bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A narrative meta‐review of a series of systematic and meta‐analytic reviews on the intervention outcome for children with developmental co‐ordination disorder
Authors: Miyahara M. , Lagisz M. , Nakagawa S. , Henderson S. E.
Published: December 2016

Background

Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses are considered to be the ‘gold standards’ for synthesizing research evidence in particular areas of enquiry. However, such reviews are only useful if they themselves are conducted to a sufficiently high standard. The aim of this study was to conduct a narrative meta‐review of existing analyses of the effectiveness of interventions designed for children with developmental co‐ordination disorder (DCD).

Methods

A narrative meta‐review of systematic and meta‐analytic reviews aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of intervention for children with DCD was conducted on studies published between 1950 and 2014. We identified suitable reviews, using a modification of the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) system and evaluated their methodological quality using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). In addition, the consistency of the quality of evidence and classification of intervention approaches was assessed independently by two assessors.

Results

The literature search yielded a total of four appropriate reviews published in the selected time span. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews percentage quality scores assigned to each review ranged from 0% (low quality) to 55% (medium quality). Evaluation of the quality of evidence and classification of intervention approaches yielded a discrepancy rate of 25%. All reviews concluded that some kind of intervention was better than none at all.

Conclusions

Although the quality of the reviews progressively improved over the years, the shortcomings identified need to be addressed before concrete evidence regarding the best approach to intervention for children with DCD can be specified.
Reconditioning by end‐ischemic hypothermic in‐house machine perfusion: A promising strategy to improve outcome in expanded criteria donors kidney transplantation
Authors: Gallinat Anja , Amrillaeva Vera , Hoyer Dieter P. , Kocabayoglu Peri , Benko Tamas , Treckmann Jürgen W. , van Meel Marieke , Samuel Undine , Minor Thomas , Paul Andreas
Published: December 2016

This clinical study evaluates end‐ischemic hypothermic machine perfusion (eHMP) in expanded criteria donors (ECD) kidneys. eHMP was initiated upon arrival of the kidney in our center and continued until transplantation. Between 11/2011 and 8/2014 eHMP was performed in 66 ECD kidneys for 369 (98‐912) minutes after 863 (364‐1567) minutes of cold storage (CS). In 49 of 66 cases, the contralateral kidney from the same donor was preserved by static CS only and accepted by another Eurotransplant (ET) center. Five (10.2%) of these kidneys were ultimately judged as “not transplantable” by the accepting center and discarded. After exclusion of early unrelated graft losses, 43 kidney pairs from the same donor were eligible for direct comparison of eHMP vs CS only: primary non‐function and delayed graft function (DGF) were 0% vs 9.3% (P=.04) and 11.6% vs 20.9% (P=.24). There was no statistically significant difference in 1‐year graft survival (eHMP vs CS only: 97.7% vs 88.4%, P=.089). In a multivariate analysis, eHMP was an independent factor for prevention of DGF (OR: 0.28, P=.041). Development of DGF was the strongest risk factor for 1‐year graft failure (Renal resistance: 38.2, P<.001). In summary, eHMP is a promising reconditioning technique to improve the quality and acceptance rate of suboptimal grafts.
Three unusual histopathological presentations of angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Cassarino David S.
Published: December 2016

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a poorly understood benign vasculoproliferative disorder. Histopathologically, the lesions are composed of a dermal or subcutaneous proliferation of blood vessels of varying sizes with plump and bland endothelial cells, which often show vacuolization and protrusion of the cytoplasm into the lumen. The vascular proliferation is admixed with a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes, eosinophils and mast cells. Lymphoid follicles with germinal centers can sometimes be seen. In addition, fibrosis is a common accompanying feature. Some clinical and histopathological variants of ALHE have already been described in the literature. In this report, we present 3 rare associations of ALHE that have not been previously described. Case 1 was a 73‐year‐old woman with a lesion on her right medial thigh. Examination showed ALHE admixed with a chronic lymphocytic leukemic (CLL) infiltrate. Case 2 was a 55‐year‐old woman with a lesion on her right anterior ankle, which was a syringocystadenoma papilliferum co‐existing with an ALHE. Case 3 was a 54‐year‐old man with a lesion on the left medial thigh, which showed overlapping features of IgG4‐related disease associated with areas of ALHE. Given these multiple and diverse associations, it seems likely that ALHE may be a reactive rather than neoplastic process.
European Guidelines (S1) on the use of high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin in dermatology
Authors: Enk Alexander , Hadaschik Eva , Eming Rüdiger , Fierlbeck Gerhard , French Lars , Girolomoni Giampiero , Hertl Michael , Jolles Stephen , Karpati Sarolta , Steinbrink Kerstin , Stingl Georg , Volc‐Platzer Beatrix , Zillikens Detlef
Published: December 2016

Background and objectives

Treatment of severe dermatological autoimmune diseases and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) with high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a well‐established procedure in dermatology. As treatment with IVIg is usually considered for rare clinical entities or severe cases, the use of immunoglobulin is not generally based on data from randomized controlled trials usually required for evidence‐based medicine. Since the indications for the use of IVIg are rare, it is unlikely that such studies will be available in the foreseeable future. Because first‐line use is limited by the high costs of IVIg, the first clinical guidelines on the use of IVIg in dermatological conditions were established in 2008 and renewed in 2011.

Methods

The European guidelines presented here were prepared by a panel of experts nominated by the EDF and EADV. The guidelines were developed to update the indications for treatment currently considered effective and to summarize the evidence for the use of IVIg in dermatological autoimmune diseases and TEN.

Results and conclusion

The current guidelines represent consensual expert opinions and definitions on the use of IVIg reflecting current published evidence and are intended to serve as a decision‐making tool for the use of IVIg in dermatological diseases.
Social Responsibility and the State's Duty to provide Healthcare: An Islamic Ethico‐Legal Perspective
Authors: Padela Aasim I.
Published: December 2016

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights asserts that governments are morally obliged to promote health and to provide access to quality healthcare, essential medicines and adequate nutrition and water to all members of society. According to UNESCO, this obligation is grounded in a moral commitment to promoting fundamental human rights and emerges from the principle of social responsibility. Yet in an era of ethical pluralism and contentions over the universality of human rights conventions, the extent to which the UNESCO Declaration can motivate behaviors and policies rests, at least in part, upon accepting the moral arguments it makes. In this essay I reflect on a state's moral obligation to provide healthcare from the perspective of Islamic moral theology and law. I examine how Islamic ethico‐legal conceptual analogues for human rights and communal responsibility, ḥuqūq al‐’ibād and farḍ al‐kifāyah and other related constructs might be used to advance a moral argument for healthcare provision by the state. Moving from theory to application, I next illustrate how notions of human rights and social responsibility were used by Muslim stakeholders to buttress moral arguments to support American healthcare reform. In this way, the paper advance discourses on a universal bioethics and common morality by bringing into view the concordances and discordances between Islamic ethico‐legal constructs and moral arguments advanced by transnational health policy advocates. It also provides insight into applied Islamic bioethics by demonstrating how Islamic ethico‐legal values might inform the discursive outputs of Muslim organizations.
Mechanistic aspects of mammalian cell size control
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuo , Mak Tak W.
Published: December 2016

Size distribution in a group of differentiated cells often falls into a constant range. However, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that cells can temporarily change their size in response to their surrounding environment and the stimuli they receive. Thus, there must be a mechanism that normally keeps cell size constant while allowing a shift to an alternative size when necessary. To investigate the molecular basis of mammalian cell size control, we conducted a genetic screen in a human T cell line to identify genes involved in cell size regulation. A prime candidate emerging from this screen increases cell size when it is overexpressed but reduces cell size when subjected to siRNA knockdown. Several lines of evidence indicate that the product of this gene, which we called “Largen”, regulates mRNA translation in a manner associated with the upregulation of a specific subset of mRNAs, many of which affect mitochondrial function. In fact, cells overexpressing Largen increase both mitochondrial mass and activity, enhancing ATP production. These in vitro observations have been replicated in vivo using transgenic mouse models. With a focus on these findings, we discuss the possible contribution of mitochondria to the control of mammalian cell size.
Soluble ST2 predicts 1‐year outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Wernly Bernhard , Lichtenauer Michael , Jirak Peter , Eder Sarah , Reiter Christian , Kammler Jürgen , Kypta Alexander , Jung Christian , Franz Marcus , Hoppe Uta C. , Landmesser Ulf , Figulla Hans‐Reiner , Lauten Alexander
Published: December 2016

Background

Soluble ST2 (sST2) has been introduced as a novel biomarker in patients suffering from heart failure for risk stratification. In this study, we sought to investigate whether sST2 is useful for risk stratification and prediction of mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Materials and methods

A total of 274 patients undergoing TAVI were included in this study (149 female; age 81 ± 1 years; EUROSCORE 25 ± 1; STS score 3·8 ± 0·2). Plasma samples were obtained preinterventional and analysed for sST2. Patients were followed up 1 month and 1 year after TAVI.

Results

In a Cox regression analysis, sST2 plasma concentration was associated with increased mortality (changes per pg/mL sST2 concentration; HR 1·00006 95% (1·00004–1·00009); P < 0·001). A cut‐off by means of the Youden Index was calculated (10 070·27 pg/mL), and patients were retrospectively divided into two cohorts, in those above (31·3%) and those below (68·7%) this value. These two groups were then compared regarding mortality both after 30 days and 1 year: whereas 1‐month mortality did not differ (7·0% vs. 10·3%, OR 1·50 95% CI (0·60–3·79; P = 0·46)), patients with a sST2 concentration above the cut‐off of 10 070·27 pg/mL showed a significantly worse outcome after 1 year (49·2% vs. 23·2%; OR 3·21 95% CI (1·70–6·04); P < 0·001). After correction for confounders in a multivariate Cox regression analysis, sST2 (1·0002 95% CI (1·0001–1·0003); P = 0·001) concentration remained associated with mortality.

Conclusions

sST2 levels were associated with 1‐year mortality after TAVI. Based on these results, we assume that sST2 might help to identify patients at high risk for death in whom conservative treatment should be considered.
Cardiac dysfunction in cancer survivors unmasked during exercise
Authors: Kearney Maria C. , Gallop‐Evans Eve , Cockcroft John R. , Stöhr Eric J. , Lee Eveline , Backx Karianne , Haykowsky Mark , Yousef Zaheer , Shave Rob
Published: December 2016

Background

The cardiac dysfunction associated with anthracycline‐based chemotherapy cancer treatment can exist subclinically for decades before overt presentation. Stress echocardiography, the measurement of left ventricular (LV) deformation and arterial haemodynamic evaluation, has separately been used to identify subclinical cardiovascular (CV) dysfunction in several patient groups including those with hypertension and diabetes. The purpose of the present cross‐sectional study was to determine whether the combination of these techniques could be used to improve the characterisation of subclinical CV dysfunction in long‐term cancer survivors previously treated with anthracyclines.

Materials and methods

Thirteen long‐term cancer survivors (36 ± 10 years) with prior anthracycline exposure (11 ± 8 years posttreatment) and 13 age‐matched controls were recruited. Left ventricular structure, function and deformation were assessed using echocardiography. Augmentation index was used to quantify arterial haemodynamic load and was measured using applanation tonometry. Measurements were taken at rest and during two stages of low‐intensity incremental cycling.

Results

At rest, both groups had comparable global LV systolic, diastolic and arterial function (all P > 0·05); however, longitudinal deformation was significantly lower in cancer survivors (−18 ± 2 vs. −20 ± 2, P < 0·05). During exercise, this difference between groups persisted and further differences were uncovered with significantly lower apical circumferential deformation in the cancer survivors (−24 ± 5 vs. −29 ± 5, −29 ± 5 vs. 35 ± 8 for first and second stage of exercise respectively, both P < 0·05).

Conclusion

In contrast to resting echocardiography, the measurement of LV deformation at rest and during exercise provides a more comprehensive characterisation of subclinical LV dysfunction. Larger studies are required to determine the clinical relevance of these preliminary findings.
Oral health of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Chau Yvonne C. Y. , Lai Kelly Y. C. , McGrath Colman P. J. , Yiu Cynthia K. Y.
Published: December 2016

This study assessed and compared oral health and oral‐health behaviours among children with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study included 31 children, 12–18 yr of age, with ADHD and 31 age‐ and gender‐matched children without ADHD. Clinical data were recorded by a trained and calibrated examiner for caries, traumatic dental injuries, periodontal health, tooth wear, and salivary function. A questionnaire was also given to parents or caregivers about the oral health habits and behaviours of these children. Data were compared using Mann–Whitney U‐tests and chi‐square tests. No significant differences were found between children, with or without ADHD, in caries extent or prevalence, dental trauma prevalence, prevalence of periodontal disease or plaque, tooth wear, or unstimulated salivary flow. Children with ADHD had a significantly higher percentage of sites with gingival bleeding, as well as a higher frequency of parent‐reported dislike of dentists, bruxism, history of assisted toothbrushing, and toothbrushing duration <1 min. They also had higher attendance at government dental clinics. The findings indicate that children with ADHD have poorer oral hygiene and more adverse oral‐health attitudes and behaviours than do children without ADHD.
Protocol of GLUcose COntrol Safety and Efficacy in type 2 DIabetes, a NETwork meta‐analysis: GLUCOSE DINET protocol—Rational and design
Authors: Grenet Guillaume , Lajoinie Audrey , Ribault Shams , Nguyen Gia Bao , Linet Thomas , Metge Augustin , Cornu Catherine , Cucherat Michel , Moulin Philippe , Gueyffier François
Published: December 2016

The aim of this study was to propose a ranking of the currently available antidiabetic drugs, regarding vascular clinical outcomes, in patients with type 2 diabetes, through a network meta‐analysis approach. Randomized clinical trials, regardless of the blinding design, testing contemporary antidiabetic drugs, and considering clinically relevant outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus will be included. The primary outcomes of this analysis will be overall mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and major cardiovascular events. Diabetic microangiopathy will be a secondary outcome. Adverse events, hypoglycemia, weight evolution, bariatric surgery, and discontinuation of the treatment will also be recorded. Each drug will be analyzed according to its therapeutic class: biguanide, alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors, sulfonylureas, glitazones, glinides, insulin, DPP‐4 inhibitors, GLP‐1 analogs, and gliflozins. The treatment effect of each drug class will be compared using pairwise meta‐analysis and a Bayesian random model network meta‐analysis. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted according to the quality of the studies and the glycemic control. The report will follow the PRISMA checklist for network meta‐analysis. Results of the search strategy and of the study selection will be presented in a PRISMA compliant flowchart. The treatment effects will be summarized with odds ratio (OR) estimates and their 95% credible intervals. A ranking of the drugs will be proposed. Our network meta‐analysis should allow a clinically relevant ranking of the contemporary antidiabetic drugs.
Enhancing forage quality through appropriate nitrogen dose, seed rate and harvest stage, in sorghum cultivars grown in Pakistan
Authors: Sher Ahmad , Hassan Fayyaz–Ul– , Ali Hakmoot , Hussain Mubshar , Sattar Abdul
Published: December 2016

Sorghum is an important forage crop having good drought tolerance and high dry matter accumulation in a short growing season, and grown under diversified environments. Based on this, a 2‐year field study was executed to evaluate the effect of seed rate and nitrogen (N) levels on the fiber quality of forage sorghum cultivars harvested at different growth stages under semiarid condition. Three forage sorghum cultivars (‘JS–2002’, ‘JS–263’ and ‘Chakwal Sorghum’) were sown with three N levels (0, 60 and 120 kg ha−1) by using three seed rates (75, 100 and 125 kg ha−1). Results showed that cv. ‘JS–2002’ had higher contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and cellulose, while ‘JS–263’ produced greater soluble carbohydrate, total digestible nutrients (TDN), relative feed value (RFV) and net energy (NE) than other cultivars. Increasing N rates (0–120 kg ha−1) enhanced ADF, ADL, RFV and NE, but not NDF and TDN. Similarly, increased seed rate enhanced accumulation of NDF, ADF and ADL, while caused reduction of TDN, RFV and NE. In conclusion, cv. ‘JS–2002’ performed better than the other two cultivars, whereas, sorghum seeded at 75 kg ha−1 with 120 kg N ha−1 application produced better quality forage at 50% heading stage.
Predictors for and coverage of influenza vaccination among HIV‐positive patients: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Harrison N , Poeppl W , Herkner H , Tillhof KD , Grabmeier‐Pfistershammer K , Rieger A , Forstner C , Burgmann H , Lagler H
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Influenza vaccination is recommended for HIV‐infected patients, but limited data about vaccination rates are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the coverage of and predictors for influenza vaccination among HIV‐positive patients.

Methods

All HIV‐positive patients who visited the HIV out‐patient department of the University Hospital of Vienna, Austria, between June and August 2015 were asked to participate in this survey by completing a questionnaire.

Results

A total of 455 HIV‐positive patients completed a questionnaire, with 359 male and 96 female participants with a mean age of 46 years. The influenza vaccination rate for the previous season (2014/2015) was 11.9% [n = 54/455; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.2–15.2%]. Older age was significantly associated with a positive influenza vaccination status. Obtaining information through a medical consultation or receiving a direct recommendation for vaccination by a physician had a significant impact on vaccination behaviour. The probability of being vaccinated against influenza was about 13 times higher among patients who received a recommendation for vaccination by their family physician or by their HIV specialist (P < 0.001). Important reasons for declining vaccination were fear of side effects (39%), not considering influenza as a severe disease (36%) and reasons related to HIV: 17% were worried that the vaccine could worsen the course of HIV infection and 16% believed vaccination would fail because of their compromised immune system.

Conclusions

A low influenza vaccination rate of 11.9% was detected in this HIV‐positive cohort. The most effective impact for a positive vaccination status was direct recommendation of the influenza vaccine by the attending physician.
Temperature‐stable unfilled tungsten bronze dielectric ceramics: Ba3.5Sm1.5Fe0.75Nb9.25O30
Authors: Hu Changzheng , Sun Zhen , Zhu Qihua , Li Chunchun , Liu Laijun , Fang Liang
Published: December 2016

Unfilled tungsten bronze ceramic Ba3.5Sm1.5Fe0.75Nb9.25O30 was prepared by a conventional solid‐state reaction method. Its structure, microstructure, and dielectric properties were investigated. Dielectric behaviors indicate that the ceramics are ferroelectric at room temperature with a remnant polarization ~1.61 μC/cm2 and a coercive field ~13.91 kV/cm. Ba3.5Sm1.5Fe0.75Nb9.25O30 ceramics have temperature stability with a high dielectric constant (εr) varying from 172 to 202 at the temperature range −55 to 200°C (at 1 MHz). Capacitance change rate of the sample is less than 15%. These results indicate that Ba3.5Sm1.5Fe0.75Nb9.25O30 ceramics might be promising in temperature‐stable multi‐layer ceramic capacitors.
Development of low‐fat sausages using basil seed gum (Ocimum bacilicum L.) and gelatin as a fat replacer
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Chin Koo Bok
Published: December 2016

This research was performed to evaluate the rheological properties of myofibrillar protein gels (MPs) with basil seed gum (BSG) alone or in combination with gelatin (0.25%, 0.5%), and to determine the physicochemical properties of low‐fat sausages (LFSs) manufactured with BSG alone (0.5%) or combined with gelatin (0.25%). Viscosity and cooking yields (%) of MPs with BSG alone or in combination with gelatin were higher than those of the control. However, gel strength of MPs with the combination of BSG and gelatin (0.25%) was higher than that with BSG alone. The combination of BSG and gelatin produced a more stable and denser structure than control or BSG alone. In the LFSs, the addition of BSG reduced the percentages of expressible moisture and cooking loss, and the combination of the BSG and gelatin improved gumminess and cohesiveness compared to BSG alone. The use of BSG as a water binding agent and gelatin to improve gel formation will be considered as fat replacer for the manufacture of low‐fat comminuted sausages.
Changing in processing yield and physical properties of frozen white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) treated with lysine and sodium bicarbonate
Authors: Wachirasiri Kulraphat , Wanlapa Sorada , Uttapap Dudsadee , Puttanlek Chureerat , Rungsardthong Vilai
Published: December 2016

The objective of this research was to investigate the phosphate alternative use of natural compound, lysine with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), at low concentration for freezing of white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Shrimp were treated with lysine, NaHCO3 and lysine with NaHCO3 at various concentrations and frozen in an air‐blast freezer. Thawing yield, cooking yield, colour, texture and nanostructure of the sample were studied compared to the control (nontreated sample) and sodium tri‐polyphosphate (STPP) treated one. Use of lysine/NaHCO3 each at 1% (w/v) could improve water holding capacity (WHC) of the frozen shrimp, increasing cooking yield to 100.45% (w/w), comparable to the 101.73% (w/w) of STPP‐treated sample. The colour of the noncook‐thawed shrimp was also improved. Microstructure and lipid oxidation of the treated samples were also studied. The combination of lysine and NaHCO3 indicated high potential use as phosphate alternative for frozen white shrimps.
Investigating the effect of production process of ball mill refiner on some physical quality parameters of compound chocolate: response surface methodology approach
Authors: Toker Omer Said , Zorlucan Fatma Tugce , Konar Nevzat , Dağlıoğlu Orhan , Sagdic Osman , Şener Dilek
Published: December 2016

Chocolate compound was produced using ball mill refiner, and the effect of agitator shaft speed and refining time on the physical quality parameters (particle size, colour and steady‐state rheology) of compound chocolate was determined using response surface methodology. The shaft speed and refining time range were selected between 40–60 r.p.m. and 10–30 min, respectively. Determination coefficient of the models established for particle size, Newtonian viscosity and colour parameters (brightness, chroma and hue angle) were found to be very close to unity. Increasing shaft speed and time induced a reduction in particle size and an increase in viscosity of the samples. Temperature sweep test was also performed, and the obtained data were successfully fitted to Arrhenius equation to calculate the corresponding parameters representing temperature dependency of the compounds. The results highlighted that the establishment of such models can provide essential information in terms of optimisation of production processes regarding usage purpose of the compound chocolate.
Harnessing food‐based bioactive compounds to reduce the effects of ultraviolet radiation: a review exploring the link between food and human health
Authors: Ye Yuhui , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , You Lijun , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood
Published: December 2016

Appropriate exposure to sun is beneficial to humans and living organisms. However, excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to photoageing, severe health risks and even death. Nowadays, the health risks of excess UV exposure have greatly increased due to the significant changes of global climate and human lifestyle as well as the thinning of the stratospheric ozone (a natural and effective filter for solar UV radiation). Therefore, protecting against UV radiation‐induced damage is a serious challenge. Research needs to address the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the UV‐induced damages and also explore the potential use of natural substances to combat the harm caused by UV radiation. Plant‐based substances have been found to exert significant protective effects against UV radiation. This review explores the most recent hypothesis of natural bioactive compounds (such as flavones, peptides, polysaccharides and terpenoids) as potential protective agents against UV radiation. The similarities and differences in UV photoprotective mechanisms among these different classes of compounds are also discussed.
High‐temperature calorimetric study of oxide component dissolution in a CaO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2 slag at 1450°C
Authors: Koryttseva Anastasia , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: December 2016

Blast‐furnace slags are formed, as iron ore is reduced to metal, as a molten a mixture of refractory and not easily reducible oxides, largely silica, alumina, lime, and magnesia. Their relatively low silica content makes them basic and poor glass formers. Their thermodynamic properties, though important for modeling their formation and reactivity, as well as furnace heat balance, are poorly known. Solution calorimetry of small amounts of solid oxides in a molten oxide solvent at high temperature (up to about 1500°C) permits direct assessment of energetics of dissolution. The enthalpies of solution of slag forming oxides: CaO, SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, and Fe2O3 in a simplified model slag of composition: CaO (45.9 mol%), SiO2 (35.1 mol%), Al2O3 (8.3 mol%), MgO (10.7 mol%) were measured by high‐temperature drop solution calorimetry at 1450°C. For this slag composition, enthalpies of solution become more exothermic in the order: Fe2O3 (279.3 ± 20.8 kJ/mol), MgO (56.7 ± 9.1 kJ/mol), Al2O, (41.6 ± 11.3 kJ/mol), CaO (−4.3 ± 2.3 kJ/mol), and SiO2, (−20.4 ± 4.4 kJ/mol), reflecting the relatively basic character of this low‐silica melt. Within these fairly large experimental errors, characteristic of calorimetry at this high temperature, there is little or no discernible concentration dependence for these heats of solution. The trends seen for these five solutes parallel those seen for heats of solution of the same oxides in other melts at various temperatures, with changes in magnitude reflecting the differences in acid‐base character of the melts. The new data for quartz show systematic behavior which extends the range of basicity studied for the enthalpy of dissolution of silica. The results provide reliable data for future modeling of the thermal balance of steel‐making furnaces and geologic and ceramic systems.
Low‐temperature sintering and enhanced piezoelectric properties of random and textured PIN–PMN–PT ceramics with Li2CO3
Authors: Wei Dandan , Wang Hong
Published: December 2016

Low‐temperature sintered random and textured 36PIN–30PMN–34PT piezoelectric ceramics were successfully synthesized at a temperature as low as 950°C using Li2CO3 as sintering aids. The effects of Li2CO3 addition on microstructure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties in 36PIN–30PMN–34PT ternary system were systematically investigated. The results showed that the grain size of the specimens increased with the addition of sintering aids. The optimum properties for the random samples were obtained at 0.5 wt% Li2CO3 addition, with piezoelectric constant d33 of 450 pC/N, planar electromechanical coupling coefficient kp of 49%, peak permittivity εmax of 25 612, remanent polarization Pr of 36.3 μC/cm2. Moreover, the low‐temperature‐sintered textured samples at 0.5 wt% Li2CO3 addition exhibited a higher piezoelectric constant d33 of 560 pC/N. These results indicated that the low‐temperature‐sintered 36PIN–30PMN–34PT piezoelectric ceramics were very promising candidates for the multilayer piezoelectric applications.
Modeling the effect of fineness and filler in early‐age hydration of tricalcium silicate
Authors: Joseph Shiju , Bishnoi Shashank , Van Balen Koen , Cizer Özlem
Published: December 2016

Alite (impure C3S) being the major and most reactive phase in ordinary portland cement has been studied extensively. This paper focuses on the mathematical modeling of new hypothesis developed, densified volumetric growth, applied to the main hydration peak in alite hydration. This hypothesis assumes a time and particle size‐dependent growth rate and densification rate of C–S–H controlled by its internal surface area. To test this hypothesis, a new microstructural modeling platform (Cementitious Reactions Simulator) has been developed. The model was used to calibrate and predict the isothermal calorimetric results from the literature and two sets of original experimental results with alite replaced with different replacement fractions of quartz, fly ash, and slag of different fineness. The model is able to capture and predict the effect of fineness and fillers without the need of varying the parameters for the particular set of simulations. The values of the parameters of simulation reflect the current experimental evidence from the literature and thus provide validation of the hypothesis which suggests that the main hydration period including deceleration period in the alite hydration is induced by the densification and reducing outer growth rate of C–S–H.
Electric‐field induced phase transition and fatigue behaviors of (Bi0.5+x/2Na0.5‐x/2)0.94Ba0.06Ti1‐xFexO3 ferroelectrics
Authors: Shi Jing , Tian Wenchao , Liu Xiao , Fan Huiqing
Published: December 2016

The dielectric, piezoelectric properties, and fatigue behaviors of stoichiometric (Bi0.5+x/2Na0.5‐x/2)0.94Ba0.06Ti1‐xFexO3 (BNBT‐xFe) ferroelectrics are investigated. Fe substitution leads to the downward shift of the ferroelectric‐relaxor transition temperature (TF‐R) and increase in strain. Meanwhile, fatigue behaviors of the modified ceramics are significantly enhanced. Ex situ X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal microscopic mechanism for polarization fatigue on different compositions. The fatigue‐free behavior of ferroelectric BNBT‐0.03Fe is not only attributed to a mechanism involving the formation of defect dipoles, which reduces the pinning effect of migratory oxygen vacancies on domain walls, but is also connected to the decrease in easily suppressed field‐induced ferroelectric tetragonal phase. While for ergodic relaxor BNBT‐0.09Fe, the absence of domain wall contributes to the good fatigue resistance behavior. Interestingly, electric cycling results in an increased fraction of relaxor phase, accompanying by the increase in the total strain and decrease in remnant polarizations.
A cohesive premixed monetite biocement
Authors: Cox Sophie C. , Patel Sarika , Gbureck Uwe , Wright Adrian J. , Grover Liam M.
Published: December 2016

Sodium alginate was successfully utilized to improve cohesion and limit particulate debris of a premixed calcium phosphate cement (pCPC) that following the exchange of water set to form monetite. Modified pastes using glycerol and 2 wt% alginate exhibited initial and final setting times of 60 ± 9 and 1355 ± 105 minutes, respectively. Despite these setting times being significantly longer than clinically recommended the improved washout resistance of this formulation would allow for wound closure during setting. Set monetite pastes exhibited a maximum compressive strength of 8.6 ± 3.5 MPa with a corresponding porosity of 59% compared to 15.6 ± 5.8 MPa and 25% for the unmodified aqueous brushite cement. Storage of the pCPC paste at 4°C for 14 days was shown to significantly (P<0.05) increase the compressive strength of the harden matrix (13.2 ± 1.5 MPa), however, subsequent deterioration was observed after 90 days storage. Methylene blue was utilized to visualize perfusion into the matrix during setting, demonstrating that the use of glycerol altered mass transport and ultimately shifted the crystallization kinetics in favor of monetite. Samples >20 mm did not reach full saturation after 10 days of immersion, which for the first time suggests an upper volume limit that will form a homogeneous cement highlighting an important consideration for clinical translation of pCPCs.
Genetic diversity of the Mexican Lidia bovine breed and its divergence from the Spanish population
Authors: Eusebi P.G. , Cortés O. , Dunner S. , Cañón J.
Published: December 2016

Lidia bovine breed exists since the XIV century in the Iberian Peninsula. These animals were initially produced for meat but some, showing an aggressive behaviour which difficulted their management, were used to participate in popular traditional and social events. A specialization of the breed giving rise to the original Lidia population is documented in Spain since mid‐XVIII century. Following the same tradition than in the Spanish population, Mexico used aggressive animals at the beginning of the XX century until two families of breeders started importing Lidia breed bovines from Spain with the aim of specializing their production. Each family (Llaguno and González) followed different breeding managements, and currently, most of the Lidia Mexican population derives from the Llaguno line. Although genetic structure and diversity of the Spanish population have been studied (using autosomal microsatellite markers, Y chromosome DNA markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences), the Mexican population is not analysed. The aim of the study was to assess both the genetic structure and diversity of the Mexican Lidia breed and its relationship with the original Spanish population using the same molecular tools. A total of 306 animals belonging to 20 breeders issued from both existing Mexican families were genotyped, and the genetic information was compared to the previously existing Spanish information. Slightly higher levels of genetic diversity in Mexican population were found when comparing to the Spanish population, and the variability among populations accounted for differences within them showing mean values of 0.18 and 0.12, respectively. Animals from the Mexican breeders, belonging to each of the two families, clustered together, and there was little evidence of admixture with the Spanish population. The analysis of Y chromosome diversity showed a high frequency of the H6 haplotype in the Mexican population, whereas this haplotype is rare in the Spanish, which is only found in the Miura (100%) and Casta Navarra (38%) lineages. Mitochondrial DNA revealed similar haplotypic pattern in both Spanish and Mexican populations, which is in accordance with most of the Mediterranean bovine breeds. In conclusion, as the Mexican Lidia population had initially a small number of founders and its current population has been reared isolated from their Spanish ancestors since a long time, these bottleneck effects and a combination of mixed cattle origin are the factors that might erase any trace of the Spanish origin of this population.
Maternal source of variability in the embryo development of an annual killifish
Authors: Polačik M. , Smith C. , Reichard M.
Published: December 2016

Organisms inhabiting unpredictable environments often evolve diversified reproductive bet‐hedging strategies, expressed as production of multiple offspring phenotypes, thereby avoiding complete reproductive failure. To cope with unpredictable rainfall, African annual killifish from temporary savannah pools lay drought‐resistant eggs that vary widely in the duration of embryo development. We examined the sources of variability in the duration of individual embryo development, egg production and fertilization rate in Nothobranchius furzeri. Using a quantitative genetics approach (North Carolina type II design), we found support for maternal effects rather than polyandrous mating as the primary source of the variability in the duration of embryo development. The number of previously laid eggs appeared to serve as an internal physiological cue initiating a shift from rapid‐to‐slow embryo developmental mode. In annual killifish, extensive phenotypic variability in progeny traits is adaptive, as the conditions experienced by parents have limited relevance to the offspring generation. In contrast to genetic control, with high phenotypic expression and heritability, maternal control of traits under natural selection prevents standing genetic diversity from potentially detrimental effects of selection in fluctuating environments.
Resource abundance and the critical transition to cooperation
Authors: Connelly B. D. , Bruger E. L. , McKinley P. K. , Waters C. M.
Published: December 2016

Cooperation is abundant in nature, occurring at all levels of biological complexity. Yet cooperation is continually threatened by subversion from noncooperating cheaters. Previous studies have shown that cooperation can nevertheless be maintained when the benefits that cooperation provides to relatives outweigh the associated costs. These fitness costs and benefits are not fixed properties, but can be affected by the environment in which populations reside. Here, we describe how one environmental factor, resource abundance, decisively affects the evolution of cooperative public goods production in two independent evolving systems. In the Avida digital evolution platform, populations evolved in environments with different levels of a required resource, whereas populations of Vibrio cholerae evolved in the presence of different nutrient concentrations. In both systems, cooperators and cheaters co‐existed stably in resource‐rich environments, whereas cheaters dominated in resource‐poor environments. These two outcomes were separated by a sharp transition that occurred at a critical level of resource. These results offer new insights into how the environment affects the evolution of cooperation and highlight the challenges that populations of cooperators face when they experience environmental change.
A meta‐analysis of emotional intelligence and work attitudes
Authors: Miao Chao , Humphrey Ronald H. , Qian Shanshan
Published: December 2016

Our meta‐analysis of emotional intelligence (EI) demonstrates that: First, all three types of EI are significantly related to job satisfaction (ability EI:  = .08; self‐report EI:  = .32; and mixed EI:  = .39). Second, both self‐report EI and mixed EI exhibit modest yet statistically significant incremental validity (ΔR2 = .03 for self‐report EI and ΔR2 = .06 for mixed EI) and large relative importance (31.3% for self‐report EI and 42.8% for mixed EI) in the presence of cognitive ability and personality when predicting job satisfaction. Third, we found mixed support for the moderator effects (i.e., emotional labour demand of jobs) for the relationship between EI and job satisfaction. Fourth, the relationships between all three types of EI and job satisfaction are mediated by state affect and job performance. Fifth, EI significantly relates to organizational commitment (self‐report EI:  = .43; mixed EI:  = .43) and turnover intentions (self‐report EI:  = −.33). Sixth, after controls, both self‐report EI and mixed EI demonstrate incremental validity and relative importance (46.9% for self‐report EI; 44.2% for mixed EI) in predicting organizational commitment. Seventh, self‐report EI demonstrates incremental validity and relative importance (60.9%) in predicting turnover intentions.

Practitioner points

Employees with higher emotional intelligence (EI) have higher job satisfaction, higher organizational commitment, and lower turnover intentions.

Adding EI measures to the set of personality and cognitive measures currently being used can improve the ability to assess employee job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intentions.

EI improves job satisfaction by helping employees reduce negative feelings, by increasing positive feelings, and/or by improving job performance.

To produce productive and satisfied workers, organizations should incorporate EI in employee recruitment, training, and development programmes.
Semiquantifiable angiogenesis parameters in association with the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia
Authors: Thiem Daniel G. E. , Schneider Schamiem , Venkatraman Narayan T. , Kumar Vinay V. , Brieger Jürgen , Frerich Bernhard , Kämmerer Peer W.
Published: December 2016

Background

Aim of the study was to assess the role of angiogenesis in the process of malignant transformation of clinical diagnosed oral leucoplakia (OL).

Materials and methods

A total of 131 histological preparations [oral leukoplakia/hyperkeratosis without dysplasia (OL; n = 49), oral leukoplakia/hyperkeratosis with mild dysplasia (OL‐SIN1; n = 33), with moderate dysplasia (OL‐SIN2; n = 13) and leukoplakia‐derived oral squamous cell carcinoma (OL‐OSCC; n = 36)] were evaluated for microvessel density (MVD), vessel diameter as well as for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF‐A) expression. Data were compared within the groups.

Results

For MVD, there were significant differences between OL and OL‐SIN 2/OL‐OSCC (P < 0.05) and between OL‐SIN 1 and OL‐OSCC (P < 0.05). For OL‐OSCC, vessel diameters were significantly increased compared with OL (P < 0.05). Expression of VEGF‐A increased significantly gradually from OL‐SIN 1 to OSCC (each P < 0.05). This was especially evident for lesions of the tongue when compared to the others.

Conclusion

Angiogenesis increases during the transition from OL through dysplasia to OL‐OSCC. In particular, OL‐OSCCs of the tongue, VEGF‐A expression may be used for estimation of malignant progression of OL.
A mini-review of non-parenteral clonidine preparations for paediatric sedation
Authors: Hanning Sara M , Orlu Gul Mine , Toni Irmgard , Neubert Antje , Tuleu Catherine
Published: December 2016

Objective

To provide an overview of non-parenteral clonidine formulations and assess the feasibility of their use for paediatric sedation.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using electronic databases and a combination of search terms. Forty articles met the inclusion criteria. Publications were grouped into different dosage forms and assessed for their potential application for sedation of children in intensive care.

Key findings

Several routes of clonidine administration have been investigated for numerous indications in children, including perioperative sedation and analgesia. These include oral liquids, tablets, oral transmucosal systems, nasal sprays and rectal suspensions. Conflicting studies on oral transmucosal clonidine formulations suggest that further research is required to fully establish efficacy. Nasal sprays and rectal suspensions have the advantages of rapid onset of action and potential for dose flexibility, but predictable absorption is difficult to obtain.

Conclusions

Provided age-appropriate strengths are available, intravenous formulations remain the most predictable in terms of bioavailability and flexible in terms of dose adjustment. However, as with all routes, down-titration is difficult given the long half-life of clonidine. Oral transmucosal systems, nasal sprays and rectal suspensions have potential in a less acute setting, but significant clinical work is required to elucidate a full pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile.
Morphological and molecular study of the cyanobiont‐bearing dinoflagellate Sinophysis canaliculata from the Canary Islands (eastern central Atlantic)
Authors: García‐Portela María , Riobó Pilar , Rodríguez Francisco
Published: December 2016

The presence of the benthic dinophysoid dinoflagellate Sinophysis canaliculata has been reported in the Canary Islands (eastern central Atlantic) in live field observations and on fixed macroalgal samples from intertidal ponds (26 sampling sites from El Hierro, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote islands). In vivo Sinophysis cells were typically pale pink colored. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed a small characteristic narrow hypothecal cut that matched the original description of S. canaliculata. SSU rRNA gene (rDNA) nuclear phylogeny showed that S. canaliculata is closely related to S. microcephalus. Sinophysis specimens displayed cyanobacterial endosymbionts with orange autofluorescence from phycoerythrins. SSU rDNA analyses of the cyanobionts nearly matched a former sequence obtained from S. canaliculata in the Pacific Ocean (Japan). S. canaliculata survived up to 5 months in the original seawater samples. During that period cyanobionts were always present and maintained their orange autofluorescence, although the pink color gradually vanished (<1 month) in most individuals. Molecular similarity of Sinophysis cyanobionts from the Canary Islands and Japanese waters suggest a deterministic relationship, likely a temporary maintenance inside their host via some specific grazing system.