bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐503‐5p inhibits stretch‐induced osteogenic differentiation and bone formation
Authors: Liu Lu , Liu Mengjun , Li Rongrong , Liu Hong , Du Liling , Chen Hong , Zhang Yan , Zhang Shijie , Liu Dongxu
Published: November 2016

Cyclical stretch‐induced bone formation during orthodontic treatment is a complex biological process modulated by various factors including miRNAs and their targeted‐gene network. However, the miRNA expression profile and their roles in osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) exposed to mechanical stretch remains unclear. Here, we use the miRNA microarray assay to screen for mechano‐sensitive miRNAs during stretch‐induced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and identified that nine miRNAs were differentially expressed between stretched and control BMSCs. Furthermore, miR‐503‐5p, which was markedly downregulated in both microarray assay and qRT‐PCR assay were selected for further functional verification. We found that overexpression of miR‐503‐5p in BMSCs attenuated stretch‐induced osteogenic differentiation while the effect was reversed by miR‐503‐5p inhibition treatment. In vivo studies, overexpression of miR‐503‐5p with specific agomir decreased Runx2, ALP mRNA, and protein expression, decreased osteoblast numbers and osteoblastic bone formation in the OTM tension sides. In conclusion, our study revealed that miR‐503‐5p functions as the mechano‐sensitive miRNA and inhibits BMSCs osteogenic differentiation subjected to mechanical stretch and bone formation in OTM tension sides.
Outcomes of patients with low‐pressure aortic gradient undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Conrotto Federico , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , D'Amico Maurizio , Moretti Claudio , Pavani Marco , Scacciatella Paolo , Omedè Pierluigi , Montefusco Antonio , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe , Gaita Fiorenzo , Maisano Francesco , Nietlispach Fabian
Published: November 2016

Background: The risk/benefit balance of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with low‐gradient aortic stenosis (LGAS) remains to be well defined. Aim of the study was to investigate the impact of LGAS in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods: Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched for articles reporting outcome of patients with LGAS undergoing TAVI. The primary endpoint was 12‐months all‐cause mortality and the secondary endpoint was 30‐day all‐cause mortality. Using event‐rates as dependent variable, a meta‐regression was performed to test for interaction between baseline clinical features (age, gender, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and type of implanted valve) and transaortic gradient for the primary endpoint.

Results: Eight studies with a total of 12,589 patients were included. Almost one‐third of the patients presented with LGAS (27.3%: 24.4–29.2). Median LVEF was 48% in patients with LGAS and 56% in patients with high‐gradient AS. Patients with LGAS were more likely to have diabetes mellitus, previous coronary artery disease, higher mean Logistic EuroSCORE, and lower EF. At 12 (12–16.6) months, low transaortic gradient emerged as independently associated with all‐cause death, both if evaluated as a dichotomous and continuous value (respectively OR 1.17; 1.11–1.23 and OR 1.02; 1–1.04, all CI 95%). Clinical variables, including EF did not affect this result.

Conclusions: In a population of TAVI patients, LGAS appears to be independently related to dismal prognosis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One‐Dimensional Heterostructured Palladium Oxide‐Cobalt Oxide Catalyst for the Catalytic Oxidation of Methane
Authors: Sun Yongnan , Liu Jingwei , Yang Nating , Zhu Yan
Published: November 2016

We report a precise synthesis of heterostructured PdO‐Co3O4 nanorods through an anion exchange and recrystallization process. Such PdO‐Co3O4 nanorods have a more effective catalytic activity and long‐term stability for methane oxidation than PdO/Co3O4 catalysts obtained by conventional approaches. The excellent catalytic properties of PdO‐Co3O4 nanorods are associated with the synergetic effect between PdO and Co3O4, which not only favors the formation of superoxide species but also enhances the redox properties to provide further methane activation capabilities at low temperatures. Meanwhile, PdO embedded in the Co3O4 domain ensures structural stability and an exceptional resistance towards the sintering of the active sites under thermal conditions.
Unsaturated Four‐Membered Rings: Efficient Strategies for the Construction of Cyclobutenes and Alkylidenecyclobutanes
Authors: Eisold Michael , Baumann Andreas N. , Kiefl Gabriel M. , Emmerling Sebastian T. , Didier Dorian
Published: November 2016

Our recent studies of the diastereo‐ and enantioselective formation of strained alkylidenecycloalkanes drove us to more‐thoroughly investigate the formation of four‐membered rings for which only few efficient methods are described. We first developed a strategy to diversify the saturated part of the four‐membered ring and applied it to a highly diastereoselective synthesis of more‐elaborate alkylidenecyclobutanes, which completed our precedent studies. In parallel, cyclobutene structures were built employing simple organometallic methods and further functionalized to give a diverse range of new substitution patterns, which consequently enriched the pool of cyclobutene‐based building blocks.
Nano Metal‐Organic Framework‐Derived Inorganic Hybrid Nanomaterials: Synthetic Strategies and Applications
Authors: Mai Hien Duy , Rafiq Khezina , Yoo Hyojong
Published: November 2016

Nano‐ (or micro‐scale) metal‐organic frameworks (NMOFs), also known as coordination polymer particles (CPPs), have received much attention because of their structural diversities and tunable properties. Besides the direct use, NMOFs can be alternatively used as sacrificial templates/precursors for the preparation of a wide range of hybrid inorganic nanomaterials in straightforward and controllable manners. Distinct advantages of using NMOF templates are correlated to their structural and functional tailorability at molecular levels that is rarely acquired in any other conventional template/precursor. In addition, NMOF‐derived inorganic nanomaterials with distinct chemical and physical properties are inferred to dramatically expand the scope of their utilization in many fields. In this review, we aim to provide readers with a comprehensive summary of recent progress in terms of synthetic approaches for the production of diverse inorganic hybrid nanostructures from as‐synthesized NMOFs and their promising applications.
Guideline‐based statin/lipid‐lowering therapy eligibility for primary prevention and accuracy of coronary artery calcium and clinical cardiovascular events: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Flueckiger Peter , Qureshi Waqas , Michos Erin D. , Blaha Michael , Burke Gregory , Sandfort Veit , Herrington David , Yeboah Joseph
Published: November 2016

Background

With multiple cholesterol guidelines, we evaluated the accuracy of recommended statin therapy on identifying coronary artery calcium (CAC) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events by 2004 NCEP/ ATP III, 2016 ESC/EAS, and 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines.

Hypothesis

ACC/AHA guidelines are more accurate in identifying persons at risk for CVD.

Methods

5002/6814 participants age <75 years and free of CVD were included. CAC categories (>0, ≥100, and ≥300) and 10 years of CVD outcomes were considered. Sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV), and likelihood ratios (LR) were calculated. Mean age was 59 years; 47% of subjects were males.

Results

1297 (26%), 1381 (28%), and 2538 (51%) had class I indications for statin/LLT by the NCEP ATP III, ESC/EAS, and AHA/ACC guidelines, respectively. SN, SP, NPV, and PPV for CAC ≥300 were: NCEP ATP III (41.1%, 75.5%, 93.3% and 13.4%), ESC/EAS (54.1%, 74.8%, 94.6% and16.6%), and ACC/AHA (87.2%, 52.6%, 97.8% and 14.5%). SN, SP, PPV, and NPV for corresponding CVD outcomes were: NCEP ATP III (45.8%, 75.1%, 96.3%, and 8.9%), ESC/EAS (50.5%, 72.9%, 98.7%, and 3.6%), and AHA/ACC (79.6%, 50.7%, 98%, and 7.7%). ESC/EAS had significantly higher positive LR 2.15 (95% CI, 1.95 – 2.38) and ACC/AHA had significantly lower negative LR [0.24, (95% CI 0.19 – 0.31)] for corresponding CVD.

Conclusions

Despite the increased in SN of statin eligibility by the ACC/AHA, it has similar NPV and PPV for CAC/future CVD events. The ACC/AHA class I indications for statin may be a superior screening tool for subclinical and clinical CVD.
The G Protein‐Coupled Receptor GPR17: Overview and Update
Authors: Marucci Gabriella , Dal Ben Diego , Lambertucci Catia , Santinelli Claudia , Spinaci Andrea , Thomas Ajiroghene , Volpini Rosaria , Buccioni Michela
Published: November 2016

The GPR17 receptor is a G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) that seems to respond to two unrelated families of endogenous ligands: nucleotide sugars (UDP, UDP‐galactose, and UDP‐glucose) and cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTD4, LTC4, and LTE4), with significant affinity at micromolar and nanomolar concentrations, respectively. This receptor has a broad distribution at the level of the central nervous system (CNS) and is found in neurons and in a subset of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Unfortunately, disparate results emerging from different laboratories have resulted in a lack of clarity with regard to the role of GPR17‐targeting ligands in OPC differentiation and in myelination. GPR17 is also highly expressed in organs typically undergoing ischemic damage and has various roles in specific phases of adaptations that follow a stroke. Under such conditions, GPR17 plays a crucial role; in fact, its inhibition decreases the progression of ischemic damage. This review summarizes some important features of this receptor that could be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of demyelinating diseases and for repairing traumatic injury.
3‐D data partitioning for 3‐level perfectly nested loops on heterogeneous distributed systems
Authors: Zarei Zefreh Ebrahim , Lotfi Shahriar , Mohammad Khanli Leyli , Karimpour Jaber
Published: November 2016

Nested loops are the largest source of parallelism in many data‐parallel scientific applications. Heterogeneous distributed systems are popular computing platforms for data‐parallel applications. Data partitioning is critical in exploiting the computational power of such systems, and existing data partitioning algorithms try to maximize performance of data‐parallel applications by finding a data distribution that balances the workload between the processing nodes while minimizing communication costs. This paper addresses the problem of 3‐dimensional data partitioning for 3‐level perfectly nested loops on heterogeneous distributed systems. The primary aim is to minimize the execution time by improving the load balancing and minimizing the internode communications. We propose a new data partitioning algorithm using dynamic programming, build a theoretical model to estimate the execution time of each partition, and select a partition with minimum execution time as a near‐optimal solution. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the new algorithm for 2 data‐parallel scientific applications on heterogeneous distributed systems. The new algorithm reduces the execution time by between 7% and 17%, on average, compared with leading data partitioning methods on 3 heterogeneous distributed systems.
The Reciprocal Relationship between Bipolar Disorder and Social Interaction: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Owen Rebecca , Gooding Patricia , Dempsey Robert , Jones Steven
Published: November 2016

Background

Evidence suggests that social support can influence relapse rates, functioning and various clinical outcomes in people with bipolar disorder. Yet ‘social support’ is a poorly defined construct, and the mechanisms by which it affects illness course in bipolar disorder remain largely unknown. Key aims of this study were to ascertain which facets of social interaction affect mood management in bipolar disorder, and how symptoms of bipolar disorder can influence the level of support received.

Method

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 individuals with bipolar disorder. Questions were designed to elicit: the effects of social interaction upon the management and course of bipolar disorder; and the impact of bipolar disorder upon social relationships. An inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

Empathy and understanding from another person can make it easier to cope with bipolar disorder. Social interaction can also provide opportunities to challenge negative ruminative thoughts and prevent the onset of a major mood episode. The loss of social support, particularly through bereavement, creates a loss of control and can trigger mania or depression. Hypomanic symptoms can facilitate new social connections, whereas disinhibited and risky behaviour exhibited during mania can cause the breakdown of vital relationships.

Conclusions

An in‐depth clinical formulation of an individual's perceptions of how their illness affects and is affected by social interaction is crucial to understanding psychosocial factors which influence mood management. These results have clear application in interventions which aim to promote improved wellbeing and social functioning in bipolar disorder. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioners Messages

The relationship between bipolar‐related experiences and social interaction is complex and multi‐faceted.

Bipolar disorder can damage social relationships and create a loss of social control via extreme mood states, but it can also offer a social advantage through elevated self‐confidence during hypomania and enhanced resilience post-recovery.

Positive social experiences can facilitate better personal coping and enhanced mood management, whilst negative social experiences can trigger the onset of acute mood episodes.

A comprehensive formulation of the reciprocal links between facets of bipolar disorder and characteristics of interpersonal relationships should be used to guide psychosocial interventions that aim to enhance emotion regulation and improve functioning.
The association of leaf lifespan and background insect herbivory at the interspecific level
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zhang Yuxin , Ma Keming
Published: November 2016

Herbivory is well known to be a major selective pressure that affects plant communities, but the leaf traits that mediate variations in herbivory at the interspecific level remain controversial. We collected published data on background insect herbivory and leaf traits from a wide variety of species to test the hypothesis that species with intermediate leaf lifespans, lower fiber, and higher nutrient contents in leaves should have higher levels of herbivory. We found that at the interspecific level herbivory had a hump‐shaped relationship with leaf lifespan and a positive relationship with leaf size. Surprisingly, our data show that nutritional traits have little relationship to herbivory. Our study provides new insights relevant to the recent debate on leaf trait–herbivory relationships. These findings are especially helpful in explaining the general patterns of herbivory detected on the global scale.
Determination of target fat‐soluble micronutrients in rainbow trout's muscle and liver tissues by liquid chromatography with diode array‐tandem mass spectrometry detection
Authors: Pérez Fernández Virginia , Ventura Salvatore , Tomai Pierpaolo , Curini Roberta , Gentili Alessandra
Published: November 2016

This paper describes an analytical approach, based on LC‐diode array detector‐MS/MS (LC‐DAD‐MS/MS), for characterizing the fat‐soluble micronutrient fraction in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Two different procedures were applied to isolate the analytes from liver and muscle tissue: overnight cold saponification to hydrolyze bound forms and to simplify the analysis; matrix solid‐phase dispersion to avoid artifacts and to maintain unaltered the naturally occurring forms. Analytes were separated on a C30 analytical column by using a nonaqueous reversed mobile phase compatible with the atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. Compared to other works, the most relevant advantage of the here illustrated method is the large amount of information obtained with few analytical steps: nine fat‐soluble vitamins (3,4‐dehydroretinol, retinol, cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, α‐tocopherol, γ‐tocopherol, δ‐tocopherol, phylloquinone, and menaquinone‐4) and eight carotenoids (all‐trans‐lutein, all‐trans‐astaxanthin, all‐trans‐zeaxanthin, all‐trans‐β‐cryptoxanthin, all‐trans‐canthaxanthin, all‐trans‐ζ‐carotene, all‐trans‐β‐carotene, and all‐trans‐γ‐carotene) were quantified after the method validation, while other untargeted carotenoids were tentatively identified by exploiting the identification power of the LC‐DAD‐MS/MS hyphenation.
Ground reaction force and required friction during stair ascent and descent
Authors: Li Kai Way , Huang Szu‐Yin , Chiu Wen‐Hsin
Published: November 2016

A stair climbing experiment was performed using a four‐stair instrumented stairway. A force platform was mounted in the first stair. Four floor surfaces, including the original force platform surface and three additional floor coverings on the platform, were tested. Human subjects wore the same type of lab shoes and ascended and descended the stairway. Their ground reaction forces were collected. The results showed that when descending, the double‐stair condition resulted in significant (p < .0001) higher vertical ground reaction force at foot landing as compared to the single‐stair condition. The vertical ground reaction force at foot push‐off for stair ascent were significantly (p < .0001) higher than those for stair descent. The mean required coefficient of friction ranged from 0.086 to 0.245 and from 0.051 to 0.246 for foot landing and foot push‐off spots, respectively. Stair descent required significant (p < .001) higher friction than stair ascent both at foot landing and push‐off. Double‐stair stepping required higher friction than single‐stair stepping. Stair descent should be of primary concern in assessing the risk of slip‐ and fall‐related incidents on stairway, and double‐stair descent should be avoided.
Evaluation of HTLV‐1 HBZ and proviral load, together with host IFN λ3, in pathogenesis of HAM/TSP
Authors: Mozhgani Sayed‐Hamidreza , Jaberi Najmeh , Rezaee Seyed Abdolrahim , Bustani Reza , Jazayeri Seyed Mohammad , Akbarin Mohammad Mehdi , Milani Saeideh , Tarokhian Hanieh , Norouzi Mehdi
Published: November 2016

Human T‐cell lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV‐1) is associated with two progressive diseases: HTLV‐1‐associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). Although HTLV‐1 proviral load (PVL) has been introduced as a risk factor for these diseases’ progression, it is not sufficient on its own to yield an accurate estimation of the outcome of the infection. In the present study, PVL and HTLV‐1 basic leucine zipper factor (HBZ) expression level as viral factors, and IFN λ3 as a host factor, were evaluated in HAM/TSP patients and HTLV‐1 asymptomatic carriers (ACs). During 2014–2015, 12 HAM/TSP patients and 18 ACs who had been referred to the HTLV‐1 Clinic, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Mashhad, Iran, were enrolled in this study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and the DNA and mRNA were extracted for quantification of HBZ, IFN λ3 expression, and PVL using real‐time PCR (TaqMan method). Although the PVL was higher in the HAM/TSP group, with a 94% confidence interval, there were no considerable differences in terms of HBZ mRNA and PVL between ACs and HAM patients. IFN λ3 expression in the HAM/TSP group was significantly higher than in the ACs (P = 0.02). To the best of our knowledge, no study has evaluated the expression level of IFN λ3 in HTLV‐1 positive patients. The immune response against HTLV‐1 viral antigens and virulent factors will therefore further refine our knowledge of interactions between the virus and host in the pathogenesis of HTLV‐1‐related disorders. The virus PVL and the host IFN λ3 can be used as pathogenic factors of HTLV‐1 infected patients at risk of HAM/TSP manifestation. J. Med. Virol. 89:1102–1107, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A possible approach to assess acidification of meat starter cultures: a case study from some wild strains of Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Speranza Barbara , Bevilacqua Antonio , Corbo Maria Rosaria , Sinigaglia Milena
Published: November 2016

BACKGROUND

The performances of four autochthonous isolates of Lactobacillus plantarum were assessed to study the most important variables acting on acidification and to propose a possible step‐by‐step approach for the validation at laboratory scale. This main topic was addressed through three intermediate steps: (1) evaluation of acidification in liquid and solid media, as a function of salt, nitrites, nitrates, lactose, pepper and temperature; (2) assessing acidification in a pork‐meat preparation; and (3) designing a protocol to improve the performances at sub‐optimal temperatures. The concentration of the ingredients and the temperature were combined through a 3k−p Fractional Factorial Design. Acidification and viable count were assessed and modelled through a multi‐factorial ANOVA.

RESULTS

In model systems acidification was affected by lactose and was maximum (ΔpH of ca. 2.8–3.0) in the combinations containing 0.4% lactose, 250 mg kg−1 nitrates or 150 mg kg−1 nitrites, 5% salt, and at 30 °C. Solid media caused a higher acidification. In the pork meat preparation, the effect of salt and nitrites was significant. At 10 °C the strains could not reduce pH, but this ability could be induced using an adaptation step.

CONCLUSION

Acidification was affected by lactose in the model system, whereas in meat preparation the other variables were significant. In addition, a protocol to improve acidification at 10 °C was optimised. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Anisotropic thin films formation rate on PEDOT : PSS layer with high azimuthal anchoring
Authors: Stankevich Andrei , Bezruchenko Veronika , Muravsky Alexander , Murauski Anatoli , Agabekov Vladimir
Published: November 2016

Oriented organic layers have great potential for organic electronics devices because of the unique modification of material properties without extensive chemical synthesis. Such layers can be prepared by wet coating of anisotropic organic molecules on top of specific surface of alignment layer. One of the most important parameter that indicates alignment properties of the surface is the anchoring energy. In this paper, we investigate azimuthal anchoring energy of pure and glycerol‐doped PEDOT : PSS layers and study the influence of the alignment layer preparation on the order parameter of the top wet‐coated oriented organic emitter. We confirm that the azimuthal anchoring energy increase leads to improvement of both dichroic ratio and contrast ratio of polarized emitter layer rod‐coated on top of the PEDOT : PSS. Suggested mechanism of anisotropic emitter formation at wet deposition grounds possibility of linear deposition rate of 2 m/s on top of PEDOT : PSS layer with obtained azimuthal anchoring above >10−4 J/m2.
Tuning of near‐ and far‐field properties of all‐dielectric dimer nanoantennas via ultrafast electron‐hole plasma photoexcitation
Authors: Baranov Denis G. , Makarov Sergey V. , Krasnok Alexander E. , Belov Pavel A. , Alù Andrea
Published: November 2016

All‐optical ultrafast signal modulation and routing by low‐loss nanodevices is a crucial step towards an ultracompact optical chip with high performance. Here, we propose a specifically designed silicon dimer nanoantenna, which is tunable via photoexcitation of dense electron‐hole plasma with ultrafast relaxation rate. On the basis of this concept, we demonstrate the effect of beam steering by up to 20 degrees through simple variation of the intensity of incident light. The effect, which is suitable for ultrafast light routing in an optical chip, is demonstrated both in the visible and near‐IR spectral regions for silicon‐ and germanium‐based nanoantennas. We also reveal the effect of electron‐hole plasma photoexcitation on the local density of states (LDOS) in the dimer gap and find that the orientation averaged LDOS can be altered by 50%, whereas modification of the projected LDOS can be even more dramatic, almost five‐fold for transverse dipole orientation. Moreover, our analytical model sheds light on the transient dynamics of the studied nonlinear nanoantennas, yielding all temporal characteristics of the suggested ultrafast nanodevice. The proposed concept paves the way to the creation of low‐loss, ultrafast, and compact devices for optical signal modulation and routing.

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Two homoclinic solutions for a nonperiodic fourth‐order differential equation without coercive condition
Authors: Lu Shiping , Zhong Tao
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we investigate the existence of homoclinic solutions for a class of fourth‐order nonautonomous differential equations

urn:x-wiley:mma:media:mma4230:mma4230-math-0001
where w is a constant,
and
. By using variational methods and the mountain pass theorem, some new results on the existence of homoclinic solutions are obtained under some suitable assumptions. The interesting is that a(x) and f(x,u) are nonperiodic in x,a does not fulfil the coercive condition, and f does not satisfy the well‐known (AR)‐condition. Furthermore, the main result partly answers the open problem proposed by Zhang and Yuan in the paper titled with Homoclinic solutions for a nonperiodic fourth‐order differential equations without coercive conditions (see Appl. Math. Comput. 2015; 250:280–286). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of an Elongational‐Flow Microprocess for the Production of Size‐Controlled Nanoemulsions: Batch Operation
Authors: Yu Wei , Serra Christophe A. , Khan Ikram Ullah , Ding Shukai , Gomez Rigoberto Ibarra , Bouquey Michel , Muller René
Published: November 2016

Performances of a newly developed microprocess in producing size‐controlled nanoemulsions in the lower nanometer range are assessed. The microprocess comprises an elongational‐flow micromixer with a bore size of either 150, 250, or 500 μm. By inducing a reciprocating flow through the restriction of the micromixer, methyl methacrylate (MMA)‐based nanoemulsions with controlled sizes in the range 50–300 nm are successfully prepared at low pressures (ca. 2.5 bars) in laminar to intermediate hydrodynamic flow regimes. Effect of process parameters (flow rate through the restriction, number of cycles), micromixer parameters (angle, bore size), and finally composition parameters (weight content of MMA and surfactant, dispersed to continuous phase viscosity ratio) on nanodroplet size and size distribution is thoroughly studied. A unique empirical correlation is extracted from the experimental results and is found to fairly well model the variations of the nanodroplet size with aforementioned parameters.

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Are Parental Welfare Work Requirements Good for Disadvantaged Children? Evidence From Age‐of‐Youngest‐Child Exemptions
Authors: Herbst Chris M.
Published: November 2016

This paper assesses the impact of welfare reform's parental work requirements on low‐income children's cognitive and social‐emotional development. The identification strategy exploits an important feature of the work requirement rules—namely, age‐of‐youngest‐child exemptions—as a source of quasi‐experimental variation in first‐year maternal employment. The 1996 welfare reform law empowered states to exempt adult recipients from the work requirements until the youngest child reaches a certain age. This led to substantial variation in the amount of time that mothers can remain home with a newborn child. I use this variation to estimate the impact of work‐requirement‐induced increases in maternal employment. Using a sample of infants from the Birth cohort of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, the reduced form and instrumental variables estimates reveal sizable negative effects of maternal employment. An auxiliary analysis of mechanisms finds that working mothers experience an increase in depressive symptoms, and are less likely to breastfeed and read to their children. In addition, such children are exposed to nonparental child care arrangements at a younger age, and they spend more time in these settings throughout the first year of life.
Enhanced properties of polylactide by incorporating cellulose nanocrystals
Authors: Bagheriasl Davood , Carreau Pierre J. , Riedl Bernard , Dubois Charles
Published: November 2016

Polylactide (PLA)‐cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) bionanocomposites with different CNC loadings were prepared via a simple solvent casting preparation method. Scanning electron microscopy showed some very fine aggregates with a size of 1–3 μm whereas transmission electron microscopy revealed the existence of well‐dispersed structure of CNCs within the PLA matrix at a nanoscale. The loss and storage moduli of the nanocomposites increased significantly with CNC content, particularly at low frequencies, indicative of a solid‐like behavior. The total crystalline content of the PLA in the nanocomposites and the crystallization temperature increased, which were ascribed to the nucleation effect of the CNCs on the crystallization of PLA. The Young modulus of the nanocomposites increased up to 23%, for PLA containing 6 wt% CNC compared to the neat PLA; however, the strain at break slightly decreased. In dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, the storage modulus of the nanocomposites increased up to 74% in glassy region and 490% in the rubbery region. Moreover, using a percolation model, the strength of the percolating CNC network was found to depend on temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2685–2694, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Past, Present, and Future of Antibacterial Economics: Increasing Bacterial Resistance, Limited Antibiotic Pipeline, and Societal Implications
Authors: Luepke Katherine H. , Suda Katie J. , Boucher Helen , Russo Rene L. , Bonney Michael W. , Hunt Timothy D. , Mohr John F.
Published: November 2016

Growing antimicrobial resistance and a dwindling antibiotic pipeline have resulted in an emerging postantibiotic era, as patients are now dying from bacterial infections that were once treatable. The fast‐paced “Golden Age” of antibiotic development that started in the 1940s has lost momentum; from the 1980s to the early 2000s, there was a 90% decline in the approval of new antibiotics as well as the discovery of few new novel classes. Many companies have shifted away from development due to scientific, regulatory, and economic hurdles that proved antibiotic development to be less attractive compared with more lucrative therapeutic areas. National and global efforts are focusing attention toward potential solutions for reinvigorating the antibiotic pipeline and include “push” incentives such as public–private partnerships and “pull” incentives such as reimbursement reform and market exclusivity. Hybrid models of incentives, global coordination among stakeholders, and the appropriate balance of antibiotic pricing, volume of drug used, and proper antimicrobial stewardship are key to maximizing efforts toward drug development to ensure access to patients in need of these therapies.
Conformational and hydrodynamic parameters of hyperbranched pyridylphenylene polymers
Authors: Tsvetkov Nikolay V , Gubarev Alexander S , Lebedeva Elena V , Lezov Alexey A , Mikhailova Mariya E , Kolomiets Igor P , Mikusheva Nina G , Akhmadeeva Lilija I , Kuchkina Nina V , Serkova Elena S , Shifrina Zinaida B
Published: November 2016

Hydrodynamic and optical methods were applied to study conformational and physical properties of hyperbranched pyridylphenylene polymers in dilute solutions. The samples were synthesized using Diels–Alder polycyclocondensation. It was demonstrated that hydrodynamic properties of the studied macromolecules were typical for compact non‐percolated spheres. Optical and electro‐optical methods revealed information regarding the shape and asymmetry of the macromolecules (p ≈ 1.4). The contributions of optical shape effect to the observed flow birefringence of polypyridylphenylene solutions and intrinsic anisotropy of polarizability were evaluated and analysed. It was shown that varying the polymer composition (i.e. the degree of branching) caused considerable changes in the anisotropy of optical polarizability of the polymers. Dramatic difference of the electro‐optical properties in non‐polar (toluene) and polar (tetrachloroethane) solvents was found; this difference was related to the orientational correlation of polar solvent molecules with respect to the macromolecules. Dynamic properties were studied by non‐equilibrium electric birefringence which had a reasonable agreement with the dimensions estimated from hydrodynamic data. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
An Evaluation of Friedman's Monetary Instability Hypothesis
Authors: Hendrickson Joshua R.
Published: November 2016

In this article, I examine what I call Milton Friedman's Monetary Instability Hypothesis. Drawing on Friedman's work, I argue that there are two main components to this view. The first component is the idea that deviations between the public's demand for money and the supply of money are an important source of economic fluctuations. The second component of this view is that these deviations are primarily caused by fluctuations in the supply of money rather than the demand for money. Each of these components can be tested independently. To do so, I estimate an otherwise standard New Keynesian model, amended to include a money demand function consistent with Friedman's work and a money growth rule, for a period from 1875 to 1963. This structural model allows me to separately identify shocks to the money supply and shocks to money demand. I then use variance decompositions to assess the relative importance of shocks to the supply and demand for money. I find that shocks to the monetary base can account for up to 28% of the fluctuations in output whereas money demand shocks can account for less than 1% of such fluctuations. This provides support for Friedman's view.
Regulation of mRNA turnover in cystic fibrosis lung disease
Authors: Biswas Roopa , Kumar Parameet , Pollard Harvey B.
Published: November 2016

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease due to mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, F508del‐CFTR
being the most frequent mutation. The CF lung is characterized by a hyperinflammatory phenotype and is regulated by multiple factors that coordinate its pathophysiology. In CF the expression of CFTR as well as proinflammatory genes are regulated at the level of messenger RNA (mRNA) stability, which subsequently affect translation. These mechanisms are mediated by inflammatory RNA‐binding proteins as well as small endogenous noncoding microRNAs, in coordination with cellular signaling pathways. These regulatory factors exhibit altered expression and function in vivo in the CF lung, and play a key role in the pathophysiology of CF lung disease. In this review, we have described the role of mRNA stability and associated regulatory mechanisms in CF lung disease. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1408. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1408

This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
The human physiological impact of global deoxygenation
Authors: Martin Daniel , McKenna Helen , Livina Valerie
Published: November 2016

There has been a clear decline in the volume of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere over the past 20 years. Although the magnitude of this decrease appears small compared to the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere, it is difficult to predict how this process may evolve, due to the brevity of the collected records. A recently proposed model predicts a non-linear decay, which would result in an increasingly rapid fall-off in atmospheric oxygen concentration, with potentially devastating consequences for human health. We discuss the impact that global deoxygenation, over hundreds of generations, might have on human physiology. Exploring the changes between different native high-altitude populations provides a paradigm of how humans might tolerate worsening hypoxia over time. Using this model of atmospheric change, we predict that humans may continue to survive in an unprotected atmosphere for ~3600 years. Accordingly, without dramatic changes to the way in which we interact with our planet, humans may lose their dominance on Earth during the next few millennia.
Moving Beyond Salmon Bias: Mexican Return Migration and Health Selection
Authors: Diaz Christina J. , Koning Stephanie M. , Martinez-Donate Ana P.
Published: November 2016

Despite having lower levels of education and limited access to health care services, Mexican immigrants report better health outcomes than U.S.-born individuals. Research suggests that the Mexican health advantage may be partially attributable to selective return migration among less healthy migrants—often referred to as “salmon bias.” Our study takes advantage of a rare opportunity to observe the health status of Mexican-origin males as they cross the Mexican border. To assess whether unhealthy migrants are disproportionately represented among those who return, we use data from two California-based studies: the California Health Interview Survey; and the Migrante Study, a survey that samples Mexican migrants entering and leaving the United States through Tijuana. We pool these data sources to look for evidence of health-related return migration. Results provide mixed support for salmon bias. Although migrants who report health limitations and frequent stress are more likely to return, we find little evidence that chronic conditions and self-reported health are associated with higher probabilities of return. Results also provide some indication that limited health care access increases the likelihood of return among the least healthy. This study provides new theoretical considerations of return migration and further elucidates the relationship between health and migration decisions.
Outcomes of percutaneous trigger finger release with concurrent steroid injection
Authors: Liu Wen‐Chih , Lu Chun‐Kuan , Lin Yu‐Chuan , Huang Peng‐Ju , Lin Gau‐Tyan , Fu Yin‐Chih
Published: November 2016

Percutaneous release (PR) of the A1 pulley is a quick, safe, and minimally invasive procedure for treating trigger fingers. The purpose of this study is to identify if PR with additional steroid injections can shorten the recovery to reach unlimited range of motion. Between January 2013 and December 2013, we included 432 trigger fingers with actively correctable triggering or severer symptoms without previous surgical release or steroid injections from two hand clinic offices (A and B). The same experienced surgeon performed PR at the office. Patients from Clinic A received PR with steroid injections and those from Clinic B received PR without steroid injections. Patients returned for follow‐up 1 week, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after the procedure. Between the steroid group and the nonsteroid group, there is no significant difference in the mean time for patients to return to normal work and the rate of residual extensor lag. Middle fingers showed a 5.09‐fold chance of having a residual extensor lag over that of the other fingers. High grade trigger fingers recovered more slowly than low grade ones. The success rate of a 12‐week follow‐up was 98.4%. There was no significant difference between the steroid group (97.5%) and the nonsteroid group (99.1%). PR can treat trigger fingers effectively, but additional steroid injection does not provide more benefit. Some fingers showed temporary extensor lag, especially in middle fingers and high grade trigger fingers, but 85% of those will eventually reach full recovery after self‐rehabilitation without another surgical release.
Earth History and Palaeogeography
Authors: Torsvik Trond H. , Cocks L. Robin M.
Published: November 2016

Using full-colour palaeogeographical maps from the Cambrian to the present, this interdisciplinary volume explains how plate motions and surface volcanism are linked to processes in the Earth's mantle, and to climate change and the evolution of the Earth's biota. These new and very detailed maps provide a complete and integrated Phanerozoic story of palaeogeography. They illustrate the development of all the major mountain-building orogenies. Old lands, seas, ice caps, volcanic regions, reefs, and coal beds are highlighted on the maps, as well as faunal and floral provinces. Many other original diagrams show sections from the Earth's core, through the mantle, and up to the lithosphere, and how Large Igneous Provinces are generated, helping to understand how plates have appeared, moved, and vanished through time. Supplementary resources are available online, making this an invaluable reference for researchers, graduate students, professional geoscientists and anyone interested in the geological history of the Earth.
The Shaping of Tuscany
Authors: Gaggio Dario
Published: November 2016

To its many tourists and visitors, the Tuscan landscape evokes a sense of timelessness and harmony. Yet, the upheavals of the twentieth century profoundly reshaped rural Tuscany. Uncovering the experiences of ordinary people, Professor Gaggio traces the history of Tuscany to show how the region's modern conflicts and aspirations have contributed to forging its modern-day beauty. We learn how the rise of Fascism was particularly violent in rural Tuscany, and how struggles between Communist sharecroppers and their landlords raged long after the end of the dictatorship. The flight from the farms in the 1950s and 1960s disorientated many Tuscans, prompting ambitious development projects, and in more recent decades the emergence of the heritage industry has raised the spectre of commodification. This book tells the story of how many Tuscans themselves have become tourists in their own land – forced to adapt to rapid change and reinvent their landscape in the process.
Politics of Desecularization
Authors: Saeed Sadia
Published: November 2016

Over time the Pakistani state has moved from accommodating the Ahmadiyya community as full citizens of the state to forcibly declaring them non-Muslim and eventually criminalizing them for their religious beliefs. Politics of Desecularization deploys the 'Ahmadi question' to theorize a core feature of modern public Islam - its contested and unsettled relationship with the nation-state form. It posits that our current understandings of modern religious change have been shaped by a highly limited number of national cases in which states have been successful at arriving at stable ideologies about religion. Pakistan, however, epitomizes polities that are undergoing protracted political and cultural struggles over religion's proper place in the state. The book's gripping account shows that these struggles are carried out in social sites as diverse as courts, legislative assemblies, and newspapers. The result in Pakistan has been the emergence of a trajectory of desecularization characterized by official religious nationalism.
Stochastic Analysis
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Taniguchi Setsuo
Published: November 2016

Thanks to the driving forces of the Itô calculus and the Malliavin calculus, stochastic analysis has expanded into numerous fields including partial differential equations, physics, and mathematical finance. This book is a compact, graduate-level text that develops the two calculi in tandem, laying out a balanced toolbox for researchers and students in mathematics and mathematical finance. The book explores foundations and applications of the two calculi, including stochastic integrals and differential equations, and the distribution theory on Wiener space developed by the Japanese school of probability. Uniquely, the book then delves into the possibilities that arise by using the two flavors of calculus together. Taking a distinctive, path-space-oriented approach, this book crystallizes modern day stochastic analysis into a single volume.
Gaussian Processes on Trees
Authors: Bovier Anton
Published: November 2016

Branching Brownian motion (BBM) is a classical object in probability theory with deep connections to partial differential equations. This book highlights the connection to classical extreme value theory and to the theory of mean-field spin glasses in statistical mechanics. Starting with a concise review of classical extreme value statistics and a basic introduction to mean-field spin glasses, the author then focuses on branching Brownian motion. Here, the classical results of Bramson on the asymptotics of solutions of the F-KPP equation are reviewed in detail and applied to the recent construction of the extremal process of BBM. The extension of these results to branching Brownian motion with variable speed are then explained. As a self-contained exposition that is accessible to graduate students with some background in probability theory, this book makes a good introduction for anyone interested in accessing this exciting field of mathematics.
Shadow States
Authors: Guyot-Réchard Bérénice
Published: November 2016

Since the mid-twentieth century China and India have entertained a difficult relationship, erupting into open war in 1962. Shadow States is the first book to unpack Sino-Indian tensions from the angle of competitive state-building - through a study of their simultaneous attempts to win the approval and support of the Himalayan people. When China and India tried to expand into the Himalayas in the twentieth century, their lack of strong ties to the region and the absence of an easily enforceable border made their proximity threatening - observing China and India's state-making efforts, local inhabitants were in a position to compare and potentially choose between them. Using rich and original archival research, Bérénice Guyot-Réchard shows how India and China became each other's 'shadow states'. Understanding these recent, competing processes of state formation in the Himalayas is fundamental to understanding the roots of tensions in Sino-Indian relations.
Social Factors Associated With Psychological Distress and Health Problems Among Elderly Members of a Disaster-Affected Population: Subgroup Analysis of a 1-Year Post-disaster Survey in Ishinomaki Area, Japan
Authors: Inoue Mariko , Yamaoka Kazue
Published: November 2016

Objective

We aimed to investigate the influence of social factors, especially social support, on psychological distress and the prevalence of health problems (HPs) among victims living in their homes 14 to 21 months after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.

Methods

A subgroup analysis was performed for elderly participants of a cross-sectional household survey in Ishinomaki area, Japan. The prevalence of psychological HPs was assessed by using a psychological distress questionnaire (K6) and by recording the number of subjective HPs. Perceived social support was assessed in 3 dimensions: informational, emotional, and instrumental support. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between social factors and psychological health.

Results

An elderly subgroup with 879 participants was used for analyses. Psychological distress (K6 score≥9) was observed in 6.8% of the participants aged 65 to 74 years and in 8.0% of those aged ≥75 years. Receiving a long-term care service was associated with having HPs, and discontinuation of attendance at a hospital as an outpatient was associated with psychological distress. Receiving emotional support was associated with lower psychological distress and not having HPs.

Conclusions

Emotional support was found to be an important factor for promoting health among elderly disaster victims. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:64–71)