bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Heat Treatment on Corrosion Behaviors of Mg-5Y-1.5Nd Alloys
Authors: Ma Xiumin , Jiang Quantong , Li Yantao , Hou BaoRong
Published: April 2016

Corrosion behavior of Mg-5Y-1.5Nd alloy was investigated after heat treatment. The microstructure and precipitation were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The weight loss rates of different samples were arranged as T6-24 h>T6-6 h>T6-14 h>as-cast>T4. The open circuit potential (OCP) showed that T4 sample had a more positive potential than that of other samples. The potentiodynamic polarization curves showed that the T6-24 h sample had the highest corrosion current density of 245.362 μA·cm−2, whereas the T4 sample had the lowest at 52.164 μA·cm−2. The EIS results confirmed that the heat treatment reduced the corrosion resistance for Mg-5Y-1.5Nd alloy, because the precipitations acted as the cathode of electrochemical reactions to accelerate the corrosion process. The corrosion rates of different samples were mainly determined by the amount and distribution of the precipitations. The precipitations played dual roles that depended on the amount and distribution. The presence of the phase in the alloys could deteriorate the corrosion performance as it could act as an effective galvanic cathode. Otherwise, a fine and homogeneous phase appeared to be a better anticorrosion barrier.
Glycerine Treated Nanofibrillated Cellulose Composites
Authors: Erbas Kiziltas Esra , Kiziltas Alper , Nazari Behzad , Gardner Douglas J. , Bousfield Douglas W.
Published: April 2016

Glycerine treated nanofibrillated cellulose (GNFC) was prepared by mixing aqueous nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) suspensions with glycerine. Styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer composites with different loadings of GNFC were prepared by melt compounding followed by injection molding. The incorporation of GNFC increased tensile and flexural modulus of elasticity of the composites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that as GNFC loading increased, the thermal stability of the composites decreased marginally. The incorporation of GNFC into the SMA copolymer matrix resulted in higher elastic modulus (G′) and shear viscosities than the neat SMA copolymer, especially at low frequencies. The orientation of rigid GNFC particles in the composites induced a strong shear thinning behavior with an increase in GNFC loading. The decrease in the slope of elastic modulus with increasing GNFC loading suggested that the microstructural changes of the polymer matrix can be attributed to the incorporation of GNFC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of fracture surfaces show areas of GNFC agglomerates in the SMA matrix.
Transfusion Thresholds, Quality of Life, and Current Approaches in Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Authors: Koutsavlis Ioannis
Published: April 2016

Hemoglobin thresholds and triggers for blood transfusions have changed over the years moving from a higher to a lower level. This review article summarizes the current evidence of transfusion thresholds in the hospitalized as well as in the outpatient setting and particularly in myelodysplasia. Fatigue is the main reported symptom in this group of patients and current clinical trials are looking for a more liberal approach of red cell transfusion and the effect on quality of life as opposed to the restrictive strategy used in the critical care setting. Practical considerations, the cost effectiveness of this strategy in addition to the possible complications, and the use of quality of life questionnaires have also been reviewed.
Poor Performance of the Chlamydia Rapid Test Device for the Detection of Asymptomatic Infections in South African Men: A Pilot Study
Authors: Abbai-Shaik N. S. , Reddy T. , Govender S. , Ramjee G.
Published: April 2016

Background. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no published reports on the diagnostic performance of the Chlamydia Rapid Test (CRT) Device for male urine samples. We evaluated the performance of the CRT Device when compared with that of the BD ProbeTec ET PCR Assay in a population of asymptomatic men. Methods. The study enrolled 100 men between June and July 2015. From each consenting male, 20–30 mL of urine was collected. Sensitivity and specificity of the rapid test compared to PCR were calculated. All analysis was performed in STATA version 13. Results. All men had valid rapid and PCR test results. The test showed a low sensitivity against PCR (20%) (95% CI 3.7–6.2%); however, an excellent specificity was observed (100%) (one sided 97.5% CI: 96.0–100). Conclusions. This test was not found to be suitable as a screening tool for genital Chlamydia infections in men. Our findings emphasize the need for more sensitive POC tests to be developed since the current approach for the management of STIs in Africa is confounded by poor sensitivity and specificity resulting in many infected individuals not being treated.
Unilateral Optic Neuritis: A Rare Complication after Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination in a 30-Year-Old Woman
Authors: De Giacinto Chiara , Guaglione Elvira , Leon Pia E. , D’Aloisio Rossella , Vattovani Odilla , Ravalico Giuseppe , Tognetto Daniele
Published: April 2016

Purpose. To report a case of unilateral optic neuritis following Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccination.Methods. A 30-year-old female developed unilateral optic neuritis five days after a Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) booster vaccination. The patient displayed unilateral involvement, with severe visual loss. However, visual acuity improved significantly after four days of intravenous steroid therapy with 500 mg/day of methylprednisolone.Conclusions. Optic neuritis is one of the rare complications associated with the mumps, measles, and rubella vaccine. It may be a toxic reaction to the nonviral component of the vaccine, but the exact etiology is unknown. Postvaccination neuritis is generally bilateral and usually affects children. In adults, unilateral optic neuritis is usually correlated with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Impact of Intestinal Ultrasound on Classification and Management of Crohn’s Disease Patients with Inconclusive Colonoscopy
Authors: Wilkens Rune , Novak Kerri L. , Lebeuf-Taylor Eleonore , Wilson Stephanie R.
Published: April 2016

Background and Aims. We aim to evaluate the benefit of ultrasound in the assessment of Crohn’s disease and to demonstrate its potential contribution to disease management.Methods. We conduct a retrospective review of adult patients with Crohn’s disease examined with sonography and colonoscopy within 30 days. Study patients were identified in whom colonoscopy did not access a pathological segment, detected and evaluated by ultrasonography. Changes in management were predominantly attributed to ultrasound in those cases where the diseased segment was not assessed on endoscopy.Results. From 115 patients with temporally related ileocolonoscopy and ultrasound, 41 had disease fully assessed on ultrasound only, with complications in 26/41. Twenty-nine of 41 had mild or no endoscopic inflammation with moderate or severe disease on ultrasound at the same segment or at a segment proximal to the reach of the endoscope. Changes in management were significantly attributed to ultrasound in 22 of these 29 patients.Conclusion. The benefit of cross-sectional imaging is invaluable for the comprehensive assessment of bowel not shown on ileocolonoscopy. Ultrasound may make a significant contribution to correct classification of disease extent and severity of Crohn’s disease. Prospective studies are needed to further understand the contribution of US in patient management.
Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Hot Pressed Cu-Sn Powder Alloys
Authors: Nassef Ahmed , El-Hadek Medhat
Published: April 2016

Cu-Sn based alloy powders with additives of elemental Pb or C were densified by hot pressing technique. The influence of densifying on the properties of the hot pressed materials was investigated. The properties, such as the hardness, compressive strength, and wear resistance of these materials, were determined. The hot pressed Cu-Sn specimens included intermetallic/phases, which were homogeneously distributed. The presence of graphite improved the wear resistance of Cu-Sn alloys three times. Similarly, the presence of lead improved the densification parameter of Cu-Sn alloys three times. There was no significant difference in the mechanical behavior associated with the addition of Pb to the Cu-Sn alloys, although Cu-Pb alloys showed considerably higher ultimate strength and higher elongation. The Cu-Sn-C alloys had lower strength compared with those of Cu-Sn alloys. Evidence of severe melting spots was noticed in the higher magnifications of the compression fracture surface of 85% Cu-10% Sn-5% C and 80% Cu-10% Sn-10% Pb alloys. This was explained by the release of load at the final event of the fracture limited area.
Targeting Carcinoembryonic Antigen with DNA Vaccination: On-Target Adverse Events Link with Immunologic and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: McCann Katy J. , Mander Ann , Cazaly Angelica , Chudley Lindsey , Stasakova Jana , Thirdborough Stephen M. , King Andrew , Lloyd-Evans Paul , Buxton Emily , Edwards Ceri , Halford Sarah , Bateman Andrew , O'Callaghan Ann , Clive Sally , Anthoney Alan , Jodrell Duncan I. , Weinschenk Toni , Simon Petra , Sahin Ugur , Thomas Gareth J. , Stevenson Freda K. , Ottensmeier Christian H.
Published: April 2016

Purpose: We have clinically evaluated a DNA fusion vaccine to target the HLA-A*0201–binding peptide CAP-1 from carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA605–613) linked to an immunostimulatory domain (DOM) from fragment C of tetanus toxin.

Experimental Design: Twenty-seven patients with CEA-expressing carcinomas were recruited: 15 patients with measurable disease (arm-I) and 12 patients without radiological evidence of disease (arm-II). Six intramuscular vaccinations of naked DNA (1 mg/dose) were administered up to week 12. Clinical and immunologic follow-up was up to week 64 or clinical/radiological disease.

Results: DOM-specific immune responses demonstrated successful vaccine delivery. All patients without measurable disease compared with 60% with advanced disease responded immunologically, while 58% and 20% expanded anti-CAP-1 CD8+ T cells, respectively. CAP-1–specific T cells were only detectable in the blood postvaccination but could also be identified in previously resected cancer tissue. The gastrointestinal adverse event diarrhea was reported by 48% of patients and linked to more frequent decreases in CEA (P < 0.001) and improved global immunologic responses [anti-DOM responses of greater magnitude (P < 0.001), frequency (P = 0.004), and duration] compared with patients without diarrhea. In advanced disease patients, decreases in CEA were associated with better overall survival (HR = 0.14, P = 0.017). CAP-1 peptide was detectable on MHC class I of normal bowel mucosa and primary colorectal cancer tissue by mass spectrometry, offering a mechanistic explanation for diarrhea through CD8+ T-cell attack.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that DNA vaccination is able to overcome peripheral tolerance in normal and tumor tissue and warrants testing in combination studies, for example, by vaccinating in parallel to treatment with an anti-PD1 antibody. Clin Cancer Res; 22(19); 4827–36. ©2016 AACR.
Seminoma Clinical Stage 1 - Patterns of Care in Germany
Authors: Dieckmann Klaus-Peter , Dralle-Filiz Inken , Heinzelbecker Julia , Matthies Cord , Bedke Jens , Ellinger Jörg , Sommer Jörg , Haben Björn , Souchon Rainer , Anheuser Petra , Pichlmeier Uwe
Published: April 2016

Introduction: International guidelines are ambivalent regarding the recommendations for the management of clinical stage 1 (CS1) seminoma. Patients and Methods: During 2008-2013, 1,050 patients with seminoma CS1 were prospectively registered with regard to assessing management modality (radiotherapy, carboplatin, surveillance). Associations with tumor size, rete testis invasion, age, year of diagnosis, type of institution, and geographic location were assessed. Results: Of the total number of patients, 49.3% received carboplatin 1 course, 8.5% carboplatin 2 courses, 35.9% surveillance, and 6.3% radiotherapy. In 2013, surveillance increased significantly to 57.9%. Treatment decisions were significantly associated with rete testis invasion and tumor size. Carboplatin was applied significantly more in office clinics than elsewhere. There is some regional variation regarding treatment preferences. Conclusions: The rising acceptance of surveillance mirrors international trends. The associations with prognostic factors demonstrate care givers to be compliant with contemporary guidelines. The association with the type of institution suggests non-oncological factors to be also relevant in decision making.
Know Your Monkey: Identifying Primate Conservation Challenges in an Indigenous Kichwa Community Using an Ethnoprimatological Approach
Authors: Stafford Ciara A. , Alarcon-Valenzuela Javiera , Patiño Javier , Preziosi Richard F. , Sellers William I.
Published: April 2016

Increasing pressure on tropical forests is continually highlighting the need to find new solutions that mitigate the impact of human populations on biodiversity. However, developing solutions that can tackle the drivers of anthropogenic pressure, or at least take them into account, hinges upon building a good understanding of the culture and perceptions of local people. This study aims to provide an overview of the ethnoprimatology of an indigenous Kichwa community in the Ecuadorian Amazon that maintains a traditional lifestyle but also has good access to markets. We examine whether primates are seen as a distinctive group and their relative importance as sources of bushmeat and as household pets. Pile-sorting exercises revealed that although locals generally group members of the order Primates together, tree-dwelling non-primates including sloths, coatis, kinkajous and tamanduas are also frequently classified as ‘monkeys'. The perceived importance of primates to the forest and the community lay more in their potential as bushmeat, and only 1 respondent identified an ecological role for the group in terms of seed dispersal. Gaining a better understanding of local perceptions will allow for better-informed conservation decisions that are more aware of potential impacts and are more likely to gain community support.
The Correlation between Intraoperative Microelectrode Recording and 3-Tesla MRI in Patients Undergoing ANT-DBS for Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Möttönen Timo , Katisko Jani , Haapasalo Joonas , Tähtinen Timo , Saastamoinen Antti , Peltola Jukka , Öhman Juha , Lehtimäki Kai
Published: April 2016

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus) (ANT) has been suggested as a treatment option in refractory epilepsy. The targeting of ANT is especially challenging due to its poor visualization in commonly used MRI sequences, lack of easily observable symptom relief during surgery and high degree of anatomical variation between individuals. Objectives: To study whether intraoperative microelectrode recording (MER), a method widely used in movement disorder surgery, provides clinically relevant information during the ANT-DBS implantation procedure. Methods: A total of 186 MER samples from 5 patients and 10 thalami obtained from ANT-DBS surgery for refractory epilepsy were analyzed with respect to the signal characteristics and location in 3-tesla (3T) MRI STIR (short T1 inversion recovery) images. The location of each MER sample was calculated relative to visible borders of the ANT after correction of the sample locations according to the position of the final DBS electrode in postoperative CT-MRI fusion images. Results: We found that the lateral aspect of the ANT lacked spiking activity consistent with the presence of white matter. The spike frequency in samples correlating with location at the ANT showed significantly lower spike frequency compared to samples correlating with location at the ventral anterior nucleus (median 3.0 and 7.0 spikes/2 s; p < 0.05), but spike bursts were morphologically similar in appearance. Trajectories entering the dorsomedial nucleus according to 3T MRI STIR images showed a yet different firing pattern with more low-amplitude regular activity. Conclusions: Our data suggest that MER provides clinically relevant information during implantation surgery by demonstrating both nucleus-specific neuronal firing patterns and white matter laminae between different nuclear groups.
PDE7B, NMBR and EPM2A Variants and Schizophrenia: A Case-Control and Pharmacogenetics Study
Authors: Porcelli Stefano , Balzarro Beatrice , Lee Soo-Jung , Han Changsu , Patkar Ashwin A. , Pae Chi-Un , Serretti Alessandro
Published: April 2016

Background: We investigated phosphodiesterase 7B (PDE7B), neuromedin B receptor (NMBR) and epilepsy progressive myoclonus type 2A (EPM2A) genes in schizophrenia (SCZ). To the best of our knowledge, these genes have been poorly investigated in studies of SCZ. Methods: Five hundred and seventy-three SCZ inpatients of Korean ethnicity and 560 healthy controls were genotyped for 2 PDE7B, 3 NMBR and 3 EPM2A polymorphisms. Differences in the allelic and genetic frequencies among healthy subjects and patients were calculated using the χ2 statistics. Repeated-measure ANOVA was used to test possible influences of single-nucleotide polymorphisms on treatment efficacy. In case of positive findings, clinical and demographic variables were added as covariates, in order to investigate possible stratiﬁcation bias. Results: The rs2717 and rs6926279 within the NMBR gene and rs702304 and rs2235481 within the EPM2A gene were associated with SCZ liability. rs1415744 was also associated with Positive and Negative Symptom Scale negative clinical improvement. The results remained the same after inclusion of the covariates and were partially confirmed in the allelic and haplotype analyses. Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggest a possible role of NMBR and EPM2A genes in SCZ susceptibility and, for the second one, also in antipsychotic pharmacogenetics. Nonetheless, further research is needed to conﬁrm our findings.
Pivotal Role of Regulator of G-protein Signaling 12 in Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Huang Jia , Chen Lijuan , Yao Yuyu , Tang Chengchun , Ding Jiandong , Fu Cong , Li Hongliang , Ma Genshan
Published: April 2016

Cardiac hypertrophy is a major predictor of heart failure and is regulated by diverse signaling pathways. As a typical multi-domain member of the regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) family, RGS12 plays a regulatory role in various signaling pathways. However, the precise effect of RGS12 on cardiac hypertrophy remains largely unknown. In this study, we observed increased expression of RGS12 in the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. We then generated genetically engineered mice and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to investigate the effects of RGS12 during this pathological process. Four weeks after aortic banding, RGS12-deficient hearts showed decreased cardiomyocyte cross area (374.7±43.2 μm
2
versus 487.1±47.9 μm
2
in controls;
P
<0.05) with preserved fractional shortening (43.0±3.4% versus 28.4±2.2% in controls;
P
<0.05), whereas RGS12-overexpressing hearts exhibited increased cardiomyocyte cross area (582.4±46.7 μm
2
versus 474.8±40.0 μm
2
in controls;
P
<0.05) and reduced fractional shortening (20.8±4.1% versus 28.6±3.2% in controls;
P
<0.05). RGS12 also contributed to angiotensin II–induced hypertrophy in isolated cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, our data indicated that the activation of MEK1/2–ERK1/2 signaling may be responsible for the prohypertrophic action of RGS12. In addition, the requirement of the MEK1/2–ERK1/2 signaling for RGS12-mediated cardiac hypertrophy was confirmed in rescue experiments using the MEK1/2-specific inhibitor U0126. In conclusion, our findings provide a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Association Between Protein Intake and Mortality in Hypertensive Patients Without Chronic Kidney Disease in the OLD-HTA Cohort
Authors: Courand Pierre-Yves , Lesiuk Chloé , Milon Hugues , Defforges Alice , Fouque Denis , Harbaoui Brahim , Lantelme Pierre
Published: April 2016

Protein intake may have some benefits on reducing blood pressure and cardiovascular events, but their effects are still debated. The objective of this study was to test the prognostic value of protein intake assessed by 24-hour urinary urea in a cohort of hypertensive patients with preserved renal function. A total of 1128 hypertensive patients were followed according to tertile of protein intake adjusted for ideal body weight: <0.70, 0.70 to 0.93, and >0.93 g/kg. Baseline characteristics (mean±standard deviation) were age 45.1±13.2 years, systolic/diastolic blood pressure 185±32/107±20 mm Hg, and estimated glomerular filtration rate 82±32 mL/min. After 10 years of follow-up, 289 deaths occurred, 202 of which were of cardiovascular cause. After adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors, patients in the second and third tertiles of protein intake had a decreased risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.71 [0.56–0.91]) and cardiovascular death (0.72 [0.54–0.96]), but not of stroke death (0.72 [0.41–1.28]) in comparison to patients in the low protein intake tertile. Normal–high protein intake was associated with a better outcome in a subset of the population: younger patients, low salt intake, without aortic atherosclerosis, or previous cardiovascular events (
P
interaction
<0.10 for all). Hypertensive patients having a protein intake >0.7 g/kg ideal body weight, particularly those at low risk, had lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates. Physicians may encourage hyper tensive patients to have normal or high protein diet in addition to low salt consumption, moderate alcohol consumption, and regular physical activity.
Neovascularization Potential of Blood Outgrowth Endothelial Cells From Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Failure Is Preserved
Authors: Dauwe Dieter , Pelacho Beatriz , Wibowo Arief , Walravens Ann‐Sophie , Verdonck Kristoff , Gillijns Hilde , Caluwe Ellen , Pokreisz Peter , van Gastel Nick , Carmeliet Geert , Depypere Maarten , Maes Frederik , Vanden Driessche Nina , Droogne Walter , Van Cleemput Johan , Vanhaecke Johan , Prosper Felipe , Verfaillie Catherine , Luttun Aernout , Janssens Stefan
Published: April 2016

Background

Blood outgrowth endothelial cells (
BOEC
s) mediate therapeutic neovascularization in experimental models, but outgrowth characteristics and functionality of
BOEC
s from patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (
ICMP
) are unknown. We compared outgrowth efficiency and in vitro and in vivo functionality of
BOEC
s derived from
ICMP
with
BOEC
s from age‐matched (
ACON
) and healthy young (
CON
) controls.

Methods and Results

We isolated 3.6±0.6
BOEC
colonies/100×10
6
mononuclear cells (
MNC
s) from 60‐mL blood samples of
ICMP
patients (n=45; age: 66±1 years;
LVEF
: 31±2%) versus 3.5±0.9 colonies/100×10
6
MNC
s in
ACON
(n=32; age: 60±1 years) and 2.6±0.4 colonies/100×10
6
MNC
s in
CON
(n=55; age: 34±1 years),
P
=0.29. Endothelial lineage (
VEGFR
2
+
/
CD
31
+
/
CD
146
+
) and progenitor (
CD
34
+
/
CD
133
−
) marker expression was comparable in
ICMP
and
CON
. Growth kinetics were similar between groups (
P
=0.38) and not affected by left ventricular systolic dysfunction, maladaptive remodeling, or presence of cardiovascular risk factors in
ICMP
patients. In vitro neovascularization potential, assessed by network remodeling on Matrigel and three‐dimensional spheroid sprouting, did not differ in
ICMP
from (A)
CON
. Secretome analysis showed a marked proangiogenic profile, with highest release of angiopoietin‐2 (1.4±0.3×10
5
 pg/10
6
ICMP
‐
BOEC
s) and placental growth factor (5.8±1.5×10
3
 pg/10
6
ICMP BOEC
s), independent of age or ischemic disease. Senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining showed comparable senescence in
BOEC
s from
ICMP
(5.8±2.1%; n=17),
ACON
(3.9±1.1%; n=7), and
CON
(9.0±2.8%; n=13),
P
=0.19. High‐resolution microcomputed tomography analysis in the ischemic hindlimb of nude mice confirmed increased arteriogenesis in the thigh region after intramuscular injections of
BOEC
s from
ICMP
(
P
=0.025; n=8) and
CON
(
P
=0.048; n=5) over vehicle control (n=8), both to a similar extent (
P=
0.831).

Conclusions

BOEC
s can be successfully culture‐expanded from patients with
ICMP
. In contrast to impaired functionality of
ICMP
‐derived bone marrow
MNC
s,
BOEC
s retain a robust proangiogenic profile, both in vitro and in vivo, with therapeutic potential for targeting ischemic disease.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Limits the Efficacy of Simvastatin Activating Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Hsu Chiao‐Po , Zhao Jin‐Feng , Lin Shing‐Jong , Shyue Song‐Kun , Guo Bei‐Chia , Lu Tse‐Min , Lee Tzong‐Shyuan
Published: April 2016

Background

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), is considered a risk factor for the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Simvastatin, a lipid‐lowering drug with other pleiotropic effects, has been widely used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about the effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of ADMA on the effectiveness of simvastatin in the vascular system.

Methods and Results

We conducted a prospective cohort study to enroll 648 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease for a follow‐up period of 8 years. In patients with plasma ADMA level ≥0.49 μmol/L (a cut‐off value from receiver operating characteristic curve), statin treatment had no significant effect on cardiovascular events. We also conducted randomized, controlled studies using in vitro and in vivo models. In endothelial cells, treatment with ADMA (≥0.5 μmol/L) impaired simvastatin‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, and angiogenesis. In parallel, ADMA markedly increased the activity of NADPH oxidase (NOX) and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The detrimental effects of ADMA on simvastatin‐induced NO production and angiogenesis were abolished by the antioxidant,
N
‐acetylcysteine, NOX inhibitor, or apocynin or overexpression of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH‐2). Moreover, in vivo, ADMA administration reduced Matrigel plug angiogenesis in wild‐type mice and decreased simvastatin‐induced eNOS phosphorylation in aortas of apolipoprotein E–deficient mice, but not endothelial DDAH‐2‐overexpressed aortas.

Conclusions

We conclude that ADMA may trigger NOX‐ROS signaling, which leads to restricting the simvastatin‐conferred protection of eNOS activation, NO production, and angiogenesis as well as the clinical outcome of cardiovascular events.
The Kano ‘Mosque-Tower’ or ḥaṣūmiyā: The creation of a myth.
Authors: Leary Allan
Published: April 2016

The paper concerns a widely held belief that the ‘great’ Kano ‘mosque-tower’ was of considerable age when demolished in 1938 and that it dated probably from the nineteenth century, or even earlier. Apart from brief references in the Kano Chronicle (kc), (and in another Kano ‘king-list’ published by Hunwick), to the building of a ḥaṣūmiyā and mosque,during the reign of the Kano ruler, Muḥammad Runfā, (1463–1499), post-Runfā references to mosque building in the kc do not mention a ‘great’ tower, nor do nineteenth-century European travellers’ accounts. It was not remarked on at the time of Lugard’s conquest of Kano in 1903.

Evidential sources are presented showing that the ‘Mosque-Tower’ was built under colonial influence around 1911/12. It was anathema to the ‘ulamā’, in the light of the recorded views of the Shēhu Uthmān ɗan Fodio, hence its ultimate demolition.
Ten new taxa in the orchid subtribe Pleurothallidinae (Epidendroideae, Epidendreae) from Ecuador
Authors: Doucette Alfonso , Portilla Jose , Cameron Kenneth
Published: April 2016

New species of Masdevallia, Pleurothallis, Stelis, Trisetella and Zootrophion are described and illustrated, including three new forms of Masdevallia and one new form of Pleurothallis. New synonymy is provided for Acianthera dodsonii, Stelis pachyglossa, S. retusa, S. transversalis and Zootrophion serpentinum.
Transfer of the Panamanian species Calathea gordonii to the genus Goeppertia (Marantaceae)
Authors: Silva Felipe De Araújo , Braga João Marcelo Alvarenga
Published: April 2016

Calathea gordonii is herein transferred to Goeppertia. This genus was recently resurrected to incorporate most Calathea species. In preparation for the Flora Mesoamericana, C. gordonii was recently described as endemic to Panama and included in the Calathea sect. Breviscapus a section where all species have been transferred to Goeppertia.
Aerosol–Stratocumulus–Radiation Interactions over the Southeast Pacific: Implications to the Underlying Air–Sea Coupling
Authors: Chen Guoxing , Wang Wei-Chyung
Published: April 2016

Recently, Chen et al. used a combination of observations and WRF simulations to illustrate that the anthropogenic aerosol–cloud microphysics–radiation interactions over the southeast Pacific can potentially reduce the excessive shortwave radiation reaching the sea surface, a common bias identified in CMIP5 models. Here, with the aid of a mixed-layer ocean, the authors further study the implications of the shortwave radiation reduction to the underlying air–sea coupling, focusing on the SST sensitivity to the changes. Results show that responses of the air–sea coupling include two negative feedbacks (a large decrease in the latent heat flux and a small decrease in the sensible heat flux, both associated with the surface cooling) and a positive feedback (an increase in the cloud cover, caused by the increase in the relative humidity within the boundary layer, especially during the daytime). The 0.1°C (W m−2)−1 SST sensitivity is about half that documented in CMIP5 models. In addition, an effective daytime cloud fraction weighted with the solar diurnal cycle is proposed to facilitate diagnosing the intensity of cloud–radiation interactions in general circulation models.
On the Relative Contribution of Inertia–Gravity Wave Radiation to Asymmetric Instabilities in Tropical Cyclone–like Vortices
Authors: Menelaou Konstantinos , Schecter David A. , Yau M. K.
Published: April 2016

Intense atmospheric vortices such as tropical cyclones experience various asymmetric instabilities during their life cycles. This study investigates how vortex properties and ambient conditions determine the relative importance of different mechanisms that can simultaneously influence the growth of an asymmetric perturbation. The focus is on three-dimensional disturbances of barotropic vortices with nonmonotonic radial distributions of potential vorticity. The primary modes of instability are examined for Rossby numbers between 10 and 100 and Froude numbers in the broad neighborhood of unity. This parameter regime is deemed appropriate for tropical cyclone perturbations with vertical length scales ranging from the depth of the vortex to moderately smaller scales. At relatively small Froude numbers, the main cause of instability inferred from analysis typically involves the interaction of vortex Rossby waves with each other and/or critical-layer potential vorticity perturbations. As the Froude number increases from its lower bound, the main cause of instability transitions to inertia–gravity wave radiation. In some cases, the transition occurs abruptly at a critical point where a mode whose growth is driven almost entirely by radiation suddenly becomes dominant. In other cases, the transition is gradual and less direct as the fastest-growing mode continuously changes its structure. Examination of the angular pseudomomentum budget helps quantify the impact of radiation. The radiation-driven instabilities examined herein are shown to be quite fast and potentially relevant to real-world tropical cyclones. Their sensitivities to parameterized moisture and outer vorticity skirts are briefly addressed.
The Impact of Intraclass Correlation on the Effectiveness of Level-Specific Fit Indices in Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Hsu Hsien-Yuan , Lin Jr-Hung , Kwok Oi-Man , Acosta Sandra , Willson Victor
Published: April 2016

Several researchers have recommended that level-specific fit indices should be applied to detect the lack of model fit at any level in multilevel structural equation models. Although we concur with their view, we note that these studies did not sufficiently consider the impact of intraclass correlation (ICC) on the performance of level-specific fit indices. Our study proposed to fill this gap in the methodological literature. A Monte Carlo study was conducted to investigate the performance of (a) level-specific fit indices derived by a partially saturated model method (e.g., [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) and (b) [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in terms of their performance in multilevel structural equation models across varying ICCs. The design factors included intraclass correlation (ICC: ICC1 = 0.091 to ICC6 = 0.500), numbers of groups in between-level models (NG: 50, 100, 200, and 1,000), group size (GS: 30, 50, and 100), and type of misspecification (no misspecification, between-level misspecification, and within-level misspecification). Our simulation findings raise a concern regarding the performance of between-level-specific partial saturated fit indices in low ICC conditions: the performances of both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were more influenced by ICC compared with [Formula: see text] and SRMRB. However, when traditional cutoff values ( RMSEA≤ 0.06; CFI, TLI≥ 0.95; SRMR≤ 0.08) were applied, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were still able to detect misspecified between-level models even when ICC was as low as 0.091 (ICC1). On the other hand, both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were not recommended under low ICC conditions.
Connecting a missing link between participation in administration and political participation: the mediating role of political efficacy
Authors: Oh Youngmin , Lim Seunghoo
Published: April 2016

Public participation in administrative or political processes has been advocated as an important democratic reform by scholars and practitioners. Despite the importance of such public participation mechanisms, the relationship between participation in administration and political participation remains unexplored. This study aims to connect the missing link by empirically testing the mediating roles of political efficacy between two types of public participation. By connecting administrative and political participation through political efficacy, we intend to demonstrate that citizen participation in administration plays a pivotal role in remedying declining political participation. For the empirical tests, cross-sectional data from local jurisdictions in Korea were collected by survey questionnaires, and a series of Structural Equation Models are used to identify the causal relationships among these variables. The findings demonstrate that participation in administration influences political participation only through political efficacy, while the demand for participation in administration is connected to political participation either directly or through internal political efficacy. Conversely, political participation fosters participation in administration only through political efficacy. Given the empirical evidence, participation in administration and political participation reinforce each other, and political efficacy plays a critical role in mediating the two types of public participation.

Points for practitioners

Borrowing the concept of political efficacy, this study sheds theoretical light on a missing link between administrative and political participation. Practitioners need to realize that devising authentic administrative programs is a useful way to remedy waning democratic participation. Practitioners need to suggest many specific ideas on how to foster citizens’ political efficacy through public participation. By doing this, citizens could be politically awakened, which would lead to their increased participation. In this sense, this study is an initial step in exploring the possibility of democratic benefits produced by public participation mechanisms beyond the normative and instrumental benefits.
The challenge of superdiversity for the identity of the social work profession: Experiences of social workers in ‘De Sloep’ in Ghent, Belgium
Authors: Van Robaeys Bea , van Ewijk Hans , Dierckx Danielle
Published: April 2016

This article examines the challenges that superdiversity and complexity pose for social workers. Taking an ethnographic approach, we focus on the ‘knowledge-in-action’ of social workers in a small service organization in Belgium in order to access their experiences of being professionals in superdiverse contexts. The reflections of the social workers reveal the prominence of three inter-related issues: the social vulnerability of clients, the tensions that arise in coping with differences between personal and professional frameworks and identities, and the discontinuity that challenges the professional self-confidence of social workers. The findings raise important questions for the professional identity of social work.
Guatemalan family-style orphanages: A grounded theory examination of caregiver perspectives
Authors: Kim Oh Myo , Hynes Kevin C , Lee Richard M
Published: April 2016

This study is an exploratory qualitative examination of two separate non-profit family-style orphanages in Guatemala. The researchers used a grounded theory approach to study semi-structured interviews of caregivers ( N = 20). Caregivers mainly consisted of ‘ tias’ who lived with the children and teachers who taught the children at the schools associated with the orphanage. The following categories emerged from the data: sense of belonging, hope for the future, and the importance of structure (e.g. organization and schedule). There was also an emphasis on religion in both the sense of belonging and hope for the future categories. This study adds to the emerging research regarding family-style orphanage care and focuses on caregiver perspectives.
Chinese Employees’ Psychological Responses to Abusive Supervisors
Authors: Wang Rong , Jiang Jiang , Yang Liuqin , Shing Chan Darius Kwan
Published: April 2016

Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, the relations between abusive supervision and emotional exhaustion and intent to leave were examined, as well as the gender differences in these relations. Moreover, the moderating effect of self-esteem was tested in an integrated model stipulating that the gender-moderating effect was mediated by the abusive supervision × self-esteem interaction. Data were collected from 264 employees (111 men; M age = 32.0 years; M tenure = 9.2 years). Results of regression analyses indicated that abusive supervision was positively correlated to emotional exhaustion and intent to leave. Women reported higher emotional exhaustion and intent to leave than men. The relations of interest were stronger among employees with higher self-esteem (emotional exhaustion: β = 0.44; intent to leave: β = 0.53). The interaction of abusive supervision × self-esteem mediated the gender-moderating effect. Women’s stronger responses to abusive supervision may be related to their higher self-esteem, possibly because of the importance of employment to Chinese women.
Genetic algorithm-based approach for optimizing the energy rating on existing buildings
Authors: Fresco Contreras Rafael , Moyano Juan , Rico Fernando
Published: April 2016

The problem of improving the energy behaviour of existing buildings is a current topic of interest in scientific research. In recent years, Public Administrations have made an effort to introduce norms that help to reorient the tendency toward increasing energy consumption by buildings. To do so, manufacturers have developed numerous energy efficiency measures that have become widely extended. The main problem when selecting one or various measures is to identify the ones that will provide the best trade-off between services and implementation costs. This paper presents a study focused on implementing techniques for calculating the heating and cooling energy demand, along with genetic algorithm, to optimize the process of adjusting the building’s energy efficiency rating to a determined rating for existing building. The proposed optimization approach is applied to a real case to demonstrate its validity in a real-world situation.

Practical application: This paper presents an innovative method for the building energy retrofit process. By applying a simple genetic algorithm, the aim is to optimize the cost of intervening in an existing building by fixing the energy rating obtained at a given value . The practical potential of the method presented here is quite extensive, with its greatest exponent being its use by technicians who are unfamiliar with optimization processes. The application of this calculation methodology would simplify the study of projects in the phase of selecting energy-saving measures, given that there are currently many of them, with their independent characteristics, which makes the selection process a slow and ineffective task. In addition, the method’s intuitive interface and the fact that it is programmed in MS Excel make it an innovative method with great applicability in the field of building process optimization.
What would you do? Everyday conceptions and constructions of counter-terrorism
Authors: Jarvis Lee , Lister Michael
Published: April 2016

This article explores findings from focus group research in which UK publics were asked, If you were in government, what would you do about terrorism? After situating our research within contemporary ‘bottom-up’ work on counter-terrorism, we discuss the diversity of answers we received to this question, which included improving education, addressing social fracture, and the need for more punitive counter-terrorism powers. These exercises in public political imagination are important, we argue, for several reasons. These include the questions they pose for widespread claims about public disconnection from (security) politics as well as their likely impact on the everyday lives of our research participants.
A systematic review of interventions to increase the use of standardized outcome measures by rehabilitation professionals
Authors: Colquhoun Heather L , Lamontagne Marie-Eve , Duncan Edward AS , Fiander Michelle , Champagne Catherine , Grimshaw Jeremy M
Published: April 2016

Objective:

To determine the types and effectiveness of interventions to increase the knowledge about, attitudes towards, and use of standardized outcome measures in rehabilitation professionals.

Data sources:

An electronic search using Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Ergonomics Abstracts, Sports Discus. The search is current to February 2016.

Study selection:

All study designs testing interventions were included as were all provider and patient types. Two reviewers independently conducted a title and abstract review, followed by a full-text review.

Data extraction:

Two reviewers independently extracted a priori variables and used consensus for disagreements. Quality assessment was conducted using the Assessment of Quantitative Studies published by the Effective Public Health Practice Group.

Data synthesis:

We identified 11 studies involving at least 1200 providers. Nine of the studies showed improvements in outcome measure use rates but only three of these studies used an experimental or quasi-experimental design. Eight of the studies used an educational approach in the intervention and three used audit and feedback. Poor intervention description and quality of studies limited recommendations.

Conclusions:

Increased attention to testing interventions focused on known barriers, matched to behavior change techniques, and with stronger designs is warranted.
Still cooling after all these years: Meta-analysis of pre-clinical trials of therapeutic hypothermia for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Dumitrascu Oana M , Lamb Jessica , Lyden Patrick D
Published: April 2016

Therapeutic hypothermia is the most potent neuroprotectant for experimental cerebral ischemia, illustrated in a 2007 meta-analysis published in this journal. To address recent therapeutic nihilism, we systematically reviewed recent experimental literature. Quality scoring showed considerable improvement in study design. Using several outcome measures in a variety of models and species, therapeutic hypothermia was protective compared with normothermia, with powerful and statistically significant normalized treatment effect sizes, in 60 papers comprising 216 comparisons. In the past 5 years, preclinical studies of ischemic stroke re-emphasize that therapeutic hypothermia is potently effective, justifying further development in larger human clinical trials.
Implementing “Marketing Me”
Authors: Flostrand Andrew , Ho Jason Y. C. , Krider Robert E.
Published: April 2016

The use of student self-branding exercises in introductory marketing courses for undergraduate business programs has been growing in popularity due to a number of advantages for students. This article introduces implementation of the “Marketing Me” variant developed and used since 2013 by the authors, wherein alumni are brought in to engage with students in a simulated networking event context. This article shows results from postexercise surveys of both student and alumni participants indicating that this variant is strongly perceived to achieve two major goals: (a) enhance student understanding of segmentation, targeting, positioning strategies and (b) aid the students’ preparation for the job and career search processes.
An investigation into potential gender-specific differences in myocardial triglyceride content assessed by 1H-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 3Tesla
Authors: Petritsch Bernhard , Köstler Herbert , Gassenmaier Tobias , Kunz Andreas S , Bley Thorsten A , Horn Michael
Published: April 2016

Objective

Over the past decade, myocardial triglyceride content has become an accepted biomarker for chronic metabolic and cardiac disease. The purpose of this study was to use proton (hydrogen 1)-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at 3Tesla (3 T) field strength to assess potential gender-related differences in myocardial triglyceride content in healthy individuals .

Methods

Cardiac MR imaging was performed to enable accurate voxel placement and obtain functional and morphological information. Double triggered (i.e., ECG and respiratory motion gating) 1H-MRS was used to quantify myocardial triglyceride levels for each gender. Two-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test were used for statistical analyses.

Results

In total, 40 healthy volunteers (22 male, 18 female; aged >18 years and age matched) were included in the study. Median myocardial triglyceride content was 0.28% (interquartile range [IQR] 0.17–0.42%) in male and 0.24% (IQR 0.14–0.45%) in female participants, and no statistically significant difference was observed between the genders. Furthermore, no gender-specific difference in ejection fraction was observed, although on average, male participants presented with a higher mean ± SD left ventricular mass (136.3 ± 25.2 g) than female participants (103.9 ± 16.1 g).

Conclusions

The study showed that 1H-MRS is a capable, noninvasive tool for acquisition of myocardial triglyceride metabolites. Myocardial triglyceride concentration was shown to be unrelated to gender in this group of healthy volunteers.
A review of the use of the asymptotic framework for quantification of fretting fatigue
Authors: Hills David A , Dini Daniele
Published: April 2016

We review the representation of fretting fatigue crack nucleation sites by simple asymptotic forms and show that the multipliers on these fields produce very satisfactory quantifiers of the tendency of any contact (but particularly incomplete ones) to nucleate a crack. A procedure is suggested to adopt simplified contact geometries, easily tested under carefully controlled conditions in a laboratory, to assess the likelihood of the avoidance of all failure or to estimate the time needed for crack initiation. The results found are true material properties which may then easily be used to solve a wide range of practical problems.