bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of seed size with light quality and temperature regimes as germination cues in 10 temperate pioneer tree species
Authors: Xia Qingqing , Ando Mariko , Seiwa Kenji
Published: October 2015

Pioneer species use temperature fluctuations and light level as gap detection signals, but the relative importance of these two factors may differ among species with differently sized seeds.

We monitored changes in these environmental signals at different soil and litter depths in gaps and the adjacent forest understorey. We conducted a seed germination experiment in growth chambers to test the effects of darkness and red to far‐red (R:FR) light ratios of 0·1, 0·4 and 1·0 under fluctuating (30/10 °C day/night) and constant (20 °C) temperatures; the experimental subjects belonged to 10 pioneer tree species with different seed sizes.

In forest gaps, light is a germination cue that is detectable only at or within 2 mm below the soil surface when litter is absent, whereas temperature signals can be detected in deeper soil.

The proportion of seeds germinating (percent germination) in small‐seeded species (seed mass ≤1·05 mg) was strongly promoted by higher R:FR ratios, thereby ensuring germination of seeds close to the soil or litter surface. In contrast, the percent germination of large‐seeded species (seed mass ≥200 mg) was strongly facilitated by temperature fluctuations, ensuring germination of seeds buried in even deep soil and litter. We detected interactive effects of the two signals in three species with medium‐sized seeds (2·84–9·50 mg).

Across the temperate pioneer trees tested, the relative importance of light versus temperature regimens (as germination cues for gap detection) was strongly related to seed size.
Role of cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2 in endothelium‐dependent contraction of atherosclerotic mouse abdominal aortas
Authors: Li Shasha , Liu Bin , Luo Wenhong , Zhang Yingzhan , Li Hui , Huang Dongyang , Zhou Yingbi
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the role of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 or ‐2 in endothelium‐dependent contraction under atherosclerotic conditions. Atherosclerosis was induced in apoE knockout (apoE−/−) mice and those with COX‐1−/− (apoE−/−‐COX‐1−/−) by feeding with high fat and cholesterol food. Aortas (abdominal or the whole section) were isolated for functional and/or biochemical analyses. As in non‐atherosclerotic conditions, the muscarinic receptor agonist acetylcholine (ACh) evoked an endothelium‐dependent, COX‐mediated contraction following NO synthase (NOS) inhibition in abdominal aortic rings from atherosclerotic apoE−/− mice. Interestingly, COX‐1 inhibition not only abolished such a contraction in rings showing normal appearance, but also diminished that in rings with plaques. Accordingly, only a minor contraction (<30% that of apoE−/− counterparts) was evoked by ACh (following NOS inhibition) in abdominal aortic rings of atherosclerotic apoE−/−‐COX‐1−/− mice with plaques, and none was evoked in those showing normal appearance. Also, the contraction evoked by ACh in apoE−/−‐COX‐1−/− abdominal aortic rings with plaques was abolished by non‐selective COX inhibition, thromboxane‐prostanoid (TP) receptor antagonism, or endothelial denudation. Moreover, it was noted that ACh evoked a predominant production of the prostacyclin (PGI2, which mediates abdominal aortic contraction via TP receptors in mice) metabolite 6‐keto‐PGF1α, which was again sensitive to COX‐1 inhibition or COX‐1−/−. Therefore, in atherosclerotic mouse abdominal aortas, COX‐1 can still be the major isoform mediating endothelium‐dependent contraction, which probably results largely from PGI2 synthesis as in non‐atherosclerotic conditions. In contrast, COX‐2 may have only a minor role in such response limited to areas of plaques under the same pathological condition.
Dispersive Micro‐Solid‐Phase Extraction Based on Decanoic Acid Coated‐Fe3O4 Nanoparticles for HPLC Analysis of Phthalate Esters in Liquor Samples
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhang Lei , Xin Dingqiang , Yang Yaling
Published: October 2015

A novel, simple and low cost through coating Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with decanoic acid were synthesized. The functionalized MNPs showed excellent dispersibility in aqueous solution and were applied to dispersive micro‐solid‐phase extraction (D‐μ‐SPE) followed by high performance liquid chromatographic analysis for 4 phthalate esters (PAEs) including benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP), and di‐n‐octyl phthalate (DNOP) from liquor samples. The extraction equilibrium is achieved in 1 min. The MNPs allow easy and rapid isolation of PAEs by using an external magnet, which can be reused 5 times. The 4 PAEs linear dynamic ranges were in the range of 5 to 1000 ng/mL and the correlation coefficients values were 0.9999. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.91 to 2.43 ng/mL. The influences of the adsorbent dosage and the use frequency of adsorbent, the adsorption time, the solution pH and ionic strength were investigated and optimized. The proposed method was used to determine of PAEs in liquor samples and recoveries between 88.9% and 105.4%, with the relative standard deviations were below 4.0%.
Association between sensory dysfunction and pain 1 week after breast cancer surgery: a psychophysical study
Authors: Andersen K. G. , Duriaud H. M. , Aasvang E. K. , Kehlet H.
Published: October 2015

Background

Breast cancer patients treated with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) have a higher risk of both acute and persistent pain than those treated with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). This could be attributed to a higher risk of nerve injury with ALND. We hypothesized that (1) pain patients have more pronounced sensory dysfunction than pain‐free patients, (2) ALND have more sensory dysfunction and pain than SLNB patients and (3) patients with preserved intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) preservation have less sensory dysfunction compared to a sectioned ICBN.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients treated with ALND and 27 with SLNB examined with a standardized Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) protocol, including sensory mapping, mechanical and thermal thresholds, as well as recording intraoperative ICBN handling and pain status 1 week post‐operative.

Results

The area of cold hypoaesthesia was significantly associated with movement‐related pain (P = 0.004), with a similar tendency for warmth (P = 0.018) and brush (P = 0.030) hypoaesthesia areas. 14 (26%) of the patients had moderate/severe pain at rest and 13 (24%) during movement without differences between ALND and SLNB, but ALND was associated with more sensory dysfunction than SLNB. Patients with sectioned ICBN reported lower pain intensity than those with preserved ICBN (P = 0.005), but without differences in sensory dysfunction.

Conclusion

Pain was increased in patients having larger areas of hypoaesthesia and reduced in patients where ICBN‐section was done. Sensory dysfunction was related to extent of axillary surgery, but not with ICBN handling. Our data suggest that acute pain after breast cancer surgery may be related to nerve injury.
Measurements of nasal airflow and patency: a critical review with emphasis on the use of peak nasal inspiratory flow in daily practice
Authors: Ottaviano G. , Fokkens W. J.
Published: October 2015

Objective measures can be used to assist the clinician to diagnose and treat nasal obstruction and also to quantify nasal obstruction in research. Objective measurements of nasal obstruction are as important as objective measurements of lung function. peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), acoustic rhinometry (AR) and rhinomanometry (RM), with their specific peculiarity, assess different aspects of nasal obstruction. From the studies available in the literature, it seems that these methods roughly correlate with each other and that all of them can be alternatively utilized very well in research as well as in clinical practice. This review describes the various methods that can be used to measure nasal patency, airflow and resistance, mainly peak nasal inspiratory flow, rhinomanometry and acoustic rhinometry. PNIF has been demonstrated to be reproducible and as good an indication of objective nasal patency as formal rhinomanometry and has the advantage to be cheap, simple and suitable for serial measurements and for home use even in the paediatric population. PNIF normative data are available for children, adults and elderly subjects, and the availability of unilateral PNIF normal values allows evaluation of nasal sides separately. Just as in the lower airways, objective and subjective evaluation gives different information that together optimizes the diagnosis and the treatment of our patients. We argue that PNIF should be used regularly in every outpatient clinic that treats patients with nasal obstruction.
Neurotoxicity and low paclitaxel clearance associated with concomitant clopidogrel therapy in a 60‐year‐old Caucasian woman with ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Bergmann Troels K. , Filppula Anne M. , Launiainen Terhi , Nielsen Flemming , Backman Janne T. , Brosen Kim
Published: October 2015

Aim

The aim of the present case report was to describe a novel pharmacokinetic drug–drug interaction between the antiplatelet agent clopidogrel and the antineoplastic agent paclitaxel.

Methods

The patient was identified in a previously described cohort of 93 patients with ovarian carcinoma treated with paclitaxel. The effect of clopidogrel acyl‐β‐D‐glucuronide on the metabolism of paclitaxel was assessed in human liver microsomes. The analysis of clopidogrel in plasma and the quantification of paclitaxel and 6α‐hydroxypaclitaxel in in vitro samples were performed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

The patient was a 60‐year‐old female treated with an unknown dose of clopidogrel at the time of paclitaxel therapy. Clopidogrel was present in all three of the plasma samples obtained during paclitaxel dosing. Estimated unbound paclitaxel clearance was 238 l h−1, which was only 62% of the cohort geometric mean (385 l h−1; range 176–726). She was hospitalized three times, developed severe neuropathy and paclitaxel treatment was subsequently discontinued. In vitro, 30‐min preincubation with 100 μM clopidogrel acyl‐β‐D‐glucuronide inhibited the depletion rate of 0.5 μM paclitaxel by 51% and the formation rate of 6α‐hydroxypaclitaxel by 77%.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a clopidogrel–paclitaxel interaction, suggesting that clinically used doses of clopidogrel can reduce the cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8)‐mediated systemic clearance of paclitaxel, leading to an increased risk of paclitaxel toxicity. Caution should be exercised whenever the simultaneous use of paclitaxel and clopidogrel cannot be avoided.
The gender gap in student engagement: The role of teachers’ autonomy support, structure, and involvement
Authors: Lietaert Sofie , Roorda Debora , Laevers Ferre , Verschueren Karine , De Fraine Bieke
Published: October 2015

Background

The gender gap in education in favour of girls is a widely known phenomenon. Boys generally have higher dropout rates, obtain lower grades, and show lower engagement. Insight into factors related to these academic outcomes could help to address the gender gap.

Aims

This study investigated, for Dutch language classes, (1) how boys and girls differ in behavioural engagement, (2) which teacher support dimensions (autonomy support, structure, involvement) may explain gender differences in engagement (mediation hypothesis), and (3) whether and which of these teacher support dimensions matter more for boys’ as opposed to girls’ engagement (moderation or differential effects hypothesis).

Sample

A total of 385 Grade 7 students and their 15 language teachers participated in this study.

Methods

Teacher support was assessed through student reports. Student engagement was measured using student, teacher, and observer reports. By means of structural equation modelling, the mediating role of the teacher support dimensions for gender differences in behavioural engagement was tested. The potential differential role of the teacher support dimensions for boys’ and girls’ engagement was investigated through multigroup analysis.

Results

Boys were less engaged than girls and reported lower support from their teacher. Autonomy support and involvement partially mediated the relationship between gender and behavioural engagement. Autonomy support was demonstrated to be a protective factor for boys’ engagement but not for girls’. Structure and involvement contributed equally to engagement for both sexes.

Conclusions

Although involvement and autonomy support partly explained the gender gap in engagement (mediation hypothesis), more support was found for differential effects of autonomy support on boys’ versus girls’ engagement (differential effects hypothesis).
Resveratrol exerts a biphasic effect on apolipoprotein M
Authors: Kurano Makoto , Hara Masumi , Nojiri Takahiro , Ikeda Hitoshi , Tsukamoto Kazuhisa , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: October 2015

Background and Purpose

Resveratrol exerts a range of beneficial actions in several areas of pathophysiology, including vascular biology. Here, we have investigated the effects of resveratrol on apolipoprotein M (apoM), a carrier and modulator of sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), a vasoactive lipid mediator.

Experimental Approach

We used a hepatoma cell line (HepG2), human primary hepatocytes and C57BL/6 mice. We measured apoM, S1P and related enzymes, LDL receptors and sirtuin1 activity, using Western blotting, RT‐PCR and enzyme assays. We also used si‐RNA to knock‐down sirtuin1 in HepG2 cells.

Key Results

In cultures of HepG2 cells, resveratrol (1‐10 μM) increased intracellular apoM and S1P. High concentrations of resveratrol (100 μM) decreased extracellular (in the culture medium) apoM, whereas moderate concentrations of resveratrol (1–10 μM) increased extracellular apoM. High concentrations of resveratrol also increased LDL receptor expression, while all concentrations of resveratrol activated the histone deacetylase sirtuin1. In cultures of human primary hepatocytes, resveratrol, at all concentrations, increased both intra‐ and extracellular apoM. When wild‐type mice were fed a resveratrol‐containing chow (0.3% w/w) for 2 weeks, both the plasma and hepatic apoM and S1P levels were increased. However, the resveratrol diet did not affect hepatic LDL receptor levels in this in vivo study.

Conclusions and Implications

Resveratrol increased intra‐ and extracellular levels of apoM, along with intracellular S1P levels, while a high concentration of resveratrol reduced extracellular apoM. The present findings suggest that resveratrol has novel effects on the metabolic kinetics of S1P, a multi‐functional bioactive phospholipid.
Non‐territorial Macaques Can Range Like Territorial Gibbons When Partially Provisioned With Food
Authors: José‐Domínguez Juan Manuel , Huynen Marie‐Claude , García Carmen J. , Albert‐Daviaud Aurélie , Savini Tommaso , Asensio Norberto
Published: October 2015

Human food supplementation can affect components of animal socioecology by altering the abundance and distribution of available food. We studied the effect of food supplementation by comparing the ranging patterns and intergroup interactions of two groups of northern pigtailed macaques (Macaca leonina), a non‐territorial primate species. One group was partially reliant on food provisioning, whereas the other group foraged wild food. We also compared the macaques’ movement with that of a group of white‐handed gibbons (Hylobates lar), a territorial species inhabiting the same site. Home range, core area, and daily path lengths were significantly smaller for the semi‐provisioned group than for the wild‐feeding group. In contrast to wild‐feeding macaques, supplemented macaques showed higher fidelity to home range, core area, and particularly to the region where human food was most accessible and abundant. The relationship of daily path length and home range indicated a low defendability index for wild‐feeding macaques; the higher index for the semi‐provisioned group was consistent with the territorial pattern found in gibbons. Semi‐provisioned macaques showed further traits of territoriality with aggression during intergroup encounters. These findings indicate that human modification of food availability can significantly affect movement patterns and intergroup competition in macaques. The observed ranging dynamics related to food provisioning may decrease the efficiency of macaques as seed dispersers and increase predation on their home range, and thus have important consequences for plant regeneration and animal diversity.
Matrix metalloproteinases contribute to the regulation of chemokine expression and pulmonary inflammation in Cryptococcus infection
Authors: Supasorn O , Sringkarin N , Srimanote P , Angkasekwinai P
Published: October 2015

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of extracellular proteases that play roles in regulating the immune response in inflammatory processes. Previous studies indicated that different MMPs were involved in the host defence and tissue damage in response to different pathogens. However, the contributions of MMPs during Cryptococcus infection have not been addressed clearly. Here, we examined the expression and activity of MMPs during Cryptococcus infection. Among MMP family members, we found significant increases of MMP-3 and MMP-12 mRNA levels and MMP12 zymographic activities in response to C. neoformans but not C. gattii infection. The expression of MMP12 was induced in RAW cells after C. neoformans treatment and in alveolar macrophages purified from C. neoformans-infected mice. Interestingly, administration of MMP inhibitor GM6001 into C. neoformans-infected mice resulted in a significantly increased pulmonary fungal burden with attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration. Corresponding to this finding, the expression of the macrophage- and neutrophil-attracting chemokines CCL2 and CXCL1 was inhibited in the GM6001-treated group and MMP12 levels were found to be correlated strongly with CCL2 mRNA expression. Thus, our data suggest that the induction of MMPs by C. neoformans infection potentiates inflammatory cell infiltration by modulating pulmonary chemokines, thereby promoting effective host immunity to pulmonary Cryptococcus infection.
Enhancing kidney function with thrombolytic therapy following donation after cardiac death: a multicenter quasi‐blinded prospective randomized trial
Authors: Woodside Kenneth J. , Goldfarb David A. , Rabets John C. , Sanchez Edmund Q. , Lebovitz Daniel J. , Schulak James A. , Fung John J. , Eghtesad Bijan
Published: October 2015

Kidneys from donors after cardiac death (DCD) are at risk for inferior outcomes, possibly due to microthrombi and additional warm ischemia. We describe an organ procurement organization‐wide trial utilizing thrombolytic tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) during machine pulsatile perfusion (MPP). A kidney from each recovered kidney pair was prospectively randomized to receive tPA (50 mg Alteplase) or no tPA (control) in the MPP perfusate. From 2011 to 2013, 24 kidneys were placed with enrolled recipients from 19 DCD kidney donors. There were no significant differences for absolute values of flow or resistance while undergoing MPP between the groups, nor rates of achieving discrete flow and resistance targets. While there was a trend toward lower creatinine and higher glomerular filtration rates in the tPA group at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, these differences were not significant. Delayed graft function (DGF) rates were 41.7% in the tPA group vs. 58.4% in the control group (OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.10–2.59, p = 0.68). Death‐censored graft survival was similar between the groups. In this pilot study, encouraging trends are seen in kidney allograft function independent of MPP parameters following DCD kidney transplantation for those kidneys receiving thrombolytic tPA and MPP, compared with standard MPP.
Solitary pancreas transplantation: a review of the UK experience over a period of 10 yr
Authors: Vrakas Georgios , Arantes Rubens Macedo , Gerlach Undine , Reddy Srikanth , Friend Peter , Vaidya Anil
Published: October 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to see whether lessons could be learned from the prospectively maintained nationwide database on solitary pancreas transplantation (SPTx) performed in the UK.

Methods

Two hundred and forty‐five SPTx were utilized from the 2004–2013 period (113 pancreas transplant alone and 132 pancreas after kidney). The statistical analysis included donor, recipient, transplant variables, and the effect of a rejection episode on graft survival.

Results

Cold ischemia time (CIT), CIT > 12 h, donor body mass index (BMI) > 30, and non‐lymphocyte‐depleting induction immunosuppression achieved p‐value <0.05 in the unadjusted univariate hazard model analysis. In a multivariate analysis, variables that persisted in demonstrating increased independent risk included CIT > 12 h (hazard ratio [HR] 1.94, p = 0.035) and the use of non‐depleting induction immunosuppression (HR 1.95, p = 0.002). Factors such as bladder‐drained grafts and donor variables including age, BMI, and donation after cardiac death (DCD) vs. donation after brain‐stem death did not attain significance. Rejection reduces the overall graft survival by approximately 1000 d (1841 ± 114 d vs. 915 ± 119 d, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Cold ischemia time <12 h and the use of depleting antibodies as induction immunosuppression have a positive effect on pancreas allograft survival. Other factors such as bladder‐drained grafts and donor variables such as age, BMI, and DCD status did not attain significance in a multivariate analysis.
The metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus as predictors of thoracic aortic calcification as detected by non‐contrast computed tomography in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Katz R. , Budoff M. J. , O'Brien K. D. , Wong N. D. , Nasir K.
Published: October 2015

Aims

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of low levels of HDL cholesterol, hyperglycaemia, high waist circumference, hypertension and elevated triglycerides, and is associated with cardiovascular disease. Calcified atherosclerotic plaque in the thoracic aorta (TAC), measured by non‐contrast cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans, is a marker for atherosclerosis and relates to mortality. We sought to evaluate the independent association of MetS and TAC on cardiac CT scans.

Methods

We examined the relation of the MetS, and each of its components, to the prevalence of TAC, measured from 2000 to 2002 in 6778 white, Chinese, African‐American and Hispanic participants in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

Results

Adjusting for age, gender, race, smoking, LDL cholesterol and lipid‐lowering medications, relative risks and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for a TAC score > 0 were: 1.19 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.28) for participants with MetS, 1.34 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.49) for those with diabetes and MetS, and 1.33 (95% CI 1.11, 1.58) for those with diabetes and no MetS compared with participants who were free of the MetS and diabetes. Associations were found for most of the components of the MetS with TAC.

Conclusions

We conclude that in adults without known heart disease, the MetS, most of its components and diabetes are associated with a higher prevalence of calcified atherosclerotic plaque in the thoracic arteries in a multi‐ethnic population of men and women.
Bi‐directional interaction between hypoglycaemia and cognitive impairment in elderly patients treated with glucose‐lowering agents: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mattishent K. , Loke Y. K.
Published: October 2015

Aims

To examine the bi‐directional relationship, whereby hypoglycaemia is a risk factor for dementia, and where dementia increases risk of hypoglycaemia in older patients with diabetes mellitus treated with glucose‐lowering agents.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE over a 10‐year span from 2005 to 2015 (with automated PubMed updates to August 2015) for observational studies of the association between hypoglycaemia and cognitive impairment or dementia in participants aged >55 years. Assessment of study validity was based on ascertainment of hypoglycaemia, dementia and risk of confounding. We conducted random effects inverse variance meta‐analyses, and assessed heterogeneity using the I2 statistic.

Results

We screened 1177 citations, and selected 12 studies, of which nine were suitable for meta‐analysis. There were a total of 1 439 818 participants, with a mean age of 75 years. Meta‐analysis of five studies showed a significantly increased risk of dementia in patients who had hypoglycaemic episodes: pooled odds ratio 1.68 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45, 1.95]. We also found a significantly increased risk of hypoglycaemia in patients with dementia: pooled odds ratio from five studies 1.61 (95% CI 1.25, 2.06). Limitations of the study were heterogeneity in the meta‐analysis, and uncertain ascertainment of dementia and hypoglycaemic outcomes and temporal relationships. Publication bias may have favoured the reporting of more significant findings.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis shows a bi‐directional relationship between cognitive impairment and hypoglycaemia in older patients. Glucose‐lowering therapy should be carefully tailored and monitored in older patients who are susceptible to cognitive decline.
Clinical effect of cardiac shock wave therapy on patients with ischaemic heart disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhou Chao , Liu Lin , Pan Xizhuo , Guo Tao
Published: October 2015

Background

After several years of study, CSWT has been initially applied to IHD treatment, but the actual effectiveness has never been well evaluated with a meta‐analysis.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register database and Chinese database were searched. The randomized controlled trials, and single‐arm and cohort study related to in patients with IHD undergoing CSWT were included and 14 articles were finally analysed. The data related to the study design, patient characteristics and outcomes were extracted. All the selected data were calculated with random‐effects models in weighted mean differences, and heterogeneity was carefully evaluated as well.

Results

(i) Cardiac shock wave therapy improves the angina pectoris symptom (including the decrease of Canadian Cardiovascular Society class [−0·86 (−1·12, −0·65), P < 0·00001], nitroglycerin dosage (times/weeks) [−0·71 (−1·08, −0·33), P = 0·0002] and a increase of Seattle Angina Questionnaire score [5·64 (3·12, 8·15), P < 0·0001)]); (ii) CSWT leads to a reduce in heart failure (including a reduction of New York Heart Association functional class [−0·49 (−0·62, −0·37), P < 0·00001], a stable rise in 6‐min walking distance [68·38 (39·70, 97·05), P < 0·00001] and a growth in left ventricular ejection fraction with echocardiography screening [6·73 (4·67,8·80), P < 0·00001]); (iii) CSWT improves myocardial viability within improving in total score of perfusion imaging [−5·19 (−8·08, −2·30), P = 0·0004] and total score of metabolism imaging [−5·33 (−7·77, −2·90), P < 0·0001].

Conclusions

The meta‐analysis suggests that CSWT may offer beneficial effects to patients with IHD, although there was significant heterogeneity across the studies.
Method for effectively maintaining the thickness of mouthguards fabricated using EVA sheets and a circle tray: influence of grooved sheet and heating conditions
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Koide Kaoru , Iwasaki Shin‐ichi
Published: October 2015

The shapes of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) sheets are mainly square or round. The aim of this study was to elucidate a fabrication method that effectively maintains the thickness of the round sheet. Mouthguards were fabricated using EVA sheets (diameter 125 mm, thickness 4.0 mm) and a vacuum‐forming machine. The sheet was pinched at the top and bottom and stabilized by the circle tray. Two heating conditions were compared: (i) the sheet was molded when it sagged 10 mm below the level of the sheet frame at the top of the post under normal conditions (N); and (ii) the sheet frame was lowered to and heated at 50 mm from the level of ordinary use and molded when it sagged 10 mm from the sheet frame (L). Two EVA sheet shapes were compared: an ordinary sheet (O) and a sheet with a horizontal v‐shaped groove 30 mm from the anterior end (G). The height of the working model was 20 mm at the incisor point and 15 mm at the first molar. The sheet temperatures of the heating and non‐heated surface were measured by the radiation thermometer. Post‐molding thickness was determined for the incisal and molar portion. Differences in the thickness were analyzed using two‐way anova. The temperature difference among points was smaller under condition L than under condition N. Thickness after formation was higher in condition L than in condition N, and was higher in condition G than in condition O. At the labial surface and the cusp, L–G was thickest. With the present techniques, uneven softening during heating can be improved by lowering the sheet frame and consequently reducing the reduction in the thickness of the sheet. Additionally, the thickness reduction is reduced by creating a horizontal groove on the sheet, establishing the clinical efficacy of this method.
Effect of humic acids, sesquioxides and silica on the pore system of silt aggregates measured by water vapour desorption, mercury intrusion and microtomography
Authors: Jozefaciuk G. , Czachor H. , Lamorski K. , Hajnos M. , Swieboda R. , Franus W.
Published: October 2015

Most of the information on soil aggregation and porosity comes from studies of natural soil in which the effects of the different constituents that form the structure overlap. The aim of this research was to study the effects of these constituents separately on well‐characterized artificial aggregates in order to understand them better. To do this, the pore system of model silt aggregates, amended with different amounts of humic acids, iron and aluminium hydroxides or colloidal silica, was investigated at three levels of magnification with water vapour desorption (nanometre sizes), mercury intrusion (micrometre sizes) and microtomography (tens of micrometres). Humic acid and aluminium hydroxide increased aggregate porosities measured by all methods. An increase in porosity with increasing additions of each constituent was indicated only by water desorption. We did not observe any well‐defined trends in the dynamics of average pore radii. The pore surface fractal dimension determined by mercury intrusion was negatively correlated with that measured by water desorption. The pore system in granular media comprises larger voids joined by narrower necks; therefore, we attempted to relate their sizes with a novel approach that combined microtomography with mercury intrusion and extrusion data. We observed a decrease in the size of pore necks that give access to voids of the same sizes with increasing additions of all constituents. With additions of humic acid this effect was the smallest. The mercury intrusion data showed the formation of separate concretions of iron hydroxides and silica in silt aggregates.
A systematic review of placebo‐controlled trials of topiramate: How useful is a multiple‐indications review for evaluating the adverse events of an antiepileptic drug?
Authors: Donegan Sarah , Dixon Peter , Hemming Karla , Tudur‐Smith Catrin , Marson Anthony
Published: October 2015

Objective

Topiramate (TPM) is an antiepileptic drug that is also used for other indications (e.g., migraine). Adverse event (AE) data from epilepsy trials could be supplemented by data from trials in other indications. Combining data across trials and indications is a novel method for evaluating AEs. We conducted a multiple‐indications review by systematically reviewing randomized placebo‐controlled trials of TPM, to compare the nervous system AEs of TPM in epilepsy with those in other indications.

Methods

Randomized placebo‐controlled trials of TPM including patients with any indication were included. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 2, 2012) and MEDLINE (1966–February 2012). Two authors assessed eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. For each reported nervous system AE, we extracted event rates, applied random‐effects inverse‐variance meta‐analysis (pooling within‐indications then across‐indications), and assessed within‐ and across‐indication heterogeneity.

Results

Ninety trials, including 16 epilepsy trials, were included. A difference was detected between TPM and placebo for three events (i.e., drooling, dysgeusia, and hypoesthesia) that were not reported in epilepsy trials but were reported by other trials. A difference between TPM and placebo was detected for speech disorder using epilepsy trials but not when combining all trials. For two events (i.e., cognitive disorder and “language problems”), no difference was detected between TPM and placebo when using epilepsy trials alone, but a difference was identified using all trials. A difference was detected between TPM and placebo for six events (i.e., ataxia, disturbance in attention, dizziness, memory impairment, paraesthesia, and somnolence) when using epilepsy trials alone, and using all trials.

Significance

Including trials of any indication enabled detection of differences that would have been missed using epilepsy trials alone. Multiple‐indications reviews can improve the synthesis of AEs for antiepileptic drugs.
‘High‐co‐occurrence genera’: weak but consistent relationships with global richness, niche partitioning, hybridization and decline
Authors: Prinzing Andreas , Powrie Leslie W. , Hennekens Stephan M. , Bartish Igor V. , Ozinga Wim A.
Published: October 2015

Aim

Many biologists explain the global richness of lineages and local co‐occurrence of lineage members by distinct processes: speciation/extinction versus ecological interactions. Moreover, allopatric distribution, rarity and local competition limit local co‐occurrence of species even within species‐rich lineages. However, whether and why the global richness of lineages relates to local co‐occurrence of lineage members has not been tested. We study angiosperms, and hypothesize that in globally species‐rich genera species frequently encounter congeners locally, reflecting (1) random sampling of species pools into local communities and (2) processes of global species production and local survival such as hybridization, niche filling and a reduced risk of extinction.

Location

Netherlands, South Africa, world‐wide.

Methods

Analysing more than 350,000 plots we quantify per species the observed number of co‐occurring congeners as well as the null expectation based on random sampling from species pools. From the literature we quantify the global species richness of genera, and abiotic niche positions and breadths, hybrid status and regional species declines.

Results

In some genera species frequently encounter congeners locally, while in others congeners are rarely encountered. This is independent of the total number of species encountered, and is consistent between the Netherlands and South Africa. ‘High‐co‐occurrence genera’ are particularly species rich across the globe, consistently so in most families and even after controlling for niche positions, age and regional richness of genera. Species in high‐co‐occurrence genera tend to occupy niches that are large and close to congeners’ niches. These species are more often hybrids and rarely decline. Relationships explain little variance (< 10%) but are stronger than expected from random sampling of species rich pools.

Main conclusions

Local co‐occurrence and global species richness are largely independent, but not entirely so, reflecting random sampling of pools into communities, niche partitioning, hybridization and the reduced risk of regional extinction in high‐co‐occurrence genera. Increased extinction risk in low‐co‐occurrence genera implies a proportionately high loss of lineages and their evolutionary heritage from local communities.
Exploring a blind spot in comparative pension reform research: Long‐term trends in non‐contributory pensions in Europe
Authors: Goedemé Tim , Marchal Sarah
Published: October 2015

Over the past two decades, pension reforms have been high on the agenda of social policy makers in Europe. In many countries, these reforms have resulted in less generous public pensions. At the same time, minimum income protection for older adults has received attention from policy makers, but much less so from social policy researchers. Therefore, this study explored how benefit levels of non‐contributory minimum income schemes for older adults evolved from 1992 to 2012 in 13 ‘old’ EU member states. Building on two cross‐national longitudinal datasets with comparative data on minimum income protection in Europe, the study shows that over the past 20 years, the erosion of the principal safety net of last resort for older persons has been limited. Moreover, a substantial number of European countries have pursued a deliberate policy of considerably increasing minimum income benefits.
Impacts of Immigration on an Ageing Welfare State: An Applied General Equilibrium Model for France
Authors: Chojnicki Xavier , Ragot Lionel
Published: October 2015

Immigration is often seen as an instrument of adaptation for ageing countries. In this paper, we evaluate, using a dynamic general equilibrium model, the contribution of migration policy in reducing the tax burden associated with the ageing population in France. Four alternative scenarios, compared with a baseline scenario based on official projections, are simulated with the aim of quantifying the effects of immigration on French social protection finances. We show that the age and, to a lesser extent, the skill structure of immigrants are the key features that mainly determine the effects on social protection finances. Overall, these effects are all the more positive in the short to medium term if the migration policy is selective (in favour of more skilled workers). In the long term, the beneficial effects of a selective policy may disappear. But whatever the degree of selectivity of the migration policy, the financial gains from higher consequent migration flows are relatively moderate compared with the demographic changes implied by ageing.
Lithium Disilicate Glass‐Ceramics by Heat Treatment of Lithium Metasilicate Glass‐Ceramics Obtained by Hot Pressing
Authors: Zhang Hui , He Zhilong , Zhang Yaming , Jing Wenjia , Wang Bo , Yang Jianfeng
Published: October 2015

Lithium disilicate glass‐ceramics are widely used as dental ceramics due to their machinability and translucency. In this study, lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic was fabricated through heat treatment of lithium metasilicate glass‐ceramics obtained by hot pressing of glass powder composed of SiO2–Li2O–P2O5–ZrO2–Al2O3–K2O–CeO2 at low temperature. The crystalline phase, microstructure, and mechanical properties were investigated. The results indicated that lithium metasilicate glass‐ceramic with a relative density of higher than 99% was obtained after hot pressing, and glass‐ceramic with interlocked rod‐like Li2Si2O5 crystals and good flexural strength (338 ± 20 MPa) was successfully obtained through heat treatment. The two‐step method was believed to be feasible in tailoring the microstructure and mechanical properties of lithium disilicate glass‐ceramics.
Synthesis of High Temperature Stable Carbon Coated Metal Nanoparticles in AlPO4 Based Matrix In Situ in Oxidative Atmosphere
Authors: Maharana Rajalaxmi , Bhanu Prasad Velidandla Venkata , Roy Subir , Prasad Durga , Kumar Koushi , Paik Pradip , Hebalkar Neha , shukla Astha , Bal Rajaram
Published: October 2015

In this work, we have reported a universal method for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles coated with graphite layer in AlPO4 based matrix. As an example, graphitized carbon coated Ag, Pt, Cu and Ni nanoparticles were synthesized in the amorphous AlPO4 based matrix. The metal nanoparticles were protected from oxidation up to very high temperatures due to the low oxygen diffusivity in AlPO4 based matrix and carbon coating over the metal nanoparticles. The oxidation states of the Ag and Ni nanoparticles were detected with the help of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The synthesis technique followed very simple methodology. The entire processing including heat treatments at higher temperatures were carried out in oxidative atmosphere. The mechanism for the formation of metal particle in AlPO4 based matrix has also been addressed. This approach can be a universal approach to achieve metal nanoparticles in AlPO4 based matrix. Finally, catalyzing activities of the AlPO4‐Cu nanocomposites in the oxidation of cyclohexane, AlPO4‐Ni and AlPO4‐Pt nanocomposites in the reduction in 4‐nitrophenol were successfully investigated.
Diffusion Across M/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Interfaces (M=Pt3Pb or Pt) Under Different System Conditions
Authors: Lin Fang‐Yin , Chernatynskiy Aleksandr , Nikkel Jason , Bulanadi Ralph , Jones Jacob L. , Nino Juan C. , Sinnott Susan B.
Published: October 2015

Interfaces between functional ceramics, such as Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3 or PZT, and metal electrodes, such as Pt, are important for many devices. Maintaining an interface that is free of secondary phases is necessary for the efficient transfer of electrons and device function. However, there are instances where unstable transient phases form at the interface due to atomic diffusion, such as Pt3Pb. Here, we investigate the migration barriers for the diffusion of Pb across the PZT/Pt and PZT/Pt3Pb interfaces using density functional theory (DFT) and the climbing image nudge elastic band (c‐NEB) method. Our calculation models take into account the influence of atmospheric conditions on Pb diffusion through the preferential stabilization of defects near the interface as a result of changes to the Pb and O chemical potentials. In addition, the PZT structures that are stable above and below the Curie temperature are considered. The migration barriers are predicted to be strongly dependent on atmospheric conditions and the phase of the PZT, tetragonal or cubic. In particular, an inversion of the Pb diffusion direction at the PZT/Pt interface is predicted to take place as the oxygen partial pressure increases. This prediction is confirmed by experimental in situ X‐ray diffraction measurements of a PZT/Pt interface.
Preparation of TiO2‐Coated Mo Powders for High Photocatalytic Property
Authors: Li Delong , Wang Miaosheng , Luo Chengzhi , Pan Chunxu
Published: October 2015

An approach is introduced for fabricating the TiO2‐coated molybdenum (Mo) powders via hydrothermal method, in which the Mo nanopowders were prepared by the electric explosion of wire method. The microstructure and photocatalytic properties of the samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy (Raman), low temperature sorption of nitrogen (BET), and diffuse reflectance accessory of UV–Vis spectrophotometer. It was revealed that compared with pure TiO2, the TiO2‐coated Mo powders exhibited an improved photocatalytic activity, and the highest photocatalytic activity was achieved at the 1 wt% optimal mass percentage of the Mo nanopowders. The preparation of TiO2‐coated Mo powders involved a relatively simple, economical, scalable, and also environment‐friendly approach.
High‐Temperature Deformation Mechanisms in Monolithic 3YTZP and 3YTZP Containing Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Castillo‐Rodríguez Miguel , Muñoz Antonio , Domínguez‐Rodríguez Arturo
Published: October 2015

Monolithic 3YTZP and 3YTZP containing 2.5 vol% of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) at 1250°C. Microstructural characterization of the as‐fabricated 3YTZP/SWCNTs composite shows a homogeneous CNTs dispersion throughout the ceramic matrix. The specimens have been crept at temperatures between 1100°C and 1200°C in order to investigate the influence of the SWCNTs addition on high‐temperature deformation mechanisms in zirconia. Slightly higher stress exponent values are found for 3YTZP/SWCNTs nanocomposites (n~2.5) compared to monolithic 3YTZP (n~2.0). However, the activation energy in 3YTZP (Q = 715 ± 60 kJ/mol) experiences a reduction of about 25% by the addition of 2.5 vol% of SWCNTs (Q = 540 ± 40 kJ/mol). Scanning electron microscopy studies indicate that there is no microstructural evolution in crept specimens, and Raman spectroscopy measurements show that SWCNTs preserved their integrity during the creep tests. All these results seem to indicate that the high‐temperature deformation mechanism is grain‐boundary sliding (GBS) accommodated by grain‐boundary diffusion, which is influenced by yttrium segregation and the presence of SWCNTs at the grain boundary.
Effect of Preparation Conditions on Magnetic and Dielectric Properties of Y2MMnO6 (M = Co, Ni)
Authors: Katari Vasundhara , Babu Peram Delli , Mishra Sanjaya K. , Mittal Ranjan , Bevara Samatha , Achary Srungarpu N. , Deshpande Sudhansu K. , Tyagi Avesh K.
Published: October 2015

Herein we report the structure, magnetic and dielectric properties of Y2CoMnO6 (YCMO) and Y2NiMnO6 (YNMO) prepared under various conditions. On annealing in inert atmosphere, YCMO sample shows a partial decomposition while YNMO remains unaffected. Both YCMO and YNMO samples show paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transition around 80 K, but only the magnetic properties of YCMO samples depend on the preparation conditions. YCMO samples show antiferromagnetic ground state in zero field and a metamagnetic transition at relatively low field (~2 T). Differences in the annealing environment do not destroy the initial antiparallel spin order in YCMO, but affect the critical fields of metamagnetic transition. The field‐dependent magnetic properties indicated soft ferromagnetic nature of YNMO samples. The dielectric measurements show distinct frequency and temperature‐dependent features in YCMO samples compared to YNMO samples. A large relative permittivity with ε׳ of about 104 is observed in both O2 and air‐annealed YCMO samples. Multiple dielectric relaxations are observed in all the annealed YCMO and YNMO samples.
Comparing the effectiveness of peer instruction to individual learning during a chromatography course
Authors: Morice J. , Michinov N. , Delaval M. , Sideridou A. , Ferrières V.
Published: October 2015

Peer instruction has been recognized as an instructional method having a positive impact on learning compared to traditional lectures in science. This method has been widely supported by the socio‐constructivist approach to learning giving a positive role to interaction between peers in the construction of knowledge. As far as we know, no study has been conducted from the socio‐cognitive approach which suggests that individuals working alone perform better than those interacting with others in groups. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine whether peer instruction improves learning when compared with an individual learning method that does not require any interaction with peers. After being randomly divided into either a peer instruction or an individual learning condition in a chromatography course, students had to answer to a series of multiple‐choice questions using clickers at the beginning (pre‐test) and end of (post‐test) the session. Results revealed that the percentage of correct answers increased similarly from the pre‐ to the post‐test in both conditions. Nevertheless, students perceived the peer instruction method as being more satisfying, engaging and useful than the individual learning method. The findings revealed that peer instruction provides subjective benefits, but failed to demonstrate a greater learning gain.