bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic drift shaped MHC IIB diversity of an endangered anuran species within the Italian glacial refugium
Authors: Talarico L. , Babik W. , Marta S. , Mattoccia M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHighly polymorphic genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) encode proteins involved in the immune response that protect vertebrates from parasites and pathogen infections. MHC variation is shaped by a complex and poorly understood interplay of selective and demographic forces. Studies of MHC variation provide biologically meaningful insights useful for conservation of threatened taxa such as amphibians, which are globally declining partly due to the impact of emerging infectious diseases (e.g. chytridiomycosis). Here, we characterized MHC class IIB variation in the Apennine yellow‐bellied toad (Bombina pachypus), an endangered anuran, across its whole distribution range within the Italian peninsula. We compared MHC IIB diversity between refugial (REF) and post‐glacial expansion (PGE) areas and tested for the correlation between MHC and neutral variation to quantify the role of drift in shaping MHC diversity. Overall MHC polymorphism was limited compared to other amphibian species. Despite the clear evidence of historical positive selection acting on antigen‐binding sites, we found a significant correlation between the diversity of MHC and that of putatively neutral microsatellite markers, which suggests that genetic drift has contributed extensively to shaping MHC variation. MHC diversity was higher in the REF populations and decreased northwards into the PGE area, in accordance with the ‘southern richness and northern purity’ pattern. Past demographic events likely determined the reduction of MHC variation in the PGE area; in particular, the northern populations appeared to survive for a long time with a depleted MHC variation. We discussed recent population declines of B. pachypus in light of our findings.
Promoting NQT linguistic awareness of dialogic teaching practices: a dialogic model of professional development
Authors: Bignell Carole 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis study offers an insight into the experiences of three newly qualified English primary teachers and their pupils as they sought to develop dialogic teaching in lessons. It draws upon a range of literature from the field of classroom talk, with a particular focus on the work of Robin Alexander to underpin teacher/researcher professional discussion and analysis of periodic video recordings of talk in these classrooms. Supplemented by teacher interviews, the research examines the extent to which a dialogic approach to teacher professional development might facilitate teacher self‐evaluation as a means of developing a more dialogic classroom. In doing so, it seeks to exemplify key talk moves (dialogic bids) that these teachers used to open up dialogic spaces in lessons. The research concludes that raising teacher awareness of such talk moves through professional discussion and reflection upon teaching can provide teachers with a metacognitive resource for talking about and furthering dialogic teaching practices.
The soybean Rhg1 amino acid transporter gene alters glutamate homeostasis and jasmonic acid‐induced resistance to soybean cyst nematode
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhang Feng , Bao Aili , You Qingbo , Li Zeyu , Chen Jingsheng , Cheng Yihui , Zhao Wei , Shen Xinjie , Zhou Xinan , Jiao Yongqing 
Published: September 2018

SummaryRhg1 (resistance to Heterodera glycines 1) is an important locus that contributes to resistance against soybean cyst nematode (SCN; Heterodera glycines Ichinohe), which is the most economically damaging disease of soybean worldwide. Simultaneous overexpression of three genes encoding a predicted amino acid transporter, an α‐soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein (α‐SNAP) and a predicted wound‐induced protein resulted in resistance to SCN provided by this locus. However, the roles of two of these genes (excluding α‐SNAP) remain unknown. Here, we report the functional characterization of Glyma.18G022400, a gene at the Rhg1 locus that encodes the predicted amino acid transporter Rhg1‐GmAAT. Although the direct role of Rhg1‐GmAAT in glutamate transport was not demonstrated, multiple lines of evidence showed that Rhg1‐GmAAT impacts glutamic acid tolerance and glutamate transportation in soybean. Transcriptomic and metabolite profiling indicated that overexpression of Rhg1‐GmAAT activated the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway. Treatment with a JA biosynthesis inhibitor reduced the resistance provided by the Rhg1‐containing PI88788 to SCN, which suggested that the JA pathway might play a role in Rhg1‐mediated resistance to SCN. Our results could be helpful for the clarification of the mechanism of resistance to SCN provided by Rhg1 in soybean.
Middle‐range theories as models: New criteria for analysis and evaluation
Authors: Risjord Mark 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis essay argues for a new perspective on the analysis and evaluation of middle‐range theory. The commonly used criteria for theory evaluation in nursing are not as useful as they should be, and the root of the problem is an inappropriate understanding of middle‐range theory. In spite of their name, middle‐range theories should not be analysed and evaluated as concrete or limited versions of more general theories. Rather, they are best understood as models. The latter sections of this essay present a new method for analysing middle‐range theories and new criteria for their evaluation. Analysing and evaluating theories relevant to nursing as models has the capacity to increase their scholarly and clinical usefulness.
AV hysteresis causing initiation of recurrent atrial arrhythmias
Authors: Monkhouse Christopher , Dillon Terry , Chow Anthony W. C. , Behar Jonathan M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA 73‐year‐old male with dual‐chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (Teligen, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) had multiple episodes of automatic mode switch (AMS) during clinical follow‐up. Over 50% of these demonstrated a similar pattern of initiation. AV Search+ in combination with sensor rate pacing can cause short‐coupled atrial paced intervals that can be proarrhythmic. After programming changes were made AMS burden has significantly decreased.
Medical students’ action plans are not specific
Authors: Hart Jo , Byrne‐Davis Lucie , Wass Val , Harrison Chris 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundAction plans have been shown to be important in changing behaviour. In learners, action plans have been proposed as a mechanism by which feedback leads to an increase in expertise: feedback leads to action plans, which lead to changes in learning behaviours and finally to improvement. Little is known about the extent to which students are able to make specific actions plans that relate to the feedback they are given, however. We explored whether medical students created action plans after being given feedback, the quality of those plans and whether the action plans were related to the feedback given.Action plans have been shown to be important in changing behaviourMethodsWe collected data from a communication session for Year‐1 medical students on the feedback they were given and the action plans they made for improvement.ResultsMost students (185/196, 94%) made one or more action plans, but only 31/196 (16%) made one or more action plans that were directly related to the feedback given to them.
ConclusionsAlthough educators may include action planning in education, students are not making specific enough action plans to effect change. Future work should include support for students in making better‐quality action plans.…students are not making specific enough action plans to effect change
Transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease reexamined: potential for improved prevention using a universally applied intervention
Authors: Kleinman Steven , Stassinopoulos Adonis 
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUNDTransfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD) is a rare, often fatal complication of blood transfusion that can occur in immunocompromised or immunocompetent recipients and is the result of viable T cells present in the blood components transfused.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe examined the TA‐GVHD clinical case literature including numerous original clinical case reports and several comprehensive case series. We also evaluated recent in vitro experimental data on the inhibition of T cell proliferation, comparing the effect of a specific pathogen inactivation (PI) technology to that of the Food and Drug Administration–recommended gamma irradiation dose of 2500 cGy.RESULTSWe identified 12 published TA‐GVHD cases with atypical/milder or delayed symptom presentations and/or an atypical clinical course; these included cases attributed to leukoreduced or suboptimally irradiated units. We summarize recent in vitro data using a sensitive limiting dilution assay that establish that, compared to irradiation at the recommended 2500 cGy dose, PI using amotosalen/ultraviolet A, or amustaline/glutathione achieves a greater degree of inhibition of T cell proliferation.CONCLUSIONWe propose that TA‐GVHD has a spectrum of disease severity indicating that additional mild cases may still occur but be undiagnosed and/or underreported, opening up the possibility, supported by in vitro experimental data, that irradiation at the currently established dose may not be fully protective. Furthermore, since many US institutions use component irradiation selectively only for immunocompromised patients, immunocompetent recipients are not fully protected. PI technologies appear to be at least equal to, if not better than, gamma irradiation in abrogating the ability of T cells to proliferate, and if applied to all blood components, protection against TA‐GVHD would be an additional benefit that would allow for the elimination of component irradiation.
Students’ Experience of Participation in a Discipline—A Longitudinal Study of Computer Science and IT Engineering Students
Authors: Peters Anne-Kathrin 
Published: September 2018

This article concludes a longitudinal study with the broader aim to explore learner development as a long-term, social process. One goal has been to inform the endeavours of improving student engagement, retention, as well as under-representation of certain demographics in computing.Students of two computer science--related study programmes (CS/IT) reflected on their engagement in their field of study at different times during the first three study years. Drawing on social identity theory, the focus has been to analyse and describe different ways in which the students experience participation in CS/IT, i.e., doing, thinking, and feeling, in relation to CS/IT, negotiated among different people. Insights into participation in CS/IT were used to discuss what it entails to fit in and become a computing professional.Phenomenographic analysis yields an outcome space that describes increasingly broad ways in which first-, second-, and third-year students experience participation in CS/IT. Two further outcome spaces provide nuanced insights into experiences that are of increasing relevance as the students advance in their studies, participation as problem solving, and problem solving for others.Participation as problem solving appears to be central in this learning environment and the students integrate such experiences into their histories of engagement in CS/IT. In study year 3, the students also reason about participation as problem solving for others that they encounter in the human computer interaction course. However, at that time several students perform a technical problem solver identity and reject such broader ways of participating in CS/IT.
Host IDO2 Gene Status Influences Tumor Progression and Radiotherapy Response in KRAS-Driven Sporadic Pancreatic Cancers
Authors: Nevler Avinoam , Muller Alexander J. , Sutanto-Ward Erika , DuHadaway James B. , Nagatomo Kei , Londin Eric , O'Hayer Kevin , Cozzitorto Joseph A. , Lavu Harish , Yeo Theresa P. , Curtis Mark , Villatoro Tatiana , Leiby Benjamin E. , Mandik-Nayak Laura , Winter Jordan M. , Yeo Charles J. , Prendergast George C. , Brody Jonathan R. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Purpose:
Heritable genetic variations can affect the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, which can ultimately affect cancer susceptibility and clinical outcomes. Recent evidence indicates that IDO2, a positive modifier in inflammatory disease models, is frequently upregulated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A unique feature of IDO2 in humans is the high prevalence of two inactivating single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), which affords the opportunity to carry out loss-of-function studies directly in humans. In this study, we sought to address whether genetic loss of IDO2 may influence PDAC development and responsiveness to treatment.
Experimental Design: Transgenic Ido2+/+ and Ido2−/− mice in which oncogenic KRAS is activated in pancreatic epithelial cells were evaluated for PDAC. Two patient data sets (N = 200) were evaluated for the two IDO2-inactivating SNPs together with histologic, RNA expression, and clinical survival data.

Results:
PDAC development was notably decreased in the Ido2−/− mice (30% vs. 10%, P &lt; 0.05), with a female predominance similar to the association observed for one of the human SNPs. In patients, the biallelic occurrence of either of the two IDO2-inactivating SNPs was significantly associated with markedly improved disease-free survival in response to adjuvant radiotherapy (P &lt; 0.01), a treatment modality that has been highly debated due to its variable efficacy.

Conclusions:
The results of this study provide genetic support for IDO2 as a contributing factor in PDAC development and argue that IDO2 genotype analysis has the immediate potential to influence the PDAC care decision-making process through stratification of those patients who stand to benefit from adjuvant radiotherapy.
αvβ3 Integrin Mediates Radioresistance of Prostate Cancer Cells through Regulation of Survivin
Authors: Wang Tao , Huang Jiayi , Vue Mai , Alavian Michael R. , Goel Hira Lal , Altieri Dario C. , Languino Lucia R. , FitzGerald Thomas J. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

The αvβ3 integrin is involved in various physiologic and pathologic processes such as wound healing, angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. The impact of αvβ3 integrin on the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells and the molecular mechanism controlling cell survival in response to ionizing radiation (IR) was investigated. Both LNCaP cells stably transfected with αvβ3 integrin and PC-3 cells that contain endogenous β3 integrin were used. This study demonstrated that αvβ3 integrin increases survival of αvβ3-LNCaP cells upon IR while small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of αvβ3 integrin in PC-3 cells sensitizes to radiation. Expression of αvβ3 integrin in LNCaP cells also enhances anchorage-independent cell growth while knockdown of αvβ3 integrin in PC-3 cells inhibits anchorage-independent cell growth. The αvβ3 antagonist, cRGD, significantly increases radiosensitivity in both αvβ3-LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Moreover, αvβ3 integrin prevents radiation-induced downregulation of survivin. Inhibition of survivin expression by siRNA or shRNA enhances IR-induced inhibition of anchorage-independent cell growth. Overexpression of wild-type survivin in PC-3 cells treated with αvβ3 integrin shRNA increases survival of cells upon IR. These findings reveal that αvβ3 integrin promotes radioresistance and regulates survivin levels in response to IR.

Implications:
Future translational research on targeting αvβ3 integrin and survivin may reveal novel approaches as an adjunct to radiotherapy for patients with prostate cancer.
Diagnostic Performance of Radiolabeled Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Primary Lymph Node Staging in Newly Diagnosed Intermediate to High-Risk Prostate Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Seong-Jang , Lee Sang-Woo , Ha Hong Koo 
Published: September 2018

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of radiolabeled prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (PSMA PET) or positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for primary lymph node (LN) staging in newly diagnosed intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. <b><i>Material and Methods:</i></b> The MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library database from the earliest available date of indexing through May 31, 2018, were searched for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of radiolabeled PSMA PET or PET/CT for primary LN staging in newly diagnosed intermediate to high-risk PCa. We determined the sensitivities and specificities across studies, calculated positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR–), and constructed summary receiver operating characteristic curves. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Across 6 studies (298 patients), the pooled sensitivity was 0.71 (95% CI 0.59–0.81) and a pooled specificity of 0.95 (95% CI 0.87–0.99). Likelihood ratio (LR) syntheses gave an overall positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 15.6 (95% CI 5.6–43.0) and negative likelihood ratio (LR–) of 0.30 (95% CI 0.21–0.43). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 51 (95% CI 21–126). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Radiolabeled PSMA PET/CT shows a moderate sensitivity and high specificity for the detection of metastatic LNs in patients with newly diagnosed intermediate to high-risk PCa.
Prevalence of Microvolt T-Wave Alternans in Patients With Long QT Syndrome and Its Association With Torsade de Pointes
Authors: Takasugi Nobuhiro , Goto Hiroko , Takasugi Mieko , Verrier Richard L. , Kuwahara Takashi , Kubota Tomoki , Toyoshi Hiroyuki , Nakashima Takashi , Kawasaki Masanori , Nishigaki Kazuhiko , Minatoguchi Shinya 
Published: September 2018

Background—
Prevalence of microvolt T-wave alternans (TWA) and the strength of its association with torsade de pointes (TdP) history have not been fully investigated in patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS).

Methods and Results—

Twenty-four–hour continuous 12-lead ECGs were recorded in 10 healthy subjects (5 men; median age, 21.5 years) and 32 patients (13 men; median age, 13 years) with LQTS types 1 (n=18), 2 (n=4), 3 (n=4), and unidentified (n=6). Peak TWA was determined by the Modified Moving Average method. None of the healthy subjects had TWA ≥42 µV. All 8 (100%) LQTS patients with a history of TdP exhibited TWA ≥42 µV, whereas only 14 (58.3%) of the 24 LQTS patients without TdP history reached ≥42 µV (p=0.04). Thus, the 42-µV cut point provided 100% sensitivity and 41.7% specificity for an association with TdP history. In the 22 (68.8%) LQTS patients with TWA ≥42 µV, only 2 (median; interquartile range, 1–3) leads exhibited TWA ≥42 µV. Highest TWA levels were recorded in precordial leads (V
1
–V
6
) in 30 (93.8%) patients, most frequently in lead V
2
(43.8%). A single ECG lead detected only ≤63.6% of TWA ≥42 µV episodes, whereas the combined leads V
2
to V
5
detected 100% of TWA ≥42 µV.

Conclusions—
Microvolt TWA is far more prevalent in LQTS patients than previously reported and is strongly associated with TdP history. TWA should be monitored from precordial leads in LQTS patients. The use of a limited set of ECG leads in conventional monitoring has led to underestimation of TWA and its association with TdP.
Safety and Feasibility of a Minimally Fluoroscopic Approach for Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Patients With Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Cano Óscar , Andrés Ana , Osca Joaquín , Alonso Pau , Sancho-Tello María-José , Olagüe José , Martínez-Dolz Luis 
Published: September 2018

Background—
We sought to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a minimally fluoroscopic approach using the CARTOUNIVU module during scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients with structural heart disease undergoing VT ablation using the CARTOUNIVU module were prospectively included and classified depending on their VT substrate: (1) ischemic VT (IVT) and (2) nonischemic VT and depending on the presence of an epicardial access. Radiation exposure parameters and major and minor procedure-related complications were registered. A near-zero fluoroscopy exposure was defined as those procedures with an effective dose ≤1 mSv. A total of 44 VT ablation procedures were performed in 41 patients (22 IVT and 19 nonischemic VT). The use of the CARTOUNIVU module resulted in low levels of radiation exposure: median total fluoroscopy time and effective dose of 6.08 (1.51–12.36) minutes and 2.15 (0.58–8.22) mSv, respectively. Patients with IVT had lower radiation exposure than patients with nonischemic VT (total fluoroscopy time, 2.53 [1.22–11.22] versus 8.51 [5.55–17.34] minutes;
P
=0.016). Epicardial access was associated with significantly higher levels of radiation exposure. Complications occurred in 4.9% patients, none of them being related to the use of the image integration tool. A near-zero fluoroscopy ablation could be performed in 14 of 44 procedures (32%), 43% of IVT procedures, and 50% of procedures with endocardial access only.

Conclusions—
The use of the CARTOUNIVU module during scar-related VT ablation resulted in low levels of radiation exposure. A near-zero fluoroscopy approach can be achieved in up to half of the procedures, especially in IVT patients with endocardial ablation.
King Alfred’s Candles and Anglo-Saxon Time-reckoning
Authors: Birth Kevin 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Bishop Asser’s biography of King Alfred describes him as creating a candle “clock” to know the time on cloudy days and at night. This candle “clock” has often been seen as an early example of uniform timekeeping and equinoctial hours, and consequently in conflict with the seasonally variable canonical hours. The approach taken here challenges this interpretation. It views King Alfred’s candles as complementary to rather than in conflict with sidereal timekeeping, clepsydrae, cockcrow, and canonical hours. This leads to an interpretation of the candles as a means of interweaving of liturgical and secular timekeeping. It is argued, moreover, that pluralism in ways of reckoning time is a feature of Anglo-Saxon time consciousness; Alfred should not be viewed as an horological innovator, but as a monarch whose interests in time reflect those of his society.
Various Times in Abraham Ibn Ezra’s Works and Their Reflection in Modern Thought
Authors: Levin Elizabetha 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Abraham Ibn Ezra is one of the most many-sided medieval intellectuals, widely admired for his unique combination of scientific ideas with religious feeling, philosophical thought and poetical perception. This paper focuses on selected issues from his oeuvre that are of interest to time researchers.
In modern English, the term “time” has a fairly broad spectrum of meanings, which can refer to a long list of distinct temporalities in medieval Hebrew texts. Unfortunately, the sharp difference between various Hebrew words such as “et” or “zman” goes unrecognized by those who read Ibn Ezra in translation. As a result, Abraham Ibn Ezra’s temporological thought and his philosophical poetry present a real challenge to historians of time-studies. The goal of this paper is to supply fresh insights on Jewish medieval thought on temporalities and to measure its impact on recent theories and discoveries.