bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Currency Exposure in China under the New Exchange Rate Regime: National Level Evidence
Authors: Nie Jing , Zhang Zhichao , Zhang Zhuang , Zhou Si
Published: May 2015

The present paper studies China's national level currency exposure since 2005 when the country adopted a new exchange rate regime allowing the renminbi (RMB) to move towards greater flexibility. Using generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic and constant conditional correlation‐generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedastic methods to estimate the augmented capital asset pricing models with orthogonalized stock returns, we find that China equity indexes are significantly exposed to exchange rate movements. In a static setting, there is strong sensitivity of stock returns to movements of China's tradeweighted exchange rate, and to the bilateral exchange rates except the RMB/dollar rate. However, in a dynamic framework, exposure to all the bilateral currency pairs under examination is significant. The results indicate that under the new exchange rate regime, China's gradualist approach to moving towards greater exchange rate flexibility has managed to keep exposure to a moderate level. However, we find evidence that in a dynamic setting, the exposure of the RMB to the dollar and other major currencies is significant. For China, the challenge of managing currency risk exposure is looming greater.
Is There Excess Liquidity in China?
Authors: Liu Tie Ying , Su Chi Wei , Jiang Xu Zhao , Chang Tsangyao
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we developed the recursive unit root tests proposed by Phillips et al. (2013) and used them to identify the beginning and the end of potential excess liquidity in the Chinese monetary market during the period from 1992 to 2013. The result indicates that excess liquidity existed from the third quarter of 2002 to 2013. The analysis shows that since 2003, the inflationary pressure of excess liquidity has remained high. We provide evidence supporting the money illusion hypothesis in China. The recursive unit root test is suited to practical implementation with time series and delivers a consistent date‐stamping strategy for determining the origination and termination of multiple bubbles. Simulations show that the test significantly improves discriminatory power and leads to distinct power gains.
Prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus: Where are we now?
Authors: Simmons D.
Published: May 2015

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing at a rapid rate, driven by the increasing proportion of the population that is overweight/obese from a young age. More than 25 randomized controlled trials testing whether GDM can be prevented have now reported their findings, but only four different interventions have shown a reduction in the proportion of women with GDM (healthy eating alone, healthy eating with physical activity, myoinositol supplementation and probiotic treatment), and these results have not been replicated. The interventions tested to date include different diets and different forms of physical activity, in combination or alone, vitamin D, myoinositol, probiotics and metformin. Studies could be improved by using the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group criteria for GDM (which are probably more sensitive to change because of their multiple time points), targeting and tailoring interventions to subgroups most likely to benefit, and separating those with GDM early in pregnancy from those developing GDM de novo. The greatest societal benefit is likely to arise from population‐based lifestyle approaches which include those women yet to become pregnant and those who are already pregnant and their families; an approach that is yet to be fully tested.
One‐year efficacy and safety of a fixed combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes: results of a 26‐week extension to a 26‐week main trial
Authors: Gough S. C. L. , Bode B. W. , Woo V. C. , Rodbard H. W. , Linjawi S. , Zacho M. , Reiter P. D. , Buse J. B.
Published: May 2015

Aims

To confirm, in a 26‐week extension study, the sustained efficacy and safety of a fixed combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide (IDegLira) compared with either insulin degludec or liraglutide alone, in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Insulin‐naïve adults with type 2 diabetes randomized to once‐daily IDegLira, insulin degludec or liraglutide, in addition to metformin ± pioglitazone, continued their allocated treatment in this preplanned 26‐week extension of the DUAL I trial.

Results

A total of 78.8% of patients (1311/1663) continued into the extension phase. The mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration at 52 weeks was reduced from baseline by 1.84% (20.2 mmol/mol) for the IDegLira group, 1.40% (15.3 mmol/mol) for the insulin degludec group and 1.21% (13.2 mmol/mol) for the liraglutide group. Of the patients on IDegLira, 78% achieved an HbA1c of <7% (53 mmol/mol) versus 63% of the patients on insulin degludec and 57% of those on liraglutide. The mean fasting plasma glucose concentration at the end of the trial was similar for IDegLira (5.7 mmol/l) and insulin degludec (6.0 mmol/l), but higher for liraglutide (7.3 mmol/l). At 52 weeks, the daily insulin dose was 37% lower with IDegLira (39 units) than with insulin degludec (62 units). IDegLira was associated with a significantly greater decrease in body weight (estimated treatment difference, −2.80 kg, p < 0.0001) and a 37% lower rate of hypoglycaemia compared with insulin degludec. Overall, all treatments were well tolerated and no new adverse events or tolerability issues were observed for IDegLira.

Conclusions

These 12‐month data, derived from a 26‐week extension of the DUAL I trial, confirm the initial 26‐week main phase results and the sustainability of the benefits of IDegLira compared with its components in glycaemic efficacy, safety and tolerability.
Vincristine efficacy and safety in treating immune thrombocytopenia: a retrospective study of 35 patients
Authors: Stirnemann Jérôme , Kaddouri Najett , Khellaf Medhi , Morin Anne‐Sophie , Prendki Virginie , Michel Marc , Mekinian Arsène , Bierling Philippe , Fenaux Pierre , Godeau Bertrand , Fain Olivier
Published: May 2015

Although vincristine (VCR) is sometimes prescribed for newly diagnosed immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), its efficacy in refractory ITP and sustained efficacy has yet to be demonstrated. We describe our clinical experience and recommend vincristine's correct place in ITP management. This retrospective study analysed data from 35 patients with newly diagnosed (ND), persistent (P) or chronic (C) ITP treated with VCR. The initial response rate, defined as >30 × 109 platelets/L, reached 86% after a median of 7 [interquartile range (IQR) 6–13] days. In ND and P ITP, even when previous therapies were inefficient, initial response was 87.5%, suggesting that this treatment could be used particularly in rescue. Median survival time, without failure or relapse, was 15 months (Kaplan–Meier curve). Predictive factors (univariate analysis) of an initial and long‐term response were a small number of prior treatments received. However, at 2 yr, only seven patients had sustained response. Eight (23%) patients experienced adverse events: neuropathy for seven and bowel obstruction for one. Vincristine efficacy in ITP was confirmed, and it could be a good strategy for treating resistant ITP, especially in emergencies. In this era of new therapeutics, VCR deserves to remain on the list of ITP treatments because of its initial efficacy, safety and low cost.
Characterizing cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: an essential step towards prediction and prevention
Authors: Leavitt V. M. , Sumowski J. F.
Published: May 2015

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Fatigue crack growth and delamination behaviours of advanced Al‐Li alloy laminate under single tensile overload
Authors: Huang Y. , Liu J. Z. , Huang X. , Zhang J. Z. , Yue G. Q.
Published: May 2015

In this paper, fatigue crack growth and delamination behaviours of a new fibre metal laminate (FML) named as Al‐Li alloy laminate were tested under different single tensile overloads and compared with those of glass laminate aluminium reinforced epoxy. The results indicate that the crack growth rate of Al‐Li alloy laminate after overload applied can quickly get back to its original level when the crack grows outside of the overload plastic zone. The overload has no influence on the delamination shape and size of Al‐Li alloy laminate. These results are obviously different from those found in the present study for GLARE, in which the crack growth rate cannot recover after overload, even though the crack is far beyond the overload plastic zone. A kink nearby the location of overload applied was found in the obtained delamination shape. This study provides some new results for better understanding the damage tolerance mechanism of FMLs.
Nitrous oxide emissions during establishment of eight alternative cellulosic bioenergy cropping systems in the North Central United States
Authors: Oates Lawrence G. , Duncan David S. , Gelfand Ilya , Millar Neville , Robertson G. Philip , Jackson Randall D.
Published: May 2015

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soils are a key sustainability metric of cropping systems. During crop establishment, disruptive land‐use change is known to be a critical, but under reported period, for determining GHG emissions. We measured soil N2O emissions and potential environmental drivers of these fluxes from a three‐year establishment‐phase bioenergy cropping systems experiment replicated in southcentral Wisconsin (ARL) and southwestern Michigan (KBS). Cropping systems treatments were annual monocultures (continuous corn, corn–soybean–canola rotation), perennial monocultures (switchgrass, miscanthus, and poplar), and perennial polycultures (native grass mixture, early successional community, and restored prairie) all grown using best management practices specific to the system. Cumulative three‐year N2O emissions from annuals were 142% higher than from perennials, with fertilized perennials 190% higher than unfertilized perennials. Emissions ranged from 3.1 to 19.1 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1 for the annuals with continuous corn > corn–soybean–canola rotation and 1.1 to 6.3 kg N2O‐N ha−1 yr−1 for perennials. Nitrous oxide peak fluxes typically were associated with precipitation events that closely followed fertilization. Bayesian modeling of N2O fluxes based on measured environmental factors explained 33% of variability across all systems. Models trained on single systems performed well in most monocultures (e.g., R2 = 0.52 for poplar) but notably worse in polycultures (e.g., R2 = 0.17 for early successional, R2 = 0.06 for restored prairie), indicating that simulation models that include N2O emissions should be parameterized specific to particular plant communities. Our results indicate that perennial bioenergy crops in their establishment phase emit less N2O than annual crops, especially when not fertilized. These findings should be considered further alongside yield and other metrics contributing to important ecosystem services.
Influence of quinoa roasting on sensory and physicochemical properties of allergen‐free, gluten‐free cakes
Authors: Rothschild Jeffrey , Rosentrater Kurt A. , Onwulata Charles , Singh Mukti , Menutti Lorena , Jambazian Pera , Omary María B.
Published: May 2015

The objectives of this study were to determine pasting properties of non‐roasted (NR) and roasted quinoa (RQ) and to investigate the effect of RQ on consumer acceptance and physicochemical properties of an allergen‐free, gluten‐free cake formulation. Quinoa seeds were roasted at 177 °C for 15 (R15), 30 (R30) and 45 min (R45), and flours were analysed for pasting properties. Five cakes including a commercial chocolate cake (CCC) and cakes made with NR and RQ flours were evaluated for preference by fifty panelists. Quality parameters included colour, water activity, moisture content, firmness, weight and height. Peak and final viscosity increased with roasting time. The NR cake had the highest sensory scores for appearance, colour and texture. On flavour and overall acceptability, CCC was the highest. Regarding quality data, CCC, NR and R15 cakes had similar L* values, while CCC had the lowest a*, b*, aw, moisture content and firmness values.
Epidemiology and diagnostic testing for hemochromatosis and iron overload
Authors: Adams P. C.
Published: May 2015

Hemochromatosis is the most common genetic disease in northern European populations. Body iron stores progressively increase in most patients, which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, hepatocellular carcinoma, heart failure, arthritis, and pigmentation. Simple blood tests such as the serum ferritin and transferrin saturation are useful to suggest the diagnosis which can be confirmed in most cases with a simple genetic test for the C282Y mutation of the HFE gene. However, these blood tests are often misinterpreted and there are rare patients with iron overload without HFE mutations. A diagnostic approach is presented based on a large referral practice and a population‐based study (HEIRS) which screened for iron overload in 101 168 participants.
Assembly and evaluation of an inventory of guidelines that are available to support clinical hematology laboratory practice
Authors: Hayward C. P. M. , Moffat K. A. , George T. I. , Proytcheva M.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Practice guidelines provide helpful support for clinical laboratories. Our goal was to assemble an inventory of publically listed guidelines on hematology laboratory topics, to create a resource for laboratories and for assessing gaps in practice‐focused guidelines.

Methods

PubMed and website searches were conducted to assemble an inventory of hematology laboratory‐focused guidelines. Exclusions included annual, technical, or collaborative study reports, clinically focused guidelines, position papers, nomenclature, and calibration documents.

Results

Sixty‐eight guidelines were identified on hematology laboratory practice topics from 12 organizations, some as joint guidelines. The median year of publication was 2010 and 15% were >10 years old. Coagulation topics had the largest numbers of guidelines, whereas some areas of practice had few guidelines. A minority of guidelines showed evidence of periodic updates, as some organizations did not remove or identify outdated guidelines.

Conclusions

This inventory of current practice guidelines will encourage awareness and uptake of guideline recommendations by the worldwide hematology laboratory community, with the International Society for Laboratory Hematology facilitating ongoing updates. There is a need to encourage best guideline development practices, to ensure that hematology laboratory community has current, high‐quality, and evidence‐based practice guidelines that cover the full scope of hematology laboratory practice.
Krüppel‐like factor 1: hematologic phenotypes associated with KLF1 gene mutations
Authors: Waye J. S. , Eng B.
Published: May 2015

Krüppel‐like factor 1 (KLF1) is a pleiotropic erythroid transcription factor that is essential for hematopoiesis. KLF1 mutations have been associated with severe hematologic disorders, including congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type IV (CDAN4) due to a dominant‐negative missense mutation (c.973G>A, p.Glu325Lys) and transfusion‐dependent hemolytic anemia in compound heterozygotes for loss‐of‐function mutations. In addition, several benign hematologic conditions are due to KLF1 haploinsufficiency. Herein, we review the genotype–phenotype relationship associated with KLF1 mutations and discuss the utility of KLF1 gene testing in laboratory hematology.
Advances in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of multiple myeloma
Authors: Chesi M. , Bergsagel P. L.
Published: May 2015

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a tumor of indolent, bone marrow (BM) localized, isotype‐switched plasma cells. Recently, the diagnostic criteria have been amended to include some patients who would previously have been diagnosed with ultra‐high‐risk smoldering MM and benefit from immediate treatment. Genetically it can be divided into tumors with different recurrent immunoglobulin heavy chain gene translocations (4p16, 11q13, 6p21, 16q23, 20q11) and tumors characterized by hyperdiploidy with multiple trisomies. Recent genomic studies have shown that almost half of untreated patients have a genetic rearrangements of the MYC locus that result in juxtaposition of ectopic super‐enhancers adjacent to MYC, as well as somatic mutations that activate the RAS/MAPK pathway (NRAS, KRAS, BRAF, FGFR3). Mutations that result in constitutive activation of the NFkB pathway and that inactivate TP53, CDKN2C, KDM6A, FAM46C, and DIS3 are also recurrent. A major insight from these studies has been the recognition of the high degree of subclonal heterogeneity in MM, which is more frequent in patients with high‐risk genetics. The subclones may alternate in dominance under alternating therapeutic pressure, a phenomenon known as ‘clonal tides’. The identification of marked subclonal heterogeneity argues in those patients for the use of therapeutic strategies to maximize response, and long‐term suppressive therapies to prevent tumor regrowth and development of additional subclones.
The diagnostic and clinical impact of genetics and epigenetics in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Ohgami R. S. , Arber D. A.
Published: May 2015

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex disease, for which our understanding of the role of genetic and epigenetic changes has undergone significant advancements. Newer diagnostic and prognostic classifications have increasingly incorporated such information, and novel therapies have been developed to target specific genes, processes, and pathways based on this growing understanding. Given the rapid evolution of this field, it is critical for physicians and translational researchers to have a more in‐depth understanding of this evolving landscape. Here, we review both genetics and epigenetics in acute myeloid leukemia from a practical standpoint.
Effects of anticoagulation on markers of activation of clotting following major orthopedic surgery
Authors: Bern M. M. , Hazel D. , Reilly D. T. , Adcock D. M. , Hou L.
Published: May 2015

Introduction

This study examines makers of activation of clotting following three chemoprophylactic regimens used for prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolic disease (TED) following high‐risk surgery for TED.

Methods

Patients having elective primary knee or hip replacement surgery received variable dose warfarin (target international normalized ratios 2.0–2.5), 1 mg warfarin daily starting 7 days preoperatively or aspirin 325 mg daily starting on the day of surgery. Twelve patients in each group were treated for 28 ± 2 days. Thrombin–antithrombin (T‐AT) and prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 were measured at baseline and postoperative days 3 and 28 ± 2.

Results

Thrombin–antithrombin and F1 + 2 on postoperative day 3 were equal for the study groups. By days 28 ± 2, variable dose warfarin therapy group suppressed production of F1 + 2 (P = 0.002) with no difference in the T‐AT accumulation. F1 + 2 for other patients overlapped the normal range.

Conclusion

The signals of activated clotting following surgery did not differentiate the three regimens on postoperative day 3. Variable dose warfarin was associated with suppression of F1 + 2 after 1 month of therapy, with no effect on accumulation of T‐AT. Fixed low‐dose warfarin started 7 days prior to surgery and aspirin are not inferior on postoperative day 3, but appear to be inferior over a longer treatment.
Is More Physiotherapy Better after Stroke?
Authors: English Coralie , Veerbeek Janne
Published: May 2015

‘More is better’ has been the mantra for physiotherapists working in stroke rehabilitation. Studies examining the neuroplasticity of the brain have shown that repetitive, meaningful practice is essential to drive positive plasticity, and meta-analyses of clinical trials provide evidence of benefit of increased therapy provision. However, a recent large clinical trial appears to contradict this evidence. The CIRCIT trial investigated two alternative models of physiotherapy service delivery for people after stroke. Despite participants in the circuit class therapy arm of the trial receiving an additional 22 h of physiotherapy time, their outcomes were not superior to usual care. This editorial interrogates and provides some possible explanations for these apparently contradictory findings.
The dark side of computer‐mediated control
Authors: Vieira da Cunha João , Carugati Andrea , Leclercq‐Vandelannoitte Aurelie
Published: May 2015

Research on the dark side of computer‐mediated control has explained the consequences of computer‐mediated control when work is tightly coupled with its electronic representation because information systems record work automatically. Our study complements prior research by addressing the dark side of computer‐mediated control when work and its electronic representation are loosely coupled, because it is employees who report their work in IT systems. Data from a 15‐month ethnographic study of the appropriation of a customer relationship management system in the sales department of a large organization reveal that loosely versus tightly coupled computer‐mediated control produce key differences that re‐specify the dark side of computer‐mediated control.
Morphogenesis of the saccus vasculosus of turbot Scophthalmus maximus: assessment of cell proliferation and distribution of parvalbumin and calretinin during ontogeny
Authors: Cid P. , Doldán M. J. , De Miguel Villegas E.
Published: May 2015

The ontogenesis of the saccus vasculosus (SV) of turbot Scophthalmus maximus is described using histological and immunohistochemical methods to assess the general morphology, as well as the distribution of proliferative cells and several calcium‐binding proteins (CaBP). The results reveal that the SV begins to differentiate on hatching, when immature coronet cells are morphologically distinguishable. Further morphogenesis involves the formation of a tubular avascular SV, which remains until premetamorphic larval stages. Folding and vascularization of the SV occurs mostly during metamorphosis, when S. maximus settle down on the bottom. Proliferative cells were placed within the SV itself and in the neighbouring infundibular hypothalamus. Their putative relationship with the growth of the SV is discussed. The CaBPs analysed are expressed in coronet cells. Parvalbumin is expressed in these cells from the beginning of their differentiation, while calretinin expression arises in the tubular SV and becomes more widespread over time. These data emphasize the importance of calcium buffering in the function of coronet cells.
Studies on the Stability of Fermented Milk Beverage by the Addition of Whey Protein Concentrate
Authors: Li Yan Hua , He Shan Shan , Meng Yue Cheng , Chen Jie , Wang Wei Jun
Published: May 2015

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) was widely used in fermented milk beverage (FMB). The effects of different contents and addition time of WPC on particle size, ζ‐potential, surface hydrophobicity, microstructure and rheological properties of FMB were investigated. When WPC was added and fermented in FMB, the particle size and microstructure had little change, while ζ‐potential decreased and surface hydrophobicity increased gradually during acidification. However, when WPC was added after fermentation, the process of acidification caused a pronounced alteration in the stability of FMB. It was also shown that FMB with WPC added after fermentation was pseudoplastic. The consistency coefficient decreased and the flow behavior index increased when the content of WPC increased in the FMB system fermented with WPC during acidification. These results could have important theoretical and practical implications in the addition of WPC based on FMB.

Practical Applications

This study investigated the effects of different contents and addition time of whey protein concentrate (WPC) in fermented milk beverage (FMB) on particle size, ζ‐potential, surface hydrophobicity, microstructure and rheological properties. The information on the stability of FMB when WPC was added could shed light on the technological application and reduce the business costs. The research on the properties of FMB via adding WPC would provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for production.
Carbetocin versus intra‐umbilical oxytocin in the management of retained placenta: A randomized clinical study
Authors: Elfayomy Amr K.
Published: May 2015

Aim

This study aimed to compare the hemodynamic profile and efficacy of carbetocin versus intra‐umbilical oxytocin in the management of retained placenta following vaginal delivery.

Material and Methods

In this randomized clinical study, women with retained placenta for more than 30 min were assigned to receive either an i.v. bolus of 100‐µg carbetocin (n = 38) or an intra‐umbilical vein injection of 50 IU oxytocin in 30 mL saline (n = 40). The main parameters evaluated were the success rate for expulsion of the placenta and the effects of these drugs on maternal blood pressure.

Results

The success rate in the carbetocin group was 86.84% compared to 77.5% in the intra‐umbilical oxytocin group. Notably, 57.7% of the participants had prior induction of labor or augmentation during labor. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the estimated blood loss, drop of hemoglobin within the first 48 h, additional uterotonic injection or the need for manual removal of the placenta. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the intra‐umbilical oxytocin group at 30 and 60 min after injection (P = 0.008, 0.026, respectively). Nonetheless, diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the intra‐umbilical oxytocin group than in the carbetocin group at 30 min (P = 0.036).

Conclusion

A single i.v. bolus of carbetocin and umbilical vein injection of 50 IU oxytocin are similarly effective in reducing the need for manual removal of the placenta. Carbetocin seems to have an acceptable hemodynamic safety profile and can be used as an alternative choice to the conventional oxytocic agents in the management of retained placenta.
Primary cervical choriocarcinoma during viable intrauterine pregnancy
Authors: Park Minyoung , Han Seung‐su , Lee Eun‐ju , Byon Mina , Kim Mi‐young , Kim Mi‐kyung , Kim Gwang Jun
Published: May 2015

A 31‐year‐old multigravida woman at 27 weeks’ gestation was admitted with vaginal bleeding and a hypervascular mass near the cervix on ultrasonography. After discharge with improvement, she was readmitted the next day for uncontrolled, heavy vaginal bleeding and underwent emergency cesarean section at 29 weeks’ gestation. A 3‐cm friable mass found near the cervix was removed surgically; this lesion was shown to be primary cervical choriocarcinoma. On the 17th postoperative day the patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with preservation of both ovaries and biopsy was performed on the right ovary. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage was I and her World Health Organization prognostic score was 9, representing high risk. The patient received three rounds of chemotherapy until achieving three consecutive normal human chorionic gonadotropin levels with two additional courses to address risk of relapse. DNA genotyping on short tandem repeat polymorphism confirmed the gestational choriocarcinoma.
Estrangement Between Mothers and Adult Children: The Role of Norms and Values
Authors: Gilligan Megan , Suitor J. Jill , Pillemer Karl
Published: May 2015

Relationships between mothers and their children are expected to be lifelong and rewarding for both members of the dyad. Because of the salience of these ties, they are likely to be disrupted only under conditions of extreme relational tension and dissatisfaction. In this work, the authors drew on theoretical arguments regarding societal norm violations and value similarity to examine the processes that lead to estrangement between mothers and adult children. To address this issue, they used quantitative and qualitative data on 2,013 mother–adult child dyads nested within 561 later life families, including 64 in which mothers reported being estranged from at least 1 of their children. Value dissimilarity was found to be a strong predictor of estrangement, whereas violation of serious societal norms was not. Qualitative data revealed that value dissimilarity created severe relational tension between mothers and adult children leading to estrangement.
Influence of surgical orthodontic treatment on masticatory function in skeletal Class III patients
Authors: Kubota T. , Yagi T. , Tomonari H. , Ikemori T. , Miyawaki S.
Published: May 2015

Skeletal Class III patients exhibit malocclusion characterised by Angle Class III and anterior crossbite, and their occlusion shows total or partially lateral crossbite of the posterior teeth. Most patients exhibit lower bite force and muscle activity than non‐affected subjects. While orthognathic surgery may help improve masticatory function in these patients, its effects have not been fully elucidated. The aims of the study were to evaluate jaw movement and the electromyographic (EMG) activity of masticatory muscles before and after orthognathic treatment in skeletal Class III patients in comparison with control subjects with normal occlusion. Jaw movement variables and EMG data were recorded in 14 female patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and 15 female controls with good occlusion. Significant changes in jaw movement, from a chopping to a grinding pattern, were observed after orthognathic treatment (closing angle P < 0·01; cycle width P < 0·01), rendering jaw movement in the patient group similar to that of the control group. However, the grinding pattern in the patient group was not as broad as that of controls. The activity indexes, indicating the relative contributions of the masseter and temporalis muscles (where a negative value corresponds to relatively more temporalis activity and vice versa) changed from negative to positive after treatment (P < 0·05), becoming similar to those of control subjects. Our findings suggest that orthognathic treatment in skeletal Class III patients improves the masticatory chewing pattern and muscle activity. However, the chewing pattern remains incomplete compared with controls.
Detection and Sequence Analysis of Grapevine Leafroll‐Associated Virus 2 Isolates from China
Authors: Fan Xudong , Dong Yafeng , Zhang Zun ping , Ren Fang , Hu Guojun , Zhou Jun
Published: May 2015

Several grapevine leafroll‐associated viruses (GLRaVs) have been found frequently in grapevines behaving GLD. Among them, GLRaV‐2 is the only one belonging to Closterovirus, and mainly induces leafroll symptoms and graft incompatibility. In this study, new degenerate primer pairs designed against the HSP70 gene were applied in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR (nPCR) to detect GLRaV‐2 in 132 samples collected from 14 provinces and regions of China. Of the samples, 51.5% were infected with GLRaV‐2, and most did not exhibit GLD symptoms. Some popular grape cultivars had a high incidence of GLRaV‐2 infection, such as Cabernet Sauvignon (92.3%), Chardonnay (80%), Red Globe (75%) and Italian Riesling (73.7%). ‘Beta’ rootstocks, previously identified as negative samples, were also found to be highly infected with GLRaV‐2 (50%). GLRaV‐2 isolates obtained in this study showed identities ranging from 68.9% to 100% and 76.47% to 100.0% at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the HSP70 gene showed that all GLRaV‐2 isolates in China belong to three of five reported phylogenetic groups. Different variants belonging to the PN and RG groups were present in a single isolate. The results showed that the new degenerate primer pairs could detect more GLRaV‐2 isolates than the previously reported primers. This is the first detailed report on the prevalence and gene diversity of GLRaV‐2 in China and also provides an nPCR method to improve the sensitivity of PCR as an alternative method when no real‐time PCR device is available.
Readiness Enhancement Management Strategies (REMS): a proof of concept and evaluation feasibility study of staff training to improve service engagement by people with personality difficulties
Authors: Clarke M. , Jinks M. , McMurran M.
Published: May 2015

Accessible summary

One third of people diagnosed with PD do not complete treatment and non‐completion is associated with poorer clinical outcomes.

Equipping staff to be better able to engage this client group is important, and web‐based, self‐directed learning is a potentially cost‐effective way to train staff.

This study examined the implementation of a web‐based training programme called Readiness Enhancement Management Strategies (REMS) in three types of service.

Completion rates were 94.4% in community health services; 92.3% in prison offender health services; and 46.5% in probation services. Staff found the content of REMS acceptable and useful.

This study demonstrated that staff in NHS and criminal justice settings can complete REMS, but staff in probation services are challenged by time pressures and limited computer access. Staff at probation sites were less familiar with PD issues compared with the NHS staff.

A web‐based staff training programme called Readiness Enhancement Management Strategies (REMS) was developed to promote the engagement of people with personality difficulties in treatment. This ‘proof of concept’ study examined the REMS implementation process, its acceptability and the feasibility of using service data for future evaluation. Staff in six services working with people diagnosed with personality disorder or undiagnosed people with personality difficulties were eligible to participate: two community health services, two prison offender health services and two probation services. Of 92 eligible staff, 74 were available to undertake REMS. These staff completed knowledge and acceptability surveys and rated service user engagement with treatment. The proportion of treatment sessions attended by service users was collected for a 30‐week period. REMS completion rates were community – 94.4%, prison – 92.3% and probation – 46.5%. Three quarters of participants rated REMS as 7 out of 10 or higher. All teams were able to provide service data for the study period. REMS can be implemented by National Health Services (NHS) staff in community and prison settings, but technology issues need to be resolved in probation services. REMS may be useful for NHS staff working with difficult to engage clients, and an evaluation is a feasible prospect.
Phylogeny and subgeneric classification of Bouteloua with a new species, B. herrera‐arrietae (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae: Boutelouinae)
Authors: Peterson Paul M. , Romaschenko Konstantin , Arrieta Yolanda Herrera
Published: May 2015

Bouteloua (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae; Boutelouiane) is an important genus of forage grasses containing 60 species found primarily in the Americas with a center of diversity in northern Mexico. A modern subgeneric classification is lacking. The goals of our study were to reconstruct the evolutionary history among the species of Bouteloua using molecular data with increased species sampling compared to previous studies. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted on 209 samples, of which 59 species (206 individuals) were in Bouteloua, using two plastid (rpl32‐trnL spacer and rps16‐trnK spacer) and nuclear ITS 1&2 (ribosomal internal transcribed spacer) sequences to infer evolutionary relationships and produce a subgeneric classification. Overall, ITS and plastid phylogenies rendered similar patterns. However, the ITS phylogeny lacked backbone structure, recovering only four internal clades out of nine found in the plastid phylogeny. The ITS network shows a radiative evolutionary pattern and indicates a number of incompatible splits, suggesting past hybridization between species of different sections. The maximum‐likelihood tree from the combined plastid and ITS regions is well resolved and depicts a strongly supported monophyletic Bouteloua that includes ten strongly supported clades and one moderately supported clade. The molecular results support the recognition of 10 sections and two subsections within Bouteloua s.l.; three sections are new: Barbata, Hirsuta, and Trifida; four sections are new combinations: Buchloe, Cyclostachya, Opizia, and Triplathera; and two subsections are new: Eriopoda and Hirsuta. Based on our molecular results and the possession of unique morphological characters we describe a new species from Nuevo León, Bouteloua herrera‐arrietae.
Coalescent methods for estimating species trees from phylogenomic data
Authors: Liu Liang , Wu Shaoyuan , Yu Lili
Published: May 2015

Genome‐scale sequence data have become increasingly available in the phylogenetic studies for understanding the evolutionary histories of species. However, it is challenging to develop probabilistic models to account for heterogeneity of phylogenomic data. The multispecies coalescent model describes gene trees as independent random variables generated from a coalescence process occurring along the lineages of the species tree. Since the multispecies coalescent model allows gene trees to vary across genes, coalescent‐based methods have been popularly used to account for heterogeneous gene trees in phylogenomic data analysis. In this paper, we summarize and evaluate the performance of coalescent‐based methods for estimating species trees from genome‐scale sequence data. We investigate the effects of deep coalescence and mutation on the performance of species tree estimation methods. We found that the coalescent‐based methods perform well in estimating species trees for a large number of genes, regardless of the degree of deep coalescence and mutation. The performance of the coalescent methods is negatively correlated with the lengths of internal branches of the species tree.
Lexical Specificity Training Effects in Second Language Learners
Authors: Janssen Caressa , Segers Eliane , McQueen James M. , Verhoeven Ludo
Published: May 2015

Children who start formal education in a second language may experience slower vocabulary growth in that language and subsequently experience disadvantages in literacy acquisition. The current study asked whether lexical specificity training can stimulate bilingual children's phonological awareness, which is considered to be a precursor to literacy. Therefore, Dutch monolingual and Turkish‐Dutch bilingual children were taught new Dutch words with only minimal acoustic‐phonetic differences. As a result of this training, the monolingual and the bilingual children improved on phoneme blending, which can be seen as an early aspect of phonological awareness. During training, the bilingual children caught up with the monolingual children on words with phonological overlap between their first language Turkish and their second language Dutch. It is concluded that learning minimal pair words fosters phoneme awareness, in both first and second language preliterate children, and that for second language learners phonological overlap between the two languages positively affects training outcomes, likely due to linguistic transfer.
Factors associated with serum soluble inhibitors of Wnt‐β‐catenin signaling (sclerostin and dickkopf‐1) in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Yamada Shunsuke , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Tokumoto Masanori , Yoshida Hisako , Ooboshi Hiroaki , Kitazono Takanari
Published: May 2015

Aim

Sclerostin and dickkopf‐1 (Dkk‐1) are soluble inhibitors of Wnt‐β‐catenin signaling and are involved in decreased bone formation and bone volume in patients with various bone diseases. The clinical characteristics of sclerostin and Dkk‐1 and their impacts on mineral and bone metabolism remain undetermined in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study investigated the association between serum sclerostin and Dkk‐1 levels and mineral disorders in 74 outpatients under PD treatment. Levels of sclerostin and Dkk‐1 in serum, urine, and peritoneal dialysate were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. The associations between serum sclerostin and Dkk‐1 levels and biochemical parameters were evaluated by linear regression analyses.

Results

Median serum sclerostin and Dkk‐1 levels were 138 pmol/L (range, 98.3–195.9 pmol/L) and 38.8 pmol/L (range, 28.5–47.1 pmol/L), respectively. Both sclerostin and Dkk‐1 were excreted into urine and peritoneal dialysate. Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that serum sclerostin level was significantly associated with age, sex, parathyroid hormone level, and renal Kt/V. In contrast, serum Dkk‐1 level was associated with platelet count and serum fibroblast growth factor 23 level but not with any of the bone metabolic markers.

Conclusion

Serum sclerostin was associated with serum intact parathyroid hormone, while Dkk‐1 was associated with serum fibroblast growth factor 23 in patients undergoing PD. The utility of determining soluble Wnt‐β‐catenin inhibitors levels in patients undergoing PD requires further investigation.
Electrophysiological and Electroanatomical Mapping of the Right Atrium in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Relation to Collagen Turnover
Authors: GOUDIS CHRISTOS A. , KALLERGIS ELEFTHERIOS M. , KANOUPAKIS EMMANUEL M. , MAVRAKIS HERCULES E. , MALLIARAKI NIKI E. , VARDAS PANOS E.
Published: May 2015

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with abnormal atrial substrate. We investigated whether patients with persistent lone AF and patients with persistent AF and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) exhibit any differences in electrophysiological and electroanatomical properties of right atrium (RA) and collagen turnover. We also investigated the relationship between mean RA bipolar voltage and collagen turnover.

Methods

Ten patients with a history of persistent lone AF and eight patients with a history of persistent AF and NIDCM were studied. Sinus node recovery times (SNRTs) and effective refractory periods (ERPs) at 600 ms, 500 ms, and 400 ms from the high (HLRA) and low (LLRA) lateral RA, proximal coronary sinus (pCS), and right atrial appendage (RAA) were evaluated, and RA electroanatomic mapping was created. Serum N‐terminal propeptide of collagen type I (PINP), cross‐linked C‐terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CTx), matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1) were measured as markers of collagen synthesis and degradation.

Results

No differences were found in SNRTs, ERPs from the HLRA, LLRA at 600 ms, pCS and RAA, mean RA bipolar voltage, serum PINP, CTx, MMP‐1, and TIMP‐1 between the two groups. In persistent lone AF, serum levels of TIMP‐1 were related with mean HLRA and HPRA bipolar voltage.

Conclusions

Persistent AF patients with or without NIDCM, demonstrate similar changes in electrophysiological and electroanatomical properties of the RA, as well as similar structural changes. Moreover, serum markers of collagen synthesis are correlated with bipolar voltage in specific regions of RA in persistent lone AF.
Tolerability of a Skin Care Regimen Formulated for Acne‐Prone Skin in Children
Authors: Hensley David , Meckfessel Matthew H.
Published: May 2015

Background

The epidemiology and demographic profile of acne vulgaris has evolved over the past several decades, with a noted earlier onset occurring in patients as young as 7 years of age. The combination of a foaming facial wash and a facial moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is an over‐the‐counter cleansing and moisturizing regimen for acne‐prone skin that has been shown to be safe and tolerable in subjects 12 years of age and older.

Objectives

To assess the tolerability of this skin care regimen in children ages 7 to 11 years with acne‐prone skin.

Methods

This was an open‐label, single‐center study that investigated the safety and tolerability of these products in subjects 7 to 11 years of age (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01909713). Subjects used the foaming wash twice daily and the SPF 30 moisturizer once daily. Subjects were assessed for cutaneous tolerability, and satisfaction at baseline and weeks 1 and 3.

Results

Thirty‐five subjects enrolled and completed the study. The cutaneous tolerability score of most subjects was none when assessed by the investigator and subject or legally authorized representative at weeks 1 and 3. The products were well tolerated and a positive impression for cosmetic acceptability was reported for both products by the study population on the questionnaire.

Conclusions

This study supports the use of a skin care regimen comprising a wash and a moisturizer in acne‐prone patients as young as 7 years old since these products were safe, well tolerated, and liked by subjects.
Is the onset of septoria tritici blotch epidemics related to the local pool of ascospores?
Authors: Morais D. , Sache I. , Suffert F. , Laval V.
Published: May 2015

To elucidate the early epidemic stages of septoria tritici blotch, especially the relationship between the onset of epidemics, the local availability of primary inoculum, and the presence of wheat debris, the early disease dynamics and airborne concentration in Zymoseptoria tritici ascospores were concomitantly assessed at a small spatiotemporal scale and over two years, using spore traps coupled with a qPCR assay. One plot, with the crop debris left, provided a local source of primary inoculum, while the other plot, without debris, lacked any. According to the assay's limits of detection, daily spore trap samples were classified as not detectable or not quantifiable, detectable, and quantifiable. The proportions of samples assigned to the different classes and numbers of spores in samples classified as quantifiable were significantly different between years, time periods (from November to March) and spore trap location (field with or without debris). The effect of year on the airborne ascospore concentration was high: 22 daily peaks with more than 230 ascospores m−3 day−1 were identified in the autumn of 2012/13, but none in the autumn of 2011/12. The local presence of wheat debris had no obvious effect on the amount of airborne ascospores or on the earliness of the two epidemics, especially in the year with high inoculum pressure (2012/13). These results suggest that the amount of primary airborne inoculum available in a wheat crop is not a limiting factor for the onset of an epidemic.
The best counsellors are the dead: counsel and Shakespeare's Hamlet
Authors: Paul Joanne
Published: May 2015

This article demonstrates how Shakespeare used Hamlet to explore Renaissance ideas regarding political counsel, especially those epitomized in the maxim ‘optimi consiliarii mortui’ – the best counsellors are the dead. Examining Hamlet as a historical source, attention is drawn to the influence of Plutarch and Montaigne on the construction of conciliar characters, particularly Polonius, who is figured as the personification of late sixteenth‐century debates over the nature of the counsellor. Polonius' humanist tendencies are shown to be ineffective and naive, and his Machiavellian plotting pernicious and destructive. In the end, as Hamlet declares, Polonius is a better counsellor when dead. Instead, a new conciliar model is propounded in Hamlet, in which the best counsellor is nothing more than the voice of the dead, lacking in both rhetorical ornamentation and scheming self‐interest.