bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neotectonics of the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau: New Geological Evidence for the Change from Early Pleistocene Transpression to Late Pleistocene‐Holocene Strike‐slip Faulting
Authors: Yueqiao ZHANG , Hailong LI , Jian LI
Published: April 2016

We present in this paper some new evidence for the change during the Quaternary in kinematics of faults cutting the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. It shows that significant shortening deformation occurred during the Early Pleistocene, evidenced by eastward thrusting of Mesozoic carbonates on the Pliocene lacustrine deposits along the Minjiang upstream fault zone and by development of the transpressional ridges of basement rocks along the Anninghe river valley. The Middle Pleistocene seems to be a relaxant stage with local development of the intra‐mountain basins particularly prominent along the Minjiang Upstream and along the southern segment of the Anninghe River Valley. This relaxation may have been duo to a local collapse of the thickened crust attained during the late Neogene to early Pleistocene across this marginal zone. Fault kinematics has been changed since the late Pleistocene, and was predominated by reverse sinistral strike‐slip along the Minshan Uplift, reverse dextral strike‐slip on the Longmenshan fault zone and pure sinistral strike‐slip on the Anninghe fault This change in fault kinematics during the Quaternary allows a better understanding of the mechanism by which the marginal ranges of the plateau has been built through episodic activities.
The Seismogenic Structure and Deformation Mechanism of the Lushan (Mw6.6) Earthquake, Sichuan, China
Authors: Rongjun ZHOU , Yong LI , Chongjian SHAO , Jinrong SU , Zhaokun YAN , Liang YAN
Published: April 2016

On April 20th, 2013, an earthquake of magnitudeMw6.6 occurred at Lushan of Sichuan on the southern segment of the Longmenshan fault zone, with no typical coseismic surface rupture. This work plotted an isoseismal map of the earthquake after repositioning over 400 post–earthquake macro‐damage survey points from peak ground acceleration (PGA) data recorded by the Sichuan Digital Strong Earthquake Network. This map indicates that the Lushan earthquake has a damage intensity of IX on the Liedu scale, and that the meizoseismal area displays an oblate ellipsoid shape, with its longitudinal axis in the NE direction. No obvious directivity was detected. Furthermore, the repositioning results of 3323 early aftershocks, seismic reflection profiles and focal mechanism solutions suggests that the major seismogenic structure of the earthquake was the Dayi Fault, which partly defines the eastern Mengshan Mountain. This earthquake resulted from the thrusting of the Dayi Fault, and caused shortening of the southern segment of the Longmenshan in the NW–SE direction. Coseismal rupture was also produced in the deep of the Xinkaidian Fault Based on the above seismogenic model and the presentation of coseismic surface deformation, it is speculated that there is a risk of more major earthquakes occurring in this region.
Reexamining the Seismological Implications of the Present‐day Stress State of the Yingxiu‐Beichuan Fault after the Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Xianghui QIN , Qunce CHEN , Chengjun FENG , Jianjun DU , Manlu WU , Wen MENG , Dongsheng SUN
Published: April 2016

The present‐day stress state of the Yingxiu‐Beichuan fault after the Wenchuan earthquake was re‐estimated using measured in‐situ stress data obtained after the Wenchuan earthquake. The results reveal that the gradient coefficients of principal stresses versus depth decrease from south to north along the Yingxiu‐Beichuan fault, revealing that the stress level decreases from south to north. The consistency between the present‐day stress levels and surface ruptures generated during the earthquake indicates that the accumulated tectonic stress beneath the Yingxiu‐Beichuan fault before the Wenchuan earthquake was relieved in form of surface ruptures. This resulted in the stress remaining high in the southern section of the Yingxiu‐Beichuan fault but relatively low in the northern section. Abnormal high pore pressure conditions and an extremely low frictional coefficient play important role in the interpretation of the stress field adjustment and seismic events observed after the Wenchuan earthquake along this fault, according to the estimation results using the Coulomb frictional‐failure theory incorporating frictional coefficients ranging from 0.4 to 1.0. To accurately estimate the seismological hazard of the Yingxiu‐Beichuan fault by analyzing fault instability using the Coulomb frictional‐failure theory, much attention should be focused on the pore pressure conditions and the evolution state of the frictional coefficient under the present‐day stress state.
Formation Mechanisms and Geomorphic Evolution of the Erlian Mudflow Fans, Eastern Guide Basin of the Upper Reaches of Yellow River
Authors: Wuji ZHAO , Zhiqiang YIN , Qiang XU , Xiaoguang QIN
Published: April 2016

Several argillaceous platforms lie along the Yellow River (YR) of the eastern Guide Basin, northeastern Tibetan Plateau, and their compositions, formation processes, and geomorphic evolution remain debated. Using field survey data, sample testing, and high‐resolution remote sensing images, the evolution of the Erlian mudflow fans are analyzed. The data show significant differences between fans on either side of the YR. On the right bank, fans are dilute debris flows consisting of sand and gravel. On the left bank, fans are viscosity mudflows consisting of red clay. The composition and formation processes of the left bank platforms indicate a rainfall‐induced pluvial landscape. Fan evolution can be divided into two stages: early‐stage fans pre‐date 16 kaB.P., and formed during the last deglaciation; late‐stage fans post‐date 8 kaB.P. Both stages were induced by climate change. The data indicate that during the Last Glacial Maximum, the northeastern Tibetan Plateau experienced a cold and humid climate characterized by high rainfall. From 16–8 ka, the YR cut through the Erlian early mudflow fan, resulting in extensive erosion. Since 8 ka, the river channel has migrated south by at least 1.25 km, and late stage mudflow fan formation has occurred.
Genesis of the Bangbu Orogenic Gold Deposit, Tibet: Evidence from Fluid Inclusion, Stable Isotopes, and Ar‐Ar Geochronology
Authors: Yingru PEI , Qingzhong SUN , Yuanchuan ZHENG , Zhusen YANG , Wei LI , Kexian HUANG
Published: April 2016

The Bangbu gold deposit is a large orogenic gold deposit in Tibet formed during the Alpine‐Himalayan collision. Ore bodies (auriferous quartz veins) are controlled by the E‐W‐trending Qusong‐Cuogu‐Zhemulang brittle‐ductile shear zone. Quartz veins at the deposit can be divided into three types: pre‐metallogenic hook‐like quartz veins, metallogenic auriferous quartz veins, and post‐metallogenic N‐S quartz veins. Four stages of mineralization in the auriferous quartz veins have been identified: (1) Stage S1 quartz+coarse‐grained sulfides, (2) Stage S2 gold+fine‐grained sulfides, (3) Stage S3 quartz+carbonates, and (4) Stage S4 quartz+ greigite. Fluid inclusions indicate the ore‐forming fluid was CO2‐N2‐CH4 rich with homogenization temperatures of 170–261°C, salinities 4.34–7.45 wt% NaCl equivalent. δ18Ofluid (3.98‰–7.18‰) and low δDV‐SMOV (–90‰ to –44‰) for auriferous quartz veins suggest ore‐forming fluids were mainly metamorphic in origin, with some addition of organic matter. Quartz vein pyrite has δ34SV‐CDT values of 1.2‰–3.6‰ (an average of 2.2‰), whereas pyrite from phyllite has δ34SV‐CDT 5.7‰–9.9‰ (an average of 7.4‰). Quartz vein pyrites yield 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 18.662–18.764, 207Pb/204Pb 15.650–15.683, and 208Pb/204Pb 38.901–39.079. These isotopic data indicate Bangbu ore‐forming materials were probably derived from the Langjiexue accretionary wedge. 40Ar/39Ar ages for sericite from auriferous sulfide‐quartz veins yield a plateau age of 49.52 ± 0.52 Ma, an isochron age of 50.3 ± 0.31 Ma, suggesting that auriferous veins were formed during the main collisional period of the Tibet‐Himalayan orogen (∼65–41 Ma).
Habitat Condition Assessment System: a new way to assess the condition of natural habitats for terrestrial biodiversity across whole regions using remote sensing data
Authors: Harwood Tom D. , Donohue Randall J. , Williams Kristen J. , Ferrier Simon , McVicar Tim R. , Newell Graeme , White Matt
Published: April 2016

Consistent and repeatable estimation of habitat condition for biodiversity assessment across large areas (i.e. regional to global) with limited field observations presents a major challenge for remote sensing (RS). RS can describe what a site looks like and how it behaves (using time series), but is unable to distinguish anthropogenic impacts from natural dynamics. Consequently, it is possible to mistake a heavily degraded habitat for a natural habitat, for example a logged forest may appear identical to an intact open woodland. This problem is compounded by the existence of multiple natural states in any given environment, and spatial variation in the natural composition and structure of vegetation as a function of variation in environment. Uncertainty in assessing habitat condition from RS is often further exacerbated by sparseness in the spatial coverage of training data.

We describe a novel generic, RS‐based algorithm called Habitat Condition Assessment System, designed to address the above sources of uncertainty and to be highly flexible in its application. It allows for variability in the definition of condition and in the type and quantity of input data employed. Here, we demonstrate the mechanics of the new algorithm in a simple worked example and its practical application in a case study using inferred ‘natural‐only’ reference data, reflective remotely sensed data, and associated environmental data, to map condition for Australia at a 0·01° resolution.

We assess the behaviour and shortcomings of the method, and compare the national case study with estimates from two existing national data sets, and field measured condition data observed at 16 967 sites across the State of Victoria. The modelled predictions outperform both of the existing national data sets, explaining 52% of the variability in field observations for well‐sampled cells (relative to 8% and 12% for the existing products).

The methodology can potentially address some of the key pitfalls of condition modelling and could be applied in other regions with sufficient coverage of reference data. The approach also has good potential to be extended to work with reference data for which condition is measured on a continuous scale, for example from field‐based condition assessment initiatives.
Alcohol Intake and Reduced Mortality in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Cho Jin Seong , Shin Sang Do , Lee Eui Jun , Song Kyoung Jun , Noh Hyun , Kim Yu Jin , Lee Seung Chul , Park Ju Ok , Kim Seong Chun , Hwang Seung‐sik
Published: April 2016

Background

The purpose of our study was to determine whether alcohol intake influences short‐term mortality in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), using a comprehensive trauma database.

Methods

We collected data from 7 emergency departments (EDs) between June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2010, using the same data form. Cases were included if they met the following criteria: (i) older than 15 and (ii) injuries including TBI. Demographics and outcomes were compared between patients with and without alcohol intake. We present the risk of mortality using hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 76,596 trauma patients visited the EDs during the study period; 12,980 patients were older than 15 and had TBI. There were 4,009 (30.9%) patients in the alcohol‐intake group, of whom 3,306 (82.5%) patients were male, 1,450 (36.2%) patients were moved by ambulance, and 1,218 (30.4%) patients’ injuries were intentional. The most frequent injury mechanism was falling down with alcohol intake and blunt injury without alcohol intake. Mortality rate was 1.0% with alcohol intake and 2.0% without alcohol intake. After adjusting for all factors related to mortality, the hazard ratio of mortality was 0.72 in the alcohol‐intake group.

Conclusions

Mortality rate due to TBI in the alcohol‐intake group appears to be lower compared to that in the no‐alcohol‐intake group after adjusting for main confounding variables.
Neutrophil Recruitment and Articular Hyperalgesia in Antigen‐Induced Arthritis are Modulated by the Cholinergic Anti‐Inflammatory Pathway
Authors: Kanashiro Alexandre , Talbot Jhimmy , Peres Raphael S. , Pinto Larissa G. , Bassi Gabriel S. , Cunha Thiago M. , Cunha Fernando Q.
Published: April 2016

The cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a complex neuroimmune mechanism triggered by the central nervous system to regulate peripheral inflammatory responses. Understanding the role of CAP in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) could help develop new therapeutic strategies for this disease. Therefore, we investigated the participation of this neuroimmune pathway on the progression of experimental arthritis. Using antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) model, we investigated in mice the effects of vagotomy or the pharmacological treatments with hexamethonium (peripheral nicotinic receptor antagonist), methylatropine (peripheral muscarinic receptor antagonist) or neostigmine (peripheral acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) on AIA progression. Unilateral cervical vagotomy was performed 1 week before the immunization protocol with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA), while drug administration was conducted during the period of immunization. On day 21, 6 hr after the challenge with mBSA injection in the femur–tibial joint, the local neutrophil migration and articular mechanical hyperalgesia were assessed. Herein, we observed that vagotomy or blockade of peripheral nicotinic (but not muscarinic) receptors exacerbated the clinical parameters of this disease. Moreover, peripheral acetylcholinesterase inhibition by neostigmine treatment promoted a reduction of neutrophil recruitment in the knee joint and articular hyperalgesia. Our results demonstrated that peripheral activation of CAP modulates experimental arthritis, providing a pre‐clinical evidence of a potential therapeutic strategy for RA.
Impact of socioeconomic status on disease phenotype, genomic landscape and outcomes in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Mastaglio Francesca , Bedair Khaled , Papaemmanuil Elli , Groves Michael J. , Hyslop Ann , Keenan Norene , Hothersall Eleanor J. , Campbell Peter J. , Bowen David T. , Tauro Sudhir
Published: April 2016

Genetic and epigenetic alterations contribute to the biological and clinical characteristics of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), but a role for socioeconomic environment remains unclear. Here, socioeconomic status (SES) for 283 MDS patients was estimated using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation tool. Indices were assigned to quintile categorical indicators ranked from SES1 (lowest) to SES5 (highest). Clinicopathological features and outcomes between SES quintiles containing 15%, 20%, 19%, 30% and 16% of patients were compared. Prognostic scores identified lower‐risk MDS in 82% of patients, with higher‐risk disease in 18%. SES quintiles did not associate with age, gender, cytogenetics, International Prognostic scores or, in sub‐analysis (n = 95), driver mutations. The odds ratio of a diagnosis of refractory anaemia was greater than other MDS sub‐types in SES5 (OR 1·9, P = 0·024). Most patients (91%) exclusively received supportive care. SES did not associate with leukaemic transformation or cause of death. Cox regression models confirmed male gender (P < 0·05), disease‐risk (P < 0·0001) and age (P < 0·01) as independent predictors of leukaemia‐free survival, with leukaemic transformation an additional determinant of overall survival (P = 0·07). Thus, if access to healthcare is equitable, SES does not determine disease biology or survival in MDS patients receiving supportive treatment; additional studies are required to determine whether outcomes following disease‐modifying therapies are influenced by SES.
Mentalization within Intensive Analysis with a Borderline Patient
Authors: Target Mary
Published: April 2016

The author discusses whether the concepts of mentalization are helpful within intensive, individual analytic work with a personality disordered patient. Child and adult technique within the widening scope of psychopathology can be thought of as building on developmental help, studied at the Anna Freud Centre from the sixties to reach ‘atypical’ children who could not use classical analysis. The first two years of work with Jenny, a young borderline woman, were anchored by developmental research on attachment and early parent–infant relating. Later, when her capacity to symbolize, tolerate and communicate affect had greatly improved, she could accept and use interpretations, and working in the transference was gradually able to be accepted as thinking and not only as action. The infantile modes of experiencing psychic reality hypothesized in mentalization theory are illustrated from the material, and the status of attachment within psychoanalytic theory is reconsidered. In the last section, how each psychotherapist specifically shapes the process of change will be discussed, building on the concept of ‘marked mirroring’.
Antibacterial Activity of Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids Investigated by QSAR Modeling and Experimental Studies
Authors: Hodyna Diana , Kovalishyn Vasyl , Rogalsky Sergiy , Blagodatnyi Volodymyr , Petko Kirill , Metelytsia Larisa
Published: April 2016

Predictive QSAR models for the inhibitors of B. subtilis and Ps. aeruginosa among imidazolium‐based ionic liquids were developed using literary data. The regression QSAR models were created through Artificial Neural Network and k‐nearest neighbor procedures. The classification QSAR models were constructed using WEKA‐RF (random forest) method. The predictive ability of the models was tested by fivefold cross‐validation; giving q2 = 0.77–0.92 for regression models and accuracy 83–88% for classification models. Twenty synthesized samples of 1,3‐dialkylimidazolium ionic liquids with predictive value of activity level of antimicrobial potential were evaluated. For all asymmetric 1,3‐dialkylimidazolium ionic liquids, only compounds containing at least one radical with alkyl chain length of 12 carbon atoms showed high antibacterial activity. However, the activity of symmetric 1,3‐dialkylimidazolium salts was found to have opposite relationship with the length of aliphatic radical being maximum for compounds based on 1,3‐dioctylimidazolium cation. The obtained experimental results suggested that the application of classification QSAR models is more accurate for the prediction of activity of new imidazolium‐based ILs as potential antibacterials.
Novel Alginate–Chitosan Composite Microspheres for Implant Delivery of Vancomycin and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Mao Yimin , Zhao Ming , Ge Yongbiao , Fan Jiang
Published: April 2016

In this study, vancomycin loaded alginate–chitosan composite microspheres were developed by emulsion cross‐linking method. The in vitro and vivo characterizations were done to evaluate the feasibility of application. Our experimental results showed that the emulsification cross‐linking technique appeared to be a feasible method for the preparation of alginate–chitosan composite microspheres. The microspheres were spherical in shape and the mean particle size and drug loading were 25.3 ± 5.4 μm and 18.5 ± 2.3% respectively. A sustained vancomycin release was realized i.e. the amount of cumulative release increased in a time frame of 24 h to reach an amount i.e. ~68%. The model that fit best for vancomycin released from the microspheres was the Higuchi kinetic model with a correlation coefficient r = 0.9996. In vivo results showed that the application of microspheres not only reduced the toxicity, but also maintained effective drug concentration. In addition, no severe signs of epithelial necrosis and sloughing of epithelial cells were detected in histological studies.
Identification of Damaging nsSNVs in HumanERCC2 Gene
Authors: Fang Shuo , Zhang Yuntong , Xu Miao , Xue Chunyu , He Lin , Cai Lei , Xing Xin
Published: April 2016

The hERCC2 gene is an important DNA repair molecule for initiating Cutaneous melanoma (CM). Therefore, it is advisable to study the possible functional SNVs in hERCC2. To achieve this goal, we collected total 2, 253 SNVs in hERCC2from the EMBL website, of which 303 are non‐synonymous single nucleotide variants (nsSNVs). Then, SIFT and PolyPhen were used to predict the damaging nsSNVs, and four nsSNVs (rs368866996, rs377739017, rs370819591, and rs121913022) were suggested to be damaging mutations. Since I‐Mutant2.0 showed a decrease in stability for the mutants containing each of the four nsSNVs, a 3D protein structure was modeled. Based on the comparison of the energy after minimization, RMSD and stabilizing residues between the native and mutant proteins' structure, rs121913022 was proposed to be the most damaging variant among the nsSNVs in hERCC2 gene by decreasing the stability of protein. The mutant G713R of hERCC2 protein caused by rs121913022 was found to have less expression level than native hERCC2 protein in melanoma cells. These results suggest that rs121913022 may have potentially important clinical and drug target implications.
Novel N‐allyl/propargyl tetrahydroquinolines: Synthesis via Three‐component Cationic Imino Diels–Alder Reaction, Binding Prediction, and Evaluation as Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Rodríguez Yeray A. , Gutiérrez Margarita , Ramírez David , Alzate‐Morales Jans , Bernal Cristian C. , Güiza Fausto M. , Romero Bohórquez Arnold R.
Published: April 2016

New N‐allyl/propargyl 4‐substituted 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolines derivatives were efficiently synthesized using acid‐catalyzed three components cationic imino Diels–Alder reaction (70–95%). All compounds were tested in vitro as dual acetylcholinesterase and butyryl‐cholinesterase inhibitors and their potential binding modes, and affinity, were predicted by molecular docking and binding free energy calculations (∆G) respectively. The compound 4af (IC50 = 72 μm) presented the most effective inhibition against acetylcholinesterase despite its poor selectivity (SI = 2), while the best inhibitory activity on butyryl‐cholinesterase was exhibited by compound 4ae (IC50 = 25.58 μm) with considerable selectivity (SI = 0.15). Molecular docking studies indicated that the most active compounds fit in the reported acetylcholinesterase and butyryl‐cholinesterase active sites. Moreover, our computational data indicated a high correlation between the calculated ∆G and the experimental activity values in both targets.
Synthesis and Quantitative Structure‐activity Relationships Study for Arylpropenamide Derivatives as Inhibitors of Hepatitis B Virus Replication
Authors: Min Ma , Xingjun Jiang , Xueding Wang , Hao Zou , Weiqing Yang , Yuanyuan Zhang , Changrong Peng , Zicheng Li , Jing Yang , Quan Du , Menglin Ma
Published: April 2016

A series of new arylpropenamide derivatives containing different aryl groups were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their anti‐hepatitis B virus (HBV) activities. A new high accuracy QSAR model of arylpropenamide was constructed based on a more completely activities data and calculation parameter. The 2D‐QSAR equations, by using DFT and multiple linear regression analysis methods, revealed that higher value of thermal energy (TE) and lower entropy (Sө) increase the anti‐HBV activities of the arylpropenamide molecules. Predictive 3D‐QSAR models were established by SYBYL multifit molecular alignment rule. The optimum models were all statistically significant with cross‐validated and conventional coefficients, indicating that they were reliable enough for activity prediction.
The Economics of Public Beta Testing
Authors: Jiang Zhengrui , Scheibe Kevin P. , Nilakanta Sree , Qu Xinxue (Shawn)
Published: April 2016

A growing number of software firms now rely on public beta testing to improve the quality of their products before commercial release. While the benefits resulting from improved software reliability are well recognized, some important market‐related benefits have not been studied. Through word‐of‐mouth, public beta testers can accelerate the diffusion of a software product after its release. Additionally, because of network effects, public beta testers can increase users’ valuation of a product. In this study, we consider both reliability‐related and market‐related benefits, and develop models to determine the optimal number of public beta testers and the optimal duration of testing. Our analyses show that public beta testing can be profitable even if word‐of‐mouth and network effects are the only benefits. Furthermore, when both benefits are considered, there is significant “economies of scope”—the net profit increases at a faster rate when both word‐of‐mouth and network effects are significant than when only one benefit is present. Finally, our sensitivity analyses demonstrate that public beta testing remains highly valuable to software firms over a wide range of testing and market conditions. In particular, firms will realize greater profits when recruiting public beta testers who are interested in the software but unable to afford it.
Dynamic motor control is associated with treatment outcomes for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Schwartz Michael H , Rozumalski Adam , Steele Katherine M
Published: April 2016

Aim

To estimate the impact of dynamic motor control on treatment outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.

Method

We used multiple regression on a retrospective cohort of 473 ambulatory children with cerebral palsy who underwent conservative treatment, single‐level orthopaedic surgery, single‐event multi‐level orthopaedic surgery, or selective dorsal rhizotomy. Outcomes included gait pattern, gait speed, energy cost of walking, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument. Explanatory variables considered were pre‐treatment levels of each outcome, treatment group, prior treatment, age, and dynamic motor control computed from surface electromyography using synergy analysis. Effect sizes were estimated from the adjusted response.

Results

Pre‐treatment levels had effect sizes 2 to 13 times larger than the next largest variable. Individuals with milder pre‐treatment involvement had smaller gains or actual declines. Dynamic motor control was significant in all domains except energy cost. The effect size of dynamic motor control was second only to pre‐treatment level, and was substantially larger than the effect size of treatment group for outcomes where both were significant (gait pattern 2:1, gait speed 4:1). The effect of dynamic motor control was independent of treatment group.

Interpretation

Dynamic motor control is an important factor in treatment outcomes. Better dynamic motor control is associated with better outcomes, regardless of treatment.
Brain natriuretic peptide and insulin resistance in older adults
Authors: Kim F. , Biggs M. L. , Kizer J. R. , Brutsaert E. F. , de Filippi C. , Newman A. B. , Kronmal R. A. , Tracy R. P. , Gottdiener J. S. , Djoussé L. , de Boer I. H. , Psaty B. M. , Siscovick D. S. , Mukamal K. J.
Published: April 2016

Aims

Higher levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been associated with a decreased risk of diabetes in adults, but whether BNP is related to insulin resistance in older adults has not been established.

Methods

N‐terminal of the pro hormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐pro BNP) was measured among Cardiovascular Health Study participants at the 1989–1990, 1992–1993 and 1996–1997 examinations. We calculated measures of insulin resistance [homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), Gutt index, Matsuda index] from fasting and 2‐h concentrations of glucose and insulin among 3318 individuals with at least one measure of NT‐proBNP and free of heart failure, coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease, and not taking diabetes medication. We used generalized estimating equations to assess the cross‐sectional association of NT‐proBNP with measures of insulin resistance. Instrumental variable analysis with an allele score derived from nine genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms) within or near the NPPA and NPPB loci was used to estimate an un‐confounded association of NT‐proBNP levels on insulin resistance.

Results

Lower NT‐proBNP levels were associated with higher insulin resistance even after adjustment for BMI, waist circumference and other risk factors (P < 0.001 for all four indices). Although the genetic score was strongly related to measured NT‐proBNP levels amongst European Americans (F statistic = 71.08), we observed no association of genetically determined NT‐proBNP with insulin resistance (P = 0.38; P = 0.01 for comparison with the association of measured levels of NT‐proBNP).

Conclusions

In older adults, lower NT‐proBNP is associated with higher insulin resistance, even after adjustment for traditional risk factors. Because related genetic variants were not associated with insulin resistance, the causal nature of this association will require future study.
Plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin levels are positively associated with diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chung J. O. , Park S. Y. , Cho D. H. , Chung D. J. , Chung M. Y.
Published: April 2016

Aim

To assess the relationship between plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels and diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In total, 204 patients with Type 2 diabetes were investigated in this cross‐sectional study. They were classified as having no diabetic retinopathy, non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) or proliferative retinopathy (PDR), according to the degree of diabetic retinopathy. Thus, diabetic retinopathy in the patients in this study was either NPDR or PDR.

Results

Plasma NGAL concentrations were significantly higher in patients with diabetic retinopathy than in those without. The mean plasma NGAL levels differed significantly according to the severity of diabetic retinopathy (no diabetic retinopathy, 120.8 ng/ml; NPDR, 217.8 ng/ml; PDR, 372.4 ng/ml; P for trend = 0.002) after adjustment for other covariates. In multivariable analysis, plasma NGAL levels were significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio for each standard deviation increase in the logarithmic value, 7.75; 95% confidence interval, 2.04–29.41, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Plasma NGAL levels were positively associated with diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in insulin resistance
Authors: Yang X.‐D. , Xiang D.‐X. , Yang Y.‐Y.
Published: April 2016

E3 ubiquitin ligases are a large family of proteins that catalyse the ubiquitination of many proteins for degradation by the 26S proteasome. E3 ubiquitin ligases play pivotal roles in the process of insulin resistance and diabetes. In this review, we summarize the currently available studies to analyse the potential role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the development of insulin resistance. We propose two mechanisms by which E3 ubiquitin ligases can affect the process of insulin resistance. First, E3 ubiquitin ligases directly degrade the insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate and other key insulin signalling molecules via the UPS. Second, E3 ubiquitin ligases indirectly regulate insulin signalling by regulating pro‐inflammatory mediators that are involved in the regulation of insulin signalling molecules, such as tumour necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐4, IL‐13, IL‐1β, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α. Determining the mechanism by which E3 ubiquitin ligases affect the development of insulin resistance can identify a novel strategy to protect against insulin resistance and diabetes.
The Continuum of Including Children in ADR Processes: A Child‐Centered Continuum Model
Authors: Yasenik Lorri A. , Graham Jon M.
Published: April 2016

A four‐level Child‐Centered Continuum Model (CCCM) for being child focused and child inclusive is introduced as a skills‐based framework to increase the likelihood that children are considered in mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes. The article highlights children as parties to versus objects of family matters that affect them and begins with the belief that children are active participants in family systems. Parent readiness to hear their children is reviewed as well as a description of each of the four levels of the CCCM. Issues related to ADR practitioner neutrality, child and family safety, and skills are addressed.
Buying Beauty: Female Beauty Consumption in the Modern British World
Authors: Clark Jessica P.
Published: April 2016

In recent years, historians of American, French, and global beauty consumption have charted the rich relationship linking beautifying goods to self‐fashioning and the body, historical subjectivities, and the construction of gender and racial identities. Yet, despite productive attention to male beauty in Britain and its relationship to masculinity and the history of sexuality, little attention has been devoted to women's beauty consumption in modern British history. This article surveys literature on U.S., French, and global female beauty consumption to argue for further study of beauty commodities and their production by historians of modern Britain and its empire. The history of British women's beauty consumption intersects with important historical developments that make it worthy of exploration, most notably the use of beautifying and grooming goods as tools for self‐fashioning in the British imperial context. Ultimately, a focus on female beauty consumers and producers positions women as key figures in the formation of or resistance to the British imperial project.
The perspectives of preceptors regarding clinical assessment for undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Wu X.V. , Enskär K. , Heng D.G.N. , Pua L.H. , Wang W.
Published: April 2016

Aim

To explore the perspectives of preceptors about clinical assessment for undergraduate nursing students in transition to practice.

Background

The assessment of clinical competence is a complex process due to the diverse nature of nursing practice. As such, nurse preceptors play a crucial role in clinical assessment for nursing students. Although preceptors may enjoy the process of clinical teaching and assessment, they face challenges that need to be addressed to facilitate students' clinical learning and assessment.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative approach was adopted. A purposive sample of 17 preceptors from two tertiary hospitals in Singapore was recruited to participate in three focus group discussions from March to July 2014.

Findings

Five themes emerged from the data analysis: the need for a valid and reliable clinical assessment tool; meaningful reflection and feedback; varied methods in clinical assessment; high level of commitment and struggles with dual roles and the need to enhance the support system for preceptors.

Conclusions

There is no doubt that a valid and reliable clinical assessment tool can serve as a guide for preceptors to enhance their clarity in assessment and feedback. It is essential for all stakeholders to be involved in the development of the clinical assessment tool. Workload, time, support system and formal educational programmes for preceptors influenced their preparation and self‐confidence.

Implications for nursing and/or health policy

The themes that emerged from the focus group discussions could assist in the development of a more reliable and valid clinical assessment tool to evaluate the clinical competence of nursing students in transition to practice. Clinical and educational institutions could collaborate closely to develop an educational programme and a preceptorship handbook, focusing on pedagogical contents for clinical education and assessment.
Expert System Based on Fuzzy Logic to Define the Production Process in the Coffee Industry
Authors: Hernández‐Vera Beatriz , Aguilar Lasserre Alberto Alfonso , Gastón Cedillo‐Campos Miguel , Herrera‐Franco Ligia E. , Ochoa‐Robles Jesús
Published: April 2016

Coffee is the 7th largest agricultural crop in Mexico and occupies the 12th place as value generator. Cherry coffee production reaches about 1.3 million tons. This production equivalent to about 250 thousand tons of benefited coffee. Mexican exports reaches an average of 175 thousand tons, of which 90% are in grain and the rest are derivatives. The production process of coffee has not changed significantly over the years. In Mexico is common to select the type of process that coffee will be subject based on expert judgment, which causes problems in the absence of one. An expert system based on a fuzzy logic model was develop to support decision making on the type of production process considering variables such as weight, pellets, green aspect and the percentage of minor and major defects, all this information obtained from organoleptic analysis. A simulation model was used to test the validity of this expert system.

Practical Applications

In most Mexican coffee companies processing only a few people have the knowledge and expertise required to select the process by which green coffee or green coffee will be obtained. So an expert decides the most appropriate process to transform the coffee. The expert takes into account the customer requirements, characteristics of raw material and factors influencing the quality. But the expert cannot make decisions simultaneously when several inputs of coffee arrives and when this expert is not present the production may be delayed or even stopped. This article presents a Mandani‐Fuzzy logic model to become a support tool for selecting the most appropriate process on a dry mill according to customer requirements and in order to avoid delays in the production of coffee. The potential benefit of this tool could prevent production stoppage by the absence of an expert who can make a decision about the process to be performed and cost reduction generated by reprocessing.
The Geriatrics in Primary Care Demonstration: Integrating Comprehensive Geriatric Care into the Medical Home: Preliminary Data
Authors: Engel Peter A. , Spencer Jacqueline , Paul Todd , Boardman Judith B.
Published: April 2016

Three thousand nine hundred thirty‐one veterans aged 75 and older receive primary care (PC) in two large practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System. Cognitive and functional disabilities are endemic in this group, creating needs that predictably exceed available or appropriate resources. To address this problem, Geriatrics in Primary Care (GPC) embeds geriatric services directly into primary care. An on‐site consulting geriatrician and geriatric nurse care manager work directly with PC colleagues in medicine, nursing, social work, pharmacy, and mental health within the VA medical home. This design delivers interdisciplinary geriatric care within PC that emphasizes comprehensive evaluations, care management, planned transitions, informed resource use, and a shift in care focus from multiple subspecialties to PC. Four hundred thirty‐five veterans enrolled during the project's 4‐year course. Complex, fragmented care was evident in a series of 50 individuals (aged 82 ± 7) enrolled during Months 1 to 6. The year before, these individuals made 372 medical or surgical subspecialty clinic visits (7.4 ± 9.8); 34% attended five or more subspecialty clinics, 48% had dementia, and 18% lacked family caregivers. During the first year after enrollment the mean number of subspecialty clinic visits declined significantly (4.7 ± 5.0, P = .01), whereas the number of PC‐based visits remained stable (3.1 ± 1.5 and 3.3 ± 1.5, respectively, P = .50). Telephone contact by GPC (2.3 ± 2.0) and collaboration with PC clinicians replaced routine follow‐up geriatric care. GPC facilitated planned transitions to rehabilitation centers (n = 5), home hospice (n = 2), dementia units (n = 3), and home care (n = 37). GPC provides efficient, comprehensive geriatric care and case management while preserving established relationships between patients and the PC team. Preliminary results suggest “care defragmentation,” as reflected by a significant reduction in subspecialty clinic use. Model simplicity and flexibility facilitated ready implementation.
Evaluation of the Risk of Nitrofurantoin Lung Injury and Its Efficacy in Diminished Kidney Function in Older Adults in a Large Integrated Healthcare System: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Santos Jody M. , Batech Michael , Pelter Mitchell A. , Deamer Robert L.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To determine the risk to older adults of lung injury associated with treatment of cystitis using nitrofurantoin and the risk of treatment failure in the presence of diminished creatinine clearance (CrCl).

Design

Retrospective, matched cohort.

Setting

Integrated healthcare system.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of cystitis between 2007 and 2012 who were given nitrofurantoin (N = 13,421) were matched 1:3 on age, sex, race and ethnicity, and prescription date with individuals who were given other antibiotics for cystitis.

Measurements

Conditional logistic regression determined the association between nitrofurantoin and lung injury in the matched cohort. In participants exposed to nitrofurantoin, chronic treatment was compared with acute treatment using multivariable logistic regression. Treatment failure was compared in three CrCl groups.

Results

Nitrofurantoin exposure was not statistically significantly associated with lung injury (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.80–1.00), but chronic nitrofurantoin therapy was associated with greater risk of lung injury than acute exposure (aRR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.24). Treatment failure rates did not differ according to CrCl.

Conclusion

This large, retrospective, matched‐cohort study conducted in older adults supports the 2012 American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults recommendations against the use nitrofurantoin for long‐term suppressive treatment of cystitis but not the recommendation against its use in poor renal function because of the risk of treatment failure.
Angiotensin II regulation of angiotensin‐converting enzymes in spontaneously hypertensive rat primary astrocyte cultures
Authors: Gowrisankar Yugandhar V. , Clark Michelle A.
Published: April 2016

Angiotensin (Ang) II plays a critical role in cardiovascular and blood pressure regulation. Ang II is produced by angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and it interacts with the Ang AT1 receptor to cause much of its well‐known cardiovascular effects. Ang‐(1–7) is another active peptide produced by the rennin‐angiotensin system. This peptide is produced from Ang I or Ang II by the catalytic activity of ACE2. Ang‐(1–7) interacts with the Mas receptor to counteract many of the effects of Ang II. Thus, the ACE2/Ang‐(1–7)/Mas axis acts opposite of the ACE/Ang II/AT1 axis. In this study we investigated how Ang II regulates the key enzymes of these axes, ACE and its homolog ACE2, and determined whether they are dysregulated in the hypertensive condition. Brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes isolated from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) were used in these studies. Ang II effect on the enzymes’ mRNA and protein levels was measured using quantitative PCR and western blotting techniques, respectively. Results from this study showed that Ang II up‐regulated ACE protein levels, but down‐regulated ACE mRNA levels in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes in both models. Ang II also reduced ACE2 mRNA expression in SHR and Wistar astrocytes isolated from both brain regions. Ang II effects on ACE2 protein were biphasic. In SHR astrocytes, Ang II‐mediated ACE2 protein initially increased then decreased at later time points. In contrast, in Wistar astrocytes, Ang II initially decreased ACE2 protein expression, but up‐regulated the protein at later time points. The findings of these studies suggest that Ang II has a differential effect on ACE and ACE2 expression. Furthermore, in the SHR model there may be alteration in the ACE/ACE2 balance in a manner that favors increased Ang II generation and decreased Ang‐(1–7) production contributing to the hypertensive phenotype observed in this model.

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The levels of angiotensin (Ang) II depend on the actions of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2. We showed in astrocytes isolated from the SHRs that Ang II differentially affects ACE and ACE2 expression. There may be an alteration in the ACE/ACE2 balance favoring Ang II generation. This imbalance may contribute to the hypertensive phenotype observed in this SHR model.
Regenerative approaches for the cornea
Authors: Griffith M. , Alarcon E. I. , Brunette I.
Published: April 2016

The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that transmits light to the back of the eye to generate vision. Loss of corneal transparency, if irreversible, leads to severe vision loss or blindness. For decades, corneal transplantation using human donor corneas has been the only option for treating corneal blindness. Despite recent improvement in surgical techniques, donor cornea transplantation remains plagued by risks of suboptimal optical results and visual acuity, immune rejection and eventually graft failure. Furthermore, the demand for suitable donor corneas is increasing faster than the number of donors, leaving thousands of curable patients untreated worldwide. Here, we critically review the state of the art of biomaterials for corneal regeneration. However, the lessons learned from the use of the cornea as a disease model will allow for extension of the biomaterials and techniques for regeneration of more complex organs such as the heart.
Investigating population differentiation in a major African agricultural pest: evidence from geometric morphometrics and connectivity suggests high invasion potential
Authors: Karsten M. , Addison P. , Jansen van Vuuren B. , Terblanche J. S.
Published: April 2016

The distribution, spatial pattern and population dynamics of a species can be influenced by differences in the environment across its range. Spatial variation in climatic conditions can cause local populations to undergo disruptive selection and ultimately result in local adaptation. However, local adaptation can be constrained by gene flow and may favour resident individuals over migrants—both are factors critical to the assessment of invasion potential. The Natal fruit fly (Ceratitis rosa) is a major agricultural pest in Africa with a history of island invasions, although its range is largely restricted to south east Africa. Across Africa,C. rosais genetically structured into two clusters (R1 and R2), with these clusters occurring sympatrically in the north of South Africa. The spatial distribution of these genotypic clusters remains unexamined despite their importance for understanding the pest's invasion potential. Here,C. rosa, sampled from 22 South African locations, were genotyped at 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci and assessed morphologically using geometric morphometric wing shape analyses to investigate patterns of population structure and determine connectedness of pest‐occupied sites. Our results show little to no intraspecific (population) differentiation, high population connectivity, high effective population sizes and only one morphological type (R2) within South Africa. The absence of the R1 morphotype at sites where it was previously found may be a consequence of differences in thermal niches of the two morphotypes. Overall, our results suggest high invasion potential of this species, that area‐wide pest management should be undertaken on a country‐wide scale, and that border control is critical to preventing further invasions.