bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cucurbitacin‐B attenuates CCl4‐induced hepatic fibrosis in mice through inhibition of STAT‐3
Authors: Sallam Alaliaa M. , Esmat Ahmed , Abdel‐Naim Ashraf B.
Published: December 2017

Liver fibrosis is a major health concern worldwide. Inhibitors of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) have been reported to attenuate experimental liver fibrosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential ameliorative effect of cucurbitacin‐B (Cucu‐B) against CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in mice. Treatment with Cucu‐B (5 mg/kg) preserved hepatocellular membrane integrity and amended the metabolic function as indicated by preventing the rise of serum liver function markers. This was confirmed histologically. CCl4‐induced oxidative stress was improved by Cucu‐B treatment (1 and 5 mg/kg). Furthermore, Cucu‐B treatment ameliorated the fibrotic state as evidenced by inhibiting the rise of hydroxyproline liver content and mitigating the overexpressions of collagen‐1α, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) as well as the downexpression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) mRNA. Importantly, STAT3 activity was inhibited by Cucu‐B as confirmed by decreased phosphorylation of STAT3 without changing total STAT3 expression. This was substantiated by the reduced Bcl‐2 together with increased Bax mRNA expressions with subsequent elevation of Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. In conclusion, Cucu‐B hampers CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in mice. This can be attributed—at least partly—to inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation and STAT3 signalling.
The social functions of babbling: acoustic and contextual characteristics that facilitate maternal responsiveness
Authors: Albert Rachel R. , Schwade Jennifer A. , Goldstein Michael H.
Published: December 2017

What is the social function of babbling? An important function of prelinguistic vocalizing may be to elicit parental behavior in ways that facilitate the infant's own learning about speech and language. Infants use parental feedback to their babbling to learn new vocal forms, but the microstructure of parental responses to babbling has not been studied. To enable precise manipulation of the proximal infant cues that may influence maternal behavior, we used a playback paradigm to assess mothers’ responsiveness to prerecorded audiovisual clips of unfamiliar infants’ noncry prelinguistic vocalizations and actions. Acoustic characteristics and directedness of vocalizations were manipulated to test their efficacy in structuring social interactions. We also compared maternal responsiveness in the playback paradigm and in free play with their own infants. Maternal patterns of reactions to babbling were stable across both tasks. In the playback task, we found specific vocal cues, such as the degree of resonance and the transition timing of consonant‐vowel syllables, predicted contingent maternal responding. Vocalizations directed at objects also facilitated increased responsiveness. The responses mothers exhibited, such as sensitive speech and vocal imitation, are known to facilitate vocal learning and development. Infants, by influencing the behavior of their caregivers with their babbling, create social interactions that facilitate their own communicative development.
Ulama in Islamic Law‐Making and Adjudication in Contemporary Egypt
Authors: Alaoudh Abdullah
Published: December 2017

The article examines the legislative and judicial tasks of Islamic jurists and how they carried it out in constitutional or general legal structure. While the Pakistani experiment was inspired by the Iranian model of jurists' involvement in legislatures, Egypt took a different path by not recognizing any official role for Islamic jurists with ambiguous recognition of Islamic jurisprudence. The legislative role could take the form of incorporating Islamic jurists into the legislature, establishing a committee partially made up of Islamic jurists, or handing over some legislative task to an Islamic jurisprudential institution. Despite the fact that Islamization was intended to respond to the people's requests, it employed autocratic and authoritarian mechanisms. The project attempted to replace the typical class of socially recognized jurists with appointed committees entrusted with Islamic codification. The experiment was challenged for its operation and its Islamicity but never introduced Shari'a courts or Islamic clerical legislation.
Improving water service to the urban poor through delegated management: Lessons from the city of Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Nzengya Daniel M.
Published: December 2017

Partnerships like the delegated management model (DMM), in which a utility delegates management of infrastructure and service delivery to slum residents, are being promoted to improve services to the urban slums in sub‐Saharan Africa. However, there is little empirical evidence of the benefits that DMM offers beneficiaries and its potential limitations. This study, conducted in 2013, compared water service in two slums in the city of Kisumu in Kenya where DMM has been implemented with another where it has not been implemented. Results showed that DMM had lowered the cost of water compared to water kiosks in neighbourhoods in which DMM had not been implemented. The study findings contribute toward an evidence base for stakeholders and regulators who see an opportunity in the integration of DMM into local drinking water provision solutions in urban slums.
Cortical stimulation relieves parkinsonian pathological activity in vitro
Authors: Aparicio‐Juárez Ariadna , Duhne Mariana , Lara‐González Esther , Ávila‐Cascajares Fátima , Calderón Vladimir , Galarraga Elvira , Bargas José
Published: December 2017

Previously, we have shown that chemical excitatory drives such as N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) are capable of activating the striatal microcircuit exhibiting neuronal ensembles that alternate their activity producing temporal sequences. One aim of this work was to demonstrate whether similar activity could be evoked by delivering cortical stimulation. Dynamic calcium imaging allowed us to follow the activity of dozens of neurons with single‐cell resolution in mus musculus brain slices. A train of electrical stimuli in the cortex evoked network activity similar to the one induced by bath application of NMDA. Previously, we have also shown that the dopamine‐depleted striatal microcircuit increases its spontaneous activity generating dominant recurrent ensembles that interrupt the temporal sequences found in control microcircuits. This activity correlates with parkinsonian pathological activity. Several cortical stimulation protocols such as transcranial magnetic stimulation reduce motor signs of Parkinsonism. Here, we show that cortical stimulation in vitro temporarily eliminates the pathological activity from the dopamine‐depleted striatal microcircuit by turning off some neurons that sustain this activity and recruiting new ones that allow transitions between network states, similar to the control circuit. When cortical stimulation is given in the presence of L‐DOPA, parkinsonian activity is eliminated during the whole recording period. The present experimental evidence suggests that cortical stimulation such as that generated by transcranial magnetic stimulation, or otherwise, may allow reduce L‐DOPA dosage.
A Cultural‐Variant Approach to Community‐Based Participatory Research: New Ideas for Family Professionals
Authors: Henderson Tammy L. , Shigeto Aya , Ponzetti James J. , Edwards Anne B. , Stanley Jessica , Story Chandra
Published: December 2017

The cultural‐variant community‐based participatory research (CV‐CBPR) model expands the traditional community‐based participatory research (CBPR) model and supports the ongoing creation of innovative basic family and translational science. The CV‐CBPR model supports family professionals using a cultural‐variant perspective that discourages the use of a deficit or pathological lens. It also encourages inclusive and culture‐sensitive practices in all stages of a project. After a brief review of diverse types of community or action‐research projects and the nine principles of the traditional CBPR model, a cultural‐variant perspective and related principles are described. We offer lessons learned from two project management experiences: a community‐focused, disaster project with older survivors of Hurricane Katrina and a CBPR arctic‐climate project with Alaska Native grandparents rearing grandchildren.
Do Pro‐Diversity Policies Improve Corporate Innovation?
Authors: Mayer Roger C. , Warr Richard S. , Zhao Jing
Published: December 2017

Using new product announcements, patents, and patent citations as measures of corporate innovation, we find that corporate policies that promote more pro‐diversity cultures, specifically treatment of women and minorities, enhance future innovative efficiency. This positive effect is stronger during economic downturns and in firms that are more innovative, value intangibles and human capital more highly, have greater growth options, have higher cash flow, and have stronger governance. Pro‐diversity policies also increase firm value via this stimulating effect on innovative efficiency. Our results suggest a channel through which workforce diversity may enhance firm value.
Voter‐Approved Annexations in an Urban Growth Boundary Regime: The Impacts on Housing Values, Density, and Economic Equity
Authors: Lewis Rebecca , Parker Robert , Zou Zhenpeng , Hovekamp Winston , Mcgowen Megan , Sherrard Ryan
Published: December 2017

Oregon is known for its strict Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) policies. While UGBs are designed to accommodate land supply for 20 years of growth, land within UGBs must be annexed into city limits before it can be developed at urban densities and serviced. In Oregon, cities use a variety of municipal annexation and voter‐approved annexation policies (VAAPs), providing an opportunity to study how different annexation policies affect land and housing markets, and affect urban density. Previous research on annexation has not considered how annexation policy influences housing values. This paper examines how VAAPs impact land growth, housing development, and density at the city level. It also examines how VAAPs impact housing values. Based on city‐level and tax‐lot‐level statistical analyses from 107 cities outside Portland Metro area, the results suggest that VAAPs negatively impact the availability of developable land within city limits. VAAPs also positively impact residential density and housing value. Lastly, VAAPs inequitably affect housing value between relatively high‐value housing and relatively low‐value housing, posing economic equity impacts for lower value housing. These findings provide important lessons for Oregon and other states. While VAAPs may increase residential density in cities, the policies may exacerbate affordability problems.
80SiO2‐20LaF3 oxyfluoride glass ceramic coatings doped with Nd3+ for optical applications
Authors: Gorni Giulio , Balda Rolindes , Fernández Joaquín , Velázquez Jose J. , Pascual Laura , Mosa Jadra , Durán Alicia , Castro Yolanda
Published: December 2017

Transparent glass ceramic (GC) films and self‐supported layers of composition 80SiO2‐20LaF3 doped with Nd3+ were prepared by sol‐gel method for the first time. GC films were deposited by dip coating on different substrates and heat‐treated between 350°C and 850°C for 1, 3, and 80 hours. The structural analysis of thin films was performed by GI‐XRD and HR‐TEM to check the LaF3 nanocrystals precipitation in the SiO2 matrix, revealing a crystal size lower than 5 nm. The emission and excitation spectra and lifetimes of the films have been obtained for different thermal treatments and Nd3+ contents. The luminescence intensity of the 4F3/2 →4I11/2 laser transition increases with the treatment temperature and Nd3+ content, whereas a reduction for the luminescence lifetime is observed compared to those observed in bulk samples prepared by melting quenching.
“Moroccan youngsters”: category politics in the Netherlands
Authors: Roggeband Conny , van der Haar Marleen
Published: December 2017

The article analyses the categorization of “Moroccan youngsters” as a problem group in the Netherlands. Since the 1990s Dutch‐Moroccan boys and young men are set apart as a problematic group that presents a social and security threat and an emblem of the failure of multicultural society. We analyse the intersectional “category politics” of Dutch politicians to situate Moroccan‐Dutch youngsters as problematic outsiders. Our analysis makes clear how national origin, culture, class and gender intersect in the categorization of “Moroccan youngsters” constituting a national‐cultural category, which is also defined in terms of a disadvantaged socio‐economic position. This categorization has important implications for policy arrangements and proposed measures. Existing schooling and training measures are seen as inadequate to end incessant intergenerational patterns of dependence and poverty. Intervention in the sphere of the family and parenting are deemed necessary to transform “Moroccan youngsters” into “good citizens.”
The family of the interleukin‐1 receptors
Authors: Boraschi Diana , Italiani Paola , Weil Sabrina , Martin Michael U.
Published: December 2017

The extracellular forms of the IL‐1 cytokines are active through binding to specific receptors on the surface of target cells. IL‐1 ligands bind to the extracellular portion of their ligand‐binding receptor chain. For signaling to take place, a non‐binding accessory chain is recruited into a heterotrimeric complex. The intracellular approximation of the Toll‐IL‐1‐receptor (TIR) domains of the 2 receptor chains is the event that initiates signaling. The family of IL‐1 receptors (IL‐1R) includes 10 structurally related members, and the distantly related soluble protein IL‐18BP that acts as inhibitor of the cytokine IL‐18. Over the years the receptors of the IL‐1 family have been known with many different names, with significant confusion. Thus, we will use here a recently proposed unifying nomenclature. The family includes several ligand‐binding chains (IL‐1R1, IL‐1R2, IL‐1R4, IL‐1R5, and IL‐1R6), 2 types of accessory chains (IL‐1R3, IL‐1R7), molecules that act as inhibitors of signaling (IL‐1R2, IL‐1R8, IL‐18BP), and 2 orphan receptors (IL‐1R9, IL‐1R10). In this review, we will examine how the receptors of the IL‐1 family regulate the inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory functions of the IL‐1 cytokines and are, more at large, involved in modulating defensive and pathological innate immunity and inflammation. Regulation of the IL‐1/IL‐1R system in the brain will be also described, as an example of the peculiarities of organ‐specific modulation of inflammation.
Metabolic regulation of NLRP3
Authors: Hughes Mark M. , O'Neill Luke A.J.
Published: December 2017

A shift in our understanding of macrophage biology has come about as a result of recent discoveries in the area of metabolic reprogramming of macrophages. The NLRP3 inflammasome drives the activation of caspase‐1, leading to the production of IL‐1β, IL‐18, and a type of cell death termed pyroptosis. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been shown to sense metabolites such as palmitate, uric acid, and cholesterol crystals and is inhibited by ketone bodies produced during metabolic flux. The NLRP3 inflammasome has also been shown to be regulated by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and components of glycolysis, such as Hexokinase. Here, we review these findings and discuss their importance for inflammation and furthermore discuss potential therapeutic benefits of targeting NLRP3.
Autophagy limits activation of the inflammasomes
Authors: Takahama Michihiro , Akira Shizuo , Saitoh Tatsuya
Published: December 2017

Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that control the maturation and production of interleukin‐1 family members and play crucial roles in host defense against pathogens. However, dysregulated activation of inflammasomes is associated with intense inflammation, leading to the development of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, inflammasomes must be activated at a proper strength to protect against infection and avoid tissue damage. Recent studies have highlighted the cross‐talk between inflammasome activation and autophagy, the cellular machinery associated with the degradation of intracellular components and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Notably, deficiencies in autophagy‐related proteins induce the aberrant activation of inflammasomes, causing severe tissue damage. In contrast, autophagy inducers ameliorate symptoms of inflammasome‐related diseases. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the involvement of autophagy in regulating inflammasomes activation and in the development of inflammatory diseases.
IL‐1 and IL‐1 regulatory pathways in cancer progression and therapy
Authors: Mantovani Alberto , Barajon Isabella , Garlanda Cecilia
Published: December 2017

Inflammation is an important component of the tumor microenvironment. IL‐1 is an inflammatory cytokine which plays a key role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. IL‐1 is subject to regulation by components of the IL‐1 and IL‐1 receptor (ILR) families. Negative regulators include a decoy receptor (IL‐1R2), receptor antagonists (IL‐1Ra), IL‐1R8, and anti‐inflammatory IL‐37. IL‐1 acts at different levels in tumor initiation and progression, including driving chronic non‐resolving inflammation, tumor angiogenesis, activation of the IL‐17 pathway, induction of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and macrophage recruitment, invasion and metastasis. Based on initial clinical results, the translation potential of IL‐1 targeting deserves extensive analysis.
Interleukin‐18: Biological properties and role in disease pathogenesis
Authors: Kaplanski Gilles
Published: December 2017

Initially described as an interferon (IFN)γ‐inducing factor, interleukin (IL)‐18 is indeed involved in Th1 and NK cell activation, but also in Th2, IL‐17‐producing γδ T cells and macrophage activation. IL‐18, a member of the IL‐1 family, is similar to IL‐1β for being processed by caspase 1 to an 18 kDa‐biologically active mature form. IL‐18 binds to its specific receptor (IL‐18Rα, also known as IL‐1R7) forming a low affinity ligand chain. This is followed by recruitment of the IL‐18Rβ chain. IL‐18 then uses the same signaling pathway as IL‐1 to activate NF‐kB and induce inflammatory mediators such as adhesion molecules, chemokines and Fas ligand. IL‐18 also binds to the circulating high affinity IL‐18 binding protein (BP), such as only unbound free IL‐18 is active. IL‐18Rα may also bind IL‐37, another member of the IL‐1 family, but in association with the negative signaling chain termed IL‐1R8, which transduces an anti‐inflammatory signal. IL‐18BP also binds IL‐37 and this acts as a sink for the anti‐inflammatory properties of IL‐37. There is now ample evidence for a role of IL‐18 in various infectious, metabolic or inflammatory diseases such as influenza virus infection, atheroma, myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or Crohn's disease. However, IL‐18 plays a very specific role in the pathogenesis of hemophagocytic syndromes (HS) also termed Macrophage Activation Syndrome. In children affected by NLRC4 gain‐of‐function mutations, IL‐18 circulates in the range of tens of nanograms/mL. HS is treated with the IL‐1 Receptor antagonist (anakinra) but also specifically with IL‐18BP. Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis or adult‐onset Still's disease are also characterized by high serum IL‐18 concentrations and are treated by IL‐18BP.
The AIM2 inflammasome: Sensor of pathogens and cellular perturbations
Authors: Lugrin Jérôme , Martinon Fabio
Published: December 2017

Recognition of pathogens and altered self must be efficient and highly specific to orchestrate appropriate responses while limiting excessive inflammation and autoimmune reaction to normal self. AIM2 is a member of innate immune sensors that detects the presence of DNA, arguably the most conserved molecules in living organisms. However, AIM2 achieves specificity by detecting altered or mislocalized DNA molecules. It can detect damaged DNA, and the aberrant presence of DNA within the cytosolic compartment such as genomic DNA released into the cytosol upon loss of nuclear envelope integrity. AIM2 is also a key sensor of pathogens that detects the presence of foreign DNA accumulating in the cytosol during the life cycle of intracellular pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. AIM2 activation initiates the assembly of the inflammasome, an innate immune complex that leads to the activation of inflammatory caspases. This triggers the maturation and secretion of the cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18. It can also initiate pyroptosis, a proinflammatory form of cell death. The AIM2 inflammasome contributes to physiological responses and diseases. It is a key player in host defenses, but its deregulation can contribute immune‐linked diseases, such as autoinflammatory and autoimmune pathologies. Moreover, AIM2 may play a role in cancer development. Recent studies have shown that the detection of self‐DNA species by AIM2 is an important factor that contributes to diseases associated with perturbation of cellular homeostasis. Thus, in addition of being a sensor of pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), the AIM2 inflammasome is emerging as a key guardian of cellular integrity.
Overview of the IL‐1 family in innate inflammation and acquired immunity
Authors: Dinarello Charles A.
Published: December 2017

The interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) family of cytokines and receptors is unique in immunology because the IL‐1 family and Toll‐like receptor (TLR) families share similar functions. More than any other cytokine family, the IL‐1 family is primarily associated with innate immunity. More than 95% of living organisms use innate immune mechanisms for survival whereas less than 5% depend on T‐ and B‐cell functions. Innate immunity is manifested by inflammation, which can function as a mechanism of host defense but when uncontrolled is detrimental to survival. Each member of the IL‐1 receptor and TLR family contains the cytoplasmic Toll‐IL‐1‐Receptor (TIR) domain. The 50 amino acid TIR domains are highly homologous with the Toll protein in Drosophila. The TIR domain is nearly the same and present in each TLR and each IL‐1 receptor family. Whereas IL‐1 family cytokine members trigger innate inflammation via IL‐1 family of receptors, TLRs trigger inflammation via bacteria, microbial products, viruses, nucleic acids, and damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). In fact, IL‐1 family member IL‐1a and IL‐33 also function as DAMPs. Although the inflammatory properties of the IL‐1 family dominate in innate immunity, IL‐1 family member can play a role in acquired immunity. This overview is a condensed update of the IL‐1 family of cytokines and receptors.
The New Third Generation: Post‐1965 Immigration and the Next Chapter in the Long Story of Assimilation
Authors: Jiménez Tomás R. , Park Julie , Pedroza Juan
Published: December 2017

Now is the time for social scientists to focus an analytical lens on the new third generation to see what their experiences reveal about post‐1965 assimilation. This paper is a first step. We compare the household characteristics of post‐1965, second‐generation Latino and Asian children in 1980 to a “new third generation” in 2010. Today's new third generation is growing up in households headed by parents who have higher socioeconomic attainment; that are more likely to be headed by intermarried parents; that are less likely to contain extended family; and that, when living with intermarried parents, are more likely to have children identified with a Hispanic or Asian label compared to second‐generation children growing in 1980. We use these findings to inform a larger research agenda for studying the new third generation.
Choosing Skilled Foreign‐Born Workers: Evaluating Alternative Methods for Allocating H‐1B Work Permits
Authors: Sparber Chad
Published: December 2017

The H‐1B program allows highly educated foreign‐born labor to temporarily work in the United States. Quotas restrict the number of H‐1B recipients. In many years, all available work permits were allocated by random lottery. This paper argues that an alternative distribution method based upon ability would increase output, output per worker, and wages paid to less‐educated workers. Baseline estimates suggest that a change in allocation policy could result in a $26.5 billion gain for the economy over a 6‐year period. This estimate grows when H‐1B demand rises.
A web‐based survey to identify current practice in skeletal pin site management
Authors: Walker Jennie A , Scammell Brigitte E , Bayston Roger
Published: December 2017

Infections associated with percutaneous pins and wires are common complications which can have a significant impact on patient outcomes. A survey was undertaken to identify current practice and gain insight into variations of clinical practice. Invitations were sent by email to complete an electronic questionnaire using SurveyMonkey. The survey was left open for 100 days. The single largest group of respondents (37.4%, n = 120) cleansed pin sites daily, with significant differences identified between medical and nursing professions (P = 0.02), and country of practice (P < 0.001). Significant differences were also identified in the use of different cleansing solutions between medical and nursing professions (P < 0.001) and country (P < 0.001). The majority group preferences were saline 30% (n = 96) and alcoholic chlorhexidine 29.6% (n = 95). Pin site crusts were routinely removed by 57.9% (n = 186). Pin sites were left exposed by 50.3% (n = 160). Dry gauze was identified as the most common dressing used to dress pin sites, however, substantial variation was identified in the types of dressings used. Compression was not routinely applied to pin sites by 51.6% (n = 165). There remains considerable diversity of practice when caring for pin sites. Further research is required to identify the most effective methods in preventing pin site infection.
An uncommon localization of black heels in a free climbing instructor
Authors: Tammaro Antonella , Magri Francesca , Moliterni Elisa , Parisella Francesca Romana , Mondello Matteo , Persechino Severino
Published: December 2017

Black heels, also known as talon noir or calcaneal petechiae, are asymptomatic superficial cutaneous haemorrhages of the feet, mostly seen as post‐traumatic lesions in young athletic individuals who practice sports such as tennis, football, or gymnastics. Here, we present a case of black heels in a young male rock climber.
Effects of ambient conditions on the risk of pressure injuries in bedridden patients—multi‐physics modelling of microclimate
Authors: Zeevi Tal , Levy Ayelet , Brauner Neima , Gefen Amit
Published: December 2017

Scientific evidence regarding microclimate and its effects on the risk of pressure ulcers (PU) remains sparse. It is known that elevated skin temperatures and moisture may affect metabolic demand as well as the mechanical behaviour of the tissue. In this study, we incorporated these microclimate factors into a novel, 3‐dimensional multi‐physics coupled model of the human buttocks, which simultaneously determines the biothermal and biomechanical behaviours of the buttocks in supine lying on different support surfaces. We compared 3 simulated thermally controlled mattresses with 2 reference foam mattresses. A tissue damage score was numerically calculated in a relevant volume of the model, and the cooling effect of each 1°C decrease of tissue temperature was deduced. Damage scores of tissues were substantially lower for the non‐foam mattresses compared with the foams. The percentage tissue volume at risk within the volume of interest was found to grow exponentially as the average tissue temperature increased. The resultant average sacral skin temperature was concluded to be a good predictor for an increased risk of PU/injuries. Each 1°C increase contributes approximately 14 times as much to the risk with respect to an increase of 1 mmHg of pressure. These findings highlight the advantages of using thermally controlled support surfaces as well as the need to further assess the potential damage that may be caused by uncontrolled microclimate conditions on inadequate support surfaces in at‐risk patients.
Sodium silicate activated slag‐fly ash binders: Part I – Processing, microstructure, and mechanical properties
Authors: Sankar Kaushik , Stynoski Peter , Al‐Chaar Ghassan K. , Kriven Waltraud M.
Published: December 2017

Alkali silicate activated slag and class F fly ash‐based binders are ambient curing, structural materials that are feasible replacements for ordinary Portland cement (OPC). They exhibit advantageous mechanical properties and less environmental impact than OPC. In this work, five sodium silicate activated slag‐fly ash binder mixtures were developed and their compressive and flexural strengths were studied as a function of curing temperature and time. It was found that the strongest mixture sets at ambient temperature and had a Weibull average flexural strength of 5.7 ± 1.5 MPa and Weibull average compressive strength of 60 ± 8 MPa at 28 days. While increasing the slag/fly ash ratio accelerated the strength development, the cure time was decreased due to the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), calcium aluminum silicate hydrate (C–A–S–H), and (Ca,Na) based geopolymer. The density, microstructure, and phase evolution of ambient‐cured, heat‐cured, and heat‐treated binders were studied using pycnometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Heat‐cured binders were more dense than ambient‐cured binder. No new crystalline phases evolved through 28 days in ambient‐ or heat‐cured binders.
Racial Disparities in Hospice Outcomes: A Race or Hospice‐Level Effect?
Authors: Rizzuto Jessica , Aldridge Melissa D.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To determine whether there is racial variation in hospice enrollees in rates of hospitalization and hospice disenrollment and, if so, whether systematic differences in hospice provider patterns explain the variation.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Hospice.

Participants

Medicare beneficiaries (N = 145,038) enrolled in a national random sample of hospices (N = 577) from the National Hospice Survey and followed until death (2009–10).

Measurements

We used Medicare claims data to identify hospital admissions, emergency department (ED) visits, and hospice disenrollment after hospice enrollment. We used a series of hierarchical models including hospice‐level random effects to compare outcomes of blacks and whites.

Results

In unadjusted models, black hospice enrollees were significantly more likely than white enrollees to be admitted to the hospital (14.9% vs 8.7%, odds ratio (OR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.74–1.95), visit the ED (19.8% vs 13.5%, OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.50–1.66), and disenroll from hospice (18.1% vs 13.0%, OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.40–1.56). These results were largely unchanged after accounting for participant clinical and demographic covariates and hospice‐level random effects. In adjusted models, blacks were at higher risk of hospital admission (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.64–1.86), ED visits (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.52–1.70), and hospice disenrollment (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.45–1.63).

Conclusion

Racial differences in intensity of care at the end of life are not attributable to hospice‐level variation in intensity of care. Differences in patterns of care between black and white hospice enrollees persist within the same hospice.
A novel wheat NAC transcription factor, TaNAC30, negatively regulates resistance of wheat to stripe rust
Authors: Wang Bing , Wei Jinping , Song Na , Wang Ning , Zhao Jing , Kang Zhensheng
Published: December 2017

NAC transcription factors are widespread in the plant kingdom and play essential roles in the transcriptional regulation of defense responses. In this study, we isolated a novel NAC transcription factor gene, TaNAC30, from a cDNA library constructed from wheat (Triticum aestivum) plants inoculated with the stripe rust pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). TaNAC30 contains a typical NAM domain and localizes to the nucleus. Yeast one‐hybrid assays revealed that TaNAC30 exhibits transcriptional activity and that its C‐terminus is necessary for the activation of transcription. Expression of TaNAC30 increased when host plants were infected with a virulent race (CYR31) of the rust fungus Pst. Silencing of TaNAC30 by virus‐induced gene silencing inhibited colonization of the virulent Pst isolate CYR31. Moreover, detailed histological analyses showed that silencing of TaNAC30 enhanced resistance to Pst by inducing a significant increase in the accumulation of H2O2. Finally, we overexpressed TaNAC30 in fission yeast and determined that cell viability was severely reduced in TaNAC30‐transformed cells grown on medium containing H2O2. These results suggest that TaNAC30 negatively regulates plant resistance in a compatible wheat‐Pst interaction.
Comparison of drug eluting balloon angioplasty to infrapopliteal artery critical lesions with or without additional pedal artery angioplasty in patients with diabetes mellitus and critical limb ischemia
Authors: Teymen Burak , Aktürk Süleyman
Published: December 2017

Background

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and outcome of balloon angioplasty for the treatment of below the ankle (BTA) lesions in addition to below the knee (BTK) lesions in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI).

Methods

Inclusion criteria are diabetes mellitus (DM), CLI (Rutherford class 4 or higher) and revascularized significant stenosis or occlusion of at least 1 below‐the‐knee vessel with incomplete or no pedal loop. Target BTK vessel restenosis and reocclusion at 1‐year follow‐up was the primary end point whereas minor or major amputation at 1‐year follow‐up was the secondary end point.

Results

From July 2012 to June 2016, 48 diabetic patients identified with BTK with additionally BTA lesions were identified. Three patients were lost to follow‐up, leaving 45 patients. In 20 patients both BTK and BTA lesion (BTA group) was revascularized whereas only BTK lesion was treated in 25 patients (BTK group). The primary end point is 15.8% in BTA group and 47.8% in BTK group (p:0.059; P > 0.05). Minor or major amputation rate at 1‐year follow‐up was 15.8% in BTA group and 34.8% in BTA group (p:0.190; P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study shows that additional BTA angioplasty to BTK intervention may improve the primary patency rate and have higher event free rate, which slightly missed the margin of statistically significance. RBC decreased significantly more in BTA group compared to BTK group, which reflected that the outcome of intervention is better with additional BTA angioplasty.
Do Low‐Price Guarantees Guarantee Low Prices? Evidence from Competition between Amazon and Big‐Box Stores
Authors: Zhuo Ran
Published: December 2017

It has long been understood in theory that price‐match guarantees can be anticompetitive, but to date, scant empirical evidence is available outside of some narrow markets. This paper broadens the scope of empirical analysis, studying a wide range of products sold on a national online market. Using an algorithm that extracts data from charts, I obtain a novel source of data from online price trackers. I examine prices of goods sold on Amazon before and after two big‐box stores (Target and Best Buy) announced a guarantee to match Amazon's prices. Employing both difference‐in‐difference and regression‐discontinuity approaches, I robustly estimate a positive causal effect of six percentage points. The effect was heterogeneous, with larger price increases for initially lower‐priced items. My results support anticompetitive theories which predict price increases for Amazon, a firm that did not adopt the guarantee, and are consistent with plausible mechanisms for the heterogeneous impact.
Asymmetric Price Effects of Competition
Authors: Lach Saul , Moraga‐González José L.
Published: December 2017

When price dispersion is prevalent, a relevant question is what happens to the whole distribution of equilibrium prices when the number of firms changes. Using data from the gasoline market in the Netherlands, we find, first, that markets with N competitors have price distributions that first‐order stochastically dominate the price distributions in markets with N+1 firms. Second, the effect of competition is stronger for the medium to upper percentiles of the price distribution. Finally, consumer gains from competition are larger for relatively well‐informed consumers. To account for these empirical patterns, we extend Varian's [1980] model by allowing for richer heterogeneity in consumer price information.
Sufficient Decisions in Multi‐Sided and Multiproduct Markets
Authors: Alexandrov Alexei , Spulber Daniel F.
Published: December 2017

We show that in many models where firms make multiple decisions, analysis can be made more tractable by re‐formulating the model into one in which each firm makes a single choice, which we call a sufficient decision. The transformation allows application of standard techniques in these settings, including pass‐through for tax incidence and upward pricing pressure for merger analysis. The transformation works because the assumption of profit maximization links the firms’ decisions together. Examples include models of monopoly and oligopoly in two‐sided markets, where a natural sufficient decision may be the number of transactions that the firm facilitates, and multiproduct markets.
Cognitive Abilities and Mathematical Competencies at School Entry
Authors: Ribner Andrew , Moeller Korbinian , Willoughby Michael , Blair Clancy ,   the Family Life Project Key Investigators
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to identify mathematical competencies in early childhood and cognitive correlates of those competencies in a prospective longitudinal sample of children (N = 1,292) in predominantly low‐income and nonurban communities in the United States. General mental ability, processing speed, vocabulary, and the working memory (WM), inhibitory control (IC), and cognitive flexibility components of executive function (EF) were assessed when children were aged 4 and 5 years. Math ability was assessed prior to school entry using a norm‐referenced assessment. Exploratory factor analysis indicated that items from the math assessment loaded onto factors representing conceptual and procedural skill. General mental ability, processing speed, vocabulary, and a unitary EF composite all related to both conceptual and procedural skill. When EF components were examined separately, however, only the IC aspect of EF was related to conceptual skill and only the WM aspect of EF was related to procedural skill.
Legislative Impact Accounting: Incorporating Prospective and Retrospective Review into a Regulatory Budget
Authors: Fichtner Jason J. , Mclaughlin Patrick A. , Michel Adam N.
Published: December 2017

Congressional decision‐making suffers from scarce information about the scope and economic consequences of legislative actions. This paper proposes a better method to overcome congressional information scarcity. Our proposal relies on the premise that regulations have similar economic effects as taxes and spending, and therefore should be scored and tracked as part of the budget process. Our proposed system of legislative impact accounting (LIA) builds on the concept of a regulatory budget by developing a system for both prospective and retrospective review to create an effective feedback loop to better communicate information about economic effects of regulations to Congress.
Establishment of Photoaging In Vitro by Repetitive UVA Irradiation: Induction of Characteristic Markers of Senescence and its Prevention by PAPLAL with Potent Catalase Activity
Authors: Yoshimoto Satoshi , Yoshida Moemi , Ando Hideya , Ichihashi Masamitsu
Published: December 2017

To understand a role of UVA radiation in photoaging of the skin, we established a model of photoaging cells using cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Repeated low‐dose UVA radiation for 10 consecutive days induced senescence in fibroblasts, characterized with (1) increased level of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase, (2) flattened large cell shape, (3) accumulation of reactive oxygen species, (4) yellowish coloration and (5) expression of p16. These were also observed in chronologically aged fibroblasts (doubling times >20), whereas none of these were detected in young cells (doubling times <10). Collectively, we propose that fibroblasts exposed to repetitive UVA radiation may be a good model of aged cells to study the mechanism of aging and photoaging and further to search for novel agents preventing cellular senescence. In addition, H2O2 was produced in the culture medium by a single low dose of UVA irradiation. Further, PAPLAL, a nanoparticle of platinum and palladium having potent catalase‐like activity, significantly delayed the onset of H2O2‐induced cell senescence. The present study strongly indicates that repetitive short‐term UVA irradiation induces aging of cells possibly via H2O2 and may be suppressed by potent anti‐H2O2 agents.
Sheep trampling on surface‐lying seeds improves seedling recruitment in open sand ecosystems
Authors: Eichberg Carsten , Donath Tobias W.
Published: December 2017

Low‐intensity grazing with domestic ungulates is an important tool in restoration to enhance habitat openness and foster light‐demanding plant species. Ungulates affect plant regeneration in different ways; one important factor is trampling. We hypothesized that in dry open sand ecosystems sheep trampling is beneficial for seedling recruitment. Therefore, we set up a standardized laboratory experiment, where we simulated trampling on surface‐lying seeds and measured the number of seedlings, mean germination time, synchrony of germination, and aboveground phytomass of seedlings. We studied seeds of 16 herbaceous species occurring in European open inland sand ecosystems, which depend on continuous disturbance dynamics. The species set comprised four plant families (Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae) and two species groups (target and ruderal nontarget species). Across species, trampling had profound effects on seedling emergence, that is it induced a 3.5‐fold increase in the number of emerging seedlings. In addition, germination synchrony and aboveground phytomass increased after trampling, whereas mean germination time decreased. Interestingly, ruderal species seemed to be more susceptible toward trampling than target species. We conclude that sheep trampling strongly promotes seedling emergence in grazed open sand ecosystems by pressing seeds into the uppermost soil layer and improving microclimatic conditions.
Measuring Environmental and Economic Opinions about Hydraulic Fracturing: A Survey of Landowners in Active or Planned Drilling Units
Authors: Arnold Gwen , Farrer Benjamin , Holahan Robert
Published: December 2017

We investigate how Eastern Ohio landowners affected by the recent boom in high‐volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) view the industry and the factors that affect their attitudes. Our unique sample almost exclusively contains individuals whose land is under lease for and/or experiencing HVHF. Nation‐ and state‐wide surveys that investigate HVHF attitudes tend to find nearly even splits between opposed and supportive respondents, whose views are strongly influenced by political partisanship. These trends largely do not manifest among Eastern Ohio landowners, for whom personal experiences with HVHF crucially influence attitudes. Most respondents support HVHF and say it has benefited their community economically. Political partisanship does not significantly impact HVHF views. Contrary to arguments in the literature that economic considerations drive variation in support for HVHF, landowners’ support for the industry also appears influenced by perceptions of its environmental and infrastructure impacts. Environmental concerns appear to more powerfully shape attitudes than economic benefits.
Sexual Orientation Differences in Whites’ Racial Attitudes
Authors: Grollman Eric Anthony
Published: December 2017

Historical and anecdotal accounts present a contradictory image of predominantly white lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) communities in the United States: a unique celebration of racial and other forms of diversity, yet pervasive racial discrimination and exclusion that mirrors racism of the broader society. However, no study to date has compared the racial attitudes of white heterosexual and white LGB Americans. Using nationally representative data from the American National Election Survey 2012 Times Series Study, I investigate the effect of sexual orientation on whites’ racial attitudes in the domains of symbolic, color‐blind, and old‐fashioned racism. Compared to white heterosexuals, white LGB people hold more favorable attitudes toward black people, most notably in the domain of symbolic racism. On average, over 40% of sexual orientation gaps in whites’ racial attitudes is explained by white LGB respondents’ more liberal political ideology; their greater awareness of homophobic discrimination explains, on average, one‐fifth of these sexual orientation gaps. These findings suggest that white LGB racial attitudes must be examined at the intersection of their privileged racial and disadvantaged sexual identities.
Televisual experiences of poverty and abundance: Entertainment television in the Philippines
Authors: Pertierra Anna Cristina
Published: December 2017

This paper draws from ethnographic research on entertainment television in the Philippines, in which poverty, suffering, abundance and joy are materialised and enacted as central themes. Examples are considered from a particularly successful Philippine television program, Eat Bulaga, in which audience members compete to win prizes of cash, bank accounts, feasts, appliances or vehicles. While the production of this television program creates a wider, mediated representation of poverty and abundance, suffering and joy, the paper focuses on the practices and experiences of the people – including production staff and audience members ‐ whose participation in the making of this television program is a materially, and at times spiritually, transformative event. In doing so, Eat Bulaga consolidates and remediates a large market of television audiences whose self‐understanding incorporates the mass consumption of particular goods as being central to the Philippine experience of poverty‐in‐modernity.
An investigation into the bacterial contamination of goniolenses in use in clinical practice
Authors: Grundon Rachael , Scurrell Emma , Mould John , Hayton‐Lee Emma , Heinrich Christine
Published: December 2017

Objectives To report the incidence and evaluate the clinical significance of goniolens bacterial contamination in clinical use in dogs with three different usage protocols and one with an added cleaning protocol. Animals Studied and Methods Three groups of twenty dogs undergoing gonioscopy at a private practice in the UK had the goniolenses swabbed for bacteriology culture and identification prior to placement on the cornea. Three protocols of lens use, with 2 different types of goniolens, were studied. One protocol was then repeated with 21 dogs with a lens cleaning protocol prior to storage. Results Low levels of bacterial contamination were found in all 3 initial groups (10‐15%). No correlation was found between usage protocol used and rate of contamination and no correlation was found between length of storage between use and contamination. All bacteria cultured were considered naturally occurring commensals for the canine eye and environment. The group with a cleaning protocol had a 4.7% contamination rate. This was not statistically different from the non‐cleaning groups. Conclusions The rate of bacterial contamination of goniolenses in clinical practice is low and the bacterial contaminants consist of commensal bacteria, unlikely to be of detriment to the eye. Minimal contamination of the goniolenses was found and this did not appear to be of clinical significance. The introduction of a simple cleaning protocol did not produce a statistically significant reduction in bacterial contamination.