bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A virtual instrument for quantitative assessment of pitting corrosion
Authors: Ramos I.R. , Valdez S.B. , Zlatev K.R. , Schorr W.M , Carrillo B.M. , Stoytcheva M.S. , Garcia I.R. , Martinez M.M.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this investigation was to develop a digital instrument for the quantitative evaluation of pitting corrosion in metals.

Design/methodology/approach

– This investigation comprised two central parts: research, testing and monitoring of the formation of pitting by conventional methods and applying American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards, and the development of a virtual instrument based on the LabVIEW 2010 platform.

Findings

– The methodology used was suitable for the analysis of pitting on carbon steel and aluminum alloy UNS A96061, used in the aerospace industry.

Practical implications

– This technique allows pits to be to localized, measured and quantified on metallic surfaces, for corrosion evaluation in atmospheric and industrial environments.

Originality/value

– This combination of conventional and digital methods can assist in corrosion control of pitting in industrial equipment.
Corrosion protection of stainless steel by a self-assembled organosilane bilayer
Authors: Wang Hairen , Li Minya , Qu June , Cao Zhiyong , Chen Geng , Zhou Yang
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to construct a self-assembled double layer of organosilane on the surface of stainless steel and to investigate its corrosion inhibitive capability.

Design/methodology/approach

– A monolayer of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) was grafted onto an oxidized AISI 430SS (AISI 430 stainless steel) surface substrate from dry toluene solution. The hydrolysis of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDS) molecules was used to anchor a second organic layer from mixed water-ethanol solution. The adsorption behavior and corrosion inhibition properties of the monolayer and also the bilayer were investigated by potentiodynamic polarization, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and contact angle measurements.

Findings

– The GPTMS/PFDS bilayer was successfully deposited onto the oxidized AISI 430SS surface. The optimal assembling time for the filming of the first GPTMS monolayer is 6 hours. Suitable values of pH and temperature of the PFDS self-assembly solution were pivotal to the successful deposition of the second layer. Compared to the GPTMS monolayer, the GPTMS/PFDS bilayer exhibited a significant enhancement of the corrosion inhibition performance of AISI 430SS in NaCl solution.

Research limitations/implications

– The contact angle value measured on the bilayer-modified surface was somewhat lower than the reported value of a complete fluorinated surface. However, further optimization of the assembling condition is needed to obtain more orderly and denser films.

Originality/value

– This paper provides useful information regarding the preparation of an organosilane bilayer on the surface of stainless steel and its corrosion inhibition properties in NaCl solution. It illustrates potential application prospects of GPTMS/PFDS bilayers for surface treatment of stainless steel.
Electropolymerization of poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) on copper and its application as a corrosion inhibitor
Authors: Rashid Mohd , Sabir Suhail , Waware Umesh , A. Rahim Afidah
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to compare the inhibitive effects of polyaniline (PAni), poly(p-toluidine) and poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) in hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution.

Design/methodology/approach

– The electrochemical deposition of PAni, poly(p-toluidine) and poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) on pure copper metal was studied potentiodynamically. The copolymer deposited was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The corrosion inhibition studies on copper electrode were performed using electrochemical methods, viz, open circuit potential (OCP) measurements, potentiodynamic polarization scans and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests, conducted in 0.1 M HCl solution.

Finding

– The results of the study reveal that the copolymer of poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) at the optimum concentration of 1 × 10−3 M has better corrosion inhibition efficiency as compared to PAni and poly(p-toluidine).

Research limitations/implications

– The conducting polymers are difficult to deposit on the metal surface because of their high dissolution tendency before the electropolymerization potential of the monomer is achieved.

Practical implications

– From an environmental viewpoint, poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) is a toxic and hazardous conducting polymer.

Originality/value

– The paper demonstrates that poly(aniline-co-p-toluidine) showed better dispersion in different organic solvents and had higher corrosion inhibition efficiency than PAni.
Tyranny of distance: the challenges of coordinating a multinational consortium
Authors: Forro Denise
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to evaluate and report on the challenges faced by a multinational academic library consortium with a heterogeneous membership and widely varying collection resources.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author uses a case study approach based on direct experience obtained with coordinating the word of such a consortium, from its nascent stages to its fully functional present-day form.

Findings

– Coordinating the work of an academic library consortium that spans the globe presents challenges such as an inability to set a meeting time – and place – that is agreeable to all and copyright laws that vary from one country to the next. Cataloging practices may affect the system’s ability to select an appropriate supplier based on reported journal holdings, but this problem is easily solved by a careful review of local practices and the system’s search algorithms.

Originality/value

– This article is of interest to anyone involved in a library consortium, regardless of its geographic boundaries.
A scheme to improve the international inter-library loan service in the National Library of China
Authors: Feng Jing’an
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a scheme to promote and improve international interlibrary loan (ILL) service at the National Library of China (NLC). The NLC is the center for international ILL in all of China, but as user needs change in response to the rapid development of information technology, it is necessary to investigate how to recast the international ILL service of the NLC.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a systematic case study approach. First, a brief introduction to international ILL practice in the NLC is given. Second, issues that concern request communications, copyright and payment methods are analyzed. Next, a scheme to modernize and improve international ILL is proposed as a response to the aforementioned problems. Finally, new challenges to international ILL are analyzed.

Findings

– The NLC should make the following efforts to improve international ILL service: enhance and expand the number of request transmission methods, update the legacy ILL and document delivery system, create a Chinese interlibrary loan alliance and fashion more reasonable copyright and payment policies. In addition, it should foster sustained innovation to meet the ongoing challenges to international ILL in the information age.

Originality/value

– This paper offers practical solutions for Chinese libraries engaged in international ILL activities.
In a world of Amazon, is it time to rethink ILL?
Authors: de Jong CJ , Nance Heidi
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate the use of alternative methods compared to traditional interlibrary loan (ILL) processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– ILL departments around the world were surveyed about their policies and procedures for obtaining materials for their users.

Findings

– The survey results indicated that alternative methods are predominantly a fringe activity, while most materials are still obtained through traditional ILL processes. There continues to be a great deal of room for exploration of purchasing, renting and the use of free resources to fill ILL requests.

Originality/value

– This article shows that there continues to be a great deal of room for exploration of purchasing, renting and the use of free resources to fill ILL requests.
Cross-border document delivery: the convenience and perils of sharing articles around the world, in the cloud
Authors: Birch Katie , Melvyn Tony
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe Article Exchange – OCLC’s cloud-based document delivery service.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, Article Exchange is described in detail.

Findings

– Article Exchange has proved popular with OCLC users with more than 50,000 documents uploaded in January 2013 alone by more than 1,000 libraries.

Practical implications

– The new service facilitates improved delivery of documents electronically.

Originality/value

– This article is useful for all librarians who are concerned with delivering documents electronically in an increasingly complex technical and legal environment.
Below‐ground causes and consequences of woodland shrub invasions: a novel paired‐point framework reveals new insights
Authors: Iannone Basil V. , Heneghan Liam , Rijal Dev , Wise David H.
Published: September 2014

Confirming the impacts of invasive plants is essential for prioritizing management efforts, but is challenging, especially if impacts occur below‐ground and over long periods as hypothesized for woodland shrub invasions.

For this reason, we developed a novel ‘paired‐point’ framework capable of detecting the below‐ground impacts of slow‐growing invasive plants from short‐term data sets in an investigation into the below‐ground consequences ofEuropean buckthornRhamnus catharticaL. (hereafter buckthorn) invasions intoChicago‐area woodlands. We measured differences between the members of 97 pairs of buckthorn‐invaded and buckthorn‐free points in 10 below‐ground response variables (RVs) that buckthorn is hypothesized to alter (listed below). We then modelled these differences (ΔRVs) in response to the severity of the invasion found at each invaded point. A relationship (linear or nonlinear) between a ΔRVand severity, that is slope ≠ 0, suggests a buckthorn‐induced change. An intercept (value of ΔRVwhere severity = 0) different from zero suggests a pre‐existing difference.

Relating differences to an invasion gradient rather than simply noting their presence provided evidence that the higher levels of moisture,pH, totalC, totalN,andCa2+in invaded soils pre‐date and possibly promote invasion (particularlyCa2+) and that neither earthworm biomass nor soilC : Nratios are associated with buckthorn invasion, all of which suggest buckthorn to be less of a ‘driver’ of below‐ground change than hypothesized. We did, however, find evidence that buckthorn establishes in areas having greater leaf litter mass and higher rates of decomposition, and then proceeds to accelerate decomposition further and to alter spring soillevels.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that decisions regarding regional buckthorn management should be less driven by concerns about buckthorn's below‐ground impacts and that greater consideration of how variation in below‐ground factors relates to invader establishment is needed, rather than simply assuming this variation to be invader‐induced. This latter consideration can help to design better targeted monitoring programmes, limiting the further spread of woodland invaders. These insights illustrate the utility of the paired‐point framework both for investigating below‐ground causes and consequences of slow‐growing invasive plants and for guiding the management of these invasions.
Association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels measured 24 hours after delivery and postpartum depression
Authors: Fu C‐W , Liu J‐T , Tu W‐J , Yang J‐Q , Cao Y
Published: September 2014

Objective

To assess the possible relationship between serum levels of 25[OH]D (25‐hydroxyvitamin D) collected 24 hours after delivery and postpartum depression in a Chinese cohort sample.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

One city hospital in Beijing, China.

Population

Women delivering a full‐term, singleton, live‐born infant at one city hospital in Beijing between August 2013 and November 2013.

Methods

Women were enrolled immediately postpartum. A blood sample was obtained 24–48 hours after childbirth to test serum levels of 25[OH]D. Participation consisted of a visit to an obstetric unit 3 months after delivery.

Main outcome measure

At 3 months' postpartum, women were screened for depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The primary outcome measure was a prespecified EPDS score of ≥12.

Results

During the study period, 323 women were admitted. In all, 248 agreed to enrol and 213 completed 3 months' follow‐up (21 were lost to follow‐up and 14 withdrew). Of the 213 women who were included, 26 (12.2%) were considered to meet criteria for postpartum depression. Serum 25[OH]D levels in women with no postpartum depression were significantly higher than those in women with postpartum depression (P < 0.0001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the optimal cutoff value for serum 25[OH]D level as an indicator for screening for postpartum depression was estimated to be 10.2 ng/ml, with an area under the curve of 0.801 (95%CI 0.704–0.896). In multivariate analysis, there was an increased risk of postpartum depression associated with 25[OH]D levels ≤10.2 ng/ml (OR 7.17, 95%CI 3.81–12.94; P < 0.0001) after adjusting for possible confounders.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that lower serum 25[OH]D levels were associated with postpartum depression. This association was independent of other possible variables.
Immigration Enforcement, Policing, and Crime
Authors: Treyger Elina , Chalfin Aaron , Loeffler Charles
Published: September 2014

Research Summary

In 2008, the federal government introduced “Secure Communities,” a program that requires local law enforcement agencies to share arrestee information with federal immigration officials. We employed the staggered activation of Secure Communities to examine whether this program has an effect on crime or the behavior of local police. Supporters of the program argue that it enhances public safety by facilitating the removal of criminal aliens. Critics worry that it will encourage discriminatory policing. We found little evidence for the most ambitious promises of the program or for its critics’ greatest fears.

Policy Implications

Although a large body of evidence reports that municipal police can have an appreciable effect on crime, involving local police in federal immigration enforcement does not seem to offer measurable public safety benefits. Noncitizens removed through Secure Communities either would have been incapacitated even in the absence of the program or do not pose an identifiable risk to community safety.
Fair Value Measurements of Control Premiums
Authors: Badenhorst Wessel M.
Published: September 2014

As the overview of the current state of research within this paper shows, the debate around fair value measurements is far from over. This paper analyzes fair value measurement requirements in a controversial scenario, namely when a control premium exists. The analyses of the paper show that, while measurement rules around control premiums could have a material impact on fair value measurements and the financial statements as a whole, significant fair value measurement issues remain unresolved. The conclusion is that fair value measurements should include or exclude control premiums consistently. It is argued that including control premiums for all fair value measurements is the most faithful representation of the underlying economic phenomenon. This paper contributes to the fair value measurement debate by comparing the merits of alternative fair value measurements for control premiums and highlights an area where researchers, investors, and other users should exercise caution when evaluating financial statements.
Fair Trade Community Café Expansion
Authors: Lightstone Karen , Rixon Daphne
Published: September 2014

This case concerns the expansion of a small café in the Atlantic provinces of Canada. Ray Merriam had successfully operated a fair trade café in Truro for two years and was ready to expand his business by opening cafés in other locations. He has received an offer from an investor for partnership in a new café in the same time. While Ray was really excited about the investment, he had been considering expanding the business through franchising. Students will have an opportunity to research partnership and franchise agreements. They are expected to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each and make a recommendation to Ray. The typical issues arising in a franchise or partnership agreement should be addressed. This practical experience would likely be invaluable for the future of many students who open their own businesses.
Astrocytic metabolic and inflammatory changes as a function of age
Authors: Jiang Tianyi , Cadenas Enrique
Published: September 2014

This study examines age‐dependent metabolic‐inflammatory axis in primary astrocytes isolated from brain cortices of 7‐, 13‐, and 18‐month‐old Sprague–Dawley male rats. Astrocytes showed an age‐dependent increase in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism respiring on glucose and/or pyruvate substrates; this increase in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism was accompanied by increases in COX3/18SrDNA values, thus suggesting an enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis. Enhanced mitochondrial respiration in astrocytes limits the substrate supply from astrocytes to neurons; this may be viewed as an adaptive mechanism to altered cellular inflammatory–redox environment with age. These metabolic changes were associated with an age‐dependent increase in hydrogen peroxide generation (largely ascribed to an enhanced expression of NOX2) and NFκB signaling in the cytosol as well as its translocation to the nucleus. Astrocytes also displayed augmented responses with age to inflammatory cytokines, IL‐1β, and TNFα. Activation of NFκB signaling resulted in increased expression of nitric oxide synthase 2 (inducible nitric oxide synthase), leading to elevated nitric oxide production. IL‐1β and TNFα treatment stimulated mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in astrocytes. It may be surmised that increased mitochondrial aerobic metabolism and inflammatory responses are interconnected and support the functionality switch of astrocytes, from neurotrophic to neurotoxic with age.
Gambling in China: socio‐historical evolution and current challenges
Authors: Wu Anise M. S. , Lau Joseph T. F.
Published: September 2014

Aims

This paper provides an overview of gambling issues in China, including historical development, governmental responses and social consequences.

Methods

Based on materials written in Chinese or English available at academic databases and other online resources, historical, cultural and policy analyses were conducted. The focus is on mainland China, but reference is made to Hong Kong and Macao to illustrate differences.

Results

Throughout Chinese history, gambling was strictly prohibited by law. In contrast, small‐stakes betting for entertainment instead of monetary gain, defined as ‘gaming’ in this paper, has been culturally acceptable and tolerated by governments. After banning gambling for three decades, the Chinese government attempts to meet public demand for ‘gaming’ and to confine gambling to ‘gaming’ by issuing national lotteries. In response to increased economic wealth, gambling opportunities were allowed to develop, but were restricted to Macao. Social problems such as illegal and youth gambling are, however, emerging. The ‘gaming’ perception may predispose Chinese individuals to wagering activities and increase the risk of gambling disorder, which has been widely seen as misconduct rather than a mental disorder. Currently, the country has a dearth of gambling research and limited prevention and rehabilitation services, almost none at national level.

Conclusions

A distinction between small‐stakes ‘gaming’ and large‐stakes ‘gambling’, which has cultural roots, plays an important role in relevant governmental policies and social responses in mainland China. Gambling disorder prevention and treatment is not yet on the national agenda. The country's knowledge and services gaps on gambling problems need to be filled out.
A modified scoring of the NCCN‐IPI is more accurate in the elderly and is improved by albumin and β2‐microglobulin
Authors: Melchardt Thomas , Troppan Katharina , Weiss Lukas , Hufnagl Clemens , Neureiter Daniel , Tränkenschuh Wolfgang , Hopfinger Georg , Magnes Teresa , Deutsch Alexander , Neumeister Peter , Hackl Hubert , Greil Richard , Pichler Martin , Egle Alexander
Published: September 2014

The International Prognostic Index (IPI) has been used for decades in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A retrospective cancer registry analysis in North America showed significantly improved results when an enhanced IPI, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)‐IPI was applied. This novel score puts more weight on age and high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Nevertheless, it remains unclear if these results can be extrapolated to the general population. This retrospective bi‐centre analysis included 499 unselected DLBCL patients who were treated with rituximab and anthracycline‐based chemoimmunotherapy between 2004 and 2013. In our cohort, the NCCN‐IPI was more accurate in identifying patients at low or high risk, despite older age, and more patients with increased LDH. Nevertheless, a modified scoring of the risk factors was required to more accurately identify elderly patients with a very favourable diagnosis, suggesting an impaired value of the original NCCN‐IPI in the elderly. Serum β2‐microglobulin and albumin were retained as independent prognostic factors for survival in a multivariate analysis. Our data confirm, for the first time, the superior prognostic power of the NCCN‐IPI in an unselected, middle‐European cohort. We furthermore propose a modified NCCN‐IPI for more accurate prognostication in the elderly. Albumin and β2‐microglobulin levels are likely to add significant information to the NCCN‐IPI.
Predicting the patients who will struggle with anal incontinence: sensitivity to disgust matters
Authors: Reynolds L. M. , Bissett I. P. , Consedine N. S.
Published: September 2014

Aim

Quality of life varies in patients with anal incontinence. The severity of symptoms is a surprisingly modest predictor, but they reliably elicit disgust. The current work assessed prospectively whether dispositional sensitivity to disgust predicted the quality of life in patients with anal incontinence.

Method

Seventy‐five patients with anal incontinence identified from the waiting list for the pelvic floor clinic at the Greenlane Clinical Centre, Auckland, New Zealand, completed questionnaires assessing symptom severity (Fecal Incontinence Severity Index) and disgust sensitivity (Disgust Sensitivity‐Revised scale) prior to a first appointment. Three months later incontinence‐specific (Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale, FI QLS) and general quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF, WHOQOL‐BREF) were assessed.

Results

Greater severity of symptoms prospectively predicted lower incontinence‐specific quality of life (FI QLS lifestyle domain) and lower general quality of life (WHOQOL‐BREF environmental domain). Greater disgust sensitivity predicted poorer psychological and environmental well‐being, and moderated the link between symptom severity and outcome. Persons low in disgust sensitivity reported a higher quality of life when symptom severity was low, but those with a high disgust sensitivity had a low quality of life regardless of symptom severity.

Conclusion

The functional status of patients with anal incontinence explains some but not all of the variation in quality of life. Emotional factors such as disgust appear to have a role. Disgust sensitivity warrants further attention.
The Probability of Iterated Conditionals
Authors: van Wijnbergen‐Huitink Janneke , Elqayam Shira , Over David E.
Published: September 2014

Iterated conditionals of the form If p, then if q, r are an important topic in philosophical logic. In recent years, psychologists have gained much knowledge about how people understand simple conditionals, but there are virtually no published psychological studies of iterated conditionals. This paper presents experimental evidence from a study comparing the iterated form, If p, then if q, r with the “imported,” noniterated form, If p and q, then r, using a probability evaluation task and a truth‐table task, and taking into account qualitative individual differences. This allows us to critically contrast philosophical and psychological approaches that make diverging predictions regarding the interpretation of these forms. The results strongly support the probabilistic Adams conditional and the “new paradigm” that takes this conditional as a starting point.
Introduction effort, climate matching and species traits as predictors of global establishment success in non‐native reptiles
Authors: Mahoney Peter J. , Beard Karen H. , Durso Andrew M. , Tallian Aimee G. , Long A. Lexine , Kindermann Ryan J. , Nolan Nicole E. , Kinka Daniel , Mohn Harrison E.
Published: September 2014

Aim

Non‐native reptiles are often detrimental to native communities and ecosystems and can be extremely difficult to manage once established. Thus, there is considerable interest in predicting the likelihood of establishment of non‐native reptiles. We assessed three hypotheses describing possible factors contributing to the successful establishment of introduced reptiles in an effort to better identify potential invaders.

Location

Worldwide.

Methods

Using a global invasion database (1307 introductions of 398 species) andBayesian generalized linear mixed models, we tested the relative importance of event‐level (e.g. propagule pressure), location‐level (e.g. climate matching) and species‐level (e.g. parthenogenesis) factors in reptile establishment success.

Results

The factors that positively influenced establishment success included: (i) Event‐level: longer time since initial introduction, greater number of introduction events and intentional introductions; (ii) Location‐level: smaller differences in latitude between native and introduced ranges and the presence of native congeners in the introduced range; and (iii) Species‐level: smaller body size, herbivores, larger native range size, parthenogenesis and high fecundity.

Main conclusions

We found that location‐level factors were most important in describing reptile establishment success, followed by event‐ and species‐level factors, respectively. This pattern matches closely with what others have found in a variety of vertebrate taxa. However, the importance of species traits may be underestimated considering the insufficient knowledge of reptile life history within introduced ranges. Importantly, individual variables from all three hypotheses contributed to global reptile establishment. Managers should be especially cognizant of small herbivorous and fecund reptiles that are frequently introduced into areas with a strong climate match to their native range. Further, parthenogenesis greatly facilitated establishment, indicating that obligate parthenogenetic species may become ubiquitous through modern globalized trade.
Vulnerability of marine benthic metapopulations: implications of spatially structured connectivity for conservation practice in the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Guizien K. , Belharet M. , Moritz C. , Guarini J. M.
Published: September 2014

Aim

Ecological connectivity is currently considered to be essential to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts and benefit adjacent areas. We evaluate the spatial structure of vulnerable marine benthic invertebrate populations based on connectivity to improve the placement of marine protected areas.

Location

Gulf of Lions, NW Mediterranean Sea.

Methods

We used a spatially explicit metapopulation model to explore how larval dispersal affects marine benthic invertebrate dynamics at local and regional scales. Minimum recruitment success (the proportion of larvae that settle in a site and survive between spawning and first reproduction, which is required to ensure species persistence) is proposed as a measure of vulnerability. Three contrasting simulations were constructed: closed versus connected populations, habitat loss versus recruitment failure disturbances and varying patterns of oceanographic connectivity. The rescue factor (the ratio of minimum recruitment success in connected and closed populations) quantified the decrease in vulnerability because of oceanographic connectivity.

Results

In the Gulf of Lions, connectivity reduced population vulnerability by a rescue factor of 5.3. The minimum recruitment success for regional persistence decreased from 3% to 0.2% when species' life expectancies increased from 2 to 50 years. Connectivity enabled the spread of individuals over the entire region, but there were higher densities in sink sites, where low retention rates do not allow for local persistence (western tip of the gulf). Source sites, defined as those sites bringing metapopulation resistance to recruitment failure and stresses from habitat loss, were located in the centre of the gulf.

Main conclusions

Connectivity drives the spatial structure of population density distribution and population vulnerability in the absence of any other structuring factor. In the Gulf of Lions, marine protected areas are located in population sinks; however; if protection measures were taken in the central part, populations would benefit throughout the region via the rescue effect.
Randomized efficacy and safety trial of once‐daily remogliflozin etabonate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sykes A. P. , Kemp G. L. , Dobbins R. , O'Connor‐Semmes R. , Almond S. R. , Wilkison W. O. , Walker S. , Kler L.
Published: September 2014

The sodium‐dependent glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor remogliflozin etabonate (RE) was evaluated in a 12‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐ and active‐controlled, parallel‐group study. A total of 252 newly diagnosed and drug‐naïve people with type 2 diabetes and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations of 7.0–≤9.5% (53–80 mmol/mol) were recruited. Participants were randomized to RE (100, 250, 500 or 1000 mg once daily or 250 mg twice daily), placebo or 30 mg pioglitazone once daily. The primary endpoint was change in HbA1c concentration from baseline. Secondary endpoints included changes in fasting plasma glucose, body weight and lipid profiles, safety and tolerability. We observed a statistically significant trend in the RE dose–response relationship for change from baseline in HbA1c at week 12 (p < 0.047). RE was generally well tolerated and no effects on LDL cholesterol were observed.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The Key Role of Echocardiography
Authors: D'Alto Michele , Romeo Emanuele , Argiento Paola , Di Salvo Giovanni , Badagliacca Roberto , Cirillo Anna P. , Kaemmerer Harald , Bossone Eduardo , Naeije Robert
Published: September 2014

Echocardiography is a key screening tool in the diagnostic algorithm of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It provides an estimate of right ventricular function and pulmonary artery pressure, either at rest or during exercise, and is useful in ruling out secondary causes of pulmonary hypertension (PH) such as left heart disease or congenital heart disease. Several studies have showed that echocardiography is insufficiently precise as single tool for the ultimate diagnosis of PH respect to the right heart catheterization, considered the gold standard technique. Echocardiography is valuable in assessing prognosis and treatment options, monitoring the efficacy of specific therapeutic interventions, and detecting the preclinical stages of disease. The ideal imaging modality for accurate noninvasive assessment of the right heart should be accurate and precise, not influenced by loading conditions, routinely practicable and easily repeatable. For all such reasons and considering that PAH is a rare and severe condition, a complete noninvasive assessment of right heart function requires a deep knowledge of the disease and a multimodality approach.
Hippocampal expression of heat shock proteins in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with psychiatric comorbidities and their relation to seizure outcome
Authors: Kandratavicius Ludmyla , Hallak Jaime E. , Carlotti Carlos G. , Assirati Joao A. , Leite Joao P.
Published: September 2014

Objective

Biologic substrates behind the close association between mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and psychiatric comorbidities are largely unknown. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and HSP90 are ubiquitous molecular chaperones that play important roles in functions from cellular stress response to receptor trafficking control. There are controversial findings regarding HSP expression in epilepsy. Our goal was to examine HSP70 and HSP90 expression within the human hippocampal formation of MTLE patients with and without comorbid major depression and psychosis. In addition, we investigated the possible correlation between HSP expression and seizure outcome.

Methods

MTLE hippocampi of subjects without psychiatric history, MTLE and major depression, and MTLE and interictal psychosis derived from epilepsy surgery and control necropsies were investigated for neuronal densities, HSP70 and HSP90 immunoreactive area.

Results

Increased HSP expression in MTLE and decreased HSP expression in MTLE with psychosis cases were detailed. Patients taking fluoxetine showed increased HSP90 expression in CA1, and those taking haloperidol decreased HSP90 in the granular layer and subiculum. MTLE patients with complete seizure remission presented with decreased HSP70 expression in CA4 and subiculum and decreased HSP90 expression in the granular layer.

Significance

The present results provide the first demonstration of HSP expression in human MTLE hippocampal formation with and without psychiatric comorbidities. Distinct HSP70 and HSP90 expression might explain some of the structural and synaptic alterations differentially regulated in MTLE with and without psychiatric comorbidities. Increased HSPs expression in key hippocampal subfields would reflect increased epileptogenicity and poorer outcome of epilepsy surgery.
Corticosterone Levels Correlate With Alloparental Care in a Sex‐Dependent Manner in African Striped Mice, Rhabdomys pumilio
Authors: Raynaud Julien , Schradin Carsten
Published: September 2014

Alloparental care of non‐breeders is the main characteristic of cooperatively breeding species. While many studies have contributed to the understanding of the evolutionary reasons why individuals provide care to young that are not their own offspring, the variables influencing and causing alloparental care are less understood. We tested in African striped mice (Rhabdomys pumilio) whether age, sex, testosterone and corticosterone were correlated with alloparental care of non‐breeding helpers. We studied 11 family groups under controlled conditions in the laboratory, each with two juvenile and two adult helpers, one being male and one being female in each age category. We predicted male helpers to show more alloparental care than female helpers, as males are the dispersing sex and might thus have to pay for staying. We also expected adult helpers to show more alloparental care than juvenile helpers and both corticosterone and testosterone to correlate negatively with alloparental care. We found high levels of alloparental care in non‐breeding striped mice, which spent a significant amount of time in the nest, huddling and licking pups. There was neither a difference between the sexes nor between age categories (although both factors were significant in interaction terms), indicating either low costs and/or high benefits of alloparental care. Mothers showed significantly more care than helpers, and fathers showed similar levels of parental care as mothers but not significantly more than helpers. Although testosterone levels differed significantly between helpers of different age and sex, with adult male helpers showing the highest levels, we did not find any relationships between testosterone and the amount of alloparental care. Corticosterone levels were negatively correlated with alloparental care, and these effects were modulated by the sex and the age of helpers. In females, less alloparental care was shown with increasing corticosterone levels, while in males, the relationship was positive. Also, younger individuals with lower corticosterone levels showed more alloparental care than older individuals with low corticosterone levels. In sum, alloparental care is well developed in male and female non‐breeding helpers of striped mice, both in adult and juvenile helpers, but independently of testosterone, with corticosterone showing an age‐ and sex‐specific relationship with alloparental care.
Increased temperature, but not acidification, enhances fertilization and development in a tropical urchin: potential for adaptation to a tropicalized eastern Australia
Authors: Foo Shawna A. , Dworjanyn Symon A. , Khatkar Mehar S. , Poore Alistair G. B. , Byrne Maria
Published: September 2014

To predict the effects of global change on marine populations, it is important to measure the effects of climate stressors on performance and potential for adaptation. Adaptation depends on heritable genetic variance for stress tolerance being present in populations. We determined the effects of near‐future ocean conditions on fertilization success of the sea urchinPseudoboletia indiana. In 16 multiple dam‐sire crosses, we quantified genetic variation in tolerance of warming (+3°C) and acidification (−0.3 to 0.5pHunits) at the gastrulation stage. Ocean acidification decreased fertilization across all dam‐sire combinations with effects ofpHsignificantly differing among the pairings. DecreasedpHreduced the percentage of normal gastrulae with negative effects alleviated by increased temperature. Significant sire by environment interactions indicated the presence of heritable variation in tolerance of stressors at gastrulation and thus the potential for selection of resistant genotypes, which may enhance population persistence. A low genetic correlation indicated that genotypes that performed well at gastrulation in lowpHdid not necessarily perform well at higher temperatures. Furthermore, performance at fertilization was not necessarily a good predictor of performance at the later stage of gastrulation. Southern range edge populations ofPseudoboletia indianamay benefit from future warming with potential for extension of their distribution in south‐east Australia.
Effect of hoof angle on joint contact area in the equine metacarpophalangeal joint following simulated impact loadingex vivo
Authors: McCarty C. A. , Thomason J. J. , Gordon K. , Hurtig M. , Bignell W.
Published: September 2014

Reasons for performing study

To add to the existing data on impact loading of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint as a precursor to assessing the potential role of impact in joint disease.

Objectives

To examine the effect of impact loading on contact areas of the first phalanx (P1) and proximal sesamoids (PS) with the third metacarpal (McIII) under 3 hoof‐strike conditions (toe‐first, flat, heel‐first).

Study design

Randomised, repeated controlled experiment using cadaver material.

Methods

Eight cadaver limbs were subjected to randomised, repeated controlled trials where the hoof was struck by a pendulum impact machine (impact velocity 3.55 m/s) under 3 strike conditions. Data from pressure sensitive film placed over medial and lateralMcIIIcondyles and lateromedially across the dorsal aspect ofMcIIIwere quantified: total areas of P1 andPScontact (cm2) at maximum recorded pressure; centroid locations of contact areas relative to the sagittal ridge (cm) and transverse ridge (cm) and dispersion of pixels (cm4) for eachMcIIIcondyle (medial/lateral). The effect of the strike conditions on each variable were statistically tested using repeated‐measuresANOVA(α = 0.05).

Results

Contact area betweenP1andMcIIIcondyles fell in well‐defined areas bounded by the sagittal and transverse ridge, contact areas fromPSwere smaller and widely dispersed acrossMcIIIpalmar border. Ratio of contact area ofP1toPSwas 2.83 (P<0001). Hoof strike had no significant effect on contact area (P>0.54)

Conclusions

Contact at impact (primarily fromP1and distally situated onMcIII), contrasts with contact areas at midstance from bothP1 andPS, symmetrically placed. Under impact, the greatest contact area was on the dorsal aspect of the medial condyle and coincides with the area subjected to the greatest increase in subchondral bone stiffening in joint disease.
New insights in photoaging, UVA induced damage and skin types
Authors: Battie Claire , Jitsukawa Setsuko , Bernerd Françoise , Del Bino Sandra , Marionnet Claire , Verschoore Michèle
Published: September 2014

UVA radiation is the most prevalent component of solar UV radiation; it deeply penetrates into the skin and induces profound alterations of the dermal connective tissue. In recent years, the detrimental effects of UVA radiation were more precisely demonstrated at cellular and molecular levels, using adequate methods to identify biological targets of UVA radiation and the resulting cascade impairment of cell functions and tissue degradation. In particular gene expression studies recently revealed that UVA radiation induces modulation of several genes confirming the high sensitivity of dermal fibroblasts to UVA radiation. The major visible damaging effects of UVA radiation only appear after years of exposure: it has been clearly evidenced that they are responsible for more or less early signs of photoageing and photocarcinogenesis. UVA radiation appears to play a key role in pigmented changes occurring with age, the major sign of skin photoaging in Asians. Skin susceptibility to photoaging alterations also depends on constitutive pigmentation. The skin sensitivity to UV light has been demonstrated to be linked to skin color type.
Increase of stratifin triggered by ultraviolet irradiation is possibly related to premature aging of human skin
Authors: Adachi Hiroaki , Murakami Yuhko , Tanaka Hiroshi , Nakata Satoru
Published: September 2014

Although ultraviolet (UV) rays cause premature aging of human skin, which is called photoaging, its detailed mechanisms are not known. Stratifin (SFN), a member of the 14‐3‐3 protein family, is secreted by keratinocytes on human skin, and has an effect on gene expression in other cells. In this study, the association of SFN with the mechanism of photoaging was investigated. The effect of UVB irradiation on SFN expression in epidermal keratinocytes was examined by in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, the effects of SFN on epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts were examined. SFN mRNA expression and protein levels increased significantly in UVB‐irradiated keratinocytes. SFN significantly decreased filaggrin and serine palmitoyltransferase mRNA expression in epidermal keratinocytes and hyaluronan synthase 2 mRNA expression in dermal fibroblasts. In addition, it was reconfirmed that SFN induces the downregulation of collagen content through changes of COL‐1, MMP‐1 and MMP‐2 mRNA expressions. Furthermore, the expression level of SFN mRNA was significantly higher in sun‐exposed compared with that in sun‐shielded skin. These results suggest that SFN affects the water‐holding capacity, barrier function and dermal matrix components in photoaging skin. An increase of SFN triggered by UVB irradiation may be one of the causes of alterations observed in photoaging skin.
The clinical experience and efficacy of bipolar radiofrequency with fractional photothermolysis for aged Asian skin
Authors: Akita Hirotaka , Sasaki Ryosuke , Yokoyama Yusuke , Negishi Kei , Matsunaga Kayoko
Published: September 2014

Bipolar radiofrequency (RF) technology is developed based on fractional thermolysis, and the literature concerning the efficacy of the rejuvenation and treatment of acne scars has been reported in Europe and the United States of America. Therefore, we examined bipolar RF treatment using fractional thermolysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the treatment of Asian photo‐aging skin, particularly ‘wrinkles’ and ‘sagging.’ Ten Japanese women (mean age: 58.6, skin type III–IV) received three fractional bipolar RF treatments every 4–6 weeks. For the objective evaluation, we evaluated the improvement of the wrinkles on the forehead, lateral canthus (crow's feet) and lower eyelid, and the sagging of the nasolabial fold using digital photographs captured using Visia™. For the subjective evaluation, the participants were asked to describe the improvements observed in the wrinkles on the forehead, lateral canthus (crow's feet) and lower eyelid, and sagging nasolabial fold and to evaluate the level pain experienced using a 10‐point VAS score. The objective evaluation in each category showed significant improvements in the wrinkles on the lateral canthus (crow's feet) and lower eyelid. As for the nasolabial fold, 60% of the subjects showed improvements, scoring from good to excellent (51–100% improvement), although there was a little improvement of the wrinkle on the forehead. Similar improvements were observed in the subjective evaluation. During each treatment, oedema and erythema were observed in all participants, but the oedema disappeared the following day in all cases. However, mild erythema persisted for an average of 3.1 days. Micro debris disappeared after an average of 5.2 days. The participants were satisfied, as we allowed them to apply make‐up the next day. There were no other severe adverse reactions observed during the treatment. The 10‐point VAS score was 3.8, and no participants dropped out due to discomfort. Little improvement was observed in the forehead wrinkles in either the objective or the subjective evaluation. The results obtained in this study indicate that fractional bipolar RF is an effective and safe treatment for the ‘wrinkling’ and ‘sagging’ of Asian photo‐aging skin.