bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferring Beliefs and Desires From Emotional Reactions to Anticipated and Observed Events
Authors: Wu Yang , Schulz Laura E.
Published: March 2017

Researchers have long been interested in the relation between emotion understanding and theory of mind. This study investigates a cue to mental states that has rarely been investigated: the dynamics of valenced emotional expressions. When the valence of a character's facial expression was stable between an expected and observed outcome, children (N = 122; M = 5.0 years) recovered the character's desires but did not consistently recover her beliefs. When the valence changed, older but not younger children recovered both the characters’ beliefs and desires. In contrast, adults jointly recovered agents’ beliefs and desires in all conditions. These results suggest that the ability to infer mental states from the dynamics of emotional expressions develops gradually through early and middle childhood.
Immunomodulatory glc/man-directedDolichos lablablectin (DLL) evokes anti-tumour responsein vivoby counteracting angiogenic gene expressions
Authors: Vigneshwaran V , Thirusangu P , Vijay Avin B R , Krishna V , Pramod S N , Prabhakar B T
Published: March 2017

Neovascularization and jeopardized immunity has been critically emphasized for the establishment of malignant progression. Lectins are the diverse class of carbohydrate interacting proteins, having great potential as immunopotentiating and anti-cancer agents. The present investigation sought to demonstrate the anti-proliferative activity of Dolichos lablab lectin (DLL) encompassing immunomodulatory attributes. DLL specific to glucose and mannose carbohydrate moieties has been purified to homogeneity from the common dietary legume D. lablab. Results elucidated that DLL agglutinated blood cells non-specifically and displayed striking mitogenicity to human and murine lymphocytes in vitro with interleukin (IL)-2 production. The DLL-conditioned medium exerted cytotoxicity towards malignant cells and neoangiogenesis in vitro. Similarly, in-vivo anti-tumour investigation of DLL elucidated the regressed proliferation of ascitic and solid tumour cells, which was paralleled with blockade of tumour neovasculature. DLL-treated mice showed an up-regulated immunoregulatory cytokine IL-2 in contrast to severely declined levels in control mice. Mechanistic validation revealed that DLL has abrogated the microvessel formation by weakening the proangiogenic signals, specifically nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1 α), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and 9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in malignant cells leading to tumour regression. In summary, it is evident that the dietary lectin DLL potentially dampens the malignant establishment by mitigating neoangiogenesis and immune shutdown. For the first time, to our knowledge, this study illustrates the critical role of DLL as an immunostimulatory and anti-angiogenic molecule in cancer therapeutics.
Phenotypes and cellular effects of GJB1 mutations causing CMT1X in a cohort of 226 Chinese CMT families
Authors: Liu L. , Li X.B. , Hu Z.H.M. , Zi X.H. , Zhao X. , Xie Y.Z. , Huang S.H.X. , Xia K. , Tang B.S. , Zhang R.X.
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study is to explore the phenotypic and genotypic features of X‐linked Charcot–Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease in the mainland of China and to study the cellular effects of six novel Gap junction protein beta‐1 variants. We identified 25 missense and 1 non‐sense mutations of GJB1 in 31 unrelated families out of 226 CMT families. The frequency of GJB1 mutations was 13.7% of the total and 65% of intermediate CMT. Six novel GJB1 variants (c.5A>G, c.8G>A, c.242T>C, c.269T>C, c.317T>C and c.434T>G) were detected in six unrelated intermediate CMT families. Fluorescence revealed that HeLa cells transfected with EGFP‐GJB1‐V74M, EGFP‐GJB1‐L81P or EGFP‐GJB1‐L90P had diffuse endoplasmic reticulum staining, HeLa cells transfected with EGFP‐GJB1‐L106P had diffuse intracellular staining, and HeLa cells transfected with EGFP‐GJB1‐N2S had cytoplasmic and nuclear staining. The distribution of Cx32 in HeLa cells transfected with EGFP‐GJB1‐F145C was similar to that of those transfected with wild‐type (WT). These six variants resulted in a higher percentage of apoptosis than did WT as detected by flow cytometry and Hoechst staining. In conclusion, mutation screening should be first performed in intermediate CMT patients, especially those with additional features. The novel GJB1 variants c.5A>G, c.8G>A, c.242T>C and c.269T>C are considered pathogenic, and c.317T>C and c.434T>G are classified as probably pathogenic.
Neurotropin® alleviates hippocampal neuron damage through a HIF‐1α/MAPK pathway
Authors: Fang Wen‐Li , Zhao De‐Qiang , Wang Fei , Li Mei , Fan Sheng‐Nuo , Liao Wang , Zheng Yu‐Qiu , Liao Shao‐Wei , Xiao Song‐Hua , Luan Ping , Liu Jun
Published: March 2017

Aims

The main purpose was to verify the potent capacity of Neurotropin® against neuronal damage in hippocampus and to explore its underlying mechanisms.

Methods

HT22 cells were treated with 40 μmol/L Aβ25‐35 in the presence of various concentrations of Neurotropin® or in its absence. The cell viability was assessed with a CCK‐8 assay, and flow cytometry was used to measure cell apoptosis, intracellular ROS levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Aβ plaques were examined by Bielschowsky silver staining, and the activities of antioxidants were detected in hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice after Neurotropin® treatment. The expression of proteins, including HIF‐1α, Bcl‐2, Bax, and MAPKs signaling molecules was evaluated by Western blot.

Results

Neurotropin® significantly reversed the cell injury induced by Aβ25‐35 through increasing cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, decreasing intracellular ROS and cell apoptosis of HT22 cells (P<.05). Furthermore, Neurotropin® markedly reduced the formation of Aβ plaques and upregulated the activities of antioxidants (P<.05). Additionally, the protein expression of HIF‐1α, p‐ERK1/2, p‐JNK, and p‐P38 was significantly inhibited in hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice.

Conclusions

Neurotropin® exhibited a potent neuroprotective effect on inhibiting Aβ‐induced oxidative damage and alleviating Aβ deposition in hippocampus via modulation of HIF‐1α/MAPK signaling pathway.
Risk factors for incident asthma and COPD in a cohort of young adults
Authors: Traulsen Lisbet Krogh , Bælum Jesper , Halling Anders , Thomsen Gert , Thilsing Trine , Sherson David , Sigsgaard Torben , Omland Øyvind , Malling Tine , Skadhauge Lars Rauff
Published: March 2017

Introduction

The aim of the study was to describe potential shared risk factors for incident asthma and COPD in a population‐based, 9‐year follow‐up study.

Methods

From a cohort of 1191 individuals, aged 20‐44, who participated in baseline survey including spirometry, bronchial challenge, and skin prick test (SPT) 742 subjects (62%) were reexamined at follow‐up in 2012‐2014.

Results

A total of 27 incident cases of asthma and 22 cases of COPD were identified at follow‐up corresponding to an incidence rate of 5.8 (95% CI 3.9‐8.4) and 3.5 (2.2‐5.3) per 1000 person years, respectively. Among the identified COPD cases a total of 12 were Asthma‐COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS). Atopy defined by positive SPT was a risk factor for asthma in males (OR 7.54; 95% CI 1.24‐45.90), whereas risk factors in females were nasal allergy (3.81; 1.20‐12.11), FEV1<100% predicted (3.96; 1.07‐14.62) and parental asthma (3.06; 1.00‐9.40). Risk factors for COPD in males were bronchial hyperresponsiveness (23.13; 1.41‐380.50) and FEV1<100% predicted (all male cases had FEV1<100% predicted) and in females current smoking (3.34; 1.16‐9.59) and asthma at baseline (5.21; 1.48‐18.34).

Conclusions

No shared risk factors for incident asthma and COPD were found. Despite low power when stratifying by sex risk factors for incident asthma and COPD emphasize considerable gender differences.
Association of migraine with asthma risk: A retrospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Peng Yi‐Hao , Chen Kuan‐Fei , Liao Wei‐Chih , Hsia Te‐Chun , Chen Hsuan‐Ju , Yin Ming‐Chien , Ho Wen‐Chao
Published: March 2017

Background

Both migraine and asthma are common health problems in the general population. However, the association between these two disorders is yet to be fully explored.

Objective

We examined whether adult patients with migraine are at a higher risk of asthma development.

Methods

We used data retrieved from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan to conduct this nationwide population‐based cohort study. We identified 6647 patients aged 20‐60 years who were newly diagnosed with migraine between 2000 and 2005 for the migraine group and identified 26 588 patients without migraine for the nonmigraine group. Both groups were followed up until the end of 2011 to examine the incidence of asthma. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to measure the hazard ratio (HR) of asthma in the migraine group compared with the nonmigraine group.

Results

The HR of asthma development was 1.37 (95% confidence interval = 1.21‐1.56) for the migraine group compared with the nonmigraine group after adjustment for age, sex, occupational status, insurance premium, urbanization, comorbidities, and annual outpatient department visits. Further stratified analysis revealed that this risk was also significantly higher for both sexes and in the 40‐ to 60‐year age group. The main limitation of this study was that some relevant data were unavailable, such as pain medication prescriptions and family history of migraine and asthma.

Conclusion

Adult patients with migraine are at a higher future risk of asthma development.
Schopenhauer on the Rights of Animals
Authors: Puryear Stephen
Published: March 2017

I argue that Schopenhauer's ascription of (moral) rights to animals flows naturally from his distinctive analysis of the concept of a right. In contrast to those who regard rights as fundamental and then cast wrongdoing as a matter of violating rights, he takes wrong (Unrecht) to be the more fundamental notion and defines the concept of a right (Recht) in its terms. He then offers an account of wrongdoing that makes it plausible to suppose that at least many animals can be wronged and thus, by extension, have rights. The result, I argue, is a perspective on the nature of moral rights in general, and the idea of animal rights in particular, that constitutes an important and plausible alternative to the more familiar views advanced by philosophers in recent decades.
Trauma Symptoms, Communication, and Relationship Satisfaction in Military Couples
Authors: Bakhurst Melissa , McGuire Annabel , Halford W. Kim
Published: March 2017

Trauma symptoms are negatively correlated with couple relationship satisfaction, which is of particular importance in the relationships of military personnel who are often exposed to trauma whilst on overseas deployment. This study tested a model in which communication mediated an association between trauma symptoms and low relationship satisfaction. Thirty‐one Australian military couples were observationally assessed during a communication task, and assessed on their relationship satisfaction and individual functioning. As expected, trauma symptoms in the male military spouse were associated with low satisfaction in both spouses. Females’ low positive communication fully mediated the relationship between males’ trauma symptoms and low female satisfaction, but not male relationship satisfaction. Unexpectedly, males’ negative communication behaviors were associated with high male relationship satisfaction, and partially mediated the association between trauma symptoms and male satisfaction. Discussion focused on how some communication usually thought of as negative might be associated with relationship satisfaction in military couples.
Genetics of Migraine: Insights into the Molecular Basis of Migraine Disorders
Authors: Sutherland Heidi G. , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: March 2017

Migraine is a complex, debilitating neurovascular disorder, typically characterized by recurring, incapacitating attacks of severe headache often accompanied by nausea and neurological disturbances. It has a strong genetic basis demonstrated by rare migraine disorders caused by mutations in single genes (monogenic), as well as familial clustering of common migraine which is associated with polymorphisms in many genes (polygenic). Hemiplegic migraine is a dominantly inherited, severe form of migraine with associated motor weakness. Family studies have found that mutations in three different ion channels genes, CACNA1A, ATP1A2, and SCN1A can be causal. Functional studies of these mutations has shown that they can result in defective regulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission and the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain, which lowers the threshold for cortical spreading depression, a wave of cortical depolarization thought to be involved in headache initiation mechanisms. Other putative genes for monogenic migraine include KCKN18, PRRT2, and CSNK1D, which can also be involved with other disorders. There are a number of primarily vascular disorders caused by mutations in single genes, which are often accompanied by migraine symptoms. Mutations in NOTCH3 causes cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), a hereditary cerebrovascular disease that leads to ischemic strokes and dementia, but in which migraine is often present, sometimes long before the onset of other symptoms. Mutations in the TREX1 and COL4A1 also cause vascular disorders, but often feature migraine. With respect to common polygenic migraine, genome‐wide association studies have now identified single nucleotide polymorphisms at 38 loci significantly associated with migraine risk. Functions assigned to the genes in proximity to these loci suggest that both neuronal and vascular pathways also contribute to the pathophysiology of common migraine. Further studies are required to fully understand these findings and translate them into treatment options for migraine patients.
Characterization of sulfate mineral deposits in central Thailand
Authors: Kuroda Junichiro , Hara Hidetoshi , Ueno Katsumi , Charoentitirat Thasinee , Maruoka Teruyuki , Miyazaki Takashi , Miyahigashi Akira , Lugli Stefano
Published: March 2017

In this paper we present petrographic and geochemical data of sulfate mineral deposits in northeast Nakhon Sawan, central Thailand, and provide new constraints on their age. The deposits are made up mainly of strongly deformed nodular and massive gypsum in the upper part, and less deformed layered anhydrite in the lower part. They are intruded by andesitic dikes that contain Middle Triassic zircons (ca 240 Ma). These dikes are probably part of the regional magmatic activity of the Sukhothai Arc during the Early to Middle Triassic. Sulfur (δ34S) and strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopic compositions of the sulfates range from 15.86 ‰ to 16.26 ‰ and from 0.70810 to 0.70817, respectively. Comparisons with the Phanerozoic seawater isotopic evolution curve indicate that those values are best explained by precipitation of the sulfates from Carboniferous seawater, in particular seawater of late Mississippian age (ca 326 Ma), and this would be consistent with previous studies of calcareous fossils in the limestones that crop out around this site. Our interpretation is that evaporitic gypsum was originally precipitated from hypersaline seawater on a shallow lagoon or shelf on the Khao Khwang Platform during the Serpukhovian, and that this gypsum changed to anhydrite during early burial. The anhydrite was then cut by andesitic dikes during the Middle Triassic, and more recently the upper part of which was rehydrated during exhumation to form secondary gypsum near the surface.
Remarks on Petrascula bugesiaca Bernier, 1979 from the uppermost Jurassic−lowermost Cretaceous limestones of Romania
Authors: Bucur Ioan I. , Săsăran Emanoil , Pascariu Lucian
Published: March 2017

Petrascula bugesiaca was described by Bernier (1979) from Portlandian (= Tithonian) limestones of the Sothern Jura Mountains (French Switzerland), and since the first description, has never been identified in any other place. The study of uppermost Jurassic olistoliths embedded in Cretaceous conglomerates from Piatra Craiului (South Carpathians, Romania) gave us the possibility to identify well preserved specimens of this dasycladalean alga. The new material confirms Bernier's ascription of the species to the genus Petrascula, being characterized by a club‐shaped morphology.
Corporate Lobbying, Visibility and Accounting Conservatism
Authors: Kong Xiangting , Radhakrishnan Suresh , Tsang Albert
Published: March 2017

In this study, we examine the relationship between a firm's lobbying activities and financial reporting quality using a US setting where public scrutiny of corporate political activities is high. More importantly, we examine whether and how a firm's visibility shapes the relationship between its corporate lobbying activities and accounting conservatism. Adopting annual lobbying expenditure data to measure firms’ lobbying activities, and using a propensity‐score‐matching methodology to control for differences in firm characteristics between lobbying and non‐lobbying firms, we find a positive relationship between a firm's lobbying intensity and the degree of accounting conservatism in its financial reporting. We further find this positive relationship to be more pronounced in lobbying firms with a higher level of visibility. These results are robust after controlling for a firm's political connections, across various conditional conservatism measures, and across a number of visibility measures including firm size, the number of analysts following the firm, the age of the firm, the number of foreign stock exchanges that the firm is cross‐listed in, and the level of the firm's media coverage. Together, our findings add to the literature on how firms’ political activities shape their accounting practices in general, and accounting conservatism in particular. More importantly, our findings suggest that the heightened public attention paid to political activities in the US yields incentives for firms to be more conservative in their accounting practices.
A European subset analysis from the population‐based Multinational Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis shows country‐specific features: results from psoriasis patients in Spain
Authors: Puig L. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , Reich K. , Bachelez H. , Barker J. , Girolomoni G. , Paul C.
Published: March 2017

Background

The Multinational Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (MAPP) survey data were not analysed to account for cultural and healthcare system differences across European countries (EC).

Objective

To utilize MAPP data to characterize psoriasis in Spanish patients, including severity assessment and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Methods

The MAPP survey was conducted between June and August 2012. This analysis included 1700 patients with self‐reported psoriasis (without psoriatic arthritis) from France (n = 349), Germany (n = 311), Italy (n = 359), Spain (n = 354) and the United Kingdom (n = 327).

Results

Patients from Spain vs. other EC self‐reported higher mean body mass index (26.9 vs. 25.6, P ≤ 0.001), lower prevalence of depression (6% vs. 12%, P = 0.002) and higher mean self‐perceived psoriasis severity at its worst (5.92 vs. 5.33, P < 0.001) despite lower estimated body‐surface‐area involvement. Overall, patients from Spain vs. other EC had lower mean global DLQI scores (4.70 vs. 6.06, P = 0.001) and lower mean scores for each DLQI dimension [all P < 0.001, except leisure (P = 0.002), treatment (P = 0.002), and work and school (P = 0.005)]. Higher DLQI values were inversely associated with age and directly correlated with perceived severity. Palmoplantar, nail and scalp psoriasis were reported less frequently in Spanish patients (P = 0.026) and were associated with higher DLQI values (P < 0.01). Spanish patients were more likely to have seen multiple healthcare providers (HCPs; P < 0.001) and achieve therapeutic goals (P < 0.001), but current treatments were similar to patients in other EC.

Conclusions

In the MAPP survey, Spanish patients differed from other EC in several characteristics, including comorbidities, extent and distribution of psoriasis lesions, perception of severity and impact on quality of life. Their perception of psoriasis severity was higher despite a lower estimated extent, and DLQI scores were significantly lower. Spanish patients had more HCP visits and a higher rate of therapeutic goal achievement. These differences might be attributed to cultural factors, phenotypical variation and differences in HCP access.
Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica (Bazex syndrome) – a systematic review on risk factors, diagnosis, prognosis and management
Authors: Räßler F. , Goetze S. , Elsner P.
Published: March 2017

Acrokeratosis paraneoplastica Bazex (Bazex syndrome) is a rare paraneoplastic skin disease defined by erythematous, violaceous, scaly plaques on the hands and feet and on other acral locations such as nose and ears. Bazex syndrome is linked to a variety of underlying malignancies. Usually the skin lesions develop prior to the diagnosis of an internal malignant neoplasm with spontaneous remission after tumour removal. The objective of this study was to review the so far reported risk factors, diagnostic work‐up, prognosis and treatment options for Bazex syndrome in a systematic manner. This systematic review is based on a search in MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register for English and German articles from 1990 to 2015. Evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of Bazex syndrome is limited predominately to case reports or to small case series. There are no randomized controlled trials. A number of underlying tumour entities, predominately oropharyngeal neoplasms and tumours of the gastroenterological tract, but other malignancies were reported. Treatment modalities including topical and systemic corticosteroids, salicylic acid, topical vitamin D analogues, etretinate and PUVA therapy are often ineffective. Due to the small number of patients and the frequent misdiagnosis of this clinical entity, the aim of this systematic review was to call attention to this rare condition and to help clinicians to diagnose and treat Bazex syndrome effectively. Because of the good prognosis of the skin lesions and the tendency to resolve spontaneously if the underlying tumour is treated early, the differential diagnosis of Bazex syndrome should be taken into consideration when dealing with atypical psoriasiform cutaneous lesions. An early diagnosis may improve the patient's prognosis substantially.
Characteristics of patients receiving ustekinumab compared with secukinumab for treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis – nationwide results from the DERMBIO registry
Authors: Egeberg A. , Iversen L. , Gniadecki R. , Hvid L. , Dam T.N. , Bryld L.E. , Skov L.
Published: March 2017

Background

While safety and efficacy of ustekinumab and secukinumab, monoclonal antibodies approved for psoriasis, are described in clinical trials, data on their real‐life application are lacking.

Objective

We compared the characteristics of patients initiating first‐time treatment with secukinumab or ustekinumab.

Methods

All Danish patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis treated with biologics are recorded in the nationwide DERMBIO registry. We compared characteristics of patients starting first‐time therapy with ustekinumab and secukinumab, respectively.

Results

We identified a total of 1037 and 142 first‐time treatment series with ustekinumab and secukinumab. There was a male predominance in both groups, but patients initiating secukinumab were slightly older and with longer disease duration; in agreement with guidelines for biologic treatment in Denmark where ustekinumab has been first line for all with psoriasis without joint problems since 2012, and secukinumab first line for psoriasis with joint problems since July 2016. A total of (52.9% and 14.5%) patients receiving ustekinumab and secukinumab, respectively, were bio‐naïve. The mean dermatology life quality index score was slightly higher for ustekinumab than secukinumab (11.6 vs. 10.0; P = 0.0769); the mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score were significantly higher (10.4 vs. 7.3; P < 0.0001) for ustekinumab. Prevalence of joint disease was markedly lover (22.7% vs. 44.4%) among patients receiving ustekinumab.

Conclusions

We found significant differences in characteristics of patients starting therapy with ustekinumab and secukinumab in a real‐life clinical setting. These findings may aid clinicians and researchers when interpreting efficacy data derived from clinical trials and biologic registries of patients with psoriasis.
Strategies for reduction in the duration of intravenous drug use: Interest of drug tracers as quality indicators to improve intravenous to oral switch
Authors: Corny Jennifer , Perreau Simon , Thivilliers Anne‐Pauline , Leplay Céline , Chevalier Delphine , Beaussier Hélène , Bézie Yvonnick
Published: March 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Intravenous (IV) to oral (PO) drug switch is a challenge for tertiary care institutions for several reasons: catheter‐related infections, patient's pain and discomfort or higher costs, and overuse of IV drugs considered as an irrational use of medicines. The objective was to evaluate yearly acetaminophen and proton‐pump inhibiters' (PPIs) IV/PO ratios from 2011 to 2015 and to determine their correlation with all drugs IV/PO ratios and their relevance as drug tracers. A secondary objective was to estimate costs savings associated with a IV to PO switch improvement.

Methods

Data on IV and PO consumptions and impact on costs were presented to physicians yearly, followed by the development of a computerized tool and pharmaceutical validation of prescriptions. Intravenous and PO drug consumptions were extracted yearly for all drugs, acetaminophen, and PPIs from 2011‐01‐01 to 2015‐12‐31. Acetaminophen and PPIs' IV/PO ratios were compared to IV/PO consumptions for all drugs. Costs savings associated with this switch were calculated yearly by multiplying the difference in average cost per dose by the total number of doses delivered (fixed purchase prices, euros) for both routes.

Results

All drugs IV/PO ratio decreased every year to achieve a 16.3% reduction between 2011 and 2015. Acetaminophen and PPIs also decreased respectively by 35.5% and 16.5%. Same tendency of decrease of ratios year by year was noted for all drugs, PPIs, and acetaminophen. Savings for both acetaminophen and PPIs IV/PO switch were over 98 000€ for 5 years.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that acetaminophen IV/PO ratio, easily produced in routine, was a relevant tracer to follow IV/PO switch improvement as it was correlated with all drugs IV/PO ratio. Direct cost savings associated with IV/PO switch improvements were consequent and illustrate well the impact of our approach on the efficiency of therapeutics' management.
Radiogenic heating and craton‐margin plate stresses as drivers for intraplate orogeny
Authors: Korhonen F. J. , Johnson S. P. , Wingate M. T. D. , Kirkland C. L. , Fletcher I. R. , Dunkley D. J. , Roberts M. P. , Sheppard S. , Muhling J. R. , Rasmussen B.
Published: March 2017

The Proterozoic belts that occur along the margins of the West Australian Craton, as well as those in intraplate settings, generally share similar geological histories that suggest a common plate‐margin driver for orogeny. However, the thermal drivers for intraplate orogenesis are more poorly understood. The Mutherbukin Tectonic Event records a protracted period of Mesoproterozoic reworking of the Capricorn Orogen and offers significant insight into both the tectonic drivers and heat sources of long‐lived intraplate orogens. Mineral assemblages and tectonic fabrics related to this event occur within a 50 km‐wide fault‐bound corridor in the central part of the Gascoyne Province in Western Australia. This zone preserves a crustal profile, with greenschist facies rocks in the north grading to upper amphibolite facies rocks in the south. The P–T–t evolution of 13 samples from 10 localities across the Mutherbukin Zone is investigated using phase equilibria modelling integrated with in situ U–Pb monazite and zircon geochronology. Garnet chemistry from selected samples is used to further refine the P–T history and shows that the dominant events recorded in this zone are prolonged D1 transpression between c. 1,320 and 1,270 Ma, followed by D2 transtension from c. 1,210 to 1,170 Ma. Peak metamorphic conditions in the mid‐crust reached >650°C and 4.4–7 kbar at c. 1,210–1,200 Ma. Most samples record a single clockwise P–T evolution during this event, although some samples might have experienced multiple perturbations. The heat source for metamorphism was primarily conductive heating of radiogenic mid‐ and upper crust, derived from earlier crustal differentiation events. This crust was thickened during D1 transpression, although the thermal effects persisted longer than the deformation event. Peak metamorphism was terminated by D2 transtension at c. 1,210 Ma, with subsequent cooling driven by thinning of the radiogenic crust. The coincidence of a sedimentary basin acting as a thermal lid and a highly radiogenic mid‐crustal batholith restricted to the Mutherbukin Zone accounts for reworking being confined to a discrete crustal corridor. Our results show that radiogenic regions in the shallow to mid crust can elevate the thermal gradient and localize deformation, causing the crust to be more responsive to far‐field stresses. The Mutherbukin Tectonic Event in the Capricorn Orogen was synchronous with numerous Mesoproterozoic events around the West Australian Craton, suggesting that thick cratonic roots play an important role in propagating stresses generated at distant plate boundaries.
The Effect of Polymerization Methods and Fiber Types on the Mechanical Behavior of Fiber‐Reinforced Resin‐Based Composites
Authors: Huang Nan‐Chieh , Bottino Marco C. , Levon John A. , Chu Tien‐Min G.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Glass fibers were introduced to increase the fracture resistance of resin‐based composites restorations; however, the poor polymerization between fibers and resin‐based composite were sometimes noted and can cause debonding and failure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different polymerization methods as well as fiber types on the mechanical behavior of fiber‐reinforced resin‐based composites.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐five specimens were fabricated and divided into one control group and four experimental groups (n = 15), according to the type of glass fiber (strip or mesh) and polymerization methods (one‐ or two‐step). A 0.2‐mm‐thick fiber layer was fabricated with different polymerization methods, on top of which a 1.8 mm resin‐based composite layer was added to make a bar‐shape specimen, followed by a final polymerization. Specimens were tested for flexural strength and flexural modulus. The failure modes of specimens were observed by scanning electron microscopy.

Results

The fiber types showed significant effect on the flexural strength of test specimens (F = 469.48, p < 0.05), but the polymerization methods had no significant effect (F = 0.05, p = 0.82). The interaction between these two variables was not significant (F = 1.73, p = 0.19). In addition, both fiber type (F = 9.71, p < 0.05) and polymerization method (F = 12.17, p < 0.05) affected the flexural modulus of test specimens; however, the interaction between these two variables was not significant (F = 0.40, p = 0.53).

Conclusions

The strip fibers showed better mechanical behavior than mesh fibers and were suggested for resin‐based composites restorations reinforcement; however, different polymerization methods did not have a significant effect on the strength and failure mode of fiber‐reinforced resin‐based composites.
A Markov model assessing the impact on primary care practice revenues and patient's health when using mid‐level providers, lesson learned from the United Kingdom
Authors: Hill Harry , Macey Richard , Brocklehurst Paul
Published: March 2017

Objective

To evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of using mid‐level providers for dental “check‐up” examinations and the treatment of caries in different NHS settings in the United Kingdom. Mid‐level providers are a broad category that describes non‐dentist members of dental teams. This study focused on the potential use of Dental Hygiene Therapists undertaking dental “check‐up” examinations and simple restorative treatment, instead of dentists.

Methods

A Markov model was used to construct the natural history of caries development in adults that visit a dental practice every six months over a five‐year period. Three cost perspectives are taken: those borne to dental healthcare providers in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. These represent three separate forms of retrospective payment system that are currently in use in the United Kingdom. The cost outcome was the average amount of retained practice earnings required to provide healthcare per patient visit. The health outcome was the average length of time in a cavity‐free state and the cost‐effectiveness outcome was incremental cost for six months in a cavity‐free state.

Results

No statistical difference was found between dentists and mid‐level providers in the length of time in a cavity‐free state but the use of the latter saved money in all three NHS health system jurisdictions. This ranged from £7.85 (England and Wales) to £9.16 (Northern Ireland) per patient visit ($10.20 to $11.90, respectively) meaning the incremental cost for six month in a cavity‐free state ranged from £261.67 ($339.93) in England and Wales to £305.33 ($369.68) in Northern Ireland. Further, changes in baseline assumptions and parameter values did not change mid‐level providers being the dominant service intervention.

Conclusion

In a time of limited funds for dental services, these results suggest that resources in public funded systems could be saved using mid‐level providers in dental practices, without any health risk to patients or capital investment.
Palatability of a novel oral formulation of prednisone in healthy young adults
Authors: Bai Shasha , Dormer Nathan , Shoults Catherine , Meyer Amanda , Pierce Carol D , Neville Kathleen A , Kearns Gregory L
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Prednisone is a widely used anti-inflammatory for a variety of conditions. While oral liquid formulations of prednisone enable weight-based dosing, children frequently find them to be objectionable due to bitter taste. This limitation of prednisone can adversely impact patient acceptance and may result in non-compliance. Efforts to mask flavours often result in poorly controlled, heterogeneous particle distributions and can provide ineffective taste masking. The present work utilized a novel drug delivery technology developed by Orbis Biosciences, Inc., to create an oral taste-masked formulation of prednisone.

Methods

The study examined the palatability of Orbis’ microsphere prednisone formulation in healthy young adults (n = 24). Four test articles were used in the study including a reference formulation (Roxanne Laboratories), a control and the test formulation (Orbis) prepared in two different ways. Study participants were randomized in a crossover design.

Key findings

Results indicated that the test prednisone formulation was indistinguishable from the control, and both were preferable to the reference formulation in every category of palatability assessed using a validated 9-point Hedonic Scale. The data also suggested that preparing the microsphere suspension immediately before administration results in the most ideal palatability properties.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the novel microsphere formulation technology was effective in taste-masking prednisone.
Robust Dinoflagellata phylogeny inferred from public transcriptome databases
Authors: Price Dana C. , Bhattacharya Debashish
Published: March 2017

Dinoflagellates are dominant members of the plankton and play key roles in ocean ecosystems as primary producers, predators, parasites, coral photobionts, and causative agents of algal blooms that produce toxins harmful to humans and commercial fisheries. These unicellular protists exhibit remarkable trophic and morphological diversity and include species with some of the largest reported nuclear genomes. Despite their high ecological and economic importance, comprehensive genome (or transcriptome) based dinoflagellate trees of life are few in number. To address this issue, we used recently generated public sequencing data, including from the Moore Microbial Eukaryote Transcriptome Sequencing Project, to identify dinoflagellate‐specific ortholog groups. These orthologs were combined to create a broadly sampled and highly resolved phylogeny of dinoflagellates. Our results emphasize the scope and utility of public sequencing databases in creating broad and robust phylogenies for large and complex taxonomic lineages, while also providing unique insights into the evolution of thecate dinoflagellates.
Testing for Panel Cointegration Using Common Correlated Effects Estimators
Authors: Banerjee Anindya , Carrion‐i‐Silvestre Josep Lluís
Published: March 2017

Spurious regression analysis in panel data when the time series are cross section dependent is analysed in the article. We show that consistent estimation of the long‐run average parameter is possible once we control for cross section dependence using cross section averages in the spirit of the common correlated effects approach proposed by Pesaran. This result is used to design a panel cointegration test statistic accounting for cross section dependence. The performance of the proposal is investigated in comparison with factor‐based methods to control for cross section dependence when strong, semi‐weak and weak cross section dependence may be present.
Simulated effects of home fortification of complementary foods with micronutrient powders on risk of inadequate and excessive intakes in West Gojjam, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Zeweter , Haki Gulelat Desse , Baye Kaleab
Published: March 2017

Home fortification of complementary foods (CFs) with multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) is being scaled up in various countries, but little is known about the prevailing complementary feeding practices and the type and nutrient gaps to be filled with MNPs. The present study evaluated the complementary feeding practices of young children and simulated the risk of inadequate and excessive intakes associated with home fortification with MNPs. We have assessed the sociodemographic status, anthropometry, and complementary feeding practices of young children (N = 122) in Mecha district, rural Ethiopia. Using a 2‐day, quantitative 24‐hr recall, usual intakes of energy, protein, iron, zinc, and calcium were estimated. The risks of inadequate and excessive iron and zinc intakes with or without home fortification scenarios were assessed. The simulations considered intakes from CFs assuming average breast milk contributions and additional nutrients provided by the MNPs. Stunting was highly prevalent (50%) and was associated with a lower dietary diversity (P = .009) and nutrient intakes from the CFs. Median energy, zinc, and calcium intakes were below the estimated needs from CFs; protein needs were met. Median dietary iron intake appeared adequate, but 76%, 95% CI [68%, 84%], of children had inadequate intake (assuming low bioavailability), whereas another 8%, 95% CI: [3%, 13%], had excessive intakes. Simulation of daily and alternative day's fortification with MNP decreased the prevalence of inadequate iron and zinc intake but significantly increased the risk of excessive intakes that remained unacceptably high for iron (>2.5%). Untargeted MNP interventions may lead to excessive intakes, even in settings where poor complementary feeding practices are prevalent.
Evolutionary ecology of opsin gene sequence, expression and repertoire
Authors: Owens Gregory L. , Rennison Diana J.
Published: March 2017

Linking molecular evolution to biological function is a long‐standing challenge in evolutionary biology. Some of the best examples of this involve opsins, the genes that encode the molecular basis of light reception. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, three studies examine opsin gene sequence, expression and repertoire to determine how natural selection has shaped the visual system. First, Escobar‐Camacho et al. () use opsin repertoire and expression in three Amazonian cichlid species to show that a shift in sensitivity towards longer wavelengths is coincident with the long‐wavelength‐dominated Amazon basin. Second, Stieb et al. () explore opsin sequence and expression in reef‐dwelling damselfish and find that UV‐ and long‐wavelength vision are both important, but likely for different ecological functions. Lastly, Suvorov et al. () study an expansive opsin repertoire in the insect order Odonata and find evidence that copy number expansion is consistent with the permanent heterozygote model of gene duplication. Together these studies emphasize the utility of opsin genes for studying both the local adaptation of sensory systems and, more generally, gene family evolution.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to assess the effect of a probiotic mixture on symptoms and inflammatory markers in women with diarrhea‐predominant IBS
Authors: Hod K. , Sperber A. D. , Ron Y. , Boaz M. , Dickman R. , Berliner S. , Halpern Z. , Maharshak N. , Dekel R.
Published: March 2017

Background

Micro‐inflammation is considered an element in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). High‐sensitivity C reactive protein (hs‐CRP) was previously shown to be higher in IBS compared to healthy controls, albeit within the normal range. Since probiotics may suppress micro‐inflammation in the gut, we tested if they reduce symptoms and inflammatory markers (hs‐CRP and fecal calprotectin (FC) in diarrhea‐predominant IBS (IBS‐D). The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and laboratory effects of BIO‐25, a multispecies probiotic, in women with IBS‐D.

Methods

A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Following a 2‐week run‐in, eligible women were assigned at random to a probiotic capsule or an indistinguishable placebo, twice daily for 8 weeks. IBS symptoms and stool consistency were rated daily by Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS). High‐sensitivity C reactive protein was tested at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. FC was tested at baseline and 8 weeks.

Key Results

One hundred and seventy‐two IBS‐D patients were recruited and 107 eligible patients were allocated to the intervention (n=54) or placebo (n=53) group. All symptoms improved in both groups with no significant difference between them in symptom improvement, hs‐CRP or FC levels.

Conclusions & Inferences

An 8‐week treatment with BIO‐25 improved symptoms in women with IBS‐D, but was not superior to placebo. This rigorously designed and executed study supports the findings of other studies that did not demonstrate superiority of probiotics over placebo in IBS. High quality clinical studies are necessary to examine the efficacy of other specific probiotics in IBS‐D patients since data are still conflicting.
Workplace stress from actual and desired computer‐mediated communication use: a multi‐method study
Authors: Stich Jean‐François , Tarafdar Monideepa , Cooper Cary L. , Stacey Patrick
Published: March 2017

The use of computer‐mediated communication applications can lead to workplace stress for employees. However, such stress is influenced not only by how individuals actually use computer‐mediated communication applications but also how they desire to use them. This article examines how the individual's actual and desired use of communication tools together influence his or her workplace stress. It does so across a range of computer‐mediated media (e.g. email or instant messaging) and workplace stressors (e.g. workload or work relationships). This investigation is conducted using a multi‐method research design. The quantitative study found that desired and actual use together influenced workplace stress, mostly for email, but not for other media. The qualitative study further showed that such influence depends on organisational conditions such as available media or co‐workers preferences. The findings emphasise the importance of considering the individuals’ desired use of CMC media and their subjective appraisals of different media.
Leading the creative process: the case of virtual product design
Authors: Chamakiotis Petros , Panteli Niki
Published: March 2017

Motivated by an acknowledged need to study creativity in the context of virtual project teams (VPTs), in this article, we contribute to theory by analysing the role that leadership plays for creativity in the different phases of the creative process in VPTs. We draw on a qualitative case study with 49 members who worked in six VPTs as part of an Industry‐Academia collaboration. Using the longitudinal approach, we study each phase of the virtual product design process using interviews, observations and other materials (e.g. project documentation). We find that, in the virtual design context, creativity is best understood as a process and comes in different shapes as this process evolves. We also pinpoint that different, though complementary, leadership skills are necessary in order for VPTs’ creative potential to be unleashed. These findings highlight the heterogeneous character of leadership at the different phases of the creative process in VPTs.
Exchange rate misalignments and the external balance under a pegged currency system
Authors: Gnimassoun Blaise
Published: March 2017

This paper analyzes the link between the exchange rate misalignments and the external balance under a pegged currency system focusing on the former French colonies of Africa (the CFA zone). Having discussed and chosen an appropriate analytical framework, it addresses the issue of model uncertainty regarding the equilibrium exchange rate model before estimating currency misalignments. The results show that misalignments have a negative and asymmetric impact on the current account. While overvaluation of the CFA franc deteriorates the current account, undervaluation does not improve it. Finally, our results highlight that the export concentration tends to exacerbate the overall negative impact of currency misalignments.
Does Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Extraction Affect How Much Youth in Rural Pennsylvania Like Their Community?
Authors: McLaughlin Diane K. , Corra Jennifer , Hagedorn Annelise DeJong , Wang Donghui
Published: March 2017

Prior research on the impacts of boomtowns on youth provides mixed results. Recent qualitative work suggests youth are ambivalent about change associated with extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale. The Rural Youth Education longitudinal study of youth in rural Pennsylvania provides a unique opportunity to examine youth views about their communities before and during development of the Marcellus Shale. We use two waves of data from 10 rural school districts to assess differences in youth reports of how much they liked their community pre‐Marcellus (2005) and during Marcellus activity (2009), creating a natural experiment. Youth characteristics, aspirations, perceptions of job and educational opportunities, and views about their community are included in multinomial multivariate logistic regression models to predict how much youth like their community. We find no difference in youth liking their community pre‐Marcellus, but a larger share of youth in communities experiencing Marcellus activity by 2009 like their community “a lot” than those in areas not affected. The Marcellus effect strengthens when controls for other factors typically associated with extraction activity and views of community are included in the model, suggesting other, unmeasured aspects of Marcellus‐related activity influence how much youth like their community.