bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progression of color decision making in introductory design education
Authors: Ural Sibel Ertez , Akbay Saadet , Altay Burçak
Published: April 2017

Color comprises both subjective and objective aspects within its contextual nature. Research on color design tends to explore this seemingly contradictory concerns from theoretical point of view, as well as architectural and design practice. The aim of this study was to observe subjective, intuitive or heuristic and objective, knowledge‐based or analytical attitudes toward color in design education. In the study 84 introductory design students were surveyed progressively to understand their color decision criteria after completion of three 2‐dimensional colored exercises, specific in terms of color education. Students' responses to open‐ended questions were coded according to the 5 categories, under 2 decision making processes derived from the literature; heuristic approach: preferential and symbolic criteria, and analytic reasoning: formal, thematic, and systematic criteria. A distinction between associative and emotional aspects of symbolic criteria was also revealed by the data analysis. The findings showed a shift from heuristic responses to analytic reasoning, as expected. Additionally, it is also investigated that students not only used heuristic approaches but also analytical components (formal and systematic) of color decision making in varying degrees as well, even before any color subjects covered. Thematic color decisions became a major part of the students' design considerations upon completion of color subjects. The observed increase in the number of color criteria interrelated by the students' among almost all categories explicated a complex decision making process particularly in color design and education. These findings were expected to lead to some further understanding in color decision making in design.
A Phase 1 Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Study Assessing the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Retosiban in Healthy, Nonpregnant Japanese Subjects
Authors: Caltabiano Stephen , Magee Mindy He , Liu Feng , Beach Kathleen J.
Published: April 2017

This study characterized the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of retosiban in healthy, nonpregnant Japanese women prior to the enrollment of Japanese women in preterm labor in phase 3 trials. This study had 2 cohorts. Cohort 1 was a double‐blind, sponsor‐open, randomized study in Japanese women. Cohort 2 was an open‐label study in white women to compare the pharmacokinetics with those of Japanese women. Retosiban was administered as a 6 mg/h infusion for 24 hours, followed by a 12 mg/h infusion over the next 24 hours; each infusion was preceded by a 6 mg loading dose administered over 5 minutes. Plasma concentrations of retosiban and its major metabolite, GSK2847065, were determined with an informal comparison of pharmacokinetics between Japanese and white women. There was minimal difference in exposure to retosiban or GSK2847065 between Japanese and white women (ratio of 1.03 in retosiban AUC and Cmax). The 2 doses of retosiban were well tolerated across both populations, and no ethnic difference was observed in the safety profile. Given the results of this study and the known safety profile and dosing flexibility in the phase 3 trials, ethnic‐specific dose adjustment of retosiban is not considered necessary for the Japanese and general Asian population.
Single‐ and Multiple‐Dose Pharmacokinetics of Once‐Daily Formulations of Raltegravir
Authors: Krishna Rajesh , Rizk Matthew L. , Larson Patrick , Schulz Valerie , Kesisoglou Filippos , Pop Radu
Published: April 2017

A new once‐daily formulation of raltegravir, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor indicated in combination with other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus–1 infection, is under development. Single‐dose and steady‐state pharmacokinetics of 1200 mg for 2 formulations of raltegravir were characterized in 2 open‐label phase 1 studies in healthy male and female subjects aged 18 to 55 years. The new raltegravir 600‐mg formulation had a higher relative bioavailability compared with the 400‐mg tablets. Once absorbed, both 3 × 400‐mg and 2 × 600‐mg dosage forms of raltegravir exhibited similar systemic pharmacokinetics; in dictating bioavailability, differences were from increased absorption that was the result of improved in vivo disintegration/dissolution. Food had a smaller effect on the pharmacokinetics of raltegravir when given as 2 × 600‐mg formulation (42% vs 73% decrease in AUC0–last). Steady state was generally reached in 2 days, with little to no accumulation with multiple‐dose administration. Raltegravir 1200 mg was found to exhibit pharmacokinetic properties amenable for once‐daily dosing and was generally well tolerated in healthy subjects after single and multiple doses. The new formulation improved the bioavailability of this Biopharmaceutics Classification System class II compound.
Degradation of an Ethylene Carbonate/Diethyl Carbonate Mixture by Using Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Wang Furong , Varenne Fanny , Ortiz Daniel , Pinzio Valentin , Mostafavi Mehran , Le Caër Sophie
Published: April 2017

The reactivity of ethylene carbonate (EC) and of a EC/diethyl carbonate (DEC) mixture was studied under ionizing radiation to mimic the aging phenomena that occur in lithium‐ion batteries. Picosecond‐pulse radiolysis experiments showed that the attachment of the electron to the EC molecule is ultrafast (k(e−EC+EC)=1.3×109 L mol−1 s−1 at 46 °C). This reaction rate is accelerated by a factor of 5.7 compared with the electron attachment to propylene carbonate, which implies that the presence of the methyl group significantly slows the reaction. In a 50:50 EC/DEC mixture, just after the electron pulse the electron is solvated by a mixture of EC and DEC molecules, but its fast decay is attributed exclusively to electron attachment to the EC molecule. Stable products detected after steady‐state irradiation were mainly H2, CH4, CO, and CO2. The evolution of the radiolytic yields with the EC fraction shows that H2 and CH4 did not exhibit linear behavior, whereas CO and CO2 did. Indeed, H2 and CH4 mainly arise from the excited state of DEC, the formation of which is significantly affected by the evolution of the dielectric constant of the mixture and by the electron attachment to EC. CO formation is mainly due to the reactivity of the EC molecule, which is not affected in the mixture, as proven by pulse‐radiolysis experiments.
Prediction of plane‐wise turbulent events to the Reynolds stress in a flow over scour‐bed
Authors: Maity Haradhan , Mazumder Bijoy Singha
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we intend to quantify the contribution of turbulent events to the total Reynolds shear stresses
,
, and
from the four different quadrants of three different planes (xy, xz, yz); and to make a comparative study among the planes in the scour geometry developed by short circular cylinder of fixed length with a fixed diameter placed over the sand bed transverse to the flow. We also intend to predict the magnitude of covariance terms
,
, and
and their contributions in the four quadrants by making use of the conditional probability distribution of the Reynolds shear stresses
,
, and
, which can be derived by applying the cumulant‐discard method to the Gram‐Charlier probability distribution of the two variables. This consideration motivates the work on the flow over the obstacle marks generated on sand bed using different short cylinders. The contributions of burst‐sweep cycles to the Reynolds shear stresses from the planes over and within the scour around the obstacle are computed using the quadrant analysis to identify the leading shear stress plane, which are responsible to form the scour geometry. It is discovered that the yz and xy‐ planes are much more important in the scouring regions, whereas xz‐ plane is important for the smooth surface. Using cumulant‐discard method (taking into account the cumulants of less than fourth order), it is shown that the qualitative behaviours of turbulent events agree well with experimental data. Thus, it is confirmed that even the third‐order probability distribution of the Reynolds stresses can describe the experimental results very well.
Characterization of Runx2 phosphorylation sites required for TGF‐β1‐mediated stimulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐13 expression in osteoblastic cells
Authors: Arumugam Balasubramanian , Vairamani Mariappanadar , Partridge Nicola C. , Selvamurugan Nagarajan
Published: April 2017

Transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1), a highly abundant growth factor in skeletal tissues, stimulates matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) expression in osteoblastic cells. MMP‐13 plays a critical role in bone remodeling. Runx2, a bone transcription factor, is required for TGF‐β1‐mediated stimulation of MMP‐13 expression in osteoblastic cells. In this study, the molecular mechanism responsible for TGF‐β1‐stimulation of MMP‐13 expression via Runx2 in osteoblastic cells was elucidated. TGF‐β1 stimulated the phosphorylation of Runx2 at serine amino acids, and ERK inhibition blocked this effect in rat (UMR106‐01) and human (MG‐63) osteoblastic cells. Pretreatment with okadaic acid, a serine‐threonine phosphatase inhibitor, increased Runx2 serine phosphorylation in osteoblastic cells. When cells were pretreated with an ERK inhibitor, TGF‐β1‐mediated stimulation of MMP‐13 mRNA expression decreased. Nano‐ESI/LC/MS analysis identified that TGF‐β1 stimulates Runx2 phosphorylation at three serine amino acids. Transient transfection of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (C3H10T1/2) with Runx2 serine mutant constructs decreased TGF‐β1‐mediated Runx2 serine phosphorylation. A luciferase reporter assay identified that TGF‐β1 stimulated MMP‐13 promoter activity in these cells only in the presence of the wild Runx2 construct, and not with mutant Runx2. Thus, TGF‐β1 stimulates the phosphorylation of Runx2 at three serine amino acids, and this event is required for MMP‐13 expression in osteoblastic cells. Hence, this study contributes to the knowledge of events governing bone remodeling and bone‐related diseases.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Intravenous Acetaminophen Administered to Critically Ill Multiple‐Trauma Patients at the Usual Dosage and a New Proposal for Administration
Authors: Fuster‐Lluch Oscar , Zapater‐Hernández Pedro , Gerónimo‐Pardo Manuel
Published: April 2017

The pharmacokinetic profile of intravenous acetaminophen administered to critically ill multiple‐trauma patients was studied after 4 consecutive doses of 1 g every 6 hours. Eleven blood samples were taken (predose and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300, and 360 minutes postdose), and urine was collected (during 6‐hour intervals between doses) to determine serum and urine acetaminophen concentrations. These were used to calculate the following pharmacokinetic parameters: maximum and minimum concentrations, terminal half‐life, area under serum concentration‐time curve from 0 to 6 hours, mean residence time, volume of distribution, and serum and renal clearance of acetaminophen. Daily doses of acetaminophen required to obtain steady‐state minimum (bolus dosing) and average plasma concentrations (continuous infusion) of 10 μg/mL were calculated (10 μg/mL is the presumed lower limit of the analgesic range). Data are expressed as median [interquartile range]. Twenty‐two patients were studied, mostly young (age 44 [34‐64] years) males (68%), not obese (weight 78 [70‐84] kg). Acetaminophen concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters were these: maximum concentration 33.6 [25.7‐38.7] μg/mL and minimum concentration 0.5 [0.2‐2.3] μg/mL, all values below 10 μg/mL and 8 below the detection limit; half‐life 1.2 [1.0‐1.9] hours; area under the curve for 6 hours 34.7 [29.7‐52.7] μg·h/mL; mean residence time 1.8 [1.3‐2.6] hours; steady‐state volume of distribution 50.8 [42.5‐66.5] L; and serum and renal clearance 28.8 [18.9‐33.7] L/h and 15 [11‐19] mL/min, respectively. Theoretically, daily doses for a steady‐state minimum concentration of 10 μg/mL would be 12.2 [7.8‐16.4] g/day (166 [112‐202] mg/[kg·day]); for an average steady‐state concentration of 10 μg/mL, they would be 6.9 [4.5‐8.1] g/day (91 [59‐111] mg/[kg·day]). In conclusion, administration of acetaminophen at the recommended dosage of 1 g per 6 hours to critically ill multiple‐trauma patients yields serum concentrations below 10 μg/mL due to increased elimination. To reach the 10 μg/mL target, and from a strictly pharmacokinetic point of view, continuous infusion may be more feasible than bolus dosing. Such a change in dosing strategy requires appropriate, pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic and specific safety study.
Synthesis of Condensed Heterocycles, Containing Partially Saturated Pyrimidine Nuclei, from Aromatic Pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Remennikov Grigoriy Ya.
Published: April 2017

This synthetic review has summarized current developments in the preparation of condensed heterocycles containing dihydropyrimidine and tetrahydropyrimidine nuclei by various transformations of preexisting aromatic pyrimidine derivatives. The review presents a variety of strategies for the construction of these highly functional heterocyclic systems.
Multiple breath‐hold proton spectroscopy of human liver at 3T: Relaxation times and concentrations of glycogen, choline, and lipids
Authors: Weis Jan , Kullberg Joel , Ahlström Håkan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of an expiration multiple breath‐hold 1H‐MRS technique to measure glycogen (Glycg), choline‐containing compounds (CCC), and lipid relaxation times T1, T2, and their concentrations in normal human liver.

Materials and Methods

Thirty healthy volunteers were recruited. Experiments were performed at 3T. Multiple expiration breath‐hold single‐voxel point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) technique was used for localization. Water‐suppressed spectra were used for the estimation of Glycg, CCC, lipid methylene (CH2)n relaxation times and concentrations. Residual water lines were removed by the Hankel Lanczos singular value decomposition filter. After phase correction and frequency alignment, spectra were averaged and processed by LCModel. Summed signals of Glycg resonances H2H4′, H3, and H5 between 3.6 and 4 ppm were used to estimate their apparent relaxation times and concentration. Glycg, CCC, and lipid content were estimated from relaxation corrected spectral intensity ratios to unsuppressed water line.

Results

Relaxation times were measured for liver Glycg (T1, 892 ± 126 msec; T2, 13 ± 4 msec), CCC (T1, 842 ± 75 msec; T2, 50 ± 5 msec), lipid (CH2)n (T1, 402 ± 19 msec; T2, 52 ± 3 msec), and water (T1, 990 ± 89 msec; T2, 30 ± 2 msec). Mean CCC and lipid concentrations of healthy liver were 7.8 ± 1.3 mM and 15.8 ± 23.6 mM, respectively. Glycg content was found lower in the morning (48 ± 21 mM) compared to the afternoon (145 ± 50 mM).

Conclusion

Multiple breath‐hold 1H‐MRS together with dedicated postprocessing is a feasible technique for the quantification of liver Glycg, CCC, and lipid relaxation times and concentrations.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:410–417.
Systemic and local anti‐nociceptive effects of simvastatin in the rat formalin assay: Role of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ and nitric oxide
Authors: Mansouri Mohammad Taghi , Naghizadeh Bahareh , Ghorbanzadeh Behnam , Alboghobeish Soheila
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to determine the potential systemic and local anti‐nociceptive effects of simvastatin (SIM) and the possible role of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and nitric oxide (NO) pathways using a formalin assay in rats. After allocation, rats were intraplantarly (i.pl.) treated with formalin solution (2.5%) and the flinching behaviors were recorded for 5 min (phase 1) and 15‐60 min (phase 2). SIM was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) and i.pl. 30 and 20 min before test, respectively. Intraperitoneal administration of SIM attenuated the flinching number during both phases of the test. This effect of i.p. SIM was significantly reduced by L‐NAME (NO synthase blocker, i.p.), but was augmented by L‐arginine (NO precursor, i.p.) during both phases of the formalin assay. Moreover, the antinociception caused by i.p. SIM was blocked by GW‐9662 (PPARγ antagonist) at dose 2 mg/kg (i.p.). In another experiment, concurrent ip administration of non‐effective dose of simvastatin (5 mg/kg) with pioglitazone (PPARγ agonist; 10, 20 mg/kg) produced antinociception. However, pre‐treatment with i.p. GW‐9662 inhibited the enhanced antinociceptive effect of pioglitazone on SIM during the phase 2 of formalin assay. Results also showed that i.pl. SIM alone had no anti‐nociceptive effects. However, significant anti‐nociception was observed when SIM (i.pl.) co‐administered with non‐effective dose of pioglitazone. Moreover, the enhanced effect was antagonized by pre‐treatment with i.pl. GW‐9662. Our data suggest that SIM produced antinociception through systemic but not local route of administration in rats. Moreover, the antinociceptive effect of SIM is partly mediated through PPARγ receptors and NO pathway. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐pressure Raman study of nyerereite from Oldoinyo Lengai
Authors: Rashchenko Sergey V. , Goryainov Sergey V. , Romanenko Alexander V. , Golovin Alexander V. , Korsakov Andrey V. , Moine Bertrand N. , Mikhno Anastasia O.
Published: April 2017

A rare sodium carbonate nyerereite, (Na,K)2Ca(CO3)2, first found in unique natrocarbonatite lava of Oldoinyo Lengai volcano, also attracted a lot of attention as an inclusion phase in mantle minerals formed in the course of deep carbonatite magmatism. We measured the evolution of nyerereite Raman spectra under quasi‐hydrostatic compression up to 6.4 GPa using a diamond anvil cell. The ν4(CO32−) band (710 cm−1 at ambient pressure) and ν1(CO32−) doublet (1077 and 1086 cm−1 at ambient pressure) demonstrated a positive pressure shift with dν/dP irregularities at 0.5 and 3.0 GPa. The obtained calibration was then used for residual pressure measurements in nyerereite‐bearing inclusions in olivine from the Udachnaya‐East kimberlite. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of noninvasive prenatal testing on gestational age at time of abortion for aneuploidy
Authors: Lassey Sarah C. , Reiff Emily S. , Dobson Lori , Bromley Bryann , Wilkins‐Haug Louise , Bartz Deborah , Little Sarah E.
Published: April 2017

Objective

The objective of this study is to compare the gestational age at termination for trisomy 13, 18, or 21 (aneuploidy) before and after the introduction of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

Methods

A retrospective cohort of women undergoing termination for aneuploidy at two academic institutions and one private clinic. We compared two time periods: before and after the introduction of NIPT (2006–2011 and 2012–2014, respectively). Maternal demographics and clinical characteristics were abstracted from the medical record. Nonparametric statistical methods were used to compare the two cohorts.

Results

Our cohort included 93 women: 41 prior to NIPT and 52 post‐NIPT. Maternal age (38 post‐NIPT vs 37 pre‐NIPT; p = 0.17) did not differ between the time periods. Women in the post‐NIPT were less likely to undergo diagnostic testing (82.7% vs 97.6%; p < 0.01) before proceeding to abortion after a positive screening result. In the post‐NIPT period, there was a significant decrease in the gestational age at time of invasive testing (13.0 vs 15.7 weeks; p < 0.01) and women were more likely to undergo chorionic villous sampling (CVS) (59.6% vs 41.5%; p < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in the gestational age at termination (14.2 vs 17.2; p < 0.01). Women in the post‐NIPT group were less likely to have terminations after 16 weeks (25.0% vs 61.0%; p < 0.01), 18 weeks (7.7% vs 39.0%; p < 0.01), or 20 weeks (3.9% vs 12.2%; p = 0.23).

Conclusion

With the introduction of NIPT, the median gestational age at diagnosis and termination for women with Trisomy 13, 18, or 21 was 3 weeks earlier. Women were four times less likely to have a termination after 18 weeks and three times less likely to have a termination after 20 weeks. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of occupation of the excited states and phonon broadening on the determination of the hot carrier temperature from continuous wave photoluminescence in InGaAsP quantum well absorbers
Authors: Esmaielpour Hamidreza , Whiteside Vincent R. , Hirst Louise C. , Tischler Joseph G. , Ellis Chase T. , Lumb Matthew P. , Forbes David V. , Walters Robert J. , Sellers Ian R.
Published: April 2017

An InGaAsP quantum well with a type‐II band alignment is studied using continuous wave power and temperature dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The small energy separation between the ground state and first excited state results in significant thermal carrier redistribution and excited state occupation, particularly, with increasing excitation power and temperature. This state filling is evident as a high‐energy shoulder in the PL spectra, the same energy region where in the simplest Planck‐description the gradient is considered inversely proportional to carrier temperature. The outcome of an excited state occupation in broadening the high‐energy PL tail is to perturb the temperature extracted using this analysis; therefore, the true temperature of carriers is not properly evaluated when significant state filling occurs. In addition, broadening of the PL due to phonons at higher temperatures also distorts (or falsely increases) the non‐equilibrium “hot” carrier temperature and as such should be considered when using Planck's relation. The role of these two effects is considered and their mutual effect on the analysis of the extracted hot carrier temperature discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endoscopic Central Lymph Node Dissection via Breast Combined with Oral Approach for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Wu Guo‐yang , Fu Jin‐bo , Lin Fu‐sheng , Luo Ye‐zhe , Lin En‐de , Yan Wei
Published: April 2017

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and necessity of endoscopic thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection via the combined breast and trans‐oral approaches.

Methods

Six patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent endoscopic total thyroidectomy with central node dissection via combined breast and trans‐oral approaches from November 2014 to January 2015 in Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, were analyzed.

Results

After completion of endoscopic central lymph node dissection via the traditional breast approach, eight pieces of lymph nodes could still be dissected via the trans‐oral approach. Two of these eight pieces were positive for thyroid cancer metastasis.

Conclusions

It is advisable to perform endoscopic central lymph node dissection for thyroid carcinoma via the breast approach combined with the trans‐oral approach.
Soil spore banks of ectomycorrhizal fungi in endangered Japanese Douglas‐fir forests
Authors: Murata Masao , Nagata Yuki , Nara Kazuhide
Published: April 2017

Interactions between trees and ectomycorrhizal fungi are critical to the growth and survival of both partners. However, ectomycorrhizal symbiosis has barely been explored in endangered trees, and no information is available regarding soil spore banks of ectomycorrhizal fungi from forests of threatened trees. Here, we evaluated soil spore banks of ectomycorrhizal fungi from endangered Japanese Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga japonica) forests using bioassay approaches with congeneric P. menziesii and Pinus densiflora seedlings in combination with molecular identification techniques. Rhizopogon togasawariana was predominant in soil propagule banks and was found in all remaining P. japonica forests when assayed with P. menziesii, while no colonization of this fungus was observed on Pinus seedlings. Given the observed specificity of R. togasawariana for P. menziesii and its phylogenetic position within the Pseudotsuga‐specific Rhizopogon lineage, its geographical distribution is likely restricted to the remaining Japanese Douglas‐fir forests, indicating a high extinction risk for this fungus as well as its endangered host. Spore banks of R. togasawariana remained highly infective after preservation for 1 year or heat treatment at 70 °C, suggesting an ecological strategy of establishing ectomycorrhizal associations on regenerating Japanese Douglas‐fir seedlings after disturbance, as observed in other Rhizopogon–Pinaceae combinations. Therefore, the regeneration of Japanese Douglas‐fir seedlings may depend largely on the soil spore banks dominated by R. togasawariana, which has co‐evolved with the Japanese Douglas‐fir for over 30 million years. More attention must be paid to underground ectomycorrhizal fungi for the conservation of endangered tree species, especially in the era of human‐induced mass extinction.
EPR Studies on the Properties of Model Photoreceptor Membranes Made of Natural and Synthetic Lipids
Authors: Duda Mariusz , Kawula Katarzyna , Pawlak Anna , Sarna Tadeusz , Wisniewska-Becker Anna
Published: April 2017

The membranes of retina photoreceptors have unique lipid composition. They contain a high concentration of polyunsaturated docosahexaenoic acid, with six double bonds, and are enriched in phosphatidylethanolamines. Based on their phospholipid composition and cholesterol content, membranes of photoreceptors can be divided into three types: plasma membrane, young disks membranes, and old disks membranes. High amount of docosahexaenoic acid, abundant illumination, and high respiratory demands make these membranes sensitive to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Human retinas are not easily available for research, therefore most research is done on bovine retinas. However, to follow, in a controlled manner, the changes in membrane properties caused by different factors it seems advisable to apply carefully prepared models of photoreceptor membranes. Using synthetic lipids we prepared liposome models of three types of photoreceptor membranes, and by means of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and spin labeling technique we compared polarity and fluidity of those model membranes with the properties of membranes consisting of natural lipids extracted from photoreceptor outer segments of bovine retinas. Additionally, we studied the effect of oxidation on the membrane properties in the presence and in the absence of zeaxanthin, which is an antioxidant naturally present in the human retina. The results show that there are significant differences in polarity and fluidity between all investigated membranes, which reflect differences in their lipid composition. The properties of the membranes made of natural photoreceptor outer segment lipids are most similar to the ones of the models of old disks membranes. Oxidation did not change the membrane properties significantly; however, a slight ordering effect was observed in liposomes made of natural photoreceptor outer segment lipids and in the model of old disks membranes. Zeaxanthin affected polarity and fluidity mostly in the model of old disks membranes. The results show that by careful selection and appropriate proportions of lipid mixtures, it is possible to obtain synthetic membranes of the properties similar to the natural ones.
Burden of chronic illness and associated disabilities in Bangladesh: Evidence from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey
Authors: Sultana Marufa , Mahumud Rashidul Alam , Sarker Abdur Razzaque
Published: April 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of chronic illness and associated disability, out‐of‐pocket payment (OOPP), and other related factors using survey data from Bangladesh.

Methods

This study analyzed Bangladesh Household Income and Expenditure Survey data that include socio‐economic and demographic data, such as consumption, expenditures, and assets, along with information regarding chronic illness and disability. Multiple linear regression models were used to identify factors significantly associated with OOPP. Furthermore, a binary Logistic regression model was employed to assess the association of the explanatory variables with disability status.

Results

A higher prevalence of chronic illness was found for those with chronic gastritis (18.70%), and 41.92% of the population had at least one side disability. The average OOPP healthcare expenditure for chronic illness was estimated to be US$7.59. Higher OOPP was found among the upper 2 wealth quintiles. Overall OOPP health expenditure was significantly higher among individuals with an associated disability (P < 0.001). The likelihood of having an associated disability was higher among those individuals with a lower education level (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.95–4.06), those who not earning an income (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 2.53–3.21), those who did not seek care (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.57–1.90), those who sought care from a pharmacy (OR = 8.91, 95% CI: 7.38–10.74), and those in the lowest wealth quintile (OR = 7.21, 95% CI: 6.41–8.12).

Conclusions

The high OOPP illustrates the necessity of financial risk protection for the population at low socio‐economic status. Therefore, we recommend that the government strengthen the healthcare system with appropriate support directed to the rural and elderly populations.
Effect of type 2 diabetic serum on the behavior of Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro
Authors: Ali Fatima , Aziz Fehmina , Wajid Nadia
Published: April 2017

Objective

Wharton jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) exhibit multilineage differentiation potential and can be used to treat multiple organs. However, diabetes affects the repair capability of MSCs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diabetic patient‐derived serum on WJMSC behavior.

Methods

WJMSCs at passage 3 were treated with serum derived from type 2 diabetic patients. WJMSCs were characterized for surface markers expression by using immunocytochemistry technique. The effects on cell viability, proliferation, cell death rate, and vascular endothelial growth factor level were assessed by crystal violet staining, 3‐(4, 5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, lactate dehydrogenase assay, and enzyme‐linked immuno‐sorbent assay, respectively. Oxidative stress was assessed by the estimation of free radical species malondialdehyde (MDA) and enzymes glutathione (GSH), catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Results

WJMSCs isolated in this study were positive for CD29, CD49, CD73, CD90, CD105, and SSEA4 and negative for CD45 and CD34. Under diabetic stress conditions, WJMSCs showed low viability and high lactate dehydrogenase release. A low level of vascular endothelial growth factor was also observed after diabetic serum treatment. Antioxidant level was also lower in diabetic serum‐treated WJMSCs compared to in normal serum‐treated WJMSCs.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that pre‐treatment of WJMSCs with type 2 diabetic serum decreases the survival of WJMSCs. The findings of this study provide insight into diabetes‐induced harmful effects on WJMSCs.
Data, development, and growth
Authors: Weber Steven
Published: April 2017

Economic development and growth theory have long grappled with the consequences of cross-border flows of goods, services, ideas, and people. But the most significant growth in cross-border flows now comes in the form of data. Like other flows, data flows can demonstrate imbalances among exports and imports. Some of these flows represent ‘raw’ data while others represent high-value-added data products. Does any of this make a difference in national economic development trajectories? This paper argues that the answer is yes. After reviewing the core logic of ‘high development theories’ from the twentieth century, I analyze the sometimes implicit applications of these arguments to data as they are evolving in the existing literature. I then put forward a different argument which takes better account of unique characteristics of the political economy that emerges at the intersection of data, machine learning, and the platform firms that use them. I explore the implications of this new argument for some policy choices that governments face with regard to data localization, import substitution, and other decisions relevant to growth in both advanced and emerging economies.
CHRISTIANITY AND HUMAN FLOURISHING: THE ROLES OF LAW AND POLITICS
Authors: Hempton David N.
Published: April 2017

This essay was presented as a 2016 McDonald Distinguished Scholar Lecture at the Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Emory University.
Meaningful engagement: Impacts of a ‘calling’ work orientation and perceived leadership support
Authors: Kolodinsky Robert W , Ritchie William J , Kuna Wayne A
Published: April 2017

Given its positive relationship with valued organizational outcomes, worker-related engagement has become a prominent issue for practitioners and for scholars. While recent research has begun to validate various engagement antecedents and outcomes, little is known about the effects that work orientation and supportive leadership have on engagement, particularly among millennial workers, the soon to be dominant generational work group globally. To explore these gaps, we studied a particular form of work orientation – those indicating having a ‘calling’ – along with perceptions of how supportive leadership is for study subjects’ current work. Specifically, we posited positive worker engagement relationships for both worker calling and perceptions of leadership support, as well as for their interaction. Drawing upon a United States-based sample of 297 millennial workers, we found a positive relationship for each hypothesis. This study contributes to the expanding literature on the value of understanding how work orientation and leadership perceptions impact important organizational outcomes.
Overweight dogs exercise less frequently and for shorter periods: results of a large online survey of dog owners from the UK
Authors: German Alexander J. , Blackwell Emily , Evans Mark , Westgarth Carri
Published: April 2017

Canine obesity is now the number one health concern in dogs worldwide. Regular physical activity can improve health, and owners are advised to exercise their dogs on a regular basis. However, limited information exists about associations between overweight status of dogs and walking activity. An online survey was conducted between June and August in 2014, coinciding with the broadcast of a national UK television programme, exploring dog behaviour. Information gathered included signalment, overweight status, and owner-reported information on duration and frequency of dog walking. The University of Liverpool Ethics Committee approved the project, and owners consented to data use. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between overweight status and dog walking activity. Data were available from 11 154 adult dogs, and 1801 (16·1 %) of these were reported as overweight by their owners. Dogs reported to be overweight dogs were more likely to be neutered (P < 0·0001) and older (P < 0·0001). Various breeds were over-represented including beagle, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, golden retriever, Labrador retriever and pug (P < 0·0001 for all). Both frequency and duration of walking were negatively associated with overweight status (P < 0·0001 for both). On multiple regression analysis, duration and frequency were independently and negatively associated with the odds of being overweight, along with a range of other factors including age, neuter status and breed. This study has identified associations between overweight status and exercise. In the future, studies should determine the reason for this association, and whether changes in walking activity can influence weight status.
The effect of changing the moisture levels of dry extruded and wet canned diets on physical activity in cats
Authors: Thomas D. G. , Post M. , Bosch G.
Published: April 2017

Obesity levels in cats are increasing and the main causative factor is higher energy intake v. energy expenditure over time. Therefore, altering energy expenditure by enhancing physical activity of the cat could be a strategy to reduce obesity. Hydrating commercial dry diets with water increased activity in cats; however, no study has compared this approach with feeding high-moisture canned diets. Eight healthy male neutered domestic shorthair cats were fed four different dietary treatments in a Latin square design. Treatments were a canned diet ‘as is’ (82 % moisture) and freeze-dried (4 %), a dry diet ‘as is’ (3 %) and with added water (70 %). Cat activity was measured continuously using Actical® accelerometers. Cats were group housed during the first 14 d of each period and then moved to individual cages for 7 d with faecal and urine production measured over the final 4 d. Intake was similar for each diet. The average activity over 24 h was not different between treatments (P > 0·05). However, the ratio between average activity during the day v. at night was higher when cats were fed the dry diet (P = 0·030). Total water intake and urine volume increased when the canned diet was fed (P < 0·001). The similarity in total activity of the cats on the treatments indicates that dietary moisture or diet type did not have a major effect on these cats. However, the stronger diurnal activity patterns observed in the cats when they were fed the dry diet are intriguing and require further study.
The first Cenozoic spinicaudatans from North America
Authors: Stigall Alycia L. , Plotnick Roy E. , Park Boush Lisa E.
Published: April 2017

A new spinicaudatan species,Estherites?jocelynaenew species, is described from more than fiftyspecimens collected from the Medicine Lodge Formation (early Oligocene) of the Beaverhead Basin in southwestern Montana, USA. This is the first spinicaudatan species reported from Cenozoic strata of North America and is the second-youngest fossil clam shrimp described globally. The new species extends the range of the superfamily Estheriteoidea into the Paleogene. Carapaces ofE.?jocelynaen. sp. are preserved as a calcium carbonate replacement of the original chitin-calcium-phosphate structure, which is an uncommon style of preservation for spinicaudatans. The unique preservation coupled with the range extension suggests that the sparse Cenozoic fossil record of spinicaudatans may be partly attributable to preservation bias related to geochemical conditions rather than exclusively to diversity decline following the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. The presence ofE.?jocelynaen. sp. in the Medicine Lodge Formation indicates that lakes in the Beaverhead Basin experienced seasonality and fluctuating lake levels with at least some drying at the lake margins. The ecological inferences support previous paleoenvironmental interpretations based on paleobotanical and other faunal evidence.
Effects of high-fat diet on somatic growth, metabolic parameters and function of peritoneal macrophages of young rats submitted to a maternal low-protein diet
Authors: Alheiros-Lira Maria Cláudia , Jurema-Santos Gabriela Carvalho , da-Silva Helyson Tomaz , da-Silva Amanda Cabral , Moreno Senna Sueli , Ferreira e Silva Wylla Tatiana , Ferraz José Candido , Leandro Carol Góis
Published: April 2017

This study evaluated the effects of a post-weaning high-fat (HF) diet on somatic growth, food consumption, metabolic parameters, phagocytic rate and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophages in young rats submitted to a maternal low-protein (LP) diet. Male Wistar rats (aged 60 d) were divided in two groups (n22/each) according to their maternal diet during gestation and lactation: control (C, dams fed 17 % casein) and LP (dams fed 8 % casein). At weaning, half of the groups were fed HF diet and two more groups were formed (HF and low protein–high fat (LP-HF)). Somatic growth, food and energy intake, fat depots, serum glucose, cholesterol and leptin concentrations were evaluated. Phagocytic rate and NO production were analysed in peritoneal macrophages under stimulation of zymosan and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+interferonγ(IFN-γ), respectively. The maternal LP diet altered the somatic parameters of growth and development of pups. LP and LP-HF pups showed a higher body weight gain and food intake than C pups. HF and LP-HF pups showed increased retroperitoneal and epididymal fat depots, serum level of TAG and total cholesterol compared with C and LP pups. After LPS+IFN-γstimulation, LP and LP-HF pups showed reduced NO production when compared with their pairs. Increased phagocytic activity and NO production were seen in LP but not LP-HF peritoneal macrophages. However, peritoneal macrophages of LP pups were hyporesponsive to LPS+IFN-γinduced NO release, even after a post-weaning HF diet. Our data demonstrated that there was an immunomodulation related to dietary fatty acids after the maternal LP diet-induced metabolic programming.
Acute otitis media associated bilateral sudden hearing loss: case report and literature review
Authors: Smith A , Gutteridge I , Elliott D , Cronin M
Published: April 2017

Background:

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a rare otological condition with potential for dire outcomes including permanent hearing loss. Although the majority of cases are deemed idiopathic, bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss represents a rare subset typically related to systemic conditions, with higher morbidity and mortality. A controversial association with acute otitis media has been reported, with few bilateral cases published in the literature.

Case report:

A very rare case of bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss associated with acute otitis media is described, with a review of the literature.

Conclusion:

The limited evidence available suggests that acute otitis media with tinnitus and/or bacterial pathology may have an increased risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which is consistent with the case described. Although there is no sufficiently powered published evidence to provide definitive treatment guidelines, the literature reviewed suggests that early myringotomy and antibiotics may greatly improve treatment outcomes.
Daily patterns in aerial activity by spinner dolphins in Fernando de Noronha
Authors: De Carli R.C. , Silva F.J.L. , Silva J.M.
Published: April 2017

Activities displayed by animals are usually cyclic, and fluctuations in behavioural repertoires can be observed on a daily or seasonal timescale. The present study describes daily and seasonal variations in the aerial events – such as leaps, spins and slaps with body parts – by spinner dolphins in Baía dos Golfinhos, Fernando de Noronha Marine National Park, in Brazil. To measure aerial events by dolphins, we compiled and analysed data collected from January 2006 to December 2010. A total of 113,027 aerial events were recorded during 1431 days of land-based daytime observations. Our results show that the frequency of aerial events was positively correlated with the number of dolphins in the bay. The relative frequency of aerial events was higher in the rainy season, when compared with the dry season. Aerial activities also varied throughout the day, with dolphins being more active in the morning, specifically from 8:00 a.m. to 8:59 a.m., regardless of the season.
Reproductive physiology, temperature and biogeography: the role of fertilization in determining the distribution of the barnacleSemibalanus balanoides
Authors: Crickenberger Sam , Wethey David S.
Published: April 2017

Marine benthic populations are dependent on early life-history stages surviving multiple population bottlenecks. Failure at one or several of these bottlenecks can alter species’ patterns of distribution and abundance. The barnacleSemibalanus balanoidesis found along temperate and sub-arctic shorelines of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Over the past century the southern range limits ofS. balanoideshave shifted hundreds of kilometres poleward on both coasts of the Atlantic. Here we tested if temperature limits fertilization and used these data, along with those from previous studies, to create mechanistic biogeographic models to understand which potential population bottlenecks in the early life-history ofS. balanoidesinfluence its distribution and abundance. In the western Atlantic survival of new recruits is probably more important in setting the southern range limit than the effects of temperature on early life-history stages because fertilization, brooding and the probability of larval release matching phytoplankton availability were all predicted to be high near the historical range edge. Phytoplankton mismatch may partially explain the ephemeral nature ofS. balanoidesin some parts of the English Channel. Further south along the coast of France predicted brooding success was reduced in a pattern consistent with historical range shifts in this region. Within Galicia, Spain fertilization was predicted to be low near the southern limit, and likely plays an important role in setting this range edge. Mismatches between phytoplankton abundance and larval release in Galicia may further limit reproductive success within this region.
Questionable practices despite good intentions: coping with risk and impact from dementia-related behaviours in care homes
Authors: BACKHOUSE TAMARA , PENHALE BRIDGET , GRAY RICHARD , KILLETT ANNE
Published: April 2017

Care-home residents with dementia can experience behavioural and psychological symptoms such as aggression, agitation, anxiety, wandering, calling out and sexual disinhibition. Care-home staff have a duty to keep residents safe. However, residents with dementia can pose particular challenges in this area. In this paper, we draw on a study which explored how care-home staff manage dementia-related behaviours. In-depth ethnographic case studies at four separate care homes were conducted in England. These involved interviews with 40 care-home staff and 384 hours of participant observation. Our analysis showed that some residents with dementia experience behaviours which can either create risks for, or negatively impact on, themselves and/or other residents or staff members. It emerged that the consequences of the behaviours, rather than the behaviours themselves, created difficulties for staff. To cope with the risk and impact of behaviours, staff employed multiple strategies such as surveillance, resident placement, restrictions and forced care. Using the data, we explore how actions taken by staff to manage the risk and impact of behaviours in these communal settings relate to residents’ human rights. Our findings have particular relevance for care-home staff who need support and guidance in this area, for service development worldwide and for the global ageing population whose valued human rights may become under threat, if they require long-term care.
Island conservation issues in international conventions and agreements
Authors: DAHL ARTHUR LYON
Published: April 2017

In this review, I look at governance beyond the national level and consider how well island conservation issues are addressed in international conventions and agreements, both global and regional. I focus primarily on small island developing states (SIDS) and look at conventions to which they are parties, in which their needs are specifically mentioned and which have actions directly targeted to SIDS. I also discuss the evolution of international soft law in agreements and action plans to respond to island issues, the role of the secretariats that have been set up by international conventions to support SIDS conservation action and the protection and recognition provided to island protected areas listed under international conventions. The review shows that international governance has increasingly responded to island needs for biodiversity conservation, often with the active participation of SIDS themselves. However, the multiplication of international agreements and their requirements has often surpassed the capacity of island countries to implement them, requiring further adaptations in order to address this problem. The regional organizations of SIDS help to provide an interface with global conventions and international organizations. There remain a number of gaps and challenges that still need to be addressed in order to halt the erosion and hopefully encourage the restoration of island biodiversity.