bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of replacing alfalfa hay with a mixture of cassava foliage silage and sweet potato vine silage on ruminal and intestinal digestion in sheep
Authors: Dang Hoang Lam , Lv Renlong , Obitsu Taketo , Sugino Toshihisa
Published: October 2017

This study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing alfalfa hay (AH) with a mixture of cassava foliage silage and sweet potato vine silage (CSP) (1:1 on a dry matter (DM) basis) on ruminal and intestinal nutrient digestion in sheep. Four wethers were fed a control diet containing 35% ofAHand two treatment diets containing 15% and 30% of theCSPas substitute forAHat 1.5 times the metabolizable energy required for maintenance. ReplacingAHwith theCSPsilage did not affectDMintake, whereas it linearly increased (P < 0.05) the intake of ether extract and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN). Increasing theCSPsubstitution linearly decreased (P < 0.05) ruminalDMand neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) digestibility; however, it did not affect total tractaNDFom digestibility. TheCSPsubstitution did not affect nitrogen (N) intake and duodenal total N flow, whereas it linearly increased duodenalADINflow (P < 0.01) and decreased ruminal ammonia‐N concentration (P < 0.01), and intestinal (P = 0.08) and total N digestibility (P < 0.01). These results indicate that replacingAHwith theCSPreduced the ruminal N degradation as well as the digestion of ruminalaNDFom and intestinal N.
Optimization and physicochemical properties of nutritional protein isolate from pork liver with ultrasound‐assisted alkaline extraction
Authors: Zou Ye , Bian Huan , Li Pengpeng , Sun Zhilan , Sun Chong , Zhang Muhan , Geng Zhiming , Xu Weimin , Wang Daoying
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal conditions of ultrasound‐assisted alkaline extraction (UAAE) on pork liver protein isolate (UPLPI) and its physico‐chemical properties. Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimal conditions for UAAE, which were at ultrasonic power 265 W, ultrasonic time 42 min, NaOH concentration 0.80%, temperature 50°C, and solvent/raw material ratio 70. The extraction yield and efficiency of UPLPI were significantly improved over the conventional alkaline extraction (PLPI). The results of amino acid composition showed that UAAE could increase serine (36.5 g/kg), arginine (38.1 g/kg), alanine (37.5 g/kg), proline (48.7 g/kg), phenylalanine (55.6 g/kg) and lysine (47.2 g/kg) elution amount. The changes in fourier transform infrared spectra indicated unfolding and destruction of the protein structure in UPLPI. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis presented UPLPI with a slightly lower onset and peak denaturation temperature over PLPI. Surface hydrophobicity increased and the microstructures presented larger and more pores of UPLPI, therefore, it had better in vitro digestibility than PLPI. Therefore, UPLPI might have a potential application prospect in the food field due to its changes on molecular structure as well as on the microstructure of protein by UAAE.
The use of accelerometer to measure sleeping posture of beef cows
Authors: Fukasawa Michiru , Komatsu Tokushi , Higashiyama Yumi , Oshibe Akinori
Published: October 2017

Sleep is one of the essential behaviors for mammals. The aims of this study were to validate the use of accelerometer for measuring sleeping posture of cattle. Duration of sleeping posture of seven Japanese Black cows from 19.00 to 07.00 hours was measured by both accelerometer and video, and a total of 67 accelerometer and video measurement sets were collected. We calculated Cohen's κ coefficient between accelerometer and video measurements and 91.5% of the κ‐values were >0.80. Intra‐ and inter‐observer coefficient of variance showed that specific acceleration waveform patterns of sleeping posture could be easily and accurately detected by independent observers. There were no significant differences in the frequency of sleeping posture occurrences between accelerometer and video measurements. We compared averaged sleeping posture bout, and the total sleeping posture time between accelerometer and video measurements using regression. In each trait, the slope was close to 1 and the intercept was not different from 0, which showed a strong agreement between accelerometer and video measurements. This shows that an accelerometer could accurately detect sleeping postures of cattle. We conclude that adequate measurements of sleeping postures can be made using an accelerometer.
A Two-stage Model for Wearable Device Data
Authors: Bai Jiawei , Sun Yifei , Schrack Jennifer A. , Crainiceanu Ciprian M. , Wang Mei-Cheng
Published: October 2017

Recent advances of wearable computing technology have allowed continuous health monitoring in large observational studies and clinical trials. Examples of data collected by wearable devices include minute-by-minute physical activity proxies measured by accelerometers or heart rate. The analysis of data generated by wearable devices has so far been quite limited to crude summaries, for example, the mean activity count over the day. To better utilize the full data and account for the dynamics of activity level in the time domain, we introduce a two-stage regression model for the minute-by-minute physical activity proxy data. The model allows for both time-varying parameters and time-invariant parameters, which helps capture both the transition dynamics between active/inactive periods (Stage 1) and the activity intensity dynamics during active periods (Stage 2). The approach extends methods developed for zero-inflated Poisson data to account for the high-dimensionality and time-dependence of the high density data generated by wearable devices. Methods are motivated by and applied to the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.
Heterogeneous Reciprocal Graphical Models
Authors: Ni Yang , Müller Peter , Zhu Yitan , Ji Yuan
Published: October 2017

We develop novel hierarchical reciprocal graphical models to infer gene networks from heterogeneous data. In the case of data that can be naturally divided into known groups, we propose to connect graphs by introducing a hierarchical prior across group-specific graphs, including a correlation on edge strengths across graphs. Thresholding priors are applied to induce sparsity of the estimated networks. In the case of unknown groups, we cluster subjects into subpopulations and jointly estimate cluster-specific gene networks, again using similar hierarchical priors across clusters. We illustrate the proposed approach by simulation studies and three applications with multiplatform genomic data for multiple cancers.
Using learning analytics to explore self‐regulated learning in flipped blended learning music teacher education
Authors: Montgomery Amanda P. , Mousavi Amin , Carbonaro Michael , Hayward Denyse V. , Dunn William
Published: October 2017

Blended learning (BL) is a popular e‐Learning model in higher education that has the potential to take advantage of learning analytics (LA) to support student learning. This study utilized LA to investigate fourth‐year undergraduates' (n = 157) use of self‐regulated learning (SRL) within the online components of a previously unexamined BL discipline, Music Teacher Education. SRL behaviors were captured unobtrusively in real time through students' interaction with course materials in Moodle. Categorized by function: (1) activating—online access location, day‐of‐the‐week, time‐of‐day; (2) sustaining—online frequency; and (3) structuring—online regularity and exam review patterns, all six SRL behaviors were revealed to have weak to moderate significant relationships with academic achievement. Results indicated access day‐of‐the‐week and access frequency as the strongest predictors for student success. Findings regarding access regularity when viewed through results from previous SRL‐LA research may suggest the importance of this SRL behavior for successful students within several BL discipline areas. In addition, the role of learning design (eg, flipped instruction) in potentially scaffolding students' choices toward specific SRL behaviors, was revealed as an important context for future researchers' consideration.
Democratic Tradition and the Failed Presidency ofLucioGutierrez inEcuador
Authors: MARTÍNEZ CHRISTOPHER A.
Published: October 2017

InApril 2005,LucioGutiérrez was removed from office in the context of a fast‐growing economy. With no economic hardship to fuel social outrage, the failure ofGutiérrez illustrates how political and institutional factors can be the most important forces determining presidential survival. In this article, we qualitatively analyse the path toward confrontation betweenGutiérrez and the congressional opposition which led to his political demise. We find thatEcuador's weak democratic tradition working through more proximate causes – radicalism, normative preference for democratic institutions and a negative institutional equilibrium – coupled with other institutional and political variables acceleratedLucioGutiérrez's fall from power.
Synthesis and evaluation of a novel 99mTc nitrido radiopharmaceutical with alendronate dithiocarbamate as a potential bone‐imaging agent
Authors: Song Xiaoqing , Wang Yue , Zhang Junbo , Jin Zhonghui , Zhang Weifang , Zhang Yanyan
Published: October 2017

Currently, a popular strategy for designing novel radioprobes as bone‐imaging agents is based on the concept of bifunctional radiopharmaceuticals. Considering the dithiocarbamate ligand can act as a suitable bifunctional linking agent to attach technetium‐99m (99mTc) to corresponding target molecules, in this study, alendronate dithiocarbamate (ALNDTC) was synthesized and radiolabeled with [99mTc≡N]2+ core by ligand exchange reaction to produce 99mTcN‐ALNDTC complex, for the potential use as a novel probe for bone imaging. The radiochemical purity of the complex was over 90%. The complex was stable in vitro and could bind to hydroxyapatite. The partition coefficient result indicated it was hydrophilic, and an evaluation of biodistribution in mice indicated that the complex exhibited a higher bone uptake than did 99mTc‐labeled methylenediphosphonate (99mTc‐MDP). Further, single photon emission computed tomography imaging study indicated clear accumulation in bone, suggesting that 99mTcN‐ALNDTC would be a promising candidate for bone imaging.
Ethnic Harassment and Immigrant Youth's Engagement in Violent Behaviors: Understanding the Risk Factors
Authors: Bayram Özdemir Sevgi , Özdemir Metin , Stattin Håkan
Published: October 2017

The present study aimed to examine whether ethnic harassment was related to violent behaviors among immigrant youth over time and to identify the risk factors. The sample comprised immigrant adolescents living in Sweden (N = 365; Mage = 13.93, SD = 0.80). Results showed that the more youth were ethnically harassed, the more they engaged in violent acts over time. A separated identity significantly moderated the effect of ethnic harassment on youth's engagement in violent behaviors. Specifically, ethnic harassment positively predicted engagement in violent behaviors only at high levels of separated identity. Impulsivity and school ethnic composition did not act as moderators. The findings suggest that preventing violent behaviors among immigrant youth requires a focus on promoting positive interethnic relationships, and multicultural identity among immigrant youth.
Comparison of clinical and radiographic parameters around short (6 to 8 mm in length) and long (11 mm in length) dental implants placed in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus: 3‐year follow‐up results
Authors: Al Amri Mohammad D. , Abduljabbar Tariq S. , Al‐Johany Sulieman S. , Al Rifaiy Mohammad Q. , Alfarraj Aldosari Abdullah M. , Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To compare the clinical and radiographic parameters around short (6 to 8 mm in length) and long (11 mm in length) dental implants placed in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Material and Methods

Forty‐five male patients with T2DM (Group‐1) and 42 male non‐diabetic controls (Group‐2) who had undergone implant therapy in the posterior mandible were included. Depending upon the length of the implant, patients were divided into two subgroups: (a) patients with short implants (6–8 mm long) and (b) patients with long implants (11 mm long). Peri‐implant plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and crestal bone loss (CBL) were measured at 18 and 36 months of follow‐up in both groups. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were measured at baseline and after 18 and 36 months of follow‐up in both groups. P‐values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean age of patients in groups 1 and 2 was 42.5 and 40.6 years, respectively. The mean HbA1c levels at baseline among patients in groups 1 and 2 were 7.7% and 4.5%, respectively. At 18 and 36 months of follow‐up, the mean HbA1c levels among patients in groups 1 and 2 were 6.6% and 4.5% and 6.5% and 4.4%, respectively. The mean duration of T2DM among patients that received short and long implants was 4.3 years and 4.1 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in PI, BOP, PD and CBL around implants placed in both groups at 18 and 36 months of follow‐up. Success rate of short and long dental implants was 100% in both groups.

Conclusion

Short implants can demonstrate clinical and radiographic stability in a manner similar to conventional long implants in patients with and without T2DM. The role of oral hygiene and glycemic maintenance in this scenario cannot be disregarded.
Correlation between pre‐operative buccal bone thickness and soft tissue changes around immediately placed and restored implants in the maxillary anterior region: A 2‐year prospective study
Authors: Arora Himanshu , Ivanovski Saso
Published: October 2017

Objectives

This study evaluated the correlation between pre‐operative buccal cortical bone thickness and peri‐implant tissue response following immediate placement and restoration of implants in the maxillary aesthetic zone.

Material and Methods

Eighteen patients (3 males, 15 females) with an age range of 19–57 years requiring the replacement of a single maxillary anterior tooth were included in this prospective study. Patients were selected on the basis of defined criteria: intact socket walls, absence of any acute infection in the sockets, absence of any gingival marginal pathology and attainment of a high primary stability (≥30 Ncm) at implant placement. Regardless of buccal bone thickness, all participating patients underwent the same treatment strategy that involved removal of the failed tooth, flapless surgery, immediate implant placement, grafting of the implant‐socket gap and connection of a screw‐retained provisional restoration. Buccal bone thickness was evaluated using pre‐operativeCBCTscans. Intra‐oral photographs were taken before implant placement (baseline) and at 1‐ and 2‐year follow‐up to assess soft tissue changes around the implants. Aesthetic evaluation was carried out using the pink esthetic score (PES).

Results

All implants remained osseointegrated during the follow‐up period of 2 years with mesial papilla, distal papilla, and mid‐facial gingiva showing a mean recession of 0.06 ± 0.71 mm, 0.25 ± 0.78 mm, and 0.22 ± 0.83 mm, respectively. Pink esthetic score values improved from a median value of 9 (IQR8.75–10.25) pre‐operatively to 11 (IQR9.75–12) at the end of 2 years. No significant correlation was found between buccal bone thickness (range 0.45–1.24 mm) and soft tissue or aesthetic changes.

Conclusions

Within the limits of this study, no significant correlation could be found between pre‐operative buccal bone width and the soft tissue and aesthetic outcome following immediate implant placement and restoration in the anterior maxilla. Therefore, favourable clinical and aesthetic outcomes could be achieved by applying a strict selection criteria and treatment protocol regardless of the initial thickness of the buccal bone.
Narrow‐ and regular‐diameter implants in the posterior region of the jaws to support single crowns: A 3‐year split‐mouth randomized clinical trial
Authors: de Souza André Barbisan , Sukekava Flávia , Tolentino Livia , César‐Neto João Batista , Garcez‐Filho João , Araújo Mauricio G.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The objective of this 3‐year split‐mouth randomized controlled clinical study was to compare narrow‐diameter implants (NDIs) to regular‐diameter implants (RDIs) in the posterior region of the jaws (premolars and molars) in regards to (i) the marginal bone level (MBL) and (ii) implant and prosthesis survival and success rates.

Material and Methods

A total of 22 patients were included in the study. Each patient received at least one implant of each diameter (Ø3.3 and Ø4.1 mm), placed either in the maxilla or mandible to support single crowns. A total 44 implants (22 NDIs and 22 RDIs) were placed and included in the study. Twenty‐one implants were placed in the premolar, whereas 23 were placed in molar areas. Radiographic evaluations to access the MBL were performed immediately after implant placement, 1 and 3 years after implant loading. Peri‐implant clinical variables including probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BoP) were obtained after crown delivery, 1 and 3 years after loading. Furthermore, the survival and success rates of the implants and prosthesis were also evaluated.

Results

Twenty patients were able to complete the study. There was no statistically significant difference regarding MBL between groups at implant placement (p = .084), 1‐year (p = .794) and 3‐year (p = .598) time intervals. The mean peri‐implant bone loss at 3‐year follow‐up was −0.58 ± 0.39 mm (95% CI: −0.751 to −0.409) and −0.53 ± 0.46 mm (95% CI: −0.731 to −0.329) for NDIs and RDIs, respectively. BoP was present at 15% and 10% of NDIs and RDIs, respectively, at 3‐year follow‐up. PPD >5 mm was observed in 5% and 0% of the implants of NDIs and RDIs, respectively, at 3‐year follow‐up. At the 3‐year examination, the implant success rates were in the NDIs and RDIs sites, respectively, 95% and 100%. The corresponding values for prosthesis success rates were 90% for NDIs and 95% for RDIs.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that NDIs placed to support single crowns in the posterior region did not differ to RDIs in regards to MBL, implant survival, and success rates.
The Impact of Control and Complexity on Supply Network Performance: An Empirically Informed Investigation Using NK Simulation Analysis
Authors: Giannoccaro Ilaria , Nair Anand , Choi Thomas
Published: October 2017

Control over suppliers is a core issue for a buying firm. Despite the amount of research on the topic, how much of its supply network (i.e., scope of control) a buying firm should control, so as to increase supply network performance, is a question that has not received adequate research attention. The study addresses this research question by considering the supply network as a complex adaptive system and developing an empirically informed agent‐based simulation model using the NK fitness landscape framework, to examine how varying levels of scope of control influence supply network performance. We also investigate the direct effect of two supply network complexity dimensions (i.e., number of firms and level of supply interactions) on supply network performance and the moderating effect played by the scope of control. Results show that the relationship between scope of control and supply network performance follows an inverted‐U shape. Furthermore, we find that the complexity dimensions negatively affect supply network performance with the performance decrease depending on the scope of control. Based on these findings, we formulate different control strategies to mitigate the negative influence of complexity.
Congenital unruptured aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva, quadricuspid aortic valve, and ascending aortic aneurysm associated with genetic leukoencephalopathy in an infant: A new syndrome?
Authors: Malakan Rad Elaheh , Pouraliakbar Hamidreza
Published: October 2017

We report a 15‐month‐old female with unruptured noncoronary sinus of Valsalva anreurysm (SOVA) associated with quadricuspid aortic valve, ascending aortic aneurysm (AAA), moderate aortic insufficiency, mild mitral insufficiency, genetic leukoencepaholpathy, developmental delay and mild mixed aminoaciduria. She was referred for evaluation of a cardiac murmur. Initial echocardiographic examination showed the aneurysm as a round cyst in the right atrium which changed in size during systole and diastole. As to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of association ofSOVA, quadricuspid aortic valve,AAAand genetic leukoencephalopathy in an infant. These associations may suggest a new syndrome. We describe the echocardiographic and computed tomographic angiography findings. We also review 641 cases in the literature and the current six classification systems forSOVA.
Appropriate use of echocardiography and relation to clinical decision making in both inpatients and outpatients in a developing country
Authors: Romano Minna Moreira Dias , Branco Marina , Moreira Henrique Turin , Schmidt André , Kisslo Joseph , Maciel Benedito Carlos
Published: October 2017

Background

Use of echocardiography (echo) has exponentially increased in recent decades. Concerned about this scientific society developed appropriate use criteria (AUC). Clinical management still suffers geographical variations, and no objective data are available about echo AUC in developing countries. We aimed to evaluate (1) the appropriateness of referrals and (2) their relation to changes in clinical decision management.

Methods

Prospective analysis of referrals from January to December 2014. Appropriateness and endpoints analyzed in different time points from medical archives. Endpoints: (1) change in the diagnosis, (2) indication for another method to complete the diagnosis, (3) change in clinical treatment, (4) indication for a treatment intervention, or (5) no change in management. Descriptive statistical analysis, Fisher's or chi‐square tests, and Cox regression used as appropriate (significance if P < .05).

Results

One thousand one hundred referrals were analyzed (55.5 ± 16.1 years, 44.6% male). 80.5% of referrals were appropriate (A), 11.2% “Rarely Appropriate” (RA), and 8.3% “May Be Appropriate” (MBA). Proportion of (A) did not differ between modalities (TTE‐80.5% vs TEE‐87.7% vs STR‐81.2%, P = .67). (A) referrals were more related to clinical decision than (RA)+(MBA) (38.9% [A] vs 15% [RA]+[MBA], P < .001). The most frequent clinical indications of (RA) and (MBA) TTE were reevaluation of ventricular function without clinical change (AUC 10 and 11) and search of infectious endocarditis when low clinical probability (53).

Conclusions

In a developing country, appropriateness of echo was similar to the United States and Europe. However, a significant proportion of referrals were still (RA) or (MBA), with no effect in clinical management. Controlling referrals 10, 11, and 53 can optimize echo use in developing countries.
Reducing reactive aggression in schoolchildren through child, parent, and conjoint parent‐child group interventions: An efficacy study of longitudinal outcomes
Authors: Fung Annis Lai Chu
Published: October 2017

This study was the first to evaluate the effectiveness of three different group interventions to reduce children's reactive aggression based on the social information processing (SIP) model. In the first stage of screening, 3,734 children of Grades 4–6 completed the Reactive–Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ) to assess their reactive and proactive aggression. Respondents with a total score of z ≥ 1 on the RPQ were shortlisted for the second stage of screening by qualitative interview. Interviews with 475 children were conducted to select those who showed reactive aggression featuring a hostile attributional bias. Finally, 126 children (97 males and 29 females) aged 8 to 14 (M = 9.71, SD = 1.23) were selected and randomly assigned to one of the three groups: a child group, a parent group, and a parent–child group. A significant Time × Intervention effect was found for general and reactive aggression. The parent–child group and child group showed a significant drop in general aggression and reactive aggression from posttest to 6‐month follow‐up, after controlling for baseline scores, sex, and age. However, the parent group showed no treatment effect: reactive aggression scores were significantly higher than those in the child group at 6‐month follow‐up. This study has provided strong evidence that children with reactive aggression need direct and specific treatment to reconstruct the steps of the SIP involving the selection and interpretation of cues. The intervention could help to prevent severe violent crimes at the later stage of a reactive aggressor.
Land use of drained peatlands: Greenhouse gas fluxes, plant production, and economics
Authors: Kasimir Åsa , He Hongxing , Coria Jessica , Nordén Anna
Published: October 2017

Drained peatlands are hotspots for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which could be mitigated by rewetting and land use change. We performed an ecological/economic analysis of rewetting drained fertile peatlands in a hemiboreal climate using different land use strategies over 80 years. Vegetation, soil processes, and total GHG emissions were modeled using the CoupModel for four scenarios: (1) business as usual—Norway spruce with average soil water table of −40 cm; (2) willow with groundwater at −20 cm; (3) reed canary grass with groundwater at −10 cm; and (4) a fully rewetted peatland. The predictions were based on previous model calibrations with several high‐resolution datasets consisting of water, heat, carbon, and nitrogen cycling. Spruce growth was calibrated by tree‐ring data that extended the time period covered. The GHG balance of four scenarios, including vegetation and soil, were 4.7, 7.1, 9.1, and 6.2 Mg CO2eq ha−1 year−1, respectively. The total soil emissions (including litter and peat respiration CO2 + N2O + CH4) were 33.1, 19.3, 15.3, and 11.0 Mg CO2eq ha−1 year−1, respectively, of which the peat loss contributed 35%, 24%, and 7% of the soil emissions for the three drained scenarios, respectively. No peat was lost for the wet peatland. It was also found that draining increases vegetation growth, but not as drastically as peat respiration does. The cost–benefit analysis (CBA) is sensitive to time frame, discount rate, and carbon price. Our results indicate that the net benefit was greater with a somewhat higher soil water table and when the peatland was vegetated with willow and reed canary grass (Scenarios 2 and 3). We conclude that saving peat and avoiding methane release using fairly wet conditions can significantly reduce GHG emissions, and that this strategy should be considered for land use planning and policy‐making.
Osmotic gradient ektacytometry: A valuable screening test for hereditary spherocytosis and other red blood cell membrane disorders
Authors: Llaudet‐Planas E. , Vives‐Corrons J. L. , Rizzuto V. , Gómez‐Ramírez P. , Sevilla Navarro J. , Coll Sibina M. T. , García‐Bernal M. , Ruiz Llobet A. , Badell I. , Velasco‐Puyó P. , Dapena J. L. , Mañú‐Pereira M. M.
Published: October 2017

Introduction

New generation osmotic gradient ektacytometry has become a powerful procedure for measuring red blood cell deformability and therefore for the diagnosis of red blood cell membrane disorders. In this study, we aim to provide further support to the usefulness of osmotic gradient ektacytometry for the differential diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis by measuring the optimal cutoff values of the parameters provided by this technique.

Methods

A total of 65 cases of hereditary spherocytosis, 7 hereditary elliptocytosis, 3 hereditary xerocytosis, and 171 normal controls were analyzed with osmotic gradient ektacytometry in addition to the routine red blood cell laboratory techniques. The most robust osmoscan parameters for hereditary spherocytosis diagnosis were determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

The best diagnostic criteria for hereditary spherocytosis were the combination of decreased minimal elongation index up to 3% and increased minimal osmolality point up to 5.2% when compared to the mean of controls. Using this established criterion, osmotic gradient ektacytometry reported a sensitivity of 93.85% and a specificity of 98.38% for the diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis.

Conclusion

Osmotic gradient ektacytometry is an effective diagnostic test for hereditary spherocytosis and enables its differential diagnosis with other red blood cell membrane diseases based on specific pathology profiles.
Soft power and exchange rate volatility
Authors: Cevik Serhan , Harris Richard D. F. , Yilmaz Fatih
Published: October 2017

Standard models—based exclusively on macro‐financial variables—have made little progress in explaining the behaviour of exchange rates. In this paper, we introduce a neglected set of ‘soft power’ factors capturing a country's demographic, institutional, political, and social underpinnings to shed some light on the ‘missing’ determinants of exchange rate volatility over time and across countries. Based on a balanced panel dataset comprising 115 countries during the period 1996–2015, the empirical results are generally robust across different estimation methodologies and show a high degree of persistence in exchange rate volatility. After controlling for standard macroeconomic factors, we find that the ‘soft power’ variables—such as an index of voice and accountability, life expectancy, educational attainments, fragility of the banking sector, financial openness, and the share of agriculture relative to services—have a statistically significant influence on the level of exchange rate volatility across countries. In other words, countries with greater ‘soft power’ (i.e. better institutional quality) tend to experience a lower degree of exchange rate volatility.
Outcomes of a co‐facilitation skills training programme for mental health service users, family members, and clinicians: the EOLAS project
Authors: Higgins Agnes , Hevey David , Boyd Fiona , Cusack Ned , Downes Carmel , Monahan Mark , McBennett Pádraig , Gibbons Patrick
Published: October 2017

Health policy is increasingly advocating for involvement of service users and family members in service development. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of a 4‐day education programme in co‐facilitation skills on clinician and peer (service users and family members) knowledge, confidence, and subsequent experience as co‐facilitators. The programme was designed to train peers and clinicians as co‐facilitators on a clinician and peer‐led information programme for people experiencing mental health problems. The study employed a mixed‐methods design involving a pre–post survey with 128 participants, and follow‐up qualitative interviews with a sample of 17 participants. To examine changes in levels of knowledge and confidence in facilitating from time 1 (T1) to time 2 (T2), paired sample t‐tests were conducted, and thematic analysis was conducted on the interviews. The programme had a statistically‐significant positive impact on participants’ knowledge, confidence, and skills, with no significant difference between the facilitator groups (i.e. service user, family member, and clinician) in terms of their improvement at the end of the training, indicating that all groups benefited equally from the training. A majority of participants reported a high level of preparedness as co‐facilitators and an open and respectful approach towards each other's expertise, and many continued to gain skills and develop their confidence as they co‐facilitated the 8‐week EOLAS programme (‘eolas’ is the Irish word for knowledge). The findings also provide evidence of the acceptability and feasibility of the programme, and appears to be the first detailed study reported on a programme of this nature.
An exploratory, prospective, open‐label trial of ingenol mebutate gel 0.05% for the treatment of external anogenital warts
Authors: Larsen H.K. , Banzhaf C.A. , Thomsen S.F. , Gormsen M. , Schopf R.E. , Haedersdal M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Anogenital warts (AGW) can cause physical discomfort and decreased quality of life. Recent case reports suggest that ingenol mebutate gel might be an effective treatment of AGW.

Objective

To explore primarily the safety, and secondarily the efficacy of ingenol mebutate gel 0.05% in patients with AGW.

Methods

This was an exploratory, open‐label, 1‐arm trial of ingenol mebutate gel 0.05% administered up to three times to patients with AGW. Safety was assessed by occurrence and severity of local skin reactions (LSRs) and treatment‐related adverse events (AEs). Efficacy was assessed by complete clearance and reduction in AGW count 14 days after last treatment, and recurrence 12 weeks after clearance.

Results

Of 41 patients enrolled, 40 received treatment and 26 completed the trial. Patients had a median AGW count of 11.0 and AGW duration of 3.0 years at baseline. All patients experienced transient LSRs following treatment with a maximum composite LSR score of 7.5 (on a scale from 0 to 18). A total of 93% of patients reported treatment‐related AEs, most frequently pain (85%) and procedural complications (35%) due to smearing of the gel. 78% of patients took mild analgesics for the pain, typically for 1–2 days following treatment. The majority of AEs were of moderate‐to‐severe intensity.

Seventeen of 39 patients (43.6%) had complete clearance 14 days after last treatment, and AGW count was reduced by 90.9%. There was a tendency towards lower clearance rate in patients with longer duration of AGW. Eight of 14 patients (57.1%) had AGW recurrence 12 weeks after clearance.

Conclusion

Ingenol mebutate gel was associated with a high number of AEs and withdrawals due to painful local and adjacent skin reactions. Furthermore, it showed promising efficacy in reducing AGW despite a difficult‐to‐treat population. Optimization of the formulation is warranted to improve the safety profile of the treatment.
Adherence to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines in field practice: Results of Progetto Epatocarcinoma Campania
Authors: Guarino Maria , Tortora Raffaella , de Stefano Giorgio , Coppola Carmine , Morisco Filomena , Salomone Megna Angelo , Izzo Francesco , Nardone Gerardo , Piai Guido , Adinolfi Luigi Elio , D'Adamo Giuseppe , Gaeta Giovanni Battista , Messina Vincenzo , Francica Giampiero , De Girolamo Vincenzo , Coppola Nicola , Persico Marcello , Di Costanzo Giovan Giuseppe ,   for the Progetto Epatocarcinoma Campania Group
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) algorithm is the standard system for clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Data on adherence to this therapeutic paradigm are scarce. This field practice study aimed to provide a description of HCC cirrhotic patients in Southern Italy, to evaluate the adherence to BCLC guidelines and its impact on patients' survival.

Methods

We analyzed the region‐wide Italian database of Progetto Epatocarcinoma Campania, which includes data of HCC cirrhotic patients, prospectively collected from January 2013 to December 2015 in 16 regional centers.

Results

Overall, 1008 HCC patients were enrolled: 70.6% patients received therapies recommended by BCLC algorithm, while 29.4% underwent different treatments. Among patients who were treated in adherence to guidelines, a higher rate of diagnosis on surveillance programs, better liver function, lower rate of alpha‐fetoprotein > 200 ng/mL, more early‐stage and monofocal HCC, lower frequency of nodules > 5 cm, portal vein thrombosis and metastases were observed. The overall survival was evaluated according to HCC stage and no differences between groups and patients managed differently were found. The multivariate analysis showed that non‐adherence to treatment guidelines was independently associated to the BCLC stage B, Child–Pugh classes B and C, and the presence of neoplastic thrombosis and metastases.

Conclusion

Adherence to BCLC algorithm in field practice was high in early and end‐stage HCC patients, but it was poor in intermediate and advanced patients.
Negative modulation of the GABAAρ1 receptor function by l‐cysteine
Authors: Beltrán González Andrea N. , Vicentini Florencia , Calvo Daniel J.
Published: October 2017

l‐Cysteine is an endogenous sulfur‐containing amino acid with multiple and varied roles in the central nervous system, including neuroprotection and the maintenance of the redox balance. However, it was also suggested as an excitotoxic agent implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders such as Parkinson′s and Alzheimer′s disease. l‐Cysteine can modulate the activity of ionic channels, including voltage‐gated calcium channels and glutamatergic NMDA receptors, whereas its effects on GABAergic neurotransmission had not been studied before. In the present work, we analyzed the effects of l‐cysteine on responses mediated by homomeric GABAAρ1 receptors, which are known for mediating tonic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) responses in retinal neurons. GABAAρ1 receptors were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and GABA‐evoked chloride currents recorded by two‐electrode voltage‐clamp in the presence or absence of l‐cysteine. l‐Cysteine antagonized GABAAρ1 receptor‐mediated responses; inhibition was dose‐dependent, reversible, voltage independent, and susceptible to GABA concentration. Concentration‐response curves for GABA were shifted to the right in the presence of l‐cysteine without a substantial change in the maximal response. l‐Cysteine inhibition was insensitive to chemical protection of the sulfhydryl groups of the ρ1 subunits by the irreversible alkylating agent N‐ethyl maleimide. Our results suggest that redox modulation is not involved during l‐cysteine actions and that l‐cysteine might be acting as a competitive antagonist of the GABAAρ1 receptors.

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Measuring Liquidity Mismatch in the Banking Sector
Authors: BAI JENNIE , KRISHNAMURTHY ARVIND , WEYMULLER CHARLES‐HENRI
Published: October 2017

This paper constructs a liquidity mismatch index (LMI) to gauge the mismatch between the market liquidity of assets and the funding liquidity of liabilities, for 2,882 bank holding companies over 2002 to 2014. The aggregate LMI decreases from +$4 trillion precrisis to −$6 trillion in 2008. We conduct an LMI stress test revealing the fragility of the banking system in early 2007. Moreover, LMI predicts a bank's stock market crash probability and borrowing decisions from the government during the financial crisis. The LMI is therefore informative about both individual bank liquidity and the liquidity risk of the entire banking system.
Wholesale Funding Dry‐Ups
Authors: PÉRIGNON CHRISTOPHE , THESMAR DAVID , VUILLEMEY GUILLAUME
Published: October 2017

We empirically explore the fragility of wholesale funding of banks, using transaction‐level data on short‐term, unsecured certificates of deposit in the European market. We do not observe a market‐wide freeze during the 2008 to 2014 period. Yet, many banks suddenly experience funding dry‐ups. Dry‐ups predict, but do not cause, future deterioration in bank performance. Furthermore, during periods of market stress, banks with high future performance tend to increase reliance on wholesale funding. We therefore fail to find evidence consistent with adverse selection models of funding market freezes. Our evidence is in line with theories highlighting heterogeneity between informed and uninformed lenders.
A Demonstrative Tactile Method to Guide Mandibular Movements
Authors: Massad Joseph J. , Ahuja Swati A. , Wicks Russell A.
Published: October 2017

Dental practitioners often require patients to perform specific mandibular movements (protrusive, retrusive, and lateral) in order to make centric relation and eccentric records. Occasionally, patients are unable to comprehend and perform the desired movements, even after repeated instructions. This article describes a quick, simple, and easy‐to‐follow technique to help guide patients with their mandibular movements.
The life story from age 26 to 32: Rank‐order stability and mean‐level change
Authors: Sengsavang Sonia , Pratt Michael W. , Alisat Susan , Sadler Pamela
Published: October 2017

Objective

In this longitudinal, mixed‐methods project, the primary focus was to examine the rank‐order stability and mean‐level change in the life story during the period of emerging adulthood to young adulthood, while also investigating how the transition to parenthood may impact the life story.

Method

Seventy‐two participants described three key life story scenes at age 26 and again at 32 (28% attrition from age 26 to 32). The narratives were coded for a range of features, including motivational themes (agency, communion), affective themes (emotional tone), an integrative meaning theme (coherent positive resolution), and a structural property (narrative complexity).

Results

Overall, there was moderate temporal stability and mean‐level increase in several features of narrative identity over this key period. Positive changes in communion levels and overall emotional tone of life story scenes were especially evident for new parents at age 32.

Conclusions

These longitudinal results suggested that adopting new social roles, in this case becoming a parent, predicted how the life story was expressed, just as they seemed to influence other levels of personality, such as traits, following the social investment principle.
Baccharis dracunculifolia DC (Asteraceae) selectively modulates the effector functions of human neutrophils
Authors: Figueiredo-Rinhel Andréa S G , de Melo Lamartine L , Bortot Leandro O , Santos Everton O L , Andrade Micássio F , Azzolini Ana Elisa C S , Kabeya Luciana M , Caliri Antonio , Bastos Jairo K , Lucisano-Valim Yara Maria
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To examine whether the hydroalcoholic extract from Baccharis dracunculifolia leaves (BdE) modulates the human neutrophil oxidative metabolism, degranulation, phagocytosis and microbial killing capacity.

Methods

In-vitro assays based on chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, flow cytometry and polarimetry were used, as well as docking calculations.

Key findings

At concentrations that effectively suppressed the neutrophil oxidative metabolism elicited by soluble and particulate stimuli (<10 μg/ml), without clear signs of cytotoxicity, BdE (1) inhibited NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase activity; (2) scavenged H2O2 and HOCl; (3) weakly inhibited phagocytosis; and (4) did not affect neutrophil degranulation and microbial killing capacity, the expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, FcγRIIa, FcγRIIIb and CR3 and the activity of elastase and lysozyme. Caffeic acid, one of the major B. dracunculifolia secondary metabolites, did not inhibit phagocytosis but interfered in the myeloperoxidase–H2O2–HOCl system by scavenging H2O2 and HOCl, and interacting with the catalytic residues His-95, Arg-239 and Gln-91.

Conclusions

BdE selectively modulates the effector functions of human neutrophils, inhibits the activity of key enzymes and scavenges physiological oxidant species. Caffeic acid contributes to lower the levels of oxidant species. Our findings help to unravel the mechanisms by which these natural products exert immunomodulatory action towards neutrophils.
Celastrol attenuates pain and cartilage damage via SDF-1/CXCR4 signalling pathway in osteoarthritis rats
Authors: Wang Weifeng , Ha Chengzhi , Lin Tao , Wang Dawei , Wang Yuanhe , Gong Mingzhi
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Celastrol has attracted wide interests for its anticancer and anti-inflammation properties, and studies have demonstrated that celastrol negatively modulates the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) signalling. We aim in this study to investigate the effects of celastrol in osteoarthritis (OA) in vivo and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

We established a monoiodoacetate (MIA)-induced rat OA model and evaluated the joint pain and cartilage damage with or without celastrol treatments. We further assessed the alterations of the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway and cartilage-specific genes, at both mRNA and protein levels.

Key findings

Celastrol significantly attenuated the joint pain and cartilage damage induced by MIA in OA rats and suppressed the upregulation of SDF-1/CXCR4 and associated genes caused by MIA injections. Furthermore, MIA induced a decrease in cartilage-specific genes which was also prevented by celastrol treatments.

Conclusions

Celastrol ameliorate OA in vivo as evidenced by the attenuated joint pain and less cartilage damage in OA rats given celastrol treatments, an effect mediated via suppression of the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway.
Nutritional evaluation of the legume Macrotyloma axillare using in vitro and in vivo bioassays in sheep
Authors: Lima P. M. T. , Moreira G. D. , Sakita G. Z. , Natel A. S. , Mattos W. T. , Gimenes F. M. A. , Gerdes L. , McManus C. , Abdalla A. L. , Louvandini H.
Published: October 2017

This study consisted of two experiments with the following objectives: to evaluate the effects of tannins from the tropical legume macrotiloma (Macrotyloma axillare) on total gas and methane (CH4) production, as well as on ruminal fermentation parameters by performing an in vitro bioassay, with samples incubated with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG) in a semi‐automatic system; and secondly in a 17 day in vivo experiment, to determine apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dietary nutrients and ruminal fermentation parameters of 12 intact 8‐ to 9‐month‐old Santa Inês (averaging 24.95 ± 1.8 kg body weight) ewes fed tropical grass hay supplemented with macrotiloma hay. The ewes were divided into two treatment groups depending on their diet: chopped aruana grass hay (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) (control—CON); and aruana grass hay supplemented with chopped macrotiloma hay (macrotiloma—MAC). The animals were kept for 5 consecutive days in metabolic cages for the ATTD assay, and at the end of this period, samples of rumen fluid were collected from each ewe to determine ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3‐N) and short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and protozoa count. For the in vitro assay, a decrease in total gas and CH4 production was observed for samples incubated without PEG (p < .05). No differences were observed for the other parameters evaluated (p > .05). In the in vivo experiment, increased intake and ATTD of crude protein were observed for the animals fed MAC when compared to CON (p < .05). For rumen fermentation parameters, increased NH3‐N, total SCFA and isobutyrate concentrations, as well as reduced protozoa count were observed for MAC when compared to CON (p < .05). The results observed here indicated the potential of macrotiloma for use as a ruminant feed, and antimethanogenic potential of this plant was noted.
Can Cyber‐Physical Systems Reliably Collaborate within a Blockchain?
Authors: van Lier Ben
Published: October 2017

A blockchain can be considered a technological phenomenon that is made up of different interconnected and autonomous systems. Such systems are referred to here as cyber‐physical systems: complex interconnections of cyber and physical components. When cyber‐physical systems are interconnected, a new whole consisting of a system of systems is created by the autonomous systems and their intercommunication and interaction. In a blockchain, individual systems can independently make decisions on joint information transactions. The decision‐making procedures needed for this are executed based on fault‐tolerant communication and voting and consensus procedures, while the results of these decision‐making procedures are stored in distributed ledgers. Due to the intercommunication, interaction, and independent decision making by autonomous systems, the new whole of a blockchain is a complex entity. Complexity science rather than the usual reductionist scientific approach can help us better understand the behaviour of the new and continuously developing whole of a blockchain as a technological phenomenon.