bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of transgenic cattle expressing human β‐defensin 3 as an approach to reducing susceptibility to Mycobacterium bovis infection
Authors: Su Feng , Wang Yongsheng , Liu Guanghui , Ru Kun , Liu Xin , Yu Yuan , Liu Jun , Wu Yongyan , Quan Fusheng , Guo Zekun , Zhang Yong
Published: January 2016

Bovine tuberculosis results from infection with Mycobacterium bovis, a member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis family. Worldwide, M. bovis infections result in economic losses in the livestock industry; cattle production is especially hard‐hit by this disease. Generating M. bovis‐resistant cattle may potentially mitigate the impact of this disease by reducing M. bovis infections. In this study, we used transgenic somatic cell nuclear transfer to generate cattle expressing the gene encoding human β‐defensin 3 (HBD3), which confers resistance to mycobacteria in vitro. We first generated alveolar epithelial cells expressing HBD3 under the control of the bovine MUC1 promoter, and confirmed that these cells secreted HBD3 and possessed anti‐mycobacterial capacity. We then generated and identified transgenic cattle by somatic cell nuclear transfer. The cleavage and blastocyst formation rates of genetically modified embryos provided evidence that monoclonal transgenic bovine fetal fibroblast cells have an integral reprogramming ability that is similar to that of normal cells. Five genetically modified cows were generated, and their anti‐mycobacterial capacities were evaluated. Alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages from these cattle expressed higher levels of HBD3 protein compared with non‐transgenic cells and possessed effective anti‐mycobacterial capacity. These results suggest that the overall risk of M. bovis infection in transgenic cattle is efficiently reduced, and support the development of genetically modified animals as an effective tool to reduce M. bovis infection.
Structural basis for olivetolic acid formation by a polyketide cyclase from Cannabis sativa
Authors: Yang Xinmei , Matsui Takashi , Kodama Takeshi , Mori Takahiro , Zhou Xiaoxi , Taura Futoshi , Noguchi Hiroshi , Abe Ikuro , Morita Hiroyuki
Published: January 2016

In polyketide biosynthesis, ring formation is one of the key diversification steps. Olivetolic acid cyclase (OAC) from Cannabis sativa, involved in cannabinoid biosynthesis, is the only known plant polyketide cyclase. In addition, it is the only functionally characterized plant α+β barrel (DABB) protein that catalyzes the C2–C7 aldol cyclization of the linear pentyl tetra‐β‐ketide CoA as the substrate, to generate olivetolic acid (OA). Herein, we solved the OAC apo and OAC–OA complex binary crystal structures at 1.32 and 1.70 Å resolutions, respectively. The crystal structures revealed that the enzyme indeed belongs to the DABB superfamily, as previously proposed, and possesses a unique active‐site cavity containing the pentyl‐binding hydrophobic pocket and the polyketide binding site, which have never been observed among the functionally and structurally characterized bacterial polyketide cyclases. Furthermore, site‐directed mutagenesis studies indicated that Tyr72 and His78 function as acid/base catalysts at the catalytic center. Structural and/or functional studies of OAC suggested that the enzyme lacks thioesterase and aromatase activities. These observations demonstrated that OAC employs unique catalytic machinery utilizing acid/base catalytic chemistry for the formation of the precursor of OA. The structural and functional insights obtained in this work thus provide the foundation for analyses of the plant polyketide cyclases that will be discovered in the future.

Data deposition

Structural data reported in this paper are available in the Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers 5B08 for the OAC apo, 5B09 for the OAC–OA binary complex and 5B0A, 5B0B, 5B0C, 5B0D, 5B0E, 5B0F and 5B0G for the OAC His5Q, Ile7F, Tyr27F, Tyr27W, Val59M, Tyr72F and His78S mutant enzymes, respectively.
The structure and catalytic mechanism of human sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase like 3a – an acid sphingomyelinase homologue with a novel nucleotide hydrolase activity
Authors: Lim Sing Mei , Yeung Kit , Trésaugues Lionel , Ling Teo Hsiang , Nordlund Pär
Published: January 2016

Human sphingomyelinase phosphodiesterase like 3a (SMPDL3a) is a secreted enzyme that shares a conserved catalytic domain with human acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase), the enzyme carrying mutations causative of Niemann–Pick disease. We have solved the structure of SMPDL3a revealing a calcineurin‐like fold. A dimetal site, glycosylation pattern and a disulfide bond network are likely to be conserved also in human aSMase. We show that the binuclear site of SMPDL3a is occupied by two Zn2+ ions and that excess Zn2+ leads to inhibition of enzyme activity through binding to additional sites. As an extension of recent biochemical work we uncovered that SMPDL3a catalyses the hydrolysis of several modified nucleotides that include cytidine 5′‐diphosphocholine, cytidine diphosphate ethanolamine and ADP‐ribose, but not the aSMase substrate, sphingomyelin. We subsequently determined the structure of SMPDL3a in complex with the product 5′‐cytidine monophosphate (CMP), a structure that is consistent with several distinct coordination modes of the substrate/product in the active site during the reaction cycle. Based on the structure of CMP complexes, we propose a phosphoryl transfer mechanism for SMPDL3a. Finally, a homology model of human aSMase was constructed to allow for the mapping of selected Niemann–Pick disease mutations on a three‐dimensional framework to guide further characterization of their effects on aSMase function.

Database

Structural data are available in the PDB database under the accession numbers 5EBB and 5EBE.
Nonlinear deformation behaviour of auxetic cellular materials with re‐entrant lattice structure
Authors: Brighenti R. , Spagnoli A. , Lanfranchi M. , Soncini F.
Published: January 2016

Recent frontiers in material development are represented by a class of so‐called auxetic metamaterials that, thanks to their structure rather than composition, are characterized by a negative Poisson's ratio. In the present paper a two‐dimensional auxetic plate, made by structural straight elements forming a lattice periodic structure with re‐entrant cells, is considered. A thorough discussion on the linear and geometrically nonlinear deformability of the auxetic plate is presented. The key geometric parameters governing the deformability of the plate are identified, and some analytical expressions for calculating the Poisson's ratio, as a function of the applied strain, are given. Numerical (finite element) analyses and experimental tests on 3D printed specimens are carried out to verify the theoretical findings. For the latter ones, full field strain maps are obtained by means of a suitable interpolation of the sampled displacement field measured by digital image techniques.
Terrestrial carbon balance in a drier world: the effects of water availability in southwestern North America
Authors: Biederman Joel A. , Scott Russell L. , Goulden Michael L. , Vargas Rodrigo , Litvak Marcy E. , Kolb Thomas E. , Yepez Enrico A. , Oechel Walter C. , Blanken Peter D. , Bell Tom W. , Garatuza‐Payan Jaime , Maurer Gregory E. , Dore Sabina , Burns Sean P.
Published: January 2016

Global modeling efforts indicate semiarid regions dominate the increasing trend and interannual variation of net CO2 exchange with the atmosphere, mainly driven by water availability. Many semiarid regions are expected to undergo climatic drying, but the impacts on net CO2 exchange are poorly understood due to limited semiarid flux observations. Here we evaluated 121 site‐years of annual eddy covariance measurements of net and gross CO2 exchange (photosynthesis and respiration), precipitation, and evapotranspiration (ET) in 21 semiarid North American ecosystems with an observed range of 100 – 1000 mm in annual precipitation and records of 4–9 years each. In addition to evaluating spatial relationships among CO2 and water fluxes across sites, we separately quantified site‐level temporal relationships, representing sensitivity to interannual variation. Across the climatic and ecological gradient, photosynthesis showed a saturating spatial relationship to precipitation, whereas the photosynthesis–ET relationship was linear, suggesting ET was a better proxy for water available to drive CO2 exchanges after hydrologic losses. Both photosynthesis and respiration showed similar site‐level sensitivity to interannual changes in ET among the 21 ecosystems. Furthermore, these temporal relationships were not different from the spatial relationships of long‐term mean CO2 exchanges with climatic ET. Consequently, a hypothetical 100‐mm change in ET, whether short term or long term, was predicted to alter net ecosystem production (NEP) by 64 gCm−2 yr−1. Most of the unexplained NEP variability was related to persistent, site‐specific function, suggesting prioritization of research on slow‐changing controls. Common temporal and spatial sensitivity to water availability increases our confidence that site‐level responses to interannual weather can be extrapolated for prediction of CO2 exchanges over decadal and longer timescales relevant to societal response to climate change.
Efficacy of the treatment of transarterial chemoembolization combined with radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Li Xiao‐Long , Guo Wei‐Xing , Hong Xiao‐Dong , Yang Liang , Wang Kang , Shi Jie , Li Nan , Wu Meng‐Chao , Cheng Shu‐Qun
Published: January 2016

Aim

The survival outcome of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) who received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with radiotherapy (RT) remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 112 and 735 HCC patients with PVTT undergoing TACE combined with RT and TACE alone, respectively, were evaluated. One hundred and eight pairs of matched patients were selected from each treatment arm by using a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

Results

Of the whole study population, TACE combined with RT showed significant survival benefits compared with TACE in all patients (median survival, 11.0 vs 4.8 months; P < 0.001), especially in patients with PVTT involving the right/left portal vein (median survival, 12.5 vs 5.2 months; P < 0.001) and main portal vein trunk (median survival, 8.9 vs 4.3 months; P < 0.001). After one‐to‐one PSM, 108 pairs of matched patients were selected for further analysis. In the propensity model, the median survival time was 10.9 versus 4.1 months (P < 0.001) in all patients, 12.5 versus 4.4 months (P = 0.002) in patients with PVTT involving the right/left portal vein and 8.9 versus 4.0 months (P < 0.001) in patients with PVTT involving the main portal vein trunk. The treatment, maximum lesion diameter and main trunk PVTT were the independent prognostic factors for survival at uni‐ and multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

TACE combined with RT provides a significantly better survival outcome than TACE for unresectable HCC patients with PVTT, especially for patients with PVTT involving the right/left portal vein or main trunk.
Activities of daily living and oral hygiene status of older Korean patients in a long‐term care facility
Authors: Seo H‐Y , Jeon J‐E , Chung W‐G , Kim N‐H
Published: January 2016

Objectives

This study investigated the relationship between oral hygiene conditions, activities of daily living (ADL) and cognitive ability in older Korean patients in long‐term care facilities.

Methods

Ninety older persons (65+) were randomly sampled from a possible 112 residents in a single facility. They participated in a 2‐month‐long survey. The Korean Modified Barthel Index was used to measure the ADL, and cognitive ability was measured using the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Korean version. Oral hygiene status was measured using the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index and the Tongue Coating Index (TCI).

Results

Older participants with complete dependence manifested significantly poorer oral hygiene (P < 0.05). Scores on the TCI were significantly higher in participants who were dentulous with partial dependence (P < 0.05). A multiple regression analysis showed that dependence and being dentulous significantly predicted poorer oral hygiene (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study suggests that older participants with complete dependence had poor oral hygiene on tooth surfaces, while participants with partial dependence had poor tongue hygiene. In addition, dentulous older participants had poorer tongue hygiene than edentulous ones. This indicates the need to assess tooth status and provide oral care services via ADL in long‐term care facilities.
Work assignments, delegation of tasks and job satisfaction among Danish dental hygienists
Authors: Hach M , Aaberg KB , Lempert SM , Danielsen B
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Recent legislation in Denmark has made it possible for dentists to delegate their tasks to dental hygienists. Previous studies have shown that Danish dental hygienists primarily were performing assignments within their own work field. These assignments include prophylaxis or instructing patients in oral health care. However, studies have also shown that Danish dental hygienists performed dental nurse assignments such as chair‐side assistance, unit cleaning and disinfection of instruments.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to investigate (i) the range of work assignments performed by Danish dental hygienists, (ii) the types of dentist tasks performed by Danish dental hygienists and (iii) job satisfaction among Danish dental hygienists.

Design

Dental hygienists graduating in 2004–2007 were invited to participate in this study.

Methods

Participants answered an email‐distributed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding job satisfaction, assignments performed, postgraduate course attendance, receiving assistance from a dental nurse and which work assignments Danish dental hygienists wish to perform in the future.

Results

The results of this study showed that 90% of Danish dental hygienists were satisfied with their job and 52% were performing dentists' tasks. Among dentists' tasks performed by Danish dental hygienists, invasive caries therapy was the most frequently performed task.

Conclusion

The type of assignments performed by Danish dental hygienists today appears to be changing compared to previous studies. From initially performing prophylaxis and chair‐side assistance for the dentist, Danish dental hygienists today are performing a wider range of tasks which includes dentists' tasks.
Microencapsulation of bioactive compounds from mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extracts by protein–polysaccharide interactions
Authors: Peanparkdee Methavee , Iwamoto Satoshi , Borompichaichartkul Chaleeda , Duangmal Kiattisak , Yamauchi Ryo
Published: January 2016

Mulberry leaf extracts were generated using four concentrations of ethanol (50%, 60%, 70%, and 95% v/v). A 60% ethanolic mulberry leaf extract (60E) yielded a high total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity using 1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Coating materials were derived using a combination of soy protein isolates (SPI) and low methoxyl (LM) pectin in a 1:1 ratio. The effect of various parameters on microencapsulation, such as pH (3.5, 4.0, and 4.5) and the concentration of coating materials (2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% w/v), was studied. Microcapsules produced using 60E as a core material at pH 4.0 with 7.5% of coating material showed a high encapsulation yield, encapsulation efficiency, TPC and antioxidant activity.
Childhood obesity patterns and relation to middle‐age sleep apnoea risk: the Bogalusa Heart Study
Authors: Bazzano L. A. , Hu T. , Bertisch S. M. , Yao L. , Harville E. W. , Gustat J. , Chen W. , Webber L. S. , Shu T. , Redline S.
Published: January 2016

Background

Obese adults have a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA); however, the relationship between childhood obesity and adult OSA risk is unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine overweight/obesity (OW) in childhood and risk of OSA in middle age.

Methods

Childhood OW status was classified as never OW, weight cycling, persistent OW and incident OW. After 35 years of follow‐up, high risk for OSA was determined by a positive score in ≥2 domains on the Berlin Questionnaire with obesity removed from scoring.

Results

At initial assessment, mean (SD) age was 9.9 (2.9) years, and 23.9% were OW. Overall, 25.7% had scores indicating a high risk for OSA. Compared with participants who were never OW, those with persistent OW and incident OW were 1.36 (95%CI: 1.04–1.77) and 1.47 (1.11–1.96) times more likely to be high risk for OSA, after adjustment for multiple risk factors and adult OW status. Participants with an OW duration of 1–4 years, 5–8 years, and 8+ years were 0.96 (0.44–2.09), 1.20 (0.70–2.04) and 1.52 (1.22–1.90) times more likely to be high risk for OSA compared with those who were never OW (P for trend: 0.0002).

Conclusions

These results suggest that childhood OW is associated with a high risk of OSA in middle age.
Net Migration as a Target for Migration Policies: A Review and Appraisal of the UK Experience
Authors: Cangiano Alessio
Published: January 2016

The impact of migration on population growth has become a ubiquitous argument in UK immigration debates, leading to the introduction of immigration restrictions to reduce net migration and prevent the UK population from reaching 70 million. Taking the UK as a case study, this article assesses the rationale for setting a national net migration target as a pivotal point for migration policies and the feasibility of limiting net migration using immigration controls. A framework for analysing the effects of migration policies on net migration is proposed and applied to UK official migration data. The results show that, due to various policy constraints, competing objectives and unintended feedbacks, it is neither optimal nor entirely feasible to prioritize a reduction of net migration as a target for migration policies. Nevertheless, factoring net migration into the migration policy debate provides useful insights on the long‐term implications of migration policies in the context of broader demographic changes.
Nurses' hospital orientation and future research challenges: an integrative review
Authors: Peltokoski J. , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen K. , Miettinen M.
Published: January 2016

Aim

This study aimed to describe the research on registered nurses' orientation processes in specialized hospital settings in order to illustrate directions for future research.

Background

The complex healthcare environment and the impact of nursing shortage and turnover make the hospital orientation process imperative. There is a growing recognition regarding research interests to meet the needs for evidence‐based, effective and economically sound hospital orientation strategies.

Methods

An integrative literature review was performed on publications from the period 2000 to 2013 included in the CINAHL and PubMed databases. English‐language studies were included. Themes guiding the analysis were definition of the hospital orientation process, research topics, data collection and instruments and research evidence. Narrative synthesis was used.

Results

Eleven papers met the inclusion criteria. The conceptualization of orientation process reflected the complexity of the phenomenon. Less attention has been paid to designs to establish correlations or relationships between selected variables and hospital orientation process. The outcomes of hospital orientation programmes were limited primarily to retention and job satisfaction. The research evidence therefore cannot be evaluated as strong.

Conclusion

The lack of an evidence‐based approach makes it difficult to develop a comprehensive orientation process. Further research should explore interventions that will enhance the quality of hospital orientation practices to improve nurses' retention and job satisfaction.

Implications for nursing and health policy

To provide a comprehensive hospital orientation process, hospital administrators have to put in place human resource development strategies along with practice implications and research efforts. Comprehensive hospital orientation benefits and outcomes should be visible to policy makers.
Statistical Arbitrage with Pairs Trading
Authors: Göncü Ahmet , Akyıldırım Erdinç
Published: January 2016

We analyze statistical arbitrage with pairs trading assuming that the spread of two assets follows a mean‐reverting Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process around a long‐term equilibrium level. Within this framework, we prove the existence of statistical arbitrage and derive optimality conditions for trading the spread portfolio. In the existence of uncertainty in the long‐term mean and the volatility of the spread, statistical arbitrage is no longer guaranteed. However, the asymptotic probability of loss can be bounded as a function of the standard error of the model parameters. The proposed framework provides a new filtering technique for identifying best pairs in the market. Backtesting results are given for some of the pairs of stocks that are studied in the literature.
Divergent seasonal patterns of influenza types A and B across latitude gradient in Tropical Asia
Authors: Saha Siddhartha , Chadha Mandeep , Shu Yuelong ,   Group of Asian Researchers on Influenza (GARI)
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Influenza circulation in tropics and subtropics reveals a complex seasonal pattern with year‐round circulation in some areas and biannual peaks in others.

Methods

We analyzed influenza surveillance data from nine countries around southern and southeastern Asia spanning latitudinal gradient from equatorial to temperate zones to further characterize influenza type‐specific seasonality in the region. We calculated proportion of positives by month out of positives during that year and adjust for variation in samples tested and positivity in these countries.

Results

Influenza A epidemics were identified between November and March during winters in areas lying above 30°N latitude, during monsoon months of June–November in areas between 10° and 30°N latitude, and no specific seasonality for influenza A virus circulation in areas lying closer to the equator. Influenza B circulation coincided with influenza A circulation in areas lying above 30°N latitude; however, in areas south of 30°N Asia, influenza B circulated year round at 3–8% of annual influenza B positives during most months with less pronounced peaks during post‐monsoon period.

Conclusion

Even though influenza B circulates round the year in most areas of the tropical regions of southern and southeastern Asia, the most appropriate time for influenza vaccination using the most recent WHO recommended vaccine would be prior to the monsoon season conferring protection against influenza A and B peaks.
Reproduction in the Mediterranean endemic gorgonian Spinimuricea klavereni (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Plexauridae)
Authors: Topçu Nur Eda , Öztürk Bayram
Published: January 2016

Spinimuricea klavereni is a Mediterranean endemic gorgonian that is rarely encountered, probably because it typically occurs at depths below 50 m. It is exceptionally common in the northern Marmara Sea, with an unusually shallow upper depth limit of ~20 m. The reproductive biology of this species was studied during a one year period off Büyükada, in the northeastern Marmara Sea. Spinimuricea klavereni is a gonochoric broadcast spawner with an almost even sex ratio. Colonies were ~15 cm in height at first reproduction. Gametogenesis was continuous, characterized by high male and female fecundities year‐round. Oocytes and sperm sacs of all developmental stages were found throughout the year, with small‐sized oocytes and sperm sacs dominant throughout the year. The reproduction of S. klavereni did not seem to exhibit any marked seasonal pattern, unlike most other studied Mediterranean octocorals. Modest variation in gamete output was probably related to slight alterations in food availability and temperature. The non‐seasonal reproductive pattern we observed may be related to the low intra‐annual variation in temperature in the Marmara Sea, and the fact that the mesotrophic‐eutrophic level of productivity in the Marmara Sea can support the energetic requirements of continuous gametogenesis in this gorgonian. Whether these patterns are local adaptations or intrinsic characteristics for this Mediterranean endemic species remains to be studied.
Meristic and morphometric variation among anglerfish of the genus Lophius (Lophiiformes)
Authors: Leslie R. W. , Grant W. S.
Published: January 2016

We studied patterns of morphological variability among species of Lophius and Lophiomus with multivariate methods and cladistic analyses of gap‐coded morphometric variables. The pattern of meristic variability among species appears to reflect temperature variability rather than the molecular phylogeny of this group, except for Lophius vaillanti, the most primitive Lophius. The pattern of morphometric variability differs from the pattern of meristic variability and also from the molecular phylogeny and reflects convergence in body shape between distantly‐related species. It is uncertain, however, if these patterns are due to changes in genetic information or to the continuing influence of the environment on development.
Distribution patterns of some species of Scatopsidae (Insecta: Diptera) and the effect of microclimate on their flight activity
Authors: Peng R. , Sutton S. L. , Fletcher C. R.
Published: January 2016

Temporal and spatial distribution of common species of Scatopsidae and the effect of microclimate on their flight behaviour have been studied using suction traps and computer‐linked micro‐meteorological stations in northern England. The flight patterns of spatial and temporal abundance were basically the same between two years. All species showed their active peak in the afternoons. There was a marked concentration at 5 m height and 5 m away from an emergent hedgerow tree for all common species of scatopsids. The behaviour of mating, swarming and congregating were observed.

Four commonest species, Rhegmoclema cooki, R. coxendix, Anapausis soluta and Scatopse notata, all showed very similar responses to the light intensity, temperature and humidity in their daily flight performance. However, the spatial distributions of these species were not determined by these physical factors. It is suggested that the combination of their mating swarming behaviour and the wind circulation is important.
Single‐Crystal Elastic Properties of Aluminum Oxynitride (AlON) from Brillouin Scattering
Authors: Satapathy Sikhanda , Ahart Muhtar , Dandekar Dattatraya , Hemley Russell J. , Schuster Brian , Khoma Petro
Published: January 2016

The Brillouin light scattering technique was used to determine experimentally the three independent elastic constants of cubic aluminum oxynitride at the ambient condition. They are , and . Its bulk modulus is 221.2 GPa. The magnitude of Zener anisotropic ratio is 2.1 similar to other spinels. The anisotropic nature of the material is shown by a large variation in the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio with crystallographic directions. The material was found to be auxetic in certain orientations.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Yb2SiO5: A Promising Material for T/EBCs Applications
Authors: Lu Ming‐Hui , Xiang Hui‐Min , Feng Zhi‐Hai , Wang Xiao‐Ye , Zhou Yan‐Chun
Published: January 2016

Yb2SiO5 is a promising material for thermal/environmental barrier coatings (T/EBCs), and its mechanical and thermal properties, which are essential to the coating design and applications, are investigated in this work. Yb2SiO5 has relatively high fracture toughness, bending and compressive strength, but low Young's modulus. It is also tolerant to damage, which is underpinned by grain delamination and cleavage along {100}, {001}, and {040} planes. The average linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is 6.3 × 10−6 K−1 (473–1673 K) and the anisotropic CTEs are: αa = (2.98 ± 0.16) × 10−6 K−1,αb = (6.51 ± 0.19) × 10−6 K−1, and αc = (9.08 ± 0.16) × 10−6 K−1. The thermal conductivities are 2.3 and 1.5 W (m·K)−1 at 300 and 1200 K, respectively. The unique combination of these properties warrants Yb2SiO5 promising for T/EBCs applications.
Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Nickel‐Doped Tin Dioxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Solvothermal Method
Authors: Ahmad Tokeer , Khatoon Sarvari , Coolahan Kelsey
Published: January 2016

We have successfully synthesized Sn1−xNixO2 (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) solid solutions in order to study their structural, optical, and magnetic properties at different Ni concentrations. X‐ray diffraction showed monophasic and crystalline tetragonal structure. The shifting of peaks toward higher angle is attributed to the incorporation of Ni2+ ions in SnO2 host lattice. Particle growth restrained upon Ni‐doping and found to be in the range of 8–12 nm. Ni‐doped SnO2 nanoparticles show blue shift in band gap studies, which is found to be in the range of 3.9–4.1 eV. High surface areas have been achieved for these solid solutions, which come out to be 130, 200, 457, 497, and 680 m2/g, respectively. The solid solutions exhibit paramagnetic behavior along with antiferromagnetic exchange coupling.
Unipolar Fatigue Behavior of BCTZ Lead‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Glaum Julia , Ehmke Matthias C. , Bowman Keith J. , Blendell John E. , Hoffman Mark J.
Published: January 2016

(Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3 lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics have been considered to be one of the most potential lead‐free alternatives for PZT in the room‐temperature range. The stability of the piezoelectric performance during unipolar cycling is investigated in this study. It is found that the unipolar fatigue behavior is similar to soft PZT. Developments of bias field, offset polarization, asymmetry in strain, and dielectric hysteresis loops are observed during bipolar measurements. The changes are mainly contributed to the migration of charge carriers to the grain boundaries driven by the unscreened depolarization field. Redistribution of the accumulated charge carriers by bipolar electric cycling or thermal annealing can significantly recover the unipolar fatigued state. The unipolar strain response stabilized after 1000 cycles at 0.053% for an electric field of 0.6 kV/mm (d33*= 883 pm/V), which is a good characteristic for actuator applications.
A metasynthesis of factors affecting self‐management of chronic illness
Authors: Schulman‐Green Dena , Jaser Sarah S. , Park Chorong , Whittemore Robin
Published: January 2016

Aim

To identify factors that may serve as facilitators and barriers to self‐management described by adults living with chronic illness by conducting a qualitative metasynthesis.

Background

Self‐management is an individuals' active management of a chronic illness in collaboration with their family members and clinicians.

Design

Qualitative metasynthesis.

Data sources

We analysed studies (N = 53) published between January 2000–May 2013 that described factors affecting self‐management in chronic illness as reported by adults aged over 18 years with chronic illness.

Review methods

Sandelowsi and Barroso approach to qualitative metasynthesis: literature search; quality appraisal; analysis and synthesis of findings.

Results

Collectively, article authors reported on sixteen chronic illnesses, most commonly diabetes (N = 28) and cardiovascular disease (N = 20). Participants included men and women (mean age = 57, range 18‐94) from 20 countries representing diverse races and ethnicities. We identified five categories of factors affecting self‐management: Personal/Lifestyle Characteristics; Health Status; Resources; Environmental Characteristics; and Health Care System. Factors may interact to affect self‐management and may exist on a continuum of positive (facilitator) to negative (barrier).

Conclusion

Understanding factors that influence self‐management may improve assessment of self‐management among adults with chronic illness and may inform interventions tailored to meet individuals' needs and improve health outcomes.
Pax8 plays a pivotal role in regulation of cardiomyocyte growth and senescence
Authors: Wu Yihao , Zhou Xi , Huang Xiaoyan , Xia Quan , Chen Zhe , Zhang Xingwei , Yang Deye , Geng Yong‐jian
Published: January 2016

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a worldwide health problem, particularly in young populations. In spite of the advancement and progress in medical research and technology, the underlying causative factors and mechanisms of CHD still remain unclear. Bone morphogenetic protein receptor IA (ALK3) mediates the development of ventricular septal defect (VSD). We have recently found that paired box gene 8 (Pax8) may be the downstream molecule of ALK3. Paired box gene 8 plays an essential role in VSD, and apoptosis and proliferation imbalance leads to septal dysplasia. Recent studies have also disclosed that cellular senescence also participates in embryonic development. Whether programmed senescence exists in cardiac organogenesis has not ever been reported. We hypothesized that together with various biological processes, such as apoptosis, enhanced cellular senescence may occur actively in the development of Pax8 null mice murine hearts. In H9C2 myogenic cells, Pax8 overexpression can rescue caspase‐dependent apoptosis induced by ALK3 silencing. Senescent cells and senescence‐associated mediators in Pax8 knockout hearts increased compared with the wild‐type ones in an age‐dependent manner. These results suggest that Pax8 maybe the downstream molecule of ALK3, it mediates the murine heart development perhaps via cellular senescence, which may serve as a mechanism that compensates for the cell loss via apoptosis in heart development.
MiR‐17~92 ablation impairs liver regeneration in an estrogen‐dependent manner
Authors: Zhou Yongjie , Zhang Lei , Ji Hongjie , Lu Xufeng , Xia Jie , Li Li , Chen Fei , Bu Hong , Shi Yujun
Published: January 2016

As one of the most important post‐transcriptional regulators, microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in diverse biological processes, including the regulation of cell proliferation. MiR‐17~92 has been found to act as an oncogene, and it is closely associated with cell proliferation. However, its role in liver regeneration is still unclear. We generated a hepatocyte‐specific miR‐17~92‐deficient mouse and used a mouse model with 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) or intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride to demonstrate the role of MiR‐17~92 in liver regeneration. In quiescent livers, the expression of the miR‐17~92 cluster showed a gender disparity, with much higher expression in female mice. The expression of four members of this cluster was found to be markedly reduced after 70% PH. The ablation of miR‐17~92 led to obvious regeneration impairment during the early‐stage regeneration in the female mice. Ovariectomy greatly reduced miR‐17~92 expression but significantly promoted liver regeneration in wild‐type mice. In addition, early regeneration impairment in miR‐17~92‐deficient livers could be largely restored following ovariectomy. The proliferation suppressors p21 and Pten were found to be the target effectors of miR‐17~92. MiR‐17~92 disruption resulted in elevated protein levels of p21 and Pten in regenerating livers. MiR‐17~92 functions as a proliferation stimulator and acts in an oestrogen‐dependent manner. The loss of this miRNA results in increases in p21 and Pten expression and therefore impairs liver regeneration in female mice.
Annual Research Review: The role of the environment in the developmental psychopathology of autism spectrum condition
Authors: Mandy William , Lai Meng‐Chuan
Published: January 2016

Background

Although autism spectrum condition (ASC) is strongly genetic in origin, accumulating evidence points to the critical roles of various environmental influences on its emergence and subsequent developmental course.

Methods

A developmental psychopathology framework was used to synthesise literature on environmental factors associated with the onset and course of ASC (based on a systematic search of the literature using PubMed, PsychInfo and Google Scholar databases). Particular emphasis was placed on gene–environment interplay, including gene–environment interaction (G × E) and gene–environment correlation (rGE).

Results

Before conception, advanced paternal and maternal ages may independently enhance offspring risk for ASC. Exogenous prenatal risks are evident (e.g. valproate and toxic chemicals) or possible (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and processes endogenous to the materno‐foeto‐placental unit (e.g. maternal diabetes, enhanced steroidogenic activities and maternal immune activation) likely heighten offspring vulnerability to ASC. Folate intake is a prenatal protective factor, with a particular window of action around 4 weeks preconception and during the first trimester. These prenatal risks and protective mechanisms appear to involve G × E and potentially rGE. A variety of perinatal risks are related to offspring ASC risk, possibly reflecting rGE. Postnatal social factors (e.g. caregiver–infant interaction, severe early deprivation) during the first years of life may operate through rGE to influence the likelihood of manifesting a full ASC phenotype from a ‘prodromal’ phase (a proposal distinct to the discredited and harmful ‘refrigerator mother hypothesis’); and later postnatal risks, after the full manifestation of ASC, shape life span development through transactions mediated by rGE. There is no evidence that vaccination is a postnatal risk for ASC.

Conclusions

Future investigations should consider the specificity of risks for ASC versus other atypical neurodevelopmental trajectories, timing of risk and protective mechanisms, animal model systems to study mechanisms underlying gene–environment interplay, large‐sample genome–envirome designs to address G × E and longitudinal studies to elucidate how rGE plays out over time. Clinical and public health implications are discussed.
Changes in serum adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and normal pregnant women during mid‐ and late pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Hao‐hang , Lu Jia‐hui , zheng Si‐yuan , Long Tao , Li Ying‐tao , Wu Wei‐zhen , Wang Fang
Published: January 2016

Aims/Introduction

To observe the longitudinal changes in serum adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein (AFABP), carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism parameters in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during mid‐ and late pregnancy periods, as well as to identify whether there is any association between AFABP and development of GDM.

Materials and Methods

A total of 40 GDM and 240 normal glucose tolerance participants were enrolled at 24–28 weeks and completed the study. The clinical features, serum AFABP, other adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, retinol‐binding protein 4), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and lipid profiles were measured in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Results

Compared with the normal glucose tolerance group, the GDM group showed greater levels of AFABP, leptin and retinol‐binding protein 4; and a decreased level of adiponectin (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) during mid‐ and late pregnancy periods. Prepregnancy body mass index was the independent factor impacting serum AFABP levels in the second (β = 0.567, P = 0.004) and third trimesters (β = 0.619, P = 0.001). Furthermore, GDM was independently associated with AFABP concentrations in multiple regression analysis in the second and third trimester (all P < 0.01). Serum AFABP, leptin and retinol‐binding protein 4 are risk factors for GDM; adiponectin is a protective factor for GDM (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The GDM group had a higher level of AFABP during mid‐ and late stages of pregnancy; prepregnancy body mass index and GDM were the independent factors with respect to serum AFABP. AFABP might be closely related to obesity, insulin resistance and leptin resistance in pregnancy, and is a major risk factor for GDM.
Diatom Vacuolar 1,6‐β‐Transglycosylases can Functionally Complement the Respective Yeast Mutants
Authors: Huang Weichao , Río Bártulos Carolina , Kroth Peter G.
Published: January 2016

Diatoms are unicellular photoautotrophic algae, which can be found in any aquatic habitat. The main storage carbohydrate of diatoms is chrysolaminarin, a nonlinear β‐glucan, consisting of a linear 1,3‐β‐chain with 1,6‐β‐branches, which is stored in cytoplasmic vacuoles. The metabolic pathways of chrysolaminarin synthesis in diatoms are poorly investigated, therefore we studied two potential 1,6‐β‐transglycosylases (TGS) of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum which are similar to yeast Kre6 proteins and which potentially are involved in the branching of 1,3‐β‐glucan chains by adding d‐glucose as 1,6‐side chains. We genetically fused the full‐length diatom TGS proteins to GFP and expressed these constructs in P. tricornutum, demonstrating that the enzymes are apparently located in the vacuoles, which indicates that branching of chrysolaminarin may occur in these organelles. Furthermore, we demonstrated the functionality of the diatom enzymes by expressing TGS1 and 2 proteins in yeast, which resulted in a partial complementation of growth deficiencies of a transglycosylase‐deficient ∆kre6 yeast strain.
Response of Vitamin D Concentration to Vitamin D3 Administration in Older Adults without Sun Exposure: A Randomized Double‐Blind Trial
Authors: Schwartz Janice B. , Kane Lynn , Bikle Daniel
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To determine the dose‐response relationship between 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and supplemental vitamin D3 in elderly nursing home residents.

Design

Randomized double‐blind investigation.

Setting

Nursing home.

Participants

Of 81 women (n = 51) and men (n = 30) (mean age 87.4 ± 8) enrolled, 72 completed the study.

Intervention

Sixteen weeks of oral vitamin D3 at 800, 2,000, or 4,000 IU/d or 50,000 IU/wk.

Measurements

The main outcome was 25(OH)D concentrations (tandem mass spectrometry) after 16 weeks. Free 25(OH)D and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were also analyzed. Safety monitoring of calcium and estimated glomerular filtration rate was performed, and adherence and clinical status were measured.

Results

25(OH)D concentrations increased with dose (P < .001) and were higher with 50,000 IU/wk (P < .001) than other doses and with 4,000 IU/d than 800 or 2,000 IU/d, but 800 IU and 2,000 IU/d did not differ. One subject receiving 800 IU/d had concentrations less than 20 ng/mL. All subjects receiving more than 2000 IU/d had concentrations of 20 ng/mL and greater. Free 25(OH)D concentrations rose with total 25(OH) vitamin D. Total and free 25(OH)D were related to calcium concentrations; only free 25(OH)D was related to iPTH.

Conclusion

25(OH)D increased linearly with 800 to 4,000 IU/d and 50,000 IU/wk of vitamin D3, without a ceiling effect. Data suggest that some elderly adults will require more than 800 IU/d of vitamin D3 to ensure adequate vitamin D levels. Changes in 25(OH)D with vitamin D3 were related to starting concentrations (greatest with the lowest concentrations and unchanged with 800 and 2,000 IU/d if 20–40 ng/mL). Relationships between serum calcium and iPTH and free 25(OH)D suggest the potential for free 25(OH)D in defining optimal 25(OH)D concentrations.
Frailty and Mortality Outcomes in Cognitively Normal Older People: Sex Differences in a Population‐Based Study
Authors: Bartley Mairead M. , Geda Yonas E. , Christianson Teresa J. H. , Shane Pankratz V. , Roberts Rosebud O. , Petersen Ronald C.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To characterize frailty in cognitively normal older adults at baseline and to investigate the relationship between frailty and mortality.

Design

Population‐based prospective cohort study: Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.

Setting

Olmsted County, Minnesota.

Participants

Cognitively normal older persons aged 70 and older (mean age 78.8 ± 5.2, 50.2% male; N = 2,356).

Measurements

Frailty was assessed at baseline using a 36‐item Frailty Index. Four frailty subgroups were identified based on the Frailty Index (≤0.10 (fit), 0.11–0.20 (at risk), 0.21–0.30 (frail), >0.30 (frailest)). All participants underwent comprehensive clinical and cognitive assessments. The association between frailty and mortality was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The median Frailty Index was 0.17 (interquartile range 0.11–0.22). Frailty increased with age and was more common in older men than in older women. Over a median follow‐up of 6.5 years (range 7 days to 8.9 years), 500 of the 2,356 participants died, including 292 men. The frailest participants had the greatest risk of death (hazard ratio (HR) = 3.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.69–5.68). The association was stronger in women (HR = 5.26, 95% CI = 2.88–9.61) than men (HR = 3.15, 95% CI = 1.98–5.02).

Conclusion

Baseline frailty was common, especially in older men, and increased with age. Frailty was associated with significantly greater risk of death, particularly in women. These sex differences should be considered when designing a geriatric care plan.
Effect of Pain and Mild Cognitive Impairment on Mobility
Authors: Schepker Caroline A. , Leveille Suzanne G. , Pedersen Mette M. , Ward Rachel E. , Kurlinski Laura A. , Grande Laura , Kiely Dan K. , Bean Jonathan F.
Published: January 2016

Objectives

To examine the effect of pain and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—together and separately—on performance‐based and self‐reported mobility outcomes in older adults in primary care with mild to moderate self‐reported mobility limitations.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Academic community outpatient clinic.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older in primary care enrolled in the Boston Rehabilitative Impairment Study in the Elderly who were at risk of mobility decline (N = 430).

Measurements

Participants with an average score greater than three on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) were defined as having pain. MCI was defined using age‐adjusted scores on a neuropsychological battery. Multivariable linear regression models assessed associations between pain and MCI, together and separately, and mobility performance (habitual gait speed, Short Physical Performance Battery), and self‐reports of function and disability in various day‐to‐day activities (Late Life Function and Disability Instrument).

Results

The prevalence of pain was 34% and of MCI was 42%; 17% had pain only, 25% had MCI only, 17% had pain and MCI, and 41% had neither. Participants with pain and MCI performed significantly worse than all others on all mobility outcomes (P < .001). Participants with MCI only or pain only also performed significantly worse on all mobility outcomes than those with neither (P < .001).

Conclusion

Mild to moderate pain and MCI were independently associated with poor mobility, and the presence of both comorbidities was associated with the poorest status. Primary care practitioners who encounter older adults in need of mobility rehabilitation should consider screening them for pain and MCI to better inform subsequent therapeutic interventions.