bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcontracting work for rural women in China’s factories without walls
Authors: Shouyun Ren
Published: April 2017

Industrial subcontracting work in rural China has been framed as a win-win strategy for women and industry. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Hebei Province, I argue that far from being the main beneficiaries of subcontracting work, such rural industrialization has instead subjected women to a gendered form of capitalist exploitation. First, the women employed were not a random group but were young, healthy women who already had industrial skills, and thus did not need training. Second, these women were rendered immobile by their family responsibilities. Third, the problems of ‘left-behind’ children and an urban, modern notion of motherhood trickling down to the countryside has constructed a notion of virtuous motherhood. Further undermining their position, women workers had no influence over production or profits in the subcontracting chain. Despite the promise that subcontracting work would be flexible for women, such flexibility benefits the production chain more than women workers. Local (and changing) gender and development dynamics in rural China condition the experiences of women involved in initiatives that are seen as a win-win situation by some development agencies, advocacy groups and policy researchers.
Biomechanical effect of interspinous process distraction height after lumbar fixation surgery: An in vitro model
Authors: Fu Lin , Ma Jianxiong , Lu Bin , Jia Haobo , Zhao Jie , Kuang Mingjie , Feng Rui , Xu Liyan , Bai Haohao , Sun Lei , Wang Ying , Ma Xinlong
Published: April 2017

Pedicle screw fixation may induce abnormal activity at adjacent segment and accelerate the degeneration of lumbar vertebrae. Dynamic stabilizers could provide an intermediate solution between conservative treatment and fusion surgery. Lumbar vertebral segment cephalad to instrumented fixation was the most common localization of adjacent segment degeneration. The aim of this study is to explore the use of interspinous process devices in the lumbar vertebral segment cephalad to fixation segment in changing the mechanical distribution and limiting abnormal activity of the spine. Eight specimens were tested in the following groups: intact group, instability group (bilateral facetectomy at L3–L4), fixation group (bilateral facetectomy and pedicle screw fixation at L3–L4), and hybrid fixation group (fixation at L3–L4 and simulating interspinous device implantation of 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 mm at L2–L3). Range of motion, motion of vertebral body, and strain distribution change were recorded. The range of motion in extension with 16- and 18-mm hybrid constructs was significantly lower than intact, instability, and fixation groups. In flexion and lateral bending, the strain values of L4 inferior articular process with 18-mm hybrid construct have a significant difference compared with other groups. In axial rotation, under the condition of a contralateral state, the strain values of L2 superior articular process with 18-mm hybrid construct have a significant difference compared with intact and fixation groups. The strain value of the L4 inferior articular process had negative correlation with height distraction in three dimensions, except extension. A negative correlation between the strain value of the L2 superior articular process and distraction height was found in contralateral bending and contralateral axial rotation. Interspinous process devices above the fixation segment can change the mechanical distribution of the spine and limit activity in some of the segments of the spine, which may delay the degeneration of the adjacent segment.
Intensity of singular stress fields of wedge-shaped defect in human tooth due to occlusal force before and after restoration with composite resins
Authors: Chen Ker-Kong , Noda Nao-Aki , Tajima Kiyoshi , Sano Yoshikazu , Takase Yasushi
Published: April 2017

Wedge-shaped defects are frequently observed on the cervical region of the human tooth. Previously, most studies explained that improper tooth-brushing causes such defects. However, recent clinical observation suggested that the repeated stress due to occlusal force may induce the formation of these wedge-shaped defects. In this study, therefore, two-dimensional human tooth models are considered with and without a wedge-shaped defect by applying the finite element method. To evaluate large stress concentrations accurately, a method of analysis is discussed in terms of the intensity of singular stress fields appearing at the tip of the sharp wedge-shaped defect. The effects of the position and direction of occlusion on the intensity of singular stress fields are discussed before and after restoration with composite resins.
A Bayesian hierarchical model for discrete choice data in health care
Authors: Antonio Anna Liza M , Weiss Robert E , Saigal Christopher S , Dahan Ely , Crespi Catherine M
Published: April 2017

In discrete choice experiments, patients are presented with sets of health states described by various attributes and asked to make choices from among them. Discrete choice experiments allow health care researchers to study the preferences of individual patients by eliciting trade-offs between different aspects of health-related quality of life. However, many discrete choice experiments yield data with incomplete ranking information and sparsity due to the limited number of choice sets presented to each patient, making it challenging to estimate patient preferences. Moreover, methods to identify outliers in discrete choice data are lacking. We develop a Bayesian hierarchical random effects rank-ordered multinomial logit model for discrete choice data. Missing ranks are accounted for by marginalizing over all possible permutations of unranked alternatives to estimate individual patient preferences, which are modeled as a function of patient covariates. We provide a Bayesian version of relative attribute importance, and adapt the use of the conditional predictive ordinate to identify outlying choice sets and outlying individuals with unusual preferences compared to the population. The model is applied to data from a study using a discrete choice experiment to estimate individual patient preferences for health states related to prostate cancer treatment.
Role of Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonist/Long-Acting β2-Agonist Therapy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Petite Sarah E.
Published: April 2017

Objective: To compare the available literature regarding the use of long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA)/long-acting β2 agonists (LABA) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/LABA combination inhaler therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) maintenance therapy management. Data Sources: A MEDLINE literature search from database inception to February 2017 was conducted using the search terms chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, adrenergic beta-agonist, muscarinic antagonist, and inhaled corticosteroid. References from extracted sources were further searched for any relevant, missed data sources. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language randomized-controlled trials comparing LAMA/LABA and ICS/LABA combination inhaler therapy were evaluated. Data Synthesis: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials have reviewed the use of LAMA/LABA compared with ICS/LABA therapy for COPD maintenance therapy. Results of clinical trials that evaluated LAMA/LABA and ICS/LABA maintenance therapy demonstrated superior improvements in pulmonary function tests via spirometry and improved clinical outcomes with LAMA/LABA therapy, specifically reduction in COPD exacerbation rates. The safety of LAMA/LABA combination therapy also is favorable compared with ICS/LABA combination therapy because of the increased infection risk with ICS therapy. Conclusions: COPD is a disease state with significant morbidity and mortality in the United States and is the third leading cause of death. Long-acting inhalers are recommended for the majority of COPD severities, and combination therapy is typically utilized. LAMA/LABA combination therapy has demonstrated superior improvements in pulmonary function and reduction in COPD exacerbation rates compared with ICS/LABA. LAMA/LABA combination therapy will have a larger future role in COPD maintenance management.
Reliability and Validity of START and LSI-R Assessments in Mental Health Jail Diversion Clients
Authors: Lowder Evan M. , Desmarais Sarah L. , Rade Candalyn B. , Johnson Kiersten L. , Van Dorn Richard A.
Published: April 2017

Risk assessment instruments are increasingly used in mental health jail diversion programs. This study examined the reliability and validity of Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) and Level of Service Inventory–Revised (LSI-R) assessments overall and by client race. Research assistants completed START and LSI-R assessments for 95 diversion clients. Arrests and jail days were collected via official records and self-report 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after baseline. Assessments demonstrated good interrater reliability and convergent validity. START strength total scores and LSI-R risk estimates were the strongest predictors of recidivism. Total scores and risk estimates did not differ as a function of client race, but there were some differences in accuracy of START vulnerability and LSI-R total scores and risk estimates in predicting jail days (but not arrests), over shorter follow-ups. No such differences were found for START strength total scores across any follow-up period or recidivism measure.
Nonlinear stability analysis of stiffened functionally graded material sandwich cylindrical shells with general Sigmoid law and power law in thermal environment using third-order shear deformation theory
Authors: Van Dung Dao , Nga Nguyen Thi , Vuong Pham Minh
Published: April 2017

This paper investigates analytically nonlinear buckling and postbuckling of functionally graded sandwich circular thick cylindrical shells filled inside by Pasternak two-parameter elastic foundations under thermal loads and axial compression loads. Shells are reinforced by closely spaced functionally graded material (FGM) rings and stringers. The temperature field is taken into account. Two general Sigmoid law and general power law, with four models of stiffened FGM sandwich cylindrical shell, are proposed. Using the Reddy’s third-order shear deformation shell theory (TSDT), stress function, and Lekhnitsky’s smeared stiffeners technique, the governing equations are derived. The closed form to determine critical axial load and postbuckling load-deflection curves are obtained by the Galerkin method. The effects of the face sheet thickness to total thickness ratio, stiffener, foundation, material, and dimensional parameters on critical thermal loads, critical mechanical loads and postbuckling behavior of shells are analyzed. In addition, this paper shows that for thin shells we can use the classical shell theory to investigate stability behavior of shell, but for thicker shells the use of TSDT for analyzing nonlinear stability of shell is necessary and suitable.
In Silico Approach for Characterization and Comparison of Repeats in the Genomes of Oil and Date Palms
Authors: Filho Jaire Alves Ferreira , de Brito Lucas Soares , Leão André Pereira , Alves Alexandre Alonso , Formighieri Eduardo Fernandes , Souza Manoel Teixeira
Published: April 2017

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements present in almost all eukaryotic genomes. Due to their typical patterns of repetition, discovery, and characterization, they demand analysis by various bioinformatics software. Probably, as a result of the need for a complex analysis, many genomes publicly available do not have these elements annotated yet. In this study, a de novo and homology-based identification of TEs and microsatellites was performed using genomic data from 3 palm species: Elaeis oleifera (American oil palm, v.1, Embrapa, unpublished; v.8, Malaysian Palm Oil Board [MPOB], public), Elaeis guineensis (African oil palm, v.5, MPOB, public), and Phoenix dactylifera (date palm). The estimated total coverage of TEs was 50.96% (523 572 kb) and 42.31% (593 463 kb), 39.41% (605 015 kb), and 33.67% (187 361 kb), respectively. A total of 155 726 microsatellite loci were identified in the genomes of oil and date palms. This is the first detailed description of repeats in the genomes of oil and date palms. A relatively high diversity and abundance of TEs were found in the genomes, opening a range of further opportunities for applied research in these genera. The development of molecular markers (mainly simple sequence repeat), which may be immediately applied in breeding programs of those species to support the selection of superior genotypes and to enhance knowledge of the genetic structure of the breeding and natural populations, is the most notable opportunity.
Learning from seasoned evaluators: Implications of systems approaches for evaluation practice
Authors: Gates Emily F.
Published: April 2017

In the last 20 years, approaches (i.e. concepts, theories, methods) from the systems fields have increased in popularity among evaluators and evaluation commissioners. Their popularity stems in part from a widespread view that systems approaches transform evaluation practice, despite a lack of evidence. There have been few empirical examinations of the implications of these approaches for evaluation practice. This study analyzed eight cases of seasoned evaluators using systems approaches in diverse areas of evaluation practice to identify implications for how these professionals practice evaluation. Case materials included semi-structured interviews with each evaluator and descriptions of evaluations they conducted. Findings support a variety of case-specific transformations rather than a wholesale transformation in evaluation practice. Future directions for evaluator training, evaluation commissioning and contracting, and research are identified.
Youth, politics, and participation in a changing world
Authors: Pruitt Lesley
Published: April 2017

What options do young people have for enacting social and political change? Can traditional politics redeem itself in the eyes of youth? Can political leaders hear young people? Do they listen? What alternative avenues for politics might young people pursue or propose? What are their respective prospects and challenges? These are some key questions that arise when reading Young Citizens and Political Participation in a Digital Society, by Philippa Collin, Running from Office, by Jennifer Lawless and Richard Fox, and Youth and Generation by Dan Woodman and Johanna Wyn. In this review essay, these books are critically analysed alongside existing relevant literature to explore the ways young people today engage with politics and political participation, including how this reflects commonalities but also differences with previous social generations. Such work lends itself to an argument for reflecting on the state of democracy and young people’s actual and perceived roles as citizens.
Quantitative Analysis of Transnasal Anterior Skull Base Approach: Report of Technology for Intraoperative Assessment of Instrument Motion
Authors: Berens Angelique M. , Harbison Richard Alex , Li Yangming , Bly Randall A. , Aghdasi Nava , Ferreira Manuel , Hannaford Blake , Moe Kris S.
Published: April 2017

Objective: To develop a method to measure intraoperative surgical instrument motion. This model will be applicable to the study of surgical instrument kinematics including surgical training, skill verification, and the development of surgical warning systems that detect aberrant instrument motion that may result in patient injury. Design: We developed an algorithm to automate derivation of surgical instrument kinematics in an endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery model. Surgical instrument motion was recorded during a cadaveric endoscopic transnasal approach to the pituitary using a navigation system modified to record intraoperative time-stamped Euclidian coordinates and Euler angles. Microdebrider tip coordinates and angles were referenced to the cadaver’s preoperative computed tomography scan allowing us to assess surgical instrument kinematics over time. A representative cadaveric endoscopic endonasal approach to the pituitary was performed to demonstrate feasibility of our algorithm for deriving surgical instrument kinematics. Conclusions: Technical feasibility of automatically measuring intraoperative surgical instrument motion and deriving kinematics measurements was demonstrated using standard navigation equipment.
A survey on ambient energy sources and harvesting methods for structural health monitoring applications
Authors: Cao Shihua , Li Jianqing
Published: April 2017

Structural health monitoring is widely used for maintaining and monitoring various structures in different areas. In general, the structural health monitoring system life span depends on the capability of the batteries, but it can be increased by energy harvesting approaches to autonomously produce power. These autonomously powered structural health monitoring systems have received increasing attention over the past decades. This article reviews recent developments in the ambient energy sources and energy harvesting methods for structural health monitoring applications. First, the earliest and most common method of harvesting energy from sunlight and wind is discussed. Then, vibration and thermal gradient energy harvesting methods are reviewed together with their feasibilities. Finally, radio frequency energy harvesting, a unique method developed in recent years, is highlighted. A double-resonant coil ferrite rod antenna for radio frequency energy harvesting in medium frequency band is proposed. Simulation results indicate that the proposed double-resonant coil ferrite rod antenna can increase the gain by 2.8 dBi and the receiving voltage by 25.77% compared with a conventional single-resonant coil ferrite rod antenna.
Modal properties of a multi-stage power-split planetary gear set
Authors: Zhang Lina , Wang Yong , Wu Kai , Sheng Ruoyu , Huang Qilin
Published: April 2017

Planetary gears are recognized as one of the most effective forms of power transmission. A dynamic model of an N-stage power-split planetary gear set is proposed in this article. Three-dimensional translations and axial rotation of all members, mesh stiffness, bearing stiffness, and the interstage coupling stiffness are considered. Subsequently, equations of motion of the whole system are derived. Natural frequencies and vibration modes are obtained by solving the eigenvalue problem governed by corresponding equations. According to the modal properties, all vibration modes of the N-stage system can be categorized as N + 2 groups: the overall axial translational–rotational mode, the overall radical translational mode, and the ith-stage planet mode ( Ni > 3). Furthermore, the typical vibration modes of a two-stage system are graphed. It is also found that the radical interstage coupling stiffness has an impact on natural frequencies of the overall radical translational modes, while the axial and twist coupling stiffness only affect the natural frequencies of the overall axial translational–rotational modes.
Discrete reconfigurable back-stepping attitude control of reentry hypersonic flight vehicle
Authors: Ren Zijun , Fu Wenxing , Yan Jie , Xu Bin
Published: April 2017

A discrete reconfigurable back-stepping controller is proposed to resolve the attitude command tracking problem of hypersonic flight vehicle in reentry mode. The hypersonic flight vehicle dynamic equations are transformed into discrete form based on Euler numerical integration method. Discrete control command is designed via discrete back-stepping. Control allocation strategy is introduced to deal with the resource distributing problem of reaction control system and aero-surfaces. In computer simulation environment, the vehicle tracks command signals precisely and quickly.
Disrupting Technology Disrupting Law
Authors: Tranter Kieran
Published: April 2017

This Commentary disrupts technology disrupting law. It suggests that “disruption” is increasingly becoming a framework when lawyers write about technology. It is argued that this disruption frame is problematic. It is problematic because it reveals a surprising presentism lacking both a sense of the past and a coherent vision of the future. Further, this presentism produces an essential contradiction. There is a vision of hyper-change; a tsunami of disruption needing law; nevertheless the forms of modern law seemingly endure. This opens to what is fundamentally worrying about the disruption frame. In its affirmation of modern law as able to manage disruption, the disruption frame obscures the significant transformation of law occurring in the digital. Technology is disrupting law in much more significant ways than is being considered by the disruption frame.
Self-Control and Immigrant Adolescent Victimization
Authors: Zavala Egbert , Peguero Anthony A.
Published: April 2017

There is a growing body of research that reveal immigrant adolescents have fewer experiences with violence than their native-born peers in the United States. Furthermore, self-control is associated with adolescent victimization and there is documented sex differences associated with the relationship between the two. Few studies explore how self-control could explain the relationship between immigrant status and victimization. This study will explore whether self-control moderates the likelihood of female and male immigrant adolescent victimization. Drawing on data from the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program, results show that immigrant adolescents are not more likely to experience victimization, self-control predicted the odds of victimization for females only, and the link between immigration status and victimization is not conditioned by self-control. The implications of the relationship between self-control, immigrant status, sex, and adolescent victimization are discussed more generally.
Temporal Stability and Predictive Validity of the Regan Attitudes Toward Non-Drinkers Scale
Authors: Regan Daniel , Morrison Todd G.
Published: April 2017

The Regan Attitudes Toward Non-Drinkers Scale (RANDS) is a relatively new alcohol-related measure. Findings suggest that higher scores on the RANDS (denoting stronger endorsement of negative beliefs about non-drinkers) are related to higher self-reported levels of alcohol consumption. Available evidence also suggests that the measure is factorially unidimensional and possesses good scale score reliability (α coefficients > .80) and construct validity. However, the test–retest stability and predictive validity of the RANDS have not been investigated. The current study addressed this omission by distributing the scale to 120 Irish university students at two points in time (1 to 4 weeks apart). To examine the validity of the RANDS, other measures (e.g., alcohol consumption, motives to drink alcohol, and sensation-seeking), commonly employed in studies of drinking behavior, were used. Results indicated that the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the total RANDS was substantial (.86), suggesting it is a stable measure of attitudes toward non-drinkers. Scores on the RANDS correlated significantly with self-reported alcohol consumption, binge-drinking, and motives to drink. Finally, regression analyses demonstrated that the RANDS, measured at Time 1, accounted for unique variance in risky drinking measured at Time 2.
Partnership Bound: Using MAPS With Transitioning Students and Families From All Backgrounds
Authors: Haines Shana J. , Francis Grace L. , Shepherd Katharine G. , Ziegler Meg , Mabika Goma
Published: April 2017

The McGill Action Planning System (also referred to as Making Action Plans or MAPS) is a supportive, strengths-based process that enables teams to understand each other and work together to support students in achieving their dreams. This process can work very well with all transitioning students with disabilities and their families, including those who are culturally and linguistically diverse (including refugees and immigrants), as it brings together school personnel, community members, and family members who support the student, and each participant can learn from the others. This article explains nine steps required to implement MAPS with families whose children have disabilities.
The Power of the Cloud: Google Forms for Transition Assessment
Authors: Scheef Andrew R. , Johnson Cinda
Published: April 2017

The inclusion of age-appropriate transition assessments is a key component of transition services for students with disabilities. Although these assessments may focus on a variety of areas, their general purpose is to provide guidance in developing individualized postschool goals and design transition services to help students achieve these goals. Practitioners are tasked with conducting assessments that provide meaningful information from a variety of sources. This can be an unwieldy task, which can be streamlined and customized using Google Forms. This free cloud-based service can be used to aid practitioners when collecting and analyzing data from transition assessments. This article includes a general discussion of transition assessment and describes how the process may be simplified using Google Forms.
Redefining China’s Xinjiang policy: Rhetoric or reality?
Authors: Ramachandran Veena
Published: April 2017

The Ürümqi riot (2009) in Xinjiang and frequent ethnic conflicts in other ethnic minority regions like Tibet has initiated a debate on reforming China’s ethnic management, calling for the adoption of a ‘second generation’ ethnic policy. The Chinese scholars and the minzu establishment (“ethnic” lobby) failed to reach a consensus on this much discussed and debated alternative. However, the Beijing and the Xinjiang authorities framed a new slogan of achieving ‘everlasting stability’ in Xinjiang proposing inclusive development and inter-ethnic unity as the ultimate objectives of the Chinese state in Xinjiang region. In this context, the paper explores the trajectory of China’s Xinjiang policy in the post-Ürümqi riot (2009) scenario. This paper discusses the scholarly debates on the direction of ethnic policy and examines the nature of its impact on China’s Xinjiang policy in the post-2009 period. It also explores the strategies of the Chinese state in the post-2009 Xinjiang to examine whether the regime subscribes to any radical shift in its approach towards Xinjiang, complying with the ethnic unity and stability slogans raised by the regime. The paper suggests that there is a comprehensive harmonization of Uyghurs in the post- Ürümqi Xinjiang that not only refutes any radical shift in Xinjiang policy but ensures continuity and change in China’s treatment of the region.
Comparison of the mechanical properties of different skin sites for auricular and nasal reconstruction
Authors: Griffin M. F. , Leung B. C. , Premakumar Y. , Szarko M. , Butler P. E.
Published: April 2017

Background

Autologous and synthetic nasal and auricular frameworks require skin coverage. The surgeon's decides on the appropriate skin coverage for reconstruction based on colour matching, subcutaneous tissue thickness, expertise and experience. One of the major complications of placing subcutaneous implants is the risk of extrusion (migration through the skin) and infection. However, knowledge of lessening the differential between the soft tissue and the framework can have important implications for extrusion. This study compared the mechanical properties of the skin commonly used as skin sites for the coverage in auricular and nasal reconstruction.

Methods

Using ten fresh human cadavers, the tensile Young's Modulus of the skin from the forehead, forearm, temporoparietal, post-auricular and submandibular neck was assessed. The relaxation rate and absolute relaxation level was also assessed after 90 min of relaxation.

Results

The submandibular skin showed the greatest Young's elastic modulus in tension of all regions (1.28 MPa ±0.06) and forearm showed the lowest (1.03 MPa ±0.06). The forehead demonstrated greater relaxation rates among the different skin regions (7.8 MPa−07 ± 0.1). The forearm showed the lowest rate of relaxation (4.74 MPa−07 ± 0.1). The forearm (0.04 MPa ±0.004) and submandibular neck skin (0.04 MPa ±0.005) showed similar absolute levels of relaxation, which were significantly greater than the other skin regions ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study provides an understanding into the biomechanical properties of the skin of different sites allowing surgeons to consider this parameter when trying to identify the optimal skin coverage in nasal and auricular reconstruction.
The effect of Rho drugs on mast cell activation and degranulation
Authors: Sheshachalam Avinash , Baier Alicia , Eitzen Gary
Published: April 2017

Mast cells are tissue-resident immune cells that produce potent proinflammatory mediators, which are stored in cytoplasmic granules. Stimulation triggers degranulation, a process that mobilizes granules to dock and fuse to the plasma membrane, releasing mediators. Mast cell degranulation has an important role in immunity but can also intensify inflammation and contribute to allergic disorders. Hence, it is important to understand signaling pathways that regulate mast cell degranulation. Here, we examined the role of Rho proteins in regulating mast cell activation leading to degranulation. RBL-2H3 cells and bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMCs) were stimulated through aggregation of FcɛRI receptors. Stimulated cells showed a large increase in the levels of activated Rac and, to a lesser extent, RhoA. Drugs were used to acutely inhibit the function of specific Rho proteins. The Rac inhibitor EHT-1864 and the RhoA inhibitor rhosin inhibited degranulation. Microscopic characterization showed that, upon stimulation, RBL-2H3 cells formed surface ridges that grew into large protrusions reminiscent of circular dorsal ruffles, which flattened into large lamellipodia. LysoTracker-labeled cells showed granules stream into peripheral protrusions. EHT-1864 reduced granule motility, whereas rhosin increased motility; both drugs affected the formation of peripheral protrusions. These results showed that, in response to stimuli, Rho proteins control discrete cytoskeletal remodeling processes that are needed for granule exocytosis. Rac is required to stimulate the remodeling of mast cells, triggering actin-mediated flattening of the cell periphery to create an active degranulation zone, whereas RhoA controls the streaming of highly motile granules into the active zone.
High-Sugar, but Not High-Fat, Food Activates Supraoptic Nucleus Neurons in the Male Rat
Authors: Hume Catherine , Sabatier Nancy , Menzies John
Published: April 2017

Oxytocin is a potent anorexigen and is believed to have a role in satiety signaling. We developed rat models to study the activity of oxytocin neurons in response to voluntary consumption or oral gavage of foods using c-Fos immunohistochemistry and in vivo electrophysiology. Using c-Fos expression as an indirect marker of neural activation, we showed that the percentage of magnocellular oxytocin neurons expressing c-Fos increased with voluntary consumption of sweetened condensed milk (SCM). To model the effect of food in the stomach, we gavaged anesthetized rats with SCM. The percentage of supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus magnocellular oxytocin-immunoreactive neurons expressing c-Fos increased with SCM gavage but not with gastric distention. To further examine the activity of the supraoptic nucleus, we made in vivo electrophysiological recordings from SON neurons, where anesthetized rats were gavaged with SCM or single cream. Pharmacologically identified oxytocin neurons responded to SCM gavage with a linear, proportional, and sustained increase in firing rate, but cream gavage resulted in a transient reduction in firing rate. Blood glucose increased after SCM gavage but not cream gavage. Plasma osmolarity and plasma sodium were unchanged throughout. We show that in response to high-sugar, but not high-fat, food in the stomach, there is an increase in the activity of oxytocin neurons. This does not appear to be a consequence of stomach distention or changes in osmotic pressure. Our data suggest that the presence of specific foods with different macronutrient profiles in the stomach differentially regulates the activity of oxytocin neurons.
Non-centralized and functionally localized nervous system of ophiuroids: evidence from topical anesthetic experiments
Authors: Matsuzaka Yoshiya , Sato Eiki , Kano Takeshi , Aonuma Hitoshi , Ishiguro Akio
Published: April 2017

Ophiuroids locomote along the seafloor by coordinated rhythmic movements of multi-segmented arms. The mechanisms by which such coordinated movements are achieved are a focus of interest from the standpoints of neurobiology and robotics, because ophiuroids appear to lack a central nervous system that could exert centralized control over five arms. To explore the underlying mechanism of arm coordination, we examined the effects of selective anesthesia to various parts of the body of ophiuroids on locomotion. We observed the following: (1) anesthesia of the circumoral nerve ring completely blocked the initiation of locomotion; however, initiation of single arm movement, such as occurs during the retrieval of food, was unaffected, indicating that the inability to initiate locomotion was not due to the spread of the anesthetic agent. (2) During locomotion, the midsegments of the arms periodically made contact with the floor to elevate the disc. In contrast, the distal segments of the arms were pointed aborally and did not make contact with the floor. (3) When the midsegments of all arms were anesthetized, arm movements were rendered completely uncoordinated. In contrast, even when only one arm was left intact, inter-arm coordination was preserved. (4) Locomotion was unaffected by anesthesia of the distal arms. (5) A radial nerve block to the proximal region of an arm abolished coordination among the segments of that arm, rendering it motionless. These findings indicate that the circumoral nerve ring and radial nerves play different roles in intra- and inter-arm coordination in ophiuroids.
Reprogramming towards totipotency is greatly facilitated by synergistic effects of small molecules
Authors: Miyamoto Kei , Tajima Yosuke , Yoshida Koki , Oikawa Mami , Azuma Rika , Allen George E. , Tsujikawa Tomomi , Tsukaguchi Tomomasa , Bradshaw Charles R. , Jullien Jerome , Yamagata Kazuo , Matsumoto Kazuya , Anzai Masayuki , Imai Hiroshi , Gurdon John B. , Yamada Masayasu
Published: April 2017

Animal cloning has been achieved in many species by transplanting differentiated cell nuclei to unfertilized oocytes. However, the low efficiencies of cloning have remained an unresolved issue. Here we find that the combination of two small molecules, trichostatin A (TSA) and vitamin C (VC), under culture condition with bovine serum albumin deionized by ion-exchange resins, dramatically improves the cloning efficiency in mice and 15% of cloned embryos develop to term by means of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The improvement was not observed by adding the non-treated, rather than deionized, bovine serum. RNA-seq analyses of SCNT embryos at the two-cell stage revealed that the treatment with TSA and VC resulted in the upregulated expression of previously identified reprogramming-resistant genes. Moreover, the expression of early-embryo-specific retroelements was upregulated by the TSA and VC treatment. The enhanced gene expression was relevant to the VC-mediated reduction of histone H3 lysine 9 methylation in SCNT embryos. Our study thus shows a simply applicable method to greatly improve mouse cloning efficiency, and furthers our understanding of how somatic nuclei acquire totipotency.
Investigation of feet functions of large ruminants with a decoupled model of equivalent mechanism
Authors: Zhang Qun , Xu Kun , Ding Xilun
Published: April 2017

Cloven hooves of ruminants adapt to diverse terrain, provide propulsive force and support the whole body during movement in natural environments. To reveal how the feet ensure terrain adaptability by choosing the proper configurations and terrain conditions, we model the feet of ruminants as an equivalent mechanism with flexion-extension and lateral movement decoupled. The upper part of the equivalent mechanism can flex and extend, while the lower part performs the lateral movement. Combination of the two parts can adapt to longitudinal slope (anterior-posterior) and transverse slope (medial-lateral), respectively. When one of two digits closes laterally, the workspace of the other decreases. The distal interdigital ligament between two digits limits their motion by elastic force and stores energy during movement. Differences in elastic energy variation of the ligament on different transverse slopes are characterized based on the configurations of two digits and the elastic energy between them. If the upper one of two symmetric digits is fixed, the foot landing on the grade surface (2°) shows greater capacity for absorbing energy; otherwise, level ground is the best choice for ruminants. As for the asymmetric digits, longer lateral digits enhance the optimal adaptive lateral angle. The asymmetry predisposes the feet to damage on the hard ground, which indicates soft ground is more suitable.
Tanshinone IIA suppresses the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells and the proliferation and migration of macrophages induced by ox-LDL
Authors: Wang Baocai , Ge Zhenwei , Cheng Zhaoyun , Zhao Ziniu
Published: April 2017

The profound inhibitory effect of Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on atherosclerosis has been demonstrated, whereas the latent mechanism is not completely cleared. This study aimed to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Tan IIA protecting against atherosclerosis. Oil Red O staining and ELISA assay showed that Tan IIA suppressed the progress of atherosclerosis and reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum of apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE–/–) mice. Flow cytometry assay revealed that Tan IIA inhibited oxidized LDL (ox-LDL)-induced apoptosis of VSMCs. MTT and transwell assay indicated that Tan IIA suppressed the ox-LDL-stimulated proliferation and migration of RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, Tan IIA ameliorated inflammatory cytokine upregulation elicited by ox-LDL in RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, Tan IIA inhibited the apoptosis of VSMCs and decreased the levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 in ApoE–/– mice. In conclusion, our study demonstrated Tan IIA suppressed the progression of atherosclerosis by inhibiting vascular inflammation, apoptosis of VSMCs and proliferation and migration of macrophages induced by ox-LDL.
Mechanics of the thorax in flies
Authors: Deora Tanvi , Gundiah Namrata , Sane Sanjay P.
Published: April 2017

Insects represent more than 60% of all multicellular life forms, and are easily among the most diverse and abundant organisms on earth. They evolved functional wings and the ability to fly, which enabled them to occupy diverse niches. Insects of the hyper-diverse orders show extreme miniaturization of their body size. The reduced body size, however, imposes steep constraints on flight ability, as their wings must flap faster to generate sufficient forces to stay aloft. Here, we discuss the various physiological and biomechanical adaptations of the thorax in flies which enabled them to overcome the myriad constraints of small body size, while ensuring very precise control of their wing motion. One such adaptation is the evolution of specialized myogenic or asynchronous muscles that power the high-frequency wing motion, in combination with neurogenic or synchronous steering muscles that control higher-order wing kinematic patterns. Additionally, passive cuticular linkages within the thorax coordinate fast and yet precise bilateral wing movement, in combination with an actively controlled clutch and gear system that enables flexible flight patterns. Thus, the study of thoracic biomechanics, along with the underlying sensory-motor processing, is central in understanding how the insect body form is adapted for flight.
Prior social experience affects the behavioral and neural responses to acute alcohol in juvenile crayfish
Authors: Swierzbinski Matthew E. , Lazarchik Andrew R. , Herberholz Jens
Published: April 2017

The effects of alcohol on society can be devastating, both as an immediate consequence of acute intoxication and as a powerful drug of abuse. However, the neurocellular mechanisms of alcohol intoxication are still elusive, partly because of the complex interactions between alcohol and nervous system function. We found that juvenile crayfish are behaviorally sensitive to acute alcohol exposure and progress through stages that are strikingly similar to those of most other intoxicated organisms. Most surprisingly, we found that the social history of the animals significantly modified the acute effects of alcohol. Crayfish taken from a rich social environment became intoxicated more rapidly than animals that were socially isolated before alcohol exposure. In addition, we found that the modulation of intoxicated behaviors by prior social experience was paralleled on the level of individual neurons. These results significantly improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interplay between social experience, alcohol intoxication and nervous system function.
Physical Activity as Cause and Cure of Muscular Pain: Evidence of Underlying Mechanisms
Authors: Søgaard Karen , Sjøgaard Gisela
Published: April 2017

Work-related physical activity (PA), in terms of peak loads and sustained and/or repetitive contractions, presents risk factors for the development of muscular pain and disorders. However, PA as a training tailored to the employee’s work exposure, health, and physical capacity offers prevention and rehabilitation. We suggest the concept of “Intelligent Physical Exercise Training” relying on evidence-based sports science training principles.
Characterization of the mammalian DEAD-box protein DDX5 reveals functional conservation with S. cerevisiae ortholog Dbp2 in transcriptional control and glucose metabolism
Authors: Xing Zheng , Wang Siwen , Tran Elizabeth J.
Published: April 2017

DEAD-box proteins are a class of nonprocessive RNA helicases that dynamically modulate the structure of RNA and ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). However, the precise roles of individual members are not well understood. Work from our laboratory revealed that the DEAD-box protein Dbp2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an active RNA helicase in vitro that functions in transcription by promoting mRNP assembly, repressing cryptic transcription initiation, and regulating long noncoding RNA activity. Interestingly, Dbp2 is also linked to glucose sensing and hexose transporter gene expression. DDX5 is the mammalian ortholog of Dbp2 that has been implicated in cancer and metabolic syndrome, suggesting that the role of Dbp2 and DDX5 in glucose metabolic regulation is conserved. Herein, we present a refined biochemical and biological comparison of yeast Dbp2 and human DDX5 enzymes. We find that human DDX5 possesses a 10-fold higher unwinding activity than Dbp2, which is partially due to the presence of a mammalian/avian specific C-terminal extension. Interestingly, ectopic expression of DDX5 rescues the cold sensitivity, cryptic initiation defects, and impaired glucose import in dbp2Δ cells, suggesting functional conservation. Consistently, we show that DDX5 promotes glucose uptake and glycolysis in mouse AML12 hepatocyte cells, suggesting that mammalian DDX5 and S. cerevisiae Dbp2 share conserved roles in cellular metabolism.
Impact of a Connected Care Model on 30‐Day Readmission Rates from Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Kim Luke D. , Kou Lei , Hu Bo , Gorodeski Eiran Z. , Rothberg Michael B.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

About one‐fifth of hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries are discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for post‐acute care. Readmissions are common but interventions to reduce readmissions are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of a connected care model on 30‐day hospital readmission rates among patients discharged to SNFs.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

SNFs that receive referrals from an academic medical center in Cleveland, Ohio.

PARTICIPANTS

All patients admitted to Cleveland Clinic main campus between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2014 and subsequently discharged to 7 intervention SNFs or 103 control SNFs.

INTERVENTION

Hospital‐employed physicians and advanced practice professionals (nurse practitioners and physician assistants) visited SNF patients 4 to 5 times per week.

RESULTS

During the study period, 13,544 patients were discharged to SNFs within a 25‐miles radius of Cleveland Clinic main campus. Of these, 3334 were discharged to 7 intervention SNFs and 10,201 were discharged to 103 usualcare SNFs. During the intervention phase (2013‐2014), adjusted 30‐day readmission rates declined at the intervention SNFs (28.1% to 21.7%, P < 0.001), while there was a slight increase at control SNFs (27.1 % to 28.5%, P < 0.001). The absolute reductions ranged from 4.6% for patients at low risk for readmission to 9.1% for patients at high risk, and medical patients benefited more than surgical patients.

CONCLUSION

A program of frequent visits by hospital employed physicians and advanced practice professionals at SNFs can reduce 30‐day readmission rates.
Predicting 30‐Day Pneumonia Readmissions Using Electronic Health Record Data
Authors: Makam Anil N. , Nguyen Oanh Kieu , Clark Christopher , Zhang Song , Xie Bin , Weinreich Mark , Mortensen Eric M. , Halm Ethan A.
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND

Readmissions after hospitalization for pneumonia are common, but the few risk‐prediction models have poor to modest predictive ability. Data routinely collected in the electronic health record (EHR) may improve prediction.

OBJECTIVE

To develop pneumonia‐specific readmission risk‐prediction models using EHR data from the first day and from the entire hospital stay (“full stay”).

DESIGN

Observational cohort study using stepwise‐backward selection and cross‐validation.

SUBJECTS

Consecutive pneumonia hospitalizations from 6 diverse hospitals in north Texas from 2009‐2010.

MEASURES

All‐cause nonelective 30‐day readmissions, ascertained from 75 regional hospitals.

RESULTS

Of 1463 patients, 13.6% were readmitted. The first‐day pneumonia‐specific model included sociodemographic factors, prior hospitalizations, thrombocytosis, and a modified pneumonia severity index; the full‐stay model included disposition status, vital sign instabilities on discharge, and an updated pneumonia severity index calculated using values from the day of discharge as additional predictors. The full‐stay pneumonia‐specific model outperformed the first‐day model (C statistic 0.731 vs 0.695; P = 0.02; net reclassification index = 0.08). Compared to a validated multi‐condition readmission model, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services pneumonia model, and 2 commonly used pneumonia severity of illness scores, the full‐stay pneumonia‐specific model had better discrimination (C statistic range 0.604‐0.681; P < 0.01 for all comparisons), predicted a broader range of risk, and better reclassified individuals by their true risk (net reclassification index range, 0.09‐0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

EHR data collected from the entire hospitalization can accurately predict readmission risk among patients hospitalized for pneumonia. This approach outperforms a first‐day pneumonia‐specific model, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services pneumonia model, and 2 commonly used pneumonia severity of illness scores.