bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telomere length as a predictor of emotional processing in the brain
Authors: Powell Timothy R. , De Jong Simone , Breen Gerome , Lewis Cathryn M. , Dima Danai
Published: December 2018

Shorter telomere length (TL) has been associated with the development of mood disorders as well as abnormalities in brain morphology. However, so far, no studies have considered the role TL may have on brain function during tasks relevant to mood disorders. In this study, we examine the relationship between TL and functional brain activation and connectivity, while participants (n = 112) perform a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) facial affect recognition task. Additionally, because variation in TL has a substantial genetic component we calculated polygenic risk scores for TL to test if they predict face‐related functional brain activation. First, our results showed that TL was positively associated with increased activation in the amygdala and cuneus, as well as increased connectivity from posterior regions of the face network to the ventral prefrontal cortex. Second, polygenic risk scores for TL show a positive association with medial prefrontal cortex activation. The data support the view that TL and genetic loading for shorter telomeres, influence the function of brain regions known to be involved in emotional processing.
Interdependency in vaccination policies among Japanese municipalities
Authors: Bessho Shun‐ichiro , Ibuka Yoko
Published: December 2018

Economic theory predicts that vaccination policies at the local level can be negatively affected by the policies of neighboring regions because of free‐riding motives, whereas positive dependency may exist due to policy diffusions among localities. By using the unique variations in the provision of vaccination subsidies in Japan, we assess how vaccination policies in a local government are affected by the decisions of neighboring governments. We find that the provision of vaccination subsidies is positively correlated with the decisions of neighboring localities. Moreover, a correlation is found with neighboring municipalities within the same prefecture but not with those in surrounding prefectures, indicating that the correlations are likely to arise because of mimicking behavior among localities within a prefecture. Our results show that vaccination policies tend to be formed following neighboring municipalities and do not necessarily aim to optimize community health, thus questioning the autonomy of local government authorities regarding vaccination policies.
Shouldering the load of mandible reconstruction: 81 cases of oromandibular reconstruction with the scapular tip free flap
Authors: Yeh David H. , Lee Danny J. , Sahovaler Axel , Fung Kevin , MacNeil Danielle , Nichols Anthony C. , Yoo John
Published: December 2018

Background

The scapular tip free flap (STFF) is becoming more popular for oromandibular reconstruction. This article reviewed the early and late outcomes in a larger series over 9 years.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all consecutive patients who underwent oromandibular reconstruction using the STFF at London Health Sciences Centre. Demographic information, surgical data, and complications were collected and analyzed.

Results

From April 2008 to March 2017, 81 STFFs were performed in 80 patients. The average bony reconstruction measured 5.4 cm. Bone‐only flaps were utilized in 24 cases (29.6%). Five cases (6.2%) required a single osteotomy. There were 3 (3.7%) flap failures. There were 7 plate extrusions and 11 cases of radiographic nonunion.

Conclusion

The STFF is a reliable option with acceptable early and long‐term results. The STFF may be considered as a first line option especially for shorter bone defects or in conjunction with complex soft tissue requirements.
Process evaluation of the midwifery initiated oral health‐dental service program: Perceptions of dental professionals
Authors: Ajwani Shilpi , Sousa Mariana S. , Villarosa Ariana C. , Bhole Sameer , Johnson Maree , Dahlen Hannah G. , Hoolsema Julia , Blinkhorn Anthony , Srinivas Ravi , Yaacoub Albert , Milat Andrew , Skinner John , George Ajesh
Published: December 2018

Issue addressed

All pregnant women should have a comprehensive oral health evaluation. Unfortunately, many pregnant women seldom seek dental care and some dentists are hesitant to treat during pregnancy. To address these issues, the Midwifery Initiated Oral Health Dental Service (MIOH‐DS) program was developed in Australia. The aim of this study was to undertake a process evaluation and explore the perceptions of dental professionals involved in the program to determine the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of the program if it were to be upscaled.

Methods

A qualitative approach using content analysis was conducted on data from two focus groups involving 12 dental professionals.

Results

All participants were supportive of the MIOH‐DS program. They thought pregnant women were receptive to their care, and reported markedly improved oral health. The provision of free dental care and the involvement of midwives were cited as major factors that improved the uptake of the program. Some of the challenges encountered were the prevailing misconceptions about the safety of dental treatment and pregnancy‐related impairments.

Conclusions

Dental professionals found the MIOH‐DS to be acceptable, feasible and effective in improving oral health of pregnant women and their uptake of dental services. However, some challenges need to be addressed as the MIOH‐DS program is upscaled into a cost‐effective model.

So what?

Dental professionals are important stakeholders in the MIOH‐DS model. The process evaluation of the successful dental intervention is necessary to understand how and why such interventions work, and is an important step in scaling up to a population‐wide intervention.
Stream geochemical response to reductions in acid deposition in headwater streams: Chronic versus episodic acidification recovery
Authors: Riscassi Ami , Scanlon Todd , Galloway James
Published: December 2018

In the decades since dramatic reductions in acid emissions and subsequent deposition in North America and Europe, the vast majority of research on aquatic chemical recovery has focused on trends in acid–base concentrations during baseflow conditions. Missing from such assessments is consideration of higher flow periods, when flow paths and chemical concentrations change and episodic acidification may occur. Stream samples collected weekly and bi‐hourly during high‐flow storm events from 1992 to 2015 at three watersheds representing a gradient in response to acid deposition in the south‐eastern United States were used to evaluate temporal trends in acid anions, base cations, acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), and pH for each of five distinct flow exceedance regimes, as well as trends in concentration–discharge (C–Q) relationships. For the most well‐buffered watershed (mean ANC = 220 μeq L−1), ANC and pH increased at a similar rate for baseflow and storm flow conditions. Decreases in sulfate controlled ANC trends at higher flows, whereas smaller sulfate decreases in combination with base cation increases resulted in similar ANC improvements for low‐flow periods. For the most acid sensitive watershed (mean ANC = 10 μeq L−1), no trends in ANC or pH were observed for the lowest flows (>90% flow exceedance), whereas reductions in sulfate resulted in significant increases in ANC during higher flow conditions. At all sites, greater rates of sulfate decline during high‐flow, as compared with low‐flow, conditions are likely a result of a reduced capacity of near surface soils to adsorb and retain sulfur in these non‐glaciated watersheds. Overall, consistent increases in pH (~0.01–0.02 pH units year−1) during higher flow conditions (<10% flow exceedance) in contrast to the variable trends observed during lower flows (>50% flow exceedance) illustrate that episodic acidification is recovering at an equal or greater rate than chronic acidification in these watersheds.
Tree‐ring records unveil long‐term influence of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation on snowpack dynamics in the Stikine River basin, northern British Columbia
Authors: Welsh Cedar , Smith Dan J. , Coulthard Bethany
Published: December 2018

Long hydroclimate records are essential elements for the assessment and management of changing freshwater resources. These records are especially important in transboundary watersheds where international cooperation is required in the joint planning and management process of shared basins. Dendrochronological techniques were used to develop a multicentury record of April 1 snow water equivalent (SWE) for the Stikine River basin in northern British Columbia, Canada, from moisture‐sensitive white spruce (Picea glauca) tree rings. Explaining 43% of the instrumental SWE variability, to our knowledge, this research represents the first attempt to develop long‐term snowpack reconstructions in northern British Columbia. The results indicated that 15 extreme low April 1 SWE events occurred from 1789 to the beginning of the instrumental record in 1974. The reconstruction record also shows that the occurrence of hydrological extremes in the Stikine River basin is characterized by persistent below‐average periods in SWE consistent with phase shifts of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Spectral analyses indicate a very distinct in‐phase (positive) relationship between the multidecadal frequencies of variability (~40 years) extracted from the SWE tree‐ring reconstruction and other reconstructed winter and spring PDO indices. Comparison of the reconstructed SWE record with other tree‐ring‐derived PDO proxy records shows coherence at multidecadal frequencies of variability. The research has significant implications for regional watershed management by highlighting the hydrological response of the Stikine River basin to prior climate changes.
School‐based prevention of anxiety using the “My FRIENDS” emotional resilience program: Six‐month follow‐up
Authors: Kozina Ana
Published: December 2018

Anxiety‐related problems are common in childhood and adolescence and, if left untreated, may hold short‐term and long‐term negative consequences for psychosocial functioning and other domains. In addition to having negative individual‐level consequences, anxiety‐related problems may have a negative impact at the school level. Because almost all children and adolescents attend school, school plays a significant role in development as a socialisation agent and provides an ideal venue for the delivery of prevention and intervention programs. Here, we present the first evidence regarding the effectiveness of the My FRIENDS emotional resilience program as a method of reducing anxiety among students in Slovenia and the feasibility of implementing the program at the national level. Grade 8 students (N = 78) were assigned either the intervention condition, the My FRIENDS program, or a no‐treatment control condition. We measured general anxiety and its components using the AN‐UD (Lestvica anksioznosti za učence in dijake) anxiety scale and internalising difficulties using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at preintervention, postintervention, and 6‐month follow‐up assessments. Students in the intervention condition reported lower amounts of general anxiety and its cognitive component of worrying, and fewer internalising difficulties at the postintervention and follow‐up assessments.
Multicontext 3D residual CNN for false positive reduction of pulmonary nodule detection
Authors: Zhang Zhancheng , Li Xinyi , You Qingjun , Luo Xiaoqing
Published: December 2018

False positive reduction is a key procedure of computer‐aided pulmonary nodule detection. The goal is to recognize the true pulmonary nodule from the plentiful candidates, which received from the first step of pulmonary nodule candidate detection. Convolutional networks can be used to perform false positive nodule reduction, but the classification accuracy need to be further improved. Recently, residual network is more and more popular around the world with its distinguished performance. A multicontext three‐dimensional residual convolutional neural network (3D Res‐CNN) was proposed to realize the reduction of the false positive nodule. Using two scales of network to adapt the variation of pulmonary nodule size, instead of using an unreferenced function with reference to the identity mapping, 3D Res‐CNN uses a shortcut connection to realize the residual structure. For alleviating the data imbalance, firstly patches are rotated and resampled in original images; secondly weights are allotted for different labels in the calculation of cost function. Experiments on volumetric computed tomography (CT) data indicate that our method gets state of the art performance: 0.843 average sensitivity with 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 false positive per subject. The results show the effectiveness of residual convolutional network for the recognition of the true pulmonary nodule from the plentiful candidates.
1064 nm acoustic resolution photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Periyasamy Vijitha , Das Nandan , Sharma Arunima , Pramanik Manojit
Published: December 2018

Photoacoustic imaging is a noninvasive imaging technique having the advantages of high‐optical contrast and good acoustic resolution at improved imaging depths. Light transport in biological tissues is mainly characterized by strong optical scattering and absorption. Photoacoustic microscopy is capable of achieving high‐resolution images at greater depth compared to conventional optical microscopy methods. In this work, we have developed a high‐resolution, acoustic resolution photoacoustic microscopy (AR‐PAM) system in the near infra‐red (NIR) window II (NIR‐II, eg, 1064 nm) for deep tissue imaging. Higher imaging depth is achieved as the tissue scattering at 1064 nm is lesser compared to visible or near infrared window‐I (NIR‐I). Our developed system can provide a lateral resolution of 130 μm, axial resolution of 57 μm, and image up to 11 mm deep in biological tissues. This 1064‐AR‐PAM system was used for imaging sentinel lymph node and the lymph vessel in rat. Urinary bladder of rat filled with black ink was also imaged to validate the feasibility of the developed system to study deeply seated organs.
Naringin prevents ultraviolet‐B radiation‐induced oxidative damage and inflammation through activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ in mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH‐3T3) cells
Authors: NilamberLal Das Roopa , Muruhan Sridevi , Nagarajan Rajendra Prasad , Balupillai Agilan
Published: December 2018

The present study, we investigate the preventive role of naringin, a dietary flavonoid, against ultraviolet‐B (UVB) radiation (280‐320 nm) induced oxidative damage and inflammatory responses in mouse embryonic fibroblast cell lines (NIH‐3T3). In this study, 20 mJ/cm
2 of UVB radiation induces cell cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA damage, and antioxidants depletion in NIH‐3T3 cells. Treatment with naringin (60 µM) prior UVB exposure prevented the cell cytotoxicity, ROS generation, DNA damage, and antioxidants depletion in NIH‐3T3 cells. Furthermore, naringin prevents UVB‐induced mitogen‐activated protein kinase families and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB)‐mediated activation of inflammatory factors, that is TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐10, and COX‐2 in NIH‐3T3 cells. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is an anti‐inflammatory agent and it suppressed the UVB‐mediated oxidative and inflammatory responses. In this study, naringin activates PPARγ and prevents inflammatory biomarkers in NIH‐3T3 cells. Thus, naringin prevents UVB‐mediated inflammation and oxidative damage in NIH‐3T3 cells probably over controlling NF‐κB expression and activation of PPARγ.
Potential energy surfaces and nonadiabatic transitions in the asymptotic regions of ICN photodissociation to study the interference effects in the F1 and F2 spin‐rotation levels of the CN products
Authors: Kashimura Tatsuhiko , Ikezaki Tomoya , Ohta Yusuke , Yabushita Satoshi
Published: December 2018

One of the most spectacular yet unsolved problems for the ICN ‐band photodissociation is the non‐statistical spin‐rotation F1 = N + 1/2 and F2 = N − 1/2 populations for each rotation level N of the CN fragment. The F1/F2 population difference function f(N) exhibits strong N and λ dependences with an oscillatory behavior. Such details were found to critically depend on the number of open‐channel product states, namely, whether both I (2P3/2) and I (2P1/2) are energetically available or not as the dissociation partner. First, in the asymptotic region, the exchange and dipole‐quadrupole inter‐fragment interactions were studied in detail. Then, as the diabatic basis, we took the appropriate symmetry adapted products of the electronic and rotational wavefunctions for the F1 and F2 levels at the dissociation limits. We found that the adiabatic Hamiltonian exhibits Rosen–Zener–Demkov type nonadiabatic transitions reflecting the switch between the exchange interaction and the small but finite spin‐rotation interaction within CN at the asymptotic region. This non‐crossing type nonadiabatic transition occurs with the probability 1/2, that is, at the diabatic limit through a sudden switch of the quantization axis for CN spin S from the dissociation axis to the CN rotation axis N. We have derived semiclassical formulae for f(N) and the orientation parameters with a two‐state model including the 3A′ and 4A′ electronic states, and with a four‐state model including the 3A′ through 6A′ electronic states. These two kinds of interfering models explain general features of the F1 and F2 level populations observed by Zare's group and Hall's group, respectively. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Density functional theory study with and without COSMO of H2SO4 reactions in an aqueous environment for metal extraction
Authors: Ungerer Maria Johanna , van Sittert Cornelia Gertina Catharina Elizabeth , van der Westhuizen Derik Johannes , Krieg Henning Manfred
Published: December 2018

In a recent study investigating the suitability of solvent extraction (SX) for the separation of Ta and Nb, it was shown that speciation data would be required to help explain the data obtained. As traditional speciation techniques cannot be readily applied for Ta and Nb, it was decided to determine the suitability of molecular modeling for this purpose. During the SX experiments the aqueous phase consisted of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), water, and metal species.

In this study density functional theory (DFT) modeling was used to calculate the formation energy of five possible reactions of H2SO4 and H2O. Different functional and basis set combinations were compared as well as the effect of infinite dilution by using the conductor‐like screening model (COSMO), which simulates infinite dilution of solvents of varying polarity and includes the short‐range interactions of the solute particles. The results obtained were used to determine whether it is possible to predict the reactions and mechanism when H2SO4 and H2O interact during SX.

According to the results, the deprotonation of H2SO4 was endothermic in a 1:1 acid–water ratio, while being both exothermic in the 1:5 and 1:10 acid–water ratio forming HSO4− and SO42− respectively. Furthermore, it was seen that the hydration and dehydration of H2SO4 in a bulk H2O solution was a continuous process. From the energy calculations it was determined that although the H2SO4●H2O, HSO4−●H2O, and H2SO4●2H2O species could form, they would most likely react with H2O molecules to form HSO4−, H3O+, and H2O. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GRK5 influences the phosphorylation of tau via GSK3β and contributes to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhao Jianghao , Li Xiaohui , Chen Xiongjin , Cai Yujie , Wang Yan , Sun Wenjing , Mai Hui , Yang Jingqi , Fan Weihao , Tang Pei , Ou Mingqian , Zhang Yuan , Huang Xuemei , Zhao Bin , Cui Lili
Published: December 2018

G protein‐coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) is a serine/threonine kinase whose dysfunction results in cognitive impairment and Alzheimer‐like pathology, including tau hyperphosphorylation. However, the mechanisms whereby GRK5 influences tau phosphorylation remain incompletely understood. In the current study, we showed that GRK5 influenced the phosphorylation of tau via glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). The activity of both tau and GSK3β in the hippocampus was increased in aged GRK5‐knockout mice, which is consistent with what occurs in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Furthermore, GRK5 regulated the activity of GSK3β and phosphorylated tau in vitro. Regardless of changes of GRK5 protein levels, tau hyperphosphorylation remained reduced after GSK3β activity was inhibited, suggesting that GRK5 may specifically influence tau hyperphosphorylation by modulating GSK3β activity. Taken together, our findings suggest that GRK5 deficiency contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease by influencing the hyperphosphorylation of tau through the activation of GSK3β.
Dihydroartemisinin ameliorates balloon injury‐induced neointimal formation in rats
Authors: He Yang , Sun Bei , Chen Gang , Huang Renping
Published: December 2018

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on the balloon injury‐induced neointimal formation in rats and to investigate the underlying mechanism.

Methods

The balloon‐induced carotid artery injury model was established in male Sprague–Dawley rats, immediately after which the DHA solution was injected into the tail vein of rats. In in vitro assays, primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were pretreated with DHA and then coincubated with LPS.

Results

DHA ameliorated the induced neointimal formation and fibrosis but enhanced apoptosis in rat carotid artery after balloon injury. Furthermore, DHA suppressed migration and enhanced apoptosis of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated primary VSMCs in vitro. Moreover, in both the balloon injury‐induced rat sera and the LPS‐treated VSMCs, DHA significantly inhibited proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐ɑ, and matrix metalloproteinase‐1. Importantly, DHA significantly decreased the balloon injury‐increased expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) subunit NF‐κB p65 expression, and increased the balloon injury‐reduced expression of inhibitor of NF‐κB‐alpha, indicating the inhibition of the IκB/NF‐κB pathway.

Conclusion

DHA significantly inhibited neointimal formation in balloon‐induced rat carotid artery injury and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of IκB/NF‐κB signaling, which alleviates the inflammatory response.
Accurate Prediction of Initial Busulfan Exposure Using a Test Dose With 2‐ and 6‐Hour Blood Sampling in Adult Patients Receiving a Twice‐Daily Intravenous Busulfan‐Based Conditioning Regimen
Authors: Huang Jingjing , Li Ziwei , Liang Wu , Chen Bing , Hu Jiong , Yang Wanhua
Published: December 2018

This study aimed to predict the area under the curve (AUC) of the initial busulfan dose using a test dose with the sparse sampling scheme in adult patients who underwent hematopoietic cell transplant. A test dose of 0.8 mg/kg busulfan was used 2 days before twice‐daily intravenous busulfan‐based conditioning regimens were administered. The AUC and the clearance (CL) were calculated for both the test dose and the first dose (AUCT, CLT, AUC1,and CL1) by noncompartmental analysis. The sparse sampling schemes of the test dose were developed by Bayesian method based on the population pharmacokinetic model. The optimal sparse sampling schemes were determined by evaluating the mean prediction error, the root mean square error, the absolute mean prediction error, and Bland‐Altman plot. The mean AUC1was 7.20 ± 1.48 mg • h/L, which ranged from 4.70 to 9.46 mg • h/L. The AUC1was below the therapeutic concentration of 7.38 mg • h/L in 45% (9 of 20) of the patients. The CLTof 3.05 ± 0.56 mL/min/kg was not significantly different with the CL1of 3.03 ± 0.69 mL/min/kg (P= .901). A sampling scheme at 2 and 6 hours after the test dose was developed to predict the AUCT(mean prediction error of 1.64%, root mean square error of 6.17%, and absolute mean prediction error of 4.94%). Additionally, the Bland‐Altman plot showed that the 2‐sampling scheme provided an acceptably accurate prediction of the AUC1. A test dose with a 2‐sampling scheme was sufficient to personalize the initial busulfan dosing in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients.
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of isolated fetal ascites in cri‐du‐chat (5p‐) syndrome: A case report
Authors: Cardoso Mariana C. , Raposo Maria Inês , Ormonde Mariana , Monteiro Rita , Sampaio André , Cosme Pedro , Mota‐Vieira Luisa
Published: December 2018

Isolated fetal ascites and cri‐du‐chat syndrome (CdCS; OMIM #123450) are two very rare conditions that, to our best knowledge, have never been reported together. Here, we describe a case of isolated fetal ascites detected in the first trimester ultrasound, with no other remarkable signs. After an extensive work‐up (fetal ultrasound, serologies, Coombs test, and NIPT), an amniocentesis was performed and revealed an abnormal karyotype of 46,XX,del(5)(p15.2), characteristic of CdCS. We hypothesize that isolated fetal ascites has to be considered an antenatal ultrasonographic marker for CdCS, a finding that should be confirmed in further cases.
Development of polymyalgia rheumatica during hospitalization and diagnosis based on history taking by physical and occupational therapists
Authors: Isono Hiroki , Ito Yuri , Takamura Noriko
Published: December 2018

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is frequently reported in the outpatient setting and presents with pain, morning stiffness, mild fever, and fatigue. However, the clinical course of PMR during hospitalization is unknown. We report a case of PMR that developed during hospitalization. PMR diagnosis should begin with an evaluation of core inclusion and exclusion criteria. However, when examining elderly patients, retrieving symptom information from the patient or their family is often difficult, especially during prolonged hospitalization. History taking by physical and occupational therapists or by other health care professionals is paramount in the symptomatic diagnoses of inpatients.
Partitioning two‐coloured complete multipartite graphs into monochromatic paths and cycles
Authors: Schaudt Oliver , Stein Maya
Published: December 2018

We show that any complete ‐partite graph on vertices, with , whose edges are two‐coloured, can be covered with two vertex‐disjoint monochromatic paths of distinct colours, given that the largest partition class of contains at most vertices. This extends known results for complete and complete bipartite graphs.

Secondly, we show that in the same situation, all but vertices of the graph can be covered with two vertex‐disjoint monochromatic cycles of distinct colours, if colourings close to a split colouring are excluded. From this we derive that the whole graph, if large enough, may be covered with 14 vertex‐disjoint monochromatic cycles.
Leading Growth through the Digital Leader
Authors: Petrucci Tony , Rivera Michael
Published: December 2018

As Millennials, and next in line the iGen, begin to take over the workforce, they are bringing with them leadership trends that will shape the future of organizational leadership. Modern organizations must respond to an increased pace of the workplace, and the nature of executives’ tasks is increasingly complex. Despite the evidence suggesting that focusing on growth versus performance will lead to better long‐term performance, our business schools continue to emphasize managing performance instead of leading growth. Trends such as real‐time feedback, agile networks of teams, advanced people analytics, micro‐learning, personalized learning, and artificial intelligence enable the digitally minded leader to shape the future of leadership. We know that many leadership dimensions have a causal relationship with desirable organizational outcomes, and that the foundational pillars of leadership, such as shared values and vision, talent development, change management, and reward and recognition, will likely continue to drive these outcomes. However, how we lead in these areas is changing. The current paper explored these phenomena based on current literature with an eye toward the future.
The Luminescent Systems of Pony Fishes
Authors: Haneda Yata , Tsuji Frederick I.
Published: December 2018

The anatomy of bioluminescent organs and mode of light production in 18 species of pony fish have been investigated using fresh and preserved material. The luminescent systems are similarly arranged in all. Basically, the system consists of a light organ located at the distal end of the esophagus, and a series of abdominal accessory structures positioned in tandem for controlling light intensity and for directing and dispersing the light. Light is produced by numerous symbiotic luminous bacteria in the light organ. A simple classification of the luminescent systems is proposed.

The light organs ofLeiognathus elongatusandL. rivulatusshow marked sexual dimorphism. The bacteria present in the light organs of many pony fishes are easily culturable, but not those fromL. elongatus. Electron micrographs of the light organs ofL. elongatusandL. rivulatusshow the presence of numerous rod‐shaped bacteria measuring approximately 0.8 µ x 2.4 µ and 0.8 µ x 7.3 µ, respectively. It is concluded that the light organ ofL. elongatuscontains another example of a type of non‐culturable luminous bacteria that have been found elsewhere. Such bacteria appear to require from the host some special factor for growth and luminescence.
The Efferent Connections of the Olfactory Bulb and Accessory Olfactory Bulb in the Snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis and Thamnophis radix
Authors: Halpern Mimi
Published: December 2018

The efferent connections of the olfactory bulb and accessory olfactory bulb of two species of garter snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis and T. radix were studied with experimental anterograde degeneration techniques. Axons of cells located in the olfactory bulb terminate ipsilaterally in all parts of the anterior olfactory nucleus, olfactory tubercle and lateral pallium. In addition, some axons enter the ipsilateral stria medullaris thalami, cross the midline in the habenular commissure, enter the contralateral stria medullaris thalami and terminate in the contralateral lateral pallium. The axons of cells in the accessory olfactory bulb course through the telencephalon completely separated from the fibers of olfactory bulb origin and terminate predominantly in the nucleus sphericus.

These results confirm previous reports of the separation between the central projections of the olfactory and vomeronasal systems in a variety of vertebrates. The totality of the separation between these two systems coupled with the extensive development of the vomeronasal‐accessory bulb system in these snakes suggests that they may be ideal subjects for further research on the functional significance of the vomeronasal system.
The Structure and Development of the Pineal Complex in the Lanternfish Triphoturus mexicanus (Family Myctophidae)
Authors: McNulty John A. , Nafpaktitis Basil G.
Published: December 2018

The pineal complex of the lanternfish Triphoturus mexicanus was studied by light and electron microscopy. Receptor, supportive and ganglion cells were identified in the pineal end‐vesicle. The presence of receptor cells and the prominent pineal window strongly suggest a photoreceptive function. Numerous unmyelinated nerve fibers were also found in the end‐vesicle. These converge to form part of the pineal stalk. Two kinds of cells (Types I and II) were distinguished in the dorsal sac, which is very well developed. Type I cells are non‐ciliated ependymal cells and contain large parcels of glycogen. Type II cells contain large lipidlike inclusions and a distinct band of filaments around the entire periphery of the cell.

Receptor cells appear very early in the development of T. mexicanus. They seem to originate from ependymal cells lining the roof of the third ventricle.
Action‐Oriented Hope: An Agent of Change for Internationally Educated Professionals
Authors: Clarke Amber , Amundson Norman , Niles Spencer , Yoon Hyung Joon
Published: December 2018

This exploratory study examined the relationship between action‐oriented hope and progression on a pathway to licensure (forward movement) for internationally educated health professionals in Canada. The Hope‐Centered Career Inventory and a series of hope‐based interventions were used with participants (N= 19) who were all working in an underemployed capacity in a health region. Outcomes were tracked using a mixed‐methods approach. Helping and hindering factors for licensure (as experienced by participants) were also discussed. Results showed that participants made a significant improvement with regard to the hope‐centered career competencies after the interventions.
A flexible approach to identify interaction effects between moderators in meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Xinru , Dusseldorp Elise , Meulman Jacqueline J.
Published: December 2018

In meta‐analytic studies, there are often multiple moderators available (eg, study characteristics). In such cases, traditional meta‐analysis methods often lack sufficient power to investigate interaction effects between moderators, especially high‐order interactions. To overcome this problem, meta‐CART was proposed: an approach that applies classification and regression trees (CART) to identify interactions, and then subgroup meta‐analysis to test the significance of moderator effects. The aim of this study is to improve meta‐CART upon two aspects: 1) to integrate the two steps of the approach into one and 2) to consistently take into account the fixed‐effect or random‐effects assumption in both the the interaction identification and testing process. For fixed effect meta‐CART, weights are applied, and subgroup analysis is adapted. For random effects meta‐CART, a new algorithm has been developed. The performance of the improved meta‐CART was investigated via an extensive simulation study on different types of moderator variables (ie, dichotomous, nominal, ordinal, and continuous variables). The simulation results revealed that the new method can achieve satisfactory performance (power greater than 0.80 and Type I error less than 0.05) if appropriate pruning rule is applied and the number of studies is large enough. The required minimum number of studies ranges from 40 to 120 depending on the complexity and strength of the interaction effects, the within‐study sample size, the type of moderators, and the residual heterogeneity.
Metabolic profiles and pharmacokinetics of Qingre Xiaoyanning capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine prescription of Sarcandrae Herba, in rats by UHPLC coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lin Pei , Dai Yi , Yao Zhihong , Qin Zifei , He Liangliang , Wang Qiyi , Wei Zhuochun , Zhang Yezi , Yao Xinsheng
Published: December 2018

Qingre Xiaoyanning capsule is a famous traditional Chinese medicine prescription which consisted of Sarcandrae Herba (also named Caoshanhu in China) water extract for the frequent treatment of inflammation and immunity related diseases. Until now, the in vivo bioactive components of Qingre Xiaoyanning capsule have not yet been fully addressed. In this study, a total of 42 xenobiotics including 20 prototypes and 22 metabolites were identified in rats after oral administration of Qingre Xiaoyanning capsule using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. Subsequently, isofraxidin and rosmarinic acid, two bioactive components with high exposure in rat plasma, were quantitatively analyzed, while another 20 major absorbed components were semi‐quantitatively measured, to investigate together the pharmacokinetics behavior of Qingre Xiaoyanning capsule. Taken together, this study provided comprehensive knowledge of in vivo disposal of this prescription, which could help reveal the potential bioactive components, and would be conducive to further pharmacological mechanism research as well as quality control approach improvement of Qingre Xiaoyanning capsule and Sarcandrae Herba related prescriptions.
Environmental factors influencing beaver dam locations
Authors: Swinnen Kristijn R. R. , Rutten Anneleen , Nyssen Jan , Leirs Herwig
Published: December 2018

Beavers are known for their ability to build dams that change the environment. They also occupy territories where they do not construct dams. The goal of this study was to determine which environmental factors influence beaver dam construction and to examine the upstream water level increase caused by the dams. We compared factors collected at 15 beaver territories with dams (32 dams) and 13 territories without dams (i.e., control) in the gently undulating and human‐dominated landscape of Middle Belgium in 2013. River width, river depth, distance from woody vegetation, stream velocity, and bank height differed significantly between territories with and without dams. Water depth was the most important parameter to correctly classify territories as either dam territory or control territory (with 97% accuracy). When beavers were present and water depth in summer was <68 cm, the probability of dam building was high; if water depth was >68 cm, dam building was unlikely. Dams caused an increase in the upstream water level of on average 47 ± 21 cm. On average the water level could rise only an additional 25 ± 30 cm upstream of the dam before bank overtopping would occur. These results provide a simple tool for planners to assess the probability of floodplain inundation by beaver dam building, as part of multifunctional riverine landscape management. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of fire in subtropical cloud forests on an oceanic island
Authors: Bello‐Rodríguez Víctor , Gómez Luis A. , Fernández López Ángel , Del‐Arco‐Aguilar Marcelino J. , Hernández‐Hernández Raquel , Emerson Brent , González‐Mancebo Juana María
Published: December 2018

The recurrence of fires has increased considerably due to human activity, affecting even forests where traditionally fire is uncommon. In this study, we verify the effects of degradation caused by fire in the Canarian laurel forests, which is a subtropical forest formation restricted to the humid montane areas of these Macaronesian islands. We evaluated the effect of fire by comparing a series of burned plots corresponding to fires from 1960, 1984, 1995, to 2012 with geographically proximate and comparable unburned plots in the Garajonay National Park (La Gomera Island, Spain). We focused on three aspects that are immediately altered by fire: forest structure, floristic composition, and microclimate. These aspects have been quantified using (a) tree density, the Pielou index using tree height classes, and DBH for the vertical structure of the forest; (b) DCA, the Bray Curtis dissimilarity index, and a species indicator analysis for the floristic composition; and (c) temperature and relative humidity for microclimate under three canopy cover conditions. Our results reveal that, overall, structural complexity and its composition in the burned areas have barely reached 40% and 35%, respectively, when compared with unburned areas, and recovery mainly depends on time since fire. Additionally, burned plots presented more pioneer species, a higher density of trees, and climatic variables tend to have a wider range throughout the day. These data reveal the long time span that this ecosystem needs for recovery to a prefire state and how it may be more prone to subsequent fire events.
Benign proliferative epithelial lesions of oral mucosa are infrequently associated with α‐, β‐, or γ human papillomaviruses
Authors: Kerge Sirli , Vuorinen Jessi , Hurme Saija , Soukka Tero , Gheit Tarik , Tommasino Massimo , Syrjänen Stina , Rautava Jaana
Published: December 2018

Background

Oral papillomas and verruca vulgaris have been associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, approximately half of these have remained HPV‐negative when tested for mucosal HPV genotypes. In this study, we evaluated presence of α‐, β‐, and γ‐HPVs in benign papillary and verrucous lesions.

Methods

Eighty‐three clinical lesions with suspected HPV etiology were analyzed for HPV types of genus α (n = 24), β (n = 46), and γ (n = 52). Immunohistochemistry was used for p16 as a possible surrogate marker of high‐risk HPV, accompanied by Ki‐67 proliferation marker.

Results

Altogether, α‐HPVs were detected in 6.4%, β‐HPVs in 2.4%, and γ‐HPV in 4.8%. The following genotypes were identified: HPV6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 161, and 170. Neither Ki‐67 nor p16 positivity alone were associated with HPV but combined staining showed significant inverse association (P = .042).

Conclusion

HPV infection is found only in a minority of benign verrucous and papillary oral lesions, with the predominance of α‐HPVs.

Level of Evidence

4
Acetazolamide‐Loaded pH‐Responsive Nanoparticles Alleviating Tumor Acidosis to Enhance Chemotherapy Effects
Authors: Liu Sen , Luo Xingyu , Liu Shiyi , Xu Peipei , Wang Jianquan , Hu Yong
Published: December 2018

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), over‐expressed on cancer cells, catalyzes CO2 to bicarbonate and protons, contributing to the acidic extracellular pH (pHe), which enhances the multidrug resistance of tumor cells. Therefore, alleviating tumor acidosis would greatly improve the outcome of chemotherapy. This work fabricates acetazolamide (ACE)‐loaded pH‐responsive nanoparticles (ACE‐NPs), which are quickly disintegrated in an acidic solution (pH 6.8), resulting in a quick release of ACE from these NPs to inhibit the expression of CA IX, thus up‐regulating the pHe value. These ACE‐NPs have no obvious in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo studies confirm the accumulation of ACE‐NPs in tumor tissue. In addition, mice treated with ACE and paclitaxel (PTX) co‐loaded NPs show a smaller tumor size and a higher survival rate when compared to that of mice treated with ACE‐ or PTX‐loaded NPs. This work reveals that simultaneous delivery of ACE and chemotherapy agents to tumor tissue can up‐regulate the acidic pHe value, consequently enhancing the anti‐tumor ability of chemotherapy medicine. These findings open a new window for enhancing the anti‐tumor ability of traditional chemotherapy in clinic.
Self Assembly–Assisted Additive Manufacturing: Direct Ink Write 3D Printing of Epoxy–Amine Thermosets
Authors: Manning Kylie B. , Wyatt Nicholas , Hughes Lindsey , Cook Adam , Giron Nicholas H. , Martinez Estevan , Campbell Christopher G. , Celina Mathias C.
Published: December 2018

The use of self‐assembling, pre‐polymer materials in 3D printing is rare, due to difficulties of facilitating printing with low molecular weight species and preserving their reactivity and/or functions on the macroscale. Akin to 3D printing of small molecules, examples of extrusion‐based printing of pre‐polymer thermosets are uncommon, arising from their limited rheological tuneability and slow reactions kinetics. The direct ink write (DIW) 3D printing of a two‐part resin, Epon 828 and Jeffamine D230, using a self‐assembly approach is reported. Through the addition of self‐assembling, ureidopyrimidinone‐modified Jeffamine D230 and nanoclay filler, suitable viscoelastic properties are obtained, enabling 3D printing of the epoxy–amine pre‐polymer resin. A significant increase in viscosity is observed, with an infinite shear rate viscosity of approximately two orders of magnitude higher than control resins, in addition to, an increase in yield strength and thixotropic behavior. Printing of simple geometries is demonstrated with parts showing excellent interlayer adhesion, unachievable using control resins.
High Performance Ion Exchange Membranes Prepared via Direct Polyacylation of Racemic and (S)‐1,1′‐Binaphthyl‐Based Cationic/Anionic Monomers
Authors: Zhang Zhenghui , Xu Tongwen
Published: December 2018

Side‐chain‐type sulfonated/quaternized aromatic polyelectrolytes with precisely controlled contents of ionized groups are successfully synthesized via direct polyacylation of sulfonated/quaternized monomers based on 2,2′‐dihydroxy‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (DHBN). Both proton exchange membranes (PEMs) and anion exchange membranes (AEMs) of the corresponding polyelectrolytes exhibit outstanding properties. Proton conductivity (116 mS cm−1 at 30 °C) higher than Nafion 115 for the PEMs and OH– conductivity (28.5–53.7 mS cm−1 at 30 °C) comparable to Tokuyama A901 for the AEMs are accomplished. In addition, the AEMs can withstand 60 days’ aging in 1 mol L−1 NaOH at 60 °C without degradation, as proved by 1H NMR. More intriguingly, when starting from optically active (S)‐DHBN instead of racemic DHBN, an enhancement in proton conductivity of PEMs is observed for the first time, which opens a new door to optically active ion exchange membranes.
Robust partially mode‐dependent H∞ filtering for discrete‐time nonhomogeneous Markovian jump neural networks with additive gain perturbations
Authors: Zheng Dandan , Hua Mingang , Chen Junfeng , Bian Cunkang , Dai Weili
Published: December 2018

This paper studies the robust partially mode‐dependent H∞ filtering for nonhomogeneous Markovian jump neural networks with additive gain perturbations. The discrete time‐varying jump transition probability matrix is considered to be a polytope set. A partially mode‐dependent filter with additive gain perturbations is constructed to increase the robustness of the filter, which is subjects to H∞ performance index. Based on the Lyapunov function approach, sufficient conditions are established such that the filtering error system is robustly stochastically stable. The efficiency of the new technique is illustrated by an illustrative example and a biological network example.
Dietary Methionine Restriction Upregulates Endogenous H2S via miR‐328‐3p: A Potential Mechanism to Improve Liver Protein Metabolism Efficiency in a Mouse Model of High‐fat‐diet‐induced Obesity
Authors: Wu Guoqing , Wang Yanan , Yang Yuhui , Shi Yonghui , Sun Jin , Xu Yunchong , Luo Tingyu , Le Guowei
Published: December 2018

Scope

Dietary methionine restriction (MR) promotes multifaceted health benefits. Moreover, lower rate of protein synthesis by dietary MR is associated with life span extension. The goal of this work is to explore how dietary MR would affect protein metabolism in a mouse model of high‐fat‐diet‐induced obesity (DIO).

Methods and results

DIO mice (male C57BL/6) are subjected to dietary MR for 22 weeks. High‐throughput sequencing technology, qRT‐PCR analysis, and the dual luciferase reporter assay are performed to verify that MiR‐328‐3p directly targets cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE) to modulate endogenous H2S production. Moreover, indicators of endogenous H2S, fractional synthesis rate (FSR), fractional growth rate (FGR), fractional degradation rate (FDR), and protein retention efficiency (PRE) are analyzed. MR results in an increase in endogenous H2S to relieve oxidative stress and ER stress to improve protein homeostasis and metabolic efficiency in DIO mice.

Conclusion

Results show that dietary MR increases endogenous H2S production via miR‐328‐3p. Furthermore, these results suggest the potential involvement of endogenous H2S on the efficiency of protein metabolism in dietary MR.