bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open generification
Authors: Gizaw Abyot Asalefew , Bygstad Bendik , Nielsen Petter
Published: August 2017

To what extent can software ‘travel’ to organizations and countries for which it was not designed for, and how important are local contexts for a successful design and implementation of generic software? Information systems researchers have differing views on this, some emphasizing the strengths of the generic and others the importance of contextual aspects. Contributing to this debate, Pollock and Williams have coined the term generification in order to describe how large vendors succeed in globalizing software packages through management by community, content and social authority. In this paper, we explore an approach that we callopen generification, which extends Pollock and Williams' work in the sense that we acknowledge the need for and the feasibility of generic software, but propose an alternative model for the governance of it. Open generification is not about managing the community of users attached to a software package by homogenization or segmentation but aims at addressing the diverse needs of the community the software is expected to serve. Our empirical basis is a longitudinal study of the development of an open‐source health information system software (District Health Information software version 2), which is being used in more than 47 countries. Its success is attributed to a continuous interplay between generic and specific software and continuous cycles of embedding (implementing the global in the local context) and disembedding (taking local innovations into the global). We identify and discuss the contingent mechanisms of this interplay.
Mullite‐glass and mullite‐mullite interfaces: Analysis by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and high‐resolution TEM
Authors: Adabifiroozjaei Esmaeil , Hart Judy N. , Koshy Pramod , Mitchell David R. G. , Sorrell Charles C.
Published: August 2017

The properties of mullite‐glass and mullite‐mullite interfaces have been investigated at 1800 K by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and high‐resolution TEM. The simulation showed that mullite‐glass interfaces typically have much lower interfacial energies than mullite‐mullite interfaces, which results from the structural flexibility of the glass and associated accommodation of interfacial mismatch. The (110)‐glass interface has the lowest energy of all interfaces studied, which is consistent with the observed dominance of this interface in experimental mullite‐glass samples examined by TEM. The simulation shows that the interfacial energies of the (100)‐glass and (010)‐glass interfaces are higher than that those of the (001)‐glass interface, so [100] and [010] would be expected to be the dominant growth directions. However, the growth of mullite in glass occurs predominantly in the [001] direction. This apparent discrepancy can be explained by the fact that growth in the [100] and [010] directions is limited by the slow growth of (110) plane (i.e., [110] direction), which facilitates [001] growth, which is confirmed by the TEM data.
Weight beliefs and messages: Mindsets predict body‐shame and anti‐fat attitudes via attributions
Authors: Burnette Jeni L. , Hoyt Crystal L. , Dweck Carol S. , Auster‐Gussman Lisa
Published: August 2017

In two samples (N = 247, N = 291), we examined the link between beliefs and messages about the changeable (incremental theory) vs. fixed (entity theory) nature of weight, attributions for weight, and body shame. We recruited participants using online sampling, employing a correlational design in Study 1 and an experimental design in Study 2. Across both studies, we found evidence for the stigma‐asymmetry effect—incremental, relative to entity beliefs/messages of weight predicted both (a) stronger onset responsibility attributions, indirectly increasing body shame and (b) stronger offset efficacy attributions, indirectly decreasing body shame. Study 2 replicated the stigma‐asymmetry effect with anti‐fat attitudes. We discuss implications for public health obesity messages with the goal of reducing stigma.
When leaders are not who they appear: The effects of leader disclosure of a concealable stigma on follower reactions
Authors: Adams Gary A. , Webster Jennica R.
Published: August 2017

Two studies examined follower reactions to disclosure of concealable stigma (i.e., transgender identity) by a leader. Using 109 employed participants, Study 1 showed followers rated leaders disclosing a stigma less likable and effective. This effect was both direct and indirect through relational identification with the leader. Using 206 employed participants, Study 2 found when a leader's stigma was involuntarily found out and disclosed later they received lower ratings of likability and effectiveness compared to leaders who voluntarily came out and disclosed earlier. Method (found out vs. came out) and timing of disclosure (later vs. earlier) had direct relationships with ratings of likability and effectiveness and method of disclosure had an indirect relationship with the outcomes via relational identification.
Finding diamonds in the rough: Analysts’ selective following of loss‐reporting firms
Authors: Byard Donal , Darrough Masako , Suh Jangwon , Tian Yao
Published: August 2017

Investors face greater difficulty valuing loss‐reporting than profit‐reporting firms: losses may be due to very different reasons (e.g., poor operating performance or investments in intangibles, and financial accounting information is of more limited use for valuing loss‐making firms than profit‐making firms. Because of increased uncertainty about loss firms’ future financial and business viability, we hypothesize that financial analysts will be more selective when choosing to follow loss firms than profit firms, with the result that “abnormal” analyst following will be more informative to investors regarding the future performance of loss firms than profit firms. Consistent with this prediction, we find that abnormal analyst coverage is useful for predicting firms’ future prospects, and is more strongly associated with future performance (stock returns and ROA) for loss firms than for profit firms. The market, however, does not seem to use this useful information when pricing loss firms: for loss firms a portfolio investment strategy based upon abnormal analyst following can generate positive excess returns over 1‐ to 3‐year holding periods. These results are stronger for persistent‐loss firms than for occasional‐loss firms. We conclude that abnormal analyst following contains useful information about firms’ future prospects, and even more so for loss firms than for profit firms.
Mesenchymal stem cells deliver exogenous miR‐21 via exosomes to inhibit nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and reduce intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Cheng Xiaofei , Zhang Guoying , Zhang Liang , Hu Ying , Zhang Kai , Sun Xiaojiang , Zhao Changqing , Li Hua , Li Yan Michael , Zhao Jie
Published: August 2017

Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation into the IVD (intervertebral disc) may be beneficial in inhibiting apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and alleviating IVD degeneration, the underlying mechanism of this therapeutic process has not been fully explained. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of MSC‐derived exosomes (MSC‐exosomes) on NPC apoptosis and IVD degeneration and investigate the regulatory effect of miRNAs in MSC‐exosomes and associated mechanisms for NPC apoptosis. MSC‐exosomes were isolated from MSC medium, and its anti‐apoptotic effect was assessed in a cell and rat model. The down‐regulated miRNAs in apoptotic NPCs were identified, and their contents in MSC‐exosomes were detected. The target genes of eligible miRNAs and possible downstream pathway were investigated. Purified MSC‐exosomes were taken up by NPCs and suppressed NPC apoptosis. The levels of miR‐21 were down‐regulated in apoptotic NPCs while MSC‐exosomes were enriched in miR‐21. The exosomal miR‐21 could be transferred into NPCs and alleviated TNF‐α induced NPC apoptosis by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) through phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt pathway. Intradiscal injection of MSC‐exosomes alleviated the NPC apoptosis and IVD degeneration in the rat model. In conclusion, MSC‐derived exosomes prevent NPCs from apoptotic process and alleviate IVD degeneration, at least partly, via miR‐21 contained in exosomes. Exosomal miR‐21 restrains PTEN and thus activates PI3K/Akt pathway in apoptotic NPCs. Our work confers a promising therapeutic strategy for IVD degeneration.
Lipopolysaccharide inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis in rats: The role of immune cells
Authors: Tanaka Hiroshi , Nishikawa Yoshikazu , Fukushima Toru , Taniguchi Ataru , Fujita Yoshihito , Tsuda Kinsuke , Inagaki Nobuya , Hosokawa Masaya
Published: August 2017

Aims/Introduction

Bacterial septicemia has diverse clinical symptoms including severe hypoglycemia. However, sepsis‐induced hypoglycemia has not yet been examined in detail. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying hypoglycemia in sepsis.

Materials and Methods

We induced endotoxin shock in rats using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After an intraperitoneal injection of LPS, we measured gluconeogenesis using the pyruvate tolerance test. The effects of LPS on glucose metabolism were investigated in perfused livers and isolated hepatocytes. Furthermore, its effects on the production of inflammatory cytokines were examined in isolated splenocytes. The interaction between splenocytes and hepatocytes in response to LPS was investigated in vitro using a co‐culture of splenocytes and hepatocytes.

Results

In the pyruvate tolerance test, the pretreatment with LPS decreased gluconeogenesis. The in vivo pretreatment of rats with LPS did not inhibit glucose production in perfused livers. The in vitro treatment of isolated hepatocytes with LPS did not decrease hepatic gluconeogenesis. Although LPS increased the production of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐10) and nitric oxide in isolated splenocytes, only nitric oxide significantly inhibited gluconeogenesis in isolated hepatocytes. When splenocytes and hepatocytes were co‐cultured in medium containing LPS, the messenger ribonucleic acid expression of glucose‐6‐phosphatase in hepatocytes was suppressed.

Conclusions

LPS reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis, at least in part, by stimulating the production of nitric oxide in splenocytes. This effect could contribute to the mechanisms responsible for septicemia‐induced hypoglycemia.
New and current preventive treatment options in actinic keratosis
Authors: Arenberger P. , Arenbergerova M.
Published: August 2017

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a characteristic skin lesion on skin areas of subjects with mainly phototype I and phototype II, or with specific genetic factors and who are exposed to prolonged ultraviolet radiation. AK may be considered a precursor of in situ squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). However, it is still not possible to predict which AK lesions will develop into SCC. Early treatment of AK is therefore recommended. Despite the increasing number of patients with AK developing into SCC, to date, there is still no clear suggestion of therapeutic strategy for AK. Current treatment consists of a multitude of topical lesion‐directed or field‐directed therapies or a combination of both. Recently, orally administered nicotinamide has shown to significantly reduce rates of new NMSC and AK in high‐risk patients. This study aims to provide an update on the most relevant information about AK and to provide an insight into current and new treatment options.
Effects of selected myofibrillar protein activities on beef tenderization process based on electrophoretic analysis
Authors: Onopiuk Anna , Półtorak Andrzej , Sun Da‐Wen , Wierzbicka Agnieszka
Published: August 2017

Meat aging process involves in changes in the microstructure of muscle fibers and calpains (cysteine endopeptidase) are responsible for this process, as calpains have direct access to myofibrils in a cell. The electrophoretic analysis (SDS–PAGE) presented in the current study aimed at investigating the impact of calpain system and troponin T on the changes in the Warner–Bratzler shear force in selected semitendinosus (ST) and psoas major (PM) muscles taken from 9 Holstein Frisian × Limousin crossbreed carcasses aged 25 ± 1 months. The presence of calpains, calpastatin, and troponin T was verified based on the western blot method using monoclonal antibodies for tracing specific proteins. The results also confirmed significant correlations between the amount of µ‐ and m‐calpains and troponin T degradation products and the shear force values and thus the tenderization process during beef aging.

Practical applications

Beef aging is an important process of preparing beef for consumption. During aging, the increase in the tenderness is affected by the changes in troponin T. The measurement of the amount of this protein can be an indicator of the changes of hardness during aging. The current results indicated that the tenderness of beef increased when the beef contained a greater amount of 30 kDa protein product and when the muscles had longer sarcomeres. The information available in the current study should be very useful to the meat industry for early prediction of beef quality especially beef tenderness during the aging process.
Validation of a Geriatric Trauma Prognosis Calculator: A P.A.L.Li.A.T.E. Consortium Study
Authors: Cook Allyson C. , Joseph Bellal , Mohler M. Jane , Inaba Kenji , Bruns Brandon R. , Nakonezny Paul A. , Kerby Jeff D. , Brasel Karen J. , Wolf Steven E. , Cuschieri Joseph , Paulk M. Elizabeth , Rhodes Ramona L. , Brakenridge Scott C. , Ekeh A. Peter , Phelan Herb A.
Published: August 2017

Background/Objectives

The P.A.L.Li.A.T.E. (prognostic assessment of life and limitations after trauma in the elderly) consortium has previously created a prognosis calculator for mortality after geriatric injury based on age, injury severity, and transfusion requirement called the geriatric trauma outcome score (GTOS). Here, we sought to create and validate a prognosis calculator called the geriatric trauma outcome score ii (GTOS II) estimating probability of unfavorable discharge.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Four geographically diverse Level 1 trauma centers.

Participants

Trauma admissions aged 65 to 102 years surviving to discharge from 2000 to 2013.

Intervention

None.

Measurements

Age, injury severity score (ISS), transfusion at 24 hours post‐admission, discharge dichotomized as favorable (home/rehabilitation) or unfavorable (skilled nursing/long term acute care/hospice). Training and testing samples were created using the holdout method. A multiple logistic mixed model (GTOS II) was created to estimate the odds of unfavorable disposition then re‐specified using the GTOS II as the sole predictor in a logistic mixed model using the testing sample.

Results

The final dataset was 16,114 subjects (unfavorable discharge status = 15.4%). Training (n = 8,057) and testing (n = 8,057) samples had similar demographics. The formula based on the training sample was (GTOS II = Age + [0.71 × ISS] + 8.79 [if transfused by 24 hours]). Misclassification rate and AUC were 15.63% and 0.67 for the training sample, respectively, and 15.85% and 0.67 for the testing sample.

Conclusion

GTOS II estimates the probability of unfavorable discharge in injured elders with moderate accuracy. With the GTOS mortality calculator, it can help in goal setting conversations after geriatric injury.
Effect of the Tool to Reduce Inappropriate Medications on Medication Communication and Deprescribing
Authors: Fried Terri R. , Niehoff Kristina M. , Street Richard L. , Charpentier Peter A. , Rajeevan Nallakkandi , Miller Perry L. , Goldstein Mary K. , O'Leary John R. , Fenton Brenda T.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To examine the effect of the Tool to Reduce Inappropriate Medications (TRIM), a web tool linking an electronic health record (EHR) to a clinical decision support system, on medication communication and prescribing.

Design

Randomized clinical trial.

Setting

Primary care clinics at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Participants

Veterans aged 65 and older prescribed seven or more medications randomized to receipt of TRIM or usual care (N = 128).

Intervention

TRIM extracts information on medications and chronic conditions from the EHR and contains data entry screens for information obtained from brief chart review and telephonic patient assessment. These data serve as input for automated algorithms identifying medication reconciliation discrepancies, potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), and potentially inappropriate regimens. Clinician feedback reports summarize discrepancies and provide recommendations for deprescribing. Patient feedback reports summarize discrepancies and self‐reported medication problems.

Measurements

Primary: subscales of the Patient Assessment of Care for Chronic Conditions (PACIC) related to shared decision‐making; clinician and patient communication. Secondary: changes in medications.

Results

29.7% of TRIM participants and 15.6% of control participants provided the highest PACIC ratings; this difference was not significant. Adjusting for covariates and clustering of patients within clinicians, TRIM was associated with significantly more‐active patient communication and facilitative clinician communication and with more medication‐related communication among patients and clinicians. TRIM was significantly associated with correction of medication discrepancies but had no effect on number of medications or reduction in PIMs.

Conclusion

TRIM improved communication about medications and accuracy of documentation. Although there was no association with prescribing, the small sample size provided limited power to examine medication‐related outcomes.
Capital over the Business Cycle: Renting versus Ownership
Authors: GAL PETER N. , PINTER GABOR
Published: August 2017

We find that capital renting makes up one‐fifth of U.S. capital expenditures, and it increases during downturns. Further, we present cross‐country evidence that output losses after financial crises are smaller where renting is more prevalent. To understand these findings, we build a general equilibrium model with borrowing constraints and with the option to rent or buy capital. The countercyclicality of rentals occurs because their supply increases, as renting serves as an additional means of savings when credit markets malfunction. Moreover, demand also shifts toward rentals as they become relatively cheaper. By absorbing excess savings, renting mitigates financial crises.
Religion and Religions in Prisons: Observations from the United States and Europe
Authors: Becci Irene , Dubler Joshua
Published: August 2017

Despite manifest differences and internal variety, this article attempts to integrate the histories and present landscapes of religious practice in prison in the United States and in Western Europe. We identify, among incarcerated people in the United States, Italy, and Germany, discernible drifts toward religious pluralization, privatization, and individualization. Over the past half‐century, the administration of religion in prison has been loosened to allow for a wider variety of religious beliefs and practices. Meanwhile, as subsidized by outside volunteers, religion, especially of a socially “useful,” capitalism‐friendly sort, remains a cost‐effective means for prison administrators to efficiently subcontract their mandate to rehabilitate. Due to the decentralization and diversification of religion in contemporary prisons on both sides of the northern Atlantic, this article concludes by encouraging would‐be ethnographers of the prison interested in religion to venture beyond the expressly delineated religious space and into what we call “religious gray zones.”
Relationship between Total Homocysteine, Folic Acid, and Thyroid Hormones in Hypothyroid Dogs
Authors: Gołyński M. , Lutnicki K. , Krumrych W. , Szczepanik M. , Gołyńska M. , Wilkołek P. , Adamek Ł. , Sitkowski Ł. , Kurek Ł.
Published: August 2017

Background

Both elevated homocysteine and decreased folic acid concentrations are observed in human patients with hypothyroidism and can influence the development of numerous secondary disorders.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess total homocysteine concentration in serum and to examine its relationship with the concentration of folic acid and thyroid hormones (tT4 and fT4).

Animals

Ten healthy and 19 hypothyroid client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs with clinical signs of hypothyroidism had the diagnosis confirmed by additional tests. Total homocysteine, folic acid, total thyroxine, and free thyroxine concentrations in serum were evaluated.

Results

Hypothyroid dogs were diagnosed with increased homocysteine (median 22.20 μmol/L; range, 16.50–37.75) and decreased folic acid (median 20.62 nmol/L; range, 10.54–26.35) concentrations, as compared to healthy dogs (11.52 μmol/L; range, 10.00–16.65 and 30.68 nmol/L; range, 22.84–38.52, respectively). In sick dogs, total homocysteine was inversely correlated with folic acid (ρ = −0.47, P < 0.001), total thyroxine (ρ = −0.69, P = 0.0092), and free thyroxine (ρ = −0.56, P = 0.0302).

Conclusions

Hypothyroidism in dogs causes hyperhomocysteinemia. Concomitant mild folic acid decrease in hypothyroid dogs might be as a result of hyperhomocysteinemia.
Genetic favouring of pheomelanin‐based pigmentation limits physiological benefits of coloniality in lesser kestrels Falco naumanni
Authors: Galván Ismael , Moraleda Virginia , Otero Ignacio , Álvarez Ernesto , Inácio Ângela
Published: August 2017

Pheomelanin contributes to the pigmentation phenotype of animals by producing orange and light brown colours in the integument. However, pheomelanin synthesis in melanocytes requires consumption of glutathione (GSH), the most important intracellular antioxidant. Therefore, a genetic control favouring the production of large amounts of pheomelanin for pigmentation may lead to physiological costs under environmental conditions that promote oxidative stress. We investigated this possibility in the context of breeding coloniality, a reproductive strategy that may affect oxidative stress. We found in lesser kestrel Falco naumanni nestlings that the GSH:GSSG ratio, which decreases with systemic oxidative stress, increased with the size of the colony where they were reared, but the expression in feather melanocytes of five genes involved in pheomelanin synthesis (Slc7a11, Slc45a2, CTNS, MC1R and AGRP) did not vary with colony size. The antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of lesser kestrel nestlings also increased with colony size, but in a manner that depended on Slc7a11 expression and not on the expression of the other genes. Thus, antioxidant capacity increased with colony size only in nestlings least expressing Slc7a11, a gene with a known role in mediating cysteine (a constituent amino acid of GSH) consumption for pheomelanin production. The main predictor of the intensity of pheomelanin‐based feather colour was Slc45a2 expression followed in importance by Slc7a11 expression, hence suggesting that the genetic regulation of the pigmentation phenotype mediated by Slc7a11 and a lack of epigenetic lability in this gene limits birds from benefiting from the physiological benefits of coloniality.
Revitalizing the ‘civic’ and ‘ethnic’ distinction. Perceptions of nationhood across two dimensions, 44 countries and two decades
Authors: Larsen Christian Albrekt
Published: August 2017

This article describes how contemporary publics think about the nation along Kohn's classic distinction between ‘civic’ and ‘ethnic’ nationalism. The article makes three contributes to the existing literature. Firstly, it introduces a new statistical tool, multi‐classification analysis, to establish and analyse the two‐dimensional structure found in this and previous studies. Secondly, it derives at an alternative interpretation, with a first dimension distinguishing the level of mobilization of nationalist attitudes and a second dimension distinguishing the relative emphasis given to civic and ethnic elements. Thirdly, it demonstrates how this set‐up can be used to describe differences within countries, across countries and across time using all three rounds of International Social Survey Programme data on national identity. The descriptions demonstrate a move towards mobilized ethnic nationalism in Eastern Europe, while a stable non‐mobilized civic nationalism prevails in many West European countries, despite the rise of new right‐wing parties.
Tropical rainforest carbon sink declines during El Niño as a result of reduced photosynthesis and increased respiration rates
Authors: Cavaleri Molly A. , Coble Adam P. , Ryan Michael G. , Bauerle William L. , Loescher Henry W. , Oberbauer Steven F.
Published: August 2017

Changes in tropical forest carbon sink strength during El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events can indicate future behavior under climate change. Previous studies revealed ˜6 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 lower net ecosystem production (NEP) during ENSO year 1998 compared with non‐ENSO year 2000 in a Costa Rican tropical rainforest. We explored environmental drivers of this change and examined the contributions of ecosystem respiration (RE) and gross primary production (GPP) to this weakened carbon sink.

For 1998–2000, we estimated RE using chamber‐based respiration measurements, and we estimated GPP in two ways: using (1) the canopy process model MAESTRA, and (2) combined eddy covariance and chamber respiration data. MAESTRA‐estimated GPP did not statistically differ from GPP estimated using approach 2, but was ˜ 28% greater than published GPP estimates for the same site and years using eddy covariance data only.

A 7% increase in RE (primarily increased soil respiration) and a 10% reduction in GPP contributed equally to the difference in NEP between ENSO year 1998 and non‐ENSO year 2000.

A warming and drying climate for tropical forests may yield a weakened carbon sink from both decreased GPP and increased RE. Understanding physiological acclimation will be critical for the large carbon stores in these ecosystems.
A non‐DNA‐binding activity for the ATHB4 transcription factor in the control of vegetation proximity
Authors: Gallemí Marçal , Molina‐Contreras Maria Jose , Paulišić Sandi , Salla‐Martret Mercè , Sorin Céline , Godoy Marta , Franco‐Zorrilla Jose Manuel , Solano Roberto , Martínez‐García Jaime F.
Published: August 2017

In plants, perception of vegetation proximity by phytochrome photoreceptors activates a transcriptional network that implements a set of responses to adapt to plant competition, including elongation of stems or hypocotyls. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐Zip) transcription factor ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA HOMEOBOX 4 (ATHB4) regulates this and other responses, such as leaf polarity.

To better understand the shade regulatory transcriptional network, we have carried out structure–function analyses of ATHB4 by overexpressing a series of truncated and mutated forms and analyzing three different responses: hypocotyl response to shade, transcriptional activity and leaf polarity.

Our results indicated that ATHB4 has two physically separated molecular activities: that performed by HD‐Zip, which is involved in binding to DNA‐regulatory elements, and that performed by the ETHYLENE‐RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING FACTOR‐associated amphiphilic repression (EAR)‐containing N‐terminal region, which is involved in protein−protein interaction. Whereas both activities are required to regulate leaf polarity, DNA‐binding activity is not required for the regulation of the seedling responses to plant proximity, which indicates that ATHB4 works as a transcriptional cofactor in the regulation of this response.

These findings suggest that transcription factors might employ alternative mechanisms of action to regulate different developmental processes.
T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase prevents STAT1 induction of claudin‐2 expression in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Krishnan Moorthy , McCole Declan F.
Published: August 2017

T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP) dephosphorylates a number of substrates, including JAK–STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) signaling proteins, which are activated by interferon (IFN)‐γ, a major proinflammatory cytokine involved in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. A critical function of the intestinal epithelium is formation of a selective barrier to luminal contents. The structural units of the epithelium that regulate barrier function are the tight junctions (TJs), and the protein composition of the TJ determines the tightness of the barrier. Claudin‐2 is a TJ protein that increases permeability to cations and reduces transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). We previously showed that transient knockdown (KD) of TCPTP permits increased expression of claudin‐2 by IFN‐γ. Here, we demonstrate that the decreased TER in TCPTP‐deficient epithelial cells is alleviated by STAT1 KD. Moreover, increased claudin‐2 in TCPTP‐deficient cells requires enhanced STAT1 activation and STAT1 binding to the CLDN2 promoter. We also show that mutation of this STAT‐binding site prevents elevated CLDN2 promoter activity in TCPTP‐deficient epithelial cells. In summary, we demonstrate that TCPTP protects the intestinal epithelial barrier by restricting STAT‐induced claudin‐2 expression. This is a potential mechanism by which loss‐of‐function mutations in the gene encoding TCPTP may contribute to barrier defects in chronic intestinal inflammatory disease.
Melanin quantification by in vitro and in vivo analysis of near‐infrared fluorescence
Authors: Kalia Sunil , Zhao Jianhua , Zeng Haishan , McLean David , Kollias Nikiforos , Lui Harvey
Published: August 2017

Objective measurements of melanin can provide important information for differentiating melanoma from benign pigmented lesions and in assessing pigmentary diseases. Herein, we evaluate near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence as a possible tool to quantify melanin. Various concentrations of in vitro Sepia melanin in tissue phantoms were measured with NIR fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Similar optic measurements were conducted in vivo on 161 normal human skin sites. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was used to quantify the melanin content via Stamatas–Kollias algorithm. At physiologic concentrations, increasing in vitro melanin concentrations demonstrated higher fluorescence that was linearly correlated (R2 = 0.99, p < .001). At higher concentrations, the fluorescence signal plateaued. A linear relationship was also observed with melanin content in human skin (R2 = 0.59, p < .001). Comparing the fluorescence and reflectance signals with in vitro and in vivo samples, the estimated melanin concentration in human skin ranged between 0 and 1.25 mg/ml, consistent with previous quantitative studies involving invasive methods.
Study of Cognitive Function in Children Treated with Propranolol for Infantile Hemangioma
Authors: González‐Llorente Nieves , del Olmo‐Benito Isabel , Muñoz‐Ollero Natalia , Descalzo Miguel Angel , García‐Doval Ignacio , Torrelo Antonio
Published: August 2017

Background

Oral propranolol is considered the first choice for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs). There is a concern that administering propranolol in newborns and infants could induce adverse effects in learning and memory processes in the long term. The purpose of this study was to assess cognitive and memory functions in children who had been treated with propranolol for IH during their infancy.

Methods

A total of 23 children between 5 and 7.5 years of age who had been treated with oral propranolol for IH during infancy were tested for cognitive functions with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI‐IV) test and for memory functions with the Test of Memory and Learning (TOMAL).

Results

Comparison of our sample with a normal distribution by a Shapiro‐Wilk W test showed no significant difference for any of the composite scores in the WPPSI‐IV and TOMAL tests except for positive asymmetry and concentration of scores around average (p = 0.01) in the WPPSI‐IV composite score (mean intelligence), due to one atypically high score.

Conclusions

The distribution of scores for intelligence and memory scales in our study population was similar to that in the reference general population. These results fail to support any significant disturbance in intelligence and memory development in children treated during infancy with propranolol for IH.
Spontaneous Regression of a Nail Matrix Melanocytic Nevus in a Child
Authors: Maddy Austin John , Tosti Antonella
Published: August 2017

A 14‐year‐old Hispanic boy presented with a 0.25‐mm wide, sharply demarcated, dark brown band of longitudinal melanonychia of the left thumbnail. A clinical diagnosis of nail matrix nevus was made and the boy was scheduled for follow‐up. The band showed proximal fading after 6 months and had completely faded after 11 months, with the proximal nail fold showing small dark brown dots on dermoscopy. We documented the spontaneous regression of melanonychia over 11 months.
Kleine–Levin syndrome elicited by encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion
Authors: Takayanagi Masaru , Okabe Shinichi , Yamamoto Katsuya , Komatsu Juri , Suzuki Rikio , Kitamura Taro , Ohura Toshihiro
Published: August 2017

Kleine–Levin syndrome is a rare sleep disorder of unknown etiology characterized by repetitive episodes of hypersomnia between asymptomatic periods. We report the case of a 13‐year‐old girl who presented with drowsiness triggered by influenza A as the first episode. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on day 6 showed transient reduction of diffusion in the corpus callosum splenium. The patient was diagnosed with encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion. The symptoms resolved after 10 days, but additional episodes of hypersomnia lasting 5–10 days occurred 1, 5, 6, 11, 13, and 25 months after the first episode. MRI during hypersomnia indicated no lesions, and sleep duration and cognition were normal between episodes. The patient was diagnosed with Kleine–Levin syndrome. Electroencephalographic and clinical findings during the first episode were similar to those during the other episodes. Encephalopathy with a splenial lesion and Kleine–Levin syndrome may have similar pathological mechanisms causing a disturbance in consciousness.
International Uptake of a Proven Intervention to Reduce Death and Dependency in Acute Stroke: A Cross‐Sectional Survey Following the QASC Trial
Authors: Middleton Sandy , Bruch Dominik , Martinez‐Garduno Cintia , Dale Simeon , McNamara Maria
Published: August 2017

Background

Uptake of proven interventions requires dedicated resources that may only result in local implementation, thus precluding international practice change. We explored international uptake through online dissemination of the fever, sugar, and swallow (FeSS) protocols from the Quality in Acute Stroke Care (QASC) trial, which showed decreased death and dependency by 15.7% 90‐day poststroke.

Aims

To identify: (a) the clinical discipline of healthcare professionals who downloaded the QASC resources; (b) the purpose for downloading; (c) successful implementation of any or all the FeSS protocols; (d) barriers to implementation; and (e) associations with self‐reported successful implementation.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, online survey of those who downloaded the QASC resources between October 2011 and August 2013. Associations between implementation and participant characteristics were determined.

Results

One‐hundred and fifty‐nine people from 21 countries participated. Nurses were the largest group to download the resources (n = 54, 38%), with the primary purpose to inform clinical practice (n = 97, 64%). Less than half (n = 77, 48%) downloaded, and less than a quarter (n = 38, 24%) attempted to implement all three protocols. Of those personally involved in implementation (n = 50) half reported doing so successfully for one or more protocols (n = 27, 54%) with 10 (20%) reporting successful implementation of all three protocols. Only about half (n = 13, 48%) used the proven implementation strategy with about one‐third (n = 10, 29%) confirming successful uptake via audit. Implementation barriers were potential increase in nursing workload (n = 28, 56%) and lack of medical staff engagement (n = 27, 53%). Higher autonomy was associated with greater likelihood of implementation of all three protocols (p = .038).

Linking Evidence to Action

The QASC intervention required use of all three protocols. However, less than half downloaded them all and implementation was not guided by the proven implementation strategy. While encouraging that these resources were being used to drive practice change, piecemeal implementation of a proven intervention is unlikely to improve patient outcomes.
Averages and moments associated to class numbers of imaginary quadratic fields
Authors: Heath-Brown D. R. , Pierce L. B.
Published: August 2017

For any odd prime$\ell$, let$h_{\ell }(-d)$denote the$\ell$-part of the class number of the imaginary quadratic field$\mathbb{Q}(\sqrt{-d})$. Nontrivial pointwise upper bounds are known only for$\ell =3$; nontrivial upper bounds for averages of$h_{\ell }(-d)$have previously been known only for$\ell =3,5$. In this paper we prove nontrivial upper bounds for the average of$h_{\ell }(-d)$for all primes$\ell \geqslant 7$, as well as nontrivial upper bounds for certain higher moments for all primes$\ell \geqslant 3$.
Categorizing click trains to increase taxonomic precision in echolocation click loggers
Authors: Palmer K. J. , Brookes Kate , Rendell Luke
Published: August 2017

Passive acoustic monitoring is an efficient way to study acoustically active animals but species identification remains a major challenge. C-PODs are popular logging devices that automatically detect odontocete echolocation clicks. However, the accompanying analysis software does not distinguish between delphinid species. Click train features logged by C-PODs were compared to frequency spectra from adjacently deployed continuous recorders. A generalized additive model was then used to categorize C-POD click trains into three groups: broadband click trains, produced by bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) or common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), frequency-banded click trains, produced by Risso's (Grampus griseus) or white beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), and unknown click trains. Incorrect categorization rates for broadband and frequency banded clicks were 0.02 (SD 0.01), but only 30% of the click trains met the categorization threshold. To increase the proportion of categorized click trains, model predictions were pooled within acoustic encounters and a likelihood ratio threshold was used to categorize encounters. This increased the proportion of the click trains meeting either the broadband or frequency banded categorization threshold to 98%. Predicted species distribution at the 30 study sites matched well to visual sighting records from the region.
Communication Practices and Social Tie Formation: A Case Study of Recreational Lifestyle Sports Cultures
Authors: Ehrlén Veera
Published: August 2017

This case study examines contemporary recreational sports practitioners’ communication practices and social tie formation from the perspective of two lifestyle sports disciplines: climbing and trail running. Online survey results from 301 climbers and trail runners from Finland indicate that computer-mediated communication (CMC) has established its place in recreational lifestyle sports cultures; however, it has not done it at the expense of face-to-face (FtF) communication. Online interaction produces weak social ties with instrumental and informative value, but physical location is essential in establishing ties with emotional and appraisal value. This paper argues that it is the sports subculture and individual practitioners’ needs that define how interaction is realized, and what importance different online and off-line communication practices have. Besides studying communication practices, this case study explores the social meanings practitioners attribute to their social contacts.
Hydrogen evolution at conjugated polymer nanoparticle electrodes
Authors: Fortin Patrick , Rajasekar Subash , Chowdhury Pankaj , Holdcroft Steven
Published: August 2017

Organic polymer nanoparticles have been gaining attention in photovoltaics as a means to control the morphology of polymer composite films for the purpose of studying bulk heterojunction, photoactive layers. This work investigates the preparation of nanostructured organic thin films from P3HT:PC61BM nanoparticles and their characterization as photoelectrodes for the photoelectrochemical reduction of hydrogen in acidic solutions. The morphology and optoelectronic properties of the nanostructured photocathodes are compared with conventional, solution-cast thin films of P3HT:PC61BM. The nanostructured photoelectrodes provide increased surface area compared with solution-cast films through control of the nanoscale morphology within each nanoparticle, leading to enhanced P3HT:PC61BM phase segregation. The photo-assisted deposition of platinum nanoparticles as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts onto the nanostructured P3HT:PC61BM photocathodes facilitates the photoreduction of protons to H2.
A Novel Multilayer Correlation Maximization Model for Improving CCA-Based Frequency Recognition in SSVEP Brain–Computer Interface
Authors: Jiao Yong , Zhang Yu , Wang Yu , Wang Bei , Jin Jing , Wang Xingyu
Published: August 2017

Multiset canonical correlation analysis (MsetCCA) has been successfully applied to optimize the reference signals by extracting common features from multiple sets of electroencephalogram (EEG) for steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) recognition in brain–computer interface application. To avoid extracting the possible noise components as common features, this study proposes a sophisticated extension of MsetCCA, called multilayer correlation maximization (MCM) model for further improving SSVEP recognition accuracy. MCM combines advantages of both CCA and MsetCCA by carrying out three layers of correlation maximization processes. The first layer is to extract the stimulus frequency-related information in using CCA between EEG samples and sine–cosine reference signals. The second layer is to learn reference signals by extracting the common features with MsetCCA. The third layer is to re-optimize the reference signals set in using CCA with sine–cosine reference signals again. Experimental study is implemented to validate effectiveness of the proposed MCM model in comparison with the standard CCA and MsetCCA algorithms. Superior performance of MCM demonstrates its promising potential for the development of an improved SSVEP-based brain–computer interface.
Relaxion window
Authors: Kobayashi Tatsuo , Seto Osamu , Shimomura Takashi , Urakawa Yuko
Published: August 2017

We investigate cosmological constraints on the original relaxion scenario proposed by Graham, Kaplan and Rajendran. We first discuss the appropriate sign choice of the terms in the scalar potential, when the QCD axion is the relaxion with a relaxion–inflaton coupling proposed in the original paper. We next derive the cosmologically consistent ranges of the mass and a coupling of the relaxion for both the QCD relaxion and non-QCD relaxion. The mass range is obtained by [Formula: see text]. We also find that a strong correlation between the Hubble parameter at the relaxion stabilization and the scale [Formula: see text] of non-QCD strong dynamics, which generates the non-perturbative relaxion cosine potential. For a higher relaxion mass, a large scale [Formula: see text] becomes available. However, for its lower mass, [Formula: see text] should be small and constructing such a particle physics model is challenging.
On the prime graph question for integral group rings of 4-primary groups I
Authors: Bächle Andreas , Margolis Leo
Published: August 2017

We study the Prime Graph Question for integral group rings. This question can be reduced to almost simple groups by a result of Kimmerle and Konovalov. We prove that the Prime Graph Question has an affirmative answer for all almost simple groups having a socle isomorphic to [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], establishing the Prime Graph Question for all groups where the only non-abelian composition factors are of the aforementioned form. Using this, we determine exactly how far the so-called HeLP method can take us for (almost simple) groups having an order divisible by at most four different primes.
The commutator algebra of covariant derivative as general framework for extended gravity. The Rastall theory case and the role of the torsion
Authors: Licata I. , Moradpour H. , Corda C.
Published: August 2017

In this short review, we discuss the approach of the commutator algebra of covariant derivative to analyze the gravitational theories, starting from the standard Einstein's general theory of relativity (GTR) and focusing on the Rastall theory. After that, we discuss the important role of the torsion in this mathematical framework.

In the appendix of the paper, we analyze the importance of the nascent gravitational wave (GW) astronomy as a tool to discriminate among the GTR and alternative theories of gravity.
Weighted minimal translation surfaces in Minkowski 3-space with density
Authors: Yoon Dae Won
Published: August 2017

The aim of this work is to study translation surfaces in a Minkowski 3-space [Formula: see text] with density. Translation surfaces in [Formula: see text] are defined as the two generating curves which lie in orthogonal planes. They have actually three different possible parametrizations according to the intersecting straight line of the two planes. We completely classify all translation surfaces with zero weighted mean curvature in [Formula: see text] with density [Formula: see text] by solving the second-order non-linear ODE with some smooth functions.
Dimensionally Compactified Chern-Simon Theory in 5D as a Gravitation Theory in 4D
Authors: Morales Ivan , Neves Bruno , Oporto Zui , Piguet Olivier
Published: August 2017

We propose a gravitation theory in 4 dimensional space-time obtained by compacting to 4 dimensions the five dimensional topological Chern-Simons theory with the gauge group SO(1,5) or SO(2,4) – the de Sitter or anti-de Sitter group of 5-dimensional space-time. In the resulting theory, torsion, which is solution of the field equations as in any gravitation theory in the first order formalism, is not necessarily zero. However, a cosmological solution with zero torsion exists, which reproduces the Lambda-CDM cosmological solution of General Relativity. A realistic solution with spherical symmetry is also obtained.
Excitation Magnetohydrodynamic Wave by Gravitational Wave Produced by Binary of Neutron Stars
Authors: Gontijo Adam S. , Miranda Oswaldo D.
Published: August 2017

The gravitational wave, through the strongly magnetized plasma surrounding the neutron stars, in the [Formula: see text]-direction, deforms plasma particle rings in ellipses, alternating axes periodically along the direction of the magnetic field ([Formula: see text]-axis) and of the [Formula: see text]-axis. The uniform field leads to a modulation of the magnetic field, which results in magnetic pressure gradients (magneto-acoustic mode) or in the shear of the magnetic field lines (Alfvén mode). The gravitational wave drives MHD modes and transfers energy to the plasma, can become an important alternative process for the acceleration of baryons to high Lorentz factors observed in short GRBs. The total amount of energy that is transferred from the gravitational wave to the plasma is estimated ([Formula: see text]J - [Formula: see text] J), with [Formula: see text]. We compare our results with previously obtained results by other works.