bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social enterprise self-employment programs
Authors: Weaver Rasheda L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce social enterprise self-employment programs (SEPs) as a two-dimensional human capital investment strategy that can potentially advance economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

SEPs are frequently utilized as a tool for increasing economic self-sufficiency in poor communities. Literature discussing the use of commercial enterprise SEPs to increase economic development highlights the potential for creatingthe similar programs geared toward creating social enterprises. Human capital theory is used to illustrate how social enterprise SEPs can foster human capital, a predictor of economic growth and development. Examples of existing social enterprise SEPs are discussed to highlight how they can be designed. Cases of human capital-oriented social enterprises are also used to outline different business forms social enterprise SEPs can help create.

Findings

This general review paper suggests that social enterprise SEPs can be a sound two-dimensional human capital investment strategy. It argues that social enterprise SEPs can train aspiring social entrepreneurs to create businesses than subsequently foster human capital in their local communities.

Research limitations/implications

This paper introduces the concept of social enterprise SEPs, opening up a new area of research for scholars to explore. Researchers should examine participant and organizational factors of existing social enterprise SEPs to assess their impact, as literature has linked them to success rates of commercial SEPs.

Practical implications

This paper emphasizes the need for SEPs to offer task-related training as opposed to general business training to prepare social entrepreneurs in effort to run successful social enterprises.

Originality/value

The concept of social enterprise SEPs is new, and literature pertaining to it is scarce. This paper introduces them as a tool for attending to community problems while equipping future generations of social entrepreneurs with the skills to create social enterprises.
Promoting Resident and Family Councils: a pilot evaluation
Authors: Znidarsich Jamie , Davies Susan , Sullivan Susan  Mary
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the status and impact of a recently formed Resident and Family Council to determine whether the group was achieving the goals of improving long-term care facility relationships, enhancing communication and promoting positive change within the facility.

Design/methodology/approach

– The pilot evaluation was designed to develop recommendations for future sustainability, of the council, as well as providing wider lessons about the benefits and potential pitfalls of such groups. Data were gathered utilizing participatory qualitative research methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine council members, representing all groups within the Resident and Family Council. Documents relating to the work of the council and observational field notes maintained during meetings were also analyzed.

Findings

– A number of themes and dynamics were identified relating to communication, collaboration and future sustainability.

Practical implications

– Recommendations for initiating Resident and Family Councils should include surveying interest within long-term care facilities, involving the facility ombudsmen or volunteer coordinator, and assessing resources within the community, such as volunteer organizations or partnering with local education organizations.

Originality/value

– This original research can serve as a template for establishing Resident and Family Councils within long-term care facilities.
Thermal preference predicts animal personality in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Cerqueira Marco , Rey Sonia , Silva Tome , Featherstone Zoe , Crumlish Margaret , MacKenzie Simon
Published: May 2016

Environmental temperature gradients provide habitat structure in which fish orientate and individual thermal choice may reflect an essential integrated response to the environment. The use of subtle thermal gradients likely impacts upon specific physiological and behavioural processes reflected as a suite of traits described by animal personality. In this study, we examine the relationship between thermal choice, animal personality and the impact of infection upon this interaction.

We predicted that thermal choice in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus reflects distinct personality traits and that under a challenge individuals exhibit differential thermal distribution.

Nile tilapia were screened following two different protocols: 1) a suite of individual behavioural tests to screen for personality and 2) thermal choice in a custom‐built tank with a thermal gradient (TCH tank) ranging from 21 to 33 °C. A first set of fish were screened for behaviour and then thermal preference, and a second set were tested in the opposite fashion: thermal then behaviour. The final thermal distribution of the fish after 48 h was assessed reflecting final thermal preferendum. Additionally, fish were then challenged using a bacterial Streptococcus iniae model infection to assess the behavioural fever response of proactive and reactive fish.

Results showed that individuals with preference for higher temperatures were also classified as proactive with behavioural tests and reactive contemporaries chose significantly lower water temperatures. All groups exhibited behavioural fever recovering personality‐specific thermal preferences after 5 days.

Our results show that thermal preference can be used as a proxy to assess personality traits in Nile tilapia and it is a central factor to understand the adaptive meaning of animal personality within a population. Importantly, response to infection by expressing behavioural fever overrides personality‐related thermal choice.
Role of heart rate in the relation between regional body fat and subendocardial viability ratio in women
Authors: Gonzales Joaquin U. , Hadri Omar
Published: May 2016

Subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) is a measure of left ventricular function, specifically; it is an index of myocardial perfusion relative to left ventricular workload. Women have lower SEVR than men, partly due to a faster resting heart rate that reduces diastolic time (i.e., time for myocardial perfusion). It is unclear if body fat relates to SEVR, thus the purpose of this study was to examine the relation between body fat and SEVR in women. Twenty‐eight middle‐aged (31–45 years) and 31 older (60–80 years) women were examined. Radial artery applanation tonometry was used to calculate SEVR from a synthesized central aortic pressure wave. Dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry was used to assess body composition including fat in the trunk, legs, android and gynoid regions. Body fat was not related (P>.05) with SEVR in older women. In middle‐aged women, all measures of regional fat were correlated with heart rate (range, r=.49–.59, P≤.01) and SEVR (range, r=.43–.53, P≤.01). Android‐to‐gynoid ratio was identified as the strongest predictor (r2=−.26, P<.01) of SEVR among measures of regional fat. Middle‐aged women with lower android‐to‐gynoid fat ratio had higher SEVR (1.96±0.33 vs 1.66±0.20, P=.009) than women with higher fat ratio, even after adjusting for age, height, daily physical activity, and aortic mean pressure (P=.02). Adjusting for heart rate or diastolic time abolished the difference in SEVR between groups (1.80±0.09 vs 1.82±0.09, P=.56). These results suggest that middle‐aged women with a greater distribution of fat in the abdomen have poorer left ventricular function that is dependent on the negative influence of heart rate on diastolic time.
Is educational differentiation associated with smoking and smoking inequalities in adolescence? A multilevel analysis across 27 European and North American countries
Authors: Rathmann Katharina , Moor Irene , Kunst Anton E. , Dragano Nico , Pförtner Timo‐Kolja , Elgar Frank J. , Hurrelmann Klaus , Kannas Lasse , Baška Tibor , Richter Matthias
Published: May 2016

This study aims to determine whether educational differentiation (i.e. early and long tracking to different school types) relate to socioeconomic inequalities in adolescent smoking. Data were collected from the WHO‐Collaborative ‘Health Behaviour in School‐aged Children (HBSC)’ study 2005/2006, which included 48,025 15‐year‐old students (Nboys = 23,008, Ngirls = 25,017) from 27 European and North American countries. Socioeconomic position was measured using the HBSC family affluence scale. Educational differentiation was determined by the number of different school types, age of selection, and length of differentiated curriculum at the country‐level. We used multilevel logistic regression to assess the association of daily smoking and early smoking initiation predicted by family affluence, educational differentiation, and their interactions. Socioeconomic inequalities in both smoking outcomes were larger in countries that are characterised by a lower degree of educational differentiation (e.g. Canada, Scandinavia and the United Kingdom) than in countries with higher levels of educational differentiation (e.g. Austria, Belgium, Hungary and The Netherlands). This study found that high educational differentiation does not relate to greater relative inequalities in smoking. Features of educational systems are important to consider as they are related to overall prevalence in smoking and smoking inequalities in adolescence.
Targeting the sympatho‐adrenergic link in chronic rheumatic mitral regurgitation: assessing the role of oral beta‐blockers
Authors: Sahoo Dhabaleswar , Kapoor Aditya , Sinha Archana , Khanna Roopali , Kumar Sudeep , Garg Naveen , Tewari Satyendra , Goel Pravin
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) is characterized by adverse ventricular remodeling and progressive LV dysfunction leading to heart failure (HF). Beta‐blockers (BB) improve LV remodeling and prognosis in patients with HF. As chronic severe MR results in neuroendocrine activation similar to HF, it is likely that BB may also exert favorable effects in these patients. No study has assessed the role of oral BB therapy in chronic rheumatic MR.

Aims

A total of 100 patients of chronic rheumatic MR (mean age 30±13.48 years, NYHA 2.2±0.5) were randomized to BB (Metoprolol, 37±13.5 mg, n=48) vs no BB (n=52) in addition to standard therapy.

Results

Baseline BNP and echocardiographic parameters were comparable in the two groups. At 3 months, BB therapy resulted in significantly lower NYHA class (1.97 vs 2.35), BNP (141 vs 207 pg/mL), LV end‐systolic (35.89 vs 51.30) and LV end‐diastolic volumes (101 vs 128 mL/m2), LV end‐systolic stress (81.1 vs 93.3 dyn/cm2), LV mass (122 vs 154 gm/m2), and LV work (737.02 vs 952.82 mm Hg L/min, all P significant). Therapy with BB resulted in a −15.6%, −10.4%,−12.1%, and −7.3% reduction in LV end‐systolic and end‐diastolic dimensions and LVESVi and LVEDVi, respectively. Following BB therapy, BNP levels, end‐systolic stress, indexed LV mass, and LV work also reduced significantly by 27.3%, 15.6%, 8.7%, and 28%, respectively. The control group had no significant change. The MR grade reduced from severe to moderate in 11% of those on BB (controls: no change). At 6 months, the BB group had further improvement in all echocardiographic parameters ranging from +9.1 to −18.2%.

Conclusion

In this first study of BB in rheumatic MR, targeting the sympatho‐adrenergic axis exerted favorable effects on NYHA class, LV volumes, LV end‐systolic stress, and LV work. Further studies are required to elucidate the role of BB in rheumatic MR.
Implication of different initial beta blockers on treatment persistence: atenolol vs new‐generation beta blocker, a population‐based study
Authors: Choi Yun Jung , Ah Young‐Mi , Kong Jisun , Choi Kyung Hee , Kim Baegeum , Han Nayoung , Yu Yun Mi , Oh Jung Mi , Shin Wan Gyoon , Lee Hae‐Young , Lee Ju‐Yeun
Published: May 2016

Aim

Potential heterogeneity within the same class of drug in terms of persistence may lead to different clinical implications. Given that the increased risks of mortality and cardiovascular events are due, in part, to the lack of persistent use of antihypertensive medications, the objective of this study was to evaluate 1‐year persistence of new‐generation beta blockers compared to atenolol in antihypertensive treatment‐naïve patients.

Methods

A total of 9978 patients aged 18 years or older with hypertension newly diagnosed in 2012, without hypertension‐related complication and initiated treatment with beta blocker monotherapy during 2012 were included in the analysis. Rate and duration of treatment and drug persistence were compared between atenolol and new‐generation beta blockers. Hazards of discontinuation in nonatenolol compared to atenolol were evaluated using a multivariate Cox proportional model.

Results

The rate of treatment persistence was higher in the nonatenolol group (57.35% vs 53.40%, P<.0001), and the time to treatment discontinuation was earlier in the atenolol group with a minimal difference in the average (243.2 vs 254 days, P<.0001). New‐generation beta blockers demonstrated a lower risk of treatment discontinuation (HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.96) compared to atenolol; a notable improvement was observed with carvedilol and nebivolol (HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.69–0.80 and HR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70–0.89, respectively), whereas betaxolol showed a substantially greater hazard for discontinuation compared to atenolol.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a meaningful improvement in treatment persistence with new‐generation beta blockers compared to atenolol, with betaxolol as exception.
Superselective intra‐arterial chemotherapy in the primary management of advanced intra‐ocular retinoblastoma: first 4‐year experience from a single institution in Turkey
Authors: Tuncer Samuray , Sencer Serra , Kebudi Rejin , Tanyıldız Burak , Cebeci Zafer , Aydın Kubilay
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To report our 4‐year experience in Turkey, with advanced intra‐ocular retinoblastoma managed primarily with intra‐arterial chemotherapy (IAC).

Methods

From October 2011 to September 2015, 26 group D eyes of 24 treatment‐naïve retinoblastoma patients managed primarily with IAC were evaluated in this prospective study.

Results

Of 76 procedures, ophthalmic artery cannulation failed in two patients with unilateral involvement. In the remaining 22 patients (24 eyes), the mean age at diagnosis was 18 months (range, 6–55 months). Each eye received a mean of 3 IAC sessions/eye (range, 2–5 sessions). After a median follow‐up of 29 months (range, 6–55 months), complete regression of the main tumour was achieved in 23 of 24 eyes. One eye with partial regression required enucleation due to ciliary body involvement by the tumour. Overall, 16 eyes (66.6%) were salvaged with primary IAC with or without additional local treatments, and eight (33.3%) required enucleation. The main IAC‐related periocular complications included transient eyelid oedema (n = 13), ptosis (n = 6) and forehead hyperpigmentation (n = 3), each resolving in 2 weeks to 4 months. Intra‐ocular complications included chorioretinal atrophy (n = 9), newly noted retinal detachment (n = 5) and vitreous haemorrhage (n = 1). Kaplan–Meier eye estimates of enucleation‐free survival rates were 83.3% (95% CI, 68.4–98.1%), 69.1% (95% CI, 49.8–88.3%) and 62.9 (95% CI, 41.9–83.8%) at 6 months, 1 and 2 years, respectively, and stable thereafter.

Conclusion

Our first 4‐year experience in Turkey showed that enucleation or external‐beam radiotherapy could be avoided in two‐thirds of eyes with advanced intra‐ocular retinoblastoma managed primarily with IAC.
Analysis of the functional aspects and seminal plasma proteomic profile of sperm from smokers
Authors: Antoniassi Mariana Pereira , Intasqui Paula , Camargo Mariana , Zylbersztejn Daniel Suslik , Carvalho Valdemir Melechco , Cardozo Karina H. M. , Bertolla Ricardo Pimenta
Published: May 2016

Objective

To evaluate the effect of smoking on sperm functional quality and seminal plasma proteomic profile.

Patients and Methods

Sperm functional tests were performed in 20 non‐smoking men with normal semen quality, according to the World Health Organization (2010) and in 20 smoking patients. These included: evaluation of DNA fragmentation by alkaline Comet assay; analysis of mitochondrial activity using DAB staining; and acrosomal integrity evaluation by PNA binding. The remaining semen was centrifuged and seminal plasma was used for proteomic analysis (liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry). The quantified proteins were used for Venn diagram construction in Cytoscape 3.2.1 software, using the PINA4MS plug‐in. Then, differentially expressed proteins were used for functional enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology categories, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Reactome, using Cytoscape software and the ClueGO 2.2.0 plug‐in.

Results

Smokers had a higher percentage of sperm DNA damage (Comet classes III and IV; P < 0.01), partially and fully inactive mitochondria (DAB classes III and IV; P = 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively) and non‐intact acrosomes (P < 0.01) when compared with the control group. With respect to proteomic analysis, 422 proteins were identified and quantified, of which one protein was absent, 27 proteins were under‐represented and six proteins were over‐represented in smokers. Functional enrichment analysis showed the enrichment of antigen processing and presentation, positive regulation of prostaglandin secretion involved in immune response, protein kinase A signalling and arachidonic acid secretion, complement activation, regulation of the cytokine‐mediated signalling pathway and regulation of acute inflammatory response in the study group (smokers).

Conclusion

In conclusion, cigarette smoking was associated with an inflammatory state in the accessory glands and in the testis, as shown by enriched proteomic pathways. This state causes an alteration in sperm functional quality, which is characterized by decreased acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity, as well as by increased nuclear DNA fragmentation.
The potential significance of nectar‐feeding bats as pollinators in mangrove habitats of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Nor Zalipah Mohamed , Shahrul Anuar Mohd Sah , Jones Gareth
Published: May 2016

We tested the hypothesis that bats are effective pollinators of mangroves in Malaysia. Bats (Eonycteris spelaea) visited flowers of two Sonneratia species frequently, and deposited large quantities of conspecific pollen grains on stigmas. The bats are likely to be important pollinators of the two mangrove species.
From over to undercompensation: Variable responses to herbivory during ontogeny of a Neotropical monocarpic plant
Authors: Tito Richard , Castellani Tânia T. , Fáveri Sarita B. , Lopes Benedito C. , Vasconcelos Heraldo L.
Published: May 2016

Empirical and theoretical work has suggested that plants can change their compensatory responses to herbivory as they develop. However, such a relationship is likely to be more complex than previously thought since the amount and type of damage a plant receives can also change as the plant develops. Here, we determined the survival, growth, and reproductive output of plants (Actinocephalus polyanthus) from different ontogenetic stages that received variable levels of natural or simulated herbivore damage. Juvenile plants and non‐reproductive adults in which leaves were damaged showed full vegetative compensation, whereas pre‐reproductive plants were not able to replace the lost leaves. However, these same pre‐reproductive plants produced more inflorescences and thus more seeds and seedlings than control plants. In contrast, damage to vegetative and/or reproductive structures during the reproductive phase resulted in a negative effect on seed and seedling production. Herbivory effects on plant survival, growth, and reproduction during the vegetative and pre‐reproductive phases were independent of the amount of damage. However, during reproduction, the magnitude of these effects was strongly influenced by the amount of damage and the reproductive stage of the plant at the time of the damage. In short, our results demonstrate that the survival, growth, and reproductive responses to herbivory of A. polyanthus can be dependent on the timing and/or intensity of damage. The reproductive response of A. polyanthus to our simulated herbivory treatments during the pre‐reproductive phase represents an example of overcompensation. Furthermore, it indicates that vegetative regrowth is not necessarily a driving factor for tolerance.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine and related metabolites in exhaled breath condensate of children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Lucca Francesca , Da Dalt Liviana , Ros Mirco , Gucciardi Antonina , Pirillo Paola , Naturale Mauro , Perilongo Giorgio , Giordano Giuseppe , Baraldi Eugenio
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) competitively inhibits nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Its levels in specimens from murine models and asthmatic patients are related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Patients with cystic fibrosis(CF) reportedly have higher arginase activity, lower NO production and NOS expression than healthy controls.

Objective

The objective was to assess the role of ADMA and related metabolites as disease biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of pediatric CF patients, compared with age‐matched healthy controls (HC).

Methods

A longitudinal design was conceived and 34 CF patients (21 stable, 13 at the onset of exacerbation) and 16 HC were enrolled. All CF patients underwent clinical examination, spirometry and EBC collection at enrolment; the same tests were performed also after an antibiotic course in those patients with exacerbation. Metabolites levels in EBC were measured with an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry technique.

Results

All CF patients had ADMA levels (expressed as ratio to tyrosine) similar to those in HC (median 0.0112, IQR 0.0103‐0.0120 and median 0.0114, IQR 0.0090–0.0128, respectively; P = 0.983), while a significant increase in the citrulline/tyrosine ratio was found in CF patients (median 0.6419, IQR 0.5738–0.6899 in CF vs median 0.4176, IQR 0.2986–0.5082 in HC; P = 0.00003). No differences in ADMA levels emerged between stable patients and those with exacerbation.

Conclusion

ADMA and related aminoacids were measured simultaneously for the first time in EBC from CF patients. Higher citrulline/tyrosine ratios were found in CF children with normal ADMA levels, suggesting a dysregulated ADMA metabolism in these patients.
Critical roles of adenosine A2A receptor in regulating the balance of Treg/Th17 cells in allergic asthma
Authors: Wang Linlin , Wan Huanying , Tang Wei , Ni Yingmeng , Hou Xiaoxia , Pan Lina , Song Yuanlin , Shi Guochao
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Deficiency of Treg cells and hyperactivity of Th17 cells together are involved in the immunological pathogenesis of asthma. The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) plays a critical role in the increased Foxp3 expression of Treg cells and the decreased Th17 generation.

Objective

The study aimed to investigate A2AR expression in peripheral blood and its regulatory effect on balance of Treg/Th17 cells in asthma.

Methods

Thirty‐one patients with chronic persistent asthma were recruited and divided into 18 intermittent to mild asthma patients, 13 moderate to severe asthma patients. A2AR, Foxp3, and ROR‐γt mRNA expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). TGF‐β, IL‐17, and IgE in plasma were detected with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Forty‐two BALB/c mice were randomly, equally assigned to control group, ovalbumin (OVA) group and OVA + CGS (CGS21680, A2AR agonist) group. The infiltration of lung inflammation cells were evaluated by HE, A2AR, Foxp3, and ROR‐γt mRNA in lung tissues measured by qPCR, TGF‐β, IL‐17, and IgE in plasma measured with ELISA, and IL‐17 and TGF‐β protein in lung tissues analyzed with immunohistochemical.

Results

Our results showed that expression A2AR mRNA in PBMCs was associated with asthma severity. Foxp3 mRNA, TGF‐β, and FEV1%pred positively correlated with A2AR mRNA in asthma. ROR‐γt mRNA and IL‐17 negatively correlated with A2AR mRNA in asthma. CGS could promote Foxp3 mRNA expression, TGF‐β, and improve lung function while inhibit ROR‐γt mRNA expression, IL‐17, and the infiltration of lung inflammation cells.

Conclusion

A2AR could regulate the balance of Treg/Th17 cells in asthma.
The Political Discourses of three Contemporary Muslim Scholars: Secular, Nonsecular, or Pseudosecular?
Authors: Akbar Ali
Published: May 2016

It is well‐known that the quest for an Islamic state was a desire common to most Islamists of the twentieth and twenty‐first centuries. This article discusses three contemporary political theories that stand in sharp contrast to the Islamists’ theory of an Islamic state. These political theories are developed by three prominent contemporary Muslim scholars, Nasr Hamid Abū Zayd, Ablodkarim Soroush, and Muhammad Mujtahed Shabestari. The article attempts to discuss the common themes between the views of these scholars concerning governance. It argues that the political theories presented by them significantly differ from those developed by most Islamists, who share the idea that Islam is a self‐sufficient political system. It also argues that while these political theories challenge the idea that incorporates the maximal role for government in religious matters and thus are close to certain aspects of regulations of governance in Western countries, they are different from those political theories in the West that focus on a sharp distinction between religion and state because religion, for such scholar, plays an important role in developing civil society.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia: cholesterol efflux and coronary disease
Authors: Versmissen Jorie , Vongpromek Ranitha , Yahya Reyhana , van der Net Jeroen B. , van Vark‐van der Zee Leonie , Blommesteijn‐Touw Jeannette , Wattimena Darcos , Rietveld Trinet , Pullinger Clive R. , Christoffersen Christina , Dahlbäck Björn , Kane John P. , Mulder Monique , Sijbrands Eric J. G.
Published: May 2016

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk inversely associates with levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). The protective effect of HDL is thought to depend on its functionality, such as its ability to induce cholesterol efflux.

Materials and methods

We compared plasma cholesterol efflux capacity between male familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) patients with and without CHD relative to their non‐FH brothers, and examined HDL constituents including sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) and its carrier apolipoprotein M (apoM).

Results

Seven FH patients were asymptomatic and six had experienced a cardiac event at a mean age of 39 years. Compared to their non‐FH brothers, cholesterol efflux from macrophages to plasma from the FH patients without CHD was 16 ± 22% (mean ± SD) higher and to plasma from the FH patients with CHD was 7 ± 8% lower (P = 0·03, CHD vs. non‐CHD). Compared to their non‐FH brothers, FH patients without CHD displayed significantly higher levels of HDL‐cholesterol, HDL‐S1P and apoM, while FH patients with CHD displayed lower levels than their non‐FH brothers.

Conclusions

A higher plasma cholesterol efflux capacity and higher S1P and apoM content of HDL in asymptomatic FH patients may play a role in their apparent protection from premature CHD.
Development and Characterization of Alumina‐Based Composites with Cr–Mn–Ni Steel and Zirconia Additions via Pressure Slip Casting
Authors: Wenzel Claudia , Aneziris Christos
Published: May 2016

In the current work, ceramic‐matrix composites based on coarse‐grained alumina with additions of magnesia‐partially stabilized zirconia and/or fine‐grained TRIP steel have been prepared via pressure slip casting. The slip development is described in detail, covering additive selection and recipe formulation. Rheological properties and filtration behavior were investigated in a falling sphere viscometer and in a compression permeability filtration (CPF) cell, respectively. The results from laboratory scale were successfully transferred to a commercial pressure slip casting device. The casted samples were pressureless‐sintered at 1450°C in an inert gas atmosphere. The distribution of the steel within the matrix was studied using X‐ray tomography. Additionally, the formation of an interface between alumina and steel was evaluated by EBSD analysis. The reinforcing phases changed the mechanical and thermal properties of the material and therefore had a positive effect on the thermal shock performance. In particular, the presence of both, zirconia and 16‐7‐3 steel particles, resulted in a higher R parameter. The main responsible mechanism for this improvement was found to be crack deflection.
Thermal‐Shock Fracture and Damage Resistance Improved by Whisker Reinforcement in Alumina Matrix Composite
Authors: Akatsu Takashi , Takashima Hiroaki , Shinoda Yutaka , Wakai Fumihiro , Wakayama Shuichi
Published: May 2016

Fracture resistance of SiC‐whiskers‐reinforced Al2O3‐matrix composite under thermal shock was examined. Equibiaxial tensile thermal stress in the composite was significantly reduced before fracture, because the whiskers made percolation paths that increase heat flux and thereby reduced the temperature gradient. The thermal‐shock fracture resistance (R′) of the composite is thus much higher than that of monolithic Al2O3. Thermal‐shock damage resistance (R″″) was estimated from the thermal‐shock stress when a surface crack propagates. R″″ of the composite is also much higher than that of monolithic Al2O3 owing to an increment of work‐of‐fracture due to crack‐face bridging of the whiskers.
Winter Soil Warming Exacerbates the Impacts of Spring Low Temperature Stress on Wheat
Authors: Li X. , Jiang D. , Liu F.
Published: May 2016

The increase in global mean air temperature is likely to affect the soil temperatures in agricultural areas. This study aims to study the effects of winter soil warming on the responses of wheat to low temperature stress in spring. Wheat plants were grown under either normal or increased soil temperature by 2.5 °C for 82 days in winter. The physiological and yield responses of the plants to a 2‐day low temperature stress (4/2 °C in the day/night) at jointing stage were investigated. After exposing to low spring temperature, the plants that had experienced winter soil warming showed lower leaf and root water potential, lower oxygen scavenging capacity and poor photosynthetic performance as compared with the plants grown under normal soil temperature during winter. WL plants had significantly lower sugar content in shoot than the CL plants, which might have contributed to their higher susceptibility to low temperature. In addition, winter soil warming exacerbated the negative effects of low spring temperature on grain yield.
Translucent Yttria‐ and Silica‐Doped Mullite Ceramics with Anisotropic Grains Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Kocjan Andraž , Češnovar Mark , Vengust Damjan , Kosmač Tomaž , Dakskobler Aleš
Published: May 2016

Translucent, high‐performance, mullite ceramics with anisotropic grains were prepared by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) of a powder mixture consisting of commercial mullite powder, which already contained small amounts of alumina (θ and α) and silica (cristobalite) (≤3 wt% in total), to which 2 and 1 wt% of yttria and amorphous silica was admixed, respectively. The combination of low‐viscosity Y2O3–Al2O3–SiO2 transient liquid formation and SPS sintering provided enhanced densification, also provoking anisotropic grain growth (which became exaggerated after 20 min of SPS dwell time), at a relatively low sintering temperature of 1370°C. In this way, it was possible to meet the conflicting demands for obtaining a dense mullite ceramic with anisotropic grains, ensuring good mechanical properties, while preserving a noticeable light transmittance. In terms of mechanical and optical properties, the best results were obtained when SPS dwell times of 5 and 10 min were employed. The as‐sintered samples possessed densities in the range 3.16–3.18 g/cm3, anisotropic grains with an aspect ratio (AR) of 7 and a grain thickness of approximately 0.45 μm, a flexural strength between 350 and 420 MPa, a Vickers indentation toughness and a hardness of approximately 2.45 MPa·m1/2 and 15 GPa, respectively, and an optical transmittance of between 30% and almost 50% in the IR range.
Genetic evidence for central‐marginal hypothesis in a Cenozoic relict tree species across its distribution in China
Authors: Wei Xinzeng , Sork Victoria L. , Meng Hongjie , Jiang Mingxi
Published: May 2016

Aim

This study tests predictions of the central‐marginal (C‐M) hypothesis using geographical patterns of genetic variation in a Cenozoic relict tree speciesEuptelea pleiospermum. Additionally, we explore the extent to which post‐glacial recolonization and landscape barriers created by topographical heterogeneity shape spatial genetic variation.

Location

South‐west and central subtropical China.

Methods

Using microsatellite data of 678 individuals from 21 populations, we documented geographical patterns of genetic diversity and population genetic structure, supplemented with current and past (Last Glacial Maximum,LGM) distributions based on species distribution models (SDMs). Genetic structure was determined by non‐spatial and spatially sensitive Bayesian clustering, analysis of molecular variance, barrier analysis and a multivariate population graphing approach. We also examined both historical and contemporary gene flow.

Results

Genetic diversity significantly declined with distance from centre and showed unimodal patterns along both latitude and longitude. The C‐M pattern of genetic diversity along latitudinal gradient is high‐latitude‐skewed, with the peak at higher portion of the species' latitudinal extent. The Sichuan Basin divided individuals into south and north clusters, whereas the Qinba Mountains did not. The general shape of the predicted distribution during theLGMis strongly similar with that of current distribution, except the Sichuan Basin.

Main conclusions

Our study provides genetic evidence for the C‐M hypothesis in a Cenozoic relict tree species across its distribution in China. The Sichuan Basin, rather than the Qinba Mountains, acts as dispersal barrier for a mountain tree species. Our results suggest thatin siturefugia were maintained across southwest and central China during theLGM. The slight post‐glacial northward expansion and asymmetrical south–north historical‐gene flow did not result in a low‐latitude‐skewed C‐M pattern of genetic diversity. Instead, complex topography in combination with the C‐M dispersal dynamics shaped the latitudinal pattern of genetic diversity.
A 2‐year Retrospective Clinical study of Enamic Crowns Performed in a Private Practice Setting
Authors: Chirumamilla Geetika , Goldstein Cary E. , Lawson Nathaniel C.
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical performance and survival of Enamic crowns placed in a prosthodontic dental practice.

Methods

Thirty‐five patients and 45 crowns were included in the study. At 1‐year recall appointments, the restorations were examined for survival. At the 2‐year recall appointment, all restorations were clinically evaluated by an independent evaluator for CDA clinical criteria. Kaplan‐Meier method and a log‐rank test were used to compare the survival of the restorations placed with resin and resin‐modified glass ionomer (RMGI) cements.

Results

Out of the 45 crowns that were followed, 2 were lost to follow‐up by 1 year and 7 were lost to follow‐up by 2 years. Severe complications were observed in 2 teeth by the 2‐year follow‐up and were recorded as failures due to recurrent decay, and an internal crack in the abutment tooth. There was no difference between the survival probability for crowns cemented with resin cement (96.8%) and with RMGI cements (92.9%) (p = 0.42), however, 1 out of the 14 crowns cemented with RMGI cement debonded. The crowns were evaluated according the CDA criteria with over 90% alfa scores for all categories aside from surface texture (86% alfa).

Conclusion

The estimated 2‐year survival of Enamic crowns is >90%.

Clinical Significance

Based on the preliminary 2‐year results achieved in a clinical practice, Enamic is a suitable material for full‐coverage single‐unit crowns. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the long term success. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:231–237, 2016)
Phenotypic Characterization of a Leishmania donovani Cyclophilin 40 Null Mutant
Authors: Yau Wai‐Lok , Lambertz Ulrike , Colineau Lucie , Pescher Pascale , MacDonald Andrea , Zander Dorothea , Retzlaff Silke , Eick Julia , Reiner Neil E. , Clos Joachim , Späth Gerald F.
Published: May 2016

Protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania adapt to their arthropod and vertebrate hosts through the development of defined life cycle stages. Stage differentiation is triggered by environmental stress factors and has been linked to parasite chaperone activities. Using a null mutant approach we previously revealed important, nonredundant functions of the cochaperone cyclophilin 40 in L. donovani‐infected macrophages. Here, we characterized in more detail the virulence defect of cyp40−/− null mutants. In vitro viability assays, infection tests using macrophages, and mixed infection experiments ruled out a defect of cyp40−/− parasites in resistance to oxidative and hydrolytic stresses encountered inside the host cell phagolysosome. Investigation of the CyP40‐dependent proteome by quantitative 2D‐DiGE analysis revealed up regulation of various stress proteins in the null mutant, presumably a response to compensate for the lack of CyP40. Applying transmission electron microscopy we showed accumulation of vesicular structures in the flagellar pocket of cyp40−/− parasites that we related to a significant increase in exosome production, a phenomenon previously linked to the parasite stress response. Together these data suggest that cyp40−/− parasites experience important intrinsic homeostatic stress that likely abrogates parasite viability during intracellular infection.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION, POLYCENTRICITY, AND INTRAURBAN FIRM LOCATION CHOICES: A NESTED LOGIT MODEL FOR THE LOS ANGELES METROPOLITAN AREA
Authors: Hou Yuting
Published: May 2016

This study empirically investigates traffic congestion effects on agglomeration through the lens of firm location decisions. A discrete choice model is applied to examine new establishments’ location choices within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Employment centers are defined as the choice set to explore the nature and role of intraurban agglomerations. The results show that metro‐wide congestion negatively affects the location choices of firms in the high‐order office‐related activities, while local congestion have positive impacts on those firms’ location decisions. In contrast, firms in production‐related activities are positively influenced by regional congestion but are negatively affected by local congestion levels.
Association of Presence of Band Cells and Toxic Neutrophils with Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome and Outcome in Horses with Acute Disease
Authors: Lambert J.L. , Fernandez N.J. , Roy M.‐F.
Published: May 2016

Background

Band cells and toxic neutrophils are thought to indicate acute and severe systemic illness but no studies have investigated their importance in adult equine emergency admissions.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of band cells and toxic neutrophils with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and outcome in horses.

Animals

One hundred and five adult horses admitted on emergency basis to a private primary referral practice.

Methods

Prospective observational study with sample collection. All horses admitted on emergency basis over the study period were included in the study if they had aCBCand a blood smear collected on admission.

Results

The detection of band neutrophils on admission was associated with theSIRSstatus of the horse (RR= 2.80; 95%CI= 1.57–4.99;P< .001) and with poor outcome (RR= 1.88; 95%CI: 1.05–3.37;P= .038). Similarly, the presence of a neutrophil toxic grade higher than 3 was associated withSIRS(RR= 1.71; 95%CI: 1.03–2.82;P= .034) and death (RR= 2.34; 95%CI: 1.22–4.50,P= .007). The information gained from the blood smear review could not be captured by looking at only theWBCor neutrophil count.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The microscopic review of blood smears from critically ill horses to detect band cells or neutrophil toxic change is valuable and could help in assessing disease severity and prognosis in adult equine emergency admissions.
EFFICIENT PRICING OF BARRIER OPTIONS AND CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS IN LÉVY MODELS WITH STOCHASTIC INTEREST RATE
Authors: Boyarchenko Svetlana , Levendorskiĭ Sergei
Published: May 2016

Recently, advantages of conformal deformations of the contours of integration in pricing formulas for European options have been demonstrated in the context of wide classes of Lévy models, the Heston model, and other affine models. Similar deformations were used in one‐factor Lévy models to price options with barrier and lookback features and credit default swaps (CDSs). In the present paper, we generalize this approach to models, where the dynamics of the assets is modeled as , where X is a Lévy process, and the interest rate is stochastic. Assuming that X and r are independent, and , the infinitesimal generator of the pricing semigroup in the model for the short rate, satisfies weak regularity conditions, which hold for popular models of the short rate, we develop a variation of the pricing procedure for Lévy models which is almost as fast as in the case of the constant interest rate. Numerical examples show that about 0.15 second suffices to calculate prices of 8 options of same maturity in a two‐factor model with the error tolerance and less; in a three‐factor model, accuracy of order 0.001–0.005 is achieved in about 0.2 second. Similar results are obtained for quanto CDS, where an additional stochastic factor is the exchange rate. We suggest a class of Lévy models with the stochastic interest rate driven by 1–3 factors, which allows for fast calculations. This class can satisfy the current regulatory requirements for banks mandating sufficiently sophisticated credit risk models.
Coexistence of Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 1A and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy with conduction blocks
Authors: Shimizu Kazutaka , Hanajima Ritsuko , Shimizu Takahiro , Usui Ryo , Yanagida Atsuko , Akutsu Tsugio , Iizuka Takahiro , Nishiyama Kazutoshi
Published: May 2016

We present a 47‐year‐old woman with upper extremity muscle weakness and sensory disturbance during a slowly progressive course of leg muscle weakness. First, she was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. However, with gene analysis of PMP22 duplication, she was diagnosed with Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1A. In the electrophysiological study, nerve conduction blocks were shown, which is inconsistent with Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1A. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy improved both her symptoms and the conduction blocks. We suggest that inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy was associated with Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1A in this patient. The presence of the conduction blocks could be a hallmark of the associating inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy might be partly effective in such patients.
Biomarkers to distinguish functional constipation from irritable bowel syndrome with constipation
Authors: Whitehead W. E. , Palsson O. S. , Simrén M.
Published: May 2016

Treatments for functional constipation (FC) and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS‐C) differ, but symptom criteria do not reliably distinguish between them; some regard FC and IBS‐C as parts of a single constipation spectrum. Our goal was to review studies comparing FC and IBS‐C to identify possible biomarkers that separate them. A systematic review identified 15 studies that compared physiologic tests in FC vs IBS‐C. Pain thresholds were lower in IBS‐C than FC for 3/5 studies and not different in 2/5. Colonic motility was decreased more in FC than IBS‐C for 3/3 studies, and whole gut transit was delayed more in FC than IBS‐C in 3/8 studies and not different in 5/8. Pelvic floor dyssynergia was unrelated to diagnosis. Sympathetic arousal, measured in only one study, was greater in IBS‐C than FC. The most reliable separation of FC from IBS‐C was shown by a novel new magnetic resonance imaging technique described in this issue of the journal. These authors showed that drinking one liter of polyethylene glycol laxative significantly increased water content in the small intestine, volume of contents in the ascending colon, and time to first evacuation in FC vs IBS‐C; and resulted in less colon motility and delayed whole gut transit in FC compared to IBS‐C. Although replication is needed, this well‐tolerated, non‐invasive test promises to become a new standard for differential diagnosis of FC vs IBS‐C. These data suggest that FC and IBS‐C are different disorders rather than points on a constipation spectrum.
Manipulation of flowering time and branching by overexpression of the tomato transcription factor SlZFP2
Authors: Weng Lin , Bai Xiaodong , Zhao Fangfang , Li Rong , Xiao Han
Published: May 2016

Flowering of higher plants is orchestrated by complex regulatory networks through integration of various environmental signals such as photoperiod, temperature, light quality and developmental cues. In Arabidopsis, transcription of the flowering integrator gene FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) that several flowering pathways converge to is directly regulated by more than ten transcription factors. However, very little is known about the transcriptional regulation of the FT homolog SINGLE FLOWER TRUESS (SFT) in the day‐neutral plant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Previously, we showed that the zinc finger transcription factor SlZFP2 plays important roles in regulation of seed germination and fruit ripening in tomato and also found that overexpression of SlZFP2 impacted flowering and branching. Here, we characterized in detail the early flowering and high branching phenotypes by overexpression of this transcription factor. Our data showed that overexpression of SlZFP2 accelerated flowering in an SFT‐dependent manner as demonstrated by elevated SFT expression in the leaves and the transcription factor's binding ability to SFT promoter in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of the SlZFP2 gene in the sft plants failed to rescue the mutant's late flowering. Through analysis of grafting phenotype, growth response of branches to auxin application and transcriptome profiling by RNA sequencing, we also showed that overexpression of SlZFP2 affected shoot apical dominance through multiple regulatory pathways. Our results suggest that the transcription factor SlZFP2 has potential applications in genetic modification of plant architecture and flowering time for tomato production and other crops as well.