bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic evaluation of right ventricular function in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Bokiniec Renata , Własienko Paweł , Borszewska‐Kornacka Maria , Szymkiewicz‐Dangel Joanna
Published: February 2017

Aim

To evaluate right ventricular function in preterm infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Methods

Eighty‐nine preterm infants (<32 weeks) were divided into three groups: (1) no‐bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n=32); (2) mild‐bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n=35); (3) severe‐bronchopulmonary dysplasia (n=15). Right ventricular echocardiographic parameters included the following: (1) pulsed‐wave Doppler through the tricuspid valve (E/A ratio), pulmonary artery acceleration time, right ventricular ejection time, right ventricular velocity‐time integral; (2) tissue Doppler measurements of myocardial velocities and atrioventricular conduction times; (3) pulsed‐wave Doppler and tissue Doppler evaluation of myocardial performance index and E/Eʹ ratio; and (4) M‐mode detection of right ventricular end‐diastolic wall diameter.

Results

The severe‐bronchopulmonary dysplasia group had higher mean right ventricular myocardial performance index (on the 28th day of life by pulsed‐wave Doppler) than the no‐bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P=.014) or mild‐bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P=.031) groups; no differences were found between no‐bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mild‐bronchopulmonary dysplasia groups (P=.919). A reduction in right ventricular myocardial performance index at later time points was observed in all three groups (P<.05). We found no differences between preterm infants with differing bronchopulmonary dysplasia severity in other right ventricular echocardiographic parameters.

Conclusion

Right ventricular myocardial performance index measured by pulsed‐wave Doppler indicates impaired right ventricular function in preterm infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Meditation training for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pagnini F. , Marconi A. , Tagliaferri A. , Manzoni G. M. , Gatto R. , Fabiani V. , Gragnano G. , Rossi G. , Volpato E. , Banfi P. , Palmieri A. , Graziano F. , Castelnuovo G. , Corbo M. , Molinari E. , Riva N. , Sansone V. , Lunetta C.
Published: February 2017

Background and purpose

Studies investigating psychological interventions for the promotion of well‐being in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are lacking. The purpose of the current study was to examine the use of an ALS‐specific mindfulness‐based intervention for improving quality of life in this population.

Methods

A randomized, open‐label and controlled clinical trial was conducted on the efficacy of an ALS‐specific meditation programme in promoting quality of life. Adults who received a diagnosis of ALS within 18 months were randomly assigned either to usual care or to an 8‐week meditation training based on the original mindfulness‐based stress reduction programme and tailored for people with ALS. Quality of life, assessed with the ALS‐Specific Quality of Life Revised scale, represented the primary outcome, whilst secondary outcomes included anxiety and depression, assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and specific quality of life domains. Participants were assessed at recruitment and after 2, 6 and 12 months. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed on an intention‐to‐treat basis of a linear mixed model.

Results

A hundred participants were recruited between November 2012 and December 2014. Over time, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of quality of life (β = 0.24, P = 0.015, d = 0.89). Significant differences between groups over time were also found for anxiety, depression, negative emotions, and interaction with people and the environment.

Conclusions

An ALS‐specific meditation programme is beneficial for the quality of life and psychological well‐being of people with ALS.
Comparing six antihypertensive medication classes for preventing new‐onset diabetes mellitus among hypertensive patients: a network meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Yang , Xu Huilan
Published: February 2017

Hypertensive patients usually have a higher risk of new‐onset diabetes mellitus (NOD) which may trigger cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the effectiveness of six antihypertensive agents with respect to NOD prevention in hypertensive patients was assessed. A network meta‐analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy of specific drug classes. PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant articles. Results of the pairwised meta‐analysis were illustrated by odd ratios (OR) and a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The probabilities and outcome of each treatment were ranked and summarized using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).Twenty‐three trials were identified, including 224,832 patients with an average follow‐up period of 3.9 ± 1.0 years. The network meta‐analysis showed that patients treated by angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) were associated with a lower risk of NOD compared to placebo (PCB), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and β‐blockers, while diuretic appeared to be ineffective for NOD prevention. Network meta‐analysis results of specific drugs showed that enalapril exhibited distinct advantages and hydrochlorothiazide also exhibited a reliable performance. Our results suggested that both ARBs and angiotensin converse enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), especially candesartan and enalapril, were preferable for NOD prevention in hypertensive patients. Hydrochlorothiazide also exhibited a reliable performance in comparison with other agents.
Effects of extreme temperatures on the growth and photosynthesis of invasive Bidens alba and its native congener B. biternata
Authors: Yue Mao‐Feng , Flory S. Luke , Feng Li , Ye Wan‐Hui , Shen Hao , Tian Xing‐Shan , Wang Zhang‐Ming
Published: February 2017

Temperatures are expected to fluctuate widely under climate change but little is known about how extreme temperatures might affect the physiology and performance of invasive compared to native plant species. In this study, we evaluated the effects of high (40/35°C) and low (10/5°C) temperature regimes on the growth and photosynthesis of the invasive Asteraceae species Bidens alba and its native congener B. biternata using a growth chamber experiment. Results showed that invasive B. alba had significantly greater total biomass and relative growth rate, accompanied by higher net photosynthetic rate (Pn), than native B. biternata at both low and high temperature extremes. The reduction in Pn for B. alba was mainly caused by stomatal limitations, but for B. biternata it was caused by non‐stomatal factors, indicating that greater damage to physiological processes may occur in native B. biternata under both low and high temperature stress. Higher cyclic electron flow around photosystem I in invasive B. alba than in native B. biternata under extreme temperatures might alleviate the negative effect of temperature extremes to photosynthetic and thus promote its photosynthetic efficiency. To conclude, the invasive B. alba has both greater cold and heat tolerance than its native congener B. biternata, suggesting that the invader may outperform native species under future extreme temperature conditions.
Bax and Bcl‐2 are involved in the apoptosis induced by local testicular heating in the boar testis
Authors: Xi H , Fan X , Zhang Z , Liang Y , Li Q , He J
Published: February 2017

Contents

The aim of this study was to determine whether the effect of Bax and Bcl‐2 on the apoptosis of germ cells is caused by local testicular heating (42°C, 1 hr) in boar testis. The testes of three boars were exposed to 42°C for 1 hr. Three other boars were assigned as control (no heat treatment). After 6 hr of heat treatment, all boars were castrated and the testes were harvested. Immunohistochemical results showed that a redistribution of Bax was caused by heat stress, and Bcl‐2 was expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Western blot analyses and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (QRT‐PCR) showed that the protein and mRNA levels of Bax and Bcl‐2 were increased after local testicular heating. The number of TUNEL‐positive cells was increased in the seminiferous tubules compared with the control after local testicular heating. These results suggested that local testicular heating induced the apoptosis of germ cells by regulating the Bax and Bcl‐2 protein levels.
Local Control Strategy: Simple Analyses of Air Pollution Data Can Reveal Heterogeneity in Longevity Outcomes
Authors: Obenchain Robert L. , Young S. Stanley
Published: February 2017

Claims from observational studies that use traditional model specification searches often fail to replicate, partially because the available data tend to be biased. There is an urgent need for an alternative statistical analysis strategy, that is not only simple and easily understood but also is more likely to give reliable insights when the available data have not been designed and balanced. The alternative strategy known as local control first generates local, nonparametric effect‐size estimates (fair treatment comparisons) and only then asks whether the observed variation in these local estimates can be predicted from potential confounding factors. Here, we illustrate application of local control to a historical air pollution data set describing a “natural experiment” initiated by the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970. Our reanalysis reveals subgroup heterogeneity in the effects of air quality regulation on elderly longevity (one size does not fit all), and we show that this heterogeneity is largely explained by socioeconomic and environmental confounders other than air quality.
A Comparison of Japanese and Turkish Mothers’ Views about Self Care Skill Acquisition Age and Their Expectations from Preschools
Authors: Ramazan M. Oya , Sakai Aya
Published: February 2017

Spanning the vital temporal interval between birth and the elementary school education, the preschool period is one of the most critical times of human life due to its importance in the formation and nourishment of personality. Specifically the preschool education enables children to acquire and develop basic knowledge, skills and habits, thus shaping their social and emotional life, attitudes, beliefs and value judgments. Educational opportunities offered to children in this period facilitate the socio-cultural background for future life. The modern understanding of education designates that preschools are as important as families in providing children with the preliminary education during this period in life. Today, preschool attendance rates for children aged between five to six years (a year prior to starting school) are approximately 60% in Turkey and 97% in Japan. This demonstrates that Japan is significantly ahead of Turkey in the development and popularization of preschool education. Inquring into this discrepancy, this study compares the opinions of mothers, with different economic development levels and culture, on preschool period and education in Japan and Turkey. As such, 300 Turkish and 300 Japanese mothers were given a survey/questionnaire with 21 questions. The frequency and percentage of mothers’ responses were calculated. The results indicate that Turkish and Japanese mothers had certain similar and certain different views. The answers given to nine questions inquiring the opinions of the Japanese and the Turkish mothers on self-care skill acquisition age yields that the Japanese mothers state that suggest that their children acquired self-care skills at earlier ages. When the answers given to the seven questions inquiring mothers’ expectations from preschool education are examined, the results depict very differing opinions. However, based on the answer of the Japanese mothers in the sample, the study concludes that their children acquired self-care skills at a younger age. The questions about mothers’ expectations from preschool institutions received different responses from Japanese and Turkish mothers.
Is the Sky Falling? The Persistent Effects of Concussion
Authors: Broglio Steven P.
Published: February 2017

Sport concussion has been thrust into the national spotlight with growing concern over both the acute and chronic risk for injury. While much has been learned and applied to medical practice in the previous decade, how the injury may affect individuals years later remains largely unknown. The opaqueness of the unknown has led some to ask if certain sports should be banned. Without immediate answers, what is currently known must be extrapolated and the risks and benefits of sport participation must be balanced.
Evolutionary population history of early Paleoamerican cranial morphology
Authors: von Cramon-Taubadel Noreen , Strauss André , Hubbe Mark
Published: February 2017

Paleoamericans share last common ancestry with modern Native Americans in Asia, suggesting multiple dispersals into the New World.
Planet Earth to get a daily selfie
Authors: Strauss Mark
Published: February 2017

Researchers await data from the satellite company Planet, which has launched a flotilla of tiny eyes in the sky that will soon image the entire globe every day.
Publication ban upends NIH lab, collaborators
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: February 2017

Citing protocol violations, institute won't allow use of 25 years of data.
Comment on “Ducklings imprint on the relational concept of ‘same or different’”
Authors: Hupé Jean-Michel
Published: February 2017

Martinho and Kacelnik’s (Reports, 15 July 2016, p. 286) finding that mallard ducklings can deal with abstract concepts is important for understanding the evolution of cognition. However, a statistically more robust analysis of the data calls their conclusions into question. This example brings to light the risk of drawing too strong an inference by relying solely on
P
values.
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Detection and Quantification by a Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay Calibrated to the World Health Organization Standard for HEV RNA
Authors: Germer Jeffrey J. , Ankoudinova Irina , Belousov Yevgeniy S. , Mahoney Walt , Dong Chen , Meng Jihong , Mandrekar Jayawant N. , Yao Joseph D.
Published: February 2017

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has emerged as a cause of chronic hepatitis among immunocompromised patients. Molecular assays have become important tools for the diagnosis and management of these chronically infected patients. A real-time reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay utilizing Pleiades probe chemistry and an RNA internal control for the simultaneous detection and quantification of HEV RNA in human serum was developed based on an adaptation of a previously described and broadly reactive primer set targeting the overlapping open reading frame 2/3 (ORF2/3) nucleotide sequence of HEV. A chimeric bovine viral diarrhea virus construct containing an HEV RNA insert (SynTura HEV) was developed, value assigned with the first World Health Organization (WHO) international standard for HEV RNA (code 6329/10), and used to prepare working assay calibrators and controls, which supported an assay quantification range of 100 to 5,000,000 IU/ml. The analytical sensitivity (95% detection rate) of this assay was 25.2 IU/ml (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.2 to 44.1 IU/ml). The assay successfully amplified 16 different HEV sequences with significant nucleotide mismatching in primer/probe binding regions, while evaluation of a WHO international reference panel for HEV genotypes (code 8578/13) showed viral load results falling within the result ranges generated by WHO collaborative study participants for all panel members (genotypes 1 to 4). Broadly reactive RT-qPCR primers targeting HEV ORF2/3 were successfully adapted for use in an assay based on Pleiades probe chemistry. The availability of secondary standards calibrated to the WHO HEV international standard can improve the standardization and performance of assays for the detection and quantification of HEV RNA.
Utility of the wireless motility capsule and lactulose breath testing in the evaluation of patients with Parkinson's disease who present with functional gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Su Andrew , Gandhy Rita , Barlow Carrolee , Triadafilopoulos George
Published: February 2017

Background

The aetiology and origin of gastrointestinal symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains poorly understood. Gastroparesis, small bowel transit delay and bacterial overgrowth may, individually or collectively, play a role.

Aims

In patients with PD and functional gastrointestinal symptoms, we aimed to determine the utility of the wireless motility capsule and lactulose breath tests in further defining their symptoms' aetiology.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients with PD and functional gastrointestinal symptoms underwent clinical assessment, as well as wireless motility capsule and lactulose breath testing using standard protocols.

Results

We studied 65 patients with PD and various gastrointestinal symptoms. 35% exhibited gastroparesis by the wireless motility capsule study, 20% small bowel transit delay, while 8% had combined transit abnormalities, suggestive of overlapping gastric and small bowel dysmotility. Small bowel bacterial overgrowth was seen in 34% of cases. Symptoms of abdominal pain, regurgitation, bloating, nausea, vomiting, belching and weight loss could not distinguish between patients with or without gastroparesis, although bloating was significantly more prominent (p<0.001) overall and specifically more so in patients with slow small bowel transit (p<0.01). There was no relationship between delayed small bowel transit time and bacterial overgrowth (p=0.5); PD scores and duration were not correlated with either the transit findings or small bowel bacterial overgrowth.

Conclusions

Functional gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with PD may reflect gastroparesis, small bowel transit delay or both, suggesting motor and/or autonomic dysfunction, and may be associated with small bowel bacterial overgrowth. The wireless motility capsule and lactulose breath testing are non-invasive and useful in the assessment of these patients.
Violence-related ambulance call-outs in the North West of England: a cross-sectional analysis of nature, extent and relationships to temporal, celebratory and sporting events
Authors: Quigg Zara , McGee Ciara , Hughes Karen , Russell Simon , Bellis Mark A
Published: February 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the potential of ambulance call-out data in understanding violence to inform about prevention activity.

Method

This cross-sectional (2013–2015) study examined the nature, extent and characteristics of violence-related ambulance call-outs (n=15 687) across North West England and relationships with temporal, celebratory and sporting events.

Results

The majority of call-outs were for men, with a mean age of 33 years. Most call-outs were to deprived (64.4%) and urban (65.4%) areas and occurred at night (18:00–5:59; 75.2%). Three-quarters (77.3%) were recorded as assault/sexual assault and 22.7% stab/gunshot/penetrating trauma. Significant differences in call-out characteristics were identified between the two violence types. Generalised linear modelling found that call-outs significantly increased on weekends, New Year’s Eve and weekday bank holiday eves (except for stab/gunshot/penetrating trauma). No significant associations between all violence call-outs, the two violence categories and sporting or celebration events were identified. Two-thirds (66.1%) of the call-outs were transferred to another health service for further assessment and/or treatment. The odds of being transferred were significantly higher among men (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.5, 95%CI 1.4 to 1.6), those aged 13–24 years (AOR 1.2, 95%CI 1.0 to 1.4), call-outs for stab/gunshot/penetrating trauma (AOR 1.4, 95%CI 1.3 to 1.5) and call-outs on Fridays/Saturdays (AOR 1.1, 95%CI 1.0 to 1.2) and lower for call-outs on New Year’s Eve (AOR 0.6, 95%CI 0.4 to 0.9).

Conclusion

Ambulance call-out data can provide a wealth of information to understand violence and subsequently inform about violence prevention and response activity. Ambulance services and staff could play a key role in preventing violence through sharing data and identifying and supporting victims.
Myocardial homing of mesenchymal stem cells following intrapericardial application and amplification by inflammation — an experimental pilot study
Authors: Jung Nina , Rupp Heinz , Koczulla A. Rembert , Vogelmeier Claus F. , Alter Peter
Published: February 2017

Recent studies demonstrated potential effects of stem cells on cardiac function in heart failure. However, influences of the technique of application remained undetermined. In the present study, the pericardial sac was used as depot for fluorescent-labeled mesenchymal stem cells in rats. To evaluate influences of inflammation on cell homing, a sterile pericarditis was induced by talc. It is shown that intrapericardial stem cell application is sufficient to provide myocardial penetration. The extent of homing was amplified by inflammation in a talc-induced pericarditis.
Relating renormalizability of D-dimensional higher-order electromagnetic and gravitational models to the classical potential at the origin
Authors: Accioly Antonio , Correia Gilson , de Brito Gustavo P. , de Almeida José , Herdy Wallace
Published: February 2017

Simple prescriptions for computing the D-dimensional classical potential related to electromagnetic and gravitational models, based on the functional generator, are built out. These recipes are employed afterward as a support for probing the premise that renormalizable higher-order systems have a finite classical potential at the origin. It is also shown that the opposite of the conjecture above is not true. In other words, if a higher-order model is renormalizable, it is necessarily endowed with a finite classical potential at the origin, but the reverse of this statement is untrue. The systems used to check the conjecture were D-dimensional fourth-order Lee–Wick electrodynamics, and the D-dimensional fourth- and sixth-order gravity models. A special attention is devoted to New Massive Gravity (NMG) since it was the analysis of this model that inspired our surmise. In particular, we made use of our premise to resolve trivially the issue of the renormalizability of NMG, which was initially considered to be renormalizable, but it was shown some years later to be non-renormalizable. We remark that our analysis is restricted to local models in which the propagator has simple and real poles.
The a-cycle problem in XY model with ring frustration
Authors: Dong Jian-Jun , Li Peng
Published: February 2017

Traditionally, the transverse spin-[Formula: see text] XY model is mapped to a fermionic “c-cycle” problem, where the prior periodic boundary condition is applied to the fermionic chain and the additional boundary term has been neglected. However, the “a-cycle” problem (the original problem without any approximation) has not been treated seriously up to now. In this paper, we consider the XY model with ring frustration and diagonalize it without any approximation with the help of parity constraint. Then two peculiar gapless phases have been found.
Intestinal phosphate absorption is mediated by multiple transport systems in rats
Authors: Candeal Eduardo , Caldas Yupanqui A. , Guillén Natalia , Levi Moshe , Sorribas Víctor
Published: February 2017

Apical inorganic phosphate (Pi) transport in the small intestine seems to be mainly mediated by the sodium/Pi cotransporter NaPi2b. To verify this role, we have studied the combined effects of pH, phosphonoformate, and Pi deprivation on intestinal Pi transport. Rats were fed, ad libitum, three fodders containing 1.2, 0.6, or 0.1% Pi for 1, 5, or 10 days. Pi deprivation (0.1%) increased both sodium-activated and sodium-independent Pi transport in brush-border membrane vesicles from the duodenum and jejunum for all three times. Alkaline pH inhibited Pi transport, despite the increasing concentration of [Formula: see text] (NaPi2b substrate), whereas acidity increased transport when the concentration of the PiT1/PiT2 substrate, [Formula: see text], was at its highest. The effect of Pi deprivation was maximal at acid pH, but both basal and upregulated transport were inhibited (70%) with phosphonoformate, an inhibitor of NaPi2b. PiT2 and NaPi2b protein abundance increased after 24 h of Pi deprivation in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, whereas PiT1 required 5–10 days in the duodenum and jejunum. Therefore, whereas transporter expressions are partially correlated with Pi transport adaptation, the pH effect precludes NaPi2b, and phosphonoformic acid precludes PiT1 and PiT2 as the main transporters. Transport and transporter expression were also inconsistent when feeding was limited to 4 h daily, because the 1.2% Pi diet paradoxically increased Pi transport in the duodenum and jejunum, but NaPi2b and PiT1 expressions only increased with the 0.1% diet. These findings suggest the presence of a major transporter that carries [Formula: see text] and is inhibited by phosphonoformate.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The combined effects of dietary inorganic phosphate (Pi) content, pH, and phosphonoformate inhibition suggest that the resulting apical Pi transport in the small intestine cannot be fully explained by the presence of NaPi2b, PiT1, or PiT2. We provide evidence of the presence of a new sodium-coupled Pi transporter that uses [Formula: see text] as the preferred substrate and is inhibited by phosphonoformate, and its expression correlates with Pi transport in all assayed conditions.
Inhibiting aerobic glycolysis suppresses renal interstitial fibroblast activation and renal fibrosis
Authors: Ding Hao , Jiang Lei , Xu Jing , Bai Feng , Zhou Yang , Yuan Qi , Luo Jing , Zen Ke , Yang Junwei
Published: February 2017

Chronic kidney diseases generally lead to renal fibrosis. Despite great progress having been made in identifying molecular mediators of fibrosis, the mechanism that governs renal fibrosis remains unclear, and so far no effective therapeutic antifibrosis strategy is available. Here we demonstrated that a switch of metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) in renal fibroblasts was the primary feature of fibroblast activation during renal fibrosis and that suppressing renal fibroblast aerobic glycolysis could significantly reduce renal fibrosis. Both gene and protein assay showed that the expression of glycolysis enzymes was upregulated in mouse kidneys with unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) surgery or in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-treated renal interstitial fibroblasts. Aerobic glycolysis flux, indicated by glucose uptake and lactate production, was increased in mouse kidney with UUO nephropathy or TGF-β1-treated renal interstitial fibroblasts and positively correlated with fibrosis process. In line with this, we found that increasing aerobic glycolysis can remarkably induce myofibroblast activation while aerobic glycolysis inhibitors shikonin and 2-deoxyglucose attenuate UUO-induced mouse renal fibrosis and TGF-β1-stimulated myofibroblast activation. Furthermore, mechanistic study indicated that shikonin inhibits renal aerobic glycolysis via reducing phosphorylation of pyruvate kinase type M2, a rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme associated with cell reliance on aerobic glycolysis. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the critical role of aerobic glycolysis in renal fibrosis and support treatment with aerobic glycolysis inhibitors as a potential antifibrotic strategy.
Antenatal betamethasone attenuates the angiotensin-(1–7)-Mas receptor-nitric oxide axis in isolated proximal tubule cells
Authors: Su Yixin , Bi Jianli , Pulgar Victor M. , Chappell Mark C. , Rose James C.
Published: February 2017

We previously reported a sex-specific effect of antenatal treatment with betamethasone (Beta) on sodium (Na+) excretion in adult sheep whereby treated males but not females had an attenuated natriuretic response to angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)]. The present study determined the Na+uptake and nitric oxide (NO) response to low-dose Ang-(1–7) (1 pM) in renal proximal tubule cells (RPTC) from adult male and female sheep antenatally exposed to Beta or vehicle. Data were expressed as percentage of basal uptake or area under the curve for Na+or percentage of control for NO. Male Beta RPTC exhibited greater Na+uptake than male vehicle cells (433 ± 28 vs. 330 ± 26%; P < 0.05); however, Beta exposure had no effect on Na+uptake in the female cells (255 ± 16 vs. 255 ± 14%; P > 0.05). Ang-(1–7) significantly inhibited Na+uptake in RPTC from vehicle male (214 ± 11%) and from both vehicle (190 ± 14%) and Beta (209 ± 11%) females but failed to attenuate Na+uptake in Beta male cells. Beta exposure also abolished stimulation of NO by Ang-(1–7) in male but not female RPTC. Both the Na+and NO responses to Ang-(1–7) were blocked by Mas receptor antagonist d-Ala7-Ang-(1–7). We conclude that the tubular Ang-(1–7)-Mas-NO pathway is attenuated in males and not females by antenatal Beta exposure. Moreover, since primary cultures of RPTC retain both the sex and Beta-induced phenotype of the adult kidney in vivo they appear to be an appropriate cell model to examine the effects of fetal programming on Na+handling by the renal tubules.
A Fabrication Process for Emerging Nanoelectronic Devices Based on Oxide Tunnel Junctions
Authors: Drouin Dominique , Droulers Gabriel , Labalette Marina , Lee Sang Bruno , Harvey-Collard Patrick , Souifi Abdelkader , Jeannot Simon , Monfray Stephane , Pioro-Ladriere Michel , Ecoffey Serge
Published: February 2017

We present a versatile nanodamascene process for the realization of low-power nanoelectronic devices with different oxide junctions. With this process we have fabricated metal/insulator/metal junctions, metallic single electron transistors, silicon tunnel field effect transistors, and planar resistive memories. These devices do exploit one or two nanometric-scale tunnel oxide junctions based on TiO2, SiO2, HfO2, Al2O3, or a combination of those. Because the nanodamascene technology involves processing temperatures lower than 300°C, this technology is fully compatible with CMOS back-end-of-line and is used for monolithic 3D integration.
Determination of the Wound Healing Potentials of Medicinal Plants Historically Used in Ghana
Authors: Freiesleben Sara H. , Soelberg Jens , Nyberg Nils T. , Jäger Anna K.
Published: February 2017

The present study was carried out to investigate the wound healing potentials of 17 medicinal plants historically used in Ghana for wound healing. Warm and cold water extracts were prepared from the 17 dried plant species and tested in vitro in the scratch assay with NIH 3T3 fibroblasts from mice. The wound healing scratch assay was used to evaluate the effect of the plants on cell proliferation and/or migration in vitro, as a test for potential wound healing properties. After 21 hours of incubation increased proliferation and/or migration of fibroblasts in the scratch assay was obtained for 5 out of the 17 plant species. HPLC separation of the most active plant extract, which was a warm water extract of Philenoptera cyanescens, revealed the wound healing activity to be attributed to rutin and a triglycoside of quercetin. The present study suggests that Allophylus spicatus, Philenoptera cyanescens, Melanthera scandens, Ocimum gratissimum, and Jasminum dichotomum have wound healing activity in vitro.
CXCR4: A New Player in an Old Scene?
Authors: Knopf Andreas , Fritsche Marie Kristin , Li Yin
Published: February 2017

Transmembrane C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and its ligand C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) came into focus in many solid cancers, allowing a more fundamental diagnostic and therapeutic approach by modulating the immune response against cancer cells. CXCR4 and CXCL12 mediate cell proliferation, migration, and metastatic outgrowth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and are strongly associated with cancer recurrence and patient survival. Despite recent advances in molecular imaging and cancer therapy in lymphoma using CXCL12 analogues, clinical trials evaluating the diagnostic and therapeutic impact on HNSCC are missing.
Neighborhood Differences in Post-Stroke Mortality
Authors: Osypuk Theresa L. , Ehntholt Amy , Moon J. Robin , Gilsanz Paola , Glymour M. Maria
Published: February 2017

Background—

Post-stroke mortality is higher among residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods, but it is not known whether neighborhood inequalities are specific to stroke survival or similar to mortality patterns in the general population. We hypothesized that neighborhood disadvantage would predict higher poststroke mortality, and neighborhood effects would be relatively larger for stroke patients than for individuals with no history of stroke.

Methods and Results—

Health and Retirement Study participants aged ≥50 years without stroke at baseline (n=15 560) were followed ≤12 years for incident stroke (1715 events over 159 286 person-years) and mortality (5325 deaths). Baseline neighborhood characteristics included objective measures based on census tracts (family income, poverty, deprivation, residential stability, and percent white, black, or foreign-born) and self-reported neighborhood social ties. Using Cox proportional hazard models, we compared neighborhood mortality effects for people with versus people without a history of stroke. Most neighborhood variables predicted mortality for both stroke patients and the general population in demographic-adjusted models. Neighborhood percent white predicted lower mortality for stroke survivors (hazard ratio, 0.75 for neighborhoods in highest 25th percentile versus below, 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.91) more strongly than for stroke-free adults (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.83–1.02;
P
=0.04 for stroke-by-neighborhood interaction). No other neighborhood characteristic had different effects for people with versus without stroke. Neighborhood–mortality associations emerged within 3 months after stroke, when associations were often stronger than among stroke-free individuals.

Conclusions—

Neighborhood characteristics predict mortality, but most effects are similar for individuals without stroke. Eliminating disparities in stroke survival may require addressing pathways that are not specific to traditional poststroke care.
Response: On Torture, Slavery, and Resistance
Authors: duBois Page
Published: February 2017

This response to the essays collected here considers questions of torture, slavery, and resistance. Building on the fruitful extension of earlier work on ancient Greek practices of the basanos, or “touchstone,” and on slavery in the ancient world and in antebellum America, the response takes account of the valuable and thought-provoking use of duBois’ work in the new contexts of early Christianity. The response also points to her recent work on the relationship of torture, crucifixion, slavery, forms of resistance, and the persistence, in new forms, of what Hellenists tend to call “polytheism”.
Between East Asia and Southeast Asia: Nanyang Studies, Chinese Migration, and National Jinan University, 1927–1940 (在東亞與東南亞之間：南洋研究、華人移民、與國立暨南大學,1927–1940)
Authors: Seah (謝枝嶙) Leander
Published: February 2017

Global port cities have played important roles in the migration of ethnic Chinese worldwide. This article argues that the scholarship on Chinese migration between port cities in East Asia and Southeast Asia has overemphasized business and trading networks. It suggests instead that other topics should be examined since Chinese migration has been complex and multi-faceted. This article does so through analyzing the history of Nanyang studies, a Chinese-language scholarly field that is renowned among Chinese intellectuals in East Asia and Southeast Asia. Nanyang studies began with the establishment of the Nanyang Cultural Affairs Bureau at Jinan University, the first school in China for Chinese migrants, because the Bureau was the first systematic attempt by China-based scholars to study the Nanyang (Southeast Asia). This article analyzes the history of Nanyang studies from the Bureau’s founding in 1927 to 1940, when the center for Nanyang studies shifted to Singapore in the Nanyang.

全球港口城市和全球華人移民已有密切關係。本文認為，關於東亞和東南亞的港口城市之間華人移民的學術著作過度注重商業貿易網絡。它建議由於華人移民是複雜的，多方面的，所以其他議題也有重要性。因此，本文將通過南洋研究的歷史而分析華人移民。南洋研究在東亞和東南亞是個著名的學術領域。它的起源於南洋文化教育事業部之暨南大學的創辦。這是因為暨南是中國第一所華僑華人學府，而南洋文化教育事業部是中國學者第一個正式研究南洋(東南亞)的機構。本文將分析南洋研究的歷史，從成立於1927年到1940年轉移到南洋之中的新加坡為止。 (This article is in English).
Zebraodes, new genus, with a new species from Vietnam (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Archipini)
Authors: HEPPNER JOHN B. , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: February 2017

A new genus of Tortricinae, Zebraodes Heppner & Bae, n. gen., is described for the new species Zebraodes lucidalis Heppner & Bae, n. sp., from Vietnam (Tortricidae: Tortricinae: Archipini). The new genus is anomalous among archipines, resembling some Ceracini, but with genital features more similar to those of Archipini, notably the strongly convex phallus in the male genitalia, together with the strong uncus; however, the absence of a signum in the female genitalia is unusual for the tribe.
Amazoniaseius imparisetosus n. sp., n. g.: an unusual new phytoseiid mite (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from the Amazon forest
Authors: DEMITE PETERSON R. , CRUZ WILTON P. da , McMURTRY JAMES A. , De MORAES GILBERTO J.
Published: February 2017

A new genus and species of the subfamily Typhlodrominae are described from the Brazilian Amazon. The main differences between this and all other phytoseiid species are the presence of two unpaired setae on dorsal shield of deutonymphs and adults, and the absence of all ZV setae. It also differs from other typhlodromine species by its relatively long J5 setae, the presence of seta J4 and the broadly rounded posterior margin of the genital shield. Thus, the unique idiosomal setal pattern of this species is here designated as 13A+x:8F+X/JV-3,4:ZV-1–3. Because of the unique characteristics, we here describe this new taxon, Amazoniaseius imparisetosus n. sp., n. g., based on protonymphs, deutonymphs and adult females. This species is accommodated in tribe Paraseiulini Wainstein within Typhlodrominae, due to the presence of the setae z6 and S4. The tribe is redefined and an updated dichotomous key for the separation of the genera of Paraseiulini is provided.
(Un)intended Consequences of a Mandatory Dividend Payout Regulation for Earnings Management: Evidence From a Natural Experiment
Authors: Welker Michael , Ye Kangtao , Zhang Ning
Published: February 2017

We examine the (un)intended consequences of a mandatory dividend payout regulation for firms’ financial reporting choices using a natural experiment in China. Beginning in October 2008, China required firms desiring to raise new equity capital to maintain a cumulative dividend payout ratio of at least 30% over the past 3 years. We find that firms with a cumulative payout ratio from the prior year very close to but slightly lower than the mandated dividend threshold report lower discretionary accruals but do not increase dividends. In addition, this pattern is more pronounced in firms with greater cash flow deficits, firms with faster sales growth, and firms located in regions with lower bank development. We also find that the negative discretionary accruals are concentrated in firms with return on equity well in excess of another regulatory benchmark. In contrast, the only firms that increase dividends in response to the regulation are firms with a positive cumulative payout ratio far below the mandated threshold. Because dividend payout regulations have been suggested as a possible solution to agency problems, our results provide important policy feedback about the effectiveness of such regulations.
Indications for medical compression stockings in venous and lymphatic disorders: An evidence-based consensus statement
Authors: Rabe Eberhard , Partsch Hugo , Hafner Juerg , Lattimer Christopher , Mosti Giovanni , Neumann Martino , Urbanek Tomasz , Huebner Monika , Gaillard Sylvain , Carpentier Patrick
Published: February 2017

Objective

Medical compression stockings are a standard, non-invasive treatment option for all venous and lymphatic diseases. The aim of this consensus document is to provide up-to-date recommendations and evidence grading on the indications for treatment, based on evidence accumulated during the past decade, under the auspices of the International Compression Club.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted and, using PRISMA guidelines, 51 relevant publications were selected for an evidence-based analysis of an initial 2407 unrefined results. Key search terms included: ‘acute', CEAP', ‘chronic', ‘compression stockings', ‘compression therapy', ‘lymph', ‘lymphatic disease', ‘vein' and ‘venous disease'. Evidence extracted from the publications was graded initially by the panel members individually and then refined at the consensus meeting.

Results

Based on the current evidence, 25 recommendations for chronic and acute venous disorders were made. Of these, 24 recommendations were graded as: Grade 1A (n = 4), 1B (n = 13), 1C (n = 2), 2B (n = 4) and 2C (n = 1). The panel members found moderately robust evidence for medical compression stockings in patients with venous symptoms and prevention and treatment of venous oedema. Robust evidence was found for prevention and treatment of venous leg ulcers. Recommendations for stocking-use after great saphenous vein interventions were limited to the first post-interventional week. No randomised clinical trials are available that document a prophylactic effect of medical compression stockings on the progression of chronic venous disease (CVD). In acute deep vein thrombosis, immediate compression is recommended to reduce pain and swelling. Despite conflicting results from a recent study to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome, medical compression stockings are still recommended. In thromboprophylaxis, the role of stockings in addition to anticoagulation is limited. For the maintenance phase of lymphoedema management, compression stockings are the most important intervention.

Conclusion

The beneficial value of applying compression stockings in the treatment of venous and lymphatic disease is supported by this document, with 19/25 recommendations rated as Grade 1 evidence. For recommendations rated with Grade 2 level of evidence, further studies are needed.
Evaluation of 4-methyl-2-[(2-methylbenzyl) amino]-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylic acid against hyperglycemia, insulin sensitivity, and oxidative stress-induced inflammatory responses and β-cell damage in the pancreas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Paudel YN , Ali MR , Bawa S , Shah S , Adil M , Siddiqui A , Basheer AS , Hassan MQ , Sharma M
Published: February 2017

4-Methyl-2-[(2-methylbenzyl) amino]-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylic acid (bioactive compound (BAC)), a novel thiazole derivative, is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor and free radical scavenging agent. Effects of BAC on hyperglycemia, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory mediators were evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced neonatal models of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) rats where NIDDM was induced in neonatal pups with single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (100 mg/kg). The effect of BAC (10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) for 3 weeks was evaluated by the determination of blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), HbA1c level, insulin level, insulin sensitivity, and insulin resistance (IR). Furthermore, inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6) and oxidative stress were estimated in serum and pancreatic tissue, respectively. Significant alteration in the level of blood glucose, OGTT, HbA1c, insulin level, insulin sensitivity, in addition variation in the antioxidant status and inflammatory mediators, and alteration in histoarchitecture of pancreatic tissue confirmed the potential of BAC in STZ-induced neonatal models of NIDDM rats. Pretreatment with BAC restored the level of glucose by decreasing the IR and increasing the insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, BAC balanced the antioxidant status and preserved the inflammatory mediators. Histological studies of pancreatic tissues showed normal architecture after BAC administration to diabetic rats. Altogether, our results suggest that BAC successfully reduces the blood glucose level and possesses antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory activities. This leads to decreased histological damage in diabetic pancreatic tissues, suggesting the possibility of future diabetes treatments.
Dynamic simulation for a tapered roller bearing considering a localized surface fault on the rib of the inner race
Authors: Liu Jing , Shao Yimin , Qin Xiaomeng
Published: February 2017

Vibration characteristics of a tapered roller bearing system will be significantly affected by a localized surface fault in the rib of the inner race. The operating condition for the tapered roller bearing system is always monitored to prevent serious failures from happening based on changes in the vibration characteristics. However, most of the previous works are focused on dynamic simulations for a localized surface fault in the race surface. A new dynamic simulation method for a tapered roller bearing with a localized surface fault on the rib of the inner race is proposed. The non-Hertzian contact of taper roller to races and rib is considered. The time-varying deflection excitation caused by the fault is formulated in the proposed method, as well as both the axial and radial contact deformation between the races and rollers. Effects of the axial load, radial load, and fault sizes on the vibration characteristics for the tapered roller bearing are analyzed. An experimental investigation is also developed to validate the proposed method. The results show that the proposed dynamic simulation method can formulate the vibration characteristics for the tapered roller bearing caused by the localized surface fault on the rib of the inner race, which may give some guidance for the tapered roller bearing condition monitoring and fault diagnosis, especially for the incipient localized surface fault.
Augmenting the usability of parallel coordinate plot: The polyline glyphs
Authors: Opach Tomasz , Rød Jan Ketil
Published: February 2017

Polyline glyphs are minimized thumbnails of polylines from parallel coordinates. Since such glyphs may augment the usability of parallel coordinates, the authors investigate whether there are benefits to be derived from using polyline glyphs that are dynamically linked to parallel coordinates as opposed to the use of the latter visualization technique alone. They also identify user tasks that can be effectively solved if parallel coordinates dynamically linked to polyline glyphs are used. This study adds to the body of previous work a discussion on the features of the polyline glyphs that facilitate the exploration and understanding of multivariate data. Moreover, the authors conduct an empirical study in which parallel coordinates dynamically linked to polyline glyphs are used to solve four tasks. The main finding is that polyline glyphs can facilitate a better insight into the similarities between the multivariate signatures of data items and information acquisition if visual clutter hinders the use of parallel coordinates. The study also reveals that if visual clutter does not occur in parallel coordinates and the polylines from the latter can be differentiated, individuals tend not to use polyline glyphs to study multivariate signatures.