bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On interaction between external and internal markers in expressing aspect in Arabic dialect varieties
Authors: Naïm Samia
Published: February 2016

Themes, preverbs and particles partake in expressing aspectual notions. In this paper we will study the distribution of these markers and their grammatical and semantic compatibilities (when it is possible to retrace their etymology) with the two aspects inherent to the themes upon which the Arabic verbal system rests: the perfective and the imperfective. To what extent does the analysis of the affinities and incompatibilities between these external markers and the perfective and imperfective contribute to the definition of these very same notions? How to distinguish between constraints linked to verbal semantics (lexical aspect) and those which fall under one or the other of these two notions? This paper will also explore, from a crossdialectal and typological angle, which notions are encoded specifically and which belong to broader categories, so as to extrapolate the aspectual system dynamics in the dialects under study.
Chapter 5. The Neural Basis of Speech Rhythm Perception
Authors: Thomson Jenny
Published: February 2016

This chapter focuses on the neural basis of speech rhythm perception as opposed to production, largely due to the more elaborate understanding we have of the former. As with the behavioural research, the neural basis of speech rhythm has been investigated with different methodologies and looked at with different units of measurement. This chapter begins by describing current theories of how the human neural system represents temporality/acoustic time in a broad sense. The chapter goes on to explore contemporary views on neural representation of the suprasegmental parts of speech specifically. It looks at questions of hemispheric lateralization, the degree of overlap with non-linguistic rhythm processing and highlights research starting to tease apart specific aspects of speech rhythm such as intonation.
Chapter 7. Word Stress Competence and Literacy in Dutch Children with a Family Risk of Dyslexia and Children with Dyslexia
Authors: de Bree Elise , Wijnen Frank
Published: February 2016

This study assessed Dutch word stress acquisition in children with (a familial risk of) dyslexia and normally developing children. Word stress production was measured through repetition of non-words with stress patterns varying in regularity. Both three-year-old children with a family risk of dyslexia and nineyear-old dyslexic children had more difficulties on this task than agematched children without a family risk of dyslexia and without dyslexia. For the three-year-olds, word stress performance was related to their phonological, but not to their literacy abilities at age eight. For the nine-year-olds, associations were found between word stress production, verbal working memory, and literacy. It is argued that there is a bidirectional relationship between segmental representations and word stress abilities. The findings are interpreted within the phonological deficit hypothesis of dyslexia.
Chapter 9. Development of Reading Prosody and its Assessment
Authors: Schwanenflugel Paula J. , Benjamin Rebekah George
Published: February 2016

One of the most noticeable transformations in children’s oral reading that occurs as they become skilled readers is the development of good reading prosody. We discuss research carried out in our laboratories that describes the nature of these changes in reading prosody. We describe the consistent patterns observed across studies in spectrographically measured prosody features. We discuss where reading prosody fits theoretically in the general development of reading skills. We discuss how researchers have translated their understanding of reading prosody into the development of reading fluency rating scales, and evaluate the validity of the scales. Finally, we discuss open questions in our understanding of reading prosody, particularly with regard to the place of prosody in classroom assessment of reading skill.
In-silico analysis of MHC genes in hereditary colorectal cancer shows identical by state SNP sharing affecting HLA-DQB1 binding groove
Authors: Koko Mahmoud E. , Suleiman Suleiman H. , Abdallah Mohammed O.E. , Saad Muhallab , Ibrahim Muntaser E.
Published: February 2016

Background

The role of Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles in colorectal cancer susceptibility, development and progression is the focus of ongoing scrutiny. MHC polymorphisms in a Sudanese family with hereditary colorectal cancer were studied using anin silicoapproach and the results were verified using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). In this family study, we tested for sharing of nucleotide polymorphisms identified by whole exome capture inmajor histocompatibility complexregion and carried outin-silicoprediction of their effects in tumor and control samples. SNPs were analyzed to highlight identical by state sharing, to identify runs of homozygosity, as well as to predict structural and functional effects using homology modeling, damaging effect predictions, and regulatory changes prediction.

Results

MHC II area showed significantly high degree of homozygosity in tumor samples. Non-synonymous SNPs sharedidentical by state(IBS) between tumor samples were predicted to affect HLA-DQB1 binding groove. A similar haplotype of these SNPs was identified in a TCGA colonic adenocarcinoma tumor sample. No significant regulatory effects (in the form of transcription factor or miRNA binding site variants) were predicted.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate IBS SNP sharing of markers affecting HLA-DQB1 binding specificity and probable loss of heterozygosity in MHC II region in colorectal cancer. The significance of this sharing in cancer pathogenesis remains to be established.
The evolution of labile traits in sex‐ and age‐structured populations
Authors: Childs Dylan Z. , Sheldon Ben C. , Rees Mark
Published: February 2016

Many quantitative traits are labile (e.g. somatic growth rate, reproductive timing and investment), varying over the life cycle as a result of behavioural adaptation, developmental processes and plastic responses to the environment. At the population level, selection can alter the distribution of such traits across age classes and among generations. Despite a growing body of theoretical research exploring the evolutionary dynamics of labile traits, a data‐driven framework for incorporating such traits into demographic models has not yet been developed.

Integral projection models (IPMs) are increasingly being used to understand the interplay between changes in labile characters, life histories and population dynamics. One limitation of the IPM approach is that it relies on phenotypic associations between parents and offspring traits to capture inheritance. However, it is well‐established that many different processes may drive these associations, and currently, no clear consensus has emerged on how to model micro‐evolutionary dynamics in an IPM framework.

We show how to embed quantitative genetic models of inheritance of labile traits into age‐structured, two‐sex models that resemble standard IPMs. Commonly used statistical tools such as GLMs and their mixed model counterparts can then be used for model parameterization. We illustrate the methodology through development of a simple model of egg‐laying date evolution, parameterized using data from a population of Great tits (Parus major).

We demonstrate how our framework can be used to project the joint dynamics of species' traits and population density. We then develop a simple extension of the age‐structured Price equation (ASPE) for two‐sex populations, and apply this to examine the age‐specific contributions of different processes to change in the mean phenotype and breeding value.

The data‐driven framework we outline here has the potential to facilitate greater insight into the nature of selection and its consequences in settings where focal traits vary over the lifetime through ontogeny, behavioural adaptation and phenotypic plasticity, as well as providing a potential bridge between theoretical and empirical studies of labile trait variation.
Demography beyond the population
Authors: Griffith Alden B. , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , Merow Cory , McMahon Sean
Published: February 2016

Population ecology, the discipline that studies the dynamics of species’ populations and how they interact with the environment, has been one of the most prolific fields of ecology and evolution. Demographic research is central to quantifying population‐level processes and their underlying mechanisms and has provided critical contributions to a diversity of research fields. Examples include the spread of infectious diseases, eco‐evolutionary dynamics and rapid evolution, mechanisms underlying invasions and extinctions, and forest productivity. As the fates of individual organisms are influenced by, and subsequently underlie, many other patterns and processes, we suggest that connecting demographybeyondthe population level offers promising avenues of innovation in ecology and evolution.

Under the premise that population‐level processes are an ideal common currency within ecology and evolution, we organized the British Ecological Society Symposium,Demography Beyond the Population. This event attracted international researchers who are applying demographic theory and approaches to a broad range of questions. This special feature builds off of the symposium and illustrates the ability of demography to connect across diverse research areas in ecology and evolution, including functional traits, transient dynamics, quantitative genetics, environmental drivers and feedbacks, land management and other topics. In addition to highlighting the contributed manuscripts, this editorial provides a brief background on the development of the discipline and suggests how demographic tools may be used in novel ways to study more thanjustpopulations.

Synthesis. This special feature integrates novel lines of research in the vast field of demography that directly interact with other ecological and evolutionary disciplines. The cross‐disciplinary potential of demography is further emphasized by the fact that its 20 manuscripts are spread across all six journals of the British Ecological Society. Together, these articles highlight that there is much to be gained by linking demography to other disciplines and scales in ecology and evolution.
l‐Cysteine enhances nutrient absorption via a cystathionine‐β‐synthase‐derived H2S pathway in rodent jejunum
Authors: Xiao Ailin , Li Jing , Liu Tianjian , Liu Zhuxi , Wei Chuanfei , Xu Xiaomeng , Li Qin , Li Jingxin
Published: February 2016

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is generated endogenously from l‐cysteine (l‐Cys) by the enzymes cystathionine‐β‐synthase (CBS) and cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE). In addition, l‐Cys is commonly used as a precursor in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of the present study is to determine whether l‐Cys regulates intestinal nutrient transport. To that end, the presence of CBS and CSE in the jejunum epithelium was assessed by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and the methylene blue assay. In addition, in vivo l‐Cys (100 mg/kg, administered immediately after the glucose load) significantly increased blood glucose levels 30 min after the oral administration of glucose to mice. This effect of l‐Cys was completely blocked by amino‐oxyacetic acid (AOA; 50 mg/kg; administered at the same time as l‐Cys) an inhibitor of CBS. Measurements of the short‐circuit current (Isc) in the rat jejunum epithelium revealed that l‐Cys (1 mmol/L; 6 min before the administration of l‐alanine) enhances Na+‐coupled l‐alanine or glucose transport, and that this effect is inhibited by AOA (1 mmol/L;10 min before the administration of l‐Cys), but not d,l‐propargylglycine (PAG;1 mmol/L; 10 min before the administration of l‐Cys), a CSE inhibitor. Notably, l‐Cys‐evoked enhancement of nutrient transport was alleviated by glibenclamide (Gli;0.1 mmol/L; 10 min before the administration of l‐Cys), a K+ channel blocker. Together, the data indicate that l‐Cys enhances jejunal nutrient transport, suggesting a new approach to future treatment of nutrition‐related maladies, including a range of serious health consequences linked to undernutrition.
Before theory comes theorizing or how to make social science more interesting
Authors: Swedberg Richard
Published: February 2016

The basic argument in this article is that sociology and social science more generally are today severely hampered by the lack of attention being paid to theory. Methods – qualitative as well as quantitative methods – have proven to be very useful in practical research (as opposed to theory); and as a result they dominate modern social science. They do not, however, do the job that belongs to theory. One way to redress the current imbalance between methods and theory, it is suggested, would be to pay more attention to theorizing, that is, to the actual process that precedes the final formulation of a theory; and in this way improve theory. Students of social science are today primarily exposed to finished theories and are not aware of the process that goes into the production and design of a theory. Students need to be taught how to construct a theory in practical terms (‘theorizing’); and one good way to do so is through exercises. This is the way that methods are being taught by tradition; and it helps the students to get a hands‐on knowledge, as opposed to just a reading knowledge of what a theory is all about. Students more generally need to learn how to construct a theory while drawing on empirical material. The article contains a suggestion for the steps that need to be taken when you theorize. Being trained in what sociology and social science are all about – an important precondition! – students may proceed as follows. You start out by observing, in an attempt to get a good empirical grip on the topic before any theory is introduced. Once this has been done, it may be time to name the phenomenon; and either turn the name into a concept as the next step or bring in some existing concepts in an attempt to get a handle on the topic. At this stage one can also try to make use of analogies, metaphors and perhaps a typology, in an attempt to both give body to the theory and to invest it with some process. The last element in theorizing is to come up with an explanation; and at this point it may be helpful to draw on some ideas by Charles Peirce, especially his notion of abduction. Before having been properly tested against empirical material, according to the rules of the scientific community, the theory should be considered unproven. Students who are interested in learning more about theorizing may want to consult the works of such people as Everett C. Hughes, C. Wright Mills, Ludwig Wittgenstein and James G. March. Many of the issues that are central to theorizing are today also being studied in cognitive science; and for those who are interested in pursuing this type of literature, handbooks represent a good starting point. The article ends by arguing that more theorizing will not only redress the balance between theory and methods; it will also make sociology and social science more interesting.
Inflammation in central nervous system diseases
Authors: Shichita Takashi , Yoshimura Akihiko
Published: February 2016

Inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of various central nervous system diseases. The brain is a sterile organ; therefore, inflammation is triggered by endogenous molecules. Pattern recognition receptors recognize specific endogenous molecules, and activate resident glial cells and peripheral immune cells. Inflammasome complex formation is also important for neuroinflammation in brain tissue injury, epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases. Although inflammation exaggerates the pathology and neurological deficits in neurological disorders, triggering the pro‐resolution process and neuronal repair is a beneficial side of inflammation. We introduce recent accumulating evidence about the relationship between neuroinflammation by innate immunity and the process of pathogenesis in central nervous system diseases.
VOTER PREFERENCES, INSTITUTIONS, AND ECONOMIC FREEDOM
Authors: Crowley George R. , Dove John A. , Sutter Daniel
Published: February 2016

The enormous impact that economic freedom can have on economic outcomes makes an understanding of the factors or forces affecting its level paramount. To what extent do citizen preferences regarding the role of government in the economy drive the level of or changes in economic freedom? We explore this question using a new index of voting in the U.S. Congress constructed consistent with the Fraser Institute indices of economic freedom. We use voting on national legislation to examine state‐level economic freedom to clearly separate the measurement of preferences from policies that at least partly reflect these preferences. We find that Congressional votes, both from the House and Senate, are related to increases in state economic freedom, and that the result is generally statistically and economically significant, and robust to inclusion of a variety of socioeconomic control variables. (JEL D72, H10, H50)
Preschoolers' Acquisition of Novel Verbs in the Double Object Dative
Authors: Arunachalam Sudha
Published: February 2016

Children have difficulty comprehending novel verbs in the double object dative (e.g., Fred blicked the dog a stick) as compared to the prepositional dative (e.g., Fred blicked a stick to the dog). We explored this pattern with 3 and 4 year olds (N = 60). In Experiment 1, we replicated the documented difficulty with the double object frame, even though we provided more contextual support. In Experiment 2, we tested a novel hypothesis that children would comprehend novel verbs in, and generalize them to, the double object frame if they were first familiarized to the verbs in the prepositional frame. They did, suggesting that part of their difficulty with the double object frame is due to uncertainty about a new verb's semantic/syntactic properties, information that the easy‐to‐comprehend prepositional frame provides. The benefits of training were short‐lived, however; children again struggled after a 2‐h delay. The results are discussed in the context of mechanisms underlying verb acquisition.
Environmental heterogeneity among lakes promotes hyper β‐diversity across phytoplankton communities
Authors: Maloufi Selma , Catherine Arnaud , Mouillot David , Louvard Clarisse , Couté Alain , Bernard Cécile , Troussellier Marc
Published: February 2016

The extent to which stochastic and deterministic processes influence variations in species communities across space and time remains a central question in theoretical and applied ecology. Despite their high dispersal ability, the composition of phytoplankton communities displays striking spatial variations among lakes even at small spatial scale.

To investigate the mechanisms underlying the distribution of phytoplankton species, we evaluate the contribution of stochastic, spatial and environmental processes in determining β‐diversity patterns of phytoplankton at a regional scale. Phytoplankton communities were surveyed in 50 different lakes from north‐central France, a region characterised by strong environmental heterogeneity.

The regional species pool was characterised by extremely high β‐diversity levels, which were mainly explained by species replacement (i.e. turnover) rather than by differences in species richness (i.e. nestedness). Null models of random species distribution and spatial processes failed to explain observed β‐diversity patterns. At the opposite, local environmental conditions strongly influenced the degree of uniqueness of local phytoplankton communities, with the most contrasted environments, including human‐dominated areas, promoting highly distinct phytoplankton communities.

Our results suggest that species‐sorting mechanisms that arise from variations in local environmental conditions drive high species turnover at the region scale. Thus, in a landscape strongly impacted by cultural eutrophication, further anthropogenic impacts on aquatic ecosystems would likely induce regional homogenisation of phytoplankton communities. Overall, our study supports the fact that the management of lakes and reservoirs in anthropic landscapes should aim at maintaining environmental heterogeneity while preventing further eutrophication in order to favour the maintenance of high phytoplankton β‐ and γ‐diversity.
Simeprevir or telaprevir with peginterferon and ribavirin for recurrent hepatitis C after living‐donor liver transplantation: A Japanese multicenter experience
Authors: Ueda Yoshihide , Ikegami Toru , Soyama Akihiko , Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Shinoda Masahiro , Ishiyama Kohei , Honda Masaki , Marubashi Shigeru , Okajima Hideaki , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Eguchi Susumu , Kokudo Norihiro , Kitagawa Yuko , Ohdan Hideki , Inomata Yukihiro , Nagano Hiroaki , Shirabe Ken , Uemoto Shinji , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: February 2016

Aim

This study aimed to clarify the efficacy and safety of simeprevir, a second‐generation NS3/4A inhibitor, with peginterferon and ribavirin for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of living‐donor liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C with the hepatitis C virus genotype 1 treated with either simeprevir‐ or telaprevir‐based triple therapy was carried out at eight Japanese liver transplant centers.

Results

Simeprevir‐ and telaprevir‐based triple therapies were given to 79 and 36 patients, respectively. Of the 79 patients treated with simeprevir‐based triple therapy, 44 (56%) achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks (SVR12) after treatment ended, and there was no significant difference in the SVR12 between the simeprevir‐ and telaprevir‐based triple therapy groups (69%). The rates of adverse events were not significantly different between the simeprevir‐ and telaprevir‐based triple therapy groups, although the rate of patients who received blood cell transfusion and erythropoietin due to anemia and had renal insufficiency were significantly higher in the telaprevir group than in the simeprevir group. Three baseline factors, the presence of prior dual therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin (P = 0.001), a non‐responder to the prior dual therapy (P < 0.001), and male sex (P = 0.040), were identified as significant predictive factors for non‐SVR with simeprevir‐based triple therapy.

Conclusion

Simeprevir‐based triple therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after living‐donor liver transplantation resulted in a high SVR rate and good tolerability, especially in treatment‐naïve patients.
Effect of extraction conditions on the antioxidant and antiglycation capacity of carbohydrates from Opuntia robusta cladodes
Authors: Chaouch Mohamed Aymen , Hafsa Jawhar , Rihouey Christophe , Le Cerf Didier , Majdoub Hatem
Published: February 2016

The extraction and characterisation of six crude polysaccharides from Opuntia robusta cladodes, as well as the assessment of their antioxidant and antiglycation activities in vitro, were examined. In this work, carbohydrates were extracted from defatted cladode's peels and pulps through a sequential extraction method in different aqueous medium (neutral, basic and chelating). The obtained polysaccharides were compared in terms of yield and physicochemical properties. Water‐soluble extracts showed the highest yield, while peel's chelating‐soluble extract gave high galacturonic acid content. Preliminary antioxidant in vitro tests suggested that peel's chelating‐soluble extract presented the highest scavenging activity towards DPPH free radicals and inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation. Furthermore, all extracted polysaccharides showed good potential in inhibiting the nonenzymatic glycation reaction, particularly on the first 3 days of incubation. The obtained results suggested that Opuntia robusta extracts could be explored as natural antioxidant, especially those extracted with chelating agent.
Improved physical stability of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid encapsulated using nanoliposome containing α‐tocopherol
Authors: Sahari Mohammad Ali , Moghimi Hamid Reza , Hadian Zahra , Barzegar Mohsen , Mohammadi Abdoreza
Published: February 2016

This study aimed to develop a nanoliposomal formulation containing α‐tocopherol loaded with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and to characterise the formulation by its physical stability. For this purpose, different nanoliposomal formulations with dipalmitoyl phosphocholine were prepared using a modified thin‐film hydration method and evaluated by particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and determining the encapsulation efficiencies ofDHAandEPA. A physical stability study was conducted by investigating the change in the vesicle encapsulation efficiency, particle size,PDIand shape when stored at 4, 30 and 40 °C for 3 months. High encapsulation efficiency ofDHAandEPA(89.1% ± 0.6% and 81.9% ± 1.4%) and appropriate particle size (82 ± 0.8 nm) were obtained for liposomes composed of α‐tocopherol. The optimum formulation was stable for 90 days when kept at 4 °C. This study demonstrated that α‐tocopherol had a protective effect on the physical stability of the nanoliposomes containingDHAandEPA.
Effect of different solvents on the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and alpha‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of hawthorn extracts
Authors: Miao Jing , Li Xia , Fan Yaya , Zhao Chengcheng , Mao Xinhui , Chen Xuetao , Huang Hanhan , Gao Wenyuan
Published: February 2016

The aim was to investigate chemical composition of different extracts prepared from hawthorn fruit using 80% ethanol, 80% methanol, 80% acetone and pure deionised water, and evaluate their antioxidant and anti‐alpha‐glucosidase activities. The highest alpha‐glucosidase inhibitory activity was determined in 80% acetone extract, while the highest DPPH scavenge capacity and ferric reducing power both exhibited in deionised water extract. In the correlation analysis, polyphenols, triterpenoids, protocatechuic acid and epicatechin all contribute to the alpha‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, while flavonoids, polyphenols, vanillic acid, gallic acid, catechin and chlorogenic acid all contribute to the antioxidant activity. By HPLC‐MS, thirty six compounds were identified, and fifteen of them were found from hawthorn fruits for the first time. Our results would provide a good reference for the further study on the antidiabetes activity of hawthorn, and also support that deionised water extract has the potential to be used as ingredients of functional food products.
Deconvolution of Mass Gain and Mass Loss Mechanisms During Carbothermic Reduction to Nitridation of Zirconia
Authors: Parkison Adam J. , Nelson Andrew T.
Published: February 2016

A novel approach was used to understand the effects of processing conditions on the conversion of zirconium dioxide to zirconium carbonitride using a carbothermic reduction to nitridation process. The conversion process was studied through the use of thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy, resulting in an understanding of the nature and progression of conversion. The rate of mass change as measured through thermogravimetric analysis was plotted as a function of reaction progression, guiding the use of XRD in further understanding the conversion process. This approach was then used to characterize the important effect of initial compact morphology on conversion. Coupled analysis techniques allow for advancement of a number of hypotheses regarding the rate‐limiting factors along the various steps in the carbothermic reduction to nitridation process. These results demonstrate the value of the proposed approach to aid in deconstruction of competing reaction mechanisms as necessary to understand the system studied here or other systems of scientific and industrial relevance.
Peri‐implantitis – onset and pattern of progression
Authors: Derks Jan , Schaller Dennis , Håkansson Jan , Wennström Jan L. , Tomasi Cristiano , Berglundh Tord
Published: February 2016

Background

While information on the prevalence of peri‐implantitis is available, data describing onset and progression of the disease are limited.

Material & Methods

A 9‐year follow‐up examination of 596 randomly selected implant‐carrying individuals identified 62 patients with moderate/severe peri‐implantitis. Longitudinal assessments of peri‐implant marginal bone levels were used to construct a statistical model with bone loss as the dependent variable. A multilevel growth model estimated the pattern of bone loss for each implant/patient. Onset of peri‐implantitis was determined by evaluating the cumulative percentage of implants/patients presenting with estimated bone loss at each year following prosthesis delivery.

Results

The analysis showed a non‐linear, accelerating pattern of bone loss at the 105 affected implants. The onset of peri‐implantitis occurred early, and 52% and 66% of implants presented with bone loss of >0.5 mm at years 2 and 3 respectively. A total of 70% and 81% of subjects presented with ≥1 implants with bone loss of >0.5 mm at years 2 and 3 respectively.

Conclusions

It is suggested that peri‐implantitis progresses in a non‐linear, accelerating pattern and that, for the majority of cases, the onset occurs within 3 years of function.
Freezing and Thawing Characteristics of Some Selected Nigerian Soups
Authors: Raji Akeem Olayemi , Akinoso Rahman , Ibanga Uche , Raji Monsurat Oyewale
Published: February 2016

Freezing and thawing characteristics of some Nigerian soups (Ila, Ewedu, Ogbono and Kuka) were investigated. The soups were prepared using standard recipe and packaged in plastic and aluminum containers, frozen at −20C and thawed with microwave oven water (2.45 GHz), hot water (100C) and at ambient condition (30 ± 2C). Freezing and thawing durations, rates, losses and points of the soups were determined using standard methods. Data were analysed using SPSS at P = 0.05. Freezing duration, rate, loss and points were 70.0–145.0 min, 0.4–0.7C/min, 1.75–3.79%, and −1.8 to −2.4C respectively. Thawing duration, rate, loss and points were, 1.8–53.0 min, 0.4–10.9C/min, 0.1–2.4% and −1.7 to −2.3C respectively. Soups packaged in aluminium containers frozen faster than in plastic containers. Microwave‐thawed soups in plastics showed the best thawing characteristics which include high thawing rate, short thawing time and low thawing loss.

Practical Applications

Evidence of richness of Nigerian soups has been reported by many researchers. In order to maintain the quality of frozen selected Nigerian soups and to reduce the cost of their preservation, the freezing and thawing characteristics of the selected soups should be established. Freezing is an effective preservation technique that maintains the keeping quality of both processed and freshly harvested products. This method of preservation is considerably complex and quality of frozen food depends not only on the temperature, the freezing rate, freezing time and maintenance of the cooling chain, but also on the thawing conditions. Freezing and thawing characteristics of the selected Nigerian soups established are essential in the calculation of refrigeration requirements and the design of equipments for Nigerian soups preservation. Also, the data obtained can be applied to cold chain marketing of the soups to guide against sensory and nutritional losses during cold storage.
Return Seasonalities
Authors: KELOHARJU MATTI , LINNAINMAA JUHANI T. , NYBERG PETER
Published: February 2016

A strategy that selects stocks based on their historical same‐calendar‐month returns earns an average return of 13% per year. We document similar return seasonalities in anomalies, commodities, and international stock market indices, as well as at the daily frequency. The seasonalities overwhelm unconditional differences in expected returns. The correlations between different seasonality strategies are modest, suggesting that they emanate from different systematic factors. Our results suggest that seasonalities are not a distinct class of anomalies that requires an explanation of its own, but rather that they are intertwined with other return anomalies through shared systematic factors.
In vitro effects of plant essential oils on non‐specific immune parameters of red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus L.
Authors: Sutili F. J. , Gatlin D. M. , Rossi W. , Heinzmann B. M. , Baldisserotto B.
Published: February 2016

Phytochemicals such as plant essential oils (EOs) have been reported to favour various activities in the innate immune system of fish. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the in vitro effect of three different plant EOs (Ocimum americanum, Cymbopogon flexuosus and Melaleuca alternifolia) on non‐specific immune parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of red drum, Sciaenops ocellatus. Concentrations of each plant EO evaluated in preparations of head‐kidney macrophages, blood leucocytes and blood plasma were as follows: 0.0 (control), 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 μg/ml. Red drum head‐kidney macrophages significantly increased extracellular superoxide anion production when exposed (20 h) to O. americanum EO (1.0‐8.0 μg/ml) and C. flexuosus EO (2.0 and 4.0 μg/ml). The respiratory burst of blood leucocytes (NBT test) significantly increased in all concentrations when compared to the respective control group, for all EOs. At the highest concentration (16.0 μg/ml), C. flexuosus EO significantly inhibited the haemolytic activity of complement system in red drum blood after 1 h exposure. None of the tested concentrations significantly altered plasma lysozyme activity or erythrocyte osmotic fragility after exposing (1 h) red drum whole blood to each EO. This study demonstrated that these plant EOs are capable of triggering superoxide anion production in red drum leucocytes (head‐kidney macrophages and/or blood leucocytes). In vivo studies are warranted to address their potential as immunostimulants in the diet of red drum and other aquacultured species.
Service‐wide management of healthy gestational weight gain following an implementation science approach
Authors: Wilkinson Shelley A. , Donaldson Elin , Beckmann Michael , Stapleton Helen
Published: February 2016

The aim of health guidelines is to ensure consistency in the delivery of care to minimise health‐related complications. However, even when good evidence is available, professionals do not necessarily implement it. Following a 2011 survey (Time 1) of staff in a tertiary maternity hospital, a number of service changes were implemented to facilitate best practice delivery of care to pregnant women regarding gestational weight gain (GWG). A (second) staff survey was then undertaken to re‐assess staff knowledge, attitudes and behaviours around the management of GWG in our hospital. This cross‐sectional, prospective online survey was distributed to staff in antenatal clinic. The survey assessed staff awareness of pregnancy‐related weight complications, knowledge and application of specific guidelines, and a guideline adherence score was calculated. Sixty‐nine staff (44.8% response rate) completed the 2014 (Time 2) survey. Just over half (51.9%) stated they were familiar with clinical guidelines regarding weight management in pregnancy. Guideline adherence ranged from 3.7 ± 1.9 to 11.3 ± 1.0 /15 across different professional groups; significant improvements with adherence by dietitians were noted over time. Despite minimal change over time in the overall adherence score, compliance with individual elements of the guideline recommendations comprising the adherence score differed. Improvements in staff practices and attitudes are apparent since the first survey. However, further improvements in guideline awareness and guideline elements are still required to improve the delivery of best practice antenatal GWG care.
Analyses of transcriptome sequences reveal multiple ancient large‐scale duplication events in the ancestor of Sphagnopsida (Bryophyta)
Authors: Devos Nicolas , Szövényi Péter , Weston David J. , Rothfels Carl J. , Johnson Matthew G. , Shaw A. Jonathan
Published: February 2016

The goal of this research was to investigate whether there has been a whole‐genome duplication (WGD) in the ancestry of Sphagnum (peatmoss) or the class Sphagnopsida, and to determine if the timing of any such duplication(s) and patterns of paralog retention could help explain the rapid radiation and current ecological dominance of peatmosses.

RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data were generated for nine taxa in Sphagnopsida (Bryophyta). Analyses of frequency plots for synonymous substitutions per synonymous site (Ks) between paralogous gene pairs and reconciliation of 578 gene trees were conducted to assess evidence of large‐scale or genome‐wide duplication events in each transcriptome.

Both Ks frequency plots and gene tree‐based analyses indicate multiple duplication events in the history of the Sphagnopsida. The most recent WGD event predates divergence of Sphagnum from the two other genera of Sphagnopsida. Duplicate retention is highly variable across species, which might be best explained by local adaptation.

Our analyses indicate that the last WGD could have been an important factor underlying the diversification of peatmosses and facilitated their rise to ecological dominance in peatlands. The timing of the duplication events and their significance in the evolutionary history of peat mosses are discussed.
Biomechanical characteristics of self‐ligating brackets in a vertically displaced canine model: a finite element analysis
Authors: Kim S.‐J. , Kwon Y.‐H. , Hwang C.‐J.
Published: February 2016

Structured Abstract

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare the biomechanical characteristics between two types of self‐ligating brackets and conventional metal brackets using finite element analysis of a vertically displaced canine model focusing on the desired force on the canine and undesirable forces on adjacent teeth.

Materials and Methods

Three‐dimensional finite element models of the maxillary dentition with 1‐mm, 2‐mm, and 3‐mm vertically displaced canines were constructed. Two different self‐ligating brackets (In‐Ovation C and Smart clip) and a conventional metal bracket (Micro‐arch) were modeled. After a 0.016‐inch NiTi (0.40 mm, round) wire was engaged, the displacement of each tooth was calculated using x‐, y‐, and z‐coordinates, and the tensile and compressive stresses were calculated.

Results

The extrusion and maximal tensile stress of the canine differed little between the three brackets, but the intrusion and minimal compressive stress values of the adjacent teeth differed considerably and were highest in the Smart clip and least in the In‐Ovation C. The extrusion and maximal tensile stress of the canine in the 3‐mm displacement model was less than that in the 2‐mm displacement model, and the intrusion and minimal compressive stress of the adjacent teeth increased with the degree of displacement.

Conclusions

Self‐ligating brackets were not superior to conventional brackets in leveling a vertically displaced canine. A continuous arch wire may not be recommended for leveling of severely displaced canines whether using self‐ligating or conventional brackets.
Epigenetic regulation in dental pulp inflammation
Authors: Hui T , Wang C , Chen D , Zheng L , Huang D , Ye L
Published: February 2016

Dental caries, trauma, and other possible factors could lead to injury of the dental pulp. Dental infection could result in immune and inflammatory responses mediated by molecular and cellular events and tissue breakdown. The inflammatory response of dental pulp could be regulated by genetic and epigenetic events. Epigenetic modifications play a fundamental role in gene expression. The epigenetic events might play critical roles in the inflammatory process of dental pulp injury. Major epigenetic events include methylation and acetylation of histones and regulatory factors, DNA methylation, and small non‐coding RNAs. Infections and other environmental factors have profound effects on epigenetic modifications and trigger diseases. Despite growing evidences of literatures addressing the role of epigenetics in the field of medicine and biology, very little is known about the epigenetic pathways involved in dental pulp inflammation. This review summarized the current knowledge about epigenetic mechanisms during dental pulp inflammation. Progress in studies of epigenetic alterations during inflammatory response would provide opportunities for the development of efficient medications of epigenetic therapy for pulpitis.
New‐onset diabetes after renal transplantation in a patient with a novel HNF1B mutation
Authors: Kanda Shoichiro , Morisada Naoya , Kaneko Naoto , Yabuuchi Tomoo , Nawashiro Yuri , Tada Norimasa , Nishiyama Kei , Miyai Takayuki , Sugawara Noriko , Ishizuka Kiyonobu , Chikamoto Hiroko , Akioka Yuko , Iijima Kazumoto , Hattori Motoshi
Published: February 2016

CAKUT are the most frequent causes of ESRD in children. Mutations in the gene encoding HNF1B, a transcription factor involved in organ development and maintenance, cause a multisystem disorder that includes CAKUT, diabetes, and liver dysfunction. Here, we describe the case of a patient with renal hypodysplasia who developed NODAT presenting with liver dysfunction. The NODAT was initially thought to be steroid and FK related. However, based on the patient's clinical features, including renal hypodysplasia and recurrent elevations of transaminase, screening for an HNF1B mutation was performed. Direct sequencing identified a novel splicing mutation of HNF1B, designated c.344 + 2T>C. Because CAKUT is the leading cause of ESRD in children and HNF1B mutations can cause both renal hypodysplasia and diabetes, HNF1B mutations may account for a portion of the cases of NODAT in pediatric patients who have undergone kidney transplantation. NODAT is a serious and major complication of solid organ transplantation and is associated with reduced graft survival. Therefore, for the appropriate management of kidney transplantation, screening for HNF1B mutations should be considered in pediatric patients with transplants caused by CAKUT who develop NODAT and show extra‐renal symptoms.
Profile of Steroid Receptors and Increased Aromatase Immunoexpression in Canine Inflammatory Mammary Cancer as a Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: De Andrés PJ , Cáceres S , Clemente M , Pérez‐Alenza MD , Illera JC , Peña L
Published: February 2016

Contents

Canine inflammatory mammary cancer (IMC) has been proposed as a model for the study of human inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). The aims of this study were to compare the immunohistochemical expression of aromatase (Arom) and several hormone receptors [estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), progesterone receptor (PR) and androgen receptor (AR)], in 21 IMC cases vs 19 non‐IMC; and to study the possible effect of letrozole on canine IMC and human inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) in vitro using IPC‐366 and SUM‐149 cell lines. Significant elevations of the means of Arom Total Score (TS), ERβ TS and PR TS were found in the IMC group (p = 0.025, p = 0.038 and p = 0.037, respectively). Secondary IMC tumours expressed higher levels of Arom than primary IMC (p = 0.029). Non‐IMC PR‐ tumours contained higher levels of Arom than non‐IMC PR+ tumours (p = 0.007). After the addition of letrozole, the number of IMC and IBC cells dropped drastically. The overexpression of Arom found and the results obtained in vitro further support canine IMC as a model for the study of IBC and future approaches to the treatment of dogs with mammary cancer, and especially IMC, using Arom inhibitors.
Distribution of suspended sediment concentration in wide sediment‐laden streams: A novel power‐law theory
Authors: Cantero‐Chinchilla Francisco Nicolás , Castro‐Orgaz Oscar , Dey Subhasish
Published: February 2016

The diffusion equation of suspended sediment concentration in a wide sediment‐laden stream flow is dependent on the vertical gradient of streamwise velocity and the sediment diffusivity. This study aims at investigating the influence of the streamwise velocity laws on the suspended sediment concentration distributions, resulting from the solution of the diffusion equation. Firstly, the sediment concentration distributions are obtained numerically from the solution of the diffusion equation using different velocity laws and compared with the experimental data. It is found that the power‐law approximation produces good computational results for the concentration distributions. The accuracy of using a power‐law velocity model is comparable with the results obtained from other classical velocity laws, namely log‐law, log wake‐law and stratified log‐law. Secondly, a novel analytical solution is proposed for the determination of sediment concentration distribution, where a power‐law, wall‐concentration profile is coupled with a concentration wake function. The power‐law model (for velocity and concentration) is calibrated using the experimental data, and then a generalized wake function is obtained by choosing a suitable law. The developed power‐law model involving the wake function adjusted by an exponent predicts the sediment concentration distributions quite satisfactorily. Finally, a new explicit formula for the suspended‐load transport rate is derived from the proposed theory, where numerical computation of integrals, as needed in the Einstein theory, is avoided.
Inhibitory Effect of Imiquimod‐Induced Psoriasis‐Like Skin Inflammation in Mice by Histamine H4 Receptor Agonist 4‐Methylhistamine
Authors: Kim C.‐H. , Lee J. M. , Yoo J. K. , Kim J.‐S. , Kim S.‐U. , Chang K.‐T. , Choo Y.‐K.
Published: February 2016

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory immune‐mediated autoimmune skin disorder. The histamine H4 receptor (H4R) agonist 4‐methylhistamine (4‐MH) plays an important role in immunomodulation of inflammatory responses associated with allergic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the effects of H4R agonist 4‐MH on the development of imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in mice and explored the immunoregulatory mechanism involved. The total clinical severity scores were significantly ameliorated by treatment with 4‐MH (20 mg/kg) and 4‐MH (40 mg/kg). Histological analysis of the skin revealed that 4‐MH (20 mg/kg) and 4‐MH (40 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the psoriatic phenotypes, including epidermal hyperplasis, hyperkeratosis and lymphocytes infiltration. Treatment with 4‐MH (20 mg/kg) and 4‐MH (40 mg/kg) led to reductions in the levels of Th1 cytokines (TNF‐α, IFN‐α, and IL‐27) in the serum and dorsal skin, whereas Th17 cytokines levels (IL‐17A and IL‐23) did not change in response to treatment with 4‐MH (20 mg/kg) and 4‐MH (40 mg/kg). Furthermore, the number of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells was significantly increased by treatment with 4‐MH (40 mg/kg). Taken together, these results imply that H4R agonist 4‐MH might be an effective immunomodulatory approach for treatment of patients with psoriasis and the effects may be related to inhibited epidermal alteration, selectively reduced Th1 pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and recruited CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells.