bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MALT1 – a universal soldier: multiple strategies to ensure NF‐κB activation and target gene expression
Authors: Afonina Inna S. , Elton Lynn , Carpentier Isabelle , Beyaert Rudi
Published: May 2015

The paracaspase MALT1 (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation gene 1) is an intracellular signaling protein that plays a key role in innate and adaptive immunity. It is essential for nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) activation and proinflammatory gene expression downstream of several cell surface receptors. MALT1 has been most studied in the context of T‐cell receptor‐induced NF‐κB signaling, supporting T‐cell activation and proliferation. In addition, MALT1 hyperactivation is associated with specific subtypes of B‐cell lymphoma, where it controls tumor cell proliferation and survival. For a long time, MALT1 was believed to function solely as a scaffold protein, providing a platform for the assembly of other NF‐κB signaling proteins. However, this view changed dramatically when MALT1 was found to have proteolytic activity that further fine‐tunes signaling. MALT1 proteolytic activity is essential for T‐cell activation and lymphomagenesis, suggesting that MALT1 is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and distinct lymphoma entities. However, interference with MALT1 activity may pose a dangerous threat to the normal functioning of the immune system and should be evaluated with great care. Here we discuss the current knowledge on the scaffold and protease functions of MALT1, including an overview of its substrates and the functional implications of their cleavage.
Effect of thermal ageing of CF8M on multi‐axial ductility and application to fracture toughness prediction
Authors: Jeon J.‐Y. , Kim Y.‐J. , Kim J.‐W. , Lee S.‐Y.
Published: May 2015

This paper proposes a method to predict the thermal ageing effect on fracture toughness of CF8M cast stainless steel. The proposed method is based on multi‐axial fracture strain combined with finite element damage analysis to simulate ductile tearing. Multi‐axial fracture strain loci of un‐aged and aged CF8M are determined by analyzing notched bar tensile test. It is shown that the thermal ageing effect on multi‐axial fracture strain loci can be characterized by one constant. It is further shown that J‐resistance curves of un‐aged and aged CF8M can be predicted well from finite element damage analysis using multi‐axial fracture strain loci. Implication of present results to practical application of crack assessment of aged cast stainless steels is discussed.
American College Students Studying Abroad in China: Language, Identity, and Self‐Presentation
Authors: Du Hang
Published: May 2015

This article reports the results of qualitative analyses of data drawn from monthly informal individual interviews of 29 American college students who were spending one semester studying Mandarin Chinese abroad in a program in China. While some data confirm previous findings that some students' identification as Americans was strengthened during study abroad, data also indicate that students in this study took great pride in their Chinese proficiency, fully embraced their “foreigner identity,” and used it to their advantage. Studying in China did not seem to pose serious threats to this group of students' identity negotiation and self‐presentation. This research supports the call to conduct research regarding learners from a wider range of language backgrounds studying in a broader range of study abroad contexts so as to more fully understand the complexity of study abroad.
A genome‐wide sib‐pair scan for quantitative language traits reveals linkage to chromosomes 10 and 13
Authors: Evans P. D. , Mueller K. L. , Gamazon E. R. , Cox N. J. , Tomblin J. B.
Published: May 2015

Although there is considerable evidence that individual differences in language development are highly heritable, there have been few genome‐wide scans to locate genes associated with the trait. Previous analyses of language impairment have yielded replicable evidence for linkage to regions on chromosomes 16q, 19q, 13q (within lab) and at 13q (between labs). Here we report the first linkage study to screen the continuum of language ability, from normal to disordered, as found in the general population. 383 children from 147 sib‐ships (214 sib‐pairs) were genotyped on the Illumina®LinkageIVbMarker Panel using three composite language‐related phenotypes and a measure of phonological memory (PM). Two regions (10q23.33; 13q33.3) yielded genome‐wide significant peaks for linkage withPM. A peak suggestive of linkage was also found at 17q12 for the overall language composite. This study presents two novel genetic loci for the study of language development and disorders, but fails to replicate findings by previous groups. Possible reasons for this are discussed.
Frequency of Migraine Headaches in Patients With Fibromyalgia
Authors: Vij Brinder , Whipple Mary O. , Tepper Stewart J. , Mohabbat Arya B. , Stillman Mark , Vincent Ann
Published: May 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of migraine headache in a large cohort of patients with fibromyalgia using a brief migraine headache‐screening tool.

Background

Several studies report a high prevalence of fibromyalgia among patients with migraine headaches, but there is a dearth of research evaluating the frequency of migraine headaches in patients with fibromyalgia, despite clinical observations suggesting that migraine headaches are common in patients with fibromyalgia.

Design and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional survey study. Patients (N = 3717) with a previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia who were members of the Mayo Clinic Fibromyalgia Registry were contacted by electronic survey and asked to complete a brief demographic and medical history questionnaire and the validated ID‐Migraine screener.

Results

A total of 1730 patients (46.5%) completed the electronic survey. The majority of participants were white (97.2%), female (92.5%), with a mean age of 56.2 (±13.1) years. Of the respondents, 966 (55.8%) met criteria for migraine headaches. Hypertension (309 [32.3%] vs 294 [40.1%], P = .004), asthma (312 [32.5%] vs 189 [25.9%], P = .011), irritable bowel syndrome (520 [54.6%] vs 348 [47.6], P = .017), chronic fatigue syndrome (486 [50.7%] vs 271 [37.1], P < .0001), depression (634 [66.5%] vs 413 [56.7%], P = .0002), anxiety (415 [43.5%] vs 252 [34.7%], P = .0011), and post‐traumatic stress disorder (172 [18.0%] vs 96 [13.2%], P = .006) were all significantly more common in those who met criteria for migraine headaches than those who did not.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that migraine headaches are common in patients with fibromyalgia. Clinicians who care for either population must be aware that these conditions commonly overlap and can significantly increase a patient's cumulative disease burden.
Deciding on the Electoral System: Chile's Adoption of Proportional Representation in 1925
Authors: Gamboa Ricardo , Morales Mauricio
Published: May 2015

In 1925 a new electoral system was introduced in Chile. This reform changed the electoral formula from a cumulative voting system to a proportional one (d'Hondt) and established new rules about district magnitude and form of voting. It has been argued that this reform was motivated by the emergence of new parties or the expansion of the electorate. This article offers an alternative explanation: in the case of Chile, the main reason for the electoral reform was the parties' need to solve problems of strategic coordination stemming from the characteristics of the Chilean cumulative voting system. In this context, the Chilean case shows that there are many routes to proportionality.
Postpartum sexual health: a principle‐based concept analysis
Authors: O'Malley Deirdre , Higgins Agnes , Smith Valerie
Published: May 2015

Aim

The aim of this study is to report an analysis of the concept of postpartum sexual health.

Background

Postpartum sexual health is a minimally understood concept, most often framed within physical/biological dimensions or as a ‘checklist’ task in postpartum information provision. This has the potential to leave women unprepared to manage transient or normative sexual health changes after childbirth. For meaningful discussions, clarity and understanding of postpartum sexual health is required.

Design

A principle‐based method of concept analysis.

Data sources

The databases of PubMed, CINAHL, Maternity and Infant Care, PsychInfo, Web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Social Science Index were systematically searched, from their earliest dates, using a combination of key terms, including; ‘sexual health’, ‘sexual function’, ‘dyspareunia’, ‘sexuality’, ‘sexual desire’, ‘sexual dysfunction’, ‘postnatal’ and ‘postpartum’, resulting in a final included dataset of 91 studies.

Methods

Using the principle‐based approach, postpartum sexual health was analysed under the four philosophical principles of epistemological, pragmatic, linguistic and logical.

Results

Philosophically, postpartum sexual health is underdeveloped as a concept. A precise theoretical definition remains elusive and, presently, postpartum sexual health cannot be separated theoretically from sexuality and sexual function. Identified antecedents include an instrument free birth, an intact perineum and avoidance of episiotomy. Attributes include sexual arousal, desire, orgasm, sexual satisfaction and resumption of sexual intercourse. Outcomes are sexual satisfaction and a satisfying intimate relationship with one's partner.

Conclusion

Postpartum sexual health is conceptually immature with limited applicability in current midwifery practice.
Mortality among a Cohort of Persons with an Intellectual Disability in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Florio Tony , Trollor Julian
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The main objective of the study was to compare mortality for people with an intellectual disability (ID) to the general population in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A second objective was to provide mortality data for people with an intellectual disability fromNSWin a standardized format, which allows for international comparisons of the mortality of people with an intellectual disability.

Design and setting

The study was a longitudinal cohort study linking retrospective data from the population databases of theNSWDepartment of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) Intellectual Disability Services Dataset (intellectual disability cohort) to the mortality data set of theNSWRegistry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (RBDM) for the period 1 June 2005 to 31 December 2011.

Participants

The two groups of interest for this study were persons with an intellectual disability recorded in the intellectual disability cohort (953 deaths among 42 219 persons over 270 649 person‐years of observation) and the rest of theNSWpopulation (312 649 deaths among over 7 218 529 persons [2011 population] and 45 818 946 person‐years of observation).

Main outcome measures

In this study, we compared the intellectual disability cohort with the rest of theNSWpopulation using age‐adjusted death rates (ADRs), standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and age standardized death rates (ASDRs) based upon the World Health Organization (WHO) standard population.

Results

We found a significantly higher mortality in a cohort of people with an intellectual disability compared to the rest of theNSWpopulation. The intellectual disability cohort compared to the rest of theNSWpopulation had anSMRof 2.48 for all ages and anSMRof 3.15 for those aged 5–69 years. We also found anSMRfor females (4.26) with an intellectual disability that was significantly higher than that for males (2.52) with an intellectual disability. TheASDRfor the intellectual disability cohort was 4.04 (deaths per 1000) and theASDRfor the rest of theNSWpopulation was 1.58, giving a comparative mortality ratio of 2.55.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate excess mortality of people with an intellectual disability when compared to the general population. They also indicate that females with an intellectual disability have a higher relative mortality compared to female same‐aged general population peers, and also males with an intellectual disability, a finding replicated in other similar cohort studies. For international comparison using theWHOstandard population, our intellectual disability cohort (ages 5–69 years) had a mortality of 4.04 deaths per 1000.
Institutional Monitoring: Evidence from the F‐Score
Authors: Chung Chune Young , Liu Chang , Wang Kainan , Zykaj Blerina Bela
Published: May 2015

The extant literature shows that institutional investors engage in corporate governance to enhance a firm's long‐term value. Measuring firm performance using the F‐Score, we examine the persistent monitoring role of institutional investors and identify the financial aspects of a firm that institutional monitoring improves. We find strong evidence that long‐term institutions with large shareholdings consistently improve a firm's F‐Score and that such activity occurs primarily through the enhancement of the firm's operating efficiency. Other institutions reduce a firm's F‐Score. Moreover, we find evidence that, while monitoring institutions improve a firm's financial health, transient (followed by non‐transient) institutions trade on this information.
Global Sourcing Decision‐Making Processes: Politics, Intuition, and Procedural Rationality
Authors: Stanczyk Alina , Foerstl Kai , Busse Christian , Blome Constantin
Published: May 2015

Global sourcing (GS) is a firmly established phenomenon in modern business practice that requires specific expertise from different organizational functions, such as purchasing, production, logistics, and research and development to analyze and select sourcing alternatives effectively. In this context, global sourcing decision‐making (GSDM) processes pose major challenges because two dimensions of functional politics, namely goal misalignment and power imbalance across functions, appear to influence procedural rationality in a manner not understood to date. Likewise, intuition also seems to play a role for the procedural rationality of GSDM processes. To elucidate the conditions under which procedural rationality is hampered or enhanced by politics and intuition, we studied five cross‐functional GSDM processes, in front of extant strategic decision‐making literature. We derive formal propositions on how functional politics and intuition influence the procedural rationality and present contingencies for the divergent role of intuition as well as functional politics in GDSM processes. Our research contributes to existing GS literature by providing a theoretical model of important microfoundations of how GSDM processes evolve. The findings also guide managers on how to structure GSDM processes such that GS projects can be conducted in a more rational fashion.
Polypterus and the evolution of fish pectoral musculature
Authors: Wilhelm Benjamin C. , Du Trina Y. , Standen Emily M. , Larsson Hans C. E.
Published: May 2015

Polypterus, a member of the most primitive living group of ray‐finned fishes, has demonstrated the ability to perform fin‐assisted terrestrial locomotion, a behavior that indicates a complex pectoral musculoskeletal system. Review of the literature reveals that many aspects of the pectoral muscular anatomy of Polypterus are still unclear, with a number of conflicting descriptions. We provide a new interpretation of the pectoral musculature using soft tissue‐enhanced microCT scanning and gross anatomical dissection. The results demonstrate a complex musculature, with six independent muscles crossing the glenoid‐fin joint. Comparisons with other bony‐fish (Osteichthyes), including both ray‐finned (Actinopterygii) and lobed‐fin (Sarcopterygii) fish, indicate the presence of novel muscles within Polypterus: coracometapterygialis I+II and the zonopropterygialis medialis. Examination of these muscular additions in the context of osteichthyan phylogeny indicates that this represents a previously unrecognized event in the evolution of pectoral musculature in Osteichthyes. Despite its phylogenetic position as a basal actinopterygian, the musculature of Polypterus has more similarities both anatomically and functionally with that of sarcopterygians. This anatomy, along with other features of Polypterus anatomy such as lobed fins, ventral paired lungs, and a large spiracle, may make it a good model for inferences of stem tetrapod locomotion.
Occipital foramina development involves localised regulation of mesenchyme proliferation and is independent of apoptosis
Authors: Akbareian Sophia E. , Pitsillides Andrew A. , Macharia Raymond G. , McGonnell Imelda M.
Published: May 2015

Cranial foramina are holes within the skull, formed during development, allowing entry and exit of blood vessels and nerves. Once formed they must remain open, due to the vital structures they contain, i.e. optic nerves, jugular vein, carotid artery, and other cranial nerves and blood vessels. Understanding cranial foramina development is essential as cranial malformations lead to the stenosis or complete closure of these structures, resulting in blindness, deafness, facial paralysis, raised intracranial pressure and lethality. Here we focus on describing early events in the formation of the jugular, carotid and hypoglossal cranial foramina that form in the mesoderm‐derived, endochondral occipital bones at the base of the embryonic chick skull. Whole‐mount skeletal staining of skulls indicates the appearance of these foramina from HH32/D7.5 onwards. Haematoxylin & eosin staining of sections shows that the intimately associated mesenchyme, neighbouring the contents of these cranial foramina, is initially very dense and gradually becomes sparser as development proceeds. Histological examination also revealed that these foramina initially contain relatively large‐diameter nerves, which later become refined, and are closely associated with the blood vessel, which they also innervate within the confines of the foramina. Interestingly cranial foramina in the base of the skull contain blood vessels lacking smooth muscle actin, which suggests these blood vessels belong to glomus body structures within the foramina. The blood vessel shape also appears to dictate the overall shape of the resulting foramina. We initially hypothesised that cranial foramina development could involve targeted proliferation and local apoptosis to cause ‘mesenchymal clearing’ and the creation of cavities in a mechanism similar to joint cavitation. We find that this is not the case, and propose that a mechanism reliant upon local nerve/blood vessel‐derived restriction of ossification may contribute to foramina formation during cranial development.
Do constraints associated with the locomotor habitat drive the evolution of forelimb shape? A case study in musteloid carnivorans
Authors: Fabre Anne‐Claire , Cornette Raphael , Goswami Anjali , Peigné Stéphane
Published: May 2015

Convergence in morphology can result from evolutionary adaptations in species living in environments with similar selective pressures. Here, we investigate whether the shape of the forelimb long bones has converged in environments imposing similar functional constraints, using musteloid carnivores as a model. The limbs of quadrupeds are subjected to many factors that may influence their shape. They need to support body mass without collapsing or breaking, yet at the same time resist the stresses and strains induced by locomotion. This likely imposes strong constraints on their morphology. Our geometric morphometric analyses show that locomotion, body mass and phylogeny all influence the shape of the forelimb. Furthermore, we find a remarkable convergence between: (i) aquatic and semi‐fossorial species, both displaying a robust forelimb, with a shape that improves stability and load transfer in response to the physical resistance imposed by the locomotor environment; and (ii) aquatic and arboreal/semi‐arboreal species, with both groups displaying a broad capitulum. This augments the degree of pronation/supination, an important feature for climbing as well as grasping and manipulation ability, behaviors common to aquatic and arboreal species. In summary, our results highlight how musteloids with different locomotor ecologies show differences in the anatomy of their forelimb bones. Yet, functional demands for limb movement through dense media also result in convergence in forelimb long‐bone shape between diverse groups, for example, otters and badgers.
Structure and vascularization of the ventricular myocardium in Holocephali: their evolutionary significance
Authors: Durán Ana C. , López‐Unzu Miguel A. , Rodríguez Cristina , Fernández Borja , Lorenzale Miguel , Linares Andrea , Salmerón Francisca , Sans‐Coma Valentín
Published: May 2015

It was generally assumed that the ventricle of the primitive vertebrate heart was composed of trabeculated, or spongy, myocardium, supplied by oxygen‐poor luminal blood. In addition, it was presumed that the mixed ventricular myocardium, consisting of a compacta and a spongiosa, and its supply through coronary arteries appeared several times throughout fish evolution. Recent work has suggested, however, that a fully vascularized, mixed myocardium may be the primitive condition in gnathostomes. The present study of the heart ventricles of four holocephalan species aimed to clarify this controversy. Our observations showed that the ventricular myocardium ofChimaera monstrosaandHarriotta raleighanaconsists of a very thin compacta overlying a widespread spongiosa. The ventricle ofHydrolagus affinisis composed exclusively of trabeculated myocardium. In these three species there is a well‐developed coronary artery system. The main coronary artery trunks run along the outflow tract, giving off subepicardial ventricular arteries. The trabeculae of the spongiosa are irrigated by branches of the subepicardial arteries and by penetrating arterial vessels arising directly from the main coronary trunks at the level of the conoventricular junction. The ventricle ofRhinochimaera atlanticahas only spongy myocardium supplied by luminal blood. Small coronary arterial vessels are present in the subepicardium, but they do not enter the myocardial trabeculae. The present findings show for the first time that in a wild living vertebrate species, specificallyH. affinis, an extensive coronary artery system supplying the whole cardiac ventricle exists in the absence of a well‐developed compact ventricular myocardium. This is consistent with the notion derived from experimental work that myocardial cell proliferation and coronary vascular growth rely on distinct developmental programs. Our observations, together with data in the literature on elasmobranchs, support the view that the mixed ventricular myocardium is primitive for chondrichthyans. The reduction or even lack of compacta in holocephali has to be regarded as a derived anatomical trait. Our findings also fit in with the view that the mixed myocardium was the primitive condition in gnathostomes, and that the absence of compact ventricular myocardium in different actinopterygian groups is the result of a repeated loss of such type of cardiac muscle during fish evolution.
Occlusal dysesthesia: a topical narrative review
Authors: Melis M. , Zawawi K. H.
Published: May 2015

Occlusal dysesthesia (OD) is a disorder characterised by the sensation of uncomfortable bite with no obvious occlusal discrepancy. It is usually associated with emotional distress and is elicited by dental occlusal procedures. Multiple dental treatments are often provided to try to resolve the symptoms, but the outcome is usually dissatisfying for the dentist and disappointing for the patient. To summarise the specific features of OD, a PubMed search was carried out looking for all papers related to the topic. The references from the studies selected and from review articles were also examined for further relevant papers. A total of 138 articles were first identified, of which 18 of them were considered relevant to the topic. This article reviews the epidemiology, taxonomy and etio‐pathophysiology, symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment of OD, with special relevance to issues of clinical importance and dental therapy. Any dental treatment must be avoided in patients with OD, because the results could be inadequate and it usually worsens the symptoms.
Effect of Delayed Bonding and Antioxidant Application on the Bond Strength to Enamel after Internal Bleaching
Authors: Kılınç Halil İbrahim , Aslan Tuğrul , Kılıç Kerem , Er Özgür , Kurt Gökmen
Published: May 2015

Purpose

This study evaluated the effect of delayed bonding and antioxidant application (AA, 10% sodium ascorbate) after internal bleaching (35% carbamide peroxide) on the shear bond strength of an adhesive cement to enamel.

Materials and Methods

Eighty‐four human maxillary central incisors were endodontically treated. The control group remained unbleached with no AA. Experimental groups were all internally bleached. The buccal enamel was finished and polished with metallographic paper to a refinement of #600, in order to obtain a 5‐mm2 flat bonding area. An adhesive cement (Clearfil Esthetic) was placed into a plastic tube with internal diameter of 3 mm and a 3‐mm height and cured on the enamel. Bonding occurred either immediately after bleaching (group Im), a 7‐day delay (group 7), or a 14‐day delay (group 14), and half the specimens were treated with antioxidant application (groups Im‐AA, 7‐AA, and 14‐AA). Shear bond strength testing was performed on a universal testing machine, and data were analyzed with ANOVA and Fisher test (5%).

Results

Delaying of bonding is a useful factor for enhancing shear bond strength (p < 0.05), whereas AA only enhanced shear bond strength after 7 days delayed bleaching (p < 0.05). The highest bond strength was noted in groups 7‐AA (20.51 ± 4.5 MPa), 14 (19.82 ± 4.6), 14‐AA (20.27 ± 4.4), and control (20.51 ± 5.1), which were not significantly different from each other.

Conclusions

After internal bleaching, adhesive cementation to enamel is recommended only when delayed 14 days, or delayed 7 days with sodium ascorbate application.
Veneer Ceramic to Y‐TZP Bonding: Comparison of Different Surface Treatments
Authors: Kirmali Omer , Kapdan Alper , Kustarci Alper , Er Kursat
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of various surface‐treatment techniques for enhancing the bond strength between veneering ceramic and yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y‐TZP).

Materials and Methods

Pre‐sintered Y‐TZP specimens were divided into eight groups (n = 10) according to the surface‐treatment technique used: (a) untreated (control); (b) air abrasion with aluminum oxide particles; (c) erbium, chromium:yttrium‐scandium‐gallium‐garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser irradiation at different energy intensities (1 to 6 W). All specimens were then sintered and veneered with veneering ceramic according to the manufacturer's instructions. The obtained zirconia‐ceramic specimens were immersed in 37°C distilled water for 24 hours before a shear bond strength test using a universal testing device at a 1 mm/min crosshead speed. The average values were calculated. After debonding, the Y‐TZP surfaces were examined under a stereomicroscope to determine their fracture pattern, and the surface topography was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy after surface treatments.

Results

The bond strength ranged from 13.24 to 20.54 MPa. All surface treatments increased the bond strength between the veneering ceramic and Y‐TZP; however, the value for the 6 W irradiation group was significantly different from the values for other groups (p ˂ 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study's findings showed that higher energy densities were needed for the laser irradiation to improve the bond strength between the veneering ceramic and zirconia. Clinical Implication: Y‐TZP is commonly used as a core material in fixed restorations. The bond strength between zirconia and the veneering ceramic can be affected by various surface treatments.
Measurement of Dating Aggression During Middle School: Structure, Measurement Invariance, and Distinction From General Aggression
Authors: Goncy Elizabeth A. , Farrell Albert D. , Sullivan Terri N. , Taylor Katherine A.
Published: May 2015

Two studies examined the factor structure of a modified version of the Safe Dates dating aggression scale and evaluated whether dating aggression is distinct from general aggression during early adolescence. Analyses were conducted on a derivation sample of 3,894 adolescents from 37 schools (Study 1) and an independent cross‐validation sample of 938 middle school youth (Study 2). Categorical confirmatory factor analyses supported a two‐factor model (perpetration and victimization) over models differentiating psychological and physical forms of aggression. The model was invariant across time, sex, grade, and season. Study 2 also supported dating aggression as distinct from general aggression. Results supported measuring dating aggression perpetration and victimization as latent constructs represented by ordered categorical indicators that capture item severity and frequency.
Enhancement of skin permeation of flurbiprofen via its transdermal patches using isopulegol decanoate (ISO-C10) as an absorption enhancer: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation
Authors: Chen Yang , Quan Peng , Liu Xiaochang , Guo Wenjia , Song Wenting , Cun Dongmei , Wang Zhongyan , Fang Liang
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The study aimed to prepare a transdermal patch for flurbiprofen using isopulegol decanoate (ISO-C10) as a permeation enhancer, and to evaluate the in-vitro and in-vivo percutaneous permeation of the drug, as well as the pharmacodynamic efficacy of the formulation.

Methods

The permeation experiments were conducted on rabbit skin, and the pharmacokinetic profiles and synovial fluid drug concentration were measured after in-vivo transdermal administration. A deconvolution approach was employed to analyse the correlation between the in-vitro and in-vivo drug permeation. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were, respectively, assessed using the adjuvant arthritis model and the acetic acid induced pain model.

Key findings

ISO-C10 could increase the in-vitro permeation of flurbiprofen from 46.22 ± 5.65 μg/cm2 to 101.07 ± 10.85 μg/cm2. The in-vivo absorption of the drug was also improved by the enhancer, and a good linear correlation was observed between the in-vitro and in-vivo drug permeation. Meanwhile, the ISO-C10 contained patches increased the drug disposition in synovial fluid and enhanced the pharmacodynamic efficacy of the formulation.

Conclusions

ISO-C10 would be a promising permeation enhancer for improving the in-vitro and in-vivo delivery of flurbiprofen from its transdermal patches.
Effect of treatment willingness on specialist assessment and treatment uptake for hepatitis C virus infection among people who use drugs: the ETHOS study
Authors: Alavi M. , Micallef M. , Fortier E. , Dunlop A. J. , Balcomb A. C. , Day C. A. , Treloar C. , Bath N. , Haber P. S. , Dore G. J. , Grebely J. ,   the ETHOS Study Group
Published: May 2015

Among people who inject drugs (PWID) with chronic HCV, the association between HCV treatment willingness and intent, and HCV specialist assessment and treatment were evaluated. The Enhancing Treatment for Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings (ETHOS) is a prospective observational cohort. Recruitment was through six opioid substitution treatment clinics, two community health centres and one Aboriginal community controlled health organisation in Australia. Analyses were performed using logistic regression. Among 415 participants (mean age 41 years, 71% male), 67% were ‘definitely willing’ to receive HCV treatment and 70% reported plans to initiate therapy 12 months postenrolment. Those definitely willing to receive HCV treatment were more likely to undergo specialist assessment (64% vs 32%, P < 0.001) and initiate therapy (36% vs 9%, P < 0.001), compared to those with lower treatment willingness. Those with early HCV treatment plans were more likely to undergo specialist assessment (65% vs 27%, P < 0.001) and initiate therapy (36% vs 5%, P < 0.001), compared to those without early plans. In adjusted analyses, HCV treatment willingness independently predicted specialist assessment (aOR 3.06, 95% CI 1.90, 4.94) and treatment uptake (aOR 4.33, 95% CI 2.14, 8.76). In adjusted analysis, having early HCV treatment plans independently predicted specialist assessment (aOR 4.38, 95% CI 2.63, 7.29) and treatment uptake (aOR 9.79, 95% CI 3.70, 25.93). HCV treatment willingness was high and predicted specialist assessment and treatment. Strategies for enhanced HCV care should be developed with an initial focus on people willing to receive treatment and to increase treatment willingness among those less willing.
Feeding preferences and responses to prey in insular neonatal Florida cottonmouth snakes
Authors: Lillywhite H. B. , Pfaller J. B. , Sheehy C. M.
Published: May 2015

Cottonmouth snakes residing on certain Gulf coastal islands of Florida feed largely by scavenging fish that are dropped or regurgitated by colonial nesting birds. Because of the relative isolation of these snakes and their long association with bird rookeries, it is of interest to inquire whether snakes exhibit any dietary preference, or whether consumption of fish remains strictly opportunistic. Here we examine whether there are differences in prey acceptance between insular and mainland naive, neonatal cottonmouths, and whether insular snakes develop preferences for particular prey items. We report that both insular and mainland snakes accept a range of similar prey items including fish, mice and lizards. We also report that naive insular neonates tend to accept fish earlier following birth than they accept mammalian prey. When naive neonates are fed only a single specific prey item, fish or mammal, during the first year of life, individuals preferentially follow odors that are associated with the sole dietary prey to which they have been conditioned. However, following conditioning on either prey category (fish or mice) these snakes also eat the non‐conditioned prey (mice or fish, respectively) when presented with the opportunity. Our results suggest that young cottonmouths might adjust foraging strategy to match prey availability, while retaining flexibility in feeding behavior based in inherent dietary breadth. Thus, the insular population can occupy a broad trophic niche while fine‐tuning foraging behaviors to match the local conditions.
Methodological Synthesis in Quantitative L2 Research: A Review of Reviews and a Case Study of Exploratory Factor Analysis
Authors: Plonsky Luke , Gonulal Talip
Published: May 2015

Research synthesis and meta‐analysis provide a pathway to bring together findings in a given domain with greater systematicity, objectivity, and transparency than traditional reviews. The same techniques and corresponding benefits can be and have been applied to examine methodological practices in second language (L2) research (e.g., Plonsky, ). In the first half of this paper, we integrate findings, trends, and critiques from a number of syntheses to both illustrate the potential of this approach and to promote more methodologically informed research practices. Our emphasis here is on study designs and sampling practices. In the second half, we provide an example of a methodological synthesis that reviews the use of one particular statistical technique as applied in L2 research: exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Here and throughout the chapter, we provide specific recommendations for primary research as well as for future efforts to synthesize methodological practices in the field.
Improving the Validity of Quantitative Measures in Applied Linguistics Research1
Authors: Purpura James E. , Brown James Dean , Schoonen Rob
Published: May 2015

In empirical applied linguistics research it is essential that the key variables are operationalized in a valid and reliable way, and that the scores are treated appropriately, allowing for a proper testing of the hypotheses under investigation. The current article addresses several theoretical and practical issues regarding the use of measurement instruments and scores. Starting from an elaborated treatment of validity and validation, it introduces a comprehensive framework for score interpretation and score use. Kane's framework serves as a rich context to raise the right questions about a measurement instruments’ validity, and it provides guidance in addressing questions about validity and score use. Application of the framework is illustrated with examples from a recent second language acquisition study about the effects of recasts (Révész, ). The critical generalization inference from the framework, as it applies to measuring productive L2 performance, is then examined in greater detail, discussing the different facets of these kinds of measurements and the way reliability issues are and should be dealt with. The paper concludes with a series of common measurement mistakes in applied linguistics research and recommendations to avoid these. The paper offers a brief checklist for proper quantitative data collection and for adequate data treatment in subsequent analyses.
Experience Effects on the Development of Late Second Language Learners’ Oral Proficiency
Authors: Saito Kazuya
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of second language (L2) experience–operationalized as length of residence (LOR) in Canada—on late Japanese learners of English. Data collected from 65 participants consisted of three groups of learners (short‐, mid‐, and long‐LOR groups) and two baseline groups of native Japanese and native English speakers, with 13 participants in each group. The global quality of the participants’ spontaneous speech production was initially judged by 10 native‐speaking English raters for accentedness (linguistic nativelikeness) and comprehensibility (ease of understanding) and then submitted to segmental, prosodic, temporal, lexical, and grammatical analyses. According to the results, LOR was generally predictive of improved comprehensibility through its association with adequate and varied prosody, optimal speech rate, and proper lexicogrammar usage. In contrast, contributions of LOR to accentedness remained unclear, with less accented speech linked to refined segmental accuracy, vocabulary richness, and grammatical complexity. These findings suggest that learners continue to improve in their L2 oral proficiency over an extensive period of L2 immersion (e.g., 6 years of LOR), and they likely do so by paying selective attention to certain linguistic domains closely linked to comprehensibility—but not necessarily relevant to accentedness—for the purpose of successful L2 communication.
Systemic cytosolic Ca2+ elevation is activated upon wounding and herbivory in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kiep Victoria , Vadassery Jyothilakshmi , Lattke Justus , Maaß Jan‐Peter , Boland Wilhelm , Peiter Edgar , Mithöfer Axel
Published: May 2015

Calcium ion (Ca2+) signalling triggered by insect herbivory is an intricate network with multiple components, involving positive and negative regulators. Real‐time, noninvasive imaging of entire Arabidopsis thaliana rosettes was employed to monitor cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) elevations in local and systemic leaves in response to wounding and Spodoptera littoralis feeding.

Luminescence emitted by the cytosol‐localized Ca2+ reporter aequorin was imaged using a high‐resolution photon‐counting camera system.

Spodoptera littoralis feeding on Arabidopsis induced both local and systemic [Ca2+]cyt elevations. Systemic [Ca2+]cyt signals were found predominantly in adjacent leaves with direct vascular connections to the treated leaf and appeared with a delay of 1 to 2 min. Simulated herbivory by wounding always induced a local [Ca2+]cyt response, but a systemic one only when the midrib was wounded. This systemic [Ca2+]cyt response was suppressed by the presence of insect‐derived oral secretions as well as in a mutant of the vacuolar cation channel, Two Pore Channel 1 (TPC1).

Our results provide evidence that in Arabidopsis insect herbivory induces both local and systemic [Ca2+]cyt signals that distribute within the vascular system. The systemic [Ca2+]cyt signal could play an important signalling role in systemic plant defence.
Insulin resistance in clinical and experimental alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Carr Rotonya M. , Correnti Jason
Published: May 2015

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the number one cause of liver failure worldwide; its management costs billions of healthcare dollars annually. Since the advent of the obesity epidemic, insulin resistance (IR) and diabetes have become common clinical findings in patients with ALD; and the development of IR predicts the progression from simple steatosis to cirrhosis in ALD patients. Both clinical and experimental data implicate the impairment of several mediators of insulin signaling in ALD, and experimental data suggest that insulin‐sensitizing therapies improve liver histology. This review explores the contribution of impaired insulin signaling in ALD and summarizes the current understanding of the synergistic relationship between alcohol and nutrient excess in promoting hepatic inflammation and disease.
Kinetic Model of Photoautotrophic Growth of Chlorella sp. Microalga, Isolated from the Setúbal Lagoon
Authors: Heinrich Josué Miguel , Irazoqui Horacio Antonio
Published: May 2015

In this work, a kinetic expression relating light availability in the culture medium with the rate of microalgal growth is obtained. This expression, which is valid for low illumination conditions, was derived from the reactions that take part in the light‐dependent stage of photosynthesis. The kinetic expression obtained is a function of the biomass concentration in the culture, as well as of the local volumetric rate of absorption of photons, and only includes two adjustable parameters. To determine the value of these parameters and to test the validity of the hypotheses made, autotrophic cultures of the Chlorella sp. strain were carried out in a modified BBM medium at three CO2 concentrations in the gas stream, namely 0.034%, 0.34% and 3.4%. Moreover, the local volumetric rate of photon absorption was predicted based on a physical model of the interaction of the radiant energy with the suspended biomass, together with a Monte Carlo simulation algorithm. The proposed intrinsic expression of the biomass growth rate, together with the Monte Carlo radiation field simulator, are key to scale up photobioreactors when operating under low irradiation conditions, independently of the configuration of the reactor and of its light source.
How Does Photoreceptor UVR8 Perceive a UV‐B Signal?
Authors: Yang Xiaojing , Montano Sherwin , Ren Zhong
Published: May 2015

UVR8 is the only known plant photoreceptor that mediates light responses to UV‐B (280–315 nm) of the solar spectrum. UVR8 perceives a UV‐B signal via light‐induced dimer dissociation, which triggers a wide range of cellular responses involved in photomorphogenesis and photoprotection. Two recent crystal structures of Arabidopsis thaliana UVR8 (AtUVR8) have revealed unusual clustering of UV‐B‐absorbing Trp pigments at the dimer interface and provided a structural framework for further mechanistic investigation. This review summarizes recent advances in spectroscopic, computational and crystallographic studies on UVR8 that are directed toward full understanding of UV‐B perception at the molecular level.
Species from the Colletotrichum acutatum, Colletotrichum boninense and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complexes associated with tree tomato and mango crops in Colombia
Authors: Pardo‐De la Hoz C. J. , Calderón C. , Rincón A. M. , Cárdenas M. , Danies G. , López‐Kleine L. , Restrepo S. , Jiménez P.
Published: May 2015

Colletotrichum species cause typical anthracnose symptoms in tree tomato and mango. To characterize species of Colletotrichum in these two crops in Colombia, 91 isolates were collected from several localities. Phylogenetic analyses using nuclear gene sequencing of the ITS region and the glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene allowed the identification of three groups: acutatum, gloeosporioides and boninense. These three groups were further confirmed using two additional genomic regions (chitin synthase 1 and actin) for 30 isolates representative of the three previously identified complexes and one genomic region (ApMat) for the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides complex strains. The entire approach permitted a robust strain identification that allowed phylogenetic species recognition (PSR) based on the identification of well‐supported monophyletic clades and concordance between individual and multilocus phylogenies. Morphological and physiological assays were also conducted. Isolates that were morphologically identified as C. gloeosporioides showed high phenotypic diversity. Pathogenicity data revealed a considerable degree of host preference.
Comparison of in‐hospital mortality in patients with COPD, asthma and asthma–COPD overlap exacerbations
Authors: Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Yasunaga Hideo , Matsui Hiroki , Hasegawa Wakae , Jo Taisuke , Takami Kazutaka , Fushimi Kiyohide , Nagase Takahide
Published: May 2015

Background and objective

Obstructive airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have airflow limitation associated with chronic inflammation. Using a national inpatient database in Japan, we aimed to evaluate factors affecting in‐hospital mortality in patients with asthma, COPD or asthma–COPD overlap (ACO).

Methods

We retrospectively collected data for inpatients (age >40 years) with exacerbation of COPD and/or asthma in 1073 hospitals across Japan between July 2010 and May 2013. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the association of various factors with all‐cause in‐hospital mortality, including diagnosis of ACO, asthma alone and COPD alone.

Results

Of 30 405 eligible patients, in‐hospital mortality in patients with ACO, asthma alone and COPD alone was 2.3%, 1.2% and 9.7%, respectively. COPD patients had a significantly higher mortality than ACO patients (odds ratio 1.96; 95% confidence interval: 1.38–2.79); patients with asthma alone showed lower mortality (0.70; 0.50–0.97). Higher mortality was also significantly associated with older age, male gender, lower body mass index, more severe dyspnoea, lower level of consciousness, worse activities of daily life and higher daily dose of corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Asthma alone was associated with lower mortality, but COPD alone was associated with higher mortality than ACO.
Detecting Relevant Changes in Time Series Models
Authors: Dette Holger , Wied Dominik
Published: May 2015

Most of the literature on change point analysis by means of hypothesis testing considers hypotheses of the form H0:θ1=θ2  versus  H1:θ1≠θ2, where θ1 and θ2 denote parameters of the process before and after a change point. The paper takes a different perspective and investigates the null hypotheses of no relevant changes, i.e. H0:‖θ1−θ2‖⩽Δ, where ‖·‖ is an appropriate norm. This formulation of the testing problem is motivated by the fact that in many applications a modification of the statistical analysis might not be necessary, if the difference between the parameters before and after the change point is small. A general approach to problems of this type is developed which is based on the cumulative sum principle. For the asymptotic analysis weak convergence of the sequential empirical process must be established under the alternative of non-stationarity, and it is shown that the resulting test statistic is asymptotically normally distributed. The results can also be used to establish similarity of the parameters, i.e. H1:‖θ1−θ2‖⩽Δ, at a controlled type 1 error and to estimate the magnitude ‖θ1−θ2‖ of the change with a corresponding confidence interval. Several applications of the methodology are given including tests for relevant changes in the mean, variance, parameter in a linear regression model and distribution function among others. The finite sample properties of the new tests are investigated by means of a simulation study and illustrated by analysing a data example from portfolio management.