bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of TRPV4 by dietary apigenin antagonizes renal fibrosis in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)–salt-induced hypertension
Authors: Wei Xing , Gao Peng , Pu Yunfei , Li Qiang , Yang Tao , Zhang Hexuan , Xiong Shiqiang , Cui Yuanting , Li Li , Ma Xin , Liu Daoyan , Zhu Zhiming
Published: February 2017

Hypertension-induced renal fibrosis contributes to the progression of chronic kidney disease, and apigenin, an anti-hypertensive flavone that is abundant in celery, acts as an agonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). However, whether apigenin reduces hypertension-induced renal fibrosis, as well as the underlying mechanism, remains elusive. In the present study, the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)–salt hypertension model was established in male Sprague-Dawley rats that were treated with apigenin or vehicle for 4 weeks. Apigenin significantly attenuated the DOCA–salt-induced structural and functional damage to the kidney, which was accompanied by reduced expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad2/3 signaling pathway and extracellular matrix proteins. Immunochemistry, cell-attached patch clamp and fluorescent Ca2+ imaging results indicated that TRPV4 was expressed and activated by apigenin in both the kidney and renal cells. Importantly, knockout of TRPV4 in mice abolished the beneficial effects of apigenin that were observed in the DOCA–salt hypertensive rats. Additionally, apigenin directly inhibited activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway in different renal tissues through activation of TRPV4 regardless of the type of pro-fibrotic stimulus. Moreover, the TRPV4-mediated intracellular Ca2+ influx activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathway, which inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. In summary, dietary apigenin has beneficial effects on hypertension-induced renal fibrosis through the TRPV4-mediated activation of AMPK/SIRT1 and inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. This work suggests that dietary apigenin may represent a promising lifestyle modification for the prevention of hypertension-induced renal damage in populations that consume a high-sodium diet.
Improving the ascertainment of refugee-background people in health datasets and health services
Authors: Yelland Jane , Riggs Elisha , Szwarc Josef , Vanpraag Dannielle , Dawson Wendy , Brown Stephanie
Published: February 2017

Ascertainment of vulnerable populations in health datasets is critical to monitoring disparities in health outcomes, enables service planning and guides the delivery of health care. There is emerging evidence that people of refugee backgrounds in Australia experience poor health outcomes and barriers to accessing services, yet a clear picture of these disparities is limited by what is routinely collected in health datasets. There are challenges to improving the accuracy of ascertainment of refugee background, with sensitivities for both consumers and providers about the way questions are asked. Initial testing of four data items in maternity and early childhood health services (maternal country of birth, year of arrival in Australia, requirement for an interpreter and women’s preferred language) suggests that these are straightforward items to collect and acceptable to service administrators, care providers and to women. In addition to the four data items, a set of questions has been developed as a guide for clinicians to use in consultations. These new approaches to ascertainment of refugee background are essential for addressing the risk of poor health outcomes for those who are forced to leave their countries of origin because of persecution and violence. What is known about the topic? Relatively little attention has been given to identifying refugee-background populations in health datasets and health services. What does the paper add? Four routinely collected data items will provide an indication of refugee background to better understand health disparities and guide service planning and the delivery of health care. What are the implications for practice? The data items, together with a set of questions for practitioners to use in the clinical encounter, are essentials to the provision of culturally competent health care.
Our obligations to future generations: the limits of intergenerational justice and the necessity of the ethics of metaphysics
Authors: Sanklecha Pranay
Published: February 2017

Theories of intergenerational justice are a very common and popular way to conceptualise the obligations currently living people may have to future generations. After briefly pointing out that these theories presuppose certain views about the existence, number and identity of future people, I argue that the presuppositions must themselves be ethically investigated, and that theories of intergenerational justice lack the theoretical resources to be able to do this. On that basis, I claim it is necessary to do the ‘ethics of metaphysics’ in order to fully comprehend what, if anything, we may owe future generations. I defend these claims against some important objections.
A continued fraction of order twelve as a modular function
Authors: Lee Yoonjin , Park Yoon Kyung
Published: February 2017

We study a continued fraction

U
(
τ
)

U(\tau )

of order twelve using the modular function theory. We obtain the modular equations of

U
(
τ
)

U(\tau )

by computing the affine models of modular curves

X
(
Γ
)

X(\Gamma )

with

Γ
=

Γ
1

(
12
)
∩

Γ
0

(
12
n
)

\Gamma = \Gamma _1 (12) \cap \Gamma _0(12n)

for any positive integer

n
n

; this is a complete extension of the previous result of Mahadeva Naika et al. and Dharmendra et al. to every positive integer

n
n

. We point out that we provide an explicit construction method for finding the modular equations of

U
(
τ
)

U(\tau )

. We also prove that these modular equations satisfy the Kronecker congruence relations. Furthermore, we show that we can construct the ray class field modulo

12
12

over imaginary quadratic fields by using

U
(
τ
)

U(\tau )

and the value

U
(
τ
)

U(\tau )

at an imaginary quadratic argument is a unit. In addition, if

U
(
τ
)

U(\tau )

is expressed in terms of radicals, then we can express

U
(
r
τ
)

U(r \tau )

in terms of radicals for a positive rational number

r
r

.
Center manifolds without a phase space
Authors: Faye Grégory , Scheel Arnd
Published: February 2017

We establish center manifold theorems that allow one to study the bifurcation of small solutions from a trivial state in systems of functional equations posed on the real line. The class of equations includes most importantly nonlinear equations with nonlocal coupling through convolution operators as they arise in the description of spatially extended dynamics in neuroscience. These systems possess a natural spatial translation symmetry, but local existence or uniqueness theorems for a spatial evolution associated with this spatial shift or even a well motivated choice of phase space for the induced dynamics do not seem to be available, due to the infinite range forward- and backward-coupling through nonlocal convolution operators. We perform a reduction relying entirely on functional analytic methods. Despite the nonlocal nature of the problem, we do recover a local differential equation describing the dynamics on the set of small bounded solutions, exploiting that the translation invariance of the original problem induces a flow action on the center manifold. We apply our reduction procedure to problems in mathematical neuroscience, illustrating in particular the new type of algebra necessary for the computation of Taylor jets of reduced vector fields.
Determinants of Susceptibility and Resistance to Feline Leukemia Virus Infection. I. Role of Macrophages23
Authors: Hoover Edward A. , Rojko Jennifer L. , Wilson Pamela L. , Olsen Richard G.
Published: February 2017

The role of autochthonous peritoneal feline macrophages (Mθ) in the age-related resistance of cats to feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was investigated by a study of the functional properties and FeLV susceptibility of Mθ from kittens and adult cats and the effect of hydrocortisone (HC) and silica on Mθ-FeLV interactions. Although the phagocytic functions of isolated Mθ from kittens and adults were equivalent, the mean FeLV susceptibility of Mθ from kittens was five times that of Mθ from adult cats, thus establishing a direct correlation between the age-related susceptibility of cats and Mθ from cats to FeLV. Mθ of viremic cats were found to be infected with FeLV in vivo; virus titers were slightly higher than those obtained after in vitro infection of Mθ. Mθ from cats that had experienced regressive FeLV infection were not significantly more resistant to FeLV infection in vitro than were Mθ from naive adult specific-pathogen-free cats. HC, which has been shown to enhance the in vivo FeLV susceptibility of cats, also enhanced the permissiveness of Mθ from cats to FeLV in vitro (600-fold for Mθ from adult cats and 200-fold for Mθ) from kittens. Mθ permissiveness to FeLV was highly sensitive to HC and occurred in Mθ infected in vivo or in vitro. In parallel with the effect of HC on the natural resistance of cats to FeLV, administration of silica before virus inoculation also markedly enhanced the FeLV susceptibility of adult cats. Silica was toxic for isolated Mθ but not for lymphocytes in vitro, and silica produced monocytopenia and neutrophilia, delayed skin allograft rejection, and augmented feline oncovirus-associated cell membrane antigen antibody responses in vivo. These experiments indicate that Mθ were linked to the natural resistance of cats to FeLV and that the temporary elimination of Mθ functions (e.g., by silica) and/or the conversion of the Mθ-FeLV relationship from a nonpermissive to a permissive state (e.g., by corticosteroids) resulted in failure of early virus containment, in persistent virus amplification in hemolymphatic tissues, and in subsequent FeLV-related proliferative or antiproliferative disease.
The physical chemistry of the primary cell wall: implications for the control of expansion rate
Authors: Passioura J.B.
Published: February 2017

The main macroscopic view of the mechanical properties of the elongating plant cell wall (the Lockhart model) embraces the notions of yield threshold (Y) and extensibility (Φ). The model would be especially powerful if Y and Φ were parameters. Often, however, they behave more like variables that tend to maintain elongation rate constant despite changes in turgor. To understand the variable nature of Y and Φ requires the macroscopic model to be augmented with a molecular one. This paper describes a molecular model of the expanding wall that mimics the variable nature of Y and Φ. The main postulates are (1) that there are two functionally disparate populations of hemicellulose molecules that tie the cellulose microfibrils of the wall together: those that are taut and load-bearing, and those that are slack and not load-bearing; and (2) that there are enzymes that cleave or loosen the load-bearing molecules. It is supposed that during the stretching of the wall slack molecules become taut and are recruited to the load-bearing contingent, thereby stiffening the wall. This stiffening is undone by enzymes that loosen load-bearing molecules. The net result is that changes in turgor alter the distribution of the hemicellulose molecules between the slack and taut populations without necessarily altering the rates of recruitment from one to the other, except transiently. The expansion rate depends on the frequency at which load-bearing molecules are loosened multiplied by the amount of expansion that occurs before the next load-bearing molecule is recruited. Effects of changing water status on expansion rate may be mediated not necessarily through turgor, but possibly through the hydration of the wall, which may shrink at low water potential, thereby inactivating enzyme molecules by restricting tneir freedom of movement.
Functional gene categories differentiate maize leaf drought-related microbial epiphytic communities
Authors: Methe Barbara A , Hiltbrand David , Roach Jeffrey , Xu Wenwei , Gordon Stuart G , Goodner Brad W , Stapleton Ann E
Published: February 2017

The phyllosphere epiphytic microbiome is composed of microorganisms that colonize the external aerial portions of plants. Relationships of plant responses to specific microorganisms–both pathogenic and beneficial–have been examined, but the phyllosphere microbiome functional and metabolic profile responses are not well described. Changing crop growth conditions, such as increased drought, can have profound impacts on crop productivity. Also, epiphytic microbial communities provide a new target for crop yield optimization. We comparedZea maysleaf microbiomes collected under drought and well-watered conditions by examining functional gene annotation patterns across three physically disparate locations each with and without drought treatment, through the application of short read metagenomic sequencing. Drought samples exhibited different functional sequence compositions at each of the three field sites. Maize phyllosphere functional profiles revealed a wide variety of metabolic and regulatory processes that differed in drought and normal water conditions and provide key baseline information for future selective breeding.
Macrophages are required to coordinate mouse digit tip regeneration
Authors: Simkin Jennifer , Sammarco Mimi C. , Marrero Luis , Dawson Lindsay A. , Yan Mingquan , Tucker Catherine , Cammack Alex , Muneoka Ken
Published: February 2017

In mammals, macrophages are known to play a major role in tissue regeneration. These cells contribute to inflammation, histolysis, re-epithelialization, re-vascularization and cell proliferation. While macrophages have been shown to be essential for epimorphic regeneration in salamanders and fish, their role has not been elucidated in mammalian epimorphic regeneration. Here, using the mouse digit tip model as a mammalian model of epimorphic regeneration, we demonstrate that macrophages are essential for the regeneration process. Using cell depletion strategies, we show that regeneration is completely inhibited; bone histolysis does not occur, wound re-epithelization is inhibited and the blastema does not form. Rescue of epidermal wound closure, in the absence of macrophages, promotes blastema accumulation but not differentiation indicating that macrophage play a role in re-differentiation. Additionally, inhibition of osteoclasts and the degradation process is not sufficient to inhibit regeneration. These findings show that macrophages play an essential role in coordinating the epimorphic regenerative response in mammals.
Auditory prediction errors as individual biomarkers of schizophrenia
Authors: Taylor J.A. , Matthews N. , Michie P.T. , Rosa M.J. , Garrido M.I.
Published: February 2017

Schizophrenia is a complex psychiatric disorder, typically diagnosed through symptomatic evidence collected through patient interview. We aim to develop an objective biologically-based computational tool which aids diagnosis and relies on accessible imaging technologies such as electroencephalography (EEG). To achieve this, we used machine learning techniques and a combination of paradigms designed to elicit prediction errors or Mismatch Negativity (MMN) responses. MMN, an EEG component elicited by unpredictable changes in sequences of auditory stimuli, has previously been shown to be reduced in people with schizophrenia and this is arguably one of the most reproducible neurophysiological markers of schizophrenia.

EEG data were acquired from 21 patients with schizophrenia and 22 healthy controls whilst they listened to three auditory oddball paradigms comprising sequences of tones which deviated in 10% of trials from regularly occurring standard tones. Deviant tones shared the same properties as standard tones, except for one physical aspect: 1) duration-the deviant stimulus was twice the duration of the standard; 2) monaural gap-deviants had a silent interval omitted from the standard, or 3) inter-aural timing difference, which caused the deviant location to be perceived as 90° away from the standards.

We used multivariate pattern analysis, a machine learning technique implemented in the Pattern Recognition for Neuroimaging Toolbox (PRoNTo) to classify images generated through statistical parametric mapping (SPM) of spatiotemporal EEG data, i.e. event-related potentials measured on the two-dimensional surface of the scalp over time. Using support vector machine (SVM) and Gaussian processes classifiers (GPC), we were able classify individual patients and controls with balanced accuracies of up to 80.48% (p-values = 0.0326, FDR corrected) and an ROC analysis yielding an AUC of 0.87. Crucially, a GPC regression revealed that MMN predicted global assessment of functioning (GAF) scores (correlation = 0.73, R2= 0.53,p= 0.0006)
A spiral attractor network drives rhythmic locomotion
Authors: Bruno Angela M. , Frost William N. , Humphries Mark D.
Published: February 2017

The joint activity of neural populations is high dimensional and complex. One strategy for reaching a tractable understanding of circuit function is to seek the simplest dynamical system that can account for the population activity. By imagingAplysia’s pedal ganglion during fictive locomotion, here we show that its population-wide activity arises from a low-dimensional spiral attractor. Evoking locomotion moved the population into a low-dimensional, periodic, decaying orbit −a spiral −in which it behaved as a true attractor, converging to the same orbit when evoked, and returning to that orbit after transient perturbation. We found the same attractor in every preparation, and could predict motor output directly from its orbit, yet individual neurons’ participation changed across consecutive locomotion bouts. From these results, we propose that only the low-dimensional dynamics for movement control, and not the high-dimensional population activity, are consistent within and between nervous systems.
Explicit Modeling of RNA Stability Improves Large-Scale Inference of Transcription Regulation
Authors: Tchourine Konstantine , Vogel Christine , Bonneau Richard
Published: February 2017

Inference of eukaryotic transcription regulatory networks remains challenging due to the large number of regu-lators, combinatorial interactions, and redundant pathways. Even in the model systemSaccharomyces cerevisiae, inference has performed poorly. Most existing inference algorithms ignore crucial regulatory components, like RNA stability and post-transcriptional modulation of regulators. Here we demonstrate that explicitly modeling tran-scription factor activity and RNA half-lives during inference of a genome-wide transcription regulatory network in yeast not only advances prediction performance, but also produces new insights into gene-and condition-specific variation of RNA stability. We curated a high quality gold standard reference network that we use for priors on network structure and model validation. We incorporate variation of RNA half-lives into theInferelatorinference framework, and show improved performance over previously described algorithms and over implementations of the algorithm that do not model RNA degradation. We recapitulate known condition-and gene-specific trends in RNA half-lives, and make new predictions about RNA half-lives that are confirmed by experimental data.
An analysis of operating expense control within US multifamily properties
Authors: Carswell Andrew
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effect that ownership and management structures have on ability to control operating expenses. For individual investors, intensity of management experience is also explored as a possible explanatory variable for operating expenses. For property management services that are contracted out, the level of the fee is investigated as a possible cause for movements in operating expenses as well. Finally, operating expenses are used as a possible explanatory variable for a property’s lease-up performance during the year.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis consists of a series of regression models performed on data provided by the 2012 Rental Housing Finance Survey (RHFS) in the USA. The RHFS is a unique data set that covers a wide degree of information on multifamily properties. The RHFS represents 2,260 properties in total, and covers various aspects of the apartment industry, including financing and operational cost measures. Control variables used as independent variables include number of units, year of property acquisition, and age of building.

Findings

Individual ownership and self-management proved to be statistically significant drivers in driving down log operating expenses. Hours spent by individuals performing property management roles on their own properties had a slightly positive association with operating expenses. For professional managers, the fees devoted solely to the manager or management company had a highly significant and positive effect on other operating costs. Finally, when separating out the individual components of operating expenses, only two variables had significant effects on tenant lease-ups: management expenses (positive) and security expenses (negative).

Research limitations/implications

The data set is potentially biased toward those properties with less than 100 units, and thus it would be problematic to assume that these findings are generalizable to the population at large. There are also no geographic coding indicators within the RHFS data set, which eliminates the potential to control for various market factors and rural/urban differences.

Practical implications

The research provides an understanding of some of the basic factors behind increases in operating expenses, which ultimately has implications for performance benchmarks such as net operating income and property market value.

Social implications

The reasonable controlling of operating expenses ultimately has potentially positive implications for low- to moderate-income populations, who would ultimately experience lower rents as a result.

Originality/value

This research represents one of the first known uses of the RHFS database.
Playing to Learn: an overview of the Montessori Approach with pre‐school children with Autism Spectrum Condition
Authors: Marks Laura
Published: February 2017

This article explores some of the literature concerning the effectiveness of the Montessori educational approach for children with ASC within an English school context. Firstly, there is a discussion, including a short historical review, regarding the ideology of inclusion and how it has impacted upon mainstream education. Also, how this can be facilitated using play‐based approaches such as Montessori. Secondly, various models of disability are identified in order to highlight how they have informed societal attitudes towards people with disabilities. There is a brief history of ASC detailing how a child with this disability may be affected on a daily basis and the effectiveness of alternative play‐based educational approaches such as Montessori in helping children with ASC to develop the appropriate skills they need in order to self‐regulate and thus modify their behaviour. Furthermore, the value of play‐based curriculums in supporting a child diagnosed with ASC throughout the learning process is also evaluated. The summary highlights the need for more evidence‐based studies to be undertaken in order to assess whether the Montessori approach is a valid alternative in teaching pre‐school children with ASC.
Food Safety Crisis Management—A Comparison between Germany and the Netherlands
Authors: van Asselt E.D. , van der Fels‐Klerx H.J. , Breuer O. , Helsloot I.
Published: February 2017

In order to prevent food safety incidents from becoming a crisis, a good crisis management structure is essential. The aim of the current study was to compare and evaluate the national food incident response plans of 2 neighboring EU Member States: Germany and the Netherlands. This revealed that the structure of these plans is comparable, starting with initial alerting, assessment of the problem, upscaling, an execution phase and finally an evaluation of the crisis management. However, the German communication structure is more complex than the Dutch one and cross‐border communication between both countries is currently limited.

In general, the presence of national response plans does not guarantee a good and swift response to a food safety incident as this is often hampered by difficulties in tracing the source of the problem as well as difficulties in communication between organizations involved in crisis management. A timely detection can be improved through the development of fast screening and detecting systems and through combining various data sources using computer software systems. Mutual cooperation and communication can be improved through joint exercises or projects. This will help to streamline communication toward consumers and trade partners. Such communication should be transparent relaying not only the facts but also the uncertainties in a crisis in order to gain consumer trust and safeguard international trade.
The clinically used PARP inhibitor olaparib improves organ function, suppresses inflammatory responses and accelerates wound healing in a murine model of third‐degree burn injury
Authors: Ahmad Akbar , Olah Gabor , Herndon David N , Szabo Csaba
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose

The PARP inhibitor olaparib has recently been approved for human use for the therapy of cancer. Considering the role of PARP in critical illness, we tested the effect of olaparib in a murine model of burn injury, in order to begin exploring the feasibility of repurposing olaparib for the therapy of burn patients.

Experimental Approach

Mice were subjected to scald burn injury and randomized into vehicle or olaparib (10 mg·kg−1·day−1 i.p.) groups. Outcome variables included indices of organ injury, clinical chemistry parameters, plasma levels of inflammatory mediators (at 24 h, 7 and 21 days) and burn wound size (at 21 days).

Key Results

Olaparib reduced myeloperoxidase levels in heart and lung homogenates and reduced malondialdehyde levels in all tissues 24 h post‐burn. Olaparib also reduced circulating alkaline aminotransferase, amylase and blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, indicative of protection against hepatic, pancreatic and renal dysfunction. Pro‐inflammatory mediator (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, GCSF, GM‐CSF, eotaxin, KC, MIP‐1‐α and IL‐3, 6 and 12) levels as well as the levels of several mediators that are generally considered anti‐inflammatory (IL‐4, 10 and 13) were reduced by olaparib. Plasma troponin‐I levels (an indicator of skeletal muscle damage) was also attenuated by olaparib. Finally, olaparib stimulated wound healing.

Conclusions and Implications

The clinically approved PARP inhibitor olaparib improves organ function, suppresses inflammatory responses and accelerates wound healing in murine burn injury. The data raise the potential utility of olaparib for severe burn injury.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Inventing New Therapies Without Reinventing the Wheel: The Power of Drug Repurposing. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.2/issuetoc
Chronic Sleep Restriction Induces Cognitive Deficits and Cortical Beta‐Amyloid Deposition in Mice via BACE1‐Antisense Activation
Authors: Zhao Hong‐Yi , Wu Hui‐Juan , He Jia‐Lin , Zhuang Jian‐Hua , Liu Zhen‐Yu , Huang Liu‐Qing , Zhao Zhong‐Xin
Published: February 2017

Aims

To clarify the correlation between chronic sleep restriction (CSR) and sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD), we determined in wild‐type mice the impact of CSR, on cognitive performance, beta‐amyloid (Aβ) peptides, and its feed‐forward regulators regarding AD pathogenesis.

Methods

Sixteen nine‐month‐old C57BL/6 male mice were equally divided into the CSR and control groups. CSR was achieved by application of a slowly rotating drum for 2 months. The Morris water maze test was used to assess cognitive impairment. The concentrations of Aβ peptides, amyloid precursor protein (APP) and β‐secretase 1 (BACE1), and the mRNA levels of BACE1 and BACE1‐antisense (BACE1‐AS) were measured.

Results

Following CSR, impairments of spatial learning and memory consolidation were observed in the mice, accompanied by Aβ plaque deposition and an increased Aβ concentration in the prefrontal and temporal lobe cortex. CSR also upregulated the β‐secretase‐induced cleavage of APP by increasing the protein and mRNA levels of BACE1, particularly the BACE1‐AS.

Conclusions

This study shows that a CSR accelerates AD pathogenesis in wild‐type mice. An upregulation of the BACE1 pathway appears to participate in both cortical Aβ plaque deposition and memory impairment caused by CSR. BACE1‐AS is likely activated to initiate a cascade of events that lead to AD pathogenesis. Our study provides, therefore, a molecular mechanism that links CSR to sporadic AD.
Risk governance, structures, culture, and behavior: A view from the inside
Authors: Sheedy Elizabeth , Griffin Barbara
Published: February 2017

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Questions/Issues

Risk governance (emphasizing internal structures and risk culture) is a relatively new approach to the governance of financial institutions that is being widely adopted in the industry. Due to obvious assessment challenges, to date no evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of risk structures nor the status of risk culture in financial institutions. We therefore investigate the extent to which bank employees view risk structures as effective and risk culture as favorable. We also investigate how risk structures and risk culture together influence risk behavior.

Research Findings/Insights

Risk structures were typically rated as effective with the exception of remuneration. Risk culture varied at the business unit level as well as by firm and country. Senior leaders tended to have a rosier perception of risk culture than staff generally. Favorable risk culture together with effective risk structures was associated with high levels of desirable and low levels of undesirable risk behavior.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The study provides a window into internal bank governance using a novel survey methodology. Many governance papers rely exclusively on external measures of governance; these do not guarantee effective internal risk governance.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Further managerial and supervisory attention should be paid to ensure that culture and remuneration structures support risk management in financial institutions. As risk culture varies at the local level, it should be measured and managed at the local level. Senior leaders cannot rely on their own perceptions but should rely instead on independent assessments of risk culture.
Challenging terrestrial biosphere models with data from the long‐term multifactor Prairie Heating and CO2 Enrichment experiment
Authors: De Kauwe Martin G. , Medlyn Belinda E. , Walker Anthony P. , Zaehle Sönke , Asao Shinichi , Guenet Bertrand , Harper Anna B. , Hickler Thomas , Jain Atul K. , Luo Yiqi , Lu Xingjie , Luus Kristina , Parton William J. , Shu Shijie , Wang Ying‐Ping , Werner Christian , Xia Jianyang , Pendall Elise , Morgan Jack A. , Ryan Edmund M. , Carrillo Yolima , Dijkstra Feike A. , Zelikova Tamara J. , Norby Richard J.
Published: February 2017

Multifactor experiments are often advocated as important for advancing terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs), yet to date, such models have only been tested against single‐factor experiments. We applied 10 TBMs to the multifactor Prairie Heating and CO2 Enrichment (PHACE) experiment in Wyoming, USA. Our goals were to investigate how multifactor experiments can be used to constrain models and to identify a road map for model improvement. We found models performed poorly in ambient conditions; there was a wide spread in simulated above‐ground net primary productivity (range: 31–390 g C m−2 yr−1). Comparison with data highlighted model failures particularly with respect to carbon allocation, phenology, and the impact of water stress on phenology. Performance against the observations from single‐factors treatments was also relatively poor. In addition, similar responses were predicted for different reasons across models: there were large differences among models in sensitivity to water stress and, among the N cycle models, N availability during the experiment. Models were also unable to capture observed treatment effects on phenology: they overestimated the effect of warming on leaf onset and did not allow CO2‐induced water savings to extend the growing season length. Observed interactive (CO2 × warming) treatment effects were subtle and contingent on water stress, phenology, and species composition. As the models did not correctly represent these processes under ambient and single‐factor conditions, little extra information was gained by comparing model predictions against interactive responses. We outline a series of key areas in which this and future experiments could be used to improve model predictions of grassland responses to global change.
White porcelain material based on diopside
Authors: Wu Jianfeng , Li Kun , Xu Xiaohong , Zhang Yaxiang , Xu Xiaoyang , Lao Xinbin
Published: February 2017

The intention of the present study was to develop an alternative composition for making porcelain material using diopside as the main raw material. Particle size distribution, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer, and field emission scanning electron microscope were carried out to characterize the body. Alfa‐quartz, diopside, anorthite, and clinoenstatite were major phases of fired sample. The flexural strength, 131.54 MPa, was two times higher than that of conventional porcelains. During firing, iron ions were diffused into diopside crystal lattice giving the porcelain body a favorable whiteness. It is applicable in preparation of porcelain material using diopside as the main raw material.
Categorizing facial creases: A review
Authors: Hadi Helmi , Wilkinson Caroline M.
Published: February 2017

Ensuring uniformity in the nomenclature standardization of facial creases is important to enable the scholarly community to follow and debate the advancements in research. This review highlights the prevailing disparity in the nomenclature that refers to the same facial crease by researchers and laypeople, and suggests uniform names for the facial creases based on available literature. The previous and current trends in facial crease classification are also discussed. The nomenclature of the facial creases considered for this review include the following: the nasolabial fold, corner of the mouth lines, upper and lower lip creases around the mouth region, the mandibular folds, the bifid nose, the transverse nasal line, the vertical glabellar line, chin crease, the mental crease, four type of creases around the eyes, forehead creases, and periauricular creases. A figure illustrating the above facial creases is included as reference. It is hoped that the proposed standardization of nomenclature would ensure a more scientific referencing of facial creases enabling more effective scientific interaction among the scholarly community as well as the laypeople interested in the research and application of facial creases.
Differences in competitive ability for the occupancy of shelters in triatomines
Authors: ZACHARIAS C. A. , MINOLI S. A. , MANRIQUE G.
Published: February 2017

Triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) are nocturnal blood‐sucking insects. During daylight hours they remain in an akinetic state inside their shelters, whereas at dusk they become active and move outside. When they are outside their shelters during the photophase, triatomines are vulnerable to diurnal predators and the period just before dawn is critical to their survival. This work analyses the existence of competitive interactions involved in the occupancy of shelters by triatomines. Behavioural assays were performed in which nymphs of different stages, nutritional status or species were released in an experimental arena containing a space‐limited artificial shelter. The proportions of individuals occupying the shelter during the photophase were quantified to estimate the competitive abilities of each stage and species. Intraspecific comparisons showed higher levels of shelter occupancy for fourth over fifth instars and fed over unfed nymphs of Triatoma infestans. Interspecific comparisons showed higher rates of shelter occupancy for Triatoma sordida in comparison with T. infestans, and for T. infestans over Rhodnius prolixus. Arrival order was also relevant to determining shelter occupancy levels: early arrival was advantageous in comparison with later arrival. The study of intra‐ and interspecific competitive interactions for shelter occupancy provides relevant information about colonization and recolonization processes in the natural environments of triatomines.
A re‐appraisal of the conventional history of antibiosis and Penicillin
Authors: Arseculeratne S. N. , Arseculeratne G.
Published: February 2017

The popular perception of the history of antibiosis and penicillin is that Alexander Fleming was the sole researcher on penicillin. The literature, however, has documentation of preceding persons who reported definitively on these topics, from the late 19th century. Divergent reports on “firsts” in the discovery of antimicrobial activity of Penicillium and on the use of penicillin as a therapeutic agent, are present. This review adds knowledge from diverse sources, and restores historical priorities to the conventional story of Penicillin.
Dentatorubral‐pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) with a small ganglioglioma component containing neurofibrillary tangles and polyglutamine aggregation
Authors: Yamada Seiji , Yamazaki Tatsuya , Nakata Satoshi , Nobusawa Sumihito , Ikota Hayato , Ide Munenori , Mizushima Kazuyuki , Harigaya Yasuo , Hirato Junko , Yokoo Hideaki
Published: February 2017

Dentatorubral‐pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA), one of the polyglutamine diseases, has not been reported in combination with ganglioglioma (GG). Herein, we report an autopsy case of a 72‐year‐old man with DRPLA with a small GG component harboring neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and polyglutamine aggregates. NFTs, cytoplasmic accumulations of hyper‐phosphorylated tau, are mainly observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other tau‐associated neurodegenerative disorders. NFTs can also be present in normal aging, and are occasionally observed in low‐grade central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms such as GG. In the present case, whole brain examination demonstrated widespread deposition of polyglutamine aggregates, including GG, whereas NFTs were restricted to the GG component. In addition, no other AD or aging‐related neuropathological structures were detected throughout the CNS. These findings may provide us with clues to elucidate the pathogenetic mechanisms that neuronal neoplasms may have to develop NFTs regardless of aging, and that polyglutamine may accumulate in neoplastic neurons in polyglutamine disease.
Changing Landscape for Peritoneal Dialysis: Optimizing Utilization
Authors: Schreiber Martin J.
Published: February 2017

The future growth of peritoneal dialysis (PD) will be directly linked to the shift in US healthcare to a value‐based payment model due to PD's lower yearly cost, early survival advantage over in‐center hemodialysis, and improved quality of life for patients treating their kidney disease in the home. Under this model, nephrology practices will need an increased focus on managing the transition from chronic kidney disease to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), providing patient education with the aim of accomplishing modality selection and access placement ahead of dialysis initiation. Physicians must expand their knowledge base in home therapies and work toward increased technique survival through implementation of specific practice initiatives that highlight PD catheter placement success, preservation of residual renal function, consideration of incremental PD, and competence in urgent start PD. Avoidance of both early and late PD technique failures is also critical to PD program growth. Large dialysis organizations must continue to measure and improve quality metrics for PD, expand their focus beyond the sole provision of PD to holistic patient care, and initiate programs to reduce PD hospitalization rates and encourage physicians to consider the benefits of PD as an initial modality for appropriate patients. New and innovative strategies are needed to address the main reasons for PD technique failure, improve the connectivity of the patient in the home, leverage home biometric data to improve overall outcomes, and develop PD cycler devices that lower patient treatment burden and reduce both treatment fatigue and treatment‐dependent complications.
Outcomes and prognostic factors of surgical treatments for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in 3 breeds
Authors: Liu Nai‐Chieh , Oechtering Gerhard U. , Adams Vicki J. , Kalmar Lajos , Sargan David R. , Ladlow Jane F.
Published: February 2017

Objective

To determine prognostic indicators for the surgical treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and to compare the prognosis of 2 multilevel surgical procedures.

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Sample Population

Client‐owned pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs (n = 50).

Methods

Noninvasive whole‐body barometric plethysmography (WBBP) was used to assess respiratory function before, 1 month and 6 months after upper airway corrective surgery. Postoperatively, BOAS indices (ie, ascending severity score generated from WBBP data, 0%‐100%) that equaled to or exceeded the cut‐off values of BOAS in the diagnostic models were considered to have a “poor prognosis.” A multivariate logistic regression was used to assess predictors for prognosis.

Results

The median BOAS indices decreased after surgery (from 76% to 63%,P < .0001), although dogs with indices in this range would still be considered clinically affected. Age (odds ratios [OR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93‐0.99,P < .05), body condition (OR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01‐0.39,P < .01), laryngeal collapse (OR = 6.1, 95% CI: 1‐37.22,P < .05), and surgical techniques (OR = 7.94, 95% CI: 1.17‐54.01,P < .05) were associated with postoperative prognosis. The multivariate model suggests modified multilevel surgery (MMS) may have a better outcome than traditional multilevel surgery (TMS) (P = .034). The positive predictive value of the logistic model was 84% (95% CI: 68‐94%) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 89% (95% CI: 78‐99%,P<.0001).

Conclusions

Younger age, normal body condition, presence of laryngeal collapse, and treatment with TMS were negative prognostic factors after surgical treatment of BOAS. MMS is recommended, particularly in dogs with a higher probability of poor prognosis.
Social Innovation: A New Paradigm Of Innovation Outcome Strategy In The Context Of Strategic Knowledge Management Processes
Authors: Jali Muhamad Nizam , Abas Zakaria , Ariffin Ahmad Shabudin
Published: February 2017

The current knowledge-innovation led economy requires a new paradigm of innovation to address critical issues, among others, namely: poor social health, poor living conditions, poor education systems, public income inequality, massive unemployment, poor economic growth and lack of new technological advances. Thus this paper explores the concept of social innovation in the context of strategic knowledge management processes.  This paper suggested that social innovation is an outstanding solution in addressing social, economic and technological issues highlighted above, because the outcome of social innovation encompasses social, economic and technological payoffs concurrently. Strategic knowledge management processes, creates superior knowledge resource that is regarded as a new and novel solution that can be embedded into products, processes and services which in turn leads to the outcome of improving the quality of people’s life, stimulate economic growth and enhance technological advances i.e. social innovation. The old paradigm of innovation that refers to technological innovation is seen inadequate and obsolete in dealing with aforesaid social, economic and technological issues because it is very much focused and centred in fulfilling private needs. Therefore, social innovation and strategic knowledge management processes must be seriously considered by the policy makers, private sectors and also public institutions given the massive contribution that it might bring forward to many nations’ core aspirations.
Homoseksual: Antara Hukum dan Kemajuan Sains
Authors: Batri Nek Mah , Mohd Yusof Farahwahida , Muhamad Siti Norlina , Hassan Ahmad Muhyuddin , Ripin Mohd. Nasir , Haron Zulkiflee
Published: February 2017

Homosexuality is a phenomenon that has ling existed in human history. It is became the targer of the study to find the contributing factors to the tennets of the Islamic perspective. The desire of homosexuals to change the physical conditions of a male to femare or vice versa is a good convention for sexual purposes or desore to become a mother or father status. The pace and progress of science and technology has helped homesexuals meet their needs, even if the outcome of these treatments may bring much harm to themselves or those around them. High costs of sex change surgeries caused many homosezual stuck to the nature of adultery and leave a negative impact on health. The purpose of this paper is to understand the factor that cause homosexuality: Between law and science. The method used is a qualitative approach and a library. The findidngs of the study showd that the factors that cause the occurrence of homosexuality no only depend on environmental factors such as parents, peers, social and biological factors, but diet and drugs. There is a lack of research on the different schools of taught concerning the change of gender studies, hence it is has become prevalent in the Muslim community. If this is not handled as soon as possible, it not only gives an image that is not healthy within our communities but aslo undermine the development of Islamic civilization.
Measuring The Impact of Socio-Technical Congruence in a Different Types of Software Life Cycle
Authors: Sobri W.A.W.M. , Fauzi S.S.M. , Nasir M.H.N.M. , Ahmad R. , Suali A.J.
Published: February 2017

Measuring developer coordination is a fundamental challenge and complex task in software development organizations. One way used to conceptualize and measure developer coordination is known as 'Socio-Technical Congruence (STC)', which is fit between the coordination requirements established by the dependencies among tasks and the actual coordination activities carried out by the developers. However, STC has not been widely accepted as a broad theory. This is for the reason that, STC is relatively new, and there are many fundamental questions that need to be addressed and understood. This research intend to construct a model of the relationship between STC and project performance in the different types of software development lifecycle. The model constructed can be used to provide additional evidence to the body of knowledge, which will further strengthen the STC theory. Therefore, we outline research questions, the proposed method used to conduct the research, potential contributions and the expected results of the research.