bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dominant C3 tussock grasses are resilient to the re‐introduction of fire in long‐unburned temperate grasslands
Authors: Morgan John W. , Salmon Karina L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractQuestionsThe recovery of dominant tussock grasses following fire is crucial as they contribute disproportionately to the structure and function of grasslands. To determine how resilient native grasslands are to the re‐introduction of fire, we quantify how fire affects the resprouting of the dominant C3 tussock grasses in long‐unburned grasslands (Austrostipa spp.) and compare this to the recovery of C4 tussock grasses (Themeda triandra) in grasslands that have had regular exposure to fire. We also quantify if these two grassland types burn in different ways as a result of their different dominant grass compositions.LocationTemperate native tussock grasslands on the Victorian volcanic plain, Australia.MethodsTo determine how fire affects tussock mortality, and whether this differs between C4 (regularly ) and C3 (long‐unburned) grasslands, tussocks were permanently marked pre‐fire and re‐censused for survival and growth at seven weeks after fire. To assess whether C3 grasslands burn in a different way to C4 grasslands, fire behaviour was quantified at 11 sites.ResultsFire behaviour was similar in both grassland types. Both C3 and C4 grass tussocks were resilient to fire, despite decades of fire suppression in C3 grasslands. Tussock mortality was low (<5%) in both C3 and C4 grasses. Survival was independent of basal circumference in C4 Themeda tussocks, but smaller‐sized tussocks (<10 cm circumference) were less likely to survive fire in C3 Austrostipa grasslands. Basal area declined in both grasses after fire but rate of tiller regrowth after fire was similar for both grass types.ConclusionLong‐unburned C3 grass tussocks were resilient to a single fire. Future studies should examine the response of C3 grasses to a fire regime that comprises frequent return intervals to which C4 grasses are resilient; this may indicate whether C3 grasses are sensitive to short fire‐return intervals despite resilience to an individual fire event.
Using sufficient direction factor model to analyze latent activities associated with breast cancer survival
Authors: Baek Seungchul , Ho Yen‐Yi , Ma Yanyuan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHigh‐dimensional gene expression data often exhibit intricate correlation patterns as the result of coordinated genetic regulation. In practice, however, it is difficult to directly measure these coordinated underlying activities. Analysis of breast cancer survival data with gene expressions motivates us to use a two‐stage latent factor approach to estimate these unobserved coordinated biological processes. Compared to existing approaches, our proposed procedure has several unique characteristics. In the first stage, an important distinction is that our procedure incorporates prior biological knowledge about gene‐pathway membership into the analysis and explicitly model the effects of genetic pathways on the latent factors. Second, to characterize the molecular heterogeneity of breast cancer, our approach provides estimates specific to each cancer subtype. Finally, our proposed framework incorporates sparsity condition due to the fact that genetic networks are often sparse. In the second stage, we investigate the relationship between latent factor activity levels and survival time with censoring using a general dimension reduction model in the survival analysis context. Combining the factor model and sufficient direction model provides an efficient way of analyzing high‐dimensional data and reveals some interesting relations in the breast cancer gene expression data.
Does emotion matter? An investigation into the relationship between emotions and science learning outcomes in a game‐based learning environment
Authors: Cheng Meng‐Tzu , Huang Wei‐Yu , Hsu Mei‐En 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGame‐based learning environments typically elicit a variety of emotions; however, the influence of emotions on game‐based learning is basically underemphasized. This study sought to investigate how emotions are related to science learning in a gaming context. Humunology, an educational game for learning about the human immune system, was used, and 112 seventh graders aged 12–13 years old took part. The results indicated that learning through playing Humunology was effective and that the long‐term effect of this approach on learning retention was promising in comparison to traditional web‐based instruction. A cluster analysis by the K‐means algorithm categorized the students who learned through playing Humunology into two core groups. Students in cluster 1 experienced substantial levels of both positive and negative emotions while learning through playing Humunology, whereas the students in cluster 2 experienced primarily positive emotions. Although students who experienced primarily positive emotions had better learning outcomes right after playing Humunology, the learning effect declined as time passed, to the extent that they performed the same as those who experienced both positive and negative emotions in terms of long‐term learning retention. The significant findings of the study and their interpretations are discussed, and limitations and suggestions for future work are provided.
Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic

Game‐based learning facilitates science learning.
Both cognitive and emotional involvements are critical to engagement in game‐based learning.
Most existing studies primarily provide evidence for the influence of educational games on learning from cognitive perspectives.
What this paper adds

Learning through playing Humunology can be effective, and its long‐term learning retention effects are promising.
The learning performance of the players who primarily experienced positive emotions increased significantly right after exposure to the game, but the learning effect decreased over time.
The players who experienced both positive and negative emotions exhibited short‐term learning from playing the game, as well as long‐term learning that was steadily retained over time.
Implications for practice and/or policy

Games have great potential for facilitating long‐term science learning, but this can only be accomplished through games with design elements underpinned by solid learning theories.
Negative emotions experienced by players in game‐based learning might be more beneficial for long‐term learning retention, a possibility which should not be overlooked.
The challenges that players confront in achieving game goals may create a continuous cycle of cognitive disequilibrium and accommodation, which may in turn cause negative emotions while also resulting in true learning.
FAK regulates dynein localisation and cell polarity in migrating mouse fibroblasts
Authors: Fructuoso Marta , Legrand Marlène , Mousson Antoine , Steffan Tania , Vauchelles Romain , De Mey Jan , Sick Emilie , Rondé Philippe , Dujardin Denis 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundFibroblasts executing directional migration position their centrosome, and their Golgi apparatus, in front of the nucleus towards the cell leading edge. Centrosome positioning relative to the nucleus has been associated to mechanical forces exerted on the centrosome by the microtubule‐dependent molecular motor cytoplasmic dynein 1, and to nuclear movements such as rearward displacement and rotation events. Dynein has been proposed to regulate the position of the centrosome by exerting pulling forces on microtubules from the cell leading edge, where the motor is enriched during migration. However, the mechanism explaining how dynein acts at the front of the cells has not been elucidated.ResultsWe present here results showing that the protein Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) interacts with dynein and regulates the enrichment of the dynein/dynactin complex at focal adhesions at the cell the leading edge of migrating fibroblasts. This suggests that focal adhesions provide anchoring sites for dynein during the polarisation process. In support of this, we present evidence indicating that the interaction between FAK and dynein, which is regulated by the phosphorylation of FAK on its Ser732 residue, is required for proper centrosome positioning. Our results further show that the polarisation of the centrosome can occur independently of nuclear movements. Although FAK regulates both nuclear and centrosome motilities, downregulating the interaction between FAK and dynein affects only the nuclear independent polarisation of the centrosome.ConclusionsOur work highlights the role of FAK as a key player in the regulation of several aspects of cell polarity. We thus propose a model in which the transient localisation of dynein with focal adhesions provides a tuneable mechanism to bias dynein traction forces on microtubules allowing proper centrosome positioning in front of the nucleus.SignificanceWe unravel here a new role for the cancer therapeutic target FAK in the regulation of cell morphogenesis.
Accuracy of intraocular lens power calculations in paediatric eyes
Authors: Li Jianbing , Liu Zhenzhen , Wang Ruixin , Cheng Huanhuan , Zhao Jing , Liu Liangping , Chen Weirong , Wu Mingxing , Liu Yizhi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractImportanceThere is no clear consensus on which intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formula provides the best refractive prediction in the paediatric population.BackgroundTo evaluate the predictability of desired postoperative refractive outcomes by using six IOL formulas in paediatric cataract cases.DesignRetrospective case series.ParticipantsA total of 377 eyes in 377 paediatric patients (<13 years of age) who received primary IOL implants in the capsular bag.MethodsThis study utilized formulas, namely, SRK II, SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, T2 and Super formula. Prediction errors were calculated based on the difference between the postoperative refraction and the refraction predicted by each formula.Main Outcome MeasuresThe mean prediction error, mean absolute error, median absolute error, percentages of eyes within the prediction errors of ±0.50 D, ±1.00 D and ± 2.00 D.ResultsThe mean axial length was 22.48 ± 1.91 mm (<22.0 mm for 161 eyes). The average age at surgery was 55.21 ± 28.01 months (<24 months for 37 eyes). The mean prediction error was positive (hyperopic error) with all formulas. Compared to the other IOL power formulas, SRK II showed significantly higher absolute errors (P < .001). Hoffer Q and Holladay 1 generated the least absolute error, followed closely by Super formula. Multiple logistic analyses indicated that age at time of surgery was an independent factor significantly contributing to the refractive surprise using all formulas.Conclusions and RelevanceSRK II was the least predictable formula in this study. HofferQ and Holladay 1 yielded the best predictive values.
Diagnostic strategy for females suspected of Fabry disease
Authors: Balendran Sukirthini , Oliva Petra , Sansen Stefaan , Mechtler Thomas P. , Streubel Berthold , Cobos Paulina N. , Lukacs Zoltan , Kasper David C. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA total of 11 948 females suspicious of Fabry disease were tested by a combined biochemical and genetic approach. The enzyme activity, together with the concentration of lyso‐GL‐3 (lyso‐Gb3) biomarker in dried blood spots (DBS), substantially improved the diagnostic detection of Fabry disease in females compared to the enzyme activity alone. Abnormal values for both were highly suspicious of Fabry disease (97% positive predictive value [PPV], similar to PPV in males). In cases with one abnormal biochemical value, elevated lyso‐GL‐3 is a far more important indicator than low enzyme activity (39% PPV vs 6% PPV). Cases with clearly negative results for both biochemical parameters are unlikely to have Fabry disease, even in clinically highly suspicious cases.
Desmoplastic stromal changes in cutaneous neural granular cell tumors: An under‐recognized histopathologic feature of diagnostic and prognostic importance
Authors: Fernandes Margarida S. , Leitch Claire S. , Al‐Qsous Wael , Biswas Asok 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundGranular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon mucocutaneous and soft tissue neoplasms with distinctive histopathologic appearance but controversial histogenesis. Herein, we report a variant of cutaneous GCT featuring extensive desmoplastic stroma which may result in diagnostic difficulties with mesenchymal proliferations, particularly a dermatofibroma.MethodsFollowing a recent case of GCT with prominent stromal desmoplasia, we reviewed all cases diagnosed as GCT during the past 10 years accessioned at the dermatopathology unit in a tertiary university hospital.ResultsThree additional cases with a similar excessive connective tissue were identified out of a total of 49 GCTs. Cytoplasmic granularity was often subtle and focal, S100 expression was weak, and nuclei had a tendency to show spindling in tumor cells entrapped within the desmoplastic areas. Of note, nuclear spindling is one of the criteria used to diagnose an atypical/malignant GCT.ConclusionWe propose the term “desmoplastic GCT” for these tumors, which not only appropriately addresses the stromal changes but also raises an awareness of GCT being one of the cutaneous tumors which may show stromal desmoplasia. Differential diagnostic difficulties apart, awareness of this phenomenon is important so that desmoplasia and resultant spindling are not linked with potential aggressive behavior.
Towards a mechanistic understanding of individual‐level functional responses: Invasive crayfish as model organisms
Authors: Linzmaier Stefan M. , Jeschke Jonathan M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn novel communities, a rising number of new and emerging invasive species interact with resident species, some of which are non‐native themselves. We implemented an innovative trophic interaction framework for novel communities and quantified the interaction strength and impact potential of a truly novel species (marbled crayfishProcambarus virginalis) with a resident non‐native counterpart (spiny‐cheek crayfishFaxonius limosus). As prey, we usedDreissenamussels, which are non‐native as well and now hold a key position in many European and North American aquatic ecosystems.For both crayfish species, we predicted functional responses based on a mechanistic model that we parameterised with a set of experimental observations of foraging behaviour and satiation. We compared these predicted functional responses to empirically observed responses. In addition, we incorporated behavioural traits such as aggression, activity, and boldness in the comparisons between the species and individuals to determine their influence on functional responses. We tested individuals from aquarium stocks as well as naturalised individuals from invaded water bodies.Altogether, we performed 1,095 experiments with 26 individual crayfish. We found that per capita predation of spiny‐cheek crayfish exceeded that of marbled crayfish from aquaria and naturalised individuals. Functional responses differed between species and were mostly higher for spiny‐cheek crayfish males. Marbled crayfish, however, were more voracious and reached satiation more slowly. Consumption rates correlated with aggression for marbled crayfish and with an aggressive threat response for spiny‐cheek crayfish.We conclude that spiny‐cheek crayfish can reach higher short‐term consumption rates than marbled crayfish, but both species probably do not substantially affectDreissenamussel populations in the field. For marbled crayfish, high long‐term consumption, interspecific aggression, and reproduction rates can promote their establishment and spread. Risk assessments of these invaders should be improved by considering numerical responses, and different prey organisms and predators.
Financial relationships between patient and consumer representatives and the health industry: A systematic review
Authors: Khabsa Joanne , Semaan Aline , El‐Harakeh Amena , Khamis Assem M. , Obeid Serena , Noureldine Hussein A. , Akl Elie A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatients and consumers are increasingly engaged in health policymaking, research and drug regulation. Having financial relationships with the health industry creates situations of conflicts of interest (COI) and might compromise their meaningful and unbiased participation.ObjectiveTo synthesize available evidence on the financial relationships between the health industry and patient and consumer representatives and their organizations.MethodsWe systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE. We selected studies and abstracted data in duplicate and independently. We reported on outcomes related to financial relationships of individuals with, and/or funding of organizations by the health industry.ResultsWe identified a total of 14 510 unique citations, of which 24 reports of 23 studies were eligible. Three studies (13%) addressed the financial relationship of patient and consumer representatives with the health industry. Of these, two examined the proportion of public speakers in drug regulatory processes who have financial relationships; the proportions in the two studies were 25% and 19% respectively. Twenty studies (87%) addressed funding of patient and consumer organizations. The median proportion of organizations that reported funding from the health industry was 62% (IQR: 34%‐69%) in questionnaire surveys, and 75% (IQR: 58%‐85%) in surveys of their websites. Among organizations for which there was evidence of industry funding, a median proportion of 29% (IQR: 27%‐44%) acknowledged on their websites receiving that funding.ConclusionFinancial relationships between the health industry and patient and consumer representatives and their organizations are common and may not be disclosed. Stricter regulation on disclosure and management is needed.
Characterisation of antibacterial peptide fractions extracted from pomelo nucleus co‐incubated with Lactobacillus
Authors: Liu Huifan , Wu Geyi , Song Haifeng , Zhang Huanyou , Ma Lukai , Brennan Charles , Li Sufen , Liu Yingjun , Wu Jihong , Wang Qin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPomelo have been widely reported for its unique flavour and high nutritive value, whereas the antibacterial activity of pomelo nucleus peptides was still poorly understood. We characterised a co‐incubation system of pomelo nucleus and Lactobacillus amylolyticus L6 to identify peptides of high application value. We first analysed the structure of pomelo nucleus peptides (GP) and co‐incubated peptides (C‐GP) by scanning electron microscopy, high‐performance gel permeation chromatography, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis. The results showed that the molecular weights, 89% of peptide sequences, and amino acid composition were different in the C‐GP compared with the GP fraction, and the spatial structures were quite diverse; the C‐GP peptide fraction presented irregular, amorphous and interwoven flocs. Notably, only C‐GP had antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (minimum inhibitory concentration of 12.50 μg/mL). Further assessment of the mechanism suggested that the hydrophobic groups in the C‐GP peptide fraction were inserted into the hydrophilic sites on the surface of the E. coli cell membrane, leading to the formation of holes and bending. These findings suggest the potential value of pomelo nucleus as a nutrient source.
Parental adiposity differentially associates with newborn body composition
Authors: Diaz Eva C. , Cleves Mario A. , DiCarlo Marisha , Sobik Sarah R. , Ruebel Meghan L. , Thakali Keshari M. , Sims Clark R. , Dajani Nafisa K. , Krukowski Rebecca A. , Børsheim Elisabet , Badger Thomas M. , Shankar Kartik , Andres Aline 
Published: December 2019

SummaryBackgroundMaternal obesity increases offspring's obesity risk. However, studies have not often considered maternal metabolic and exercise patterns as well as paternal adiposity as potential covariates.ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between parental and newborn adiposity.MethodsParticipants were mother‐child pairs (n = 209) and mother‐father‐offspring triads (n = 136). Parental (during gestation) and offspring (2 weeks old) percent fat mass (FM) were obtained using air displacement plethysmography. Maternal race, age, resting energy expenditure (indirect calorimetry), physical activity (accelerometry), gestational weight gain (GWG), gestational age (GA), delivery mode, infant's sex and infant feeding method were incorporated in multiple linear regression analyses. The association between parental FM and offspring insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) was assessed at age 2 years.ResultsMaternal adiposity was positively‐associated with male (β = 0.11, P = .015) and female (β = 0.13, P = .008) infant FM, whereas paternal adiposity was negatively‐associated with male newborn adiposity (β = ‐0.09, P = .014). Breastfeeding, female sex, GA and GWG positively associated with newborn adiposity. Vaginal and C‐section delivery methods associated with greater adiposity than vaginal induced delivery method. Plasma IGF‐1 of 2‐year‐old boys and girls positively associated with their respective fathers' and mothers' FM.ConclusionsMaternal and paternal adiposity differentially associate with newborn adiposity. The mechanisms of this finding remain to be determined.
Hand eczema: epidemiology, prognosis and prevention
Authors: Agner T. , Elsner P. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHand eczema (HE) is a heterogeneous and often chronic disease located to the hands and wrist, and frequently associated with eczema on the feet. The aetiology is diverse, and the eczema may present with a variety of clinical symptoms. Acute and chronic stages appear; severity varies from mild to moderate and severe, and flares may be frequently recurrent or rare. The divergent aetiology and varied morphology of HE is sometimes tricky and may be challenging to the dermatologist. This review has focus on epidemiology, prognosis and prevention of HE, and intends to point towards some practical advice on how to diagnose, inform and guide HE patients.
Residency and diel movement patterns of the endangered scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini in the Revillagigedo National Park
Authors: Aldana‐Moreno Alejandro , Hoyos‐Padilla E. Mauricio , González‐Armas Rogelio , Galván‐Magaña Felipe , Hearn Alex , Klimley A. Peter , Winram William , Becerril‐García Edgar Eduardo , Ketchum James T. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study is the first description of the residency and diel movements of Sphyrna lewini at the Revillagigedo National Park, Mexico. Eleven adult scalloped hammerheads of total length 200–300 cm were monitored using acoustic telemetry during 2013–2015 at four sites at San Benedicto Island. Diel and residency patterns were described based on 58,055 detections by four autonomous receivers. The sharks displayed high daytime residency in two of the four sites, with movements away into the pelagic environment at night. This study generates a baseline for effective monitoring to improve the conservation and management of an iconic but endangered species at this marine reserve.