bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research ethics guidelines and moral obligations to developing countries: Capacity‐building and benefits
Authors: Macpherson Cheryl C.
Published: March 2019

This article outlines challenges to benefitting developing countries that are hosts of international research. In the context of existing guidance and frameworks for benefit‐sharing, it aims to provoke dialog about socioeconomic factors and other background conditions that influence what constitute benefits in a given host setting, and about the proportionality between benefits to hosts and benefits to sponsors and researchers. It argues that capacity‐building for critical thinking and negotiation in many developing country governments, institutions, and communities is a benefit because it can help to overcome background conditions that impinge on equitable international research negotiations, partnerships, and benefits. Enhancing the capacity for both critical thinking and negotiation can, like other targets of capacity‐building, nurture respectful and trusting partnerships that benefit all stakeholders in international research.
Technology‐mediated learning theory
Authors: Bower Matt
Published: March 2019

Technology‐enhanced learning research, such as that relating to the use of online technologies in formal learning contexts, is sometimes criticised for being under‐theorised. This paper draws together areas of research and theory that have previously been somewhat separately treated, to support the integrated analysis and research of situations where technology mediates learning. First, key areas of research and theory relating to technology‐mediated learning are introduced, along with their associated conceptual underpinnings and assumptions, in terms of premises. These areas are then explained with relation to one another regarding how they can be used to holistically understand learning in contexts where technology mediates learning. The implications of the theoretical concepts are discussed in terms of the future conduct of technology‐mediated learning research, as well as the scope and conditions under which the theorisations apply.
Parental competitive victimhood and interethnic discrimination among their children: The mediating role of ethnic socialization and symbolic threat to the in‐group
Authors: Štambuk Marina , Taylor Laura K. , Löw Ajana , Čorkalo Biruški Dinka , Merrilees Christine E. , Ajduković Dean , Cummings E. Mark
Published: March 2019

Links between competitive victimhood and discrimination are well documented. However, the mechanisms how victimhood beliefs remain relevant for decades and how conflict survivors can shape attitudes and behaviours of the post‐conflict generations are little understood. Following the Transgenerational Transmission Hypothesis and the Integrated Threat Theory, we propose that the link between parental competitive victimhood and discrimination among their children is mediated through family ethnic socialization and symbolic threat to the in‐group. Participants were families that included youth (N = 227) and their parents (172 mothers, 150 fathers) in Vukovar, Croatia. A multiple group, chain mediation model was conducted with parental competitive victimhood as the predictor; youth ethnic socialization and symbolic threat as sequential mediators; and youth tendency to discriminate against the outgroup and perceived ethnic in‐group discrimination as outcomes. The findings revealed significant indirect effects of the competitive victimhood on both outcomes, via the proposed mediators. The only difference in the model between majority Croats and minority Serbs was the path from symbolic threat to tendency to discriminate, which was positive and significant for both groups, but stronger among Croats. The findings imply that interventions in post‐conflict settings need to address family ethnic socialization processes in addition to directly working with youth.
Retinal and circulating miRNA expression patterns in diabetic retinopathy: An in silico and in vivo approach
Authors: Platania Chiara Bianca Maria , Maisto Rosa , Trotta Maria Consiglia , D'Amico Michele , Rossi Settimio , Gesualdo Carlo , D'Amico Giovanbattista , Balta Cornel , Herman Hildegard , Hermenean Anca , Ferraraccio Franca , Panarese Iacopo , Drago Filippo , Bucolo Claudio
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose

Diabetic retinopathy, a secondary complication of diabetes mellitus, can lead to irreversible vision loss. Currently, no treatment is approved for early phases of diabetic retinopathy. Modifications of the expression pattern of miRNAs could be involved in the early retinal damage of diabetic subjects. Therefore, we aimed at identification of dysregulated miRNAs–mRNA interactions that might be biomarkers and pharmacological targets for diagnosis and treatment of early diabetic retinopathy.

Methods

A focused set of miRNAs was predicted through a bioinformatic analysis accessing to Gene Expression Omnibus dataset and enrichment of information approach (GENEMANIA‐Cytoscape). Identification of miRNAs–mRNA interactions was carried out with miRNET analysis. Diabetes was induced in C57BL6J mice by streptozotocin and samples analysed at 5 and 10 weeks after diabetes induction. Retinal ultrastructure of diabetic mice was analysed through electron microscopy. We used Real‐time PCR, western blot analysis, elisa, and immunohistochemistry to study expression of miRNAs and possible targets of dysregulated miRNAs.

Key Results

We found that miR‐20a‐5p, miR‐20a‐3p, miR‐20b, miR‐106a‐5p, miR‐27a‐5p, miR‐27b‐3p, miR‐206‐3p, and miR‐381‐3p were dysregulated in the retina and serum of diabetic mice. VEGF, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), PPAR‐α, and cAMP response element‐binding protein 1 (CREB1) are targets of dysregulated miRNAs, which then modulated protein expression in diabetic retina. We found structural modifications in retinas from diabetic mice.

Conclusions and Implications

Serum and retina of diabetic mice express eight dysregulated miRNAs, which modified the expression of VEGF, BDNF, PPAR‐α, and CREB1, before vasculopathy in diabetic retinas.
Lianas as a food resource for herbivorous insects: a comparison with trees
Authors: Odell Erica H. , Stork Nigel E. , Kitching Roger L.
Published: March 2019

Woody climbers or, ‘lianas’, are one of the features that characterise rainforests. They contribute substantially to plant diversity and leaf biomass which makes them a potentially important food source for herbivores. Here, we focus on insect herbivores, folivores in particular, to show how disparities in the quantitative and qualitative availability of leaves between lianas and trees may differentially influence insect folivory and the herbivore communities themselves. We develop a conceptual model and show that lianas in general have lower structural and chemical defences, a greater nutritional profile and a preferable phenology in comparison with trees, which, contrary to our expectations, has led to assemblages of more‐specialised insects. The impacts this has on higher trophic levels and broader ecological networks, however, are poorly known. We show through a study of four tropical floras from different biogeographic realms that lianas are likely to be a target for a wide range of insect herbivore taxa as they are a phylogenetically diverse group and increase diversity of higher taxa at local scales. This, in combination with their highly palatable leaves, may also make them a suitable temporary food source for insects during times when preferred host plants are scarce. This phenomenon has been observed in mammalian herbivores but awaits investigation in insects as does the effects this may have on survival and fitness. Apparent recent increases in liana abundances in some forests, likely due to climate change, makes understanding their role in supporting and maintaining biodiversity an increasingly important and necessary challenge. Since trees or saplings have usually been the subject of studies on insect herbivory, major knowledge gaps remain about the ways in which lianas contribute to, support and maintain the ecosystems in which they exist. We use our conceptual model to guide future research directions and express the necessity for caution when extrapolating explanations of herbivory derived from data on trees to growth forms with fundamentally different ecologies.
Connecting power to protection: The political bases of language commissioners in Canada
Authors: McDougall Andrew
Published: March 2019

This article explores the connection between the strength of Canadian federal, provincial and territorial language regimes and the political power of the underlying language group. Although such regimes should ideally be constructed to defend languages that are vulnerable, they are more often based on the ability of a language group to organize politically to win the laws they want. Thus, many small linguistic groups, such as those in Nunavut, benefit from very strong protections given their demographic weight in the territory, while there are weaker protections for the Franco‐Ontarians, who are only a small minority in their province. Ultimately power matters a great deal in Canada when it comes to linguistic protection.
Is there performance convergence in OECD public administration styles?
Authors: Pina Vicente , Torres Lourdes , Martín Emilio
Published: March 2019

This article contributes to the assessment of the comparative evolution of the public sector performance, productivity and efficiency of 22 OECD countries in the first decade of this century. Overall results show that the average public sector productivity of Anglo‐Saxon countries is higher than that of European Continental and Nordic countries, but the inequality of the distribution of wealth is also bigger. Although the administrative culture of the countries studied influences the areas on which public policies are focused, there is more than one route to improve the performance and productivity of the public sector.
Local government, multilevel governance, and cluster‐based innovation policy: Economic cluster strategies in Canada’s city regions
Authors: Galvin Patrick
Published: March 2019

This article examines the relationship between local government economic development policy and multilevel governance, and investigates whether multilevel governance can be effectively implemented in key sectors, using two case studies of the aerospace and fashion sectors. This article seeks to answer the following questions: What inhibits the formation of multilevel collaborative governance institutions in these sectors? What implications does this have for urban economic development policy for the City of Toronto, and by extension, other cities across Canada? The case study evidence suggests that these institutions are forming in other cities such as Montreal and contributing to their success. So why is Toronto different?
Understanding frames: A qualitative exploration of standing frame use for young people with cerebral palsy in educational settings
Authors: Goodwin Jane , Lecouturier Jan , Smith Johanna , Crombie Sarah , Basu Anna , Parr Jeremy R. , Howel Denise , McColl Elaine , Roberts Andrew , Miller Keith , Cadwgan Jill
Published: March 2019

Background

Consensus opinion supports standing frame use as part of postural management for nonambulant young people with cerebral palsy. Most young people with cerebral palsy in the United Kingdom, who use standing frames, use them at nursery or school, rather than at home. In this paper we report professionals' and parents' experiences and views of standing frame use specifically in educational settings. This research was conducted as part of a large mixed methods study to determine the acceptability and inform the design of a future trial of standing frames.

Methods

Qualitative methods were used: focus groups with educational professionals, parents and clinicians (paediatricians, physiotherapists and occupational therapists) were convened. Data were analysed thematically using framework analysis.

Results

Five focus groups were conducted. The overarching theme “flexibility” encompassed four subordinate themes: (i) “balancing education and therapy,” which described the way education professionals had to juggle different priorities from health professionals within a multi‐disciplinary team; (ii) “young people's autonomy,” which highlighted participants' belief that standing frame use should be centred on the individual young person and their needs; (iii) “working within logistical boundaries,” which demonstrated that “ideal” standing frame use was not always possible due to logistical issues (e.g., staffing and standing frame availability); and (iv) “competence and confidence,” which highlighted that educational professionals felt that they lacked the training to confidently position young people in their standing frame.

Conclusions

This paper highlights the complexity of standing frame use in the educational setting. If a standing frame programme is prescribed to be delivered in an educational setting, strong multidisciplinary and interagency communication is essential to balance therapy versus education. Training is required to ensure staff are competent in using the standing frame with the young person understanding their individual requirements. A flexible approach—inclusive of the young person's needs, logistical demands and resource—is necessary.
A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating efficacy and adverse events of different types of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 delivery systems for alveolar ridge preservation
Authors: Jo Deuk‐Won , Cho Young‐Dan , Seol Yang‐Jo , Lee Yong‐Moo , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Kim Young‐Kyun
Published: March 2019

Objectives

This 12‐week clinical trial evaluated efficacy and adverse events for two recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) delivery systems in alveolar ridge preservation.

Materials and methods

Sixty‐four patients had a single tooth that required replacement with an implant, surrounded by > 50% alveolar bone height. Two cohorts (n = 32 patients each) were randomized to receive a rhBMP‐2‐soaked absorbable collagen sponge (test group), or β‐tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite particles (control group) immersed in rhBMP‐2, at the implant site. Bone height and width changes at 25%, 50%, and 75% of extraction socket level (ESL) were compared. Adverse events were assessed in the same period. In addition to the randomized controlled clinical trial, histological analysis of 21 patients (test group [n = 12], control group [n = 9]) was conducted, 4 months after alveolar ridge preservation. A non‐inferiority test was used to analyze changes in alveolar bone height between groups (p = 0.05). A Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used to analyze changes in alveolar bone width and histomorphometric results between groups (p = 0.05).

Results

All patients showed good healing without severe adverse events. The lower limit of the one‐sided 97.5% confidence interval in the difference between the two groups was 0.0033 (non‐inferiority margin: −0.185); thus, the test group showed non‐inferiority to the control group. Wilcoxon rank‐sum test analysis did not show statistically significant differences between groups with regard to changes in alveolar bone width and histomorphometric analysis.

Conclusions

The delivery systems showed similar efficacy for alveolar ridge preservation without severe adverse events.
Effect of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Zhou Mi , Liu Nanxin , Zhang Qi , Tian Taoran , Ma Quanquan , Zhang Tao , Cai Xiaoxiao
Published: March 2019

Objective

To explore the effects and underlying biological mechanisms of tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDNs) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs).

Materials and methods

Real‐time cell analysis (RTCA) and CCK8 were used to screen the best concentration of TDN for PDLSCs. Cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were assessed after PDLSCs were treated with TDN. Data were analysed using one‐way ANOVA.

Results

Tetrahedral DNA nanostructures could play a crucial role in accelerating the proliferation of PDLSCs and had the strongest promotive effect on PDLSCs at a concentration of 250 nmol/L. Simultaneously, the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs could be promoted significantly by TDNs and the finding displayed that the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway might be the underlying biological mechanisms of TDNs on promoting the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs.

Conclusion

Tetrahedral DNA nanostructure treatment facilitated the proliferation of PDLSCs, significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation by regulating the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Therefore, TDNs could be a novel nanomaterial with great potential for application to PDLSC‐based bone tissue engineering.
5‐ARI induces autophagy of prostate epithelial cells through suppressing IGF‐1 expression in prostate fibroblasts
Authors: Yang Bo‐Yu , Jiang Chen‐Yi , Dai Chen‐Yun , Zhao Rui‐Zhe , Wang Xing‐Jie , Zhu Yi‐Ping , Qian Yu‐Xin , Yin Fu‐Li , Fu Xiang‐Yu , Jing Yi‐Feng , Han Bang‐Min , Xia Shu‐Jie , Ruan Yuan
Published: March 2019

Objectives

5α‐reductase inhibitor (5‐ARI) is a commonly used medicine in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our study mainly focuses on the mechanism of BPH development after 5ARI treatment.

Materials and Methods

Prostate specimens from patients were collected. Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), Beclin‐1, LC3 levels, was analysed by immunohistochemistry. The role IGF‐1 on autophagic flux in prostate epithelial cells was studied. Additionally, effect of autophagy on recombinant grafts consisting of prostate stromal and epithelial cells in nude mice was investigated.

Results

We demonstrated that IGF‐1 expression is down‐regulated in prostate fibroblasts after long‐term 5‐ARI application. A decrease in IGF‐1 levels was found to activate autophagic flux through the mTOR pathway in prostate epithelial cells, while the inhibition of IGF‐1 receptor function induced autophagy in prostate epithelial cells. In addition, we revealed that blocking autophagic flux initiation can reduce the volume of recombinant grafts in vivo. Finally, our findings suggest that long‐term 5‐ARI application reduces IGF‐1 secretion by prostatic stromal cells, thereby inducing autophagy of prostatic epithelial cells, which is one of the mechanisms underlying BPH pathogenesis and progression.

Conclusions

Focusing on the autophagy induced by low levels of IGF‐1 in prostatic epithelial cells, after elucidating AR signalling impairment of prostate stromal cells, might provide a novel strategy for the treatment and prevention of BPH development.
Measuring ambulation with wrist‐based and hip‐based activity trackers for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Sala Debra A , Grissom Helyn E , Delsole Edward M , Chu Mary Lynn , Godfried David H , Bhattacharyya Surjya , Karamitopoulos Mara S , Chu Alice
Published: March 2019

Aim

To assess the accuracy of consumer available wrist‐based and hip‐based activity trackers in quantitatively measuring ambulation in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

Thirty‐nine children (23 males, 16 females; mean age [SD] 9y 7mo [3y 5mo]; range 4–15y) with CP were fitted with trackers both on their wrist and hip. Each participant stood for 3 minutes, ambulated in a hallway, and sat for 3 minutes. The number of steps and distance were recorded on trackers and compared to manually counted steps and distance. Pearson correlation coefficients were determined for the number of steps during ambulation from each tracker and a manual count. Mean absolute error (MAE) and range of errors were calculated for steps during ambulation for each tracker and a manual count and for distance for each tracker and hallway distance.

Results

For the number of steps, a weak inverse relationship (r=−0.033) was found for the wrist‐based tracker and a strong positive relationship (r=0.991) for the hip‐based tracker. The MAE was 88 steps for the wrist‐based and seven steps for the hip‐based tracker. The MAE for distance was 0.06 miles for the wrist‐based and 0.07 miles for the hip‐based tracker.

Interpretation

Only the hip‐based tracker provided an accurate step count; neither tracker was accurate for distance. Thus, ambulation of children with CP can be accurately quantified with readily available trackers.

What this paper adds

Consumer available activity trackers accurately measure ambulation in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

The hip‐based tracker is more accurate than the wrist‐based tracker for children with CP.

The hip‐based Fitbit activity tracker accurately measures step counts of children with CP during ambulation.
Applying the Experience Effectiveness (XE) Framework in the Canadian Public Sector
Authors: Langham Jo'Anne , Paulsen Neil
Published: March 2019

Why is it so hard to interact with government services? The public sector has become citizen centered in designing and collaborating with the community to improve service. Even though governments invest in efforts to ensure public administration is aligned with the needs of the community, services still fail to meet the standards provided by equivalent private‐sector organizations. Citizen experiences fall short of expectations due to inadequate performance evaluation for the delivery of integrated and well‐designed services. Public‐sector performance measures must assess and include the impact that services have on citizens. This article describes the extension and further development of the Experience Effectiveness (XE) Measurement Framework. If properly utilized, public‐sector organizations can implement the framework to evaluate the effectiveness of citizen experiences based on human‐centered, universal, and systems‐thinking heuristics. Through a multiphase mixed‐method design, we test the XE Framework and its operational development with two projects in the Innovation Lab for the Canadian Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. The case studies demonstrate that the XE Framework clearly differentiates the quality of the experience and identifies areas for improvement. Results also indicate that the bureaucracy distorted the creation and delivery of the service citizens received. Organizational culture, climate, structures, and values significantly shape the outcome and provision of government services, which raises further questions about design and innovation in public administration and the role of accountability.
Co‐Design for the Development of New Knowledge and Practices in Not‐for‐Profit Organizations
Authors: Lam Busayawan , Pitsaki Irini
Published: March 2019

This article focuses on a specific form of collaboration between academic researchers and practitioners: co‐design. Generally, the strategic use of co‐design is considered to be beneficial because, among other reasons, it better aligns outcomes to user needs. In addition, active stakeholder participation engenders new network developments and strengthens existing links. Despite this, the extent to which the co‐design approach could be used to foster new knowledge and/or practices is hardly explored. Thus, our research applied co‐design methods to organizational practices and examined how they may bring about benefits for academic researchers and practitioners collaborating in the context of not‐for‐profit organizations. According to our findings, all stakeholders considered co‐design to be useful, as it helped them achieve desirable outcomes in a more inclusive and collaborative manner. The findings confirmed a number of benefits, among them confidence building. The size of organizations did not appear to affect the process or the outcomes. While most knowledge co‐created through these types of projects tends to be practical in nature, new theoretical knowledge was generated through critical examination of the process/results as well as through individual/group reflection. We consider this aspect to be particularly useful for other researchers and practitioners interested in applying co‐design principles to the not‐for‐profit sector.
Prosthetic aortic valve thrombosis: To fibrinolyse or not to fibrinolyse? That is the question!
Authors: Barroso Freitas‐Ferraz Afonso , Beaudoin William , Couture Christian , Perron Jean , Sénéchal Mario
Published: March 2019

Prosthetic heart valve (PHV) dysfunction is a rare but serious complication whose optimal management may be challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment success ultimately depends on determining the underlying mechanism of valve dysfunction by echocardiography. However, being able to establish the main etiology is not always straightforward. We present a difficult case of obstructive PHV dysfunction and discuss clinical and echocardiographic parameters to help differentiate thrombus from pannus formation.
Predicting stroke in patients without atrial fibrillation
Authors: Steensig Kamilla , Olesen Kevin K. W. , Thim Troels , Nielsen Jens C. , Madsen Morten , Jensen Svend E. , Jensen Lisette O. , Kristensen Steen D. , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Maeng Michael
Published: March 2019

Background

Only few studies in selected cohorts have examined whether the CHA2DS2‐VASc score can predict the risk of atrial fibrillation and thromboembolic events in patients without atrial fibrillation.

Materials and methods

Patients with coronary angiography performed between 2004 and 2012 were grouped according to CHA2DS2‐VASc score. We excluded patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant therapy and follow‐up <30 days. The endpoints were atrial fibrillation and a composite of ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack and systemic embolism. Event rates per 100 person‐years were estimated for each CHA2DS2‐VASc score (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and >4). Incidence rate ratios were calculated using low‐risk patients (CHA2DS2‐VASc score 0 in males or 1 in females) as reference.

Results

In total, 78 233 patients were included with group sizes varying between 8299 (CHA2DS2‐VASc >4) and 19 882 (CHA2DS2‐VASc 2). An increasing CHA2DS2‐VASc score was significantly associated with a future diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (P for trend <0.0001) and an incremental risk of ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, systemic embolism (P for trend <0.0001) and all‐cause death (P for trend <0.0001). Patients with a CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 3 had a rate of ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack/systemic embolism of 1.30 per 100 person‐years.

Conclusions

Among patients undergoing coronary angiography, the CHA2DS2‐VASc score predicted a future diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and the composite risk of ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack or systemic embolism in patients without atrial fibrillation. A CHA2DS2‐VASc score of 3 was associated with a risk that would justify prophylactic oral anticoagulation treatment in a patient with atrial fibrillation.
Comparing developmental stability in unisexual and bisexual rock lizards of the genusDarevskia
Authors: Abramjan Andran , Frýdlová Petra , Jančúchová‐Lásková Jitka , Suchomelová Petra , Landová Eva , Yavruyan Eduard , Frynta Daniel
Published: March 2019

Parthenogenetic species are usually considered to be short‐lived due to the accumulation of adverse mutations, lack of genetic variability, and inability to adapt to changing environment. If so, one may expect that the phenotype of clonal organisms may reflect such genetic and/or environmental stress. To test this hypothesis, we compared the developmental stability of bisexual and parthenogenetic lizards of the genusDarevskia. We assessed asymmetries in three meristic traits: ventral, preanal, and supratemporal scales. Our results suggest that the amount of ventral and preanal asymmetries is significantly higher in clones compared with their maternal, but not paternal, progenitor species. However, it is questionable, whether this is a consequence of clonality, as it may be considered a mild form of outbreeding depression as well. Moreover, most ventral asymmetries were found in the bisexual speciesDarevskia valentini. We suggest that greater differences in asymmetry levels among bisexuals may be, for instance, a consequence of the population size: the smaller the population, the higher the inbreeding and the developmental instability. On the basis of the traits examined in this study, the parthenogens do not seem to be of significantly poorer quality.
Pre‐ and post‐ingestive defenses affect larval feeding on a lethal invasive host plant
Authors: Steward Rachel A. , Fisher Lydia M. , Boggs Carol L.
Published: March 2019

Evolutionary traps arise when organisms use novel, low‐quality or even lethal resources based on previously reliable cues. Persistence of such maladaptive interactions depends not only on how individuals locate important resources, such as host plants, but also the mechanisms underlying poor performance. Pieris macdunnoughii (Remington) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) lays eggs on a non‐native mustard, Thlaspi arvense (L.) (Brassicaceae), which is lethal to the larvae. We first tested whether larval feeding behavior was affected before (pre‐) ingestion or following (post‐) ingestion of leaf material, indicating activity of feeding deterrents, toxins, or both in this evolutionary trap. Neonates were less likely to start feeding and eventually fed more slowly on T. arvense than on the native host plant Cardamine cordifolia (Gray) (Brassicaceae) in both laboratory and field. Starvation was a primary cause of mortality, indicating the role of a feeding deterrent. Feeding did not differ between larvae from invaded and uninvaded population. Second, T. arvense defensive chemistry is dominated by the glucosinolate sinigrin (allyl or 2‐propenyl glucosinolate). Adding sinigrin to the leaves of T. arvense and native hosts C. cordifolia and Descurainia incana (Bernhardi ex Fischer & Meyer) (Brassicaceae) delayed the onset of feeding, caused larvae to feed more slowly, and decreased survival on the native hosts. This evolutionary trap may not be driven by a novel deterrent, but rather by a change in the concentration of a deterrent found in native hosts. Many insects have adapted to evolutionary traps posed by invasive plants, incorporating the new plant into their diets. Thlaspi arvense remains lethal to P. macdunnoughii, and pre‐ingestive deterrents such as excess sinigrin may contribute to persistent maladaptation.
Biweekly supplementation with Artemia spp. cysts allows efficient population establishment by Macrolophus pygmaeus in sweet pepper
Authors: Brenard Nathalie , Sluydts Vincent , Christianen Evi , Bosmans Lien , De Bruyn Luc , Moerkens Rob , Leirs Herwig
Published: March 2019

Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a generalist natural enemy that is used to control multiple pest species in a variety of horticultural crops. The bugs are released at the start of the crop cycle to allow them to establish and build up a population in the crop that can control pest infestations later in the season. To facilitate population growth and dispersal in protected sweet pepper crops, Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae), food should be supplemented in a full‐field fashion during the first 6–8 weeks after introduction. To reduce the costs of food supplementation, we investigated whether fewer applications could produce similar results in terms of population growth and dispersal within the greenhouse. First, a cage experiment was carried out in which a weekly and biweekly application rate was tested for three food sources: cysts of brine shrimps Artemia spp. (Anostraca: Artemiidae), eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and a commercial mix of the two. Artemia spp. cysts resulted in the largest M. pygmaeus populations. There was no difference in population size between the two application rates for any of the food sources. Second, a greenhouse experiment was set up to test both application rates for Artemia spp. cysts under conditions mimicking commercial practice. Again, no difference in population size was observed between a weekly and a biweekly application rate. This insight is good news for growers, as they can use the least expensive food source and they need fewer applications to successfully introduce M. pygmaeus in protected sweet pepper crops.
Intraspecific response ofPinus taedaL. toGrosmannia huntiiandLeptographium terebrantisinfection
Authors: Devkota Pratima , Eckhardt Lori G.
Published: March 2019

We examined intraspecific and inter‐year variation in tolerance ofPinus taedato two ophiostomatoid fungi,Leptographium terebrantisandGrosmannia huntii. Containerized seedlings ofP. taedafrom 27, 32, 17 and 23 different elite genetic families were artificially inoculated withL. terebrantisandG. huntiiin years 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Six connector families were inoculated every year. Eight weeks post‐inoculation, lesion and occlusion were measured on each seedling to determine the relative susceptibility/tolerance of families to these fungi.Pinus taedafamilies widely differed in these parameters suggesting intraspecific variation in the susceptibility/tolerance to the inoculated pathogens. The overall tolerance of the connector families to these fungi varied among the experimental years. These results showed that intraspecific variation toL. terebrantisandG. huntiiexists amongP. taedafamilies and it could be possible to select tolerant families to minimize the potential impact due to these fungi.
Sensitivity of global soil carbon stocks to combined nutrient enrichment
Authors: Crowther T. W. , Riggs C. , Lind E. M. , Borer E. T. , Seabloom E. W. , Hobbie S. E. , Wubs J. , Adler P. B. , Firn J. , Gherardi L. , Hagenah N. , Hofmockel K. S. , Knops J. M. H. , McCulley R. L. , MacDougall A. S. , Peri P. L. , Prober S. M. , Stevens C. J. , Routh D.
Published: March 2019

Soil stores approximately twice as much carbon as the atmosphere and fluctuations in the size of the soil carbon pool directly influence climate conditions. We used the Nutrient Network global change experiment to examine how anthropogenic nutrient enrichment might influence grassland soil carbon storage at a global scale. In isolation, enrichment of nitrogen and phosphorous had minimal impacts on soil carbon storage. However, when these nutrients were added in combination with potassium and micronutrients, soil carbon stocks changed considerably, with an average increase of 0.04 KgCm−2 year−1 (standard deviation 0.18 KgCm−2 year−1). These effects did not correlate with changes in primary productivity, suggesting that soil carbon decomposition may have been restricted. Although nutrient enrichment caused soil carbon gains most dry, sandy regions, considerable absolute losses of soil carbon may occur in high‐latitude regions that store the majority of the world's soil carbon. These mechanistic insights into the sensitivity of grassland carbon stocks to nutrient enrichment can facilitate biochemical modelling efforts to project carbon cycling under future climate scenarios.
Rater Certification Tests: A Psychometric Approach
Authors: Attali Yigal
Published: March 2019

Rater training is an important part of developing and conducting large‐scale constructed‐response assessments. As part of this process, candidate raters have to pass a certification test to confirm that they are able to score consistently and accurately before they begin scoring operationally. Moreover, many assessment programs require raters to pass a calibration test before every scoring shift. To support the high‐stakes decisions made on the basis of rater certification tests, a psychometric approach for their development, analysis, and use is proposed. The circumstances and uses of these tests suggest that they are expected to have relatively low reliability. This expectation is supported by empirical data. Implications for the development and use of these tests to ensure their quality are discussed.
Multiobjective evolutionary feature selection and fuzzy classification of contact centre data
Authors: Brunello Andrea , Jiménez Fernando , Marzano Enrico , Montanari Angelo , Sánchez Gracia , Sciavicco Guido
Published: March 2019

In this work, a data set describing phone interactions arising in a multichannel and multiskill contact centre is considered with the aim of classifying inbound sessions into those that will be eventually managed by an agent and those that, instead, will be abandoned before. More precisely, the goal of the work is to extract interpretable pieces of information that allow us to predict whether a user will or will not abandon a call, which may turn out to be very useful for the purpose of contact centre managing. To this end, the performance of two well‐known, state‐of‐the‐art evolutionary algorithms for feature selection (evolutionary nondominated radial slots based algorithm and nondominated sorted genetic algorithm) is compared for the task of feature selection, under the criteria of accuracy and cardinality of the selection, as well as for the task of fuzzy rule extraction, under the criteria of interpretability, accuracy, and hypervolume test. The best obtained fuzzy classifier, chosen after a decision making process, is validated and interpreted by domain experts.
Diel vertical migration of sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)
Authors: Sigler Michael F. , Echave Katy B.
Published: March 2019

To investigate their diel vertical migration (DVM), 599 sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) were implanted with electronic archival tags in the Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands, and the eastern Bering Sea. Of these tags, 98 were recovered with usable depth data (7,852,773 recordings representing 81,233 days) that we used to identify DVM and to classify DVM into one of two types: normal DVM (rise from the bottom during nighttime) and reverse DVM (rise from the bottom during daytime). The results of our study highlight three important attributes of DVM for sablefish. First, all tagged sablefish carried out DVM, although the occurrence was intermittent (26% of the days with usable data) and most commonly for short durations (10 days or less). Second, bottom depth for normal DVM was about 78 m shallower than for reverse DVM. Third, normal DVM occurred most often in fall and least often in spring, whereas this high/low pattern was shifted about 3 months later for reverse DVM; reverse DVM occurred most often in winter and least often in summer. Normal DVM likely occurred to increase foraging opportunity (e.g., nightly shift to match depth of prey). Reverse DVM more commonly occurred during winter and may represent an increase in foraging by sablefish during the daytime to compensate for decreased pelagic resources. The default foraging strategy for sablefish may be benthic because of the uncertainty of vertically migrating to a location where the occurrence of prey is not guaranteed; sablefish may invoke DVM when the non‐DVM foraging benefit is reduced.
Fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome: Regional decrease of mitochondrial DNA copy number relates to clinical manifestations
Authors: Alvarez‐Mora Maria I. , Podlesniy Petar , Gelpi Ellen , Hukema Renate , Madrigal Irene , Pagonabarraga Javier , Trullas Ramon , Mila Montserrat , Rodriguez‐Revenga Laia
Published: March 2019

Fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late‐onset neurodegenerative disorder that appears in at least one‐third of adult carriers of a premutation (55‐200 CGG repeats) in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Several studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction may play a central role in aging and also in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease as well as in FXTAS. It has been recently proposed that mtDNA copy number, measured by the number of mitochondrial genomes per nuclear genome (diploid), could be a useful biomarker of mitochondrial dysfunction. In order to elucidate the role of mtDNA variation in the pathogenesis of FXTAS, mtDNA copy number was quantified by digital droplet Polymerase chain reaction. In human brain samples, mtDNA levels were measured in the cerebellar vermis, dentate nucleus, parietal and temporal cortex, thalamus, caudate nucleus and hippocampus from a female FXTAS patient, a FMR1 premutation male carrier without FXTAS and from three male controls. The mtDNA copy number was further analyzed using this technology in dermal fibroblasts primary cultures derived from three FXTAS patients and three controls as well as in cortex and cerebellum of a CGG knock in FXTAS mice model. Finally, qPCR was carried out in human blood samples. Results indicate reduced mtDNA copy number in the specific brain region associated with disease progression in FXTAS patients, providing new insights into the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of FXTAS.
Association between sarcopenia and depressive mood in urban‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hayashi Takahiro , Umegaki Hiroyuki , Makino Taeko , Cheng Xian W , Shimada Hiroyuki , Kuzuya Masafumi
Published: March 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between depressive mood and diagnostic components of sarcopenia.

Methods

The study used baseline data of participants in the Toyota Prevention Intervention for Cognitive Decline and Sarcopenia study. Participants in this cross‐sectional study were 432 older adults (46.5% women, mean age 72.5 ± 4.7 years). We defined sarcopenia using the diagnostic algorithm recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, and all participants were classified into a sarcopenia or healthy control group. The skeletal muscle mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance. Depressive mood was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale‐15 (range 0–15).

Results

Among the 432 participants, 9.5% were classified as having sarcopenia. The mean ± SD Geriatric Depression Scale‐15 scores in the control and sarcopenia groups were significantly different at 3.9 ± 2.8 and 5.3 ± 3.3, respectively (P = 0.003). Furthermore, depressive mood was significantly more prevalent in the sarcopenia group (P = 0.011). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the Geriatric Depression Scale score was associated with grip strength (β = −0.23, P = 0.004) and walking speed (β = −0.15, P = 0.006), but not skeletal muscle mass index (β = −0.16, P = 0.142), after controlling for demographic factors, chronic diseases, inflammatory markers and physical activity.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia was associated with depressive mood. In terms of the diagnostic components of sarcopenia, depressive mood was not associated with decreased muscle mass, but was associated with low muscle strength and low physical performance. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 508–512.
Kinematics of a novel reciprocating endodontic handpiece
Authors: Orhan E. O. , Irmak O. , Ertuğrul I. F.
Published: March 2019

Aim

To analyse the kinematics of the Reciproc Direct® contra‐angle reciprocating device with different motor sources. 

Methodology

Reciproc Direct contra‐angle (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) was tested with new micro‐motor sources. The micro‐motor groups were as follows: a brushless electric micro‐motor, a brushed electric micro‐motor and an air‐driven micro‐motor. The electric micro‐motor sources were also divided into four subgroups as 10 000, 15 000, 20 000 and 25 000 rpm. The maximum air pressure of the air‐driven micro‐motor was adjusted to 2 and 3 kgf cm−2. A custom target object was attached to the Reciproc Direct, and reciprocating motions were recorded with a high‐speed camera at 1200 frames per second. The following kinematic parameters were calculated: duration of each reciprocating motion, engaging and disengaging angles, cycle rotational speeds, engaging and disengaging rotational speeds, net cycle angle, total cycle angle and number of cycles to complete full rotation. One‐way anova was used where applicable, followed by Tukey's multiple comparison tests, to compare the kinematic values of reciprocating motion for each micro‐motor/Reciproc Direct combination. The Kruskal–Wallis test followed by Dunn's multiple comparison test was used for non‐normally distributed data. Statistical analysis was performed (α = 0.05).

Results

For the brushless micro‐motor, median engaging angle was 186.5 ° at 10 000 rpm and 188.0 ° at 15 000 rpm which were significantly different than median engaging angles at 20 000 (188.5 °) and 25 000 (189.3 °) rpm (P < 0.05). For the brushless micro‐motor, median cycle rotational speed was 372.5 rpm at 10 000 and 459.8 rpm at 15 000 rpm which were significantly different than median cycle rotational speed at 20 000 (576.2 rpm) and 25 000 (677.8 rpm) rpm (P < 0.05). For the brushed micro‐motor, median cycle rotational speed was 293.5 rpm at 10 000 and 386.3 rpm at 15 000 rpm which were significantly different than median cycle rotational speed at 20 000 (508.9 rpm) and 25 000 (597.6 rpm) rpm (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Rotational speeds were influenced significantly by motor sources even when the Reciproc Direct was used at speeds recommended by the manufacturer. This could indicate that the kinematics of the Reciproc Direct are dependent on the power of the rotating motor.
Role of CD97 small isoform in human cervical carcinoma
Authors: He Ying , Xu Lian , Feng Min , Wang Wei
Published: March 2019

Various studies revealed that elevated expression of CD97 in carcinomas is associated with the dedifferentiation, aggressiveness and metastasis of tumour. CD97 is a protein member of the epidermal growth factor seven‐transmembrane (EGF‐TM7) family of class II TM7 receptors. Our previous study suggested that the overexpression of CD97 in cervical cancer was correlated with the aggressiveness of the tumour and that CD97 might be an independent poor prognostic factor for cervical cancer patients. Based on these data, we have investigated the role of CD97 small isoform in cervical cancer proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Three cervical cancer cell lines were tested and the CD97 small isoform was found to be expressed predominantly in the SiHa cells. The mobile and invasive ability of different cervical cancer cell lines was not correlated positively with total CD97 protein expression but was with the level of the CD97 small isoform. Functional significance was assessed 48 hours after transient knockdown using siRNA targeting CD97 small isoform (CD97/EGF1,2,5) or a scrambled control sequence in cervical cancer cell lines. As a result, decreased ability of migration and invasion was found in CD97 small isoform RNAi cells, which showed, however, no change in cell proliferation. This study shed light on the role of the CD97 small isoform in tumour progression and provides a basis for further studies to determine its function in vivo.
CARLo‐7—A plausible biomarker for bladder cancer
Authors: Amir Hina , Khan Mohammad Azam , Feroz Saima , Bibi Nazia , Nawaz Muhammad , Mehmood Arshad , Yousuf Arzu , Khawaja Mohammad Athar , Khadim Muhammad Tahir , Tariq Aamira
Published: March 2019

Cancer is defined as undifferentiated and unchecked growth of cells damaging the surrounding tissue. Cancers manifest altered gene expression. Gene expression is regulated by a diverse array of non‐protein‐coding RNA. Aberrant expression of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been recently found to have functional consequences in cancers. In the current study, we report CARLo‐7 as the only bladder cancer–specific lncRNA from the CARLos cluster. The expression of this lncRNA correlates with bladder cancer grade. We propose that CARLo‐7 has an oncogenic potential and might be regulator of cell proliferation. Furthermore, by comparison the expression of proto‐oncogene MYC, which is the only well‐annotated gene close to the cancer ‐ associated linkage disequilibrium blocks of this region, does not show a pronounced change in expression between the low‐ and high‐grade tumours. Our results indicate that CARlo‐7 can act as a prognostic marker for bladder cancer.