bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simulation and optimisation procedure to model daily suppression resource transfers during a fire season in Colorado
Authors: Wei Yu , Belval Erin J. , Thompson Matthew P. , Calkin Dave E. , Stonesifer Crystal S.
Published: November 2016

Sharing fire engines and crews between fire suppression dispatch zones may help improve the utilisation of fire suppression resources. Using the Resource Ordering and Status System, the Predictive Services’ Fire Potential Outlooks and the Rocky Mountain Region Preparedness Levels from 2010 to 2013, we tested a simulation and optimisation procedure to transfer crews and engines between dispatch zones in Colorado (central United States) and into Colorado from out-of-state. We used this model to examine how resource transfers may be influenced by assignment shift length, resource demand prediction accuracy, resource drawdown restrictions and the compounding effects of resource shortages. Test results show that, in certain years, shortening the crew shift length from 14 days to 4 days doubles the yearly transport cost. Results also show that improving the accuracy in predicting daily resource demands decreases the engine and crew transport costs by up to 40%. Other test results show that relaxing resource drawdown restrictions could decrease resource transport costs and the reliance on out-of-state resources. The model-suggested assignments result in lower transport costs than did historical assignments.
The ongoing eclipse of possessive suffixes in North Saami
Authors: Janda Laura A. , Antonsen Lene
Published: November 2016

North Saami is replacing the use of possessive suffixes on nouns with a morphologically simpler analytic construction. Our data (>2K examples culled from >.5M words) track this change through three generations, covering parameters of semantics, syntax and geography. Intense contact pressure on this minority language probably promotes morphological simplification, yielding an advantage for the innovative construction. The innovative construction is additionally advantaged because it has a wider syntactic and semantic range and is indispensable, whereas its competitor can always be replaced. The one environment where the possessive suffix is most strongly retained even in the youngest generation is in the Nominative singular case, and here we find evidence that the possessive suffix is being reinterpreted as a Vocative case marker.
Generic integration templates for fictive communication
Authors: Pagán Cánovas Cristóbal , Turner Mark
Published: November 2016

In this chapter, we seek to show that the human mind can create blended discourse, or fictive communication, because it is able to do advanced conceptual blending. Thanks to advanced blending, human beings can integrate unrelated experiences and concepts into new mental wholes with novel properties. We analyze how instances of fictive communication are made possible by generic templates for conceptual blending. Fictive communication is a blending pattern combining several generic templates, most of which were not originated in relation to discourse. Fictive communication inherits the whole structure of fictive interaction, which involves fictivity, compression patterns, and an interaction frame that includes counterfactuality. Complex, classic blended joint attention is added, and the interaction frame selected is the one for communication.
On discourse-motivated “sorries”
Authors: Demeter Gusztav
Published: November 2016

This chapter discusses the forms and functions of fictive apologies with examples from English, Hungarian, and Romanian. The analysis is carried out from a usage-based perspective with examples from spoken and written language corpora. In terms of form, fictive apologies are instantiations of a construction containing an explicit expression of apology and a noun of address, which involves a fictive interaction and a role shift from actual discourse topic to fictive addressee. Fictive apologies perform multiple functions, such as disagreement, irony, sarcasm, refusal, reproach, humorous insult, and empathy. This chapter is the first extended study of fictive apologies that contributes to a more integrated account of the ways in which discourse is modelled by the conversation frame.
What about?
Authors: Jarque Moyano Maria Josep
Published: November 2016

This chapter deals with the multifunctional use of the question-answer sequence, which constitutes a prototypical conversational and intersubjective structure, across signed languages. Specifically, I examine the use of polar and content questions, and their subsequent answers, for the expression of non-­information-seeking functions, namely topicality, conditionality, focus, connection, and relativization. The study is based on a qualitative analysis of Catalan Sign Language and published data on 30 signed languages. The analysis shows that the question-answer sequence has been grammaticalized and constitutes the unmarked or by-default option to encode these linguistic functions. I argue that the pattern forms a highly schematic symbolic unit and that the specific linguistic constructions, which are instances of fictive interaction, form a complex network.
Recursive inflection and grammaticalized fictive interaction in the southwestern Amazon
Authors: van der Voort Hein
Published: November 2016

This chapter presents fictive interaction as expressed through recursion of bound person and mood markers in two languages of the southwestern Amazon. In Kwaza (isolate), recursive application of inflectional morphemes prototypically expresses quoted speech. This “quotative” construction has grammaticalized, being used also in purposive and desiderative expressions. Similar constructions are found in neighboring Aikanã (isolate) and Wari’ (Chapakuran). It has grammaticalized completely in Aikanã, expressing future tense, probably under the influence of cultural factors. Since grammaticalized fictive interaction spread areally in regions elsewhere, the quotative construction may also represent one of the areal phenomena in the southwestern Amazon. Grammatical interference from Aikanã in the expression of future tense in Portuguese as a second language suggests that this is a realistic scenario.
Three-way transmesis in EnJoe Toh’sMatsunoe no ki
Authors: Wakabayashi Judy
Published: November 2016

The postmodern novellaMatsunoe no ki(The Matsunoe family; or, Branches of the Pine, 2012) by the Japanese writer EnJoe Toh falls within the category of what Thomas Beebee (2012) calls “transmesis,” here taking the specific form of a metafictional and metanarrative exploration of author-translator relationships. One feature that distinguishes this instance of transmesis is that the fictional author and translator both take on each of these roles, thereby blurring the boundaries between writing and translating. In addition, a brain injury leads to a dissociation between the cognitive functions of reading and writing in one of the protagonists, resulting in effect in three distinct personas. This further complicates this representation of author-translator relationships and highlights the separate but interrelated components within and across the processes of writing and translating.
Reconfiguring the sensible through translation
Authors: Monticelli Daniele
Published: November 2016

The article investigates the ambivalent role of translation as a means of radical social and cultural change in a totalitarian situation such as the earlier Sovietization of Estonia after WWII. Translation becomes, on the one hand, an empowered and dominant activity in the establishment of the new ideological and cultural values; but it functions, at the same time, as a disempowering and marginalizing kind of writing to which writers suspicious to the new regime and silenced as authors are now confined. An original combination of Jacques Rancière’s notion of “distribution of the sensible” [partage du sensible] and Michel Foucault’s understanding of the “author-function,” is adopted in the article to describe all this as a process ofdeauthorization, thus unraveling the relation betweenauthorialagency and politicalauthority, the rationale behind hegemonic discursive attitudes toward different literary activities within a given social order, and political interventions in literature and culture under totalitarian rule.
Translator-author relationships on the social web
Authors: Heller Erga
Published: November 2016

This article focuses on the personal and direct relationships between translators and authors in the digital age. It presents the conclusions of a qualitative study, based on personal interviews with three leading Israeli translators of fantasy literature for young readers from English to Hebrew; on recorded and filmed interviews of these translators and authors; on collections of open and closed internet chats of several fantasy translators; and on internet forum messages and personal e-mails from the archives of the three main interviewees. The findings illustrate the new realm of professionalism and personal relationships among authors and their translators and add the digital view to studies about the relationship between translators and authors.
Rac1/RhoA antagonism defines cell-to-cell heterogeneity during epidermal morphogenesis in nematodes
Authors: Martin Emmanuel , Ouellette Marie-Hélène , Jenna Sarah
Published: November 2016

The antagonism between the GTPases Rac1 and RhoA controls cell-to-cell heterogeneity in isogenic populations of cells in vitro and epithelial morphogenesis in vivo. Its involvement in the regulation of cell-to-cell heterogeneity during epidermal morphogenesis has, however, never been addressed. We used a quantitative cell imaging approach to characterize epidermal morphogenesis at a single-cell level during early elongation of Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. This study reveals that a Rac1-like pathway, involving the Rac/Cdc42 guanine-exchange factor β-PIX/PIX-1 and effector PAK1/PAK-1, and a RhoA-like pathway, involving ROCK/LET-502, control the remodeling of apical junctions and the formation of basolateral protrusions in distinct subsets of hypodermal cells. In these contexts, protrusions adopt lamellipodia or an amoeboid morphology. We propose that lamella formation may reduce tension building at cell–cell junctions during morphogenesis. Cell-autonomous antagonism between these pathways enables cells to switch between Rac1- and RhoA-like morphogenetic programs. This study identifies the first case of cell-to-cell heterogeneity controlled by Rac1/RhoA antagonism during epidermal morphogenesis.
High-dimensional single-cell analysis reveals the immune signature of narcolepsy
Authors: Hartmann Felix J. , Bernard-Valnet Raphaël , Quériault Clémence , Mrdjen Dunja , Weber Lukas M. , Galli Edoardo , Krieg Carsten , Robinson Mark D. , Nguyen Xuan-Hung , Dauvilliers Yves , Liblau Roland S. , Becher Burkhard
Published: November 2016

Narcolepsy type 1 is a devastating neurological sleep disorder resulting from the destruction of orexin-producing neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Despite its striking association with the HLA-DQB1*06:02 allele, the autoimmune etiology of narcolepsy has remained largely hypothetical. Here, we compared peripheral mononucleated cells from narcolepsy patients with HLA-DQB1*06:02-matched healthy controls using high-dimensional mass cytometry in combination with algorithm-guided data analysis. Narcolepsy patients displayed multifaceted immune activation in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells dominated by elevated levels of B cell–supporting cytokines. Additionally, T cells from narcolepsy patients showed increased production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-2 and TNF. Although it remains to be established whether these changes are primary to an autoimmune process in narcolepsy or secondary to orexin deficiency, these findings are indicative of inflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of this enigmatic disease.
Souvenirs to Forget
Authors: Marcoux Jean-Sébastien
Published: November 2016

In consumer research, the relationship between memory work and forgetting remains largely unexplored, and the “forgetful” role that souvenirs can play in remembering is misunderstood, even denigrated. The present study explores the connections between memory work, forgetting, and material culture. Drawing on contemporary material culture studies, it offers a reflection on the memory practices of New Yorkers in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Based on ethnographic research conducted in New York City, it provides evidence that remembering and forgetting can coexist and interconnect in complex ways. Uncovering the mechanics of forgetting in memory practices with souvenirs, it takes the research on memory and material culture beyond the semiotic analysis of signs and symbols, and shows that souvenirs can play a fundamental role in the process of obliterating and/or compartmentalizing aspects of past experiences. Although it may be true that New Yorkers—especially those who personally experienced 9/11—have no need of souvenirs to remember, many of them have memory practices that involve using souvenirs to forget.
The effect of subthreshold transcranial magnetic stimulation on the excitation of corticospinal volleys with different conduction times
Authors: Niemann Niclas , Wiegel Patrick , Rothwell John C. , Leukel Christian
Published: November 2016

Previous studies in humans interested in inhibitory synaptic activity at the level of the primary motor cortex (M1) have frequently used an electrophysiological technique call short intracortical inhibition (SICI). This technique consists of two subsequent pulses with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), of which the first pulse (S1) has been argued to target local inhibitory connections, reducing corticospinal output generated by the second pulse (S2). However, the reduction of corticospinal output is not seen in every tested subject, sometimes S1 even increased corticospinal output. Thus there seems to be more occurring than just the targeting of local inhibitory connections by S1, indicating that the mechanisms of SICI are not fully understood. In the present study, in 18 healthy young subjects we applied a method allowing to segregate corticospinal volleys with different conduction times and investigated the effect of S1 on the excitation of these volleys. Our results revealed three major findings, which can be summarized as follows: i) S1 acted not only locally at the level of M1, but produced corticospinal activity which may influence corticospinal output by S2 at the spinal level; ii) there was not only reduced excitation of corticospinal volleys by S1, but also an increased excitation of corticospinal volleys with longer conduction times; iii) at the level of M1, S1 indeed targeted preferentially inhibitory synaptic connections, and these reduced corticospinal excitation of the fastest conduction corticospinal volleys.

Our results indicate that underlying mechanisms in studies applying SICI should be interpreted with caution.
A looping-based model for quenching repression
Authors: Pollak Y. , Goldberg S. , Amit R.
Published: November 2016

We model the regulatory role of proteins bound to looped DNA using a simulation in which dsDNA is represented as a self-avoiding chain, and proteins as spherical protrusions. We simu-late long self-avoiding chains using a sequential importance sampling Monte-Carlo algorithm, and compute the probabilities for chain looping with and without a protrusion. We find that a protrusion near one of the chain’s termini reduces the probability of looping, even for chains much longer than the protrusion–chain-terminus distance. This effect increases with protrusion size, and decreases with protrusion-terminus distance. The reduced probability of looping can be explained via an eclipse-like model, which provides a novel inhibitory mechanism. We test the eclipse model on two possible transcription-factor occupancy states of theeve3/7 enhancer, and show that it provides a possible explanation for the experimentally-observedevestripe 3 and 7 expression patterns.

The authors declare no conflict of interests
Tourism development progress of two islands of Malaysia
Authors: Mohamad Diana , Bahauddin Azizi , Mohamed Badaruddin
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the physical tourism impacts experienced by the communities of Redang Island and Perhentian Island – two tourist islands located close to the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The physical tourism impacts are examined via environmental and infrastructure related attributes (19 attributes), which are further categorized into sustainability, environment, greenhouse effects, public and tourist facilities maintenance, sewage system management, rural areas and deforestation. All of these indicators indirectly measure the impact of climate change in these island destinations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a questionnaire survey with an instrument based on prior work by Ap and Cromptom (1998) with regard to air pollution, deforestation and land fertility; Tetlow and Hanusch (2012) in relation to biodiversity; Sunlu (2003) in line with greenhouse effects, water quality, natural landscape and solid waste; and Cessford and Dingwall (1999), corresponding to physical impacts.

Findings

Results for Perhentian Island indicate serious physical impacts resulting from tourism development, compared with less serious impacts on Redang Island. Both islands were observed to experience tourism development progress that is well-blended with their natural environment, and the level of physical impact dependency on tourism development can be assessed using the environmental and infrastructure variables.

Research limitations/implications

While the paper reports on findings from both Perhentian and Redang Islands, results from this paper could well represent other communities in many other Malaysian island locations (or perhaps the wider region), facing a similar phenomenon.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to an understanding of how to investigate each variable independently, as each island is undergoing a different lifecycle phase, regardless of the fact that some islands may be mirroring each other. In addition, the paper envisages the importance of integrating social exchange theory and integrated threat theory, when it comes to evaluating how people judge the consequences of their actions.
How can the tourism industry respond to the global challenges arising from climate change and environmental degradation?
Authors: Nair Vikneswaran , Mohamed Badaruddin , Thomas Toney K. , Teare Richard
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper profiles the WHATT theme issue “How can the tourism industry respond to the global challenges arising from climate change and environmental degradation?” by drawing on reflections from the theme editors and theme issue outcomes, including case study examples from Malaysia, New Zealand and Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team, the material and the editorial process.

Findings

This paper uses case studies to illustrate how the tourism industry is responding to climate change issues. Additionally, team members of the theme issue from Australia, India, Germany, Malaysia and Canada review some of the latest thinking on the relationships between tourism and climate change.

Practical implications

This paper outlines challenges and new approaches to the management of climate change in tourism.

Originality/value

Explores the extent to which innovative approaches, discussed in this theme issue, could be replicated and applied in countries that have yet to take action on tourism-related climate change.
Cross‐protection against Vibrio cholerae infection by monoclonal antibodies against Vibrio vulnificus RtxA1/MARTXVv
Authors: Lee Tae Hee , Cha Sun‐Shin , Lee Chang‐Seop , Rhee Joon Haeng , Woo Hye Ryun , Chung Kyung Min
Published: November 2016

Gram‐negative Vibrio species secrete multifunctional autoprocessing repeats‐in‐toxin (MARTX) toxins associated with bacterial pathogenesis. Here, the cross‐reactivity and cross‐protectivity of mAbs against V. vulnificus RtxA1/MARTXVv was evaluated. Passive administration of any of these mAbs (21RA, 24RA, 46RA, 47RA and 50RA) provided strong protection against lethal V. cholerae infection. Interestingly, 24RA and 46RA, which map to the cysteine protease domain of V. cholerae MARTXVc, inhibited CPD autocleavage in vitro; this process is involved in V. cholerae pathogenesis. These results generate new insight into the development of broadly protective mAbs and/or vaccines against Vibrio species with MARTX toxins.
Effects of plant diversity on the concentration of secondary plant metabolites and the density of arthropods on focal plants in the field
Authors: Kostenko Olga , Mulder Patrick P. J. , Courbois Matthijs , Bezemer T. Martijn
Published: November 2016

The diversity of the surrounding plant community can directly affect the abundance of insects on a focal plant as well as the size and quality of that focal plant. However, to what extent the effects of plant diversity on the arthropod community on a focal plant are mediated by host plant quality or by the diversity of the surrounding plants remains unresolved.

In the field, we sampled arthropod communities on focalJacobaea vulgarisplants growing in experimental plant communities that were maintained at different levels of diversity (one, two, four or nine species) for 3 years. Focal plants were also planted in plots without surrounding vegetation. We recorded the structural characteristics of each of the surrounding plant communities as well as the growth, and primary and secondary chemistry (pyrrolizidine alkaloids,PAs) of the focal plants to disentangle the potential mechanisms causing the diversity effects.

Two years after planting, the abundance of arthropods on focal plants that were still in the vegetative stage decreased with increasing plant diversity, while the abundance of arthropods on reproductive focal plants was not significantly affected by the diversity of the neighbouring community. The size of both vegetative and reproductive focal plants was not significantly affected by the diversity of the neighbouring community, but the levels ofPAs and the foliar N concentration of vegetative focal plants decreased with increasing plant diversity. Structural equation modelling revealed that the effects of plant diversity on the arthropod communities on focal plants were not mediated by changes in plant quality.

Synthesis. Plant quality can greatly influence insect preference and performance. However, under natural conditions, the effects of the neighbouring plant community can overrule the plant quality effects of individual plants growing in those communities on the abundance of insects associated to this plant.
A global test for phylogenetic signal in shifts in flowering time under climate change
Authors: Rafferty Nicole E. , Nabity Paul D.
Published: November 2016

Shifts in the timing of flowering are a conspicuous biological signal of climate change. These shifts have been documented across the globe for diverse communities. Although many species are flowering earlier, others have exhibited no shifts or delays in flowering.

How species respond phenologically will shape interactions both with other community members and with the abiotic environment, altering fitness, abundance and ultimately persistence.

To understand if variability in phenological response is influenced by evolutionary history, we tested for phylogenetic signal in shifts in flowering onset for 13 communities representing 116 families across the Northern Hemisphere. We compared the fit of models of neutral evolution (Brownian Motion) with models that incorporate selection (Ornstein–Uhlenbeck).

We found significant signal in whether species had shifted and the magnitude of response, with both traits conforming to an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck model of trait evolution.

Synthesis. These results show there is global phylogenetic signal in the direction and magnitude of shifts in flowering onset and indicate selection has shaped flowering time responses of related species under climate change; thus, environmentally determined optima may constrain whether and to what degree species respond phenologically to climate change. Our findings further demonstrate the value of testing for phylogenetic signal across multiple communities and comparing multiple models of trait evolution.
The Effect of Monetary Policies on the Relationship between Advertising and Mutual Fund Flows
Authors: Wu Ming‐Hung , Tsai Wei‐Che , Chen Miao‐Ling
Published: November 2016

This paper investigates the effect of monetary policies, mainly proxied by interest rate changes, on the relationship between advertising and subsequent net cash flows for Taiwan's mutual fund industry. Based on a comprehensive mutual fund dataset and allowing for a precise estimation of fund inflows and outflows, we find that there is a positive advertising–cash flow relation under different macroeconomic conditions. Taking into account a change in the interest rate, we document that the positive relationship between the two only exists when the interest rate is at a relatively low level regardless of restrictive and expansionary periods. Our empirical findings shed new light on marketing strategies whereby mutual fund advertising works well during relatively low interest rate environments, which are generally interpreted as exhibiting low cost of capital and a good signal of future economic conditions.
IκBNS induces Muc5ac expression in epithelial cells and causes airway hyper‐responsiveness in murine asthma models
Authors: Yokota M. , Tamachi T. , Yokoyama Y. , Maezawa Y. , Takatori H. , Suto A. , Suzuki K. , Hirose K. , Takeda K. , Nakajima H.
Published: November 2016

Background

In allergic asthma, environmental allergens including house dust mite (HDM) trigger pattern recognition receptors and activate downstream signaling pathways including NF‐κB pathways not only in immune cells but also in airway epithelial cells. Recent studies have shown that NF‐κB activation is regulated positively or negatively depending on the cellular context by IκBNS (encoded by the gene Nfkbid), one of atypical IκB proteins, in the nucleus. Therefore, we hypothesized that IκBNS expressed in immune cells or epithelial cells is involved in the regulation of asthmatic responses.

Aim

To determine the roles of IκBNS in HDM‐induced asthmatic responses.

Methods

Roles of IκBNS in HDM‐induced airway inflammation and airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR) were examined by using IκBNS‐deficient (Nfkbid−/−) mice. Roles of IκBNS expressed in hematopoietic cells and nonhematopoietic cells were separately evaluated by bone marrow chimeric mice. Roles of IκBNS expressed in murine tracheal epithelial cells (mTECs) were examined by air–liquid interface culture.

Results

House dust mite‐induced airway inflammation and AHR were exacerbated in mice lacking IκBNS in hematopoietic cells. In contrast, HDM‐induced airway inflammation was exacerbated, but AHR was attenuated in mice lacking IκBNS in nonhematopoietic cells. The induction of Muc5ac, a representative mucin in asthmatic airways, was reduced in Nfkbid−/− mTEC, whereas the induction of Spdef, a master regulator of goblet cell metaplasia, was not impaired in Nfkbid−/− mTEC. Moreover, IκBNS bound to and activated the MUC5AC distal promoter in epithelial cells.

Conclusion

IκBNS is involved in inducing Muc5ac expression in lung epithelial cells and causing AHR in HDM‐induced asthma models.
In Vitro Laser Fenestration of Aortic Stent‐Grafts: A Qualitative Analysis Under Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Lin Jing , Udgiri Naval , Guidoin Robert , Panneton Jean , Guan Xiaoning , Guillemette Maxime , Wang Lu , Du Jia , Zhu Dajie , Nutley Mark , Zhang Ze
Published: November 2016

In situ fenestration of stent‐grafts allows patients with life threatening aortic pathologies to be amenable to emergent “off the shelf indications for use” percutaneous treatments as a bail out technique. Three types of aortic stent‐grafts were subjected to laser fenestration in a physiological saline solution followed by balloon angioplasty using 8, 10 or 12 mm in diameter noncompliant balloons. The morphology and the size of fenestrations were observed under optical and scanning electron microscopy. The damage to the fabrics was analyzed and quantified. The creation of fenestrations was feasible in all devices, with varying degrees of fraying and/or tearing. The monofilament twill weave (Medtronic Valiant) tore in two directions (warp and weft) while the multifilament weave fenestrations showed more fraying (Anaconda Vascutek and Zenith TX2 Cook). The size and directions of tearing were more predictable with the 8 mm diameter balloon whereas the results obtained with the 10 and 12 mm diameter balloons were more unpredictable. The fenestrations were free of melting of the yarns and blackening of the filaments. The in situ fenestration is feasible but the observed damage to the fabric constructions must be carefully considered. This procedure must currently be limited to urgent and emergent life threatening cases because it is off indications for use for approved devices.
Fabrication, Characterization, and Hemocompatibility Investigation of Polysulfone Grafted With Polyethylene Glycol and Heparin Used in Membrane Oxygenators
Authors: Zheng Zhi , Wang Weiping , Huang Xin , Lv Quan , Fan Wenling , Yu Wenkui , Li Lei , Zhang Zhibing
Published: November 2016

Polysulfone (PSF) was grafted chemically with polyethylene glycol (PEG) of different molecular weights (400, 2000, 10 000, and 20 000) and heparin to prepare PSF–PEG–Hep membranes (labeled as PSF–PEG400–Hep, PSF–PEG2000–Hep, PSF–PEG10 000–Hep, and PSF–PEG20 000–Hep). These membranes were synthesized via the following steps: (i) PSF chloromethylation; (ii) PEGylation; and (iii) heparin immobilization process. Water contact angle, critical water permeation pressure, ATR–FTIR, 1H NMR, UV–visible spectrophotometry, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were conducted to prove grafting success and to fix the optimal reaction parameters during chemical modification processes. To further evaluate the application potential of the PSF–PEG–Hep membrane in a membrane oxygenator, we conducted pure CO2 and O2 gas permeation tests and measured the gas exchange rates of CO2 and O2 through a membrane oxygenator using fresh porcine blood. Meanwhile, the hemocompatibility of the membrane was analyzed and compared by protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and blood coagulation tests. Results of pure gas permeation experiments indicated that the excellent gas transmission properties through PSF membrane were preserved after modification. Blood oxygenation experiments through the PSF–PEG10 000–Hep membrane showed that when the flow rate of porcine blood was 1.5 L/min, CO2 and O2 exchange rates reached 102 and 110 mL/min, respectively, which could basically satisfy the gas exchange potential of commercial membrane oxygenators. Besides, the PSF–PEG–Hep membrane has demonstrated more prominent blood compatibility than PSF.
Renoprotection: focus on TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPC6 and TRPM2
Authors: Markó L. , Mannaa M. , Haschler T. N. , Krämer S. , Gollasch M.
Published: November 2016

Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel receptor family have unique sites of regulatory function in the kidney which enables them to promote regional vasodilatation and controlled Ca2+ influx into podocytes and tubular cells. Activated TRP vanilloid 1 receptor channels (TRPV1) have been found to elicit renoprotection in rodent models of acute kidney injury following ischaemia/reperfusion. Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 6 (TRPC6) in podocytes is involved in chronic proteinuric kidney disease, particularly in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). TRP vanilloid 4 receptor channels (TRPV4) are highly expressed in the kidney, where they induce Ca2+ influx into endothelial and tubular cells. TRP melastatin (TRPM2) non‐selective cation channels are expressed in the cytoplasm and intracellular organelles, where their inhibition ameliorates ischaemic renal pathology. Although some of their basic properties have been recently identified, the renovascular role of TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPC6 and TRPM2 channels in disease states such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes is largely unknown. In this review, we discuss recent evidence for TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPC6 and TRPM2 serving as potential targets for acute and chronic renoprotection in chronic vascular and metabolic disease.
Extended Low‐Dose Exposure to Saxitoxin Inhibits Neurite Outgrowth in Model Neuronal Cells
Authors: O'Neill Katie , Musgrave Ian F. , Humpage Andrew
Published: November 2016

The potent neurotoxin saxitoxin (STX) belongs to a group of structurally related analogues produced by both marine and freshwater phytoplankton. The toxins act by blocking voltage‐gated sodium channels stopping the inflow of sodium ions and the generation of action potentials. Exposure from marine sources occurs as a result of consuming shellfish which have concentrated the toxins, and freshwater exposure can occur from drinking water although there have been no acute poisonings from the latter source to date. Previously, the majority of research into this group of toxins, collectively known as the paralytic shellfish toxins, has focused on acute exposure resulting in paralytic shellfish poisoning. While acute exposure guidelines exist for both sources, there are no chronic exposure guidelines and there has been minimal research into this pattern of exposure despite the known role of electrical activity in neurogenesis. We aimed to investigate this pattern of exposure and its potential effects on neurodevelopment using model neuronal cells. PC12 and SH‐SY5Y cells were exposed to STX (0.25–3 μg/l) for 7 days, after which time they were stained with TRITC‐Phalloidin, to observe adverse morphological effects. Cells exposed to STX had a significant decrease (18–85%) in long axonlike projections, instead exhibiting a significant increase in shorter projections classified as filopodia (p < 0.05). The results suggest that extended low‐dose exposure to STX can inhibit proper neurite outgrowth at concentrations well below guideline levels for both sources of exposure making it a potential public health concern.
Do KV7.1 channels contribute to control of arterial vascular tone?
Authors: Tsvetkov Dmitry , Kaßmann Mario , Tano Jean‐Yves , Chen Lan , Schleifenbaum Johanna , Voelkl Jakob , Lang Florian , Huang Yu , Gollasch Maik
Published: November 2016

Background and Purpose

KV7.1 voltage‐gated potassium channels are expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) of diverse arteries, including mesenteric arteries. Based on pharmacological evidence using R‐L3 (KV7.1 channel opener), HMR1556, chromanol 293B (KV7.1 channel blockers), stimulation of these channels has been suggested to evoke profound relaxation in various vascular beds of rats. However, the specificity of these drugs in vivo is uncertain.

Experimental Approach

We used Kcnq1−/− mice and pharmacological tools to determine whether KV7.1 channels play a role in the regulation of arterial tone.

Key Results

R‐L3 produced similar concentration‐dependent relaxations (EC50 ~ 1.4 μM) of arteries from wild‐type (Kcnq1+/+) and Kcnq1−/− mice, pre‐contracted with either phenylephrine or 60 mM KCl. This relaxation was not affected by 10 μM chromanol 293B, 10 μM HMR1556 or 30 μM XE991 (pan‐KV7 channel blocker). The anti‐contractile effects of the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) were normal in Kcnq1−/− arteries. Chromanol 293B and HMR1556 did not affect the anti‐contractile effects of (PVAT). Isolated VSMCs from Kcnq1−/− mice exhibited normal peak KV currents. The KV7.2–5 channel opener retigabine caused similar relaxations in Kcnq1−/− and wild‐type vessels.

Conclusion and Implications

We conclude that KV7.1 channels were apparently not involved in the control of arterial tone by α1‐adrenoceptor agonists and PVAT. In addition, R‐L3 is an inappropriate pharmacological tool for studying the function of native vascular KV7.1 channels in mice.
The Potential for Youth Programs to Promote African American Youth's Development of Ethnic and Racial Identity
Authors: Brittian Loyd Aerika , Williams Brittney V.
Published: November 2016

Effective programs for youth can reduce problem behaviors and promote positive development. In particular, cultural assets (e.g., ethnic–racial identity) are important for African American youth's health and development. In this article, we argue that youth programs represent an important social context for African American youth's development of positive ethnic–racial identity, and we present a conceptual framework for understanding how such programs may affect African American youth's development in this area. Then, we provide examples of evidence‐based programs that have assessed this developmental process among African American youth. We conclude with considerations for research.
Cystatin‐C and epicardial adipose tissue as noninvasive predictors of cardiovascular risk in acromegaly
Authors: Aulinas Anna , Crespo Iris , Viladés David , Leta Ruben , Urgell Eulàlia , Biagetti Betina , Webb Susan M. , Valassi Elena
Published: November 2016

Background

Acromegaly (ACRO) is associated with elevated cardiovascular risk, although the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. Increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and elevated cystatin‐C (Cys‐C) levels are cardiovascular risk factors, also related to the progression of CAD in several populations.

Aims

To measure the severity and extent of CAD in patients with ACRO and to determine whether either EAT or Cys‐C reflect higher cardiovascular risk in patients with ACRO than in healthy controls.

Subjects and methods

Case–control study, of 35 patients with ACRO (19 males, 17 with active disease) and 35 age‐, gender‐ and body mass index (BMI)‐matched healthy controls; mean age was 48·1 ± 8·1 years and mean BMI was 27·6 ± 4·8 kg/m2. Cys‐C was measured by an immunoturbidimetric assay. The 10‐year risk of developing a coronary event was calculated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). EAT index (volume indexed to body surface area), and severity and extent of CAD were measured using a 256‐slice multidetector computed tomography scanner (iCT‐256 Philips Healthcare, Amsterdam).

Results

Coronary artery disease lesions, EAT index and severity/extent of CAD were similar between patients with ACRO and controls. Forty‐four per cent of patients with ACRO had mild coronary lesions associated with greater EAT index (ß = 0·022, P = 0·036). Cys‐C levels correlated with both EAT index (ρ = 0·386, P = 0·031) and FRS (ρ = 0·477, P = 0·004) in patients with ACRO only, despite similar prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In a multiple linear regression model, both Cys‐C levels (ß = 0·369, P = 0·007) and EAT index (ß = 0·29, P = 0·025) predicted FRS (R2 = 0·613).

Conclusions

In patients with ACRO, both Cys‐C and EAT index might be used as noninvasive predictors of cardiovascular risk.
Impact of retinal pigment epithelium pathology on spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography‐derived macular thickness and volume metrics and their intersession repeatability
Authors: Hanumunthadu Daren , Wang Jin Ping , Chen Wei , Wong Evan N , Chen Yi , Morgan William H , Patel Praveen J , Chen Fred K
Published: November 2016

Background

To determine the impact of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) pathology on intersession repeatability of retinal thickness and volume metrics derived from Spectralis spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany).

Design

Prospective cross‐sectional single centre study.

Participants

A total of 56 eyes of 56 subjects were divided into three groups: (i) normal RPE band (25 eyes); (ii) RPE elevation: macular soft drusen (13 eyes); and (iii) RPE attenuation: geographic atrophy or inherited retinal diseases (18 eyes).

Methods

Each subject underwent three consecutive follow‐up macular raster scans (61 B‐scans at 119 μm separation) at 1‐month intervals.

Main outcome measures

Retinal thicknesses and volumes for each zone of the macular subfields before and after manual correction of segmentation error. Coefficients of repeatability (CR) were calculated.

Results

Mean (range) age was 57 (21–88) years. Mean central subfield thickness (CST) and total macular volume were 264 and 258 μm (P = 0.62), and 8.0 and 7.8 mm3 (P = 0.31), before and after manual correction. Intersession CR (95% confidence interval) for CST and total macular volume were reduced from 40 (38–41) to 8.3 (8.1–8.5) and 0.62 to 0.16 mm3 after manual correction of segmentation lines. CR for CST were 7.4, 23.5 and 66.7 μm before and 7.0, 10.9 and 7.6 μm after manual correction in groups i, ii and iii.

Conclusions

Segmentation error in eyes with RPE disease has a significant impact on intersession repeatability of Spectralis spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography macular thickness and volume metrics. Careful examination of each B‐scan and manual adjustment can enhance the utility of quantitative measurement. Improved automated segmentation algorithms are needed.
The current state of diagnostic genetics for conditions affecting sex development
Authors: Alhomaidah D. , McGowan R. , Ahmed S.F.
Published: November 2016

Disorders of sex development (DSD), are a group of rare congenital conditions. Unlike 46, XX DSD where the cause is usually clear, identification of a cause of XY DSD is often unclear and may be attributed to a disorder of gonadal development, androgen synthesis or androgen action. Reaching a firm diagnosis is challenging and requires expertise within a framework that abides by the highest standards of clinical care. Whilst conditions associated with altered sex development have improved our fundamental understanding of sex and gonadal development, it is debatable whether this improvement in our understanding has improved the lives of people with DSD. Thus, there is a need for more emphasis on showing that a firm diagnosis for conditions associated with DSD is associated with a change in clinical practice that benefits the patient. With the rapid advances in diagnostic technology, there is also a need for clearer guidance on the relative merits of biochemical vs genetic evaluation. The standardization and harmonization of complex genetic and biochemical analyses for rare conditions are issues that require further guidance and it is probably that international networks and registries for rare conditions will facilitate the development of this framework.
Assessing the impacts of Saskatchewan's minimum alcohol pricing regulations on alcohol‐related crime
Authors: Stockwell Tim , Zhao Jinhui , Sherk Adam , Callaghan Russell C. , Macdonald Scott , Gatley Jodi
Published: November 2016

Introduction

Saskatchewan's introduction in April 2010 of minimum prices graded by alcohol strength led to an average minimum price increase of 9.1% per Canadian standard drink (=13.45 g ethanol). This increase was shown to be associated with reduced consumption and switching to lower alcohol content beverages. Police also informally reported marked reductions in night‐time alcohol‐related crime.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the impacts of changes to Saskatchewan's minimum alcohol‐pricing regulations between 2008 and 2012 on selected crime events often related to alcohol use.

Methods

Data were obtained from Canada's Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Auto‐regressive integrated moving average time series models were used to test immediate and lagged associations between minimum price increases and rates of night‐time and police identified alcohol‐related crimes. Controls were included for simultaneous crime rates in the neighbouring province of Alberta, economic variables, linear trend, seasonality and autoregressive and/or moving‐average effects.

Results

The introduction of increased minimum‐alcohol prices was associated with an abrupt decrease in night‐time alcohol‐related traffic offences for men (−8.0%, P < 0.001), but not women. No significant immediate changes were observed for non‐alcohol‐related driving offences, disorderly conduct or violence. Significant monthly lagged effects were observed for violent offences (−19.7% at month 4 to −18.2% at month 6), which broadly corresponded to lagged effects in on‐premise alcohol sales.

Discussion

Increased minimum alcohol prices may contribute to reductions in alcohol‐related traffic‐related and violent crimes perpetrated by men. Observed lagged effects for violent incidents may be due to a delay in bars passing on increased prices to their customers, perhaps because of inventory stockpiling. [Stockwell T, Zhao J, Sherk A, Callaghan RC, Macdonald S, Gatley J. Assessing the impacts of Saskatchewan's minimum alcohol pricing regulations on alcohol‐related crime. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:492–501]
Effect of temperature and seven storage media on human periodontal ligament fibroblast viability
Authors: de Souza Beatriz Dulcineia Mendes , Bortoluzzi Eduardo Antunes , Reyes‐Carmona Jessie , dos Santos Luciane Geanini Pena , Simões Claudia Maria de Oliveira , Felippe Wilson Tadeu , Felippe Mara Cristina Santos
Published: November 2016

Background/Aim

Natural resources, such as coconut water, propolis, and egg whites, have been examined as possible storage media for avulsed teeth. However, there is a lack of research focused on the efficacy of these three products together compared with Hank's balanced salt solution and milk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of seven storage media to maintain the viability of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs).

Material and methods

PDLFs were kept at 5°C and 20°C, in skimmed milk (SMilk), whole milk (WMilk), recently prepared Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), Save‐A‐Tooth® system's HBSS (Save), natural coconut water (Coconut), Propolis, and egg white (Egg) for 3, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h, through the analysis of tetrazolium salt‐based colorimetric (MTT) assay.

Results

At 5°C, SMilk and WMilk were better than HBSS in maintaining cell viability, from 24 h onward. At 20°C, HBSS was the best storage medium at 96 and 120 h. At both temperatures, from 6 h onward, Coconut, Propolis and Egg were less effective than SMilk, WMilk, and HBSS. In general, the performance of Coconut, Propolis and Egg were not influenced by storage temperature. However, the lowest temperature undermined the effectiveness of HBSS from 24 h and favored SMilk and WMilk, from 96 and 48 h onward, respectively. Save and water were the worst storage media.

Conclusion

SMilk was the best storage medium, followed by WMilk and HBSS. Coconut, Propolis, and Egg can be indicated for the conservation of PDLF up to 3 h. The lower temperature (5°C) undermined the effectiveness of HBSS and favored SMilk and WMilk.
Marital Expectations in Strong African American Marriages
Authors: Vaterlaus J. Mitchell , Skogrand Linda , Chaney Cassandra , Gahagan Kassandra
Published: November 2016

The current exploratory study utilized a family strengths framework to identify marital expectations in 39 strong African American heterosexual marriages. Couples reflected on their marital expectations over their 10 or more years of marriage. Three themes emerged through qualitative analysis and the participants' own words were used in the presentation of the themes. African Americans indicated that there was growth in marital expectations over time, with marital expectations often beginning with unrealistic expectations that grew into more realistic expectations as their marriages progressed. Participants also indicated that core expectations in strong African American marriages included open communication, congruent values, and positive treatment of spouse. Finally, participants explained there is an “I” in marriage as they discussed the importance of autonomy within their marital relationships. Results are discussed in association with existing research and theory.