bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronal IL‐4Rα modulates neuronal apoptosis and cell viability during the acute phases of cerebral ischemia
Authors: Lee Han Kyu , Koh Sehwon , Lo Donald C. , Marchuk Douglas A.
Published: May 2018

Ischemic stroke caused by an embolus or local thrombosis results in neural tissue damage (an infarct) in the territory of the occluded cerebral artery. Decades of studies have increased our understanding of the molecular events during cerebral infarction; however, translation of these discoveries to druggable targets for ischemic stroke treatment has been largely disappointing. Interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) is a multifunctional cytokine that exerts its cellular activities via the interleukin‐4 receptor α (IL‐4Rα). This cytokine receptor complex is associated with diverse immune and inflammatory responses. Recent studies have suggested a role of the cytokine IL‐4 in long‐term ischemic stroke recovery, involving immune cell activity. In contrast, the role of the receptor, IL‐4Rα especially in the acute phase of infarction is unclear. In this study, we determined that IL‐4Rα is expressed on neurons and that during the early phases of cerebral infarction (24 h) levels of this receptor are increased to regulate cellular apoptosis factors through activation of STAT6. In this context, we show a neuroprotective role for IL‐4Rα in an in vivo surgical model of cerebral ischemia and in ex vivo brain slice explants, using both genetic knockout of this receptor and RNAi‐mediated gene knockdown. IL‐4Rα may therefore represent a novel target and pathway for therapeutic development in ischemic stroke.
Importance of disturbance history on net primary productivity in the world's most productive forests and implications for the global carbon cycle
Authors: Volkova Liubov , Roxburgh Stephen H. , Weston Christopher J. , Benyon Richard G. , Sullivan Andrew L. , Polglase Philip J.
Published: May 2018

Analysis of growth and biomass turnover in natural forests of Eucalyptus regnans, the world's tallest angiosperm, reveals it is also the world's most productive forest type, with fire disturbance an important mediator of net primary productivity (NPP). A comprehensive empirical database was used to calculate the averaged temporal pattern of NPP from regeneration to 250 years age. NPP peaks at 23.1 ± 3.8 (95% interquantile range) Mg C ha−1 year−1 at age 14 years, and declines gradually to about 9.2 ± 0.8 Mg C ha−1 year−1 at 130 years, with an average NPP over 250 years of 11.4 ± 1.1 Mg C ha−1 year−1, a value similar to the most productive temperate and tropical forests around the world. We then applied the age‐class distribution of E. regnans resulting from relatively recent historical fires to estimate current NPP for the forest estate. Values of NPP were 40% higher (13 Mg C ha−1 year−1) than if forests were assumed to be at maturity (9.2 Mg C ha−1 year−1). The empirically derived NPP time series for the E. regnans estate was then compared against predictions from 21 global circulation models, showing that none of them had the capacity to simulate a post‐disturbance peak in NPP, as found in E. regnans. The potential importance of disturbance impacts on NPP was further tested by applying a similar approach to the temperate forests of conterminous United States and of China. Allowing for the effects of disturbance, NPP summed across both regions was on average 11% (or 194 Tg C/year) greater than if all forests were assumed to be in a mature state. The results illustrate the importance of accounting for past disturbance history and growth stage when estimating forest primary productivity, with implications for carbon balance modelling at local to global scales.
PHOX2B is a reliable immunomarker in distinguishing peripheral neuroblastic tumours from CNS embryonal tumours
Authors: Alexandrescu Sanda , Paulson Vera , Dubuc Adrian , Ligon Azra , Lidov Hart G
Published: May 2018

Aims

The PHOX2B gene regulates neuronal maturation in the brain stem nuclei associated with cardiorespiratory function and in the autonomic sympathetic and enteric nervous system. PHOX2B expression is a reliable immunomarker for peripheral neuroblastic tumours; however, no systematic evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) embryonal tumours was included in the studies. We encountered two cases in which the differential diagnosis included neuroblastoma and CNS embryonal tumour, and we hypothesised that PHOX2B immunostain would be helpful in establishing the diagnosis.

Methods and results

PHOX2B immunostain was performed on 29 paediatric cases, with adequate controls: one retroperitoneal embryonal tumour in a child with retinoblastoma (index 1), one posterior fossa embryonal tumour in a child with a neuroblastoma (index 2), seven medulloblastomas, four atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumours (ATRT), four retinoblastomas, six pineoblastomas, four embryonal tumours with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) and two CNS embryonal tumours, not elsewhere classified. Cell lineage immunomarkers (GFAP, OLIG2, synaptophysin, NeuN, CRX, PGP 9.5), immunosurrogates for molecular alterations (beta‐catenin, INI1, Lin‐28), array CGH and OncoPanel were performed as needed. Medulloblastomas, ATRTs, ETMRs, retinoblastomas and CNS embryonal tumours not elsewhere classified were essentially negative for PHOX2B. Two of six pineoblastomas had significant PHOX2B expression, while the rest were negative. Index 1 was negative for PHOX2B and PGP 9.5 and positive for CRX, consistent with retinoblastoma. Index 2 had diffuse PHOX2B expression, MYCN amplification and no copy number changes of medulloblastoma, in keeping with neuroblastoma.

Conclusion

PHOX2B antibody is helpful in distinguishing between peripheral neuroblastic and CNS embryonal tumours, which are immunonegative, with the caveat that a subset of pineoblastomas has significant expression.
Does rotational thromboelastometry accurately predict coagulation status in patients with lupus anticoagulant?
Authors: Hensch L. , Kostousov V. , Bruzdoski K. , Losos M. , Pereira M. , de Guzman M. , Hui S. , Teruya J.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is increasingly used as a tool for monitoring coagulation status. However, ROTEM is susceptible to misinterpretation due to particular coagulation abnormalities. Here, we report the effects of lupus anticoagulant (LA) on ROTEM.

Methods

A prospective observational analysis was performed on 16 children with prior studies indicating the presence of LA or antiphospholipid antibodies. ROTEM analysis was performed, and samples were further analyzed by adding phospholipids (PL) to repeat ROTEM analysis if clotting time (CT) abnormalities were discovered with comparison to ROTEM using an equal volume of isotonic saline. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), dilute Russell's viper venom test (DRVVT), hexagonal phase phospholipid neutralization test (StaClot LA), and factor II activity studies were additionally performed.

Results

Eighteen samples were analyzed by ROTEM. Prolonged CT on INTEM and EXTEM was observed for 11 samples. Samples with CT prolongation had high DRVVT ratios and prolonged APTT. Further, the addition of PL partially reversed this effect, demonstrating PL‐dependent inhibition as the cause of CT prolongation. No factor II deficiencies were identified, excluding LA hypoprothrombinemia syndrome as a cause of these findings.

Conclusion

Strongly positive LA can prolong the CT on ROTEM studies and lead to erroneous conclusions regarding coagulation status in this patient population.
Prognostic impact of the pretreatment aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase ratio in patients treated with first‐line systemic tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kang Minyong , Yu Jiwoong , Sung Hyun Hwan , Jeon Hwang Gyun , Jeong Byong Chang , Park Se Hoon , Jeon Seong Soo , Lee Hyun Moo , Choi Han Yong , Seo Seong Il
Published: May 2018

Objectives

To examine the prognostic role of the pretreatment aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase or De Ritis ratio in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving first‐line systemic tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively searched the medical records of 579 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who visited Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, from January 2001 through August 2016. After excluding 210 patients, we analyzed 360 patients who received first‐line tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Cancer‐specific survival and overall survival were defined as the primary and secondary end‐points, respectively. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify independent prognosticators of survival outcomes.

Results

The overall population was divided into two groups according to the pretreatment De Ritis ratio as an optimal cut‐off value of 1.2, which was determined by a time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Patients with a higher pretreatment De Ritis ratio (≥1.2) had worse cancer‐specific survival and overall survival outcomes, compared with those with a lower De Ritis ratio (<1.2). Notably, a higher De Ritis ratio (≥1.2) was found to be an independent predictor of both cancer‐specific survival (hazard ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.13–2.30) and overall survival outcomes (hazard ratio 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.19–2.39), along with male sex, multiple metastasis (≥2), non‐clear cell histology, advanced pT stage (≥3), previous metastasectomy and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center risk classification.

Conclusion

Our findings show that the pretreatment De Ritis ratio can provide valuable information about the survival outcomes of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients receiving first‐line tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
The effect of labour market polarization on university students’ job market‐related outcomes in the Republic of Korea: Implications for youth unemployment
Authors: CHUNG Sungyup
Published: May 2018

This article aims to assess the effect of the labour market environment on university students’ labour market‐related behaviour in the Republic of Korea. Using data from the country's Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey for 2005–13, the author estimates the effect of macroeconomic variables on university students’ job market‐related outcomes. Results indicate that labour market polarization, as measured by the labour market polarization index developed by Chung and Jung (2016), has a significant effect on both the nominal and masked (through extension of university enrolment and university transfers) unemployment of university students. These findings imply that the labour market structure is a key element in understanding youth unemployment.
Delays to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in Australia: healthcare professional perceptions of actual versus acceptable timeframes
Authors: Malalasekera Ashanya , Dhillon Haryana M. , Blinman Prunella L. , Kao Steven C. , Vardy Janette L.
Published: May 2018

Background

Streamlined referral to specialist care impacts lung cancer outcomes.

Aim

To examine Australian healthcare professionals’ (HCP) perceptions of the timeliness of pathways to diagnosis and treatment for people with lung cancer, compared against timeframe guidelines.

Methods

A 21‐item survey of HCP evaluating patient waiting times to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer was distributed through two Australian conferences, a national Multidisciplinary Team directory and email. Main outcome measures were HCP estimates of actual and acceptable waiting times in their practice and factors contributing to perceived delays.

Results

A total of 135 responses was obtained from HCP working in secondary healthcare who had recent clinical experience treating lung cancer patients. While 79% believed a diagnosis of lung cancer should be obtained within 14 days of first clinical suspicion, only 56% estimated that this occurred in their practice due mainly to delays in primary care. Most HCP (81%) estimated that patients receive treatment within 28 days of seeing a specialist, but 28% believed a wait of >14 days to treatment was a ‘delay’, generally due to resource limitations. In general, most HCP estimates of time spent in primary care were longer than those in the literature, while estimates for secondary care were shorter.

Conclusions

Australian HCP treating lung cancer patients perceive a mismatch between acceptable and estimated waiting times to diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer due to patient, provider and system factors. If perceived delays are justified, it is unclear whether HCP overestimate times spent by patients in primary care or underestimate delays in secondary care. Variations in HCP expectations need to be addressed.
Review of phase stability in the group IVB and VB transition‐metal carbides
Authors: Weinberger Christopher R. , Thompson Gregory B.
Published: May 2018

This review summarizes the phase stability in the group IVB (Ti‐C; Zr‐C; Hf‐C) and group VB (V‐C; Nb‐C; Ta‐C) transition‐metal carbides. The order parameter functional (OPF) method and density functional theory (DFT) method have been used to predict phase equilibria in these systems. Extensive experimental investigations have attempted to determine both phase stability as a function of composition as well the crystal structures present using X‐ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, electron backscatter detection, and selected area electron diffraction. These investigations have demonstrated that the structures that form are based on the close‐packing of the metal atoms and the arrangement of the carbon atoms in the octahedral interstices. In general, the rocksalt B1 phase is stable for all of the transition‐metal carbides, with their substoichiometry tolerance increasing with temperature; vanadium carbide is the exception due to its negative vacancy formation energy. Vacancy‐ordered M6C5 phases have been predicted and experimentally confirmed in both groups of carbides; however, kinetic limitations often inhibit the formation of vacancy‐ordered phases, which has contributed to controversy in phase identification. The vacancy‐ordered M4C3 phase has been predicted for select carbides and has only been observed in zirconium carbide. In contrast, the stacking fault phase ζ‐M4C3−x has been readily reported in the group VB carbides (but not in the group IVB carbides). The vacancy‐ordered M3C2 has been predicted by DFT for the group IVB carbides but not in the group VB carbides, whereas OPF predicts its stability in both carbides. Vacancy‐ordered M3C2 phases have been experimentally observed in the Ti‐C and Hf‐C systems. Finally, the M2C phase has been predicted in both group carbides, except for hafnium carbide, with an order‐disorder transition with temperature. These factors result in phase diagrams that are similar among all the carbides, but each phase diagram is unique due to subtle differences in bonding that result in slight differences in thermodynamically stable phases.
Historical and current patterns of gene flow in the butterfly Pararge aegeria
Authors: Livraghi Luca , Vodă Raluca , Evans Luke Christopher , Gibbs Melanie , Dincă Vlad , Holland Peter W.H. , Shreeve Tim G. , Vila Roger , Dapporto Leonardo , Breuker Casper J.
Published: May 2018

Aim

We have investigated the phylogeography and genetic structure of the Speckled Wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria) across its entire distribution range and studied its dispersal both on mainland and across sea straits. The apparent lack of gene flow between Sardinia and Corsica was further investigated by means of mating experiments.

Location

Europe and North Africa.

Methods

We sampled 345 individuals and sequenced one mitochondrial gene (Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I, COI) for all samples and two nuclear genes (wingless and zerknullt) for a subset of the specimens. A total of 22 females from Corsica and Sardinia were used to establish a series of crosses to investigate reproductive compatibility and were screened for the presence of Wolbachia. Bayesian inference (BI) and haplotype networks were employed to infer phylogenetic relationships and a Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) was used to represent geographical patterns of genetic diversity. Mating and courtship data were analysed using linear mixed effect models.

Results

We detected two main COI lineages separated by the Mediterranean Sea and maintained over relatively short sea straits. While nuclear gene variation was generally in agreement with that of COI, this was not the case in all areas (e.g. Iberian Peninsula and Corsica/Sardinia). Mating experiments revealed no evidence of reproductive isolation between the lineages, nor clear relation to Wolbachia infection status.

Main conclusions

We propose that following the post‐glacial recolonization of Europe, the ancestral COI lineage of P. aegeria was maintained in North Africa and Mediterranean islands, while a new lineage colonized from Eastern Europe, replacing and apparently out‐competing the ancestral variant. Several hypotheses are discussed that may explain the local discordance between the nuclear genes and COI, including sex‐specific dispersal, selection and differential rates of gene evolution.
Brief‐Systemic Programs for Promoting Mental Health and Relationship Functioning in Military Couples and Families
Authors: Monk J. Kale , Ruhlmann Lauren M. , Nelson Goff Briana S. , Ogolsky Brian G.
Published: May 2018

Military service members and veterans (SMVs) are considered at risk for developing a variety of relational and mental health concerns. Often, their families also face hardships due to stressors associated with deployment and reintegration, as well as the interpersonal effects of distress. However, there are few systems‐oriented services available to military couples and families. Similarly, the services that are available often go underutilized. To address these gaps, we review existing brief‐systemic programs, which show promise for attracting and helping military families in need. In addition to describing the theoretical underpinnings that support these models and the limited empirical evidence behind them, we also provide recommendations for military scholars and program developers to improve services for SMVs and their families.
Association of Gestational Weight Gain with Prenatal Care Model
Authors: Kominiarek Michelle A. , Gray Elizabeth Lucio , Vyhmeister Heidi , Grobman William , Simon Melissa
Published: May 2018

Introduction

The objective of this study was to compare gestational weight gain (GWG) among women in group and traditional prenatal care.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of women who received prenatal care between 2011 and 2015 in a setting in which low‐risk women had the option of group prenatal care. Women with height and initial and final weight were eligible. Women who chose group prenatal care were compared with women who chose traditional prenatal care and gave birth during the same study period. A propensity score analysis was used to create a matched control group from women who received traditional prenatal care. Bivariable comparisons of demographics, maternal characteristics, and GWG as a categorical variable (inadequate, adequate, or excessive per the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines) were performed with chi‐square or Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests. A logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association of group prenatal care with excessive GWG.

Results

The final sample included 818 women who received either group or traditional prenatal care and were matched according to age, body mass index (BMI), nulliparity, and marital status. In the unadjusted analysis, women in group prenatal care had lower odds of excessive GWG (odds ratio [OR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57‐0.99), but the statistical significance of this finding did not persist in the adjusted analysis (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.45‐1.30). When the analyses were limited to women who had at least 5 group or traditional prenatal care visits, there were no differences in excessive GWG in unadjusted (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.59‐1.16) or adjusted (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.24‐3.96) analyses.

Discussion

In this propensity score matched cohort study of predominantly Hispanic women, there were no differences in excessive GWG between women in group compared with traditional prenatal care. Further study is indicated to determine the relationship between prenatal care model and GWG outcomes.
Nurses’ Perceptions of Patient Safety Culture in Three Hospitals in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alquwez Nahed , Cruz Jonas Preposi , Almoghairi Ahmed Mohammed , Al‐otaibi Raid Salman , Almutairi Khalid Obaid , Alicante Jerico G. , Colet Paolo C.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To assess the present patient safety culture of three general hospitals in Saudi Arabia, as perceived by nurses.

Design

This study utilized a descriptive, cross‐sectional design.

Methods

A convenience sample of 351 nurses working in three general hospitals in the central region of Saudi Arabia was surveyed in this study using the Hospital Survey of Patients’ Safety Culture (HSOPSC) from October 2016 to April 2017.

Results

From the 12 composites of the HSOPSC, the nurses perceived only the following two patient safety areas as strengths: teamwork within units and organizational learning–continuous improvement. Six areas of patient safety were identified as weaknesses, namely overall perception of patient safety, handoffs and transitions, communication openness, staffing, frequency of events reported, and nonpunitive response to errors. Nationality, educational attainment, hospital, length of service in the hospital, work area or unit, length of service in the current work area or unit, current position, and direct patient contact or interaction were significant predictors of the nurses’ perceived patient safety culture.

Conclusions

The findings in this study clarify the current status of patient safety culture in three hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Clinical Relevance

The present findings should be considered by policymakers, hospital leaders, and nurse executives in creating interventions aimed at improving the patient safety culture in hospitals. A multidimensional network intervention targeting the different dimensions of patient safety culture and involving different organizational levels should be implemented to improve patient safety.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ACTIVE LABOR MARKET POLICIES: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Vooren Melvin , Haelermans Carla , Groot Wim , Maassen van den Brink Henriëtte
Published: May 2018

This paper provides a meta‐analysis of microeconometric evaluation studies on the effectiveness of active labor market policies. The analysis is built upon a systematically assembled data set of causal impact estimates from 57 experimental and quasi‐experimental studies, providing 654 estimates published between January 1990 and December 2017. We distinguish between the short and longer term impacts in our analysis; at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after program start. After correcting for publication bias and country‐specific macroeconomic characteristics, subsidized labor and public employment programs have negative short‐term impacts, which gradually turn positive in the longer run. Schemes with enhanced services including job‐search assistance and training programs do not have these negative short‐term effects, and stay positive from 6 until 36 months after program start.
The Influence of Post System Design and Material on the Biomechanical Behavior of Teeth with Little Remaining Coronal Structure
Authors: Pinto Cristiano Lazzari , Bhering Claudia Lopes Brilhante , de Oliveira Gabriel Rodrigues , Maroli Angélica , Reginato Vagner Flávio , Caldas Ricardo Armini , Bacchi Atais
Published: May 2018

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of different post systems on the biomechanical behavior of teeth with a severe loss of remaining coronal structure.

Materials and Methods

Fifty standardized bovine teeth (n = 10 per group) were restored with: cast post‐and‐core (CPC), prefabricated metallic post (PFM), parallel glass‐fiber post (P‐FP), conical glass‐fiber post (C‐FP), or composite core (no post, CC). The survival rate during thermomechanical challenging (TC), the fracture strength (FS), and failure patterns (FP) were evaluated. Finite element models evaluated the stress distribution after the application of 100 N.

Results

All specimens survived TC. Similar FS was observed among post‐containing groups. Groups P‐FP and CC presented 100% repairable fractures. The von Mises analysis showed the maximum stresses into the root canal in groups restored with metallic posts. Glass‐fiber posts and CC presented the maximum stresses at the load contact point. Glass‐fiber groups showed lower stresses in the analysis of maximal contact pressure; CPC led to the highest values of contact pressure. The modified von Mises (mvM) stress in dentin did not show differences among groups. Moreover, mvM values did not reach the dentin fracture limit for any group.

Conclusions

The type of intracanal post had a relevant influence on the biomechanical behavior of teeth with little remaining coronal structure.
Does intermunicipal cooperation promote efficiency gains? Evidence from Italian municipal unions
Authors: Ferraresi Massimiliano , Migali Giuseppe , Rizzo Leonzio
Published: May 2018

Intermunicipal cooperation is a common way to provide local public services, exploit economies of scale, and internalize externalities. However, little is known about possible efficiency gains. We test their existence in terms of local public expenditures reductions, by investigating the Italian experience of municipal unions. We adopt quasi‐experimental methodologies using administrative data on municipalities in the Emilia Romagna region. We find that being in a municipal union reduces the total per capita current expenditures by around 5 percent, without affecting the level of local public services. The effect is robust, persistent, and increasing up to six years after entrance.
The perspectives of former recipients and experts on stigmatization related to electroconvulsive therapy in Denmark: A focus group study
Authors: Kring Iben Sylvia , Bergholt Maria Daniella , Midtgaard Julie
Published: May 2018

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has existed worldwide for nearly 80 years.

ECT is a fast‐working and potentially life‐saving treatment, but it is considered controversial. Although frequently mentioned, stigmatization in relation to ECT has not been systematically explored so far.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This paper provides new insight into both recipient and expert perspectives on ECT. It identifies several issues of stigmatization related to ECT and suggests that full recovery following ECT might be jeopardized due to both stigmatization and self‐stigmatization.

The study suggests that most of the stigmatizing behaviors can be ascribed to (a lack of) available knowledge of and experience with ECT.

What are the implications for practice?

Being aware of and listening to the needs of former ECT‐recipients seems essential to increase their treatment options and support care as well as a will to prioritize this patient group. For example, by addressing the potential stigma issues in follow‐up groups and helping to distribute sober, factual information about ECT in society.

Providing written information and psychoeducation for patients and relatives before, during, and after ECT, in addition to supporting active use of diaries, might be valuable remedies for helping patients feel adequately informed and able to accept the pros and cons of ECT during and after treatment period.

Introduction

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has existed worldwide for nearly 80 years. Although fast‐working and potentially life‐saving treatment, ECT is regarded as a strongly controversial treatment and stigmatization is frequently mentioned in relation to it. However, no systematic research in this area has taken place so far.

Aim

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences and attitudes of former recipients of ECT and of experts professionally involved with ECT to identify potential stigmatization.

Method

Two focus groups, one comprising four recipients of ECT and the other seven professional experts, were conducted. Data from each focus group were analyzed separately using a framework‐analysis.

Results

The analysis yielded three major themes for the first focus group interview: ambivalent attitudes, discrediting and exclusion, and survival strategies and three major themes for the second focus group interview: dramatic depictions of ECT, an overlooked and rare treatment, and anti‐stigmatization strategies.

Discussion and implications for practice

Stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors in relation to ECT are closely related to one's personal and factual knowledge, and there is a great need for multi‐facetted approaches if social acceptance and recognition are to be achieved. This study provides new knowledge on a scarcely examined area while also introducing suitable methods for anti‐stigmatization and empowerment.
Accumulation of transposable elements in selfing populations of Arabidopsis lyrata supports the ectopic recombination model of transposon evolution
Authors: Bonchev Georgi , Willi Yvonne
Published: May 2018

Transposable elements (TE) can constitute a large fraction of plant genomes, yet our understanding of their evolution and fitness effect is still limited. Here we tested several models of evolution that make specific predictions about differences in TE abundance between selfing and outcrossing taxa, and between small and large populations.

We estimated TE abundance in multiple populations of North American Arabidopsis lyrata differing in mating system and long‐term size, using transposon insertion display on several TE families.

Selfing populations had higher TE copy numbers per individual and higher TE allele frequencies, supporting models which assume that selection against TEs acts predominantly against heterozygotes via the process of ectopic recombination. In outcrossing populations differing in long‐term size, the data supported neither a model of density‐regulated transposition nor a model of direct deleterious effect. Instead, the population structure of TEs revealed that outcrossing populations tended to split into western and eastern groups – as previously detected using microsatellite markers – whereas selfing populations from west and east were less differentiated. This, too, agrees with the model of ectopic recombination.

Overall, our results suggest that TE elements are nearly neutral except for their deleterious potential to disturb meiosis in the heterozygous state.
Amplitude envelope correlations measure synchronous cortical oscillations in performing musicians
Authors: Zamm Anna , Debener Stefan , Bauer Anna‐Katharina R. , Bleichner Martin G. , Demos Alexander P. , Palmer Caroline
Published: May 2018

A major question facing cognitive neuroscience is measurement of interbrain synchrony between individuals performing joint actions. We describe the application of a novel method for measuring musicians’ interbrain synchrony: amplitude envelope correlations (AECs). Amplitude envelopes (AEs) reflect energy fluctuations in cortical oscillations over time; AE correlations measure the degree to which two envelope fluctuations are temporally correlated, such as cortical oscillations arising from two individuals performing a joint action. Wireless electroencephalography was recorded from two pianists performing a musical duet; an analysis pipeline is described for computing AEs of cortical oscillations at the duet performance frequency (number of tones produced per second) to test whether these oscillations reflect the temporal dynamics of partners’ performances. The pianists’ AE correlations were compared with correlations based on a distribution of AEs simulated from white noise signals using the same methods. The AE method was also applied to the temporal characteristics of the pianists’ performances, to show that the observed pair's AEs reflect the temporal dynamics of their performance. AE correlations offer a promising approach for assessing interbrain correspondences in cortical activity associated with performing joint tasks.
Attentional refreshing moderates the word frequency effect in immediate and delayed recall tasks
Authors: Abadie Marlène , Camos Valérie
Published: May 2018

Using an online sample experiment, the study described herein addresses the fervent debate about the relationships between working memory and long‐term memory (LTM). We manipulated refreshing opportunities and LTM status of memoranda by varying, respectively, the type of span tasks (simple span with short or long lists versus complex span tasks) and the frequency of the memory words (low versus high). In accordance with the hypothesis that refreshing is involved particularly in complex rather than simple span tasks, the frequency effect in immediate recall tests was reduced in the former. Moreover, contrary to previous studies in which refreshing increases LTM effects in delayed recall tests, our data point in the opposite direction. However, the frequency effect was also reduced in the simple task with short lists, suggesting that refreshing might not be the only process underlying the reduction of frequency effect in delayed tests. Finally, no differences in delayed recall were found between the complex span task that affords refreshing opportunities and the other tasks, suggesting that another process than refreshing, probably consolidation, might be involved in delayed recall.
Tobacco smoking decreases clinical symptoms of gingivitis in patients with type 1 diabetes—a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tarnowski Mateusz , Duda‐Sobczak Anna , Lipski Jakub , Zozulinska‐Ziolkiewicz Dorota , Wyganowska‐Swiatkowska Marzena
Published: May 2018

Objective

Periodontal disease may develop on the background of microvascular complications of diabetes. However, some modifying factors, such as tobacco smoking, should be taken into consideration when assessing risk of development of chronic complications. The aim of the study was the clinical assessment of the periodontal status in patients with type 1 diabetes according to tobacco smoking.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 362 subjects aged 29 (IQR 22‐35) years, type 1 diabetes duration 12 (8‐18) years, hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c 8.0 (7.2‐9.1)% were included. We used Gingival Index, Approximal Plaque Index, and Sulcus Bleeding Index to assess periodontal health. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to current cigarette smoking.

Results

No differences in age, diabetes duration, and chronic complications were found between subgroups. A better metabolic control of diabetes expressed by lower HbA1c (p = 0.00001) and triglyceride levels (p = 0.004) was shown in nonsmokers. Smokers presented significantly lower gingival bleeding, p = 0.009. HbA1c correlated with API in study group (Rs = 0.16; p = 0.002) and in nonsmokers subgroup (Rs = 0.2;p = 0.004), however, not in smoker’s subgroup. In multivariable regression analysis, smoking cigarettes (β = −0.26; p = 0.0002), hs‐CRP (β = 0.15; p = 0.03) and age (β = −0.19; p = 0.007) occurred to be independent predictors of SBI after adjustment for confounding variables (R2 = 0.13; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with type 1 diabetes smoking cigarettes presented lower gingival sulcus bleeding and worse metabolic control of diabetes than nonsmoking patients.
Safe Use of Epidural Corticosteroid Injections: Recommendations of the WIP Benelux Work Group
Authors: Van Boxem Koen , Rijsdijk Mienke , Hans Guy , de Jong Jasper , Kallewaard Jan Willem , Vissers Kris , van Kleef Maarten , Rathmell James P. , Van Zundert Jan
Published: May 2018

Background

Epidural corticosteroid injections are used frequently worldwide in the treatment of radicular pain. Concerns have arisen involving rare major neurologic injuries after this treatment. Recommendations to prevent these complications have been published, but local implementation is not always feasible due to local circumstances, necessitating local recommendations based on literature review.

Methods

A work group of 4 stakeholder pain societies in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg (Benelux) has reviewed the literature involving neurological complications after epidural corticosteroid injections and possible safety measures to prevent these major neurologic injuries.

Results

Twenty‐six considerations and recommendations were selected by the work group. These involve the use of imaging, injection equipment particulate and nonparticulate corticosteroids, epidural approach, and maximal volume to be injected.

Conclusion

Raising awareness about possible neurological complications and adoption of safety measures recommended by the work group aim at reducing the risks for these devastating events.
Metabolic and gene expression hallmarks of seed germination uncovered by sodium butyrate in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Pagano Andrea , de Sousa Araújo Susana , Macovei Anca , Dondi Daniele , Lazzaroni Simone , Balestrazzi Alma
Published: May 2018

Because high‐quality seeds are essential for successful crop production in challenging environments, understanding the molecular bases of seed vigour will lead to advances in seed technology. Histone deacetylase inhibitors, promoting histone hyperacetylation, are used as tools to explore aspects still uncovered of the abiotic stress response in plants. The aim of this work was to investigate novel signatures of seed germination in Medicago truncatula, using the histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium butyrate (NaB) as stress agent. NaB‐treated and untreated seeds collected at 2 and 8 hr of imbibition and at the radicle protrusion stage underwent molecular phenotyping and nontargeted metabolome profiling. Quantitative enrichment analysis revealed the influence of NaB on seed nucleotide, amino acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Up‐regulation of antioxidant and polyamine biosynthesis genes occurred in response to NaB. DNA damage evidenced in NaB‐treated seeds correlated with up‐regulation of base‐excision repair genes. Changes in N1‐methyladenosine and N1‐methylguanine were associated with up‐regulation of MtALKBH1 (alkylation repair homolog) gene. N2,N2‐dimethylguanosine and 5‐methylcytidine, tRNA modifications involved in the post‐transcriptional regulation of DNA damage response, were also accumulated in NaB‐treated seeds at the radicle protrusion stage. The observed changes in seed metabolism can provide novel potential metabolic hallmarks of germination.
The outer membrane Omp85‐like protein P39 influences metabolic homeostasis in mature Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hsueh Y.‐C. , Nicolaisen K. , Gross L. E. , Nöthen J. , Schauer N. , Vojta L. , Ertel F. , Koch I. , Ladig R. , Fulgosi H. , Fernie A. R. , Schleiff E.
Published: May 2018

The Omp85 proteins form a large membrane protein family in bacteria and eukaryotes. Omp85 proteins are composed of a C‐terminal β‐barrel‐shaped membrane domain and one or more N‐terminal polypeptide transport‐associated (POTRA) domains. However, Arabidopsis thaliana contains two genes coding for Omp85 proteins without a POTRA domain. One gene is designated P39, according to the molecular weight of the encoded protein. The protein is targeted to plastids and it was established that p39 has electrophysiological properties similar to other Omp85 family members, particularly to that designated as Toc75V/Oep80.

We analysed expression of the gene and characterised two T‐DNA insertion mutants, focusing on alterations in photosynthetic activity, plastid ultrastructure, global expression profile and metabolome.

We observed pronounced expression of P39, especially in veins. Mutants of P39 show growth aberrations, reduced photosynthetic activity and changes in plastid ultrastructure, particularly in the leaf tip. Further, they display global alteration of gene expression and metabolite content in leaves of mature plants.

We conclude that the function of the plastid‐localised and vein‐specific Omp85 family protein p39 is important, but not essential, for maintenance of metabolic homeostasis of full‐grown A. thaliana plants. Further, the function of p39 in veins influences the functionality of other plant tissues. The link connecting p39 function with metabolic regulation in mature A. thaliana is discussed.
Explosive behaviour and long memory with an application to European bond yield spreads
Authors: Kruse Robinson , Wegener Christoph
Published: May 2018

This article deals with the interplay of explosive behaviour and long memory. We conduct Monte Carlo simulations and study the finite‐sample properties of the popular unit root test by Phillips et al. (2011) against explosive alternatives. This test exhibits severe upward size distortions under the presence of strongly autocorrelated residuals. We propose the usage of a set of adjusted critical values which leads to a size‐controlled test with increased power. As a complement, we consider the Lagrange Multiplier test against long memory by Tanaka (1999). We study European government bond yield spreads during the financial crisis.
SCALE EFFECT ON THE SHEAR STRENGTH OF TWO-LAYER SOIL REINFORCED BY GEOGRID
Authors: Tamassoki Sakine , Z. Moayed Reza , Ashkani Mohammad , Rahimi Hamidreza
Published: May 2018

Geosynthetics are used to reinforce soils and improve their mechanical characteristics,especially when soft low-bearing capacity soils are encountered in civil engineering projects.Particularly, in roads, geosynthetics are placed between the interface of granular materials andsoft-soil sub grade to improve composite layers’ bearing capacity. This paper presents the resultsof the finite element analysis of the two-layer soil(granular base-clayey sub grade) reinforced bygeogrid and discusses the effect of the reinforcement on the shear strength. As the primary aim ofthe study, the numerical model was calibrated in comparison with the experimental results oflarge scale direct shear tests. The results showed that the shear strength improved in the two-layersoil which had been reinforced by geogrid. The predictions made by the developed model werefound to be in line with the experimental data obtained from large scale direct shear tests. Asanother aim of the study, different dimensions of shear box were used for modelling in order toinvestigate the scale effect on the shear strength of double-layered soil (clay-sand). The resultsshowed that the increase in the dimensions of the reinforced shear box leads to the enhancementof peak shear strength. Moreover, several analyses were conducted on geogrid in shear box withdifferent dimensions in fixed and unfixed states. The results demonstrated that the shear strengthof treated geogrid was higher than the shear strength of those in which untreated geogrid wasutilized.
Strategi Kelangsungan Hidup Gelandangan di Pusat Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Muhamad Sham Muhammad Syafiq , Selvaratnam Doris Padmini
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study is to identify the source of income for the homeless and the ways they continue living in Pusat Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (KL). The data used are collected through interviews with 25 homeless people who were brought by the Welfare Department authority to the Program Latihan Khidmat Negara (PLKN) Geo Kosmo camp, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor under the OPS Menyelamat and using the questionnaire on the 50 homeless people who came to Dapur Jalanan Kuala Lumpur (DJKL). Based on statistical result, 28 were self-employed, 3 were working in the private sector and 19 were unemployed while their total income (monthly) showed 11 people earning RM200 and below, RM201 to RM400 with 7 persons, RM401 to RM600 with 8 persons and RM601 or above only 5 people. Based on interviews conducted at the camp most of them did not have fixed income and jobs. The proposal based on the findings is to increase the role of the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and non-governmental organization (NGOs) in focusing on opening new job opportunities and improving skills to homeless people.
Cholinergic excitation complements glutamate in coding visual information in retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Sethuramanujam Santhosh , Awatramani Gautam B. , Slaughter Malcolm M.
Published: May 2018

Key points

Starburst amacrine cells release GABA and ACh.

This study explores the coordinated function of starburst‐mediated cholinergic excitation and GABAergic inhibition to bistratified retinal ganglion cells, predominantly direction‐selective ganglion cells (DSGCs).

In rat retina, under our recording conditions, starbursts were found to provide the major excitatory drive to a sub‐population of ganglion cells whose dendrites co‐stratify with starburst dendrites (putative DSGCs).

In mouse retina, recordings from genetically identified DSGCs at physiological temperatures reveal that ACh inputs dominate the response to small spot‐high contrast light stimuli, with preferential addition of bipolar cell input shifting the balance towards glutamate for larger spot stimuli

In addition, starbursts also appear to gate glutamatergic excitation to DSGCs by postsynaptic and possibly presynaptic inhibitory processes

Starburst amacrine cells release both GABA and ACh, allowing them to simultaneously mediate inhibition and excitation. However, the precise pre‐ and postsynaptic targets for ACh and GABA remain under intense investigation. Most previous studies have focused on starburst‐mediated postsynaptic GABAergic inhibition and its role in the formation of directional selectivity in ganglion cells. However, the significance of postsynaptic cholinergic excitation is only beginning to be appreciated. Here, we found that light‐evoked responses measured in bi‐stratified rat ganglion cells with dendrites that co‐fasciculate with ON and OFF starburst dendrites (putative direction‐selective ganglion cells, DSGCs) were abolished by the application of nicotinic receptor antagonists, suggesting ACh could act as the primary source of excitation. Recording from genetically labelled DSGCs in mouse retina at physiological temperatures revealed that cholinergic synaptic inputs dominated the excitation for high contrast stimuli only when the size of the stimulus was small. Canonical glutamatergic inputs mediated by bipolar cells were prominent when GABA/glycine receptors were blocked or when larger spot stimuli were utilized. In mouse DSGCs, bipolar cell excitation could also be unmasked through the activation of mGluR2,3 receptors, which we show suppresses starburst output, suggesting that GABA from starbursts serves to inhibit bipolar cell signals in DSGCs. Taken together, these results suggest that starbursts amplify excitatory signals traversing the retina, endowing DSGCs with the ability to encode fine spatial information without compromising their ability to encode direction.
Analytical attenuation and scattering models for polycrystals with uniform equiaxed grains
Authors: Sha Gaofeng
Published: May 2018

This paper reports an explicit two-point correlation function (TPCF), associated with the mean grain size from a grain size distribution, which can well present the TPCFs of three-dimensional (3D) Voronoi polycrystals with uniform equiaxed grains. Analytical attenuation and scattering models applicable to polycrystals of uniform equiaxed grains of arbitrary symmetry are developed using this explicit TPCF. Additionally, a comparison is drawn between analytical attenuation model and available 3D finite element method (FEM) results in the literature, and it indicates that the analytical attenuation model has excellent agreement with 3D FEM. This work will facilitate the comparison between analytical modeling and 3D FEM.