bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Social Working Memory in Preschoolers and Its Relation to Theory of Mind
Authors: He Jie , Guo Dong , Zhai Shuyi , Shen Mowei , Gao Zaifeng
Published: January 2018

Social working memory (WM) has distinct neural substrates from canonical cognitive WM (e.g., color). However, no study, to the best of our knowledge, has yet explored how social WM develops. The current study explored the development of social WM capacity and its relation to theory of mind (ToM). Experiment 1 had sixty‐four 3‐ to 6‐year‐olds memorize 1–5 biological motion stimuli, the processing of which is considered a hallmark of social cognition. The social WM capacity steadily increased between 3‐ and 6‐year‐olds, with the increase between 4 and 5 years being sharp. Furthermore, social WM capacity positively predicted preschoolers' ToM scores, while nonsocial WM capacity did not; this positive correlation was particularly strong among 4‐year‐olds (Experiment 2,N = 144).
Preoperative risk factors for haemodynamic instability during pheochromocytoma surgery in Chinese patients
Authors: Jiang Minchun , Ding Huanyu , Liang Ying , Tang Juying , Lin Ying , Xiang Kexu , Guo Ying , Zhang Shaoling
Published: January 2018

Objective

Pheochromocytoma surgery carries a high risk of haemodynamic instability (HI). However, there are few studies investigating the risk factors for HI for pheochromocytoma surgery in a Chinese population. Therefore, our objective was to identify preoperative risk factors for HI during surgery in a Chinese population with pheochromocytoma.

Patients and methods

In this retrospective study, 134 patients undergoing surgery for pheochromocytoma at a single university‐affiliated hospital between November 2002 and July 2017 were enrolled. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative medical preparation, operation details and perioperative haemodynamics of these patients were retrospectively collected and analysed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the preoperative risk factors for intraoperative HI.

Results

32.8% (44/134) patients suffered from intraoperative HI. According to the result of multivariate analysis, tumour diameter >50 mm (odds ratio [OR] 2.526; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.163–5.485; P = .019), diabetes/prediabetes (OR 2.251; 95% CI 1.039–4.876; P = .040) and preoperative systolic blood pressure fluctuation >50 mm Hg (OR 3.163; 95% CI 1.051–9.522, P = .041) were independent predictors for intraoperative HI. The observed incidence of HI was 8.9%, 42.6%, 47.8% and 60% when zero, one, two or three risk factors were present, respectively.

Conclusions

HI is common among Chinese patients undergoing surgery for pheochromocytoma. Our study identified three predictive factors for intraoperative HI: a large tumour diameter, diabetes/prediabetes and a great preoperative systolic blood pressure fluctuation. Furthermore, patients are more likely to suffer from HI when they have more predictive risk factors. Identification of these risk factors can help to improve perioperative management.
Dark butterflies camouflaged from predation in dark tropical forest understories
Authors: CHENG WENDA , XING SHUANG , CHEN YI , LIN RONG , BONEBRAKE TIMOTHY C. , NAKAMURA AKIHIRO
Published: January 2018

1. Morphological characteristics, especially coloration, are related to thermoregulation and camouflage, both of which are crucial for species survival and fitness. In cool environments such as the understorey of closed rainforests, darker organisms have thermal advantages and may be able to absorb heat more efficiently. However, such habitats are also suitable for darker organisms with respect to camouflage, making it difficult to elucidate whether the association of dark‐coloured organisms with shady environments is a consequence of thermal stress or predation pressure, or both.

2. In this study, butterfly communities were surveyed and artificial butterflies (mealworms attached to plastic sheeting to mimic adult butterflies) used to test whether differences in wing luminance are related to predation rates within open and closed habitats in monsoonal tropical forests of southwestern China.

3. Using artificial butterflies, significantly lower predation rates were found for dark‐coloured artificial butterflies within closed habitats, whereas such relationships were not found within open habitats. It was found that actual butterfly communities were also significantly darker in closed than in open habitats.

4. These results demonstrate that darker colours may have the effect of reducing predation rates in shady environments and that different habitat types can have contrasting effects on luminance and therefore predation risk.
Effects of long‐term irrigation on soil phosphorus under temperate grazed pasture
Authors: Boitt G. , Tian J. , Black A. , Wakelin S. A. , Condron L. M.
Published: January 2018

The effect of 62 years of different irrigation regimes on the amounts, forms and distribution of phosphorus (P) in the soil profile to 100 cm under grazed pasture was determined. Irrigation treatments included nil irrigation (base average rainfall of 740 mm year−1; control), together with flood irrigation applied when gravimetric moisture (GM) in the topsoil decreased below 10 or 20% (i.e. rainfall +260 mm year−1of supplemental irrigation [irrigation10%GM] and rainfall +770 mm year−1[irrigation20%GM], respectively). Phosphorus fertilizer in the form of single superphosphate was applied annually at the rate of 23 kg P ha−1to all treatments. Total soil profile P was smallest under the large rate of irrigation (5054 kg P ha−1) compared with the small rate (5908 kg P ha−1) and the control (6423 kg P ha−1), which was attributed mainly to changes in inorganic P. These data indicated that markedly more P was removed, transferred or lost under irrigation. Substantial increases in pasture production and animal grazing capacity occurred in response to irrigation, which in turn resulted in increased removal and transfer of P in animal products, animal excreta (stock camp transfer and irrigation outwash) and by leaching. Thus, combined annual removal of P in animal products, internal dung transfer and loss in irrigation outwash were directly related to irrigation frequency and increased from 8 to 18.6 kg P ha−1for the irrigation10%GMand irrigation20%GMtreatments, respectively.

Highlights

Examined effect of 62 years of irrigation on phosphorus in the soil profile to 100 cm.

Phosphorus fertilizer was applied annually at the same rate to all treatments.

Total soil profile P decreased with irrigation and was smallest under the large rate of irrigation.

P removal and transfer or loss increased with irrigation frequency.
The dark side of Lepidoptera: Colour lightness of geometrid moths decreases with increasing latitude
Authors: Heidrich Lea , Friess Nicolas , Fiedler Konrad , Brändle Martin , Hausmann Axel , Brandl Roland , Zeuss Dirk
Published: January 2018

Aim

The observed decrease in insect colour lightness with increasing latitude has been explained in earlier macroecological studies by the increased solar absorption of dark coloration, which allows extended periods of activity. However, melanin‐based dark coloration also protects against pathogens and ultraviolet radiation, which select for dark coloration at low latitudes where these selection pressures intensify. In nocturnal insects, the relative importance of these protective functions of dark coloration is expected to surpass thermoregulatory functions, as nocturnal species cannot benefit from extended periods of activity during the daytime. Hence, we expected that diurnal and nocturnal insects show contrasting geographical patterns of colour lightness. We tested these predictions using geometrid moths, which comprise both diurnal and nocturnal species.

Location

Western Palearctic.

Time period

Contemporary.

Major taxa studied

Geometridae (Lepidoptera).

Methods

We used digital image analysis to assess the colour lightness of 637 species, compiled their distribution across 3,777 grid cells of 50 km × 50 km and calculated the assemblage‐based average colour lightness. We used multiple regressions, autoregressive error models and randomizations to test for relationships between colour lightness and environmental variables associated with the thermal environment, putative pathogen pressure and ultraviolet radiation.

Results

We found a clear decrease in colour lightness of assemblages of both diurnal and nocturnal moth species with increasing latitude. In every model, solar radiation was the most important predictor of colour lightness; that is, colour lightness consistently increased with increasing solar radiation.

Main conclusions

These results indicate that the thermal environment is the most influential climatic driver of insect colour lightness—independent of thermoregulatory strategy and nocturnal or diurnal activity. This challenges the view that extended periods of activity are the main selection pressure for geographical variation in insect colour lightness. Consequently, the relationship between insect colour lightness and the thermal environment might be more general than previously thought.
Efficient identification of compounds suppressing protein precipitation via solvent screening using serial deletion mutants of the target protein
Authors: Yunoki Kaori , Yoshinaga Sosuke , Takeda Mitsuhiro , Nagano Ryohei , Tsuchiya Yusuke , Sonoda Akihiro , Tsuji Tatsuichiro , Hirakane Makoto , Toda Etsuko , Terashima Yuya , Matsushima Kouji , Terasawa Hiroaki
Published: January 2018

The control of protein solubility is a subject of broad interest. Although several solvent screening methods are available to search for compounds that enhance protein solubilization, their performance is influenced by the intrinsic solubility of the tested protein. We now present a method for screening solubilizing compounds, using an array of N‐ or C‐terminal deletion mutants of the protein. A key behind this approach is that such terminal deletions of the protein affect its aggregation propensity. The solubilization activities of trial solvents are individually assessed, based on the number of solubilized mutants. The solubilizing compounds are then identified from the screened solvents. In this study, the C‐terminal chemokine receptor‐binding region of the cytoplasmic protein, FROUNT (FNT‐C), which mediates intracellular signals leading to leukocyte migration, was subjected to the multicomponent screening. In total, 192 solution conditions were tested, using eight terminal deletion mutants of FNT‐C. We identified five solvent conditions that solubilized four or five mutants of FNT‐C, and the compounds in the screened solvents were then, respectively, assessed in terms of their solubilization ability. The best compound for solubilizing FNT‐C was 1,6‐hexanediol. Indeed, 1,6‐hexanediol bound to FNT‐C and suppressed its precipitation, as showed by NMR and dynamic light scattering analyses.
A phase diagram of Ba1‐xCaxTiO3 (x = 0‐0.30) piezoceramics by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Shu Chang , Reed Daniel , Button Tim W.
Published: January 2018

Piezoelectric ceramics are widely used in sensors, actuators, and ultrasonic transducers due to their ability to achieve efficient conversion between electric and mechanical energy. There is a current drive toward lead‐free material systems capable of achieving comparable piezoelectric performance to environmentally hazardous, but commonly used, lead‐based materials such as lead zirconate titanate. This work constructs an accurate phase diagram for barium calcium titanate (Ba1‐xCaxTiO3 or BCTO). The substitution of Ca2+ on the Ba‐site of BCTO is of much interest due to electric property improvements compared to BaTiO3. In this work, Ba1‐xCaxTiO3 (x = 0‐0.30) samples have been made by solid‐state methods and, following initial characterization by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), evaluation of changes in the Raman spectra has allowed accurate determination of the phase transition temperatures and the construction of a phase diagram.
The long‐QT syndrome and exercise practice: The never‐ending debate
Authors: Mascia Giuseppe , Arbelo Elena , Solimene Francesco , Giaccardi Marzia , Brugada Ramon , Brugada Josep
Published: January 2018

Today, understanding the true risk of adverse events in long‐QT syndrome (LQTS) populations may be extremely complex and potentially dependent on many factors such as the affected gene, mutation location, degree of QTc prolongation, age, sex, and other yet unknown factors. In this context, risk stratification by genotype in LQTS patients has been extremely difficult, also during exercise practice, especially due to the lack of studies that would lead to a better understanding of the natural history of each mutation and its impact upon athletes. The creation of individualized guidelines for sport participation is a goal yet to be achieved not only due to the complexity of genotype effect on the phenotype in this patient population, but also due to penetrance in genotype‐positive patients. This article summarizes current knowledge and raises questions concerning the difficult relationship between exercise practice and LQTS.
Effects of aging, gender, and hypogonadism on mandibular bone density
Authors: Armada Luciana , de Castro Brasil Sabrina , Armada‐Dias Luci , Bezerra Juciléia , Pereira Rosa M. R. , Takayama Lilian , Moreira Morais dos Santos Rachel , Gonçalves Lucio S. , Nascimento‐Saba Celly C. A.
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate how aging, sex, and hypogonadism influence mandibular bone density with and without the benefits of hormone treatment.

Methods

Three‐month old Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, with eights animals per group: controls, castrated (orchiectomized [ORX], ovariectomized [OVX]) and castrated with hormonal treatment (ORX + testosterone, OVX + estradiol benzoate). Females were previously evaluated by vaginal cytology. The corporal mass was verified weekly, and after three experimental periods (90, 120, and 150 days), the animals were killed. Blood was collected, and bones underwent densitometric and biomechanical analyses.

Results

After castration, the male rats demonstrated low gain in body weight compared to females (P < .05). Male and female castrated animals presented serum concentrations of sex steroid hormones lower than the control group (P < .05). Bone mineral density and biomechanical properties of the L4 vertebrae and femur were reduced earlier in females than in males (P < .05). However, mandibles were affected only in the male rats at the most chronic experimental period.

Conclusion

Hypogonadism promotes alterations in the mandible over chronic periods, especially in males, and these alterations could be minimized by hormone treatment.
Validated multi‐step approach for in vivo recording and analysis of optogenetically evoked glutamate in the mouse globus pallidus
Authors: Viereckel Thomas , Konradsson‐Geuken Åsa , Wallén‐Mackenzie Åsa
Published: January 2018

Precise quantification of extracellular glutamate concentrations upon neuronal activation is crucial for the understanding of brain function and neurological disorders. While optogenetics is an outstanding method for the correlation between distinct neurons and their role in circuitry and behavior, the electrochemically inactive nature of glutamate has proven challenging for recording upon optogenetic stimulations. This difficulty is due to the necessity for using enzyme‐coated microelectrodes and the risk for light‐induced artifacts. In this study, we establish a method for the combination of in vivo optogenetic stimulation with selective measurement of glutamate concentrations using enzyme‐coated multielectrode arrays and amperometry. The glutamatergic subthalamic nucleus (STN), which is the main electrode target site in deep brain stimulation treatment of advanced Parkinson′s disease, has recently proven opotogenetically targetable in Pitx2‐Cre‐transgenic mice and was here used as model system. Upon stereotactic injection of viral Channelrhodopsin2‐eYFP constructs into the STN, amperometric recordings were performed at a range of optogenetic stimulation frequencies in the globus pallidus, the main STN target area, in anesthetized mice. Accurate quantification was enabled through a multi‐step analysis approach based on self‐referencing microelectrodes and repetition of the experimental protocol at two holding potentials, which allowed for the identification, isolation and removal of photoelectric and photoelectrochemical artifacts. This study advances the field of in vivo glutamate detection with combined optogenetics and amperometric recordings by providing a validated analysis framework for application in a wide variety of glutamate‐based approaches in neuroscience.

image
Evaluating fundamentals of care: The development of a unit‐level quality measurement and improvement programme
Authors: Parr Jenny M , Bell Jeanette , Koziol‐McLain Jane
Published: January 2018

Aims and objectives

The project aimed to develop a unit‐level quality measurement and improvement programme using evidence‐based fundamentals of care.

Background

Feedback from patients, families, whānau, staff and audit data in 2014 indicated variability in the delivery of fundamental aspects of care such as monitoring, nutrition, pain management and environmental cleanliness at a New Zealand District Health Board.

Design

A general inductive approach was used to explore the fundamentals of care and design a measurement and improvement programme, the Patient and Whānau Centred Care Standards (PWCCS), focused on fundamental care.

Methods

Five phases were used to explore the evidence, and design and test a measurement and improvement framework.

Results

Nine identified fundamental elements of care were used to define expected standards of care and develop and test a measurement and improvement framework. Four six‐monthly peer reviews have been undertaken since June 2015. Charge Nurse Managers used results to identify quality improvements. Significant improvement was demonstrated overall, in six of the 27 units, in seven of the nine standards and three of the four measures. In all, 89% (n = 24) of units improved their overall result.

Conclusion

The PWCCS measurement and improvement framework make visible nursing fundamentals of care in line with continuous quality improvement to increase quality of care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Delivering fundamentals of care is described by nurses as getting ?back to basics'. Patient and family feedback supports the centrality of fundamentals of care to their hospital experience. Implementing a unit‐level fundamentals of care quality measurement and improvement programme clarifies expected standards of care, highlights the contribution of fundamentals of care to quality and provides a mechanism for ongoing improvements.
Outcomes of standardised approach to metabolic bone disease of prematurity
Authors: Chin Lit Kim , Doan John , Teoh Yvonne SL , Stewart Alice , Forrest Peter , Simm Peter J
Published: January 2018

Aim

To assess the current protocol of metabolic bone disease (MBD) at three Monash Health neonatal units (Melbourne, Australia).

Methods

Retrospective audit of 171 infants born at <32 weeks' gestation over 18 months. Mean gestational age was 28.6 ± 2.1 weeks, and birthweight was 1190 ± 374 g. Risk factors of MBD include intra‐uterine growth retardation (n = 33, 19.3%), maternal pre‐eclampsia (n = 17, 9.9%), necrotising enterocolitis (n = 9, 5.4%) and medications like methylxanthines (94.2%; mean 54.8 days), diuretics (38.6%; mean 49.2 days) and glucocorticoids (5.3%; mean 35 days).

Results

In total, 84.8% infants had an initial MBD screen (mean age 36.3 days), with 45% having repeated monitoring (mean age 71.9 days), and 14.2% had initial alkaline phosphatase levels >500 U/L, decreasing to 10.1% on follow‐up. All infants received additional vitamin D supplementation of 400 IU/day, phosphate of 25.1% (n = 43) and calcium of 19.9% (n = 34). Fractures were identified from clinical documentation in 2.9% (n = 5) of infants. Stratifying into phosphate‐treated and untreated groups revealed significant differences (P < 0.001) for gestational age and birthweight: 26.7 ± 1.7 weeks/918 ± 272 g for treated versus 29.2 ± 1.9 weeks/1283 ± 359 g for untreated. In the phosphate‐treated group, improvement was seen in mean alkaline phosphatase (pre‐treatment 467 ± 204 U/L and post‐treatment 342 ± 221 U/L, P < 0.01) and mean phosphate levels (1.8 ± 0.4 vs. 2.2 ± 1.0 mmol/L, P < 0.01). Linear growth difference between phosphate‐treated (n = 10) and untreated groups (n = 24) was insignificant at >6 months of age (P = 0.13), although this may reflect limited data.

Conclusion

Adequate first‐line supplementation with vitamin D and phosphate appeared to improve biochemical markers of MBD, but given the observational nature of this study, further longitudinal/prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.
Vertical transmission of hepatitis C: Testing and health‐care engagement
Authors: Reid Sharon , Day Carolyn A , Bowen David G , Minnis Jeannie , Ludlow Joanne , Jacobs Sue , Gordon Adrienne , Haber Paul S
Published: January 2018

Aim

To investigate hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing patterns and engagement with health care for women positive for HCV antibodies (anti‐HCV) in pregnancy and their children through pregnancy and the first 2 years of the child's life.

Methods

At a large inner‐city Australian hospital from 2010 to 2012, anti‐HCV positive pregnant women were recruited into a cohort study from pregnancy to 2 years post‐delivery. Maternal and child data were collected by questionnaire and medical record extraction.

Results

During the study 29 women participants delivered 31 children. HCV RNA was detected in 64% (18/28) of pregnancies, with injecting drug use, the most likely route of maternal infection. Relatively high maternal health‐care engagement during pregnancy reduced after delivery. There was evidence of ongoing illicit drug use in the majority of women. Of the children, 58% (18/31) had some HCV testing confirmed but complete testing was confirmed for only 10% (3/31). Largely, testing was incomplete or unknown. No vertical transmission was identified. Forty‐two percent (13/31) of children were placed in out‐of‐home‐care.

Conclusions

Potentially, there is a high risk of inadequate or incomplete HCV testing of vulnerable children. Ongoing maternal drug use, poor maternal health‐care engagement and placement in out‐of‐home‐care may increase the risk. Complete testing of all children at risk of vertically acquired HCV needs to be ensured.
Antiepileptic drugs: Role in paediatric poisoning
Authors: Ferranti Silvia , Grande Elisabetta , Gaggiano Carla , Grosso Salvatore
Published: January 2018

Intoxications, both accidental and intentional, are common in children and adolescents and often require hospitalisation and intensive treatment. Antiepileptic drugs are a possible cause of poisoning and intoxications because this category of medications has shown a rising trend in recent years. They might be responsible for multi‐organ dysfunctions of variable severity, ranging from subtle symptoms to life‐threatening complications. No guidelines on the management of these intoxications in the paediatric population are currently available, and treatment is mainly supportive. Activated charcoal administration and extracorporeal circulation techniques for drug removal have been proposed. Facing the complexity of this clinical scenario, it is of utmost importance to maintain a high index of suspicion to guarantee a prompt intervention and ensure the best possible management for the patient.
Prevalence, patient and consultation characteristics of enuresis in Australian paediatric practice
Authors: De Sukanya , Teixeira‐Pinto Armando , Sewell Jillian R , Caldwell Patrina HY
Published: January 2018

Aim

To describe the prevalence and consultation characteristics of enuresis in Australian paediatric practice and assess for changes over a period of 5 years.

Methods

Data collected prospectively by paediatricians (outpatient settings) in 2008 and 2013, as part of the Children Attending Paediatricians Study. Consultations on children aged 5 years or over were included. Consultations in each cohort (2008 and 2013) categorised as either listing or not listing enuresis. Characteristics of the ‘enuresis’ versus ‘non‐enuresis’ subgroup in each cohort were compared as were the enuresis subgroups 2008 versus 2013.

Results

Of 4175 and 4181 consultations in 2008 and 2013, enuresis was reported in 178 (4.3% – 2008) and 193 (4.6% – 2013). Constipation and encopresis were more prevalent in the enuresis versus non‐enuresis subgroups (46 (25.8%) vs. 136 (3.4%) for constipation and 25 (14%) vs. 65 (1.6%) for encopresis in 2008; 52 (26.9%) vs. 160 (4%) for constipation and 25 (13%) vs. 78 (2%) for encopresis in 2013, both P < 0.001). The enuresis subgroup had more referrals to multidisciplinary teams (19 (10.7%) vs. 148 (3.7%) – 2008 and 21 (10.9%) vs. 163 (4.1%) – 2013, both P < 0.001) and allied health professionals (29 (16.3%) vs. 230 (5.8%) – 2008; 27 (14%) vs. 178 (4.5%) – 2013, both P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The overall frequency of presentation of children for management of enuresis was low. Prevalence/Consultation characteristics of enuresis were comparable over 5 years. Constipation and encopresis were significantly more prevalent in the enuresis subgroups.
Adaptation to high zinc depends on distinct mechanisms in metallicolous populations of Arabidopsis halleri
Authors: Schvartzman M. Sol , Corso Massimiliano , Fataftah Nazeer , Scheepers Maxime , Nouet Cécile , Bosman Bernard , Carnol Monique , Motte Patrick , Verbruggen Nathalie , Hanikenne Marc
Published: January 2018

Zinc (Zn) hyperaccumulation and hypertolerance are highly variable traits in Arabidopsis halleri. Metallicolous populations have evolved from nearby nonmetallicolous populations in multiple independent adaptation events. To determine whether these events resulted in similar or divergent adaptive strategies to high soil Zn concentrations, we compared two A. halleri metallicolous populations from distant genetic units in Europe (Poland (PL22) and Italy (I16)).

The ionomic (Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐AES)) and transcriptomic (RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq)) responses to growth at 5 and 150 μM Zn were analyzed in root and shoot tissues to examine the contribution of the geographic origin and treatment to variation among populations. These analyses were enabled by the generation of a reference A. halleri transcriptome assembly.

The genetic unit accounted for the largest variation in the gene expression profile, whereas the two populations had contrasting Zn accumulation phenotypes and shared little common response to the Zn treatment. The PL22 population displayed an iron deficiency response at high Zn in roots and shoots, which may account for higher Zn accumulation. By contrast, I16, originating from a highly Zn‐contaminated soil, strongly responded to control conditions.

Our data suggest that distinct mechanisms support adaptation to high Zn in soils among A. halleri metallicolous populations.
The role of thermal acclimation of plant respiration under climate warming: Putting the brakes on a runaway train?
Authors: Tjoelker Mark G.
Published: January 2018

This article comments on: Adenylate control contributes to thermal acclimation of sugar maple fine‐root respiration in experimentally warmed soil
Effect of i.v. immunoglobulin in the first 4 days of illness in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Shiozawa Yusuke , Inuzuka Ryo , Shindo Takahiro , Mafune Ryo , Hayashi Taiyu , Hirata Yoichiro , Shimizu Nobutaka , Inatomi Jun , Yokoyama Yoshiki , Namai Yoshiyuki , Oda Yoichiro , Takamizawa Masaru , Harita Yutaka , Kawahara Takuya , Oka Akira
Published: January 2018

Background

Although early treatment of Kawasaki disease (KD) with i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) is expected to prevent coronary artery abnormalities, the effectiveness of IVIG by day 4 of illness remains to be determined.

Methods

This was a multi‐institutional, retrospective cohort study. Patients diagnosed with KD at ≤4 days of illness were divided into two groups: those who received initial IVIG before and on day 5 of illness. Baseline characteristics were adjusted using propensity scores. The primary endpoint was the need for additional treatment.

Results

Of 339 patients diagnosed with KD by day 4, 181 and 158 received IVIG before and on day 5 of illness, respectively. Patients in the early treatment group had more adverse prognostic factors: infancy, early onset of the principal symptoms, and abnormal laboratory data. We thus adjusted baseline characteristics before treatment decisions using propensity scores. Propensity score matching of the two groups yielded 100 observations. More patients required additional treatment in the matched early treatment group: 37% vs 24% (adjusted OR, 1.7; 95%CI: 1.06–2.8; P = 0.047). The difference was more pronounced for risk of relapse after initial resolution of fever: 14% vs 5.0% (adjusted OR, 3.2; 95%CI: 1.3–7.7; P = 0.02). The risk of coronary artery lesion did not differ significantly.

Conclusions

IVIG treatment by day 4 of illness is associated with the requirement for additional treatment even after adjustment of baseline characteristics. Increased resistance to IVIG when given by day 4 should be considered in order to improve the treatment regimen for early‐diagnosed KD.
Child of the Age or Little Napoleon? Two Russian Responses to The Red and the Black
Authors: PLATT JONATHAN BROOKS
Published: January 2018

This essay examines the reception of Stendhal's Red and the Black in Pushkin's “Queen of Spades” (1833) and Lermontov's unfinished novel, Princess Ligovskaya (1836), particularly with regard to Stendhal's hero, Julien Sorel–the social aspirant, who is at once passionately driven and cunningly disciplined. It focuses on how the reception of Sorel in these two Russian works is contaminated in different ways with a second figure, the romantic archetype of the “child of the age.” If Sorel can be understood as developing in dialectical opposition to the child of the age, Pushkin's Germann appears to reject and undermine this literary historical development. By contrast, Lermontov's attempt to incorporate aspects of the little Napoleon into his novel proves a failure, so he retreats to a more traditional portrait of the child of the age in A Hero of Our Time. In conclusion, the article argues that Lermontov's failure is a more productive moment in the history of the Russian novel than Pushkin's successful, but utterly destructive reply to Stendhal.
Isaak Babel's “Odessa Tales”: Inventing Lost Time and the Search for Cultural Identity
Authors: SICHER EFRAIM
Published: January 2018

Babel's “Odessa Tales” have not been previously analyzed as a cycle of all nine stories (rather than the four included in Soviet collections of the writer's work). This essay examines the entire cycle in their historical context, disentangling the stories from the Odessa myth, of which they have become an integral part. I argue that the “Odessa Tales” should be seen as contributions to an already existing “Odessa text,” and that Babel manipulates cultural memory to form a postrevolutionary cultural identity. I follow the writer's development from nostalgia for a vanished past in the early stories to accommodation with Soviet reality in the final stories, showing how the concept of Time changes over the years from 1921 to 1937.
Identification of the novel HLA‐C*07:530 allele by polymerase chain reaction sequence‐based typing
Authors: Zhao S. , Wang F. , Dong L. , He J. , Zhu F.
Published: January 2018

HLA‐C*07:530 differs from HLA‐C*07:02:01 by a single nucleotide at position 363G>C.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: January 2018

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 1Brenda L. Shook, National University, USACagla Atmaca, Pamukkale University, TurkeyCarole Fern Todhunter, The University of Nottingham, UKCharlotte Alverson, University of Oregon, USAChosang Tendhar, Long Island University (LIU), USAEnisa Mede, Bahcesehir University, TurkeyErica D. Shifflet-Chila, Michigan State University, USAGreg Rickwood, Nipissing University, CanadaHyesoo Yoo, Virginia Tech., USAIoannis Syrmpas, University of Thessaly, GreeceJohn Cowan, Edinburgh Napier University, UKLinda J. Rappel, Yorkville University/University of Calgary, CanadaMan-fung Lo, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong KongMassimiliano Barattucci, Ecampus University, ItalyMaurizio Sajeva, Pellervo Economic Research PTT, FinlandMehmet Inan, Marmara University, TurkeyMichail Kalogiannakis, University of Crete, GreeceMin Gui, Wuhan University, ChinaNerina Fernanda Sarthou, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, ArgentinaPirkko Siklander, University of Lapland, FinlandRichard H. Martin, Mercer University, USARichard Penny, University of Washington Bothell, USARiyadh Tariq Kadhim Al-Ameedi, Babylon University, IraqRufaidah Kamal Abdulmajeed, Baghdad University, IraqSadia Batool, Preston University Islamabad, PakistanSelloane Pitikoe, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South AfricaSenem Seda Şahenk Erkan, Marmara University, TurkeySeyyedeh Mina Hamedi, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, IranSisi Chen, American University of Health Sciences, USATilanka Chandrasekera, Oklahoma State University, USAYalçın Dilekli, Aksaray University, TurkeyYerlan Seisenbekov, Kazakh National Pedagogical University, KazakhstanYi Lu, American Institute for Research, USAYuChun Chen, Louisiana Tech University, USARobert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
The endoplasmic reticulum–residing chaperone BiP is short-lived and metabolized through N-terminal arginylation
Authors: Shim Sang Mi , Choi Ha Rim , Sung Ki Woon , Lee Yoon Jee , Kim Sung Tae , Kim Daeho , Mun Su Ran , Hwang Joonsung , Cha-Molstad Hyunjoo , Ciechanover Aaron , Kim Bo Yeon , Kwon Yong Tae
Published: January 2018

N-terminal arginylation in response to various stresses causes the ER chaperone BiP to relocate to and be degraded in the cytosol.
New connections: Stimulating immune memory against cancer
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: January 2018

Future immunotherapies may stimulate immune system attack as well as memory against cancer to prevent relapse in patients.
Couplings in renormalizable supersymmetric SO(10) models
Authors: Chen Zhi-Yong , Zhang Da-Xin , Bai Xian-Zheng
Published: January 2018

We study the most general renormalizable couplings containing Higgs [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the supersymmetric SO(10) models. The Clebsch–Gordan coefficients are calculated using the maximal subgroup [Formula: see text].
Heavy quark production in kt factorization approach at LHC energies
Authors: Shabelski Yu. M. , Shuvaev A. G. , Surnin I. V.
Published: January 2018

A new version of the [Formula: see text] factorization approach is formulated for the high energy heavy quark production. The results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data at LHC energies.
Role of f(G,T) gravity on the evolution of relativistic stars
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Zaeem-ul-Haq , Sharif M. , Yousaf Z. , Ilyas M.
Published: January 2018

The aim of this paper is to explore some physically viable aspects for the possible emergence of compact stars in [Formula: see text] theory of gravity with some particular models, where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are Gauss–Bonnet invariant and trace of stress–energy tensor, respectively. We present basic formalism of this modified theory in the presence of anisotropic source. We explore some realistic aspects using the energy conditions with physical parameters. Three distinct known star models namely, [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], are used for this systematic investigation. The physical behavior of anisotropic stresses, energy density, energy conditions, measure of anisotropy and stability of compact stars are discussed through plots. We conclude that compactness at the core of a star model increases and energy conditions hold.
Multiobjective Trajectory Optimization and Adaptive Backstepping Control for Rubber Unstacking Robot Based on RFWNN Method
Authors: Liang Le , Liu Yanjie , Xu Hao
Published: January 2018

Multiobjective trajectory optimization and adaptive backstepping control method based on recursive fuzzy wavelet neural network (RFWNN) are proposed to solve the problem of dynamic modeling uncertainties and strong external disturbance of the rubber unstacking robot during recycling process. First, according to the rubber viscoelastic properties, the Hunt-Crossley nonlinear model is used to construct the robot dynamics model. Then, combined with the dynamic model and the recycling process characteristics, the multiobjective trajectory optimization of the rubber unstacking robot is carried out for the operational efficiency, the running trajectory smoothness, and the energy consumption. Based on the trajectory optimization results, the adaptive backstepping control method based on RFWNN is adopted. The RFWNN method is applied in the main controller to cope with time-varying uncertainties of the robot dynamic system. Simultaneously, an adaptive robust control law is developed to eliminate inevitable approximation errors and unknown disturbances and relax the requirement for prior knowledge of the controlled system. Finally, the validity of the proposed control strategy is verified by experiment.
A Fast Color Image Segmentation Approach Using GDF with Improved Region-Level Ncut
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Shuliang , Li Caoyuan , Pan Zhenkuan , Zhang Weizhong
Published: January 2018

Color image segmentation is fundamental in image processing and computer vision. A novel approach, GDF-Ncut, is proposed to segment color images by integrating generalized data field (GDF) and improved normalized cuts (Ncut). To start with, the hierarchy-grid structure is constructed in the color feature space of an image in an attempt to reduce the time complexity but preserve the quality of image segmentation. Then a fast hierarchy-grid clustering is performed under GDF potential estimation and therefore image pixels are merged into disjoint oversegmented but meaningful initial regions. Finally, these regions are presented as a weighted undirected graph, upon which Ncut algorithm merges homogenous initial regions to achieve final image segmentation. The use of the fast clustering improves the effectiveness of Ncut because regions-based graph is constructed instead of pixel-based graph. Meanwhile, during the processes of Ncut matrix computation, oversegmented regions are grouped into homogeneous parts for greatly ameliorating the intermediate problems from GDF and accordingly decreasing the sensitivity to noise. Experimental results on a variety of color images demonstrate that the proposed method significantly reduces the time complexity while partitioning image into meaningful and physically connected regions. The method is potentially beneficial to serve object extraction and pattern recognition.
“Wnt/β-Catenin in GIST”—Letter
Authors: Bertucci François , Finetti Pascal , De Nonneville Alexandre , Birnbaum Daniel
Published: January 2018

In an article published on September, 2017, in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, Zeng and colleagues showed that the WNT/β-catenin oncogenic pathway was activated in a subset of human gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and that inhibiting its signaling alone or in combination with imatinib has antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo in imatinib-sensitive and resistant preclinical models. However, they concluded that “more investigation is needed to correlate β-catenin activation with clinicopathologic features in GIST clinical samples.” Here, we examined the activation score of the β-catenin pathway in 160 clinically annotated clinical samples of operated primary GISTs. We showed that the β-catenin activation score, assessed as continuous variable, was heterogeneous across samples. Higher score was associated with certain prognostic clinicopathologic characteristics, including mutational status, tumor size, and AFIP classification, and even more importantly, with more postoperative relapses in uni- and multivariate analyses. Such unfavorable independent prognostic value of β-catenin activation reinforces the potential therapeutic value of this new target in GIST and nicely complements Zeng's study. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 327–8. ©2018 AACR.
Is Blood Pressure Improving in Children With Chronic Kidney Disease?
Authors: Barletta Gina-Marie , Pierce Christopher , Mitsnefes Mark , Samuels Joshua , Warady Bradley A. , Furth Susan , Flynn Joseph
Published: January 2018

Uncontrolled hypertension in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been identified as one of the main factors contributing to progression of CKD and increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Recent efforts to achieve better blood pressure (BP) control have been recommended. The primary objective of this analysis was to compare BP control over 2 time periods among participants enrolled in the CKiD study (Chronic Kidney Disease in Children). Casual BP and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor data were compared among 851 participants during 2 time periods: January 1, 2005, through July 1, 2008 (period 1, n=345), and July 1, 2010, through December 31, 2013 (period 2, n=506). Multivariable logistic regression to model the propensity of a visit record being in period 2 as a function of specific predictors was performed. After controlling for confounding variables (age, sex, race, socioeconomics, CKD duration, glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, body mass index, growth failure, and antihypertensives), no significant differences were detected between time periods with respect to casual BP status (prehypertension: 15% versus 15%; uncontrolled hypertension: 18% versus 17%;
P
=0.87). Analysis of ambulatory BP monitor data demonstrated higher ambulatory BP indices, most notably masked hypertension in period 2 (36% versus 49%;
P
<0.001). Average sleep BP index (
P
<0.05) and sleep BP loads (
P
<0.05) were higher in period 2. Despite publication of hypertension recommendations and guidelines for BP control in patients with CKD, this study suggests that hypertension remains undertreated and under-recognized in children with CKD. This analysis also underscores the importance of routine ambulatory BP monitor assessment in children with CKD.
Central and Brachial Blood Pressures, Statins, and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Authors: Lamarche Florence , Agharazii Mohsen , Nadeau-Fredette Annie-Claire , Madore François , Goupil Rémi
Published: January 2018

Central blood pressure may be a better predictor of cardiovascular disease than brachial pressure. Although statins reduce brachial pressure, their impact on central pressure remains unknown. Furthermore, whether this effect is mediated through a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) is unknown. This study aims to characterize the association of statins and LDL-c with central and brachial blood pressures and to quantify their respective effects. Of the 20 004 CARTaGENE participants, 16 507 had available central blood pressure, LDL-c, and Framingham risk score. Multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the association between central pressure and LDL-c in subjects with or without statins. The impact of LDL-c on the association between statin and pressure parameters was determined through mediation analyses. LDL-c was positively associated with systolic and diastolic central pressure in nonusers (β=0.077 and 0.106;
P
<0.001) and in participants with statins for primary (β=0.086 and 0.114;
P
<0.001) and secondary prevention (β=0.120 and 0.194;
P
<0.003). Statins as primary prevention were associated with lower central systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures (−3.0, −1.6, and −1.3 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). Mediation analyses showed that LDL-c reduction contributed to 15% of central systolic and 44% of central diastolic pressure changes associated with statins and attenuated 22% of the effects on central pulse pressure. Similar results were found with brachial pressure components. In conclusion, reduction of LDL-c was associated with only a fraction of the lower blood pressures in statin user and seemed to be mostly associated with improvement of steady (diastolic) pressure, whereas non–LDL-c–mediated pathways were mostly associated with changes in pulsatile pressure components.
O rozbieżnych etymologiach nazwisk polskich i litewskich
Authors: Walkowiak Justyna Barbara
Published: January 2018

On divergent etymologies of Polish and Lithuanian surnamesThe conflict of national Polish and Lithuanian historiographies typically involves divergent interpretations of the shared history, but it is seldom noticed that linguistic interpretations (including the onomastic ones) may be divergent too. These linguistic interpretations can also become a tool of language policy, especially of the policy focused on personal names. The present article analyses selected examples of genetically Lithuanian surnames currently in use in Poland which in some Polish linguistic sources are etymologised as genetically Polish, as well as – conversely – those of Polish origin which in some Lithuanian research are interpreted as genetically Lithuanian. Although inadvertent and accidental mistakes cannot be ruled out, in the case of homonymic surnames there is a visible tendency to give priority to native etymologies. It may be assumed that for the society at large, the origin of a surname somehow implies the nationality of its bearer; in the case when the researchers’ attitudes are nationalistic, this fact may be used as an argument in public debates whose scope far exceeds that of onomastics. O rozbieżnych etymologiach nazwisk polskich i litewskichKonflikt narodowych historiografii polskiej i litewskiej zazwyczaj wiąże się z rozbieżnymi interpretacjami wspólnej historii, ale rzadziej się zauważa, że podobnie rozbieżne są też interpretacje językoznawcze, w tym onomastyczne. One także mogą stać się narzędziem polityki językowej, a w szczególności polityki, której przedmiotem są nazwy osobowe. Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia i analizuje wybrane przypadki używanych współcześnie w Polsce nazwisk pochodzenia litewskiego, które w niektórych polskich pracach językoznawczych są etymologizowane jako genetycznie polskie, a także – odwrotnie – tych nazwisk polskiego pochodzenia, które w niektórych źródłach litewskich interpretowane są jako etymologicznie litewskie. Choć nie można oczywiście wykluczyć niezamierzonych i przypadkowych omyłek, w przypadku nazwisk homonimicznych wyraźnie zauważalna jest tendencja do oddawania pierwszeństwa etymologii rodzimej. Wolno przypuszczać, że w odbiorze społecznym geneza nazwiska w jakimś stopniu implikuje narodowość jego nosiciela; przy nacjonalistycznym nastawieniu badaczy fakt ten może być używany jako argument w publicznych debatach, których zasięg dalece wykracza poza onomastykę.