bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Permissive zones for the centromere-binding protein ParB on theCaulobacter crescentuschromosome
Authors: Tran Ngat T. , Stevenson Clare E. , Som Nicolle F. , Thanapipatsiri Anyarat , Jalal Adam S. B. , Le Tung B. K.
Published: August 2017

Proper chromosome segregation is essential in all living organisms. InCaulobacter crescentus, the ParA-ParB-parSsystem is required for proper chromosome segregation and cell viability. The bacterial centromere-likeparSDNA locus is the first to be segregated following chromosome replication.parSis bound by ParB protein, which in turn interacts with ParA to partition the ParB-parSnucleoprotein complex to each daughter cell. Here, we investigated the genome-wide distribution of ParB on theCaulobacterchromosome using a combination ofin vivochromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-seq) andin vitroDNA affinity purification with deep sequencing (IDAP-seq). We confirmed two previously identifiedparSsites and discovered at least three more sites that cluster ~8 kb from the origin of replication. We showed thatCaulobacterParB nucleates atparSsites and associates non-specifically with ~10 kb flanking DNA to form a high-order nucleoprotein complex on the left chromosomal arm. Lastly, using transposon mutagenesis coupled with deep sequencing (Tn-seq), we identified a ~500 kb region surrounding the nativeparScluster that is tolerable to the insertion of a secondparScluster without severely affecting cell viability. Our results demonstrate that the genomic distribution ofparSsites is highly restricted and is crucial for chromosome segregation inCaulobacter.
Analysis of multistage in vitro fertilization data with mixed multilevel outcomes using joint modelling approaches
Authors: Wilkinson Jack , Vail Andy , Roberts Stephen A
Published: August 2017

In vitro fertilization comprises a sequence of interventions concerned with the creation and culture of embryos which are then transferred to the patient’s uterus. While the clinically important endpoint is birth, the responses to each stage of treatment contain additional information about the reasons for success or failure. Joint analysis of the sequential responses is complicated by mixed outcome types defined at two levels (patient and embryo). We develop three methods for multistage analysis based on joining submodels for the different responses using latent variables and entering outcome variables as covariates for downstream responses. An application to routinely collected data is presented, and the strengths and limitations of each method are discussed.
Computational pipeline for the PGV-001 neoantigen vaccine trial
Authors: Rubinsteyn Alex , Kodysh Julia , Hodes Isaac , Mondet Sebastien , Aksoy Bulent Arman , Finnigan John P , Bhardwaj Nina , Hammerbacher Jeffrey
Published: August 2017

This paper describes the sequencing protocol and computational pipeline for the PGV-001 personalized vaccine trial. PGV-001 is a therapeutic peptide vaccine targeting neoantigens identified from patient tumor samples. Peptides are selected by a computational pipeline which identifies mutations from tumor/normal exome sequencing and ranks mutant sequences by a combination of predicted Class I MHC affinity and abundance estimated from tumor RNA. The PGV pipeline is modular and consists of many independently usable tools and software libraries. We draw attention to three particular tools which may be useful to other groups working on neoantigen vaccination. (1) Epidisco is a workflow which orchestrates the parallel execution of the PGV pipeline, including both common steps such as alignment as well as tools which have been developed specifically for the PGV-001 trial. (2) Vaxrank uses somatic variants and tumor RNA reads to select peptides for inclusion in a patient’s vaccine. (3) Isovar is a library used by Vaxrank to determine the mutated protein sequence associated with a genomic variant from supporting tumor RNA reads. We hope that the functionality of these tools may extend beyond the specifics of the PGV-001 trial and enable other research groups in their own neoantigen investigations.
Integrative analyses of splicing in the aging brain: role in susceptibility to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Raj Towfique , Li Yang I. , Wong Garrett , Ramdhani Satesh , Wang Ying-chih , Ng Bernard , Wang Minghui , Gupta Ishaan , Haroutunian Vahram , Schadt Eric E. , Zhang Bin , Young-Pearse Tracy , Mostafavi Sara , Sklar Pamela , Bennett David , De Jager Philip L.
Published: August 2017

We use deep sequencing to identify sources of variation in mRNA splicing in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLFPC) of 450 subjects from two prospective cohort studies of aging. Hundreds of aberrant pre-mRNA splicing events are reproducibly associated with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We also generate a catalog of splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTL) effects in the human cortex: splicing of 3,198 genes is influenced by genetic variation. sQTLs are enriched among those variants influencing DNA methylation and histone acetylation. In assessing known AD loci, we report that altered splicing is the mechanism for the effects of thePICALM, CLU,andPTK2Bsusceptibility alleles. Further, we leverage our sQTL catalog to identify genes whose aberrant splicing is associated with AD and mediated by genetics. This transcriptome-wide association study identified 21 genes with significant associations, many of which are found in AD GWAS loci, but 8 are in novel AD loci, includingFUS,which is a known amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) gene. This highlights an intriguing shared genetic architecture that is further elaborated by the convergence of old and new AD genes in autophagy-lysosomal-related pathways already implicated in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Overall, this study of the aging brain’s transcriptome provides evidence that dysregulation of mRNA splicing is a feature of AD and is, in some genetically-driven cases, causal.
Maternal RNA-directed DNA methylation is required for seed development inBrassica rapa
Authors: Grover Jeffrey W. , Kendall Timmy , Baten Abdul , King Graham J. , Mosher Rebecca A.
Published: August 2017

Some organisms deploy small RNAs from accessory cells to maintain genome integrity in the zygote, a mechanism that has been proposed but not demonstrated in plants. Here we show that maternal mutations in the Pol IV-dependent small RNA pathway cause abortion of developing seeds inBrassica rapa. Surprisingly, small RNA production is required in maternal somatic tissues, but not in maternal gametes or the developing zygote. We propose that parental influence over zygotic genomes is a common strategy in eukaryotes and that outbreeding species such asB. rapaare key to understanding the role of small RNAs during reproduction.
Rare earth elements (REE) in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems in the eastern Canadian Arctic
Authors: MacMillan Gwyneth Anne , Chételat John , Heath Joel , Mickpegak Raymond , Amyot Marc
Published: August 2017

Few ecotoxicological studies exist for rare earth elements (REEs), particularly field-based studies on their bioaccumulation and food web dynamics. REE mining has led to significant environment impacts in several countries (China, Brazil, U.S.), yet little is known about the fate and transport of these contaminants of emerging concern. To understand how REEs behave in pristine northern food webs, we measured REE concentrations and carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (∂15N, ∂13C) in biota from marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems of the eastern Canadian Arctic (N=339). Northern ecosystems are potentially vulnerable to REE enrichment from prospective mining projects at high latitudes. Wildlife harvesting and tissue sampling was partly conducted by local hunters through a community-based monitoring project. Results show that REE generally follow a coherent bioaccumulation pattern for sample tissues, with some anomalies for redox-sensitive elements (Ce, Eu). Highest REE concentrations were found at low trophic levels, especially in vegetation and aquatic invertebrates. Terrestrial herbivores, ringed seal, and fish had low REE levels in muscle tissue (<0.1 nmolg-1), yet accumulation was an order of magnitude higher in all liver tissues. Age- and length-dependent REE accumulation also suggest that REE uptake is faster than elimination for some species. Overall, REE bioaccumulation patterns appear to be species- and tissue-species, with limited potential for biomagnification. This study provides novel ecotoxicological data on the behaviour of REE in ecosystems and will be useful for environmental impact assessment of REE enrichment in northern regions.
Ethyl 2-amino-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-3-carboxylate: crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis
Authors: Patel U. H. , Jotaniya Chintan , Shah D. A. , Socha Bhavesh
Published: August 2017

In the title molecule, C12H13FN2O3, the central pyrrole ring makes a dihedral angle of 9.2 (3)° with the ethoxy carbonyl moiety whereas the fluorophenyl ring is rotated by 67.6 (2)° from the pyrrole ring. Supramolecular aggregation is due to off-centric π–π stacking interactions involving screw-related pairs of molecules, which are further connected by N—H...O and C—H...O interactions, forming a sinusoidal pattern along the [001] direction on thebcplane. Three-dimensional Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots confirm the contributions of these interactions.
Using sensory sciences help products succeed
Authors: Talavera Martin , Chambers IV Edgar
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how sensory science can be used as a valuable tool to help develop products with a higher chance of long-term market success by reducing uncertainty during the development process. Future trends are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The description and case study approach highlight how sensory scientists must be involved during development as a research partner to develop appropriate study objectives, comprehensive research plans, and conduct studies in collaboration with other groups. This approach shows ways to deliver deeper understanding of the product and category through appropriate study execution and development of actionable insights.

Findings

The present review demonstrates ways that sensory scientists, including those focused mainly on consumer evaluation, interact with other groups within the research and development organization. This paper is focused on providing information about sensory science to non-sensory scientists and developers. Examples are shown.

Practical implications

This paper presents a guide for applying sensory and consumer science in an industrial setting that can be used by both industry and educational institutions who train students. It refers to current literature, presents real case studies in an abbreviated form, and traces the use of sensory in ways that may not usually be covered in some guides and books that focus on the more traditional uses of sensory in areas such as quality control.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need for contributions of sensory scientists to the product success continuum and the influence of getting appropriate sensory data to support research, development, and marketing decisions. The use and reference to specific examples make an original contribution to the journal.
Effect of heat on the sensory quality of jaew sauce
Authors: Kitsawad Kamolnate , Joseph Blessing Amarachi , Tipvarakarnkoon Tatsawan
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the changes in sensory qualities of jaew sauce as heat is applied and to determine its acceptance level among Thai and foreign consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Jaew sauce was heated for six hours and samples were collected at 1.5 hours interval. The color of jaew sauce was measured using color spectrophotometer and consumers examined the underlying sensory qualities of jaew sauce using sorting technique. A total of 40 Thai and foreign consumers were asked to sort the commercial and the heated jaew sauce samples according to the similarities and dissimilarities in sensory characteristics and provide descriptions for explanation of each group. A consumer test with 100 Thai and foreign consumers was also conducted to determine the acceptance of jaew sauce.

Findings

Alterations in the sensory qualities, mainly color, were observed. Prolong heating resulted in darker color. The sorting results showed that Thai and foreign consumers have similar perception of jaew sauce. Similar groupings of jaew sauce was observed, which could be divided into four groups, commercial, 0 hour heating, 1.5 and 3 hours heating, and 4.5 and 6 hours heating. Agreeing results of both Thai and foreign consumers showed that commercial and 0 hour heating samples were most preferred and the acceptance of jaew sauce decreased as it was heated.

Originality/value

Despite the extensive usage of jaew, very few are available commercially in the market. The fact that Thai and foreign consumers have similar preference infer that jaew sauce has a high potential to be adopted and accepted among foreigners to a large extent if available commercially. This study also provides a basis into further research on an appropriate packaging and shelf-life study of jaew sauce for commercial purposes.
Antimicrobial activity of raw soybean, soybean flour and roasted soybean extracted by ethanol-hexane method
Authors: Laodheerasiri Sireerat , Horana Pathirage Nirasha
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the antimicrobial compounds extracted from various types of soybean materials; raw soybean, soybean flour and roasted soybean. Bacteria growth inhibition was tested in E.coli and S. aureus by disk diffusion method. Efficiency of antimicrobial activities were compared among the extracted solution.

Design/methodology/approach

Soybean (Glycine max) isoflavones contain the ability to inhibit the growth of many strains of microorganisms. The solid-liquid extraction, ethanol-hexane extraction, was modified to isolate the inhibitory compounds from the three different types of soybean materials. All crude extracts at various concentrations performed under different extracted solutions (75, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 and 3.125 percent) were tested with E. coli. and S. aureus to determine the antimicrobial activities and the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). Disk diffusion method was chosen to study the antimicrobial activity of isoflavones.

Findings

Soybean flour extract inhibited the growth of E. coli and S. aureus more effective than roasted soybean and raw soybean, respectively. The MIC of inhibitory compounds extracted from soybean flour was 6.25 percent (0.031 mg/ml), roasted soybean was 25 percent (0.125 mg/ml) and raw soybean was 50 percent (0.250 mg/ml). Crude extracts of soybean flour and roasted soybean showed better results than raw soybean. All the three of extracted soybeans inhibited the growth of E. coli better than S. aureus.

Originality/value

Ethanol-hexane extraction was successfully used to isolate the antimicrobial compounds from raw soybean, soybean flour and roasted soybean. Comparison of antimicrobial activity showed that soybean flour contained the highest inhibition activity.
Study effect of natural extracts on the antioxidant activity in pork balls
Authors: Klinjapo Roungdao , Areerat Kamonchanok , Sutthirak Pornpong
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of fruit waste materials from fruit industry as sources of powerful natural antioxidants.

Design/methodology/approach

The peels of mango, rambutan, and santol were extracted and analyzed for their antioxidant activity. Pork ball samples were prepared and treated with different natural extracts at various concentrations, namely 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20% (v/w), compared with the control (no natural extract), and then stored at 4°C. The samples were investigated at the zeroth, third, fifth, eighth and tenth day to find out the antioxidant activity of the total phenolic content and lipid oxidation including the evaluation of the change of rancid flavor and color during storage. All statistical results were analyzed by RCBD using SPSS at p⩽0.05.

Findings

During storage, the amount of phenolic compound in a pork ball by adding fruit extracts at various concentrations slightly decreased, while the lipid oxidation slightly increased. Mango extract showed the best efficiency to delay lipid oxidation in the pork ball for ten days followed by santol extract and rambutan extract. For sensory evaluation, the pork ball with fruit extract at various concentrations showed the lower rancidity development than control, and mango extract at 0.20% (v/w) showed the best delaying rancidity during ten-day storage. Thus, mango peel extract at 0.20% (v/w) showed the highest effectiveness of antioxidant activity against lipid oxidation in pork ball.

Originality/value

This study was continued from the previous research which investigated the best extraction condition for by-products of mango, rambutan, and santol. From that study, the authors found that the crude extracts need further research on their antioxidant property in foods. The research findings have provided information regarding the interesting new natural antioxidant that can be applied into lipid-containing foods to delay the rancidity and extend the shelf life.
Articulating the fashion product life-cycle
Authors: Spragg Jon Edward
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a framework for predicting the seasonal demand for fashion based on the Bass Diffusion model of demand and the Newsvendor inventory management model. Sales and inventory management simulations based on these models have been implemented in the Julia programming language to demonstrate how theoretical models can be made operational using open-source software for the benefit of small- to medium-scale enterprises with limited resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs simulation models implemented in the Julia programming languages to explore the use of theoretical models of demand on the seasonal management of fashion inventory.

Findings

The research demonstrates that further exploration of the framework described is worth undertaking.

Research limitations/implications

The paper employs theoretical models and is therefore conceptual in its outlook. Nonetheless it provides insights that could be explored further if real-world sales data would become available.

Practical implications

The framework provides simple models for predicting the demand for fashion that allows “what-if” scenarios to be constructed based on the manipulation of a few model parameters.

Social implications

The framework provides low-cost analytical tools that support small fashion enterprises with regards to market understanding and the operational management requirements necessary to support those markets.

Originality/value

The analytical use of the Bass model of demand with the Newsvendor model of inventory management within a fashion context.
Redefining vanity sizing: when bigger may be better
Authors: Ketron Seth , Naletelich Kelly
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Although vanity sizing has often been conceptualized as “smaller is better” in apparel sizing, this perspective is limited in that many products would be more negatively perceived if viewed as smaller in size. In such scenarios, “larger is better” would be a more appropriate heuristic. Thus, vanity sizing should be redefined as a practice in achieving social desirability in size labeling. Namely, vanity sizing actually seeks to induce feelings of either smallness or largeness depending on the context. The purpose of this paper is to address this redefinition.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research provides initial empirical support of this redefinition with two studies that utilize a blended qualitative/quantitative approach and a hypothetical product scenario in which “larger is better” (bras).

Findings

Study 1 indicates that consumers seek to feel smaller and larger across different bodily areas. Further, study 2 found that compared to consumers of larger cup sizes, consumers of smaller cup sizes react more favorably to larger-than-typical cup sizes, forming more positive cognitive/affective reactions. Further, these cognitive/affective reactions influence purchase intentions, confirming findings of prior literature concerning attitudes and purchase intentions. Overall, the findings support the need to redefine vanity sizing.

Originality/value

The present conceptualization of vanity sizing is too narrow and limits understanding of the implications of vanity sizing across all sizing situations. Thus, this paper redefines vanity sizing and furnishes empirical evidence that such redefinition is warranted.
Assessing the effect of customer perceptions of corporate social responsibility on customer trust within a low cultural trust context
Authors: Mombeuil Claudel , Fotiadis Anestis K.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Many research findings depicted corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a strategic tool for influencing customer behavior, especially customer trust. Nevertheless, rare is research that considered a business ecosystem infested by a low level of cultural trust, political and economic problems, perceived corruption and low level of CSR awareness and engagement as obstacles that may prevent companies from influencing their customers’ behavior. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether CSR activities positively influence consumer/user trust toward companies operating within a low-cultural-trust context and also the consistency of empirical finds on CSR regardless of the cultural context.

Design/methodology/approach

The model of this study consisted of four variables: perceptions of CSR, customer trust, service quality and customer satisfaction. The target sample constituted respondents belonging to six different occupational categories namely health-care services, media services, law and public security, agriculture and earth sciences, training and education services and administrative sciences. This study used a quantitative approach based on a paper–pencil questionnaire to collect the data.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that perceptions of CSR correlated positively with service quality, customer satisfaction and customer trust. The results also indicated that perceptions of CSR, service quality and customer satisfaction are good predictors of customer trust.

Originality/value

This study is significant because it was conducted in a developing country (Haiti) that has long been struggling with political instability, systemic corruption, serious environmental damages and continuous economic crises and inequality along with a low level of CSR engagement and awareness.
Testing weed risk assessment paradigms: Intraspecific differences in performance and naturalisation risk outweigh interspecific differences in alienBrassica
Authors: Meffin Ross , Duncan Richard P. , Hulme Philip E.
Published: August 2017

Risk assessments of alien species are usually conducted at species level, assuming that all individuals of a given species pose similar risks. However, this may not be the case if there is substantial within‐species variation that could influence invasion success.

We used a seed addition experiment, comprising 25 taxonomically stratified varieties of threeBrassicaspecies introduced to roadside habitats in Canterbury, New Zealand, to quantify variation in performance among species, subspecies and varieties. We aimed to assess if species was the most appropriate taxonomic level at which to evaluate invasion risk.

Differences among varieties within species explained approximately 30 times more of the variation in performance (number of individuals/quadrat) than differences among species. Some of the variation among varieties was attributable to differences in seed viability.

Nevertheless, differences among taxonomic groups explained only 7% of the total variation in performance; 28% was attributable to differences among plots, reflecting broad‐scale environmental variation, while 65% was attributable to differences among quadrats nested within plots, highlighting the importance of fine‐scale variation in the availability of suitable microsites.

Policy Implications. Our seed addition experiment quantified variation in performance of 25 taxonomically stratifiedBrassicataxa introduced to roadside habitats. Varieties (nested within species) differed in performance far more than did species. This suggests risk assessments carried out at species level may overlook important subspecific variation in invasion risk. This is particularly true for conventionally bred and genetically modified species, which may contain taxa posing risks different to that at which the species is assessed. Consideration should be given to subjecting unassessed subspecies and varieties of plants to risk assessments similar to those applied to species.
Prescribed burning, atmospheric pollution and grazing effects on peatland vegetation composition
Authors: Noble Alice , Palmer Sheila M. , Glaves David J. , Crowle Alistair , Brown Lee E. , Holden Joseph
Published: August 2017

Peatlands are valued for ecosystem services including carbon storage, water provision and biodiversity. However, there are concerns about the impacts of land management and pollution on peatland vegetation and function.

We investigated how prescribed vegetation burning, atmospheric pollution and grazing are related to vegetation communities and cover of four key taxa (Sphagnum spp., Calluna vulgaris, Eriophorum vaginatum and Campylopus introflexus) using two datasets from a total of 2,013 plots across 95 peatland sites in the UK.

Non‐metric multidimensional scaling and permutational multivariate analysis of variance showed differences in vegetation community composition between burned and unburned plots at regional and national scales.

Analysis showed that burned sites had less Sphagnum and greater C. vulgaris cover on a national scale. On a regional scale, plots burned between 2 and 10 years ago had greater cover of invasive moss C. introflexus and less E. vaginatum than unburned sites.

Livestock presence was associated with less Sphagnum and C. vulgaris, while atmospheric pollution was associated with less Sphagnum, but greater C. introflexus cover, and appeared to have more impact on burned sites.

Synthesis and applications. Burning, grazing and atmospheric pollution are associated with peatland vegetation composition and cover of key species, including Sphagnum. We suggest that, to promote cover of peat‐forming species, peatlands should not be routinely burned or heavily grazed. Current or historical atmospheric pollution may hinder peat‐forming species, particularly on burned sites.
Cost Analysis and Performance Assessment of Partner Services for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, New York State, 2014
Authors: Johnson Britney L. , Tesoriero James , Feng Wenhui , Qian Feng , Martin Erika G.
Published: August 2017

Objective

To estimate the programmatic costs of partner services for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydial infection.

Study Setting

New York State and local health departments conducting partner services activities in 2014.

Study Design

A cost analysis estimated, from the state perspective, total program costs and cost per case assignment, patient interview, partner notification, and disease‐specific key performance indicator.

Data Collection

Data came from contracts, a time study of staff effort, and statewide surveillance systems.

Principal Findings

Disease‐specific costs per case assignment (mean: $580; range: $502–$1,111), patient interview ($703; $608–$1,609), partner notification ($1,169; $950–$1,936), and key performance indicator ($2,697; $1,666–$20,255) varied across diseases. Most costs (79 percent) were devoted to gonorrhea and chlamydial infection investigations.

Conclusions

Cost analysis complements cost‐effectiveness analysis in evaluating program performance and guiding improvements.
Levothyroxine enhances glucose clearance and blunts the onset of experimental type 1 diabetes mellitus in mice
Authors: López‐Noriega Livia , Cobo‐Vuilleumier Nadia , Narbona‐Pérez Álvaro Jesús , Araujo‐Garrido Juan Luis , Lorenzo Petra Isabel , Mellado‐Gil José Manuel , Moreno José Carlos , Gauthier Benoit R , Martín‐Montalvo Alejandro
Published: August 2017

Background and Purpose

Thyroid hormones induce several changes in whole body metabolism that are known to improve metabolic homeostasis. However, adverse side effects have prevented its use in the clinic. In view of the promising effects of thyroid hormones, we investigated the effects of levothyroxine supplementation on glucose homeostasis.

Experimental Approach

C57BL/6 mice were treated with levothyroxine from birth to 24 weeks of age, when mice were killed. The effects of levothyroxine supplementation on metabolic health were determined. C57BL/6 mice treated with levothyroxine for 2 weeks and then challenged with streptozotocin to monitor survival. Mechanistic experiments were conducted in the pancreas, liver and skeletal muscle. RIP‐B7.1 mice were treated with levothyroxine for 2 weeks and were subsequently immunized to trigger experimental autoimmune diabetes (EAD). Metabolic tests were performed. Mice were killed and metabolic tissues were extracted for immunohistological analyses.

Key Results

Long‐term levothyroxine supplementation enhanced glucose clearance and reduced circulating glucose in C57BL/6 mice. Levothyroxine increased simultaneously the proliferation and apoptosis of pancreatic beta cells, promoting the maintenance of a highly insulin‐expressing beta cell population. Levothyroxine increased circulating insulin levels, inducing sustained activation of IRS1‐AKT signalling in insulin‐target tissues. Levothyroxine‐treated C57BL/6 mice challenged with streptozotocin exhibited extended survival. Levothyroxine blunted the onset of EAD in RIP‐B7.1 mice by inducing beta cell proliferation and preservation of insulin‐expressing cells.

Conclusions and Implications

Interventions based on the use of thyroid hormones or thyromimetics could be explored to provide therapeutic benefit in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Self‐compassion is associated with optimum self‐care behaviour, medical outcomes and psychological well‐being in a cross‐sectional sample of adults with diabetes
Authors: Ferrari M. , Dal Cin M. , Steele M.
Published: August 2017

Aim

To investigate the role of self‐compassion in diabetes outcomes. Self‐compassion is a construct which may be relevant to chronic conditions, given its focus on compassion toward oneself, especially in times of difficulty.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study we collected data online from 310 adults diagnosed with diabetes. The questionnaire measured three primary outcomes: self‐management behaviours; HbA1c levels and psychological well‐being. Potential predictors were also assessed, including self‐compassion, locus of control, social support and demographics.

Results

Multiple regression analyses showed that self‐compassion had the most consistent association with better outcomes, including all forms of self‐management behaviour, HbA1c levels and psychological well‐being. Self‐compassion was independently associated with 55.1% of the variance in well‐being. Internal locus of control was also significantly associated with better well‐being and HbA1c outcomes. Chance and external locus of control and social support were generally associated with poorer outcomes.

Conclusions

Higher levels of self‐compassion are typically associated with improved self‐management behaviour, medical outcomes and psychological well‐being in adults with diabetes mellitus. The present findings suggest that self‐compassion may be a parsimonious and suitable intervention target. Future interventions and consultations with medical professionals may benefit from fostering self‐compassion in adults with diabetes mellitus.
MEASURING CONSUMER EXPENDITURES WITH PAYMENT DIARIES
Authors: Schuh Scott
Published: August 2017

Payment diaries measure consumer expenditures by tracking authorization of payments by instrument (cash, check, debit or credit card, etc.). Three notable results emerge from comparing the 2012 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice (DCPC) to other estimates of consumer expenditures: (1) DCPC payments are 75% higher than Consumer Expenditure Survey estimates; (2) DCPC consumption estimates are 17% higher than comparable personal consumption expenditure estimates; and (3) DCPC payments roughly equal comparably adjusted National Income and Product Accounts personal disposable income. The DCPC's relative success stems from measuring expenditures aggregated into lumpy payments (“shopping baskets”), relatively low respondent burden, and effective random sampling. (JEL E21, D12, D14)
The relationship between stroke severity and prior direct oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and non‐valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sakamoto Y. , Okubo S. , Nito C. , Suda S. , Matsumoto N. , Abe A. , Aoki J. , Shimoyama T. , Takayama Y. , Suzuki K. , Mishina M. , Kimura K.
Published: August 2017

Background and purpose

Anticoagulant treatment with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) has been reported to reduce stroke severity when patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) suffer acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy also has the potential to reduce the initial severity of AIS. However, the effect of DOAC therapy on the severity of AIS is not well known. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of DOACs on initial stroke severity in patients with AIS and non‐valvular AF.

Methods

From March 2011 to July 2016, consecutive patients with AIS having non‐valvular AF were recruited. The effects of prior DOAC treatment on severity were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 484 patients [208 women; median age 79 (interquartile range, 71–85) years; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 9 (interquartile range, 3–20)] were enrolled. Of these, 352 (73%) were on no anticoagulant medication, 54 (11%) were undertreated with a VKA, 35 (7%) were sufficiently treated (admission prothrombin time–international normalized ratio: ≥2.0 for patients <70 years old and ≥1.6 for ≥70 years old) with a VKA and 43 (9%) were on a DOAC. The initial NIHSS score (median 10 in patients with no anticoagulation, 13 in undertreated VKA, 7 in sufficient VKA and 6 in DOAC, P = 0.018) was different among the groups. Multivariate analysis showed that DOAC was independently and negatively associated with severe (initial NIHSS score ≥ 10) stroke (odds ratio, 0.39; P = 0.041), compared with no anticoagulant therapy.

Conclusions

Direct oral anticoagulant treatment prior to the event should reduce initial stroke severity in patients with AIS and non‐valvular AF.
Effect of resveratrol on c‐fos expression of rat trigeminal spinal nucleus caudalis and C1 dorsal horn neurons following mustard oil‐induced acute inflammation
Authors: Matsumoto Yasuhiro , Komatsu Kyouhei , Shimazu Yoshihito , Takehana Shiori , Syouji Yumiko , Kobayashi Ayumu , Takeda Mamoru
Published: August 2017

The dietary constituent, resveratrol, was recently identified as a transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) antagonist, voltage‐dependent sodium ion (Na+) channel, and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitor. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether pretreatment with resveratrol attenuates acute inflammation‐induced sensitization of nociceptive processing in rat spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (SpVc) and upper cervical (C1) dorsal horn neurons, via c‐fos immunoreactivity. Mustard oil (MO), a TRPA1 channel agonist, was injected into the whisker pads of rats to induce inflammation. Pretreatment with resveratrol significantly decreased the mean thickness of inflammation‐induced edema in whisker pads compared with those of untreated, inflamed rats. Ipsilateral of both the superficial and deep laminae of SpVc and C1 dorsal horn, there were significantly more c‐fos‐immunoreactive SpVc/C1 neurons in inflamed rats compared with naïve rats, and resveratrol pretreatment significantly decreased that number relative to untreated, inflamed rats. These results suggest that systemic administration of resveratrol attenuates acute inflammation‐induced augmented nociceptive processing of trigeminal SpVc and C1 neurons. These findings support resveratrol as a potential therapeutic agent for use in alternative, complementary medicine to attenuate, or even prevent, acute trigeminal inflammatory pain.
Wood's lamp for vitiligo disease stability and early recognition of initiative pigmentation after epidermal grafting
Authors: Wang Yen‐Jen , Chang Chang‐Cheng , Cheng Kun‐Lin
Published: August 2017

The prerequisite for a successful vitiligo epidermal grafting surgery is the stable status of the disease. We used Wood's lamp to assess vitiligo activity to determine the disease stability, surgical grafting timing and the early recognition of re‐pigmentation after grafting. Amelanotic lesions with sharply demarcated borders are typically stable and are good candidates for grafting. The re‐pigmentation was first recognised under Wood's lamp as hypochromic islands, which progressed to normally pigmented islands. For patients more prone to relapse, follow up with Wood's lamp also provides more accurate surveillance.
Cost‐effectiveness of the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) programme in England: Evidence from the building blocks trial
Authors: Corbacho Belen , Bell Kerry , Stamuli Eugena , Richardson Gerry , Ronaldson Sarah , Hood Kerenza , Sanders Julia , Robling Michael , Torgerson David ,   On behalf of the Building Blocks trial group
Published: August 2017

Rational, aims, and objectives

The Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) is a licensed intensive home visiting intervention developed in the United States. It has been provided in England by the Department of Health since 2006. The Building Blocks trial assessed the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of FNP in England.

Methods

We performed a cost‐utility analysis (National Health Service (NHS) perspective) alongside the Building Blocks trial (over 2.5 y). The analysis was conducted in accordance with National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) reference case standards. Health‐related quality of life was elicited from mothers using the EQ‐5D‐3L. Resource‐use data were collected from self‐reported questionnaires, Hospital Episode Statistics, general practitioner records and the central Department of Health FNP database. Costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were discounted at 3.5%. The base case analysis used an intention to treat approach on the imputed dataset using multiple imputation.

Results

The FNP intervention costs on average £1812 more per participant compared to usual care (95% confidence interval: −£2700; £5744). Incremental adjusted mean QALYs are marginally higher for FNP (mean difference 0.0036, 95% confidence interval: −0.017; 0.025). The probability of FNP being cost‐effective is less than 20% given the current NICE willingness to pay threshold of £20 000 per additional QALY. The results were robust to sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Given the absence of significant benefits of FNP in terms of the primary outcomes of the trial and only marginal maternal QALY gains, FNP does not represent a cost‐effective intervention when compared with existing services already offered to young pregnant women.
Device‐Measured Physical Activity As a Predictor of Disability in Mobility‐Limited Older Adults
Authors: Mankowski Robert T. , Anton Stephen D. , Axtell Robert , Chen Shyh‐Huei , Fielding Roger A. , Glynn Nancy W. , Hsu Fang‐Chi , King Abby C. , Layne Andrew S. , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Manini Todd M. , Marsh Anthony P. , Pahor Marco , Tudor‐Locke Catrine , Conroy David E. , Buford Thomas W. ,   LIFE Research Group
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To examine associations between objectively measured physical activity (PA) and incidence of major mobility disability (MMD) and persistent MMD (PMMD) in older adults in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study.

Design

Prospective cohort of individuals aged 65 and older undergoing structured PA intervention or health education.

Setting

The LIFE Study was a multicenter (eight sites) randomized controlled trial designed to compare the efficacy of a long‐term structured PA intervention with that of a health education (HE) program in reducing the incidence of MMD in mobility‐limited older adults.

Participants

LIFE Study participants (n = 1,590) had a mean age±standard deviation of 78.9 ± 5.2, low levels of PA, and measured mobility‐relevant functional impairment at baseline.

Measurements

Activity data were collected using hip‐worn 7‐day accelerometers at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months after randomization to test for associations with incident MMD and PMMD (≥2 consecutive instances of MMD).

Results

At baseline, every 30 minutes spent being sedentary (<100 accelerometry counts per minute) was associated with higher rate of subsequent MMD (10%) and PMMD (11%) events. Every 500 steps taken was associated with lower rate of MMD (15%) and PMMD (18%). Similar associations were observed when fitting accelerometry‐based PA as a time‐dependent variable.

Conclusion

Accelerometry‐based PA levels were strongly associated with MMD and PMMD events in older adults with limited mobility. These results support the importance of daily PA and lower amounts of sedentary time levels in this population and suggest that accelerometry may be a useful tool for assessing risk of mobility disability.
The Politics of Commiseration: On the Communicative Labors of “Co‐Mothering” in El Alto
Authors: Scott Stephen Kingsley
Published: August 2017

In El Alto, Bolivia, the communicative and affective capacities of local neighborhood women are often valorized as strategic sites for circulating governmental discourses across ethnolinguistic boundaries. Nowhere is this more evident than in the domain of public health. As this article explores, municipal health projects in El Alto increasingly cast neighborhood women in para‐governmental roles, hoping to tap into the networks of community‐based belonging they create and maintain through their everyday communicative labors. By focusing on the work performed by an often‐overlooked genre of gendered discourse—comadreando, or “co‐mothering” speech—this article calls attention to the concrete semiotic forms that mediate this kind of local governmentality. As I argue, everyday events of comadreando enact rituals of commiseration that build mutual trust and sympathy (confianza) between women and the households they head. But when figured in public health projects, they become vehicles of a broader politics of commiseration, one that aims to forge reliable channels of trust, goodwill, and sympathetic understanding between neighborhood actors and the state. However, as I also argue, the mobilization of such forms can open up such governmental strategies to unanticipated reappropriations, as the affective and communicative labors of women are diverted to more ambiguous ends.
Shadow Subjects: A Category of Analysis for Empathic Stancetaking
Authors: Taha Maisa C.
Published: August 2017

This article analyzes conversational and material data collected during 12 months of fieldwork at a secondary school in southeast Spain. I focus on the cultivation of stance positions—particularly around gender equality—involving “shadow subjects”: imagined discursive figures that both prompt and constrain empathy for others whose rights have been violated. Within this multicultural context, Moroccan immigrant youth get positioned as defenders of outdated patriarchal mores. I argue that the semiotic burdening and elaboration of stance on behalf of shadow subjects makes this possible and points to inherent biases in operationalizing “universal” egalitarian values among ideologically and experientially diverse communities.
Variation in the response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) breeding lines to the effects of benzo (1,2,3) thiadiazole‐7‐carbothioic acid S‐methyl ester (BTH) on systemic acquired resistance and seed germination
Authors: Goodwin Paul H. , Trueman Cheryl L. , Loewen Steven A. , Tazhoor Rochelle
Published: August 2017

Genetic variation may play a major role in how plants respond to activators of systemic acquired resistance. To examine this, the defence activator benzo(1,2,3)thiadiazole‐7‐carbothioic acid S‐methyl ester (BTH) was applied to seed of different breeding lines of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) with diverse pedigrees, and the levels of induced resistance against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, changes in defence gene expression and detrimental effects on seed germination and seedling emergence were measured. Two breeding lines, 7007 and 7024, were selected as non‐responsive and responsive to BTH. The SAR‐associated genes, SlPR1a and SlPR3b, were induced earlier or more strongly over the control prior to inoculation for line 7024 but not for line 7007. This was not observed for the ISR‐related genes, SlPin2 and SlPR2b. BTH inhibition of seed germination and seedling emergence was more delayed in line 7024 than 7007. However, applying BTH as a seed or soil drip reduced the delay. Thus, greater levels of BTH response have both positive (i.e., induced resistance and expression of SAR‐related gene expression) and negative (i.e., inhibition of seed germination and seedling emergence) effects and can differ significantly between genotypes. Thus, recommendations for use of induced resistance activators should include plant genotype recommendations and consider possible negative impacts of greater responsiveness.
The Morality of Divestment
Authors: Moss Jeremy
Published: August 2017

Divestment from companies that produce or heavily utilize fossil fuels has become one of the biggest issues in the contemporary moral debate surrounding climate change. Universities and other institutions are being asked to divest themselves of their fossil fuel–related investments. In this article I argue that, while the case for divestment is morally strong, not all of the arguments used to support divestment are equally strong. Moreover, which of these arguments is employed matters a great deal for the strength of the conclusions regarding divestment. There are two major groups of arguments: what I call positive arguments for divestment, which stem from the claim that divestment is a response to general duties to take action to prevent dangerous climate change, and what I call negative arguments, which stem from a duty not to cause harm. In this article I will briefly characterize what divestment means and to whom it applies. I will then look at negative and positive duty accounts of the duty to divest before looking at the standard objections to both. Objections have tended to cohere around the claims that divesting is inconsistent, useless and/or harmful, or should be abandoned for better options to avoid dangerous climate change.
Smokers have a higher risk of inflammatory peri‐implant disease than non‐smokers
Authors: Gürlek Ö , Gümüş P , Buduneli N
Published: August 2017

Aim

To comparatively evaluate peri‐implant health status in smokers and non‐smokers.

Materials and Methods

A total of 142 implants (74 implants in non‐smokers, 68 in smokers) in 43 smoker or non‐smoker systemically healthy patients were included in the study. Demographic and clinical periodontal data were recorded and analysed by chi‐square and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

Peri‐implantitis and mucositis cases were significantly more frequent in the smokers than non‐smokers (p = .001). Suppuration, bleeding and plaque scores around the implants were significantly higher in smokers than non‐smokers (p = .001; p = .002; p < .0001, respectively).

Conclusion

The present findings indicate that smokers have a higher risk of inflammatory peri‐implant diseases. Therefore, more frequent recalls may be recommended in smokers with dental implants.