bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attention bias modification training for adolescents with chronic pain: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Heathcote Lauren C. , Jacobs Konrad , Van Ryckeghem Dimitri M.L. , Fisher Emma , Eccleston Christopher , Fox Elaine , Lau Jennifer Y.F.
Published: October 2017

Attention bias for pain-related information is theorised to maintain chronic pain, indicating that changing this bias could improve pain-related outcomes. Modifying attention biases in adolescents, when chronic pain often first emerges, may be particularly beneficial. We report here a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial of attention bias modification (ABM) training in adolescents with chronic noncancer pain. Adolescent patients (N = 66) were randomly assigned to complete multiple sessions of dot-probe ABM training (N = 23), placebo training (N = 22), or no training (waitlist; N = 21) across a period of 4 weeks. Patients completed all assessments at a hospital-based pediatric pain clinic and completed all training at home. We examined the relative effects of ABM on attention bias and attention control, as well as pain symptomatology (primary outcome), pain catastrophizing, anxiety and depression symptoms, and functional disability (secondary outcomes) immediately after training and 3 months later. We found no evidence that ABM changed attention bias or attention control in comparison with placebo training or no training. We also found that pain and pain-related outcomes were no different for those undergoing ABM compared with placebo training or no training when tested immediately after training or 3 months later. Overall, we found no evidence to support the efficacy of dot-probe ABM for improving pain-related outcomes in adolescents with chronic pain. This study was registered on the NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio in August 2014 (UK Clinical Trials Gateway: CPMS 17251) and funded by a Research Training Fellowship awarded to Lauren Heathcote by Action Medical Research for Children.
Comparison of Emergency Department Visits for Complications of Gastrostomy Versus Gastrojejunostomy Tubes in Children
Authors: Ronning Meghann Marie , Gaillard Philippe , Wey Andrew , Roback Mark G.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate frequency, type, and cost of gastrostomy tube (GT) versus gastrojejunostomy tube (GJT) complications in children presenting to the emergency department (ED).

Methods

Patients were selected by electronic health record search for International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and procedure codes for GTs and GJTs/jejunostomy tubes. All children aged less than 18 years with GTs or GJTs placed during a 5-year period (2007–2012) at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital were identified for retrospective review. Comparisons were made on demographic data, number and type of complications, and interventions performed for ED visits, which were abstracted from the electronic health record. Cost data were abstracted from the financial data system.

Results

A total of 161 GT and GJT patients were identified; 31 children had 43 ED visits for complications. Ages ranged from 1 month to 17 years; median, 12 months; mean, 5.4 years; 25 (58%) were male, and 18 female (42%). Complications occurred in 15 GT (48.4%) and 16 GJT (51.6%) patients. The most common ED presenting complication was dislodgement, which occurred in 14 GTs (67%) and 18 GJTs (82%), followed by clogging 6 GTs (29%) and 1 GJTs (4.5%). Those presenting to the ED with GJT complications had higher mean overall charge (US $1987.00 vs US $913.10, P = 0.05).

Conclusions

Although GTs and GJTs had similar rates of complications and ED visits, GJT complications were more likely to result in hospital admission and intervention by radiology, require specialist involvement, and have a higher cost charged to the patient.
Mallet Finger in a Toddler
Authors: Forward Karen E. , Yazdani Arjang , Lim Rodrick
Published: October 2017

A mallet finger is a flexion deformity of a finger at the distal interphalangeal joint due to an injury of the extensor mechanism at the base of the distal phalanx. Most common in middle-aged men, injuries in the pediatric population are less common and rare in toddlers. We describe a case of missed mallet finger and its subsequent treatment in a female toddler.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound to Diagnose Postpericardiotomy Syndrome in a Child
Authors: Miller Andrew F. , Levy Jason A. , Rempell Rachel G. , Nagler Joshua
Published: October 2017

We report a case of a patient presenting with abdominal pain after cardiac surgery who was noted on point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to have pericardial and pleural effusion, in addition to ascites. The most notable findings were pleural and pericardial effusions, which combined with symptomatology met criteria for postpericardiotomy syndrome. Point-of-care ultrasound expedited the diagnosis of a pericardial effusion with impending tamponade and transfer for pericardiocentesis and placement of pericardial drain.
Rice paddyNitrospiraeencode and express genes related to sulfate respiration: proposal of the new genusCandidatusSulfobium
Authors: Zecchin Sarah , Mueller Ralf C. , Seifert Jana , Stingl Ulrich , Anantharaman Karthik , Bergen Martin van , Cavalca Lucia , Pester Michael
Published: October 2017

Nitrospiraespp. distantly related to thermophilic, sulfate-reducingThermodesulfovibriospecies are regularly observed in environmental surveys of anoxic marine and freshwater habitats. However, little is known about their genetic make-up and physiology. Here, we present the draft genome ofNitrospiraebacterium Nbg-4 as a representative of this clade and analyzed itsin situprotein expression under sulfate-enriched and sulfate-depleted conditions in rice paddy soil. The genome of Nbg-4 was assembled from replicated metagenomes of rice paddy soil that was used to grow rice plants in the presence and absence of gypsum (CaSO4×2H2O). Nbg-4 encoded the full pathway of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and showed expression thereof in gypsum-amended anoxic bulk soil as revealed by parallel metaproteomics. In addition, Nbg-4 encoded the full pathway of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia, which was expressed in bulk soil without gypsum amendment. The relative abundance of Nbg-4-related metagenome reads was similar under both treatments indicating that it maintained stable populations while shifting its energy metabolism. Further genome reconstruction revealed the potential to utilize butyrate, formate, H2, or acetate as electron donor, with the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway being expressed under both conditions. Comparison to publicly availableNitrospiraegenome bins confirmed that the pathway for dissimilatory sulfate reduction is also present in relatedNitrospiraerecovered from groundwater. Subsequent phylogenomics showed that such microorganisms form a novel genus within the phylumNitrospirae, with Nbg-4 as a representative species. Based on the widespread occurrence of this novel genus, we propose for Nbg-4 the nameCandidatusSulfobium mesophilum, gen. nov., spec. nov.

Importance

Rice paddies are indispensable for food supply but are a major source of the greenhouse gas methane. If not counterbalanced by cryptic sulfur cycling, methane emission from rice paddy fields would be even higher. However, the microorganisms involved in this sulfur cycling are little understood. By using an environmental systems biology approach of Italian rice paddy soil, we could retrieve the population genome of a novel member of the phylumNitrospirae. This microorganism encoded the full pathway of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and expressed itin situunder sulfate-enriched and anoxic conditions. Phylogenomics and comparison to environmental surveys showed that such microorganisms are actually widespread in freshwater and marine environments. At the same time, they represent a yet undiscovered genus within the little exploredNitrospirae. Our results will be important to design enrichment strategies and postgenomic studies to fully understand the contribution of these novelNitrospiraeto the global sulfur cycle.
Identification, biochemical characterization and crystallization of the central region of human ATG16L1
Authors: Archna Archna , Scrima Andrea
Published: October 2017

ATG16L1 plays a major role in autophagy. It acts as a molecular scaffold which mediates protein–protein interactions essential for autophagosome formation. The ATG12~ATG5–ATG16L1 complex is one of the key complexes involved in autophagosome formation. Human ATG16L1 comprises 607 amino acids with three functional domains named ATG5BD, CCD and WD40, where the C-terminal WD40 domain represents approximately 50% of the full-length protein. Previously, structures of the C-terminal WD40 domain of human ATG16L1 as well as of human ATG12~ATG5 in complex with the ATG5BD of ATG16L1 have been reported. However, apart from the ATG5BD, no structural information for the N-terminal half, including the CCD, of human ATG16L1 is available. In this study, the authors aimed to structurally characterize the N-terminal half of ATG16L1. ATG16L111–307 in complex with ATG5 has been purified and crystallized in two crystal forms. However, both crystal structures revealed degradation of ATG16L1, resulting in crystals comprising only full-length ATG5 and the ATG5BD of ATG16L1. The structures of ATG5–ATG5BD in two novel crystal forms are presented, further supporting the previously observed dimerization of ATG5–ATG16L1. The reported degradation points towards a high instability at the linker region between the ATG5BD and the CCD in ATG16L1. Based on this observation and further biochemical analysis of ATG16L1, a stable 236-amino-acid subfragment comprising residues 72–307 of the N-terminal half of ATG16L1, covering the residual, so far structurally uncharacterized region of human ATG16L1, was identified. Here, the identification, purification, biochemical characterization and crystallization of the proteolytically stable ATG16L172–307 subfragment are reported.
Measuring collaborative effectiveness: a conceptual approach
Authors: Mahadevan Kumaraguru
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual supply chain (SC) hierarchical framework to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the collaborative SC based on the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and supply chain integration (SCI), supply chain visibility (SCV) and information sharing (IS).

Design/methodology/approach

Multimethods were applied. The first part of the research was undertaken using a deductive approach with rigorous and systematic analysis of the research material and the use of a survey instrument. The data collected through the survey are analysed and presented with descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations. The second part of the research is an extension of the analysis of the first part linking with the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to form the basis for development of the SCI hierarchy.

Findings

The levels of SCI, SCV and IS are significantly different for organisation dimensions such as size, industry type and region of operations. The SCI hierarchy based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provides a number of indices to measure the effectiveness of SCI, IS, SCV in a collaborative SC.

Research limitations/implications

The research focusses only on manufacturing, 3PL, fast-moving consumer goods and retail industries.

Practical implications

The research work provides some insights for practitioners on best practices for SC collaboration and measurement of collaborative effectiveness.

Originality/value

The primary value of this paper is the development of standardized levels of SCI, IS and SCV and the proposed measurement of the collaborative effectiveness of the SC. It could be a proposed approach for empirically evaluating the levels of SCI, IS and SCV subject to organisational dimensions.
The effect of CEOs’ characteristics on forward-looking information
Authors: Alqatamin Rateb , Aribi Zakaria Ali , Arun Thankom
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of CEOs’ characteristics on the level of forward-looking information (FLI) disclosure. In particular, the study examines the effect of CEO age, gender and overconfidence on the disclosure of FLI in Jordan firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a disclosure index to measure the level of FLI disclosure and employs random-effect and panel data regressions to examine the relationship between CEOs’ characteristics and the level of FLI disclosure. The sample consists of 201 non-financial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange for the period 2008-2013.

Findings

The results of the study show that the CEO age has a significant negative relationship with the level of FLI disclosure in annual reports of non-financial Jordanian companies, whereas gender and overconfidence have a significant positive association with FLI disclosure.

Research limitations/implications

The single country context limits the generalisability of the findings.

Practical implications

The results of the study could be beneficial for the users of financial information, such as regulators, investors, auditors and lenders. These users might consider the findings of the study when they are using a company’s financial information. Accordingly, they may seek to extend the investigations and verify such reporting practices and consequently make better decisions. In addition, the findings provide empirical evidence that helps managers in assessing their financial transparency and accountability.

Originality/value

The relationship between CEO’s characteristics and the level of FLI disclosure is still ambiguous. This study contributes to the FLI disclosure literature by identifying the role of CEO characteristics on the level of FLI disclosure. Thus, it offers evidence that the level of FLI disclosure is driven by specific CEO characteristics.
Strategic patterns and firm performance: comparing consistent, flexible and reactor strategies
Authors: Anwar Jamil , Hasnu SAF
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Firms face the paradox of adapting change and remaining stable to control uncertainty simultaneously to maintain their competitive position because both aspects are essential for the firm’s effectiveness. This has raised a debate in the contemporary literature that whether firms should remain consistent or adapt flexibility in their strategic choice to produce better performance? The supporters of both the arguments provide substantial evidence in their favor. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the strategy-performance relationship in this context along with contingent effect of firm size and industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical analysis using seven years financial data of 307 joint stock firms from 12 industries is done by applying Miles and Snow strategic typology. Scoring method is used to classify the strategic orientation of the firms. Univariate and multivariate regression models are applied to investigate the influence of strategy, firm size, and industry on firm performance both individually and collectively.

Findings

The results show that most of the firms in Pakistan are consistent in their strategic stance (43 percent) followed by flexible (40 percent) and reactors (17 percent). The mean differences in the performance of consistent, flexible, and reactor strategies show that both consistent and flexible strategies performed equally well and outperformed the reactors. However, there is significant variation in the performance of the strategic types due to the variation in firm size and industries whereas the contingent effect of firm size, industry, and strategy is statistically insignificant.

Originality/value

The methodology used for the identification of transition of strategic stance of the firms over time to know the consistent, flexible, and reacting behavior of the firms from archived data is the important contribution to the literature. The methodology can be replicated in longitudinal studies for identification of strategic groups in typological research.
Member preference heterogeneity and system-lifeworld dichotomy in cooperatives
Authors: Iliopoulos Constantine , Valentinov Vladislav
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed new light on the issue of preference heterogeneity in cooperatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the ideas of Habermas and Luhmann, this paper interprets preference heterogeneity of cooperative members in terms of the precarious relationship between the categories of “system” and “lifeworld.” The argument is buttressed with a case study of an agricultural cooperative recently founded in Central Greece.

Findings

The sensitivity of cooperatives to the lifeworld contexts of their members exacts the price in the form of the member preference heterogeneity problem. If this sensitivity is taken to be the constitutive characteristic of cooperatives, then the proposed argument hammers home their fundamental ambivalence, as they are necessarily fraught with the potential for internal conflict.

Research limitations/implications

The paper urges for a radical rethinking of Georg Draheim’s thesis of the “double nature” of cooperatives. “Double nature” is shown to aggravate the member preference heterogeneity problem.

Practical implications

The results of this study inform the cooperative leaders’ quest to strike a balance between the interests of their members and the demands of the external socio-economic environment.

Originality/value

This research contributes significantly to the literature on collective decision-making costs incurred by cooperatives. The failure of cooperatives to balance the sensitivity to members’ interests and to the external environment is exposed as the root cause of the divergence and heterogeneity of member preferences. This heterogeneity is shown to boost collective decision-making costs.
Political connections, institutional investors monitoring and stock price synchronicity
Authors: Tee Chwee Ming
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between politically connected (POLCON) firms and stock price synchronicity, and whether this association can be attenuated by institutional investors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an ordinary least square regression model to examine the association between POLCON firms and stock price synchronicity; institutional ownership and stock price synchronicity; the moderating role of institutional ownership on the association between POLCON firms and stock price synchronicity; institutional domiciles and stock price synchronicity; and the moderating role of institutional domiciles on the association between POLCON firms and stock price synchronicity.

Findings

The result shows that POLCON firms are positively associated with stock price synchronicity. Further, the author also finds that institutional monitoring, through higher ownership by local institutional investors is associated with lower stock price synchronicity. In addition, this study documents evidence that institutional investors, particularly local institutional investors can improve stock price informativeness in POLCON firms.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that POLCON firms are plagued by severe agency problems, resulting in limited flow of firm-specific information to the capital markets. However, the author shows that POLCON firm’s agency problems can be attenuated through effective monitoring by institutional investors. Further, institutional domiciles are shown to be significantly associated with stock price synchronocity. However, effective monitoring is largely driven by local institutional investors, in line with the geographical proximity theory.

Practical implications

The results suggest that regulators should increase their surveillance and monitoring effort, particularly on firms with close ties to the government. In particular, POLCON firms should be required to be more transparent in their corporate dealings. Additionally, auditors should intensify their audit efforts on POLCON firm to provide more reliable financial information to minority shareholders, investors and analysts. Finally, institutional investors should be incentivized by the Malaysian Securities Commission, via, the code of governance to play an effective monitoring role in Malaysian firms.

Originality/value

This study reveals that POLCON firms’ severe agency problems can be alleviated by effective institutional monitoring. Further result identifies institutional domiciles as a significant factor in influencing monitoring effectiveness in POLCON firms. This paper provides insights into the dynamic interaction between political connections, institutional monitoring, firm governance and capital markets behavior of an emerging market.
The Vicilin protein (Vigna radiata L.) of mung bean as a functional food
Authors: Amaral Ana Lucia , Ferreira Ederlan Souza , Silva Maraiza Aparecida , Neves Valdir Augusto , Demonte Aureluce
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The hypocholesterolemic activity of legume vicilins and the structural homology among mung bean, soybean and adzuki bean vicilins (8S) suggest that this protein may play a role in lipid metabolism. Thus, in the present study, the authors aim to isolate the mung bean vicilin and assess its in vitro effect on 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG CoAr), the enzyme responsible for endogenous cholesterol synthesis.

Design/methodology/approach

Chromatographic and electrophoretic characterization identified the molecular mass and polypeptide composition of mung bean vicilin. The hydrolysate of this globulin was obtained by sequential hydrolysis with pepsin-pancreatin and the fragments were characterized by molecular filtration, SDS PAGE and HPLC.

Findings

The molecular mass of vicilin was estimated as 158.23 at ± 10 kDa and SDS-PAGE revealed that the 8S globulin protein comprises four bands corresponding to polypeptides of 61, 48, 29 and 26 kDa. Fractions 10, 12, 14, 22 and 32 of the eluate from Sephadex G-25 exhibited significant inhibition of HMG CoAr.

Originality/value

The correspondence of the chromatographic profile of the peptide fractions with hypocholesterolemic activity suggests that the composition and chemical structure of these peptides are essential to their physiological effectiveness. The beneficial effects of mung bean vicilin identified in this study will support the characterization of this protein as a functional compound.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among apparently healthy adults in Ogun state, Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemi Yetunde Aderonke , Onabanjo Oluseye Olusegun , Sanni Silifat Ajoke , Ugbaja Regina Ngozi , Afolabi David Olaulowa , Oladoyinbo Catherine Adebukola
Published: October 2017

Purpose

There is a global increase in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with relative paucity of data on the burden of this syndrome in developing countries like Nigeria. This study evaluated the prevalence of MetS among apparently healthy subjects in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 550 (249 men, 301 women) healthy subjects recruited using multi-stage technique. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard procedures and instruments. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured in all the subjects. Blood samples were collected from selected subjects and analyzed for hematological variables.

Findings

The prevalence of MetS was 36.8 per cent using the IDF criteria and 34.6 per cent using the NCEP-ATP III criteria. In all, 1.64 per cent (9) of respondents were underweight, 22.55 per cent (124) were of normal body mass index, 49.64 per cent (273) were overweight and 26.17 per cent (144) were obese. The mean waist circumference and waist to hip ratio for male and female were 83.27 ± 2.6 cm and 0.84 ± 0.1 and 86.22 ± 13.9 cm and 0.84 ± 0.1, respectively. Total cholesterol was elevated in 16.04 per cent of the respondents, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed in 41.83 per cent of the respondents. High values of triglycerides were observed in 5.79 per cent of respondents. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed in 40.85 per cent of the respondents. This study showed that a huge burden of MetS exists among the study population.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional design of this study limits inference regarding causality and effects. Also, there was no controlled case in the study.

Practical implications

There is the need for accurate knowledge of the MetS of the population to inform public health policy for mitigation.

Social implications

MetS has been described as a global time bomb, with a quarter of the world’s adults estimated to be having the condition. It will place a burden on social services if a lot of working population are forced to retire early due to MetS.

Originality/value

The findings are pointers to the probable magnitude of the co-morbid factors of cardiovascular diseases as encapsulated in the MetS in our environment.
Corporate universities as knowledge management tools
Authors: Scarso Enrico
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Corporate universities (CUs) are particular educational arrangements that are established in companies to provide specific training to employees. This paper aims to examine the place of CUs in the knowledge-management (KM) field. Particularly, it discusses on how CUs are seen in the KM literature, analyses relevant KM aspects that emerge in CU implementation and management and proposes preliminary classifications based on some fundamental KM notions.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the novelty of the research, the case study methodology was adopted. In particular, a multiple case-study investigation of CUs implemented in medium-sized companies mainly operating in the northeast of Italy was conducted. The analysed companies were selected according to “maximum variation sampling” approach, which aims at generating maximum meaningful heterogeneity within the chosen sample, to highlight similarities and differences between the cases. Data collection was conducted by means of interviews to key observers, interviews to company managers and analysis of documentary materials.

Findings

The empirical investigation proves that KM concepts can be pertinent and useful in understanding the design and functioning of CUs. In particular, the study proposes a classification of CUs based on KM notions.

Research limitations/implications

The study shows that there is a need to conduct further studies to better understand educational arrangements like CUs under a KM viewpoint.

Practical implications

The analysis and the proposed classification can be of help for CU design and management. In addition, it is suggested that companies must achieve better awareness of the importance of CUs as an effective KM tool.

Originality/value

The study contributes to deepen our understanding of an issue that, even if is strictly connected with the cognitive aspects of companies, has not been sufficiently analyzed by the knowledge management literature.
Comparative analysis of core collection sampling methods for mandarin germplasm based on molecular and phenotypic data
Authors: Garcia‐Lor A. , Luro F. , Ollitrault P. , Navarro L.
Published: October 2017

Gene banks have been established to conserve the genetic diversity of crop species. Large germplasm collections lead to management problems (space, maintenance costs, etc.), especially in collections involving species with recalcitrant seeds that must be maintained as growing plants. Core collections (CCs) are thus developed to reduce the size of large germplasm collections while keeping the maximum variability. This also facilitates fine phenotypic evaluation. In this study, several software packages (DARwin, PowerMarker and MSTRAT) and methods (Max length subtree, M strategy, simulated annealing and MinSD) were compared to define a mandarin (Citrus reticulata) CC. One hundred and sixty‐seven accessions were sampled from two germplasm collections, which were genotyped with 50 SSR, 24 InDel and 68 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. All the CC obtained were tested for the maintenance of the genetic variability parameters (Ho and He) of the initial collection, the level of linkage disequilibrium (LD) and the phenotypic diversity retention. The Max length subtree function from DARWin seemed to be the most appropriate method for establishing a CC in C. reticulata. It maintained 96.82% of the allelic richness and 17.96% of the size of the initial collection with only 30 accessions. Besides it did not increase the LD (r2 value) of the initial collection and retained the vast majority of the phenotypic variability. However, a CC with 70 accessions would be more helpful for genetic association studies.
miR‐155 induces ROS generation through downregulation of antioxidation‐related genes in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Onodera Yuta , Teramura Takeshi , Takehara Toshiyuki , Obora Kayoko , Mori Tatsufumi , Fukuda Kanji
Published: October 2017

Inflammation‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in cellular dysfunction and an important trigger for aging‐ or disease‐related tissue degeneration. Inflammation‐induced ROS in stem cells lead to deterioration of their properties, altering tissue renewal or regeneration. Pathological ROS generation can be induced by multiple steps, and dysfunction of antioxidant systems is a major cause. The identification of the central molecule mediating the above‐mentioned processes would pave the way for the development of novel therapeutics for aging, aging‐related diseases, or stem cell therapies. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in many biological reactions, including inflammation and stem cell functions. In inflammatory conditions, certain miRNAs are highly expressed and mediate some cytotoxic actions. Here, we focused on miR‐155, which is one of the most prominent miRNAs in inflammation and hypothesized that miR‐155 participates to inflammation‐induced ROS generation in stem cells. We observed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from 1.5‐year‐old aged mice and determined that antioxidants, Nfe2l2, Sod1, and Hmox1, were suppressed, while miR‐155‐5p was highly expressed. Subsequent in vitro studies demonstrated that miR‐155‐5p induces ROS generation by suppression of the antioxidant genes by targeting the common transcription factor C/ebpβ. Moreover, this mechanism occurred during the cell transplantation process, in which ROS generation is triggering loss of transplanted stem cells. Finally, attenuation of antioxidants and ROS accumulation were partially prevented in miR‐155 knockout MSCs. In conclusion, our study suggests that miR‐155 is an important mediator connecting aging, inflammation, and ROS generation in stem cells.
Integrating dots and spots with COI sequence data reinstatesThoracolophaTurner, 1939 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), for 13 Australian species formerly inProteuxoaHampson, 1903
Authors: Hitchcock Bobbie , Edwards Edward , Mitchell Andrew
Published: October 2017

Thoracolophawas described by Turner in 1939 forThoracolopha alychnodes,Thoracolopha plaesiospilaandThoracolopha pissonephra, with the last designated as the type species. In 1996, Edwards referred all three taxa toProteuxoaHampson, 1903, thus synonymisingThoracolophawithProteuxoa. However, the genitalia ofProteuxoa pissonephraare not like those of theProteuxoatype speciesProteuxoaamaurodes(Lower 1902), and the results of a phylogenetic analysis, using maximum likelihood, of sequence data from mitochondrial cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) also indicate thatProteuxoa(sensuEdwards) is more than one genus. As a consequence, the genitalia of 42 of the species referred toProteuxoaby Edwards were dissected and compared for the first time with those ofP. pissonephraandP. amaurodes. Based on bootstrap branch support provided by COI sequence analysis (84%), as well as morphological evidence,Thoracolophais here removed from synonymy and re‐established as a valid genus with 13 described species. The genitalia of typicalThoracolophaand typicalProteuxoaare illustrated, andThoracolophais redescribed from both sexes, so that the misidentifiedThoracolophaspecies in collections can be reliably distinguished from those ofProteuxoausing adult morphology alone.
Vitamin‐mineral treatment improves aggression and emotional regulation in children with ADHD: a fully blinded, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Rucklidge Julia J. , Eggleston Matthew J.F. , Johnstone Jeanette M. , Darling Kathryn , Frampton Chris M.
Published: October 2017

Background

Evaluation of broad‐spectrum micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) treatment for childhood ADHD has been limited to open‐label studies that highlight beneficial effects across many aspects of psychological functioning.

Method

This is the first fully blinded randomized controlled trial of medication‐free children (n = 93) with ADHD (7–12 years) assigned to either micronutrients (n = 47) or placebo (n = 46) in a 1:1 ratio, for 10 weeks. All children received standardized ADHD assessments. Data were collected from clinicians, parents, participants and teachers across a range of measures assessing ADHD symptoms, general functioning and impairment, mood, aggression and emotional regulation.

Results

Intent‐to‐treat analyses showed significant between‐group differences favouring micronutrient treatment on the Clinical Global Impression‐Improvement (ES = 0.46), with 47% of those on micronutrients identified as ‘much’ to ‘very much’ improved versus 28% on placebo. No group differences were identified on clinician, parent and teacher ratings of overall ADHD symptoms (ES ranged 0.03–0.17). However, according to clinicians, 32% of those on micronutrients versus 9% of those on placebo showed a clinically meaningful improvement on inattentive (OR = 4.9; 95% CI: 1.5–16.3), but no group differences on improvement in hyperactive‐impulsive symptoms (OR = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.4–2.5). Based on clinician, parent and teacher report, those on micronutrients showed greater improvements in emotional regulation, aggression and general functioning compared to placebo (ES ranged 0.35–0.66). There were two dropouts per group, no group differences in adverse events and no serious adverse events identified. Blinding was successful with guessing no better than chance.

Conclusions

Micronutrients improved overall function, reduced impairment and improved inattention, emotional regulation and aggression, but not hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, in this sample of children with ADHD. Although direct benefit for core ADHD symptoms was modest, with mixed findings across raters, the low rate of adverse effects and the benefits reported across multiple areas of functioning indicate micronutrients may be a favourable option for some children, particularly those with both ADHD and emotional dysregulation. Trial registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613000896774.
A systematic review of methods to measure family co‐participation in physical activity
Authors: Uijtdewilligen L. , Brown H. E. , Müller‐Riemenschneider F. , Lim Y. W. , Brage S. , van Sluijs E. M.
Published: October 2017

The family environment is key in influencing children's health behaviours. Encouraging family co‐participation in physical activity may therefore be an effective approach to increasing children's physical activity levels. Yet, little is known about how to best assess family co‐participation in physical activity. This review summarizes methods to measure family co‐participation in physical activity, which was defined as joint physical activities including at least one healthy child (0–18 years) and one other family member. Methods were identified through a systematic literature search, cross‐referencing pre‐selected reviews and contacting research groups. Thirty‐seven measurement methods were included. Questionnaires were the most common method used, with the majority assessing frequency of co‐participation and few also assessing duration and type. Reliability and internal consistency of scales were often reported, but rarely specified for the item(s) relevant to co‐participation. Other methods of measuring co‐participation included diaries, event history calendars, direct observations and accelerometry combined with diary, ecological momentary assessment or global positioning systems (GPS). Whilst a large number of measurement methods of family co‐participation in physical activity exist, few are comprehensive and/or report acceptable psychometric properties. Future work should focus on reaching consensus in defining family co‐participation in physical activity, and subsequently developing reliable and valid measures.
How do interest groups legitimate their policy advocacy? Reconsidering linkage and internal democracy in times of digital disruption
Authors: Fraussen Bert , Halpin Darren
Published: October 2017

The ongoing embrace of interest groups as agents capable of addressing democratic deficits in governing institutions is in large part because they are assumed to contribute democratic legitimacy to policy processes. Nonetheless, they face the challenge of legitimating their policy advocacy in democratic terms, clarifying what makes them legitimate partners in governance. In this article we suggest that digital innovations have disrupted the established mechanisms of legitimation. While the impact of this disruption is most easily demonstrated in the rise of a small number of ‘digital natives’, we argue that the most substantive impact has been on more conventional groups, which typically follow legitimation logics of either representation or solidarity. While several legacy groups are experimenting with new legitimation approaches, the opportunities provided by technology seem to offer more organizational benefits to groups employing the logic of solidarity, and appear less compatible with the more traditional logic of representation.
“Dots and lines”: A melanonychia striata in regression: Report of a case
Authors: Burkink Esther , Abdul Hamid Myrurgia , Martens Herm
Published: October 2017

A 2‐year‐old Caucasian boy with melanonychia striata with multiple striking pits on the nail plate of one fingernail is described. Nail disorders often pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for clinicians, especially melanonychia striata, because of the fear of a subungual melanoma. Only a few childhood cases of melanonychia striata have been described, and the multiple pits are even less common. Dots distributed along melanotic lines is a finding referred to as “dots and lines” and can be a sign of regression of melanonychia in childeren.
Demand for Redistribution: Individuals’ Responses to Economic Setbacks
Authors: Martén Linna
Published: October 2017

Economic circumstances have been argued to be a major determining factor of attitudes toward redistribution, but there is little well‐established evidence at the individual level. The Swedish National Election Studies are constructed as a rotating survey panel, which makes it possible to estimate the causal effect of economic changes. The empirical analysis shows that individuals who lose their job become considerably more supportive of redistribution. Yet, attitudes toward redistribution return to their initial level as economic prospects improve, suggesting that the effect is only temporary. While a job loss also changes attitudes toward the political parties, the probability of voting for the left‐wing is not affected.
Comparison of acoustoelastic Lamb wave propagation in stressed plates for different measurement orientations
Authors: Pei Ning , Bond Leonard J.
Published: October 2017

High order Lamb waves are investigated for the effects of stress on both symmetrical and anti-symmetrical modes in an aluminum plate for wave propagation and load parallel. Data are compared with those for the case of load and measurement axis perpendicular. It is the S1 mode which exhibits significantly higher sensitivity to stress than other Lamb modes. For aluminum the use of the S1 mode for stress measurement is found to be about six times more sensitive, than bulk waves, for the load-measurement axes parallel case and this compares with about ten times for the case of load-measurement axes perpendicular.
Time-averaged pressure drop induced by a jet pump in oscillatory flow
Authors: Feng Ye , Tang Ke , Jin Tao , Zhang Kaihao , Yang Rui
Published: October 2017

Gedeon streaming is known to considerably deteriorate the thermal efficiency of a traveling-wave thermoacoustic engine with looped configuration. The time-average pressure drop induced by a jet pump can efficiently suppress the Gedeon streaming. In this study, such suppression mechanism of the jet pump is investigated, and the emphasis is put on the effects of the dimensionless rounding, the taper angle, and the cross-sectional area ratio. An experimental apparatus has been set up to measure the time-averaged pressure drop induced by the jet pumps in oscillatory flow. Controlled experiments and characterization reveal the time-averaged pressure drop and working efficiency increase with a rise in dimensionless rounding when it is less than 0.15. For jet pumps with the fixed opening areas, the taper angle in the range from 3° to 9° is capable of producing a larger time-averaged pressure drop with a higher working efficiency, and the change of taper angle has little effect on the performance. However, performance degradation is observed as the taper angle increases beyond 9°. Moreover, when the taper angle ranges from 3° to 9°, the time-averaged pressure drop and working efficiency can be improved by increasing the cross-sectional area ratio.
Does posttreatment thymoquinone reverse high-dose atorvastatin-induced hepatic oxidative injury in rats?
Authors: Hassan Sherif Sabry , Razzaque Ahmer , Ahmad Zulfiqar , Pazdernik Vanessa , Amin Shaimaa Nasr
Published: October 2017

Atorvastatin (ATO) was commonly used to lower blood cholesterol, but it caused harmful effects to organs, including the liver. Thymoquinone (TQ), a prominent constituent of Nigella sativa, has antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiapoptotic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activity. The current study investigated the mechanism of ATO-induced hepatotoxicity, whether posttreatment TQ could reverse ATO-induced hepatic injury, and the mechanism of action of TQ as a hepatoprotective agent. Forty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups: control, TQ-treated, ATO-treated, and combined ATO/TQ-treated. Rats were treated for 8 weeks and 10 days and euthanized by cervical dislocation 3 days after the last treatment. Blood samples and livers were tested for liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and apoptosis markers and used for histopathological and ultrastructural examination. The ATO-treated group showed an increase in liver enzymes, decreases in reduced glutathione and catalase, and increases in the malondialdehyde lipid peroxidation marker, protein carbonylation, and caspase 3 activity. Posttreatment TQ in the ATO/TQ-treated group seemed to reverse these changes. Histopathological and ultrastructural examination supported these data. Results from the current study suggested that posttreatment TQ may reverse oxidative stress injury in rat liver produced by ATO, suggesting a potential clinical application of using TQ to prevent ATO-induced hepatic injury.
Some quantum mechanical solutions in nonrelativistic anti-Snyder framework
Authors: Shababi Homa , Chung Won Sang
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we investigate nonrelativistic anti-Snyder model in momentum representation and obtain quantum mechanical eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. Using this framework, first, in one dimension, we study a particle in a box and the harmonic oscillator problems. Then, for more investigations, in three dimensions, the quantum mechanical eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of a free particle problem and the radius of the neutron star are obtained.
A Model Approach to Infer the Quality in Agricultural Sprayers Supported by Knowledge Bases and Experimental Measurements
Authors: Peñaloza Elmer A. G. , Cruvinel Paulo E. , Oliveira Vilma A. , Costa Augusto G. F.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a method to infer the quality of sprayers based on data collection of the drop spectra and their physical descriptors, which are used to generate a knowledge base to support decision-making in agriculture. The knowledge base is formed by collected experimental data, obtained in a controlled environment under specific operating conditions, and the semantics used in the spraying process to infer the quality in the application. The electro-hydraulic operating conditions of the sprayer system, which include speed and flow measurements, are used to define experimental tests, perform calibration of the spray booms and select the nozzle types. Using the Grubbs test and the quartile-quartile plot an exploratory analysis of the collected data was made in order to determine the data consistency, the deviation of atypical values, the independence between the data of each test, the repeatability and the normal representation of them. Therefore, integrating measurements to a knowledge base it was possible to improve the decision-making in relation to the quality of the spraying process defined in terms of a distribution function. Results shown that the use of advanced models and semantic interpretation improved the decision-making processes related to the quality of the agricultural sprayers.
Development and Therapeutic Potential of Small-Molecule Modulators of Circadian Systems
Authors: Chen Zheng , Yoo Seung-Hee , Takahashi Joseph S.
Published: October 2017

Circadian timekeeping systems drive oscillatory gene expression to regulate essential cellular and physiological processes. When the systems are perturbed, pathological consequences ensue and disease risks rise. A growing number of small-molecule modulators have been reported to target circadian systems. Such small molecules, identified via high-throughput screening or derivatized from known scaffolds, have shown promise as drug candidates to improve biological timing and physiological outputs in disease models. In this review, we first briefly describe the circadian system, including the core oscillator and the cellular networks. Research progress on clock-modulating small molecules is presented, focusing on development strategies and biological efficacies. We highlight the therapeutic potential of small molecules in clock-related pathologies, including jet lag and shiftwork; various chronic diseases, particularly metabolic disease; and aging. Emerging opportunities to identify and exploit clock modulators as novel therapeutic agents are discussed.
Adhesion G Protein–Coupled Receptors as Drug Targets
Authors: Purcell Ryan H. , Hall Randy A.
Published: October 2017

The adhesion G protein–coupled receptors (aGPCRs) are an evolutionarily ancient family of receptors that play key roles in many different physiological processes. These receptors are notable for their exceptionally long ectodomains, which span several hundred to several thousand amino acids and contain various adhesion-related domains, as well as a GPCR autoproteolysis–inducing (GAIN) domain. The GAIN domain is conserved throughout almost the entire family and undergoes autoproteolysis to cleave the receptors into two noncovalently-associated protomers. Recent studies have revealed that the signaling activity of aGPCRs is largely determined by changes in the interactions among these protomers. We review recent advances in understanding aGPCR activation mechanisms and discuss the physiological roles and pharmacological properties of aGPCRs, with an eye toward the potential utility of these receptors as drug targets.