bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PI3K class II α regulates δ-opioid receptor export from thetrans-Golgi network
Authors: Shiwarski Daniel J. , Darr Marlena , Telmer Cheryl A. , Bruchez Marcel P. , Puthenveedu Manojkumar A.
Published: June 2017

The interplay between signaling and trafficking by G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) has focused mainly on endocytic trafficking. Whether and how surface delivery of newly synthesized GPCRs is regulated by extracellular signals is less understood. Here we define a signaling-regulated checkpoint at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) that controls the surface delivery of the delta opioid receptor (δR). In PC12 cells, inhibition of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) activity blocked export of newly synthesized δR from the Golgi and delivery to the cell surface, similar to treatment with nerve growth factor (NGF). Depletion of class II phosphoinositide-3 kinase α (PI3K C2A), but not inhibition of class I PI3K, blocked δR export to comparable levels and attenuated δR-mediated cAMP inhibition. NGF treatment displaced PI3K C2A from the Golgi and optogenetic recruitment of the PI3K C2A kinase domain to the TGN-induced δR export downstream of NGF. Of importance, PI3K C2A expression promotes export of endogenous δR in primary trigeminal ganglion neurons. Taken together, our results identify PI3K C2A as being required and sufficient for δR export and surface delivery in neuronal cells and suggest that it could be a key modulator of a novel Golgi export checkpoint that coordinates GPCR delivery to the surface.
Who Becomes A Politician?*
Authors: Dal Bó Ernesto , Finan Frederico , Folke Olle , Persson Torsten , Rickne Johanna
Published: June 2017

Can a democracy attract competent leaders, while attaining broad representation? Economic models suggest that free-riding incentives and lower opportunity costs give the less competent a comparative advantage at entering political life. Moreover, if elites have more human capital, selecting on competence may lead to uneven representation. This article examines patterns of political selection among the universe of municipal politicians and national legislators in Sweden, using extraordinarily rich data on competence traits and social background for the entire population. We document four new facts that together characterize an “inclusive meritocracy.” First, politicians are on average significantly smarter and better leaders than the population they represent. Second, this positive selection is present even when conditioning on family (and hence social) background, suggesting that individual competence is key for selection. Third, the representation of social background, whether measured by parental earnings or occupational social class, is remarkably even. Fourth, there is at best a weak trade-off in selection between competence and social representation, mainly due to strong positive selection of politicians of low (parental) socioeconomic status. A broad implication of these facts is that it is possible for democracy to generate competent and socially representative leadership.
The rate of evolution of postmating-prezygotic reproductive isolation inDrosophila
Authors: Turissini David A. , McGirr Joseph A. , Patel Sonali S. , David Jean R. , Matute Daniel R.
Published: June 2017

Reproductive isolation (RI) is an intrinsic aspect of species, as described in the Biological Species Concept. For that reason, the identification of the precise traits and mechanisms of RI, and the rates at which they evolve, is crucial to understanding how species originate and persist. Nonetheless, precise measurements of the magnitude of reproductive isolation are rare. Previous work has measured the rates of evolution of prezygotic and postzygotic barriers to gene flow, yet no systematic analysis has carried out the study of the rates of evolution of postmating-prezygotic (PMPZ) barriers. We systematically measured the magnitude of two barriers to gene flow that act after mating occurs but before zygotic fertilization and also measured a premating (female mating rate in nonchoice experiments) and two postzygotic barriers (hybrid inviability and hybrid sterility) for all pairwise crosses of species within theDrosophila melanogastersubgroup. Our results indicate that PMPZ isolation evolves faster than hybrid inviability but slower than premating isolation. We also describe seven new interspecific hybrids in the group. Our findings open up a large repertoire of tools that will enable researchers to manipulate hybrids and explore the genetic basis of interspecific differentiation, reproductive isolation, and speciation.
Systems biology analysis using a genome-scale metabolic model shows that phosphine triggers global metabolic suppression in a resistant strain ofC. elegans
Authors: Ma Li , Chan Angelo Hoi Chung , Hattwell Jake , Ebert Paul R. , Schirra Horst Joachim
Published: June 2017

Background

Pest insects are increasingly resistant to phosphine gas, which is used globally to protect grain reserves. The enzyme dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) is a phosphine resistance factor and participates in four key steps of core metabolism, making it a potential central metabolic regulator.

Results

Here we used microarray data and NMR-based metabolomics to characterize the phosphine response of wild-typeC. elegansand the phosphine-resistant straindld-1(wr4) which has a partial loss-of-function mutation in the gene for DLD. In addition, we have constructedCeCon, aC. elegansgenome-scale metabolic model to facilitate integration of gene expression and metabolomics data.

Conclusions

The resulting systems biology analysis is consistent with the hypothesis that adaptation to a hypometabolic state is the most prominent mechanism of phosphine resistance in this nematode strain. The involvement of DLD in regulating and creating hypometabolic adaptation has implications for other biological phenomena involving hypometabolism, such as reperfusion injury and metabolic resistance.
Plasticity of plant defense and its evolutionary implications in wild populations ofBoechera stricta
Authors: Wagner Maggie R. , Mitchell-Olds Thomas
Published: June 2017

Phenotypic plasticity is thought to impact evolutionary trajectories by shifting trait values in a direction that is either favored by natural selection (“adaptive plasticity”) or disfavored (“nonadaptive” plasticity). However, it is unclear how commonly each of these types of plasticity occurs in natural populations. To answer this question, we measured glucosinolate defensive chemistry and reproductive fitness in over 1,500 individuals of the wild perennial mustardBoechera stricta,planted in four common gardens across central Idaho, USA. Glucosinolate profiles—including total glucosinolate quantity as well as the relative abundances and overall diversity of different compounds—were strongly plastic both among habitats and within habitats. Patterns of glucosinolate plasticity varied greatly among genotypes. More often than expected by chance, glucosinolate profiles shifted in a direction that matched the direction of natural selection, indicating that plasticity among habitats tended to increase relative fitness. In contrast, we found no evidence for within-habitat selection on glucosinolate reaction norm slopes (i.e., plasticity along a continuous environmental gradient). Together, our results indicate that glucosinolate plasticity may improve the ability ofB. strictapopulations to persist after migration to new habitats.
A Self-Organizing Short-Term Dynamical Memory Network
Authors: Federer Callie , Zylberberg Joel
Published: June 2017

Working memory requires information about external stimuli to be represented in the brain even after those stimuli go away. This information is encoded in the activities of neurons, and neural activities change over timescales of tens of milliseconds. Information in working memory, however, is retained for tens ofseconds, suggesting the question of how time-varying neural activities maintain stable representations. Prior work shows that, if the neural dynamics are in the ‘null space’ of the representation - so that changes to neural activity do not affect the downstream read-out of stimulus information - then information can be retained for periods much longer than the time-scale of individual-neuronal activities. The prior work, however, requires precisely constructed synaptic connectivity matrices, without explaining how this would arise in a biological neural network. To identify mechanisms through which biological networks can self-organize to learn memory function, we derived biologically plausible synaptic plasticity rules that dynamically modify the connectivity matrix to enable information storing. Networks implementing this plasticity rule can successfully learn to form memory representations even if only 10% of the synapses are plastic, they are robust to synaptic noise, and they can represent information about multiple stimuli.
Mounting Mouse Embryos for Microscopic Observation and Imaging
Authors: Yamanaka Yojiro
Published: June 2017

This protocol is used to create a convenient chamber for mouse embryos for microscopic observation and imaging.
Differentiating Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Embryoid Bodies in AggreWell Plates
Authors: Kibschull Mark
Published: June 2017

Embryonic stem (ES) cells can develop into many types of differentiated tissues if they are placed into a differentiating environment. This can occur in vivo when the ES cells are injected into or aggregated with an embryo, or in vitro if their culture conditions are modified to induce differentiation. Many times ES cell differentiation proceeds through an intermediate stage called the embryoid body (EB). EBs are round structures composed of ES cells that have undergone some of the initial stages of differentiation. EBs can then be manipulated further to generate more specific cell types. The method described here makes use of commercially available AggreWell 400 plates with prefabricated indentations that cradle each EB. Although these plates are relatively expensive, they may be suitable for some high-throughput experiments. This protocol describes the preparation of embryoid bodies of defined size and shape in a large-scale format (approximately 1200 embryoid bodies per preparation).
Searching for stereoisomerism in crystallographic databases: algorithm, analysis and chiral curiosities
Authors: Grothe E. , Meekes H. , de Gelder R.
Published: June 2017

The automated identification of chiral centres in molecular residues is a non-trivial task. Current tools that allow the user to analyze crystallographic data entries do not identify chiral centres in some of the more complex ring structures, or lack the possibility to determine and compare the chirality of multiple structures. This article presents an approach to identify asymmetric C atoms, which is based on the atomic walk count algorithm presented by Rücker & Rücker [(1993),J. Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci.33, 683–695]. The algorithm, which we implemented in a computer program namedChiChi, is able to compare isomeric residues based on the chiral centres that were identified. This allows for discrimination between enantiomers, diastereomers and constitutional isomers that are present in crystallographic databases.ChiChiwas used to process 254 354 organic entries from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). A thorough analysis of stereoisomerism in the CSD is presented accompanied by a collection of chiral curiosities that illustrate the strength and versatility of this approach.
Synthesis, crystallization, X-ray structural characterization and solid-state assembly of a cyclic hexapeptoid with propargyl and methoxyethyl side chains
Authors: Tedesco Consiglia , Macedi Eleonora , Meli Alessandra , Pierri Giovanni , Della Sala Giorgio , Drathen Christina , Fitch Andrew N. , Vaughan Gavin B. M. , Izzo Irene , De Riccardis Francesco
Published: June 2017

The synthesis and the structural characterization of a cyclic hexapeptoid with four methoxyethyl and two propargyl side chains have disclosed the presence of a hydrate crystal form [form (I)] and an anhydrous crystal form [form (II)]. The relative amounts of form (I) and form (II) in the as-purified product were determined by Rietveld refinement and depend on the purification procedures. In crystal form (I), peptoid molecules assemble in a columnar arrangement by means of side-chain-to-backbone C=CH...OC hydrogen bonds. In the anhydrous crystal form (II), cyclopeptoid molecules form ribbons by means of backbone-to-backbone CH2...OC hydrogen bonds, thus mimicking β-sheet secondary structures in proteins. In both crystal forms side chains act as joints among the columns or the ribbons and contribute to the stability of the whole solid-state assembly. Water molecules in the hydrate crystal form (I) bridge columns of cyclic peptoid molecules, providing a more efficient packing.
Sr1/2Ce5/14□1/7WO4: a new modulated ternary scheelite compound
Authors: Damascena dos Passos Rafael Hernandez , Arab Madjid , Pereira de Souza Carlson , Leroux Christine
Published: June 2017

For the first time, a ternary tetragonal scheelite structure tungstate with strontium and cerium cations, (Sr,Ce)WO4, was synthesized. As much as 35% Ce could be inserted into the structure, leaving 1\over 7 of the (Sr,Ce) cation sites vacant. Partial ordering of Sr and Ce, with atomic displacements, were shown by high-resolution electron microscopy. Two-dimensional incommensurate modulations occur in this material, in small domains 20 nm in size. The band gap of this compound is significantly lower than the band gap of SrWO4and this was related to the distortions of WO4and (Sr,Ce)O8polyhedra. The band gap value of 3.2 eV makes Sr1/2Ce5/14□1/7WO4a promising candidate for violet luminescence.
Electron Bio-Imaging Centre (eBIC): the UK national research facility for biological electron microscopy
Authors: Clare Daniel K. , Siebert C. Alistair , Hecksel Corey , Hagen Christoph , Mordhorst Valerie , Grange Michael , Ashton Alun W. , Walsh Martin A. , Grünewald Kay , Saibil Helen R. , Stuart David I. , Zhang Peijun
Published: June 2017

The recent resolution revolution in cryo-EM has led to a massive increase in demand for both time on high-end cryo-electron microscopes and access to cryo-electron microscopy expertise. In anticipation of this demand, eBIC was set up at Diamond Light Source in collaboration with Birkbeck College London and the University of Oxford, and funded by the Wellcome Trust, the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to provide access to high-end equipment through peer review. eBIC is currently in its start-up phase and began by offering time on a single FEI Titan Krios microscope equipped with the latest generation of direct electron detectors from two manufacturers. Here, the current status and modes of access for potential users of eBIC are outlined. In the first year of operation, 222 d of microscope time were delivered to external research groups, with 95 visits in total, of which 53 were from unique groups. The data collected have generated multiple high- to intermediate-resolution structures (2.8–8 Å), ten of which have been published. A second Krios microscope is now in operation, with two more due to come online in 2017. In the next phase of growth of eBIC, in addition to more microscope time, new data-collection strategies and sample-preparation techniques will be made available to external user groups. Finally, all raw data are archived, and a metadata catalogue and automated pipelines for data analysis are being developed.
The resilience strategies of SMEs in mature clusters
Authors: Conz Elisa , Denicolai Stefano , Zucchella Antonella
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, according to the evolutionary perspective of resilience, is to provide a revised adaptive cycle model that explains how organisations that are embedded in a local system can foster their resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case study analysis was carried out. The study adopted the methods and principles proposed by Eisenhardt (1989). Case studies were selected according the match-pair method and consist of two Italian wineries operating into the same wine cluster. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed through descriptive statistics and qualitative data analysis techniques.

Findings

The study proposes a revised model for the resilience strategies of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which combines firm and cluster level. Findings show that the resilience of SMEs is primarily driven by internal resilience strategies, and their surviving and adapting capacity, from a certain point of the evolutionary cycle, is fostered by internal decisions rather than by the influence of the external environment.

Research limitations/implications

The study has some limitations. In particular, the exploratory survey does not permit the generalisation of results, and further empirical evidence is required. This research represents an initial step toward the development of a more exhaustive understanding of how the relationship SMEs-cluster can positively or negatively affect the resilience of organisations.

Practical implications

The proposed model for the resilience strategies of SMEs offers also insights for managers and entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study significantly contributes to theory on resilience in the management field, that is largely related to economic geography, while investigations about the resilience at the firm level are limited and inconclusive.
Learning competencies through engineering research group experiences
Authors: Burt Brian A.
Published: June 2017

Purpose

In some fields, research group experiences gained in laboratories are more influential than the classroom in shaping graduate students’ research abilities, understandings of post-graduate careers and professional identities. However, little is known about what and how students learn from their research group experiences. This paper aims to explore the learning experiences of engineering graduate students in one chemical engineering research group to determine what students learned and to identify the practices and activities that facilitated their learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Ethnography was used to observe the experiences of one research group in chemical engineering. Fieldwork included 13 months of observations, 31 formal interviews (16 first-round and 15 second-round interviews) and informal interviews. Fieldnotes and transcriptions were analyzed using grounded theory techniques.

Findings

Research group members developed four dominant competencies: presenting research, receiving and responding to feedback, solving problems and troubleshooting problems. Students’ learning was facilitated by the practices and activities of the research group (e.g. weekly full group and subgroup meetings) and mediated through the interactions of others (i.e. peers, faculty supervisor and lab manager).

Originality/value

This study adds to the engineering education literature and contributes to the larger discourse on identifying promising practices and activities that improve student learning in graduate education.
Early Research Findings from Journeys Home: Longitudinal Study of Factors Affecting Housing Stability
Authors: Ribar David C.
Published: June 2017

Journeys Home: Longitudinal Study of Factors Affecting Housing Stability is a national, six‐wave survey of 1,682 disadvantaged Australians who were either homeless or at risk of homelessness. This article summarises findings from more than a dozen initial studies that have conducted multivariate analyses of the survey to investigate the causes and consequences of homelessness and other outcomes. Although homelessness is strongly correlated with many social problems, the multivariate studies that adjust for conditions that co‐occur with homelessness have found far fewer associations. The studies indicate that the experiences and circumstances of homelessness are complex, with different surrounding conditions, durations and paths into and out of homelessness.
Two‐Stage Residual Inclusion Estimation in Health Services Research and Health Economics
Authors: Terza Joseph V.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Empirical analyses in health services research and health economics often require implementation of nonlinear models whose regressors include one or more endogenous variables—regressors that are correlated with the unobserved random component of the model. In such cases, implementation of conventional regression methods that ignore endogeneity will likely produce results that are biased and not causally interpretable. Terza et al. (2008) discuss a relatively simple estimation method that avoids endogeneity bias and is applicable in a wide variety of nonlinear regression contexts. They call this method two‐stage residual inclusion (2SRI). In the present paper, I offer a 2SRI how‐to guide for practitioners and a step‐by‐step protocol that can be implemented with any of the popular statistical or econometric software packages.

Study Design

We introduce the protocol and its Stata implementation in the context of a real data example. Implementation of 2SRI for a very broad class of nonlinear models is then discussed. Additional examples are given.

Empirical Application

We analyze cigarette smoking as a determinant of infant birthweight using data from Mullahy (1997).

Conclusion

It is hoped that the discussion will serve as a practical guide to implementation of the 2SRI protocol for applied researchers.
The effect of sintering atmosphere and C/U on UCO microspheres by internal gelation process with carbon black
Authors: Sun Xi , Deng Changsheng , Li Ziqiang , Ma Jingtao , Liu Bing
Published: June 2017

UCO ceramic microspheres were fabricated by combination of internal gelation and carbothermic reduction process. The effects of the sintering atmosphere and C/U ratio on the UCO ceramic microspheres were studied. The composition, surface morphology, and microstructure of the sintered UCO ceramic microspheres were analyzed. The results indicated that increasing CO concentration in the sintering atmosphere could slow down the rate of the carbothermic reduction, and when the concentration of CO increased to 20% or above, CO could inhibit the reaction, and the microstructure of the sintered microspheres changed obviously and became loose. With the increase in C/U ratio in the broth, some residual carbon would exist in the sintered microspheres due to large size of the carbon particles. The increase in C/U did not cause the reduction in the crush strength and geometrical density of the microspheres. When the C/U was above 2.5, dense and strong UCO ceramic microspheres were produced in argon containing 5% CO at 1680°C.
Autonomic nervous system modulation and clinical outcome after pulmonary vein isolation using the second‐generation cryoballoon
Authors: Miyazaki Shinsuke , Nakamura Hiroaki , Taniguchi Hiroshi , Hachiya Hitoshi , Kajiyama Takatsugu , Watanabe Tomonori , Igarashi Miyako , Ichijo Sadamitsu , Hirao Kenzo , Iesaka Yoshito
Published: June 2017

Background

The intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a significant role in atrial fibrillation (AF) mechanisms. This study evaluated the incidence and impact of intraprocedural vagal reactions and ANS modulation by pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using second‐generation cryoballoons on outcomes.

Methods

One hundred three paroxysmal AF patients underwent PVI with one 28‐mm second‐generation balloon. The median follow‐up was 15.0 (12.0–18.0) months. ANS modulation was defined as a >20% cycle length decrease on 3‐minute resting electrocardiograms at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postindex procedure relative to baseline if sinus rhythm was maintained.

Results

Marked sinus arrests/bradycardia and atrioventricular block (intraprocedural vagal reaction) occurred in 14 and 2 patients, and all sinus arrest/bradycardia occurred in 44 patients with left superior pulmonary veins (PVs) targeted before right PVs. ANS modulation was identified in 66 of 95 (69.5%) patients, and it persisted 12‐month postprocedure in 36 (37.9%) patients. Additional β‐blocker administration was required in 9 patients for sinus tachycardia. ANS modulation was similarly observed in patients with and without intraprocedural vagal reactions (P = 0.443). Forty‐eight (46.6%) patients experienced early recurrences, and the single procedure success at 12 months was 72.7%. Neither intraprocedural vagal reactions nor ANS modulation predicted AF freedom within or after the blanking period. Thirty‐three patients underwent second procedures, and reconnections were detected in 39 of 130 (30.0%) PVs among 23 (69.7%) patients. The incidence of reconnections was similar in patients with and without ANS modulation.

Conclusions

Increased heart rate persisted in 37.9% of patients even at 12‐month post‐second‐generation cryoballoon PVI. Neither intraprocedural vagal reactions nor increased heart rate predicted a single procedure clinical outcome.
Effect of Dexamethasone and Fluticasone on Airway Hyperresponsiveness in Horses With Inflammatory Airway Disease
Authors: Léguillette R. , Tohver T. , Bond S.L. , Nicol J.A. , McDonald K.J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AWHR), expressed as hypersensitivity (PC75RL) or hyperreactivity (slope of the histamine dose‐response curve), is a feature of inflammatory airway disease (IAD) or mild equine asthma in horses. Glucocorticoids are used empirically to treatIAD.

Objectives

To determine whether dexamethasone (DEX) (0.05 mg/kgIMq24h) and inhaled fluticasone (FLUT) (3,000 μg q12h) administered by inhalation are effective in decreasing AWHR, lung inflammation, and clinical signs in horses withIAD.

Methods

A randomized crossover study design was used. Eight horses withIADwere assigned to a treatment group with eitherDEXorFLUT. Measured outcomes included lung mechanics during bronchoprovocative challenges, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology, and scoring of clinical signs during exercise.

Results

Dexamethasone andFLUTabolished the increase inRLby 75% at any histamine bronchoprovocative dose in all horses after the first week of treatment. However, after 2 weeks ofFLUTtreatment, 1 horse redeveloped hypersensitivity. There was a significant decrease in the number of lymphocytes after treatment with bothDEXandFLUT(P= .039 for both) but no significant differences in otherBALFcell types or total cell counts (P> .05). There was no difference in the scoring of the clinical signs during each treatment and washout period (P> .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

BothDEXandFLUTtreatments significantly inhibit airway hypersensitivity and hyperreactivity in horses withIAD. There are no significant effects on the clinical signs or the number of inflammatory cells (except lymphocytes) inBALF. The treatments have no residual effect 3 weeks after discontinuation.
Disturbance‐mediated Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom (CHAB) formation in a small Ohio reservoir
Authors: Ruhl Nathan , Sullivan Nicole
Published: June 2017

Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CHABs) in lentic waterbodies are becoming increasingly common because of climate change, changes in water usage and eutrophication. This study provides observational evidence that CHAB formation in a small Ohio reservoir (Lake Hope) is associated with metalimnetic disturbance during the summer months. Disturbance via lotic interflow may result in the appearance of CHABs in lentic habitats, with cyanobacterial maxima in the metalimnion.
Permanent His bundle pacing: Electrophysiological and echocardiographic observations from long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi , Dandamudi Gopi , Lustgarten Daniel , Ellenbogen Kenneth A
Published: June 2017

Background

Permanent His bundle pacing (HBP) is a physiological alternative to right ventricular pacing. It is not known whether HBP can cause His‐Purkinje conduction (HPC) disease. The aim of our study is to assess His bundle capture and its effect on left ventricular (LV) function in long‐term follow‐up and to determine HPC at the time of pulse generator change (GC) in patients with chronic HBP.

Methods

HB electrograms were recorded from the pacing lead at implant and GC. HBP QRS duration (QRSd), His‐ventricular (HV) intervals, and HB pacing thresholds at GC were compared with implant measurements. HPC was assessed by pacing at cycle lengths of 700 ms, 600 ms, and 500 ms at GC. LV internal diameters, ejection fraction (EF), and valve dysfunction at baseline were compared with echocardiography during follow‐up.

Results

GC was performed in 20 patients (men 13; age 74 ± 14 years) with HBP at 70 ± 24 months postimplant. HV intervals remained unchanged from initial implant (44 ± 4 ms vs 45 ± 4 ms). During HBP at 700 ms, 600 ms, and 500 ms (n = 17), consistent 1:1 HPC was present. HBP QRSd remained unchanged during follow‐up (117 ± 20 ms vs 118 ± 23 ms). HBP threshold at implant and GC was 1.9 ± 1.1 V and 2.5 ± 1.2 V @ 0.5 ms. Despite high pacing burden (77 ± 13%), there was no significant change in LVEF (50 ± 14% at implant) during follow‐up (55 ± 6%, P = 0.06).

Conclusions

HBP does not appear to cause new HPC abnormalities and is associated with stable HBP QRSd during long‐term follow‐up. Despite high pacing burden, HBP did not result in deterioration of left ventricular systolic function or cause new valve dysfunction.
The personality basis of aggression: The mediating role of anger and the moderating role of emotional intelligence
Authors: García‐Sancho Esperanza , Dhont Kristof , Salguero José M. , Fernández‐Berrocal Pablo
Published: June 2017

High neuroticism and low agreeableness have been found to predict higher levels of aggression through an increase of negative emotions such as anger. However, previous research has only investigated these indirect associations for physical aggression, whereas evidence for such indirect effects on other types of aggression (i.e., verbal or indirect aggression) is currently lacking. Moreover, no previous work has investigated the moderating role of Ability Emotional Intelligence (AEI), which may buffer against the effects of anger on aggression. The present study (N = 665) directly addresses these gaps in the literature. The results demonstrate that high neuroticism and low agreeableness were indirectly related to higher levels of physical, verbal, and indirect aggression via increased chronic accessibility to anger. Importantly however, the associations with physical aggression were significantly weaker for those higher (vs. lower) on AEI, confirming the buffering role of AEI. We discuss the implications of our findings for theoretical frameworks aiming to understand and reduce aggression and violent behavior.
The 45 years of foreign direct investment research: Approaches, advances and analytical areas
Authors: Paul Justin , Singh Gurmeet
Published: June 2017

What are the main tenets associated with foreign direct investment (FDI)? What research has been performed in the area of FDI to date? Which direction should research in this field proceed in the days to come? As there is no article with comprehensive coverage of all the studies on FDI, we review empirical research in this area between the years 1970 and 2014 as an attempt to answer these questions. We identify the advances and analytical areas of FDI research, list out the impactful research papers and authors, theoretical and methodological approaches, leading journals and variables of interest that exist in the area of FDI research. As the research into the FDI has advanced significantly over the last two decades, we have also tried to point out the gaps in the literature. Taken together, our paper highlights the heterogeneous nature of FDI across countries and firms.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Johnson Patricia
Published: June 2017

Studies in Media and Communication (SMC) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether SMC publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 1Andreas Veglis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GreeceAntonio García Gómez, University of Alcalá de Henares, SpainAslı Sezgin, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, TurkeyBegoña Montero-Fleta, Universitat Poltècnica de València, SpainBernard Naledzani Rasila, University of Venda, South AfricaCamelia Cmeciu, Danubius University of Galati, RomaniaCarmen Pérez-Sabater, Universitat Politècnica de València, SpainChristos Giannoulis, University of the Aegean, GreeceDorina Ticu, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, RomaniaJavier Serrano Puche, University of Navarra, SpainJenny-Ann Danell, Umea University, SwedenKaterina Diamantaki, University of Ioannina, GreeceKunle Olufemi Aramide, The Polytechnic Ibadan, NigeriaNdoma Brown, Michigan Technological University, NigeriaPhilemon Bantimaroudis, University of the Aegean, GreeceRefat Aljumily, Newcastle University, UKSheila Pontis, University of the Arts London, USASimone Tosoni, Catholic University of Milan, ItalyXin Shuai, Indiana University Bloomington, ChinaYi Luo, Montclair State University, USAYoung Joon Lim, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA   Patricia JohnsonEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Studies in Media and CommunicationRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://smc.redfame.com
Randomised trial of mitral valve repair with leaflet resection versus leaflet preservation on functional mitral stenosis (The CAMRA CardioLink-2 Trial)
Authors: Chan Vincent , Chu Michael W A , Leong-Poi Howard , Latter David A , Hall Judith , Thorpe Kevin E , de Varennes Benoit E , Quan Adrian , Tsang Wendy , Dhingra Natasha , Yared Kibar , Teoh Hwee , Chu F Victor , Chan Kwan-Leung , Mesana Thierry G , Connelly Kim A , Ruel Marc , Jüni Peter , Mazer C David , Verma Subodh
Published: June 2017

Background

The gold-standard treatment of severe mitral regurgitation (MR) due to degenerative disease is valve repair, which is surgically performed with either a leaflet resection or leaflet preservation approach. Recent data suggest that functional mitral stenosis (MS) may occur following valve repair using a leaflet resection strategy, which adversely affects patient prognosis. A randomised comparison of these two approaches to mitral repair on functional MS has not been conducted.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, multicentre randomised controlled trial designed to test the hypothesis that leaflet preservation leads to better preservation of mitral valve geometry, and therefore, will be superior to leaflet resection for the primary outcome of functional MS as assessed by 12-month mean mitral valve gradient at peak exercise. Eighty-eight patients with posterior leaflet prolapse will be randomised intraoperatively once deemed by the operating surgeon to feasibly undergo mitral repair using either a leaflet resection or leaflet preservation approach. Secondary end points include comparison of repair strategies with regard to mitral valve orifice area, leaflet coaptation height, 6 min walk test and a composite major adverse event end point consisting of recurrent MR ≥2+, death or hospital readmission for congestive heart failure within 12 months of surgery.

Ethics and dissemination

Institutional ethics approval has been obtained from all enrolling sites. Overall, there remains clinical equipoise regarding the mitral valve repair strategy that is associated with the least likelihood of functional MS. This trial hopes to introduce high-quality evidence to help surgical decision making in this context.

Trial registration number

NCT02552771.
Healthcare costs of asthma comorbidities: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ferkh Karim El , Nwaru Bright I , Griffiths Chris , Patel Anita , Sheikh Aziz
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Asthma is associated with many comorbid conditions that have the potential to impact on its management, control and outcomes. These comorbid conditions have the potential to impact on healthcare expenditure. We plan to undertake a systematic review to synthesise the evidence on the healthcare costs associated with asthma comorbidity.

Methods and analysis

We will systematically search the following electronic databases between January 2000 and January 2017: National Health Service (NHS) Economic Evaluation Database, Google Scholar, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Global Health, PsychINFO, Medline, Embase, Institute for Scientific Information Web of Science and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. We will search the references in the identified studies for additional potential papers. Additional literature will be identified by contacting experts in the field and through searching of registers of ongoing studies. The review will include cost-effectiveness and economic modelling/evaluation studies and analytical observational epidemiology studies that have investigated the healthcare costs of asthma comorbidity. Two reviewers will independently screen studies and extract relevant data from included studies. Methodological quality of epidemiological studies will be assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool, while that of economic evaluation studies will be assessed using the Drummond checklist. This protocol has been published in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (No. CRD42016051005).

Ethics and dissemination

As there are no primary data collected, formal NHS ethical review is not necessary. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences.

PROSPEROregistration number

CRD42016051005.
LIVELIHOOD IN BHITARKANIKA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, INDIA: AN IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF ECOTOURISM PRACTICES
Authors: DAS MADHUMITA , CHATTERJEE BANI
Published: June 2017

The present study examines the livelihood impact of ecotourism policy in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (BKWS), Odisha, India. Results confirm that ecotourism has created several employment opportunities for the locals and the participants earn better compared to the non-participants. However, the locals suffer due to man-animal conflict and the non-participants suffer the most as farming is their major occupation. Crop damage and livestock depredation by wild animals cause a great economic loss to the villagers. The losses often result in aggravating poverty, food insecurity, additional expenses for investing on mitigating measures and consequently diminished state of socio-economic wellbeing. Thus proper measures can go a long way in founding a better relationship between the forest department and the villagers.
A new, bright and hard aluminum surface produced by anodization
Authors: Hou Fengyan , Hu Bo , Tay See Leng , Wang Yuxin , Xiong Chao , Gao Wei
Published: June 2017

Anodized aluminum (Al) and Al alloys have a wide range of applications. However, certain anodized finishings have relatively low hardness, dull appearance and/or poor corrosion resistance, which limited their applications. In this research, Al was first electropolished in a phosphoric acid-based solution, then anodized in a sulfuric acid-based solution under controlled processing parameters. The anodized specimen was then sealed by two-step sealing method. A systematic study including microstructure, surface morphology, hardness and corrosion resistance of these anodized films has been conducted. Results show that the hardness of this new anodized film was increased by a factor of 10 compared with the pure Al metal. Salt spray corrosion testing also demonstrated the greatly improved corrosion resistance. Unlike the traditional hard anodized Al which presents a dull-colored surface, this newly developed anodized Al alloy possesses a very bright and shiny surface with good hardness and corrosion resistance.
Effect of age, diet, and tissue type on PCr response to creatine supplementation
Authors: Solis Marina Yazigi , Artioli Guilherme Giannini , Otaduy Maria Concepción García , Leite Claudia da Costa , Arruda Walquiria , Veiga Raquel Ramos , Gualano Bruno
Published: June 2017

Creatine/phosphorylcreatine (PCr) responses to creatine supplementation may be modulated by age, diet, and tissue, but studies assessing this possibility are lacking. Therefore we aimed to determine whether PCr responses vary as a function of age, diet, and tissue. Fifteen children, 17 omnivorous and 14 vegetarian adults, and 18 elderly individuals (“elderly”) participated in this study. Participants were given placebo and subsequently creatine (0.3 g·kg−1·day−1) for 7 days in a single-blind fashion. PCr was measured through phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) in muscle and brain. Creatine supplementation increased muscle PCr in children ( P < 0.0003) and elderly ( P < 0.001), whereas the increase in omnivores did not reach statistically significant difference ( P = 0.3348). Elderly had greater PCr increases than children and omnivores ( P < 0.0001 for both), whereas children experienced greater PCr increases than omnivores ( P = 0.0022). In relation to diet, vegetarians ( P < 0.0001), but not omnivores, had significant increases in muscle PCr content. Brain PCr content was not affected by creatine supplementation in any group, and delta changes in brain PCr (−0.7 to +3.9%) were inferior to those in muscle PCr content (+10.3 to +27.6%; P < 0.0001 for all comparisons). PCr responses to a standardized creatine protocol (0.3 g·kg−1·day−1 for 7 days) may be affected by age, diet, and tissue. Whereas creatine supplementation was able to increase muscle PCr in all groups, although to different extents, brain PCr was shown to be unresponsive overall. These findings demonstrate the need to tailor creatine protocols to optimize creatine/PCr accumulation both in muscle and in brain, enabling a better appreciation of the pleiotropic properties of creatine.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A standardized creatine supplementation protocol (0.3 g·kg−1·day−1 for 7 days) effectively increased muscle, but not brain, phosphorylcreatine. Older participants responded better than younger participants whereas vegetarians responded better than omnivores. Responses to supplementation are thus dependent on age, tissue, and diet. This suggests that a single “universal” protocol, originally designed for increasing muscle creatine in young individuals, may lead to heterogeneous muscle responses in different populations or even no responses in tissues other than skeletal muscle.
Erythrocyte Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content in Elite Athletes in Response to Omega-3 Supplementation: A Dose-Response Pilot Study
Authors: Drobnic Franchek , Rueda Félix , Pons Victoria , Banquells Montserrat , Cordobilla Begoña , Domingo Joan Carles
Published: June 2017

Introduction. Supplementation of Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3FA) in athletes is related to the anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidant effect and consequently its action on all the processes of tissue restoration and adaptation to physical stress.Objective. Evaluate the Omega-3 Index (O3Ix) response, in red blood cells, to supplemental EPA + DHA intake in the form of high purity and stable composition gums (G), in elite summer athletes.Method. Twenty-four summer sport athletes of both sexes, pertaining to the Olympic Training Center in Spain, were randomized to two groups (2G = 760 or 3G = 1140 mg of n-3 FA in Omegafort OKids, Ferrer Intl.) for 4 months. Five athletes and four training staff volunteers were control group.Results. The O3Ix was lower than 8% in 93.1% of all the athletes. The supplementation worked in a dose-dependent manner: 144% for the 3G dose and 135% for the 2G, bothp<0.001, with a 3% significant decrease of Omega-6 FAs. No changes were observed for the control group.Conclusions. Supplementation with n-3FA increases the content of EPA DHA in the red blood cells at 4 months in a dose-dependent manner. Athletes with lower basal O3Ix were more prone to increment their levels. The study is registered with Protocol Registration and Results System (ClinicalTrials.gov) numberNCT02610270.
Home Features and Assistive Technology for the Home-Bound Elderly in a Thai Suburban Community by Applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health
Authors: Putthinoi Supawadee , Lersilp Suchitporn , Chakpitak Nopasit
Published: June 2017

The ageing population is having an impact worldwide and has created a serious challenge in Thailand’s healthcare systems, whereby healthcare practitioners play a major role in promoting independent interaction of their client’s abilities, as well as environmental factors. The purpose of this study was to survey features of the home and assistive technology (AT) for the home-bound elderly in the community of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Home evaluation included features inside and outside the home, and AT was based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) concept. Methods included observation and an interview that were used by the researcher for evaluation. The study found that every home had at least one hazardous home feature such as inappropriate width of the door, high door threshold, tall stair steps, no bedside rail, and inappropriate height of the toilet pan. AT was found in houses as general products and technology for personal use in daily living and for personal indoor and outdoor mobility as well as transportation. Therefore, home features and AT can afford the home-bound elderly independent living within the community. Perspective AT according to the ICF concept could provide a common language for ageing in place benefits.
The Effects of Lycopene and Insulin on Histological Changes and the Expression Level of Bcl-2 Family Genes in the Hippocampus of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Soleymaninejad Masoume , Joursaraei Seyed Gholamali , Feizi Farideh , Jafari Anarkooli Iraj
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antioxidants lycopene and insulin on histological changes and expression of Bcl-2 family genes in the hippocampus of streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic rats. Forty-eight Wistar rats were divided into six groups of control (C), control treated with lycopene (CL), diabetic (D), diabetic treated with insulin (DI), diabetic treated with lycopene (DL), and diabetic treated with insulin and lycopene (DIL). Diabetes was induced by an injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, IP), lycopene (4 mg/kg/day) was given to the lycopene treated groups as gavages, and insulin (Sc, 1-2 U/kg/day) was injected to the groups treated with insulin. The number of hippocampus neurons undergoing cell death in group D had significant differences with groups C and DIL (p<0.001). Furthermore, insulin and lycopene alone or together reduced the expression of Bax, but increased Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL levels in DI, DL, and DIL rats, especially when compared to group D (p<0.001). The ratios of Bax/Bcl-2 and Bax/Bcl-xL in DI, DL, and DIL rats were also reduced (p<0.001). Our results indicate that treatment with insulin and/or lycopene contribute to the prevention of cell death by reducing the expression of proapoptotic genes and increasing the expression of antiapoptotic genes in the hippocampus.