bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipokines and Insulin Resistance in Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Latoch Eryk , Muszynska-Roslan Katarzyna , Panas Agata , Panasiuk Anna , Sawicka-Zukowska Malgorzata , Zelazowska-Rutkowska Beata , Zabrocka Ewa , Krawczuk-Rybak Maryna
Published: April 2016

We examined the association between adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, and resistin), radiotherapy, measurement of body fat, and insulin resistance among young adult survivors of childhood cancer (CCS).Materials and Methods.Seventy-six survivors were included (mean age24.1±3.5years). Insulin resistance (IR) was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). The serum levels of adipokines were assayed by immunoassays. Fat mass was evaluated by DXA.Results.Mean adiponectin level and mean body FAT were higher in the examined females than in males (10009±6367 ng/mL versus6433±4136 ng/mL,p<0.01;35.98±9.61% versus22.7±7.46%,p<0.001). Among CCS, one of 75 patients met the criteria of insulin resistance, and in 14 patients there was impaired fasting glucose. The multiple regression model for females showed that leptin/adiponectin ratio (LA ratio) significantly affected HOMA-IR (increase of 0.024 per each unit of LA ratio;p<0.05). Radiotherapy had no effect on serum adipokines and IR.Conclusion.The observed results support the hypothesis that adiponectin might be associated with insulin resistance and it can not be ruled out that changes in the mean level of adiponectin per FAT mass or leptin/adiponectin ratio may precede the occurrence of insulin resistance in the future.
Xyloglucan for the Treatment of Acute Gastroenteritis in Children: Results of a Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial
Authors: Pleșea Condratovici Cătălin , Bacarea Vladimir , Piqué Núria
Published: April 2016

Background. Xyloglucan, a film-forming agent, improves intestinal mucosa resistance to pathologic damage. The efficacy, safety, and time of onset of the antidiarrheal effect of xyloglucan were assessed in children with acute gastroenteritis receiving oral rehydration solution (ORS).Methods. This randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-group, multicenter, clinical trial included children (3 months–12 years) with acute gastroenteritis of infectious origin. Children were randomized to xyloglucan and ORS, or ORS only, for 5 days. Diarrheal symptoms, including stool number/characteristics, and safety were assessed at baseline and after 2 and 5 days and by fulfillment of a parent diary card.Results. Thirty-six patients (58.33% girls) were included (n=18/group). Patients receiving xyloglucan and ORS had better symptom evolution than ORS-only recipients, with a faster onset of action. At 6 hours, xyloglucan produced a significantly greater decrease in the number of type 7 stools (0.11 versus 0.44;P=0.027). At days 3 and 5, xyloglucan also produced a significantly greater reduction in types 6 and 7 stools compared with ORS alone. Xyloglucan plus ORS was safe and well tolerated.Conclusions. Xyloglucan is an efficacious and safe option for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children, with a rapid onset of action in reducing diarrheal symptoms. This study is registered with ISRCTN number65893282.
Establishment of Human Neural Progenitor Cells from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells with Diverse Tissue Origins
Authors: Fukusumi Hayato , Shofuda Tomoko , Bamba Yohei , Yamamoto Atsuyo , Kanematsu Daisuke , Handa Yukako , Okita Keisuke , Nakamura Masaya , Yamanaka Shinya , Okano Hideyuki , Kanemura Yonehiro
Published: April 2016

Human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) have previously been generated from limited numbers of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) clones. Here, 21 hiPSC clones derived from human dermal fibroblasts, cord blood cells, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were differentiated using two neural induction methods, an embryoid body (EB) formation‐based method and an EB formation method using dual SMAD inhibitors (dSMADi). Our results showed that expandable hNPCs could be generated from hiPSC clones with diverse somatic tissue origins. The established hNPCs exhibited a mid/hindbrain‐type neural identity and uniform expression of neural progenitor genes.
Using Stem Cells to Grow Artificial Tissue for Peripheral Nerve Repair
Authors: Bhangra Kulraj Singh , Busuttil Francesca , Phillips James B. , Rahim Ahad A.
Published: April 2016

Peripheral nerve injury continues to pose a clinical hurdle despite its frequency and advances in treatment. Unlike the central nervous system, neurons of the peripheral nervous system have a greater ability to regenerate. However, due to a number of confounding factors, this is often both incomplete and inadequate. The lack of supportive Schwann cells or their inability to maintain a regenerative phenotype is a major factor. Advances in nervous system tissue engineering technology have led to efforts to build Schwann cell scaffolds to overcome this and enhance the regenerative capacity of neurons following injury. Stem cells that can differentiate along a neural lineage represent an essential resource and starting material for this process. In this review, we discuss the different stem cell types that are showing promise for nervous system tissue engineering in the context of peripheral nerve injury. We also discuss some of the biological, practical, ethical, and commercial considerations in using these different stem cells for future clinical application.
Lateral Drift Behavior Analysis in Mixed Bicycle Traffic: A Cellular Automaton Model Approach
Authors: Feng Xue , Wang Xi-fu , Xie Dong-fan
Published: April 2016

Bicycle movements are always associated with lateral drifts. However, the impacts of lateral drift behavior, as well as variable lateral clearance maintaining behavior due to the variation of drift intensity, on mixed bicycle flow are not clear. This paper establishes a new cellular automata model to study typical characteristics of mixed bicycle traffic induced by lateral drift and its accompanying behavior. Based on derived positive correlation between passing speed and drift speed through survey, the occurrence probability of lateral drift and the degree of maintained lateral clearance are both introduced in accordance with the variance of passing speed. Then, in whole density region, firm conformity between simulation results and actual survey data is reached, which has seldom been achieved in previous studies. It is further verified that speed distortions in intermediate and high density region induced by assumption of constant lateral clearance requirements can be revised by introducing its variability characteristics. In addition, two contrastive impacts of lateral drift behavior are observed. That is, it causes speed fluctuation in low density while alleviating the speed fluctuation in relatively high density. These results are expected to be helpful to improve the simulation performance of mixed bicycle flow as well as depict more realistic vehicle-bicycle conflicts and so on.
Nanoscale Extracellular Vesicle Analysis in Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Heinzelman Pete , Bilousova Tina , Campagna Jesus , John Varghese
Published: April 2016

Diagnostic assays that leverage bloodborne neuron-derived (neuronal) nanoscale extracellular vesicles (nsEVs) as “windows into the brain” can predict incidence of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) many years prior to onset. Beyond diagnostics, bloodborne neuronal nsEVs analysis may have substantial translational impact by revealing mechanisms of AD pathology; such knowledge could enlighten new drug targets and lead to new therapeutic approaches. The potential to establish three-dimensional nsEV analysis methods that characterize highly purified bloodborne nsEV populations in method of enrichment, cell type origin, and protein or RNA abundance dimensions could bring this promise to bear by yielding nsEV “omics” datasets that uncover new AD biomarkers and enable AD therapeutic development. In this review we provide a survey of both the current status of and new developments on the horizon in the field of neuronal nsEV analysis. This survey is supplemented by a discussion of the potential to translate such neuronal nsEV analyses to AD clinical diagnostic applications and drug development.
Transfer Learning for Collaborative Filtering Using a Psychometrics Model
Authors: Zhang Haijun , Zhang Bo , Li Zhoujun , Shen Guicheng , Tian Liping
Published: April 2016

In a real e-commerce website, usually only a small number of users will give ratings to the items they purchased, and this can lead to the very sparse user-item rating data. The data sparsity issue will greatly limit the recommendation performance of most recommendation algorithms. However, a user may register accounts in many e-commerce websites. If such users’ historical purchasing data on these websites can be integrated, the recommendation performance could be improved. But it is difficult to align the users and items between these websites, and thus how to effectively borrow the users’ rating data of one website (source domain) to help improve the recommendation performance of another website (target domain) is very challenging. To this end, this paper extended the traditional one-dimensional psychometrics model to multidimension. The extended model can effectively capture users’ multiple interests. Based on this multidimensional psychometrics model, we further propose a novel transfer learning algorithm. It can effectively transfer users’ rating preferences from the source domain to the target domain. Experimental results show that the proposed method can significantly improve the recommendation performance.
A Rare Case of an Artery Passing through the Median Perforating Canal of the Mandible
Authors: Iwanaga Joe , Watanabe Koichi , Saga Tsuyoshi , Tabira Yoko , Yamaki Koh-ichi
Published: April 2016

Along with the popularization of dental implant surgery, there has been considerable research on the lingual foramen using cone-beam computed tomography. Anatomical research has also revealed that the arteries entering the lingual foramina are branches of the submental and sublingual arteries. There have been no reports, however, of the submental or sublingual artery entering the mandible from the lingual foramen, perforating it, and then distributing to the inferior labial region. A 69-year-old man who donated his body to our department in 2015 was dissected. The mandible with overlying soft tissue of the mental region was resected and examined with microcomputed tomography, which showed that the canal perforated from the lingual foramen to the midline of the labial cortical plate. The canal was thus named the median perforating canal. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no other reports of a perforating artery of the mandible, so this case is thought to be rare. Hence, the existence of perforating arteries, such as in the present case, should be taken into consideration in preoperative diagnoses such as for dental implant surgery. Thus, the fusion of anatomical and radiological study is useful and necessary to understand surgical anatomy.
From Mobile to Wearable System: A Wearable RFID System to Enhance Teaching and Learning Conditions
Authors: Larabi Marie-Sainte Souad , Alrazgan Muna S. , Bousbahi Fatiha , Ghouzali Sanaa , Abdul Wadood
Published: April 2016

Over the last decade, wearable technology has seen significant developments, making it possible to enhance our lives. One of the areas in which wearable technology can cause large changes is education, where it can be used to make educational experiences intrinsically motivating and more relevant to youth culture. In this paper, we focus on the use of wearable technology to improve the educational environment. The quantity of electronic assets used in the learning environment is rising, which presents a managerial problem when these devices are nonfunctioning. Therefore, we present a mobile application to solve this problem. The suggested approach consists of creating a mobile application named classroom clinic (CRC) to help faculty members and students locate the closest maintenance technician via wearable radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and to provide fast responses to the problems alerted to in the classroom, thereby avoiding any disturbances or delays during the lecture. Moreover, this application allows the maintenance service to efficiently manage any malfunctions of classroom electronic devices. To evaluate the CRC application, a pilot study was conducted at the College of Computer and Information Sciences, female campus of King Saud University, with 15 faculty members and students and 5 clinic members. The results showed high usability rates and generally positive attitudes towards using the app.
The Design and Its Application in Secure Communication and Image Encryption of a New Lorenz-Like System with Varying Parameter
Authors: Huang Lilian , Shi Donghai , Gao Jie
Published: April 2016

A new Lorenz-like chaotic system with varying parameter is proposed by adding a state feedback function. The structure of the new designed system is simple and has more complex dynamic behaviors. The chaos behavior of the new system is studied by theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. And the bifurcation diagram shows a chaos-cycle-chaos evolution when the new parameter changes. Then a new synchronization scheme by a single state variable drive is given based on the new system and a chaotic parameter modulation digital secure communication system is also constructed. The results of simulation demonstrate that the new proposed system could be well applied in secure communication. Otherwise, based on the new system, the encryption and decryption of image could be achieved also.
A Unified Factors Analysis Framework for Discriminative Feature Extraction and Object Recognition
Authors: Hao Ningbo , Yang Jie , Liao Haibin , Dai Wenhua
Published: April 2016

Various methods for feature extraction and dimensionality reduction have been proposed in recent decades, including supervised and unsupervised methods and linear and nonlinear methods. Despite the different motivations of these methods, we present in this paper a general formulation known as factor analysis to unify them within a common framework. During factor analysis, an object can be seen as being comprised of content and style factors, and the objective of feature extraction and dimensionality reduction is to obtain the content factor without style factor. There are two vital steps in factor analysis framework; one is the design of factor separating objective function, including the design of partition and weight matrix, and the other is the design of space mapping function. In this paper, classical Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) and Locality Preserving Projection (LPP) algorithms are improved based on factor analysis framework, and LDA based on factor analysis (FA-LDA) and LPP based on factor analysis (FA-LPP) are proposed. Experimental results show the superiority of our proposed approach in classification performance compared to classical LDA and LPP algorithms.
A Method of Removing Reflected Highlight on Images Based on Polarimetric Imaging
Authors: Yang Fanchao , Tang Xingjia , Hu Bingliang , Wei Ruyi , Kong Liang , Li Yong
Published: April 2016

A method of removing reflected highlight is proposed on polarimetric imaging. Polarization images (0°, 45°, 90°, and 135°) and the reflection angle are required in this reflected light removal algorithm. This method is based on the physical model of reflection and refraction, and no additional image processing algorithm is necessary in this algorithm. Compared to traditional polarization method with single polarizer, restricted observation angle of Brewster is not demanded and multiple reflection areas of different polarization orientations can be removed simultaneously. Experimental results, respectively, demonstrate the features of this reflected light removal algorithm, and it can be considered very suitable in polarization remote sensing.
Influence of Age at Diagnosis and Time-Dependent Risk Factors on the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Forga Luis , Goñi María José , Ibáñez Berta , Cambra Koldo , García-Mouriz Marta , Iriarte Ana
Published: April 2016

Aim. To determine the influence of age at onset of type 1 diabetes and of traditional vascular risk factors on the development of diabetic retinopathy, in a cohort of patients who have been followed up after onset.Methods. Observational, retrospective study. The cohort consists of 989 patients who were followed up after diagnosis for a mean of 10.1 (SD: 6.8) years. The influence of age at diagnosis, glycemic control, duration of diabetes, sex, blood pressure, lipids, BMI, and smoking is analyzed using Cox univariate and multivariate models with fixed and time-dependent variables.Results. 135 patients (13.7%) developed diabetic retinopathy. The cumulative incidence was 0.7, 5.9, and 21.8% at 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-up, respectively. Compared to the group with onset at age <10 years, the risk of retinopathy increased 2.5-, 3-, 3.3-, and 3.7-fold in the groups with onset at 10–14, 15–29, 30–44, and >44 years, respectively. During follow-up we also observed an association between diabetic retinopathy and HbA1c levels, HDL-cholesterol, and diastolic blood pressure.Conclusion. The rate of diabetic retinopathy is higher in patients who were older at type 1 diabetes diagnosis. In addition, we confirmed the influence of glycemic control, HDL-cholesterol, and diastolic blood pressure on the occurrence of retinopathy.
Molecular Insights of Pathways Resulting from Two Common PIK3CA Mutations in Breast Cancer
Authors: Bhat-Nakshatri Poornima , Goswami Chirayu P. , Badve Sunil , Magnani Luca , Lupien Mathieu , Nakshatri Harikrishna
Published: April 2016

The PI3K pathway is activated in approximately 70% of breast cancers. PIK3CA gene mutations or amplifications that affect the PI3K p110α subunit account for activation of this pathway in 20% to 40% of cases, particularly in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive breast cancers. AKT family of kinases, AKT1–3, are the downstream targets of PI3K and these kinases activate ERα. Although several inhibitors of PI3K have been developed, none has proven effective in the clinic, partly due to an incomplete understanding of the selective routing of PI3K signaling to specific AKT isoforms. Accordingly, we investigated in this study the contribution of specific AKT isoforms in connecting PI3K activation to ERα signaling, and we also assessed the utility of using the components of PI3K–AKT isoform–ERα signaling axis as predictive biomarkers of response to PI3K inhibitors. Using a variety of physiologically relevant model systems with defined natural or knock-in PIK3CA mutations and/or PI3K hyperactivation, we show that PIK3CA-E545K mutations (found in ∼20% of PIK3CA-mutant breast cancers), but not PIK3CA-H1047R mutations (found in 55% of PIK3CA-mutant breast cancers), preferentially activate AKT1. Our findings argue that AKT1 signaling is needed to respond to estrogen and PI3K inhibitors in breast cancer cells with PIK3CA-E545K mutation, but not in breast cancer cells with other PIK3CA mutations. This study offers evidence that personalizing treatment of ER-positive breast cancers to PI3K inhibitor therapy may benefit from an analysis of PIK3CA–E545K–AKT1–estrogen signaling pathways. Cancer Res; 76(13); 3989–4001. ©2016 AACR.
Manual de catalogação de partituras da biblioteca da ECA
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Comunicações e Artes, Recine Analúcia dos S. Viviani , Macambyra Marina ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Comunicações e Artes
Published: April 2016

Manual de normas de catalogação de partituras que explica a coleta das informações, padronização e registro nos campos de uma base de dados.Trata, também, do arranjo físico, conservação e recuperação da informação.
Morfologia do caule de plantas com sementes
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ), Almeida Marcílio de , Almeida Cristina Vieira de ,   Empresa InVitroPalm Consultoria Estudo e Desenvolvimento Biológico Ltda
Published: April 2016

ste segundo volume da Coleção Botânica descreve outra estrutura vegetativa, o caule, órgão que permite a comunicação entre os sistemas: radicular e foliar, responsável por sustentar a copa constituída pelos ramos e folhas. Os caules, geralmente são aéreos e luz. Seu crescimento é oposto à força da gravidade, e em função disso, são caracterizados como órgãos que apresentam geotropismo negativo.
Carnasacra - Símbolo de resistência negra e objeto de manifestação popular
Authors: Rodrigues Juliana Hoffman
Published: April 2016

Este artigo examina o desenvolvimento de uma comunidade que evidencia sua luta e resistência para a construção de suas referências. Um povo que luta ainda hoje pela preservação de sua história, de sua cultura e da formação de sua identidade, através de manifestações, em especial o carnaval. Este texto pretende compreender a contextualização histórico-cultural da cidade de Sacramento, os acontecimentos que deram origem ao carnaval e a descrição deste, assim como resgatar o ideal de origem desta manifestação de resistência com função de combate ao racismo e à exclusão social e construção do seu referencial simbólico.
Paulínia: investimento público em cinema como propulsor cultural, social e econômico
Authors: Pacheco Camila Caprini de Campos
Published: April 2016

Este artigo propõe uma análise sobre a cidade de Paulínia, no interior de São Paulo, Brasil, e seu Polo Cinematográfico conhecido como a “Hollywood Brasileira”, com a finalidade de avaliar como os editais públicos e incentivos fiscais municipais criados pela prefeitura do Município vêm sendo utilizados, não somente para prover melhora e inclusão sociais, mas também o desenvolvimento econômico e cultural da cidade, por meio da produção de filmes brasileiros. A análise é embasada por estudos de políticas culturais descritas em bibliografias especializadas, nas opiniões da população de Paulínia, na crítica dos produtores culturais beneficiários de editais e na avaliação do potencial e viabilidade de expansão do projeto para outras cidades.
An extended distribution of recently described Natesh’s Cape-pondweed (Aponogetonaceae: Aponogeton nateshii) to the state of Karnataka, India
Authors: Kambale Sharad Suresh , Kolte Rutuja Rajendra , Malapati Janarthanam K.
Published: April 2016

Aponogeton nateshii, a recently described endemic species from coastal plains of Konkan region of Maharashtra is recorded from the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Notes on its habitat and variations are provided.
Persistent Increase in Blood Pressure After Renal Nerve Stimulation in Accessory Renal Arteries After Sympathetic Renal Denervation
Authors: de Jong Mark R. , Hoogerwaard Annemiek F. , Gal Pim , Adiyaman Ahmet , Smit Jaap Jan J. , Delnoy Peter Paul H.M. , Ramdat Misier Anand R. , van Hasselt Boudewijn A.A.M. , Heeg Jan-Evert , le Polain de Waroux Jean-Benoit , Lau Elizabeth O.Y. , Staessen Jan A. , Persu Alexandre , Elvan Arif
Published: April 2016

Blood pressure response to renal denervation is highly variable, and the proportion of responders is disappointing. This may be partly because of accessory renal arteries too small for denervation, causing incomplete ablation. Renal nerve stimulation before and after renal denervation is a promising approach to assess completeness of renal denervation and may predict blood pressure response to renal denervation. The objective of the current study was to assess renal nerve stimulation–induced blood pressure increase before and after renal sympathetic denervation in main and accessory renal arteries of anaesthetized patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The study included 21 patients. Nine patients had at least 1 accessory renal artery in which renal denervation was not feasible. Renal nerve stimulation was performed in the main arteries of all patients and in accessory renal arteries of 6 of 9 patients with accessory arteries, both before and after renal sympathetic denervation. Renal nerve stimulation before renal denervation elicited a substantial increase in systolic blood pressure, both in main (25.6±2.9 mm Hg;
P
<0.001) and accessory (24.3±7.4 mm Hg;
P
=0.047) renal arteries. After renal denervation, renal nerve stimulation–induced systolic blood pressure increase was blunted in the main renal arteries (Δ systolic blood pressure, 8.6±3.7 mm Hg;
P
=0.020), but not in the nondenervated renal accessory renal arteries (Δ systolic blood pressure, 27.1±7.6 mm Hg;
P
=0.917). This residual source of renal sympathetic tone may result in persistent hypertension after ablation and partly account for the large response variability.
Aldosterone Induces Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 Expression and Further Contributes to Collagen Accumulation
Authors: Hung Chi-Sheng , Chou Chia-Hung , Liao Che-Wei , Lin Yen-Tin , Wu Xue-Ming , Chang Yi-Yao , Chen Ying-Hsien , Wu Vin-Cent , Su Ming-Jai , Ho Yi-Lwun , Chen Ming-Fong , Wu Kwan-Dun , Lin Yen-Hung
Published: April 2016

Aldosterone induces myocardial fibrosis. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is a key factor of myocardial fibrosis. This study tested the hypothesis that aldosterone induces TIMP-1 expression and contributes to the fibrotic process. We prospectively enrolled 54 patients with primary aldosteronism, and measured plasma TIMP-1 and echocardiographic parameters. In the cell study, we investigated the possible molecular mechanism by which aldosterone induces TIMP-1 secretion and the effects on collagen accumulation. In the animal study, we measured serum TIMP-1 levels, cardiac TIMP-1 levels, and cardiac structure in an aldosterone infusion mouse model using implantation of aldosterone pellets. In patients with primary aldosteronism, plasma TIMP-1 was correlated with 24-hour urinary aldosterone, left ventricular mass, and impairment of left ventricular diastolic function. In human cardiac fibroblasts, TIMP-1 protein and mRNA expressions were significantly increased by aldosterone through the glucocorticoid receptor/PI3K/Akt/nuclear factor-κB pathway. TIMP-1 small-interfering RNA significantly reduced aldosterone-induced collagen accumulation, and aldosterone did not alter the levels of collagen1a1 or matrix metalloproteinase-1 mRNA. The aldosterone-induced TIMP-1 expression was inversely related to matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity. Furthermore, in the animal model, the serum and cardiac levels of TIMP-1 were significantly elevated in the mice that received aldosterone infusion. This elevation was blocked by RU-486 but not by eplerenone, suggesting that the effect was through glucocorticoid receptors. In a long-term aldosterone infusion model, serum TIMP-1 was associated with serum aldosterone level, cardiac structure, and fibrosis. In conclusion, aldosterone induced TIMP-1 expression in vivo and in vitro. This increased TIMP-1 expression resulted in enhanced collagen accumulation via the suppression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 activity.
Chronic Nebivolol Treatment Suppresses Endothelin-1–Mediated Vasoconstrictor Tone in Adults With Elevated Blood Pressure
Authors: Diehl Kyle J. , Stauffer Brian L. , Dow Caitlin A. , Bammert Tyler D. , Brunjes Danielle L. , Greiner Jared J. , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: April 2016

Abstract—

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays a major role in the pathophysiology of hypertension and its associated cardiovascular risk. We tested the hypothesis that chronic nebivolol treatment reduces ET-1–mediated vasoconstrictor tone in adult humans with elevated blood pressure (BP). Furthermore, reducing ET-1 vasoconstrictor activity contributes to the improvement in endothelial vasodilator function associated with nebivolol treatment. Forty-two middle-aged adults with elevated BP (systolic BP ≥130 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥85 mm Hg) completed a 3-month, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial: 14 received nebivolol (8 men/6 women; 5 mg per day); 14 received metoprolol succinate (9 men/5 women; 100 mg per day); and 14 received placebo (9 men/5 women). Forearm blood flow (plethysmography) responses to selective (BQ-123: 100 nmol/min; 60 minutes) and nonselective (BQ-123+BQ-788 [50 nmol/min]; 60 minutes) ET-1 receptor blockade, as well as acetylcholine (4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 μg per 100 mL of tissue per minute) in the absence and presence of nonselective ET-1 receptor blockade were determined before and after each treatment intervention. Forearm blood flow responses to BQ-123 and BQ-123+BQ-788 were similarly and significantly elevated (≈30% and 60%, respectively) from baseline in all 3 groups. Nebivolol, but not metoprolol or placebo, therapy resulted in a marked (≈25% and 45%;
P
<0.05) reduction in forearm blood flow response to BQ-123 and BQ-123+BQ-788. Moreover, after nebivolol therapy only, vasodilator response to acetylcholine was not significantly increased by ET-1 receptor blockade. These results demonstrate that nebivolol, but not metoprolol, treatment reduces ET-1–mediated vasoconstrictor tone in adult humans with elevated BP. In addition, nebivolol-induced reduction in ET-1–mediated vasoconstrictor tone underlies the favorable effects of this β-blocker on endothelial vasodilation.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01395329.
Circulating Antiangiogenic Factors and Myocardial Dysfunction in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Shahul Sajid , Medvedofsky Diego , Wenger Julia B. , Nizamuddin Junaid , Brown Samuel M. , Bajracharya Surichhya , Salahuddin Saira , Thadhani Ravi , Mueller Ariel , Tung Avery , Lang Roberto M. , Arany Zoltan , Talmor Daniel , Karumanchi S. Ananth , Rana Sarosh
Published: April 2016

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with subclinical changes in cardiac function. Although the mechanism underlying this finding is unknown, elevated levels of soluble antiangiogenic proteins such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1) and soluble endoglin (sEng) are associated with myocardial dysfunction and may play a role. We hypothesized that these antiangiogenic proteins may contribute to the development of cardiac dysfunction in HDP. We prospectively studied 207 pregnant women with HDP and nonhypertensive controls and evaluated whether changes in global longitudinal strain (GLS) observed on echocardiography is specific for HDP and whether these changes correlate with HDP biomarkers, sFlt1 and sEng. A total of 62 (30%) patients were diagnosed with preeclampsia (group A), 105 (51%) did not have an HDP (group B), and 40 (19%) were diagnosed with chronic or gestational hypertension (group C). Blood was drawn and sFlt1 and sEng levels measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comprehensive echocardiograms, including measurement of GLS, were performed on all patients. Overall, GLS was worse in women in group A (preeclampsia) than those in group B or C. Increasing sFlt1 and sEng levels correlated with worsening GLS (
r
=0.44 for sFlt1 and
r
=0.46 for sEng, both
P
<0.001), which remained significant after multivariable analysis (
r
=0.18 and
r
=0.22, both
P
≤0.01). Increasing levels also correlated with increasing left ventricular mass index, which also remained significant after multivariable analysis (
r
=0.20 for sFlt1 and 0.19 for sEng, both
P
=0.01). Elevated circulating levels of antiangiogenic proteins in HDP correlate with and may contribute to myocardial dysfunction as measured by GLS.
Is School Value Added Indicative of Principal Quality?
Authors: Chiang Hanley , Lipscomb Stephen , Gill Brian
Published: April 2016

States across the country are developing systems for evaluating school principals on the basis of student achievement growth. A common approach is to hold principals accountable for the value added of their schools—that is, schools’ contributions to student achievement growth. In theory, school value added can reflect not only principals’ effectiveness but also other school-specific influences on student achievement growth that are outside of principals’ control. In this paper, we isolate principals’ effects on student achievement growth and examine the extent to which school value added captures the effects that principals persistently demonstrate. Using longitudinal data on the math and reading outcomes of fourth- through eighth-grade students in Pennsylvania, our findings indicate that school value added provides very poor information for revealing principals’ persistent levels of effectiveness.
The Impact of Turnaround Reform on Student Outcomes: Evidence and Insights from the Los Angeles Unified School District
Authors: Strunk Katharine O. , Marsh Julie A. , Hashim Ayesha K. , Bush-Mecenas Susan , Weinstein Tracey
Published: April 2016

We examine the Los Angeles Unified School District's Public School Choice Initiative (PSCI), which sought to turnaround the district's lowest-performing schools. We ask whether school turnaround impacted student outcomes, and what explains variations in outcomes across reform cohorts. We use a Comparative Interrupted Time Series approach using administrative student-level data, following students in the first (1.0), second (2.0), and third (3.0) cohorts of PSCI schools. We find that students in 1.0 turnaround schools saw no significant improvements in outcomes, whereas students enrolled in 2.0 schools saw significant gains in English Language Arts in both years of the reform. Students in 3.0 schools experienced significant decreases in achievement. Qualitative and survey data suggest that increased support and assistance and the use of reconstitution and restart as the sole turnaround methods contributed to gains in 2.0, whereas policy changes in 3.0 caused difficulties and confusion in implementation, leading to poor student performance.
Principled Design and Runtime Analysis of Abstract Convex Evolutionary Search
Authors: Moraglio Alberto , Sudholt Dirk
Published: April 2016

Geometric crossover is a formal class of crossovers that includes many well-known recombination operators across representations. In previous work, it was shown that all evolutionary algorithms with geometric crossover (but no mutation) do the same form of convex search regardless of the underlying representation, the specific selection mechanism, offspring distribution, search space, and problem at hand. Furthermore, it was suggested that the generalised convex search could perform well on generalised forms of concave and approximately concave fitness landscapes regardless of the underlying space and representation. In this article, we deepen this line of enquiry and study the runtime of generalised convex search on concave fitness landscapes. This is a first step toward linking a geometric theory of representations and runtime analysis in the attempt to (1) set the basis for a more general, unified approach for the runtime analysis of evolutionary algorithms across representations, and (2) identify the essential matching features of evolutionary search behaviour and landscape topography that cause polynomial performance. We present a general runtime result that can be systematically instantiated to specific search spaces and representations and present its specifications to three search spaces. As a corollary, we obtain that the convex search algorithm optimises LeadingOnes in [Formula: see text] fitness evaluations, which is faster than all unbiased unary black box algorithms.
Emerging Adulthood Transitions in Japan
Authors: Ronald Richard , Izuhara Misa
Published: April 2016

Post-war Japanese adulthood derived from a hegemonic framework in which young people formed home-owning family households featuring “salary-men” and female-homemakers. Since the 1980s, however, along with prolonged economic downturn, Japanese adult transitions have become increasingly fragmented and non-linear. A growing concern has been the social, economic and ontological individualisation of younger adults, resulting in a phenomenal decline in partnering and marriage, on the one hand, and sharp increases in young people either staying on in the natal home or living alone, on the other. This paper begins by examining the wider context of recent unravelling in marriage and family formation before going on to consider the case of Japan in more detail. While dominant understandings of contemporary transitions into adulthood focus on “delay”, socioeconomic decline since the bursting of the economic bubble in the 1990s has undermined transitions into adulthood in Japan more substantially. Specifically, while many existing studies address labour market transitions among younger generations, we focus on the interaction of marriage and housing careers which play particularly important roles. Our analysis thereby contributes to both understanding of social contingencies that shape adult transitions and the role of housing and marriage markets, together, in mediating the attainment of full adulthood.
Development of a quantification method with real-time PCR for three Pratylenchus species causing damage to chrysanthemum in Japan
Authors: Koyama Yuki , Toyota Koki , Miyamaru Naoko , Yoshida Koichi , Uesugi Kenta
Published: April 2016

ThreePratylenchusspecies,P. penetrans,P. pseudocoffeaeandP. kumamotoensis, are major threats to chrysanthemum production in Japan. To develop a quantification method for these threePratylenchusspecies in soil using real-time PCR, we designed two new specific primer sets forP. pseudocoffeaeandP. kumamotoensisand applied the primer set NEG, developed previously, forP. penetrans. Relationships between the threshold cycle (Ct:y) values and number of nematodes inoculated (log2(no. (20 g soil)−1):x) were forP. penetrans,P. pseudocoffeaeandP. kumamotoensis. The quantification of thesePratylenchusspp. was conducted using 16 soil samples.Pratylenchus penetransandP. kumamotoensiswere detected from seven and one soil samples, respectively, while noP. pseudocoffeaewas detected. These results demonstrated that the presently designed primers are useful to quantify the densities of threePratylenchusspp. in chrysanthemum fields in Japan.
Recent Developments in eu Environmental Policy and Legislation
Authors: Gordeeva Yelena M.
Published: April 2016

This section briefly describes the significant political initiatives and acts of legislation in the environmental field adopted from March 2015 until December 2015.*
A new genus and species of the paraneopteran family Archipsyllidae in mid-Cretaceous amber of Myanmar
Authors: LIANG FEIYANG , ZHANG WEIWEI , LIU XINGYUE
Published: April 2016

Paraneoptera is a group of orders, representing one of the highly diverse clades of winged insects. Paleozoic and Mesozoic fossil paraneopterans include a few primitive species, which are significant for understanding the early evolution of Paraneoptera. Here we report a new genus and species, namely Burmopsylla maculata gen. et sp. nov. from the mid-Cretaceous (ca. 99 Myr) amber of Myanmar. The new genus belongs to the family Archipsyllidae by having hindwing similar to forewing (shape, size and venation), presence of forewing ra-rp, rp-m and cua-cup crossveins, two-branched R, four-branched M, and four-segmented tarsus. The new species represents the second species of Archipsyllidae in Cretaceous Burmese amber.
Numerical simulation of mold filling and particulate flow of A356/SiCp indirect squeeze casting
Authors: Hu Qiyao , Zhao Haidong , Long Han , Dong Puyun , Zhu Gang
Published: April 2016

In this investigation, a mathematical model based on the dispersed phase model and multiphase flow principle was introduced, and applied to simulate the mold filling and particulate flow of particulate reinforced metal matrix composites casting. Experiments of spiral-square shaped indirect squeeze castings of A356/50 µm SiCp were conducted to validate the established model. The SiCp fractions in the casting different locations were quantitatively measured with micro digital image analysis system and were compared with the simulation results. It was found that particulate fractions and distribution patterns at different locations were quite different along the filling distance. The experimental and simulated results about the SiCp distribution in the castings show acceptable agreement. Further, the effect of fluid flow and particulate trajectories on the particulate distribution was analyzed and discussed. The research has shown the validity of application of the model for practical particulate reinforced Al-based composites casting.
The Paradox of Professional Marginality among Arab-Bedouin Women
Authors: Abu-Rabia-Queder Sarab
Published: April 2016

This study examines the mechanisms that create a paradox of marginality among middle-class Arab-Bedouin professional women in Israel by applying an intersectional analysis of their everyday professional life. It shows that the paradox of their marginality – despite their possessing high educational capital in their society, comparable to that of highly educated professional Jewish (men and women) and Arab-Bedouin male colleagues – is reproduced through the differential validation of embodied cultural capital based on women’s cultural roles solely as a symbol of their professional inferiority. The study indicates that when their professional capital intersects with other power axes within the public sphere – for example, ethnicity/racism, gender, religious norms and tribalism – it is not accorded recognition or legitimacy by male Arab-Bedouin professionals or by Jewish professionals, colleagues and clients, thus giving rise to representational intersectionality.
How Advertorials Deactivate Advertising Schema: MTurk-Based Experiments to Examine Persuasion Tactics and Outcomes in Health Advertisements
Authors: Kim Sunny Jung , Hancock Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2016

Advertorials—advertisements camouflaged as editorial material—are a pervasive advertising strategy. Presentational features of advertorials, such as a small or omitted advertisement label and useful information presented in an editorial format prior to promoting a product, are likely to give impressions to readers that the reading material is a useful resource rather than advertising material. We examined the cognitive and persuasive effects of health product–related advertorials based on a schema-laden information processing model framework. Study 1 ( n = 337) found that advertorials were less likely to trigger advertising schema, especially consumer awareness of persuasive intent. Study 2 ( n = 336) found that the structure presenting useful information before advertising a related product decreased consumer skepticism. Overall, readers exhibited more positive attitudes toward advertorials than they did toward traditional advertisements due to decreased awareness of persuasive intent (Study 1) and advertorials’ structure (Study 2), which, in turn, increased willingness to purchase advertised products.
Measuring the Construct of Warranting Value and Testing Warranting Theory
Authors: DeAndrea David C. , Carpenter Christopher J.
Published: April 2016

Warranting theory has been used extensively to explain how people evaluate information across a variety of online settings. However, no validated measurement instrument exists to assess the construct of warranting value that is at the core of the theory. Two studies were conducted to develop and validate a General Warranting Value Scale and three scales that assess specific forms of information control: Modification Control, Dissemination Control, and Source Obfuscation. In addition, we tested predictions of warranting theory using multiple stimuli and samples—including a nationally representative sample of adults. Overall, evidence for scale validity was obtained: Confirmatory factor analyses were consistent with measurement model fit. All scales were sensitive to theoretically predicted manipulations and were correlated with theoretically predicted outcomes.
Differential Effects of Capital-Enhancing and Recreational Internet Use on Citizens’ Demand for Democracy
Authors: Stoycheff Elizabeth , Nisbet Erik C. , Epstein Dmitry
Published: April 2016

This study seeks to contribute to the growing body of scholarship about the Internet’s role in authoritarian and transitioning countries. Based on two original surveys of Russian and Ukrainian Internet users, online behaviors were classified as either primarily capital enhancing or recreational in terms of their democratic potential. Indirect and differential models of how these types of Internet use are associated with citizen demand for democracy were tested using serial mediation. Capital-enhancing use exhibited an indirect positive effect on demand for democratic governance by increasing critical appraisals of the incumbent regime, whereas recreational Internet was associated with satisfactory evaluations of non-democratic regimes and more entrenched authoritarian worldviews.
Gender Differences in Spousal Care Across the Later Life Course
Authors: Glauber Rebecca
Published: April 2016

Spouses often serve as the primary caregivers to their ill or disabled partners. Studies have shown that men receive more care from their wives than vice versa, but few studies have focused on how the gender gap in care varies across the later life course. Drawing on data from the Health and Retirement Study, this study examined the moderating effects of age, gender, and full-time employment on married women’s and men’s receipt of spousal care. This study found that among community-dwelling married adults, the gender gap in care was larger among those in middle age (50–65) than it was among those in older age. As women and men aged, the gender gap decreased primarily because men left full-time work and increased the amount of time that they spent caring for their wives. As gender differences in full-time employment narrowed, the gender gap in spousal care narrowed.
What Determines the Shape of an EQ-5D Index Distribution?
Authors: Parkin David , Devlin Nancy , Feng Yan
Published: April 2016

Background. EQ-5D-3L index scores in patient and general populations typically have a nonnormal distribution, divided into 2 distinct groups. It is important to understand to what extent this is determined by the way that the EQ-5D-3L index is constructed rather than by the true distribution of ill health. Objective. This paper examines the determinants of the “2 groups” distribution pattern and the extent to which this pattern is attributable either to the EQ-5D-3L classification system used to create health state profiles or to the weights applied to profiles. Methods. Data from the English NHS PROMs program (hip and knee replacements and varicose vein and hernia repairs) and from a study of 2 chronic conditions (asthma and angina) were used to compare the distributions of EQ-5D-3L index scores with distributions from which weights have been stripped; profile data decomposed into their constituent dimensions and levels; a condition-specific index; and using weights from different countries, based on both time tradeoff and visual analogue scale. Results. The EQ-5D-3L classification system generates differences between patients with the same condition in respect of dimensions that are mainly observed at level 2 or 3. The weights commonly used to calculate the index exacerbate this grouping by placing a larger weight on level 3 observations, generating a noticeable gap in index scores between the groups. Conclusions. Analyzing EQ-5D profile data enables a better understanding of the resulting distribution of EQ-5D scores. The distinctive shape observed for these distributions is the result of both the classification system and the weights applied to it.