bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Work in the shadow of finance: Rethinking Joan Acker's materialist feminist sociology
Authors: Adkins Lisa
Published: February 2018

To commemorate the life and work of Joan Acker, this article focuses on the jewel in the crown of her extensive oeuvre: ‘Hierarchies, Jobs and Bodies: A Theory of Gendered Organizations'. I take as my focus the significance of ‘Hierarchies, Jobs and Bodies' for the development of theorizations of labour and especially for theorizations of post‐Fordist work and working. In so doing, I trace the impact of Acker's interventions across a number of bodies of research and sets of debates across the nearly three decades since its publication. But in addition to tracing this impact, I ask if the relevance of ‘Hierarchies, Jobs and Bodies' still holds today. Does this relevance still hold in a context where finance institutions rather than work organizations have emerged as the key institutions of societal discipline and control? In opening out this line of questioning my intention is to advance the broad project to which Acker was firmly committed, namely, the project of materialist feminist sociology.
The godmother of gendered organizations: In celebration of the work of Joan Acker
Authors: Benschop Yvonne , van den Brink Marieke
Published: February 2018

Joan Acker can be considered the godmother of gendered organizations. In this paper, we reflect on the impact that Joan Acker's work has on our thinking and our careers as gender scholars in management and organization studies in Europe. First, we tell our personal stories of close encounters with Joan Acker. Second, we highlight what we consider to be two key contributions of Joan Acker. The first are the interrelated gendered processes regarding structure, culture, interaction and identity from her work in the early 1990s, the second the notion of inequality regimes from her later work on the intersections of gender, class and race. We then discuss how Acker's work has been influential in our research on gendered organizations, and in our teaching when we use it in our explanations of the functioning of gender in organizations to students, and in our work as advisors and consultants for organizations interested in equality, diversity and inclusion. Finally, we elaborate on new directions building on Acker's work, especially in current theorizing on gender and diversity in organizational change.
A two‐sided medal: On the complexity of international comparative and collaborative team research
Authors: Kosmützky Anna
Published: February 2018

In recent years, more and more international comparative research has been conducted in internationally and geographically spread project teams and international research networks, and comparative research has become a fundamentally collaborative effort. Accordingly, research in such projects has to cope with a higher level of methodological complexity than non‐comparative research as well as with a particular sociocultural complexity. This complexity can have an influence on the research process and therefore on the quality and validity of the results, an issue that has so far not been discussed much, either in Higher Education research or beyond. Thus, this article refers to studies that provide empirical insights into comparative collaborative research teams and illuminates why international collaboration in comparative research projects is both a source of better solutions and of amplified complications and how they are interrelated. On this basis it provides a conceptual reflection and delineates dimensions of task‐related, methodological complexity and team diversity. While comparative research has specific methodological challenges that can be alleviated by international team collaboration, collaborative research has particular social challenges that can be aggravated in comparative research. The conclusion makes propositions for further analyses, discusses lessons for comparative Higher Education research and sets out implications for its institutional development.
A 20‐year historical prospective cohort study of root canal treatments. A Multilevel analysis
Authors: Prati C. , Pirani C. , Zamparini F. , Gatto M. R. , Gandolfi M. G.
Published: February 2018

Aim

To evaluate the number of healthy and functional root filled teeth of patients included in a recall programme for at least 20 years.

Methodology

Teeth were root filled by a single specialist following manual canal instrumentation, lateral/vertical compaction of gutta‐percha and restored with glass–ionomer cements and bonding system/composite resin. In a large percentage of teeth, a metal‐ceramic crown was placed during follow‐up. Patients included in the recall programme (n = 130) were blindly assessed both clinically and radiographically (every 2 years) to evaluate clinical symptoms and periapical status (PAI). The following variables were analysed: age, tooth location, tooth type, initial diagnosis, PAI, root filling length and coronal restoration type. Chi‐square test and multilevel analysis were performed to detect variables associated with treatment functionality and disease/lesions (P < 0.05). A cumulative teeth survival curve was constructed by means of Kaplan–Meier using extractions as the end‐point.

Results

At the 20‐year recall, 72 patients (31 M, 41 F; mean age 57.7 ± 8.29 years; 196 teeth) completed the follow‐up. Thirty‐six patients were excluded for medical complications or died before the end of the study. Drop‐outs consisted of 22 patients (17%) who did not complete the follow‐up. Single metal‐ceramic crowns were positioned after 4–6 months in 40% of teeth. Composite restorations were replaced with single metal‐ceramic crowns during the follow‐up in 53% of teeth after 8–19 years. Of 196 teeth, 155 were classified as Survived (79%), 128 of which (65%) were Healthy (PAI ≤ 2). Thirty‐nine teeth (20%) were extracted for nonendodontic reasons. Twenty‐nine teeth (15%) were classified as: re‐exacerbation (11 teeth; 5.6%) or persistent asymptomatic lesions (18 teeth; 9%). Only two re‐exacerbated teeth were extracted. Multilevel analysis confirmed the clinical relevance of tooth type (P = 0.001) on Survived and healthy teeth (P = 0.007). Tooth location (P = 0.0045) and initial diagnosis (P = 0.019) significantly affected only Healthy teeth.

Conclusions

Root filled teeth were more frequently extracted for non‐endodontic reasons rather than for endodontic disease. The majority of teeth with adequate root fillings, adequate restorations and included in a recall programme remained functional and healthy for more than 20 years.
Effects of ultrasonic removal of fractured files from the middle third of root canals on dentinal cracks: a micro‐computed tomography study
Authors: Fu M. , Huang X. , He W. , Hou B.
Published: February 2018

Aim

To evaluate the frequency of dentinal microcracks after ultrasonic removal of fractured files from the middle third of root canals using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT).

Methodology

Eighteen bilaterally matched pairs of human mandibular incisors extracted for periodontal reasons were included. The matched pairs of teeth were then divided into a control group and an experimental group, with one member of each pair assigned to each group. In the control group, the canals were instrumented using the ProTaper Next (PTN) system. In the experimental group, size 20 K‐files were fractured in the middle third of the root canals, followed by their ultrasonic removal. Subsequently, the canals were instrumented with the PTN system. All teeth were scanned using high‐resolution micro‐CT before (preoperative) and after (intraoperative) file removal and after (postoperative) root canal preparation. Pre‐, intra‐, and postoperative cross‐sectional images of the roots were screened to identify the presence of dentinal defects. Two experienced observers evaluated the images twice in a blinded manner. The incidence of dentinal microcracks was noted and statistically analysed using Fisher's exact and McNemar's tests (P = 0.05), with the root cross‐section and the tooth root as the units of analysis, respectively.

Results

All fractured files in the experimental group were removed successfully. New microcracks were detected in 0.56% (93/16 472) cross‐sections (8/18 specimens) generated after file removal in the experimental group. These microcracks were detected 4–6 mm below the root canal orifice and exhibited a width and length of 12–36 μm and 48–72 μm, respectively. They did not disappear or propagate after canal preparation. No new dentinal microcracks were observed in the control group. There was a significant difference in the incidence of new microcracks between the two groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Ultrasonic removal of fractured files from root canals resulted in the formation of short microcracks in a small number of cross‐sections in approximately half the specimens. Further studies are necessary to determine the cause and consequences of this finding.
Efficacy of MAS063DP lotion vs 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide lotion in improving post‐ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing wound healing: a split‐face, triple‐blinded, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Lueangarun Suparuj , Tempark Therdpong
Published: February 2018

Proven as effective acne scar treatment, ablative fractional carbon dioxide (AFCO2) laser requires post‐laser wound healing care. MAS063DP is a multicomponent nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory moisturizer for effective post‐laser treatment. This study compares the efficacy of MAS063DP and 0.02% triamcinolone acetonide (TA) lotion for post‐laser wound healing and complications. A split‐face, triple‐blinded, clinical study was performed in 16 patients, aged 20–50 years, receiving AFCO2 on both sides of the face, with MAS063DP on one side and 0.02% TA on the other side for 7 days twice daily. Digital photography, hemoglobin, and melanin index at baseline were obtained immediately after laser treatment and then at days 3, 5, 7, and 30. Erythema, edema, crusting, adverse effects, and post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) were followed every visit. Sixteen patients, mean age 38.6 (8.4) years, with moderate–severe atrophic scar and skin phototype III–IV completed the study. Clinical improvement of edema, erythema, crusting, and hyperpigmentation was observed from day 3 to day 30 (P < 0.001), with no statistically significant difference in both groups. There was also no statistical difference of hemoglobin, melanin index, and texture at days 3, 5, 7, and 30. Melanin index at day 30 was significantly less than baseline in both MAS063DP and 0.02% TA. With PIH in 50% of cases, both treatments demonstrated good safety profiles and no serious adverse reactions. MAS063DP could be an effective treatment for post‐laser wound healing and complications, compatible to 0.02% TA.
Ethical employee behaviors in the consensus taxonomy of counterproductive work behaviors
Authors: Wiernik Brenton M. , Ones Deniz S.
Published: February 2018

Employee ethical behaviors are a frequent topic of business research and a critical criterion for organizations seeking to implement socially responsible, ethical business practices. They, alongside organizational citizenship behaviors and employee green behaviors, reflect one of the three major domains of employee responsible behaviors through which organizations realize corporate social responsibility goals. In this article, we present a critical review of theoretical conceptualizations, taxonomies, and assessment of employee ethical and unethical behaviors. We consider definitional issues and situate the construct of (un)ethical employee behaviors within the current Consensus Taxonomy of Counterproductive Work Behaviors (CT‐CWB). We describe the structure and major dimensions of employee ethical behaviors and evaluate the construct coverage, psychometric properties, and shortcomings of major available ethical behavior measures. We provide a brief summary of individual differences determinants of ethical behaviors. We identify important directions for future research and the critical need for more adequate measurement of (un)ethical behaviors.
Mast cell‐neural interactions contribute to pain and itch
Authors: Gupta Kalpna , Harvima Ilkka T.
Published: February 2018

Mast cells are best recognized for their role in allergy and anaphylaxis, but increasing evidence supports their role in neurogenic inflammation leading to pain and itch. Mast cells act as a “power house” by releasing algogenic and pruritogenic mediators, which initiate a reciprocal communication with specific nociceptors on sensory nerve fibers. Consequently, nerve fibers release inflammatory and vasoactive neuropeptides, which in turn activate mast cells in a feedback mechanism, thus promoting a vicious cycle of mast cell and nociceptor activation leading to neurogenic inflammation and pain/pruritus. Mechanisms underlying mast cell differentiation, activation, and intercellular interactions with inflammatory, vascular, and neural systems are deeply influenced by their microenvironment, imparting enormous heterogeneity and complexity in understanding their contribution to pain and pruritus. Neurogenic inflammation is central to both pain and pruritus, but specific mediators released by mast cells to promote this process may vary depending upon their location, stimuli, underlying pathology, gender, and species. Therefore, in this review, we present the contribution of mast cells in pathological conditions, including distressing pruritus exacerbated by psychologic stress and experienced by the majority of patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis and in different pain syndromes due to mastocytosis, sickle cell disease, and cancer.
The controversial role of mast cells in fibrosis
Authors: Bradding Peter , Pejler Gunnar
Published: February 2018

Fibrosis is a medical condition characterized by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix compounds such as collagen in tissues. Fibrotic lesions are present in many diseases and can affect all organs. The excessive extracellular matrix accumulation in these conditions can often have serious consequences and in many cases be life‐threatening. A typical event seen in many fibrotic conditions is a profound accumulation of mast cells (MCs), suggesting that these cells can contribute to the pathology. Indeed, there is now substantialv evidence pointing to an important role of MCs in fibrotic disease. However, investigations from various clinical settings and different animal models have arrived at partly contradictory conclusions as to how MCs affect fibrosis, with many studies suggesting a detrimental role of MCs whereas others suggest that MCs can be protective. Here, we review the current knowledge of how MCs can affect fibrosis.
Imaging of mast cells
Authors: Tikoo Shweta , Barki Natasja , Jain Rohit , Zulkhernain Nursafwana S. , Buhner Sabine , Schemann Michael , Weninger Wolfgang
Published: February 2018

Mast cells are a part of the innate immune system implicated in allergic reactions and the regulation of host‐pathogen interactions. The distribution, morphology and biochemical composition of mast cells has been studied in detail in vitro and on tissue sections both at the light microscopic and ultrastructural level. More recently, the development of fluorescent reporter strains and intravital imaging modalities has enabled first glimpses of the real‐time behavior of mast cells in situ. In this review, we describe commonly used imaging approaches to study mast cells in cell culture as well as within normal and diseased tissues. We further describe the interrogation of mast cell function via imaging by providing a detailed description of mast cell‐nerve plexus interactions in the intestinal tract. Together, visualizing mast cells has expanded our view of these cells in health and disease.
The role of mast cells in autoinflammation
Authors: Bonnekoh Hanna , Scheffel Jörg , Kambe Naotomo , Krause Karoline
Published: February 2018

The concept of autoinflammation was proposed to define a new class of immune disorders categorized by self‐directed inflammation that is driven via activation of innate immune pathways. Within innate immunity, inflammasomes serve as intracellular signaling platforms to endogenous danger molecules and pathogens. Their key function is the cleavage of pro‐interleukin‐1β (pro‐IL‐1β) into its active form to promote inflammation and programmed cell death. A growing number of inflammasome sensors were described, among which NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is the best‐studied sensor. Besides macrophages, monocytes, and other innate immune cells, mast cells (MCs) were shown to express functional inflammasomes too. Also, MCs are both, a source and target of IL‐1β. Here we review the functional relevance and role of MC inflammasomes and MC‐derived IL‐1β in contributing to the inflammation at the skin, joints, and central nervous system in rare monogenic autoinflammatory conditions and also common inflammatory and degenerative diseases.
Human eosinophils and mast cells: Birds of a feather flock together
Authors: Robida Piper A. , Puzzovio Pier Giorgio , Pahima Hadas , Levi‐Schaffer Francesca , Bochner Bruce S.
Published: February 2018

While the origin of the phrase “birds of a feather flock together” is unclear, it has been in use for centuries and is typically employed to describe the phenomenon that people with similar tastes or interests tend to seek each other out and congregate together. In this review, we have co‐opted this phrase to compare innate immune cells of related origin, the eosinophil and mast cell, because they very often accumulate together in tissue sites under both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. To highlight overlapping yet distinct features, their hematopoietic development, cell surface phenotype, mediator release profiles and roles in diseases have been compared and contrasted. What emerges is a sense that these two cell types often interact with each other and their tissue environment to provide synergistic contributions to a variety of normal and pathologic immune responses.
Internationally educated nurses in Canada: perceived benefits of bridging programme participation
Authors: Covell C.L. , Primeau M.D. , St‐Pierre I.
Published: February 2018

Aim

To examine internationally educated nurses' perceptions of the extent to which participating in bridging programmes is beneficial for preparing to practise nursing in Canada.

Background

Internationally educated nurses continue to migrate from low‐income to high‐income countries. Many experience challenges when attempting to practise their profession in the destination country. Canada and other top destination countries offer educational support, such as bridging programmes, to assist internationally educated nurses' with preparing to practise nursing in the destination country. The research evidence falls short in demonstrating the usefulness of bridging programmes.

Methods

A subsample of 360 internationally educated nurse participants from a Canadian cross‐sectional survey conducted in 2014. All were permanent residents, employed as regulated nurses and participants of bridging programmes. Multiple linear regression was employed to examine the influence of internationally educated nurses' human capital (academic preparation, language proficiency, professional experience) and the economic status of their source country on perceived benefits of bridging programme participation.

Results

Regression model explained 11.5% of variance in perceived benefits of bridging programme participation. Two predictors were statistically significant: source country and professional experience.

Conclusion

Bridging programmes help internationally educated nurses address gaps in their cultural, practical and theoretical knowledge. Source country and amount of professionally experience influences the extent to which internationally educated nurses benefit from participating in bridging programmes in Canada.

Implications for nursing policy

Provides emerging evidence for decision‐makers globally when developing policies and supports to help internationally educated nurses integrate into the destination country's nursing workforce.
Unknown Intracardiac Electrogram
Authors: Prystowsky Eric N.
Published: February 2018

Watch a video presentation of this article.

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Potential spatial interaction of the invasive species Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) with native and endemic coccinellids
Authors: Alaniz A. J. , Grez A. A. , Zaviezo T.
Published: February 2018

Biological invasions represent a serious menace to local species assemblages, mainly due to interspecific relationships such as competition and predation. One important invasive species worldwide is Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), which has invaded many regions of the world, threatening the native and endemic coccinellid assemblages due to negative interspecific interactions. These interactions have been widely studied at a local scale, but have been less studied at regional scales. Our aim was to estimate and analyse the potential spatial interaction associated with the co‐occurrence of H. axyridis with native and endemic species in Chile, considering bioclimatic and land cover variables. First, we created species distribution models (SDM) for H. axyridis, native and endemic coccinellids and six representative coccinellid species using maximum entropy technique. Then, we overlapped each SDM with land cover types to estimate the bioclimatic suitability within each land cover type. Finally, we identified the co‐occurrences of organisms according to the SDM and the land cover types, estimating in what land covers H. axyridis and the other coccinellids are more likely to co‐occur. Our results show that the suitable area for H. axyridis occurs from 30° to 42°S in Chile, while for native and endemic species this area is greater. The six selected species are mainly concentrated in central Chile, but differ in their potential suitable areas; Adalia angulifera Mulsant and Scymnus bicolor (Germain) have the largest range, and Mimoscymnus macula (Germain) has the most restricted one. The highest level of potential spatial interactions with H. axyridis occurs in central Chile, specifically in croplands and scrublands, and the lowest in primary native forest for all the species. Our results provide a spatially explicit baseline for coccinellid conservation and management of this invasive species.
Life‐history traits of the leatherjacket Meuschenia scaber, a long‐lived monacanthid
Authors: Visconti V. , Trip E. D. L. , Griffiths M. H. , Clements K. D.
Published: February 2018

The present study describes the age and growth of the leatherjacket Meuschenia scaber, a common Australasian monacanthid and valued by‐catch of the inshore bottom trawl fishery in New Zealand. Age was determined from the sagittal otoliths of 651 individuals collected between July 2014 and March 2016 in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. Otolith sections revealed alternating opaque and translucent zones and edge‐type analysis demonstrated that these are deposited annually. Meuschenia scaber displayed rapid initial growth, with both males and females reaching maturity in 1–2 years and 50% of both sexes matured at 1·5 years. Maximum age differed substantially between the sexes, at 9·8 years for males and 17·1 years for females. Growth rate was similar between sexes, although males reached greater mass at age than females in the early part of the lifespan. The length–mass relationship differed significantly between the sexes, with males displaying negative allometric growth and females isometric growth. Female condition was highest in July, declined in August with the onset of spawning and showed a slight peak in January and February, immediately following the spawning season. This study substantially extends the maximum longevity recorded for monacanthids, although males had much shorter lifespans and higher mortality, than females.
Morphological comparison of the ampullae of Lorenzini of three sympatric benthic rays
Authors: Gauthier A. R. G. , Whitehead D. L. , Tibbetts I. R. , Cribb B. W. , Bennett M. B.
Published: February 2018

This study investigated and compared the morphology of the electrosensory system of three species of benthic rays. Neotrygon trigonoides, Hemitrygon fluviorum and Maculabatis toshi inhabit similar habitats within Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Like all elasmobranchs, they possess the ability to detect weak electrical fields using their ampullae of Lorenzini. Macroscopically, the ampullary organs of all three species are aggregated in three bilaterally paired clusters: the mandibular, hyoid and superficial ophthalmic clusters. The hyoid and superficial ophthalmic clusters of ampullae arise from both dorsal and ventral ampullary pores. The dorsal pores are typically larger than the ventral pores in all three species, except for the posterior ventral pores of the hyoid grouping. Ampullary canals arising from the hyoid cluster possessed a quasi‐sinusoidal shape, but otherwise appeared similar to the canals described for other elasmobranchs. Ultrastructure of the ampullae of Lorenzini of the three species was studied using a combination of light, confocal and electron microscopy. All possess ampullae of the alveolar type. In N. trigonoides and M. toshi, each ampullary canal terminates in three to five sensory chambers, each comprising several alveoli lined with receptor and supportive cells and eight to 11 sensory chambers in H. fluviorum. Receptor cells of all three species possess a similar organization to those of other elasmobranchs and were enveloped by large, apically nucleated supportive cells protruding well into the alveolar sacs. The luminally extended chassis of supportive cells protruding dramatically into the ampullary lumen had not previously been documented for any elasmobranch species.
Highest catch of the vulnerable broadnose sevengill shark Notorynchus cepedianus in the south‐west Atlantic
Authors: De Wysiecki A. M. , Milessi A. C. , Wiff R. , Jaureguizar A. J.
Published: February 2018

An exceptional catch of 97 broadnose sevengill sharks Notorynchus cepedianus in Samborombón Bay, Argentina, in 2013 is described from a single overnight gillnet fishing operation. Sixty‐five female and 32 male N. cepedianus, ranging in size between 105–201 and 112–190 cm LT, respectively, were recorded in this catch. Fishers' observations and published information suggest that this species aggregates in the area seasonally for feeding.
Effect of Area‐Level Socioeconomic Deprivation on Risk of Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Adults
Authors: McCann Adrian , McNulty Helene , Rigby Jan , Hughes Catherine F. , Hoey Leane , Molloy Anne M. , Cunningham Conal J. , Casey Miriam C. , Tracey Fergal , O’Kane Maurice J. , McCarroll Kevin , Ward Mary , Moore Katie , Strain J.J. , Moore Adrian
Published: February 2018

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the relationship between area‐level deprivation and risk of cognitive dysfunction.

DESIGN

Cross‐sectional analysis.

SETTING

The Trinity, Ulster, and Department of Agriculture (TUDA) study from 2008 to 2012.

PARTICIPANTS

Community‐dwelling adults aged 74.0 ± 8.3 without dementia (N = 5,186; 67% female).

MEASUREMENTS

Adopting a cross‐jurisdictional approach, geo‐referenced address‐based information was used to map and link participants to official socioeconomic indicators of deprivation within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Participants were assigned an individual deprivation score related to the smallest administrative area in which they lived. These scores were categorized into comparable quintiles, that were then used to integrate the datasets from both countries. Cognitive health was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE); cognitive dysfunction was defined as a MMSE score of 24 or less.

RESULTS

Approximately one‐quarter of the cohort resided within the most‐deprived districts in both countries. Greater area‐level deprivation was associated with significantly lower MMSE scores; fewer years of formal education; greater anxiety, depression, smoking and alcohol use, and obesity; and more adverse outcomes, including higher blood pressure and diabetes risk. After adjustment for relevant covariates, area deprivation was associated with significantly higher risk of cognitive dysfunction (odds ratio = 1.40, 95% confidence interval = 1.05–1.87, P = .02, for most vs least deprived).

CONCLUSION

This analysis combining data from two health systems shows that area deprivation is an independent risk factor for cognitive dysfunction in older adults. Adults living in areas of greatest socioeconomic deprivation may benefit from targeted strategies aimed at improving modifiable risk factors for dementia. Further cross‐national analysis investigating the impact of area‐ level deprivation is needed to address socioeconomic disparities and shape future policy to improve health outcomes in older adults.© 2018 American Geriatrics Society and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SAVing Cognitive Function: What Can We Learn About Risk of Cognitive Impairment from Studies of Small Area Variation?
Authors: Borson Soo
Published: February 2018

This editorial comments on the article by McCann et al.
The many faces of vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Girouard Hélène , Munter Lisa M.
Published: February 2018

This Preface introduces the articles of the special issue on “Vascular Dementia” in which several recognized experts provide an overview of this research field. The brain is a highly vascularized organ and consequently, vascular dysfunction and related pathways affect cognitive performance and memory. Vascular dementia or vascular cognitive impairment is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, and both disorders often occur in parallel. With this special issue, we hope to provide insight and a stimulating discussion for the future development of this research field.

image

This article is part of the Special Issue “Vascular Dementia”.
Stress‐induced tRNA cleavage and tiRNA generation in rat neuronal PC12 cells
Authors: Elkordy Alaa , Mishima Eikan , Niizuma Kuniyasu , Akiyama Yasutoshi , Fujimura Miki , Tominaga Teiji , Abe Takaaki
Published: February 2018

Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a role in stress response programs involved in various pathological conditions including neurological diseases. Under cell stress conditions, intracellular tRNA is cleaved by a specific ribonuclease, angiogenin, generating tRNA‐derived fragments or tRNA‐derived stress‐induced RNA (tiRNA). Generated tiRNA contributes to the cell stress response and has potential cell protective effects. However, tiRNA generation under stress conditions in neuronal cells has not been fully elucidated. To examine angiogenin‐mediated tiRNA generation in neuronal cells, we used the rat neuronal cell line, PC12, in combination with analysis of SYBR staining and immuno‐northern blotting using anti‐1‐methyladenosine antibody, which specifically and sensitively detects tiRNA. Oxidative stress induced by arsenite and hydrogen peroxide caused tRNA cleavage and tiRNA generation in PC12 cells. We also demonstrated that oxygen‐glucose deprivation, which is an in vitro model of ischemic–reperfusion injury, induced tRNA cleavage and tiRNA generation. In these stress conditions, the amount of generated tiRNA was associated with the degree of morphological cell damage. Time course analysis indicated that generation of tiRNA was prior to severe cell damage and cell death. Angiogenin over‐expression did not influence the amount of tiRNA in normal culture conditions; however, it significantly increased tiRNA generation induced by cell stress conditions. Our findings show that angiogenin‐mediated tiRNA generation can be induced in neuronal cells by different cell stressors, including ischemia–reperfusion. Additionally, detection of tiRNA could be used as a potential cell damage marker in neuronal cells.

image

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14191.
Morphological study of the ureterovesical junction in children
Authors: Makosiej Ryszard , Orkisz Stanisław , Czkwianianc Elżbieta
Published: February 2018

Morphological and morphometric assessment of the elements of the ureterovesical junction in children was performed in the present study in different age groups ranging from 24 weeks of gestation to 16 years old. We tried to answer the question whether, in human ontogenesis, there is a period of anatomical predisposition to primary vesicoureteral reflux. The study included 210 urinary bladders with juxtavesical parts of the ureters that had been obtained from routine autopsies. As a result of the study, we showed that provided the pregnancy is uncomplicated there is no inherited susceptibility that would account for reducing or disturbing the development of ureterovesical junction elements. Based on the analysis of our results concerning the anatomy and morphological changes taking place in the elements of the ureterovesical junction in different age groups, one could put forward a hypothesis that anatomical predisposition to primary vesicoureteral reflux occurs in age group II, i.e. between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation. The parameters that define interrelations between elements of the ureterovesical junction and that are considered essential for normal functioning of antireflux mechanism were still observed in age group VI in our study. This suggests that these relations are not unambiguous in children with normally structured and functionally competent vesicoureteral junction.
Significance of blood and salivary IEX‐1 expression in diagnosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Li Yuan , Tan Chaoyue , Liu Liya , Han Liping
Published: February 2018

Aim

This study assesses a clinical potential of immediate early responsive gene X‐1 (IEX‐1), also named IER3, in the diagnosis of epithelial ovarian carcinoma using blood and salivary specimens.

Methods

Immediate early responsive gene X‐1 was quantified in blood and saliva by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in 26 cases of epithelial ovarian carcinoma, 37 cases of benign ovarian tumor and 55 cases of healthy women. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of IEX‐1.

Results

Immediate early responsive gene X‐1 was expressed in blood and saliva of the benign ovarian tumor group and the healthy women group, both at a level significantly higher than that of the ovarian carcinoma group (P < 0.017). There were no significant differences in IEX‐1 expression in blood and saliva (P = 0.376 or 0.621, respectively) between the benign ovarian tumor and the healthy women group. Comparison of IEX‐1 expression in blood between the ovarian carcinoma group and the benign ovarian tumor group or the healthy women group demonstrated the ROC‐area under curves (AUC) of 0.947 or 0.929, respectively. In discriminating the ovarian carcinoma group from the benign ovarian tumor group, IEX‐1 expression in blood demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 84.6% and 94.6%, respectively. Similarly, blood IEX‐1 expression conferred a sensitivity of 84.6% and specificity of 90.9% in distinguishing the ovarian carcinoma group from the healthy women group. Moreover, salivary IEX‐1 expression had ROC‐AUC of 0.851 when compared between the ovarian carcinoma group and the benign ovarian tumor group or 0.896 when compared between the ovarian cancer group and the healthy women group. IEX‐1 expression was able to discriminate the ovarian carcinoma group from the benign ovarian tumor group with a sensitivity and specificity of 65.4% and 94.6%, respectively, or the ovarian carcinoma from the healthy women with 92.3% sensitivity and 72.5% specificity.

Conclusion

These results suggest the clinical potential of IEX‐1 expression in blood and saliva as a sensitive and specific diagnosis for epithelial ovarian carcinoma.
Microtensile Bond Strength of CAD/CAM Resin Blocks to Dual‐Cure Adhesive Cement: The Effect of Different Sandblasting Procedures
Authors: Tekçe Neslihan , Tuncer Safa , Demirci Mustafa , Kara Dilan , Baydemir Canan
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To investigate the effect of sandblasting powder particles on microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of dual‐cure adhesive cement to CAD/CAM blocks.

Materials and Methods

CAD/CAM blocks (Cerasmart, VITA, and LAVA) were cut in slabs and divided into groups: group 1, no sandblasting; group 2, sandblasted with 27‐μm Al2O3; group 3, sandblasted with 30‐μm CoJet; group 4, sandblasted with 50‐μm Al2O3. After sandblasting, all specimens were silanized and luted using dual‐cure adhesive cement (G‐CEM LinkForce). After 24 hours, bonded specimens were cut into 1 ± 0.2 mm2 sticks, and μTBS values were obtained (N = 30). Additionally, 132 CAD/CAM block sections were prepared for surface roughness testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluations. Results were analyzed using Kruskal‐Wallis One‐way ANOVA and Dunn's Post Hoc Test (p < 0.05).

Results

Group 1 exhibited significantly lower μTBS than the other groups (p < 0.05). The highest bond strength values were obtained from group 4 (p > 0.05). For LAVA, μTBS values of specimens that were sandblasted with 50‐μm Al2O3 powder were significantly higher than 30‐μm‐SiO2 and 27‐μm Al2O3 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The sand particles investigated (27‐μm Al2O3, 30‐μm SiO2, or 50‐μm Al2O3) did not significantly affect μTBS results of CAD/CAM blocks for Cerasmart and VITA, although the results changed significantly for LAVA. The ideal bond protocol for CAD/CAM blocks is specific to the material used.
Layered Manufacturing of Dental Ceramics: Fracture Mechanics, Microstructure, and Elemental Composition of Lithography‐Sintered Ceramic
Authors: Uçar Yurdanur , Aysan Meriç İpek , Ekren Orhun
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To compare the fracture mechanics, microstructure, and elemental composition of lithography‐based ceramic manufacturing with pressing and CAD/CAM.

Materials and Methods

Disc‐shaped specimens (16 mm diameter, 1.2 mm thick) were used for mechanical testing (n = 10/group). Biaxial flexural strength of three groups (In‐Ceram alumina [ICA], lithography‐based alumina, ZirkonZahn) were determined using the “piston on 3‐ball” technique as suggested in test Standard ISO‐6872. Vickers hardness test was performed. Fracture toughness was calculated using fractography. Results were statistically analyzed using Kruskal‐Wallis test followed by Dunnett T3 (α = 0.05). Weibull analysis was conducted. Polished and fracture surface characterization was made using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used for elemental analysis.

Results

Biaxial flexural strength of ICA, LCM alumina (LCMA), and ZirkonZahn were 147 ± 43 MPa, 490 ± 44 MPa, and 709 ± 94 MPa, respectively, and were statistically different (P ≤ 0.05). The Vickers hardness number of ICA was 850 ± 41, whereas hardness values for LCMA and ZirkonZahn were 1581 ± 144 and 1249 ± 57, respectively, and were statistically different (P ≤ 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between fracture toughness of ICA (2 ± 0.4 MPa⋅m1/2), LCMA (6.5 ± 1.5 MPa⋅m1/2), and ZirkonZahn (7.7 ± 1 MPa⋅m1/2) (P ≤ 0.05). Weibull modulus was highest for LCMA (m = 11.43) followed by ZirkonZahn (m = 8.16) and ICA (m = 5.21). Unlike LCMA and ZirkonZahn groups, a homogeneous microstructure was not observed for ICA. EDS results supported the SEM images.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it can be concluded that LCM seems to be a promising technique for final ceramic object manufacturing in dental applications. Both the manufacturing method and the material used should be improved.
Reputation versus information: The delegation policy when the principal has reputational concerns
Authors: Tamada Yasunari , Tsai Tsung‐Sheng
Published: February 2018

We analyze the delegation policy when the principal has reputational concerns. Both the principal and the agent can be either good or biased; the good players prefer the correct decision, while the biased ones prefer a high action even though it may be wrong. An evaluator who forms the principal's reputation may or may not be able to observe who makes the decision. When the evaluator cannot observe the allocation of authority, the principal shares the credit and blame with the agent. Although delegation can improve the quality of decision making because the agent has better information, it may also hurt the good principal's reputation because the high action may be taken by the biased agent while the blame will be shared when it is wrong. Thus, the good principal has a tendency to keep too much authority to maintain her reputation. By contrast, when the evaluator can observe the allocation of authority, delegation becomes a signaling device for the good type of principal to differentiate herself from the biased one. This results in an excessive allocation of authority toward the agent.
Magnetotactic bacteria used to generate electricity based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction
Authors: Smit B.A. , Van Zyl E. , Joubert J.J. , Meyer W. , Prévéral S. , Lefèvre C.T. , Venter S.N.
Published: February 2018

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) have the unique ability to produce magnetic particles surrounded by a biomembrane to form the magnetosome organelle. Therefore, MTB have novel physical and magnetic properties and have consequently been used in several biotechnological applications. The magnetic properties of these micro-organisms and their magnetosomes have, however, never been used for the generation of electricity as described in this letter. Comparisons were made between, firstly, the electricity generated from purified magnetosomes, MTB culture (bacterial cells with magnetosomes) and sterile, liquid growth medium (control). Secondly, the electricity generated by a dilution series of purified magnetosomes were compared. A statistically significant difference was found between the voltage measured from the purified magnetosomes (highest voltage), MTB culture (lower voltage) and liquid growth medium (lowest voltage). In the dilution series, the voltage measured increased as the magnetosome concentration increased, but only up to an optimum concentration (0·0376 mg ml−1). In this study, we have demonstrated that a significantly higher voltage than that of the control could be measured when MTB or purified magnetosomes were pumped through a solenoid by applying Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study provides proof-of-concept of electromagnetic induction using magnetosomes or magnetotactic bacteria in an experimental setup based on the law of Faraday. The concept of using these bacteria or their biomineralized magnetic nanoparticles as a biological alternative in low voltage electricity generation has the potential to be further explored and developed.
Reading for pleasure: whose job is it to build lifelong readers in the classroom?
Authors: Garces‐Bacsal Rhoda Myra , Tupas Ruanni , Kaur Sarinajit , Paculdar Agnes Maria , Baja Emmanuel S.
Published: February 2018

A survey questionnaire was administered to 146 MEd students enrolled in a teacher‐training institute in Singapore to determine the strategies they use to promote engaged reading in the classroom. The majority of the teacher respondents when asked how they motivate students to read, wrote down Not Applicable, and 38% were unable to write down strategies to promote engaged reading. However, the results further indicate that even the non‐devoted readers amongst them were able to identify sound literacy instructional strategies. This paper argues that the desirability of lifelong reading and the need for teachers to be accountable for its promotion should be culturally positioned within locally shaped realities and perceived from within the unique configuration of the results‐driven context of the Singaporean educational landscape.
Robust Markowitz mean‐variance portfolio selection under ambiguous covariance matrix
Authors: Ismail Amine , Pham Huyên
Published: February 2018

This paper studies a robust continuous‐time Markowitz portfolio selection problem where the model uncertainty affects the covariance matrix of multiple risky assets. This problem is formulated into a min–max mean‐variance problem over a set of nondominated probability measures that is solved by a McKean–Vlasov dynamic programming approach, which allows us to characterize the solution in terms of a Bellman–Isaacs equation in the Wasserstein space of probability measures. We provide explicit solutions for the optimal robust portfolio strategies and illustrate our results in the case of uncertain volatilities and ambiguous correlation between two risky assets. We then derive the robust efficient frontier in closed form, and obtain a lower bound for the Sharpe ratio of any robust efficient portfolio strategy. Finally, we compare the performance of Sharpe ratios for a robust investor and for an investor with a misspecified model.
Life‐stage‐associated remodelling of lipid metabolism regulation in Atlantic salmon
Authors: Gillard Gareth , Harvey Thomas N. , Gjuvsland Arne , Jin Yang , Thomassen Magny , Lien Sigbjørn , Leaver Michael , Torgersen Jacob S. , Hvidsten Torgeir R. , Vik Jon Olav , Sandve Simen R.
Published: February 2018

Atlantic salmon migrates from rivers to sea to feed, grow and develop gonads before returning to spawn in freshwater. The transition to marine habitats is associated with dramatic changes in the environment, including water salinity, exposure to pathogens and shift in dietary lipid availability. Many changes in physiology and metabolism occur across this life‐stage transition, but little is known about the molecular nature of these changes. Here, we use a long‐term feeding experiment to study transcriptional regulation of lipid metabolism in Atlantic salmon gut and liver in both fresh‐ and saltwater. We find that lipid metabolism becomes significantly less plastic to differences in dietary lipid composition when salmon transitions to saltwater and experiences increased dietary lipid availability. Expression of genes in liver relating to lipogenesis and lipid transport decreases overall and becomes less responsive to diet, while genes for lipid uptake in gut become more highly expressed. Finally, analyses of evolutionary consequences of the salmonid‐specific whole‐genome duplication on lipid metabolism reveal several pathways with significantly different (p < .05) duplicate retention or duplicate regulatory conservation. We also find a limited number of cases where the whole‐genome duplication has resulted in an increased gene dosage. In conclusion, we find variable and pathway‐specific effects of the salmonid genome duplication on lipid metabolism genes. A clear life‐stage‐associated shift in lipid metabolism regulation is evident, and we hypothesize this to be, at least partly, driven by nondietary factors such as the preparatory remodelling of gene regulation and physiology prior to sea migration.
Faster‐X evolution: Theory and evidence from Drosophila
Authors: Charlesworth Brian , Campos José L. , Jackson Benjamin C.
Published: February 2018

A faster rate of adaptive evolution of X‐linked genes compared with autosomal genes can be caused by the fixation of recessive or partially recessive advantageous mutations, due to the full expression of X‐linked mutations in hemizygous males. Other processes, including recombination rate and mutation rate differences between X chromosomes and autosomes, may also cause faster evolution of X‐linked genes. We review population genetics theory concerning the expected relative values of variability and rates of evolution of X‐linked and autosomal DNA sequences. The theoretical predictions are compared with data from population genomic studies of several species of Drosophila. We conclude that there is evidence for adaptive faster‐X evolution of several classes of functionally significant nucleotides. We also find evidence for potential differences in mutation rates between X‐linked and autosomal genes, due to differences in mutational bias towards GC to AT mutations. Many aspects of the data are consistent with the male hemizygosity model, although not all possible confounding factors can be excluded.