bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political competition and de facto judicial independence in non‐democracies
Authors: EPPERLY BRAD
Published: December 2016

This article investigates the role of political competition in explaining de facto judicial independence in non‐democratic regimes. It argues that the electoral, political insurance explanation popular in the study of courts in democracies also offers explanatory power in the autocratic context, despite popular wisdom otherwise: due to the relatively greater risks of losing power in non‐democracies, electoral competition is highly salient when present. This is examined via hierarchical and fixed effects models that show competition strongly associated with increased levels of independence. This relationship is robust to alternative model and data specification, and has strong out‐of‐sample predictive accuracy.
Democracy without choice: Citizens’ perceptions of government autonomy during the Eurozone crisis
Authors: RUIZ‐RUFINO RUBÉN , ALONSO SONIA
Published: December 2016

In this article it is argued that citizens take into account the degree of a government's political autonomy to implement particular policies when expressing their views on satisfaction with democracy (SWD) but, in order to do so, they need to perceive it. When citizens directly observe the external constraints that reduce their government's autonomy, then variations in levels of regime satisfaction may no longer be exclusively about government performance – as widely argued by political economists – but also about democratic choice. The argument develops after comparing the existing scenarios in the Eurozone before and after the Great Recession. Citizens only began to perceive their own lack of choice to decide between policy alternatives when the sovereign debt crisis broke out in May 2010, the date of the first Greek bail‐out. It is then when citizens started to update their beliefs about the functioning of democracy as a system in which alternative policies can be adopted as bail‐out deals were signed between national governments from the Euro periphery and the Troika. This updating process towards the way democracy works explains the increasing gap in the levels of SWD between bailed‐out economies and the rest of the countries in the Eurozone. Empirical confirmation for this claim is found after analysing Eurobarometer surveys from 2002 to 2014 and using a two‐step difference‐in‐difference analysis that combines individual and aggregate data.
Life expectancy, maximum longevity and lifetime reproductive success in female Thornicroft's giraffe in Zambia
Authors: Bercovitch Fred B. , Berry Philip S. M.
Published: December 2016

Gestation and longevity scale with body mass across taxa, yet within size dimorphic taxa, males tend to have reduced lifespans compared with females. Testing life history models, and accounting for sex differences in longevity, requires obtaining accurate longitudinal data from wild populations. We provide the first report describing key life history parameters from a long‐term study of giraffes in Africa. We followed a population of Thornicroft's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti) in Zambia for over 40 years. Maximum longevity among females was approximately 28 years, with lifespan accounting for 81% of the variance in lifetime reproductive success. Average adult female life expectancy was no different than average adult male life expectancy. However, the breeding lifespan of males was about half that of females, while maximum lifespan of males was 75% that of females. Our findings support the suggestion that sex differences in maximum lifespan arise from stronger selection for lengthy lives in females than in males. Among females, longer lives are associated with greater reproductive output.
Characterization of phytoplankton assemblages in a tropical coastal environment using Kohonen self‐organizing map
Authors: Osemwegie Isimemen , Niamien‐Ebrottié Julie E. , Koné Mathieu Y. J. , Ouattara Allassane , Biemi Jean , Reichert Barbara
Published: December 2016

This study was aimed at understanding the main abiotic environmental factors controlling the distribution patterns of abundance and composition of phytoplankton (size less than 10 μm) assemblages in the coastal waters of south‐eastern Côte d'Ivoire. Data were collected during two cruises, in January (low‐water period) and October (high‐water period) of 2014. A total of 67 species were identified and assigned to Bacillariophyceae (49%), Cyanophyceae (21%), Chlorophyceae (13%), Euglenophyceae (10%), Dinophyceae (4%) and Chrysophyceae (3%). Three biotic zones (I, IIA and IIB) were distinguishable on a Kohonen self‐organizing map after an unsupervised learning process. The diatom genera Eunotia sp., Navicula sp. and Actinoptychus senarius are significantly associated with I, IIA and IIB biotic zones, respectively. A clear seasonal cum salinity trend was apparent in phytoplankton distribution patterns. Turbidity and nitrate levels were the main abiotic factors controlling phytoplankton distribution in I, the upland tidal regions of the lagoon. In regions along the lagoon–sea continuum, phosphate and turbidity exert the most control during the low‐water season (IIA), while total dissolved solids control phytoplankton distribution during the high‐water season (IIB). These are climate‐sensitive parameters whose concentrations depend on prevailing hydroclimatic processes. Therefore, seasonality can have important consequences on phytoplankton community and inadvertently the productivity of these systems.
A randomised controlled trial comparing transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) pre‐oxygenation with facemask pre‐oxygenation in patients undergoing rapid sequence induction of anaesthesia
Authors: Mir F. , Patel A. , Iqbal R. , Cecconi M. , Nouraei S. A. R.
Published: December 2016

Pre‐oxygenation is an essential part of rapid sequence induction of general anaesthesia for emergency surgery, in order to increase the oxygen reservoir in the lungs. We performed a randomised controlled trial of transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) pre‐oxygenation or facemask pre‐oxygenation in patients undergoing emergency surgery. Twenty patients were allocated to each group. No patient developed arterial oxygen saturation < 90% during attempted tracheal intubation. Arterial blood gases were sampled from an arterial catheter immediately after intubation. The mean (SD) PaO2 was 43.7 (15.2) kPa in the THRIVE group vs. 41.9 (16.2) kPa in the facemask group (p = 0.722); PaCO2 was 5.8 (1.1) kPa in the THRIVE group vs. 5.6 (1.0) kPa in the facemask group (p = 0.631); arterial pH was 7.36 (0.05) in the THRIVE group vs. 7.34 (0.06) in the facemask group (p = 0.447). No airway rescue manoeuvres were needed, and there were no differences in the number of laryngoscopy attempts between the groups. In spite of this, patients in the THRIVE group had a significantly longer apnoea time of 248 (71) s compared with 123 (55) s in the facemask group (p < 0.001). Transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange is a practicable method for pre‐oxygenating patients during rapid sequence induction of general anaesthesia for emergency surgery; we found that it maintained an equivalent blood gas profile to facemask pre‐oxygenation, in spite of a significantly longer apnoea time.
Amphiregulin triggered epidermal growth factor receptor activation confers in vivo crizotinib‐resistance of EML4‐ALK lung cancer and circumvention by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors
Authors: Taniguchi Hirokazu , Takeuchi Shinji , Fukuda Koji , Nakagawa Takayuki , Arai Sachiko , Nanjo Shigeki , Yamada Tadaaki , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Mukae Hiroshi , Yano Seiji
Published: December 2016

Crizotinib, a first‐generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor, is known to be effective against echinoderm microtubule‐associated protein‐like 4 (EML4)‐ALK‐positive non‐small cell lung cancers. Nonetheless, the tumors subsequently become resistant to crizotinib and recur in almost every case. The mechanism of the acquired resistance needs to be deciphered. In this study, we established crizotinib‐resistant cells (A925LPE3‐CR) via long‐term administration of crizotinib to a mouse model of pleural carcinomatous effusions; this model involved implantation of the A925LPE3 cell line, which harbors the EML4‐ALK gene rearrangement. The resistant cells did not have the secondary ALK mutations frequently occurring in crizotinib‐resistant cells, and these cells were cross‐resistant to alectinib and ceritinib as well. In cell clone #2, which is one of the clones of A925LPE3‐CR, crizotinib sensitivity was restored via the inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by means of an EGFR tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor (erlotinib) or an anti‐EGFR antibody (cetuximab) in vitro and in the murine xenograft model. Cell clone #2 did not have an EGFR mutation, but the expression of amphiregulin (AREG), one of EGFR ligands, was significantly increased. A knockdown of AREG with small interfering RNAs restored the sensitivity to crizotinib. These data suggest that overexpression of EGFR ligands such as AREG can cause resistance to crizotinib, and that inhibition of EGFR signaling may be a promising strategy to overcome crizotinib resistance in EML4‐ALK lung cancer.
Revisiting Type 2‐high and Type 2‐low airway inflammation in asthma: current knowledge and therapeutic implications
Authors: Robinson D. , Humbert M. , Buhl R. , Cruz A. A. , Inoue H. , Korom S. , Hanania N. A. , Nair P.
Published: December 2016

Asthma is a complex respiratory disorder characterized by marked heterogeneity in individual patient disease triggers and response to therapy. Several asthma phenotypes have now been identified, each defined by a unique interaction between genetic and environmental factors, including inflammatory, clinical and trigger‐related phenotypes. Endotypes further describe the functional or pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the patient's disease. type 2‐driven asthma is an emerging nomenclature for a common subtype of asthma and is characterized by the release of signature cytokines IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 from cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. A number of well‐recognized biomarkers have been linked to mechanisms involved in type 2 airway inflammation, including fractional exhaled nitric oxide, serum IgE, periostin, and blood and sputum eosinophils. These type 2 cytokines are targets for pharmaceutical intervention, and a number of therapeutic options are under clinical investigation for the management of patients with uncontrolled severe asthma. Anticipating and understanding the heterogeneity of asthma and subsequent improved characterization of different phenotypes and endotypes must guide the selection of treatment to meet individual patients’ needs.
Homeostatic migration and distribution of innate immune cells in primary and secondary lymphoid organs with ageing
Authors: Nikolich-Žugich J , Davies J S
Published: December 2016

Ageing of the innate and adaptive immune system, collectively termed immune senescence, is a complex process. One method to understand the components of ageing involves dissociating the effects of ageing on the cells of the immune system, on the microenvironment in lymphoid organs and tissues where immune cells reside and on the circulating factors that interact with both immune cells and their microenvironment. Heterochronic parabiosis, a surgical union of two organisms of disparate ages, is ideal for this type of study, as it has the power to dissociate the age of the cell and the age of the microenvironment into which the cell resides or is migrating. So far, however, it has been used sparingly to study immune ageing. Here we review the limited literature on homeostatic innate immune cell trafficking in ageing in the absence of chronic inflammation. We also review our own recent data on trafficking of innate immune subsets between primary and secondary lymphoid organs in heterochronic parabiosis. We found no systemic bias in retention or acceptance of neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells or natural killer cells with ageing in primary and secondary lymphoid organs. We conclude that these four innate immune cell types migrate to and populate lymphoid organs (peripheral lymph nodes, spleen and bone marrow), regardless of their own age and of the age of lymphoid organs.
Extra‐acral cutaneous sclerosing perineurioma with CD34 fingerprint pattern
Authors: Macarenco Ricardo S. , Cury‐Martins Jade
Published: December 2016

Sclerosing perineuroma is a variant of extraneural perineurioma that, as a rule, occurs in acral sites. However, it has also been occasionally reported in non‐acral regions. Recently, CD34 expression in a pattern reminiscent of the human fingerprint has been observed in a subset of perineuriomas, but this immunohistochemical finding has not been documented in non‐acral sclerosing perineuriomas. We report a case of sclerosing perineurioma presenting CD34 expression in a fingerprint‐like pattern on the skin of the neck (a previously unreported site for this neoplasm) of a 56‐year‐old man. In addition, alpha smooth‐muscle actin showed a similar pattern of expression, suggesting that the cell population implicated in the remarkable immunolabeling is most probably fibroblastic/myofibroblastic. Other immunohistochemical findings included epithelial membrane antigen and claudin1—positive lesional cells, and the absence of S100, glucose transporter protein 1, MUC4 and desmin.
A rare case of cutaneous oncocytic hidradenoma
Authors: Reddy Shivani P. , Chong Kim , Cassarino David S.
Published: December 2016

Oncocytes are epithelial cells characterized by their abundant eosinophilic and finely granular cytoplasm. Their histologic appearance is due to excessive amounts of cytoplasmic mitochondria. Oncocytes generally occur in the setting of benign neoplasms. Oncocytomas, or tumors composed primarily of oncocytes, are typically found in the kidneys. Other common sites include the salivary, thyroid, and parathyroid glands. Oncocytic metaplasia has only been rarely reported in various cutaneous neoplasms. We report a case of an elderly male presenting with a 5 mm erythematous papule on his left scalp, who underwent a shave biopsy showing a nodular, dermal‐based adnexal tumor with prominent ductal differentiation, composed of multiple small, well‐formed lumina surrounded by enlarged and bland‐appearing epithelioid cells. Cytokeratin 7 (CK7), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and monoclonal carcinoembryonic antigen (mCEA) immunohistochemical stains were positive, consistent with adnexal differentiation. Phosphotungstic acid‐hematoxylin (PTAH) and Luxol fast blue (LFB) stains highlighted the cytoplasmic granules, consistent with mitochondria. The overall findings were consistent with an oncocytic nodular hidradenoma. Oncocytic hidradenoma is a very rare entity, with only 1 previously reported case in the literature.
Local recurrence of cutaneous mixed tumor (chondroid syringoma) as malignant mixed tumor of the thumb 20 years after initial diagnosis
Authors: Nguyen Catherine M. , Cassarino David S.
Published: December 2016

Benign cutaneous mixed tumor (chondroid syringoma) is the cutaneous counterpart of the benign mixed tumor (pleomorphic adenoma) of salivary glands, consisting of both epithelial and mesenchymal elements. The incidence of cutaneous mixed tumor is rare, composing <0.01% of all primary skin tumors. Herein, we report a case of malignant mixed tumor which recurred in the right thumb 20 years after the reported initial diagnosis of a benign mixed tumor at this site. Histologically, the lesion consisted of highly atypical and infiltrative cells in cords and ductal structures, with an adjacent focus of residual benign mixed tumor present. Perineural invasion of multiple dermal and subcutaneous nerves was also seen. Immunohistochemical staining was strongly and diffusely positive for CK5/6 and p63, with patchy positive S100 and CK7 staining. Wide excision was performed, with no evidence of recurrence or metastasis 5 years later.
Cutaneous extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma mimicking cellulitis an HIV positive patient without lymphopenia
Authors: Malviya Neeta , Rainwater Yevgeniya B. , Vandergriff Travis , Mauskar Melissa M.
Published: December 2016

We present the case of a 28‐year‐old male with a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with a 1‐month history of a steadily enlarging, firm painful lesion on the right posterior shoulder. The patient was initially treated for cellulitis given his clinical picture. Histopathologic examination revealed an angiocentric and dermal proliferation of markedly atypical lymphoid cells with numerous mitoses and apoptotic bodies along with broad zones of necrosis. Biopsy revealed the presentation to be consistent with NK/T‐cell lymphoma. The cutaneous lesions from NK/T‐cell lymphoma can often be initially mistaken for cellulitis, therefore this malignancy should be included on the differential in a patient HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Hydrophilic polymer vasculopathy with coinciding pseudoxanthoma elasticum‐like changes in an amputated toe
Authors: Gottesman Silvija P. , Yousefi Elham , Gupta Raavi
Published: December 2016

For the past decades, hydrophilic polymer gel coating have been widely used on endovascular devices to decrease friction and to aid with binding and delivering of medications in drug‐eluting stents. In the recent years, hydrophilic polymer emboli disease has been recognized as an iatrogenic adverse effect which has led to considerable morbidity and mortality of patients. This under‐recognized embolic phenomenon now has reproducible pathognomonic histologic findings. Small‐ to medium‐sized blood vessels are occluded with basophilic, amorphous, non‐refractile, non‐polarizable and whirled aggregates of foreign body material. Depending on the affected organ, the patients have variable symptomatology, from livedo racemosa, gangrene of extremities to cardiac arrhythmias, hemiparesis, stroke and death. Here, we present a unique case of hydrophilic polymer vasculopathy 6 years post‐endovascular procedure with coinciding pseudoxanthoma elasticum‐like changes. As the literature has seen increased reporting of individual cases and case series documenting the patients’ diverse symptomatology; hydrophilic polymer vasculopathy should be entertained sooner in the patient's differential diagnosis.
Does statins promote vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease?
Authors: Chen Zhimin , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Parini Paolo , Hurt‐Camejo Eva , Ripsweden Jonaz , Brismar Torkel B. , Barany Peter , Jaminon Armand M. , Schurgers Leon J. , Heimbürger Olof , Lindholm Bengt , Stenvinkel Peter
Published: December 2016

Background

In end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), coronary artery calcification (CAC) and inflammation contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statins do not improve survival in patients with ESRD, and their effect on vascular calcification is unclear. We explored associations between CAC, inflammatory biomarkers, statins and mortality in ESRD.

Materials and methods

In 240 patients with ESRD (63% males; median age 56 years) from cohorts including 86 recipients of living donor kidney transplant (LD‐Rtx), 96 incident dialysis patients and 58 prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients, associations of CAC score (Agatston Units, AUs), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), use of statins and all‐cause mortality were analysed. Cardiac CT was repeated in 35 patients after 1·5 years of renal replacement therapy. In vitro, human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs) were used to measure vitamin K metabolism.

Results

Among 240 patients, 129 (53%) had a CAC score > 100 AUs. Multivariate analysis revealed that independent predictors of 1‐SD higher CAC score were age, male gender, diabetes and use of statins. The association between CAC score and mortality remained significant after adjustment for age, gender, diabetes, CVD, use of statins, protein‐energy wasting and inflammation. Repeated CAC imaging in 35 patients showed that statin therapy was associated with greater progression of CAC. In vitro synthesis of menaquinone‐4 by hVSMCs was significantly impaired by statins.

Conclusion

Elevated CAC score is a mortality risk factor in ESRD independent of inflammation. Future studies should resolve if statins promote vascular calcification and inhibition of vitamin K synthesis in the uremic milieu.
Study of the anti‐JCV antibody levels in a Spanish multiple sclerosis cohort
Authors: Dominguez‐Mozo María I. , Rus Macarena , Santiago Jose L. , Izquierdo Guillermo , Casanova Ignacio , Galan Victoria , Garcia‐Martinez M. Angel , Arias‐Leal Ana M. , García‐Montojo Marta , Pérez‐Pérez Silvia , Arroyo Rafael , Alvarez‐Lafuente Roberto
Published: December 2016

Background

One of the risk factor to develop progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) among natalizumab‐treated patients is the presence and high levels of anti‐JCV antibodies. Our purpose was to test the association of different clinical and demographic variables with the presence and levels of anti‐JCV antibodies in a Spanish cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during natalizumab treatment.

Materials and methods

All patients with MS from two hospitals with at least one measure of the anti‐JCV antibodies levels (2011–2014) were recruited, among them were two PML cases. Anti‐JCV antibody levels were assessed using two‐step ELISA.

Results

A total of 1061 patients (16·3% natalizumab‐treated) participated in this study. The seropositivity rate of anti‐JCV antibodies was 58·2%. It increased with age (Pcorrected = 0·00005) and was lower among HLA‐DRB1*15:01 carriers (Pcorrected = 0·049). The two patients with PML were HLA‐DRB1*15:01 carriers. We had at least three quarterly anti‐JCV antibody measurements (index value) from 137 patients, whose levels did not increase during natalizumab treatment. However, 5·8% of these patients had an increase of the index value higher of one point in a maximum of 6 months, something that was more frequently observed (P = 0·054) among patients treated with immunosuppressant prior to natalizumab onset.

Conclusions

Old age and HLA‐DRB1*15:01 were the factors that influence positively and negatively, respectively, our anti‐JCV antibody prevalence, although our both PML cases were HLA‐DRB1*15:01carriers. Most of our patients showed a stable anti‐JCV antibody index values during natalizumab treatment.
Can drugs induce or aggravate sleep apneas? A case–noncase study in VigiBase®, the WHO pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Linselle Mélanie , Sommet Agnès , Bondon‐Guitton Emmanuelle , Moulis Florence , Durrieu Geneviève , Benevent Justine , Rousseau Vanessa , Chebane Leila , Bagheri Haleh , Montastruc François , Montastruc Jean‐Louis
Published: December 2016

The potential favorizing role of drugs in sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) is unknown. This study investigates drugs associated with SAS in a pharmacovigilance database. SAS recorded as adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in VigiBase®, the WHO pharmacovigilance database (more than 11 million reports), from 1978 to 2015 was selected. The risk of SAS reports was estimated using the case–noncase method, with cases being SAS and noncases all other recorded ADRs. During this 37‐year period, 3325 ADRs including the word SAS were registered (0.05% of the database). Mean age was 51.2 ± 16.9 years with 52% men. ADRs were ‘serious’ in around 82% of cases. The case–noncase study found an association between SAS and exposition with sodium oxybate, rofecoxib, quetiapine, and clozapine for individual drugs and coxibs, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and opium alkaloids for drug classes. The potential role of other drugs is discussed. This study suggests that SAS can be associated with some drugs (mainly psychotropics) that are able to reveal or aggravate such a disease. Physicians should take into account the role of drugs in the etiological appraisal and management of SAS.
Human papillomavirus‐related carcinoma with adenoid cystic‐like features of the sinonasal tract: clinical and morphological characterization of six new cases
Authors: Andreasen Simon , Bishop Justin A , Hansen Thomas van Overeem , Westra William H , Bilde Anders , von Buchwald Christian , Kiss Katalin
Published: December 2016

Aims

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known as causative for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oropharynx, but is also found not infrequently in carcinomas of the sinonasal tract. Recently, a subset of these carcinomas was recognized to harbour HPV33 and have a significant morphological overlap with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), a rare and aggressive carcinoma originating in the minor salivary glands. Termed ‘HPV‐related carcinoma with ACC‐like features’, only nine cases have been reported. To clarify the occurrence of these tumours we screened a large material for the presence of HPV‐related ACC‐like carcinoma. The identified tumours were characterized immunohistochemically and with fluorescence in‐situ hybridization, and clinicopathological information for all cases is presented.

Methods and results

Forty‐seven candidate cases were screened for presence of HPV. Six cases were identified and genotyped as HPV types 33, 35, and 56. All six cases had areas of dysplastic mucosal lining and showed remarkable heterogeneous morphologies. MYB, MYBL1, and NFIB genes were intact and, interestingly, staining for MYB protein was largely negative in contrast to what was found in ACC. One patient experienced a local recurrence 11 years after initial treatment and the remaining five patients were alive without evidence of disease.

Conclusion

We report six new cases of HPV‐related ACC‐like carcinoma and found that, although in a small material, the prognosis for these patients seems more favourable than for ACC. For the distinction between ACC and HPV‐related ACC‐like carcinoma, p16, MYB immunohistochemistry or investigation of MYB, MYBL1 and NFIB gene status are valuable.
Spectroscopic investigation of samarium‐doped lead oxyflouroborate glasses using photo and cathode luminescence
Authors: Othman Hosam A. , Elkholy Hagar S. , Hager Ibrahim Z.
Published: December 2016

Samarium‐doped lead oxyflouroborate glasses of 60 B2O3‐ xPbO‐ (40‐x)LiF where (x=0‐30 mol%) with 3×1020 ions/cm3 of Sm2O3, were prepared by melt quenching. UVVis absorption, photo luminescence (PL) and cathode luminescence (CL) spectroscopies were used to study the effect of varying PbO content on the spectroscopic properties of these samarium‐doped glasses. The absorption of the UV‐edge shifts toward higher wavelengths, not only because of higher polarizability of lead ions, but also because of the strong allowed s‐p transition of Pb2+. Judd‐Ofelts parameters were determined and indicate that the asymmetry around Sm3+ ions increases with increasing PbO content. Ω2 probes the asymmetry by the ratio of intensity of the hypersensitive transition (6H9/2) to that of purely magnetic (6H5/2) transition. Furthermore, an increase in the spectroscopic quality factor (Ω4/Ω6) was observed with increasing PbO content which indicates that these glasses have the potential to be used as efficient active laser glasses. The calculated energy transfer parameter increases with increasing PbO content. Also, stark splitting increases with increasing PbO concentrations. FWHM of the CL emission peaks and stark splitting, are found to be much larger than that in PL. This was explained by the high electric field generated from the exciting electron pulses.
Waste from peach (Prunus persica) processing used for optimisation of carotenoids ethanolic extraction
Authors: Vargas Emanuela Flor de , Jablonski André , Flôres Simone Hickmann , Rios Alessandro de Oliveira
Published: December 2016

The processing of peaches to produce fruit pulp generates solid and liquid wastes rich in phytochemicals, such as carotenoids; thus, the objective of this work was to study the use of this waste for carotenoid extraction based on a complete experimental design and using response surface methodology. The parameters studied were the amount of solvent (20–50 mL), the number of extractions (1–5) and the extraction time (10–30 min). The extracts were analysed by spectrophotometry and the optimised conditions by HPLC. The optimised results were four extractions of 10 min using 38.5 mL of ethanol, which presented a yield of 168.59 μg g−1 DW of total carotenoids of which 67.55 μg g−1 corresponds to β‐carotene, 86.75 μg g−1 to cryptoxanthin, 12.08 μg g−1 to zeaxanthin and 2.2 μg g−1 to lutein, which representing 66% of extraction pigments relative to the total content of carotenoids present in the peach waste.
Stop for tea? Enzyme inhibitors from tea – what good are they?
Authors: Zhao Min , Li Da , Ye Jian‐Hui , Zheng Xin‐Qiang , Liang Yue‐Rong , Lu Jian‐Liang
Published: December 2016

Tea possesses many bioactive components including polyphenols, theanine and caffeine. Inhibitory effect of these components on the various enzymes involved in some chronic diseases was reviewed in this study. Many studies revealed that anti‐obesity of tea was mainly ascribed to the polyphenols which could inhibit the activity of the enzymes related to diet metabolism such as α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase and lipase. Inhibitory effect of catechins and caffeine against β‐ and γ‐secretase, acetylcholinesterase, protein kinase C and histone deacetylase might be responsible for the prevention from nervous system diseases. Cytochrome P450 enzymes, cytosolic sulfotransferases, cyclooxygenase‐2 and phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase could be efficiently suppressed by catechins, which would decrease the risk of cancer initiation and proliferation; theanine could lower the activity of some anticarcinogen‐activated enzymes and alleviate the adverse effect of cancer cure. Catechins and caffeine exhibited significant inhibition against the matrix metalloproteinases, histidine decarboxylase and many kinases related to inflammation. Thus, catechins, theanine and caffeine might be employed as inhibitors of the enzymes associated with these chronic diseases.
Diaspora Philanthropy in the Context of Policy Coherence for Development: Implications for the post‐2015 Sustainable Development Agenda
Authors: Koff Harlan
Published: December 2016

Thus far, there has been a dearth of studies that systemically examine the relationship between diaspora philanthropy, the development community and securitised migration regimes. This article addresses this by responding to the research question, “How coherent are securitised migration policies with diaspora philanthropy and the transformative development objectives that characterise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda?” The analysis is based on the concept of policy coherence for development (PCD). The article compares the simultaneous regionalization and securitization of European Union and United States migration policies and contends that these policy strategies undermine diaspora philanthropy, development partnerships and transformative development. Normative change must be introduced in order to establish coherence between globalized migration policies and diaspora philanthropy objectives. Normative coherence for development can be achieved by introducing principles from the SDG's and the Busan Development Partnership Agreement amongst other international development agendas, into migration policy‐making at the national and regional levels.
STEM Education and STEM Work: Nativity Inequalities in Occupations and Earnings
Authors: Boyd Monica , Tian Siyue
Published: December 2016

The recruitment of skilled workers with expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is a core component of North American immigration policies. However, few studies examine the labour market integration of immigrant STEM educated workers. Multivariate analysis of the 2011 National Household Survey show that STEM educated immigrants who arrive as adults are less likely than the Canadian born to have STEM jobs and they earn less than their Canadian born counterparts. These patterns partly reflect their socio‐demographic characteristics, particularly their lower language proficiencies (measured as a combination of mother tongue and languages spoken at home) and the receipt of their degrees in institutions outside of Canada. These immigrant workers arrived primarily in the skilled worker programme that did not require pre‐arranged employment. Policy changes in recruitment and their implications for future STEM immigrant workers are discussed in the conclusion.
Silica reactivity during reaction‐sintering of Nd:YAG transparent ceramics
Authors: Boulesteix Rémy , Bonnet Loïck , Maître Alexandre , Chrétien Lucie , Sallé Christian
Published: December 2016

Silica (SiO2) is widely used as sintering aid during vacuum sintering of YAG (Y3Al5O12)‐based transparent ceramics. These ceramics are mainly used for laser applications when they are doped with rare‐earth luminescent elements such as Yb3+ or Nd3+. By means of microstructural, chemical, dilatometry, and thermogravimetry analyses, this study has evidenced that sufficiently high amount of silica (ie above the solubility limit in YAG) forms intergranular transient liquid phase of mixed composition Y‐Al‐Si‐O that vaporizes rapidly for temperatures higher than 1350°C. As a result, silica content after sintering remains always lower than the solubility limit in YAG ceramics (ie lower than 900 ppm). Finally, vacuum sintering with an external source of gaseous Si was proven to be suitable to manufacture highly transparent Nd:YAG ceramics.
Influence of sintering additives on densification kinetics and high‐temperature strength in γ‐Y2Si2O7ceramics
Authors: Fan Xingyu , Wang Hongjie , Niu Min , Su Lei , Zhou Jun , Fan Jinpeng , Zhang Dahai
Published: December 2016

Pressureless sintering of pure γ‐Y2Si2O7powders that had been synthesized by a solid‐liquid reaction method using Y2O3and SiO2powders with Li2O, MgO, and Al2O3additives was reported. The sintering kinetics of γ‐Y2Si2O7powders was analyzed to track details of densification evolution. Apparent activation energies of the densification of γ‐Y2Si2O7powders were reported for the first time, which was 57.1, 96.6, and 100.2 kJ/mol for the powders with Li2O, MgO, and Al2O3additives, respectively, indicating that Li2O could promote the densification behavior effectively. The flexural strengths as a function of temperature for the γ‐Y2Si2O7ceramics with different additives were also investigated. The degradation of high‐temperature flexural strength was mainly ascribed to the softening of grain‐boundary glassy phase. γ‐Y2Si2O7specimens fabricated using the powders with MgO or Al2O3additives exhibited better high‐temperature mechanical properties.
Periodontitis and incident type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Winning Lewis , Patterson Christopher C. , Neville Charlotte E. , Kee Frank , Linden Gerard J.
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate periodontitis as a risk factor for incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a group of men aged 58–72 years.

Methods

One thousand three hundred and thirty‐one dentate, diabetes‐free men in Northern Ireland underwent a detailed periodontal examination during 2001–2003. Follow‐up was by bi‐annual questionnaire and for those reporting diabetes their general medical practitioner was contacted to validate diabetes type, treatment and diagnosis date. Cox's proportional hazard models were used to estimate the effect of periodontitis on incident diabetes. Multivariable analysis included adjustment for various known confounders.

Results

The mean age of the men was 63.7 (SD 3.0) years. There were 80 cases (6.0%) of incident T2DM. Follow‐up was for a median period of 7.8 years (IQR 6.7–8.3). After adjusting for confounding variables, the hazard ratio (HR) for incident T2DM in men with moderate/severe periodontitis versus those with no/mild periodontitis was 1.69 (95% CI 1.06–2.69), p = 0.03.

Conclusion

There was evidence in this homogenous group of dentate men, that those with moderate to severe periodontitis had a significantly increased risk of incident T2DM.
Annual Research Review: On the relations among self‐regulation, self‐control, executive functioning, effortful control, cognitive control, impulsivity, risk‐taking, and inhibition for developmental psychopathology
Authors: Nigg Joel T.
Published: December 2016

Background

Self‐regulation (SR) is central to developmental psychopathology, but progress has been impeded by varying terminology and meanings across fields and literatures.

Methods

The present review attempts to move that discussion forward by noting key sources of prior confusion such as measurement‐concept confounding, and then arguing the following major points.

Results

First, the field needs a domain‐general construct of SR that encompasses SR of action, emotion, and cognition and involves both top‐down and bottom‐up regulatory processes. This does not assume a shared core process across emotion, action, and cognition, but is intended to provide clarity on the extent of various claims about kinds of SR. Second, top‐down aspects of SR need to be integrated. These include (a) basic processes that develop early and address immediate conflict signals, such as cognitive control and effortful control (EC), and (b) complex cognition and strategies for addressing future conflict, represented by the regulatory application of complex aspects of executive functioning. Executive function (EF) and cognitive control are not identical to SR because they can be used for other activities, but account for top‐down aspects of SR at the cognitive level. Third, impulsivity, risk‐taking, and disinhibition are distinct although overlapping; a taxonomy of the kinds of breakdowns of SR associated with psychopathology requires their differentiation. Fourth, different aspects of the SR universe can be organized hierarchically in relation to granularity, development, and time. Low‐level components assemble into high‐level components. This hierarchical perspective is consistent across literatures.

Conclusions

It is hoped that the framework outlined here will facilitate integration and cross‐talk among investigators working from different perspectives, and facilitate individual differences research on how SR relates to developmental psychopathology.
Circulating milk fat globule‐epidermal growth factor 8 levels are increased in pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Ran Wenzhuo , Zhang Jiaqiang , Chen Shi , Li Yihang , Luo Deng , Wang Chen , Jia Weiping
Published: December 2016

Aims/Introduction

Milk fat globule‐epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG‐E8) is the key mediator in anti‐inflammatory responses that facilitate phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, and play an essential role in type 2 diabetes and pregnancy, both of which are under a low‐grade inflammatory state. However, the action of MFG‐E8 in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is unclear. We measured plasma MFG‐E8 levels in pregnancy and GDM for the first time, and elucidated possible relationships between its plasma levels and various metabolic parameters.

Materials and Methods

Plasma MFG‐E8 levels were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 66 women with GDM, 70 with normal pregnancy (p‐NGT) and 44 healthy non‐pregnant controls (CON), who were matched for age and body mass index. Inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and C‐reactive protein levels were measured, oral glucose tolerance test was carried out and β‐cell function was evaluated.

Results

Plasma MFG‐E8 levels were remarkably higher in p‐NGT than in CON (P = 0.024), and were further elevated in GDM vs p‐NGT (P = 0.016). MFG‐E8 concentrations correlated positively with hemoglobin A1c, glucose levels and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance), and correlated inversely with TNF‐α and insulin secretion evaluated by disposition indices in pregnancies. Fasting glucose levels, disposition index of first phase insulin secretion and TNF‐α were independent predictors of MFG‐E8 levels in pregnancies. Logistic regression analyses showed that women in the third tertile of MFG‐E8 levels had a markedly elevated risk of GDM.

Conclusions

Circulating MFG‐E8 levels are dramatically elevated in pregnancy, and are significantly higher in GDM vs p‐NGT. MFG‐E8 concentrations are significantly associated with TNF‐α, fasting glucose levels, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance and disposition indices. However, further studies are required to elucidate the regulation mechanism of MFG‐E8 during pregnancy and GDM.
P–T evolution of Precambrian eclogite in the Sveconorwegian orogen, SW Sweden
Authors: Tual L. , Pitra P. , Möller C.
Published: December 2016

Conditions of the prograde, peak‐pressure and part of the decompressional P–T path of two Precambrian eclogites in the eastern Sveconorwegian orogen have been determined using the pseudosection approach. Cores of garnet from a Fe–Ti‐rich eclogite record a first prograde and syn‐deformational stage along a Barrovian gradient from ~670 °C and 7 kbar to 710 °C and 8.5 kbar. Garnet rims grew during further burial to 16.5–19 kbar at ~850–900 °C, along a steep dP/dT gradient. The pseudosection model of a kyanite‐bearing eclogite sample of more magnesian bulk composition confirms the peak conditions. Matrix reequilibration associated with subsequent near‐isothermal decompression and partial exhumation produced plagioclase‐bearing symplectites replacing kyanite and clinopyroxene at an estimated 850–870 °C and 10–11 kbar. The validity of the pseudosections is discussed in detail. It is shown that in pseudosection modelling the fractionation of FeO in accessory sulphides may cause a significant shift of field boundaries (here displaced by up to 1.5 kbar and 70 °C) and must not be neglected. Fast burial, exhumation and subsequent cooling are supported by the steepness of both the prograde and the decompressional P–T paths as well as the preservation of garnet growth zoning and the symplectitic reaction textures. These features are compatible with deep tectonic burial of the eclogite‐bearing continental crust as part of the underthrusting plate (Eastern Segment, continent Baltica) in a collisional setting that led to an effectively doubled crustal thickness and subsequent exhumation of the eclogites through tectonic extrusion. Our results are in accordance with regional structural and petrological relationships, which demonstrate foreland‐vergent partial exhumation of the eclogite‐bearing nappe along a basal thrust zone and support a major collisional stage at c. 1 Ga. We argue that the similarities between Sveconorwegian and Himalayan eclogite occurrences emphasize the modern style of Grenvillian‐aged tectonics.
The blood‐brain barrier fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1/SLC27A1) supplies docosahexaenoic acid to the brain, and insulin facilitates transport
Authors: Ochiai Yusuke , Uchida Yasuo , Ohtsuki Sumio , Tachikawa Masanori , Aizawa Sanshiro , Terasaki Tetsuya
Published: December 2016

We purposed to clarify the contribution of fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1/SLC 27A1) to the supply of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to the brain across the blood–brain barrier in this study. Transport experiments showed that the uptake rate of [14C]‐DHA in human FATP1‐expressing HEK293 cells was significantly greater than that in empty vector‐transfected (mock) HEK293 cells. The steady‐state intracellular DHA concentration was nearly 2‐fold smaller in FATP1‐expressing than in mock cells, suggesting that FATP1 works as not only an influx, but also an efflux transporter for DHA. [14C]‐DHA uptake by a human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line (hCMEC/D3) increased in a time‐dependent manner, and was inhibited by unlabeled DHA and a known FATP1 substrate, oleic acid. Knock‐down of FATP1 in hCMEC/D3 cells with specific siRNA showed that FATP1‐mediated uptake accounts for 59.2–73.0% of total [14C]‐DHA uptake by the cells. Insulin treatment for 30 min induced translocation of FATP1 protein to the plasma membrane in hCMEC/D3 cells and enhanced [14C]‐DHA uptake. Immunohistochemical analysis of mouse brain sections showed that FATP1 protein is preferentially localized at the basal membrane of brain microvessel endothelial cells. We found that two neuroprotective substances, taurine and biotin, in addition to DHA, undergo FATP1‐mediated efflux. Overall, our results suggest that FATP1 localized at the basal membrane of brain microvessels contributes to the transport of DHA, taurine and biotin into the brain, and insulin rapidly increases DHA supply to the brain by promoting translocation of FATP1 to the membrane.

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Tetrahydrobiopterin contributes to the proliferation of mesangial cells and accumulation of extracellular matrix in early-stage diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Wang Jianyun , Yang Qianqian , Nie Yaxing , Guo Hao , Zhang Fan , Zhou Xueyan , Yin Xiaoxing
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the progression of early-stage diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is found to contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in mesangial cells (MCs). As a cofactor for NO production, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a folacin analogue, may be responsible for the ECM accumulation and proliferation of MCs. This study was to investigate the effects of BH4 on glomerulosclerosis in early-stage DN.

Methods

In in vitro studies with cultured mesangial cells and in vivo studies with streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, BH4 levels were assayed by HPLC; NO was determined by Griess agents; laminin and collagen IV were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the inducible NO synthase protein was determined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot; and mesangial matrix expansion and MC proliferation in the renal cortex were observed by periodic acid–schiff staining and transmission electron microscopy, respectively.

Key findings

The in vivo and in vitro studies indicated that the increased BH4 resulted in the overproduction of NO, ECM accumulation and the proliferation of MCs in early-stage DN.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that inhibiting excessive BH4 may be a potential approach to prevent glomerulosclerosis in early-stage DN.
Habitat heterogeneity explains mosaics of evergreen and deciduous trees at local‐scales in a subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forest
Authors: Fang Xiaofeng , Shen Guochun , Yang Qingsong , Liu Heming , Ma Zunping , Deane David C. , Wang Xihua
Published: December 2016

Questions

Mosaics of evergreen and deciduous trees that are characteristic of evergreen broad‐leaved forests (EBLF) are thought to arise from habitat heterogeneity, but empirical evidence for this is limited. We test this assertion asking: (1) whether environmental heterogeneity explains the distribution of deciduous and evergreen trees; (2) which are the most important environmental variables; and (3) does their importance change with scale?

Location

Tiantong National Forest Park, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.

Methods

We used data from a 20‐ha individual‐mapped EBLF in spatial point‐pattern analyses testing the scale of aggregation within, and segregation between, the two life forms. We used a heterogeneous Poisson process model to remove the effects of environmental heterogeneity, predicting segregation would disappear if the mosaic was due to habitat heterogeneity alone. Finally, we tested the relative importance of theoretically important environmental variables using multivariate regression trees at three spatial scales (10, 20 and 50 m grid cells).

Results

We found evergreen and deciduous trees were aggregated at scales below 125 m and 60 m, respectively, and mutually exclusive at scales <120 m. Evidence of any spatial segregation between the life forms was removed at all scales after controlling for environmental heterogeneity. Only soil phosphorus concentrations contributed to spatial patterns at all scales, with values >0.27–0.30 g·kg−1 favouring deciduous species.

Conclusions

Our study is consistent with habitat heterogeneity creating the observed mosaics of evergreen and deciduous tree species, but micro‐habitat heterogeneity contributed even at scales <20 m. Soil phosphorus availability appears to be the major environmental variable maintaining these mosaic patterns at hillslope scales in EBLF.