bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High temperature mechanical properties of steel bars available in Pakistan
Authors: Rafi Muhammad Masood , Dahar Abdul Basit , Aziz Tariq
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of experimental testing of steel rebars at elevated temperatures. Three types of bars available in the local market in Pakistan were used. These data are not available in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Three types of bars were used, which included cold-twisted ribbed (CTR), hot-rolled deformed (HRD) and thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) bars. The diameter of the bar of each type was 16 mm. The bars were heated in an electrical furnace at temperatures which were varied from 100°C to 900°C in increment of 100°C. Bars of each type were also tested at ambient temperature as control specimens. The change of strength, strain and modulus of elasticity of the bars at high temperatures were determined.

Findings

The mechanical properties of the bars were nearly unaffected by the temperatures up to 200°C. CTR bars did not show yield plateau and strain hardening both at ambient and high temperatures. The high temperature yield strength and elastic modulus for all the three types of bars were similar at all temperatures. The yield plateau of both the HRD and TMT bars disappeared at temperatures greater than 300°C. The ultimate strength at high temperature of the HRD and TMT bars was also similar. The behaviours of the HRD and TMT bars changed to brittle beyond 400°C as compared to their behaviours at ambient temperature. The CTR bars exhibited ductile characteristics at failure at all the exposure temperatures relative to their behaviour at ambient temperature.

Research limitations/implications

The parameters of the paper included the rebar type and heating temperature and the effects of temperature on strength and stiffness properties of the steel bars.

Practical implications

Building fire incidents have increased in Pakistan. As reinforced concrete (RC) buildings exist in the country in significant numbers, the data related to elevated temperature properties of steel is required. These data are not available in Pakistan presently. The presented paper aims at providing this information for the design engineers to enable them to assess and increase fire resistance of RC structural members.

Originality/value

The presented paper is unique in its nature in that there is no published contribution to date, to the best of authors’ knowledge, which has been carried out to assess the temperature-dependent mechanical properties of steel reinforcing bars available in Pakistan.
Preceding functional tooth loss delays recovery from acute cerebral hypoxia and locomotor hypoactivity after murine subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Mutoh Tatsushi , Sasaki Kazumasu , Tatewaki Yasuko , Kunitoki Keiko , Takano Yumi , Taki Yasuyuki
Published: October 2017

Tooth loss and related changes in the functionality may lead to worse outcome of stroke patients, but the effect on hemorrhagic stroke remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the impact of impaired masticatory function on acute cerebral oxygenation and locomotor activity after experimental subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Twenty C57BL/6 mice with (MC‐treated group) or without (control group) prior treatment of cutting off the upper molars were subjected to SAH by endovascular perforation. Grading of SAH and acute cerebral infarction were assessed by MR images. Brain tissue oxygen saturation (SbtO2) by photoacoustic imaging and parameters related to locomotor activity by open‐field test were analyzed serially after SAH. In all mice, global SbtO2 depression was notable immediately after SAH induction (P <.001), which recovered close to the baseline levels until day 3. However, MC‐treated mice demonstrated a prolonged relative cerebral hypoxia (<40% of the baseline SbtO2) as compared to the control (3 ± 1 vs 1 ± 1 days; P <.05). The average distance travelled on day 7 and the ratio of central‐area distance/total travelled distance by open‐field test between days 7 and 14 were significantly lower in MC‐treated mice than in the control mice (P <.05), although the occurrences of new infarction were not statistically different (P >.05). These data suggest a possible link between preceding masticatory impairment and early brain injury to deteriorate neurobehavioural function in patients after SAH.
Empathy in a Citizen Deliberation Experiment
Authors: Grönlund Kimmo , Herne Kaisa , Setälä Maija
Published: October 2017

Despite increased scholarly attention, there is still limited knowledge on how empathy works in democratic deliberation. This article examines the role of empathy in citizen deliberation with the help of a deliberative experiment on immigration. First, a random sample of citizens was surveyed regarding their opinions on immigration. Based on their opinions, they were then divided into a permissive or a non‐permissive enclave, and randomly assigned into like‐minded or mixed‐opinion groups for deliberation. After deliberation, they were surveyed anew. The study analyzes: (a) empathy differences between permissive and non‐permissive participants; (b) changes in outgroup empathy toward immigrants as a result of deliberation; and (c) differences in prosocial behavior (i.e., donating to charity). The results show that the permissive respondents had more empathy, especially toward immigrants, than the non‐permissive respondents. Among participants, outgroup empathy increased during deliberation. Regarding prosocial behavior, the permissive participants donated more often to charity at the end of the experiment.
Farm Capital Investment and Deviations from the Optimal Path
Authors: Skevas Theodoros , Wu Feng , Guan Zhengfei
Published: October 2017

We identify farms’ optimal investment path in capital assets and compare it with their actual investment to assess the direction and extent of deviation from the optimal investment. A probit model is further used to investigate the determinants of the probability that a farmer over‐ or under‐invests in capital assets. We use a panel dataset of Dutch dairy farms over the period 2003–2013, and find that most farms under‐invest in capital assets during the study period. Although the number of farms that had over‐invested in capital assets is relatively small, these farms account for the biggest share of total investment in capital assets. The probit results show that liquidity, agricultural support payments, age, land tenure and standard output size are important variables explaining the likelihood of over‐and under‐investment.
An Investigation into the Relationship between Human Cranial and Pelvic Sexual Dimorphism
Authors: Best Kaleigh C. , Garvin Heather M. , Cabo Luis L.
Published: October 2017

When faced with commingled remains, it might be assumed that a more “masculine” pelvis is associated with a more “masculine” cranium, but this relationship has not been specifically tested. This study uses geometric morphometric analyses of pelvic and cranial landmarks to assess whether there is an intra‐individual relationship between the degrees of sexual expression in these two skeletal regions. Principal component and discriminant function scores were used to assess sexual dimorphism in 113 U.S. Black individuals. Correlation values and partial least squares regression (PLS) were used to evaluate intra‐individual relationships. Results indicate that the os coxae is more sexually dimorphic than the cranium, with element shape being more sexually dimorphic than size. PLS and correlation results suggest no significant intra‐individual relationship between pelvic and cranial sexual size or shape expression. Thus, in commingled situations, associations between these skeletal elements cannot be inferred based on degree of “masculinity.”
Supporting team citizenship: The influence of team social resources on team‐level affiliation‐oriented and challenge‐oriented behaviour
Authors: Stoverink Adam C. , Chiaburu Dan S. , Li Ning , Zheng Xingshan
Published: October 2017

Using a conservation of resources theoretical framework, we connect within‐team social resources with team‐level citizenship behaviours. In a sample of 385 employees situated in 70 teams from China, we confirm that team social support and team psychological safety interact to influence both affiliation‐oriented (AOCB) and challenge‐oriented (COCB) citizenship. Specifically, the two social resources substitute for one another, such that “either” team social support “or” psychological safety may be sufficient to increase AOCB. We find a consistent yet more complex pattern for COCB. Furthermore, drawing on the team prosocial motivation literature, we uncover team effort as a mediator to the effects of both social resources on AOCB. Our findings suggest that managers may enhance team citizenship by promoting team‐level social resources (social support and psychological safety), and they may only need to focus their energies on one of these resources, as exerting effort towards both may be redundant and inefficient.
Characterization of an Olive Flounder Bone Gelatin‐Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite Film and Evaluation of Its Potential Application in Spinach Packaging
Authors: Beak Songee , Kim Hyeri , Song Kyung Bin
Published: October 2017

Olive flounder bone gelatin (OBG) was used for a film base material in this study. In addition, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) were incorporated into the OBG film to prepare a nanocomposite film and to impart antimicrobial activity to it. The tensile strength of the OBG film increased by 6.62 MPa, and water vapor permeability and water solubility decreased by 0.93 × 10−9 g/m s Pa and 13.79%, respectively, by the addition of ZnO to the OBG film. In particular, the OBG–ZnO film exhibited antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes. To investigate the applicability of the OBG–ZnO packaging film, fresh spinach was wrapped in this film and stored for a week. The results indicated that the OBG–ZnO film showed antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes inoculated on spinach without affecting the quality of spinach, such as vitamin C content and color. Thus, the OBG–ZnO nanocomposite film can be applied as an efficient antimicrobial food packaging material.

Practical Application

As a base material of edible films, gelatin was extracted from olive flounder bone, which is fish processing by‐product. Olive flounder bone gelatin (OBG) nanocomposite films were prepared with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO). For an application to antimicrobial packaging, spinach was wrapped with the OBG‐ZnO nanocomposite film.
Intra‐articular hyaluronic acid injection in treating knee osteoarthritis: assessing risk of bias in systematic reviews with ROBIS tool
Authors: Xing Dan , Wang Bin , Zhang Wei , Yang Ziyi , Hou Yunfei , Chen Yaolong , Lin Jianhao
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Intra‐articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) is a common, yet controversial therapeutic option in treating knee osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of the present study was to assess the risk of bias (RoB) of systematic reviews (SRs) and to summarize available evidence of HA in treating knee OA.

Methods

A systematic search of SRs published through to December 2016 was conducted using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. The RoB of included SRs was assessed by ROBIS tool. In addition, the methodological quality of primary studies in SRs with low RoB was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook. The evidence quality of each primary outcome of SRs with low RoB was determined by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system.

Results

Thirty‐one SRs were eligible for inclusion. According to the ROBIS tool, there were 13 SRs with low RoB, 16 with high RoB and two with unclear RoB. The methodological quality of a total of 135 primary studies was evaluated and summarized. Forty‐two outcomes from these 13 SRs were classified into the four following quality levels based on the GRADE approach: three outcomes with high quality, eight with moderate quality, 12 with low quality and 19 with very low quality.

Conclusions

This study evaluated RoB in SRs for managing knee OA with HA and assessed the evidence quality of each primary outcome in SRs with low RoB. These results can help users of SRs to improve the process of SR assessment in developing overviews or guidelines, leading to more reliable recommendations for improvements in treating knee OA. Registration: PROSPERO ((http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO) [CRD42017057384].
The G20: Emerging Chinese Leadership in Global Governance?
Authors: Ren Xiao
Published: October 2017

China today is playing an increasingly prominent role in the world in general and global governance in particular. What is revealing was China's experience in the G20, especially when China held the 2016 presidency for the G20 Hangzhou Summit. This article first examines leadership in international relations and then analyzes China's ideas and actions as the G20 president. It comes to the conclusion that China has played a leadership role throughout the process. That experience also points to the direction for the future of China in global governance.
TreeSimGM: Simulating phylogenetic trees under general Bellman–Harris models with lineage‐specific shifts of speciation and extinction in R
Authors: Hagen Oskar , Stadler Tanja
Published: October 2017

Understanding macroevolutionary processes using phylogenetic trees is a challenging and complex process that draws on mathematics, computer science and biology. Given the development of complex mathematical models and the growing computational processing power, simulation tools are becoming increasingly popular.

In order to simulate phylogenetic trees, most evolutionary biologists are forced to build their own algorithms or use existing tools built on different platforms and/or as standalone programmes. The absence of a simulation tool accommodating for user‐chosen model specifications limits, amongst others, model testing and pipelining with approximate Bayesian computation methods or other subsequent statistical analysis.

We introduce“TreeSimGM,” anr‐package simulation tool for phylogenetic trees under a general Bellman and Harris model. This package allows the user to specify any desired probability distribution for the waiting times until speciation and extinction (e.g. age‐dependent speciation/extinction). Upon speciation, the user can specify whether one descendant species corresponds to the ancestor species inheriting its age or whether both descendant species are new species of age 0. Moreover, it is possible to scale the waiting time to speciation/extinction for newly formed species. Thus,“TreeSimGM”not only allows the user to simulate stochastic phylogenetic trees assuming several popular existing models, such as the Yule model, the constant‐rate birth–death model, and proportional to distinguishable arrangement models, but it also allows the user to formulate new models for exploration. A short explanation of the supported models and a few examples of how to use our package are presented here.

As anr‐package,“TreeSimGM”allows flexible and powerful stochastic phylogenetic tree simulations. Moreover, it facilitates the pipelining of outputs or inputs with other functions inr.“TreeSimGM”contributes to the tools available to thercommunity in the fields of ecology and evolution, is freely available under theGPL‐2 licence and can be downloaded athttps://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/TreeSimGM.
Age‐associated microRNA expression in human peripheral blood is associated with all‐cause mortality and age‐related traits
Authors: Huan Tianxiao , Chen George , Liu Chunyu , Bhattacharya Anindya , Rong Jian , Chen Brian H. , Seshadri Sudha , Tanriverdi Kahraman , Freedman Jane E. , Larson Martin G. , Murabito Joanne M. , Levy Daniel
Published: October 2017

Recent studies provide evidence of correlations of DNA methylation and expression of protein‐coding genes with human aging. The relations of microRNA expression with age and age‐related clinical outcomes have not been characterized thoroughly. We explored associations of age with whole‐blood microRNA expression in 5221 adults and identified 127 microRNAs that were differentially expressed by age at P < 3.3 × 10−4 (Bonferroni‐corrected). Most microRNAs were underexpressed in older individuals. Integrative analysis of microRNA and mRNA expression revealed changes in age‐associated mRNA expression possibly driven by age‐associated microRNAs in pathways that involve RNA processing, translation, and immune function. We fitted a linear model to predict ‘microRNA age’ that incorporated expression levels of 80 microRNAs. MicroRNA age correlated modestly with predicted age from DNA methylation (r = 0.3) and mRNA expression (r = 0.2), suggesting that microRNA age may complement mRNA and epigenetic age prediction models. We used the difference between microRNA age and chronological age as a biomarker of accelerated aging (Δage) and found that Δage was associated with all‐cause mortality (hazards ratio 1.1 per year difference, P = 4.2 × 10−5 adjusted for sex and chronological age). Additionally, Δage was associated with coronary heart disease, hypertension, blood pressure, and glucose levels. In conclusion, we constructed a microRNA age prediction model based on whole‐blood microRNA expression profiling. Age‐associated microRNAs and their targets have potential utility to detect accelerated aging and to predict risks for age‐related diseases.
Bayesian genome‐wide association analysis for body weight in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Yoshida G. M. , Lhorente J. P. , Carvalheiro R. , Yáñez J. M.
Published: October 2017

We performed a genome‐wide association study to detect markers associated with growth traits in Atlantic salmon. The analyzed traits included body weight at tagging (BWT) and body weight at 25 months (BW25M). Genotypes of 4662 animals were imputed from the 50K SNP chip to the 200K SNP chip using fimpute software. The markers were simultaneously modeled using Bayes C to identify genomic regions associated with the traits. We identified windows explaining a maximum of 3.71% and 3.61% of the genetic variance for BWT and BW25M respectively. We found potential candidate genes located within the top ten 1‐Mb windows for BWT and BW25M. For instance, the vitronectin (VTN) gene, which has been previously reported to be associated with cell growth, was found within one of the top ten 1‐Mb windows for BWT. In addition, the WNT1‐inducible‐signaling pathway protein 3, melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein 2, myosin light chain kinase, transforming growth factor beta receptor type 3 and myosin light chain 1 genes, which have been reported to be associated with skeletal growth in humans, growth stimulation during the larval stage in zebrafish, body weight in pigs, feed conversion in chickens and growth rate of sheep skeletal muscle respectively, were found within some of the top ten 1‐Mb windows for BW25M. These results indicate that growth traits are most likely controlled by many variants with relatively small effects in Atlantic salmon. The genomic regions associated with the traits studied here may provide further insight into the functional regions underlying growth traits in this species.
Partial characterization of phylogeny, ecology and function of the fibrolytic bacterium Ruminococcus flavefaciens OS14, newly isolated from the rumen of swamp buffalo
Authors: Boonsaen Phoompong , Kinjo Madoka , Sawanon Suriya , Suzuki Yutaka , Koike Satoshi , Kobayashi Yasuo
Published: October 2017

The fibrolytic rumen bacterium Ruminococcus flavefaciensOS14 was isolated from swamp buffalo and its phylogenetic, ecological and digestive properties were partially characterized. Isolates from rumen contents of four swamp buffalo were screened for fibrolytic bacteria; one of the 40 isolates showed a distinctive feature of solubilizing cellulose powder in liquid culture and was identified as R. flavefaciens based on its 16S ribosomal DNA sequence. This isolate, OS14, was employed for detection and digestion studies, for which a quantitative PCR assay was developed and defined cultures were tested with representative forages in Thailand. OS14 was phylogenetically distant from other isolated and uncultured R. flavefaciens and showed limited distribution among Thai ruminants but was absent in Japanese cattle. OS14 digested rice straw and other tropical forage to a greater extent than the type strain C94 of R. flavefaciens. OS14 produced more lactate than C94, and digested para grass to produce propionate more extensively in co‐culture with lactate‐utilizing Selenomonas ruminantium S137 than a co‐culture of C94 with S137. These results indicate that phylogenetically distinct OS14 could digest Thai local forage more efficiently than the type strain, possibly forming a symbiotic cross‐feeding relationship with lactate‐utilizing bacteria. This strain might be useful for future animal and other industrial applications.
The influence of text cohesion and picture detail on young readers’ knowledge of science topics
Authors: Désiron Juliette C. , de Vries Erica , Bartel Anna N. , Varahamurti Nalini
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

The effects of text cohesion and added pictures on acquired knowledge have been heavily studied each in isolation. Furthermore, studies on the effects of specific characteristics of pictures, whether facilitating or hindering, are scarce. Schnotz's ITCP Model (2014) allows to formulate hypotheses regarding the combined effect of text cohesion and presence and level of detail of a picture. This study investigates these hypotheses in the case of children reading scientific texts.

Sample

One hundred and one‐second‐, third‐, and fourth‐grade pupils with a mean age of 9 years, in the western United States.

Methods

Data were collected over three sessions to encompass an understanding of each pupil's knowledge based on prior sessions.

Results and Conclusions

Results showed a significant increase in pupils’ knowledge between pre‐test and immediate post‐test, but as hypothesized, no significant difference between levels of cohesion. No significant difference between types of pictures was detected. After 1 week, knowledge built with a high cohesive text significantly dropped with low‐detail picture, whereas, with high detail, or no picture, there was no significant difference. Results suggested that when participants were given a low‐detail picture with a low cohesive text, the integration process of the material was more restricted than with a high cohesive text.
Design of potent B‐RafV600E inhibitors by multiple copy simulation search strategy
Authors: Wang Ze‐Feng , Wang Peng‐Fei , Ma Jun‐Ting , Chai Ying‐Zi , Hu Hui‐Min , Gao Wen‐Long , Wang Zhong‐Chang , Wang Bao‐Zhong , Zhu Hai‐Liang
Published: October 2017

B‐Raf kinase is a vital intermedium in the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which transforms extracellular signals into cellular mechanisms. Mutations in this kinase, for instance, the most common V600E mutation, can lead to the ERK signaling pathologically activated and hence cause severe diseases such as somatic tumors. So far, the development of B‐Raf inhibitors has made remarkable progress. However, the resistance and relapse of approved Raf drugs have been widely reported, and the optimization for old drugs and the discovery for new inhibitors still remain a significant task. In this study, we designed and evaluated a series of novel B‐RafV600E inhibitors. A fragment library has been established before the docking simulation carried out using the MCSS strategy (multicopy simulation search). The appropriate fragments were reassembled to provide new candidate compounds, which were further screened by iterative docking simulations and molecular dynamics. Bioassays were carried out to evaluate the pharmacological profile of the compounds identified and synthesized. The result showed that compound 5n had an impressive enzyme inhibitory and antiproliferation activity, suggesting a promising potential in the future study.
Grain Transportation Policy Reform in Western Canada
Authors: Brewin Derek G. , Schmitz Troy G. , Nolan James F. , Gray Richard S.
Published: October 2017

In 2016, the Minister of Transport released a review of the Canada Transportation Act that recommended the eventual removal of the Maximum Revenue Entitlement (MRE) governing the movement of grain by rail. The MRE is sometimes referred to as a revenue cap, but the MRE sets a maximum average allowable freight rate over all tonnes of grain moved. There is no a priori cap to the revenue or amount of grain moved. We argue that the MRE permitted railways to set prices to promote more efficient movement. This paper evaluates the consequences of ending the MRE in the context of Canada's evolving grain supply chain and its interaction with railways. Assuming cartel behavior among railways, we find that the removal of the MRE for grain transportation could increase rates by $42 to $73/t, depending on the market power of grain companies. Farmer prices were lowered by basis shifts larger than $73 in 2013–14, but a long‐term rate increase of this magnitude could generate regulatory or strategic responses that were not part of our model. In our worst case scenario, farmers lose 90% of their current surplus. Even modest amounts of market power can generate significant farm price reductions.

En 2016, le ministre du Transport déposait le rapport de l'examen de la Loi sur les transports au Canada. Y était proposée l'éventuelle élimination du Revenu admissible maximal (RAM) gouvernant le transport du grain par chemin de fer. L'on qualifie souvent le RAM de plafond du revenu, mais le RAM établit un maximum taux moyen autorisé de fret sur toutes les tonnes de grain acheminées. Aucun plafond n'est fixé pour le revenu ni la quantité de grain transporté. Nous croyons que le RAM a permis aux lignes ferroviaires d'établir leur prix et de promouvoir un transport plus efficient. Cet article évalue les conséquences de l'élimination du RAM au sein du contexte évolutif de la chaine canadienne d'approvisionnement en grain, et ses interactions avec les lignes ferroviaires. Supposant des comportements anticoncurrentiels parmi les lignes ferroviaires, nous concluons que l'élimination du RAM pour le transport du grain pourrait augmenter les taux de 42 $ à 73 $ par tonne, en fonction du pouvoir des sociétés céréalières sur le marché. Les prix agricoles ont été baissés de marges de base dépassant les 73 $ en 2013–14, mais une augmentation du taux de cette envergure à long terme pourrait générer des réactions réglementaires ou stratégiques ne faisant pas partie de notre modèle. Notre pire scénario verrait les exploitations agricoles perdre 90 % de leurs surplus actuels. Même un modéré pouvoir sur le marché peut générer de considérables réductions des prix agricoles.
The effects of crown venting or pre‐cementing of CAD/CAM‐constructed all‐ceramic crowns luted on YTZ implants on marginal cement excess
Authors: Zaugg Lucia K. , Zehnder Isabella , Rohr Nadja , Fischer Jens , Zitzmann Nicola U.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to analyze the cement excess produced when cementing CAD/CAM‐fabricated lithium disilicate (L) or zirconium dioxide (Z) crowns using adhesive cement (A) or resin‐modified glass ionomer cement (B). Three different cementation techniques were applied: palatal venting (PV), pre‐cementation with custom analogs (CA), and conventional standard procedure (SP).

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐two crowns (36 each material) were assigned to 12 experimental groups depending on the restoration material (L, Z), type of cement (A, B), and cementation technique (PV, CA, SP). Weight measurements were taken during cementation, and the amounts of excess cement, cement retained in crown, and relative excess cement were calculated and statistically analyzed.

Results

A significant direct relation between the amounts of cement applied and excess cement was observed in groups CA and SP. Vented crowns showed least amounts of marginal excess cement (0.8 ± 0.3 μl) followed by CA (4.2 ± 1.1 μl) and SP (8.8 ± 2.5 μl; p < .001). In CA, 32.1% less excess cement (95%CI: 28.4, 35.7) was produced than in the SP group (p < .001), but 27.4% more than in the PV group (95%CI: 23.8,31.0; p < .001). Overall, slightly smaller amounts of adhesive cement (A) than of glass ionomer cement (B) were retained in crowns.

Conclusions

Using crown venting was the most effective measure to reduce the amount of marginal excess cement, followed using a pre‐cementation device. To keep the marginal excess cement of one‐piece zirconia implants to a minimum, both techniques should be considered for clinical application.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress regulates oxygen‐glucose deprivation‐induced parthanatos in human SH‐SY5Y cells via improvement of intracellular ROS
Authors: Wang Hai‐Feng , Wang Zong‐Qi , Ding Ye , Piao Mei‐Hua , Feng Chun‐Sheng , Chi Guang‐Fan , Luo Yi‐Nan , Ge Peng‐Fei
Published: October 2017

Aims

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been demonstrated to regulate neuronal death caused by ischemic insults via activation of apoptosis, but it still remains unclear whether ER stress participates in regulation of parthanatos, a new type of programmed cell death characterized by PARP‐1 overactivation and intracellular accumulation of PAR polymer.

Methods

we used oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) and human SH‐SY5Y cells to simulate neuronal damage caused by ischemia.

Results

Oxygen‐glucose deprivation induced time‐dependent death in SH‐SY5Y cells, which was accompanied with upregulation of PARP‐1, accumulation of PAR polymer, decline of mitochondrial membrane potentials and nuclear translocation of AIF. Pharmacological inhibition of PARP‐1 with its specific inhibitor 3AB rescued OGD‐induced cell death, as well as prevented PAR polymer accumulation, mitochondrial depolarization, and AIF translocation into nucleus. Similar results could be found when PARP‐1 was genetically knocked down with SiRNA. These indicated that OGD triggered parthanatos in SH‐SY5Y cells. Then, we found inhibition of overproduction of ROS with antioxidant NAC attenuated obviously OGD‐induced parthanatos in SH‐SY5Y cells, suggesting ROS regulated OGD‐induced parthanatos. Additionally, OGD also induced upregulation of ER stress‐related proteins. Mitigation of ER stress with chemical chaperone 4‐PBA or trehalose suppressed significantly OGD‐induced overproduction of ROS, PARP‐1 upregulation, PAR polymer accumulation, and nuclear accumulation of AIF, and cell death in SH‐SY5Y cells.

Conclusion

Endoplasmic reticulum stress regulates OGD‐induced parthanatos in human SH‐SY5Y cells via improvement of intracellular ROS.
Ozone utilisation for discharge printing of reactive dyed cotton
Authors: Yigit Idil , Eren Semiha , Eren Hüseyin Aksel
Published: October 2017

Environmental pollution is one of the major concerns of the textile finishing sector. The reduction or substitution of the harsh chemicals used during dyeing and printing processes is necessary. In this study, the use of ozone for the discharge printing process was examined in order to substitute the use of reductive agent and caustic soda by ozone gas. The reactive dyed cotton samples were wetted by water and some selected solutions at 25%, 40% and 60% pick up were used and subjected to ozone gas treatment. The gas flow rates were 5 and 10 l/min for 5 and 10 min treatment times, respectively. The results were compared with that of conventional discharge printed samples. Colour discharge (%), colour difference (ΔE), strength, washing and rubbing fastness and chemical oxygen demand (COD) values were compared and reported. Colour discharge increased at higher gas flow rates and prolonged treatment times. Although ozone printing could not attain the contour sharpness of conventional discharge printing, the addition of selected chemicals affected colour discharge and the contour sharpness. Strength tests did not show a significant decrease when using ozone treatment. Fastness tests results (washing and rubbing) were slightly higher compared with conventional discharge printed samples.CODvalues were much lower for ozone treatment compared with conventional discharge printing effluent. Consequently, it was demonstrated that ozone may be an environmentally friendly substitute for discharge printing.
Comparison of long‐term outcomes of 50 and 100 mg rt‐PA in the management of acute pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Yilmazel Ucar Elif , Araz Omer , Kerget Bugra , Yilmaz Nafiye , Akgun Metin , Saglam Leyla
Published: October 2017

Background

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a life‐threatening disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate long‐term outcomes of the use of 50 mg recombinant tissue‐type plasminogen activator (rt‐PA) in the management of PTE in terms of relapse, pulmonary hypertension (PH), mortality and hemorrhage and to compare with the use of 100 mg rt‐PA.

Methods

The study was designed as a retrospective cohort. Patients who were diagnosed as acute PTE and received either 50 or 100 mg rt‐PA in a tertiary care hospital between 2010 and 2015 were included in the study. Rates of relapse, PH, mortality (in‐hospital and long‐term) and hemorrhage (major and minor) were calculated for each treatment group.

Results

A total 117 patients, 73 females and 44 males, were evaluated. Eighty‐three patients were administered 100 mg rt‐PA, and 34 were administered 50 mg rt‐PA. The mean age was lower in the 100 mg group compared to the 50 mg group (61 ± 15 vs 69 ± 14 years). There was a significant decrease in PH in each group at 3 months follow‐up (P < .001). Although statistically nonsignificant, the relapse rate was lower in the 50 mg rt‐PA group, but the 5‐year mortality rate was higher in 50 mg rt‐PA group (35.2% vs 27.7%, P = .50). Mortality was associated with older age and presence of malignancy.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that both doses of rt‐PA have similar efficacy. The high mortality rate in the 50 mg group may have resulted from patient selection.
Outcome comparison of liver transplantation for hepatitis A‐related versus hepatitis B‐related acute liver failure in adult recipients
Authors: Jung Dong‐Hwan , Hwang Shin , Lim Young‐Suk , Kim Ki‐Hun , Ahn Chul‐Soo , Moon Deok‐Bog , Ha Tae‐Yong , Song Gi‐Won , Park Gil‐Chun , Lee Sung‐Gyu
Published: October 2017

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) can cause acute liver failure (ALF). This study compares outcomes between liver transplantation (LT) for HAV‐related ALF (HAV‐ALF) and LT for hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related ALF (HBV‐ALF). Of 3616 adult LTs performed between January 2005 and December 2014, we performed LT for HAV‐ALF recipients (n = 29) and LT for HBV‐ALF recipients (n = 34). HAV‐ALF group included 18 males and 11 females with mean age of 33.1 years. Graft survival rates in HAV‐ALF and HBV‐ALF were 65.5% and 88.0% (1 year) and 65.5% and 84.0% (5 years) (P = .048). Patient survival rates in HAV‐ALF and HBV‐ALF were 69.0% and 88.0% (1 year) and 69.0% and 84.0% (5 years) (P = .09). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that acute pancreatitis and HAV recurrence were independent risk factors of graft and patient survival. Post‐transplant outcome was poorer in patients with HAV‐ALF than in those with HBV‐ALF. This weakens LT's appropriateness in HAV‐ALF patients with pancreatitis. HAV recurrence after LT for HAV‐ALF is common and often fatal; thus, HAV recurrence should be monitored vigilantly, beginning early post‐transplant.
Optimal prandial timing of bolus insulin in diabetes management: a review
Authors: Slattery D. , Amiel S. A. , Choudhary P.
Published: October 2017

The inability to achieve optimal diabetes glucose control in people with diabetes is multifactorial, but one contributor may be inadequate control of postprandial glucose. In patients treated with multiple daily injections of insulin, both the dose and timing of meal‐related rapid‐acting insulin are key factors in this. There are conflicting opinions and evidence on the optimal time to administer mealtime insulin. We performed a comprehensive literature search to review the published data, focusing on the use of rapid‐acting insulin analogues in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies of rapid‐acting insulin analogues, together with postprandial glucose excursion data, suggest that administering these 15–20 min before food would provide optimal postprandial glucose control. Data from clinical studies involving people with Type 1 diabetes receiving structured meals and rapid‐acting insulin analogues support this, showing a reduction in post‐meal glucose levels of ~30% and less hypoglycaemia when meal insulin was taken 15–20 min before a meal compared with immediately before the meal. Importantly, there was also a greater risk of postprandial hypoglycaemia when patients took rapid‐acting analogues after eating compared with before eating.
PROPERTY RIGHTS AND LOSS AVERSION IN CONTESTS
Authors: Chowdhury Subhasish M. , Jeon Joo Young , Ramalingam Abhijit
Published: October 2017

We analyze the effects of property rights and the resulting loss aversion on contest outcomes. We study three situations: in “gain” two players start with no prize and make sunk bids to win a prize; in “loss” both the players start with prizes and whoever loses the contest loses their prize; and in “mixed” only one player starts with a prize that stays with him if he wins, but is transferred to the rival otherwise. Since the differences among the treatments arise only from framing, the expected utility and the standard loss aversion models predict no difference in bids across treatments. We introduce a loss aversion model in which the property rights are made salient, and as a result the reference point varies across treatments. This model predicts average bids in descending order in the loss, the mixed, and the gain treatment; and higher bids by the player with property rights in the mixed treatment. The results from a laboratory experiment broadly support these predictions. There is no significant difference in bids in the loss (gain) treatment and bids by property rights holder (nonholder) in the mixed treatment. A model incorporating both loss aversion and social preferences explains this result. (JEL C91, C72, D23, D74)
Comparison of visual receptive fields in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and ventral intraparietal area in macaques
Authors: Viswanathan Pooja , Nieder Andreas
Published: October 2017

The concept of receptive field (RF) describes the responsiveness of neurons to sensory space. Neurons in the primate association cortices have long been known to be spatially selective but a detailed characterisation and direct comparison of RFs between frontal and parietal association cortices are missing. We sampled the RFs of a large number of neurons from two interconnected areas of the frontal and parietal lobes, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and ventral intraparietal area (VIP), of rhesus monkeys by systematically presenting a moving bar during passive fixation. We found that more than half of neurons in both areas showed spatial selectivity. Single neurons in both areas could be assigned to five classes according to the spatial response patterns: few non‐uniform RFs with multiple discrete response maxima could be dissociated from the vast majority of uniform RFs showing a single maximum; the latter were further classified into full‐field and confined foveal, contralateral and ipsilateral RFs. Neurons in dlPFC showed a preference for the contralateral visual space and collectively encoded the contralateral visual hemi‐field. In contrast, VIP neurons preferred central locations, predominantly covering the foveal visual space. Putative pyramidal cells with broad‐spiking waveforms in PFC had smaller RFs than putative interneurons showing narrow‐spiking waveforms, but distributed similarly across the visual field. In VIP, however, both putative pyramidal cells and interneurons had similar RFs at similar eccentricities. We provide a first, thorough characterisation of visual RFs in two reciprocally connected areas of a fronto‐parietal cortical network.
‘Hot’ vs. ‘cold’ behavioural‐cognitive styles: motivational‐dopaminergic vs. cognitive‐cholinergic processing of a Pavlovian cocaine cue in sign‐ and goal‐tracking rats
Authors: Pitchers Kyle K. , Kane Louisa F. , Kim Youngsoo , Robinson Terry E. , Sarter Martin
Published: October 2017

Discrete Pavlovian reward cues acquire more potent incentive motivational properties (incentive salience) in some animals (sign‐trackers; STs) compared to others (goal‐trackers; GTs). Conversely, GTs appear to be better than STs in processing more complex contextual cues, perhaps reflecting their relatively greater bias for goal‐directed cue processing. Here, we investigated the activity of two major prefrontal neuromodulatory input systems, dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh), in response to a discrete Pavlovian cue that was previously paired with cocaine administration in STs and GTs. Rats underwent Pavlovian training in which light cue presentations were either paired or unpaired with an intravenous cocaine infusion. Following a 10‐day abstinence period, prefrontal dialysates were collected in STs and GTs during cue presentations in the absence of cocaine. In STs, the cue previously paired with cocaine significantly increased prefrontal DA levels. DA levels remained elevated over baseline across multiple cue presentation blocks, and DA levels and approaches to the cue were significantly correlated. In STs, ACh levels were unaffected by cue presentations. In contrast, in GTs, presentations of the cocaine cue increased prefrontal ACh, but not DA, levels. GTs oriented towards the cue at rates similar to STs, but they did not approach it and elevated ACh levels did not correlate with conditioned orientation. The results indicate a double dissociation between the role of prefrontal DA and ACh in STs and GTs, and suggest that these phenotypes will be useful for studying the role of neuromodulator systems in mediating opponent behavioural‐cognitive styles.
Surface water CO2 concentration influences phytoplankton production but not community composition across boreal lakes
Authors: Vogt Richard J. , St‐Gelais Nicolas F. , Bogard Matthew J. , Beisner Beatrix E. , del Giorgio Paul A.
Published: October 2017

Recent experimental evidence suggests that changes in the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), in concert with nutrient fertilisation, may result in increased primary production and shifted phytoplankton community composition that favours species lacking adaptations to low CO2 environments. It is not clear whether these results apply in ambient freshwaters, which are already often supersaturated in CO2, and where phytoplankton structure and activity are under complex control of diverse local and regional factors. Here, we use a large‐scale comparative study of 69 boreal lakes to explore the influence of existing CO2 gradients (c. 50–2300 μatm) on phytoplankton community composition and biomass production. While community composition did not respond to pCO2 gradients, gross primary production was enhanced, but only in lakes already supersaturated in CO2, demonstrating that environmental context is key in determining pCO2–phytoplankton interactions. We further argue that increased atmospheric CO2 is unlikely to influence phytoplanktonic composition and production in northern lakes.
Expression of inflammatory and structural matrix genes in synovial fluid following intra‐articular administration of isoflupredone acetate to exercised horses
Authors: Knych H. K. , Harrison L. , Chouicha N. , Kass P. H.
Published: October 2017

Background

Intra‐articular use of corticosteroids is commonplace in performance horses. Isoflupredone acetate (IPA) is one of four Food and Drug Administration approved corticosteroids for intra‐articular use in horses. The lack of published reports describing the efficacy and duration of effects of this drug warrant further study.

Objectives

To assess the effects of intra‐articular administration ofIPAon the expression of selected anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory and structural matrix genes following intra‐articular administration to exercised Thoroughbred horses and to correlate these effects with drug concentrations.

Study design

Block design in vivo experiment.

Methods

Twelve exercised horses received either a single intra‐articular administration of 8 mg ofIPAor 0.9% saline solution. Synovial fluid samples were collected prior to and up to 42 days post drug administration from the treated joints. Microarray andqRT‐PCRanalysis were used to assess changes in expression levels of various inflammatory and structural genes post drug administration.

Results

On microarray analysis, 855, 23,358 and 26,411 genes had a measurable fold change (increase or decrease in expression levels) when comparing baseline samples to 24 h, baseline samples to day 7 and 24 h samples to day 7, respectively. Of the genes selected for further study byqRT‐PCRanalysis, expression ofANXA‐1(lipocortin) was significantly increased andIL23AandMMP1 andMMP9 significantly decreased followingIPAadministration. Expression levels of collagen genes were not significantly different from baseline.

Main limitations

Limitations include the use of a noninflammatory model as results may differ in the presence of an acute inflammatory insult and the inability to measure protein concentrations of inflammatory mediators due to limited synovial fluid sample volume.

Conclusions

Expression relative to baseline, for both inflammatory and matrix genes for up to 42 days postIPAadministration, suggests a prolonged effect relative to detection time in both plasma and synovial fluid.
Ultrasonographic screening for subclinical osteochondrosis of the femoral trochlea in foals (28–166 days old): a prospective farm study
Authors: Martel G. , Crowley D. , Olive J. , Halley J. , Laverty S.
Published: October 2017

Background

Extensive osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the lateral ridge of the trochlea of the femur (LRTF), the most common OCD‐affected site in the stifle, have a poor outcome with surgical debridement and can be career ending. The early detection of osteochondrosis lesions and their conservative management holds the promise to enhance outcome. We hypothesise that ultrasonography is a valuable field screening tool to detect and monitor early subclinical LRTF osteochondrosis.

Objectives

The goals were to 1) describe the normal ultrasonographic features of the LRTF in foals of different ages and 2) screen a foal cohort at the farm for early subclinical osteochondrosis lesions.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

The LRTF of both hindlimbs of Thoroughbred foals (n = 46, 27–166 days old) were imaged once with ultrasonography and radiography (lateromedial and caudolateral‐craniomedial oblique views). Cartilage thickness, ossification front indentation of the chondro‐osseous junction and epiphyseal vascularisation were assessed on ultrasonography. Follow‐up radiographs were taken as yearlings.

Results

The cartilage thickness, ossification front indentation and epiphyseal vascularisation significantly decreased with advancing maturity. Subclinical osteochondrosis lesions, characterised by semicircular indentations in the ossification front (indirect evidence of focal failure of ossification and retained cartilage) were detected in six foals (28–145 days old), both with radiography and ultrasonography. Ultrasonography provided a better overall subjective assessment of the osteochondrosis lesion topography (length, depth and the width) compared with radiography.

Main limitations

Post‐mortem validation of lesions was not possible.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography of the LRTF is a practical, inexpensive and reliable technique to discriminate physiological from pathological events at the LRTF in young foals. It revealed the complex topography of the chondro‐osseous junction permitting a rapid, comprehensive assessment of the subclinical osteochondrosis lesions in very young foals.