bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vagal nerve stimulation improves mitochondrial dynamics via an M3 receptor/CaMKKβ/AMPK pathway in isoproterenol‐induced myocardial ischaemia
Authors: Xue Run‐Qing , Sun Lei , Yu Xiao‐Jiang , Li Dong‐Ling , Zang Wei‐Jin
Published: August 2016

Mitochondrial dynamics—fission and fusion—are associated with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). This study explored the protective effect of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) against isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced myocardial ischaemia in a rat model and tested whether VNS plays a role in preventing disorders of mitochondrial dynamics and function. Isoproterenol not only caused cardiac injury but also increased the expression of mitochondrial fission proteins [dynamin‐related peptide1 (Drp1) and mitochondrial fission protein1 (Fis‐1)) and decreased the expression of fusion proteins (optic atrophy‐1 (OPA1) and mitofusins1/2 (Mfn1/2)], thereby disrupting mitochondrial dynamics and leading to increase in mitochondrial fragments. Interestingly, VNS restored mitochondrial dynamics through regulation of Drp1, Fis‐1, OPA1 and Mfn1/2; enhanced ATP content and mitochondrial membrane potential; reduced mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening; and improved mitochondrial ultrastructure and size. Furthermore, VNS reduced the size of the myocardial infarction and ameliorated cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction induced by ISO. Moreover, VNS activated AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), which was accompanied by phosphorylation of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ) during myocardial ischaemia. Treatment with subtype‐3 of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M3R) antagonist 4‐diphenylacetoxy‐N‐methylpiperidine methiodide or AMPK inhibitor Compound C abolished the protective effects of VNS on mitochondrial dynamics and function, suggesting that M3R/CaMKKβ/AMPK signalling are involved in mediating beneficial effects of VNS. This study demonstrates that VNS modulates mitochondrial dynamics and improves mitochondrial function, possibly through the M3R/CaMKKβ/AMPK pathway, to attenuate ISO‐induced cardiac damage in rats. Targeting mitochondrial dynamics may provide a novel therapeutic strategy in IHD.
Cost‐effectiveness of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor prophylaxis in chemotherapy‐induced febrile neutropenia among breast cancer and Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients under Taiwan's national health insurance system
Authors: Wen Tsun‐Jen , Wen Yu‐Wen , Chien Chun‐Ru , Chiang Shao‐Chin , Hsu William Wei‐Yuan , Shen Li‐Jiuan , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan
Published: August 2016

Rationale, aim and objective

The beneficial effects of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) prophylaxis on reducing the risk of chemotherapy‐induced febrile neutropenia (CIFN) were well documented throughout the literature. However, existing data regarding its cost‐effectiveness were conflicting. We estimated the cost‐effectiveness of G‐CSF prophylaxis in CIFN under Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) system.

Methods

Data on clinical outcomes and direct medical costs were derived for 5179 newly diagnosed breast cancer and 629 non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients from the NHI claims database. Patients were further categorized into three subgroups as “primary‐”, “secondary‐” and “no ‐” prophylaxis based on their patterns of G‐CSF use. Generalized estimating equations were applied to estimate the impact of G‐CSF use on the incidence of CIFN. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios of primary and secondary prophylactic G‐CSF use were calculated and sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

Primary prophylaxis of G‐CSF decreased the incidence of CIFN by 27% and 83%, while secondary prophylaxis by 34% and 22% in breast cancer and NHL patients, respectively. Compared with those with no prophylaxis, the incremental cost per CIFN reduced in primary prophylaxis is $931 and $52 among patients with breast cancer and NHL, respectively. In contrast, secondary prophylaxis is dominated by no prophylaxis and primary prophylaxis in both cancer patients.

Conclusion

Primary but not secondary prophylactic use of G‐CSF was cost‐effective in CIFN in breast cancer and NHL patients under Taiwan's NHI system.
Lack of existing guidelines for a large group of patients in Sweden: a national survey across the acute surgical care delivery chain
Authors: Muntlin Athlin Åsa , Juhlin Claes , Jangland Eva
Published: August 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Evidence‐informed healthcare is the fundament for practice, whereby guidelines based on the best available evidence should assist health professionals in managing patients. Patients seeking care for acute abdominal pain form a common group in acute care settings worldwide, for whom decision‐making and timely treatment are of paramount importance. There is ambiguity about the existence, use and content of guidelines for patients with acute abdomen. The objective was to describe and compare guidelines and management of patients with acute abdomen in different settings across the acute care delivery chain in Sweden.

Method

A national cross‐sectional design was used. Twenty‐nine ambulance stations, 17 emergency departments and 33 surgical wards covering all six Swedish health regions were included, and 23 guidelines were quality appraised using the validated Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II tool.

Results

There is a lack of guidelines in use for the management of this large group of patients between and within different healthcare areas across the acute care delivery chain. The quality appraisal identified that several guidelines were of poor quality, especially the in‐hospital ones. Further, range orders for analgesics are common in the ambulance services and the surgical wards, but are seldom present in the emergency departments. Also, education in pain management is more common in the ambulance services. These findings are noteworthy as, hypothetically, the same patient could be treated in three different ways during the same care episode.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need to develop high‐quality evidence‐based clinical guidelines for this patient group, with the entire care process in focus.
Social Critique and Transformation in Stout and Butler
Authors: Friesner Nicholas Aaron
Published: August 2016

If social critique is to play a role in broad social transformation, then it must be able to engage with the terms that people use to understand their lives. This essay argues that we can find an important model for performing social critique in the quite different work of Jeffrey Stout and Judith Butler. For both, social critique must be immanent and it must make explicit the character of the norms by which people currently live. This model is especially important in a situation where various moral and cultural traditions are confronting one another, and where it is necessary to work towards shared social and political goals. Stout and Butler present a method for achieving one's political goals by engaging with others on terms that they would recognize and seeking to transform the political structures they inhabit. Furthermore, their approaches provide helpful insights for further reflection on the critical possibilities in current ethnographic work.
The Genre of Judgment
Authors: McKearney Patrick
Published: August 2016

What part should description play in coming to judgment? Questions about genre have become more important in religious ethics as many seek to reform “thin” models of ethical arbitration by recourse to artistic, literary, and historical descriptions in their texts. In this book discussion, I explore what the consequences would be of pursuing this reform by turning to social anthropology—a discipline that relies on extensive empirical descriptions. I do this by considering the anthropology of ethics: a movement that seeks, for the first time, to devote systematic and sustained attention the moral lives of ethnographic informants. I focus on the ways that authors within this field attempt to arrive at more realistic portraits of the different ways societies play out the familiar ethical themes of freedom, responsibility, suffering and agency. Their work challenges religious ethicists to consider what ethical conversation across these differences would look like, and thus to reconsider the relationship between description and judgment in their work.
Strength and Comprehensiveness of School Wellness Policies in Southeastern US School Districts
Authors: Cox Melissa J. , Ennett Susan T. , Ringwalt Christopher L. , Hanley Sean M. , Bowling James M.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

In 2004, Congress passed legislation mandating that all public school districts participating in federal school meal programs develop a school wellness policy (SWP) to direct efforts related to nutrition and physical activity. We examined the extent to which SWPs varied in comprehensiveness and strength in a representative sample of school districts in the southeastern United States, the area of the country with the highest rates of childhood obesity.

METHODS

Policies were assessed using an established 96‐item coding tool by 2 raters to ascertain the comprehensiveness and strength of the policies as a whole, and across distinct subsections specified by federal legislation. In addition, variability in SWP comprehensiveness and strength was assessed based on district sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Overall, SWPs in the southeastern states are weakly written, fragmented, and lack requirements necessary for healthy school environments. District size, which was the only sociodemographic factor related to policy characteristics, yielded an inverse association.

CONCLUSIONS

To encourage continued promotion of healthy school environments, school districts will require technical support to improve the quality of their school wellness policies.
“Headache Tools to Stay in School”: Assessment, Development, and Implementation of an Educational Guide for School Nurses
Authors: Lazdowsky Lori , Rabner Jonathan , Caruso Alessandra , Kaczynski Karen , Gottlieb Sarah , Mahoney Elyse , LeBel Alyssa
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Headache is the most common type of pain reported in the pediatric population, and chronic headache is an increasingly prevalent and debilitating pain condition in children and adolescents. With large numbers of students experiencing acute headaches and more students with chronic headache reentering typical school settings, greater availability of tailored evidence‐based practice guidelines for school nurses is imperative.

METHODS

A 2‐armed study was developed to assess the need for and evaluate the use and favorability of a headache‐driven school nurse guide. Students and their parents were first surveyed on their school nurse's headache knowledge and management skills. School nurses were also interviewed on their desire for a headache educational tool. This feedback aided in developing a headache resource guide. Next, the guide was distributed to school nurses who provided feedback after a 3‐month trial.

RESULTS

Results indicate that “Headache Tools to Stay in School” is a useful resource in facilitating communication among health care providers, students, families, and school personnel on how to best meet the complex needs of students with headaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the guide's favorability, we encourage school nurses to demand the creation of additional evidence‐based resources. Continued dissemination of this guide may improve students' headache management under the informed care of school nurses, and may encourage the development of more evidence‐based guides across various medical conditions.
Association Between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement in a Cohort of Danish School Pupils
Authors: Andersen Mikkel P. , Mortensen Rikke N. , Vardinghus‐Nielsen Henrik , Franch Jesper , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Bøggild Henrik
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Time spent on physical activity in elementary school has been altered to improve core academics. However, little is known about the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement. We examined the association between physical fitness and academic achievement and investigated the influence of parental socioeconomic status and ethnicity.

METHODS

Participants were 542 girls and 577 boys aged 13 to 15 residing in the Danish municipality of Aalborg. A watt‐max cycle ergometer test was completed to evaluate physical fitness as represented by VO2max (mL·kg−1·min−1). Academic achievement was measured 1 school year later through a series of mandatory exams within the humanities, sciences, and all obligatory defined exams. Parental income and education were drawn from nationwide registers. Linear regression models were used to investigate the association.

RESULTS

Adjusting for ethnicity and parental socioeconomic status, the effect size of the humanities was 0.08 grad/VO2max (95% Cl: 0.05 to 0.11) for girls and 0.06 grad/VO2max (95% Cl:0.03 to 0.08) for boys. The effect size of the sciences was 0.09 grad/VO2max (95% Cl:0.05 to 0.13) for girls and 0.06 grad/VO2max (95% Cl:0.03 to 0.09) for boys. The effect size of the defined exams was 0.09 grad/VO2max (95% Cl:0.06 to 0.11) for girls and 0.06 grad/VO2max (95% Cl:0.03 to 0.08) for boys.

CONCLUSION

We found a statistically significant positive association between physical fitness and academic achievement after adjusting for ethnicity and parental socioeconomic status.
Evaluation of the Ph‐3 gene‐specific marker developed for marker‐assisted selection of late blight‐resistant tomato
Authors: Wang Ya‐Ying , Chen Chien‐Hua , Hoffmann Annika , Hsu Yun‐Che , Lu Shu‐Fen , Wang Jaw‐Fen , Hanson Peter
Published: August 2016

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the most destructive diseases of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) that mainly occurs in cool and wet environments. With the spread of the A2 mating type and new clonal lineages, fewer fungicides provide effective control of the disease, which has increased its worldwide threat. Host resistance could contribute significantly to sustainable disease control. Ph‐3 is a race‐specific late blight resistance gene commonly used in commercial tomato breeding. Availability of precise and easy to use gene‐based markers would facilitate selection. In this study, a Ph‐3 on‐gene cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker, Ph3.gsm/HincII, was developed based on the published gene sequence of Ph‐3. The effectiveness of the marker was evaluated along with other published Ph‐3 markers using an F9 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from NC 23E‐2(93) × L3708. Markers Ph3.gsm/HincII and TG328/BstNI accurately genotyped the RIL population for Ph‐3. In addition, Ph3.gsm/HincII was able to differentiate variable susceptible alleles. This reliable codominant DNA marker would be very useful in marker‐assisted selection, particularly for resistance gene pyramiding.
Plant‐mediated interactions between two herbivores differentially affect a subsequently arriving third herbivore in populations of wild cabbage
Authors: Kroes A. , Stam J. M. , David A. , Boland W. , van Loon J. J. A. , Dicke M. , Poelman E. H.
Published: August 2016

Plants are part of biodiverse communities and frequently suffer from attack by multiple herbivorous insects. Plant responses to these herbivores are specific for insect feeding guilds: aphids and caterpillars induce different plant phenotypes. Moreover, plants respond differentially to single or dual herbivory, which may cascade into a chain of interactions in terms of resistance to other community members. Whether differential responses to single or dual herbivory have consequences for plant resistance to yet a third herbivore is unknown.

We assessed the effects of single or dual herbivory by Brevicoryne brassicae aphids and/or Plutella xylostella caterpillars on resistance of plants from three natural populations of wild cabbage to feeding by caterpillars of Mamestra brassicae. We measured plant gene expression and phytohormone concentrations to illustrate mechanisms involved in induced responses.

Performance of both B. brassicae and P. xylostella was reduced when feeding simultaneously with the other herbivore, compared to feeding alone. Gene expression and phytohormone concentrations in plants exposed to dual herbivory were different from those found in plants exposed to herbivory by either insect alone. Plants previously induced by both P. xylostella and B. brassicae negatively affected growth of the subsequently arriving M. brassicae. Furthermore, induced responses varied between wild cabbage populations.

Feeding by multiple herbivores differentially activates plant defences, which has plant‐mediated negative consequences for a subsequently arriving herbivore. Plant population‐specific responses suggest that plant populations adapt to the specific communities of insect herbivores. Our study contributes to the understanding of plant defence plasticity in response to multiple insect attacks.
Reputation and Accountability Relationships: Managing Accountability Expectations through Reputation
Authors: Busuioc Madalina , Lodge Martin
Published: August 2016

Accountability is said to be about the management of expectations. Empirical studies reveal considerable variation in organizational interest, intensity, and investment in accountability relationships. Less is known, however, about what explains these observed variations. Drawing on accountability and reputation‐concerned literatures, this article argues that a reputation‐based perspective on accountability offers an underlying logic that explains how account‐giving actors and account‐holding forums actually manage these expectations and how organizations make sense of and prioritize among accountability responsibilities. Reputational considerations act as a filtering mechanism of external demands and help account for variations in degrees of interest in, and intensity of, accountability. The resulting accountability outcomes are coproduced by the reputational investment of both account‐giver and account‐holder, resulting in distinct accountability constellations and outcomes.
Laminin‐111 Inhibits Bovine Fertilization but Improves Embryonic Development in vitro, and Receptor Integrin‐β1 is Involved in Sperm–Oocyte Binding
Authors: Lin F , Huang C‐j , Liu C‐s , Guo L‐l , Liu G , Liu H‐j
Published: August 2016

Contents

This study detected the distribution of laminin during embryonic formation by immunofluorescence. To determine the possible function of laminin on developmental ability of in vitro fertilized embryos, the presumptive zygotes were divided and transferred to CR1aa medium supplemented with different concentrations (0 μg/ml, 5 μg/ml, 10 μg/ml and 20 μg/ml) of laminin. To explore the association with sperm–oocyte fusion, oocytes and/or sperm were pre‐incubated with laminin or anti‐β1 antibody before insemination. Laminin was absent in mature oocytes and could be detected first at the 8‐cell stage and then displayed an increasing tendency. Adding 10 μg/ml laminin to the culture medium improved embryonic development including cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, total cell numbers in the blastocyst and cell numbers in the inner cell mass. Laminin inhibited sperm–oocyte fusion when incubated with oocytes and/or sperm before in vitro fertilization, and only integrin‐β1 of sperm was involved in sperm–oocyte binding. Inhibition may be caused by blocking β1, but why laminin inhibits fertilization is still unknown. The results suggest that laminin plays an important role during embryonic formation and has a negative function in sperm–oocyte fusion, but improves embryonic development. However, only integrin‐β1 is involved in sperm–oocyte binding.
Distribution of inflammation and association between active and chronic alterations within the endometrium of dairy cows
Authors: Bogado Pascottini O , Hostens M , Dini P , Vandepitte J , Ducatelle R , Opsomer G
Published: August 2016

Contents

Objectives of this study were twofold: (i) to assess the association between polymorphonuclear (PMN) counts and chronic alterations within the bovine endometrium and (ii) to determine the distribution of inflammation throughout the endometrium of clinically healthy dairy cows. Holstein‐Friesian cows (n = 32) from a single dairy farm were selected for this experiment. Before slaughtering, a complete reproductive examination was performed to discard any type of clinical disease. After slaughtering, reproductive tracts were collected, and the endometrium was sampled at 8 pre‐defined locations. At each location, endometrial biopsies (EBs) and cytology (CY) samples were harvested. Histopathology samples were stained with haematoxylin–eosin (EB‐HE) and naphthol‐AS‐D‐chloroacetate‐esterase (EB‐naphthol), while CY samples were stained with Wright–Giemsa. In the EB‐HE samples, parameters assessed were epithelium height, mononuclear cells infiltration, lymphocytic aggregates, periglandular fibrosis, angiosclerosis and haemorrhage. In EB‐naphthol and CY slides, PMNs counts were evaluated. Binomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between the number of PMNs present in both the EB‐naphthol and CY samples and alterations identified in the EB‐HE samples and to analyse the distribution of the histopathological alterations (EB‐HE). A Poisson mixed‐effect model was used to analyse the distribution of PMNs within the endometrium. A significant positive association was found between the PMN counts and the mononuclear cells infiltration. The presence of erythrocytes was associated with higher odds to detect PMNs in the stratum compactum. Significantly, higher infiltration of PMNs and mononuclear cells were detected in the uterine body and the right horn region. Concluding, CY is a technique that allows the evaluation of PMN counts and therefore only evaluates active inflammation. A complete assessment of endometrial health can only be obtained using EB. To optimize the sensitivity to diagnose endometrial inflammation in cows, adjacencies of the corpus uteri should be considered as the preferred region to harvest samples.
The Long Run Effects of Taxes and Tax Competition on top Income Shares: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Frey Christian , Gorgas Christoph , Schaltegger Christoph A.
Published: August 2016

This paper provides empirical evidence on the long run effects of tax policy on income concentration in Switzerland. As Swiss cantons enjoy considerable autonomy with respect to income taxation, it is possible to study the impact of the cantonal income tax burden, as well as the influence of tax competition, on cantonal top income shares. Using panel regressions covering all Swiss cantons from 1917 to 2009 we find the expected negative effect of the tax burden on the cantonal top income share. Further, we find evidence that tax competition is a driving force behind the income shares of the top 1, 0.5 and 0.1 percent. Lower tax rates in neighbor cantons induce competitive pressure and ceteris paribus reduce top income shares in a canton. For the very top incomes tax competition seems to be an issue of the last 30 years.
The Association Between Asymmetric Information, Hospital Competition and Quality of Healthcare: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Berta Paolo , Martini Gianmaria , Moscone Francesco , Vittadini Giorgio
Published: August 2016

We study the effect of competition on adverse hospital health outcomes in a context in which information about hospital quality is not publicly available. We use data on patients who were admitted to hospitals in the Lombardy region of Italy. Although risk-adjusted hospital rankings are estimated yearly in this region, such rankings are provided to hospital managers only and are not available to general practitioners or citizens. Hence, patients may choose the hospital where to be admitted on the basis of different criteria such as their geographical closeness to the hospital, local network information and referrals by general practitioners. We first estimate a model of patient hospital choices and include among the determinants a variable capturing social interaction, which represents a proxy for the quality of hospitals perceived by patients. Using patient-predicted choice probabilities, we then construct a set of competition indices and measure their effect on a composite index of mortality and readmission rates that represents, in our settings, hospital quality in terms of adverse health outcomes. Our results show that no association exists between such adverse events and hospital competition. Our finding may be the result of asymmetric information, as well as the difficulty of building good quality health indicators.
Fashioning Futures: Life Coaching and the Self‐Made Identity Paradox
Authors: Pagis Michal
Published: August 2016

Contemporary processes of individualization push people to construct single‐handedly their own identities. This urge runs counter to a fundament of sociology, which proposes that identities are social products that must be validated through social relations. Based on participant observation and in‐depth interviews with life coaches and their clients, I investigate life coaching as a social institution that aims to resolve the paradoxical nature of the desire for self‐creation. Locating life coaching in the larger identity‐fashioning market, this article illustrates how the artificial nature of outsourced social relations reconciles two apparently contradictory desires: the “need for help” and “wanting to find it on my own.” Three mechanisms are involved: creating an independent social space where identities can be crafted away from significant others; deliberately deemphasizing the coach and intentionally underwriting personal authorship; and encouraging clients to root identities in the social world while promoting an instrumental view of sociality. The article discusses the blurring of boundaries between intimate social relations and utilitarian market logic, and the implications of the ongoing outsourcing of identity support that reinforces the privileged ideal of self‐made identities.
Donor exosomes rather than passenger leukocytes initiate alloreactive T cell responses after transplantation
Authors: Marino Jose , Babiker-Mohamed Mohamed H. , Crosby-Bertorini Patrick , Paster Joshua T. , LeGuern Christian , Germana Sharon , Abdi Reza , Uehara Mayuko , Kim James I. , Markmann James F. , Tocco Georges , Benichou Gilles
Published: August 2016

Early T cell activation by recipient antigen-presenting cells cross-dressed with donor MHC antigens may initiate acute allograft rejection.
Promoting immunology: The future is here
Authors: Colmone Angela C. , Sallusto Federica , Abbas Abul K.
Published: August 2016

Science Immunology
will provide a broad platform for the most exciting findings in this growing field.
Draft Genome Sequences of Eight Obligate Methane Oxidizers Occupying Distinct Niches Based on Their Nitrogen Metabolism
Authors: Heylen Kim , De Vos Paul , Vekeman Bram
Published: August 2016

The genome sequences of
Methylomonas methanica
(NCIMB 11130
T
, R-45363, and R-45371),
Methylomonas koyamae
(R-45378, R-45383, and R-49807),
Methylomonas lenta
(R-45370), and
Methylosinus
sp. (R-45379) were obtained. These aerobic methanotrophs were isolated from terrestrial ecosystems, and their distinct phenotypes related to nitrogen assimilation and dissimilation were previously reported.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Avian Pathogenic
Escherichia coli
Strains of Clinical Importance, E44 and E51
Authors: Ronco Troels , Stegger Marc , Andersen Paal S. , Pedersen Karl , Li Lili , Thøfner Ida C. N. , Olsen Rikke H.
Published: August 2016

Avian pathogenic
Escherichia coli
strains have remarkable impacts on animal welfare and the production economy in the poultry industry worldwide. Here, we present the draft genomes of two isolates from chickens (E44 and E51) obtained from field outbreaks and subsequently investigated for their potential for use in autogenous vaccines for broiler breeders.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Planomonospora sphaerica
JCM9374, a Rare Actinomycete
Authors: Dohra Hideo , Suzuki Tomohiro , Inoue Yuto , Kodani Shinya
Published: August 2016

Planomonospora sphaerica
is a rare actinomycete that is a potential antibiotic producer. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
P. sphaerica
strain JCM9374. This is the first genome report of a bacterium belonging to the genus
Planomonospora
. The genome information of
P. sphaerica
will contribute to studies on the structure and function of antibiotics.
Ten-year change in sedentary behaviour, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiometabolic risk: independent associations and mediation analysis
Authors: Knaeps Sara , Bourgois Jan G , Charlier Ruben , Mertens Evelien , Lefevre Johan , Wijndaele Katrien
Published: August 2016

Background

We aimed to study the independent associations of 10-year change in sedentary behaviour (SB), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), with concurrent change in clustered cardiometabolic risk and its individual components (waist circumference, fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure). We also determined whether associations were mediated by change in CRF (for SB and MVPA), waist circumference (for SB, MVPA and CRF) and dietary intake (for SB).

Methods

A population-based sample of 425 adults (age (mean±SD) 55.83±9.40; 65% men) was followed prospectively for 9.62±0.52 years. Participants self-reported SB and MVPA and performed a maximal cycle ergometer test to estimate peak oxygen uptake at baseline (2002–2004) and follow-up (2012–2014). Multiple linear regression and the product of coefficients method were used to examine independent associations and mediation effects, respectively.

Results

Greater increase in SB was associated with more detrimental change in clustered cardiometabolic risk, waist circumference, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, independently of change in MVPA. Greater decrease in MVPA was associated with greater decrease in HDL cholesterol and increase in clustered cardiometabolic risk, waist circumference and fasting glucose, independent of change in SB. Greater decrease in CRF was associated with more detrimental change in clustered cardiometabolic risk and all individual components. Change in CRF mediated the associations of change in SB and MVPA with change in clustered cardiometabolic risk, waist circumference and, only for MVPA, HDL cholesterol. Change in waist circumference mediated the associations between change in CRF and change in clustered cardiometabolic risk, fasting glucose, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Conclusions

A combination of decreasing SB and increasing MVPA, resulting in positive change in CRF, is likely to be most beneficial towards cardiometabolic health.
Protocol for a national blood transfusion data warehouse from donor to recipient
Authors: van Hoeven Loan R , Hooftman Babette H , Janssen Mart P , de Bruijne Martine C , de Vooght Karen M K , Kemper Peter , Koopman Maria M W
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Blood transfusion has health-related, economical and safety implications. In order to optimise the transfusion chain, comprehensive research data are needed. The Dutch Transfusion Data warehouse (DTD) project aims to establish a data warehouse where data from donors and transfusion recipients are linked. This paper describes the design of the data warehouse, challenges and illustrative applications.

Study design and methods

Quantitative data on blood donors (eg, age, blood group, antibodies) and products (type of product, processing, storage time) are obtained from the national blood bank. These are linked to data on the transfusion recipients (eg, transfusions administered, patient diagnosis, surgical procedures, laboratory parameters), which are extracted from hospital electronic health records.

Applications

Expected scientific contributions are illustrated for 4 applications: determine risk factors, predict blood use, benchmark blood use and optimise process efficiency. For each application, examples of research questions are given and analyses planned.

Conclusions

The DTD project aims to build a national, continuously updated transfusion data warehouse. These data have a wide range of applications, on the donor/production side, recipient studies on blood usage and benchmarking and donor–recipient studies, which ultimately can contribute to the efficiency and safety of blood transfusion.
Severe myelopathy with thrombophlebitis caused by Gurltia paralysans infection in a cat
Authors: Moroni Manuel , Muñoz Pamela , Mieres Marcelo , Gómez Marcelo A , Vera Frank
Published: August 2016

Gurltia paralysans is an uncommon neuroparasite that affects domestic cats in South America. The authors herein report a case of an adult male domestic cat with a three‐month history of progressive hindlimb paralysis. Neuroanatomical evaluation indicated compromise of the thoracolumbar and lumbosacral spinal cord segments. An authorised euthanasia was performed because of the guarded prognosis. Postmortem examination findings included leptomeningeal vein congestion and varicose veins, especially in the T9–T13 spinal cord segments. One male and 11 female adult G paralysans nematodes were recovered from the spinal subarachnoid veins of the affected areas. Histopathological examination revealed dilatation and congestion of several leptomeningeal vessels and parasitic eggs within both nematodes and intravenous thrombi. Several mononuclear inflammatory cells surrounded a mineralised section of nematodes in the meningeal space. Feline gurltiosis should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in cats with neurological signs secondary to thoracolumbar and/or lumbosacral spinal cord lesions.
Physical behavior of anisotropic compact stars in f(R, T, RμνTμν) gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Waseem Arfa
Published: August 2016

This paper investigates the behavior of anisotropic compact stars in the background of R + αRμνTμν gravity model. For this purpose, we use Krori–Barua metric solutions where constants are calculated using masses and radii of compact stars like Her X-1, SAX J 1808.4–3658, and 4U1820–30. We analyze regular behavior of effective energy density, and radial and transverse pressures in the interior of compact stars. We also discuss energy conditions, effect of anisotropic factor, and stability criteria of these stars. It is concluded that the considered compact star models satisfy all the energy conditions and remain stable against the anisotropic effect in this gravity.
Design of a Low-Frequency Oscillator with PTC Memristor and an Inductor
Authors: Rajamani Vetriveeran , Yang Changju , Kim Hyongsuk , Chua Leon
Published: August 2016

An electronic oscillator circuit is designed by connecting an inductor in series with a locally-active PTC Memristor and a battery. The PTC Memristor is locally active on the negative resistance region of its DC [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] curve. A DC operating point [Formula: see text] is chosen on the locally-active region of the PTC Memristor and a small-signal equivalent circuit at [Formula: see text] is derived via Taylor series. The small-signal admittance [Formula: see text] of the composite one-port in Fig. 1 is derived using the small-signal equivalent circuit at [Formula: see text], in series with an inductor whose value is chosen such that [Formula: see text] at some [Formula: see text]. The sinusoidal oscillation computed numerically from this circuit is shown to emerge from a supercritical Hopf bifurcation.
Chaos in a Meminductor-Based Circuit
Authors: Yuan Fang , Wang Guangyi , Jin Peipei , Wang Xiaoyuan , Ma Guojin
Published: August 2016

A smooth curve model of meminductor and its equivalent circuit have been designed, on the condition that the meminductor is commonly unavailable. The equivalent circuit can be used for breadboard experiments for various application circuit designs of meminductor. Based on the meminductor, a new chaotic oscillator is proposed. The dynamical behaviors of the oscillator are investigated, including equilibrium set, Lyapunov exponent spectrum, bifurcations and dynamical map of the system. Particularly, the amplitude controlling is analyzed and coexisting attractors are found for conditions of different parameters. Furthermore, the experimental results are given to confirm the correction of the proposed meminductor model and the meminductor-based oscillator.
Astrocytic Gliotransmitter: Diffusion Dynamics and Induction of Information Processing on Tripartite Synapses
Authors: Li Jia-Jia , Du Meng-Meng , Wang Rong , Lei Jin-Zhi , Wu Ying
Published: August 2016

Astrocytes have important functions in the central nervous system (CNS) and are significant in our understanding of the neuronal network. Astrocytes modulate neuronal firings at both single cell level of tripartite synapses and the neuron-glial network level. Astrocytes release adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and glutamate into the neuron-glial network. These gliotransmitters diffuse over the network to form long distance signals to regulate neuron firings. In this paper, we study a neuron-glial network model that includes a diffusion of astrocytic ATP and glutamate to investigate how long distance diffusion of the gliotransmitters affects the information processing in a neuronal network. We find that gliotransmitters diffusion can compensate for the failure of information processing of interneuron network firings induced by defectively coupled synapses. Moreover, we find that calcium waves in astrocyte network and firings in interneuron network are both sensitive to the glutamate diffusion rate and feedback intensities of astrocytes on interneurons.
A Chaotic System with Different Families of Hidden Attractors
Authors: Pham Viet-Thanh , Volos Christos , Jafari Sajad , Vaidyanathan Sundarapandian , Kapitaniak Tomasz , Wang Xiong
Published: August 2016

The presence of hidden attractors in dynamical systems has received considerable attention recently both in theory and applications. A novel three-dimensional autonomous chaotic system with hidden attractors is introduced in this paper. It is exciting that this chaotic system can exhibit two different families of hidden attractors: hidden attractors with an infinite number of equilibrium points and hidden attractors without equilibrium. Dynamical behaviors of such system are discovered through mathematical analysis, numerical simulations and circuit implementation.
Message Embedded Chaotic Masking Synchronization Scheme Based on the Generalized Lorenz System and Its Security Analysis
Authors: Čelikovský Sergej , Lynnyk Volodymyr
Published: August 2016

This paper focuses on the design of the novel chaotic masking scheme via message embedded synchronization. A general class of the systems allowing the message embedded synchronization is presented here, moreover, it is shown that the generalized Lorenz system belongs to this class. Furthermore, the secure encryption scheme based on the message embedded synchronization is proposed. This scheme injects the embedded message into the dynamics of the transmitter as well, ensuring thereby synchronization with theoretically zero synchronization error. To ensure the security, the embedded message is a sum of the message and arbitrary bounded function of the internal transmitter states that is independent of the scalar synchronization signal. The hexadecimal alphabet will be used to form a ciphertext making chaotic dynamics of the transmitter even more complicated in comparison with the transmitter influenced just by the binary step-like function. All mentioned results and their security are tested and demonstrated by numerical experiments.
Using a double folding potential for the derivation of the spectroscopic factors of the (3He, d) transfer reaction
Authors: Condori R. Pampa , Dias H. , Lubian J.
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the [Formula: see text] reactions are revisited, with the goal of obtaining spectroscopic factors (SF) for the transition to the ground state of some residual nuclei, applying the distorted wave Born approximation (DWBA). The double-folding São Paulo Potential (SPP) was used to derive the distorted wave function in the entrance and exit channels. The derived SF are compared with the results of extensive shell model calculations showing a rather good agreement.
IN SEARCH OF THE EFFECTS OF BUSINESS AND POLITICAL TIES ON INNOVATION AMBIDEXTERITY
Authors: ZHANG JING A. , CUI XILING
Published: August 2016

There has been a lack of empirical research on how firms integrate different types of network benefits to facilitate innovation ambidexterity. This study examines how different types of network ties (business and political) influence innovation ambidexterity. Using a sample of 264 Chinese industrial firms, we find that business ties are significantly associated with innovation ambidexterity. The results also show that although the direct effect of political ties on innovation ambidexterity is insignificant, political ties interact significantly with business ties to foster innovation ambidexterity.
Active faulting in a populated low-strain setting (Lower Rhine Graben, Central Europe) identified by geomorphic, geophysical and geological analysis
Authors: Kübler S. , Streich R. , Lück E. , Hoffmann M. , Friedrich A. M. , Strecker M. R.
Published: August 2016

The Lower Rhine Graben (Central Europe) is a prime example of a seismically active low-strain rift zone characterized by pronounced anthropogenic and climatic overprint of structures, and long recurrence intervals of large earthquakes. These factors render the identification of active faults and surface ruptures difficult. We investigated two fault scarps in the Lower Rhine Graben, to decipher their structural character, offset and potential seismogenic origin. Both scarps were modified by anthropogenic activity. The Hemmerich site lies
c.
20 km SW of Cologne, along the Erft Fault. The Untermaubach site lies SW of Düren, where the Schafberg Fault projects into the Rur River valley. At the Hemmerich site, geomorphic and geophysical data, as well as exploratory coring reveal evidence of repeated normal faulting. Geophysical analysis and palaeoseismological excavation at the Untermaubach site reveal a complex fault zone in Holocene gravels characterized by subtle gravel deformation. Differentiation of tectonic and fluvial features was only possible with trenching, because fault structures and grain sizes of the sediments were below the resolution of the geophysical data. Despite these issues, our investigation demonstrates that valuable insight into past earthquakes and seismogenic deformation in a low-strain environment can be revealed using a multidisciplinary approach.
Metaphors in metaheuristics
Authors: Sörensen Kenneth
Published: August 2016

Does paracetamol alleviate pain? The answer to that question is an unambiguous yes. Yes: on average, in most people, if one does not die from overdosing on it, paracetamol does alleviate pain, and its effect is stronger than that of a placebo. Apparently, the medical sciences have succeeded in gathering so much evidence for the pain-relieving qualities of paracetamol, that the answer to the question whether paracetamol really has an effect is no longer open for discussion.
Fungal and Oomycete Diseases of Tropical Tree Fruit Crops
Authors: Drenth André , Guest David I.
Published: August 2016

The tropics produce a range of fruit from tree crops that cannot be grown in colder climates. Bananas, mangos, several nuts, spices, coffee, and cacao are widely traded and much sought after around the world. However, the sustainable production of these tropical tree fruit crops faces significant challenges. Among these, losses due to pests and diseases play a large part in reducing yields, quality, and profitability. Using bananas and cacao as key examples, we outline some of the reasons fungal and oomycete diseases cause such significant losses to tropical tree crops. Cultivation of monocultures derived from limited genetic diversity, environmental conditions conducive for disease development, high levels of disease incidence and severity, a lack of disease resistance in planting materials, shortages of labor, and inadequate infrastructure and investment pose significant challenges, especially for smallholder producers. The expansion of travel and trade has given rise to emerging infectious plant diseases that add further insecurity and pressure. We conclude that holistic actions are needed on multiple fronts to address the growing problem of disease in tropical fruit tree crops.
Quarantine Regulations and the Impact of Modern Detection Methods
Authors: Martin Robert R. , Constable Fiona , Tzanetakis Ioannis E.
Published: August 2016

Producers worldwide need access to the best plant varieties and cultivars available to be competitive in global markets. This often means moving plants across international borders as soon as they are available. At the same time, quarantine agencies are tasked with minimizing the risk of introducing exotic pests and pathogens along with imported plant material, with the goal to protect domestic agriculture and native fauna and flora. These two drivers, the movement of more plant material and reduced risk of pathogen introduction, are at odds. Improvements in large-scale or next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics for data analysis have resulted in improved speed and accuracy of pathogen detection that could facilitate plant trade with reduced risk of pathogen movement. There are concerns to be addressed before NGS can replace existing tools used for pathogen detection in plant quarantine and certification programs. Here, we discuss the advantages and possible pitfalls of this technology for meeting the needs of plant quarantine and certification.
The serine protease-mediated increase in intestinal epithelial barrier function is dependent on occludin and requires an intact tight junction
Authors: Ronaghan Natalie J. , Shang Judie , Iablokov Vadim , Zaheer Raza , Colarusso Pina , Dion Sébastien , Désilets Antoine , Leduc Richard , Turner Jerrold R. , MacNaughton Wallace K.
Published: August 2016

Barrier dysfunction is a characteristic of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Understanding how the tight junction is modified to maintain barrier function may provide avenues for treatment of IBD. We have previously shown that the apical addition of serine proteases to intestinal epithelial cell lines causes a rapid and sustained increase in transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), but the mechanisms are unknown. We hypothesized that serine proteases increase barrier function through trafficking and insertion of tight junction proteins into the membrane, and this could enhance recovery of a disrupted monolayer after calcium switch or cytokine treatment. In the canine epithelial cell line, SCBN, we showed that matriptase, an endogenous serine protease, could potently increase TER. Using detergent solubility-based cell fractionation, we found that neither trypsin nor matriptase treatment changed levels of tight junction proteins at the membrane. In a fast calcium switch assay, serine proteases did not enhance the rate of recovery of the junction. In addition, serine proteases could not reverse barrier disruption induced by IFNγ and TNFα. We knocked down occludin in our cells using siRNA and found this prevented the serine protease-induced increase in TER. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), we found serine proteases induce a greater mobile fraction of occludin in the membrane. These data suggest that a functional tight junction is needed for serine proteases to have an effect on TER, and that occludin is a crucial tight junction protein in this mechanism.