bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Genetic Approach to Investigate the Role of Plasma Secretory Phospholipase A2 (sPLA
2
)-V Isoenzyme in Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Holmes Michael V. , Exeter Holly J. , Folkersen Lasse , Nelson Christopher P. , Guardiola Montse , Cooper Jackie A. , Sofat Reecha , Boekholdt S. Matthijs , Khaw Kay-Tee , Li Ka-Wah , Smith Andrew J.P. , van’t Hooft Ferdinand , Eriksson Per , Franco-Cereceda Anders , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Boer Jolanda M.A. , Onland-Moret N. Charlotte , Hofker Marten , Erdmann Jeanette , Kivimaki Mika , Kumari Meena , Reiner Alex P. , Keating Brendan J. , Humphries Steve E. , Hingorani Aroon D. , Mallat Ziad , Samani Nilesh J. , Talmud Philippa J.
Published: February 2014

Background—

Secretory phospholipase A
2
(sPLA
2
) enzymes are considered to play a role in atherosclerosis. sPLA
2
activity encompasses several sPLA
2
isoenzymes, including sPLA
2
-V. Although observational studies show a strong association between elevated sPLA
2
activity and CHD, no assay to measure sPLA
2
-V levels exists, and the only evidence linking the sPLA
2
-V isoform to atherosclerosis progression comes from animal studies. In the absence of an assay that directly quantifies sPLA
2
-V levels, we used
PLA2G5
mRNA levels in a novel, modified Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the hypothesized causal role of sPLA
2
-V in coronary heart disease (CHD) pathogenesis.

Methods and Results—

Using data from the Advanced Study of Aortic Pathology, we identified the single-nucleotide polymorphism in
PLA2G5
showing the strongest association with
PLA2G5
mRNA expression levels as a proxy for sPLA
2
-V levels. We tested the association of this SNP with sPLA
2
activity and CHD events in 4 prospective and 14 case–control studies with 27 230 events and 70 500 controls. rs525380C>A showed the strongest association with
PLA2G5
mRNA expression (
P
=5.1×10
−6
). There was no association of rs525380C>A with plasma sPLA
2
activity (difference in geometric mean of sPLA
2
activity per rs525380 A-allele 0.4% (95% confidence intervals [−0.9%, 1.6%];
P
=0.56). In meta-analyses, the odds ratio for CHD per A-allele was 1.02 (95% confidence intervals [0.99, 1.04];
P
=0.20).

Conclusions—

This novel approach for single-nucleotide polymorphism selection for this modified Mendelian randomization analysis showed no association between rs525380 (the lead single-nucleotide polymorphism for
PLA2G5
expression, a surrogate for sPLA
2
-V levels) and CHD events. The evidence does not support a causal role for sPLA
2
-V in CHD.
Reproductive Fitness and Genetic Transmission of Tetralogy of Fallot in the Molecular Age
Authors: Chin-Yee Nicolas J. , Costain Gregory , Swaby Jodi-Ann , Silversides Candice K. , Bassett Anne S.
Published: February 2014

Background—

Individuals with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) now routinely survive to reproductive age and beyond. Reproductive fitness of adults with TOF and recurrence risks to offspring are of increasing interest in the modern era, especially given recent molecular genetic discoveries.

Methods and Results—

After excluding individuals with known genetic syndromes, 543 unrelated adults with TOF underwent a detailed family history assessment and molecular characterization for rare copy number variations using high-resolution genome-wide microarrays. Men and women with TOF had significantly fewer offspring compared with an age-matched comparison group without congenital heart disease (CHD;
P
=0.0004). No aspect of rare copy number variation burden was a predictor of decreased reproductive fitness. Corresponding with the advent of modern surgical repairs, reproductive fitness of women began to exceed that of men (
P
=0.0490). Recurrence risk for CHD in offspring was 4.8%, with no significant differences between men and women with TOF. The risk of severe CHD in offspring (2.3%) far exceeded population expectations (relative risk, 15.6; 95% confidence interval, 7.9–31.0). Most cases of vertical transmission of CHD were not explained by the transmission of a large rare copy number variation. Although conotruncal lesions (31.5%) were the most commonly reported CHD in relatives, the familial spectrum of disease included many anatomically discordant lesions.

Conclusions—

Men and women with TOF have reduced reproductive fitness. Their offspring are at significantly elevated risk for severe CHD. These results support the importance of genetic counseling for both men and women with complex CHD. Many inherited genetic variants remain to be discovered.
Comparative Survival and Cost-Effectiveness of Advanced Therapies for End-Stage Heart Failure
Authors: Long Elisa F. , Swain Gary W. , Mangi Abeel A.
Published: February 2014

Background—

Treatment options for end-stage heart failure include inotrope-dependent medical therapy, orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT), left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as destination therapy or bridge to transplant.

Methods and Results—

We developed a state-transition model to simulate 4 treatment options and associated morbidity and mortality. Transition probabilities, costs, and utilities were estimated from published sources. Calculated outcomes included survival, quality-adjusted life-years, and incremental cost-effectiveness. Sensitivity analyses were performed on model parameters to test robustness. Average life expectancy for OHT-eligible patients is estimated at 1.1 years, with 39% surviving to 1 year. OHT with a median wait time of 5.6 months is estimated to increase life expectancy to 8.5 years, and costs <$100 000/quality-adjusted life-year gained, relative to inotrope-dependent medical therapy. Bridge to transplant-LVAD followed by OHT further is estimated to increase life expectancy to 12.3 years, for $226 000/quality-adjusted life-year gained versus OHT. Among OHT-ineligible patients, mean life expectancy with inotrope-dependent medical therapy is estimated at 9.4 months, with 26% surviving to 1 year. Patients who instead received destination therapy-LVAD are estimated to live 4.4 years on average from extrapolation of recent constant hazard rates beyond the first year. This strategy costs $202 000/quality-adjusted life-year gained, relative to inotrope-dependent medical therapy. Patient’s age, time on wait list, and costs associated with care influence outcomes.

Conclusions—

Under most scenarios, OHT prolongs life and is cost effective in eligible patients. Bridge to transplant-LVAD is estimated to offer >3.8 additional life-years for patients waiting ≥6 months, but does not meet conventional cost-effectiveness thresholds. Destination therapy-LVAD significantly improves life expectancy in OHT-ineligible patients. However, further reductions in adverse events or improved quality of life are needed for destination therapy-LVAD to be cost effective.
Long-Term Functional and Clinical Follow-Up of Patients With Heart Failure With Recovered Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After β-Blocker Therapy
Authors: de Groote Pascal , Fertin Marie , Duva Pentiah Anju , Goéminne Céline , Lamblin Nicolas , Bauters Christophe
Published: February 2014

Background—

Some patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) have a dramatic improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after β-blockade. No study has analyzed the long-term echocardiographic and clinical follow-up of this subgroup of patients.

Methods and Results—

We included in this analysis 174 consecutive patients with LVSD who had an LVEF≥45% after β-blockade. We performed a long-term echocardiographic follow-up (median 7.7 [4–9.9] years) and clinical follow-up (median 9.2 [7.2–10.8] years). LVEF improved from 33±8% to 54±6% after β-blockade (
P
<0.0001). At the last echocardiographic evaluation, 26% of the patients had an LVEF<45% (mean±SD: 34±6%), whereas 74% still had an LVEF≥45% (mean±SD: 54±6%). Independent predictors of LVEF deterioration were a low LVEF, a high left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and a low heart rate after β-blockade, and the presence of a complete left bundle–branch block. In the overall study population, survival rates were 90% at 5 years and 75% at 10 years. Cardiovascular death rate was 9%, noncardiovascular death rate was 11%, and unknown death rate was 3%. Patients with subsequent LVEF deterioration had a higher cardiovascular mortality compared with patients with sustained recovered LVEF (22% versus 4%).

Conclusions—

The long-term survival of patients with LVSD and with near-normal LVEF after β-blockade is good. However, a quarter of these patients may experience a subsequent degradation of LVEF. These patients are at higher risk of cardiovascular mortality.
Nkx2-5 Suppresses the Proliferation of Atrial Myocytes and Conduction System
Authors: Nakashima Yasuhiro , Yanez Diana A. , Touma Marlin , Nakano Haruko , Jaroszewicz Artur , Jordan Maria C. , Pellegrini Matteo , Roos Kenneth P. , Nakano Atsushi
Published: February 2014

Rationale:

Tight control of cardiomyocyte proliferation is essential for the formation of four-chambered heart. Although human mutation of
NKX2-5
is linked to septal defects and atrioventricular conduction abnormalities, early lethality and hemodynamic alteration in the mutant models have caused controversy as to whether Nkx2-5 regulates cardiomyocyte proliferation.

Objective:

In this study, we circumvented these limitations by atrial-restricted deletion of Nkx2-5.

Method and Results:

Atrial-specific Nkx2-5 mutants died shortly after birth with hyperplastic working myocytes and conduction system including two nodes and internodal tracts. Multicolor reporter analysis revealed that Nkx2-5–null cardiomyocytes displayed clonal proliferative activity throughout the atria, indicating the suppressive role of Nkx2-5 in cardiomyocyte proliferation after chamber ballooning stages. Transcriptome analysis revealed that aberrant activation of Notch signaling underlies hyperproliferation of mutant cardiomyocytes, and forced activation of Notch signaling recapitulates hyperproliferation of working myocytes but not the conduction system.

Conclusions:

Collectively, these data suggest that Nkx2-5 regulates the proliferation of atrial working and conduction myocardium in coordination with Notch pathway.
Divergent Regulation of Ryanodine Receptor 2 Calcium Release Channels by Arrhythmogenic Human Calmodulin Missense Mutants
Authors: Hwang Hyun Seok , Nitu Florentin R. , Yang Yi , Walweel Kafa , Pereira Laetitia , Johnson Christopher N. , Faggioni Michela , Chazin Walter J. , Laver Derek , George Alfred L. , Cornea Razvan L. , Bers Donald M. , Knollmann Björn C.
Published: February 2014

Rationale:

Calmodulin (CaM) mutations are associated with an autosomal dominant syndrome of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden death that can present with divergent clinical features of catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) or long QT syndrome (LQTS). CaM binds to and inhibits ryanodine receptor (RyR2) Ca release channels in the heart, but whether arrhythmogenic CaM mutants alter RyR2 function is not known.

Objective:

To gain mechanistic insight into how human CaM mutations affect RyR2 Ca channels.

Methods and Results:

We studied recombinant CaM mutants associated with CPVT (N54I and N98S) or LQTS (D96V, D130G, and F142L). As a group, all LQTS-associated CaM mutants (LQTS-CaMs) exhibited reduced Ca affinity, whereas CPVT-associated CaM mutants (CPVT-CaMs) had either normal or modestly lower Ca affinity. In permeabilized ventricular myocytes, CPVT-CaMs at a physiological intracellular concentration (100 nmol/L) promoted significantly higher spontaneous Ca wave and spark activity, a typical cellular phenotype of CPVT. Compared with wild-type CaM, CPVT-CaMs caused greater RyR2 single-channel open probability and showed enhanced binding affinity to RyR2. Even a 1:8 mixture of CPVT-CaM:wild-type-CaM activated Ca waves, demonstrating functional dominance. In contrast, LQTS-CaMs did not promote Ca waves and exhibited either normal regulation of RyR2 single channels (D96V) or lower RyR2-binding affinity (D130G and F142L). None of the CaM mutants altered Ca/CaM binding to CaM-kinase II.

Conclusions:

A small proportion of CPVT-CaM is sufficient to evoke arrhythmogenic Ca disturbances, whereas LQTS-CaMs do not. Our findings explain the clinical presentation and autosomal dominant inheritance of CPVT-CaM mutations and suggest that RyR2 interactions are unlikely to explain arrhythmogenicity of LQTS-CaM mutations.
Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Transthyretin-Related Versus Light-Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Quarta Candida Cristina , Solomon Scott D. , Uraizee Imran , Kruger Jenna , Longhi Simone , Ferlito Marinella , Gagliardi Christian , Milandri Agnese , Rapezzi Claudio , Falk Rodney H.
Published: February 2014

Background—

Immunoglobulin amyloid light-chain (AL)-related cardiac amyloidosis (CA) has a worse prognosis than either wild-type (ATTRwt) or mutant (ATTRm) transthyretin (TTR) CA. Detailed echocardiographic studies have been performed in AL amyloidosis but not in TTR amyloidosis and might give insight into this difference. We assessed cardiac structure and function and outcome in a large population of patients with CA and compared findings in TTR and AL-related disease.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed 172 patients with CA (AL amyloidosis, n=80; ATTRm, n=36; ATTRwt, n=56) by standard echocardiography and 2-dimensional speckle-tracking imaging-derived left ventricular (LV) longitudinal (LS), radial, and circumferential strains. Despite a preserved LV ejection fraction (55±12%), LS was severely impaired in CA. Standard measures of LV function and speckle-tracking imaging worsened as wall thickness increased, whereas apical LS was preserved regardless of the pathogenesis of CA and the degree of wall thickening. Compared with ATTRm and AL amyloidosis, ATTRwt was characterized by greater LV wall thickness and lower ejection fraction. LS was more depressed in both ATTRwt and AL amyloidosis (−11±3% and −12±4%, respectively,
P
=0.54) than in ATTRm (−15±4%,
P
<0.01 versus AL amyloidosis and ATTRwt). TTR-related causes were favorable predictors of survival, whereas LS and advanced New York Heart Association class were negative predictors.

Conclusions—

In patients with CA, worsening LV function correlated with increasing wall thickness regardless of pathogenesis. Patients with ATTRwt had a statistically greater wall thickness but lesser mortality than those with AL amyloidosis, despite very similar degrees of LS impairment. This paradox suggests an additional mechanism for LV dysfunction in AL amyloidosis, such as previously demonstrated light-chain toxicity.
Effect of Collateral Blood Flow on Patients Undergoing Endovascular Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Marks Michael P. , Lansberg Maarten G. , Mlynash Michael , Olivot Jean-Marc , Straka Matus , Kemp Stephanie , McTaggart Ryan , Inoue Manabu , Zaharchuk Greg , Bammer Roland , Albers Gregory W.
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose—

Our aim was to determine the relationships between angiographic collaterals and diffusion/perfusion findings, subsequent infarct growth, and clinical outcome in patients undergoing endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke.

Methods—

Sixty patients with a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score of 0 or 1 and internal carotid artery/M1 occlusion at baseline were evaluated. A blinded reader assigned a collateral score using a previous 5-point scale, from 0 (no collateral flow) to 4 (complete/rapid collaterals to the entire ischemic territory). The analysis was dichotomized to poor flow (0–2) versus good flow (3–4). Collateral score was correlated with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, diffusion-weighted imaging volume, perfusion-weighted imaging volume (Tmax ≥6 seconds), TICI reperfusion, infarct growth, and modified Rankin Scale score at day 90.

Results—

Collateral score correlated with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (
P
=0.002) and median volume of tissue at Tmax ≥6 seconds (
P
=0.009). Twenty-nine percent of patients with poor collateral flow had TICI 2B–3 reperfusion versus 65.5% with good flow (
P
=0.009). Patients with poor collaterals who reperfused (TICI 2B–3) were more likely to have a good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2 at 90 days) compared with patients who did not reperfuse (odds ratio, 12; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–98). There was no difference in the rate of good functional outcome after reperfusion in patients with poor collaterals versus good collaterals (
P
=1.0). Patients with poor reperfusion (TICI 0–2a) showed a trend toward greater infarct growth if they had poor collaterals versus good collaterals (
P
=0.06).

Conclusions—

Collaterals correlate with baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, perfusion-weighted imaging volume, and good reperfusion. However, target mismatch patients who reperfuse seem to have favorable outcomes at a similar rate, irrespective of the collateral score.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01349946.
Assessing Indigenous Forms of Writing
Authors: Hosne Ana Carolina
Published: February 2014

In this article, the Jesuit José de Acosta’s interest in Andean quipus is analyzed as it evolved throughout his works, beginning in the preface of De procuranda indorum salute (1588) and reaching a point of arrival in his Historia natural y moral de las Indias (1590). In De procuranda, Acosta established different categories of “barbaric nations,” placing the Indians from Mexico and Peru after the Chinese and Japanese. The latter belonged to the first category of “barbaric nations” because of their judgement, a stable republic, laws, fortified cities, and—most importantly in Acosta’s eyes—use and knowledge of letters. In the Historia Acosta resumed aspects of this classification, with a focus on letters—or the lack of them—and writing, bringing China to the forefront. The difference with De procuranda was that Acosta’s Historia fed on fresh information from the first Jesuits to establish a mission in China, Michele Ruggieri (1543–1607) and Matteo Ricci (1552–1640), which invigorated Acosta’s analysis of letters, writing, and all that in his view could not be considered “letters” or “writing.” In the first section of this article, Acosta’s views on Andean quipus are analyzed, based mainly on his experience in the Peru mission. In the second section, focus shifts to Acosta’s analysis of letters and writing, especially in his Historia, in which China played a preeminent role, bringing out interesting points of comparison with the Andean quipus. In the conclusion, are reflections on Acosta’s own view of indigenous forms of writing in contrast with alphabetic script.
“Infidels” at Home
Authors: Colombo Emanuele
Published: February 2014

Drawing from published and unpublished Jesuit sources—treatises, handbooks, reports, and letters—this article explores the Jesuit apostolate to Muslim slaves in Naples and in different cities of Spain during the seventeenth century. Under the blanket of missionary rhetoric, a Jesuit viewpoint not otherwise available is found in these sources, which highlight their missionary methods and strategies and clarify the special status of the apostolate to Muslim slaves in the Jesuit mind. While Europe was the setting of missions to Muslim slaves, and the missions were considered a variation of the so-called popular missions, they were often charged with a deeper symbolic value. Because the missionaries’ interlocutors were “infidels,” so different in their culture and in their habits, Jesuits used forms of accommodation extremely similar to those they used in the missions overseas. Converting Muslim slaves in Naples or in Spain was conceived by Jesuits as an alternative and effective way to go on a mission “even among Turks,” as the Jesuit Formula of the Institute stated, despite never leaving European kingdoms for Ottoman lands. Located between the missions overseas, where Jesuits converted the “infidels” in distant lands, and the missions in Europe, where they attempted to save the souls of baptized people who lacked religious education, were “other Indies,” where Jesuits could encounter, convert, and baptize the “infidels” at home.
Between Subjection and Accommodation
Authors: B. McGinness Anne
Published: February 2014

This article provides an explanation for why José de Anchieta, S.J., the most influential missionary in early colonial Brazil, engaged in apparently contradictory evangelization practices. Anchieta’s belief that both subjection and accommodation were necessary in the process of converting natives is evidenced by his epic poem, De gestis Mendi de Saa, which praised Governor Mem de Sá for the peace he brought to Brazil. The climax of the poem is the death by cannibalism of a bishop. This act, in the minds of Anchieta and fellow Portuguese colonists, constituted a cause for just war. While Anchieta’s initial evangelization strategies were focused on taming “savages” by subjecting them to the laws of the colonial governor and altering their indigenous customs, after a relative state of peace was established in the Jesuits’ mission villages Anchieta was able to catechize with great attention to indigenous sensibilities. An analysis of his most popular play, On the Feast of St. Lawrence, highlights how European and indigenous customs combined on the stages of colonial Brazil. Through Anchieta’s poetry and drama, we see that there were many ways of proceeding among the Jesuits, and that their apparent contradictions are better understood in view of their ultimate purpose: converting souls.
“Seeing These Good Souls Adore God in the Midst of the Woods”
Authors: Clair Muriel
Published: February 2014

Up to 1647, Jesuit missionaries in New France attempting to evangelize nomadic Algonquians of North America’s subarctic region were unable to follow these peoples, as they wished, in their seasonal hunts. The mission sources, especially the early Jesuit Relations, indicate that it was Algonquian neophytes of the Jesuit mission villages of Sillery and La Conception who themselves attracted other natives to Christianity. A veritable Native American apostolate was thus in existence by the 1640s, based in part on the complex kinship networks of the nomads. Thus it appears that during that decade, the Jesuits of New France adopted a new strategy of evangelization, based partly on the kinship networks of the nomads, which allowed for the natives’ greater autonomy in communicating and embracing Catholicism. A difficulty faced by the Jesuit editors of the Relations was how to concede to the culture of the nomads without offending their devout, European readers of the era of the “great confinement,” upon whom the missionaries depended for financial support. One way the Jesuits favorably portrayed nomadic neophytes—who were often unaccompanied by a missionary in their travels—was by underscoring the importance during hunting season of memory-based and material aids for Catholic prayer (Christian calendars, icons, rosaries, crucifixes, oratories in the woods, etc.). Thus, in the Jesuit literature, the gradual harmonization between Native American mobility and the Catholic liturgy was the key feature of the missionaries’ adaptation to the aboriginal context of the 1640s—a defining period for the Jesuit apostolate in North America through the rest of the seventeenth century.
Mechanical Approach in the Management of Advanced Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: El-Menyar Ayman , Carr Cornelia , AlKhulaifi Abdulaziz
Published: February 2014

Despite the progress in medical therapy, advanced heart failure (AHF) remains a global epidemic with high morbidity and mortality. Novel cardiac support strategies such as pharmacologic agents, mechanical circulatory support (MCS), and cell- or matrix-based therapies are promising for these patients. The indications, types, and timing of MCS implantation depend to a large extent on the presentation, clinical status of the patient, underlying etiology, and long-term prospects. The presence or absence of end-organ damage has a significant impact on prognosis following MCS initiation. Although many patients with acute AHF may have end-organ damage, their prospect of recovery, once appropriate therapy is instituted, is better than for patients who had AHF for longer periods of time. We consider the multidisciplinary approaches used for the management of AHF and the novel cardiac support strategies (eg, MCS). Appropriate selection of patient, device, time, and end point is essential for better outcomes.
Perceptual Evaluation of Natural Landscapes
Authors: Tang I-Chun , Sullivan William C. , Chang Chun-Yen
Published: February 2014

Many people do not seem to have interesting perceptual experiences while in contact with nature. To identify potential antecedents of positive perceptual experiences in natural settings, we investigated the role of a personal connection to nature on perceptual evaluation of preference-related environmental information in varying natural settings. The participants ( N = 77) rated three different types of images of rural forest landscapes in terms of perceived environmental information, including sense of safety, coherence, complexity, legibility, mystery, attentional restorativeness, familiarity, and preference. They also reported their personal connection to nature. The results showed that deeper personal connections to nature are associated with greater perceptual evaluations of sense of safety, legibility, mystery, and attentional restorativeness after accounting for landscape type and familiarity. A personal connection to nature is likely to enhance a person’s perceptual experiences of natural landscapes.
Meta-analysis of Bonding Effectiveness to Zirconia Ceramics
Authors: Inokoshi M. , De Munck J. , Minakuchi S. , Van Meerbeek B.
Published: February 2014

Dental zirconia can no longer be considered un-bondable to tooth tissue. In literature, an increasing number of papers indeed report on the bonding effectiveness of different luting techniques to zirconia. We aimed to disclose general trends in bonding to zirconia by systematically collecting zirconia bond-strength data. A search in PubMed and EMBASE revealed 1,371 bond-strength tests reported on in 144 papers. A macro-shear bond-strength protocol was most frequently used; it revealed significantly lower bond strengths and was less discriminative than the other test methods. Regarding luting technique, the combination of mechanical and chemical pre-treatment appeared particularly crucial to obtain durable bonding to zirconia ceramics. The cement choice was not revealed as a determining factor after aging conditions, as long as composite cement was used. Regarding test protocol, a tensile test appeared more discriminative, particularly when combined with ‘water storage’ aging.
Regulatory Interplay between NFIC and TGF-β1 in Apical Papilla-derived Stem Cells
Authors: He W. , Zhang J. , Niu Z. , Yu Q. , Wang Z. , Zhang R. , Su L. , Fu L. , Smith A.J. , Cooper P.R.
Published: February 2014

While transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) can regulate odontoblast differentiation in tooth crown morphogenesis, its effects on cells including stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) involved in root formation are unclear. Nuclear factor I-C (NFIC) has been implicated in the regulation of root development, and interplay with TGF-β1 signaling has been reported in some cell types. We hypothesize that NFIC and TGF-β1 are important to the behavior of SCAPs and that the interplay between these molecules controls the regulation of the odontogenic differentiation of SCAPs. TGF-β1 inhibited the proliferation of SCAPs and their mineralization. Real-time polymerase chain-reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot results showed that TGF-β1 significantly decreased osteogenic/dentinogenic gene expression. The inhibition of TGF-β/Smad signaling (SIS3) attenuated the suppressive effect of TGF-β1 on SCAPs. Importantly, overexpression of NFIC antagonized the effects of TGF-β1 on SCAPs, while knockdown of NFIC enhanced these effects, demonstrating a key regulatory role for NFIC in modulating TGF-β1 signaling in SCAPs. We conclude that this interplay between NFIC and TGF-β1 regulates SCAPs behavior and can determine the differentiation of these cells. These signaling interactions help inform the development of regenerative strategies aimed at root growth and development in immature teeth for endodontic treatment.
Nail injury to the brain obfuscated by a fall from height – homicide or suicide? A case report
Authors: Aggrawal Anil , Pradhan Monisha , Sreenivas M
Published: February 2014

Penetrating head injuries caused by unconventional objects such as a nail generate speculation and doubt regarding the manner of infliction. We report a case of a 24-year-old woman alleged to have committed suicide by a fall from height. Autopsy revealed an unprecedented penetrating intracranial injury caused by a nail over the right temporal region, confounding the manner of death. The underlying intersecting pattern of fractures determined the chronological sequence of events. In this paper, we discuss the manner, incidence and pathology of nail injuries to the brain.
Varieties of Global Capital and the Paradox of Local Upgrading in China
Authors: Chen Ling
Published: February 2014

Over the past two decades, China has launched a nationwide endeavor to push domestic firms up the value chain. This article explores why, in some localities, Chinese firms had significant success in upgrading, while in other localities, firms were paradoxically trapped in a race-to-the-bottom competition. Drawing on national economic census data, a firm-level survey, and in-depth interviews, the article conducts a controlled comparison of China’s largest electronics manufacturing bases in the Yangtze and the Pearl River Deltas. It argues that the local government’s choice of global business allies shaped the upgrading behavior of domestic firms. When local governments allied with large multinational corporations (MNCs) at the top of the value chain, they reinforced the hierarchical structure of production, shrank the upgrading space for domestic firms, and squeezed them to the bottom of the value chain. In contrast, alliances with small foreign invested firms at the bottom helped break the hierarchical segregation and held more potential for local learning and innovation. The article sheds new light on the question of when industrial policies succeed or fail to facilitate domestic upgrading in a globalized era.
Preschool Outcomes of Children Who Lived as Infants in a Prison Nursery
Authors: Goshin Lorie S. , Byrne Mary W. , Blanchard-Lewis Barbara
Published: February 2014

This study examined long-term outcomes of children who spent their first 1 to 18 months in a U.S. prison nursery. Behavioral development in 47 preschool children who lived in a prison nursery was compared with 64 children from a large national dataset who were separated from their mothers because of incarceration. Separation was associated with significantly worse anxious/depressed scores, even after controlling for risks in the caregiving environment. Findings suggest that prison nursery co-residence with developmental support confers some resilience in children who experience early maternal incarceration. Co-residence programs should be promoted as a best practice for incarcerated childbearing women.
Deformation behaviors of three-dimensional auxetic spacer fabrics
Authors: Wang Zhengyue , Hu Hong , Xiao Xueliang
Published: February 2014

Auxetic spacer fabrics are a novel kind of three-dimensional (3D) fabric structure with a negative Poisson’s ratio. They have found a number of applications in functional garments, protective pads and sportive shoes due to their unusual properties. In this paper, a study on deformation behaviors of 3D spacer fabrics that could be fabricated on a large scale is reported. Through experimental observations of deformation of a basic hexagonal unit at different tensile strains, two different geometrical models are proposed for the fabric structure when extended in the course direction and wale direction, respectively. Based on the geometrical models, two semi-empirical equations between the Poisson’s ratio and tensile strain are established for both tensile directions. The study shows that the established semi-empirical equations fit well with experimental results. Therefore, they could be used in the design and prediction of 3D auxetic spacer fabrics with different values of geometrical parameters.
Skin comfort of base layer wool garments. Part 2: Fiber diameter effects on fabric and garment prickle
Authors: Naylor Geoffrey RS , Stanton John H , Speijers Jane
Published: February 2014

Earlier studies on prickle have been largely fabric based and designed to elucidate mechanisms and also the relative importance of different parameters. The current work has importantly extended the study of prickle from fabric to garment giving for the first time extensive knowledge of wearer responses to garments for a particular market segment. Also the range of fabrics and garments has been extended significantly from the heavier 14-gauge knit structures that formed the basis for the majority of the earlier seminal studies to finer, lightweight 24-gauge structures. The observed prickle responses from the garment studies remain consistent with the existing mechanistic understanding of prickle and confirmed that the forearm fabric test can be used as a useful predictor of relative prickle levels. An analysis of the garment prickle data relative to an overall assessment of a like/dislike assessment of the garments identified that wearers are willing to experience a low level of prickle, that is, beneath a critical level without effecting an overall like/dislike decision. Analysis of the like–dislike data was able to generate, for the first time, quantitative information on the likely percentage of ‘satisfied wearers’ as a function of fiber quality.
Application of chitosan and its derivatives in Cu(II) ion removal from water used in textile wet processing
Authors: Chattopadhyay DP , Inamdar MS
Published: February 2014

The applicability of chitosan, trimethyl chitosan chloride and nano-chitosan for removal of Cu(II) ions from water used in textile wet processing was studied. The liquor before and after treatment was analyzed iodometrically to find the presence of Cu(II) ions, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed for the characterization of the chitosan–Cu(II) complex. The study included the effect of molecular weight of chitosan, particle size of chitosan and the degree of quaternization of trimethyl chitosan chloride, pH of the medium, etc., on the sorption of Cu(II) ions. The influence of the molecular weight of chitosan was found to be an important criterion on the rate of sorption of Cu(II) ions. Reduction in the particle size of chitosan enhanced both the rate and amount of scavenging of metal ions.
Ultraviolet paints based on nanopigments for printing on textile materials
Authors: Zavodchikova Anna A , Safonov Valentin V , Solina Elena V , Ivanov Victor B
Published: February 2014

The effect of the modifier structure and content, as well as the dye structure, on the absorption on montmorillonite nanoparticles has been studied. The discovered dependencies have been used for obtaining nanopigments with high content of the coloring component based on cationic, direct, acid, active or disperse dyes. The effect of the coloring component on photopolymerization of the oligomer/monomer binder is estimated and the optimum compositions of ultraviolet (UV) paints with nanopigments are determined. It has been shown that developed UV paints possess higher light sensitivity compared with conventional organic pigments, and allow a dyed material with increased resistance to rubbing and tensile strength to be obtaining.
Design, function, and applications of high-retention doffer and worker wire
Authors: Atkinson Kenneth Ross
Published: February 2014

The transfer of fiber from higher-speed rollers, licker-ins, breasts, or swifts, covered with forward-facing teeth, to relatively lower-speed doffers and workers with backward-facing teeth, is analyzed using the mechanics and geometry of the process. The analysis shows that the front angle of the doffer and worker teeth is too large to prevent fibers from slipping off as a result of the pull from the teeth of the swift. The capacity of the doffer and worker teeth to retain fiber is enhanced by cutting steps parallel to the base into the front edge of the tooth, effectively lowering the front angle of the tooth to zero degrees. Teeth with extremely low front angles support fibers until they are perpendicular to the doffer or worker, maximizing retention and transfer. Carding trials on worsted and non-woven cards in a pilot plant reveal benefits attributable to the new wire design. A survey of commercial non-woven processors using the high-efficiency wire on doffers and workers also identified various benefits.
Is a Post-philosophical Sociology Possible? Insights from Norbert Elias’s Sociology of Knowledge
Authors: Walsh Philip
Published: February 2014

This article investigates the status of Norbert Elias’s conception of the sociology of knowledge as the means to provide a new epistemological security for sociology. The author of the article argues that this translates into an effective critique of the underlaboring model of the relationship between philosophy and the social sciences, which is consistent with Elias’s attempt to consolidate his own sociological theory. Nevertheless, the author argues that Elias’s sociology of knowledge runs into problems in its attempt to evade the problem of relativism in explanation, and in its conception of human agency.
Collective Actors without Collective Minds
Authors: González de Prado Salas Javier , Zamora-Bonilla Jesús
Published: February 2014

We present an inferentialist account of collective rationality and intentionality, according to which beliefs and other intentional states are understood in terms of the normative statuses attributed to, and undertaken by, the participants of a discursive practice—namely, their discursive or practical commitments and entitlements. Although these statuses are instituted by the performances and attitudes of the agents, they are not identified with any physical or psychological entity, process or relation. Therefore, we argue that inferentialism allows us to talk of collective intentionality and agency without needing to posit the existence of any sort of collective psychology or mind.
The Extremes of Insubordination
Authors: Brinton Laurel J.
Published: February 2014

In present-day colloquial English, exclamatory as if denies an expressed or implied state of affairs, as in He thinks you’ll be impressed. As if. This usage is often attributed to a speech style of the 1980s and a popular television program, but OED-3 gives a 1903 instance from dialogue in an American novel. After undertaking a corpus study of exclamatory as if in present-day and historical English, this article explores the association of exclamatory as if with monoclauses or insubordinated clauses such as As if I was the one at fault. The occurrence and meaning of such clauses in present-day English are described. The article then examines the postulated derivation of as if monoclauses from full adjunct conditional clauses via processes of insubordination. Finally, the article considers an alternative development of monoclausal as if (and exclamatory as if) involving ellipsis of complement clauses in it is/ looks/ seem as if. . . structures rather than directly from adjunct adverbial clauses.
The Place of the City
Authors: Meringolo Denise D.
Published: February 2014

The articles in this special section illuminate the benefits and challenges of university–community partnerships. For decades, there has been a movement to facilitate collaboration among urban historians, public historians, preservationists, city planners and neighborhood activists. Those who championed such work recognized that aligning academics’ agenda of research, teaching, and service with public servants’ advocacy and community organizing could transform the relationship between institutions of higher learning and the neighborhoods that surround them. In recent years, several intellectual and pedagogical trends have lent legitimacy to this effort, including the rise of service learning and the promotion of civic engagement. It is crucial for institutions of higher learning to recognize the ways in which place-based research challenges traditional measures of achievement, breaking down not only barriers that have separated universities from communities but also those that have long separated research, teaching, and service.
Adapting the Group Lifestyle Balance™ Program for Weight Management Within a Large Health Care System Diabetes Education Program
Authors: Greenwood Deborah A. , Kramer M. Kaye , Hankins Andrea I. , Parise Carol A. , Fox Amy , Buss Kimberly A.
Published: February 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this translation study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an adapted Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) intervention for weight management implemented through an existing diabetes education program within a large health care delivery system for overweight/obese individuals with diabetes, prediabetes, or neither condition.

Methods

Adults with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 participated in an adapted GLB intervention designed to be appropriate regardless of diabetes status. Effectiveness was based on changes in weight and minutes of physical activity between baseline and completion of the 12-week core. Differences between subjects based on diabetes status were also examined.

Results

A total of 111 subjects with diabetes, prediabetes, and no diabetes completed baseline survey data and attended at least 9 of the 12 core sessions from April 2010 through December 2011. All achieved significant weight loss, and the proportion of subjects who reported exercising at least 150 minutes/week increased.

Conclusions

The adapted GLB intervention for weight management implemented through an existing diabetes education program in a large health care system was feasible and effective in the population, regardless of participants’ diabetes status.
People Claim Objectivity After Knowingly Using Biased Strategies
Authors: Hansen Katherine , Gerbasi Margaret , Todorov Alexander , Kruse Elliott , Pronin Emily
Published: February 2014

People tend not to recognize bias in their judgments. Such “bias blindness” persists, we show, even when people acknowledge that the judgmental strategies preceding their judgments are biased. In Experiment 1, participants took a test, received failure feedback, and then were led to assess the test’s quality via an explicitly biased strategy (focusing on the test’s weaknesses), an explicitly objective strategy, or a strategy of their choice. In Experiments 2 and 3, participants rated paintings using an explicitly biased or explicitly objective strategy. Across the three experiments, participants who used a biased strategy rated it as relatively biased, provided biased judgments, and then claimed to be relatively objective. Participants in Experiment 3 also assessed how biased they expected to be by their strategy, prior to using it. These pre-ratings revealed that not only did participants’ sense of personal objectivity survive using a biased strategy, it grew stronger.
A Power Formula for the SIBTEST Procedure for Differential Item Functioning
Authors: Li Zhushan
Published: February 2014

A power formula for the SIBTEST procedure for differential item functioning (DIF) is derived. The power of SIBTEST is related to the item response function (IRF) for the studied item, the latent trait distributions and the sample sizes for the reference and focal groups, and the proportion of each group in the sample. Based on the power formula, a method for calculating the sample size for a desired power level is presented. Monte Carlo simulation studies show that the theoretical values calculated from the formulas derived in the article are close to what are observed in the simulated data.
Evaluation of Nutrition Deficits in Adult and Elderly Trauma Patients
Authors: Wade Charles E. , Kozar Rosemary A. , Dyer Carmel B. , Bulger Eileen M. , Mourtzakis Marina , Heyland Daren K.
Published: February 2014

Background: As metabolism is often escalated following injury, severely injured trauma patients are at risk for underfeeding and adverse outcomes. Methods: From an international database of 12,573 critically ill, adult mechanically ventilated patients, who received a minimum of 3 days of nutrition therapy, trauma patients were identified and nutrition practices and outcomes compared with nontrauma patients. Within the trauma population, we compared nutrition practices and outcomes of younger vs older patients. Results: There were 1279 (10.2%) trauma patients. They were younger, were predominantly male, had lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, and had an overall lower body mass index compared with nontrauma patients. Eighty percent of trauma patients received enteral feeding compared with 78% of nontrauma patients. Trauma patients were prescribed more calories and protein yet received similar amounts as nontrauma patients. Nutrition adequacy was reduced in both trauma and nontrauma patients. Survival was higher in trauma patients (86.6%) compared with nontrauma patients (71.8%). When patients who died were included as never discharged, trauma patients were more rapidly discharged from the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital. Within the trauma population, 17.5% were elderly (≥65 years). The elderly had increased days of ventilation, ICU stay, and mortality compared with younger trauma patients. In a multivariable model, age and APACHE II score, but not nutrition adequacy, were associated with time to discharge alive from the hospital. Conclusion: Significant nutrition deficits were noted in all patients. Elderly trauma patients have worse outcomes compared with younger patients. Further studies are necessary to evaluate whether increased nutrition intake can improve the outcomes of trauma patients, especially geriatric trauma patients.
Examination of Accuracy in the Assessment of Gastric Residual Volume
Authors: Bartlett Ellis Rebecca J. , Fuehne Joseph
Published: February 2014

Background. Increased gastric content from enteral nutrition intolerance is thought to place patients at risk for pulmonary aspiration. Although considered a questionable practice, blind gastric tube aspiration is the most common approach to measure gastric content. This simulated study evaluated the accuracy of residual volume (RV) assessment via tube aspirations made from known volumes by controlling the syringe pull technique, feeding tube properties, fluid viscosity, and placement of tubes in the fluid. Materials and Methods. This study was conducted in a metrology laboratory. Aspirates were obtained using a force measurement test system to control force of the syringe pull technique using 3 different procedures (slow 10 inches per minute [ipm], intermittent 10 ipm, and fast 40 ipm). Four different feeding tubes, 10 Fr and 18 Fr, each made of polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, were placed in varying depths of 100 mL of either water or formula. The effect of fluid viscosity was also examined. Results. Overall, 108 RVs were analyzed using a force measurement test system. Actual content of RV was underestimated 19% on average and varied across tube size and viscosity. Intermittent and slow syringe pull techniques yielded greater aspirate quantities, although neither technique aspirated the full amount of volume available. The 10 Fr feeding tubes yielded larger RVs in more viscous fluid, yet the 18 Fr tubes performed better with fluids of lower viscosity. Conclusions. Based on this simulation, RV assessment does not accurately reflect the total volume of the contents available and, therefore, the clinical utility of this assessment should be further investigated.