bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotatable high-resolution ARPES system for tunable linear-polarization geometry
Authors: Iwasawa H. , Shimada K. , Schwier E. F. , Zheng M. , Kojima Y. , Hayashi H. , Jiang J. , Higashiguchi M. , Aiura Y. , Namatame H. , Taniguchi M.
Published: June 2017

A rotatable high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) system has been developed to utilize tunable linear-polarization geometries on the linear undulator beamline (BL-1) at Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center. By rotating the whole ARPES measurement system, the photoelectron detection plane can be continuously changed from parallel to normal against the electric field vector of linearly polarized undulator radiation. This polarization tunability enables us to identify the symmetry of the initial electronic states with respect to the mirror planes, and to selectively observe the electronic states based on the dipole selection rule in the photoemission process. Specifications of the rotatable high-resolution ARPES system are described, as well as its capabilities with some representative experimental results.
Team boundary activity: a review and directions for future research
Authors: Dey Chitra , M.P. Ganesh
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is an examination of the literature on team boundary activity to trace how team boundary activity has evolved as a construct and examine the dimensions of team boundary activity and their relationships. It highlights the need for a deeper examination of the dimensions of buffering and reinforcement, and why buffering and reinforcement are required. It presents the case of why it is important to study this topic and maps out areas for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews conceptual and empirical papers published on team boundary activity in reputed journals between the years 1984 and 2016.

Findings

The focus of research in team boundary activity has been on external interactions of the team (boundary spanning), and very few papers have studied the activities through which the team defines and defends its borders (boundary strengthening). These boundary-strengthening activities can be equally important for innovation and learning in externally dependent teams. Further, there is a need to clearly distinguish these constructs from other variables like team identification. Another area that has here-to not been researched is the relationships between the dimensions of team boundary activity. Last, there is a need to consider a wider range of antecedents, outcomes and moderators of team boundary activity.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on past empirical and conceptual papers, identified using search terms such as team boundary activity, team boundary spanning and external communication. Other related areas can also be explored for identifying variables of interest.

Originality/value

As opposed to previous reviews which focused mainly on team boundary spanning, this paper considers all dimensions of team boundary activity, with special focus on buffering and reinforcement. It proposes a 2 × 2 framework to explain the effect of boundary-spanning and boundary-strengthening activities on the achievement of team objectives. It examines the cyclical nature of relationship between team boundary activity and team performance. It highlights measurement issues in the area of team boundary activity.
Groups and teams: a review of bad apple behavior
Authors: Jaikumar Saravana , Mendonca Avina
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this conceptual paper is to broaden the understanding of the three negative member (bad apple) behaviors – withholding of effort, interpersonal deviance and negative affect – put forth by Felps et al. (2006).

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative review of extant literature was conducted to understand the impact of the negative member behaviors on other team members. Potential interventions to control this bad apple behavior are identified with supporting evidence from recent empirical studies.

Findings

A review of empirical findings in the literature indicate that perceived coworker loafing may lead to counterproductive work behavior toward coworkers and interpersonal deviance may affect the task cohesion of the group. However, the presence of affectively negative individuals is empirically proven to improve the group performance, especially when the group task is related to creativity or information processing (decision-making and idea generation).

Originality/value

Despite the empirical attention paid to “bad apple” behaviors, the implications for managing negative member behaviors are unclear and scattered. In this paper, building on the framework proposed by Felps et al. (2006), the authors focus on three behaviors and provide a concise review of literature and interventions to control or exploit these behaviors.
Contrastive Feature Hierarchies in Old English Diachronic Phonology
Authors: Dresher B. Elan
Published: June 2017

This article looks at the origins and uses of contrastive hierarchies in Old English diachronic phonology, with a focus on the development of West Germanic vowel systems. I begin with a rather enigmatic remark in Richard Hogg'sA grammar of Old English(1992), and attempt to trace its provenance. We will find that the trail leads back to analyses by some prominent scholars that make use of contrastive feature hierarchies. However, these analyses often appear without context or supporting framework. I will attempt to provide the missing framework and historical context for these analyses, while showing their value for understanding the development of phonological systems. I will show that behind these apparently isolated analyses there is a substantial theoretical edifice that once held a central role in synchronic as well as diachronic phonological theory, and which is still capable of providing insights into the workings of phonology.
Making sense of sexual harassment: narratives of working women in Sri Lanka
Authors: Adikaram Arosha S
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this paper is to explore how Sri Lankan women make sense of their experiences of sexual harassment at the workplace using Weickian's ‘sense‐making in organizations’ as the theoretical lens. Drawing from three narratives of working women, the findings indicate how women seek to understand what is going on, through a complex and interrelated process of enacting, selection, action and reaction, where retrospection, focusing and extracting on cues, social processes and identity construction, takes place in an ongoing process of sense‐making. The findings move beyond previous studies by providing an in‐depth understanding of the multifaceted process of sense‐making in its entirety from experiencing sexual harassment to responding to it, in a backdrop of cultural norms and beliefs.
Adherence to treatment in patients with Behçet's disease
Authors: Khabbazi Alireza , Karkon Shayan Farid , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Kavandi Hadise , Hajialiloo Mehrzad , Esalat Manesh Kamal , Kolahi Sousan
Published: June 2017

Aim

Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic, inflammatory disease with multisystem involvement. Adherence to treatment is low in chronic diseases as well as inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This study assessed factors associated with non‐adherence to treatment in patients with BD.

Methods

All the patients with BD who visited in the outpatient clinic of Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were included in the study. Adherence to treatment was evaluated by the consideration of medication compliance and appointment‐keeping behavior. The relationships between adherence rate and six groups of variables were examined. A regression analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 137 patients (84 male and 53 female) were included. Totally, 50.7% of the patients were non‐adherent to treatment. Side effects of medications and the high cost of treatment were the most frequent causes of non‐adherence. Non‐adherence was significantly more common in men, patients with low income, patients who were unaware of the disease complications, employed persons, and in patients who were on treatment with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Conclusions

Non‐adherence is common in patients with BD. Male sex, low income, low knowledge about the disease, being employed and being on treatment with NSAIDs are the main risk factors for non‐adherence.
POLITICS AND THE PEOPLE: WHAT COUNTS AS EVIDENCE?
Authors: WISEMAN T. P.
Published: June 2017

This contribution vindicates Fergus Millar's argument in The Crowd in Rome in the Late Republic (1998) against critics who assume a priori that the republic was always and necessarily a hierarchical society ruled by an oligarchy, and that the populus Romanus had no time for politics and no interest in it. The method followed is traditionally empirical. Close attention is paid to the primary evidence and what it implies, in order to test two hypotheses: that in late-republican Rome the ludi scaenici were the occasion for popular politics, and that stage performances may have influenced later historians' political narratives.
Multi‐analytical Studies of Archaeological Chinese Earthen Plasters: The Inner Wall of the Longhu Hall (Yuzhen Palace, Ancient Building Complex, Wudang Mountains, China)
Authors: Ma X. , Wei G. , Grifa C. , Kang Y. , Khanjian H. , Kakoulli I.
Published: June 2017

The Yuzhen Palace is one of the nine palaces in the Ancient Building Complex built by order of the Yongle Emperor during the Ming dynasty. The buildings were built with dressed black bricks. As a result of the planned national South–North Water Diversion project, the water level in the Danjiangkou Reservoir that surrounds the Yuzhen Palace was expected to rise by approximately 15 m. To avoid submersion of the site, three gates were elevated by 15 m in 2013 and other buildings dismantled, for later reconstruction. The characterization of the construction materials has therefore become of primary importance. Here, we present results on the plasters of the Longhu Hall. The analysis of materials involved a multi‐analytical approach combining optical and electron microscopy with X‐ray and vibrational spectromicroscopies and thermogravimetry. The results indicated the use of two earthen plaster layers and a whitewash finish coating applied over a thin preparatory intermediate layer to improve the adherence of the finish coating to the earthen plaster. Ramie and straw fibres identified in the earthen plasters were added to reduce shrinkage and cracking during drying. The raw materials used and the application technique pointed to a well‐established construction industry using traditional earthen building materials together with lime technology.
‘It's definitely not Alzheimer's’: Perceived benefits and drawbacks of a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis
Authors: Gomersall Tim , Smith Sarah Kate , Blewett Charlotte , Astell Arlene
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To understand the perceived benefits and drawbacks of a mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosis from the perspective of those living with the label.

Methods

Participants were included if they had recently (within 6 months) received a MCI diagnosis. We also recruited close family members to gain their perspectives. Each was interviewed separately with a semi‐structured topic guide covering three areas: (1) experience of cognitive impairments and changes in the individual; (2) impact of cognitive impairment(s) on daily activities and social relationships; and (3) experience of the diagnosis process and living with the label. Transcribed interviews were stored in Nvivo®. Grounded theory procedures of memo writing, open coding, constant comparison, and focused coding were used to derive conceptual themes.

Results

Eighteen dyads were interviewed. The overarching themes surrounding diagnosis benefits and drawbacks were as follows: (1) emotional impact of the diagnosis; (2) practical benefits and limitations of the diagnosis, in terms of (a) understanding one's symptoms and (b) access to clinical support. Although participants were glad to have clinical support in place, they expressed frustration at the lack of clarity, and the lack of available treatments for MCI. Consequently, living with MCI can be characterized as an ambivalent experience.

Conclusion

As a clinical label, MCI appears to have little explanatory power for people living with cognitive difficulties. Work is needed to clarify how clinicians and patients communicate about MCI, and how people can be helped to live well with the label. Despite an emerging body of prognostic studies, people with MCI are likely to continue living with significant uncertainty.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Mild cognitive impairment is a state of cognitive decline between normal cognitive ageing and dementia. This clinical category has been an important domain of academic debate over recent years. From a clinical perspective, diagnosing MCI is a helpful way to enable communication between health professionals, and a diagnosis can be important for patients in need of support and education. However, diagnosis can be fraught with difficulties, while patients have reported significant uncertainty about the label. This study aimed to examine the perceived benefits and drawbacks of receiving a MCI diagnosis.

What does this study add?

The emotional impact of a MCI diagnosis is complex and raised conflicting and fluctuating emotions in our participants’ accounts – most notably worry and relief.

Participants were glad to have clinical support available to call on; however, they were frustrated at the lack of ‘treatments’ available for MCI and were often anxious to slow any cognitive decline down

Health psychologists will have an important role to play in understanding and improving clinical communication about MCI
Outcomes and experiences of an adapted Dialectic Behaviour Therapy skills training group for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Crossland Tom , Hewitt Olivia , Walden Sarah
Published: June 2017

Accessible summary

Some people who find it hard to manage their emotions can be helped by a therapy called Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Some studies show that DBT might help people with an intellectual disability.

We ran a group to see if DBT helped people coming to the group to feel better and manage their difficult feelings more easily. Group members brought their support staff to the group.

We asked people what they thought about the group and asked them to fill in some questionnaires to see whether they felt better.

The group seemed to help people, even after the group ended.

We think DBT might be a useful treatment for people with intellectual disabilities.

Background

A growing body of evidence supports the use of Dialectic Behaviour Therapy with people with an intellectual disability. Various adaptation have been used in studies exploring the efficacy of this intervention.

Method

A Dialectic Behaviour Therapy DBT skills training group was attended by people with an intellectual disability and their support staff. Standardised measures of psychological well‐being, overall functioning and psychological distress were taken before and after the group and at 4 months follow‐up. Qualitative interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Results suggested an improvement in all areas for three of the four participants, which were largely maintained at follow‐up.

Conclusions

This study adds to the growing literature supporting the use of DBT with people with an intellectual disability. The role of support workers in supporting generalisation of skills is considered. Ideas for improving the quality of future studies are considered.
Glutamatergic regulation of cognition and functional brain connectivity: insights from pharmacological, genetic and translational schizophrenia research
Authors: Dauvermann Maria R , Lee Graham , Dawson Neil
Published: June 2017

The pharmacological modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission to improve cognitive function has been a focus of intensive research, particularly in relation to the cognitive deficits seen in schizophrenia. Despite this effort, there has been little success in the clinical use of glutamatergic compounds as procognitive drugs. Here, we review a selection of the drugs used to modulate glutamatergic signalling and how they impact on cognitive function in rodents and humans. We highlight how glutamatergic dysfunction, and NMDA receptor hypofunction in particular, is a key mechanism contributing to the cognitive deficits observed in schizophrenia and outline some of the glutamatergic targets that have been tested as putative procognitive targets for this disorder. Using translational research in this area as a leading exemplar, namely, models of NMDA receptor hypofunction, we discuss how the study of functional brain network connectivity can provide new insight into how the glutamatergic system impacts on cognitive function. Future studies characterizing functional brain network connectivity will increase our understanding of how glutamatergic compounds regulate cognition and could contribute to the future success of glutamatergic drug validation.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Pharmacology of Cognition: a Panacea for Neuropsychiatric Disease? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.19/issuetoc
Oleanolic acid derivative DKS26 exerts antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects in diabetic mice and promotes glucagon‐like peptide‐1 secretion and expression in intestinal cells
Authors: Chen Fei‐Fei , Wang Jian‐Ta , Zhang Li‐Xia , Xing Shu‐Fang , Wang Yun‐Xia , Wang Kai , Deng Shu‐Li , Zhang Ji‐Quan , Tang Lei , Wu Hao‐Shu
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is an important target for diabetes therapy based on its key role in maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis. This study was designed to investigate antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects of a novel oleanolic acid derivative DKS26 in diabetic mice and elucidate its underlying GLP‐1 related antidiabetic mechanisms in vitro and in vivo.

Experimental Approach

The therapeutic effects of DKS26 were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced and db/db diabetic mouse models. Levels of plasma glucose, glycosylated serum protein (GSP), lipid profiles, insulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), oral glucose tolerance (OGT), pancreatic islets and hepatic histopathological morphology, liver lipid levels and expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were assessed. Intestinal NCI‐H716 cells and diabetic models were used to further validate its potential GLP‐1‐related antidiabetic mechanisms.

Key Results

DKS26 treatment (100 mg·kg−1·day−1 ) decreased plasma levels of glucose, GSP, ALT and AST; ameliorated OGT and plasma lipid profiles; augmented plasma insulin levels; alleviated islets and hepatic pathological morphology; and reduced liver lipid accumulation, inflammation and necrosis in vivo. Furthermore, DKS26 enhanced GLP‐1 release and expression, accompanied by elevated levels of cAMP and phosphorylated PKA in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion and Implications

DKS26 exerted hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic and islets protective effects, which were associated with an enhanced release and expression of GLP‐1 mediated by the activation of the cAMP/PKA signalling pathway, and alleviated hepatic damage by reducing liver lipid levels and inflammation. These findings firmly identified DKS26 as a new viable therapeutic option for diabetes control.
Evidence for facilitation among avian army‐ant attendants: specialization and species associations across elevations
Authors: O'Donnell Sean
Published: June 2017

Mixed‐species assemblages can involve positive and negative interactions, but uncertainty about high‐value patchy resources can increase the value of information sharing among heterospecific co‐foragers. I sampled species composition of bird‐flocks attending army‐ant raids in three adjacent elevation zones in Costa Rica, across multiple years, to test for positive and negative associations among raid‐attending bird species. My goal was to test whether the most frequent and specialized raid‐attending species showed evidence of facilitating or excluding other bird species. I quantified elevational variation in avian community composition at raids, then asked whether species composition was associated with variation in flock characteristics (flock size and species richness). I identified the most frequent raid‐attending species (those that attended raids most frequently relative to their mist‐net capture rates), and bird species that performed specialized army ant‐following behavior (bivouac‐checking, which allows birds to memorize and track mobile army‐ant colonies). There was significant turnover of bird species among zones (including the frequent and specialized attendants); patterns of species overlap suggested a gradual transition from a Pacific‐slope to an Atlantic‐slope raid‐attending bird fauna. Raid‐attendance frequency was positively correlated with bivouac‐checking behavior. With few exceptions, the most frequent raid‐attending bird species, and the bivouac‐checking species, also participated in the most species‐rich flocks. High species‐gregariousness suggests many of the frequently attending and/or bivouac‐checking species functioned as core flock members. However, some bird species pairs were significantly negatively associated at raids. Despite species turnover, per‐flock numbers of birds at raids did not differ among geographic zones, but flocks on the Pacific‐slope were heavier because larger bodied bird species attended raids. Previous studies showed that the size (biomass) of bird‐flocks corresponds to the amount of food the birds kleptoparasitize from ant raids, and the heavier Pacific‐slope bird‐flocks could have greater negative kleptoparasitic impacts.
Biological effects of hydrogen peroxide administered intratumorally with or without irradiation in murine tumors
Authors: Takaoka Taiki , Shibamoto Yuta , Matsuo Masayuki , Sugie Chikao , Murai Taro , Ogawa Yasutaka , Miyakawa Akifumi , Manabe Yoshihiko , Kondo Takuhito , Nakajima Koichiro , Okazaki Dai , Tsuchiya Takahiro
Published: June 2017

Despite insufficient laboratory data, radiotherapy after intratumoral injection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is increasingly being used clinically for radioresistant tumors. Especially, this treatment might become an alternative definitive treatment for early and advanced breast cancer in patients who refuse any type of surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological effects and appropriate combination methods of irradiation and H2O2 in vivo. SCCVII tumor cells transplanted into the legs of C3H/HeN mice were used. Chronological changes of intratumoral distribution of oxygen bubbles after injection of H2O2 were investigated using computed tomography. The effects of H2O2 alone and in combination with single or five‐fraction irradiation were investigated using a growth delay assay. The optimal timing of H2O2 injection was investigated. Immunostaining of tumors was performed using the hypoxia marker pimonidazole. Oxygen bubbles decreased gradually and almost disappeared after 24 h. Administration of H2O2 produced 2–3 days’ tumor growth delay. Tumor regrowth was slowed further when H2O2 was injected before irradiation. The group irradiated immediately after H2O2 injection showed the longest tumor growth delay. Dose‐modifying factors were 1.7–2.0 when combined with single irradiation and 1.3–1.5 with fractionated irradiation. Pimonidazole staining was weaker in tumors injected with H2O2. H2O2 injection alone had modest antitumor effects. Greater tumor growth delays were demonstrated by combining irradiation and H2O2 injection. The results of the present study could serve as a basis for evaluating results of various clinical studies on this treatment.
Adaptation During a Great Economic Recession: A Cohort Study of Greek and Immigrant Youth
Authors: Motti‐Stefanidi Frosso , Asendorpf Jens B.
Published: June 2017

This study examined how Greek and immigrant youth adapted to school life during the economic recession in Greece. Two cohorts of adolescents (Mage = 12.6 years) were compared, one assessed before the crisis and the other during the crisis (N = 1,057 and 1,052, respectively). Cohort findings were disaggregated by immigrant status, generation, and ethnic group. Crisis‐cohort youth experienced more economic problems, displayed worse conduct, higher levels of absenteeism, and lower self‐efficacy than precrisis youth. The cohorts did not differ in well‐being, school engagement, and academic achievement. Most crisis‐cohort groups showed a pervasive increase in conduct problems compared to the precrisis cohort. However, some of these groups also showed an increase in academic achievement.
Neurological safety of fingolimod: An updated review
Authors: Yoshii Fumihito , Moriya Yusuke , Ohnuki Tomohide , Ryo Masafuchi , Takahashi Wakoh
Published: June 2017

Fingolimod (FTY) is the first oral medication approved for treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Its effectiveness and safety were confirmed in several phase III clinical trials, but proper evaluation of safety in the real patient population requires long‐term post‐marketing monitoring. Since the approval of FTY for RRMS in Japan in 2011, it has been administered to approximately 5000 MS patients, and there have been side‐effect reports from 1750 patients. Major events included infectious diseases, hepatobiliary disorders, nervous system disorders and cardiac disorders. In the present review, we focus especially on central nervous system adverse events. The topics covered are: (i) clinical utility of FTY; (ii) safety profile; (iii) post‐marketing adverse events in Japan; (iv) white matter (tumefactive) lesions; (v) rebound after FTY withdrawal; (vi) relationship between FTY and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; (vii) FTY and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy‐related immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome; and (viii) neuromyelitis optica and leukoencephalopathy.
Surgical treatment of trans‐sphincteric anal fistulas with the Fat GRAFT technique: a minimally invasive procedure
Authors: Stroumza N. , Fusco G. , Laporte J. , Nail Barthelemy R. , Houry S. , Atlan M.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Anal fistulas are common pathologies with a significant social impact; however, their treatment is often complex and the recurrence rate can be significant. Some surgical treatments for fistula are also associated with the risk of sphincter injury. In this technical note, we aim to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the Fat GRAFT technique (Fat Grafting in Anal Fistula Treatment) in the treatment of recurrent anal fistulas.

Method

All patients presenting with recurrent trans‐sphincteric anal fistulas over an 18‐month period were included. After abdominal fat harvesting and fat preparation, fat grafting was performed in the track and peripheral area of the fistula. The internal and external openings of the fistula were closed to maximally preserve the retention of the adipocyte graft in the fistula.

Results

Eleven patients underwent the Fat GRAFT procedure (seven men, four women). The average re‐injected volume for each fistula was 21 ml (range 10–30 ml). The postoperative course was uneventful. At 6 months three patients developed recurrence (73% healed). There were no postoperative complications.

Conclusion

The Fat GRAFT technique appears to be a promising technique with a low risk of anal incontinence, in contrast to other techniques. This method was effective in > 70% of patients in a single session.
Can tissue dielectric constant measurements assess circulating blood volume changes in patients undergoing haemodialysis?
Authors: Toyooka Ken‐Taro , Niwa Hidetomo , Hashiba Eiji , Hirota Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2017

Background

The tissue dielectric constant (TDC) method uses an open‐ended coaxial probe to achieve non‐invasive measurement of water content in skin. The aim of our study was to test the hypothesis that the changes in circulating blood volume would be associated with the changes in TDC values in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Methods

In this prospective descriptive study, TDC measurements were performed for three parts of the body (the face, shin and hand) before and after patients underwent haemodialysis (N = 83). The primary outcome measure was the correlation between the amount of water removal and ΔTDC at each body site measured (ΔTDC = posthaemodialysis TDC–prehaemodialysis TDC). The secondary outcome measure was the mean difference in TDC value before and after haemodialysis.

Results

The TDC values measured at each part of the body were significantly reduced after haemodialysis, but the percentage difference between pre‐ haemodialysis and posthaemodialysis was small for the face, shin and hand, with %mean ± SE values of −4.4 ± 0.70, −3.2 ± 0.98 and −6.0 ± 1.6; 95 per cent confidence intervals (lower bound to upper bound) of 3.0–5.8, 1.3–5.2 and 2.7–9.2; and P values of P = 0.000, P = 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively. The inverse correlation between ΔTDC and the amount of water removal was also weak (correlation at the face, r = −0.25, P = 0.028; at the shin, r = −0.26, P = 0.018; and at the hand, no significant correlation).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that TDC measurement can be used to assess the changes in local oedema, but may be unlikely to evaluate real‐time changes in the circulating blood volume in a clinical setting.
Direction‐dependent contraction forces on cell boundaries induce collective migration of epithelial cells within their sheet
Authors: Sato Katsuhiko
Published: June 2017

During early embryonic development, epithelial cells form a monolayer sheet and migrate in a definite direction. This phenomenon, called epithelial cell migration, is an important topic in developmental biology. A characteristic feature of this process is attachment to adjacent cells during migration, which is necessary for maintaining the integrity of the sheet. However, it is unclear how these cohesive cells migrate without breaking their attachments. A mechanism for this phenomenon was recently proposed, in which direction‐dependent contraction forces acting on cell boundaries induce unidirectional epithelial migration. In this review, we examine this proposed mechanism from various aspects and provide theoretical background for the collective migration of epithelial cells. This information may be helpful for investigators to realize the basic principles underlying collective epithelial migration and devise new mechanisms for it.
Measurement of surface topography and stiffness distribution on cross‐section of Xenopus laevis tailbud for estimation of mechanical environment in embryo
Authors: Murakami Fumiaki , Ando Yoriko , Miyagi Asuka , Sugita Shukei , Ueno Naoto , Matsumoto Takeo
Published: June 2017

The stress distribution inside a Xenopus laevis tailbud embryo was estimated to examine the cause of the straightening and elongation. The embryos were cut in the middle, yielding a cross‐section perpendicular to the body axis. The section was not flat, owing to the residual stress relief. The stress needed to restore the flatness corresponded to the stress inside the embryo and was calculated using the surface topography and Young's‐moduli in the section. We found the areas of the notochord (Nc), neural tube (NT), and abdominal tissue (AT) bulged in the cross‐section, which revealed that compressive forces acted in these tissues. The moduli of the Nc, NT, and AT were in the order of several thousand, hundred, and tens of pascals, respectively. In the Nc, the compressive force was largest and increased with the development, suggesting Nc playing a central role in the elongation. The bending moment generated by the AT was 10 times higher than that by the Nc in the early stages of the tailbud formation, and the two were similar in the latter stages, suggesting that the compressive force in the AT was the major cause of the straightening during the early stage. The straightening and elongation could be orchestrated by changes in the compressive forces acting on the Nc, NT, and AT over time. For the sake of simplicity, we calculated the compressive force only and neglected the tensile force. Thus, it should be noted that the amount of the compressive force was somewhat overestimated.
Urban poverty, economic restructuring and poverty reduction policy in urban China: Evidence from Shanghai, 1978–2008
Authors: Yan Fei
Published: June 2017

This article uses the city of Shanghai as a case study to analyze the changing institutional mechanisms for the new urban poverty stratum in China. Specifically, the article examines urban poverty in relation to economic restructuring and the transformation of the welfare provision system in three stages of market reforms. The article first examines the overall economic growth strategies at the national level, and then examines local government policy outcomes at the city level. The impacts of institutional changes on urban poverty and social inequality are subsequently. Finally, the article assesses the current poverty reduction policies and proposes a “social inclusion” framework to alleviate urban poverty in China.
Heartbeats classification using QRS and T waves autoregressive features and RR interval features
Authors: Adnane Mourad , Belouchrani Adel
Published: June 2017

This paper describes a method for the classification of heartbeats based on electrocardiogram QRS complex and T wave autoregressive (AR) features and interbeat distance (RR interval) features. The QRS complex (length n samples) is modelled using AR model of order P. A second AR model of order P1 is applied to the electrocardiogram segment including ST segment and T wave (ST/T segment) with a length of n1 samples. In addition, RR interval features such as the distance between one heartbeat and its preceding (pre‐RR) and following (post‐RR) heartbeats are extracted. The use of AR modelling is motivated by the fact that QRS complex and ST/T segment corresponding to normal beats present different patterns (in shapes and amplitudes) than those corresponding to ventricular ectopic beats. Lengths and AR model orders that minimize the number of misclassifications are determined. Obtained features are used to train and test support vector machine classifier. The proposed method is tested on MIT/BIH Arrhythmia Database and it is compared to state of the art methods. Overall classification accuracy reached 97.02%, whereas it reached 98.86% in the case of subject‐specific scheme. Results are better or comparable to those obtained by state of the art methods.
European Flagship universities: Autonomy and change
Authors: Gornitzka Åse , Maassen Peter
Published: June 2017

The article introduces this special issue of Higher Education Quarterly in which results of a research project on 'European Flagship Universities: Balancing Academic Excellence and Socio‐economic Relevance' are presented and discussed. The Flagship project aimed at contributing to a better understanding of the relationship between university reform agendas, with their underlying ideologies, and university practices, especially at the departmental level. The project focused on how selected Flagship universities in continental Europe interpret and use their institutional autonomy in two areas, research management and personnel policies. For this purpose an analytical framework was developed for studying how autonomy is interpreted and used inside the university.
Quality and biochemical changes of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour cv. Daw) fruit under different controlled atmosphere conditions
Authors: Khan Muhammad Rafiullah , Suwanamornlert Panitee , Leelaphiwat Pattarin , Chinsirikul Wannee , Chonhenchob Vanee
Published: June 2017

Sulphur dioxide has been used to control pericarp browning in longan fruit. However, due to health and regulatory concerns, alternative treatments should be tested. The objective of this study was to find the tolerance levels of longan fruit to low O2 (2%, 5%, 10% and 15%) and elevated CO2 (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) at 2 °C. According to the tolerance study, controlled atmospheres (CA) of 5% O2 + 5% CO2, 5% O2 + 10% CO2 and 5% O2 + 15% CO2 were compared with normal air (control) at 2 °C. Pericarp browning and decay incidence of longan were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in control than all the CA treatments. CA storage reduced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, maintained L* value and slowed down a decrease in total phenolic contents (TPC). Pericarp browning was highly correlated with PPO, L* and TPC.
Protein‐loaded sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose beads for controlled release under simulated gastrointestinal conditions
Authors: Bannikova Anna , Rasumova Ludmila , Evteev Aleksandr , Evdokimov Ivan , Kasapis Stefan
Published: June 2017

Network characteristics of sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose, in relation to the controlled release of bovine serum albumin under simulated gastrointestinal conditions, have been examined. Small‐deformation dynamic oscillation in‐shear, compression testing and optical microscopy were employed to monitor the structural characteristics of polysaccharide beads as excipients for protein entrapment. Work focused on gastrointestinal functionality and controlled release utilising variable acidity and counterion addition in preparations. Beads were found to shrink in gastric and swell in intestinal conditions, thus emphasising the disparate effect of experimental conditions. Changes in mechanical properties reflected alterations in gel microstructure, with beads becoming relatively strong in the gastric environment. In contrast, networks were weakened in the intestinal environment resulting in bead disintegration towards the end of digestion time. This type of structural behaviour allows the controlled delivery of the protein, as a model bioactive, in a particular part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Analysis of PTPN22, ZFAT and MYO9B polymorphisms in Turner Syndrome and risk of autoimmune disease
Authors: Villanueva‐Ortega E. , Ahedo B. , Fonseca‐Sánchez M. A. , Pérez‐Durán J. , Garibay‐Nieto N. , Macías‐Galavíz M. T. , Trujillo‐Cabrera Y. , García‐Latorre E. , Queipo G.
Published: June 2017

Turner syndrome (TS) is one of the most common sexual chromosome abnormalities and is clearly associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, particularly thyroid disease and coeliac disease (CD). Single‐nucleotide polymorphism analyses have been shown to provide correlative evidence that specific genes are associated with autoimmune disease. Our aim was to study the functional polymorphic variants of PTPN22 and ZFAT in relation to thyroid disease and those of MYO9B in relation to CD. A cross‐sectional comparative analysis was performed on Mexican mestizo patients with TS and age‐matched healthy females. Our data showed that PTPN22 C1858T (considered a risk variant) is not associated with TS (X2 = 3.50, p = .61, and OR = 0.33 [95% CI = 0.10–1.10]). Also, ZFAT was not associated with TS (X2 = 1.2, p = .28, and OR = 1.22 [95% CI = 0.84–1.79]). However, for the first time, rs2305767 MYO9B was revealed to have a strong association with TS (X2 = 58.6, p = .0001, and OR = 10.44 [95% C = 5.51–19.80]), supporting a high level of predisposition to CD among TS patients. This report addresses additional data regarding the polymorphic variants associated with autoimmune disease, one of the most common complications in TS.
Effect of absorbed water on the adhesion, friction, and wear of phosphate laser glass at nanoscale
Authors: Wang Yongrui , He Hongtu , Yu Jiaxin , Zhang Yafeng , Hu Hailong
Published: June 2017

The interaction between glass and micro‐particle in the presence of absorbed water could affect glass surface integrity, especially for the phosphate glass with a poor water resistance. In this work, using an atomic force microscope equipped with an environment chamber, the adhesion, friction and wear behaviors of phosphate laser (PL) glass were investigated by contacting with an SiO2 microsphere under vacuum, dry air, and humid air, respectively, to reveal the effect of the absorbed water on the interactions between glass and particle. Compared to vacuum and dry air, a higher adhesion force and friction coefficient as well as more material removal of PL glass were found in humid air. The capillary force caused by absorbed water greatly contributes to the high adhesion and friction in humid air. Moreover, the water meniscus forming at glass‐particle interface provides an environment for hydrolyzing P–O–P network and assists the material removal of PL glass under shear stress. Comparing the results after rubbing the SiO2 particle to those rubbed by the CeO2 particle in our previous work, in humid air, a higher shear stress and material removal rate were found in PL glass‐CeO2 pair than in the PL glass‐SiO2 pair, indicating that in the presence of absorbed water, countersurface chemistry also plays an important role in the friction and wear of PL glass at the nanoscale surface.
Spatial ions distribution of the bonding interface in YAG/Nd:LuAG composite laser ceramic
Authors: Zhang Pande , Jiang Benxue , Jiang Yiguang , Zhang Ge , Chen Shuilin , Fan Jintai , Zhang Long
Published: June 2017

Composite YAG/Nd:LuAG transparent ceramics were fabricated by a thermal bonding process. The spatial distribution of ions around the original bonding interface of the YAG/Nd:LuAG composite laser ceramic was investigated. Around the original bonding interface, Lu3+ and Y3+ ions were replaced with each other in dodecahedral symmetry sites. Results from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) quantitative chemical analyses positively show that the distance of Y3+ ions diffused in the LuAG part is about 35 μm, while Lu3+ ions’ diffused distance in the YAG part is about 5 μm. This corresponds to the diffusion coefficient of Y3+ ions and Lu3+ ions (DY=2.43 ×10−10 cm2/s and DLu=0.56×10−10 cm2/s at 1750°C). The formation of YxLu(3−x)Al5O12 polycrystal in the bonding section explains the complete combination of LuAG and YAG without a bonding interface. Moreover, no diffusion phenomenon of Nd3+ ions was detected near the original bonding interface.
Artistic Constitutions of the Civil Domain: On Art, Education and Democracy
Authors: Gielen Pascal
Published: June 2017

How can we understand the relationship between art, education and democracy in the contemporary Western political condition? The recent presidential elections in the USA showed that the classical model of liberal representative democracy is shaking on its foundations. The question is how can artists and education respond to this political condition? In this article it is argued that art has a special quality to address political, and especially democratic, issues. It can strengthen education in its lessons in democracy and citizenship. Art has a special quality to walk on an alternative path of democracy, namely that of the civil domain. In the civil sphere artistic qualities and skills of designing and of imagination can play a crucial role.
First detailed nutritional survey in a referral companion animal population
Authors: Vandendriessche V. L. , Picavet P. , Hesta M.
Published: June 2017

Optimal nutrition in every life stage and certainly in diseased animals will contribute greatly to improve overall health and quality of life. The 5th VA guidelines have been designed to help veterinarians to implement a nutritional assessment into every patient, every time it comes into their practice. This nutritional survey in referral patients was conducted by one person skilled in acquiring detailed nutritional information and evaluating nutritional status. Two goals were set as follows: first to gain more insight into the nutritional status and management of referred patients and second to gain more insight in the nutritional recommendations given by the treating veterinarian. Using an online survey program, a detailed nutritional survey was designed using the 5th VA guidelines as a roadmap. Ultimately, 100 surveys were completed using referral patients with following results: only 15% of referred patients were cats; obesity occurrence was high with 53% of cats and 35% of dogs being overweight or obese; eleven per cent of animals had an abnormal MCS; and five of seven dogs with an abnormal MCS dogs died within 6 months. Several nutritional risk factors were undiagnosed and consequently untreated in these patients. Therefore, continued efforts must be made to educate practicing veterinarians into using the nutritional guidelines. The routine use of these guidelines by veterinarians will ultimately improve the nutritional status of all companion animals and might reduce the prevalence of diseases where poor nutrition or management has a contributing role.
Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf powder supplementation on growth performance and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens
Authors: Khan I. , Zaneb H. , Masood S. , Yousaf M. S. , Rehman H. F. , Rehman H.
Published: June 2017

Due to public health hazards of subtherapeutic use of antibiotics in poultry feed, there is a need for alternatives. Moringa oleifera is a phytobiotic, which is reported to possess antimicrobial and immuno‐modulatory properties. This study aimed to investigate effects of M. oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) supplementation on growth performance and intestinal microarchitecture of broiler chickens. Day‐old broiler chicks (n = 100) were randomly divided into five groups with four replicates each having five birds. Birds were fed a corn‐based basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5% MOLP. Body weight and feed conversion ratio were recorded on weekly basis. On day 35, two birds per replicate were selected to collect samples of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecal tonsils and bursa of Fabricius. Tissue samples were stained with haematoxylin and eosin or combined alcian blue and PAS technique. Supplementation of MOLP had no effect on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, bursa weight and intra‐epithelial lymphocytes (IEL) count. Birds fed with 1.2% MOLP had higher (p < 0.05) body weight, length and empty weight of small intestine, and weight of empty and filled ceca. Villus height (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), villus surface area (duodenum) and villus height:crypt depth (ileum) were higher (p < 0.05) in 1.2% MOLP group compared with non‐supplemented group. In duodenum, total goblet cell count was higher (p < 0.05) in all the supplemented groups when compared with non‐supplemented birds. Acidic mucin count was higher (p < 0.05) in duodenum, jejunum and ileum of 1.2% MOLP group compared with the control group. Bursal follicle count was higher (p < 0.05) in 1.2% MOLP group compared with non‐supplemented group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 1.2% MOLP modulated intestinal microarchitecture and acidic mucin production without any apparent effect on growth.