bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matching consumer feeding behaviours and resource traits: a fourth‐corner problem in food‐web theory
Authors: Monteiro Angelo Barbosa , Faria Lucas Del Bianco
Published: June 2018

For decades, food web theory has proposed phenomenological models for the underlying structure of ecological networks. Generally, these models rely on latent niche variables that match the feeding behaviour of consumers with their resource traits. In this paper, we used a comprehensive database to evaluate different hypotheses on the best dependency structure of trait‐matching patterns between consumers and resource traits. We found that consumer feeding behaviours had complex interactions with resource traits; however, few dimensions (i.e. latent variables) could reproduce the trait‐matching patterns. We discuss our findings in the light of three food web models designed to reproduce the multidimensionality of food web data; additionally, we discuss how using species traits clarify food webs beyond species pairwise interactions and enable studies to infer ecological generality at larger scales, despite potential taxonomic differences, variations in ecological conditions and differences in species abundance between communities.
The energy‐based multistage fatigue crack growth life prediction model for DRMMCs
Authors: Tevatia A. , Srivastava S.K.
Published: June 2018

A complex closed form expression for the multistage fatigue crack growth life has been developed to predict the fatigue life of discontinuous reinforced metal matrix composites. The multistage fatigue crack growth model includes the microstructural features of composite such as aspect ratio, volume fraction of reinforcement, constraint of fibre in the matrix, and interfacial bonding strength. It characterizes the fatigue damage evolution in various stages of crack nucleation/initiation and the growth of crack culminating in failure. A fatigue crack initiation model is presented, using energy balance equation, considering the nucleation process of phase transformation. The short crack growth life is estimated using the dependency of cyclic crack‐tip opening displacement that is directly correlated with the fatigue crack growth rate whereas the long crack growth life is evaluated using Li and Ellyin model. The sensitivity analysis of crack initiation model is performed to provide in‐depth knowledge on the mechanistic aspect. The sensitivity analysis shows that the little variation in the parameters “cyclic strain hardening exponent” (n′), “cyclic strength coefficient” (K′), and short crack length (asc) significantly affects the total fatigue crack growth life. It is observed that reinforcement increases the cyclic plastic deformation level and cyclic plastic zone size near the crack tip, under the total strain‐controlled conditions. The effect of total fatigue crack growth life is found to be significant in low cycle fatigue applications.
Excessive habit formation in schedule‐induced polydipsia: Microstructural analysis of licking among rat strains and involvement of the orbitofrontal cortex
Authors: Merchán A. , Mora S. , Gago B. , Rodriguez‐Ortega E. , Fernández‐Teruel A. , Puga J. L. , Sánchez‐Santed F. , Moreno M. , Flores P.
Published: June 2018

Schedule‐induced polydipsia (SIP) is an animal model of compulsive drinking that selects for individual differences and varies across rat strains. The aim of this study was to investigate excessive habit formation by analyzing the SIP licking microstructure among rat strains, and to compare the brain areas activated by SIP in different populations. Wistar, Long Evans and Roman High‐ and Low‐Avoidance rat strains were compared using a cluster analysis of 2 main variables, that is, frequency of licking (percentage of interpellet intervals with drinking episodes) and intensity of licking (mean number of licks per interpellet interval), and were found to exhibit high intensity and frequent licking (compulsive drinkers, CD), low intensity but frequent licking (habitual drinkers, HD), and low intensity and low‐frequency licking (low drinkers, LD). The Wistar strain showed a higher frequency and intensity of licking, and had the largest group of CD rats when compared with the other strains. Regarding the acquisition of SIP, CD rats showed a higher intensity of licking when compared with the HD and LD rats. Moreover, c‐Fos quantification revealed that rats in the CD group showed hyperactivity in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and basolateral amygdala when compared with the LD group. Analyzing the SIP microstructure could be a valuable tool for understanding the role of excessive habit formation in the development of compulsive drinking and its underpinning neurobiological mechanisms.
DAS ‘RICHTIGE LEBEN IM FALSCHEN’: AUTORITÄRE SYSTEME UND DIE EINHEIT VON WIDERSTAND UND ANPASSUNG IN GÜNTER DE BRUYNS AUTOBIOGRAPHIEN ZWISCHENBILANZ UND VIERZIG JAHRE*
Authors: Schuh Melissa
Published: June 2018

Life writing produced after the collapse of the GDR holds public interest because its writers broach issues of compromise, guilt, and responsibility. Autobiographical narratives in particular can provide unique insights into the struggles experienced by those living under an authoritarian regime. Günter de Bruyn, born in 1926, grew up at the end of the Weimar Republic, experiencing the GDR's collapse and German unification as a writer. Critics have discussed his role as ‘the figurehead’ of post‐Unification literature, with his autobiographies seen as an honest attempt to convey the reality of life in an authoritarian society. The two volumes of his autobiography, Zwischenbilanz and Vierzig Jahre, chart his development from playing the system for personal benefit, to compromise and literary success, and finally resistance to the GDR regime. This analysis demonstrates how the key questions of the truth and value of autobiography can be addressed by showing how the writer's inner turmoil is representative of life in a complex, ambiguous, and multilayered society. Inner conflict emerges as part of the ‘habitus’ of conflicting dispositions between but also within individuals and groups. De Bruyn's account is representative of many East German intellectuals, rendering the existence of conflicting beliefs within the self an integral part of living when put to the test under authoritarian regimes.
In vitro skin penetration of petrolatum and soybean oil and effects of glyceryl monooleate
Authors: Intarakumhaeng R. , Shi Z. , Wanasathop A. , Stella Q. C. , Wei K. S. , Styczynski P. B. , Li C. , Smith E. D. , Li S. K.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Petrolatum and soybean oil are common ingredients incorporated in topical skin formulations for skin protection and moisturization. However, the stratum corneum (SC) penetration kinetics of these two cosmetic ingredients has not been systematically studied. Glyceryl monooleate (GlyMOle) has been shown to enhance skin penetration of various compounds. It was hypothesized that GlyMOle could enhance skin penetration of petrolatum and soybean oil. This study aimed to examine the in vitro skin penetration of petrolatum and soybean oil in the presence or absence of GlyMOle.

Methods

Skin permeation experiments were conducted using the in vitro Franz diffusion cell model with split‐thickness human skin and human epidermal membrane (HEM). The effect of permeant dose and the kinetics of permeant penetration were examined with and without GlyMOle in vitro.

Results

Petrolatum and soybean oil were found to permeate across HEM, and no effect of GlyMOle on skin permeation into the receptor chamber was observed. GlyMOle enhanced the penetration of petrolatum into the split‐thickness skin at 50 μg dose (petrolatum:GlyMOle, 49 : 1, w/w). However, no effect of GlyMOle on petrolatum penetration was observed at 200 μg dose (of the same petrolatum:GlyMOle ratio), indicating a dose‐dependent effect. GlyMOle at the level used in the study did not enhance the penetration of soybean oil with 50 and 200 μg doses at any timepoints.

Conclusion

GlyMOle was a skin penetration enhancer for petrolatum under the in vitro conditions identified in this study.
Vichy Thermal Spring Water (VTSW), a cosmetic ingredient of potential interest in the frame of skin ageing exposome: an in vitro study
Authors: Tacheau C. , Weisgerber F. , Fagot D. , Bastien P. , Verdier M. P. , Liboutet M. , Sore G. , Bernard B. A.
Published: June 2018

Objective

To study the effects of the very high minerality Vichy Thermal Spring Water (VTSW) on human keratinocytes grown in vitro.

Methods

The effect of VTSW was monitored by full genome transcriptomic technology and immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results

In the presence of 50% VTSW, the expression of a number of skin homoeostasis‐related genes is increased, specifically with respect to dermal‐epidermal junction, epidermal cohesion and communication, keratinocyte proliferation–differentiation balance, antioxidant mechanisms and DNA repair.

Conclusion

This work suggests that VTSW could be considered as an ingredient of potential interest to address some of the deleterious effects of skin ageing exposome.
GREAT MODERATION AND GREAT RECESSION: FROM PLAIN SAILING TO STORMY SEAS?
Authors: Gadea María Dolores , Gómez‐Loscos Ana , Pérez‐Quirós Gabriel
Published: June 2018

Many have argued that the Great Recession of 2008 marks the end of the reduction in output volatility known as the Great Moderation. This article shows that this is not the case through an empirical analysis. Output volatility remains subdued despite the output loss of the Great Recession. This finding has important implications for policymaking because we also find that a lower volatility of output is associated with slower recoveries.
Synthesis of Y2O3 films on an aluminum alloy substrate using flame‐spray apparatus with a H2‐O2 flame
Authors: Komatsu Keiji , Costa Takashi , Ikeda Yutaka , Abe Keita , Dan YanXin , Kimura Tetsuro , Shirai Tomoyuki , Nakamura Atsushi , Saitoh Hidetoshi
Published: June 2018

Y2O3 films were synthesized on an aluminum alloy (A5052) substrate directly using a flame‐spray apparatus with a H2‐O2 flame. The Y2O3/A5052 joining was also annealed under atmospheric conditions. Although the joining was annealed close to the melting point of the A5052 substrate, the joining showed strong adhesion without delaminations. The resultant Y2O3 coating exhibits a strong adhesion with the aluminum alloy substrate. Elemental diffusion in the joining was not observed from cross‐sectional EDX analysis. Directly ceramic film deposition method by a reactive spraying process was proposed.
Influence of digestive enzymes on development of incontinence‐associated dermatitis: Inner tissue damage and skin barrier impairment caused by lipidolytic enzymes and proteases in rat macerated skin
Authors: Mugita Yuko , Minematsu Takeo , Nakagami Gojiro , Sanada Hiromi
Published: June 2018

One of the most common complications in patients with incontinence is incontinence‐associated dermatitis. This study aimed to examine the influences of lipidolytic enzymes and/or proteases on skin barrier and tissue structure on the development of incontinence‐associated dermatitis. Two animal experiments, ex vivo and in vivo, were performed using rats to examine the influences of 3 factors (maceration, proteases, and lipidolytic enzymes) alone or in various combinations on the barrier function and histology of the skin. As a result, skin treatments, including both of the skin maceration and proteases application, caused erythrocyte leakage from the blood vessels in the dermis. The erythrocyte leakage was observed in a larger area in the skin treated with proteases and lipidolytic enzymes with maceration than in the skin treated with proteases with maceration, that is, the addition of lipidolytic enzymes to skin maceration with proteases enhanced erythrocyte leakage. Lipidolytic enzymes in macerated skin are factors that accelerate tissue damage via skin barrier impairment, and proteases are the factors that trigger the development of incontinence‐associated dermatitis via tissue damage. Advanced nursing care of perineal skin in patients with faecal incontinence is required because of the deleterious influence of lipidolytic enzymes and proteases.
Continuously tunable broadband emission of Mn2+‐doped low‐melting point Sn–F–P–O glasses for warm white light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Wang Yajie , Li Yu , Han Shuai , Zhang Liyan , Chen Danping
Published: June 2018

Tin fluorophosphate (TFP) glass, which can be used to manufacture a phosphor‐in‐glass (PiG) for achieving high‐power white light‐emitting diodes (w‐LEDs), has attracted a great deal of attention because of its low‐melting point. Mn2+‐doped ultralow glass transition temperature (~122°C) Sn–F–P–O glasses were prepared to achieve broadband visible light emission from 390 to 720 nm. By controlling the concentration of MnO, the emission color of the TFP glass can be adjusted from blue/cool white to warm white/red. In particular, 0.2 mol% MnO‐doped TFP glass, which yields bright and warm white light and has ultralow glass transition temperature and thermal stability, has a promising application prospect in the field of high‐power w‐LEDs.
Correlation between IR peak position and bond parameter of silica glass: Molecular dynamics study on fictive temperature (cooling rate) effect
Authors: Luo Jiawei , Zhou Yuxing , Pantano Carlo G. , Kim Seong H.
Published: June 2018

The fictive temperature of glass is a consequence of its thermal history (cooling rate, primarily) and has a direct effect on physical and chemical properties of the glass. But, it is not easy to measure. The ability to nondestructively and spectroscopically measure it at room temperature would be of great benefit. Although empirical correlations have been established between fictive temperature and selected absorption peaks in the infrared spectra of silica glass, the fundamental understanding for this correlation has not been reported. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulations to show that the blue shift in the Si–O–Si asymmetric stretching peak of pure silica glass, which is known to correlate with a decrease in fictive temperature, can be attributed to a decrease in the average length of the Si–O bond in the silica network, not changes in the density or the Si–O–Si bond angle. The decrease in density at higher fictive temperatures of silica is associated with a decreased population of 5‐ and 6‐membered rings and broadening of the ring‐size distribution, and an increase in the average Si–O–Si bond angle.
Effect of ZrB2 content on phase assemblage and mechanical properties of Si3N4–ZrB2 ceramics prepared at low temperature
Authors: Guo Wei‐Ming , Wu Li‐Xiang , Yu Jun‐Jie , Zeng Ling‐Yong , Sun Shi‐Kuan , Li Jing‐Xi , Wu Shang‐Hua , Lin Hua‐Tay , Wang Cheng‐Yong
Published: June 2018

Based on the previous work on Si3N4–ZrB2 [Wu et al. J Eur Ceram Soc;2017,37:4217], the influence of ZrB2 addition on the phase and microstructure evolution of Si3N4–ZrB2 composites was emphatically investigated, and the mechanical properties were compared with pure Si3N4 ceramics. It was revealed that the ratio of β‐ to (α+β)‐Si3N4 significantly increased from 14.3% in pure Si3N4 ceramics to 39.8% in Si3N4 with 15 vol% ZrB2 addition, indicating that the introduction of ZrB2 promoted α‐ to β‐Si3N4 phase transformation. As a consequence, the microstructure of the composite showed the bimodal distribution, containing both elongated and equiaxed Si3N4 grains. For the pure Si3N4, Vickers hardness, fracture toughness and flexural strength was 22.8 GPa, 7.6 MPa m1/2, and 334.5 MPa, respectively. In contrast, the composite of Si3N4–30 vol% ZrB2 simultaneously possessed an excellent combination of mechanical properties: 19.5 GPa in hardness, 9.8 MPa m1/2 in toughness and 702.0 MPa in strength. Present study suggested that Si3N4‐based ceramics with high hardness, high toughness, and high strength could be obtained by the combination of appropriate ZrB2 content and low hot‐pressing temperature.
CaO‐containing LaCO3OH nanogears and their luminescence and de‐NOx properties
Authors: Zahir Md. Hasan , Iwamoto Yuji , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Aziz Md. Abdul , Chowdhury Shakhawat , Ahmad S. H. A. , Qamaruddin Muhammad
Published: June 2018

Large‐scale, uniform, monodisperse LaCO3OH cherry‐blossom‐like nanogears and/or nanocubes have been synthesized under hydrothermal reaction conditions. Upon the addition of only 5 mol% Ca2+ ions into a La nitrate salts solution with pH 8.5, LaCO3OH crystals with novel cubic or nanogear structures are formed in the hexagonal phase. The hydrothermal reactions were carried out without the addition of a template or catalysts. Both 24 hour and 48 hour hydrothermal reactions yield 100% pure LaCO3OH with no irregular particles. We examined the photoluminescence properties of the as‐synthesized powders of the pure LaCO3OH nanogears and found one broad emission band centered at 394 nm after excitation at λ  =  280 nm. The NO reduction activity was also examined over highly dispersed CaO‐containing La2O3 obtained after calcination the LaCO3OH at 800○C for 2 hours. The CaO‐containing La2O3 catalysts showed good stability for NO reduction with CH4 in the presence of O2 and H2O vapor.
Low‐angle twist grain boundary in SrTiO3 fabricated by spark plasma sintering techniques
Authors: Hughes Lauren A. , van Benthem Klaus
Published: June 2018

A SrTiO3 bicrystal with a low‐angle twist grain boundary was fabricated using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) instrument. The atomic and electronic structure of the grain‐boundary core was characterized using scanning transmission electron microscopy techniques. It was determined that the boundary is comprised of 2 types of defects with distinct electronic structures: screw dislocations and dislocations with an [001] edge component. The dislocations with an [001] edge component dissociated into 2 partial dislocations, separated by a stacking fault consisting of 2 Ti–O layers. The screw dislocations are attributed to the twist component of the grain boundary, while dislocations with an [001] edge component are attributed to surface steps on the original (100) SrTiO3 surfaces prior to diffusion bonding. The observed repeat distances between the dislocations with edge components along the grain‐boundary plane are smaller than those discovered during traditional diffusion bonding experiments. The higher planar defect density observed in this study results partly from higher heating rates, lower processing temperatures, and shorter holding times during SPS processing.
Analysis of knowledge construction during group space activities in a flipped learning course
Authors: Winter J.W.
Published: June 2018

Flipped learning is a pedagogical approach that uses technology to deliver instructional content outside of class (individual space) and class time to engage in collaborative activities (group space). In a flipped learning course, the traditional classroom paradigm shifts and teachers become more facilitator than lecturer. Research on flipped learning is limited, in that studies are mostly conducted in postsecondary classrooms and focus on engagement and performance rather than the learning that occurs during collaboration. My study was designed to investigate group learning or knowledge construction during collaborative activities. Participants were middle school students from Hawaii. To identify group learning, I targeted a specific activity between three students in the group space. Using a computer‐supported collaborative learning framework, I recorded and analysed the group's verbal communication as they worked together. Moments of knowledge construction and interactions leading to those moments were analysed. Content analysis and lag sequential analysis revealed significant strategies used by students to construct knowledge. Some recommendations for practitioners include designing a need for teacher facilitation, incorporating questions that promote student discussion, and requiring students to reflect on their understanding. Future studies should include different K‐12 environments and focus on knowledge construction transfer between the individual and group learning spaces.
Digital story design activities used for teaching programming effect on learning of programming concepts, programming self‐efficacy, and participation and analysis of student experiences
Authors: Yildiz Durak Hatice
Published: June 2018

The aim of this research is to determine the effects and experiences of the use of digital story design activities in teaching applications of programming on academic achievement, participation, and programming self‐efficacy. In the study, which is designed through the mixed method, quasi‐experimental design is used in the quantitative dimension. The study group of the research consists of 62 fifth‐grade students in a secondary school. During the 10‐week application process, the experimental group was engaged in digital story design activities in the programming learning process, and the learning process of the control group was carried out without any extra activity. As a result of the research, it is found that students' level of learning of programming concepts, programming self‐efficacy, and level of participation in teaching process change significantly and more positively depending on experimental process. In addition, various suggestions for application and research are presented in the research.
Issues possibly associated with misinterpreting survival data: A method study
Authors: Peinemann Frank , Labeit Alexander Michael
Published: June 2018

Objective

Proper interpretation of survival data of clinical cancer studies may be difficult and pitfalls related to the nature of Kaplan–Meier analyses might end up in mistaken inferences. The purpose of the present work is to raise awareness of those pitfalls and to prevent errors in future studies.

Study design and setting

While evaluating a randomized controlled trial, we came across some issues possibly associated with misinterpreting survival data. We thoroughly reviewed the reporting of survival analyses, statistical approaches, baseline characteristics, and choice of primary end point. The reported data were derived from people with high‐risk neuroblastoma. Thus, the trial focused on survival. We reenacted survival functions by deducing the data of various treatment groups from pictured survival functions to estimate the concerning hazard ratios.

Results

Opposed to the reporting of the trial, we did not identify a significant difference between treatment groups with respect to overall survival. We were not able to appreciate an effective crossing of survival curves. With respect to event‐free survival, we focused on comparable treatment groups and we did not identify a significant difference between treatment groups, thereby again opposing the reporting of the trial.

Conclusions

The present work exemplifies statistical issues that were apparently difficult to detect and that are possibly associated with misinterpreting survival functions. These issues include assumed crossing of survival curves, statistical approach changed in follow‐up, different pretreatment between groups, and event‐free survival used as primary outcome. Careful handling might prevent similar potential misinterpretation in future studies.
Identification of novel cis‐elements bound by BplMYB46 involved in abiotic stress responses and secondary wall deposition
Authors: Guo Huiyan , Wang Liuqiang , Yang Chuanping , Zhang Yiming , Zhang Chunrui , Wang Chao
Published: June 2018

Transcription factors (TFs) play vital roles in various biological processes by binding to cis‐acting elements to control expressions of their target genes. The MYB TF BplMYB46, from Betula platyphylla, is involved in abiotic stress responses and secondary wall deposition. In the present study, we used a TF‐centered yeast one‐hybrid technology (TF‐centered Y1H) to identify the cis‐acting elements bound by BplMYB46. We screened a short‐insert random library and identified three cis‐elements bound by BplMYB46: an E‐box (CA(A/T/C)(A/G/C)TG) and two novel motifs, a TC‐box (T(G/A)TCG(C/G)) and a GT‐box (A(G/T)T(A/C)GT(T/G)C). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and effector‐reporter coexpression assays in Nicotiana tabacum confirmed binding of BplMYB46 to the TC‐box, GT‐box, and E‐box motifs in the promoters of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes, which function in abiotic stress tolerance and secondary wall biosynthesis. This finding improves our understanding of potential regulatory mechanisms in the response to abiotic stress and secondary wall deposition of BplMYB46 in B. platyphylla.
A genome‐wide association study of early‐maturation traits in upland cotton based on the CottonSNP80K array
Authors: Li Chengqi , Wang Yuanyuan , Ai Nijiang , Li Yue , Song Jiafeng
Published: June 2018

Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) efficiently identify genetic loci controlling traits at a relatively high resolution. In this study, variations in major early‐maturation traits, including seedling period (SP), bud period (BP), flower and boll period (FBP), and growth period (GP), of 169 upland cotton accessions were investigated, and a GWAS of early maturation was performed based on a CottonSNP80K array. A total of 49,650 high‐quality single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were screened, and 29 significant SNPs located on chromosomes A6, A7, A8, D1, D2, and D9, were repeatedly identified as associated with early‐maturation traits, in at least two environments or two algorithms. Of these 29 significant SNPs, 1, 12, 11, and 5 were related to SP, BP, FBP, and GP, respectively. Six peak SNPs, TM47967, TM13732, TM20937, TM28428, TM50283, and TM72552, exhibited phenotypic contributions of approximately 10%, which could allow them to be used for marker‐assisted selection. One of these, TM72552, as well as four other SNPs, TM72554, TM72555, TM72558, and TM72559, corresponded to the quantitative trait loci previously reported. In total, 274 candidate genes were identified from the genome sequences of upland cotton and were categorized based on their functional annotations. Finally, our studies identified Gh_D01G0340 and Gh_D01G0341 as potential candidate genes for improving cotton early maturity.
What autoantibodies tell us about the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bach Jan‐Philipp , Falkenburger Björn H.
Published: June 2018

image
Maternal eating behaviour differs between ethnic groups: Considerations for research and practice
Authors: Korani Murhaf , Rea David M. , King Pete F. , Brown Amy E.
Published: June 2018

Maternal eating behaviours such as cognitive restraint, uncontrolled, and emotional eating styles can have important implications for both maternal own weight, and the weight and eating behaviour of her children. Maternal eating style can affect her feeding interactions with her child, which in turn can influence their weight and eating behaviour. However, despite a body of research examining these relationships, research examining differences in maternal eating behaviour between ethnic groups is sparse with much of the research, particularly in the UK, conducted with White British samples. The aim of the current research was therefore to explore how maternal eating behaviour may differ between ethnic groups in the UK; 659 UK mothers with a child aged 5–11 years completed a self‐report questionnaire. Items included ethnicity, demographic data, and the 3‐factor eating questionnaire to measure maternal cognitive restraint, uncontrolled, and emotional eating. Mothers from Chinese backgrounds were significantly higher in cognitive restraint and lower in emotional and uncontrolled eating compared with all groups. Conversely, mothers from South Asian backgrounds were the highest in emotional and uncontrolled eating and lower in cognitive restraint than all other groups. Black mothers were also higher in uncontrolled eating compared with White British and Chinese mothers. Variations in maternal eating behaviours vary between ethnic groups. Understanding how cultural factors may influence these variations is important, as maternal eating behaviours can influence her own and her child's weight. Maternal eating behaviour may therefore be a contributor to higher levels of overweight among South Asian and Black children living in the UK.
Clinical significance of isoagglutinin titre with the current desensitization protocol in ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation
Authors: Baek Chung Hee , Kim Hyosang , Yang Won Seok , Han Duck Jong , Park Su‐Kil
Published: June 2018

Aim

ABO‐incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation (KT) has become a routine procedure with graft survival rates comparable to those of ABO‐compatible KT. However, the clinical significance of the isoagglutinin titre in ABOi KT remains uncertain. Therefore, in this study, we analysed the clinical outcomes of ABOi KT according to the baseline and post‐operative isoagglutinin titre.

Methods

All patients who received ABOi KT between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed and followed up until December 2016. The patients were classified according to baseline (<1:128 or ≥1:128) and post‐operative rebound isoagglutinin titre (<1:16 or ≥1:16), and the clinical outcomes of KT were compared.

Results

Patients with a high baseline isoagglutinin titre showed a poor titre reduction rate (1.48 ± 0.41 vs 1.32 ± 0.34, P = 0.008), and more patients experienced titre rebound ≥1:16 after KT (15.0% vs 35.8%, P = 0.002). The occurrence of both T‐cell‐mediated rejection and antibody‐mediated rejection did not show a significant difference (P = 0.805 and 0.714, respectively). The rate of rejection‐free survival was not different among groups (P = 0.680, log–rank test). Furthermore, the rate of death‐censored graft survival was not different among groups (P = 0.701, log–rank test). Urinary tract infection was the most frequently reported infectious complication overall. The incidence of urinary tract infection, pneumonia and viral infections (BK virus and cytomegalovirus) was not different among groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, high baseline isoagglutinin titre was associated with a high rebound isoagglutinin titre, low titre reduction rates and more sessions of plasmapheresis. However, the isoagglutinin titre may not be as important as it was in the past in ABOi KT if appropriate desensitization is performed.
Healthy and cariogenic foods consumption and dental caries: A preschool‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Morikava Francine Sumie , Fraiz Fabian Calixto , Gil Giovana Solheid , de Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães , Ferreira Fernanda Morais
Published: June 2018

Objective

To evaluate the association of the consumption of healthy and cariogenic foods with the prevalence of untreated dental caries among preschool children.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 427 5‐year‐old preschoolers. Caries was evaluated through a clinical examination using dmft index. Parents/guardians answered a questionnaire addressing socioeconomic status, eating frequency, and oral hygiene habits.

Results

The prevalence of untreated caries was 51%. The multiple models demonstrated a seven percent increase in the prevalence of untreated caries with each additional daily contact with cariogenic foods, whereas a four percent reduction in this prevalence rate was found for each additional contact with healthy foods. When the number of daily contacts with cariogenic and healthy foods was incorporated into the same model, the former reached only borderline statistical significance (p = 0.05), whereas the latter maintained an association with lower caries rates (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

A dietary assessment based solely on the frequency of the consumption of cariogenic foods may not be sufficient to understand the occurrence of dental caries in preschool children. It is necessary a more comprehensive evaluation of the dietary pattern, once a healthy diet can present an association with lower prevalence of caries even among preschool children who consume cariogenic foods.
Recent polyploidization events in three Saccharum founding species
Authors: Zhang Jisen , Zhang Qing , Li Leiting , Tang Haibao , Zhang Qiong , Chen Yang , Arrow Jie , Zhang Xingtan , Wang Aiqin , Miao Chenyong , Ming Ray
Published: June 2018

The complexity of polyploid Saccharum genomes hindered progress of genome research and crop improvement in sugarcane. To understand their genome structure, transcriptomes of 59 F1 individuals derived from S. officinarumLA Purple and S. robustum Molokai 5829 (2n = 80, x = 10 for both) were sequenced, yielding 11 157 and 8998 SNPs and 83 and 105 linkage groups, respectively. Most markers in each linkage group aligned to single sorghum chromosome. However, 71 interchromosomal rearrangements were detected between sorghum and S. officinarum or S. robustum, and 24 (33.8%) of them were shared between S. officinarum and S. robustum, indicating their occurrence before the speciation event that separated these two species. More than 2000 gene pairs from S. spontaneum, S. officinarum and S. robustum were analysed to estimate their divergence time. Saccharum officinarum and S. robustum diverged about 385 thousand years ago, and the whole‐genome duplication events occurred after the speciation event because of shared interchromosomal rearrangements. The ancestor of these two species diverged from S. spontaneum about 769 thousand years ago, and the reduction in basic chromosome number from 10 to 8 in S. spontaneum occurred after the speciation event but before the two rounds of whole‐genome duplication. Our results proved that S. officinarum is a legitimate species in its own right and not a selection from S. robustum during the domestication process in the past 10 000 years. Our findings rejected a long‐standing hypothesis and clarified the timing of speciation and whole‐genome duplication events in Saccharum.
Changes in parental barriers to immunizations
Authors: Niederhauser Victoria P. , Lindley Lisa C. , Farabollini Brittany
Published: June 2018

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore if parental barriers to childhood immunizations change over time.

Design and Sample

Using secondary data, a pretest post‐test design was employed to measure changes in parental barriers to childhood immunizations in the first 7 months of life. Thirty‐nine parent/infant dyads were included in this study.

Measures

The Searching for Hardship and Obstacles to Shots (SHOTS) Survey was completed by a parent when their infant was between one and 28 days old (prior to their first immunizations) and again when the child was 6–7 months of age.

Results

In this study, parental barriers to immunizations decreased over time. Specifically, six individual items related to accessing immunizations decreased from baseline to 7 months of age. In addition, the Access to Shots subscale decreased significantly (p = 0.010) between the two time periods. In less educated parents, the Importance of Immunizations subscale decreased over time.

Conclusion

Given the findings and trends in changes identified in this study, more exploration is necessary to understand what parental barriers change over time and how these changes affect immunization rates in early infancy.
Evaluated UVA Irradiances over a Twelve‐year Period at a Subtropical Site from Ozone Monitoring Instrument Data Including the Influence of Cloud
Authors: A Jebar Mustapha A. , Parisi Alfio V. , Downs Nathan J. , Turner Joanna F.
Published: June 2018

This research investigated the influence of cloud on the broadband UVA solar noon irradiances evaluated from the solar noon satellite‐based OMI spectral UV data that were compared to the irradiances of a ground‐based radiometer from 1 October 2004 to 31 December 2016. The correlation between ground‐based radiometer data and the evaluated OMI broadband UVA data evaluated with a model were dependent on whether or not the solar disk was obscured by the presence of cloud and the total sky cloud fraction. For conditions when the sun was not obscured by cloud, the evaluated satellite and the ground‐based UVA irradiance correlation was best for cloud cover between 0 and 2 octa (R2 = 0.77) and the worst for high cloud cover of >4–8 octa (R2 between 0.3 and 0.4). The R2 reduced with increasing cloud amount and showed significantly weaker correlation when the sun was obscured. The correlation between the evaluated satellite broadband UVA and the ground‐based measurements over the twelve years for total cloud cover conditions of 4 or less octa confirmed that the broadband UVA satellite evaluation model for the OMI spectral data is valid for approximately 71% of the days at the Southern Hemisphere subtropical study site.
Children in the Hebrew Bible: A field in growth
Authors: Flynn Shawn W.
Published: June 2018

The field/topic of children in the Hebrew Bible has received growing attention in the past few years. Just the amount of monograph length studies in this short period of time shows the developing interest. This brief essay explores some origins and backgrounds of how the topic emerged, proposes its two major current forms, discusses some current debates in the field, and then extracts interpretive fruits from this field that might benefit Hebrew Bible studies in general and perhaps even inform some related disciplines. It also suggests some ways the field may move forward and what to watch out for from this field in the coming years. Given the amount done on this topic in recent years, the essay primarily focuses on monograph length studies but informs readers of annotated bibliographies that contain relevant articles.
Xpert MTB/RIF for rapid detection of TB and rifampicin resistance in the evaluation of tracheobronchial lesions: What's to stop its use?
Authors: Lee Pyng , Chee Cynthia B.E.
Published: June 2018

See related Article
Integrating community service learning in undergraduate dental education: A controlled trial in a residential facility for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Phlypo Inès , De Tobel Jannick , Marks Luc , De Visschere Luc , Koole Sebastiaan
Published: June 2018

Aims

The present report describes an oral health promotion project in a residential facility for people with intellectual disabilities as a strategy to implement community service learning in undergraduate dental education.

Methods and Results

Two undergraduate students developed a project aimed to improve the oral health in residents with intellectual disabilities by educating caregivers. The impact was investigated by a pretest–posttest design, evaluating residents’ plaque and gingival indexes and caregivers’ knowledge, behavior, attitude, and self‐efficacy. Findings demonstrated that within a semester, it was possible for students to obtain a limited but positive impact on the local community.

Discussion and Conclusion

Based on the experiences at Ghent University, the following guidelines were suggested to implement service learning in a dental curriculum that renders both a positive impact on student learning and the local community : (1) integrate community service learning in multiple years in the curriculum; (2) use a stepwise approach from theory to exercises to extramural experiences; (3) create a partnership with a local organization; (4) organize long‐term projects and annual follow‐up to increase the impact; (5) involve supervisors from both the university and the local organization; and (6) establish an evidence based approach to benefit the quality of projects and to facilitate students to develop research competences.
Dry weight targeting: The art and science of conventional hemodialysis
Authors: Ohashi Yasushi , Sakai Ken , Hase Hiroki , Joki Nobuhiko
Published: June 2018

Fluid volume overload is common and is associated with adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients. Practicing physicians individually manage fluid volume balance in their dialysis patients according to blood pressure, interdialytic weight gain, cardiac function, nutritional status, and other comorbidities. However, accurate assessment of fluid volume status remains a concern. Indicators of dry weight target have been explored further with newer concepts and technologies. In general, total body water comprises approximately 50%‐60% of adult body weight (range, 45%‐75%), and water comprises 73.3% of lean body mass. The standard hydration status between intracellular water and extracellular water is maintained at a ratio of 62:38 in healthy adults, which, however, is influenced universally by body cell volume driven by age and muscle mass. Fluid volume imbalance in dialysis patients also is characterized primarily by decreased body cell mass associated with aging and muscle attenuation, as well as excess extracellular water content associated with sodium retention, which may be associated with the reserve capacity for volume overload. Indeed, dialysis patients with a leaner body mass have a higher prevalence of hypertension, poorer hypertension control, and greater left ventricular hypertrophy. Understanding of these body composition changes by aging and sarcopenia can aid clinical decision making in the dry weight assessments in dialysis patients. Advising patients with consistently high interdialytic weight gain to practice salt restriction and providing appropriate nutritional support for malnourished patients with downward trajectory in their dry weight would be of great help to achieve optimal fluid volume status.
Motivational characteristics and resistance training in older adults: A randomized controlled trial and 1‐year follow‐up
Authors: Kekäläinen T. , Kokko K. , Tammelin T. , Sipilä S. , Walker S.
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 9‐month supervised resistance training intervention on motivational and volitional characteristics related to exercise, and whether the absolute level and/or intervention‐induced change in these characteristics predict self‐directed continuation of resistance training 1 year after the intervention. Community dwelling older adults aged 65‐75, who did not fulfill physical activity recommendations, were randomized into resistance training intervention groups: training once‐ (n = 26), twice‐ (n = 27), three‐times‐a‐week (n = 28) or non‐training control group (n = 25). Training groups participated in supervised resistance training for 9 months: during months 1‐3 all groups trained twice‐a‐week and then with allocated frequencies during months 4‐9. Exercise‐related motivation, self‐efficacy, and planning were measured with questionnaires at baseline, month‐3 and month‐9. The continuance of resistance training was determined by interviews 6 and 12 months after the end of the intervention. The intervention improved action and coping planning as well as intrinsic motivation (group × time P < .05). During 1‐year follow‐up, 54% of participants did not continue self‐directed regular resistance training, 22% continued regular resistance training once‐a‐week, and 24% twice‐a‐week. Increases in exercise self‐efficacy and intrinsic motivation related to training during the intervention predicted continuation of resistance training twice‐a‐week. Resistance training improved exercise‐related motivational and volitional characteristics in older adults. These improvements were linked to continuing resistance training 1 year after the supervised intervention. The role of these characteristics should be taken into account when promoting long‐term resistance training participation among older adults.
Correlation between uniaxial ratcheting and magnetic response under cyclic loadings in X80 pipeline steel
Authors: Bao Sheng , Gu Yibin , Hu Shengnan , Fu Meili , Lou Huangjie
Published: June 2018

The objective of this research is to explore the correlation between uniaxial ratcheting behaviour and magnetic response under asymmetrical cyclic stressing in X80 pipeline steel. The magnetic field variations from cycle to cycle were recorded simultaneously during ratcheting. Analysis made in the present work shows that the magnetic hysteresis loop evolves systematically with the number of cycles in terms of its shape and position. The most prominent result here is that the magnetic field under a certain stress first decreases sharply in the preliminary stage of ratcheting, followed by a stable decreasing period with an approximately linear slope. Furthermore, it can be concluded that ratcheting influences the changes in magnetic field more significantly under tensile stress than compressive stress. The underlying reason of the strong non‐linearity of the magnetic field evolution was discussed.
Consequences of prenatal geophagy for maternal prenatal health, risk of childhood geophagy and child psychomotor development
Authors: Mireku Michael O. , Davidson Leslie L. , Zoumenou Romeo , Massougbodji Achille , Cot Michel , Bodeau‐Livinec Florence
Published: June 2018

Objective

To investigate the relationship between prenatal geophagy, maternal prenatal haematological indices, malaria, helminth infections and cognitive and motor development among offspring.

Methods

At least a year after delivery, 552 of 863 HIV‐negative mothers with singleton births who completed a clinical trial comparing the efficacy of sulfadoxine‐pyrimethamine and mefloquine during pregnancy in Allada, Benin, responded to a nutrition questionnaire including their geophagous habits during pregnancy. During the clinical trial, helminth infection, malaria, haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations were assessed at 1st and 2nd antenatal care visits (ANV) and at delivery. After the first ANV, women were administered daily iron and folic acid supplements until three what? post‐delivery. Singleton children were assessed for cognitive function at age 1 year using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning.

Results

The prevalence of geophagy during pregnancy was 31.9%. Pregnant women reporting geophagy were more likely to be anaemic (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.1, 3.4]) at their first ANV if they reported geophagy at the first trimester. Overall, prenatal geophagy was not associated with maternal haematological indices, malaria or helminth infections, but geophagy during the third trimester and throughout pregnancy was associated with poor motor function (AOR = −3.8, 95% CI [−6.9, −0.6]) and increased odds of geophagous behaviour in early childhood, respectively.

Conclusions

Prenatal geophagy is not associated with haematological indices in the presence of micronutrient supplementation. However, it may be associated with poor child motor function and infant geophagy. Geophagy should be screened early in pregnancy.
Targeting plant DIHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE with antifolates and mechanisms for genetic resistance
Authors: Corral Maxime G. , Haywood Joel , Stehl Luca H. , Stubbs Keith A. , Murcha Monika W. , Mylne Joshua S.
Published: June 2018

The folate biosynthetic pathway and its key enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a popular target for drug development due to its essential role in the synthesis of DNA precursors and some amino acids. Despite its importance, little is known about plant DHFRs, which, like the enzymes from the malarial parasite Plasmodium, are bifunctional, possessing DHFR and thymidylate synthase (TS) domains. Here using genetic knockout lines we confirmed that either DHFR‐TS1 or DHFR‐TS2 (but not DHFR‐TS3) was essential for seed development. Screening mutated Arabidopsis thaliana seeds for resistance to antimalarial DHFR‐inhibitor drugs pyrimethamine and cycloguanil identified causal lesions in DHFR‐TS1 and DHFR‐TS2, respectively, near the predicted substrate‐binding site. The different drug resistance profiles for the plants, enabled by the G137D mutation in DHFR‐TS1 and the A71V mutation in DHFR‐TS2, were consistent with biochemical studies using recombinant proteins and could be explained by structural models. These findings provide a great improvement in our understanding of plant DHFR‐TS and suggest how plant‐specific inhibitors might be developed, as DHFR is not currently targeted by commercial herbicides.