bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newborn screening for homocystinurias and methylation disorders: systematic review and proposed guidelines
Authors: Huemer Martina , Kožich Viktor , Rinaldo Piero , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Merinero Begoña , Pasquini Elisabetta , Ribes Antonia , Blom Henk J.
Published: March 2015

Newborn screening (NBS) is justified if early intervention is effective in a disorder generally not detected early in life on a clinical basis, and if sensitive and specific biochemical markers exist. Experience with NBS for homocystinurias and methylation disorders is limited. However, there is robust evidence for the success of early treatment with diet, betaine and/or pyridoxine for CBS deficiency and good evidence for the success of early betaine treatment in severe MTHFR deficiency. These conditions can be screened in dried blood spots by determining methionine (Met), methionine‐to‐phenylanine (Met/Phe) ratio, and total homocysteine (tHcy) as a second tier marker. Therefore, we recommend NBS for cystathionine beta‐synthase and severe MTHFR deficiency. Weaker evidence is available for the disorders of intracellular cobalamin metabolism. Early treatment is clearly of advantage for patients with the late‐onset cblC defect. In the early‐onset type, survival and non‐neurological symptoms improve but the effect on neurocognitive development is uncertain. The cblC defect can be screened by measuring propionylcarnitine, propionylcarnitine‐to‐acetylcarnitine ratio combined with the second tier markers methylmalonic acid and tHcy. For the cblE and cblG defects, evidence for the benefit of early treatment is weaker; and data on performance of Met, Met/Phe and tHcy even more limited. Individuals homozygous or compound heterozygous for MAT1A mutations may benefit from detection by NBS using Met, which on the other hand also detects asymptomatic heterozygotes. Clinical and laboratory data is insufficient to develop any recommendation on NBS for the cblD, cblF, cblJ defects, glycineN‐methyltransferase‐, S‐adenosylhomocysteinehydrolase‐ and adenosine kinase deficiency.
Solution processed MoS2-PVA composite for sub-bandgap mode-locking of a wideband tunable ultrafast Er:fiber laser
Authors: Zhang Meng , Howe Richard C. T. , Woodward Robert I. , Kelleher Edmund J. R. , Torrisi Felice , Hu Guohua , Popov Sergei V. , Taylor J. Roy , Hasan Tawfique
Published: March 2015

We fabricate a free-standing few-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)-polymer composite by liquid phase exfoliation of chemically pristine MoS2 crystals and use this to demonstrate a wideband tunable, ultrafast mode-locked fiber laser. Stable, picosecond pulses, tunable from 1,535 nm to 1,565 nm, are generated, corresponding to photon energies below the MoS2 material bandgap. These results contribute to the growing body of work studying the nonlinear optical properties of transition metal dichalcogenides that present new opportunities for ultrafast photonic applications.
The role of executive problem solving in knowledge accumulation and manufacturing improvements
Authors: Choo Adrian S. , Nag Rajiv , Xia Yusen
Published: March 2015

This study investigates how strategic leaders influence knowledge stocks and manufacturing improvements in firms. In doing so, we identify two related but distinct problem‐solving orientations among senior executives. The first orientation uses short‐term remedies to control and contain the impact of a problem, which we label as symptomatic problem solving (SPS). The other orientation addresses a problem situation with the objective of developing new understanding and skills, and we label it as generative problem solving (GPS). We test our theoretical framework using two waves of survey data from a sample of metal casting manufacturers (metal foundries) in the United States. Our analysis shows that GPS positively affects both internal and external knowledge stocks, while SPS negatively influences internal knowledge stock. Knowledge stocks, in turn, facilitate incremental and radical manufacturing improvements. Our results suggest that the two executive problem‐solving orientations can potentially counteract each other in enhancing and depreciating knowledge stocks, and subsequently affect a manufacturer's ability to attain improvements both in the short and long terms
The Brave New World of clinical cancer research: Adaptive biomarker‐driven trials integrating clinical practice with clinical research
Authors: Berry Donald A.
Published: March 2015

Clinical trials are the final links in the chains of knowledge and for determining the roles of therapeutic advances. Unfortunately, in an important sense they are the weakest links. This article describes two designs that are being explored today: platform trials and basket trials. Both are attempting to merge clinical research and clinical practice.
The Efficacy of Ankle‐Foot Orthoses on Improving the Gait of Children With Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Multiple Outcome Analysis
Authors: Ries Andrew J. , Novacheck Tom F. , Schwartz Michael H.
Published: March 2015

Background

Ankle‐foot orthosis (AFO) prescriptions are common for patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). Typical treatment objectives are to improve ankle‐foot function and enhance general gait quality.

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of AFOs for improving the gait of children with diplegic CP.

Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

Primary clinical care facility.

Participants

Data were used from 601 visits for 378 individuals (age at visit: 9.8 ± 3.8 years [mean ± standard deviation]) who wore either a solid, hinged, or posterior leaf spring AFO design. Participants had a diagnosis of diplegic CP, wore the same AFO design bilaterally, and had 3‐dimensional gait analysis data collected while walking both barefoot and with AFOs during a single session.

Methods

Differences between walking with AFOs and walking barefoot were used as outcome measures. Statistical analysis consisted of paired t‐tests and multivariate analysis of variance scores to determine significance, main effects, and interactions of AFO design, ambulation type (walking with/without assistive devices), and barefoot level on each outcome. Minimal clinically important differences from the literature determined clinical significance.

Outcome Measures

Gait Deviation Index (GDI), ankle Gait Variable Score, knee Gait Variable Score, nondimensional speed, and nondimensional step length.

Results

Only step length exhibited clinically meaningful improvements for the average AFO user. Changes in step length, speed, and GDI all were statistically significant (P < .001). Barefoot outcome levels were the most consistent influence on outcome changes. AFO design was shown to effect changes in speed and ankle function, whereas ambulation type was shown to affect GDI change.

Conclusions

Current AFO prescription methodologies for children with CP result in consistent gait improvements for step length only. This study emphasizes the need to develop more effective AFO prescription algorithms in an effort to improve the efficacy of AFOs on general gait quality via optimizing patient selection or AFO design.
Cardiovascular Demands of Deer Retrieval Methods
Authors: Fountaine Charles J. , Evenson Mitchell J.
Published: March 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the cardiovascular (CV) demands of 2 deer retrieval methods.

Methods

Twelve male participants (weight 86 ± 24 kg, age 21 ± 1 years) performed a maximum treadmill test on day 1 to determine baseline fitness levels. On day 2, all participants first towed, then dragged a 45-kg simulated deer carcass for 457 m at a self-selected pace. The tow condition utilized a shoulder harness system with a 2-m strap connecting the harness to the carcass, allowing the participant to walk upright as he towed the load. The dragging condition required the participants to flex their trunk, grasp the legs of the deer with both hands, and drag the carcass the length of the course. Heart rate and oxygen consumption (Vo2) from each trial were measured by indirect calorimetry.

Results

The CV responses of towing were significantly less compared with those of dragging for Vo2 peak ( P = .001), peak heart rate ( P = .003), average heart rate ( P = .028), and rating of perceived exertion ( P < .001). No significant differences were observed for average Vo2 ( P = .91) or time to completion ( P = .27).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest towing a deer with a shoulder harness results in significant reductions in CV demand and lower perceived exertion compared with traditional deer dragging techniques. Deer hunters who are deconditioned or have CV risk factors are strongly encouraged to consider deer retrieval methods utilizing a shoulder harness and tow rope to mitigate the increased demands commonly found with traditional retrieval methods.
Paleontology and paleoecology of guano deposits in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, USA
Authors: Widga Chris , Colburn Mona
Published: March 2015

Bat guano deposits are common in the Mammoth Cave system (Kentucky, USA). Paleontological remains associated with these deposits are important records of local landscape changes. Recent excavations in the cave suggest that vertebrate remains in most of these deposits are dominated by Chiroptera. Although no extinct fauna were identified, the presence of a large roost ofTadarida brasiliensisin the Chief City section is beyond the northern extent of its current range suggesting that this deposit dates to an undetermined interglacial period. Stable isotope analyses ofTadarida-associated guano indicate a C3 prey signature characteristic of forested habitat. This was unexpected since this species is typically associated with open environments. Further ecomorphological analysis of wing shape trends in interglacial, Holocene, and historic-aged assemblages indicate that interglacial faunas are dominated by fast-flying, open-space taxa (T. brasiliensis) while late Holocene and Historic assemblages contain more taxa that utilized closed forest or forest gaps.
COMPOSITE BERNSTEIN COPULAS
Authors: Yang Jingping , Chen Zhijin , Wang Fang , Wang Ruodu
Published: March 2015

Copula function has been widely used in insurance and finance for modeling inter-dependency between risks. Inspired by the Bernstein copula put forward by Sancetta and Satchell (2004, Econometric Theory, 20, 535–562), we introduce a new class of multivariate copulas, the composite Bernstein copula, generated from a composition of two copulas. This new class of copula functions is able to capture tail dependence, and it has a reproduction property for the three important dependency structures: comonotonicity, countermonotonicity and independence. We introduce an estimation procedure based on the empirical composite Bernstein copula which incorporates both prior information and data into the estimation. Simulation studies and an empirical study on financial data illustrate the advantages of the empirical composite Bernstein copula estimation method, especially in capturing tail dependence.
Linear estimation of flux sensitivity to uncertainty in porous media
Authors: Evans A. J. , Caulfield C. P. , Woods Andrew W.
Published: March 2015

We derive an integral expression for the flux of a single-phase fluid through a porous medium with prescribed boundary conditions. Taking variations with respect to the parameters of a given permeability model yields an integral expression for the sensitivity of the flux. We then extend the method to consider linear changes in permeability. This yields a linearised flux expression which is independent of changes in the pressure field that result from the changes in the permeability. For demonstration purposes, we first consider an idealised layered porous medium with a point source and point sink. We show how the effects of changes in permeability are affected by the position of the source and sink relative to the layered structure as well as the layer height and orientation of the layered structure. The results demonstrate that, even in a simple porous system, flux estimates are sensitive to the way in which the permeability is represented. We derive relationships between the statistical moments of the flux and of the permeability parameters which are modelled as random variables. This allows us to estimate the number of permeability parameters that should be varied in a fully nonlinear calculation to determine the variance of the flux. We demonstrate application of the methods to permeability fields generated through fast Fourier transform and kriging methods. We show that the linear estimates for the variability in flux show good agreement with fully nonlinear calculations for sufficiently small standard deviations in the underlying permeability.
Surface water waves over a shallow canopy
Authors: Wang Benlong , Guo Xiaoyu , Mei Chiang C.
Published: March 2015

The dynamics of water waves passing over a vegetation canopy is modelled theoretically. To simplify the geometry, we examine a periodic array of vertical cylinders fixed on a slowly varying seabed. The macroscale behaviour of wave attenuation is predicted based on microscale dynamics between plants. Interstitial turbulence is modelled by Reynolds equations with a locally constant eddy viscosity determined by energy considerations. Using the asymptotic method of multiple-scale expansions, the slow evolution of waves is derived by considering the coupling with the small-scale motion in the canopy. After numerical solution of the canonical boundary-value problem in a few unit cells, predictions of macroscale effects such as wave attenuation are made and compared with laboratory experiments. The counteracting effects of shoaling and dissipation are discussed for different vegetation densities.
Assessing Personal Resiliency in School Settings: The Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents
Authors: Prince-Embury Sandra
Published: March 2015

Recent understanding of education and human development recognises the importance of psychosocial factors, particularly personal resiliency, in the academic success of children and youth. This article presents the examination of resiliency within school settings for the purpose of preventive screening, intervention and outcomes assessment. The Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents (Prince-Embury, 2007) is described as an example of an instrument developed specifically for this purpose. This description identifies developmentally sound factors of personal resiliency that are relevant for children and youth in school settings. Also addressed are criteria of psychometric soundness required for universal screening and impact tracking, norm-based profiles of personal resiliency and summary indices of resource and vulnerability for use in screening.
Every Story Has a Beginning, Middle, and an End (But Not Always in That Order): Predicting Duration Dynamics in a Unified Framework
Authors: Chiba Daina , Metternich Nils W. , Ward Michael D.
Published: March 2015

There are three fundamental duration dynamics of civil conflicts: time until conflict onset, conflict duration, and time until conflict recurrence. Theoretical and empirical models of war usually focus on one or at most two aspects of these three important duration dynamics. We present a new split-population seemingly unrelated duration estimator that treats pre-conflict duration, conflict duration, and post-conflict duration as interdependent processes thus permitting improved predictions about the onset, duration, and recurrence of civil conflict. Our findings provide support for the more fundamental idea that prediction is dependent on a good approximation of the theoretically implied underlying data-generating process. In addition, we account for the fact that some countries might never experience these duration dynamics or become immune after experiencing them in the past.
Introduction, dispersal and naturalization of the Manila clamRuditapes philippinarumin British estuaries, 1980–2010
Authors: Humphreys John , Harris Matthew R. C. , Herbert Roger J. H. , Farrell Paul , Jensen Antony , Cragg Simon M.
Published: March 2015

The introduction of the Manila clam into British coastal waters in the 1980s was contested by conservation agencies. While recognizing the value of the clam for aquaculture, the government decided that it posed no invasive risk, as British sea temperatures would prevent naturalization. This proved incorrect. Here we establish the pattern of introduction and spread of the species over the first 30 years of its presence in Britain. We report archival research on the sequence of licensed introductions and examine their relationship in time and space to the appearance of wild populations as revealed in the literature and by field surveys. By 2010 the species had naturalized in at least 11 estuaries in southern England. These included estuaries with no history of licensed introduction. In these cases activities such as storage of catch before market or deliberate unlicensed introduction represent the probable mechanisms of dispersal. In any event naturalization is not an inevitable consequence of introduction and the chances of establishment over the period in question were finely balanced. Consequently in Britain the species is not currently aggressively invasive and appears not to present significant risk to indigenous diversity or ecosystem function. However it is likely to gradually continue its spread should sea surface temperatures rise as predicted.
Using local ecological knowledge to assess the status of the Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamanderAndrias davidianusin Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Pan Yuan , Wei Gang , Cunningham Andrew A. , Li Shize , Chen Shu , Milner-Gulland E. J. , Turvey Samuel T.
Published: March 2015

The Critically Endangered Chinese giant salamanderAndrias davidianus, the world's largest amphibian, is severely threatened by unsustainable exploitation of wild individuals. However, field data with which to assess the salamander's status, population trends, or exploitation across its geographical range are limited, and recent field surveys using standard ecological field techniques have typically failed to detect wild individuals. We conducted community-based fieldwork in three national nature reserves (Fanjingshan, Leigongshan and Mayanghe) in Guizhou Province, China, to assess whether local ecological knowledge constitutes a useful tool for salamander conservation. We collected a sample of dated salamander sighting records and associated data from these reserves for comparative assessment of the relative status of salamander populations across the region. Although Fanjingshan and Leigongshan are still priority sites for salamander conservation, few recent sightings were recorded in either reserve, and respondents considered that salamanders had declined locally at both reserves. The species may already be functionally extinct at Mayanghe. Although respondent data on threats to salamanders in Guizhou are more difficult to interpret, overharvesting was the most commonly suggested explanation for salamander declines, and it is likely that the growing salamander farming industry is the primary driver of salamander extraction from Guizhou's reserves. Questionnaire-based surveys can collect novel quantitative data that provide unique insights into the local status of salamander populations, and we advocate wide-scale incorporation of this research approach into future salamander field programmes.
Development of the Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus farming industry in Shaanxi Province, China: conservation threats and opportunities
Authors: Cunningham Andrew A. , Turvey Samuel T. , Zhou Feng , Meredith Helen M. R. , Guan Wei , Liu Xinglian , Sun Changming , Wang Zhongqian , Wu Minyao
Published: March 2015

The Chinese giant salamander Andrias davidianus is endemic to China and is Critically Endangered, largely because of overexploitation for food. This species is an expensive delicacy in China, and a rapidly growing industry to farm the species has developed throughout much of the country, centred on the Qinling Mountain region of Shaanxi Province. During a 2010 workshop on Chinese giant salamander conservation, which involved a range of stakeholders from across China, it became clear that the conservation community knew little about the salamander farming industry and whether it posed actual or potential threats or opportunities for conservation of the Chinese giant salamander. We therefore conducted a series of investigations to understand the industry better. Our results indicate that although farming of Chinese giant salamanders has the potential to be a positive development for conservation by supplying market demand with farmed animals, it is currently more likely to threaten than support conservation of the species, with continued overexploitation and the potential added impacts of infectious disease and genetic pollution arising from farming practices such as movement of animals across the country and the release of untreated farm wastewater and farmed salamanders to the wild.
Identifying target species and seed sources for the restoration of threatened trees in southern Brazil
Authors: Hoffmann P. M. , Blum C. T. , Velazco S. J. E. , Gill D. J. C. , Borgo M.
Published: March 2015

Ecological restoration of trees is often constrained by limited knowledge of the biology, propagation and management requirements of individual species. Consequently, restoration initiatives rarely incorporate less well-known species or those that are difficult to source and grow. We describe challenges associated with the restoration of threatened trees in the Araucaria Forest of southern Brazil, and analyse the effectiveness of methods used to define target species, identify seed sources and generate information on the phenology of rare or threatened tree species. A review of secondary data identified 71 rare or threatened taxa as targets for seed collection. We then surveyed 68.7 km of trails in 26 forest remnants, identifying and mapping 1,027 seed-producing trees of 38 species. Surveys confirmed the scarcity of several tree species (including seven species with an abundance of <0.04 individuals per km), and nine species showed no signs of fruiting during 3 years of phenological monitoring. These findings, together with limited knowledge and application of optimal seed collection methods, are significant factors impeding the recovery of these species within their natural habitat. Wider application of the results of this case study could support restoration of the Araucaria Forest with seedlings from a wider diversity of species.
Enzymatic activities linked to cardiac energy metabolism ofTrypanosoma evansi-infected rats and their possible functional correlations to disease pathogenesis
Authors: BALDISSERA MATHEUS D. , RECH VIRGINIA C. , GRINGS MATEUS , GRESSLER LUCAS T. , VAUCHER RODRIGO A. , SCHWERTZ CLAITON I. , MENDES RICARDO E. , LEIPNITZ GUILHIAN , STEFANI LENITA M. , MONTEIRO SILVIA G. , DA SILVA ALEKSANDRO S.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the activities of important enzymes involved in the phosphoryl transfer network (adenylate kinase and creatine kinase (CK)), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), respiratory chain complexes and biomarkers of cardiac function in rat experimentally infected byTrypanosoma evansi.Rat heart samples were evaluated at 5 and 15 days post-infection (PI). At 5 day PI, there was an increase in LDH and CK activities, and a decrease in respiratory chain complexes II, IV and succinate dehydrogenase activities. In addition, on day 15 PI, a decrease in the respiratory chain complex IV activity was observed. Biomarkers of cardiac function were higher in infected animals on days 5 and 15 PI. Considering the importance of the energy metabolism for heart function, it is possible that the changes in the enzymatic activities involved in the cardiac phosphotransfer network and the decrease in respiratory chain might be involved partially in the role of biomarkers of cardiac function ofT. evansi-infected rats.
Cystamindi-ium tetrachlorocuprate [NH3(CH2)2SS(CH2)2NH3][CuCl4]: synthesis, crystal structure, and thermal decomposition
Authors: Leshok D. Y. , Golovnev N. N. , Kirik S. D.
Published: March 2015

The salt [NH3(CH2)2SS(CH2)2NH3][CuCl4] was obtained by crystallization after adding CuCl2 to cystamine (Cysta), solved in hydrochloric acid. The assumption of conserved disulfide connection (S–S) in the compound, made on the basis of infrared spectroscopy, is further supported by the crystal structure determined from X-ray powder diffraction data. The compound has an ionic structure. [CuCl4]2− and CystaH22+ ions package in the form of inorganic and organic layers in the cell, interconnected through the formation of hydrogen bonds via NH3-groups and chlorine atoms of the complex [CuCl4]2−. Inorganic layers are additionally stabilized in the parquet package of [CuCl4]2− ions which provides a Cu-distorted octahedral coordination. CystaH2[CuCl4] is stable in air up to 200 °C. Thermal decomposition occurs in several stages, accompanied by breaking of S–S bonds, releasing of the organic component and yielding CuO.
The water retention mechanism of a Cs+and Na+exchanged montmorillonite: effect of relative humidity and ionic radius on the interlayer
Authors: Ammar Marwa , Oueslati Walid , Chorfi Nejmeddine , Amara Abdesslem Ben Haj
Published: March 2015

Dioctahedral smectites are clay minerals that widely used as a crucial component for the edifice of natural barriers in industrial wastes and wastewater treatment. The hydration behaviours of these mineral types are very sensitive by environmental surroundings changes. The present work focuses the evolution of the interlayer water amount as a function of the relative humidity rates (RH), varied along a humidifying-drying cycle, in the case of two dioctahedral smectites with different charge location (i.e. Wyoming montmorillonite SWy-2 and Beidellite SbId-1). The CEC (i.e. cation exchange capacity) of the studied sample is saturated by two monovalent cations (i.e., Cs+and Na+) characterized by a different ionic radius. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) profile modelling tools based on the indirect method that consist on the comparison of experimental00lreflections with other calculated from structural models is used to perform these aims. The qualitative XRD profile investigation suggests heterogeneous hydration behaviour at different stage of the cycle for all studied samples. The water content fluctuation, confirmed by the appearance of a hydrationhysteresis, within the interlamellar space of diverse complexes is an irreversible process during the shrinking–rewetting sequence. Comparing to Na+cations, the presence of the Cs+ions in exchangeable sites of both smectite structures is accompanied by more orderliness of systems, which retunes the lowest water molecules amount over the applied cycle.
X-ray powder diffraction studies of (BaxSr1−x)2Co2Fe12O22 and (BaxSr1−x)Co2Fe16O27
Authors: Wong-Ng W. , Liu G. , Yan Y. , Talley K. R. , Kaduk J. A.
Published: March 2015

X-ray structural characterization and X-ray reference powder patterns have been determined for two series of iron- and cobalt-containing layered compounds (BaxSr1−x)2Co2Fe12O22 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) and (BaxSr1−x)Co2Fe16O27 (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8). The (BaxSr1−x)2Co2Fe12O22 series of compounds crystallized in the space group R$\bar 3$m (No. 166), with Z = 3. The structure is essentially that of the Y-type hexagonal ferrite, BaM2+Fe63+O11. The lattice parameters range from a = 5.859 15(8) to 5.843 72(8) Å, and c = 43.4975(9) to 43.3516(9) Å for x = 0.2 to 0.8, respectively. The (BaxSr1−x)Co2Fe16O27 series (W-type hexagonal ferrite) crystallized in the space group P63/mmc (No. 194) and Z = 2. The lattice parameters range from a = 5.902 05(12) to 5.8979(2) Å and c = 32.9002(10) to 32.8110(13) Å for x = 0.2 to 0.8. Results of measurements of the Seebeck coefficient and resistivity of these two sets of samples indicated that they are insulators. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns of these two series of compounds have been submitted to be included in the Powder Diffraction File.
The Effect of Inbreeding on Mortality in Japan
Authors: Schull William J. , Neel James V.
Published: March 2015

A century ago, in the midst of a flurry of interest in consanguineous marriages, the Philadelphia Ledger observed, “If one half is true that has been affirmed in regard to the effect of cousins intermarrying, it would seem as if it were the duty of parents and guardians to interfere, and even of all State Legislatures to do what can be done to prevent so injurious a custom”. These sentiments were sufficiently widespread to be echoed in an editorial in the Times of India, dated August 9, 1860, and they might well be justified today if we could establish that, in fact, “one half that is affirmed is true”. Interests in the effect of consanguineous marriage are again high, but they now stem not from a concern for Levitical Law but from the powerful tool consanguinity affords in an appraisal of the relative importance of mutation versus selection in maintaining the genetic burden of a population. Clearly the value of this tool is directly proportional to the quality and quantity of data available.

Recently, numerous studies have been published relating inbreeding to infantile and juvenile mortality. Notable among these are the studies of Sutter and Tabah (summarized in Sutter, 1958) in France, of Böök (1957) in Sweden, of Slatis, Reis, and Hoene (1958) in the United States, of Freire-Maia (1961) in Brazil, of Zerbin-Rüdin (1960) in Germany, and of a number of workers including ourselves in Japan. These studies differ markedly in size, scope, and design. In all, save our own, the mortality data are essentially retrospective in character. Experiences such as those with rubella in pregnancy should make us acutely aware of the possible biased nature of such observations. Be this as it may, it is the purpose of this paper to present the results of a continuing, anterospective investigation of the effects of inbreeding on mortality in Japan.
Parental Bonding and Body Mass Index in a Female Community Sample: The Mediating Role of Eating Disorder Thoughts and Core Beliefs
Authors: Cooper Myra J. , Young Eliane
Published: March 2015

Background: It is likely that disrupted early parent-child relationships, eating disorder related cognitions and negative self-beliefs are relevant to some women who are overweight/obese. Aims: This study tested the hypotheses that disrupted parent-child relationships would be linked to higher body mass index (BMI) and that this relationship would then be mediated by cognition. Method: A group of women were recruited from the community and completed measures of eating disorder (ED) thoughts, negative self-beliefs, and parental bonding. Individual body mass indices (BMIs) were calculated. Results: One hundred and eighteen women completed the study. There was a relationship between parental bonding and higher BMI. As hypothesized, the relationship between parental bonding (as measured by maternal care, and paternal overprotection) and BMI appeared to be mediated by a range of ED thoughts, and some negative self-beliefs. Conclusion: The cognitions measured here, both ED related cognitions and negative self-beliefs, may be a useful target when considering psychological treatment for women who are overweight or obese.
Trans-fatty acids in cooking oils in Bogota, Colombia: changes in the food supply from 2008 to 2013
Authors: Moynihan Meghan , Villamor Eduardo , Marin Constanza , Mora-Plazas Mercedes , Campos Hannia , Baylin Ana
Published: March 2015

Objective

Long-chain n-3 fatty acid intake in Colombia is low because fish consumption is limited. Vegetable oils with high n-3 fatty acid content are recommended, but their concentrations of trans fats were high in previous studies. Thus, regular monitoring of the fatty acid composition of vegetable oils is required. Our objective was to quantify the fatty acid composition in commercially available oils in Bogota, Colombia and determine if composition changed from 2008 to 2013.

Design

Cross-sectional study. We obtained samples of all commercially available oils reported in a survey of low- and middle-income families with a child participating in the Bogota School Children Cohort.

Setting

Bogota, Colombia.

Subjects

Not applicable.

Results

Sunflower oil had the highest trans-fatty acid content (2·18 %). Canola oil had the lowest proportion of trans-fatty acids (0·40 %) and the highest n-3 fatty acid content (9·37 %). In terms of percentage reduction from 2008 to 2013 in 18:1 and 18:2 trans-fatty acids, canola oil had 89 % and 65 % reduction, mixed oils had 44 % and 48 % reduction, and sunflower oil had 25 % and 51 % reduction, respectively. Soyabean oil became widely available in 2013.

Conclusions

The content of trans-fatty acids decreased in all oils from 2008 to 2013, suggesting a voluntary reduction by industry. We believe that regular monitoring of the fatty acid composition of oils is warranted.
CENTER MANIFOLDS FOR PARTIALLY HYPERBOLIC SETS WITHOUT STRONG UNSTABLE CONNECTIONS
Authors: Bonatti Christian , Crovisier Sylvain
Published: March 2015

We consider compact sets which are invariant and partially hyperbolic under the dynamics of a diffeomorphism of a manifold. We prove that such a set $K$ is contained in a locally invariant center submanifold if and only if each strong stable and strong unstable leaf intersects $K$ at exactly one point.
A Tale of Two Families: Generational Succession in Filipino and American Family Firms
Authors: McCoy Alfred W.
Published: March 2015

Through comparison of two families, Filipino and American, this essay finds that the axiomatic three-generational cycle of rise and decline, articulated famously by Andrew Carnegie, proved predictive for an American family firm but not for its Filipino counterpart. Over the span of a century, both families followed a surprisingly similar move from agriculture to food processing and then publishing. Thereafter, however, divergent state policies shaped different destinies for these two families. In the United States, impersonal enforcement of state security and economic regulation allowed the unchecked rise of finance capital that consolidated some 2000 US breweries, most of them family owned, into two transnational corporate conglomerates. In the Philippines, by contrast, persistent rent seeking by elite families, combined with personalised, partisan state economic enforcement, has allowed the continuing dominance of family-controlled corporations. Through comparison of two societies with close relations for over a century, we can see how state economic regulation can encourage the eclipse of major family firms in one society and the perpetuation of a political-economic oligarchy in another.
Neuropsychological Functioning and Psychosocial Outcome in Adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Sobanski Esther , Sirtl Alexandra , Alm Barbara , Hennig Oliver , Banaschewski Tobias
Published: March 2015

This study explores the association of neuropsychological functioning with ADHD-symptoms and psychosocial functioning in a clinical sample of 131 adults with ADHD. Neuropsychological functioning was assessed with the computerized Test Battery of Attentional Performance (TAP). Overall psychosocial impairment was assessed with the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF). Neuropsychological performance was impaired in 39.6 % of the ADHD-patients meeting a predefined impairment criterion of a perfomance reduction of 1.5 standard deviations below normative controls in ≥ 2 TAP-subtests; 28.4 % of the patients showed regular performance in all neuropsychological tests. Severity of neuropsychological impairment was inversely correlated to severity of psychosocial impairment (GAF score; = -.24, p < .001) but not to childhood or adult ADHD symptoms. Overall severity of neuropsychological impairment explained 10 % (p < .05) of variance of psychosocial impairment.
Wann sollte Palliative Care bei Kindern mit lebenslimitierenden Erkrankungen beginnen?
Authors: Bergsträsser Eva
Published: March 2015

Palliative Care bei Kindern ist in der Schweiz noch nicht weit entwickelt, und im Vergleich zur Palliative Care bei Erwachsenen ist das Wissen darüber begrenzt. Um eine palliative Begleitung sinnvoll und zeitgerecht zu beginnen, wurde ein Instrument entwickelt, das Fachpersonen in dieser schwierigen Entscheidungsfindung unterstützen soll. Das Instrument, genannt Paediatric Palliative Screening Scale (PaPaS Scale), basiert auf fünf Domänen, die die Krankheit des Kindes beleuchten: 1) Auswirkungen der Krankheit auf den Alltag des Kindes, 2) Therapiemöglichkeiten und Ausmass der Belastung durch die Therapie, 3) Symptome, deren Kontrollierbarkeit und Belastung durch die Symptome, 4) Wünsche des Patienten und dessen Eltern und 5) Lebenserwartung. Ziele einer rechtzeitig beginnenden Palliative Care sind Lebensqualität und Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten für die verbleibende Lebenszeit.
A Suite of Software Analyzes Data on the Sphere
Authors: Harig Christopher , Lewis Kevin W. , Plattner Alain , Simons Frederik J.
Published: March 2015

The software improves data analysis over small portions of a spherical planetary surface. Among other applications, it has helped track Greenland's ice loss over time.
Angiotensin-(1-7) Protects against the Development of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice
Authors: Shimada Kenji , Furukawa Hajime , Wada Kosuke , Wei Yuan , Tada Yoshiteru , Kuwabara Atsushi , Shikata Fumiaki , Kanematsu Yasuhisa , Lawton Michael T , Kitazato Keiko T , Nagahiro Shinji , Hashimoto Tomoki
Published: March 2015

Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) can regulate vascular inflammation and remodeling, which are processes that have important roles in the pathophysiology of intracranial aneurysms. In this study, we assessed the effects of Ang-(1-7) in the development of intracranial aneurysm rupture using a mouse model of intracranial aneurysms in which aneurysmal rupture (i.e., aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage) occurs spontaneously and causes neurologic symptoms. Treatment with Ang-(1-7) (0.5 mg/kg/day), Mas receptor antagonist (A779 0.5 mg/kg/day or 2.5 mg/kg/day), or angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) antagonist (PD 123319, 10 mg/kg/day) was started 6 days after aneurysm induction and continued for 2 weeks. Angiotensin-(1-7) significantly reduced the rupture rate of intracranial aneurysms without affecting the overall incidence of aneurysms. The protective effect of Ang-(1-7) was blocked by the AT2R antagonist, but not by the Mas receptor antagonist. In AT2R knockout mice, the protective effect of Ang-(1-7) was absent. While AT2R mRNA was abundantly expressed in the cerebral arteries and aneurysms, Mas receptor mRNA expression was very scarce in these tissues. Angiotensin-(1-7) reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β in cerebral arteries. These findings indicate that Ang-(1-7) can protect against the development of aneurysmal rupture in an AT2R-dependent manner.
Perihematoma Cerebral Blood Flow is Unaffected by Statin Use in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients
Authors: Gioia Laura C , Kate Mahesh , McCourt Rebecca , Gould Bronwen , Coutts Shelagh B , Dowlatshahi Dariush , Asdaghi Negar , Jeerakathil Thomas , Hill Michael D , Demchuk Andrew M , Buck Brian , Emery Derek , Shuaib Ashfaq , Butcher Kenneth
Published: March 2015

Statin therapy has been associated with improved cerebral blood flow (CBF) and decreased perihematoma edema in animal models of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We aimed to assess the relationship between statin use and cerebral hemodynamics in ICH patients. A post hoc analysis of 73 ICH patients enrolled in the Intracerebral Hemorrhage Acutely Decreasing Arterial Pressure Trial (ICH ADAPT). Patients presenting < 24 hours from ICH onset were randomized to a systolic blood pressure target < 150 or < 180 mm Hg with computed tomography perfusion imaging 2 hours after randomization. Cerebral blood flow maps were calculated. Hematoma and edema volumes were measured planimetrically. Regression models were used to assess the relationship between statin use, perihematoma edema and cerebral hemodynamics. Fourteen patients (19%) were taking statins at the time of ICH. Statin-treated patients had similar median (IQR Q25 to 75) hematoma volumes (21.1 (9.5 to 38.3) mL versus 14.5 (5.6 to 27.7) mL, P = 0.25), but larger median (IQR Q25 to 75) perihematoma edema volumes (2.9 (1.7 to 9.0) mL versus 2.2 (0.8 to 3.5) mL, P = 0.02) compared with nontreated patients. Perihematoma and ipsilateral hemispheric CBF were similar in both groups. A multivariate linear regression model revealed that statin use and hematoma volumes were independent predictors of acute edema volumes. Statin use does not affect CBF in ICH patients. Statin use, along with hematoma volume, are independently associated with increased perihematoma edema volume.
Preconditioning Cortical Lesions Reduce the Incidence of Peri-Infarct Depolarizations during Focal Ischemia in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat: Interaction with Prior Anesthesia and the Impact of Hyperglycemia
Authors: Zhao Liang , Thaddeus S Nowak
Published: March 2015

The relationship between peri-infarct depolarizations (PIDs) and infarction was investigated in a model of preconditioning by cortical freeze lesions (cryogenic lesions, CL) in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat. Small (< 5 mm3) lesions produced 24 hours before permanent focal ischemia were protective, without impacting baseline cerebral blood flow (CBF) and metabolism. Prior CL reduced infarct volume, associated with improved penumbral CBF as previously showed for ischemic preconditioning. The brief initial procedure avoided sham effects on infarct volume after subsequent occlusion under brief anesthesia. However, under prolonged isoflurane anesthesia for perfusion monitoring both sham and CL rats showed reduced PID incidence relative to naive animals. This anesthesia effect could be eliminated by using α-chloralose during perfusion imaging. As an additional methodological concern, blood glucose was frequently elevated at the time of the second surgery, reflecting buprenorphine-induced pica and other undefined mechanisms. Even modest hyperglycemia (>10 mmol/L) reduced PID incidence. In normoglycemic animals CL preconditioning reduced PID number by 50%, demonstrating associated effects on PID incidence, penumbral perfusion, and infarct progression. Hyperglycemia suppressed PIDs without affecting the relationship between CBF and infarction. This suggests that the primary effect of preconditioning is to improve penumbral perfusion, which in turn impacts PID incidence and infarct size.
Mild Hypothermia Inhibits Systemic and Cerebral Complement Activation in a Swine Model of Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Gong Ping , Zhao g , Hua Rong , Zhang Mingyue , Tang Ziren , Mei Xue , Cui Juan , Li Chunsheng
Published: March 2015

Complement activation has been implicated in ischemia/reperfusion injury. This study aimed to determine whether mild hypothermia (HT) inhibits systemic and cerebral complement activation after resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Sixteen minipigs resuscitated from 8 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation were randomized into two groups: HT group ( n = 8), treated with HT (33 °C) for 12 hours; and normothermia group ( n = 8), treated similarly as HT group except for cooling. Blood samples were collected at baseline and 0.5, 6, 12, and 24 hours after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The brain cortex was harvested 24 hours after ROSC. Complement and pro-inflammatory markers were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neurologic deficit scores were evaluated 24 hours after ROSC. C1q, Bb, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), C3b, C3a, C5a, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor- α levels were significantly increased under normothermia within 24 hours after ROSC. However, these increases were significantly reduced by HT. Hypothermia decreased brain C1q, MBL, C3b, and C5a contents 24 hours after ROSC. Hypothermic pigs had a better neurologic outcome than normothermic pigs. In conclusion, complement is activated through classic, alternative, and MBL pathways after ROSC. Hypothermia inhibits systemic and cerebral complement activation, which may provide an additional mechanism of cerebral protection.
Artificial human Met agonists based on macrocycle scaffolds
Authors: Ito Kenichiro , Sakai Katsuya , Suzuki Yoshinori , Ozawa Naoya , Hatta Tomohisa , Natsume Tohru , Matsumoto Kunio , Suga Hiroaki
Published: March 2015

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, also known as Met, is a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family. The Met–HGF interaction regulates various signalling pathways involving downstream kinases, such as Akt and Erk. Met activation is implicated in wound healing of tissues via multiple biological responses triggered by the above-mentioned signalling cascade. Here we report the development of artificial Met-activating dimeric macrocycles. We identify Met-binding monomeric macrocyclic peptides by means of the RaPID (random non-standard peptide integrated discovery) system, and dimerize the respective monomers through rational design. These dimeric macrocycles specifically and strongly activate Met signalling pathways through receptor dimerization and induce various HGF-like cellular responses, such as branching morphogenesis, in human cells. This work suggests our approach for generating dimeric macrocycles as non-protein ligands for cell surface receptors can be useful for developing potential therapeutics with a broad range of potential applications.
A molecular catalyst for water oxidation that binds to metal oxide surfaces
Authors: Sheehan Stafford W. , Thomsen Julianne M. , Hintermair Ulrich , Crabtree Robert H. , Brudvig Gary W. , Schmuttenmaer Charles A.
Published: March 2015

Molecular catalysts are known for their high activity and tunability, but their solubility and limited stability often restrict their use in practical applications. Here we describe how a molecular iridium catalyst for water oxidation directly and robustly binds to oxide surfaces without the need for any external stimulus or additional linking groups. On conductive electrode surfaces, this heterogenized molecular catalyst oxidizes water with low overpotential, high turnover frequency and minimal degradation. Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies show that it does not decompose into iridium oxide, thus preserving its molecular identity, and that it is capable of sustaining high activity towards water oxidation with stability comparable to state-of-the-art bulk metal oxide catalysts.
Adipose tissue NAPE-PLD controls fat mass development by altering the browning process and gut microbiota
Authors: Geurts Lucie , Everard Amandine , Van Hul Matthias , Essaghir Ahmed , Duparc Thibaut , Matamoros Sébastien , Plovier Hubert , Castel Julien , Denis Raphael G. P. , Bergiers Marie , Druart Céline , Alhouayek Mireille , Delzenne Nathalie M. , Muccioli Giulio G. , Demoulin Jean-Baptiste , Luquet Serge , Cani Patrice D.
Published: March 2015

Obesity is a pandemic disease associated with many metabolic alterations and involves several organs and systems. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) appears to be a key regulator of energy homeostasis and metabolism. Here we show that specific deletion of the ECS synthesizing enzyme, NAPE-PLD, in adipocytes induces obesity, glucose intolerance, adipose tissue inflammation and altered lipid metabolism. We report that Napepld-deleted mice present an altered browning programme and are less responsive to cold-induced browning, highlighting the essential role of NAPE-PLD in regulating energy homeostasis and metabolism in the physiological state. Our results indicate that these alterations are mediated by a shift in gut microbiota composition that can partially transfer the phenotype to germ-free mice. Together, our findings uncover a role of adipose tissue NAPE-PLD on whole-body metabolism and provide support for targeting NAPE-PLD-derived bioactive lipids to treat obesity and related metabolic disorders.