bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative and quantitative proteomic analysis of normal and degenerated human annulus fibrosus cells
Authors: Ye Dongping , Liang Weiguo , Dai Libing , Zhou Longqiang , Yao Yicun , Zhong Xin , Chen Honghui , Xu Jiake
Published: March 2015

Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is a major chronic medical condition associated with back pain. To better understand the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration, we performed comparative and quantitative proteomic analyses of normal and degenerated human annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and identified proteins that are differentially expressed between them. Annulus fibrosus cells were isolated and cultured from patients with lumbar disc herniation (the experimental group, degenerated AF cells) and scoliosis patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery (the control group, normal AF cells). Comparative proteomic analyses of normal and degenerated cultured AF cells were carried out using 2‐D electrophoresis, mass spectrometric analyses, and database searching. Quantitative analyses of silver‐stained 2‐D electrophoresis gels of normal and degenerated cultured AF cells identified 10 protein spots that showed the most altered differential expression levels between the two groups. Among these, three proteins were decreased, including heat shock cognate 71‐kDa protein, glucose‐6‐phosphate 1‐dehydrogenase, and protocadherin‐23, whereas seven proteins were increased, including guanine nucleotide‐binding protein G(i) subunit α‐2, superoxide dismutase, transmembrane protein 51, adenosine receptor A3, 26S protease regulatory subunit 8, lipid phosphate phosphatase‐related protein, and fatty acyl‐crotonic acid reductase 1. These differentially expressed proteins might be involved in the pathophysiological process of IVD degeneration and have potential values as biomarkers of the degeneration of IVD.
Growth Arrest‐Specific 6 and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Sunbul Murat , Cagman Zeynep , Gerin Fethullah , Ozgen Zuleyha , Durmus Erdal , Seckin Dilek , Ahmad Sarfraz , Uras Fikriye , Agirbasli Mehmet
Published: March 2015

Objectives

An increased risk for cardiovascular disease with psoriasis has been reported. Growth Arrest‐Specific 6 (GAS6) amplifies pro‐inflammatory endothelial cell activation via TAM receptors. However, it also inhibits inflammation by multiple mechanisms including phagocytosis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether plasma GAS6 levels are associated with conventional cardiometabolic (CM) risk factors in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

Forty patients diagnosed with psoriasis (22 male, mean age: 43.3 ± 13.8 years) and 40 age‐/sex‐matched healthy controls (22 male, mean age: 39.3 ± 8.9 years) were included in the study. CM risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and cigarette smoking) were identified. GAS6 levels were measured by ELISA.

Results

There were no significant differences between the plasma GAS6 levels of patients with psoriasis compared to the control group (6.6 ± 2.0 ng/mL, 7.6 ± 2.8 ng/mL, respectively, P > 0.05). However, GAS6 levels of patients with psoriasis having a smoking history (n = 11) were significantly lower than both patients with psoriasis who had no smoking history (n = 29) and controls (5.5 ± 1.7 ng/mL, 6.9 ± 1.9 ng/mL, 7.6 ± 2.8 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). Similarly, psoriasis patients with at least one CM risk factor showed lower GAS6 levels compared to subjects without any CM risk factor (5.7 ± 1.7 ng/mL, 7.3 ± 2.0 ng/mL, P < 0.01). There was no correlation between the GAS6 level, disease duration or PASI score (r = 0.150, −0.150, and P = 0.310, 0.398, respectively).

Conclusions

This pilot study provides the first evidence in humans for an association between low plasma GAS6 levels and conventional risk factors in psoriasis. Further large scale, prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
Diabetes‐Specific Quality of Life of Korean Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Boo Sunjoo , Ahn Youngmee , Lee Ji Eun , Kang Narae , Kang Heesook , Sohn Min
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the quality of life of children in Korea with type 1 diabetes and related factors.

Methods

Children were recruited from a diabetes camp. Data were collected using four instruments: the PedsQL™ 3.2 Diabetes Module, Self‐Efficacy for Diabetes Self‐Management, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, and the Diabetes Management Behavior Scale.

Results

Children who were older (t = 2.197, p = .041), male (t = −3.579, p = .002), and less depressed (t = −2.859, p = .010) were more likely to have better quality of life.

Conclusion

Further research is needed in children with type 1 diabetes in countries where this disease is rare, and governmental support and public awareness are limited.
Heat‐Shock Proteins 70 Induce Pro‐Inflammatory Maturation Program in Decidual CD1a+ Dendritic Cells
Authors: Redzovic Arnela , Gulic Tamara , Laskarin Gordana , Eminovic Senija , Haller Herman , Rukavina Daniel
Published: March 2015

Problem

The aim of the study was to assess possible binding of a mixture of constitutive Hsc70 and inducible Hsp70 forms (HSP70) to Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 and CD91 receptors on decidual CD1a+ dendritic cells (DCs) and their influence on DCs maturation status.

Method of study

Immunohistology and immunofluorescence of paraffin‐embedded first trimetester and term pregnancy decidua were performed together with flow cytometry detection of antigens in DCs after stimulation of decidual mononuclear cells with HSP70.

Results

Hsc70 and Hsp70 labeling revealed intracellular and nuclear staining in trophoblast cells. The numbers of Hsc70+ and Hsp70+ cells of decidual tissue were higher in early pregnancy decidua than in decidua at term. HSP70 binds CD91 and TLR4 receptors on CD1a+ DCs and increased the expression of CD83, HLA‐DR, CD80, and CD86, but decreased CC receptor (CCR) 5. HSP70 increased CC ligand (CCL) 3 and CCL22. HSP70 in the concentration of 1 μg/mL increased the percentage of interferon‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐15‐expressing cells over the cells expressing IL‐4.

Conclusion

HSP70 binds CD91 and TLR4 on decidual CD1a+ DCs, causes their maturation, and increases IL‐15 in the context of Th1 cytokine/chemokine domination, which could support immune response harmful for ongoing pregnancy.
Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: an audit of one thousand adult patients
Authors: Miller V. , Carruthers H. R. , Morris J. , Hasan S. S. , Archbold S. , Whorwell P. J.
Published: March 2015

Background

Gut‐focused hypnotherapy improves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with benefits being sustained for many years. Despite this, the technique has not been widely adopted by healthcare systems, possibly due to relatively small numbers in published studies and uncertainty about how it should be provided.

Aim

To review the effect of hypnotherapy in a large cohort of refractory IBS patients.

Methods

One thousand IBS patients fulfilling Rome II criteria, mean age 51.6 years (range 17–91 years), 80% female, receiving 12 sessions of hypnotherapy over 3 months, were studied. The primary outcome was a 50 point reduction in the IBS Symptom Severity Score. The fall in scores for Noncolonic Symptoms, Quality of Life and Anxiety or Depression, were secondary outcomes. The Federal Drug Administration's recommended outcome of a 30% or more reduction in abdominal pain was also recorded.

Results

Overall, 76% met the primary outcome which was higher in females (females: 80%, males: 62%, P < 0.001) and those with anxiety (anxious: 79%, non‐anxious: 71%, P = 0.010). The mean reduction in other scores was: IBS Symptom Severity Score, 129 points (P < 0.001), Noncolonic Symptom Score, 65 (P < 0.001) and Quality of Life Score, 66 (P < 0.001). Sixty‐seven per cent reported a 30% or more reduction in abdominal pain scores. Pain days fell from 18 to 9 per month. Patients with anxiety and depression fell from 63% to 34% and 25% to 12% respectively (P < 0.001). Outcome was unaffected by bowel habit subtype.

Conclusion

These results provide further evidence that gut‐focused hypnotherapy is an effective intervention for refractory IBS.
Beyond Association: How Employees Want to Participate in Their Firms' Corporate Social Performance
Authors: Hagenbuch David J. , Little Steven W. , Lucas Doyle J.
Published: March 2015

Although many studies have found a positive relationship between corporate social performance and employer attractiveness, few have examined how different forms of responsibility might mediate that attraction, particularly when those social practices afford different degrees of employee participation. The current study undertook this line of inquiry by examining prospective employees’ attraction to three common approaches to corporate social performance (CSP) that offer increasing levels of participation: donation, volunteerism, and operational integration. Unexpectedly, findings from an empirical investigation challenged the study's main hypothesis; that is, prospective employees were least attracted to firms that integrated their social and financial goals. Consequently, important implications and questions remain for both employers and business educators.
Pro‐environmental Behavior in the Workplace: A Review of Empirical Studies and Directions for Future Research
Authors: Inoue Yuhei , Alfaro‐Barrantes Priscila
Published: March 2015

This article describes the current state of knowledge on pro‐environmental behavior in the workplace by analyzing 17 empirical studies that (1) examined individuals' pro‐environmental behavior at work and (2) performed some type of quantitative analysis to explore antecedents of this behavior. Detailed descriptions of these studies are provided in terms of (1) types of pro‐environmental behavior examined, (2) measures of pro‐environmental behavior, (3) internal factors investigated, (4) external factors investigated, (5) samples examined, and (6) theoretical frameworks used. This article further provides researchers interested in this research topic with directions for future research. Using the information presented in this article, future business ethics studies can offer more comprehensive insight into one's decision to engage in various types of pro‐environmental behavior in the workplace and provide important implications for environmental protection.
Experiential online development for educators: The example of the Carpe Diem MOOC
Authors: Salmon Gilly , Gregory Janet , Lokuge Dona Kulari , Ross Bella
Published: March 2015

We report on educators' experiences of a massive open online course (MOOC) focused on the Carpe Diem learning design process. The MOOC was developed in‐house using Blackboard CourseSites by a university innovation and development unit, Learning Transformations, at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. We report on a study of MOOC participants' experiences. Conclusions include illumination of MOOCs' value as professional development opportunities that can provide an authentic relevant experience for educators, as well as promote new skills in learning design and delivery for their own teaching. We propose that participation in relevant MOOCs may provide appropriate professional development for academics, and additionally encourage them to develop their teaching practices.

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at http://youtu.be/baI4Brc8nOY
Extending social networking into the secondary education sector
Authors: Kio Su Iong
Published: March 2015

Secondary schools do not have the same technical resources and capabilities as universities. They usually need to rely on ready‐to‐use tools to fulfill their information and communication technology (ICT) structure. Social networking site (SNS) has emerged as a practical solution to this need. However, few have collected empirical data on the application of SNS in a secondary school setting. This paper probes into the current condition of SNS usage among secondary school students using a sample of 851 students in Macau, a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. Data in terms of access, profile and activities are collected. The activities on SNSs are analyzed by regression techniques to produce a prediction model relating perceived academic benefit and SNS activities. The model yields a strong positive relationship between that benefit and activities such as raising questions and engaging in study‐related discussions. The model also yields a weak dependency on activities such as searching for information and entertainment. The paper also evaluates the actual academic utilization of a Facebook Group for one class of secondary school students for a period of one year. At the end of the year, various opinion parameters are measured, and improvements are observed in most parameters.
Enhancement motives moderate the relationship between high‐arousal positive moods and drinking quantity: Evidence from a 22‐day experience sampling study
Authors: Gautreau Chantal , Sherry Simon , Battista Susan , Goldstein Abby , Stewart Sherry
Published: March 2015

Introduction and Aims

Individuals who consume alcohol may be distinguished by their drinking motives. Enhancement motives involve drinking to enhance positive moods. Research on the moderating effect of enhancement motives on the within‐person relation between daily positive mood and drinking has not differentiated between high‐ (e.g. hyper) and low‐arousal (e.g. cheerful) positive moods. The present study addressed this limitation. We hypothesised that enhancement motives would positively moderate the relationship between mid‐afternoon high‐arousal positive mood and evening drinking.

Design and Methods

Using a palm pilot‐based experience sampling design, 143 undergraduate drinkers answered daily surveys assessing positive mood (mid‐afternoon) and drinks (evening) for 22 consecutive days.

Results

As hypothesised, enhancement motives strengthened the relation between high‐arousal positive moods and drinking. Upon closer examination, the mood‐drinking slope for those high in enhancement motives was unexpectedly flat, whereas the mood‐drinking slope for those low in enhancement motives was negative.

Discussion and Conclusions

We demonstrated that high enhancement‐motivated drinkers exhibit a high, stable drinking level, regardless of the intensity of their high‐arousal positive mood. In contrast, low enhancement‐motivated drinkers decrease their drinking when in a high‐arousal positive mood state. Clinicians may be able to help reduce heavy alcohol consumption in enhancement‐motivated drinkers by teaching them to reduce their drinking when in a high‐arousal positive mood state. [Gautreau C, Sherry S, Battista S, Goldstein A, Stewart S. Enhancement motives moderate the relationship between high‐arousal positive moods and drinking quantity: Evidence from a 22‐day experience sampling study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:595–602]
Algal Turbidity Reduces Risk Assessment Ability of the Three‐Spined Stickleback
Authors: Sohel Shakwat , Lindström Kai
Published: March 2015

Recent anthropogenic increases in algal turbidity in aquatic habitats have been suggested to affect the ability of fish to assess predation risk. We investigated the response of feeding three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) exposed to a sudden appearance of an avian predator (the silhouette of common tern,Sterna hirundo), under clear and turbid water conditions. As stickleback use social cues to aid in predator avoidance, we also tested whether turbidity affected social information use by manipulating group size. We found that in turbid water, a smaller proportion of fish would escape from the feeding area, that the distance escaped was shorter and that a smaller proportion of fish fled into shelter. Larger group size was associated with longer escape distance and greater shelter use. However, there was no effect of group size on the proportion of fish that escaped the arena. The effect of group size was similar for turbid and clear water. Our finding that the fish showed a weaker antipredator response suggests that turbidity impedes their risk assessment capability. However, the sticklebacks were still able to benefit of the social facilitation provided by being in a group. This suggests that algal turbidity has detrimental effects on the ability of sticklebacks to assess predation risk from avian predators in shallow water. An implication is that in shallow water fish may be more vulnerable to avian predation under turbid conditions.
Mothers’ Dreams, Children Realities: The Case of Uprooted Families from South Lebanon
Authors: Dabbagh Therese , Roer‐Strier Dorit , Kurman Jenny
Published: March 2015

In this exploratory qualitative study, 15 mothers and 18 adolescents who, as family members of the South Lebanon Army, were uprooted from that country and now living in Israel, were interviewed separately. The mothers described their image of the adaptive adult, which stressed the positive values of loyalty to the family, orientation toward the group, respect, and acceptance of hierarchy and guided their child‐rearing goals and socialization. The children shared similar attitudes about the importance of family loyalty and orientation toward the group, but differed from their mothers with regard to the issues of respect and obedience. We discussed the notion of “liminality,” to further our understanding of the families in transition and suggest how it applies to the uprooted members of South Lebanon army. We suggest that different time orientations and contextual factors influence the participating mothers’ image of the adaptive adult and the degree to which their children accept it. Implications for research and interventions are also explored.
An Extension and Moderational Analysis of the Family Stress Model Focusing on African American Adolescents
Authors: Landers‐Potts Melissa A. , Wickrama K. A. S. , Simons Leslie Gordon , Cutrona Carolyn , Gibbons Frederick X. , Simons Ronald L. , Conger Rand
Published: March 2015

This study focuses on 422 African American families with two caregivers as children transition into adolescence. The family stress model was tested longitudinally using structural equation modeling. Results showed that economic stress was associated with economic pressure and depressive symptoms among caregivers, which in turn was related to caregiver conflict. Higher levels of conflict had a negative influence on parenting quality at Wave 2, and this was linked to adolescent functioning. The depressive symptomology of secondary caregivers (SCs) exerted a greater indirect effect in the models than that of primary caregivers (PCs) and had a direct relationship to adolescent's positive adjustment. Moderational effects of caregiver conflict on the link between economic pressure/adolescent outcomes and economic pressure/hostile parenting were also tested. The case for the importance of including PCs and SCs of children and adolescents in future research focusing on African American families facing economic hardship is made.
Addressing Child Support in Fatherhood Programs: Perspectives of Fathers and Service Providers
Authors: Threlfall Jennifer M. , Kohl Patricia L.
Published: March 2015

This qualitative study explores the views that low‐income fathers and fatherhood service providers have of the child support system and how these perceptions shape the provision of and men's engagement in fatherhood services. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 36 fathers, and telephone interviews with 19 fatherhood service providers. Four themes emerged about perceptions of the child support system: imposing unrealistic financial demands, criminalizing low‐income men, discounting paternal viewpoints, and evidencing responsible parenting. A further four themes were concerned with the relationship between the child support system and fatherhood programs: hindering wider service utilization, encouraging engagement, educating and advocating, and reframing child support. Overall the findings suggest that though child support obligations can place a substantial financial and psychological burden on low‐income men, fatherhood programs have a valuable role to play in supporting noncustodial fathers in paying child support as one part of their wider paternal role.
Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of healthy paediatric ankles and knees: a baseline for comparison with haemophilic joints
Authors: Keshava S. N. , Gibikote S. V. , Mohanta A. , Poonnoose P. , Rayner T. , Hilliard P. , Lakshmi K. M. , Moineddin R. , Ignas D. , Srivastava A. , Blanchette V. , Doria A. S.
Published: March 2015

The study was undertaken to document cartilage and soft tissue changes/findings in ankles and knees of normal children of different age groups to be used for comparison in the assessment of children with haemophilia. Cartilage thickness and soft tissue changes were recorded at predetermined sites of ankles/knees on both US and MRI in healthy boys in three age groups: 7–9; 10–14; and 15–18 years. To assess the validity of the ultrasound and MRI measurements, an ex vivo study was done using agar phantoms with techniques and scanners similar to those applied in vivo. Twenty (48%) knees and 22 (52%) ankles of 42 boys, were evaluated. There was a reduction in the thickness of joint cartilage with age. A difference in cartilage measurements was noted in most sites between the age groups on both US and MRI (P < 0.05 each), but such difference was not noted for joint fluid in ankles or knees (P = 0.20, P = 0.68 or P = 0.75, P = 0.63 for US, MRI, respectively). Although cartilage measurements were smaller on US than on MRI for both ankles and knees (P < 0.05 each), this observation was not recorded for fluid in knees (P = 0.02). For diminutive measurements (2 mm) mean US measurements were smaller than corresponding phantom's measurements, P = 0.02. Age‐related measurements were noted for cartilage thickness on US and MRI in ankles and knees. US measurements were smaller than corresponding MRI measurements at most joint sites, which were supported by results on small‐diameter phantoms.
Cilostazol Research in Asia: Can it Be Applied to European and American Patients?
Authors: Kim Jong S. , Kwon Sun U. , Uchiyama Shinichiro
Published: March 2015

Cilostazol is an antiplatelet drug often used in Asian countries like Korea, Japan, and China. However, it is rarely used in the west. Cilostazol inhibits phosphodiesterase, increases cyclic AMP concentrations, and consequently inhibits platelet aggregation. Interestingly, it also has vasodilatory activity, inhibits vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and protects the endothelium. Studies in Asia have shown that cilostazol is effective in the secondary prevention of stroke. Moreover, it is significantly less likely to cause bleeding complications than aspirin. Additional trials have shown that cilostazol is effective in the prevention of intracranial atherosclerosis progression. Unfortunately, cilostazol has rarely been studied in non-Asian stroke patients and, accordingly, the benefits of cilostazol are less well appreciated in Europe and America than in Asia. Although further studies are required, we suggest that at least some stroke patients (e.g., patients prone to bleeding, patients with intracranial atherosclerosis, etc.) may readily benefit from cilostazol regardless of ethnicity.
Enhanced Fluorescence and Local Vibrational Mode in Near‐White‐Light‐Emitting ZnO:Mg Nanorods System
Authors: Udayabhaskar Rednam , Karthikeyan Balasubramanian
Published: March 2015

We report exciton and phonon properties of ZnO:Mg nanorods of different Mg doping concentration. X‐ray diffraction studies (XRD) confirm the growth of wurtzite phase ZnO nanostructures. XRD reveals doping‐induced shift in peaks and formation of secondary phase related to Mg. Optical properties of the prepared nanorods are investigated by using UV‐Visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopic techniques. Optical absorption studies show strong free excitonic absorption of ZnO and extra absorption bands related to the defect centers of the secondary phase (MgO) formed after Mg doping. Photoluminescence studies show sharp band in UV region and defects‐related broad band emission in the visible range. Gaussian‐fitted photoluminescence spectra show that the emission is composed of free exciton recombination and its longitudinal optical (LO) phonon replica. In addition, Mg‐related local vibrational mode observed in Raman and FTIR spectra after Mg doping, indicates the incorporation of Mg into the lattice positions of wurtzite ZnO.
Impact of Stoichiometry on Structural and Optical Properties of Sputter Deposited Multicomponent Tellurite Glass Films
Authors: Ogbuu Okechukwu , Du Qingyang , Lin Hongtao , Li Lan , Zou Yi , Koontz Erick , Smith Charmayne , Danto Sylvain , Richardson Kathleen , Hu Juejun
Published: March 2015

Multicomponent TeO2–Bi2O3–ZnO (TBZ) glass thin films were prepared using RF magnetron sputtering under different oxygen flow rates. The influences of oxygen flow rate on the structural and optical properties of the resulting thin films were investigated. We observed that thin films sputtered in an oxygen‐rich environment are optically transparent while those sputtered in an oxygen‐deficient environment exhibit broadband absorption. The structural origin of the optical property variation was studied using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy which revealed that the presence of under‐coordinated Te leads to the observed optical absorption in oxygen‐deficient films.
Local variation in weather conditions influences incubation behavior and temperature in a passerine bird
Authors: Coe Brittney H. , Beck Michelle L. , Chin Stephanie Y. , Jachowski Catherine M. B. , Hopkins William A.
Published: March 2015

Incubation is an important component of avian parental care and slight changes in incubation temperature can affect offspring phenotype. Although many extrinsic and intrinsic factors may generate variation in incubation temperature, they remain underexplored under natural conditions. Using a robust data set encompassing 55 nests, 22 816 behavioral observations, and > 1 million paired ambient and egg temperatures, we describe the relationships among abiotic factors, female incubation behavior, incubation temperature, and incubation period for tree swallows Tachycineta bicolor. We report a large amount of individual variation in incubation behaviors and average incubation temperatures for our study population. The average on‐bout incubation temperature was 34.1°C, with daily egg temperatures ranging from 18.0–39.2°C. Females modulated the number of times they left the nest and the amount of time they stayed off the nest according to interactions between precipitation and temperature patterns. Models generated from our observations predicted that the number of female off‐bouts was the lowest under warm and dry conditions while more off‐bouts were taken under cold and dry or warm and wet conditions. During cold and dry conditions, females stayed off their nest ∼4 times longer than under warm and dry conditions. However, this pattern was reversed under periods of rainfall; females tended to take shorter off‐bouts when it was rainy and cold compared to longer off‐bouts during warmer rain events. Furthermore, variation in female behavior was associated with differences in overall incubation temperature such that females that maintained greater incubation constancy produced higher incubation temperatures at a given ambient temperature than those that displayed lower incubation constancy. Our results provide perspective on the timing of breeding, as some of the advantages of breeding early may be countered by cooler, early season temperatures and precipitation that cause reproducing females to favor self‐maintenance at a potential cost to optimal incubation temperatures for offspring development.
Sustainable dairy cattle selection in the genomic era
Authors: Boichard D. , Ducrocq V. , Fritz S.
Published: March 2015

Genomic selection offers considerable flexibility to increase genetic trends in dairy cattle breeding. It is also an opportunity for more sustainable breeding, in terms of breeding goal and genetic variability. With a shorter generation interval, there is a big risk of increasing inbreeding if semen dissemination policy of elite bulls is not changed. However, using a large number of young bulls as service bulls and bull sires is a solution for both maximizing genetic trend while reducing inbreeding trend. Female genotyping is a key challenge for within‐herd selection but, more importantly, for selection of new traits and for replacement of current reference populations based upon progeny‐tested bulls. Genomic selection also opens new avenues for more customized breeding across herds or production systems. A big challenge is to reduce the dependency of genomic predictions on relationship between candidates and the reference population. A strong effort is presently dedicated to integrating genome sequence information into predictions, to improve their accuracy and persistency. In the longer term, further customization of selection will be possible by accounting for G × E interactions. Important developments are also necessary to decrease loss of favourable alleles through genetic drift.
Safety, efficacy, and early clinical experience of insulin degludec in Japanese people with diabetes mellitus: A first‐year report from Japan
Authors: Kaku Kohei , Eid Mohamed A.
Published: March 2015

In Japan, insulin therapy is recommended for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus either directly after diet, exercise and lifestyle improvements, or if the target for glycemic control is not achieved with other hypoglycemic agents. Insulin degludec is an ultra‐long‐acting insulin that was launched in Japan in 2013, having shown good efficacy and safety in its clinical development program. It has now been used in clinical practice for more than 1 year. During this time, clinicians and researchers have identified possible factors that could influence the decision as to which patients might be appropriate for insulin degludec treatment. In the present review, we describe how to initiate and manage insulin degludec therapy in routine clinical practice. We also discuss several important topics related to the use of insulin degludec, including patient selection, dosing, handling of bolus insulin, hypoglycemia and other potential safety considerations.
Isolation and characterization of tri‐ and tetra‐repeat microsatellite loci in the white‐spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis (Salmonidae)
Authors: Yamamoto S. , Sekino M.
Published: March 2015

Tri‐ and tetra‐motif repeat microsatellite marker loci were developed for the white‐spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis. The 454 pyrosequencing was used to discover repeat arrays, and eight microsatellite‐primer sets, available for the estimation of polymorphisms, were identified. The number of alleles in a wild population ranged from two to four and the observed and expected heterozygosities were 0·180–0·600 and 0·188–0·599, respectively.
Social Norms: Do We Love Norms Too Much?
Authors: Bell David C. , Cox Mary L.
Published: March 2015

Social norms are often cited as the cause of many social phenomena, especially as an explanation for prosocial family and relationship behaviors. And yet maybe we love the idea of social norms too much, as suggested by our failure to subject them to rigorous test. Compared to the detail in social norms theoretical orientations, there is very little detail in tests of normative theories. To provide guidance to researchers who invoke social norms as explanations, we catalog normative orientations that have been proposed to account for consistent patterns of action. We call on researchers to conduct tests of normative theories and the processes such theories assert.
Apologies in Close Relationships: A Review of Theory and Research
Authors: Lewis Jarrett T. , Parra Gilbert R. , Cohen Robert
Published: March 2015

This article summarizes current theory and research related to apologies in close relationships. Eight studies examined predictors of the occurrence and effectiveness of apologies, and 7 studies investigated outcomes associated with apologies. Two studies investigated predictors and associated outcomes of apologies. Findings indicated that characteristics of the victim (e.g., willingness to empathize), characteristics of the transgressor (e.g., gender, personality), and specific contextual factors (e.g., relational closeness) influence the occurrence and effectiveness of an apology. Several factors, including the transgressor's ability to adopt a self‐focus or self‐other focus when apologizing, were associated with positive relationship outcomes. The review highlights a lack of consensus in apology conceptualization and the need for additional research on the role of apologies in maintaining close relationships.
Predicting Mortality in Older Adults with Kidney Disease: A Pragmatic Prediction Model
Authors: Weiss Jessica W. , Platt Robert W. , Thorp Micah L. , Yang Xiuhai , Smith David H. , Petrik Amanda , Eckstrom Elizabeth , Morris Cynthia , O'Hare Ann M. , Johnson Eric S.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

To develop mortality risk prediction models for older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) that include comorbidities and measures of health status and use not associated with particular comorbid conditions (nondisease‐specific measures).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Kaiser Permanente Northwest (KPNW) Health Maintenance Organization.

Participants

Individuals with severe CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m2; N = 4,054; n = 1,915 aged 65–79, n = 2,139 aged ≥80) who received care at KPNW between 2000 and 2008.

Measurements

Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine the association between selected participant characteristics and all‐cause mortality and to generate age group–specific risk prediction models. Predicted and observed risks were evaluated according to quintile. Predictors from the Cox models were translated into a points‐based system. Internal validation was used to provide best estimates of how these models might perform in an external population.

Results

The risk prediction models used 16 characteristics to identify participants with the highest risk of mortality at 2 years for adults aged 65 to 79 and 80 and older. Predicted and observed risks agreed within 5% for each quintile; a 4 to 5 times difference in 2‐year predicted mortality risk was observed between the highest and lowest quintiles. The c‐statistics for each model (0.68–0.69) indicated effective discrimination without evidence of significant overfit (slope shrinkage 0.06–0.09). Models for each age group performed similarly for mortality prediction at 6 months and 2 years in terms of discrimination and calibration.

Conclusion

When validated, these risk prediction models may be helpful in supporting discussions about prognosis and treatment decisions sensitive to prognosis in older adults with CKD in real‐world clinical settings.
Micro‐trichome as a class I homeodomain‐leucine zipper gene regulates multicellular trichome development in Cucumis sativus
Authors: Zhao Jun‐Long , Pan Jun‐Song , Guan Yuan , Zhang Wei‐Wei , Bie Bei‐Bei , Wang Yun‐Li , He Huan‐Le , Lian Hong‐Li , Cai Run
Published: March 2015

Plant trichomes serve as a highly suitable model for investigating cell differentiation at the single‐cell level. The regulatory genes involved in unicellular trichome development in Arabidopsis thaliana have been intensively studied, but genes regulating multicellular trichome development in plants remain unclear. Here, we characterized Cucumis sativus (cucumber) trichomes as representative multicellular and unbranched structures, and identified Micro‐trichome (Mict), using map‐based cloning in an F2 segregating population of 7,936 individuals generated from a spontaneous mict mutant. In mict plants, trichomes in both leaves and fruits, are small, poorly developed, and denser than in the wild type. Sequence analysis revealed that a 2,649‐bp genomic deletion, spanning the first and second exons, occurred in a plant‐specific class I homeodomain‐leucine zipper gene. Tissue‐specific expression analysis indicated that Mict is strongly expressed in the trichome cells. Transcriptome profiling identified potential targets of Mict including putative homologs of genes known in other systems to regulate trichome development, meristem determinacy, and hormone responsiveness. Phylogenic analysis charted the relationships among putative homologs in angiosperms. Our paper represents initial steps toward understanding the development of multicellular trichomes.
Ectopic lignification in primary cellulose‐deficient cell walls of maize cell suspension cultures
Authors: Mélida Hugo , Largo‐Gosens Asier , Novo‐Uzal Esther , Santiago Rogelio , Pomar Federico , García Pedro , García‐Angulo Penélope , Acebes José Luis , Álvarez Jesús , Encina Antonio
Published: March 2015

Maize (Zea mays L.) suspension‐cultured cells with up to 70% less cellulose were obtained by stepwise habituation to dichlobenil (DCB), a cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor. Cellulose deficiency was accompanied by marked changes in cell wall matrix polysaccharides and phenolics as revealed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cell wall compositional analysis indicated that the cellulose‐deficient cell walls showed an enhancement of highly branched and cross‐linked arabinoxylans, as well as an increased content in ferulic acid, diferulates and p‐coumaric acid, and the presence of a polymer that stained positive for phloroglucinol. In accordance with this, cellulose‐deficient cell walls showed a fivefold increase in Klason‐type lignin. Thioacidolysis/GC‐MS analysis of cellulose‐deficient cell walls indicated the presence of a lignin‐like polymer with a Syringyl/Guaiacyl ratio of 1.45, which differed from the sensu stricto stress‐related lignin that arose in response to short‐term DCB‐treatments. Gene expression analysis of these cells indicated an overexpression of genes specific for the biosynthesis of monolignol units of lignin. A study of stress signaling pathways revealed an overexpression of some of the jasmonate signaling pathway genes, which might trigger ectopic lignification in response to cell wall integrity disruptions. In summary, the structural plasticity of primary cell walls is proven, since a lignification process is possible in response to cellulose impoverishment.
Cellulose structure and lignin distribution in normal and compression wood of the Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba L.)
Authors: Andersson Seppo , Wang Yurong , Pönni Raili , Hänninen Tuomas , Mononen Marko , Ren Haiqing , Serimaa Ritva , Saranpää Pekka
Published: March 2015

We studied in detail the mean microfibril angle and the width of cellulose crystals from the pith to the bark of a 15‐year‐old Maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba L.). The orientation of cellulose microfibrils with respect to the cell axis and the width and length of cellulose crystallites were determined using X‐ray diffraction. Raman microscopy was used to compare the lignin distribution in the cell wall of normal/opposite and compression wood, which was found near the pith. Ginkgo biloba showed a relatively large mean microfibril angle, varying between 19° and 39° in the S2 layer, and the average width of cellulose crystallites was 3.1–3.2 nm. Mild compression wood without any intercellular spaces or helical cavities was observed near the pith. Slit‐like bordered pit openings and a heavily lignified S2L layer confirmed the presence of compression wood. Ginkgo biloba showed typical features present in the juvenile wood of conifers. The microfibril angle remained large over the 14 annual rings. The entire stem disc, with a diameter of 18 cm, was considered to consist of juvenile wood. The properties of juvenile and compression wood as well as the cellulose orientation and crystalline width indicate that the wood formation of G. biloba is similar to that of modern conifers.
Loss‐of‐function mutation of rice SLAC7 decreases chloroplast stability and induces a photoprotection mechanism in rice
Authors: Fan Xiaolei , Wu Jiemin , Chen Taiyu , Tie Weiwei , Chen Hao , Zhou Fei , Lin Yongjun
Published: March 2015

Plants absorb sunlight to power the photochemical reactions of photosynthesis, which can potentially damage the photosynthetic machinery. However, the mechanism that protects chloroplasts from the damage remains unclear. In this work, we demonstrated that rice (Oryza sativa L.) SLAC7 is a generally expressed membrane protein. Loss‐of‐function of SLAC7 caused continuous damage to the chloroplasts of mutant leaves under normal light conditions. Ion leakage indicators related to leaf damage such as H2O2 and abscisic acid levels were significantly higher in slac7‐1 than in the wild type. Consistently, the photosynthesis efficiency and Fv/Fm ratio of slac7‐1 were significantly decreased (similar to photoinhibition). In response to chloroplast damage, slac7‐1 altered its leaf morphology (curled or fused leaf) by the synergy between plant hormones and transcriptional factors to decrease the absorption of light, suggesting that a photoprotection mechanism for chloroplast damage was activated in slac7‐1. When grown in dark conditions, slac7‐1 displayed a normal phenotype. SLAC7 under the control of the AtSLAC1 promoter could partially complement the phenotypes of Arabidopsis slac1 mutants, indicating a partial conservation of SLAC protein functions. These results suggest that SLAC7 is essential for maintaining the chloroplast stability in rice.
Involvement With Past‐Union Children and Couple Childbearing Intentions
Authors: Hohmann‐Marriott Bryndl
Published: March 2015

Parents with children from both past and current unions create complex stepfamilies. The author investigated the association of past‐union children with intentions for a second or third child in the current union of 1,739 couples in the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort Study. Both partners' reports of their own resident and nonresident past‐union children as well as fathers' reports of involvement with nonresident past‐union children create a comprehensive measurement of past‐union children. The analysis revealed that coresident past‐union children were more closely associated with childbearing intentions than were nonresident past‐union children and that weekly contact with nonresident children had a stronger link to intentions than did payments. These results suggest that the value of the past‐union children as siblings and the time commitment made to these children are particularly salient to parents' decisions about further childbearing in their current union.
Interparental Relationship Sensitivity Leads to Adolescent Internalizing Problems: Different Genotypes, Different Pathways
Authors: Schlomer Gabriel L. , Fosco Gregory M. , Cleveland H. H. , Vandenbergh David J. , Feinberg Mark E.
Published: March 2015

Several studies have established that child interparental conflict evaluations link parent relationship functioning and adolescent adjustment. Using differential susceptibility theory and its vantage sensitivity complement as their framework, the authors examined differences between adolescents who vary in the DRD4 7 repeat genotype (i.e., 7+ vs. 7−) in how both interparental conflict and positivity affect adolescents' evaluations of interparental conflict (i.e., threat appraisals) and how these evaluations affect internalizing problems. Results from longitudinal multiple‐group path models using PROSPER data (N = 452) supported the hypothesis that threat appraisals for 7+ adolescents would be more affected by perceptions of interparental positivity compared to 7− adolescents; however, threat appraisals for 7+ adolescents were also less affected by interparental conflict. Among 7− adolescents, interparental conflict perceptions were associated with higher threat appraisals, and no association was found for perceptions of positivity. For adolescents of both genotypes, higher threat was associated with greater internalizing problems.
“I'll Be There for You”: Teen Parents' Coparenting Relationships
Authors: Mollborn Stefanie , Jacobs Janet
Published: March 2015

Marriage promotion policy agendas have focused research attention on coparenting relationships, but little is known about coparenting among teen parents. Using qualitative interviews with 76 teen mothers and fathers supplemented with site observations at a school and clinic, the authors investigated coparenting relationships and those relationships' embeddedness in extended families and social institutions. They identified prevalent coparenting trajectories and analyzed individual‐, interaction‐, and institutional‐level influences on coparenting. Coparenting trajectories diverged depending on whether the couple stayed together and assumed traditionally gendered parenting roles. Participants perceived that coparenting relationships strongly shaped their current and future socioeconomic, emotional, and practical circumstances and their success at “being there” for their child. Extended families, institutions, and social programs often pushed teen parents apart, although many participants felt they needed a functional relationship with the other parent. Coparenting relationships, considered jointly with extended families and social institutions, are fundamental for understanding teen parenthood and shaping effective social policies.
Family Ties and Young Fathers' Engagement in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Clark Shelley , Cotton Cassandra , Marteleto Letícia J.
Published: March 2015

Young South African fathers are often engaged in their children's lives even if they do not live together. Using longitudinal data on children (n = 1,209) from the Cape Town area, the authors show that although only 26% of young fathers live with their children, 66% of nonresidential fathers maintain regular contact, and 61% provide financial support. The father–child relationship, however, is embedded in broader family ties. The type of father–mother relationship is strongly associated with whether fathers coreside with their children but not with fathers' contact with nonresidential children. Close mother and maternal grandmother bonds reduce the likelihood that fathers live with their children, whereas close ties between fathers and paternal grandmothers increase the chance that fathers visit nonresidential children. Family ties do not affect fathers' financial contributions, which are driven by men's current economic situation. These findings illustrate that father–child relationships are best understood in the context of interacting family systems.
Parents' Death and Adult Well‐being: Gender, Age, and Adaptation to Filial Bereavement
Authors: Leopold Thomas , Lechner Clemens M.
Published: March 2015

The authors investigated how filial bereavement affects the subjective well‐being of adult children. They used data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel Study to examine temporal profiles of life satisfaction in 2,760 adult children ages 17–70 who moved through the stages of anticipation of, reaction to, and adaptation to a parent's death. Fixed effects models covering up to 11 yearly measurements per respondent revealed that the negative effects of parental loss on life satisfaction varied substantially by gender and age. First, daughters who lost their mothers experienced the deepest drops in life satisfaction. Second, negative effects were stronger if filial bereavement was “off time”: children who lost a parent in younger adulthood experienced steeper declines in life satisfaction. Daughters who are untimely bereaved of their mothers did not fully adapt even several years after the death.