bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic freedom in the long run: evidence from OECD countries (1850–2007)
Authors: Prados De La Escosura Leandro
Published: September 2015

This article presents historical indices for the main dimensions of economic freedom and an aggregate index for the developed countries of today, specifically pre‐1994 OECD members. Economic liberty expanded over the last century‐and‐a‐half, reaching more than two‐thirds of its possible maximum. However, its evolution has been far from linear. After a substantial improvement from the mid‐nineteenth century, the First World War brought a major setback. The postwar recovery up to 1929 was followed by a dramatic decline in the 1930s. Significant progress took place during the 1950s but fell short of the pre‐First World War peak. After a period of stagnation, steady expansion since the early 1980s has resulted in the highest levels of economic liberty of the last two centuries. Each of the main dimensions of economic freedom exhibited a distinctive trend and its contribution to the aggregate index varied over time. Overall, improved property rights provided the main contribution to the long‐run advancement of economic liberty.
Amenity and ecological management: A framework for policy and practice
Authors: Corney Helen , Ives Christopher D. , Bekessy Sarah
Published: September 2015

Amenity is a term that has re‐emerged within both public policy and environmental management organisations in response to an increasing emphasis on the human benefits derived from ecosystems. However, practical implementation of amenity management has been difficult due to a lack of definitional clarity within operational and academic literature. This article discusses the need for definitional clarity and understanding of the component elements of amenity that are integral to ecological management and reviews the literature on the perceptions and definitions of amenity in varied contexts. This study argues that positive perceptions of amenity benefits of a place are influenced by both physical elements such as sight, sound and smell and social elements such as age, education and cultural values. These elements should be considered by management agencies in a structured manner in order for the full potential of amenity to be realised. We present a conceptual framework to provide definitional clarity to the concept of amenity and highlight the interactions among its constituent elements. For the management of human‐dominated landscapes, considering the relationship between amenity and biodiversity may improve the integration of ecological and social goals.
The use of Senate inquiries for threatened species conservation
Authors: Shumway Nicole , Seabrook Leonie
Published: September 2015

Global biodiversity continues to decline at a steady rate, especially in Australia where 10% of the land mammal population has become extinct since European settlement. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) list of threatened species is Australia's version of the IUCN red‐list; however, not all species fit easily within the EPBC guidelines and criteria for listing. Recently, a high‐profile Senate inquiry was used to bring about the listing of the koala, Phascolarctos cinereus, although it had previously been deemed ineligible for threatened species status. We are concerned that the use of Senate Inquiries will become more frequent now that a precedent has been set. We suggest they are not an appropriate means of threatened species conservation because they are politically topical, not necessarily based on expert opinion and do not carry any need for legislative response. Successful species conservation should be based on sound ecological knowledge embedded within a transparent and logical decision framework.
‘Hidden’ factors influencing quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lysandropoulos A. P. , Havrdova E.
Published: September 2015

Traditional outcome measures for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), whether in clinical trials or clinical practice, are currently in question. The combination of relapses, physical disability progression and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disease activity reflect only part of the impact that MS has on a patient's daily life. Quality of life (QoL) is considered by many to be the ideal outcome measure. Since it captures the patient's own perspective of well‐being, QoL should be the primary focus when evaluating a patient and the main objective of MS management. Nevertheless, whilst numerous instruments to measure QoL in MS patients are available or proposed, there is no current consensus regarding which is the best tool to use and under what circumstances. QoL in patients with MS is determined by several factors beyond the more obvious; these include coping with the MS diagnosis, understanding the disease and the disease process, dealing with so‐called ‘hidden’ symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive impairment and sexual disturbances, and managing the many associated personal challenges such as social isolation, family issues and working difficulties. Evidence is emerging that psychological interventions may be beneficial in MS patients although more research is required to confirm their utility. This article examines some factors that influence QoL in MS patients which may be overlooked in the general busyness of routine clinical practice.
Audit as Leviathan: Constructing Quality Registers in Swedish Health Care
Authors: Funck Elin K.
Published: September 2015

This paper explores the rise of an audit practice: the national quality registers in Swedish health care. Based on actor‐network theory, the study tells the story of an actor‐network formed by physicians in the 1970s who mobilized themselves around a common object; to develop the knowledge‐base of medical professionals. However, over time more actors became persuaded of the potential of the network and associate themselves with it, resulting in reformed registers. The study shows how the network develops into a macro‐actor, a Leviathan in health care, how this macro‐actor comes to affect health care practices and how it contributes towards maintaining a new governance regime.
Electricity Pricing in New Zealand and the Australian State of Queensland: Accounting for the Impact of Sector Restructuring
Authors: Hooks Jill , Tooley Stuart
Published: September 2015

The electricity industries of New Zealand (NZ) and the Australian state of Queensland have undergone substantial structural and regulatory reform with the common intent to improve economic efficiency. Deregulation and privatisation have been key elements of the reform but have been approached differently by each jurisdiction. This study traces the link between structural and regulatory regimes and asset valuation, profits and, ultimately, pricing. The study finds that key drivers in recent price increases are the government‐owned generation and retail sector in NZ and the government‐owned distribution sector in Queensland. It is concluded that, contrary to the rationale for the imposition of regulatory controls in a non‐market environment, the regulatory regimes appear to have contributed to higher rather than lower pricing structures.
Engineer pioneer plants respond to and affect geomorphic constraints similarly along water–terrestrial interfaces world‐wide
Authors: Corenblit Dov , Baas Andreas , Balke Thorsten , Bouma Tjeerd , Fromard François , Garófano‐Gómez Virginia , González Eduardo , Gurnell Angela M. , Hortobágyi Borbála , Julien Frédéric , Kim Daehyun , Lambs Luc , Stallins J. Anthony , Steiger Johannes , Tabacchi Eric , Walcker Romain
Published: September 2015

Aim

Within fluvial and coastal ecosystems world‐wide, flows of water, wind and sediment generate a shifting landscape mosaic composed of bare substrate and pioneer and mature vegetation successional stages. Pioneer plant species that colonize these ecosystems at the land–water interface have developed specific traits in response to environmental constraints (response traits) and are able to modify habitat conditions by modulating geomorphic processes (effect traits). Changes in the geomorphic environment under the control of engineer plants often feed back to organism traits (feedback traits), and thereby ecosystem functioning, leading to eco‐evolutionary dynamics. Here we explain the joint foundations of fluvial and coastal ecosystems according to feedback between plants and the geomorphic environment.

Location

Dynamic fluvial and coastal ecosystems world‐wide.

Method

Drawing from a pre‐existing model of ‘fluvial biogeomorphic succession’, we propose a conceptual framework showing that fluvial and coastal ‘biogeomorphic ecosystems’ are functionally similar due to eco‐evolutionary feedbacks between plants and geomorphology.

Results

The relationships between plant traits and their geomorphic environments within different fluvial and coastal biogeomorphic ecosystems are identified and classified within a framework of biogeomorphic functional similarity according to three criteria: (1) pioneer plants develop specific responses to the geomorphic environment; (2) engineer plants modulate the geomorphic environment; (3) geomorphic changes under biotic control within biogeomorphic ecosystems feed back to organisms.

Main conclusions

The conceptual framework of functional similarity proposed here will improve our capacity to analyse, compare, manage and restore fluvial and coastal biogeomorphic ecosystems world‐wide by using the same protocols based on the three criteria and four phases of the biogeomorphic succession model.
The geography of snake reproductive mode: a global analysis of the evolution of snake viviparity
Authors: Feldman Anat , Bauer Aaron M. , Castro‐Herrera Fernando , Chirio Laurent , Das Indraneil , Doan Tiffany M. , Maza Erez , Meirte Danny , de Campos Nogueira Cristiano , Nagy Zoltán Tamás , Torres‐Carvajal Omar , Uetz Peter , Meiri Shai
Published: September 2015

Aim

Although most reptiles are oviparous, viviparity is a common mode of reproduction in squamates and has evolved multiple times in different lineages. We test two prevailing hypotheses regarding the biogeography of reptile reproductive modes to evaluate the selective forces driving the evolution of viviparity in snakes. The cold climate hypothesis posits that viviparity is selected for in cold climates, whereas the climatic predictability hypothesis predicts that viviparity is advantageous in seasonal climates.

Location

Global.

Methods

We collated detailed distribution maps and reproductive mode data for 2663 species of the world's terrestrial alethinophidian snakes. We studied the relationship between snake reproductive mode and environmental predictors. We applied both an ecological and an evolutionary approach to study snake reproductive mode by performing the analyses at the assemblage level and species level, respectively. We analysed our data at the global and continental scales to learn whether tendencies to viviparity are similar world‐wide.

Results

We found strong support for the cold climate hypothesis and the assumption that viviparity is an adaptation to cold environments. There was little support for the climatic predictability hypothesis. Nonetheless, viviparous species are not restricted to cold environments.

Main conclusions

We conclude that viviparity is adaptive in cold climates, but not necessarily in unpredictable/seasonal climates. Current distributions may not reflect the climate at the time and place of speciation. We suspect many viviparous snakes inhabiting warm climates are members of lineages that originated in colder regions, and their occurrence in maladaptive environments is a result of phylogenetic conservatism.
The compositional similarity of urban forests among the world's cities is scale dependent
Authors: Yang Jun , La Sorte Frank A. , Pyšek Petr , Yan Pengbo , Nowak David , McBride Joe
Published: September 2015

Aim

We examined species composition of urban forests from local to global scales using occurrence and abundance information to determine how compositional similarity is defined across spatial scales. We predicted that urban forests have become more homogeneous world‐wide, which should result in minimal scale dependence that is more pronounced for non‐native species, especially when considering abundance information.

Location

Thirty‐eight cities world‐wide.

Methods

We estimated compositional dissimilarities of urban forests, including both spontaneous and cultivated trees, from local to global spatial scales using six dissimilarity metrics. We used redundancy analysis to determine how climate, geographic distance and anthropogenic factors are related to compositional dissimilarity among cities. These analyses were implemented for all species combined and for native and non‐native species separately.

Results

The 38 cities contained a median of 77 tree species, with a greater percentage of these classified as native (median = 58%). The similarity of urban forests was scale dependent, declining as the spatial scale increased – an outcome that did not differ when considering native and non‐native species separately. Climate, geographic distance and city age were the main factors describing variation in tree species composition among cities. The addition of abundance information resulted in lower dissimilarity across spatial scales.

Main conclusions

Compositional similarity of urban forests is a scale‐dependent phenomenon that is not affected by the presence or absence of non‐native species, suggesting a limited role for biotic interchange in promoting homogenization. However, compositional similarity across spatial scales increased uniformly with the addition of abundance information, suggesting that patterns of abundance may have greater biological relevance when homogenization trends among urban forests are considered.
Is hepcidin‐25 a predictor of atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients?
Authors: Kali Alaaddin , Yayar Ozlem , Erdogan Bulent , Eser Baris , Buyukbakkal Mehmet , Ercan Zafer , Merhametsiz Ozgur , Haspulat Ayhan , Gök Oğuz Ebru , Canbakan Basol , Ayli Mehmet D.
Published: September 2015

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in hemodialysis patients. Iron accumulation in arterial wall macrophages is increased in atherosclerotic lesions. Hepcidin is a key hepatic hormone regulating iron balance. It inhibits iron release from macrophages and iron absorption from enterocytes by binding and inactivating the cellular iron exporter ferroportin. The aim of this study is to investigate the relation of hepcidin‐25, iron parameters, and atherosclerosis measured by carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in hemodialysis patients. Eighty‐two hemodialysis patients were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. Predialysis blood samples were centrifuged at 1500 g and 4°C for 10 minutes and stored at −80°C for the measurement of hepcidin‐25. DRG hepcidin enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit was used for the measurement of hepcidin‐25. Ultrasonographical B‐mode imaging of bilateral carotid arteries was performed with a high‐resolution real‐time ultrasonography (Mindray DC7). Mean age of the study population was 57.90 ± 16.08 years and 43.9% were men. Total study population was grouped into two according to median value of hepcidin‐25. There was no difference between groups with respect to age, dialysis vintage, and C‐reactive protein. CIMT was found to be statistically significantly higher in low hepcidin‐25 group. In correlation analysis, CIMT was found to be correlated with age (P < 0.01, R = 0.33) and hepcidin‐25 (P < 0.01, R = 0.46). In linear regression analysis, age (β = 0.31) and hepcidin‐25 (β = 0.44) were found to be the determinants of CIMT in hemodialysis patients. Our results implicate that hepcidin may take part in pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis patients.
Opportunistic habitat use byOsmoderma barnabita(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), a saproxylic beetle dependent on tree cavities
Authors: Landvik Matti , Niemelä Pekka , Roslin Tomas
Published: September 2015

GenusOsmoderma, a flagship taxon for invertebrate conservation in Europe, consists of beetles specialised in tree hollows.

We established the range and habitat requirements ofO. barnabitain Finland. Taking a hierarchical approach, we used volunteer entomologists to map the national distribution of the species. Within the range defined, we established its habitat requirements at a hierarchy of scales, from the local microhabitat (i.e. tree species, amount and type of wood mould), to the host tree (its size and status as being dead or alive), and the insolation properties and accessibility of the site.

In Finland,O. barnabitawas found to occur within a single area, focused on the country's largest oak‐containing woodland. Within this restricted range, the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) was proved to be the most preferred host, with additional occurrences on trees such as lime (Tilia) and alder (Alnus). Large tree individuals were more frequently occupied than the smaller ones, with an incidence of 90% on the largest oaks. Against this background, factors describing other aspects of the environment added no independent power to explain the incidence.

Based on the current results,O.barnabitarequires a large network of tree hollows. Within such a network, it will occur with a high probability in almost any large, hollow tree, regardless of the finer characteristics of the tree or its cavities. Thus, the conservation management ofO. barnabitashould be focused on securing a good supply of suitable veteran trees rather than managing individual trees with established occurrences of the species.
Delivering Fiscal Squeeze by Cutting Local Government Spending
Authors: Innes David , Tetlow Gemma
Published: September 2015

The financial crisis of 2008 and associated recession led to a permanent deterioration in the outlook for the UK's public finances. As part of the fiscal consolidation implemented by the UK government, grants to local authorities in England were cut by more than a third in real terms between 2009–10 and 2014–15. With limited revenue‐raising powers, these cuts meant drastic reductions in local authority spending in total and per person: local authority spending per person fell in real terms by 23.4 per cent over this period. But the size of spending cuts per person differed greatly across local authorities, ranging from 46.3 per cent to 6.2 per cent. On average, the distribution of the cuts across authorities does not seem to reflect the principle of ‘equalisation’ that was, at least in theory, in place up until 2013–14; the local authorities with least revenue‐raising capacity (which are typically the most deprived) have on average actually seen the largest spending cuts. Moreover, this pattern looks set to continue over the next five years, with those authorities that have seen the largest cuts to date also expected to see the largest cuts in future.
Historical climatic variability and geographical barriers as drivers of community composition in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Oswald Jessica A. , Burleigh J. Gordon , Steadman David W. , Robinson Scott K. , Kratter Andrew W.
Published: September 2015

Aim

To evaluate the roles of Quaternary (< 2.6 Ma) climatic stability and geologic barriers (i.e. the Andes Mountains) in shaping the modern community composition and patterns of endemism in Neotropical dry forest bird communities.

Location

Marañón Valley and Tumbes, north‐western Peru.

Methods

We recorded presence and abundance of species in six dry forest bird communities on either side of the Andes Mountains. We used the data to calculate the beta diversity and phylogenetic beta diversity across regional and local scales. We compared the observed results to randomly permuted communities to determine if the communities were significantly more or less similar than we would expect by chance. Mantel tests evaluated whether beta diversity and phylogenetic beta diversity measures were correlated and whether there was a correlation between spatial distance and community diversity.

Results

Bird community composition, including abundance, is highly heterogeneous in north‐western Peru, even at relatively local scales. Communities on either side of the Andes are significantly different based on beta diversity and phylogenetic beta diversity. Communities subjected to more historical climatic fluctuations share a more similar species composition than communities that are relatively buffered from climatic change.

Main conclusions

The Andes structure dry forest bird communities in north‐western Peru. Greater community similarity in climatically unstable areas may be the product of formerly more continuous forest and/or movement of species among communities. In climatically stable regions, species turnover is not different from random expectations, which may reflect habitat loss and increased homogenization from anthropogenic landscape changes. Both the Andes and the historical (Quaternary) climatic regimes of north‐western Peru are likely responsible for the high endemism and distributions of its dry forest bird communities.
Repeat Procedures After Hybrid Thoracoscopic Ablation in the Setting of Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Electrophysiological Findings and 2‐Year Clinical Outcome
Authors: VELAGIC VEDRAN , DE ASMUNDIS CARLO , MUGNAI GIACOMO , IRFAN GHAZALA , HUNUK BURAK , STROKER ERWIN , HACIOGLU EBRU , UMBRAIN VINCENT , BECKERS STEFAN , CZAPLA JENS , WELLENS FRANCIS , NIJS JAN , BRUGADA PEDRO , LA MEIR MARK , CHIERCHIA GIAN‐BATTISTA
Published: September 2015

Lessons Learned from the Hybrid Redo Procedures

Introduction

In order to increase success rates of invasive treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation, the hybrid approach was developed, combining video‐assisted thoracoscopic epicardial procedure with conventional endocardial catheter ablation. Currently, there are no reports of electrophysiological findings and clinical outcomes of repeat procedures after the hybrid approach.

Methods and Results

Out of 64 patients who were treated by hybrid ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), 14 underwent the repeat catheter ablation and were selected for this study. All 14 patients initially presented with longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation and markedly dilated atria. The hybrid procedure was performed in a single act and the mean time to redo procedure was 346 ± 227 days. In 57% of patients indication for redo procedure was regular atrial tachycardia, and the rest presented with recurrent atrial fibrillation. In 36% of patients, recovered conduction was found along the previous ablation lesions. Only 9% of pulmonary veins were reconnected (0.36 veins per patient) and 7% of box lesions were not complete. The overall success rate at 2 years follow‐up after the repeat procedure, including second repeat procedure and patients taking antiarrhythmic drugs, was 64% (57% without drugs and further ablation). One case of moderate pulmonary vein stenosis was detected as a consequence of hybrid procedure.

Conclusion

Hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation results in durable lesions and high rates of chronic pulmonary vein isolation even after long‐term follow‐up. Most of the repeat procedures after the hybrid approach are related to left atrial flutters that could be successfully treated by catheter ablation.
Effects of lipopolysaccharide on the expression of plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) at the blood–brain barrier and its implications to the transport of neurotoxins
Authors: Wu Kuo‐Chen , Lu Ya‐Hsuan , Peng Yi‐Hsuan , Hsu Lih‐Ching , Lin Chun‐Jung
Published: September 2015

Plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) is a polyspecific organic cation transporter that is highly expressed in the central nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide on PMAT expression at the blood–brain barrier and the interaction between PMAT and neurotoxins. As a result, PMAT mRNA was identified in brain microvessels (BMVs), brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), astrocytes, and pericytes isolated from C57BL/6 mice and/or Wistar rats using RT‐qPCR. The immunofluorescence staining confirmed the expression of PMAT protein in BMVs and striatum of C57BL/6 mice. Western blotting demonstrated its localization at the luminal and abluminal sides of BMECs. In C57BL/6 mice, PMAT protein was significantly increased in BMVs 24 h after an intraperitoneal injection of 3 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide. Lipopolysaccharide treatment also significantly increased PMAT expression in cerebral cortex and the striatum in a time‐dependent manner, as well as the brain‐to‐plasma ratio of 1‐benzyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline (1‐benzyl‐TIQ). In isolated cells, lipopolysaccharide treatment significantly increased PMAT mRNA in brain astrocytes and the BMECs co‐cultured with astrocytes. In addition to 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium, the kinetic study indicated that both 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine and 1‐benzyl‐TIQ are substrates of human PMAT. These findings suggest that inflammation can change PMAT expression at the blood–brain barrier, which may affect PMAT‐mediated transport of neurotoxins.

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We demonstrated the expression of plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT; mRNA or protein) at several subunits of the blood–brain barrier. Lipopolysaccharide treatment can significantly increase the expression of PMAT in vivo (in brain microvessels, cerebral cortex, and the striatum of C57BL/6 mice) and in vitro (in brain astrocytes and brain microvascular endothelial cells co‐cultured with astrocytes). Lipopolysaccharide treatment also increased the brain‐to‐plasma ratio of 1‐benzyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline (1‐benzyl‐TIQ) in mice, where 1‐benzyl‐TIQ competitively inhibited 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) uptake in MDCK‐human PMAT (hPMAT) cells and its uptake in MDCK‐hPMAT is concentration dependent.
microRNA‐26a modulates inflammatory response induced by toll‐like receptor 4 stimulation in microglia
Authors: Kumar Asit , Bhatia Harsharan Singh , de Oliveira Antonio Carlos Pinheiro , Fiebich Bernd L.
Published: September 2015

MiRNAs, a family of small non‐coding RNAs, have emerged as novel post‐transcriptional regulators of numerous cellular responses. Although the involvement of miRNAs in the regulation of neuroinflammation in various neurological diseases has been previously studied, their role in the production of inflammatory mediators during microglia activation is poorly understood. In this study, the role of miR‐26a has been investigated in the modulation of inflammatory response in cultured microglia. Using real‐time PCR, the expression of miR‐26a was studied in toll‐like receptors 4 stimulated primary mouse microglia. miR‐26a expression was found to be rapidly reduced after the stimulation of toll‐like receptors 4 in microglia. Over‐expression of miR‐26a significantly decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α and IL‐6, whereas knockdown of miR‐26a increased the expression of these mediators. Furthermore, using in silico analysis, we identified that the activating transcription factor (ATF) 2 is directly targeted by miR‐26a. This finding was confirmed by loss and gain of function studies. Similar to the effect of miR‐26a over‐expression, knockdown of activating transcription factor 2 inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IL‐6. Taken together, our results suggest the involvement of miR‐26a in the regulation of the production of proinflammatory cytokines in microglia.

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We proposed that in microglia, activation of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) down‐regulates miR‐26a. The down‐regulation of this miR increases expression of activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2). This event, in addition to the activation of ATF2 by c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), increases interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production. On the other hand, miR‐26a also increases the production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) by a mechanism independent of ATF2.
Hypophosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 is a molecular mechanism underlying ischemic tolerance induced by either hibernation or preconditioning
Authors: Miyake Shin‐ichi , Wakita Hideaki , Bernstock Joshua D. , Castri Paola , Ruetzler Christl , Miyake Junko , Lee Yang‐ja , Hallenbeck John M.
Published: September 2015

Thirteen‐lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) have an extraordinary capacity to withstand prolonged and profound reductions in blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain without incurring any cellular damage. As such, the hibernation torpor of I. tridecemlineatus provides a valuable model of tolerance to ischemic stress. Herein, we report that during hibernation torpor, a marked reduction in the phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) occurs within the brains of I. tridecemlineatus. Of note, rpS6 phosphorylation was shown to increase in the brains of rats that underwent an occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. However, such an increase was attenuated after the implementation of an ischemic preconditioning paradigm. In addition, cultured cortical neurons treated with the rpS6 kinase (S6K) inhibitors, d‐glucosamine or PF4708671, displayed a decrease in rpS6 phosphorylation and a subsequent increase in tolerance to oxygen/glucose deprivation, an in vitro model of ischemic stroke. Collectively, such evidence suggests that the down‐regulation of rpS6 signal transduction may account for a substantial part of the observed increase in cellular tolerance to brain ischemia that occurs during hibernation torpor and after ischemic preconditioning. Further identification and characterization of the mechanisms used by hibernating species to increase ischemic tolerance may eventually clarify how the loss of homeostatic control that occurs during and after cerebral ischemia in the clinic can ultimately be minimized and/or prevented.

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Mammalian hibernation provides a valuable model of tolerance to ischemic stress. Herein, we demonstrate that marked reductions in the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase family of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase p44/42 (p44/42MAPK) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K) occur within the brains of both hibernating squirrels and rats, which have undergone an ischemic preconditioning paradigm. We therefore propose that the down‐regulation of rpS6 signal transduction may account for a substantial part of the observed increase in cellular tolerance to brain ischemia that occurs during hibernation torpor and after ischemic preconditioning, via a suppression of protein synthesis and/or energy consumption.
Facilitators and barriers in expanding scope of practice: findings from a national survey of Irish nurses and midwives
Authors: Fealy Gerard M , Rohde Daniela , Casey Mary , Brady Anne‐Marie , Hegarty Josephine , Kennedy Catriona , McNamara Martin , O'Reilly Pauline , Prizeman Geraldine
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

The aim was to examine current scope of practice among nurses and midwives in Ireland. The objectives were to describe practitioners’ self‐reported facilitators and barriers to expanding scope of practice and to develop a scope of practice barriers scale.

Background

Regulatory authorities permit practice expansion, so long as it falls within accepted parameters of scope of practice. Enduring difficulties in relation to scope of practice include the difficulty of balancing practice restriction with practice expansion.

Design

A postal survey design was used to examine registered nurses’ and midwives’ current scope of practice, including their experiences of facilitators and barriers to expanding practice.

Methods

A stratified random sample of registered nurses and midwives in Ireland was surveyed using the Scope‐QB, a 19‐item self‐report scope of practice barriers scale.

Results

Based on a sample of 1010 respondents, the self‐reported perceived barriers to practice expansion included fear of legal consequences, time restrictions and lack of remuneration. Professional satisfaction, patients’ needs, organisational support and having access to continuing professional education were perceived as facilitators of practice expansion. Older nurses and midwives as well as nurses and midwives holding more senior promotional grades, such as clinical nurse manager grades, perceived fewer barriers than their younger and more junior counterparts.

Conclusions

Nurses and midwives continue to experience difficulties in relation to expanding their practice. Practitioners can operate to optimal scope of practice when practitioner‐centred and workplace‐based circumstances are optimal. The optimal circumstances for practice expansion exist when the facilitators of practice expansion outweigh the barriers.

Relevance to clinical practice

Given the critical role that nurses and midwives play in modern health services, it is important that they are empowered and enabled to expand their practice and to work to full scope of practice when patient needs and service requirements warrant it.
Factor XII: a novel target for safe prevention of thrombosis and inflammation
Authors: Kenne E. , Nickel K. F. , Long A. T. , Fuchs T. A. , Stavrou E. X. , Stahl F. R. , Renné T.
Published: September 2015

Plasma protein factor XII (FXII) activates the procoagulant and proinflammatory contact system that drives both the kallikrein–kinin system and the intrinsic pathway of coagulation. When zymogen FXII comes into contact with negatively charged surfaces, it auto‐activates to the serine proteaseactivated FXII (FXIIa). Recently, various in vivo activators of FXII have been identified including heparin, misfolded protein aggregates, polyphosphate and nucleic acids. Murine models have established a central role of FXII in arterial and venous thrombosis. Despite its central function in thrombosis, deficiency in FXII does not impair haemostasis in animals and humans. In a preclinical cardiopulmonary bypass system in large animals, the FXIIa‐blocking antibody 3F7 prevented thrombosis; however, in contrast to traditional anticoagulants, bleeding was not increased. In addition to its function in thrombosis, FXIIa initiates formation of the inflammatory mediator bradykinin. This mediator increases vascular leak, causes vasodilation, and induces chemotaxis with implications for septic, anaphylactic and allergic disease states. Therefore, targeting FXIIa appears to be a promising strategy for thromboprotection without associated bleeding risks but with anti‐inflammatory properties.
Tensile Bond Strength between Soft Liners and Two Chemically Different Denture Base Materials: Effect of Thermocycling
Authors: Tugut Faik , Coskun Mehmet Emre , Dogan Derya Ozdemir , Kirmali Omer , Akin Hakan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

The bond strength of soft denture liner to a recently introduced denture base resin after thermocycling has not been compared to traditional denture base materials. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of thermocycling on the tensile bond strength of soft denture liners to two chemically different denture base resins, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA).

Materials and Methods

A total of 48 PMMA and UDMA tensile test specimens were fabricated by attaching two different soft denture liners (Molloplast‐B, Permaflex) according to the manufacturers’ instructions and assigned to two groups. Half of the specimens for each group were stored in water for 1 week, and the other half were thermocycled (5000 cycles) between baths of 5°C and 55°C. Specimens were mounted on a universal testing machine with a 5 mm/min crosshead speed. The data were analyzed with three‐way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey–Kramer multiple comparisons tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The highest bond strength was measured in the specimens from the UDMA/Molloplast groups, and the lowest was seen in the PMMA/Permaflex group. No significant difference in bond strength was detected in PMMA/Permaflex groups after thermocycling (p = 0.082), whereas other groups exhibited significant differences after thermocycling (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Thermocycling decreased the bond strength values in both the PMMA and UDMA groups. Regardless of types of soft liners, PMMA specimens presented lower bond strength values than UDMA specimens, both before and after thermocycling.
Impact of Types of Moisturizer and Humidity on the Residual Weight and Viscosity of Liquid and Gel Oral Moisturizers
Authors: Murakami Mamoru , Nishi Yasuhiro , Fujishima Kei , Nishio Misaki , Minemoto Yoko , Kanie Takahito , Nishimura Masahiro
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Oral moisturizers need to be selected based on their material properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of moisturizer type and humidity on the residual weight and viscosity of oral moisturizers.

Materials and Methods

The weight and viscosity of 17 oral moisturizers (7 liquid and 10 gel) at baseline and after 8 hours were measured using an incubator maintained at 37°C at either 85% or 40% relative humidity (RH). The rate of change in weight (RCW) and the rate of change in viscosity (RCV) were calculated. Data were analyzed with two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's test to evaluate the effect of the type of moisturizer (liquid or gel) and humidity (85% or 40% RH) on RCW and RCV. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between RCW and RCV.

Results

Two‐way ANOVA results indicated that the type of moisturizer and RH had a significant effect on RCW and RCV (p < 0.05); however, the interaction between them was not significant. The results of multiple comparisons showed that gel moisturizers had a significantly lower RCW and higher RCV than liquid moisturizers (p < 0.05). The RCW and RCV at 40% RH were significantly higher than those at 85% RH (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between RCW and RCV in the liquid moisturizer group, but a significant negative correlation was found in the gel moisturizer group (pp = 0.01).

Conclusion

Because viscosity of gel moisturizers increases as weight decreases, selecting gel moisturizers with a minimal change in weight and viscosity would be preferable in the case of a long‐time application and severe dry mouth.
Cortisol Concentrations in Well‐Regulated Dogs with Hyperadrenocorticism Treated with Trilostane
Authors: Midence J.N. , Drobatz K.J. , Hess R.S.
Published: September 2015

Background

There are no clear treatment guidelines for dogs with clinically well‐regulated hyperadrenocorticism in which serum cortisol concentrations before and after an ACTH stimulation test performed 3–6 hours after trilostane administration are < 2.0 μg/dL.

Objective

To determine if serum cortisol concentrations measured before (Pre1) and after (Post1) ACTH stimulation at 3–6 hours after trilostane administration are significantly lower than cortisol concentrations measured before (Pre2) and after (Post2) ACTH stimulation 9–12 hours after trilostane administration, in a specific population of dogs with clinically well‐regulated hyperadrenocorticism and Pre1 and Post1 <2 μg/dL.

Animals

Thirteen client‐owned dogs with clinically well‐regulated hyperadrenocorticism and Pre1 and Post1 serum cortisol concentrations <2.0 μg/dL 3–6 hours after trilostane administration.

Methods

Prospective study. Dogs had a second ACTH stimulation test performed 9–12 hours after trilostane administration, on the same day of the first ACTH stimulation test. Cortisol concentrations before and after ACTH stimulation were compared using a paired t‐test.

Results

Cortisol concentrations before (1.4 ± 0.3 μg/dL) and after the first stimulation (1.5 ± 0.3 μg/dL, mean ± SD) were significantly lower than cortisol concentration before the second stimulation (3.3 ± 1.6 μg/dL, P = .0012 each). Cortisol concentration before the first stimulation was also significantly lower than cortisol concentration after the second stimulation (5.3 ± 2.4 μg/dL, P = .0001).

Conclusions and clinical importance

In dogs with clinically well‐regulated, trilostane‐treated, hyperadrenocorticism, and cortisol concentrations <2 μg/dL before and after the first stimulation, a second ACTH stimulation test performed 9–12 hours after treatment can result in higher cortisol concentrations that could support continued trilostane treatment.
Public Outreach in Linguistics: Engaging Broader Audiences
Authors: McKee Cecile , Zimmer Elly , Fountain Amy , Huang Hui‐Yu , Vento Mia
Published: September 2015

Linguistics is traditionally a university subject. We describe here comprehensive efforts that the University of Arizona's Linguistics Department makes to engage with additional audiences: K–12 and community college students, lifelong learners, and festival‐goers. Our coordination of these efforts is relatively recent, and this article emphasizes what we are learning in areas like adjustment to different audiences and efficient use of resources. While many individual linguists and some departments are engaged in outreach activities such as those described here, our work is unusual in its breadth, in terms of both external contacts and department‐internal participants.
Solving Detour‐Based Fuel Stations Location Problems
Authors: Zockaie Ali , Aashtiani Hedayat Z. , Ghamami Mehrnaz , (Marco) Nie Yu
Published: September 2015

This article studies the problem of locating fuel stations to minimize the extra cost spent in refueling detours, which belongs to a class of discretionary service facility location problems. Unlike many studies of similar problems in the literature, the proposed model considers capacity constraints and compares different ways to incorporate them in the formulation. Note that ignoring the capacity constraint results in nonoptimal and unrealistic solutions. The proposed models are solved using both an off‐the‐shelf solver (CPLEX) and a specialized meta‐heuristic method (Simulated Annealing) developed in this study. The solution methods are tested and compared in two case studies; a test benchmark network and a large‐scale network. An effort to overcome the memory limitation of CPLEX through more compact formulation was partially successful: it results in a model that is less tightly bounded by its linear relaxation and hence is much more difficult to solve. In contrast, the Simulated Annealing algorithm scales better and is able to consistently yield high‐quality solutions with a reasonable amount of computation time.
Proteomic analysis of theSimkania‐containing vacuole: the central role of retrograde transport
Authors: Herweg Jo‐Ana , Pons Valérie , Becher Dörte , Hecker Michael , Krohne Georg , Barbier Julien , Berger Hilmar , Rudel Thomas , Mehlitz Adrian
Published: September 2015

Simkania negevensisis an obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen that grows in amoeba or human cells within a membrane‐bound vacuole forming endoplasmic reticulum (ER) contact sites. The membrane of thisSimkania‐containing vacuole (SnCV) is a critical host–pathogen interface whose origin and molecular interactions with cellular organelles remain poorly defined. We performed proteomic analysis of purifiedER‐SnCV‐membranes using label freeLC‐MS2to define the pathogen‐containing organelle composition. Of the 1,178 proteins of human and 302 proteins ofSimkaniaorigin identified by this strategy, 51 host cell proteins were enriched or depleted by infection and 57 proteins were associated with host endosomal transport pathways. Chemical inhibitors that selectively interfere with trafficking at the early endosome‐to‐trans‐Golgi network (TGN) interface (retrograde transport) affectedSnCVformation, morphology and lipid transport. Our data demonstrate thatSimkaniaexploits early endosome‐to‐TGNtransport for nutrient acquisition and growth.
The cytosolic or the mitochondrial glutathione peroxidase‐type tryparedoxin peroxidase is sufficient to protect procyclic Trypanosoma brucei from iron‐mediated mitochondrial damage and lysis
Authors: Schaffroth Corinna , Bogacz Marta , Dirdjaja Natalie , Nißen Amrei , Krauth‐Siegel R. Luise
Published: September 2015

African trypanosomes express three virtually identical glutathione peroxidase (Px)‐type enzymes that occur in the cytosol (Px I and II) and mitochondrion (Px III) and detoxify fatty acid‐derived hydroperoxides. Selective deletion of the genes revealed that procyclic Trypanosoma brucei lacking either the cytosolic or mitochondrial enzyme proliferate nearly as wild‐type parasites, whereas the knockout of the complete genomic locus is lethal. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that the Px I‐III‐deficient parasites lose their mitochondrial membrane potential, which is followed by a loss of the lysosomal signal but not the glycosomal one. Mitochondrial damage and cell lysis are prevented by Trolox, ubiquinone derivatives and the iron chelator deferoxamine, whereas starch‐deferoxamine is inefficient. In glucose‐rich medium, cell death is attenuated suggesting that oxidants generated by the respiratory chain contribute to the lethal phenotype. Thus, the Px‐type peroxidases protect procyclic cells from an iron‐mediated oxidative membrane damage that originates at the mitochondrion. This contrasts with the situation in bloodstream cells, where the lysosome is the primarily affected organelle. Strikingly, either the cytosolic or the mitochondrial form of the peroxidases is required and sufficient to protect the mitochondrion and prevent cell lysis.
HISTORICAL HYPERMETRICAL HEARING: UNCERTAINTY, FLOORS AND TRAPDOORS
Authors: LOVE STEFAN CARIS
Published: September 2015

This article attempts a partial reconstruction of historical metrical hearing for late eighteenth‐century Viennese chamber music. Specifically, I build on two traits of the historical listener. First, eighteenth‐century listeners werefirst‐time listeners, a simple fact with significant consequences for how we understand composers’ intentions and listeners’ experiences. Second, eighteenth‐century listeners were saturated with the music of the day, to a much broader and shallower extent than the modern canon‐bound listener. This second trait enabled eighteenth‐century listeners to absorb the statistical regularities of their musical culture, giving them a set of norms through which to comprehend pieces on the first hearing. In this essay I discuss the consequences of these traits for hypermetre.

Drawing on a corpus study of 1780s Viennese chamber music, I offer answers to several questions: How does the first‐time listener respond to hypermetre, compared to the more experienced listener? What consequences does this have for analysis? And what are some of the stylistic regularities underlying hypermetre in chamber music from 1780s Vienna? To answer the latter question, I posit a special level of the metrical hierarchy called thehypermetrical floor, against which hypermetrical phenomena are measured.