bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-dimensional Shaping for Knitted Garments
Authors: Ma Yanxue , Lamar Traci A.M.
Published: January 2017

Knitted garments are an important component of fashion and apparel industries. Advanced technologies, such as fully-fashioned and seamless knitting, provide new opportunities for knitted garment design to improve fit and enhance aesthetics. However, these innovative techniques are not well developed. This paper focuses on three-dimensional shaping techniques accomplished on weft v-bed knitting machines. The purposes of the paper are to review methods of creating 3-D shapes in knitted garments and to examine principles and limitations of each method.
Making Polyester/Cotton Blend Fabrics Silk-Like Through Alkaline Oxidation
Authors: Nateri A. Shams , Goodarz M.
Published: January 2017

Alkaline oxidation of polyester/cotton blend fabrics is a topochemical reaction, and for this reason, it has been used to improve the properties of polyester/cotton blend fibers. The alkaline hydrolysis of polyester fiber and also oxidation of cotton fibers consequently reduce the degree of polymerization of the cellulosic chains. During this process, hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide are used as oxidizing agent and alkali, respectively. Fabrics treated by this method could lose up to 25% in weight and attain a silk-like handle, and also achieve an improvement in properties such as hydrophilicity, dyeability and flexibility. In this study, we want to study the effects of oxidation and alkaline treatment on the optical and physical properties of polyester/cotton blend fabrics.
Criminology in a controlled climate: reflections on learning and teaching in Hong Kong
Authors: Fraser Alistair
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on some of the ways in which I sought to engage in public criminology in this controlled climate.

Design/methodology/approach

In what follows, I introduce some of the work that I supervised and draw out some principles that might be helpful to others, grouped under the headings of teaching, coordination and supervision.

Originality/value

In contributing to the critical pedagogy of the Master of Social Sciences in the Criminology programme “which has for thirty years sought to cultivate critical, independent scholarship among criminal justice practitioners in Hong Kong”, I had the opportunity to contribute, in a small way, to the growth of a grounded Hong Kong criminology.
Differentiating good from bad
Authors: Chen Lu
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to reveal how the Chinese government has tried to regulate transnational cultural flows by applying cultural policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares the dissemination of different foreign television programmes in China since the 1980s. The documents of cultural policy released since 1990s, news reports and the statistics of imported dramas since 2000s will be analyzed.

Findings

The research finds that the Chinese government has treated cultural products from different countries in unequal ways. Political-diplomatic relationships and the need for ideological control, influence the making of cultural policy. Restricting the quota of imported dramas, censorship and propaganda are measures taken by the Chinese government to regulate transnational cultural flows.

Research limitations/implications

The paper mainly focuses on platforms such as state-owned television stations and internet. The role of pay-cable channel in disseminating imported dramas should be taken into consideration in the future research.

Practical implications

The paper provides a systematic understanding on the development of Chinese cultural policy.

Originality/value

The paper offers an alternative approach to explore the policy-oriented dissemination of transnational cultural flows other than market-oriented dissemination.
Tension of interaction order: infringement and mobilization of the umbrella movement
Authors: Ng Cham Hung
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims at exploring the mobilization of the Umbrella Movement and examining how the interplay of emotion and meaning contribute to a mass occupation via the mass media and social media. It proposes a model of emotional mobilization and explains how and why the perception of eviction is capable of triggering the subsequent collective political action through moral shock on bystanders.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an exploratory study and adopts the method of semi-structured interview. It interviewed 31 participants of the Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong. The data were complemented by discourse analysis of video clips and participation observation of conflict scenes between protestors and police.

Findings

This study provides insights on how a potential participant can be motivated to participate in a social movement, after perceiving violent behaviors of police on other people. It suggests that moral outrage can be generated when people realizes a dramatic difference between expected behaviors and perceived behaviors of police officers through watching live broadcast or video clips. It also suggests that the shared social identity between protestors, police and perceivers provides the ground for the perceivers to feel angry and believe they are obliged to response to the situation.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the method and approach, the study may lack generalizability. However, researchers can test the proposed propositions by applying the model to other unexpected mobilization of social movement in history, or expand the model by studying the mobilizing power of direct and indirect perception of eviction, and the examine responses of the same physical conflict from people with different social identities.

Originality/value

This study explains how the mobilization of a social movement is possible despite the failure of mobilization by activists. It also complements the idea of moral shock by grounding such process on interaction order.
Children with learning disabilities and their participation in judicial procedures – what can disability advocacy offer?
Authors: Petri Gábor
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the paper titled “The Zone of Parental Control, The ‘Gilded Cage’ and The Deprivation of a Child’s Liberty: Getting Around Article 5”.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the original article as a jumping off point to assess what aids advocacy organisations and human rights instruments can give to children with learning disabilities who enter legal procedures.

Findings

Existing human rights laws such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities provide innovative principles to reviewing existing policies, but little practical guidance is given to real implementation. Disability advocacy is ambiguous towards the question of representation of children with learning disabilities.

Originality/value

Literature on self-advocacy and especially on the self-advocacy and self-representation of children with learning disabilities is very limited. Access to justice for children with learning disabilities is similarly under-researched and is rarely addressed in disability advocacy.
Intimate relationships and persons with learning disability
Authors: Azzopardi-Lane Claire
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on the paper “Supporting people with learning disabilities to make and maintain intimate relationships”.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparison of the sexual rights of persons with disability, as outlined in the 2006 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, with research on actual policy and practice.

Findings

The sexual expression of persons with learning disability remains suppressed by those in positions of power, such as parents and service providers.

Originality/value

While there remains a long way to go, the commentary points towards examples of empowering policies and good practice that may shift the discourse towards sexual rights and emancipation of persons with learning disability.
Comparison of short‐term outcomes and three yearsurvival between total minimally invasiveMcKeown and dual‐incision esophagectomy
Authors: Mu Ju‐Wei , Gao Shu‐Geng , Xue Qi , Mao You‐Sheng , Wang Da‐Li , Zhao Jun , Gao Yu‐Shun , Huang Jin‐Feng , He Jie
Published: January 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the short‐term outcomes and three‐year survival between dual‐incision esophagectomy (DIE) and total minimally invasiveMcKeown esophagectomy (MIME) for esophageal cancer patients with negative upper mediastinal lymph nodes requiring esophagectomy and neck anastomosis.

Methods

One hundred and fifty patients underwentDIE, while 361 patients received totalMIME. Perioperative outcomes and three‐year survival were compared in unmatched and propensity score matched data between two groups.

Results

Both unmatched and matched analysis demonstrated that there were no significant differences in the number of lymph nodes harvested, or major or minor complication rates between theDIEandMIMEgroups. Compared with patients who underwentDIE, patients who underwent totalMIMEhad longer operation duration (310 minutes vs. 345 minutes;P = 0.002). However, there was significantly less intraoperative blood loss in the totalMIMEcompared with theDIEgroup (191 mLvs. 287 mL, respectively;P < 0.001).Kaplan‐Meier analysis demonstrated a trend that patients who underwentMIMEhad longer overall (79.5% vs. 64.1%;P = 0.063) and disease‐free three‐year survival (65.3% vs. 82.8%;P = 0.058) compared with patients who underwentDIE.

Conclusions

Both totalMIMEandDIEare feasible for the surgical treatment of esophageal cancer patients with negative upper mediastinal lymph nodes requiring esophagectomy and neck anastomosis. However,MIMEwas associated with better overall and disease‐free three‐year survival compared withDIE.
Reliability in cardiotocography interpretation – impact of extended on‐site education in addition to web‐based learning: an observational study
Authors: Gyllencreutz Erika , Hulthén Varli Ingela , Lindqvist Pelle G. , Holzmann Malin
Published: January 2017

Introduction

Previous studies have shown poor reproducibility in cardiotocography (CTG) interpretation. Studies evaluating the Swedish web‐based CTG‐education program have not proven to increase accurate CTG assessments. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an extended education can improve inter‐ and intra‐observer reliability in CTG interpretation.

Material and methods

Six obstetricians from two different departments interpreted 106 CTG tracings on two occasions. Both departments used a Swedish national web‐based CTG education and test for training. One department had, in addition, an extended education program consisting of on‐site lectures and oral examinations. Inter‐ and intra‐observer agreements were calculated by simple or weighted kappa (κ) values for the five parameters assessed on CTG.

Results

In both departments inter‐observer and intra‐observer κ showed moderate to excellent agreement (ranges for κ 0.41–0.76 and 0.65–0.93, respectively). Obstetricians at the department with extended CTG education had better inter‐observer reliability for variability and accelerations. This was also the case for intra‐observer reliability with the addition of baseline frequency. Both inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement increased from moderate to substantial in both departments when decelerations were dichotomized into harmless (including early and simple variable decelerations) or hypoxic (including late, severe variable, prolonged and combined decelerations) (κ 0.63–0.78) compared with the current sub‐classification of decelerations (κ 0.42–0.65).

Conclusions

Agreement in CTG interpretation was better than expected in both departments, especially when divided into harmless/hypoxic changes. Combination of different learning methods (web‐based, on‐site lectures and case discussion) might result in a better CTG interpretation agreement compared with web‐based learning solely.
Somatic symptom disorder was common in children and adolescents attending an emergency department complaining of pain
Authors: Cozzi Giorgio , Minute Marta , Skabar Aldo , Pirrone Angela , Jaber Mohamad , Neri Elena , Montico Marcella , Ventura Alessandro , Barbi Egidio
Published: January 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of somatic pain in a paediatric emergency department (ED).

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study using patients admitted to the ED of an Italian children's hospital between December 2014 and February 2015. We enrolled children aged 7–17 who turned up at the ED complaining of pain. Patients and parents were asked to fill in a questionnaire to allow the analysis of the patients’ medical history and provide contact details for follow‐up. We divided the enrolled patients into four groups: post‐traumatic pain, organic pain, functional pain and somatic pain. The questionnaire was used to define pain characteristics and to generate an impairment score.

Results

Of the 713 patients who met inclusion criteria, 306 (42.9%) were enrolled in the study. Of these, 135 (44.0%) suffered from post‐traumatic pain, 104 (34.0%) from organic pain, 41 (13.4%) from functional pain and 26 (8.6%) from somatic pain. Somatic pain patients had endured pain longer, had missed more school days and had suffered severe functional impairment.

Conclusion

This study highlighted that somatic pain was a significant contributor to paediatric emergency room visits and should be suspected and diagnosed in children reporting pain.
Engendering Growth Diagnostics: Examining Constraints to Private Investment and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Roncolato Leanne , Reksten Nicholas , Grown Caren
Published: January 2017

The growth constraints diagnostic is a framework that seeks to help countries identify ‘binding’ constraints to private investment and entrepreneurship. Curiously absent from the diagnoses of the 31 countries to which this framework has been applied is any mention of gender gaps. This is surprising given the substantial literature providing evidence that gender gaps in education, income, employment, resource control and access affect economic growth and well‐being. This article ‘engenders’ the standard growth diagnostic process through disaggregating key variables by sex, reinterpreting nodes in the decision tree to reflect how they are intrinsically gendered, and adding new branches and nodes. It provides a theoretical framework for applying the gender growth diagnostic to help practitioners adopt it in country studies.
Estimated ventricle size using Evans index: reference values from a population‐based sample
Authors: Jaraj D. , Rabiei K. , Marlow T. , Jensen C. , Skoog I. , Wikkelsø C.
Published: January 2017

Background and purpose

Evans index is an estimate of ventricular size used in the diagnosis of idiopathic normal‐pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Values >0.3 are considered pathological and are required by guidelines for the diagnosis of iNPH. However, there are no previous epidemiological studies on Evans index, and normal values in adults are thus not precisely known. We examined a representative sample to obtain reference values and descriptive data on Evans index.

Methods

A population‐based sample (n = 1235) of men and women aged ≥70 years was examined. The sample comprised people living in private households and residential care, systematically selected from the Swedish population register. Neuropsychiatric examinations, including head computed tomography, were performed between 1986 and 2000.

Results

Evans index ranged from 0.11 to 0.46. The mean value in the total sample was 0.28 (SD, 0.04) and 20.6% (n = 255) had values >0.3. Among men aged ≥80 years, the mean value of Evans index was 0.3 (SD, 0.03). Individuals with dementia had a mean value of Evans index of 0.31 (SD, 0.05) and those with radiological signs of iNPH had a mean value of 0.36 (SD, 0.04).

Conclusions

A substantial number of subjects had ventricular enlargement according to current criteria. Clinicians and researchers need to be aware of the range of values among older individuals.
Comparison of limb kinematics between collected and lengthened (medium/extended) trot in two groups of dressage horses on two different surfaces
Authors: Walker V. A. , Tranquille C. A. , Newton J. R. , Dyson S. J. , Brandham J. , Northrop A. J. , Murray R. C.
Published: January 2017

Background

Dressage horses are often asked to work in lengthened paces during training and competition, but to date there is limited information about the biomechanics of dressage‐specific paces. Preliminary work has shown increased fetlock extension in extended compared with collected paces, but further investigation of the kinematic differences between collected, medium and extended trot in dressage horses is warranted.

Objectives

Investigation of the effect of collected vs. medium/extended trot on limb kinematics of dressage horses.

Study design

Prospective kinematic evaluation.

Methods

Twenty clinically sound horses in active dressage training were used. Group 1: Ten young horses (≤6 years) were assessed at collected and medium trot and Group 2: Ten mature horses (≥9 years) were assessed at collected and extended trot. All horses were evaluated on two different surfaces. High speed motion capture (240 Hz) was used to determine kinematic variables. Fore‐ and hindlimb angles were measured at mid‐stance. Descriptive statistics and mixed effect multilevel regression analyses were performed.

Results

Speed and stride length were reduced and stride duration increased at collected compared with medium/extended trot. Lengthened trot (medium/extended trot) was associated with increased fetlock extension in both the fore‐ and hindlimbs in both groups of horses. Changes were greater in mature horses compared with young horses. Shoulder and carpus angles were associated with forelimb fetlock angle. Hock angle was not significantly influenced by pace. Surface had no effect on fetlock or hock angles.

Main limitations

Only 2D motion analysis was carried out. Results may have differed in horses with more extreme gait characteristics.

Conclusions

Medium/extended trot increases extension of the fore‐ and hindlimb fetlock joints compared with collected trot in both young and mature dressage horses, respectively.
Caspase‐1 promotes monocyte–macrophage differentiation by repressing PPARγ
Authors: Niu Zhiyuan , Tang Jiajin , Zhang Wenlong , Chen Yongjun , Huang Yahong , Chen Bing , Li Jiahong , Shen Pingping
Published: January 2017

Monocyte‐to‐macrophage differentiation is tightly controlled in vivo, as disruption of the normal differentiation program can lead to diverse disorders. Caspase‐1, the first identified member of the caspase family, regulates differentiation in various cell types such as Th17 cells and adipocytes. However, the contribution of caspase‐1 in monocyte–macrophage differentiation remains elusive. Here we report that caspase‐1 is significantly downregulated in leukemia cells from patients with acute monocytic leukemia. By using the phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐induced cell differentiation model, we found that caspase‐1 activation was required for the differentiation of human monocytes to macrophages. Further analysis of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) protein levels revealed that the monocyte–macrophage differentiation program could be divided into two stages. Caspase‐1‐mediated downregulation of PPARγ was important in the late stage of monocyte–macrophage differentiation; however, PPARγ protein levels had little effect on the early stage differentiation. Accumulation of PPARγ protein by troglitazone treatment potently suppressed the late stage of macrophage differentiation, which might be linked to inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB activity. The data provide a plausible mechanistic basis by which caspase‐1 promotes the differentiation of macrophages from monocytes.
Regulation of the mammalian heat shock factor 1
Authors: Dayalan Naidu Sharadha , Dinkova‐Kostova Albena T.
Published: January 2017

Living organisms are endowed with the capability to tackle various forms of cellular stress due to the presence of molecular chaperone machinery complexes that are ubiquitous throughout the cell. During conditions of proteotoxic stress, the transcription factor heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) mediates the elevation of heat shock proteins, which are crucial components of the chaperone complex machinery and function to ameliorate protein misfolding and aggregation and restore protein homeostasis. In addition, HSF1 orchestrates a versatile transcriptional programme that includes genes involved in repair and clearance of damaged macromolecules and maintenance of cell structure and metabolism, and provides protection against a broad range of cellular stress mediators, beyond heat shock. Here, we discuss the structure and function of the mammalian HSF1 and its regulation by post‐translational modifications (phosphorylation, sumoylation and acetylation), proteasomal degradation, and small‐molecule activators and inhibitors.
Emerging challenges in the design of selective substrates, inhibitors and activity‐based probes for indistinguishable proteases
Authors: Kasperkiewicz Paulina , Poreba Marcin , Groborz Katarzyna , Drag Marcin
Published: January 2017

Proteases are enzymes that hydrolyze the peptide bond of peptide substrates and proteins. Despite significant progress in recent years, one of the greatest challenges in the design and testing of substrates, inhibitors and activity‐based probes for proteolytic enzymes is achieving specificity toward only one enzyme. This specificity is particularly important if the enzyme is present with other enzymes with a similar catalytic mechanism and substrate specificity but completely different functionality. The cross‐reactivity of substrates, inhibitors and activity‐based probes with other enzymes can significantly impair or even prevent investigations of a target protease. In this review, we describe important concepts and the latest challenges, focusing mainly on peptide‐based substrate specificity techniques used to distinguish individual enzymes within major protease families.
Creating academic structures to promote nursing's role in global health policy
Authors: Gimbel S. , Kohler P. , Mitchell P. , Emami A.
Published: January 2017

Aim

We highlight key components of emerging academic structures in global health nursing and explain how this investment can expand nursing's broader engagement in global health policy development.

Background

Engaging nursing in global health policy development is vital to ensure the scale‐up of effective health programmes. Globally, nurses promote development of interprofessional healthcare teams who are responsible for translating sound global health policy and evidence‐based programming into practice. However, the role of nurses within policy forums and on influential decision‐making bodies within the global health space remains limited, which reinforces suboptimal global health policy implementation.

Introduction

Investment in globally engaged academic structures is an important way to expand participation of nursing in global health policy development.

Sources of evidence

A review of the current knowledge and substantive findings related to academic structures promoting global health nursing was conducted, and included a directed search of institutional websites, related grey and peer‐reviewed literature, and communication with top‐tier schools of nursing in the United States, to identify specific developments in global health nursing academic structures.

Discussion/Conclusion

Effective academic structures promoting global health nursing include a framework of four critical components – Research, Education, Policy and Partnership. Academic structure type and core activities vary depending on institutional priorities.

Implications for nursing, health and social policy

Increasingly, global health research, driven by individual nursing investigators, is expanding; however, in order to translate these advances into expanded involvement in global health policy development, academic structures within schools of nursing need to systematically expand educational opportunities, bolster research capacity and promote partnership with policymakers.
Retrospective analysis of benign orofacial tumors at a tertiary referral center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Vani Nandimandalam Venkata , Idris Ali M. , Saleh Sanaa M. , Tubaigy Faisal M. , Alharbi Fahd A. , Sharwani Abubakr A. , Tadrus Nabil , Warnakulasuriya Saman
Published: January 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to analyze the prevalence of benign tumors of the orofacial region at a tertiary referral center in the south‐western region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Cases from 2009 to 2014 were retrieved from October 2014 to June 2015 from the archives of the histopathology department of the center. Demographic and clinical details of the patients were recorded.

Results

Of the 714 oral and maxillofacial biopsy specimens, 78 (10.9%) were benign tumors. The mean age and range were 34.6±19.8 and 3‐85 year, respectively. Sex distribution was equal. Most tumors were mesenchymal (34.6%), followed by epithelial (26.9%), odontogenic (20.5%), and salivary gland tumors (17.9%). Squamous cell papilloma (20.5%) was the most common, followed by pleomorphic adenoma (15.4%) and fibrous tumors (15.4%).

Conclusions

The low prevalence of benign orofacial tumors found in this study indicates a lack of awareness of the importance of taking biopsy for such lesions. The information reported here emphasizes the need for biopsy investigation for all oral lesions to ascertain appropriate diagnosis.
Remineralization of natural early caries lesions in vitro by P11‐4 monitored with photothermal radiometry and luminescence
Authors: Silvertown Joshua D. , Wong Bonny P. Y. , Sivagurunathan Koneswaran S. , Abrams Stephen H. , Kirkham Jennifer , Amaechi Bennett T.
Published: January 2017

Aim

The efficacy of self‐assembling peptide P11‐4 to regenerate enamel in natural early caries lesions was evaluated over 50 days by photothermal radiometry and luminescence using The Canary System (CS) and The Canary Lab (CL).

Methods

Baseline readings for sound and carious sites on smooth surfaces of extracted teeth were obtained by scanning with CS and CL. Teeth were then randomly assigned to a treatment group (TG, treated with P11‐4), a placebo group (PG, same vehicle as treatment group without P11‐4), or a control group (CG, no treatment). All the teeth were then placed in artificial saliva to facilitate natural remineralization, and the sites were rescanned with CS and CL at 7, 14, 30, and 50 days.

Results

For carious sites in TG, mean canary numbers (CN) derived from CS decreased significantly (P<.01) from 44±3.8 at baseline to 24±4.9 at day 50; the mean CN for the TG derived from CL also decreased significantly (P<.05), from 65 at baseline to 45 at day 50. In contrast, no significant changes in CN were observed for carious sites in the CG or PG using either CS or CL.

Conclusions

P11‐4 promoted the regeneration of early caries.
Effects of the Youth Fit 4 Life physical activity/nutrition protocol on body mass index, fitness and targeted social cognitive theory variables in 9‐ to 12‐year‐olds during after‐school care
Authors: Annesi James J , Walsh Stephanie M , Greenwood Brittney L , Mareno Nicole , Unruh‐Rewkowski Jennifer L
Published: January 2017

Aim

Childhood overweight and obesity is unacceptably high in industrialised nations. School‐based interventions have largely been atheoretical and ineffective. This study aimed to test a new theory‐based protocol for its effects on measures of fitness and body mass index (BMI), and its proposed psychosocial mediators, during elementary after‐school (out‐of‐school hours) care.

Methods

Nine‐ to 12‐year‐old participants of YMCA‐based after‐school care in the southeastern Unites States were randomised into either the experimental Youth Fit 4 Life (YF4L) treatment group (n = 86) or a typical care group (n = 55) for 45 min/day. YF4L is based on social cognitive theory, emphasising mastery over physical activities and the development of self‐management/self‐regulatory skills to support healthy behaviours. Physiological and psychosocial variables were assessed over a 9‐month elementary school year.

Results

Of the overall sample, 28% were overweight or obese at baseline. YF4L was associated with significantly greater improvements in BMI, and measures of self‐regulation, mood, self‐efficacy, cardiovascular endurance and strength over both 3 and 9 months. Changes in self‐regulation, mood and self‐efficacy significantly mediated the treatment type–BMI relationship over both 3 months (R
2 = 0.12, P = 0.002) and 9 months (R
2 = 0.13, P = 0.001), with change in self‐regulation being a significant independent mediator. Changes in BMI and self‐regulation reciprocally reinforced one another. Gender was not a significant moderator of those relationships.

Conclusions

The YF4L treatment mitigated rise in BMI in 9‐ to 12‐year‐old enrollees of after‐school care. The treatment's basis in social cognitive theory was supported. Because of its positive effects and ability to utilise existing staff, large‐scale application is warranted after sufficient replication.
Daily variability in serum levels of calciprotein particles and their association with mineral metabolism parameters: A cross‐sectional pilot study
Authors: Yamada Hodaka , Kuro‐o Makoto , Ishikawa San‐e , Funazaki Shunsuke , Kusaka Ikuyo , Kakei Masafumi , Hara Kazuo
Published: January 2017

Aim

Calciprotein particles (CPPs), colloidal protein‐mineral nanoparticles composed of solid‐phase calcium phosphate and serum protein fetuin‐A found in blood, are emerging as a novel component of chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorder (CKD‐MBD). The relationship of CPPs with factors known to underlie the CKD‐MBD pathophysiology is not well known.The aim of this study is to examine daily variations in CPPs as well as their association with mineral metabolism parameters in normal individuals and early‐stage CKD patients.

Methods

Twenty subjects (10 healthy adults, 10 diabetic patients) were enrolled. Serum CPP Fetuin‐A was measured and analyzed in relation to clinical parameters.

Results

Estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were 103 ± 11 and 75 ± 24 mL/min per 1.73 m2 in healthy adults and diabetic patients, respectively. Serum CPP Fetuin‐A (g/L) were elevated at postprandial 2 h in diabetic patients. Furthermore, serum CPP Fetuin‐A were inversely correlated with eGFR and serum 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 and magnesium levels and were positively correlated with serum fibroblast growth factor‐23.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that serum CPP Fetuin‐A were affected by food intake and may contribute to the pathophysiology of mineral metabolism in subjects with normal and moderately impaired renal function.
Genetics of flower development in Ranunculales – a new, basal eudicot model order for studying flower evolution
Authors: Damerval Catherine , Becker Annette
Published: January 2017

Ranunculales, the sister group to all other eudicots, encompasses species with a remarkable floral diversity, which are currently emerging as new model organisms to address questions relating to the genetic architecture of flower morphology and its evolution. These questions concern either traits only found in members of the Ranunculales or traits that have convergently evolved in other large clades of flowering plants. We present recent results obtained on floral organ identity and number, symmetry evolution and spur formation in Ranunculales species. We discuss benefits and future prospects of evo‐devo studies in Ranunculales, which can provide the opportunity to decipher the genetic architecture of novel floral traits and also to appraise the degree of conservation of genetic mechanisms involved in homoplasious traits.

Contents

Summary
361

I.
Introduction
361

II.
The major regulators of floral organ identity in Ranunculales
362

III.
Floral diversity in Ranunculales
363

IV.
Pollination modes, reproduction systems and species diversification
364

V.
Conclusion: from model organisms to model orders?
364

Acknowledgements
365

References
365
Functional analysis of Brassica napus phloem protein and ribonucleoprotein complexes
Authors: Ostendorp Anna , Pahlow Steffen , Krüßel Lena , Hanhart Patrizia , Garbe Marcel Y. , Deke Jennifer , Giavalisco Patrick , Kehr Julia
Published: January 2017

Phloem sap contains a large number of macromolecules, including proteins and RNAs from different classes. Proteome analyses of phloem samples from different plant species under denaturing conditions identified hundreds of proteins potentially involved in diverse processes. Surprisingly, these studies also found a significant number of ribosomal and proteasomal proteins. This led to the suggestion that active ribosome and proteasome complexes might be present in the phloem, challenging the paradigm that protein synthesis and turnover are absent from the enucleate sieve elements of angiosperms. However, the existence of such complexes has as yet not been demonstrated.

In this study we used three‐dimensional gel electrophoresis to separate several protein complexes from native phloem sap from Brassica napus. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight MS analyses identified more than 100 proteins in the three major protein‐containing complexes.

All three complexes contained proteins belonging to different ribosomal fragments and blue native northern blot confirmed the existence of ribonucleoprotein complexes. In addition, one complex contained proteasome components and further functional analyses confirmed activity of a proteasomal degradation pathway and showed a large number of ubiquitinated phloem proteins.

Our results suggest specialized roles for ubiquitin modification and proteasome‐mediated degradation in the phloem.
Assessment of mungbean genotypes for durable resistance to Yellow Mosaic Disease: Genotype × Environment interactions
Authors: Parihar Ashok K. , Basandrai Ashwani K. , Sirari Asmita , Dinakaran Dakshinamurthy , Singh Deepak , Kannan Kamala , Kushawaha Kailash P. S. , Adinarayan Maddineni , Akram Mohammad , Latha Tnpalayam Krshnaswamy S. , Paranidharan Vaikuntavasan , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: January 2017

Yellow mosaic disease (YMD) is the major constraint of mungbean for realizing high productivity worldwide. Moreover, management of disease using YMD‐resistant genotypes is the simplest approach. Therefore, based on a preliminary screening of 220 genotypes during the year 2010 and 2011 at 17 locations, a set of 25 genotypes was further selected to evaluate at six locations over 2 years for identification of more stable resistant genotypes. The genotype and genotype × environment (GGE) analysis indicated that the genotypes and environment effects were significant (P < 0.001) for YMD incidence. Interestingly, the GGE biplot analysis successfully accounted for 74.71 per cent of the total variation with three genotypes (ML 818, ML 1349 and IPM 02‐14) showing high degree of resistance and stability over the locations. Notably, a strong positive association was observed between disease reaction and temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. As crop is grown in diverse growing environments, aforementioned genotypes can be used as stable/durable sources for future breeding programme to develop YMD‐resistant cultivars.
The Properties and Activity of TiO2/beta‐SiC Nanocomposites in Organic Dyes Photodegradation
Authors: Pstrowska Katarzyna , Szyja Bartłomiej Maciej , Czapor‐Irzabek Hanna , Kiersnowski Adam , Walendziewski Jerzy
Published: January 2017

The TiO2/beta‐SiC nanocomposites containing 0–25 wt. % of beta‐SiC were synthesized by the sol‐gel method and tested in the photodegradation of methylene blue and methyl orange water solutions. With the increase in SiC content, only a slight decrease in energy band gap was observed (3.19–3.12 eV), together with significant increase in the surface area of the catalysts (42.7–80.4 m2 g−1). In the synthesized material, the anatase phase of TiO2 was present in the form of small agglomerates resulting from the mechanical mixing process. In the process conditions (catalyst concentration 0.5 g L−1, initial dye concentration 100 ppm, light source 100 W UV‐Vis lamp), we have observed no signs of catalyst deactivation. The significantly higher photodegradation activity of methylene blue than methyl orange can be attributed to the preferable pH of the solution compared to pHPZC and the cationic character of the first dye. In case of methyl orange, pH process conditions substantially limit the contact of the catalyst with the dye, as negatively charged surface of the catalysts repels the dissociated anionic dye molecules.
Getting a Sense of Agriculture: Visitor Experiences from an Agricultural Fair
Authors: Larsen Morten Hedegaard
Published: January 2017

This article explores how different visitors experience the performances, promotions and each other at Denmark's most visited agricultural fair. Visitors acknowledge differences between urban and rural visitors but no tension or conflict. Embodied knowledge and tactile experiences seem like the most legitimate way to understand agriculture from the perspective of both rural‐urban and farming/non‐farming visitors, and they are also a key thematic focus in this article. Some performances even provide the visitor with a sense of trust in agriculture which, temporarily at least, can mitigate concerns about the overall food production system. Making sense of the activities at the fair seems to be achieved through embodied experiences as well as broader cultural identifications relating to and integrating images and experiences of landscapes, people and animals and their interaction. The results of this article should thus contribute to the sociological body of work trying to make sense of the changing meanings and roles of agriculture and farmers to the general public, as well as provide insights into how such meanings are created and maintained both inside and outside of the event.
Association of HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1 with red‐blood‐cell alloimmunization in the Czech population
Authors: Maluskova A. , Mrazek F. , Pauliskova M. , Kovarova P. , Koristka M. , Jindra P. , Cermakova Z.
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives

Alloimmune antibodies against red‐blood‐cell (RBC) antigens induced in susceptible individuals (responders) by transfusion, pregnancy or transplantation may have serious clinical consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate association of alloimmunization against selected RBC antigens with HLA‐Class II.

Materials and Methods

A total of 230 responders (106 monoresponders and 124 multiresponders) were enrolled into the study. HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1 variants were determined by PCR‐SSO and their frequencies compared between the patients (patient subgroups) and 375 ethnically and regionally matched controls.

Results

Development of multiple RBC antibodies was associated with HLA‐DRB1*15 and HLA‐DQB1*06 allelic groups in the patients, with the relationship being particularly apparent in those with anti‐C+D antibodies. Furthermore, DRB1*13 and DQB1*06 were more frequent in multiresponders with anti‐E+c antibodies and DRB1*03 and DQB1*02 in those with anti‐E+Cw.

Conclusion

For the first time, we confirmed the association of HLA‐DRB1*15 with RBC antibody multiresponder status and found HLA‐Class II associations for three frequent RBC antibody combinations. Our data support the concept that HLA restriction plays an important role in the response to RBC alloantigens.
Change of the metabolomic profile during short‐term mononuclear cell storage
Authors: Steininger P. A. , Strasser E. F. , Ziehe B. , Eckstein R. , Rauh M.
Published: January 2017

Background and Objectives

Short‐term storage of leukapheresis products used for immunotherapeutic mononuclear cell (MNC) products is a frequent event. The analysis of time‐related metabolic patterns enables the characterization of storage‐related effects in MNCs and the hypothesis‐based optimization of the MNC medium.

Materials and Methods

The MNC products from seven leukapheresis procedures were stored within a closed bag system for 48 h. Concentrations of amino acids, biogenic amines, phospho‐ and sphingolipids and hexoses in the medium were measured by targeted metabolomics. The viability of MNC subpopulations was assayed by Annexin V (AnV) and JC‐1 staining.

Results

Glucose depletion and a significant change of the acylcarnitine profile are early events within the first 24 h of storage. In contrast, for most amino acids, the maximum increase was observed at 48 h of storage as mirrored by an increase in the amino acid levels by a mean factor of 1·2 (1·3, 2·0) after 6 h (24 h, 48 h, respectively). This was except for the concentrations of glutamine and lysine, which did not change significantly. The taurine concentration showed a twofold increase within the first 24 h and remained constant thereafter. The steepest increase in AnV+ and 7‐AAD+ CD4+ T cells was found between 24 and 48 h.

Conclusion

The time–course of apoptosis and metabolic patterns in the MNC products demonstrate that 24 h of storage is a decisive time‐point, as afterwards key metabolic pathways showed nonlinear detrimental changes. Optimization of storage by supplementation of specific substrates demands therefore an early intervention.
Contribution to the knowledge of oribatid mites of Colombia, with description of two new species of Galumna (Acari, Oribatida, Galumnidae)
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: January 2017

The present study is based on oribatid mite material collected in 1937 in Colombia. A list of identified taxa, including 13 species from 11 genera and 10 families is presented; of these, two species of the genus Galumna are new to science, 10 species, 10 genera and eight families are recorded in this country for the first time. Galumna (Galumna) colombiana sp. nov. differs from to G. (Galumna) innexa Pérez-Íñigo & Baggio, 1986 by the sculpture of prodorsum, ornamentation of pteromorphs, morphology of bothridial heads, length of rostral and lamellar setae and localization of notogastral lyrifissures im. Galumna (Galumna) naturalisi sp. nov. differs from G. (Galumna) reticulata Hammer, 1958 by the body size, sculpture of prodorsum and the development of lenticulus.
Life cycle of Haemaphysalis tibetensis Hoogstraal, 1965 (Acari: Ixodidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Wang Tianhong , Jin Shang , Liu Ming , Li Tuo , Jia Qingying , Yang Xiaolong , Wang Hui , Yu Zhijun , Liu Jingze
Published: January 2017

The tick Haemaphysalis tibetensis is endemic in Qinghai-Tibet plateau of China, and regarded as potential vector of spirochetes and orbivirus. However, knowledge on its life cycle and biological characteristics is meager. Therefore, this paper investigated the life cycle of H. tibetensis under laboratory conditions. Results indicated that, the tick H. tibetensis required a mean duration of 166.7 days to complete the whole cycle, and the average developmental periods of larvae and nymphs were 34.0 days and 41.6 days, respectively. The summation of the prefeeding, feeding and preovipositon periods of females was 23.9 days, and oviposition lasted for 19.4 days. Egg incubation required 47.8 days, which was the longest period in the whole life cycle. Linear regression analysis revealed a highly positive correlation between the weight of the engorged female and the number of the egg mass laid (r=0.91). The reproductive efficiency index and the reproductive fitness index were 5.2 and 4.5, respectively.
Passivation of InGaAs interface states by thin AlN interface layers for metal-insulator-semiconductor applications
Authors: Krylov Igor , Pokroy Boaz , Ritter Dan , Eizenberg Moshe
Published: January 2017

The passivation of InGaAs by thin AlN layers allows a significant reduction of the interface state density compared to that of the widely used Al2O3/InGaAs structure. The influence of the AlN layer thickness on the interface electrical properties, as well as the role of the post-deposition annealing, was carefully examined. Ultrathin AlN layers (∼1 nm) provide high quality interfacial electrical properties after a mild anneal (400 °C). Thick AlN passivation layers require annealing at higher temperature (500 °C) to achieve low interface states density. Possible explanations of the observed trend are suggested.
Lithography-free positioned GaAs nanowire growth with focused ion beam implantation of Ga
Authors: Detz Hermann , Kriz Martin , Lancaster Suzanne , MacFarland Donald , Schinnerl Markus , Zederbauer Tobias , Andrews Aaron Maxwell , Schrenk Werner , Strasser Gottfried
Published: January 2017

The authors report on a technique to grow GaAs nanowires at defined positions by molecular beam epitaxy without the need for a lithographic process. Here, a focused ion beam is used to implant Ga ions into Si (1 0 0) and Si (1 1 1) substrates, forming nanoscale droplets on the surface after an annealing step, which are in turn used as nucleation centers for self-catalyzed nanowire growth. This procedure completely avoids organic chemicals, as needed in other lithographic processes, and therefore allows nanowire growth in defined and flexible geometries, while being fully compatible with ultraclean environments. A minimum required pitch width is determined from implanted Ga point arrays, which were annealed to form droplets. The epitaxial yield for GaAs nanowires on Si (1 0 0) and Si (1 1 1) substrates is evaluated with respect to the acceleration voltage and implanted dose. The nanowire diameter is determined by thermodynamic properties at the growth surface while being insensitive to implantation parameters.
Work–Family Balance Among Coach-Fathers: A Qualitative Examination of Enrichment, Conflict, and Role Management Strategies
Authors: Graham Jeffrey A. , Dixon Marlene A.
Published: January 2017

Work–family balance in sport has until this point largely been characterized as an issue for women. Current societal trends, however, suggest that men also struggle with balancing work and family responsibilities. Using theoretical frameworks from both conflict and enrichment, this study examined the ways that fathers who are coaches experience and manage the work–life interface. Twenty-four men who are fathers and high school varsity head coaches were interviewed for this study. The respondents discussed the day-to-day challenges and coping strategies they utilized to manage their work–life interface. Ultimately, five themes emerged from the data, including (a) coaching as more than an occupation, (b) experiences of conflict and strain, (c) coping strategies, (d) nonutilization of organizational supports, and (e) experiences of enrichment. These findings suggest that, indeed, men struggle with balancing competing role demands. However, the findings also suggest that men are utilizing diverse and creative approaches for managing their fathering and coaching roles, resulting in meaningful experiences of enrichment stemming from both coaching and fathering.