bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of bioactive glass‐coated carbon nanotubes prepared by solgel process
Authors: Fan Fang‐Yu , Chang Chung‐Chieh , Lin Jhih‐Ni , Cai Yi‐Yun , Tsay Chien‐Yie , Suzuki Tetsuya , Takahashi Hidekazu , Pan Yung‐Ning , Lin Chung‐Kwei
Published: August 2016

Due to its excellent bioactivity, bioactive glass (BG) is suitable for use as bone graft substitutes in biomedical applications. In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNT‐COOH) served as templates for depositing bioactive glass based on 60SiO2–36CaO–4P2O5 wt.% were synthesized via the solgel process. The BG and BG/CNT‐COOH composites were treated at 300, 500, 700, and 900°C; their properties were also examined by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results showed that BG/CNT‐COOH composites treated at 500 and 700°C were amorphous and contained silicate nanocrystals. By altering precursor concentration, bioactive glass of various thicknesses was successfully solgel coated on CNT‐COOH. Immersion of the BG/CNT‐COOH composites in simulated body fluid solution and MG‐63 cell culture assessment showed the 500°C treated BG/CNT‐COOH exhibits excellent bioactivity.
Effects of Solution History on Sol‐Gel Processed Tin‐Oxide Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Boratto Miguel H. , Scalvi Luis V. A. , Goncharova Lyudmila V. , Fanchini Giovanni
Published: August 2016

Antimony‐doped tin‐oxide (SbTO) thin films deposited by solution processing methods represent a promising avenue toward low‐cost transparent and flexible electronics, but reproducibility and performance homogeneity of devices prepared from these thin films have been seldom investigated. In this study, the role of sol‐gel precursor aging is investigated by comparing SbTO thin‐film transistors (TFT) fabricated from two different sol‐gel solutions: the first one was aged for 4 years, whereas the second was prepared freshly. For each of the solutions, a set of TFT was assembled on the same chip, to investigate the distinct roles of aging and sample inhomogeneity on the electronic and transport properties of SbTO. Higher electron mobility, but lower on/off ratios, was found in TFTs assembled from freshly prepared solution, an effect that may be assigned to larger size of SbTO grains. This study demonstrates the critical role of the solution “history” in determining the properties and reproducibility of SbTO TFTs, over other factors, including local film inhomogeneity and local fluctuations of the annealing temperature.
Masked Hypertension and Left Atrial Dysfunction: A Hidden Association
Authors: Tadic Marijana , Cuspidi Cesare , Radojkovic Jana , Rihor Branislav , Kocijanic Vesna , Celic Vera
Published: August 2016

Masked hypertension (MH) is a clinical condition that indicates normal values of clinic blood pressure (BP) but elevated 24‐hour BP. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between MH and left atrial (LA) phasic function evaluated by both the volumetric and speckle tracking method. This cross‐sectional study included 49 normotensive individuals, 50 patients with MH, and 70 untreated sustained hypertensive patients adjusted by age and sex. MH was diagnosed if clinic BP was normal and 24‐hour BP was increased. LA reservoir function was lower in patients with MH and those with sustained hypertension compared with the normotensive group. LA conduit function gradually decreased, while LA booster pump function progressively increased, from normotension to sustained hypertension. Similar results were obtained by two‐dimensional echocardiographic strain analysis. Independently of main clinic and echocardiographic characteristics, 24‐hour systolic BP was associated with LA passive ejection fraction, LA total longitudinal strain, LA positive longitudinal strain, and LA stiffness index. In conclusion, MH is associated with impairment of LA phasic function and stiffness, and 24‐hour systolic BP increment was closely related with LA remodeling.
Enriching preschool classrooms and home visits with evidence‐based programming: sustained benefits for low‐income children
Authors: Bierman Karen L. , Heinrichs Brenda S. , Welsh Janet A. , Nix Robert L. , Gest Scott D.
Published: August 2016

Background

Growing up in poverty undermines healthy development, producing disparities in the cognitive and social‐emotional skills that support early learning and mental health. Preschool and home‐visiting interventions for low‐income children have the potential to build early cognitive and social‐emotional skills, reducing the disparities in school readiness that perpetuate the cycle of poverty. However, longitudinal research suggests that the gains low‐income children make during preschool interventions often fade at school entry and disappear by early elementary school.

Methods

In an effort to improve the benefits for low‐income children, the REDI program enriched Head Start preschool classrooms (study one) and home visits (study two) with evidence‐based programming, documenting positive intervention effects in two randomized trials. In this study, REDI participants were followed longitudinally, to evaluate the sustained impact of the classroom and home‐visiting enrichments 3 years later, when children were in second grade. The combined sample included 556 children (55% European American, 25% African American, 19% Latino; 49% male): 288 children received the classroom intervention, 105 children received the classroom intervention plus the home‐visiting intervention, and 173 children received usual practice Head Start.

Results

The classroom intervention led to sustained benefits in social‐emotional skills, improving second grade classroom participation, student–teacher relationships, social competence, and peer relations. The coordinated home‐visiting intervention produced additional benefits in child mental health (perceived social competence and peer relations) and cognitive skills (reading skills, academic performance). Significant effects ranged from 25% to 48% of a standard deviation, representing important effects of small to moderate magnitude relative to usual practice Head Start.

Conclusions

Preschool classroom and home‐visiting programs for low‐income children can be improved with the use of evidence‐based programming, reducing disparities and promoting complementary benefits that sustain in elementary school.
Investigation of suitable starting doses of narrowband UVB in Asian vitiligo patients: a pilot study
Authors: Lee H. , Chu H. , Oh S.H.
Published: August 2016

Background

Phototherapy is the preferred treatment modality for active and generalized vitiligo. One of the widely accepted consensus on starting dose of phototherapy is using a uniform dose of 280 mJ/cm2 regardless of patients' Fitzpatrick skin phototype (SPT). However, in many clinical experiences with Asian vitiligo patients, the protocol seems suboptimal.

Objective

To gather more evidence on establishing a higher starting dosage for Asian vitiligo patients undergoing phototherapy.

Methods

We enrolled generalized vitiligo patients with lesions sized adequate enough for phototest. Minimal erythema dose (MED) of vitiligo lesion and non‐lesion was measured along with melanin index (MI).

Results

Relatively, a wide range of MED and MI was observed even among patients with similar SPT. The range of MED for lesional skin was 300–700 mJ/cm2 and the MED for non‐lesion was 500–800 mJ/cm2. Correlation was noted between lesional MED and non‐lesional MI (Spearman correlation, ρ = 0.664 [P < 0.036]) and mean lesional MED was approximately 65% of mean non‐lesional MED.

Conclusion

Results from phototest and tolerability of patients to doses higher than 280 mJ/cm2 may indicate that higher starting doses might be appropriate for Asian vitiligo patients.
Informed Family Member Involvement to Improve the Quality of Dementia Care in Nursing Homes
Authors: Tjia Jennifer , Lemay Celeste A. , Bonner Alice , Compher Christina , Paice Kelli , Field Terry , Mazor Kathleen , Hunnicutt Jacob N. , Lapane Kate L. , Gurwitz Jerry
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To describe the extent to which nursing homes engaged families in antipsychotic initiation decisions in the year before surveyor guidance revisions were implemented.

Design

Mixed‐methods study based on semistructured interviews.

Setting

U.S. nursing homes (N = 20) from five CMS regions (III, IV, VI, VIII, IX).

Participants

Family members of nursing home residents (N = 41).

Measurements

Family member responses to closed‐ and open‐ended questions regarding involvement in resident care and antipsychotic initiation. Two researchers used a content analytical approach to code open responses to themes of family involvement in behavior management, decision‐making, knowledge of risks and benefits, and informed consent.

Results

Fifty‐four percent of family members felt highly involved in decisions about behavior management. Forty‐two percent recalled being asked how to manage resident behavior without medication, and 17% recalled receipt of information about antipsychotic risks and benefits. Sixty‐six percent felt highly involved in the process of initiating antipsychotic medication; 24% reported being asked for input into the antipsychotic initiation decision and knowing before the antipsychotic was started.

Conclusion

Under existing federal regulations but before guidance revisions were implemented in 2013, more than 40% of families reported being involved in nonpharmacological behavior management of family members, but fewer than one in four reported being involved throughout the entire antipsychotic prescribing process. Interventions that standardize family engagement and promote adherence to existing federal regulations are needed. This discussion builds on these findings to weigh the policy options of greater enforcement of existing regulations versus enactment of new legislation to address this challenging issue.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Initiation and Discontinuation of Antidementia Drugs by Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Thorpe Carolyn T. , Fowler Nicole R. , Harrigan Katherine , Zhao Xinhua , Kang Yihuang , Hanlon Joseph T. , Gellad Walid F. , Schleiden Loren J. , Thorpe Joshua M.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To examine racial and ethnic differences in initiation and time to discontinuation of antidementia medication in Medicare beneficiaries.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Secondary analysis of 2009–10 enrollment, claims, and Part D prescription data for a 10% national sample of U.S. Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries.

Participants

Beneficiaries aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia (ADRD) before 2009 and no fills for antidementia medications in the first half of 2009 (N = 84,043).

Measurements

Initiation was defined as having one or more fills for antidementia medication in the second half of 2009 and discontinuation as a gap in coverage of 30 days or more during the year after initiation. The Andersen Behavioral Model was used to guide covariate selection.

Results

Overall, 3,481 (4.1%) of previous nonusers initiated antidementia medication in the second half of 2009. Of those initiating one drug class (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) or memantine), 9% later added the other class, and 2% switched classes. Of initiators, 23% discontinued within 1 month, and 62% discontinued within 1 year. Hispanic beneficiaries were more likely than white beneficiaries to initiate (adjusted odds ratio = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.41). Black and white beneficiaries did not differ in likelihood of initiation. Hispanic (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.34–1.82) and black (aHR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.08–1.44) beneficiaries discontinued at a faster rate than white beneficiaries.

Conclusion

Initiation of antidementia medications was no different in black and white beneficiaries and more likely in Hispanic beneficiaries; black and Hispanic beneficiaries discontinued at a faster rate. More research into reasons explaining these differences is needed.
The Effects of Third‐Party Arbitration: A Field Experiment
Authors: Joosten Herm , Bloemer Josée M. M. , Hillebrand Bas
Published: August 2016

Governments, firms, and consumer agencies promote third‐party arbitration to end consumer–firm disputes that arise from dissatisfying services and failed service recoveries in the hope that third‐party arbitration will (1) resolve the dispute, (2) repair the relationship with the service provider, and (3) empower the consumer. Literature, however, doubts these positive expectations because arbitration uses an adversarial intervention mode and does not allow consumer control of process and outcome. The results of a field experiment in the context of the Dutch Foundation for Disputes Committees diminish some of the doubts raised about arbitration: (1) complainants are more committed to the decision after the hearing, even though they are less convinced the decision is going to be in their favor, (2) complainants remain intent on never visiting the service provider again, but (3) complainants feel more in control, even though they have ceded control to the third party.
Creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and patient‐centred care: how nurses, doctors, pharmacists and patients use communication strategies when managing medications in an acute hospital setting
Authors: Liu Wei , Gerdtz Marie , Manias Elizabeth
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

This paper examines the communication strategies that nurses, doctors, pharmacists and patients use when managing medications.

Background

Patient‐centred medication management is best accomplished through interdisciplinary practice. Effective communication about managing medications between clinicians and patients has a direct influence on patient outcomes. There is a lack of research that adopts a multidisciplinary approach and involves critical in‐depth analysis of medication interactions among nurses, doctors, pharmacists and patients.

Design

A critical ethnographic approach with video reflexivity was adopted to capture communication strategies during medication activities in two general medical wards of an acute care hospital in Melbourne, Australia.

Methods

A mixed ethnographic approach combining participant observations, field interviews, video recordings and video reflexive focus groups and interviews was employed. Seventy‐six nurses, 31 doctors, 1 pharmacist and 27 patients gave written consent to participate in the study. Data analysis was informed by Fairclough's critical discourse analytic framework.

Findings

Clinicians’ use of communication strategies was demonstrated in their interpersonal, authoritative and instructive talk with patients. Doctors adopted the language discourse of normalisation to standardise patients’ illness experiences. Nurses and pharmacists employed the language discourses of preparedness and scrutiny to ensure that patient safety was maintained. Patients took up the discourse of politeness to raise medication concerns and question treatment decisions made by doctors, in their attempts to challenge decision‐making about their health care treatment. In addition, the video method revealed clinicians’ extensive use of body language in communication processes for medication management.

Conclusions

The use of communication strategies by nurses, doctors, pharmacists and patients created opportunities for improved interdisciplinary collaboration and patient‐centred medication management in an acute hospital setting. Language discourses shaped and were shaped by complex power relations between patients and clinicians and among clinicians themselves.

Relevance to clinical practice

Clinicians need to be encouraged to have regular conversations to talk about and challenge each other's practices. More emphasis should be placed on ensuring that patients are given opportunities to voice their concerns about how their medications are managed.
Elective or Emergency Use of Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Singh Vikas , Damluji Abdulla A. , Mendirichaga Rodrigo , Alfonso Carlos E. , Martinez Claudia A. , Williams Donald , Heldman Alan W. , de Marchena Eduardo J. , O'Neill William W. , Cohen Mauricio G.
Published: August 2016

Objective

Evaluate the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices in high‐risk patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background

The use of MCS devices in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities undergoing TAVR is underexplored.

Methods

All patients undergoing TAVR at a single tertiary academic center who required MCS during index procedure between 2008 and 2015 were included in a prospective database.

Results

MCS was used in 9.4% (54/577) of all TAVRs (n = 52 Edwards Sapien and n = 2 CoreValves) of which 68.5% (n = 37) were used as part of a planned strategy, and 31.5% (n = 17) were used in emergency “bail‐out” situations. IABP was the most commonly used device (87%) followed by Impella and ECMO (6% each). Among the MCS group, 22% required cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the procedure (n = 4 elective [11%] vs. n = 8 emergent [47%]) and 15% upgrade to a second device (Impella or CPB after IABP; n = 5 elective [14%] vs. n = 3 emergent [18%]). Median duration of support was 1‐day. Device related complications were low (4%). In‐hospital mortality in this extremely high‐risk population was 24% (13/54) (11% [4/37] for elective cases and 53% [9/17] for emergency cases). Cardiogenic shock (50%) was the most common cause of in‐hospital death. Cumulative all‐cause 1‐year mortality was 35% (19/54) (19% 97/370 for elective and 71% [12/17] for emergency cases).

Conclusion

Emergent use of MCS during TAVR in extremely high‐risk population is associated with high short and long‐term mortality rates. Early identification of patients at risk for hemodynamic compromise may rationalize elective utilization of MCS during TAVR.
How Do Strategy and Leadership Styles Jointly Affect Co‐development and Its Innovation Outcomes?
Authors: Maria Stock Ruth , Zacharias Nicolas A. , Schnellbaecher Armin
Published: August 2016

Co‐development with customers attracts considerable interest as a means to improve companies’ product innovativeness and performance. Forward‐thinking companies integrate co‐development within their business models, but many remain uncertain about which levers best foster its implementation. This study therefore takes a top‐down perspective on ways to stimulate co‐development with customers. Relying on boundary theory and its wider contextualization in relation to resource dependence theory, the authors argue that an innovation‐oriented strategy, combined with transformational and transactional leadership, represents senior management levers for driving general openness and providing strategic directions for innovation, which then helps bridge the boundary with customers and facilitate the co‐development of new products. Data from 135 managers and 415 subordinates reveal that some senior management levers can foster co‐development. Specifically, the results of the hierarchical regression analyses confirm the hypothesized positive interaction effect of innovation‐oriented strategy and transformational leadership, whereas the combination of innovation‐oriented strategy and transactional leadership is not beneficial. The strength of innovation‐oriented strategy as an important senior management lever differs for goods and services, which is not the case for the other two levers. Finally, this study provides a more fine‐grained perspective on the new product frequency outcomes of co‐development, by relying on organizational learning theory. Most research is restricted to linear relationships, but the current investigation unveils an inverted U‐shaped relationship between co‐development and companies’ new product frequency. Hence, companies can profit from co‐development at lower and medium levels, but the common notion of “the more, the better” does not apply to an unlimited degree for co‐development.

Practitioner Points

Senior managers should implement an innovation‐oriented strategy to provide guidance regarding the company's innovation generation goals in co‐development projects.

Companies need to support organizational members with adequate freedom and flexibility in terms of co‐development projects, instead of focusing on fixed goals, expectations, or rewards.

If they offer services in particular, companies should initiate appropriate training and coaching for senior managers, to help them better motivate and lead organizational members with a transformational leadership style.

Co‐development can be fostered by senior managers from the top but also should be tracked, using management tools and key performance indicators, to recognize negative efficiency trends as early as possible.
Optimal Stocking Density with the Provision of Self‐feeders for Striped Knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus (Temminck and Schlegel 1844)
Authors: Biswas Amal , Takii Kenji
Published: August 2016

To determine the optimal stocking density, three densities of 5 (SD5), 10 (SD10), and 15 kg/m3 (SD15) were used to culture striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus, for 10 wk. A total of 10, 20, or 30 juveniles with mean weights of approximately 96 g were stocked into one of nine 300‐L tanks (with an initial water volume of 200 L) and fed with commercial feed via self‐feeders. The fish were sampled at 4 and 8 wk, and the stocking density was maintained by adjusting the water volume of the tanks. The final body weights in SD10 and SD15 were 183.8 and 178.9 g, respectively, which were significantly higher than 161.7 g in SD5 (P< 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the SD10 and SD15 (P > 0.05). A similar trend was observed in the specific growth rate among the treatments. Feed efficiency and the lipid retention efficiency were both significantly higher in SD10 than that in SD5. The plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, and total protein were similar among the treatments. These results clearly suggest that densities of 10 and 15 kg/m3 can be used to improve the growth performance of striped knifejaw, O. fasciatus, when fed with a self‐feeder.
Statistical Methods for Linguistic Research: Foundational Ideas – Part I
Authors: Vasishth Shravan , Nicenboim Bruno
Published: August 2016

We present the fundamental ideas underlying statistical hypothesis testing using the frequentist framework. We start with a simple example that builds up the one‐samplet‐test from the beginning, explaining important concepts such as the sampling distribution of the sample mean, and the iid assumption. Then, we examine the meaning of thep‐value in detail and discuss several important misconceptions about what ap‐value does and does not tell us. This leads to a discussion of Type I, II error and power, and Type S and M error. An important conclusion from this discussion is that one should aim to carry out appropriately powered studies. Next, we discuss two common issues that we have encountered in psycholinguistics and linguistics: running experiments until significance is reached and the ‘garden‐of‐forking‐paths’ problem discussed by Gelman and others. The best way to use frequentist methods is to run appropriately powered studies, check model assumptions, clearly separate exploratory data analysis from planned comparisons decided upon before the study was run, and always attempt to replicate results.
Effectiveness of a community‐based nutrition programme to improve child growth in rural Ethiopia: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Kang Yunhee , Kim Sungtae , Sinamo Sisay , Christian Parul
Published: August 2016

Few trials have shown that promoting complementary feeding among young children is effective in improving child linear growth in resource‐challenged settings. We designed a community‐based participatory nutrition promotion (CPNP) programme adapting a Positive Deviance/Hearth approach that engaged mothers in 2‐week nutrition sessions using the principles of ‘learning by doing’ around child feeding. We aimed to test the effectiveness of the CPNP for improving child growth in rural Ethiopia. A cluster randomized trial was implemented by adding the CPNP to the existing government nutrition programmes (six clusters) vs. government programmes only (six clusters). A total of 1790 children aged 6 to 12 months (876 in the intervention and 914 in the control areas) were enrolled and assessed on anthropometry every 3 months for a year. Multi‐level mixed‐effect regression analysis of longitudinal outcome data (n = 1475) examined the programme impact on growth, adjusting for clustering and enrollment characteristics. Compared with children 6 to 24 months of age in the control area, those in the intervention area had a greater increase in z scores for length‐for‐age [difference (diff): 0.021 z score/month, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.034] and weight‐for‐length (diff: 0.042 z score/month, 95% CI: 0.024, 0.059). At the end of the 12‐month follow‐up, children in the intervention area showed an 8.1% (P = 0.02) and 6.3% (P = 0.046) lower prevalence of stunting and underweight, respectively, after controlling for differences in the prevalence at enrollment, compared with the control group. A novel CPNP programme was effective in improving child growth and reducing undernutrition in this setting. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Reconciling the evolutionary origin of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: El Baidouri Moaine , Murat Florent , Veyssiere Maeva , Molinier Mélanie , Flores Raphael , Burlot Laura , Alaux Michael , Quesneville Hadi , Pont Caroline , Salse Jérôme
Published: August 2016

The origin of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum; AABBDD) has been a subject of controversy and of intense debate in the scientific community over the last few decades. In 2015, three articles published in New Phytologist discussed the origin of hexaploid bread wheat (AABBDD) from the diploid progenitors Triticum urartu (AA), a relative of Aegilops speltoides (BB) and Triticum tauschii (DD).

Access to new genomic resources since 2013 has offered the opportunity to gain novel insights into the paleohistory of modern bread wheat, allowing characterization of its origin from its diploid progenitors at unprecedented resolution.

We propose a reconciled evolutionary scenario for the modern bread wheat genome based on the complementary investigation of transposable element and mutation dynamics between diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid wheat.

In this scenario, the structural asymmetry observed between the A, B and D subgenomes in hexaploid bread wheat derives from the cumulative effect of diploid progenitor divergence, the hybrid origin of the D subgenome, and subgenome partitioning following the polyploidization events.
An introduction to physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic models
Authors: Upton Richard N. , Foster David J.R. , Abuhelwa Ahmad Y.
Published: August 2016

Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models represent drug kinetics in one or more ‘real’ organs (and hence require submodels of organs/tissues) and they describe ‘whole‐body’ kinetics by joining together submodels with drug transport by blood flow as dictated by anatomy. They attempt to reproduce ‘measureable’ physiological and/or pharmacokinetic processes rather than more abstract rate constants and volumes. PBPK models may be built using a ‘bottom‐up’ approach, where parameters are chosen from first principles, literature, or in vitro data as opposed to a ‘top‐down’ approach, where all parameters are estimated from data. The basic principles of PBPK models are described, focusing on the equations for three individual organs: a single flow‐limited compartment describing distribution only, a membrane‐limited compartment describing distribution, and a single flow‐limited compartment with elimination. These organ models are linked to make a basic three‐compartment physiological model of the whole body. PBPK models are particularly suited to scaling kinetics across body size (e.g., adult to neonate) and species (e.g., animal to first‐in‐man) as physiology and pharmacology can be represented by independent parameters. Maturation models can be incorporated as for compartmental models. PBPK models are now available in commercial software packages, and are perhaps now more accessible than ever. Alternatively, even complex PBPK models can be represented in generic differential equation‐solving software using the simple principles described here. The relative ease of constructing the code for PBPK models belies the most difficult aspect of their implementation—collecting, collating, and justifying the data used to parameterize the model.
A comprehensive draft genome sequence for lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), an emerging health food: insights into plant–microbe interactions and legume evolution
Authors: Hane James K. , Ming Yao , Kamphuis Lars G. , Nelson Matthew N. , Garg Gagan , Atkins Craig A. , Bayer Philipp E. , Bravo Armando , Bringans Scott , Cannon Steven , Edwards David , Foley Rhonda , Gao Ling‐ling , Harrison Maria J. , Huang Wei , Hurgobin Bhavna , Li Sean , Liu Cheng‐Wu , McGrath Annette , Morahan Grant , Murray Jeremy , Weller James , Jian Jianbo , Singh Karam B.
Published: August 2016

Lupins are important grain legume crops that form a critical part of sustainable farming systems, reducing fertilizer use and providing disease breaks. It has a basal phylogenetic position relative to other crop and model legumes and a high speciation rate. Narrow‐leafed lupin (NLL; Lupinus angustifolius L.) is gaining popularity as a health food, which is high in protein and dietary fibre but low in starch and gluten‐free. We report the draft genome assembly (609 Mb) of NLL cultivar Tanjil, which has captured >98% of the gene content, sequences of additional lines and a dense genetic map. Lupins are unique among legumes and differ from most other land plants in that they do not form mycorrhizal associations. Remarkably, we find that NLL has lost all mycorrhiza‐specific genes, but has retained genes commonly required for mycorrhization and nodulation. In addition, the genome also provided candidate genes for key disease resistance and domestication traits. We also find evidence of a whole‐genome triplication at around 25 million years ago in the genistoid lineage leading to Lupinus. Our results will support detailed studies of legume evolution and accelerate lupin breeding programmes.
Technical Note—Demand Uncertainty Reduction in Decentralized Supply Chains
Authors: Li Meng , Petruzzi Nicholas C.
Published: August 2016

This note analyzes the effects associated with reducing demand uncertainty in a decentralized supply chain comprising one manufacturer, one retailer, and a wholesale price contract that governs the transactions between them. The demand uncertainty level is parameterized through a mean‐preserving spread, and the manufacturer's and the retailer's equilibrium decisions are solved accordingly. We consider the case of an exogenous retail price as well as the case of an endogenous retail price, and we find in both cases that the manufacturer's and the retailer's expected profits in equilibrium are not necessarily monotone decreasing in the uncertainty level. Thus, we find that, even if the cost of reducing demand uncertainty is zero, uncertainty reduction can hurt rather than benefit either or both members of the supply chain.
Effect of growth differentiation factor‐9 (GDF‐9) on the progression of buffalo follicles in vitrified–warmed ovarian tissues
Authors: Abdel‐Ghani MA , El‐sherry TM , Abdelhafeez HH
Published: August 2016

Contents

To improve the reproductive performance of water buffalo to level can satisfy our needs, the mechanisms controlling ovarian follicular growth and development should be thoroughly investigated. Therefore, in this study, the expressions of growth differentiation factor‐9 (GDF‐9) in buffalo ovaries were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the effects of GDF‐9 treatment on follicle progression were investigated using a buffalo ovary organ culture system. Frozen–thawed buffalo ovarian follicles within slices of ovarian cortical tissue were cultured for 14 days in the presence or absence of GDF‐9. After culture, ovarian slices were fixed, sectioned and stained. The follicles were morphologically analysed and counted. Expression pattern of GDF‐9 was detected in oocytes from primordial follicles onwards, besides, also presented in granulosa cells. Moreover, GDF‐9 was detected in mural granulosa cells and theca cells of pre‐antral follicles. In antral follicles, cumulus cells and theca cells displayed positive expression of GDF‐9. In corpora lutea, GDF‐9 was expressed in both granulosa and theca lutein cells. After in vitro culture, there was no difference in the number of primordial follicles between cultured plus GDF‐9 and cultured control that indicated the GDF‐9 treatment has no effect on the primordial to primary follicle transition. GDF‐9 treatment caused a significant decrease in the number of primary and secondary follicles compared with controls accompanied with a significant increase in pre‐antral and antral follicles. These results suggest that a larger number of primary and secondary follicles were stimulated to progress to later developmental stages when treated with GDF‐9. Vitrification/warming of buffalo ovarian tissue had a little remarkable effect, in contrast to culturing for 14 days, on the expression of GDF‐9. In conclusion, treatment with GDF‐9 was found to promote progression of primary follicle that could provide an alternative approach to stimulate early follicle development and to improve therapies for the most common infertility problem in buffaloes (ovarian inactivity).
Metabolic blood profile of beef heifers during oestrous and non‐oestrous states
Authors: Crane EM , Munro JC , Bourgon SL , Diel de Amorim M , Ventura R , Fredeen AH , Montanholi YR
Published: August 2016

Contents

Haematological metabolic profiles in heifers could contribute to the development of proxies for oestrous detection and provide clues to further characterize biological changes during oestrus. One hundred and seven beef heifers were observed for oestrous behaviour twice daily for 124 days. Feed intake and productive performance (body weight and composition) traits were measured, and feed efficiency was determined using residual feed intake (kg DM/day). Blood plasma samples were collected when signs of oestrus were observed and every 30 ± 2 days. Heifers were considered in oestrus (n = 71) when plasma progesterone concentrations were <0.6 ng/ml. Least square means of blood metabolic parameters were compared between oestrous and non‐oestrous states and within oestrous groups according to performance traits and age. Heifers in oestrus exhibited higher concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), beta‐hydroxybutyric acid, creatine kinase (CK) and triiodothyronine (T3) than heifers in non‐oestrus. Heifers in oestrus revealed lower osmolality and concentrations of calcium, sodium and total protein than during non‐oestrus. Younger (and smaller) heifers had greater concentrations of CK, gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT), glucose and sodium than the older heifers. Heifers with lower fatness had increased osmolality and concentrations of cholesterol, CK, phosphorus, sodium and reduced T3 levels. Feed efficient heifers had greater levels of AST, cholesterol and GGT than inefficient heifers. Blood plasma parameters may be complementary to oestrous detection upon further validation; effects of age, feed efficiency, body size and body composition should be considered to optimize this haematological assessment.
Citizen co‐production of cyber security: Self‐help, vigilantes, and cybercrime
Authors: Chang Lennon Y.C. , Zhong Lena Y. , Grabosky Peter N.
Published: August 2016

Given the limited resources and capabilities of states to maintain cyber security, a variety of co‐production efforts have been made by individuals or by collectives, of varying degrees of organization and coordination. This article identifies different forms of citizen co‐production of cyber security and notes the risk of unintended consequences. Safeguards and principles are proposed in order to facilitate constructive citizen/netizen co‐production of cyber security. Although co‐production of security can contribute to social control, only those activities within the bounds of the law should be encouraged. Activities of private citizens/netizens that test the limits of legality should be closely circumscribed.
Inhibition of IL‐13‐induced periostin in airway epithelium attenuates cellular protein expression of MUC5AC
Authors: Suzaki Isao , Kawano Shuichi , Komiya Kosaku , Tanabe Tsuyoshi , Akaba Tomohiro , Asano Kazuhito , Suzaki Harumi , Izuhara Kenji , Rubin Bruce K.
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Serum periostin is increased in asthma and serves as a surrogate marker for IL‐13 activity in the lung. Serum levels of periostin are the most robust biomarker predicting a favourable response to the anti‐IL‐13 drug, lebrikizumab. We investigated the mechanisms of IL‐13 stimulation of periostin, the polarized secretion of periostin and whether periostin would have a direct effect on mucin secretion by airway cells.

Methods

Normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were cultured at air–liquid interface (ALI) in the presence of IL‐13, and we evaluated the effect of the specific inhibitors, leflunomide (Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 6 (STAT6) inhibitor) or PD98059 (MEK/extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) inhibitor), on periostin production. We examined MUC5AC secretion from NHBE cells exposed to recombinant human (rh) periostin or IL‐13 in the presence and absence of OC‐20, a periostin‐neutralizing antibody.

Results

IL‐13 induced periostin protein which was predominantly secreted towards the basal surface of the cells. Periostin production was much greater from goblet cells than ciliated cells (P < 0.001). Periostin production after exposure to IL‐13 was attenuated by both leflunomide (P < 0.001) and PD98059 (P < 0.001). The addition of exogenous periostin modestly increased MUC5AC secretion (P < 0.01), but did not visibly change cell morphology. IL‐13‐induced MUC5AC secretion was attenuated by OC‐20 (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Periostin production in differentiated airway cells is mediated by JAK/STAT6 and MEK/ERK pathways. Periostin secretion is much greater from immunologically active goblet cells. IL‐13‐driven mucin production is partially inhibited by OC‐20.
Cost efficiency benchmarking of urban water supply utilities: The case of an Indian state
Authors: Vishwakarma Amit , Kulshrestha Mukul , Amulya Nyathikala Sai , Kulshreshtha Mudit
Published: August 2016

In most developing countries like India, benchmarking of water supply utilities is rarely carried out as these services are not run on professional lines to ensure profitability, even as social goals of making provision for all, including the poor, take priority over profitability. When performances of these services are not measured, efforts to improve these services remain directionless and arbitrary. Urban water supplies in India, therefore, suffer a self‐inflicted fate, wherein city municipalities remain mired in mundane issues, leading to large dissatisfaction and inefficiencies. This paper attempts to evolve a framework for evaluating cost efficiencies of water supply services and applies stochastic frontier analysis to 18 urban centres in India through six models. The results indicate large relative inefficiencies and a scope of savings of 24.5% of average current operating and maintenance costs even with existing levels of resource inputs. The results are discussed from a regulatory and policy‐making perspective.
Optimal Detuning of a Parallel Turning System—Theory and Experiments
Authors: Reith Marta J. , Bachrathy Daniel , Stepan Gabor
Published: August 2016

Parallel turning is an excellent candidate for keeping up with current trends set by manufacturing industry, namely, to increase accuracy and productivity simultaneously. In the field of manufacturing of cylindrical parts, these cutting processes offer huge potential in increasing productivity, since they ensure high material removal rates and appropriate accuracy at the same time. The above benefits can yet only be harvested if the process is free of chatter vibration, which affects the workpiece surface quality. In this study, it is shown that by means of tuning the dynamical properties of cutting tools, it is possible to expand the stable machining parameter regions in order to eliminate adverse chatter. A parallel turning system is investigated, where tuning of the system is realized by varying the overhang of one of the tools, that is, by modulating the frequency ratio of the cutters. Measurements have been carried out for the validation of the theoretical predictions of robustly stable chip width limits, below which the turning operation is stable for all spindle speed values.
Brush Seal Frictional Heat Generation—Test Rig Design and Validation Under Steam Environment
Authors: Raben Markus , Friedrichs Jens , Flegler Johan
Published: August 2016

Sealing technology is a key feature to improve efficiency of steam turbines for both new power stations and modernization projects. One of the most powerful sealing alternatives for reducing parasitic leakages in the blade path of a turbine as well as in shaft sealing areas is the use of brush seals, which are also widely used in gas turbines and turbo compressors. The advantage of brush seals over other sealing concepts is based on the narrow gap that is formed between the brush seal bristle tips and the mating rotor surface together with its radial adaptivity. While the narrow gap between the bristle tips and the rotor leads to a strongly decreased flow through the seal compared with conventional turbomachinery seals, it is important to be aware of the tight gap that can be bridged by relative motion between the rotor and the brush seal, leading to a contact of the bristles and the rotor surface. Besides abrasive wear occurrence, the friction between the bristles and the rotor leads to heat generation which can be detrimental to turbine operation due to thermal effects, leading to rotor bending connected to increasing shaft vibrations. In order to investigate the frictional heat generation of brush seals, different investigation concepts have been introduced through the past years. To broaden the knowledge about frictional heat generation and to make it applicable for steam turbine applications, a new testing setup was designed for the steam test rig of the Institute of Jet Propulsion and Turbomachinery—TU Braunschweig, Germany, enabling temperature measurements in the rotor body under stationary and transient operation in steam by using rotor-integrated thermocouples. Within this paper, the development of the instrumented new rotor design and all relevant parts of the new testing setup is shown along with the testing ability by means of the validation of the test rig concept and the achieved measurement accuracy. First results prove that the new system can be used to investigate frictional heat generation of brush seals under conditions relevant for steam turbine shaft seals.
Sputtered carbon as a corrosion barrier for x-ray detector windows
Authors: Rowley Joseph , Pei Lei , Davis Robert C. , Vanfleet Richard R. , Liddiard Steven , Harker Mallorie , Abbott Jonathan
Published: August 2016

Sputtered amorphous carbon thin films were explored as corrosion resistant coatings on aluminum thin films to be incorporated into x-ray detector windows. The requirements for this application include high corrosion resistance, low intrinsic stress, high strains at failure, and high x-ray transmission. Low temperature sputtering was used because of its compatibility with the rest of the window fabrication process. Corrosion resistance was tested by exposure of carbon coated and uncoated Al thin films to humidity. Substrate curvature and bulge testing measurements were used to determine intrinsic stress and ultimate strain at failure. The composition and bonding of the carbon films were further characterized by electron energy loss spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen elemental analyses. Samples had low compressive stress (down to.08 GPa), a high strain at failure (3%), and a low fraction of sp3 carbon–carbon bonds (less than 5%). The high breaking strain and excellent x-ray transmission of these sputtered carbon films indicate that they will work well as corrosion barriers in this application.
Exploring Factors Regarding Transit-related Walking and Walking Duration
Authors: Yu Chia-Yuan , Lin Hsien-Chang
Published: August 2016

Background:

Transit-related walking provides a potential opportunity to promote general walking behavior, yet few studies have examined this issue. Since people’s decisions tend to vary as they walk between home and transit and between transit and destination, this study separated trips made in each direction.

Purpose:

This study identified the associations between sociodemographics and the 2-step process of transit-related walking: 1) whether transit users walked for home-transit trip or transitdestination trip, and 2) the walking duration for home-transit trip or transit-destination trip among those who walked.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study used the 2009 National Household Travel Survey and used the Heckman 2-step selection model by including 4042 respondents (10,105 trips) who walked all portions for home-transit trip and 3756 (8075 trips) for transitdestination trip.

Results:

The mean walking duration for home-transit trips (7.60 minutes) was shorter than transit-destination trips (7.87 minutes). Hispanics were more likely to walk for both directions and had higher walking durations than did whites. Respondents living in low-income households were more likely to walk for home-transit trip, but not for transit-destination trips.

Conclusions:

This study illustrated several implications regarding to transit-related walking, such as creating short home-transit distances and targeting whites in promoting transit-related walking.
A useful off-target effect
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2016

A drug developed to inhibit receptor tyrosine kinases also binds to an E3 ubiquitin ligase to promote the degradation of β-catenin.
A signal to warm up to
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: August 2016

IL-33 and its receptor ST2 induce a postnatal switch from coupled to uncoupled respiration in beige and brown adipocytes.
Proresolving lipid mediators resolvin D1, resolvin D2, and maresin 1 are critical in modulating T cell responses
Authors: Chiurchiù Valerio , Leuti Alessandro , Dalli Jesmond , Jacobsson Anders , Battistini Luca , Maccarrone Mauro , Serhan Charles N.
Published: August 2016

Specialized proresolving lipid mediators reduce human T cell activation and prevent T
H
1 and T
H
17 cell differentiation from naïve T cells while promoting de novo T
reg
induction.