bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of transparency in the methods of expert knowledge use
Authors: Drescher Michael , Edwards Rachael C.
Published: October 2018

The use of expert knowledge (EK) as an alternative to empirical data is increasing in the ecological disciplines in response to the growing need for rapid decisions that are embraced by local communities and implemented under strong resource constraints. Despite this increasing use, the validity of EK as a data source is still questioned by some who label it as biased or unreliable. Transparency in the methods applied in the use of EK allows confirmation of methodological rigour and study repeatability; key steps towards promoting the acceptance of EK as a valid data source. However, the practiced levels of methodological transparency in EK use are currently unknown in the ecological disciplines.

To fill this knowledge gap, we performed a systematic review of transparency in methods applied in the use of EK, focusing on research in forest ecology and management as a case study. Covering the period from 1990 to 2016, we identified 296 publications that employed EK, which were assessed for their reporting on 15 methodological criteria of EK use.

Our results indicate that transparency in the use of EK is generally very low, with only three out of 15 methodological criteria addressed in more than 50% of publications. Nevertheless, overall reporting on EK methods, and the reporting of four individual methodological criteria, were positively affected by publication year, suggesting that researchers increasingly recognize the importance of transparency in the use of EK methods.

Synthesis and applications. Given the growing use of expert knowledge (EK) in the ecological disciplines, there is an urgent need to further its acceptance as a valid data source. To achieve this goal, researchers need to be more diligent in following best practices and reporting on EK methods. We therefore present a proposed set of guidelines for the reporting of EK methods. However, journal editors and reviewers also can play an important role in reaching this goal by requiring authors to transparently report on EK methods, just as they would expect for the use of empirical data.
Debt administration in Small Island‐States
Authors: Moloney Kim
Published: October 2018

Public debt management is an infrequent focus of public administration studies. Yet without appropriate debt management, administrators have few financial resources for public service provision. Island‐state administrators face an enhanced service provision challenge. The peculiarity of island‐state economies, the unpredictability of exogenous events and the state's endogenous choices increase debt administration's importance. Via its focus on debt management office location and the administrative constraints posed by brain drain, transparency and regionalization, this paper goes beyond typical debt management studies to engage debt administration spaces. The result is a framework for studies of debt administration in Small Island‐States.
Social jetlag, sleep‐related parameters, and glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes: Results of a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rusu Adriana , Ciobanu Dana , Bala Cornelia , Cerghizan Anca , Roman Gabriela
Published: October 2018

Background

Social jetlag (SJL) is a small recurrent circadian rhythm disruption and the most frequent form of circadian rhythm misalignment. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SJL on glycemic control, as assessed by HbA1c, in real‐life settings.

Methods

In all, 115 consecutive patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) were analyzed cross‐sectionally. Data on bedtime, sleep onset latency, and wake up time on weekdays and weekends during the previous month were collected from all participants and used to calculate SJL, chronotype, and sleep duration. Sleep quality was assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A PSQI score > 5 was considered as an indicator of poor sleep quality.

Results

Patients with SJL ≥ 1 hour had significantly higher adjusted values of HbA1c than those with SJL <1 hour (8.7% vs 8.0%; P = 0.029). In unadjusted multivariate regression analysis, SJL ≥ 1 hour and poor sleep quality were significant predictors of HbA1c values, explaining 22.7% and 23.5%, respectively, of the increase in HbA1c. After adjusting for age, sex, diabetes duration, insulin dose (kg/d), insulin regimen and body mass index, only SJL ≥ 1 hour remained associated with HbA1c (β = 0.253; P = 0.026). There was no significant interaction between SJL ≥ 1 hour and poor sleep quality in either the unadjusted or adjusted models (Pinteraction = 0.914).

Conclusions

In patients with T1D, SJL is associated with poor glycemic control, acting independently of sleep quality, sleep duration, and chronotype to exert a deleterious effect on glycemic control.
Automatic acoustic detection of birds through deep learning: The first Bird Audio Detection challenge
Authors: Stowell Dan , Wood Michael D. , Pamuła Hanna , Stylianou Yannis , Glotin Hervé
Published: October 2018

Assessing the presence and abundance of birds is important for monitoring specific species as well as overall ecosystem health. Many birds are most readily detected by their sounds, and thus, passive acoustic monitoring is highly appropriate. Yet acoustic monitoring is often held back by practical limitations such as the need for manual configuration, reliance on example sound libraries, low accuracy, low robustness, and limited ability to generalise to novel acoustic conditions.

Here, we report outcomes from a collaborative data challenge. We present new acoustic monitoring datasets, summarise the machine learning techniques proposed by challenge teams, conduct detailed performance evaluation, and discuss how such approaches to detection can be integrated into remote monitoring projects.

Multiple methods were able to attain performance of around 88% area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), much higher performance than previous general‐purpose methods.

With modern machine learning, including deep learning, general‐purpose acoustic bird detection can achieve very high retrieval rates in remote monitoring data, with no manual recalibration, and no pretraining of the detector for the target species or the acoustic conditions in the target environment.
Dysregulated homeostatic pathways in sarcopenia among frail older adults
Authors: Ng Tze Pin , Lu Yanxia , Choo Robin Wai Mun , Tan Crystal Tze Ying , Nyunt Ma Shwe Z. , Gao Qi , Mok Esther Wing Hei , Larbi Anis
Published: October 2018

Sarcopenia, a core feature of the physical frailty syndrome, is characterized by multisystem physiological dysregulation. No study has explored qualitatively the hierarchical network of relationships among different dysregulated pathways involved in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia. We used 40 blood biomarkers belonging to community‐dwelling prefrail and frail older persons to derive measures of multiple physiological pathways, and structural equation modeling to generate path network models of the multisystem physiological dysregulations associated with muscle mass and function (MMF). Insulin–leptin signaling and energy regulation, anabolic sex steroid regulation (testosterone, leptin), and tissue oxygenation (hemoglobin, red cell count) appear to be primary mediating factors exerting direct influences on MMF. There was additionally secondary mediatory involvement of myocyte‐ and adipocyte‐derived cytokines, hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) stress hormones (cortisol, DHEAS), glomerular function, and immune cell regulatory and inflammatory cytokines and glycoproteins. We conclude that within a hierarchical network of multisystem physiological dysregulations in sarcopenia, dysregulated anabolic and catabolic pathways via sex steroids and insulin–leptin dual signaling and tissue hypoxemia are primary physiological dysregulations responsible for sarcopenia and frailty.
Autophagy gene ATG5 knockdown upregulates apoptotic cell death during Candida albicans infection in human vaginal epithelial cells
Authors: Shroff Ankit , Reddy Kudumula Venkata Rami
Published: October 2018

Problem

Candida albicans infection induces damage in host cells that results in the activation of cell death pathways such as apoptosis and necrosis. Autophagy acts as a pro‐survival mechanism during various infections and has cross talks with apoptosis. The objective of our study was to delineate the effect of autophagy knockdown in human vaginal epithelial cells (VECs) during Candida infection‐induced apoptosis.

Method of study

We overexpressed wild‐type or mutant form of autophagy‐related gene 5 (ATG5) in human VECs and determined the levels of autophagy and lysosome marker genes upon C. albicans infection. We analyzed the expression of apoptosis and necrosis markers using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry.

Results

Mutant ATG5 overexpressing VECs were unable to form Atg5‐Atg12 complex, which is required for functional autophagy pathway. Upon Candida albicans infection, wild‐type ATG5 overexpressing cells showed upregulation of autophagy marker genes, ATG5, LC3‐I, LC3‐II, and LAMP‐1. Mutant ATG5 overexpressing cells could not upregulate LC3‐II and LAMP‐1 expression, indicating a defective autophagy pathway. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry results revealed that wild‐type ATG5 overexpressing VECs showed significantly lower number of apoptotic and necrotic cells as compared to mutant ATG5 overexpressing cells.

Conclusion

Vaginal epithelial cells with active autophagy were able to survive the damage caused by C. albicans infection, whereas those with defective autophagy succumbed to the infection. This suggests that autophagy plays a critical role in human VECs survival during C. albicans infection.
Paramedicine in Australia and New Zealand: A comparative overview
Authors: O'Meara Peter , Duthie Sharon
Published: October 2018

Paramedic services in Australia and New Zealand (Australasia) share many characteristics, with both offering versions of the Anglo‐American system of emergency medical response. Their industry and professional bodies are transnational and as a result have similar industry standards and professional expectations. The major difference been the two countries is their sources of funding, with Australian paramedic services generally receiving more government funding than those in New Zealand. Both countries provide a range of services that use a mix of volunteer and professional staff and employ state‐of‐the‐art communications and medical technology to provide high‐level clinical services. In common with other higher income countries, they face the challenge of rising usage associated with ageing populations. Both countries are adapting to this through broadening their response models, from a focus on emergency medical response to the provision of a mobile health service that will see the emergence of more practitioners paramedic roles. These emerging models challenge the core missions of paramedic services, as well as the professional identity of paramedics. Despite these trends towards higher level and well‐integrated paramedic services in Australia and New Zealand, communities and many other health professionals have limited knowledge or understanding of how paramedic services are organised, the characteristics of paramedics and allied staff and limited appreciation of their potential to make greater contributions to the health and well‐being of communities. This article provides an introduction to how paramedics, as members of multidisciplinary teams, are well placed to contribute to improvements in health outcomes.
Embryo donation or embryo adoption? Conceptual and normative issues
Authors: Hallich Oliver
Published: October 2018

A central question in the ethical debate on the practice of relinquishing in vitro fertilization surplus embryos for family building is whether we ought to think of it more in terms of donating these embryos or in terms of having them adopted. Deciding between these two alternatives is more than a matter of mere terminology. It has an impact on normative questions, e.g., on the question of what criteria for parent selection ought to be applied to the recipients of the embryos, and on the moral evaluation of the act of ‘donating’ the embryo or ‘having it adopted’. In this article, I defend the view that we should conceptualize the relinquishment of spare embryos according to the adoption model, not as a donation. Section 2 sketches the outline of the argument by making clear how we may ground a defense of the adoption model in a theory of parental responsibility without implicitly elevating the moral status of the embryo. Section 3 contains a preliminary defense of the adoption model that draws on geneticism as what seems to me the most persuasive theory of parental responsibility. In section 4, I examine three objections to geneticism and either rebut them or, insofar as they are justified, try to accommodate them into my view. In section 5, I point out some features that distinguish embryo adoption from the adoption of (born) children. I contend, however, that these differences are compatible with the adoption model. Section 6 is concerned with the normative ramifications of this view.
On the reconceptualization of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Schermer Maartje H. N. , Richard Edo
Published: October 2018

In the hope of future treatments to prevent or slow down the disease, there is a strong movement towards an ever‐earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In conjunction with scientific developments, this has prompted a reconceptualization of AD, as a slowly progressive pathological process with a long asymptomatic phase. New concepts such as ‘preclinical’ and ‘prodromal’ AD have been introduced, raising a number of conceptual and ethical questions. We evaluate whether these new concepts are theoretically defensible, in light of theories of health and disease, and whether they should be understood as disease or as an at‐risk state. We introduce a pragmatic view on disease concepts and argue that an evaluation of the reconceptualization of AD should also take its aims and effects into account, and assess their ethical acceptability. The reconceptualization of AD is useful to coordinate research into preventive strategies, and may potentially benefit future patients. However, in the short term, early detection and labelling of ‘preclinical AD’ can potentially harm people. Since there is no treatment available and the predictive value is unclear, it may only create a group of ‘patients‐in‐waiting’ who may suffer from anxiety, uncertainty and stigmatization, but will never actually develop dementia. We conclude that only if the promise of preventive medication materializes, will the reconceptualization of AD turn out unequivocally to be for the better. Otherwise, the reconceptualization may do more harm than good.
Shades of Authoritarianism and State–Labour Relations in China
Authors: Howell Jude , Pringle Tim
Published: October 2018

Attempts to analyse authoritarianism in China tend towards a static focus on the state that is homogeneous across time. We argue for a more nuanced approach that captures the dynamism and contours of state–civil society relations, and state–labour relations, in particular, in authoritarian states. Taking state–labour relations as a bellweather, we conceptualize ‘shades of authoritarianism’ as a framework for better understanding the complexities and evolution of state–society relations in authoritarian states. We illustrate this through the case of China, distinguishing different shades of authoritarianism in the Hu‐Wen era (2002–2012) and in the current regime of Xi Jinping
BOS is associated with decreased HDAC2 from steroid resistant lymphocytes in the small airways
Authors: Hodge G , Hodge S , Yeo A , Nguyen P , Hopkins E , Liu H , Holmes-Liew C L , Holmes M
Published: October 2018

Immunosuppression therapies including corticosteroids fail to prevent bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), primarily a disease of the small airways, following lung transplantation. We reported increases in steroid-resistant proinflammatory lymphocytes and their loss of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), an important mediator of steroid action, in the blood of stable lung transplant recipients. We noted similar increases in the steroid-resistant lymphocytes in both the blood and small airways in BOS compared with the large airways. We hypothesized that these small airway cells would also exhibit a loss of HDAC2, and that these changes could be reversed by treatment with theophylline (HDAC2 activator). Blood, bronchoalveolar lavage and large and small airway brushings were collected from lung transplant patients with BOS (n = 12) or stable lung function (n = 18) and healthy aged-matched controls (n = 13). Intracellular proinflammatory cytokines [interferon (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and HDAC2 were measured in CD8+ T, natural killer (NK) T-like and NK cells from cultured small airway brushings ± 5 mg/l theophylline ± 1 µM prednisolone using flow cytometry. Increased small airway CD8 T, NK T-like and NK cells were identified in BOS versus stable transplant and controls. In BOS, these cells exhibited increased IFN-γ/TNF-α and a loss of HDAC2. HDAC2 expression by small airway CD8+ T cells correlated with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (R = 0·880, P = 0·031). Theophylline and prednisolone synergistically up-regulated HDAC2 in CD8+ T cells. BOS is associated with loss of HDAC2 from steroid-resistant proinflammatory CD8+ T, NK T-like and NK cells in the small airways. Therapeutically increasing HDAC2 in these lymphocytes may reduce steroid resistance and improve graft survival.
Harm reduction strategies related to dosing and their relation to harms among festival attendees who use multiple drugs
Authors: Fernández‐Calderón Fermín , Díaz‐Batanero Carmen , Barratt Monica J. , Palamar Joseph J.
Published: October 2018

Introduction and Aims

Polysubstance users are a high‐risk population for negative health‐related consequences. Although some studies have described harm reduction strategies adopted by polysubstance users, studies have not examined their effectiveness in minimising health‐related consequences. We aimed to identify dosing‐related harm reduction strategies in a sample of polysubstance‐using dance festival attendees, and explore the relationship between harm reduction strategies and self‐reported adverse health consequences.

Design and Methods

Data were examined for 1226 past‐year dance festival attendees who self‐identified as past‐year multiple drug users. We conducted bivariable and multivariable analyses to explore relationships between six dosing‐related harm reduction strategies and 13 self‐reported adverse consequences.

Results

Self‐reported use of dosing‐related harm reduction strategies was prevalent, mainly avoidance of mixing depressants (69.2%) and setting limits on quantity (62.2%). Frequent users of harm reduction strategies reported experiencing fewer adverse health consequences (P values < 0.05). Those who reportedly set limits on quantity were at decreased odds of experiencing a bad mood after drug use, sexual difficulties while under drug influence, injuries or fractures while under drug influence, and involvement in fights or being attacked while under drug influence (P values < 0.05). Moreover, those who report frequently avoid mixing depressants were at decreased odds of experiencing headache, loss of consciousness, drop in blood pressure, injuries of fractures, and fights or attacks (P values < 0.05).

Discussion and Conclusions

Adoption of dosing‐related harm reduction strategies appears to be associated with less drug‐related harm among polysubstance‐using festival attendees. Findings may inform organisations and policymakers in the designing of harm reduction interventions with this population.
Why principals tolerate biases of inaccurate agents
Authors: Terai Kimiko , Glazer Amihai
Published: October 2018

Some agents are more accurate than others in estimating the best policy. The more accurately an agent estimates a policy's effects, the more he will resist biases, such as bribes from a special interest. Thus, a special interest needs to pay a larger bribe to an accurate agent than to an inaccurate agent. The accurate agent who is biased will then more likely cause harm than does an inaccurate agent who favors the special interest. Therefore, the principal may gain more from controlling biases of an accurate agent than of an inaccurate one. Thus, high ability of public officials may be associated with little corruption.
Creativity in persons at‐risk for bipolar disorder—A pilot study
Authors: Burkhardt Eva , Pfennig Andrea , Breitling Gwendolin , Pfeiffer Steffi , Sauer Cathrin , Bechdolf Andreas , Correll Christoph U. , Bauer Michael , Leopold Karolina
Published: October 2018

Aim

The association between bipolar disorder and creativity may be related to symptoms of the disorder itself or personality traits present before the onset. To further explore the relationship between creativity and clinical risk for bipolar disorder, creativity among individuals with a history of depressive disorder and varying risk for future (hypo‐)manic episodes was assessed and compared.

Methods

Thirty‐eight participants completed the diagnostic process, including Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) Diagnosis, Hamilton Depression Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale. The early detection tools Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Interview and Scale‐Prospective (BPSS‐P), Early Phase Inventory for Bipolar Disorders (EPIbipolar) and bipolar‐at‐risk‐(BAR) criteria were used to assign participants into different at‐risk groups. Assessment of creativity included Barron‐Welsh Art Scale (BWAS) and Creative Achievement Questionnaire (CAQ). Scores were compared between low‐ and high‐risk groups for the development of bipolar disorder.

Results

Participants meeting BAR criteria scored significantly higher on the BWAS than the non‐BAR group (P = 0.03). EPIbipolar groups did not differ significantly in creativity scores. Participants with mood swings, especially when associated with increased activity and euphoric features, had significantly higher BWAS scores compared to individuals without mood swings (P = 0.04). Sleep disturbances, substance abuse, anxiety, ADHD and behavioural disturbances in childhood or adolescence had no effect on creativity level or achievement scores. Generalisability was reduced by small sample size and inclusion of depressive participants only considered at‐risk for bipolar disorder.

Conclusions

There is evidence of increased creativity, but not of higher creative achievements, in persons at‐risk of bipolar disorder. Mood swings are strongly associated with creativity.
Does an integrated outreach intervention targeting multiple stages of early psychosis improve the identification of individuals at clinical high risk?
Authors: McIlwaine Sarah V. , Jordan Gerald , Pruessner Marita , Malla Ashok , Faridi Kia , Iyer Srividya N. , Joober Ridha , Shah Jai L.
Published: October 2018

Aims

To explore the impact of a targeted case identification intervention, with training and education regarding first‐episode psychosis and clinical high‐risk syndromes, on the referral and identification of those at high risk.

Methods

Using a historical control design, referral information from pre‐intervention and post‐intervention periods was collected via administrative data and clinician notes from a catchment‐based early psychosis service.

Results

A significant increase in the number of referrals sent to the service's clinical high‐risk unit was observed following the intervention (P = 0.01). The proportion of referrals eligible was significantly higher post‐intervention (P = 0.03), with the majority (26/44, 59.1%) referred via the first‐episode psychosis service unit.

Conclusions

An integrated outreach intervention for both first‐episode psychosis and the clinical high‐risk state was effective in increasing referrals of eligible cases to the service's at‐risk unit. Rather than being stage‐specific, targeted case identification strategies and service integration should span across the early stages of psychosis.
Relationship between renal CD68+ infiltrates and the Oxford Classification of IgA nephropathy
Authors: Soares Maria F , Genitsch Vera , Chakera Aron , Smith Andrew , MacEwen Clare , Bellur Shubha S , Alham Nasullah K , Roberts Ian S D
Published: October 2018

Aims

The Oxford Classification E score (endocapillary hypercellularity) predicts renal functional decline in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients free from steroid/immunosuppressive (IS) therapy, but is poorly reproducible. We hypothesise that endocapillary hypercellularity reflects glomerular inflammation and that the presence of CD68‐positive cells is a more robust marker of E score.

Methods and results

CD68‐positive cells were quantified in glomeruli and tubulointerstitium in biopsies from 118 IgAN patients, and cell counts were correlated with the criteria of the Oxford Classification, assigned on PAS‐stained serial sections. There was a strong correlation between median glomerular CD68 count and the percentage of glomeruli showing endocapillary hypercellularity (r = 0.67; P < 0.001; r2 = 0.45), while there was no correlation between CD68‐positive cells and mesangial hypercellularity, % segmental sclerosis, % of crescents and % tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (TA/IF). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that a maximum glomerular CD68 count of 6 is the best cut‐off for distinguishing E0 from E1 (sensitivity 94.1%, specificity 71%, area under the curve = 89%). Identification of biopsies with a maximum glomerular CD68‐count >6 was reproducible (kappa score 0.8), and there was a strong correlation between glomerular CD68 counts obtained by conventional light microscopy and by image analysis (r = 0.80, r2 = 0.64, P < 0.0001). Digital image analysis revealed that tubulointerstitial CD68‐positive cells correlated moderately with % TA/IF (r = 0.59, r2 = 0.35, P < 0.001) and GFR at the time of biopsy (r = 0.54, r2 = 0.29, P < 0.0001), but not with mesangial and endocapillary hypercellularity.

Conclusions

While glomerular CD68‐positive cells emerge as markers of endocapillary hypercellularity, their tubulointerstitial counterparts are associated with chronic damage.
Neuroendocrine proliferations in inflammatory bowel disease: differentiating neuroendocrine tumours from neuroendocrine cell micronests
Authors: Wong Mary , Larson Brent K , Dhall Deepti
Published: October 2018

Aims

A wide spectrum of well‐differentiated neuroendocrine proliferations (NEPs) are observed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ranging from neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) to microscopic neuroendocrine cell clusters, best described as neuroendocrine cell micronests (NCMs). Finding NCMs in surveillance biopsies of IBD patients often poses a diagnostic conundrum. While such lesions may have been referred to as ‘microcarcinoids’ in the literature, it is unclear whether these represent early neoplasms. The study was undertaken to characterise NCMs and to differentiate NCMs from NETs.

Methods and results

Institutional surgical pathology archives were searched to identify cases of NEPs in IBD patients. Clinicopathological features were examined. NCMs were defined as scattered, indistinct neuroendocrine cell clusters without confluent growth or new stroma formation, located in the lamina propria and muscularis mucosae. NETs were defined as discrete, mass‐forming lesions. Seventeen NEPs were identified, including eight NCMs and nine NETs. All NEPs were incidentally discovered. While NETs were commonly found in the rectum and appendix, NCMs were only noted in the rectosigmoid area. Unlike NETs, NCMs could not be measured as a discrete lesion as these clusters were non‐confluent and scattered. None of the patients with NCMs developed NETs after a mean follow‐up of 4.1 years (range = 0.5–21.0 years). None of the NETs showed NCMs in the background mucosa.

Conclusions

NCMs have distinct pathological features, are not associated with NETs in IBD patients and should not be misinterpreted as ‘microcarcinoids’. Identification of NCMs in surveillance biopsies may not require further clinical work‐up or invasive procedures usually performed for NETs.
Synthesis of silica aerogel thin sheets and evaluation of its thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties
Authors: Yoo Jeong Kun , Wagle Roshan , Lee Chang Woo , Lee Eun Yong
Published: October 2018

Silica aerogels are excellent thermal and acoustic insulators because of interconnected open nanopores with more than 90% porosity and higher surface area. Silica aerogel is derived by sol‐gel process and dried under super‐critical, sub‐critical or ambient pressure conditions. Thin silica aerogel sheets could be effective thermal insulators but high fragility hinders the wider applications. We have successfully developed a synthesis method for thin, flexible, and non‐fragile aerogel sheets with excellent hydrophobicity, lower thermal conductivity, and non‐combustible properties via ambient drying method. The silica aerogel sheets prepared compose of silica aerogel powder, fiber glass chopped strands, and solvent‐based binder. Aerogel thin insulation sheets of thickness 164 μm were prepared by pressing through rollers using aerogel paste composed of aerogel powder, fiber glass strands, and binders. The thermal conductivity values obtained were between 0.02~0.63 W/mK at temperature 25~400°C, contact angle θ = 121‘, weight loss 3.91% when heated up to 800°C in air, dielectric voltage breakdown 3.67 kV, dielectric strength 6.37 kV/mm and tensile strength of 2.65 N/mm². The overall thermal, electrical, and mechanical evaluation of aerogel thin insulation sheet showed they have higher potential to replace existing thick and bulky aerogel composites as thermal and electrical insulators in aviation, automobiles, electronics, and high power batteries.
Children and young people with intellectual disability in residential childcare: Prevalence of mental health disorders and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Águila‐Otero Alba , González‐García Carla , Bravo Amaia , Lázaro‐Visa Susana , del Valle Jorge F.
Published: October 2018

Children with intellectual disability are more likely to suffer abuse and neglect. Therefore, they are over‐represented among children in childcare interventions, particularly in residential childcare. The main goal of this article was to explore the correlates of mental health diseases in a sample of 169 children (6–18 years old) in residential care with intellectual disability compared with a group of 625 children, also in residential care but without disability. Results show that the prevalence of intellectual disability in residential childcare in Spain is about 19%, which is significant due to their special needs. In addition to this disability, they have a higher frequency of clinical problems in the scales of withdrawal‐depression, thought problems, attention problems and, above all, social problems than do their peers in residential care. They are also referred more frequently to therapeutic services, in particular to psychiatric intervention and they receive more pharmacological treatments.
Addition of the C‐terminus of CD6 to a chimeric antigen receptor enhances cytotoxicity and does not compromise expression
Authors: Breuning Johannes , Philip Brian , Brown Marion H.
Published: October 2018

T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are a promising new cancer immunotherapy that has now reached the clinic. CARs are synthetic receptors that redirect T cells towards a tumour‐associated antigen and activate them through various fused signalling regions, for example derived from CD3ζ, 4‐1BB or CD28. Analysis of the optimal combination of CAR components including signalling domains is not yet comprehensive and may vary with the particular application. The C‐terminus of the T‐cell surface receptor CD6 is critical for its co‐stimulatory effects and signals through two phospho‐tyrosine motifs that bind to the intracellular adaptor proteins GADS and SLP‐76. Addition of the C terminus of CD6 did not compromise CAR expression, showing it was a stable moiety that can be used independently of the native receptor. A third‐generation CAR containing 4‐1BB, CD3ζ and the C terminus of CD6 (4‐1BBz‐CD6) enhanced interferon‐γ release and cytotoxicity when compared with the second‐generation 4‐1BB CD3ζ (4‐1BBz) CAR. The CD6 C terminus is a valuable addition to potential components for modular design of CARs to improve effector function, particularly cytotoxicity.
Teething symptoms in children with congenital Zika syndrome: A 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Cavalcanti Alidianne Fábia Cabral , Aguiar Yêska Paola Costa , de Oliveira Melo Adriana Suely , de Freitas Leal Jeime Iara Bezerra , Cavalcanti Alessandro Leite , Cavalcanti Sergio d’Ávila Lins Bezerra
Published: October 2018

Background

The eruption of primary teeth represents a stage of many challenges for parents.

Aim

To investigate the occurrence of signs and symptoms related to the eruption of the primary dentition in children with congenital Zika syndrome.

Design

Longitudinal study developed with 79 children followed up for a period of 24 months. Data on sex, gestational age, low birthweight, microcephaly, signs and symptoms related to the dental eruption phase, and use and type of medication were collected. Data were presented by descriptive and inferential statistics (chi‐square test).

Results

The majority (94.9%) exhibited simultaneously two or more signs and symptoms related to dental eruption. Increased salivation (91.1%), irritability (86.1%), and gingival itching (83.5%) were the most commonly reported signs and symptoms. Bivariate analysis showed association between elevation of body temperature and sex (P < 0.05). Almost two‐thirds of mothers (63.3%) reported using medication to relieve symptoms presented by the child; however, the use of topical medication prevailed (57.1%).

Conclusion

All children with congenital Zika syndrome presented manifestations related to the eruption of primary teeth, with increased salivation, irritability, and gingival pruritus. The use of ointments and gels was the option of mothers in the treatment of the oral discomfort presented by infants.
Synthesis and characterization of (Zr1/3Nb1/3Ti1/3)C metal carbide solid‐solution ceramic
Authors: Ye Beilin , Chu Yanhui , Huang Kehan , Liu Da
Published: October 2018

(Zr1/3Nb1/3Ti1/3)C metal carbide solid‐solution ceramic has been successfully fabricated by hot pressing sintering at 2473 K using ZrC, NbC, and TiC powders as raw materials. The results show that the as‐prepared solid‐solution ceramic possesses a single rock‐salt crystal structure of metal carbides and simultaneously exhibits high compositional uniformity from nanoscale to microscale. By taking advantage of these unique features, it shows relatively high hardness of 38.8 ± 4.4 Gpa and elastic modulus of 481.8 ± 31.0 Gpa and relatively low thermal conductivity of 17.1 ± 0.3 W/(m·K) and thermal diffusivity of 6.1 ± 0.1 mm2/s, which may attribute primarily to the presence of solid solution effects.
Building submicron crystalline piezoceramics: One‐step pressureless sintering partially amorphized nanopowder
Authors: Yue Yunge , Hou Yudong , Zheng Mupeng , Fu Jing , Zhu Mankang
Published: October 2018

The key to miniaturization of piezoelectric devices is to build high‐performance fine‐grained piezoceramics. Although the preparation of fine‐grained ceramics can be achieved by hot press sintering or spark plasma sintering, complex processes, and high costs hinder the popularization of such technologies. In this work, a one‐step conventional pressureless sintering technique based on partially amorphized nano‐precursors has been proposed for low‐cost preparation of submicron‐structured ceramics. Using this technology, 0.36BiScO3–0.64PbTiO3 ceramics with an average particle size of 170 nm and a relative density of 95% can be prepared at temperature as low as 900°C, while the samples still have excellent piezoelectric properties (d33 = 220 pC/N, g33 = 40 × 10−3 Vm/N). In the process of sintering partially amorphized nano‐precursors, the initial densification rate is faster than the grain growth rate, which can be attributed to two effects promoting low temperature densification, one is the liquid phase sintering mechanism associated with the amorphous phase, and the other is the filling effect of small particles deposited at the grain boundaries. This work is simple and easy to implement, and it is expected to be extended to the preparation of other types of fine‐grained ceramics.
Tailoring particle alignment and grain orientation during tape casting and templated grain growth
Authors: Walton Rebecca L. , Vaudin Mark D. , Hofer Anna‐Katharina , Kupp Elizabeth R. , Meyer Richard J. , Messing Gary L.
Published: October 2018

The quality of crystallographic alignment in textured ceramics produced by tape casting and templated grain growth (TGG) has been little studied despite its demonstrated impact on magnetic, piezoelectric, and optical properties. Physical and crystallographic alignment of anisotropic template particles is shown to be directly linked to the casting rate, gap height, and casting viscosity during tape casting. These parameters are shown to affect the shape and magnitude of the shear rate profile under the doctor blade during casting which in turn causes a gradient in the torque acting on anisotropic particles. The magnitude of the torque, the time the slurry is exposed to torque during casting, and the ratio of casting height to template diameter are demonstrated to enable the particle alignment process to be tailored to produce well‐aligned template particles. Crystallographic alignment of the textured ceramic was quantified by grain misalignment angle (full width at half maximum, FWHM) and degree of orientation (r) and is directly correlated with the degree of torque during casting. High‐quality alignment (FWHM = 4.5°; r = 0.13) was demonstrated in the model TGG system consisting of submicrometer alumina and 5 vol% 11 μm diameter template platelet particles.
Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Older Adults: Deprescribing with a Clinical Pharmacist
Authors: Ammerman Catherine A. , Simpkins Brent A. , Warman Nora , Downs Tara N.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To compare the effects of a Geriatric Patient‐Aligned Care Team (GeriPACT) on deprescribing of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in individuals aged 80 and older with usual care (UC) in the Veterans Affairs setting.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

Participants

Individuals aged 80 and older who filled a PIM at least 90 days before a GeriPACT or primary care appointment between January 1, 2015, and September 6, 2017 (N = 568).

Measurements

The primary outcome was to determine whether an interdisciplinary team (IDT) including a clinical pharmacy specialist (CPS) resulted in greater deprescribing of PIMs for older adults than UC.

Results

One hundred twenty‐one (26.8%) PIMs were deprescribed in GeriPACT, compared with 73 (16.1%) in UC (p = <.001). Of PIMs not deprescribed, 9.7% (n = 32) were dose reduced in GeriPACT, versus 2.8% (n = 11) in UC (p < .001). Documentation of risk versus benefit discussion between a provider and participant or pharmacist and participant occurred with 65.2% (n = 215) of PIMs not deprescribed in GeriPACT and 0.003% (n = 1) in UC (p < .001).

Conclusion

An IDT that included a CPS led to significantly more deprescribing of PIMs in older veterans. Including a CPS on an IDT for the management of older adults can decrease PIM use in our rapidly growing aging population. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:115–118, 2019.
Changes in neurosteroidogenesis during demyelination and remyelination in cuprizone‐treated mice
Authors: Leicaj María L. , Pasquini Laura A. , Lima Analia , Gonzalez Deniselle Maria C. , Pasquini Juana M. , De Nicola Alejandro F. , Garay Laura I.
Published: October 2018

Changes of neurosteroids may be involved in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study investigated whether changes of neurosteroidogenesis also occurred in the grey and white matter regions of the brain in mice subjected to cuprizone‐induced demyelination. Accordingly, we compared the expression of neurosteroidogenic proteins, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC) and 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), as well as neurosteroidogenic enzymes, including the side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase and 5α‐reductase (5α‐R), during the demyelination and remyelination periods. Using immunohistochemistry and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrated a decreased expression of StAR, P450scc and 5α‐R with respect to an increase astrocytic and microglial reaction and elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α during the cuprizone demyelination period in the hippocampus, cortex and corpus callosum. These parameters, as well as the glial reaction, were normalised after 2 weeks of spontaneous remyelination in regions containing grey matter. Conversely, persistent elevated levels of TNFα and low levels of StAR and P450scc were observed during remyelination in corpus callosum white matter. We conclude that neurosteroidogenesis/myelination status and glial reactivity are inversely related in the hippocampus and neocortex. Establishing a cause and effect relationship for the measured variables remains a future challenge for understanding the pathophysiology of MS.
THE EMPIRICAL MERIT OF STRUCTURAL EXPLANATIONS OF COMMODITY PRICE VOLATILITY: REVIEW AND PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Legrand Nicolas
Published: October 2018

This paper presents both the history of and state‐of‐the‐art in empirical modeling approaches to the world commodity price volatility. The analysis builds on the storage model and key milestones in its development. Specifically, it is intended to offer a reader unfamiliar with the relevant literature an insight into the modeling issues at stake from both a historical and speculative viewpoint. The review considers primarily the empirical techniques designed to assess the merits of the storage theory; it does not address purely statistical approaches that do not rely on storage theory and that have been studied in depth in other streams of the commodity price literature. The paper concludes with some suggestions for future research to try to resolve some of the existing empirical flaws, and hopefully to increase the explanatory power of the storage model.
Acutely induced cell mortality in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlorophyceae) following exposure to acrylic resin nanoparticles
Authors: Widyaningrum Dwiyantari , Iida Daisuke , Tanabe Yuma , Hayashi Yasuko , Kurniasih Sari Dewi , Ohama Takeshi
Published: October 2018

Nanoparticles have unique properties that make them attractive for use in industrial and medical technology industries but can also be harmful to living organisms, making an understanding of their molecular mechanisms of action essential. We examined the effect of three different sized poly(isobutyl‐cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles (iBCA‐NPs) on the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We found that exposure to iBCA‐NPs immediately caused C. reinhardtii to display abnormal swimming behaviors. Furthermore, after one hour, most of the cells had stopped swimming and 10%–30% of cells were stained with trypan blue, suggesting that these cells had severely impaired plasma membranes. Observation of the cyto‐ultrastructure showed that the cell walls had been severely damaged and that many iBCA‐NPs were located in the space between the cell wall and plasma membrane, as well as inside the cytosol in some cases. A comparison of three strains of C. reinhardtii with different cell wall conditions further showed that the cell mortality ratio increased more rapidly in the absence of a cell wall. Interestingly, cell mortality over time was essentially identical regardless of iBCA‐NP size if the total surface area was the same. Furthermore, direct observation of the trails of iBCA‐NPs indicated that the first trigger was their contact with the cell wall, which is most likely accompanied by the inactivation or removal of adsorbed proteins from the cell wall surface. Cell mortality was accompanied by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, which was detected more readily in cells grown under constant light rather than in the dark.
Identification of genetic risk factors of aggressive periodontitis using genomewide association studies in association with those of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Masumoto Risa , Kitagaki Jirouta , Fujihara Chiharu , Matsumoto Masahiro , Miyauchi Shizuka , Asano Yoshihiro , Imai Atsuko , Kobayashi Kaori , Nakaya Akihiro , Yamashita Motozo , Yamada Satoru , Kitamura Masahiro , Murakami Shinya
Published: October 2018

To identify the genetic risk factors for aggressive periodontitis (AgP), it is important to understand the progression and pathogenesis of AgP. The purpose of this review was to summarize the genetic risk factors for AgP identified through a case‐control genomewide association study (GWAS) and replication study. The initial studies to identify novel AgP risk factors were potentially biased because they relied on previous studies. To overcome this kind of issue, an unbiased GWAS strategy was introduced to identify genetic risk factors for various diseases. Currently, three genes glycosyltransferase 6 domain containing 1 (GLT6D1), defensin α1 and α3 (DEFA1A3), and sialic acid‐binding Ig‐like lectin 5 (SIGLEC5) that reach the threshold for genomewide significance have been identified as genetic risk factors for AgP through a case‐control GWAS.
Link between cattle and the trophic status of tropical high mountain lakes in páramo grasslands in Ecuador
Authors: Van Colen Willem , Mosquera Pablo V. , Hampel Henrietta , Muylaert Koenraad
Published: October 2018

The high‐altitude páramo grasslands of the Andes Mountains are rich in lakes that represent a source of high‐quality water for the region. Páramo grasslands are mainly used for cattle grazing. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of cattle on the trophic status of páramo lakes. In a survey of 30 lakes in Cajas National Park (NP), a semi‐quantitative estimate for cattle abundance in the vicinity of the lakes was the best predictor of the chlorophyll‐a concentrations in the lakes. Cattle abundance was also significantly related to phytoplankton community composition, being associated with a shift from chlorophytes to diatoms and dinoflagellates. Lake Culibrillas, a lake situated in the Sangay National Park (Sangay NP), a region with much more intensive cattle farming than Cajas NP exhibited a chlorophyll‐a concentration greater than twice as much as the largest concentration measured in the Cajas NP lakes, being characterized by a dinoflagellate bloom. Although chlorophyll‐a concentrations increased with cattle abundance, the concentrations in all the study lakes remained low (0.02–1.8 μg/L), indicating that extensive cattle farming does not cause severe eutrophication. The results of this study nevertheless indicate that intensification of livestock farming in páramo grasslands might result in a deterioration of water quality in the páramo lakes.