bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buffalo Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Induces Differentiation and Dome-Like Secondary Structures in COS-1 Cells
Authors: Kaur Gurjeet , Ali Syed Azmal , Pachauri Shikha , Malakar Dhruba , Kaushik Jai K. , Mohanty Ashok K. , Kumar Sudarshan
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to understand the molecular characteristics of buffalo leukemia inhibitory factor (BuLIF) and the generation of a stably transfected COS-1_BuLIF cell line for its functional characterization. Cumulus cells, isolated from oocytes, were separated, and total cDNA was prepared. The BuLIF gene was ligated into the cloning vector pJET1.2/blunt and expression vector pAcGFP-N1 which was transfected into COS-1 cells and confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. BuLIF was immunoprecipitated and evaluated through a MTT assay. qRT-PCR of STAT3 was performed. The multiple sequence alignment of BuLIF showed high similarity with sheep (98.77%) and cattle (96.62%) compared with other species. The BuLIF gene has an open reading frame of 609 nucleotides coding for 202 amino acids. BuLIF was integrated into the genome of COS-1 cells and resulted in the formation of dome-like secondary structures which are indicative of its functional role mediated through STAT3 proteins. In conclusion, this cell line is suitable for understanding LIF-mediated biological functions.
The Phenotype and Outcome of Infantile Cardiomyopathy Caused by a Homozygous ELAC2 Mutation
Authors: Shinwari Zarghuna M.A. , Almesned Abdulrahman , Alakhfash Ali , Al-Rashdan Ahmad M. , Faqeih Eissa , Al-Humaidi Zainab , Alomrani Ahmed , Alghamdi Malak , Colak Dilek , Alwadai Abdullah , Rababh Monther , Al-Fayyadh Majid , Al-Hassnan Zuhair N.
Published: April 2017

Objective: Cardiomyopathy (CMP) in children is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. Disease-associated mutations have been identified in more than 50 genes. Recently, mutations in the mitochondrial tRNA processing gene, ELAC2, were reported to be associated with the recessively inherited form of hypertrophic CMP (HCM). This study is aimed at describing the cardiac phenotype and outcome of ELAC2 mutation. Methods: We performed whole exome sequencing followed by targeted mutation screening to identify the genetic etiology of severe infantile-onset CMP in 64 consanguineous Saudi families. Results: A previously reported mutation (p.Phe154Leu) in ELAC2 gene was detected in 16 families. The index cases presented between 2 and 7 months of age with HCM in 13 infants and dilated CMP (DCM) in 3. Pericardial effusion was observed in 7 infants (44%). All infants died with a median age of death of 4 months. Almost 1/3 of them died during the initial presentation. Conclusion: Our study suggests screening the ELAC2 gene in severe infantile-onset HCM or DCM of unknown etiology, especially in the presence of pericardial effusion. Our work demonstrates a universally poor outcome of the (p.Phe154Leu) variant in ELAC2 gene; a correlation that helps in counseling parents and in planning appropriate medical intervention.
Subjective Memory in a National Sample: Predicting Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Mogle Jacqueline A. , Hill Nikki , McDermott Caroline
Published: April 2017

Background: Individual perception of memory performance (i.e., subjective memory) is assessed using a variety of approaches. This article focuses on 2 such approaches: (1) self-comparison assessments that attempt to capture changes in memory ability over a period of time and (2) age-anchored comparisons that assess how an individual perceives their memory in relation to others their age. These different types of assessment may relate to psychological well-being differently due to the underlying mechanisms of assessment. Objective: The purpose of these analyses is to examine 2 measures of subjective memory (i.e., a self-comparison measure and an age-anchored comparison measure) as predictors of psychological well-being among adults in mid- and late life. Methods: Participants (n = 3,434) in the Midlife in the United States Study completed measures of subjective memory, depressive affect, and life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling was used to examine whether the self-comparison and age-anchored comparison measures had differential predictive utility regarding psychological well-being. Results: Higher age-anchored comparison ratings were related to higher life satisfaction scores. There was a significant interaction between the 2 items such that individuals with lower ratings on both subjective memory measures had the poorest outcomes. Additionally, age-anchored comparisons interacted with age: older adults had the poorest outcomes when they reported poorer age-anchored comparisons. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of precise measurement in the consideration of subjective memory. How an individual was asked to rate his or her perception of memory influenced the relationships between subjective memory and psychological well-being. This study contributes valuable insight into the importance of the assessment models of subjective memory.
Serum Creatinine: Not So Simple!
Authors: Delanaye Pierre , Cavalier Etienne , Pottel Hans
Published: April 2017

Measuring serum creatinine is cheap and commonly done in daily practice. However, interpretation of serum creatinine results is not always easy. In this review, we will briefly remind the physiological limitations of serum creatinine due notably to its tubular secretion and the influence of muscular mass or protein intake on its concentration. We mainly focus on the analytical limitations of serum creatinine, insisting on important concept such as reference intervals, standardization (and IDMS traceability), analytical interferences, analytical coefficient of variation (CV), biological CV and critical difference. Because the relationship between serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate is hyperbolic, all these CVs will impact not only the precision of serum creatinine but still more the precision of different creatinine-based equations, especially in low or normal-low creatinine levels (or high or normal-high glomerular filtration rate range).
Novel Mutations in the Crystallin Gene in Age-Related Cataract Patients from a North Indian Population
Authors: Patel Rashmi , Zenith Ravish K. , Chandra Abhishek , Ali Akhtar
Published: April 2017

Cataract is the most prevalent leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. In comparison to congenital cataract, which affects relatively few individuals, age-related cataract is responsible for slightly half of all cases of blindness worldwide. Although significant work has been done, the genetic aspect of age-related cataract is still in its infancy. The current study was performed to analyze the mutations and polymorphisms in the CRYAA, CRYAB, CRYBB1, and GJA8 genes in 40 unrelated age-related cataract patients. Mutational analysis of the above-mentioned genes in 40 cataract cases revealed 14 different substitutions of which 8 variants were novel and 6 were reported SNPs. Two disease-causing mutations, g.44590631G>A (p.R65Q) and g.44592224G>A (p.R119H), were also observed in the CRYAA gene. The disease-causing variants mildly affect the stability, functionality, and localization of crystallin, and, with progressing age, a small change in the microenvironment of the crystallin lens occurs. This change in combination with a mutation may significantly alter the functionality of the crystallin protein, leading to age-related cataract.
Total Thrombus‐formation Analysis System Predicts Periprocedural Bleeding Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Oimatsu Yu , Kaikita Koichi , Ishii Masanobu , Mitsuse Tatsuro , Ito Miwa , Arima Yuichiro , Sueta Daisuke , Takahashi Aya , Iwashita Satomi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Kojima Sunao , Hokimoto Seiji , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: April 2017

Background

Periprocedural bleeding events are common after percutaneous coronary intervention. We evaluated the association of periprocedural bleeding events with thrombogenicity, which was measured quantitatively by the Total Thrombus‐formation Analysis System equipped with microchips and thrombogenic surfaces (collagen, platelet chip [PL]; collagen plus tissue factor, atheroma chip [AR]).

Methods and Results

Between August 2013 and March 2016, 313 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. They were divided into those with or without periprocedural bleeding events. We determined the bleeding events as composites of major bleeding events defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis and minor bleeding events (eg, minor hematoma, arteriovenous shunt and pseudoaneurysm). Blood samples obtained at percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed for thrombus formation area under the curve (PL
24
‐AUC
10
for PL chip; AR
10
‐AUC
30
for AR chip) by the Total Thrombus‐formation Analysis System and P2Y12 reaction unit by the VerifyNow system. Periprocedural bleeding events occurred in 37 patients. PL
24
‐AUC
10
levels were significantly lower in patients with such events than those without (
P
=0.002). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed association between low PL
24
‐AUC
10
levels and periprocedural bleeding events (odds ratio, 2.71 [1.22–5.99];
P
=0.01) and association between PL
24
‐AUC
10
and periprocedural bleeding events in 176 patients of the femoral approach group (odds ratio, 2.88 [1.11–7.49];
P
=0.03). However, PL
24
‐AUC
10
levels in 127 patients of the radial approach group were not significantly different in patients with or without periprocedural bleeding events.

Conclusions

PL
24
‐AUC
10
measured by the Total Thrombus‐formation Analysis System is a potentially useful predictor of periprocedural bleeding events in coronary artery disease patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Lai Chao‐Lun , Chen Ho‐Min , Liao Min‐Tsun , Lin Ting‐Tse , Chan K. Arnold
Published: April 2017

Background

We aimed to examine the comparative effectiveness and safety between dabigatran and rivaroxaban in atrial fibrillation patients.

Methods and Results

We conducted a population‐based, retrospective, new‐user cohort study based on the National Health Insurance claims database in Taiwan. Adult atrial fibrillation patients who initiated dabigatran (N=10 625) or rivaroxaban (N=4609) between June 1, 2012 and May 31, 2014 were identified as the overall population. A propensity score was derived using logistic regression to model the probability of receipt of rivaroxaban as a function of potential confounders. Altogether, 4600 dabigatran users were matched with 4600 rivaroxaban users to create a propensity score–matched population. The marginal proportional hazards model was applied among the propensity score–matched population as the primary analysis, and the proportional hazards model with adjustment of the quintiles of the propensity score among the overall population was used as the secondary analysis. Rivaroxaban users had a higher risk of all‐cause death than dabigatran users (hazard ratio 1.44, 95%
CI
1.17‐1.78 in the primary analysis and hazard ratio 1.47, 95%
CI
1.23‐1.75 in the secondary analysis). Rivaroxaban users also possessed a higher risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage needing transfusion than dabigatran users in the primary analysis (hazard ratio 1.41, 95%
CI
1.02‐1.95), but the difference diminished in the secondary analysis (hazard ratio 1.20, 95%
CI
0.92‐1.56). The risks of ischemic stroke, acute myocardial infarction, arterial embolism/thrombosis, and intracranial hemorrhage were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Rivaroxaban therapy was associated with a statistically significant increase in all‐cause death compared with dabigatran therapy in atrial fibrillation patients.
Altered MicroRNA Expression Is Responsible for the Pro‐Osteogenic Phenotype of Interstitial Cells in Calcified Human Aortic Valves
Authors: Song Rui , Fullerton David A. , Ao Lihua , Zhao Ke‐seng , Reece T. Brett , Cleveland Joseph C. , Meng Xianzhong
Published: April 2017

Background

The transition of aortic valve interstitial cells (
AVIC
s) to myofibroblastic and osteoblast‐like phenotypes plays a critical role in calcific aortic valve disease progression. Several micro
RNA
s (miRs) are implicated in stem cell differentiation into osteoblast. We hypothesized that an epigenetic mechanism regulates valvular pro‐osteogenic activity. This study examined miR profile in
AVIC
s of calcified valves and identified miRs responsible for
AVIC
phenotypic transition.

Methods and Results

AVIC
s were isolated from normal and diseased valves. The miR microarray analysis revealed 14 upregulated and 12 downregulated miRs in diseased
AVIC
s. Increased miR‐486 and decreased miR‐204 levels were associated with higher levels of myofibroblastic biomarker α‐smooth muscle actin and osteoblastic biomarkers runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osterix (Osx). Cotransfection of miR‐486 antagomir and miR‐204 mimic in diseased
AVIC
s reduced their ability to express Runx2 and Osx. The miR‐486 mimic upregulated α‐smooth muscle actin expression in normal
AVIC
s through the protein kinase B pathway and moderately elevated Runx2 and Osx levels. Knockdown of α‐smooth muscle actin attenuated Runx2 and Osx expression induced by miR‐486. The miR‐486 mimic and miR‐204 antagomir synergistically promoted Runx2 and Osx expression and calcium deposition in normal
AVIC
s and normal aortic valve tissue.

Conclusions

In
AVIC
s of calcified valves, increased levels of miR‐486 induce myofibroblastic transition to upregulate Runx2 and Osx expression and synergize with miR‐204 deficiency to elevate cellular and valvular pro‐osteogenic activity. These novel findings indicate that modulation of the epigenetic mechanism underlying valvular pro‐osteogenic activity has therapeutic potential for prevention of
calcific aortic valve disease
progression.
Reporting Clinical End Points and Safety Events in an Acute Coronary Syndrome Trial: Results With Integrated Collection
Authors: Guimarães Patrícia O. , Lopes Renato D. , Stevens Susanna R. , Zimerman André , Wruck Lisa , James Stefan K. , Haque Ghazala , Giraldez Roberto Rocha C. V. , Alexander John H. , Alexander Karen P.
Published: April 2017

Background

End points and adverse events (
AE
s) are collected separately in clinical trials, yet regulatory requirements for serious
AE
reporting vary across regions, so classifying end points according to seriousness criteria can be useful in global trials.

Methods and Results

In the Apixaban for Prevention of Acute Ischemic Events 2 (APPRAISE‐2) trial, patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome were randomized to apixaban or placebo for the prevention of recurrent ischemic events. Suspected end points (myocardial infarction, stroke, or bleeding) were adjudicated by an independent clinical events classification committee. Safety criteria were collected for suspected end points and
AE
s. Patient‐level event rates per 100 patient‐days of follow‐up, modeled using Poisson regression, explored the influence of region and patient characteristics on event reporting. Overall, 13 909 events were reported by 858 sites in 39 countries; 8.4% (n=1166) were suspected end points, and 91.6% (n=12 743) were
AE
s. Overall, 66.0% of suspected end points were confirmed by the clinical events classification committee. Most clinical events classification committee‐confirmed end points met criteria to be classified as serious (94.0%); many clinical events classification committee‐negated end points also did (63.2%), but fewer
AE
s met seriousness criteria (17.9%). The most common seriousness criterion was hospitalization (79.9%, n=2594). Region explained 28.7% of end point‐ and 26.4% of serious
AE
‐reporting variation, and patient characteristics explained an additional 25.4% of end point and 13.4% of serious
AE
variation. Nonserious
AE
‐reporting variation was not explained by adjustment.

Conclusions

An integrated collection of end points and serious
AE
s is feasible in a multinational trial and illustrates the shared characteristics of events. Tailoring event collection to fit the phase and purpose of the trial is achievable and informative.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00831441.
The Illusion of International Prestige
Authors: Mercer Jonathan
Published: April 2017

Policymakers and international relations scholars concur that prestige is critical to world politics because states having prestige enjoy greater authority. An examination of how policymakers assess their and other states' prestige, however, reveals that this traditional view of prestige is wrong, for two reasons. First, policymakers do not analyze their own states' prestige, because they feel they already know it. They use their feelings of pride and shame as evidence of their state's prestige. Second, political and psychological incentives encourage policymakers to explain another state's behavior in ways that make it unlikely that states gain prestige. Policymakers systematically discount the prestige of other states; a belief that their state has earned the respect and admiration of others is therefore illusory. Consequently, the justification for costly prestige policies collapses. In other words, states should not chase what they cannot catch. Evidence from the South African War supports this conclusion.
Musical-Space Synaesthesia: Visualisation of Musical Texture
Authors: Rudenko Svetlana , de Córdoba Serrano Maria José
Published: April 2017

I, Svetlana Rudenko, am a concert pianist. I am also a synaesthete and for me, sound is visual. It has shape. According to recent research (Akiva-Kabiriet al., 2014, pp. 17–29): “In musical-space synaesthesia, …unlike the vertical and horizontal representation of musical pitch tones in the general population, synaesthetes describe a linear diagonal organisation of pitch tones.” Different piano sounds have aroma and texture. The forms I have lived with since childhood are what I call ‘sound landscapes’. I am not alone. Composers such as Liszt, Scriabin, Gubaidulina and Messiaen, as well as artists such as de Córdoba Serrano and Ninghui Xiong, also experienced these impressions. This paper will explore synaesthetic experiences of musical texture, visualisation of sound and tactile sensations of musical texture as well as enhanced cross-modal associations. On the basis of my experiences, I argue that the visualisation of musical texture influences sound perception and even timing: phrases, dynamics and the whole interpretation.
World heritage and the scientific consecration of ‘outstanding universal value’
Authors: Schmutz Vaughn , Elliott Michael A.
Published: April 2017

Since World War II, the world heritage movement generated widespread support for preserving various sites of natural and cultural significance deemed to have outstanding universal value (OUV) for humanity. While the designation and evaluation of OUV were initially ambiguous, this process underwent expansive rationalization over time. Building on world society scholarship, we argue that specialized international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) played a particularly prominent role in defining OUV, formalizing the process of evaluation, and reinforcing the legitimacy of world heritage by promoting scientific standards and techniques. To support these claims, we systematically examine 811 ‘advisory body’ evaluations produced by associated INGOs from 1980 to 2010 to illustrate (a) the expansive rationalization of evaluative procedures related to world heritage and (b) the increasing reliance on scientific legitimacy to define and validate OUV, particularly for cultural sites. Overall, our findings lend support to institutional theories of globalization.
Paradoxes of Inclusion: Understanding and Managing the Tensions of Diversity and Multiculturalism
Authors: Ferdman Bernardo M.
Published: April 2017

Inclusion is a process and practice that involves working with diversity as a resource. In inclusive organizations and societies, people of all identities and many styles can be fully themselves while also contributing to the larger collective, as valued and full members. Working toward inclusion in diverse organizations and societies can often be experienced as polarizing and presents many challenges and tensions. These tensions can productively be understood and addressed from a paradox perspective. This article discusses three core paradoxes of inclusion: those involving self-expression and identity, boundaries and norms, and safety and comfort. The manifestations of and approaches to managing each paradox are discussed.
Reimagining Cultural Competence: Bringing Buried Dynamics Into the Light
Authors: Foldy Erica Gabrielle , Buckley Tamara R.
Published: April 2017

Many organizations attempt to increase cultural competence as one way to foster organizational change to enhance equity and inclusion. But the literature on cultural competence is largely silent on the role of emotion, despite the strong feelings that inevitably accompany work in cross-racial dyads, groups, and institutions. We offer group relations theory as an approach rooted in the importance of emotions, especially anxiety, and offering a rich awareness of how unconscious processes, including defense mechanisms like splitting and projection, drive that anxiety. We show how this approach helps us both diagnose and address difficult dynamics, including by recognizing entrenched power inequities. We draw on examples from others’ research as well as our own research, teaching, and consulting to illustrate key concepts. Ultimately, we argue that buried emotions can create distance and inhibit change. Surfacing and addressing them can foster connection and provide a way for organizations to move forward.
Promoting Political Participation in War-torn Countries
Authors: Mvukiyehe Eric
Published: April 2017

This article uses original survey data to study the effects of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) on the political attitudes and behaviors of ordinary Liberians. Three results emerge: (i) UNMIL has positive, statistically significant effects on political participation measured over multiple outcome indicators; (ii) UNMIL’s effects display heterogeneity across individual outcome indicators, most positive effects are concentrated around measures associated with participation in national politics as well as political interest and efficacy, while the effects on participation in local politics are mixed; and (iii) self-reported measures of citizens’ interactions with UNMIL military personnel and exposure to democracy and to human rights campaigns carried out by international actors have strong positive associations with political participation, suggesting that results are driven by security and nonsecurity mechanisms. This article discusses the implications of these findings and areas for future research.
Mechanisms of Morality
Authors: Kreps Sarah , Maxey Sarah
Published: April 2017

Humanitarian interventions (HIs) are a common aspect of US foreign policy. Policy makers acknowledge the importance of public support for interventions, but scholars remain divided about the extent and basis of that support. Using a series of survey experiments, we evaluate attitudes about HIs, assess whether the public supports these interventions for instrumental or moral reasons, and test which aspects of morality are most salient. The findings indicate that interventions addressing humanitarian crises boost public support, with the basis of that support residing primarily in normative contentions that the United States has a moral obligation to protect civilians. This research advances understandings of morality in foreign policy, mediates debates about the determinants of public attitudes—including when the public makes moral rather than prudent decisions about interventions—and has important policy implications. It suggests a morally motivated public may be more likely to support risky HIs, increasing the likelihood of using force.
A single-centre review of suspected sudden infant death cases
Authors: Bokor Janos , Danics Krisztina , Bencze Eszter , Keller Eva , Szollosi Zoltan
Published: April 2017

This study aimed to establish the number of deaths in infants under 1 year of age that were being reported for medico-legal examination at a single large academic centre in Hungary, as well as the method of these investigations with special emphasis on histopathology, ancillary techniques and the adherence of our current practice to international recommendations. A single-centre, retrospective audit was conducted on all suspected sudden infant death cases. After the review there were eight infectious background sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases, infectious respiratory tract disease in 14 cases, cardiac septal tumour in one case, and hepatic, possibly metabolic, disorder in one case. Our study has highlighted that even in a single institution there is a huge heterogeneity of approaches which needs standardisation. A reclassification of infant cases according to the San Diego definition resulted in a decreased number of SIDS cases in our material. The San Diego definition and related international recommendations were found to be practical and the classification provides a guide to the standardisation of current practice.
Cruising in Plain View: Clandestine Surveillance and the Unique Insights of Antihomosexual Policing
Authors: Lvovsky Anna
Published: April 2017

The mid-twentieth century witnessed a boom in policing against homosexual cruising, the practitioners of which relied on a set of robust defense tactics to avoid detection by strangers. Frustrated by the difficulties of catching suspected cruisers, police departments developed a variety of surreptitious, deeply intrusive surveillance tactics for monitoring public bathrooms. Yet while necessitated by the insularity of modern cruising culture, these surveillance tactics were legitimized in court partly through judges’ very skepticism of that culture. Weighing the utility of clandestine surveillance against its intrusion on innocent citizens, judges frequently justified surveillance by characterizing cruisers as sexual predators eager to expose themselves to innocent victims. From inception to conviction, the utility of clandestine surveillance thus depended partly on an epistemic lag between the arms of the criminal justice system: a disconnect between the police’s sensitivity to contemporary homosexual practices and judges’ continuing insistence on an older paradigm of perverse predation.
Error Detection–Based Model to Assess Educational Outcomes in Crisis Resource Management Training: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bouhabel Sarah , Kay‐Rivest Emily , Nhan Carol , Bank Ilana , Nugus Peter , Fisher Rachel , Nguyen Lily HP
Published: April 2017

Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OTL‐HNS) residents face a variety of difficult, high‐stress situations, which may occur early in their training. Since these events occur infrequently, simulation‐based learning has become an important part of residents’ training and is already well established in fields such as anesthesia and emergency medicine. In the domain of OTL‐HNS, it is gradually gaining in popularity. Crisis Resource Management (CRM), a program adapted from the aviation industry, aims to improve outcomes of crisis situations by attempting to mitigate human errors. Some examples of CRM principles include cultivating situational awareness; promoting proper use of available resources; and improving rapid decision making, particularly in high‐acuity, low‐frequency clinical situations. Our pilot project sought to integrate CRM principles into an airway simulation course for OTL‐HNS residents, but most important, it evaluated whether learning objectives were met, through use of a novel error identification model.
Microcredit to Rural Women, Intra-household Power Play and Employment Creation in Northern Ghana
Authors: Alnaa Samuel Erasmus
Published: April 2017

In line with previous studies, this article seeks to extend the frontiers of impact of microcredit to employment creation. The article argues that accessing microcredit and employment of additional hand(s) are preceded by two interrelated decisions. In view of this, the study tests the hypothesis that the decision to access microcredit has a positive impact on the decision to create employment. In furtherance of the above, the study uses data collected from 500 women from northern Ghana in a household survey, of whom 250 are beneficiaries of microcredit. The bivariate probit selection estimation technique is employed and the results indicate that access to microcredit has 46 per cent probability of employment creation. Respondents from the Builsa district are more likely to access microcredit and also employ additional hand(s) than their counterparts from the Talensi and Bongo districts. Also, intra-household power play has a positive impact on access to microcredit and employment creation. It is, therefore, recommended that microfinance institutions desirous of employment creation need to increase access to microcredit in the rural areas both in breadth and depth, particularly credit for production activities. Also, a healthy intra-household power play needs to be encouraged by development practitioners to positively influence female-owned businesses.

JEL: D1, G21, J2
Surface structure and catalytic activity of amorphous metallic alloys Fe-Nb-B-RE (RE = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy) in alkaline solution
Authors: Boichyshyn L , Danyliak M-O , Kotur B
Published: April 2017

The thermal stability and characteristics of the surface of the Fe82Nb2B14RE2 (RE = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy) amorphous alloys were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and atomic force microscopy methods. Alloying of the Fe84Nb2B14 alloy by 2 at.% of RE results to increase of nanocrystallization temperature on 110 K for amorphous Fe82Nb2B14RE2 (RE = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy). Values of the roughness increased after thermal treatment for 1 h in air due to nucleation and growth of nanocrystals in bulk and surface oxidation of the amorphous Fe82Nb2B14RE2 alloys. The nanocrystallization of Fe82Nb2B14RE2 amorphous alloys after thermal treatment increases the catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction.
A comparison of the parameters of the chromatographic separation of the mixture of dyes obtained by caLC on the adsorbents type RP-8 and RP-18
Authors: Gierak Andrzej , Skorupa Agata
Published: April 2017

The aim of the presented research was to compare the chromatographic separation process, a mixture of food dyes obtained in capillary action liquid chromatography (caLC) columns packed with adsorbent type RP-8 and RP-18 and using as the eluent: methanol-water-acetic acid (4:5:1, v/v). The obtained retention data were compared with separation in caLC columns with different internal diameters, different distance of migration and the different mode of development the chromatograms.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol endocannabinoid signaling coupled to metabotropic glutamate receptor type-5 modulates anxiety-like behavior in the rat ventromedial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Almeida-Santos Ana F , Moreira Fabricio A , Guimaraes Francisco S , Aguiar Daniele C
Published: April 2017

2-Arachidonoylglycerol and anandamide are the main endocannabinoids, which act through cannabinoid type-1 and type-2 receptors. Among its many functions, anandamide modulates anxiety-like behaviors in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. The role of 2-arachidonoylglycerol in this region, however, has remained unclear. Here, we verified whether intra- ventromedial prefrontal cortex injection of 2-arachidonoylglycerol or URB602, a monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor (responsible for 2-arachidonoylglycerol hydrolysis), induce anxiolytic-like effects in Wistar rats. Since activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 promotes diacylglycerol lipase-α-mediated 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis, we also verified if the blockade of this receptor impairs the anxiolytic-like effect induced by URB 602. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol reduced anxiety-like response in rats exposed to the Elevated Plus Maze test, an effect mimicked by URB602. Cannabinoid type-1 and type-2 receptor antagonists prevented these effects. The pre-treatment with an ineffective dose of MPEP, a metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 antagonist, also attenuated the anxiolytic-like effect of URB602. Moreover, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed co-expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 and diacylglycerol lipase-α in several neurons in slices from the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Altogether, our results implicate 2-arachidonoylglycerol and both cannabinoid receptors on anxiety-related behaviors mediated by ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Further, these data support a role for the coupling between metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 activation and 2-arachidonoylglycerol signalling as a mechanism modulating aversive responses.
How Robust Are Value Judgments of Health Inequality Aversion? Testing for Framing and Cognitive Effects
Authors: Ali Shehzad , Tsuchiya Aki , Asaria Miqdad , Cookson Richard
Published: April 2017

Background. Empirical studies have found that members of the public are inequality averse and value health gains for disadvantaged groups with poor health many times more highly than gains for better off groups. However, these studies typically use abstract scenarios that involve unrealistically large reductions in health inequality and face-to-face survey administration. It is not known how robust these findings are to more realistic scenarios or anonymous online survey administration. Methods. This study aimed to test the robustness of questionnaire estimates of inequality aversion by comparing the following: 1) small versus unrealistically large health inequality reductions, 2) population-level versus individual-level descriptions of health inequality reductions, 3) concrete versus abstract intervention scenarios, and 4) online versus face-to-face mode of administration. Fifty-two members of the public participated in face-to-face discussion groups, while 83 members of the public completed an online survey. Participants were given a questionnaire instrument with different scenario descriptions for eliciting aversion to social inequality in health. Results. The median respondent was inequality averse under all scenarios. Scenarios involving small rather than unrealistically large health gains made little difference in terms of inequality aversion, as did population-level rather than individual-level scenarios. However, the proportion expressing extreme inequality aversion fell 19 percentage points when considering a specific health intervention scenario rather than an abstract scenario and was 11 to 21 percentage points lower among online public respondents compared with the discussion group. Conclusions. Our study suggests that both concrete scenarios and online administration reduce the proportion expressing extreme inequality aversion but still yield median responses that imply substantial health inequality aversion.
17-AAG and Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Mitophagy in Canine Osteosarcoma Cell Lines
Authors: Massimini M. , Palmieri C. , De Maria R. , Romanucci M. , Malatesta D. , De Martinis M. , Maniscalco L. , Ciccarelli A. , Ginaldi L. , Buracco P. , Bongiovanni L. , Salda L. Della
Published: April 2017

Canine osteosarcoma is highly resistant to current chemotherapy; thus, clarifying the mechanisms of tumor cell resistance to treatments is an urgent need. We tested the geldanamycin derivative 17-AAG (17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin) prototype of Hsp90 (heat shock protein 90) inhibitors in 2 canine osteosarcoma cell lines, D22 and D17, derived from primary and metastatic tumors, respectively. With the aim to understand the interplay between cell death, autophagy, and mitophagy, in light of the dual effect of autophagy in regulating cancer cell viability and death, D22 and D17 cells were treated with different concentrations of 17-AAG (0.5 μM, 1 μM) for 24 and 48 hours. 17-AAG-induced apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, and mitophagy were assessed by transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. A simultaneous increase in apoptosis, autophagy, and mitophagy was observed only in the D22 cell line, while D17 cells showed low levels of apoptotic cell death. These results reveal differential cell response to drug-induced stress depending on tumor cell type. Therefore, pharmacological treatments based on proapoptotic chemotherapy in association with autophagy regulators would benefit from a predictive in vitro screening of the target cell type.
Mechanisms of craniofacial pain
Authors: Chichorro Juliana Geremias , Porreca Frank , Sessle Barry
Published: April 2017

Aim

To provide an overview of mechanisms underlying craniofacial pain; to highlight peripheral and central adaptations that may promote chronification of pain in craniofacial pain states such as migraine and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Background

Pain is a common symptom associated with disorders involving craniofacial tissues including the teeth and their supporting structures, the temporomandibular joint and the muscles of the head. Most acute painful craniofacial conditions are easily recognized and well managed, but others, especially those that are chronic (e.g., migraine, TMD and trigeminal neuropathies), present clinical challenges. Preclinical studies have provided substantial information about the anatomical and physiological mechanisms related to the initiation and modulation of nociceptive signals in the trigeminal system. While knowledge of the mechanisms underlying chronic craniofacial pain remains limited, both clinical and preclinical investigations suggest that changes in afferent inputs to the brain as well as in brain structure and modulatory pathways occur in chronic pain. Collectively, these changes result in amplification of nociception that promotes and sustains craniofacial chronic pain states.

Conclusions

The increased understanding gained of the physiological and pathological processing of nociception in the trigeminal system has provided new perspectives for the mechanistic understanding of acute craniofacial pain conditions and the peripheral and central adaptations that are related to pain chronification. Such knowledge may contribute to improvements in currently available treatments as well as to the development of novel analgesic therapies.
Discrete sliding mode variable structure control over the rotating speed of marine diesel engines
Authors: Yuan Yupeng , He Yapeng , Cai Le , Mao Xiaobing
Published: April 2017

This article presents a discrete sliding mode variable structure control used for the speed governing system of marine diesel engines. It is widely accepted that the steady operation of marine diesel engines plays an important role in ensuring the power quality of marine electronic system and good engine performance. In other words, it means that a speed governor with excellent performance is crucial to ensuring the steady rotating speed of a diesel engine. However, due to the fact that diesel engine normally has a complex structure and is often influenced by multiple and nonlinear factors, a traditional proportional integral differential controller cannot optimize the sailing parameters of ships, making it difficult to satisfy the requirements of the speed control for diesel engines under various operation conditions. In view of this problem, this article developed a nonlinear mathematical model of the speed governing system for diesel engines based on experimental tests. Moreover, a discrete sliding mode controller was designed by applying the discrete sliding mode variable structure control, and a simulation model was then developed under the Simulink environment, illustrating that the performance of the designed sliding mode controller is much better than a traditional proportional integral differential controller. Finally, a bench test used for the nonlinear speed governing system based on the discrete sliding mode variable structure control approach was carried out using the bench of a diesel engine Model 2135. The experimental results further illustrated that the discrete sliding mode variable structure controller showed some super advantages, such as smaller overshoot and error, faster response and stronger anti-jamming capability, when comparing with the traditional proportional integral differential controller.
Dynamic Model of Optimal Capital Structure: Evidence from Nigerian Listed Firms
Authors: Ahmad Rubi , Etudaiye-Muhtar Oyebola Fatima
Published: April 2017

Examination of optimal capital structure in financial markets with imperfections suggests that when deviations from optimal capital structure occur, adjustment costs may prevent firms from moving towards target capital structure. However, previous studies on the capital structure of non-financial firms in Nigeria did not consider these imperfections and adjustment costs. It is against this background that this study investigates the dynamic adjustment to target capital structure by non-financial firms listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. By utilizing a framework that provides for the determination of adjustment costs, the results reveal the existence of dynamic adjustment to optimal capital structure suggesting attempts made by the sampled firms to maximize shareholders wealth. A comparison of the adjustment costs with those of firms in more developed economies shows that Nigerian firms have higher costs of adjustment indicating that the level of development of the market is important in lowering transaction costs. In addition, tangibility of assets, non-debt tax shield, growth opportunity, firm size, profitability and inflation significantly influence Nigerian firms’ optimal capital structure.
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety Analysis of Dual Antiplatelet Therapies Within an Integrated Delivery System
Authors: Coons James C. , Iasella Carlo J. , Chanas Tyler , Wang Nan , Williams Kiersten , Boyd Anthony , Lyons John , Eckardt Jamie , Rihtarchik Lindsey , Merkel Alison , Chambers Alexandra , Lemon Lara S. , Smith Randall , Ensor Christopher R.
Published: April 2017

Background: Dual antiplatelet therapy is a mainstay of care for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients; however, uncertainty exists in real-world practice about comparative effectiveness and safety outcomes. Objective: To evaluate outcomes of different oral P2Y12 inhibitors in PCI patients. Methods: We retrospectively studied patients treated between July 1, 2010, and December 31, 2013. Patients received clopidogrel, prasugrel, ticagrelor, or more than 1 antiplatelet (switch) during PCI. Outcomes were evaluated for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and bleeding at 1 year. Propensity score matching with Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to determine predictors of MACE and bleeding. Results: A total of 8127 patients were included: clopidogrel (n = 6872), prasugrel (n = 605), ticagrelor (n = 181), and switch (n = 469). Treatment with prasugrel was associated with the lowest risk of MACE using multivariate regression (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.36-0.92; P = 0.02). In the propensity score–matched analysis, only the prasugrel group was associated with a lower risk of MACE compared with the clopidogrel group. Clopidogrel was associated with the lowest risk of major bleeding using multivariate regression (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.42-0.98; P = 0.042). Both ticagrelor (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.11-3.59) and the switch groups (HR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.09-2.50) were associated with a greater risk of major bleeding compared with clopidogrel. However, no differences were found in the propensity score–matched analysis. Conclusions: Dual antiplatelet therapies differed in both MACE and bleeds in a real-world setting of PCI. Prasugrel was associated with fewer MACE, whereas clopidogrel had fewer major bleeding events.
Evaluation of a Victim-Centered, Trauma-Informed Victim Notification Protocol for Untested Sexual Assault Kits (SAKs)
Authors: Campbell Rebecca , Shaw Jessica , Fehler-Cabral Giannina
Published: April 2017

Throughout the United States, hundreds of thousands of sexual assault kits (SAKs) have not been submitted by the police for forensic DNA testing, which raises complex issues regarding how victims ought to be notified about what happened to their kits. In this project, we evaluated a victim-centered, trauma-informed victim notification protocol that was implemented in Detroit, Michigan. Most victims (84%) did not have a strong negative emotional reaction to notification, and most (57%) decided to reengage with the criminal justice system. Victims of nonstranger sexual assaults were less likely to reengage postnotification compared with victims of stranger rape.
The feline blood film: 1. Techniques and erythrocyte morphology
Authors: Harvey John W
Published: April 2017

Practical relevance:

Many veterinary practices have invested in quality automated hematology instruments for use in-house. However, regardless of the specific choice of analyzer, there are important hematology findings that can only be determined by microscopic examination of stained blood films. For this reason, and also for the purpose of quality control for the analyzer, a quick blood film review should be performed alongside every automated complete blood count. Even those practices that submit their blood samples to outside diagnostic laboratories for evaluation, still require the capability to examine stained blood films in emergency situations.

Series outline:

This is the first of a two-part article series that aims to familiarize the practitioner with normal findings on feline blood films, with a particular focus on unique features in the cat, as well as to assist with interpretation of common abnormalities. Part 1 focuses on how to prepare and examine blood films in order to maximize the reliability of the information they convey, and describes the morphology of feline erythrocytes in health and disease.

Evidence base:

The information and guidance offered is based on the published literature and the author’s own extensive clinical pathology research.
Mapping a Careflow Network to assess the connectedness of Connected Health
Authors: Carroll Noel , Richardson Ita
Published: April 2017

Connected Health is an emerging and rapidly developing field which has the potential to transform healthcare service systems by increasing its safety, quality and overall efficiency. From a healthcare perspective, process improvement models have mainly focused on the static workflow viewpoint. The objective of this article is to study and model the dynamic nature of healthcare delivery, allowing us to identify where potential issues exist within the service system and to examine how Connected Health technological solutions may support service efficiencies. We explore the application of social network analysis (SNA) as a modelling technique which captures the dynamic nature of a healthcare service. We demonstrate how it can be used to map the ‘Careflow Network’ and guide Connected Health innovators to examine specific opportunities within the healthcare service. Our results indicate that healthcare technology must be correctly identified and implemented within the Careflow Network to enjoy improvements in service delivery. Oftentimes, prior to making the transformation to Connected Health, researchers use various modelling techniques that fail to identify where Connected Health innovation is best placed in a healthcare service network. Using SNA allows us to develop an understanding of the current operation of healthcare system within which they can effect change. It is important to identify and model the resource exchanges to ensure that the quality and safety of care are enhanced, efficiencies are increased and the overall healthcare service system is improved. We have shown that dynamic models allow us to study the exchange of resources. These are often intertwined within a socio-technical context in an informal manner and not accounted for in static models, yet capture a truer insight on the operations of a Careflow Network.