bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuronal connectivity between habenular glutamate‐kisspeptin1 co‐expressing neurons and the raphe 5‐HT system
Authors: Nathan Fatima M. , Ogawa Satoshi , Parhar Ishwar S.
Published: August 2015

The habenula, located on the dorsal thalamic surface, is an emotional and reward processing center. As in the mammalian brain, the zebrafish habenula is divided into dorsal (dHb) and ventral (vHb) subdivisions that project to the interpeduncular nucleus and median raphe (MR) respectively. Previously, we have shown that kisspeptin 1 (Kiss1) expressing in the vHb, regulates the serotonin (5‐HT) system in the MR. However, the connectivity between the Kiss1 neurons and the 5‐HT system remains unknown. To resolve this issue, we generated a specific antibody against zebrafish Kiss1 receptor (Kiss‐R1); using this primary antibody we found intense immunohistochemical labeling in the ventro‐anterior corner of the MR (vaMR) but not in 5‐HT neurons, suggesting the potential involvement of interneurons in 5‐HT modulation by Kiss1. Double‐fluorescence labeling showed that the majority of habenular Kiss1 neurons are glutamatergic. In the MR region, Kiss1 fibers were mainly seen in close association with glutamatergic neurons and only scarcely within GABAergic and 5‐HT neurons. Our findings indicate that the habenular Kiss1 neurons potentially modulate the 5‐HT system primarily through glutamatergic neurotransmission via as yet uncharacterized interneurons.

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The neuropeptide kisspeptin (Kiss1) play a key role in vertebrate reproduction. We have previously shown modulatory role of habenular Kiss1 in the raphe serotonin (5‐HT) systems. This study proposed that the habenular Kiss1 neurons modulate the 5‐HT system primarily through glutamatergic neurotransmission, which provides an important insight for understanding of the modulation of 5‐HT system by the habenula‐raphe pathway.
Autophagy protects human brain microvascular endothelial cells against methylglyoxal‐induced injuries, reproducible in a cerebral ischemic model in diabetic rats
Authors: Fang Lili , Li Xue , Zhong Yinbo , Yu Jing , Yu Lina , Dai Haibin , Yan Min
Published: August 2015

Cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) are crucial for brain vascular repair and maintenance, but their physiological function may be impaired during ischemic stroke and diabetes. Methylglyoxal (MGO), a reactive dicarbonyl produced during glucose metabolism, could exacerbate ischemia‐induced EC injury and dysfunction. We investigated the protective effect of autophagy on cultured human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) that underwent MGO treatment. A further study was conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms of the protective effect. Autophagic activity was assessed by evaluating protein levels, using western blot. 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA), bafilomycin A1, ammonium chloride (AC), Beclin 1 siRNA, and chloroquine (CQ) were used to cause autophagy inhibition. Alarmar blue assay and lactate dehydrogenase release assay were used to evaluate cell viability. Streptozotocin was administered to induce type I diabetes in rats and post‐permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed to elicit cerebral ischemia. Blood–brain barrier permeability was also assessed. Our study found that MGO reduced HBMEC cell viability in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, and triggered the responsive autophagy activation. Autophagy inhibitors bafilomycin A1, AC, 3‐MA, and BECN1 siRNA exacerbated MGO‐induced HBMEC injury. FAK phosphorylation inhibitor PF573228 inhibited MGO‐triggered autophagy and enhanced lactate dehydrogenase release. Meanwhile, similar autophagy activation in brain vascular ECs was observed during permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion‐induced cerebral ischemia in diabetic rats, while chloroquine‐induced autophagy inhibition enhanced blood–brain barrier permeability. Taken together, our study indicates that autophagy triggered by MGO defends HBMEC against injuries.

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Cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) are crucial for brain vascular repair and maintenance, but their physiological function is impaired during ischemic stroke and diabetes. In this study, we found methylglyoxal (MGO) decreased human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC) cell viability in a concentration and time dependent manner, which was accompanied by the responsive autophagy activation. Autophagy inhibitors exacerbated (MGO)‐induced HBMEC injury. FAK phosphorylation inhibitor PF573228 inhibited MGO‐triggered autophagy and enhanced LDH release. Meanwhile, the similar autophagy activation in brain vascular ECs was observed during permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO)‐induced cerebral ischemia in diabetic rats, and chloroquine ‐induced autophagy inhibition enhanced BBB permeability. This study indicates that autophagy triggered by MGO defends HBMEC against injuries.
Advancing Symptom Science Through Use of Common Data Elements
Authors: Redeker Nancy S. , Anderson Ruth , Bakken Suzanne , Corwin Elizabeth , Docherty Sharron , Dorsey Susan G. , Heitkemper Margaret , McCloskey Donna Jo , Moore Shirley , Pullen Carol , Rapkin Bruce , Schiffman Rachel , Waldrop‐Valverde Drenna , Grady Patricia
Published: August 2015

Background

Use of common data elements (CDEs), conceptually defined as variables that are operationalized and measured in identical ways across studies, enables comparison of data across studies in ways that would otherwise be impossible. Although healthcare researchers are increasingly using CDEs, there has been little systematic use of CDEs for symptom science. CDEs are especially important in symptom science because people experience common symptoms across a broad range of health and developmental states, and symptom management interventions may have common outcomes across populations.

Purposes

The purposes of this article are to (a) recommend best practices for the use of CDEs for symptom science within and across centers; (b) evaluate the benefits and challenges associated with the use of CDEs for symptom science; (c) propose CDEs to be used in symptom science to serve as the basis for this emerging science; and (d) suggest implications and recommendations for future research and dissemination of CDEs for symptom science.

Design

The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)‐supported P20 and P30 Center directors applied published best practices, expert advice, and the literature to identify CDEs to be used across the centers to measure pain, sleep, fatigue, and affective and cognitive symptoms.

Findings

We generated a minimum set of CDEs to measure symptoms.

Conclusions

The CDEs identified through this process will be used across the NINR Centers and will facilitate comparison of symptoms across studies. We expect that additional symptom CDEs will be added and the list will be refined in future work.

Clinical Relevance

Symptoms are an important focus of nursing care. Use of CDEs will facilitate research that will lead to better ways to assist people to manage their symptoms.
The Wall Street Walk when Blockholders Compete for Flows
Authors: DASGUPTA AMIL , PIACENTINO GIORGIA
Published: August 2015

Effective monitoring by equity blockholders is important for good corporate governance. A prominent theoretical literature argues that the threat of block sale (“exit”) can be an effective governance mechanism. Many blockholders are money managers. We show that, when money managers compete for investor capital, the threat of exit loses credibility, weakening its governance role. Money managers with more skin in the game will govern more successfully using exit. Allowing funds to engage in activist measures (“voice”) does not alter our qualitative results. Our results link widely prevalent incentives in the ever‐expanding money management industry to the nature of corporate governance.
The Boats That Did Not Sail: Asset Price Volatility in a Natural Experiment
Authors: KOUDIJS PETER
Published: August 2015

What explains short‐term fluctuations of stock prices? This paper exploits a natural experiment from the 18 century in which information flows were regularly interrupted for exogenous reasons. English shares were traded on the Amsterdam exchange and news came in on sailboats that were often delayed because of adverse weather conditions. The paper documents that prices responded strongly to boat arrivals, but there was considerable volatility in the absence of news. The evidence suggests that this was largely the result of the revelation of (long‐lived) private information and the (transitory) impact of uninformed liquidity trades on intermediaries' risk premia.
Vascular Reactivity Maps in Patients with Gliomas Using Breath‐Holding BOLD fMRI
Authors: Iranmahboob Amir , Peck Kyung K. , Brennan Nicole P. , Karimi Sasan , Fisicaro Ryan , Hou Bob , Holodny Andrei I.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To evaluate whether breath‐holding (BH) blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) fMRI can quantify differences in vascular reactivity (VR), as there is a need for improved contrast mechanisms in gliomas.

METHODS

16 patients (gliomas, grade II = 5, III = 2, IV = 9) were evaluated using the BH paradigm: 4‐second single deep breath followed by 16 seconds of BH and 40 seconds of regular breathing for five cycles. VR was defined as the difference in BOLD signal between the minimal signal seen at the end of the deep breath and maximal signal seen at the end of BH (peak‐to‐trough). VR was measured for every voxel and compared for gray versus white matter and tumor versus normal contralateral brain. VR maps were compared to the areas of enhancement and FLAIR/T2 abnormality.

RESULTS

VR was significantly lower in normal white matter than gray matter (P < .05) and in tumors compared to the normal, contralateral brain (P < 0.002). The area of abnormal VR (1103 ± 659 mm2) was significantly greater (P = .019) than the enhancement (543 ± 530 mm2), but significantly smaller (P = .0011) than the FLAIR abnormality (2363 ± 1232 mm2). However, the variability in the areas of gadolinium contrast enhancement versus VR abnormality indicates that the contrast mechanism elicited by BH (caused by abnormal arteriolar smooth muscles) appears to be fundamentally different from the contrast mechanism of gadolinium enhancement (caused by the presence of “leaky” gap junctions).

CONCLUSIONS

BH maps based on peak‐to‐trough can be used to characterize VR in brain tumors. VR maps in brain tumor patients appear to be caused by a different mechanism than gadolinium enhancement.
Terson's Syndrome: Diagnostic Comparison of Ocular Sonography and CT
Authors: Bäuerle Jochen , Gross Nikolai J. , Egger Karl , Neubauer Jakob , Niesen Wolf‐Dirk , Buttler Klaus‐Jürgen , Lagrèze Wolf A. , Reinhard Matthias
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To assess the accuracy of ocular B‐mode sonography and of standard head computed tomography (CT) as screening tools for intraocular hemorrhages related to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

46 patients with spontaneous SAH were examined using ocular B‐mode sonography and underwent funduscopy as gold standard for detection of ocular hemorrhages (OH). Additionally, all head CT scans done during the hospital stay of the study population were rated by a neuroradiologist for the presence of OH.

RESULTS

Funduscopy revealed vitreous and/or preretinal hemorrhages in ten eyes and retinal hemorrhages in nine eyes. In comparison with funduscopy, ocular sonography showed a sensitivity and specificity for the detection of vitreous and/or preretinal hemorrhages of 100%, while identification of retinal hemorrhages was less reliable with a sensitivity/specificity of 44%/100%. Standard head CT showed a lower sensitivity/specificity of 60%/96% for vitreous and/or preretinal hemorrhages, and 32%/95% for the diagnosis of any ocular bleeding.

CONCLUSION

Ocular sonography identifies SAH‐related preretinal and vitreous hemorrhages with high accuracy and is superior to standard head CT. It may be considered as new and useful bedside diagnostic tool for routine clinical care of patients with SAH.
Serotonergic mechanisms are involved in antidepressant-like effects of bisbenzylisoquinolines liensinine and its analogs isolated from the embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner seeds in mice
Authors: Sugimoto Yumi , Nishimura Katsumi , Itoh Atsuko , Tanahashi Takao , Nakajima Hiroshi , Oshiro Hideo , Sun Shujian , Toda Takahiro , Yamada Jun
Published: August 2015

Objectives

We attempted to ascertain if bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, liensinine and isoliensinine from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner have antidepressant-like effects and compare the effects with those previously obtained by their analogue neferine.

Methods

Using mice, the forced swimming test (FST) was carried out after treatment with liensinine, isoliensinine and neferine.

Key findings

Liensinine and isoliensinine elicited antidepressant-like effects in mice after the FST. Anti-immobility effects of liensinine and isoliensinine were antagonized by the 5-hydroxytryptamine1A (5-HT1A) receptor antagonist WAY 100635, but not by the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin. The anti-immobility effects of liensinine, isoliensinine and neferine were blocked by pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), which depletes serotonin (5-HT).

Conclusions

These data suggest that liensinine and isoliensinine from Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner have antidepressant-like effects and that antidepressant-like effects of liensinine and its analogues are closely related to serotonergic mechanisms.
Broiler responses to digestible threonine at different ages: a neural networks approach
Authors: Faridi A. , Gitoee A. , Donato D. C. Z. , France J. , Sakomura N. K.
Published: August 2015

Three experiments were conducted with broiler chickens to evaluate the effects of digestible threonine (DThr) and crude protein (CP) on their performance at three different phases of age: 1–14, 15–28 and 29–42 days. The measured traits included the following: average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass crude protein (CCP), body lipid (BL), feather weight gain (FWG), protein deposited in feather (FCP), carcass plus feather protein (CFCP), carcass Thr deposition (CDThr) and nitrogen excretion (NE). A dilution technique was used to create seven diets (with eight replicates) increasing the DThr content from 1.5 to 10 g/kg of diet for phase 1, 1.3–8.9 g/kg of diet for phase 2, and 1.2–8.2 g/kg of diet for phase 3. Data measured were imported into neural networks (NNs) to: (i) predict the measured traits in response to DThr and CP, (ii) rank the importance of DThr and CP on these traits through sensitivity analysis and (iii) find the optimal levels of DThr and CP that lead to the desired (maximum or minimum) responses. For each trait investigated, 50 different random groups of data were generated using a bootstrapping method. These 50 data groups were then used to develop 50 separate NNs which were subsequently combined to construct the final ensemble NN model. In general, accuracy of the models constructed was acceptable, although models of high (ADG, FCR, CFCP, BL, DThr and NE; 0.64 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.99) and low (CCP, FWG and FCP; 0.26 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.79) accuracy were obtained. All models developed showed the greatest sensitivity to DThr. This may be explained by the dilution technique diet preparation used in these experiments. Optimization results showed decreases in optimal values of DThr and CP with increasing age for all traits. The highest level of DThr was suggested for minimum BL, followed by minimum FCR, maximum ADG, maximum CFCP, minimum NE and maximum CCP respectively. Results showed that the optimal values of DThr for minimum FCR in phases 1–3 were 8.5, 7.4 and 6.4 g/kg of diet, while these values for maximum ADG were 8.2, 7.2 and 6.4 g/kg of diet respectively.
Whey protein gel composites in the diet of goats increased the omega‐3 and omega‐6 content of milk fat
Authors: Weinstein J. A. , Taylor S. J. , Rosenberg M. , DePeters E. J.
Published: August 2015

Previously, feeding whey protein gels containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduced their rumen biohydrogenation and increased their concentration in milk fat of Holstein cows. Our objective was to test the efficacy of whey protein isolate (WPI) gels produced in a steam tunnel as a method to alter the fatty acid (FA) composition of the milk lipids. Four primiparous Lamancha goats in midlactation were fed three diets in a 3 × 4 Latin square design. The WPI gels were added to a basal concentrate mix that contained one of three lipid sources: (i) 100% soya bean oil (S) to create (WPI/S), (ii) a 1:1 (wt/wt) mixture of S and linseed (L) oil to create (WPI/SL), or (iii) 100% L to create (WPI/L). Periods were 22 days with the first 10 days used as an adjustment phase followed by a 12‐day experimental phase. During the adjustment phase, all goats received a rumen available source of lipid, yellow grease, to provide a baseline for milk FA composition. During the experimental phase, each goat received its assigned WPI. Milk FA concentration of C18:2 n‐6 and C18:3 n‐3 reached 9.3 and 1.64 g/100 g FA, respectively, when goats were fed WPI/S. Feeding WPI/SL increased the C18:2 n‐6 and C18:3 n‐3 concentration to 6.22 and 4.36 g/100 g FA, and WPI/L increased C18:2 n‐6 and C18:3 n‐3 to 3.96 and 6.13 g/100 g FA respectively. The adjusted transfer efficiency (%) of C18:3 n‐3 to milk FA decreased significantly as dietary C18:3 n‐3 intake increased. Adjusted transfer efficiency for C18:2 n‐6 did not change with increasing intake of C18:2 n‐6. The WPI gels were effective at reducing rumen biohydrogenation of PUFA; however, we observed a change in the proportion increase of C18:3 n‐3 in milk FA suggesting possible regulation of n‐3 FA to the lactating caprine mammary gland.
A new Eocene fossil of the genus Phycopeltis (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Novis Phil M. , Bannister Jennifer M. , Rindi Fabio , Lee Daphne E.
Published: August 2015

A fossil of the aerophytic green algal genus Phycopeltis (Trentepohliaes, Ulvophyceae) dated to 35 Ma, is reported from the Pikopiko Fossil Forest, Southland, New Zealand. Previous reports of fossilized Phycopeltis have been subsequently synonymized with fungi by other authors; however, our specimen is not vulnerable to their criticisms. Inflated cells present in two approximately concentric rings are interpreted as gametangia, with irregular structures resembling the gametangial pores of modern material; sporophytic material is absent. The fossil resembles the modern disc‐forming species P. novae‐zelandiae, P. expansa, and P. arundinacea. The limited material available prevents the assignation of a specific epithet, but the habit and dimensions of the fossil clearly fall within those of modern representatives of the genus. Its single cell thickness throughout, absence of distinct melanization, and larger size demonstrate that it is not a fungal shield. The specimen constitutes arguably the most convincing fossil belonging to Trentepohliales, and the first unambiguously for the genus Phycopeltis. It is consistent in age with other known fossils of the order that, when combined with molecular evidence, suggests a terrestrial radiation far more recent than that of land plants.
Effects of new over‐the‐counter periodontal ointment‐containing applicator with single‐tuft brush on cytokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid during supportive periodontal therapy phase: a randomized double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Takeuchi‐Hatanaka K. , Yasuda T. , Naruishi K. , Katsuragi‐Fuke K. , Inubushi J. , Ootsuki H. , Maeda H. , Takashiba S.
Published: August 2015

Background and Objective

The biochemical effects of an over‐the‐counter (OTC) medication were studied, which consists of a single‐tuft brush containing cetylpyridinium chloride as a bactericidal agent, dipotassium glycyrrhizate as an anti‐inflammatory drug and allantoin as a promoter of cell proliferation and wound healing, for delivery to hardly brushed sites.

Material and Methods

This randomized controlled double‐blind study was performed in 61 subjects with chronic periodontitis in supportive periodontal therapy phase (test group: n = 27; placebo group: n = 28; dropout: n = 6). The OTC medication was self‐applied twice a day for 12 wk to two molars with probing pocket depths of 4–6 mm. Biochemical indicators were evaluated at baseline and 12 wk using the suspension array system for eight cytokines and chemokines (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐1ra, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α) in gingival crevicular fluid.

Results

The levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and TNF‐α remained significantly lower in the test group compared to the placebo group. In the placebo group, when the probing pocket depth at baseline was 4 mm, IL‐1β increased, particularly in the second molar tooth, and the greatest increase was seen when PPD at baseline was 5–6 mm. In the test group, IL‐1β decreased markedly in cases with furcation involvement and low bleeding on probing at baseline. In both groups, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α were closely correlated with each other.

Conclusion

This OTC medication is biochemically effective for steady chronic periodontitis in the supportive periodontal therapy phase.
Optimizing Implementation of Obesity Prevention Programs: A Qualitative Investigation Within a Large‐Scale Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kozica Samantha L. , Teede Helena J. , Harrison Cheryce L. , Klein Ruth , Lombard Catherine B.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The prevalence of obesity in rural and remote areas is elevated in comparison to urban populations, highlighting the need for interventions targeting obesity prevention in these settings. Implementing evidence‐based obesity prevention programs is challenging. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing the implementation of obesity prevention programs, including adoption, program delivery, community uptake, and continuation, specifically within rural settings.

Methods

Nested within a large‐scale randomized controlled trial, a qualitative exploratory approach was adopted, with purposive sampling techniques utilized, to recruit stakeholders from 41 small rural towns in Australia. In‐depth semistructured interviews were conducted with clinical health professionals, health service managers, and local government employees. Open coding was completed independently by 2 investigators and thematic analysis undertaken.

Findings

In‐depth interviews revealed that obesity prevention programs were valued by the rural workforce. Program implementation is influenced by interrelated factors across: (1) contextual factors and (2) organizational capacity. Key recommendations to manage the challenges of implementing evidence‐based programs focused on reducing program delivery costs, aided by the provision of a suite of implementation and evaluation resources. Informing the scale‐up of future prevention programs, stakeholders highlighted the need to build local rural capacity through developing supportive university partnerships, generating local program ownership and promoting active feedback to all program partners.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that the rural workforce places a high value on obesity prevention programs. Our results inform the future scale‐up of obesity prevention programs, providing an improved understanding of strategies to optimize implementation of evidence‐based prevention programs.
Objectively measured night‐to‐night sleep variations are associated with body composition in very elderly women
Authors: Kim Miji , Sasai Hiroyuki , Kojima Narumi , Kim Hunkyung
Published: August 2015

This cross‐sectional study examined the association between objectively measured sleep patterns and body composition in very elderly community‐dwelling women. Participants included 191 community‐dwelling adults aged ≥ 80 years (mean age: 83.4 ± 2.6 years; age range: 80–92 years). Sleep and physical activity were monitored via accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) during at least five consecutive 24‐h periods. Night‐to‐night sleep pattern variability across all nights of recording was assessed using standard deviations (SDs). Body composition was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Simple and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. The mean number of nights with usable actigraphy data was 7.3 ± 1.3. On average, participants went to bed at 22:57 hours (SD: 1.11 h) and rose from bed at 6:27 hours (SD: 1.01 h). Night‐to‐night bedtime, sleep duration and sleep timing mid‐point variations correlated slightly with the percentage body fat and percentage lean mass (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant associations of night‐to‐night bedtime variations and inconsistent sleep–wake patterns with all body composition indices after adjusting for potential confounding factors, including mean nightly sleep duration, self‐reported nap duration and daily physical activity. After further adjusting for night‐to‐night wake time, sleep timing mid‐point and sleep duration variations, greater bedtime variability remained associated significantly with all body composition indices except lean/fat mass ratio. Inconsistent sleep–wake patterns were associated independently with an increased fat mass and decreased lean mass among very elderly women. These findings suggest that in most elderly individuals, sleep patterns might be an important modifiable factor associated with obesity and sarcopenia development.
Oral Breakdown of Texturally Complex Gel‐Based Model Food
Authors: Larsen Danaé S. , Tang Jingyuan , Ferguson Lynnette , Morgenstern Marco P. , James Bryony J.
Published: August 2015

Until now, the textural complexity of foods and subsequent influence on oral breakdown pathways has not been analyzed. This study evaluated the effect of textural complexity on the oral breakdown of foods by using gel‐based model foods with “built‐in” levels of textural complexity. Twenty subjects chewed and expectorated the model foods at different stages during mastication (chewing cycle). Textural complexity did not significantly impact oral transit time, number of chews or chewing rate. The high complexity (HC) model food followed a significantly different oral breakdown pathway to low complexity and medium complexity samples. During the initial stages of chewing, HC samples broke down into a significantly greater number (P < 0.05) of significantly smaller particles (P < 0.05). The surrounding matrices controlled the release of embedded inclusions, ensuring the HC samples followed a dynamic oral breakdown pathway with changes occurring in particle size and number throughout the whole chewing cycle.

Practical Applications

The textural complexity of food is associated with a range of differing texture attributes that from the first bite through to the point of swallowing stimulate the senses, creating a variety of texture perceptions. Little is known on how textural complexity can influence oral breakdown pathways. This study has shown how a high complexity model food follows a dynamic oral breakdown pathway where changes in the bolus occur throughout the whole chewing cycle. These results lend themselves to further study on how these constant changes influence perceivable texture and stimulate the senses during eating. It is also hypothesized by the authors that in foods that are more texturally complex, these perceived textures and potential stimulation might positively affect the satiation response.
Wheat Flour Dough Rheological Properties Measurement: Effects of the Target Values on the Attained Results
Authors: Kouassi‐Koffi Jean Didier , Muresan Vlad , Gnangui Sophie Nadege , Sturza Alina , Mudura Elena , Kouamé Lucien Patrice
Published: August 2015

Lubricated squeezing flow experiments on wheat flour dough have been performed in constant plate speed and constant extension rate modes. The objective of this work was to assess the effects of the target values on the attained results obtained during wheat dough rheological properties measurement. Different rheometers were used to allow these operations. In both cases, each constant target speed used increases with the increasing time before reaching its stability. These increasing effects versus time are higher with greater speeds. It was obtained 20.1–41.5% of increasing time ratio between the two modes from the lower to higher speeds and for each given speed (0.005–1.5 [mm·s−1 or s−1]). The target speed increasing in order to reach the attained value caused sample dough deformation. These strain effects of dough are more important for high initial thickness of dough. Whatever the types of dough strain needed and target speed level used, the limit force measurable in many cases was 40 N (newton). It was a constrain factor for measured values. The data processing to obtain dough rheological properties remains too long and difficult with both measurement methods.

Practical Applications

In search of viable ways to study dough rheological properties, the uses of empirical and fundamental methods are of appropriate possibility. Several methods are further able to be used to measure and record dough rheological properties under conditions of unsteady flow. They are used to assess flour ability and provide dough with good breadmaking performance, to mimic dough stretching and to measure its resistance to rupture. Consequently, efficient and versatile methods have opened new possibilities for studying viscoelasticity behaviors related to cereals science and processing. These benefit effects make basic new methods used in breadmaking process, a powerful tool for monitoring the consistency and structural changes in dough and final bread. Because of their major importance in breadmaking process, it is essential in this study to assess the effects of the target values on the attained results in dough rheological properties measurement methods. They can help understand their implications on the data processing of these tests for reliable research on dough rheology.
Measuring similarity among plots including similarity among species: an extension of traditional approaches
Authors: Ricotta Carlo , Pavoine Sandrine
Published: August 2015

Aims

Presence/absence coefficients of (dis)similarity are generally based on various combinations of the matching/mismatching components of the classical 2 × 2 contingency table. While a few extensions of the contingency table to species abundance data were proposed, a generalization of such coefficients that includes species resemblances is still lacking.

Methods

In this paper we introduce a new family of plot‐to‐plot (dis)similarity coefficients, which include species abundances and interspecies resemblances in the calculation of the matching/mismatching components of the contingency table. Within this family, the behaviour of five similarity coefficients is examined by graphical comparisons based on simulated data.

Conclusions

This new family of similarity coefficients can equally apply to functional or phylogenetic resemblance among species, thus providing a unified framework for comparing species turnover among plots.
Model development of healthy‐lifestyle behaviors for rural Muslim Indonesians with hypertension: A qualitative study
Authors: Mizutani Mayumi , Tashiro Junko , Maftuhah  , Sugiarto Heri , Yulaikhah Lily , Carbun Riyanto
Published: August 2015

Hypertension is a significant health issue in Indonesia. Health professionals in a rural district of West Java identified hypertension as a priority health issue. In this study, we describe healthy‐lifestyle behaviors as perceived by the district's middle‐aged Muslims with hypertension. A qualitative case‐study design was used. Twelve married couples, directly or indirectly impacted by hypertension, and who visited community health centers, were purposively recruited. Semistructured interviews provided data that were systematically analyzed for categories and subcategories. Categories of healthy‐lifestyle behaviors currently practiced were eating behavior, physical activity, resting, not smoking, managing stress, seeking health information, seeking health care, caring other people, and fulfilling an obligation to God. Categories of reasons for practicing healthy‐lifestyle behaviors were behavioral beliefs, competence, religious support, prior experience, social support, and health system support. Categories for not practicing healthy‐lifestyle behaviors were personal, social, and environmental barriers. To achieve healthy‐lifestyle behaviors changes, it is essential for rural middle‐aged Muslim individuals to be supported by reinforcing their positive reasons and to address their negative reasons to practice healthy‐lifestyle behaviors.
Imaging methods for analyzing body composition in human obesity and cardiometabolic disease
Authors: Seabolt Lynn A. , Welch E. Brian , Silver Heidi J.
Published: August 2015

Advances in the technological qualities of imaging modalities for assessing human body composition have been stimulated by accumulating evidence that individual components of body composition have significant influences on chronic disease onset, disease progression, treatment response, and health outcomes. Importantly, imaging modalities have provided a systematic method for differentiating phenotypes of body composition that diverge from what is considered normal, that is, having low bone mass (osteopenia/osteoporosis), low muscle mass (sarcopenia), high fat mass (obesity), or high fat with low muscle mass (sarcopenic obesity). Moreover, advances over the past three decades in the sensitivity and quality of imaging not just to discern the amount and distribution of adipose and lean tissue but also to differentiate layers or depots within tissues and cells is enhancing our understanding of distinct mechanistic, metabolic, and functional roles of body composition within human phenotypes. In this review, we focus on advances in imaging technologies that show great promise for future investigation of human body composition and how they are being used to address the pandemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
Group visits in the pediatric heart transplant outpatient clinic
Authors: Hollander Seth A. , McDonald Nancy , Lee Donna , May Lindsay J. , Doan Lan N. , Kaufman Beth D. , Rosenthal David N.
Published: August 2015

The “GVM” has emerged as an alternative to traditional individualized appointments in the ambulatory care setting. We hypothesized that group visits could successfully be utilized in a PHtx clinic. Seven patients, ages 1–18 yr old, and their families participated in a total of 11 group visits in lieu of individualized appointments. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they were greater or less than one yr post‐transplant. Patient/provider satisfaction, medication adherence, and content retention were ascertained via questionnaires and free‐response tests. Total clinic throughput time, including per‐patient clinic utilization time, was compared to historical data. Six of seven patients completed the study with one dropout. Overall satisfaction ratings were 3.98 of 4 with all patients reporting that they would “strongly recommend” group visits to others. Health information retention tests demonstrated improvement between pre‐ and post‐tests in eight of nine (89%) of the group visits. Overall clinic utilization decreased by nearly 50% while providing 70 min of face‐to‐face time with the provider. Medication adherence neared 100% for all patients. The GVM can be successfully applied to the PHtx population with high patient and provider satisfaction, more face‐to‐face time, excellent content retention, and greatly improved clinic efficiency.
Survey on the Implementation of Preconception Care in Shanghai, China
Authors: Ding Yan , Li Xiao‐Tian , Xie Fei , Yang Yu‐Lin
Published: August 2015

Background

Recently, the Chinese government has promoted preconception care (PCC) to prevent birth defects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of PCC in Shanghai, China, following a 3‐year municipal project providing ‘Free Pre‐pregnancy Health Evaluation Services’ to 20 000 residents.

Methods

A retrospective questionnaire survey was undertaken among 12 309 pregnant women and 8997 of their partners during their initial prenatal visit in six hospitals with the most births in Shanghai.

Results

A total of 90% (n = 11 113) of the women and 87% (n = 7856) of the men were aware of PCC, and 40% (n = 4890) of the women and 35% (n = 3185) of the men had previously participated in PCC. Logistic regression showed that PCC participants were more likely to have a planned pregnancy, receive support from their partner for PCC services, were older, and have higher educational attainment and higher household incomes. Regardless of gender, there were significant differences between the participating and non‐participating groups in terms of prepregnancy changes in lifestyle and behaviour, such as folic acid supplementation, smoking cessation (for men only), avoiding passive smoking, abstaining from alcohol/drugs, and rubella/hepatitis B immunity.

Conclusions

The government‐led efforts proved to be effective in promoting PCC participation and positive lifestyle and behavioural changes in couples of childbearing age. Future efforts should target couples who are young, poorly educated, and/or from low‐income families. Strategies must ensure that the couples' knowledge of and positive attitudes toward PCC are translated into their practical participation in PCC.
Linear‐No‐Threshold Default Assumptions for Noncancer and Nongenotoxic Cancer Risks: A Mathematical and Biological Critique
Authors: Bogen Kenneth T.
Published: August 2015

To improve U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dose‐response (DR) assessments for noncarcinogens and for nonlinear mode of action (MOA) carcinogens, the 2009 NRC Science and Decisions Panel recommended that the adjustment‐factor approach traditionally applied to these endpoints should be replaced by a new default assumption that both endpoints have linear‐no‐threshold (LNT) population‐wide DR relationships. The panel claimed this new approach is warranted because population DR is LNT when any new dose adds to a background dose that explains background levels of risk, and/or when there is substantial interindividual heterogeneity in susceptibility in the exposed human population. Mathematically, however, the first claim is either false or effectively meaningless and the second claim is false. Any dose‐and population‐response relationship that is statistically consistent with an LNT relationship may instead be an additive mixture of just two quasi‐threshold DR relationships, which jointly exhibit low‐dose S‐shaped, quasi‐threshold nonlinearity just below the lower end of the observed “linear” dose range. In this case, LNT extrapolation would necessarily overestimate increased risk by increasingly large relative magnitudes at diminishing values of above‐background dose. The fact that chemically‐induced apoptotic cell death occurs by unambiguously nonlinear, quasi‐threshold DR mechanisms is apparent from recent data concerning this quintessential toxicity endpoint. The 2009 NRC Science and Decisions Panel claims and recommendations that default LNT assumptions be applied to DR assessment for noncarcinogens and nonlinear MOA carcinogens are therefore not justified either mathematically or biologically.
On a Mixture Model for Directional Data on the Sphere
Authors: Franke Jürgen , Redenbach Claudia , Zhang Na
Published: August 2015

We consider mixtures of general angular central Gaussian distributions as models for multimodal directional data. We prove consistency of the maximum‐likelihood estimates of model parameters and convergence of their numerical approximations based on an expectation–maximization algorithm. Then, we focus on mixtures of special angular central Gaussian distributions and discuss the details of a fast numerical algorithm, which allows to fit multimodal distributions to massive data, occurring, for example, in the study of the microstructure of materials. We illustrate the applicability with some data from fibre composites and from ceramic foams.
Optimal Estimator for Logistic Model with Distribution‐free Random Intercept
Authors: Garcia Tanya P. , Ma Yanyuan
Published: August 2015

Logistic models with a random intercept are prevalent in medical and social research where clustered and longitudinal data are often collected. Traditionally, the random intercept in these models is assumed to follow some parametric distribution such as the normal distribution. However, such an assumption inevitably raises concerns about model misspecification and misleading inference conclusions, especially when there is dependence between the random intercept and model covariates. To protect against such issues, we use a semiparametric approach to develop a computationally simple and consistent estimator where the random intercept is distribution‐free. The estimator is revealed to be optimal and achieve the efficiency bound without the need to postulate or estimate any latent variable distributions. We further characterize other general mixed models where such an optimal estimator exists.
Investigating Correlates of Suicide Among Male Youth: Questioning the Close Affinity Between Suicide Attempts and Deaths
Authors: Feigelman William , Joiner Thomas , Rosen Zohn , Silva Caroline
Published: August 2015

This study was based on a sample of male high school students who completed National Longitudinal Adolescent Health Surveys in 1994, 1995, and 2001. We studied these students prospectively, comparing those who later died by suicide (n = 21) with those who were still living (n = 10,101). We employed chi‐square and analysis of variance tests for statistical significance between suicide decedents and living respondents. Results showed suicide decedents were more likely to have experienced the suicide loss of another family member, to have been expelled from school, to have engaged in more delinquent actions including fighting, and to have greater involvement with the criminal justice system. Although one might have expected suicide casualties to have exhibited a greater amount of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and higher incidences of suicidality among their friends, our analyses did not find that these factors were associated with actual suicides. Should these findings be replicated, this would point to a need to refine youth suicide risk assessments. Collecting life histories, as well as identifying patterns of delinquency and fighting, may serve as more potentially fruitful means for assessing genuine suicide risk than some traditional risk assessment methods.z
The applied model of imagery use: Examination of moderation and mediation effects
Authors: Koehn S. , Stavrou N. A. M. , Young J. A. , Morris T.
Published: August 2015

The applied model of mental imagery use proposed an interaction effect between imagery type and imagery ability. This study had two aims: (a) the examination of imagery ability as a moderating variable between imagery type and dispositional flow, and (b) the testing of alternative mediation models. The sample consisted of 367 athletes from Scotland and Australia, who completed the Sport Imagery Questionnaire, Sport Imagery Ability Questionnaire, and Dispositional Flow Scale‐2. Hierarchical regression analysis showed direct effects of imagery use and imagery ability on flow, but no significant interaction. Mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect path, indicating a partially mediated relationship (P = 0.002) between imagery use, imagery ability, and flow. Partial mediation was confirmed when the effect of cognitive imagery use and cognitive imagery ability was tested, and a full mediation model was found between motivational imagery use, motivational imagery ability, and flow. The results are discussed in conjunction with potential future research directions on advancing theory and applications.
The Role of School Contexts in Adolescents' Weight‐loss Behaviors and Self‐perceptions of Overweight
Authors: Mueller Anna S.
Published: August 2015

Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health and multilevel modeling, this study investigates the role high school social contexts play in the development of adolescents' weight‐loss behaviors and overweight self‐perceptions. Overall, the results indicate that there is an important association between adolescents' weight‐loss behaviors and self‐perceptions of overweight and the weight‐related context of their school. For example, both adolescent boys and girls are less likely to engage in weight‐loss behaviors when overweight is prevalent among their same‐sex schoolmates. However, gender differences are also found. For example, while adolescent boys' self‐perceptions of overweight are significantly associated with their same‐sex schoolmates' characteristics and behaviors, this is not the case for adolescent girls. Overall, these findings suggest that meso‐level social contexts—such as schools—may be particularly important to how individuals incorporate macro‐level beliefs or values—such as gendered body ideals—into their own behaviors and self‐concepts.
Are Household Food Expenditures Responsive to Entry Into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?*
Authors: Kim Jiyoon (June) , Shaefer H. Luke
Published: August 2015

Objective

This study examines changes in household food expenditures in the months directly around entry into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Methods

Using monthly data on SNAP participation from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), we estimate food‐expenditures‐to‐food‐needs ratio with an event‐study specification.

Results

Upon entering the program, a substantially lower share of out‐of‐pocket spending accounts for SNAP households’ food budgets. However, these expenditures are largely replaced with SNAP benefits, resulting in little changes in total food expenditures. We also identify the co‐occurrence of household economic shocks at the point of SNAP entry.

Conclusion

SNAP entry is preceded by reduced rates of employment and marriage among heads of households, suggesting that household economic shocks may trigger SNAP entry. We find that SNAP benefits visibly appear to act as an important safety net for households who have recently entered the program, cushioning them from the extent of a negative shock in food expenditures that they might otherwise have faced.
Identification of a new HLA‐A allele: A*02:512
Authors: Zhu Y.‐B. , Chen Y. , Zhu C.‐F.
Published: August 2015

A*02:512 differs from A*02:01:01:01 by one nucleotide at nt 506.