bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Tooth Preparation Design on Fitting Accuracy of CAD‐CAM Based Restorations
Authors: Ates Sabit Melih , Yesil Duymus Zeynep
Published: April 2016

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal fit of different zirconia and metal frameworks and compare them with each other on different finish line configurations.

Materials and Methods

20 stainless steel dies 10 with shoulder and 10 with chamfer finish line including 6 mm preparation height and 3 degree axial angle simulating a 6 degree total occlusal covergence of the prepared tooth were produced. After embedding the each group of die into the arch‐shaped acrylic resin blocks, impressions were made using silicone based impression material and 120 casts were prepared subsequently. The dies were divided into six groups each having 20 specimens (10 with shoulder, 10 with chamfer finish line). Group CM consisted of Co‐Cr produced by conventional casting procedure, group MM of Co‐Cr prepared by metal milling, group LM of Co‐Cr prepared by direct laser metal sinterization (DLMS), group ZZ of Zirkonzahn (Zirkonzahn GmbH, Gais, Italy), group LZ of Lava Zirconia (3 M ESPE Dental AG, Seefeld, Germany) and group DZ of DC‐Zirkon (DCS Dental AG, Allschwil, Switzerland). Stereomicroscope were used to evaluate the marginal fit of frameworks and marginal gap values obtained from the images were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U Test and Kruskal–Wallis H Test with Bonferroni correction.

Results

The lowest value of marginal gap was identified in the samples from the LZ group and the highest value was identified in those from ZZ in both finish lines. The effect of finish lines was not significant for most groups but CM frameworks with chamfer finish lines and the DZ frameworks with shoulder finish lines showed significantly lower marginal gap values.

Conclusion

The marginal gaps of the various tested zirconia and metal framework were within the range of clinical acceptability (120 µm).

Clinical Significance

The results of this in vitro study suggest that margin preparation design and type of zirconia and metal framework materials for various CAD‐CAM systems have a significant effect on marginal fit of the resulting restorations. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:238–246, 2016)
Parents’ Perspectives on Supporting Their Decision Making in Genome‐Wide Sequencing
Authors: Li Karen C. , Birch Patricia H. , Garrett Bernard M. , MacPhee Maura , Adam Shelin , Friedman Jan M.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore parents’ perceptions of their decisional needs when considering genome‐wide sequencing (GWS) for their child. This is a partial report and focuses on how parents prefer to receive education and information to support their decision making about GWS.

Design

This study adopted an interpretive description qualitative methodological approach and used the concept of shared decision making and the Ottawa Decision Support Framework.

Methods

Participants were parents who had already consented to GWS, and had children with undiagnosed conditions that were suspected to be genetic in origin. Fifteen parents participated in a focus group or individual interview. Transcriptions were analyzed concurrently with data collection, iteratively, and constantly compared to one another. Repeat interviews were conducted with five of the parents to confirm, challenge, or expand on the developing concepts.

Findings

Participants felt that their decision to proceed with GWS for their child was an easy one. However, they expressed some unresolved decisional needs, including a lack of knowledge about certain topics that became relevant and important to them later and a need for more support and resources. Participants also had ongoing informational and psychosocial needs after the single clinical encounter where their decision making occurred.

Conclusions

Participants expressed unmet decisional needs, which may have influenced the quality of their decisions. The strategies that participants suggested may help create parent‐tailored education, counseling, decision support, and informed consent processes.

Clinical Relevance

Health care professionals who offer GWS for children should assess parents’ values, priorities, and informational needs and tailor information accordingly. There are opportunities for nurses to become involved in supporting families who are considering GWS for their child.
Correlation of serum ANA and direct immunofluorescence studies in elderly Thai patients with red and white oral lesions
Authors: Thongprasom Kobkan , Prapinjumrune Chanwit , Kanjanabuch Patnarin , Youngnak‐Piboonratanakit Pornpan , Preuksrisakul Titipong
Published: April 2016

Objectives

This study investigated the presence of serum antinuclear antibodies (ANA) profile and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) evaluation in elderly Thai patients with red and white oral lesions.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐two patients with red and white oral lesions were divided into two groups: group I consisted of 10 cases not taking medications, while group II consisted of 12 cases taking medications, and 30 healthy subjects as a control group. Blood samples were used to determine the ANA profile. DIF was investigated in the lesion containing groups.

Results

Serum ANA was found in six cases (60%) in group I, eight cases (66.7%) in group II, and 19 cases (63.3%) in the control group. There were no significant differences between group I and group II and the control group (P > 0.05). Serum ANA was most commonly found in patients taking hypolipidemics (80%), followed by antihypertensives (71.4%), NSAIDs (50%), hypoglycemics (50%), and others (66.7%). The anticytoplasmic staining frequency in group II was higher compared with group I and the control group. Anti‐dsDNA antibodies were not found in any group.

Conclusions

Elderly patients with red and white oral lesions who were taking medications had a higher serum ANA frequency than group I and the control group.
Association of Neutral Zone Position with Age, Gender, and Period of Edentulism
Authors: Porwal Amit , Satpathy Anurag , Jain Preet , Ponnanna Ajjikuttira Appanna
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The changing dynamics of an aging mouth influence the position of the neutral zone (NZ). While the advantage of the NZ concept in complete denture treatment is quite established, what is not clearly understood is its position in relation to the crest of the residual ridge due to conflicting reports from previous studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the distance and direction of NZ position in relation to crest of the residual ridge in edentulous patients and its association with age, gender, and period of edentulism.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 133 patients (70 males, 63 females) with a mean age of 58.81 ± 11.78 years. NZ recording was done using admix material by following standard procedures. Two metallic wires were adapted, one on the ridge and another on the center of the occlusal rims, and standardized digital radiographs were made. The position of NZ in relation to the crest of the residual ridge was recorded by noting the direction and measuring the distance between the adapted wires digitally at five locations (right molar, right premolar, incisor, left molar, left premolar regions).

Results

Age, gender, and period of edentulism had no significant association with the position of NZ. No specific trend was observed in the in NZ position with a non‐significant correlation.

Conclusions

Distance and the direction of neutral zone position in relation to crest of the residual ridge in edentulous patients bear no significant relationship with factors such as age, gender, and period of edentulism.
Loose Connections and Liberal Theology: Blurring the Boundaries in Two Church‐Based Communities of Spiritual Practice
Authors: Edgell Penny , Robey Derek
Published: April 2016

We used a mixed methods approach—including ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and a survey—to study two innovative Christian contemplative worship services housed in a mainline Protestant congregation in a midwestern city. These services employed boundary‐blurring practices designed to attract the “de‐churched”—those who had been involved in a Christian congregation in the past but who had at some point disengaged from organized religion. Though attracting some formerly de‐churched participants, these services were far more successful in attracting several other constituencies united by their liberal theology and by a preference for loose connections. We argue that these worship services are best understood as thriving communities of sustained spiritual practice where contemplative rituals sacralize both theistic and extra‐theistic, Christian and non‐Christian, symbols and beliefs.
Costs and Risk of Catfish Split‐pond Systems
Authors: Kumar Ganesh , Engle Carole , Tucker Craig
Published: April 2016

Split ponds are recently developed pond‐based aquaculture systems that allow intensification of catfish aquaculture. Successful industry‐wide adoption of newly developing technologies like split‐pond systems will depend upon their productivity and cost efficiencies. Costs and production performance of the following three split‐pond design scenarios were monitored in Arkansas and Mississippi: (1) research design developed at the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, Stoneville, Mississippi; (2) waterwheel design tested on commercial catfish ponds; and (3) screw‐pump design tested on commercial catfish ponds. An economic engineering approach using standard enterprise budget analysis was used to develop estimates of breakeven prices (BEPs) ($/kg) for producing foodsize hybrid catfish (♂Ictalurus furcatus × ♀Ictalurus punctatus) for each scenario. Estimates of BEPs of hybrid catfish raised in split ponds ranged from $1.72 to $2.05/kg. The cost of catfish production in split ponds was sensitive to yield, fish prices, and feed prices. Annual net cash flows from both commercial split‐pond systems were high and sufficient to make the investment profitable in the long run. Feed price, feed conversion ratio, and yield contributed the most to downside risk of split ponds.
Effects of E/Z Isomers and Coating Materials of Astaxanthin Products on the Pigmentation and Antioxidation of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Hu Jing , Zhang Xiaoqing , Li Xiaoqin , Leng Xiangjun , Wu Shilin , Cheng Dong
Published: April 2016

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of four astaxanthin preparations with different ratio of E/Z (trans/cis) isomers and different coating materials on the pigmentation and antioxidation properties of rainbow trout. Five diets were designed as basal diet (without astaxanthin supplementation) and four astaxanthin diets (100 mg/kg diet) supplemented with four astaxanthin products, BASF (79% all‐E, gelatin coated), Wisdom‐B (85% all‐E, gelatin coated), Wisdom‐C (94% all‐E, carrageenan coated), and Wisdom‐D (94% all‐E, gelatin coated). After 4 wk feeding, the flesh astaxanthin content, redness, and yellowness of astaxanthin‐supplemented groups were higher than those of control group at the second and fourth week (P < 0.05). Among these astaxanthin‐supplemented groups, the Wisdom‐B group had the highest flesh redness and astaxanthin content. The astaxanthin‐supplemented groups also had the lower flesh frozen loss and malondialdehyde level than control group at the fourth week (P < 0.05). The results indicated that dietary 100 mg/kg astaxanthin could improve the flesh redness and antioxidation abilities of rainbow trout. The ration of E/Z isomers and properties of coating materials of astaxanthin preparations influenced the pigmentation and antioxidation properties, and Wisdom‐B had a better pigmentation effect on the flesh than other astaxanthin preparations.
Dietary variety and food group consumption in children consuming a cows' milk exclusion diet
Authors: Maslin Kate , Dean Tara , Arshad Syed Hasan , Venter Carina
Published: April 2016

Background

Dietary variety is defined as the number of different foods or food groups consumed over a given reference period, the consensus being that dietary variety and dietary quality are positively correlated. Recently there has been considerable interest in the association between infant dietary variety and atopic disease.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 8‐ to 27‐month‐old children from the Isle of Wight, UK, including two groups: a group of children consuming a cows' milk exclusion (CME) diet and a control group of children consuming an unrestricted diet. Parents completed a validated food frequency questionnaire, from which dietary variety and consumption of food groups were calculated. Growth measurements were recorded.

Results

A total of 126 participants of mean age 13.0 months were recruited. In addition to the expected differences in dairy and soya consumption, the CME group consumed sweet foods 1.6 times less frequently, non‐water drinks seven times less frequently (p < 0.05) and ready‐made baby foods 15 times more frequently (p < 0.01) than the control group. Overall dietary variety was significantly lower in the CME group (p < 0.01) as was variety of meat and sweet foods consumed. There was a greater concern with healthy eating in the CME group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Children consuming an exclusion diet for cows' milk allergy have an overall less varied diet, including a less varied consumption of meat and sweet foods. Efforts should be made to ensure exclusion diets are as varied as possible to optimize nutritional intake.
Bridging knowledge boundaries: the use of boundary objects in virtual innovation communities
Authors: Marheineke Marc , Habicht Hagen , Möslein Kathrin M.
Published: April 2016

We explore objects which are used to span knowledge boundaries (Carlile, ) in order to establish shared understanding in virtual innovation communities. In particular, the use of a mix of such boundary objects during collaboration on a virtual whiteboard is studied. Five collaborations with in total 31 participants are analyzed on the micro level of activities. We conceptualize collaboration activities according to Dennis et al. () as conveyance of information and convergence on meaning. Both, conveyance and convergence activities are necessary to establish shared understanding. Our results show why and how boundary objects are used specific to conveyance or convergence activities. We, thus, provide confirmative empirical evidence for the theoretical propositions of Dennis et al. () and extend current research on knowledge sharing in virtual innovation by showing how exactly boundary objects contribute. Practical implications include propositions for the design of collaboration platforms and innovation processes.
Stochastic Block Models for Multiplex Networks: An Application to a Multilevel Network of Researchers
Authors: Barbillon Pierre , Donnet Sophie , Lazega Emmanuel , Bar-Hen Avner
Published: April 2016

Modelling relationships between individuals is a classical question in social sciences and clustering individuals according to the observed patterns of interactions allows us to uncover a latent structure in the data. The stochastic block model is a popular approach for grouping individuals with respect to their social comportment. When several relationships of various types can occur jointly between individuals, the data are represented by multiplex networks where more than one edge can exist between the nodes. We extend stochastic block models to multiplex networks to obtain a clustering based on more than one kind of relationship. We propose to estimate the parameters—such as the marginal probabilities of assignment to groups (blocks) and the matrix of probabilities of connections between groups—through a variational expectation–maximization procedure. Consistency of the estimates is studied. The number of groups is chosen by using the integrated completed likelihood criterion, which is a penalized likelihood criterion. Multiplex stochastic block models arise in many situations but our applied example is motivated by a network of French cancer researchers. The two possible links (edges) between researchers are a direct connection or a connection through their laboratories. Our results show strong interactions between these two kinds of connection and the groups that are obtained are discussed to emphasize the common features of researchers grouped together.
Extending the Archimedean Copula Methodology to Model Multivariate Survival Data Grouped in Clusters of Variable Size
Authors: Prenen Leen , Braekers Roel , Duchateau Luc
Published: April 2016

For the analysis of clustered survival data, two different types of model that take the association into account are commonly used: frailty models and copula models. Frailty models assume that, conditionally on a frailty term for each cluster, the hazard functions of individuals within that cluster are independent. These unknown frailty terms with their imposed distribution are used to express the association between the different individuals in a cluster. Copula models in contrast assume that the joint survival function of the individuals within a cluster is given by a copula function, evaluated in the marginal survival function of each individual. It is the copula function which describes the association between the lifetimes within a cluster. A major disadvantage of the present copula models over the frailty models is that the size of the different clusters must be small and equal to set up manageable estimation procedures for the different model parameters. We describe a copula model for clustered survival data where the clusters are allowed to be moderate to large and varying in size by considering the class of Archimedean copulas with completely monotone generator. We develop both one- and two-stage estimators for the copula parameters. Furthermore we show the consistency and asymptotic normality of these estimators. Finally, we perform a simulation study to investigate the finite sample properties of the estimators. We illustrate the method on a data set containing the time to first insemination in cows, with cows clustered in herds.
Oral health‐related quality of life in mild Alzheimer: patient versus caregiver perceptions
Authors: Campos Camila Heitor , Ribeiro Giselle Rodrigues , Rodrigues Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To compare perceptions on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) between Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and their caregivers by using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Correlation between GOHAI and prostheses quality was also performed.

Methods

GOHAI was applied to 16 AD elders and their caregivers. GOHAI index was compared to objective measures of AD patients’ prostheses quality, rated by a researcher. Data were submitted to Wilcoxon signed rank and McNemar tests (α = 5%). Kappa correlations verified the concordance for GOHAI scores between AD patients and caregivers. Spearman's correlation was used to explore concordance between GOHAI scores and prostheses quality indices.

Results

Total GOHAI scores from AD patients and caregivers were similar (P = 0.262). Overall Kappa was good (0.62). There were no correlations between GOHAI scores and prostheses quality.

Conclusion

AD patients assess and self‐report their OHRQoL similarly to their main caregiver.
Are Diuretics Underutilized in Dialysis Patients?
Authors: Trinh Emilie , Bargman Joanne M.
Published: April 2016

While oral diuretics are commonly used in patients with chronic kidney disease for the management of volume and blood pressure, they are often discontinued upon initiation of dialysis. We suggest that diuretics are considerably underutilized in peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis patients despite numerous potential benefits and few side effects. Moreover, when diuretics are used, optimal doses are not always prescribed. In peritoneal dialysis, the use of diuretics can improve volume status and minimize the need for higher glucose‐containing solutions. In patients on haemodialysis, diuretics can help lessen interdialytic weight gain, resulting in decreased ultrafiltration rates and fewer episodes of intradialytic hypotension. This paper will review the mechanism of action of diuretics in patients with renal insufficiency, quantify the risk of side effects and elaborate on the potential advantages of diuretic use in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis patients with residual kidney function.
Sedimentary characteristics of palaeolake deposits along the Indus River valley, Ladakh, Trans‐Himalaya: Implications for the depositional environment
Authors: Nag Debarati , Phartiyal Binita , Singh Dhruv Sen
Published: April 2016

This study is an attempt to contribute to the data set of granulometric studies of sediments by measuring the sedimentary structure and texture, along with statistical parameters, of cold and arid lake systems. The palaeolake sequence along the River Indus on the western fringe of the Tibetan Plateau in Ladakh sector was selected in order to shed light on depositional environmental changes within the lake from post‐last glacial maximum to 5 ka. The River Indus was blocked by Lamayuru dam burst during the deglaciation, after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and the subsequent increase in water level led to the formation of the Saspol–Khalsi palaeolake. This lake was ca 55 km in length, extending from Nimo to Khalsi, had a surface area of 370 km2 and was in existence until 5 ka. Two sections (Saspol and Khalsi) separated by an aerial distance of 35 km show a similar trend in sediment character due to their deposition in the same lake system. Grain‐size studies show a polymodal nature of sediments for both of the sections. However, sediments of the lower/downstream section (Khalsi) show a poorer degree of sorting, and coarser grain size and high energy depositional condition as compared with the sediments of Saspol section (positioned upstream) due to the location of the sections within the lake system. It was noted that, in high‐altitude arid regions, the sedimentological characteristics of large‐sized valley lakes may vary greatly, horizontally as well as vertically, owing to local stream input, inflow intensity from the catchment, outflow velocity of water channels, lithology and valley widths at the different sites.
Mindfulness facets, trait emotional intelligence, emotional distress, and multiple health behaviors: A serial two‐mediator model
Authors: Jacobs Ingo , Wollny Anna , Sim Chu‐Won , Horsch Antje
Published: April 2016

In the present study, we tested a serial mindfulness facets‐trait emotional intelligence (TEI)‐emotional distress‐multiple health behaviors mediation model in a sample of N = 427 German‐speaking occupational therapists. The mindfulness facets‐TEI‐emotional distress section of the mediation model revealed partial mediation for the mindfulness facets Act with awareness (Act/Aware) and Accept without judgment (Accept); inconsistent mediation was found for the Describe facet. The serial two‐mediator model included three mediational pathways that may link each of the four mindfulness facets with multiple health behaviors. Eight out of 12 indirect effects reached significance and fully mediated the links between Act/Aware and Describe to multiple health behaviors; partial mediation was found for Accept. The mindfulness facet Observe was most relevant for multiple health behaviors, but its relation was not amenable to mediation. Implications of the findings will be discussed.
Eating money: Narratives of equality on customary land in the context of natural resource extraction in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Dyer Michelle
Published: April 2016

Why do Solomon Islands’ villagers continue to engage with large scale logging projects by foreign companies when they have decades of experience of the disadvantages of such deals? This paper explores village level narratives of equality surrounding a logging dispute in a village on Kolombangara Island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Drawing on empirical evidence I seek to understand firstly, why villagers continue to engage with logging companies, and secondly, why seemingly viable and financially attractive alternative forestry projects may not be taken up. Additionally, I examine legal recognition of a local conservation Non‐Government organisation as an environmental ‘stakeholder’, with an accepted interest in customary land as distinct from the categorisation of ‘landowners’. I conclude that village communities may continue to engage with foreign logging companies, despite their clear knowledge of the disadvantages of such projects, partly as a means of maintaining some measure of social equality in the village.
Mechanics and Activation of Unconventional Myosins
Authors: Batters Christopher , Veigel Claudia
Published: April 2016

Many types of cellular motility are based on the myosin family of motor proteins ranging from muscle contraction to exo‐ and endocytosis, cytokinesis, cell locomotion or signal transduction in hearing. At the center of this wide range of motile processes lies the adaptation of the myosins for each specific mechanical task and the ability to coordinate the timing of motor protein mobilization and targeting. In recent years, great progress has been made in developing single molecule technology to characterize the diverse mechanical properties of the unconventional myosins. Here, we discuss the basic mechanisms and mechanical adaptations of unconventional myosins, and emerging principles regulating motor mobilization and targeting.
The anatomical, cellular and synaptic basis of motor atonia during rapid eye movement sleep
Authors: Arrigoni Elda , Chen Michael C. , Fuller Patrick M.
Published: April 2016

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a recurring part of the sleep–wake cycle characterized by fast, desynchronized rhythms in the electroencephalogram (EEG), hippocampal theta activity, rapid eye movements, autonomic activation and loss of postural muscle tone (atonia). The brain circuitry governing REM sleep is located in the pontine and medullary brainstem and includes ascending and descending projections that regulate the EEG and motor components of REM sleep. The descending signal for postural muscle atonia during REM sleep is thought to originate from glutamatergic neurons of the sublaterodorsal nucleus (SLD), which in turn activate glycinergic pre‐motor neurons in the spinal cord and/or ventromedial medulla to inhibit motor neurons. Despite work over the past two decades on many neurotransmitter systems that regulate the SLD, gaps remain in our knowledge of the synaptic basis by which SLD REM neurons are regulated and in turn produce REM sleep atonia. Elucidating the anatomical, cellular and synaptic basis of REM sleep atonia control is a critical step for treating many sleep‐related disorders including obstructive sleep apnoea (apnea), REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) and narcolepsy with cataplexy.

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Molecular and cellular neurocardiology: development, and cellular and molecular adaptations to heart disease
Authors: Habecker Beth A. , Anderson Mark E. , Birren Susan J. , Fukuda Keiichi , Herring Neil , Hoover Donald B. , Kanazawa Hideaki , Paterson David J. , Ripplinger Crystal M.
Published: April 2016

The nervous system and cardiovascular system develop in concert and are functionally interconnected in both health and disease. This white paper focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie neural–cardiac interactions during development, during normal physiological function in the mature system, and during pathological remodelling in cardiovascular disease. The content on each subject was contributed by experts, and we hope that this will provide a useful resource for newcomers to neurocardiology as well as aficionados.
Carnosine and anserine homeostasis in skeletal muscle and heart is controlled by β‐alanine transamination
Authors: Blancquaert Laura , Baba Shahid P. , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Stautemas Jan , Stegen Sanne , Barbaresi Silvia , Chung Weiliang , Boakye Adjoa A. , Hoetker J. David , Bhatnagar Aruni , Delanghe Joris , Vanheel Bert , Veiga‐da‐Cunha Maria , Derave Wim , Everaert Inge
Published: April 2016

Key points

Using recombinant DNA technology, the present study provides the first strong and direct evidence indicating that β‐alanine is an efficient substrate for the mammalian transaminating enzymes 4‐aminobutyrate‐2‐oxoglutarate transaminase and alanine‐glyoxylate transaminase.

The concentration of carnosine and anserine in murine skeletal and heart muscle depends on circulating availability of β‐alanine, which is in turn controlled by degradation of β‐alanine in liver and kidney.

Chronic oral β‐alanine supplementation is a popular ergogenic strategy in sports because it can increase the intracellular carnosine concentration and subsequently improve the performance of high‐intensity exercises. The present study can partly explain why the β‐alanine supplementation protocol is so inefficient, by demonstrating that exogenous β‐alanine can be effectively routed toward oxidation.

The metabolic fate of orally ingested β‐alanine is largely unknown. Chronic β‐alanine supplementation is becoming increasingly popular for improving high‐intensity exercise performance because it is the rate‐limiting precursor of the dipeptide carnosine (β‐alanyl‐l‐histidine) in muscle. However, only a small fraction (3–6%) of the ingested β‐alanine is used for carnosine synthesis. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the putative contribution of two β‐alanine transamination enzymes, namely 4‐aminobutyrate‐2‐oxoglutarate transaminase (GABA‐T) and alanine‐glyoxylate transaminase (AGXT2), to the homeostasis of carnosine and its methylated analogue anserine. We found that, when transfected into HEK293T cells, recombinant mouse and human GABA‐T and AGXT2 are able to transaminate β‐alanine efficiently. The reaction catalysed by GABA‐T is inhibited by vigabatrin, whereas both GABA‐T and AGXT2 activity is inhibited by aminooxyacetic acid (AOA). Both GABA‐T and AGXT2 are highly expressed in the mouse liver and kidney and the administration of the inhibitors effectively reduced their enzyme activity in liver (GABA‐T for vigabatrin; GABA‐T and AGXT2 for AOA). In vivo, injection of AOA in C57BL/6 mice placed on β‐alanine (0.1% w/v in drinking water) for 2 weeks lead to a 3‐fold increase in circulating β‐alanine levels and to significantly higher levels of carnosine and anserine in skeletal muscle and heart. By contrast, specific inhibition of GABA‐T by vigabatrin did not affect carnosine and anserine levels in either tissue. Collectively, these data demonstrate that homeostasis of carnosine and anserine in mammalian skeletal muscle and heart is controlled by circulating β‐alanine levels, which are suppressed by hepatic and renal β‐alanine transamination upon oral β‐alanine intake.
Protective Effects of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester on Fluoxetine-Induced Hepatotoxicity: An Experimental Study
Authors: Yılmaz Ahmet , Elbey Bilal , Yazgan Ümit Can , Dönder Ahmet , Arslan Necmi , Arslan Serkan , Alabalık Ulaş , Aslanhan Hamza
Published: April 2016

Background. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on fluoxetine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.Materials and Methods. Group I served as control. Group II received CAPE intraperitoneally. Group III received fluoxetine per orally. Group IV received fluoxetine and CAPE. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), and liver enzymes including paraoxonase-1 (PON-1), aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase levels were measured. Liver tissues were processed histopathologically for evaluation of liver injury and to validate the serum enzyme levels.Results. An increase in TOS and OSI and a decrease in TAC and PON-1 levels in serum and liver tissues of Group III were observed compared to Groups I and II. After treatment with CAPE, the level of TOS and OSI decreased while TAC and PON-1 increased in serum and liver in Group IV. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed hepatic injury after fluoxetine treatment and reduction of injury with CAPE treatment.Conclusion. Our results suggested that CAPE treatment provided protection against fluoxetine toxicity. Following CAPE treatment with fluoxetine-induced hepatotoxicity, TOS and OSI levels decreased, whereas PON-1 and TAC increased in the serum and liver.
Poststernotomy Osteomyelitis Presenting with Severe Sepsis and Rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Tan Eugene M. , Lyle Melissa , Cawcutt Kelly , Temesgen Zelalem
Published: April 2016

A 39-year-old male, who recently underwent a composite valve graft of the aortic root and ascending aorta for bicuspid aortic valve and aortic root aneurysm, was hospitalized for severe sepsis, rhabdomyolysis (creatine kinase 29000 U/L), and severe liver dysfunction (AST > 7000 U/L, ALT 4228 U/L, and INR > 10). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were consistent with sternal osteomyelitis with a 1.5 cm abscess at the inferior sternotomy margin, which was contiguous with pericardial thickening. Aspiration and culture of this abscess did not yield any organisms, so he was treated with vancomycin and cefepime empirically for 4 weeks. Because this patient was improving clinically on antibiotics and did not show external signs of wound infection, there was no compelling indication for sternectomy. This patient’s unusual presentation with osteomyelitis and rhabdomyolysis has never been reported and is crucial for clinicians to recognize in order to prevent delays in diagnosis.
Side Trip Multipath Routing Protocol for Spatial Node Failure in Data-Gathering WSNs
Authors: Fujita Keisuke , Takaki Yumi , Ohta Chikara , Tamaki Hisashi
Published: April 2016

In severe disaster environments, data-gathering wireless sensor networks possibly suffer from spatial node failure due to external factors such as land slide and river overflow. In order to enhance tolerance to spatial node failure, this paper proposes not only a multipath data gathering protocol called “Side Trip (ST)” scheme but also an improved version of ST scheme called “Side Trip with Network Coding (STNC)” scheme. In the ST scheme, a node establishes a secondary path which passes through nodes almost the same hop count away from the sink in order to spatially separate the path from the primary path and enhance spatial node-failure tolerance. In the STNC scheme, redundant packets from different source nodes are network-coded into an encoded packet in order to reduce the number of redundant packets and the impact on the system lifetime. We compare the ST scheme, STNC scheme, and two existing multipath protocols (i.e., H-SPREAD (Hybrid-Secure Protocol for REliable dAta Delivery) scheme and SMRP (Subbranch Multipath Routing Protocol) scheme) by means of a self-developed simulator. Simulation results show that STNC scheme and ST scheme enhance tolerance to node-failure compared to H-SPREAD scheme and SMRP scheme with no significant impact on system lifetime.
Associations between Tactile Sensory Threshold and Postural Performance and Effects of Healthy Aging and Subthreshold Vibrotactile Stimulation on Postural Outcomes in a Simple Dual Task
Authors: Dettmer Marius , Pourmoghaddam Amir , Lee Beom-Chan , Layne Charles S.
Published: April 2016

Specific activities that require concurrent processing of postural and cognitive tasks may increase the risk for falls in older adults. We investigated whether peripheral receptor sensitivity was associated with postural performance in a dual-task and whether an intervention in form of subthreshold vibration could affect performance. Ten younger (age: 20–35 years) and ten older adults (70–85 years) performed repeated auditory-verbal 1-back tasks while standing quietly on a force platform. Foot sole vibration was randomly added during several trials. Several postural control and performance measures were assessed and statistically analyzed (significance set toα-levels of .05). There were moderate correlations between peripheral sensitivity and several postural performance and control measures (r=.45to .59). Several postural performance measures differed significantly between older and younger adults (p<0.05); addition of vibration did not affect outcome measures. Aging affects healthy older adults’ performance in dual-tasks, and peripheral sensitivity may be a contributor to the observed differences. A vibration intervention may only be useful when there are more severe impairments of the sensorimotor system. Hence, future research regarding the efficacy of sensorimotor interventions in the form of vibrotactile stimulation should focus on older adults whose balance is significantly affected.
Building nursing role clarity on a foundation of knowledge and knowledge application
Authors: Martin Dianne , Weeres Annette
Published: April 2016

Although a number of factors such as legislation, regulatory frameworks, healthcare system structures and supports impact the optimization of nursing roles, a new look at the nursing process can provide a strong foundation. This article discusses the ambiguity related to the expansion of the licensed practical nurse role over the past 67 years and provides evidence that nurses and healthcare executives, including nurse leaders, still have difficulty in clearly articulating the overlap in categories of nurse, despite the frameworks and tools available to support decision-making. To provide safe, high-quality care using effective and efficient models of care, every category of nurse is essential and role clarity must begin with understanding how to focus on knowledge and knowledge application to make effective decisions in daily practice.
Nursing to achieve organizational performance
Authors: Harris Alexandra
Published: April 2016

The success and performance of healthcare organizations relies on the strategic management of knowledge. Nursing Intellectual Capital (NIC) has emerged as a concept involving nursing knowledge resources that create value in healthcare organizations. This article aims to discuss the importance of considering knowledge resources in the context of healthcare performance, with specific reference to NIC. Reflections are then provided on how leaders can look to advance NIC for improved performance.
Die Reform der Informationsinfrastrukturen als Governance-Problem
Authors: Reuter Peter
Published: April 2016

Die von der Gemeinsamen Wissenschaftskonferenz, dem Wissenschaftsrat und der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft initiierte und im Koalitionsvertrag der Bundesregierung verankerte Reform der Informationsinfrastrukturen ist ein hochkomplexes Vorhaben, das nicht nur Strukturen und Strategien für eine kohärente Steuerung erfordert, sondern auch ein ungewöhnlich hohes Maß an Kooperations- und Reformbereitschaft bei einer Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Akteure voraussetzt. Ergebnisse und Verfahren aus der Governance-Forschung der letzten Jahrzehnte können wichtige Hinweise zur Gestaltung des Prozesses geben.
TG-DTA-FTIR analysis and isoconversional reaction profiles for thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation processes in black chokeberry (Aroniamelanocarpa)
Authors: Janković Bojan , Marinović-Cincović Milena , Janković Marija
Published: April 2016

The thermal and thermo-oxidative processes in Aroniamelanocarpa (black chokeberry) were investigated using combined thermo-analytical (TG-DTA) and spectroscopic (FTIR) experimental techniques. Isoconversional analysis revealed that the process in an inert (argon) atmosphere was probably governed by chlorogenic acid degradation, where autocatalysis (described by the empirical Šesták–Berggren model) might occur due to water already present in the early stages of the process through hydrolysis. Thermal degradation is described by the intrinsic kinetic parameters, where the degradation rate increases proportionally with an increase in the heating rate. Under oxidative conditions, the process was found to be primarily driven by neochlorogenic acid degradation. The thermo-oxidative degradation of
Design for Elderly – A Meeting Point for Ethnography and Usability
Authors: Endter Cordula
Published: April 2016

Ethnographic research methods are getting more and more popular in disciplines that have mainly been dominated by quantitative or experimental methodological approaches. Especially in technology-driven research, ethnography seems to enrich common approaches by investigating the use of technology in the everyday life of prospective users. By participating in and observing the users and their mundane activities, routines and rituals ethnography provides insights that can be integrated in the design process to improve the usability of the artifact. This article discusses the intersection of ethnography and usability by introducing ethnographic methods, discussing their application in the context of design for elderly and presenting results of an ethnographic case study in the field of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL).
UUX Method Selection
Authors: Fischer Holger , Kauer-Franz Michaela , Winter Dominique , Latt Stefan
Published: April 2016

The establishment of human-centered design within software development processes is still a challenge. Numerous methods exist that aim to increase the usability and user experience of an interactive system. Nevertheless, the selection of appropriate methods remains to be challenging, as there are multiple different factors that have a significant impact on the appropriateness of the methods in their context of use. The present article investigates current strategies of method selection based on a conference workshop with practitioners. The results show that usability and user experience professionals concentrate on five to seven well-known methods and will need more support to select and use further ones.
Formula for success: Multilevel modelling of Formula One Driver and Constructor performance, 1950–2014
Authors: Bell Andrew , Smith James , Sabel Clive E. , Jones Kelvyn
Published: April 2016

This paper uses random-coefficient models and (a) finds rankings of who are the best formula 1 (F1) drivers of all time, conditional on team performance; (b) quantifies how much teams and drivers matter; and (c) quantifies how team and driver effects vary over time and under different racing conditions. The points scored by drivers in a race (standardised across seasons and Normalised) is used as the response variable in a cross-classified multilevel model that partitions variance into team, team-year and driver levels. These effects are then allowed to vary by year, track type and weather conditions using complex variance functions. Juan Manuel Fangio is found to be the greatest driver of all time. Team effects are shown to be more important than driver effects (and increasingly so over time), although their importance may be reduced in wet weather and on street tracks. A sensitivity analysis was undertaken with various forms of the dependent variable; this did not lead to substantively different conclusions. We argue that the approach can be applied more widely across the social sciences, to examine individual and team performance under changing conditions.
X‐ray structure of linalool dehydratase/isomerase from Castellaniella defragrans reveals enzymatic alkene synthesis
Authors: Weidenweber Sina , Marmulla Robert , Ermler Ulrich , Harder Jens
Published: April 2016

Linalool dehydratase/isomerase (Ldi), an enzyme of terpene degradation in Castellaniella defragrans, isomerizes the primary monoterpene alcohol geraniol into the tertiary alcohol (S)‐linalool and dehydrates (S)‐linalool to the alkene β‐myrcene. Here we report on the crystal structures of Ldi with and without terpene substrates, revealing a cofactor‐free homopentameric enzyme. The substrates were embedded inside a hydrophobic channel between two monomers of the (α,α)6 barrel fold class and flanked by three clusters of polar residues involved in acid‐base catalysis. The detailed view into the active site will guide future biotechnological applications of Ldi, in particular, for industrial butadiene and isoprene production from renewable sources.
SAMM50 Affects Mitochondrial Morphology through the Association of Drp1 in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Liu Shuo , Gao Yali , Zhang Cheng , Li Han , Pan Shiyi , Wang Xiaoli , Du Shiming , Deng Zixin , Wang Lianrong , Song Zhiyin , Chen Shi
Published: April 2016

Mitochondrial fission and fusion activities are important for cell survival and function. Drp1 is a GTPase protein responsible for mitochondrial division, and SAMM50 is responsible for protein sorting and assembly. We demonstrated that SAMM50 overexpression results in Drp1‐dependent mitochondrial fragmentation in HeLa cells. However, the mitochondrial fragmentation induced by SAMM50 overexpression could be reversed through co‐expression with MFN2. Furthermore, SAMM50 interacts with Drp1 both in vivo and in vitro. The mitochondria in SAMM50 knockdown HeLa cells displayed a swollen phenotype, and the levels of the SAM complex and OPA1, along with the mitochondrial Drp1 levels, significantly decreased. In addition, mitochondrial inheritance was impaired in SAMM50 silenced cells. These results suggest that SAMM50 affects the Drp1‐dependent mitochondrial morphology.
LncRNA H19 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate AQP3 expression by sponging miR‐874 in the intestinal barrier
Authors: Su Zhaoran , Zhi Xiaofei , Zhang Qun , Yang Li , Xu Hao , Xu Zekuan
Published: April 2016

Intestinal barrier dysfunction is a significant clinical problem, which develops in a variety of acute or chronic pathological conditions. In a previous study, we found that microRNA‐874 (miR‐874) suppresses aquaporin‐3 (AQP3) expression, which contributes significantly to intestinal barrier dysfunction. Recently, a new regulatory circuit was identified in which RNA can crosstalk with each other by competing for shared miRNA. Here, we show that the human long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19 may function as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to regulate the expression of AQP3 through competition for miR‐874, thus playing a significant role in maintaining intestinal barrier function.
A decade of RAPID—Reflections on the development of an open source geoscience code
Authors: David Cédric H. , Famiglietti James S. , Yang Zong‐Liang , Habets Florence , Maidment David R.
Published: April 2016

Earth science increasingly relies on computer‐based methods and many government agencies now require further sharing of the digital products they helped fund. Earth scientists, while often supportive of more transparency in the methods they develop, are concerned by this recent requirement and puzzled by its multiple implications. This paper therefore presents a reflection on the numerous aspects of sharing code and data in the general field of computer modeling of dynamic Earth processes. Our reflection is based on 10 years of development of an open source model called the Routing Application for Parallel Computation of Discharge (RAPID) that simulates the propagation of water flow waves in river networks. Three consecutive but distinct phases of the sharing process are highlighted here: opening, exposing, and consolidating. Each one of these phases is presented as an independent and tractable increment aligned with the various stages of code development and justified based on the size of the users community. Several aspects of digital scholarship are presented here including licenses, documentation, websites, citable code and data repositories, and testing. While the many existing services facilitate the sharing of digital research products, digital scholarship also raises community challenges related to technical training, self‐perceived inadequacy, community contribution, acknowledgment and performance assessment, and sustainable sharing.