bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying graph sampling methods on student model initialization in intelligent tutoring systems
Authors: Vištica Marija , Grubišic Ani , Žitko Branko
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– In order to initialize a student model in intelligent tutoring systems, some form of initial knowledge test should be given to a student. Since the authors cannot include all domain knowledge in that initial test, a domain knowledge subset should be selected. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to generate a knowledge sample that represents truly a certain domain knowledge, the authors can use sampling algorithms. In this paper, the authors present five sampling algorithms (Random Walk, Metropolis-Hastings Random Walk, Forest Fire, Snowball and Represent algorithm) and investigate which structural properties of the domain knowledge sample are preserved after sampling process is conducted.

Findings

– The samples that the authors got using these algorithms are compared and the authors have compared their cumulative node degree distributions, clustering coefficients and the length of the shortest paths in a sampled graph in order to find the best one.

Originality/value

– This approach is original as the authors could not find any similar work that uses graph sampling methods for student modeling.
Supporting students to become autonomous learners: the role of web-based learning
Authors: Petra Siti Fatimah , Jaidin Jainatul Halida , Perera JSH Quintus , Linn Marcia
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how web-based science curriculum materials designed to develop autonomous learners can succeed in Brunei. In this instruction, designed to prepare students to independently explore new topics, students and teachers take new roles. Students collaborate with a peer to engage in inquiry and teachers monitor progress and guide students rather than leading the class.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors studied two Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE) units (photosynthesis and cellular respiration) developed using the knowledge integration framework. The framework promotes autonomous learning by building on the diverse ideas that students bring to science lessons and encouraging them to distinguish among their own ideas and those they encounter when using scientific visualizations. In a study on “How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience and School”, Bransford et al. (1999) suggest that the students’ preconceptions of how the world works must be engaged, as failing to do so may hinder them from grasping new concepts and information that are taught. Two intact classes of students from two secondary schools in Brunei each studied one of the WISE units. Observations revealed that students could work in pairs to jointly engage in inquiry with encouragement from teachers. Embedded assessments and interviews were analyzed to show how students linked observable events and scientific ideas when explaining the conversion of solar energy to chemical energy in photosynthesis.

Findings

– Significant gains in knowledge integration show that Brunei students who collaboratively study WISE inquiry units can autonomously succeed. Specifically, students using WISE were able to construct complex ideas about photosynthesis and cellular respiration by linking observable events and scientific ideas while working autonomously with infrequent teacher monitoring.

Originality/value

– The paper provides invaluable insights into ways in which web-based learning supports students to become autonomous learners.
Photocurrents obtained from a triple planar probe sensor for in situ extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation measurements on low Earth orbiting CubeSats
Authors: Ayeleso Ayokunle Oluwaseun , van Zyl Robert R.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

In the Earth’s upper atmosphere, damage to satellite electronics is caused by exposure to extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation. One particular region where this type of radiation occurs is the South Atlantic Magnetic Anomaly region. As a result, there is a need to design and develop a sensor which could be used to investigate the flux and energy levels of radiation in this region. To do so, the aim of this study is to characterise the sensor and its electric response to typical EUV radiation levels based on the photoelectric effect principle.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, a copper plate planar sensor prototype with dimensions that fit on the sides of a one-unit (1U) CubeSat was constructed. The sensor prototype was placed in a vacuum chamber and was subjected to continuous radiation from a vacuum ultraviolet deuterium light source at test facilities available in the Western Cape region (South Africa). Subsequently, the terminal voltage of the sensor was measured and compared with theory.

Findings

The measured time-averaged terminal voltages indicate the generation of photocurrents of the order of 1 μA, which is consistent with theory.

Originality/value

Conclusively, these results validate the measurement approach and operation of the sensor, which can be used to design a 1U CubeSat sensor that measures EUV radiation in low Earth orbit.
Comparison of flow behaviour in pressurized gating systems using water models and numerical simulation
Authors: Jaiganesh V. , Prakasan K.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to visualize the flow behaviour in critical sections of a pressurized gating system.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation was carried out using water models of gating system that were designed, invoking the principles of similitude. Water was used as the filling medium, and the manner of flow through various sections of the gating system and the cavity was recorded with a high-speed camera capable of capturing images up to 10,000 frames per second. This was followed by an analysis of the results obtained from each phase. Finally, computer simulations of flow were carried out using commercial software. The manner of filling as observed during experiments and that during simulation were compared so as to draw some useful conclusions on the utility of flow visualization using water models and the capability of software to predict the filling pattern during casting process. It was understood that water models are powerful aids for understanding the intricacies of flow through critical sections of the gating systems.

Findings

It was observed that water models are a reliable indicator of the mould-filling process. Further, substantial differences in the filling pattern were observed between water model experiments and filling simulation using commercial software.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are limited to horizontal plate-type castings. Also, the influence of surface roughness in the flow through the runner is not considered.

Originality/value

This work facilitates understanding of the importance of flow visualization on the quality and reliability of castings.
Image compression system for a 3U CubeSat
Authors: Nganpet Nzeugaing Gutembert , Biermann Elmarie
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Research and application on the design, implementation and testing of an image compression system for a 3U CubeSat.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an intensive study on image compression technique, proposed design and approach on appropriate hardware for image compression on-board the CubeSats.

Findings

The paper reveals a method on improving image compression ration while maintaining the image quality unchanged. It also discusses about an appropriate hardware (world smallest super computer) for image compression on-board the CubeSats.

Originality/value

The study provides insight into image compression algorithm.
The impact of L2 German on component processes of reading
Authors: Schröter Pauline , Schroeder Sascha
Published: July 2016

Background

In Germany, there is a substantial gap in reading literacy between monolingual children and their L2‐speaking peers. Nevertheless, it is still unclear where these performance differences are rooted.

Methods

We investigated children of grades 5, 6 and 7 with comparable socio‐economic status, who completed a battery of tests assessing their linguistic and executive functioning skills as well as their reading performance on the letter, word, sentence and text level.

Results

Whereas L1 speakers showed better linguistic skills, there was no difference between groups in executive functioning. After controlling for individual differences on each level of reading, groups only differed in text comprehension. This effect, however, disappeared when participants' linguistic skills were additionally controlled.

Conclusions

In sum, results show that reading problems in L2 speakers cannot be attributed to deficits on specific component processes of reading, but to a lack of linguistic skills, which negatively affects reading comprehension.
Neurostimulation techniques in the treatment of nicotine dependence: A review
Authors: Rachid Fady
Published: July 2016

Objective

Nicotine dependence accounts for significant mortality, morbidity, and socio‐economic burdens. It remains a significant public health concern since it is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide and of preventable deaths in developed countries. Despite the availability of approved medications to treat nicotine dependence, along with cognitive behavioral therapy, only 6% of the total number of smokers who report wanting to quit each year are successful in doing so for more than a month mostly with poor abstinence rates. Urgent therapeutic alternatives are therefore needed such as neurostimulation techniques. The purpose of this review is to describe studies that have evaluated the safety and efficacy of these techniques for the treatment of nicotine dependence.

Methods

The electronic literature on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, theta‐burst stimulation, deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, cranial electro‐stimulation, and deep brain stimulation in the treatment of nicotine addiction were reviewed.

Results

Most of these studies found that some of these neurostimulation techniques are safe and potentially effective in the reduction of craving to nicotine as well as in the reduction of cigarette consumption.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

Given the promising results of some of the studies particularly with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, theta‐burst stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation and, possibly, deep transcranial magnetic stimulation, future controlled studies with larger samples, and optimal stimulus parameters should be designed to confirm these findings. (Am J Addict 2016;25:436–451)
Preliminary assessment of pre‐morbid DNA methylation in individuals at high genetic risk of mood disorders
Authors: Walker Rosie May , Sussmann Jessika Elizabeth , Whalley Heather Clare , Ryan Niamh Margaret , Porteous David John , McIntosh Andrew Mark , Evans Kathryn Louise
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Accumulating evidence implicates altered DNA methylation in psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). It is not clear, however, whether these changes are causative or result from illness progression or treatment. To disentangle these possibilities we profiled genome‐wide DNA methylation in well, unrelated individuals at high familial risk of mood disorder. DNA methylation was compared between individuals who subsequently developed BD or MDD [ill later (IL)] and those who remained well [well later (WL)].

Methods

DNA methylation profiles were obtained from whole‐blood samples from 22 IL and 23 WL individuals using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Differential methylation was assessed on a single‐locus and regional basis. Pathway analysis was performed to assess enrichment for particular biological processes amongst nominally significantly differentially methylated loci.

Results

Although no locus withstood correction for multiple testing, uncorrected P‐values provided suggestive evidence for altered methylation at sites within genes previously implicated in neuropsychiatric conditions, such as Transcription Factor 4 (TCF4) and Interleukin 1 Receptor Accessory Protein‐Like 1 ([IL1RAPL1]; P≤3.11×10−5). Pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment for several neurologically relevant pathways and functions, including Nervous System Development and Function and Behavior; these findings withstood multiple testing correction (q≤0.05). Analysis of differentially methylated regions identified several within the major histocompatibility complex (P≤.000 479), a region previously implicated in schizophrenia and BD.

Conclusions

Our data provide provisional evidence for the involvement of altered whole‐blood DNA methylation in neurologically relevant genes in the aetiology of mood disorders. These findings are convergent with the findings of genome‐wide association studies.
Labour‐market institutions and their impact on trade partners: A quantitative analysis
Authors: Felbermayr Gabriel J. , Larch Mario , Lechthaler Wolfgang
Published: July 2016

Recent theoretical literature studies how labour market reforms in one country can affect labour market outcomes in other countries, thereby rationalizing widely held policy beliefs and empirical evidence. But what is the quantitative relevance of such spillover effects? This paper combines two recent workhorse models: the canonical search‐and‐matching framework and the heterogeneous firms international trade model. Qualitatively, the framework confirms that labour market reforms in one country benefit its trading partners, replicating the stylized facts. However, when wages are bargained flexibly, the model quantitatively underestimates the correlation of structural unemployment rates across countries. Introducing some degree of real wage rigidity remedies this problem.
Perioperative outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft in renal transplant recipients in the United States: results from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Authors: Tooley James E. , Bohl Daniel D. , Kulkarni Sanjay , Rodriguez‐Davalos Manuel I. , Mangi Abeel , Mulligan David C. , Yoo Peter S.
Published: July 2016

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In fact, death from cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of graft loss in kidney transplant (KTx) patients. Compared to patients on dialysis, CKD patients with KTx have increased quality and length of life. It is not known, however, whether outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery differ between CKD patients with KTx or on dialysis.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study comparing CKD patients with KTx or on dialysis undergoing CABG surgery included in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2011. Logistic and linear regression models were used to estimate the adjusted associations of KTx on all‐cause in‐hospital mortality, length of stay, cost of hospitalization, and rate of complications in CABG surgery.

Results

CKD patients with KTx had decreased all‐cause in‐hospital mortality (2.68% vs 5.86%, odds ratio (OR)=0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.32 to 0.99, P=.046), length of stay (β=−2.96, 95% CI=−3.67 to −2.46, P<.001), and total hospital charges (difference=−$38 884, 95% CI=−$48 173 to −29 596, P<.001). They also had decreased rate of a number of perioperative complications.

Conclusions

CKD patient with KTx have better perioperative outcomes in CABG surgery compared to patients on dialysis.
Knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding hepatitis C virus infection amongst Brazilian dental students
Authors: Souza N. P. , Villar L. M. , Moimaz S. A. S. , Garbin A. J. Í. , Garbin C. A. S.
Published: July 2016

Aim

Dental health professionals, including dental students, are at high risk of exposure to infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) through occupational percutaneous injuries and eye exposure. Further, fear of HCV infection is associated with discriminatory attitudes. The current study aimed to evaluate the knowledge about HCV infection amongst dental students and their attitudes towards patients infected with HCV.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted amongst 340 Brazilian dental students from two public universities using an instrument containing information regarding demographic characteristics, knowledge of HCV and attitudes towards patients with HCV infection. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, Student's t‐tests, Mann–Whitney U‐test and multiple logistic regression (MLR) were carried out (P < 0.05 was considered significant).

Results

Response rate was 90% (n = 306), and more than half (54%, n = 165) of participants had high knowledge level (above the mean); 97.7% (n = 299) demonstrated positive attitudes. MLR showed that high knowledge of dental students regarding HCV was substantially influenced by advancement in year of study (last year; P < 0.001) and type of university (federal; P = 0.049). Positive attitude towards HCV‐infected patients was mainly influenced by age (P = 0.004) and male gender (P = 0.022).

Conclusions

These results demonstrated a satisfactory knowledge about HCV infection amongst dental students, but some gaps were observed, suggesting the importance of continuous education about HCV in this population to prevent HCV infection as well as discrimination and prejudice towards patients with hepatitis C.
Size, permeability and buoyancy of anchovy (Engraulis Encrasicolus) and sardine (Sardina Pilchardus) eggs in relation to their physical environment in the Bay of Biscay
Authors: Huret M. , Bourriau P. , Gatti P. , Dumas F. , Petitgas P.
Published: July 2016

The size and specific gravity of eggs of marine pelagic fish partly determine their dispersal and survival. Using an original dataset of anchovy and sardine eggs, sampled in spring over the last decade in the Bay of Biscay, we provide a parameterization of these properties on ambient water temperature and salinity. We used the density gradient column for measurement of egg specific gravity. The column was also filled with homogeneous water for sinking velocity experiments. For anchovy, these experiments confirm that the effect of egg permeability through the chorion could be neglected when modelling sinking, while it has to be considered for sardine, its perivitelline space representing 78.6% (±6.2%) of the total egg volume, as opposed to 5–10% for most teleosts species. We estimated a coefficient of permeability of the chorion of 0.0038 mm s−1. However, permeability should not affect the measurement of sardine egg specific gravity in a gradient column, provided a minimum duration before reading is respected for equilibrium to be reached. In relation to their environment, we found that the egg specific gravity is largely determined by sea surface salinity for both species, whereas egg size is weakly but significantly impacted by temperature, for sardine only. On average, the estimated difference in specific gravity between egg and surface water is −0.92 σT for anchovy and −1.06 σT for sardine. The detailed parameterization of the relationship between eggs and water properties should prove useful, in particular to modellers dealing with the dispersal of fish early life stages.
A study of remittances to Mexico and Central America: Characteristics and perspectives of immigrants
Authors: Held Mary L.
Published: July 2016

Mexican and Central American immigrants remit large sums to improve the well‐being of their families back home. Though literature provides substantial data on the economic impact of remittance funds, we know little about remitters themselves. The current mixed methods study utilizes data from the Mexican Migration Project and the Latin American Migration Project (n = 1,218) to examine characteristics of immigrants who remit and data from focus groups to explore the meaning of remitting to Mexican and Central American immigrants. Findings suggest that marital status, legal documentation status, and English proficiency are three key predictors of remittance behaviors. Immigrants report that remitting leads to their own positive feelings and also fulfills an obligation they have to improve the well‐being of family remaining at home. Implications for social work practice with Mexican and Central American immigrants are discussed.

Key Practitioner Message: • Results indicate characteristics of immigrants based on remittance sending behaviors, increasing our knowledge of immigrants who support family back home; • Findings highlight the meaning of remitting for immigrants, and thus suggest a relationship between remitting and immigrant well‐being.
Youth‐focused active labour market programmes in a constraining welfare regime: A qualitative reading of programmes in Egypt
Authors: Barsoum Ghada
Published: July 2016

Active labour market programmes (ALMPs) are at the core of welfare regimes in many countries across the world. This study addressed youth‐focused ALMPs in Egypt, a country with high youth unemployment and a plethora of programmes ostensibly addressing this issue. Building on interviews with implementers, programme documentation and a publically accessible inventory of programmes in Egypt, the analysis locates ALMPs within the country's overall welfare system and the politics of programme targeting, design, governance and implementation modalities. The legacy of state ‘protective’ policies and the fragmented multiplicity of players within the field constrain the effectiveness and outreach of these programmes. Analysis of implementation modalities also shows that there is a pervasive lack of programme coordination, activity documentation, management for results, and pathways to achieving sustainability and programme institutionalisation.

Key Practitioner Message: • Egypt's fragmented ALMPs field must be integrated and coordinated within the country's broader welfare system • Programme documentation, management of results, rigorous evaluation and sustainability plans must be seriously addressed
Plasma membrane Toll‐like receptor activation increases bacterial uptake but abrogates endosomal Lactobacillus acidophilus induction of interferon‐β
Authors: Boye Louise , Welsby Iain , Lund Lisbeth Drozd , Goriely Stanislas , Frøkiær Hanne
Published: July 2016

Lactobacillus acidophilus induces a potent interferon‐β (IFN‐β) response in dendritic cells (DCs) by a Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) ‐dependent mechanism, in turn leading to strong interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) production. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of different types of endocytosis in the L. acidophilus‐induced IFN‐β and IL‐12 responses and how TLR2 or TLR4 ligation by lipopolysaccharide and Pam3/4CSK4 influenced endocytosis of L. acidophilus and the induced IFN‐β and IL‐12 production. Lactobacillus acidophilus was endocytosed by constitutive macropinocytosis taking place in the immature cells as well as by spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) ‐dependent phagocytosis but without involvement of plasma membrane TLR2. Stimulation with TLR2 or TLR4 ligands increased macropinocytosis in a Syk‐independent manner. As a consequence, incubation of DCs with TLR ligands before incubation with L. acidophilus enhanced the uptake of the bacteria. However, in these experimental conditions, induction of IFN‐β and IL‐12 was strongly inhibited. As L. acidophilus‐induced IFN‐β depends on endocytosis and endosomal degradation before signalling and as TLR stimulation from the plasma membrane leading to increased macropinocytosis abrogates IFN‐β induction we conclude that plasma membrane TLR stimulation leading to increased macropinocytosis decreases endosomal induction of IFN‐β and speculate that this is due to competition between compartments for molecules involved in the signal pathways. In summary, endosomal signalling by L. acidophilus that leads to IFN‐β and IL‐12 production is inhibited by TLR stimulation from the plasma membrane.
Winter territory prospecting is associated with life‐history stage but not activity in a passerine
Authors: Sánchez‐Tójar Alfredo , Winney Isabel , Girndt Antje , Simons Mirre J. P. , Nakagawa Shinichi , Burke Terry , Schroeder Julia
Published: July 2016

Finding a high quality territory is essential for many animals to reproduce successfully. Despite its importance for fitness, we know little about the process of territory prospecting in wild birds, and whether individual traits and behaviours, such as personality, co‐vary with territory prospecting. Here, we use long‐term data from a wild, insular house sparrow Passer domesticus population to test three hypotheses about territory fidelity and prospecting: 1) house sparrows show high territory fidelity between years and also during winter. 2) Individuals will prospect for a breeding territory during their first winter whereas older, more experienced individuals will keep a territory from previous years and will, therefore, show no or reduced winter territory prospecting. 3) More active behavioural types will prospect more than less active behavioural types. We use data from four winters from automatically, daily recorded nest‐box visits of 188 birds of known age. The number of nest‐boxes that each individual visited within each winter was used as a proxy of winter territory prospecting. We show that house sparrows visit multiple nest‐boxes during their first winter, whereas older individuals keep territories year‐round and, potentially because of this, indeed show reduced winter territory prospecting. Activity was not associated with the number of nest‐boxes visited. Further research is needed to investigate whether time of territory and mate acquisition differs among individuals and the possible effect on lifetime fitness.
Flood flow simulations and return period calculation for the Kota Tinggi watershed, Malaysia
Authors: Abdullah J. , Muhammad N.S. , Julien P.Y. , Ariffin J. , Shafie A.
Published: July 2016

The City of Kota Tinggi in Malaysia was under more than 5 m of water during the floods in December 2006 and January 2007. The watershed received between 280 and 530 mm of rain in 4 days. These extreme events occurred 3 weeks apart and caused extensive damages. The application of the fully distributed two‐dimensional model two‐dimensional runoff, erosion and export (TREX) to simulate these events and the estimation of the return period of such extreme events are the main objectives of this study. The model performance was very good based on the relative percentage different (3.7%), percentBIAS(overestimated the volume by 1.5%) and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (0.8). TheTREXmodel is successful in simulating extreme flood events. The December 2006 rainstorm event at Kota Tinggi is extremely rare, and this multiday rainstorm had an estimated return period greater than 2000 years. The analysis of the return period shows that multiday rainstorms occur more frequently than single‐day events. In addition, we produce a flood threshold graph by integrating both the hydrological modelling process usingTREXand the theoretical formulation of return period. The proposed flood threshold graph is useful in the estimation of the amount of accumulated rainfall from multiday rainfall that can cause flooding on a large watershed like Kota Tinggi.
Iodine potassium iodide improves the contrast‐to‐noise ratio of micro‐computed tomography images of the human middle ear
Authors: ROHANI S.A. , GHOMASHCHI S. , UMOH J. , HOLDSWORTH D.W. , AGRAWAL S.K. , LADAK H.M.
Published: July 2016

High‐resolution imaging of middle‐ear geometry is necessary for finite‐element modeling. Although micro‐computed tomography (microCT) is widely used because of its ability to image bony structures of the middle ear, it is difficult to visualize soft tissues – including the tympanic membrane and the suspensory ligaments/tendons – because of lack of contrast. The objective of this research is to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of iodine potassium iodide (IKI) solution as a contrast agent. Six human temporal bones were used in this experiment, which were obtained in right‐left pairs, from three cadaveric heads. All bones were fixed using formaldehyde. Three bones (one from each pair) were stained in IKI solution for 2 days, whereas the other three were not stained. Samples were scanned using a microCT system at a resolution of 20 μm. Eight soft tissues in the middle ear were segmented: anterior mallear ligament, incudomallear joint, lateral mallear ligament, posterior incudal ligament, stapedial annular ligament, stapedius muscle, tympanic membrane and tensor tympani muscle. Contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNRs) of each soft tissue were calculated for each temporal bone. Combined CNRs of the soft tissues in unstained samples were 6.1 ± 3.0, whereas they were 8.1 ± 2.7 in stained samples. Results from Welch's t‐test indicate significant difference between the two groups at a 95% confidence interval. Results for paired t‐tests for each of the individual soft tissues also indicated significant improvement of contrast in all tissues after staining. Relatively large soft tissues in the middle ear such as the tympanic membrane and the tensor tympani muscle were impacted by staining more than smaller tissues such as the stapedial annular ligament. The increase in contrast with IKI solution confirms its potential application in automatic segmentation of the middle‐ear soft tissues.
A holiday souvenir
Authors: Noureldein Mona , Heaton Paul , Chiang Chu Hao , Hobbs Aimee
Published: July 2016

See Answer
Atypical clinical features of children with central nervous system tumor: Delayed diagnosis and switch in handedness
Authors: Yokoi Kentaro , Yamaoka Masayoshi , Miyata Ichiro , Nonaka Yuichiro , Yuza Yuki , Kawata Shoko , Akiyama Masaharu , Yanagisawa Takaaki , Ida Hiroyuki
Published: July 2016

Herein is described the cases of three children with central nervous system (CNS) tumor, who had switch in handedness occurring before diagnostic confirmation. Although the onset, age, tumor location, and histology were heterogeneous, the diagnosis of CNS tumor was delayed in all three patients. The present experience indicates that switch in handedness should be recognized as a sign of CNS tumor in pediatric patients, and which might prevent delay in diagnosis. Pediatricians should carefully examine such patients who present with some suggestive symptoms of CNS tumor, even when they are unusual, in order to make a timely and appropriate diagnosis.
Portland Water Fluoridation: A Newspaper Analysis
Authors: Bianchi Allison , Bergren Martha Dewey , Lewis Patricia Ryan
Published: July 2016

Portland, Oregon is the largest city in the United States without community water fluoridation (CWF). A newspaper analysis was conducted of the failed 2013 CWF campaign to evaluate anti‐fluoridation and pro‐fluoridation messaging provided by newspapers during the campaign. News content was categorized by type and slant (pro‐fluoridation, anti‐fluoridation, or neutral) and 34 variables were tabulated (23 anti‐fluoridation, 11 pro‐fluoridation). Results showed overall messaging was slightly pro‐fluoridation, as compared to anti‐fluoridation or neutral content (35%, 32%, and 33% respectively). Editorial content was 85% pro‐fluoridation and 15% anti‐fluoridation. The most frequent anti‐fluoridation variables were alternatives to water fluoridation, mass/forced medication and concerns about the political process. Conversely, tooth decay and social justice were the most commonly cited pro‐fluoridation variables. Newspapers can be influential in shaping public policy opinions in the fight for community water fluoridation.
Phoma leaf spot of wasabi (Wasabia japonica) caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa
Authors: Punja Z. K. , Chandanie W. A. , Chen X. , Rodríguez G.
Published: July 2016

A leaf spot disease on wasabi plants grown in commercial greenhouses in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia was characterized. Mycelial growth and pycnidial formation were observed within lesions when leaves were incubated under conditions of high humidity. Isolation from diseased tissues consistently yielded colonies of a Phoma species. Sequence analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) region of eight isolates showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity with Phoma wasabiae and Leptosphaeria biglobosa subspecies ‘occiaustralensis’ and 99.2% identity with L. biglobosa ‘canadensis’. Pathogenicity studies on wasabi leaves showed that wounding greatly facilitated infection and enhanced lesion development for most isolates but was not required for all isolates. Chlorotic areas appeared around the inoculation sites within 4 days, followed by necrosis. Isolates displayed a range of virulence, from weakly to highly virulent, on wasabi leaves. Similar results were observed on leaves of canola cultivar Westar, i.e. wounding significantly increased lesion size and isolates displayed a range of virulence. An isolate of Leptosphaeria maculans ‘brassicae’ from canola was highly virulent on wasabi and canola leaves, causing lesions similar to those of L. biglobosa ‘occiaustralensis’ while an isolate of L. biglobosa ‘canadensis’ from canola was weakly virulent on both hosts and required wounds to infect. These results demonstrate that isolates of L. biglobosa ‘occiaustralensis’ from wasabi are as virulent as L. biglobosa ‘canadensis’ on wasabi and canola leaves but in some cases were comparable in virulence to L. maculans ‘brassicae’.
Subjective audio quality evaluation of embedded-optimization-based distortion precompensation algorithms
Authors: Defraene Bruno , van Waterschoot Toon , Diehl Moritz , Moonen Marc
Published: July 2016

Subjective audio quality evaluation experiments have been conducted to assess the performance of embedded-optimization-based precompensation algorithms for mitigating perceptible linear and nonlinear distortion in audio signals. It is concluded with statistical significance that the perceived audio quality is improved by applying an embedded-optimization-based precompensation algorithm, both in case (i) nonlinear distortion and (ii) a combination of linear and nonlinear distortion is present. Moreover, a significant positive correlation is reported between the collected subjective and objective PEAQ audio quality scores, supporting the validity of using PEAQ to predict the impact of linear and nonlinear distortion on the perceived audio quality.
Longitudinal Changes in Hip Strength and Range of Motion in Female Youth Soccer Players: Implications for ACL Injury, A Pilot Study
Authors: Nguyen Anh-Dung , Zuk Emma F. , Baellow Andrea L. , Pfile Kate R. , DiStefano Lindsay J. , Boling Michelle C.
Published: July 2016

Context:

Risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in young female athletes increases with age, appearing to peak during maturation. Changes in hip muscle strength and range of motion (ROM) during this time may contribute to altered dynamic movement patterns that are known to increase risk of ACL injuries. Understanding the longitudinal changes in hip strength and ROM is needed to develop appropriate interventions to reduce the risk of ACL injuries.

Objective:

To examine the longitudinal changes in hip strength and ROM in female youth soccer players.

Design:

Longitudinal descriptive study.

Setting:

Field setting.

Participants:

14 female youth soccer athletes (14.1 ± 1.1 y, 165.8 ± 5.3 cm, 57.5 ± 9.9 kg) volunteered as part of a multiyear risk factor screening project.

Main Outcome Measures:

Clinical measures of hip strength and ROM were collected annually over 3 consecutive years. Passive hip internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), abduction (ABD), and adduction (ADD) ROM were measured with a digital inclinometer. Isometric hip ABD and extension (EXT) strength were evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer. Separate repeated-measures ANOVAs compared hip strength and ROM values across 3 consecutive years (P < .05).

Results:

As youth female soccer players increased in age, there were no changes in normalized hip ABD (P = .830) or EXT strength (P = .062) across 3 consecutive years. Longitudinal changes in hip ROM were observed with increases in hip IR (P = .001) and ABD (P < .001), while hip ADD (P = .009) and ER (P < .001) decreased.

Conclusions:

Anatomical changes at the hip occur as youth female soccer players increase in age. While there are no changes in hip strength, there is an increase in hip IR and ABD ROM with a concomitant decrease in hip ER and ADD ROM. The resulting asymmetries in hip ROM may decrease the activation and force producing capabilities of the hip muscles during dynamic activities, contributing to altered lower extremity mechanics known to increase the risk of ACL injuries.
Medical Parasitology Taxonomy Update: January 2012 to December 2015
Authors: Simner P. J.
Published: July 2016

Parasites of medical importance have long been classified taxonomically by morphological characteristics. However, molecular-based techniques have been increasingly used and relied on to determine evolutionary distances for the basis of rational hierarchal classifications. This has resulted in several different classification schemes for parasites and changes in parasite taxonomy. The purpose of this Minireview is to provide a single reference for diagnostic laboratories that summarizes new and revised clinically relevant parasite taxonomy from January 2012 through December 2015.
Broad-Range PCR Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Detection of Bacteremia and Fungemia in Patients with Neutropenic Fever
Authors: Desmet S. , Maertens J. , Bueselinck K. , Lagrou K.
Published: July 2016

Infection is an important complication in patients with hematologic malignancies or solid tumors undergoing intensive cytotoxic chemotherapy. In only 20 to 30% of the febrile neutropenic episodes, an infectious agent is detected by conventional cultures. In this prospective study, the performance of broad-range PCR coupled with electrospray ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) technology was compared to conventional blood cultures (BC) in a consecutive series of samples from high-risk hematology patients. In 74 patients, BC and a whole-blood sample for PCR/ESI-MS (Iridica BAC BSI; Abbott, Carlsbad, CA, USA) were collected at the start of each febrile neutropenic episode and, in case of persistent fever, also at day 5. During 100 different febrile episodes, 105 blood samples were collected and analyzed by PCR/ESI-MS. There was evidence of a bloodstream infection (BSI) in 36/105 cases (34%), based on 14 cases with both PCR/ESI-MS and BC positivity, 17 cases with BC positivity only, and 5 cases with PCR/ESI-MS positivity only. The sensitivity of PCR/ESI-MS was 45%, specificity was 93%, and the negative predictive value was 80% compared to blood culture. PCR/ESI-MS detected definite pathogens (
Fusobacterium nucleatum
and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
) missed by BC, whereas it missed both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms detected by BC. PCR/ESI-MS testing detected additional microorganisms but showed a low sensitivity (45%) compared to BC in neutropenic patients. Our results indicate a lower concordance between BC and PCR/ESI-MS in the neutropenic population than what has been previously reported in other patient groups with normal white blood cell distribution, and a lower sensitivity than other PCR-based methods.
A generalization of Hall’s theorem
Authors: Zhou Feng
Published: July 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group, whose order has [Formula: see text] prime divisors. In this paper, we prove that if [Formula: see text] has a [Formula: see text]-complement for [Formula: see text] prime divisors [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] has no section isomorphic to [Formula: see text]. Then [Formula: see text] is solvable, which generalizes a theorem of Hall.
From Cajal to Connectome and Beyond
Authors: Swanson Larry W. , Lichtman Jeff W.
Published: July 2016

One goal of systems neuroscience is a structure-function model of nervous system organization that would allow mechanistic linking of mind, brain, and behavior. A necessary but not sufficient foundation is a connectome, a complete matrix of structural connections between the nodes of a nervous system. Connections between two nodes can be described at four nested levels of analysis: macroconnections between gray matter regions, mesoconnections between neuron types, microconnections between individual neurons, and nanoconnections at synapses. A long history of attempts to understand how the brain operates as a system began at the macrolevel in the fifth century, was revolutionized at the meso- and microlevels by Cajal and others in the late nineteenth century, and reached the nanolevel in the mid-twentieth century with the advent of electron microscopy. The greatest challenge today is extracting knowledge and understanding of nervous system structure-function architecture from vast amounts of data.
An evolution in student-centered teaching
Authors: Goodman Barbara E.
Published: July 2016

The American Physiological Society (APS) Teaching Section annually honors an educator through its Claude Bernard Distinguished Lecture at the Experimental Biology meeting. Since I knew about my selection for almost a year, I had a long time to think about what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it. The theme of my presentation was “nothing in education makes sense except in the light of student learning.” My presentation began with a video of my “And, But, Therefore” description of my educational scholarship (see Randy Olson Great Challenges Day at TEDMED 2013, Ref. 10). “Physiology is the basic foundation of all the health professions AND physiology can be hard for students to figure out BUT many physiology courses expect students to memorize a large number of facts; THEREFORE, my scholarship is to help students learn physiology better for the long-term with various types of student-centered learning opportunities.” To stress the goal of student-centered learning, my brief video was followed by a 2-min video of one of my students describing her experiences with student-centered learning in one of my two-semester Advanced Human Physiology classes. Since I have been convinced that Randy Olson is an expert on science communication (11), the rest of my presentation was the story about how I have evolved from a sage-on-the-stage lecturer into a student-centered learning facilitator. I have chosen Olson's “And, But, Therefore” approach to narrative for this written version of key aspects of the presentation.
Hydrogen sulfide contributes to hypoxic inhibition of airway transepithelial sodium absorption
Authors: Krause Nicole C. , Kutsche Hanna S. , Santangelo Fabrizio , DeLeon Eric R. , Dittrich Nikolaus P. , Olson Kenneth R. , Althaus Mike
Published: July 2016

In lung epithelial cells, hypoxia decreases the expression and activity of sodium-transporting molecules, thereby reducing the rate of transepithelial sodium absorption. The mechanisms underlying the sensing of hypoxia and subsequent coupling to sodium-transporting molecules remain unclear. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has recently been recognized as a cellular signaling molecule whose intracellular concentrations critically depend on oxygen levels. Therefore, it was questioned whether endogenously produced H2S contributes to hypoxic inhibition of sodium transport. In electrophysiological Ussing chamber experiments, hypoxia was established by decreasing oxygen concentrations in the chambers. Hypoxia concentration dependently and reversibly decreased amiloride-sensitive sodium absorption by cultured H441 monolayers and freshly dissected porcine tracheal epithelia due to inhibition of basolateral Na+/K+-ATPase. Exogenous application of H2S by the sulfur salt Na2S mimicked the effect of hypoxia and inhibited amiloride-sensitive sodium absorption by both tissues in an oxygen-dependent manner. Hypoxia increased intracellular concentrations of H2S and decreased the concentration of polysulfides. Pretreatment with the cystathionine-γ-lyase inhibitor d/l-propargylglycine (PAG) decreased hypoxic inhibition of sodium transport by H441 monolayers, whereas inhibition of cystathionine-β-synthase (with aminooxy-acetic acid; AOAA) or 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (with aspartate) had no effect. Inhibition of all of these H2S-generating enzymes with a combination of AOAA, PAG, and aspartate decreased the hypoxic inhibition of sodium transport by H441 cells and pig tracheae and decreased H2S production by tracheae. These data suggest that airway epithelial cells endogenously produce H2S during hypoxia, and this contributes to hypoxic inhibition of transepithelial sodium absorption.
SPDIEs and BSDEs Driven by Lévy Processes and Countable Brownian Motions
Authors: Duan Pengju
Published: July 2016

The paper is devoted to solving a new class of backward stochastic differential equations driven by Lévy process and countable Brownian motions. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the solutions to the backward stochastic differential equations by constructing Cauchy sequence and fixed point theorem. Moreover, we give a probabilistic solution of stochastic partial differential integral equations by means of the solution of backward stochastic differential equations. Finally, we give an example to illustrate.
Differential Expression and Significance of PD-L1, IDO-1, and B7-H4 in Human Lung Cancer
Authors: Schalper Kurt A. , Carvajal-Hausdorf Daniel , McLaughlin Joseph , Altan Mehmet , Velcheti Vamsidhar , Gaule Patricia , Sanmamed Miguel F. , Chen Lieping , Herbst Roy S. , Rimm David L.
Published: July 2016

Purpose: To determine the expression level, associations, and biological role of PD-L1, IDO-1, and B7-H4 in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experimental Design: Using multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF), we measured the levels of PD-L1, IDO-1, B7-H4, and different tumor-infiltrating lymphoycte (TIL) subsets in 552 stages I–IV lung carcinomas from two independent populations. Associations between the marker levels, TILs, and major clinicopathologic variables were determined. Validation of findings was performed using mRNA expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and in vitro stimulation of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells with IFNγ and IL10.

Results: PD-L1 was detected in 16.9% and 21.8% of cases in each population. IDO-1 was expressed in 42.6% and 49.8%; and B7-H4 in 12.8% and 22.6% of cases, respectively. Elevated PD-L1 and IDO-1 were consistently associated with prominent B- and T-cell infiltrates, but B7-H4 was not. Coexpression of the three protein markers was infrequent, and comparable results were seen in the lung cancer TCGA dataset. Levels of PD-L1 and IDO-1 (but not B7-H4) were increased by IFNγ stimulation in A549 cells. Treatment with IL10 upregulated B7-H4 but did not affect PD-L1 and IDO-1 levels.

Conclusions: PD-L1, IDO-1, and B7-H4 are differentially expressed in human lung carcinomas and show limited co-expression. While PD-L1 and IDO-1 are associated with increased TILs and IFNγ stimulation, B7-H4 is not. The preferential expression of discrete immune evasion pathways in lung cancer could participate in therapeutic resistance and support design of optimal clinical trials. Clin Cancer Res; 23(2); 370–8. ©2016 AACR.