bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population imaging of neural activity in awake behaving mice in multiple brain regions
Authors: Piatkevich Kiryl D. , Bensussen Seth , Tseng Hua-an , Shroff Sanaya N. , Lopez-Huerta Violeta Gisselle , Park Demian , Jung Erica E. , Shemesh Or A. , Straub Christoph , Gritton Howard J. , Romano Michael F. , Costa Emma , Sabatini Bernardo L. , Fu Zhanyan , Boyden Edward S. , Han Xue
Published: April 2019

A longstanding goal in neuroscience has been to image membrane voltage, with high temporal precision and sensitivity, in awake behaving mammals. Here, we report a genetically encoded voltage indicator, SomArchon, which exhibits millisecond response times and compatibility with optogenetic control, and which increases the sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and number of neurons observable, by manyfold over previous reagents. SomArchon only requires conventional one-photon microscopy to achieve these high performance characteristics. These improvements enable population analysis of neural activity, both at the subthreshold and spiking levels, in multiple brain regions – cortex, hippocampus, and striatum – of awake behaving mice. Using SomArchon, we detect both positive and negative responses of striatal neurons during movement, highlighting the power of voltage imaging to reveal bidirectional modulation. We also examine how the intracellular subthreshold theta oscillations of hippocampal neurons govern spike output, finding that nearby cells can exhibit highly correlated subthreshold activities, even as they generate highly divergent spiking patterns.
G2M splits mouse embryonic stem cells into naïve and formative pluripotency states
Authors: Jääger Kersti , Simpson Daniel , Kalantzaki Maria , Salzano Angela , Chambers Ian , Chandra Tamir
Published: April 2019

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) express heterogeneous levels of pluripotency and developmental transcription factors (TFs) and their cell cycle is unsynchronised when grown in the presence of serum. Here, we asked whether the cell cycle and developmental heterogeneities of ESCs are coordinated by determining the state identities of G1- and G2M-enriched mouse ESCs (mESCs) at single cell resolution. We found that G2M cells were not all the same and demonstrate their split into the naïve and formative (intermediate) pluripotency states marked by high or low Esrrb expression, respectively. The naïve G2M sub-state resembles ‘ground’ state pluripotency of the LIF/2i cultured mESCs. The naïve and formative G2M sub-states exist in the pre- and post-implantation stages of the mouse embryo, respectively, verifying developmental distinction. Moreover, the G2M sub-states partially match between the mouse and human ESCs, suggesting higher similarity of transcriptional control between these species in G2M. Our findings propose a model whereby G2M separates mESCs into naïve and formative pluripotency states. This concept of G2M-diverted pluripotency states provides new framework for understanding the mechanisms of pluripotency maintenance and lineage specification in vitro and in vivo, and the development of more efficient and clinically relevant reprogramming strategies.
Promoting student commitment to BIM in construction education
Authors: Olatunji Oluwole Alfred
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Industry uptake of digital modeling is improving. Recent evidence suggests building information modeling (BIM) is the commercial reality of today’s construction education, and the way of the future that has truly begun. Amongst the significance of this is BIM’s potential to revolutionize the industry. The purpose of this paper is to use the learning experiences of undergraduate students in two construction management subjects involving quantity measurement and cost estimation to explore students’ motivation toward BIM education. In particular, the study investigates decision factors underlying students’ selection of software for information management in a modeling environment.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 674 undergraduate students from the same institution were surveyed, out of which 153 responses were retrieved. The data provide insights into decisions taken by students while metamorphosing traditional processes into BIM-driven outcomes, in the form of commercial estimates of a real life project reported through a bill of quantities. Some 29 decision factors were analyzed. These include prior training, flair for creativity, ease of use, economic reasons, learning outcomes, on-going technical support and support infrastructure. Reductionist methods involving factor analysis and Cronbach’sαreliability estimate procedures were used to investigate the most important decision factors from amongst the decision factors analyzed.

Findings

Results show all the 29 decision factors are statistically significant. Access to on-going support, the mandatory requirement to use a particular tool to complete an assessment task and the requirement to use the tool for job duties are the most significant decision factors. Vendors’ persuasion and the capability of the tool to achieve better outcomes than others are least significant. Statistical correlations between the decision factors were obtained. They all suggest near-absolute correlations.

Practical implications

The practical implications of these findings are vital. They help to unravel factors that promote students’ interest in BIM education, and contribute toward the development of software selection models that are relevant to professionals and incipient businesses.

Originality/value

Future studies on decision analysis can be built on the findings also. In particular, the decision factors help in developing creative cognitive solutions to BIM adoption issues. They also help on the challenge posed by the constraints of knowledge diffusion within and across project teams, and in designing tools that meet the requirements of non-design disciplines who also play vital roles in the BIM project environment.
Evaluation of the indirect and IgM‐capture anti‐human cytomegalovirus IgM ELISA methods as confirmed by cytomegalovirus IgG avidity
Authors: Ikuta Kazufumi , Koshizuka Tetsuo , Kanno Ryoko , Inoue Naoki , Kubo Takahiko , Koyano Shin , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: April 2019

Primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy often results in congenital CMV infection with severe clinical complications. IgM antibodies are one of the indices of primary infection. The IgG avidity index (AI) is also known to remain low for 3 months after primary infection. Here, we evaluated and compared the performance of CMV IgM and IgG avidity assays. Because sensitivity and specificity reportedly differ between CMV IgM kits, CMV IgM detection was compared between the two commercially available ELISA kits that are most commonly used in Japan. Sera for CMV IgM were first screened using a traditional indirect ELISA kit. Selected samples were then tested for CMV IgM and CMV AI using a CMV IgM‐capture ELISA kit and a CMV IgG avidity assay, respectively. The rate of concordance between the IgM kits was 89% (42/47), indicating the absence of any significant difference. Most of the CMV IgM‐positive plasma samples showed high CMV IgG AI; however, 18 commercially available plasma samples with low CMV IgG AI were all CMV IgM‐positive. One plausible explanation for this discrepancy is that the duration of low IgG AI is shorter than that of IgM positivity. Alternatively, CMV IgM tests may generate pseudo‐positive readouts in cases of congenital infection. Nevertheless, our study confirms that CMV IgG AI can be a reliable indicator of CMV primary infection.
Debate on Margaret Kohn's The Death and Life of the Urban Commonwealth
Authors: Enright Theresa
Published: April 2019

This interventions forum presents a debate on Margaret Kohn's The Death and Life of the Urban Commonwealth. Four contributors from different disciplinary backgrounds discuss and critique Kohn's book, which offers an exploration of the political in an age of modern urbanism. Building on theories of solidarism and social rights, Kohn puts forth a set of new arguments about how the city might be a more governable commonwealth. Her book lays bare some of the great contradictions inherent in questions of the distribution of wealth and space in the metropolis. It builds on classical and current political theory and philosophy, theories of justice, and debates on gentrification and social mobility. The reviewers appreciate the great contribution the book is making to current debates in urban politics, geography and law, but they also point to significant areas for further debate along various lines as laid out by the author. Kohn concludes the debate with a response to the critical interventions.
Using contingent valuation to develop consumer‐based weights for health quality report cards
Authors: Weimer David L. , Saliba Debra , Ladd Heather , Shi Yuxi , Mukamel Dana B.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The current 5‐Star composite measure for nursing homes uses expert‐driven weights to combine elements of quality into a single score. We assessed the feasibility of using the contingent valuation method (CVM) to derive consumers’ preference‐based weights for the Nursing Home Compare report card as a potential alternative approach.

Data Sources

Survey of 4310 adults with nursing home experience (residents or family members of a resident) administered between September 25 and October 9, 2017.

Study Design

Contingent valuation method based on respondents’ answers to questions about willingness‐to‐trade (WTT) visit travel time for better quality in seven quantitative indices included in Nursing Home Compare. We calculated WTT amounts per standard deviation change in quantitative indices to derive weights.

Data Collection Methods

Web‐based survey.

Principal Findings

Contingent valuation method results are consistent with respondents making economically rational trade‐offs between quality and travel time. Estimates of mean WTT vary across quantitative quality indices. They also vary in terms of respondent status and behavioral factors. Weights based on mean WTT per standard deviation vary substantially across indices, with the largest weights for inspections and staffing.

Conclusions

Contingent valuation method has promise as a method for deriving weights for use in summary measures that incorporate consumer preferences.
Validation and impact of paediatric malnutrition screening tool in hospitalised children on awareness of medical staff and health‐related outcomes
Authors: Marderfeld Luba , Rub Gal , Hodik Gavriel , Poraz Irit , Hartman Corina , Ashkenazi Shai , Shamir Raanan
Published: April 2019

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the use of the Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP) among children admitted in a paediatric hospital, and assess its impact on the nutritional status awareness among the medical staff and on health outcomes at discharge.

Methods

STAMP performed by nurses on admission was compared with full nutritional assessment performed by a dietitian. Area under the receiving operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was used to evaluate validity of the tool. To assess how the tool affected awareness among the staff, information on nutritional status was compared prior to and following the intervention period. Therewith, health outcomes at discharge were compared for the children who had been screened by STAMP and the children who had not.

Results

The analysis was performed for a total of 60 children (38 boys, 63%). The mean age was 7.8 ± 4.7 years. Malnutrition was found in 16% of patients, segregating equally between acute and chronic malnutrition. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 95.7% (95% confidence interval, CI = 85.75–98.83%), 76.9% (95% CI = 49.74–91.82%), 93.7 and 83.3, respectively. AUROC was 0.863 (95% CI = 0.72–1). There was no difference either in malnutrition awareness among the medical staff before and after the intervention period or in health outcomes at discharge.

Conclusions

STAMP is a valid tool for malnutrition screening in hospitalised children; however, its use does not influence admitted patients’ nutritional status awareness among the medical staff nor their outcomes at discharge.
Associations between breastfeeding rates and infant disease: A survey of 2338 Czech children
Authors: Parizkova Petra , Dankova Nika , Frühauf Pavel , Jireckova Jitka , Zeman Jiri , Magner Martin
Published: April 2019

Aim

Evidence has demonstrated that breastfeeding is the optimal nutrition for infants. The present study aims to report possible associations of the duration of full or partial breastfeeding with selected health outcomes during infancy.

Methods

Data from 2304 mothers were obtained by online mother‐reported questionnaires at the age of 1 year of the child, providing information on full and partial breastfeeding durations, the frequency of infant upper respiratory tract infections and possible antibiotics use, and the occurrence of allergic diseases.

Results

Overall breastfeeding initiation rates (i.e. including both partial and full breastfeeding rates counted together) were 97.8%, declined to 95.1% at the age of 3 months, and remained as high as 90.0% at 6 months. At 1 year, 74.7% of children were still partially breastfed. There was no significant benefit of either full or partial breastfeeding over formula feeding for upper respiratory tract infection rates. Fully breastfed children had a significantly lower risk of early exposure to antibiotics when compared with either partially breastfed (odds ratio, OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.56, 1.00, P = 0.048) or formula‐fed (OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.46, 1.0, P = 0.047) children. We found a neutral effect of breastfeeding on the development of allergies.

Conclusions

Although no significant association between either full or partial breastfeeding versus formula feeding and the occurrence of respiratory infections during infancy was found, we demonstrated a significantly lower risk of early exposure to antibiotics in fully breastfed children when compared with those either partially breastfed or formula‐fed.
Lycopene Ameliorated Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Zheng Zicong , Yin Yimin , Lu Rongrong , Jiang Zhuoqin
Published: April 2019

We aim to study the antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects of lycopene on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats, anticipating a complementary strategy for the prevention of long‐term complications of T2DM. In this study, rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes were divided into four groups, receiving a 10‐week lycopene intervention: DM, DM + low dose of lycopene (L), DM + medium dose of lycopene (M), and DM + high dose of lycopene (H) group with 0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg BW lycopene, respectively. At the end of intervention, fasted blood glucose (FBG) level, oxidative stress indicators, including glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb), glycosylated low‐density lipoprotein, oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL). and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as antioxidants, that is, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and inflammatory factors like tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were determined. The results indicated that oxidative stress and inflammatory factors were elevated in DM rats. Lycopene intervention decreased the FBG level in DM rats compared with the untreated ones. It revealed a dose‐dependent effect on decreasing serum oxidative stress biomarkers, including GHb, ox‐LDL, and MDA. Inflammatory factors (TNF‐α and CRP) in DM rats were also decreased by lycopene intervention. Total antioxidative capacity as well as the activities of antioxidants in DM rats including CAT, SOD, and GPx were increased after lycopene intervention. We conclude that lycopene protects against diabetic progression and prevents further complications of diabetic rats through ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as improving the systemic antioxidative capacity.

Practical Application

According to our study, lycopene intakes at experimental dosages appear to have beneficial effects on ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats, suggesting that lycopene might help improving T2DM progression when its daily intake is up to about 0.79 mg/kg BW in humans, which approximately equals to 5 mg/kg BW in rats. However, more clinical trials are needed to provide a more reliable and convincing conclusion in humans.
Effects of Cholesterol Extraction Process and Fat and Whey Protein Additions on Ice Cream Mixes
Authors: Hidalgo María Eugenia , Bordino Juliana , Acciarri Giuliana , Fernández Juan Manuel , Rozycki Sergio , Risso Patricia Hilda
Published: April 2019

The aim of this work was to evaluate the cholesterol extraction process in ice cream mixes (ICMs) by using β‐cyclodextrin (βCD) and to analyze the effect of this extraction on the ICM rheological, stability, and sensory characteristics. The effects of fat and whey protein (WP) additions on ICM stability were also evaluated. The maximum percentage obtained for cholesterol extraction was 93.6%. The flow curves indicated that ICM showed a thixotropic behavior before and after cholesterol extraction, which was enhanced when the fat content and/or percentage of βCD increased. The stability of ICM with cholesterol‐reduced content (RCho‐ICM) was influenced by the fat content and/or the presence of WP. The RCho‐ICM with the highest fat and/or WP addition showed less tendency to melt and had the smallest amount of accumulated molten liquid. These latter ICMs presented the slowest melting rates. Also, RCho‐ICMs proved to be more stable than ICMs. RCho‐ICM samples obtained with a ratio of βCD/fat content of 1% w/w were evaluated by a trained sensory panel. In addition, an acceptability test of the sample with better sensory attributes was conducted.

Practical Application

The effects of a cholesterol extraction process and fat and whey protein additions on the rheological and stability characteristics of ice cream mixes were evaluated. The extraction of cholesterol from an ice cream mix is interesting from a nutritional point of view and the extraction process of cholesterol itself may also help to improve the mix stability by controlling the fat and/or whey protein contents. These findings may prove useful as a starting point for the rational design of new functional ice cream mixes.
Lipolysis and Oxidation in Ultra‐High Temperature Milk Depend on Sampling Month, Storage Duration, and Temperature
Authors: Lu Jing , Langton Maud , Sampels Sabine , Pickova Jana
Published: April 2019

During storage, some factors (for example, storage duration and temperature) can affect milk stability and consumer acceptability. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), lipid classes, and fatty acid profiles in stored ultra‐high temperature (UHT) milk were analyzed to assess the effects of storage time and temperature on lipid oxidation and lipolysis. With storage duration up to 12 months, the milk fat phase was separated and showed high levels of oxidation and lipolysis, manifested as increased levels of TBARS and free fatty acids. High oxidation levels decreased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in triacylglycerol and phospholipids. Higher storage temperatures (20, 30, and 37 °C) resulted in a higher degree of fat aggregation, oxidation, and lipolysis compared with refrigerated storage (4 °C). Additionally, sampling month of raw milk (May, July, and November) affected the lipid profiles of UHT milk during storage, with more UFA oxidized in July than in the other 2 months.
Methotrexate treatment in rheumatoid arthritis and elevated liver enzymes: A long‐term follow‐up of predictors, surveillance, and outcome in clinical practice
Authors: Karlsson Sundbaum Johanna , Eriksson Niclas , Hallberg Pär , Lehto Niklas , Wadelius Mia , Baecklund Eva
Published: April 2019

Aim

To assess predictors of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation in methotrexate (MTX) treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and to describe the monitoring of liver enzymes, including handling and outcome of elevated ALT.

Methods

All RA patients starting MTX in January, 2005 to April, 2013 at a rheumatology clinic, (Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden) were identified from electronic medical records. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from medical records, supplemented by telephone interviews. Predictors for ALT >1.5× over the upper limit of normal (ULN) were identified by multiple regression analysis.

Results

The study comprised 213 RA patients starting MTX. During a mean follow‐up of 4.3 years, 6288 ALT tests were performed; 7% of tests with ALT were >ULN. ALT >1.5× ULN was observed in 44 (21%) patients and the strongest predictor was a pre‐treatment elevation of ALT (adjusted odds ratio = 6.8, 95% CI 2.2‐20.5). Recurrent elevations occurred in 70% of patients who continued treatment, and the proportion was similar in those with and without interventions, for example MTX dose reduction (67% vs 73%, P = 0.43). Seven patients (3%) permanently stopped MTX due to ALT elevation, and two were eventually diagnosed with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. No patient developed hepatic failure.

Conclusion

Only a small number of ALT tests performed during MTX therapy in RA capture an elevation. A pre‐treatment elevation of ALT was the strongest predictor for early and recurrent ALT elevations during therapy. This study supports a more individualized approach to monitoring and handling of ALT elevations during MTX therapy in RA than recommended in current guidelines.
Graphene oxide incorporated polycaprolactone/chitosan/collagen electrospun scaffold: Enhanced osteogenic properties for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Aidun Amir , Safaei Firoozabady Alireza , Moharrami Mohammad , Ahmadi Ali , Haghighipour Nooshin , Bonakdar Shahin , Faghihi Shahab
Published: April 2019

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and biological activity of the polycaprolactone/chitosan/collagen scaffolds incorporated with 0, 0.5, 3, and 6 wt% of graphene oxide (GO). Using standard tests and MG‐63 cells, the characteristics of scaffolds were evaluated, and the behavior of osteoblasts were simulated, respectively. A non‐significant decrease in nanofibers diameter was noted in scaffolds with a higher ratio of GO. The hydrophilicity and bioactivity of the scaffold surface, as well as cell attachment and proliferation, increased in correspondence to an increase in GO. The higher ratio of GO also improved the osteogenesis activity. GO increased the degradation rate, but it was negligible and seemed not enough to endanger stability. Modifying the scaffolds with GO did not make a significant change to the antibacterial effect.
Metformin may offer no protective effect in men undergoing external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Ranasinghe Weranja K.B. , Williams Scott , Ischia Joseph , Wetherell David , Baldwin Graham , Shulkes Arthur , Sengupta Shomik , Bolton Damien , Patel Oneel
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To assess whether metformin reduces radio‐resistance and increases survival in men undergoing external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer (PCa), and to determine its effect on hypoxia inducible factor 1‐α (HIF1α).

Patients and Methods

All patients treated with curative intent with EBRT for PCa at a major cancer centre between 2000 and 2007 were included in this study. The outcome measures of time to biochemical failure (BF), metastasis, PCa‐specific mortality and overall survival (OS) were analysed in those taking metformin vs those not, using competing risk and Cox regression models. To determine metformin's effect on HIF1α expression and survival in vitro, PC3 cells with high basal HIF1α levels were subjected to increasing doses of metformin after H2O2‐induced oxidative stress.

Results

A total of 2055 eligible cases, including 113 who were on metformin, were identified, with a median follow‐up of 95.7 months. There were no differences in age, initial prostate‐specific antigen level, Gleason score, T‐stage, D'Amico risk class or duration of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) between patients who were or were not on metformin. Treatment with metformin did not result in any apparent improvement in time to BF, time to metastasis detection or OS, but there was a 1.5‐fold increase in PCa‐specific deaths (P = 0.045) in patients on metformin and ADT when adjusted for cancer risk and comorbidities. When comparing patients on high‐dose metformin (>1 g/d) with those on low‐dose metformin (≤1 g), there was no difference in either time to metastases or time to BF. In vitro metformin at a high concentration of 100 μM did not reduce HIF1α expression, nor did metformin affect the PC3 cell survival when exposed to oxidative stress (H2O2).

Conclusions

No association was found between the use of metformin and time to metastasis detection, time to BF or OS in patients undergoing radiation therapy with or without ADT for PCa. In vitro, low therapeutic concentrations of metformin had no effect on HIF1α, and this observation could explain the conflicting evidence for the effectiveness of metformin in men undergoing EBRT for PCa. Higher, more toxic doses of metformin may be required to inhibit the mammalian target of rapamycin‐HIF1α pathway in this patient group.
Improved lower urinary tract symptoms after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: implications for survivorship, treatment selection and patient counselling
Authors: Ahn Thomas , Roberts Matthew J. , Strahan Andrew , Malone Greg , Paterdis Jason , Wood Glen , Heathcote Peter
Published: April 2019

Objective

To assess changes in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and quality of life (QoL) after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Patients and Methods

A prospectively curated database of 1917 consecutive RARPs undertaken over an 8‐year period from January 2009 to January 2017 was assessed. Preoperative information including age, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, body mass index (BMI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and QoL score was collected, with IPSS and QoL score compared between baseline (preoperatively) and 12 months post‐surgery.

Results

Of the 1917 patients who underwent RARP, 1470 with complete data were included in the analysis. Their mean ± sd age, prostate weight and BMI were 62 (±6.7) years, 51 (±17.6) g, and 28 kg/m2, respectively. Overall, 57% of patients reported an improved IPSS score, whilst 76% reported an IPSS of ≤7 postoperatively. A total of 41% of patients reported an improved QoL and 90.3% of patients with severe preoperative LUTS (IPSS 20–35) demonstrated clinically improved LUTS at 1 year post RARP. The post‐RARP mean IPSS in the present study was lower than those reported in the existing post‐radiotherapy literature, especially in patients with moderate to severe baseline LUTS (IPSSs ≥ 8).

Conclusions

At 12 months post RARP, most patients reported improved overall LUTS and QoL, with the greatest benefit seen in those patients with a high pre‐RARP IPSS. This has implications for treatment selection and preoperative counselling in men being offered active treatment for their prostate cancer. Further analyses of specific IPSS domains and longer follow‐up are needed.
The United States requires effective federal policy to reduce marine plastic pollution
Authors: Iverson Autumn R.
Published: April 2019

The amount of plastic entering the ocean is expected to increase by an order of magnitude by 2025. Marine plastic pollution threatens biodiversity through entanglement, ingestion, and chemical exposure. The United States is in the top 20 of 192 coastal countries with mismanaged waste entering the ocean. This paper addresses U.S. policies regarding single‐use plastics and fishing nets, two major sources of plastic pollution. Currently, the United States does not have a federal ban on most single‐use plastics or on synthetic gillnets. This paper recommends a federal ban on single‐use plastics, alternative material for fishing nets and/or increased regulations, more research into the ecological and policy considerations of plastic pollution, continuing cleanup efforts and learning from policy challenges faced by other countries. The United States can look to the recent European Plastics Strategy as a leading example of large‐scale policy initiatives to reduce marine plastic pollution.
The Future of Design Education
Authors: Justice Lorraine
Published: April 2019

Back in the 1980s, the design education community found itself scrambling to find designers who were trained on the latest software and could teach it to others. Technologies continue to change. What other new content are we faced with as educators?

More specialization; larger teams; more need for “cultural experts”; more scrutiny of the design process; and, of course, new technologies. Design educators ponder what's on the horizon.
Client‐based project work as experiential education
Authors: Jacobs Jessica
Published: April 2019

The student practicum is a time‐honored part of design education. That's why it's so surprising that very little research has been done into the pedagogy, design, operations, and assessment of this type of “experiential education.”

Most design schools include some kind of studio practicum course in which educators seek to create “real world” projects with external clients. Do these experiences lead to an increase in student understanding of design management practices? How do educators assess these projects?
A rare case of anomalous origin of the left anterior descending artery from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Zhang Yanting , Wang Bin , Li Yuman , Xie Mingxing
Published: April 2019

Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital heart disease, with an incidence of <1 in 300 000 live births. We describe a rare case of a 23‐month‐old infant admitted for cough and fever. Echocardiography showed a branch of the left coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery. The coronary computed tomographic angiography revealed anomalous origin of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery from the pulmonary artery with the left circumflex artery and right coronary artery arising normally from the aorta. The infant successfully underwent surgical reimplantation of the LAD to the ascending aorta. Our case emphasizes that echocardiography and computed tomographic angiography are valuable imaging modalities for making an accurate diagnosis and determining the precise surgical plan.
Migration, remittances and human capital investment in Kenya
Authors: Hines Annie L. , Simpson Nicole B.
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the relationship between international migration, remittances, and human capital investment in Kenya. We use household‐level data from the 2009 Kenya Migration Household Survey (which was part of the Africa Migration Project) to test our hypothesis and uncover a positive and significant relationship between the amount of international remittances a household receives and the amount of expenditures allocated to education (for all levels of education). We consider various robustness checks and find that our results hold up to various specifications, including an instrumental variable approach.
New Entrant or Incumbent Advantage in Light of Regulatory Change: A Multiple Case Study of the Swedish Life Insurance Industry
Authors: Sköld Martin , Freij Åke , Frishammar Johan
Published: April 2019

When an industry is disrupted, the predominant view is that new entrants benefit at the expense of incumbents, who are pictured as slow‐moving, inert, and incapable to change. Based on a longitudinal multiple case study with data over a 15‐year period, we challenge this view. By studying the action responses of three incumbent firms and three new entrants to a major regulatory change in the life insurance industry, we find that both incumbents and new entrants can succeed if complementary assets are correctly managed. In particular, firms need to acquire and refine certain key assets needed for exploiting new business opportunities and, subsequently, need to enhance the value of their complementary assets by transforming them from generic to specialized and on to co‐specialized stages. These findings have theoretical implications for the literature on strategy and innovation management. In addition, we outline important managerial implications to transform complementary assets to stages with higher value.
Letting Diasporic Voices Be Heard
Authors: Díez Bosch Míriam , Micó Sanz Josep Lluís , Sabaté Gauxachs Alba
Published: April 2019

More than 68.5 million people were forced to move from their countries, according to the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, in 2018. Forced displacements are caused by poverty, war, and lack of safety. Since 2015, Europe has been experiencing a so‐called refugee crisis that calls European values and policies into question. Beyond data, there are the experiences of those who are on the move. The number of people arriving on the continent has made integration a decisive topic. This research aims to discover the portrayal of refugees and migrants in media. This goal includes the challenge of making European media evaluate their work to improve the treatment given to complex subjects such as migration. This article is the result of research derived from the project Refugees Reporting in 2017, coordinated by the Europe Region of the World Association for Christian Communistories ancation and the Churches' Commission for Migrants in Europe.
Diakonia TrinitatisDei as/and Transformational Development
Authors: Knoetze Hannes
Published: April 2019

The paper acknowledges that different agencies acting against poverty and participating in poverty alleviation use different languages, for example, diakonia versus development and transformational development, while dealing with the same issues. Against the background of poverty in South Africa as well as development policies from South Africa, this paper discusses the importance of diakonia as founded in the trinitarian God, Father, Son, and Spirit. Using a missional paradigm, the paper discusses the missio Dei as it unites with the covenant, forgiveness, empowerment, and to make God known. The paper concludes that although diakonia has a more holistic and comprehensive approach, it is important to use language which is generally understood and accepted. It therefore suggests using the term “transformational development” to educate society about the concept of diakonia.
Koinonia as Ecumenical Opening for Baptists
Authors: Hatch Derek C.
Published: April 2019

This article discusses a new opening for Baptists’ role in multilateral ecumenical dialogue since the release of Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. A shift of emphasis toward koinonia has embraced relationship as a model for ecumenical endeavours while maintaining a robust sense of the goal of visible unity. The article will discuss several ecumenical insights and further potential for Baptist ecumenical work as a result of the centrality of koinonia.
Human Rights and the Citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven
Authors: Lau Sean
Published: April 2019

This article argues for a new Christian theological rationale for human rights that takes into account serious contemporary critiques of rights language. Human rights derive from our being made in the image of God. But rather than being static metaphysical properties which humanity possesses, they form a moral language about the image of God, which must be constantly refashioned to suit the times. Furthermore, the human community to which these rights belong is not mere created humanity, but instead the humanity of the eschatological kingdom of heaven, of which the ecumenical church is the messenger. The ecumenical task, then, is to articulate a more holistic conception of what the image of God means to ensure that human rights language does not become narrowly sectarian.
Ecumenism and Global Governance
Authors: Spadaro Antonio
Published: April 2019

On 21 June 2018, on his 23rd international journey, Pope Francis travelled to Geneva to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the World Council of Churches. The Swiss city also hosts a large number of representative international institutions dealing with global governance and the issues of peace, human rights, and migration. After reviewing the main highlights of the journey, this article discusses its significance: to appeal to the common commitment of Christians to proclaim the gospel and its power of salvation in a divided and wounded world. In this way, Pope Francis underlined that in the pluralistic society of today, harmony is not possible if we just ignore faith and focus on what it means to be human while excluding the transcendent. Indeed, it is the gospel that promotes harmony and commitment to a better world.
“Equal Discipleship”
Authors: Lu Yifan
Published: April 2019

Feminist theology is known for its various critical principles and methods of biblical interpretation. In the process of doing feminist biblical interpretation, feminist theologians have started to build their theological frameworks. This article takes the feminist biblical scholar Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza and her construction of the New Testament as an example. In her book Discipleship of Equals, Schüssler Fiorenza put forward the important viewpoint of “equal discipleship.” This viewpoint provides a dialogue between Schüssler Fiorenza and the theological concerns of women in China. Like Schüssler Fiorenza, Chinese theologians have also noted the testimonies of Chinese women Christians in the development of the church. These can help female Christians realize who they are and the significance of being a member of the church. Christian Chinese traditional culture still influences the understanding of women's identity. This will be a significant challenge and task in practising Chinese feminist theology.
A Romanian Contribution to Contemporary Ecumenism
Authors: Morariu Iuliu‐Marius
Published: April 2019

This article examines the contribution to ecumenical dialogue of Ion Bria, an important Romanian theological and ecumenical personality. The value of his approaches is demonstrated by the fact that many contemporary authors start their research from his ideas, such as the concept of the “liturgy after the liturgy,” of which he was a significant proponent, and which are still relevant to ecumenical dialogue. At the time they were first proposed, they shifted ecumenical dialogue. Bria was also a good and careful observer of ecumenical and pan‐Orthodox reality. He presented with objectivity the reality from his home space and made valuable comparisons between his spirituality and other confessional approaches, offering new topics of dialogue and creating bridges between churches.
A Compassionate Space‐making
Authors: Adiprasetya Joas , Sasongko Nindyo
Published: April 2019

Using the lens of trinitarian theology of friendship, this article discusses the idea of compassionate space‐making. By showing the primacy of friendly love (philia) over agapeic love, it argues that the idea of trinitarian friendship can offer a creative and imaginative way for constructing a theology of friendship in the communal and broader social contexts. The article then presents five marks of theology of friendship that enable Christians to participate in this trinitarian friendship by making space for and befriending others: vulnerability, unpredictability, reimagination, propheticity, and compassion. The article concludes with a practical spiritual exercise which exemplifies this trinitarian theology of friendship.
Tranexamic acid through intravenous, intramuscular and oral routes: an individual participant data meta‐analysis of pharmacokinetic studies in healthy volunteers
Authors: Grassin‐Delyle Stanislas , Semeraro Michaela , Foissac Frantz , Bouazza Naim , Shakur‐Still Haleema , Roberts Ian , Treluyer Jean‐Marc , Urien Saïk
Published: April 2019

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic drug that reduces surgical blood loss and death due to bleeding after trauma and post‐partum haemorrhage. One key issue for treatment success is early administration. While usually given intravenously, oral and intramuscular use would be useful in specific circumstances. Therefore, an understanding of TXA pharmacokinetics when given via different routes is valuable. The aim of this study was to perform an individual participant data meta‐analysis of pharmacokinetic studies with TXA given to healthy volunteers via different routes. We searched the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Elsevier Science Direct and J‐STAGE. Individual subject data were extracted when available, otherwise arithmetic means were used. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed effect modelling. Seven studies were included in the analysis with data from 10 patients for the IV route, six patients for the IM route and 114 patients for the oral route. The pharmacokinetics was ascribed to a two‐compartment model, and the main covariate was allometrically scaled bodyweight. Oral and IM bioavailabilities were 46 and 105%, respectively. For a 70 kg bodyweight, the population estimates were 7.6 L/h for clearance, 17.9 L for the volume of the central compartment, 2.5 L/h for the diffusional clearance and 16.6 L for the peripheral volume of distribution. Larger well‐designed studies are needed to describe the pharmacokinetics of TXA when given IM or as an oral solution before these can be recommended as alternatives to IV.
In conversation with Sarah Teichmann
Authors: Dhillon Paraminder , Teichmann Sarah A.
Published: April 2019

Sarah Teichmann is Head of Cellular Genetics at the Wellcome Sanger Institute and visiting research group leader at the European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL‐EBI). Sarah was appointed to the Sanger Institute and EMBL‐EBI in 2013; prior to this she was a research group leader at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB), where she first set up her group in 2001. The Teichmann lab is interested in global principles of protein interactions and gene expression, and in recent years has exploited cutting‐edge single‐cell genomics technologies to explore key questions relating to immune system function. In 2016, she co‐founded the Human Cell Atlas initiative to map every cell type in the human body using single‐cell transcriptomic technologies and spatial methods. Sarah has received many prestigious awards in recognition of her contributions to understanding protein complex assembly and gene regulatory networks. In this interview, she relays the story behind some of her research breakthroughs, discusses her career path and most influential mentors, and tells us why looking at biology at the level of a single cell can be so powerful and illuminating.
A compendium on single‐cell analysis for the curious
Authors: Gallant Caroline J. , Landegren Ulf
Published: April 2019

Single‐cell analysis is impacting biology and medicine by changing the scale and resolution at which we investigate multicellular organisms. A particular, overarching aim of this field is to characterize the programmed development of all different cell types in the human body, as well as their individual spatial, molecular, and functional characteristics. This vast research program is generating a much‐needed source of fundamental biological insights that will provide a basis for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. With this Focus Issue on Single‐Cell Analyses, The FEBS Journal offers interested readers an excellent introduction to this exciting research field, including ideas on how a wide community can benefit from the powerful approaches and technologies as well as the biological knowledge generated.
National Institute on Drug Abuse genomics consortium white paper: Coordinating efforts between human and animal addiction studies
Authors: Cates Hannah M. , Benca‐Bachman Chelsie E. , de Guglielmo Giordano , Schoenrock Sarah A. , Shu Chang , Kallupi Marsida
Published: April 2019

The National Institute on Drug Abuse Genetics and Epigenetics Cross‐Cutting Research Team convened a diverse group of researchers, clinicians, and healthcare providers on the campus of the University of California, San Diego, in June 2018. The goal was to develop strategies to integrate genetics and phenotypes across species to achieve a better understanding of substance use disorders through associations between genotypes and addictive behaviors. This conference (a) discussed progress in harmonizing large opioid genetics cohorts, (b) discussed phenotypes that are used for genetics studies in humans, (c) examined phenotypes that are used for genetics studies in animal models, (d) identified synergies and gaps in phenotypic analyses of human and animal models and (e) identified strategies to integrate genetics and genomics data with phenotypes across species. The meeting consisted of panels that focused on phenotype harmonization (Dr. Laura Bierut, Dr. Olivier George, Dr. Dan Larach and Dr. Sesh Mudumbai), translating genetic findings between species (Dr. Elissa Chesler, Dr. Gary Peltz and Dr. Abraham Palmer), interpreting and understanding allelic variations (Dr. Vanessa Troiani and Dr. Tamara Richards) and pathway conservation in animal models and human studies (Dr. Robert Hitzemann, Dr. Huda Akil and Dr. Laura Saba). There were also updates that were provided by large consortia (Dr. Susan Tapert, Dr. Danielle Dick, Dr. Howard Edenberg and Dr. Eric Johnson). Collectively, the conference was convened to discuss progress and changes in genome‐wide association studies.
Regime shifts of Mediterranean forest carbon uptake and reduced resilience driven by multidecadal ocean surface temperatures
Authors: Carnicer Jofre , Domingo‐Marimon Cristina , Ninyerola Miquel , Camarero Jesus Julio , Bastos Ana , López‐Parages Jorge , Blanquer Laura , Rodríguez‐Fonseca Belén , Lenton Timothy M. , Dakos Vasilis , Ribas Montserrat , Gutiérrez Emilia , Peñuelas Josep , Pons Xavier
Published: April 2019

The mechanisms translating global circulation changes into rapid abrupt shifts in forest carbon capture in semi‐arid biomes remain poorly understood. Here, we report unprecedented multidecadal shifts in forest carbon uptake in semi‐arid Mediterranean pine forests in Spain over 1950–2012. The averaged carbon sink reduction varies between 31% and 37%, and reaches values in the range of 50% in the most affected forest stands. Regime shifts in forest carbon uptake are associated with climatic early warning signals, decreased forest regional synchrony and reduced long‐term carbon sink resilience. We identify the mechanisms linked to ocean multidecadal variability that shape regime shifts in carbon capture. First, we show that low‐frequency variations of the surface temperature of the Atlantic Ocean induce shifts in the non‐stationary effects of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on regional forest carbon capture. Modelling evidence supports that the non‐stationary effects of ENSO can be propagated from tropical areas to semi‐arid Mediterranean biomes through atmospheric wave trains. Second, decadal changes in the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) significantly alter sea–air heat exchanges, modifying in turn ocean vapour transport over land and land surface temperatures, and promoting sustained drought conditions in spring and summer that reduce forest carbon uptake. Third, we show that lagged effects of AMO on the winter North Atlantic Oscillation also contribute to the maintenance of long‐term droughts. Finally, we show that the reported strong, negative effects of ocean surface temperature (AMO) on forest carbon uptake in the last decades are unprecedented over the last 150 years. Our results provide new, unreported explanations for carbon uptake shifts in these drought‐prone forests and review the expected impacts of global warming on the profiled mechanisms.