social doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church. In this article I argue that the structure of the encyclical, using the “See‐Judge‐Act” methodology and the "cry of the earth and the cry of the poor" as leitmotivs, can be seen as contributions of Latin American liberation theology. Furthermore, I show with examples that the encyclical catalyzes what the ecumenical movement has been saying and doing for decades, especially through the leadership of His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on ecological issues and the work of the World Council of Churches striving for eco‐justice.
The Feminine (He)Art of Caring and the Power of Feminine Divine as New Ethics of Peace and Ecojustice
Authors: Furlan Štante Nadja
Published: January 2019

The article addresses the question of how femininity and the maternal body are also important in shaping the discourse of giving, forgiving, and caring (also in caring for nature). Consideration of a view of the maternal body as signification, conceived of as an embodiment of ethics, is investigated. To bear someone like a maternal body suggests that one need not be a mother, or even a woman, to bear responsibility for the Other (including nature). Cultivation of giving and forgiving as embodied experience and examination of inter‐connectedness of giving and forgiving from an ecofeminist perspective are explored. Cultivation of loving hearts and living through our hearts as a feminist principle, and the possibility of understanding forgiveness as transcending anger through an act of love, is understood as a virtue. In this way forgiveness as love directly furthers self‐interest through serving the welfare of others, including nature.
Christian–Muslim Cooperation Demonstrating God’s Image/Caliph in Ecotheology
Authors: Hassan Akhlaq Sayed
Published: January 2019

This paper seeks to elaborate how a constructive dialogue between Christianity and Islam provides the faithful with a chance to promote ecotheology and earth‐honouring ideas. It focuses on Orthodox Christianity, particularly St. Gregory and the Buffalo Statement (2015), alongside many verses of the Quran to develop the subject. It reshapes both Christian and Islamic modules of the relationship between God and humans as the Creator and the Creature. Thus, the notions of the “image of God” in Christianity and of “caliph of God” in Islam are elaborated to suggest a new theology which honours the earth and worldly life as well as enriches people’s lives with faith and divinity. The new theology uses faith concepts to serve humanity with regards to new demands and challenges rather than keeping humanity at its service.
Nature, Natural Environment, and Environmental Protection from the Perspectives of Commonsense, Religion, and Science
Authors: Shaw Victor N.
Published: January 2019

This paper applies observation, comparison, juxtaposition, generalization, and extrapolation to explore nature, the natural environment, and environmental protection in relation to individuals and individual life, societies and social change, and human species and human evolution across three worlds of human experience. In the world of commonsense, nature and the natural environment constitute material conditions by which humans earn a living. Environmental protection is to preserve the land, water, and air upon which people survive. In the world of religion, nature and the natural environment serve as stages where humans perform to achieve blessing, redemption, and salvation. Environmental protection is to admire the almighty and his creations. In the world of science, nature and the natural environment exist as objective facts against which humans set out to explore, study, and understand. Environmental protection is to follow universal laws inherent in nature so that all environmental elements and forces can operate with their natural rhythms.
Skin equivalent assay: An optimized method for testing for hair growth reconstitution capacity of epidermal and dermal cells
Authors: Paik Seung Hwan , Choi Soon‐Jin , Jang Sunhyae , Jo Seong‐Jin , Kim Kyu Han , Kwon Ohsang
Published: January 2019

Hair follicle reconstitution requires highly organized epithelial‐mesenchymal interactions. Skin equivalents containing the epidermal and dermal cells with hair reconstitution capacity can reproduce these processes, but have not been established. This study was conducted to develop a hair follicle‐producing three‐dimensional (3D) skin equivalent assay using neonate mouse epidermal and dermal cells. A skin equivalent comprised of mouse dermal cells (MDCs) embedded in type I collagen and overlaid with mouse epidermal cells (MECs) was used. MDCs were mixed with type I collagen and cultured for 7 days. One day after adding MECs on top, the composites were grafted onto nude mice. MDCs cultured on a two‐dimensional (2D) plate for 7 days and mixed with MECs as a negative control, and freshly isolated MDCs and MECs mixture (chamber assay) as a positive control were also grafted. Six weeks after grafting, regenerated hair follicles were analysed. Our 3D skin equivalent culture assay reproducibly regenerated hair follicles, while MDCs precultured in the 2D model with MECs did not. Compared to the chamber assay, which produced randomly oriented hair follicles, nearly all regenerated hair follicles in our assay extruded through the skin and numerous regenerated hair follicles were higher than those in the chamber assay. Several representative genes associated with hair induction showed higher expression in our assay than in the 2D model. When Wnt3a was added, the number of regenerated hairs increased. Organized hair follicle regeneration was accomplished using our assay. This approach can be applied to assess a test agent with hair growth‐promoting effects.
Cytocompatibility, bioactive potential and antimicrobial activity of an experimental calcium silicate‐based endodontic sealer
Authors: Zordan‐Bronzel C. L. , Tanomaru‐Filho M. , Rodrigues E. M. , Chávez‐Andrade G. M. , Faria G. , Guerreiro‐Tanomaru J. M.
Published: January 2019

Aim

To evaluate the cytocompatibility, bioactive potential, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of an experimental calcium silicate‐based endodontic sealer, in comparison with TotalFill BC Sealer and AH Plus.

Methodology

Cytocompatibility was assessed by methyltetrazolium (MTT) and neutral red (NR) assays, after exposure of the Saos‐2 cells to the sealer extracts (1 : 2, 1 : 4, 1 : 8, 1 : 16 and 1 : 32 dilutions) for 24 h. The sealers were manipulated and placed in 12‐well culture plates and exposed to ultraviolet light; then, 5 mL of DMEM without serum was added. Cell bioactivity was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) and Alizarin red staining (ARS). Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities were evaluated by direct contact test (DCT) on planktonic cells (DCTPC) and modified DCT on biofilm formed in bovine dentine blocks (MDCT). MTT, NR and ALP data were analysed by two‐way anova and Bonferroni tests; ARS data by anova and Tukey's tests; and the microbiological data by Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The experimental sealer, TotalFill BC and AH Plus were not cytotoxic to Saos‐2, in comparison with the negative control (P > 0.05). Greater ALP was observed after 7 days of exposure of Saos‐2 to AH Plus and the experimental sealer (P < 0.05) when compared to the control. Significantly greater mineralized nodule production was observed for TotalFill BC and the experimental sealer (P < 0.05). In DCTPC, the experimental sealer and TotalFill BC were associated with a significantly greater reduction of E. faecalis (P < 0.05) and eliminated C. albicans. In MDCT, the experimental sealer and TotalFill BC had significantly greater antibiofilm efficacy (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The experimental calcium silicate‐based sealer was cytocompatible, bioactive, antimicrobial against E. faecalis and C. albicans and effective against E. faecalis biofilms, with potential for use in root canal treatment.
‘It was me answering my own questions’: Experiences of method of levels therapy amongst people with first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Griffiths Robert , Mansell Warren , Edge Dawn , Carey Timothy A. , Peel Heather , J. Tai Sara
Published: January 2019

In this study, we aimed to understand how people with first‐episode psychosis experienced a transdiagnostic cognitive therapy called method of levels (MOL). Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 individuals who were participants of a feasibility randomized controlled trial of MOL for first‐episode psychosis. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Four superordinate themes were identified: ‘The therapist's approach’; ‘I was in control’; ‘Thinking and talking’; and ‘Looking at problems from a different perspective’. Our findings suggest that therapy was experienced as most helpful when participants perceived themselves to have control over the process of therapy, could explore and express a wide range of difficulties, and were able to generate new perspectives on their problems. MOL and its associated system of client‐led appointment scheduling were predominantly perceived to be helpful and appear suitable for further testing in a larger clinical trial.
ElevatedCO2modulates the effects of drought and heat stress on plant water relations and grain yield in wheat
Authors: Li Xiangnan , Kristiansen Karina , Rosenqvist Eva , Liu Fulai
Published: January 2019

To investigate the interactive effects of drought, heat and elevated atmosphericCO2concentration ([CO2]) on plant water relations and grain yield in wheat, two wheat cultivars with different drought tolerance (Gladius and Paragon) were grown under ambient and elevated [CO2], and were exposed to post‐anthesis drought and heat stress. The stomatal conductance, plant water relation parameters, abscisic acid concentration in leaf and spike, and grain yield components were examined. Both stress treatments and elevated [CO2] reduced the stomatal conductance, which resulted in lower leaf relative water content and leaf water potential. Drought induced a significant increase in leaf and spike abscisic acid concentrations, while elevated [CO2] showed no effect. At maturity, post‐anthesis drought and heat stress significantly decreased the grain yield by 21.3%–65.2%, while elevated [CO2] increased the grain yield by 20.8% in wheat, which was due to the changes of grain number per spike and thousand grain weight. This study suggested that the responses of plant water status and grain yield to extreme climatic events (heat and drought) can be influenced by the atmosphericCO2concentration.
Microstructures, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Ba‐doped BiFeO3 nanoparticles synthesized via molten salt route
Authors: Wu Heng , Zhu Xinhua
Published: January 2019

As the paradigm of magnetoelectric multiferroic materials, BiFeO3 (BFO) has potential applications in spintronics, memory devices, sensors, and actuators. However, its large leakage current and small magnetism at room temperature restrict its practical applications. It is demonstrated that the substitutions of Bi by alkali earth elements at A‐site of BFO can significantly reduce the leakage current and enhance the remanent magnetization of BFO. In this work, Ba‐doped BFO nanoparticles Bi1‐xBaxFeO3 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20) were synthesized via molten salt route. X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed that with increasing the Ba‐doped content the formation of the impurity phase was depressed and the rhombohedral distortions of these nanoparticles were suppressed, as confirmed by Raman spectra. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal that the Fe element in the nanoparticles exists in the dual valence states of Fe3+ and Fe2+, and two kinds of oxygen atoms (lattice oxygen atoms and the adsorbed oxygen atoms) exist in the nanoparticles. With increasing the Ba‐doped content, the content ratios of Fe3+ to Fe2+ ions were generally increased, whereas the oxygen vacancy concentrations were decreased. The average particle sizes of the Ba‐doped BFO nanoparticles were decreased as compared with that of nondoped BFO nanoparticles. In contrast, the room temperature magnetization of the Ba‐doped BFO nanoparticles was greatly enhanced by Ba‐substitution, as confirmed by the M‐H loops. At room temperature, the remanent magnetization and coercive field of the Bi0.8Ba0.2FeO3 nanoparticles were 0.51 emu/g and 1130 Oe, respectively. Furthermore, the leakage current density was reduced by one order of magnitude at x = 0.2 and the dielectric properties are also improved by Ba‐substitution. The improvements on the remanent magnetization, leakage current density as well as dielectric properties of the Ba‐doped BFO nanoparticles make them promising candidates for spintronics and dielectric energy storages.
Varying results of early benefit assessment of newly approved pharmaceutical drugs in Germany from 2011 to 2017: A study based on federal joint committee data
Authors: Peinemann Frank , Labeit Alexander
Published: January 2019

Background

Since January 2011, the Federal Joint Committee (FJC) conducts early benefit assessments (EBA) of newly approved pharmaceutical drugs compared to appropriate standard therapies. The FJC commissions the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Healthcare (IQEH) to prepare preliminary reports. We aimed to evaluate the extent, impact, and reason for different judgments on added benefit of both institutions.

Methods

We searched EBA data on the FJC website and included completed procedures from 2011 to 2017. We conducted a quantitative analysis of the difference between FJC and IQEH on divergent judgments, a quantitative analysis of the impact of EBA on market withdrawal, and a qualitative analysis to identify potential factors contributing to divergent judgments.

Results

FJC rated an added benefit in 30% (139 of 457) and IQEH in 22% (101 of 457) matching research questions (P = 0.004). In the aftermath of EBA, 28 pharmaceutical drugs were withdrawn from the German market. We identified three potential factors that might have contributed to the divergent judgments. IQEH used a unique threshold concept to define the rating, FJC conducted additional public hearings, and FJC showed more flexibility with adherence to stringent criteria and interpretation of results.

Conclusions

FJC and IQEH differed significantly in their early benefit assessment. In response to negative EBA decisions, pharmaceutical companies withdrew a considerable number of medicines from the German market. The present work uncovers the subjectivity and possible variance inherent in benefit assessment, as the two institutions observe the same rules of procedure.
Impact of a non‐fluoridated microcrystalline hydroxyapatite dentifrice on enamel caries progression in highly caries‐susceptible orthodontic patients: A randomized, controlled 6‐month trial
Authors: Schlagenhauf Ulrich , Kunzelmann Karl‐Heinz , Hannig Christian , May Theodor W. , Hösl Helmut , Gratza Mario , Viergutz Gabriele , Nazet Marco , Schamberger Sebastian , Proff Peter
Published: January 2019

Aim

The aim of the present randomized, controlled trial was to compare the impact of the regular use of a fluoride‐free microcrystalline hydroxyapatite (HAP) dentifrice and a 1400 ppm fluoride control dentifrice on caries progression in 150 highly caries‐active orthodontic patients.

Methods

The primary outcome was the occurrence of lesions with International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) ≥code 1 on the vestibular surfaces of teeth 15‐25 within 168 days after fixation of orthodontic brackets. Secondary outcomes were lesion development ICDAS ≥code 2, the plaque index, and the gingival index.

Results

In total, 147 patients were included in the intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis; 133 finished the study per protocol (PP). An increase in enamel caries ICDAS ≥code 1 was observed in 56.8% (ITT) and 54.7% (PP) of the HAP group participants compared with 60.9% (ITT) and 61.6% (PP) of the fluoride control group. Non‐inferiority testing (ITT and PP) demonstrated the absence of a significant difference between the groups. No significant differences in secondary outcomes were observed between the groups.

Conclusion

In highly caries‐active patients, the impact of the regular use of a microcrystalline HAP dentifrice on caries progression is not significantly different from the use of a 1400 ppm fluoride toothpaste (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02705456).
The Role of Transcranial Doppler Monitoring in Patients with Multi‐Territory Acute Embolic Strokes: A Review
Authors: Kargiotis Odysseas , Psychogios Klearchos , Safouris Apostolos , Magoufis Georgios , Zervas Paschalis D. , Stamboulis Eleftherios , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: January 2019

Acute multi‐territory, embolic cerebral infarctions are often associated with serious underlying clinical conditions including the presence of highly “active” emboligenic sources causing that in turn may result in high early recurrence rates. Prompt diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment are substantial for the prevention of subsequent embolization that would result in further clinical deterioration. Among other clinical investigations, transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring is highly efficacious for the detection of microembolic signals (MES) that correspond to microthrombi entering the intracranial circulation. The presence and burden of MES, especially in multiple intracranial arteries, is clearly associated with an increased risk of symptomatic, recurrent embolization, and thus can justify a more aggressive treatment approach (clopidogrel load followed by dual antiplatelet therapy or alternatively therapeutic dose of low‐molecular‐weight heparin). In this narrative review, we discuss the most important causes of multi‐territory embolic ischemic strokes and also underscore the utility of TCD as a noninvasive tool for the diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment.
The pure effect of social preferences on regional location choices: The evolving dynamics of convergence to a steady state population distribution
Authors: Stark Oded , Budzinski Wiktor , Kosiorowski Grzegorz
Published: January 2019

This paper tracks the consequences of individuals’ desire to align their location with their social preferences. The social preference studied in the paper is distaste for relative deprivation, measured in a cardinal manner. Location is conceived as social space, with individuals choosing to relocate if, as a result, their relative deprivation will be reduced, holding their incomes constant. Conditions are provided under which the associated dynamics reaches a spatial steady state, the number of periods it takes to reach a steady state is specified, and light is shed on the robustness of the steady state outcome. By way of simulation it is shown that for large populations, a steady state of the relocation dynamics is almost always reached, typically in one period, and that cycles are more likely to occur when the populations’ income distributions are more equal.
Morphology of Ustilago avenae After Treatment with Systemic Fungicides as Studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: HIPPE SIGRUN
Published: January 2019

Sporidia of the phytopathogenic fungus Ustilago avenae were treated with the systemic fungicides triadimefon, nuarimol, and imazalil‐nitrate and examined with the scanning electron microscope. As compared to untreated controls, where cells were generally unicellular and uniform in shape, treated cells exhibited abnormal growth, showing rounded cells and distortions of cell division by forming branched and extensively elongated sporidia. Enhanced septation was especially typical for the triadimefon‐ resp. nuarimol‐treated sporidia.
Identification of a Virus Similar to the BS3 Strain of Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus in Eggplant
Authors: KOENIG R. , AVGELIS A.
Published: January 2019

A tombusvirus was isolated in Crete from greenhouse‐grown eggplant showing leaf mottling and stunting. In the agar gel double diffusion test the isolate was readily differentiated from the type strain of tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) and other tombusviruses, including eggplant mottled crinkle and Moroccan pepper viruses which are known to cause diseases in eggplant. No spurs were observed, however, with the BS3 strain of TBSV and Peruvian and Tunesian TBSV isolates. Inspite of their apparent serological identity some of these BS3‐like isolates showed differences in host range and electrophoretic mobility.
The Ability of Fusaria Pathogenic to Wheat, Barley and Corn to Produce Zearalenone
Authors: CHEŁKOWSKI J. , MAŇKA MAŁGORZATA
Published: January 2019

Fusaria isolates from wheat, barley and corn — pathogenic to seedlings, were found to be able to to produce zearalenone. Several pathogens, mainly of F. culmorum (W. G. Sm.) Sacc. species, synthesized high yields of zearalenone: 50–700 mg/kg of kernels. Weak and nonpathogenic isolates did not produce zearalenone (or very small amounts).
Increase in Phenylalanine Ammonia‐lyase Activity Caused by Plasmopara halstedii in Sunflower Seedlings Resistant and Susceptible to Downy Mildew
Authors: TENA M. , LOPEZ VALBUENA R.
Published: January 2019

Plasmopara halstedii inoculation of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus) cultivars Peredovik (susceptible) and HA‐61 (resistant) caused an increase in phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL) activity. Although the initial rise in PAL activity was higher in HA‐61 than in Peredovik inoculated seedlings (values of 247 and 146 % above those of healthy controls, respectively), there was a relatively constant increase in PAL activity over basal level during the compatible interaction while, in the incompatible host, PAL increase declined with age. Increase in PAL activity was also observed in hypocothyl segments of Peredovik seedlings when incubated in a suspension of P. halstedii zoosporangia. Partially purified PAL from healthy seedlings exhibited negative cooperativity, the ratio of Km values obtained at high and low substrate concentrations (H : L ratio) was 8.3 and 12.8 for the enzymes from Peredovik and HA‐61, respectively. PAL activity in inoculated Peredovik and HA‐61 seedlings showed a lesser departure from a Michaelis‐Menten kinetics, the H : L ratios were of 2.9 and 2.2, respectively. In Peredovik, PAL activities, both constitutive and induced by infection, had the same optimum pH value (8.8), the same temperature for maximum activity (55 °C), and slightly different activation energy values (9,700 and 12,600 cal. mol−1, respectively).
A simple method for selective isolation of vascular pathogens from wooden plants
Authors: VON TIEDEMANN A. , WOLF G. , WILBERT S.
Published: January 2019

The vascular system of rootstocks of grapevine can easily be permeated by water with the aid of low pressure. After incubation of the liquid, obtained from the vessels of a wilting grape, Verticillium dahliae was isolated. The method is suitable for the selective direct and indirect detection of vascular infections of wood.
The mycoflora in the needles of pines of various age (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Authors: KOWALSKI T. , LANG K. J.
Published: January 2019

In the course of investigations of the mycoflora found in the needles of Pinus sylvestris L. in connection with needle cast or under different ecological conditions (such as air pollution), isolations were made from needles of different ages taken from pines of various age.

The needles were attacked to varying degrees. Thirty‐two species of fungi were isolated, the most frequent of which were Lophodermium seditiosum, Sclerophoma pithyophila, Lophodermium pinastri, Cenangium ferruginosum, Naemacyclus minor, Coniothyrium fuckelii, Anthostomella rhemii and one species which did not sporulate in culture.

The frequency of the occurrence of the fungi depended on the age of the needle, the age of the host tree and also on local conditions and peculiarities. The average number of isolated species increased with the age of the needles. Lophodermium pinastri occurred predominantly on older needles which could mean that this funga probably plays a secondary role.

Observations in dual cultures led to the conclusion that there are great differences in the ability to influence the growth of other fungi. On an artificial medium Lophodermium pinastri and Cenangium ferruginosum showed distict activities in this respect.
Dental health state utilities among dental patients
Authors: Acharya Shashidhar , Acharya Shruthi , Pentapati Kalyana Chakravarthy , Thomson William Murray
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To test the efficacy of a dental health state utility measure among a sample of dental patients using the standard gamble (SG) method and to examine its association with two quality of life constructs, namely the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 questionnaire and the global oral health item.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with a sample of 202 adult dental patients. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The 14 item oral health impact profile (OHIP‐14) and Locker's global rating scale for oral health were administered and a SG utility valuation was carried out.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 38.6 ± 14.1 years. The mean SG score was 0.2 ± 0.2. Bivariate and negative binomial regression using the SG score as the outcome variable showed significant associations between SG scores and the OHIP‐14 summary scores, global oral health rating values, as well as with age, gender, and nature/severity of the oral problem.

Conclusion

The SG method was effective in assessing dental health state utilities in the patient population. Determining patients’ risk tolerance through the SG method may lead to greater awareness about factors that could influence their choice of treatment and could help in planning treatment regimens.
Refining heuristics for educators
Authors: Green Emily Paige
Published: January 2019

This commentary explores the worthy goal of refining decision‐making heuristics for educators, clinicians, and other individuals in learner support roles.
Perioperative changes in knowledge and attitude toward oral health by oral health education
Authors: Nakata Haruka , Matsuo Koichiro , Suzuki Hitomi , Yoshihara Akihiro
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Perioperative oral health care can prevent postoperative complications, but it is also important to maintain oral health afterward to avoid later adverse events. This study examined (a) the relationship between knowledge and attitude toward oral health (KAOH) and oral/periodontal status (OPS) in patients receiving surgery, and (b) the changes in KAOH by perioperative oral health care and education.

Methods

Patients receiving surgery who visited our hospital's dental clinic beforehand were prospectively recruited. All participants received oral health care and education. In questionnaires assessing KAOH before and after surgery, respondent answers were generally classified as positive or negative. OPS was assessed before surgery. Associations between KAOH and OPS and perioperative changes in KAOH were statistically tested.

Results

A total of 507 patients answered the questionnaire before surgery, among whom 324 patients also completed it afterward. Preoperative OPS was significantly worse in the negative than in the positive KAOH group. Positive answers for KAOH increased significantly from 68.6% to 92.2% during the perioperative period.

Conclusions

We found that patients with poor KAOH also had poor OPS, but KAOH could be improved by perioperative oral health care and education, suggesting that perioperative oral health management could improve oral health knowledge and attitudes.
Towards an Archaeology of Pain? Assessing the Evidence from Later Prehistoric Bog Bodies
Authors: Chapman Henry P. , Gearey Benjamin R.
Published: January 2019

This paper highlights the potential for what could be termed an ‘archaeology of pain’, reflecting on the potential significance and role of the infliction, suffering, endurance and observation of pain by individuals in the past. It presents a case study of ‘bog bodies’, human remains recovered from wetland which, due to the anoxic, waterlogged conditions, preserves human flesh and associated evidence, including injuries and cause of death. The central argument is that evidence from pathological investigations of certain later prehistoric bodies provides hitherto neglected information concerning the embodied experience of pain, in particular its duration and intensity, which may be central to the interpretation of these events. This understanding can be framed not only in terms of the experience of pain by the victims, but also in the potential perception of pain and suffering by those inflicting these and potentially by any observers of the final moments of these individuals.
Pathology of spontaneous and immunotherapy‐induced tumor regression in a murine model of melanoma
Authors: Blenman Kim R. M. , Wang Jake , Cowper Shawn , Bosenberg Marcus
Published: January 2019

We evaluated the spontaneous and immunotherapy‐induced histological changes in the tumor microenvironment of a mouse melanoma regression model consisting of immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice implanted with syngeneic YUMMER1.7 melanoma cells. We focused on tumor regression phenotypes and spatial relationships of melanoma cells with B cells and neutrophils since this was not previously described. We found common themes to the host response to cancer irrespective of the mode of tumor regression. In nonregression tumors, melanoma cells were epithelioid shaped and tightly packed. In regression tumors, melanoma cells were spindle shaped and discohesive. B cells including plasmablasts and plasma cells were numerous and were increased with immunotherapy. Neutrophils were in direct contact with dead or dying melanoma cells. Immunotherapy increased neutrophil counts and induced neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)‐like formations and geographic necrosis. Beyond tumor regression, the increase in the B cell and neutrophil response could play a role in immunotherapy‐induced adverse reactions.
Identification of chicken FSHR gene promoter and the correlations between polymorphisms and egg production in Chinese native hens
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Lu Yinglin , Liu Xiaofan , Xie Xiaolei , Wang Kun , Yu Debing
Published: January 2019

Contents

Egg production is an important economic trait in poultry, and it is of great significance to study the key genes and functional SNPs that affect egg laying performance. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) plays an important physiological role in the reproductive performance of humans and animals by binding to its receptor (FSHR). Studies have shown that there are many transcriptional regulatory elements in the 5′ flanking region of the FSHR gene that interact with transcription factors to regulate FSHR transcription. In this study, DNA sequencing was used to identify SNPs in the FSHR promoter sequence in both Dongxiang and Suken chickens. To detect the activity of the chicken FSHR gene promoter, we analysed the characteristics of the sequence and constructed three deletion vectors. We confirmed that the region (−18/−544) was the core promoter. Furthermore, five polymorphisms, including a 200‐bp indel at −869, C−1684T, C−1608T, G−368A and T−238A, were detected in both the Dongxiang and Suken chickens. The age at first egg (AFE) for different genotype of −869 indel in Suken chicken was significantly different (p < 0.01). For SNP C−1684T in Dongxiang chickens, the CC genotype had higher egg number at 43 weeks of age (E43) than that of the TC genotype (p < 0.05). For SNP C−1684T in Suken chickens, the TC genotype had higher AFE than that of the CC genotype (p < 0.05). For SNP C−1608T in Suken chickens, the CC genotype had higher AFE than that of the TC genotype (p < 0.05). For SNP G−368A in Suken chickens, the AG genotype had higher AFE than that of the GG genotype (p < 0.05).
Testing Critical Points of Non-Parametric Regression Curves: Application to the Management of Stalked Barnacles
Authors: Sestelo Marta , Roca-Pardiñas Javier
Published: January 2019

Several aquatic living resources are overexploited. An example of this is a barnacle fishery, which is a commercial species that commands high prices in the market. We feel that not enough is known about the management of this species. In particular, not enough is known about its growth pattern. Thus, we model the length–weight relationship of this resource for each harvest site. We use regression models with factor-by-curve interactions. Specifically, a global test to compare regression curves and their derivatives between levels and a local test to draw inferences about critical points are provided.
Does State Online Voter Registration Increase Voter Turnout?*
Authors: Yu Jinhai
Published: January 2019

Objective

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of U.S. state online registration reforms on voter turnout. More states have been adopting online voter registration in recent years. Investigating the impact of the policy on voter turnout can inform policy making and contribute to our knowledge of political behavior.

Methods

The methods of this study include difference‐in‐difference analysis and instrumental variable analysis. Using the Current Population Survey data between 2000 and 2014, I conduct a difference‐in‐difference analysis at the state level and then an instrumental variable analysis at the individual level.

Results

The results of this study demonstrate that state online voter registration increases voter turnout. The difference‐in‐difference analysis shows that the states’ implementation of online voter registration increases the turnout of young voters by about 3 percentage points in presidential election years. The instrumental variable analysis shows that the usage of online registration by voters increases their turnout by about 18 to 20 percentage points.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this study is that state online voter registration reforms are generally effective in increasing voter turnout. There are nontrivial positive effects of online registration on turnout, especially for young people during presidential election years.
Off‐site impacts of soil erosion and runoff: Why connectivity is more important than erosion rates
Authors: Boardman John , Vandaele Karel , Evans Robert , Foster Ian D. L.
Published: January 2019

Off‐site impacts of soil erosion are of greater social and economic concern in Western Europe than on‐site impacts. They fall into two related categories: muddy flooding of properties and ecological impacts on watercourses because of excessive sedimentation and associated pollutants. Critical to these impacts is the connectedness of the runoff and sediment system between agricultural fields and the river system. We argue that well‐connected systems causing off‐site damage are not necessarily related to areas of high erosion rates; emphasis should therefore be on the way in which connections occur. In temperate, arable systems, important elements of connectivity are anthropogenic in origin: roads, tracks, sunken lanes, field drains, ditches, culverts and permeable field boundaries. Mapping these features allows us to understand how they affect runoff and modify its impacts, to design appropriate mitigation measures and to better validate model predictions. Published maps (digital and paper) do not, by themselves, give sufficient information. Field mapping and observation, aided by remote sensing, are also necessary.
Short‐time (<10 ka) denudation rates as a marker of active folding in the Zagros Fold Belt (Iran)
Authors: Collignon Marine , Haghipour Negar , Lupker Maarten , Mohammadi Ali , Christl Marcus , Burg Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2019

Coupling between tectonics and surface processes is usually ill‐quantified as other factors such as climate and lithology affect the later. We provide catchment‐wide 10Be denudation rates of the Mand catchment in the Zagros Fold Belt (Iran) to infer correlations between these rates and ongoing tectonic shortening in the region. Denudation rates are generally low (~0.05–0.1 mm/a) but increase to ~1 mm/a near the Halikan anticline, where changes in precipitation, lithology or hillslope gradient are insignificant. The denudation rates upstream and downstream of the Halikan anticline are consistent with the GPS convergence rates in these areas. The sharp increase in denudation rates over the Halikan anticline denotes its growth as previously detected from terrace incision. It also reveals small wavelength coupling between crustal deformation and erosion. Denudation rates are therefore a useful and sensitive tool that helps constraining non‐brittle active tectonics such as folding of a sedimentary cover.
Performance and Influencing Factors of Evidence‐Based Pressure Ulcer Care Among Acute Care Hospital Nurses
Authors: Kim Ji‐Kyo , Yoo Sung‐Hee , Nho Ju‐Hee , Ju Jae‐Kyun
Published: January 2019

Background

In previous studies about performance or factors affecting pressure ulcer (PU) care, old tools with nonupdated contents about the prevention and intervention of PU have been mainly used. Thus, there is little known how well evidence‐based PU care is performed and what its’ influencing factors are recently.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the PU care performance, based on evidence‐based practice guidelines, and identify factors affecting it while considering nurses’ individual and institutional characteristics.

Methods

We recruited 199 nurses involved in PU care, from August 20 to September 10, 2016, at two PU‐related academic conferences in Korea. To examine PU care performance and knowledge as a related factor, we developed tools based on recent guidelines. To identify factors affecting PU care performance, we examined nurses’ (individual level) and their institutions’ (institutional level) characteristics, and analyzed using a hierarchical multiple regression test.

Results

Mean PU care performance of nurses was rated 3.99 out of 5. Performance level in “wound care: debridement”; “pain control”; “prevention skin care”; “incontinence management”; “supporting surface”; and “nutrition in PU prevention and treatment” was below average. Interest in PU care (β = .28, p = <.001), the main PU manager in a ward being a wound, ostomy, continence nurse (β = .22, p = .013), and an institution with a nursing practice guideline for PU care (β = .16, p = .02) were identified as significant factors affecting a good PU care performance.

Linking Evidence to Action

To improve nurses’ evidence‐based PU care performance, nurses must recognize PU care's importance and take responsibility for improving their own performance. At the institutional level, systematic evidence‐based guidelines and support systems, such as activating wound specialists, must be implemented. The academic society can support these initiatives by updating continuously the national guideline on PU prevention and management for ease of use by nurses or institutions.
Simultaneous Optimization of an Array of Heat Sinks
Authors: Karamanis Georgios , Hodes Marc
Published: January 2019

We provide an algorithm to optimize the geometry of the fins in an array of longitudinal-fin heat sinks (HSs) in, e.g., a blade server, which is a prohibitively long task using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). First, banks of CFD simulations are run to precompute dimensionless thermal resistances (conjugate Nusselt numbers) as a function of dimensionless HS geometry, thermophysical properties, and external parameters. These precomputed CFD results are embedded in flow network models (FNMs) in the form of look-up tables. This preserves much of the accuracy of CFD and the speed of FNM. The FNMs are, in turn, embedded in a multivariable optimization algorithm (MVO). Our hybrid numerical algorithm is provided, and we exercise it for an example problem.
Noise-Statistics Learning of Automotive-Grade Sensors Using Adaptive Marginalized Particle Filtering
Authors: Berntorp Karl , Di Cairano Stefano
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a method for real-time identification of sensor statistics especially aimed for low-cost automotive-grade sensors. Based on recent developments in adaptive particle filtering (PF) and under the assumption of Gaussian distributed noise, our method identifies the slowly time-varying sensor offsets and variances jointly with the vehicle state, and it extends to banked roads. While the method is primarily focused on learning the noise characteristics of the sensors, it also produces an estimate of the vehicle state. This can then be used in driver-assistance systems, either as a direct input to the control system or indirectly to aid other sensor-fusion methods. The paper contains verification against several simulation and experimental data sets. The results indicate that our method is capable of bias-free estimation of both the bias and the variance of each sensor, that the estimation results are consistent over different data sets, and that the computational load is feasible for implementation on computationally limited embedded hardware typical of automotive applications.
Epitaxial growth and strain relaxation studies of BaTiO3 and BaTiO3/SrTiO3 superlattices grown by MBE on SrTiO3-buffered Si(001) substrate
Authors: Merckling Clement , Korytov Maxim , Celano Umberto , Hsu Min-Hsiang Mark , Neumayer Sabine M. , Jesse Stephen , de Gendt Stefan
Published: January 2019

In this work, the epitaxy of SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 perovskites on the (001)-oriented silicon substrate by molecular beam epitaxy is investigated. The heterostructures are studied by means of various structural and electrical characterization techniques. In this study especially, the authors reveal experimentally by nanobeam electron diffraction analysis the critical thickness prior relaxation of BaTiO3 grown on an SrTiO3/Si pseudosubstrate. They also propose to use a strain mediated superlattice composed of stacked [BaTiO3/SrTiO3] bilayers to prevent misfit dislocation formation. Using this approach, they could demonstrate high quality and dislocation free BaTiO3 ferroelectric layers integrated on silicon as confirmed by piezo-force microscopy techniques.