bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycine enhances muscle protein mass associated with maintaining Akt-mTOR-FOXO1 signaling and suppressing TLR4 and NOD2 signaling in piglets challenged with LPS
Authors: Liu Yulan , Wang Xiuying , Wu Huanting , Chen Shaokui , Zhu Huiling , Zhang Jing , Hou Yongqing , Hu Chien-An Andy , Zhang Guolong
Published: May 2016

Pro-inflammatory cytokines play a critical role in the pathophysiology of muscle atrophy. We hypothesized that glycine exerted an anti-inflammatory effect and alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced muscle atrophy in piglets. Pigs were assigned to four treatments including the following: 1) nonchallenged control, 2) LPS-challenged control, 3) LPS+1.0% glycine, and 4) LPS+2.0% glycine. After receiving the control, 1.0 or 2.0% glycine-supplemented diets, piglets were treated with either saline or LPS. At 4 h after treatment with saline or LPS, blood and muscle samples were harvested. We found that 1.0 or 2.0% glycine increased protein/DNA ratio, protein content, and RNA/DNA ratio in gastrocnemius or longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles. Glycine also resulted in decreased mRNA expression of muscle atrophy F-box ( MAFbx) and muscle RING finger 1 ( MuRF1) in gastrocnemius muscle. In addition, glycine restored the phosphorylation of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), and Forkhead Box O 1 (FOXO1) in gastrocnemius or LD muscles. Furthermore, glycine resulted in decreased plasma tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration and muscle TNF-α mRNA abundance. Moreover, glycine resulted in decreased mRNA expresson of Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR4), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein 2 ( NOD2), and their respective downstream molecules in gastrocnemius or LD muscles. These results indicate glycine enhances muscle protein mass under an inflammatory condition. The beneficial roles of glycine on the muscle are closely associated with maintaining Akt-mTOR-FOXO1 signaling and suppressing the activation of TLR4 and/or NOD2 signaling pathways.
Transport Aircraft Conceptual Design Optimization Using Real Coded Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Singh Vedant , Sharma Somesh K. , Vaibhav S.
Published: May 2016

Due to soaring oil prices, increased air traffic and competition among air transport companies, and environmental concerns, aircraft maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is becoming a critical aspect, of air transport industry. It is very important to estimate the MTOW of the aircraft in order to determine its performance. However, estimating the weight of an aircraft is not a simple task. The purpose of this paper is to present a simplified method to optimize the aircraft MTOW using a genetic algorithm approach. For the optimization of MTOW of transport aircraft, a MATLAB program consisting of genetic algorithm techniques with appropriate genetic algorithm parameters setting was developed. The objective function for the optimization was a minimization of MTOW. The use of genetic real coded algorithm (GA) as an optimization tool for an aircraft can help to reduce the number of qualitative decisions. Also, using GA approach, the time and the cost of conceptual design can considerably be reduced. The model is applicable to the air transport industry. The proposed model has been validated against the known configuration of an aircraft.
Cardioprotective Effect of Electroacupuncture Pretreatment on Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Antiapoptotic Signaling
Authors: Lu Sheng-feng , Huang Yan , Wang Ning , Shen Wei-xing , Fu Shu-ping , Li Qian , Yu Mei-ling , Liu Wan-xin , Chen Xia , Jing Xin-yue , Zhu Bing-mei
Published: May 2016

Objectives. Our previous study has used RNA‐seq technology to show that apoptotic molecules were involved in the myocardial protection of electroacupuncture pretreatment (EAP) on the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) animal model. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate how EAP protects myocardium against myocardial I/R injury through antiapoptotic mechanism. Methods. By using rats with myocardial I/R, we ligated the left anterior descending artery (LAD) for 30 minutes followed by 4 hr of reperfusion after EAP at the Neiguan (PC6) acupoint for 12 days; we employed arrhythmia scores, serum myocardial enzymes, and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) to evaluate the cardioprotective effect. Heart tissues were harvested for western blot analyses for the expressions of pro‐ and antiapoptotic signaling molecules. Results. Our preliminary findings showed that EAP increased the survival of the animals along with declined arrhythmia scores and decreased CK, LDH, CK‐Mb, and cTnT levels. Further analyses with the heart tissues detected reduced myocardial fiber damage, decreased number of apoptotic cells and the protein expressions of Cyt c and cleaved caspase 3, and the elevated level of Endo G and AIF after EAP intervention. At the same time, the protein expressions of antiapoptotic molecules, including Xiap, BclxL, and Bcl2, were obviously increased. Conclusions. The present study suggested that EAP protected the myocardium from I/R injury at least partially through the activation of endogenous antiapoptotic signaling.
Effects of La and Ce Addition on the Modification of Al-Si Based Alloys
Authors: Elgallad Emad M. , Doty Herbert W. , Alkahtani Saleh A. , Samuel Fawzy H.
Published: May 2016

This study focuses on the effects of the addition of rare earth metals (mainly lanthanum and cerium) on the eutectic Si characteristics in Al-Si based alloys. Based on the solidification curves and microstructural examination of the corresponding alloys, it was found that addition of La or Ce increases the alloy melting temperature and the Al-Si eutectic temperature, with an Al-Si recalescence of 2-3°C, and the appearance of post-α-Al peaks attributed to precipitation of rare earth intermetallics. Addition of La or Ce to Al-(7–13)% Si causes only partial modification of the eutectic Si particles. Lanthanum has a high affinity to react with Sr, which weakens the modification efficiency of the latter. Cerium, however, has a high affinity for Ti, forming a large amount of sludge. Due to the large difference in the length of the eutectic Si particles in the same sample, the normal use of standard deviation in this case is meaningless.
Efficient and Adaptively Secure Attribute-Based Proxy Reencryption Scheme
Authors: Li Huixian , Pang Liaojun
Published: May 2016

Ciphertext-Policy Attribute-Based Proxy Reencryption (CP-ABPRE) has found many practical applications in the real world, because it extends the traditional Proxy Reencryption (PRE) and allows a semitrusted proxy to transform a ciphertext under an access policy to the one with the same plaintext under another access policy. The existing CP-ABPRE schemes were proven secure only in the selective security model, a limited model, which is an unnatural constraint on the attacker. The scheme proved in this model can only be called selectively secure one. However, from a security perspective, the adaptively secure CP-ABPRE scheme is more desirable. In this paper, an adaptively secure CP-ABPRE scheme is proposed, which is based on Waters’ dual system encryption technology. The proposed scheme is constructed in composite order bilinear groups and proven secure under the complexity assumptions of the subgroup decision problem for 3 primes (3P-SDP). Analyses show that our proposal provides higher computational efficiency compared with the existing schemes.
Construction of Fractional Power Series Solutions to Fractional Boussinesq Equations Using Residual Power Series Method
Authors: Xu Fei , Gao Yixian , Yang Xue , Zhang He
Published: May 2016

This paper is aimed at constructing fractional power series (FPS) solutions of time-space fractional Boussinesq equations using residual power series method (RPSM). Firstly we generalize the idea of RPSM to solve any-order time-space fractional differential equations in high-dimensional space with initial value problems inRn. Using RPSM, we can obtain FPS solutions of fourth-, sixth-, and 2nth-order time-space fractional Boussinesq equations inRand fourth-order time-space fractional Boussinesq equations inR2andRn. Finally, by numerical experiments, it is shown that RPSM is a simple, effective, and powerful method for seeking approximate analytic solutions of fractional differential equations.
Effect of LongZhang Gargle on Biofilm Formation and Acidogenicity ofStreptococcus mutans In Vitro
Authors: Yang Yutao , Liu Shiyu , He Yuanli , Chen Zhu , Li Mingyun
Published: May 2016

Streptococcus mutans, with the ability of high-rate acid production and strong biofilm formation, is considered the predominant bacterial species in the pathogenesis of human dental caries. Natural products which may be bioactive againstS. mutanshave become a hot spot to researches to control dental caries. LongZhang Gargle, completely made from Chinese herbs, was investigated for its effects on acid production and biofilm formation byS. mutansin this study. The results showed an antimicrobial activity of LongZhang Gargle againstS. mutansplanktonic growth at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16% and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 32%. Acid production was significantly inhibited at sub-MIC concentrations. Biofilm formation was also significantly disrupted, and 8% was the minimum concentration that resulted in at least 50% inhibition of biofilm formation (MBIC50). A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an effective disruption of LongZhang Gargle onS. mutansbiofilm integrity. In addition, a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) suggested that the extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) synthesis could be inhibited by LongZhang Gargle at a relatively low concentration. These findings suggest that LongZhang Gargle may be a promising natural anticariogenic agent in that it suppresses planktonic growth, acid production, and biofilm formation againstS. mutans.
Spacetime Causal Structure and Dimension from Horismotic Relation
Authors: Stoica O. C.
Published: May 2016

A reflexive relation on a set can be a starting point in defining the causal structure of a spacetime in General Relativity and other relativistic theories of gravity. If we identify this relation as the relation between lightlike separated events (the horismos relation), we can construct in a natural way the entire causal structure: causal and chronological relations, causal curves, and a topology. By imposing a simple additional condition, the structure gains a definite number of dimensions. This construction works with both continuous and discrete spacetimes. The dimensionality is obtained also in the discrete case, so this approach can be suited to prove the fundamental conjecture of causal sets. Other simple conditions lead to a differentiable manifold with a conformal structure (the metric up to a scaling factor) as in Lorentzian manifolds. This structure provides a simple and general reconstruction of the spacetime in relativistic theories of gravity, which normally requires topological structure, differential structure, and geometric structure (which decomposes in the conformal structure, giving the causal relations and the volume element). Motivations for such a reconstruction come from relativistic theories of gravity, where the conformal structure is important, from the problem of singularities, and from Quantum Gravity, where various discretization methods are pursued, particularly in the causal sets approach.
Circulating Endothelial Microparticles and Correlation of Serum 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D with Adiponectin, Nonesterified Fatty Acids, and Glycerol from Middle-Aged Men in China
Authors: Wan Zhongxiao , Yu Lugang , Cheng Jinbo , Zhang Zengli , Xu Baohui , Pang Xing , Zhou Hui , Lei Ting
Published: May 2016

The aim of the present study is (1) to determine the correlation between circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and adiponectin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and glycerol and (2) to determine the alterations in circulating endothelial microparticles (EMPs) in Chinese male subjects with increased body mass index (BMI). A total of 45 male adults were enrolled with varied BMI [i.e., lean, overweight (OW), and obese (OB),N=15per group]. Blood samples were collected under overnight fasting condition, and plasma was isolated for the measurement of endothelial microparticles (EMPs), total and high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin, 25(OH)D, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs), and glycerol. Circulating 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with total adiponectin, NEFA, and glycerol levels. There is no difference for CD62E+ or CD31+/CD42b− EMPs among 3 groups. In Chinese male adults with varied BMI, an inverse correlation existed between 25(OH)D levels and total adiponectin, NEFA, and glycerol levels; and there is no significant difference for CD62E+ or CD31+/CD42b− EMPs among lean, overweight, and obese subjects.
Spectroscopic Investigations, DFT Calculations, and Molecular Docking Studies of the Anticonvulsant (2E)-2-[3-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropylidene]-N-(4-methylphenyl)hydrazinecarboxamide
Authors: Al-Wabli Reem I. , Manimaran Devarasu , John Liji , Joe Isaac Hubert , Haress Nadia G. , Attia Mohamed I.
Published: May 2016

Drug discovery for the management of neurological disorders is a challenging arena in medicinal chemistry. Vibrational spectral studies of (2E)-2-[3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1-phenylpropylidene]-N-(4-methylphenyl)hydrazinecarboxamide ((2E)-IPPMP) have been recorded and analyzed to identify the functional groups and intermolecular/intramolecular interactions of the title molecule. The blue shift of the C-H stretching wavenumber reveals the presence of improper C-H⋯O hydrogen bonding. The equilibrium geometry, harmonic vibrational wavenumbers, Frontier orbital energy, and natural bond orbital analyses have been carried out using density functional theory with a B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of the basis set. The vibrational modes have been unambiguously assigned using potential energy distribution analysis. The scaled wavenumbers are in good agreement with the experimental results. Natural bond orbital analysis has confirmed the intermolecular/intramolecular charge transfer interactions. HOMO-LUMO analysis was carried out to explore charge delocalization on the (2E)-IPPMP molecule. A molecular docking study has supported the anticonvulsant activity of the title molecule.
Surface Modification Chemistries of Materials Used in Diagnostic Platforms with Biomolecules
Authors: Sonawane Mukesh Digambar , Nimse Satish Balasaheb
Published: May 2016

Biomolecules including DNA, protein, and enzymes are of prime importance in biomedical field. There are several reports on the technologies for the detection of these biomolecules on various diagnostic platforms. It is important to note that the performance of the biosensor is highly dependent on the substrate material used and its meticulous modification for particular applications. Therefore, it is critical to understand the principles of a biosensor to identify the correct substrate material and its surface modification chemistry. The imperative surface modification for the attachment of biomolecules without losing their bioactivity is a key to sensitive detection. Therefore, finding of a modification method which gives minimum damage to the surface as well as biomolecule is highly inevitable. Different surface modification technologies are invented according to the type of a substrate used. Surface modification techniques of the materials used as platforms in the fabrication of biosensors are reviewed in this paper.
Tumor Cell Invasion Can Be Blocked by Modulators of Collagen Fibril Alignment That Control Assembly of the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Grossman Moran , Ben-Chetrit Nir , Zhuravlev Alina , Afik Ran , Bassat Elad , Solomonov Inna , Yarden Yosef , Sagi Irit
Published: May 2016

Abnormal architectures of collagen fibers in the extracellular matrix (ECM) are hallmarks of many invasive diseases, including cancer. Targeting specific stages of collagen assembly in vivo presents a great challenge due to the involvement of various crosslinking enzymes in the multistep, hierarchical process of ECM build-up. Using advanced microscopic tools, we monitored stages of fibrillary collagen assembly in a native fibroblast-derived 3D matrix system and identified anti-lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) antibodies that alter the natural alignment and width of endogenic fibrillary collagens without affecting ECM composition. The disrupted collagen morphologies interfered with the adhesion and invasion properties of human breast cancer cells. Treatment of mice bearing breast cancer xenografts with the inhibitory antibodies resulted in disruption of the tumorigenic collagen superstructure and in reduction of primary tumor growth. Our approach could serve as a general methodology to identify novel therapeutics targeting fibrillary protein organization to treat ECM-associated pathologies. Cancer Res; 76(14); 4249–58. ©2016 AACR.
Genomic Landscape of Colorectal Mucosa and Adenomas
Authors: Borras Ester , San Lucas F. Anthony , Chang Kyle , Zhou Ruoji , Masand Gita , Fowler Jerry , Mork Maureen E. , You Y. Nancy , Taggart Melissa W. , McAllister Florencia , Jones David A. , Davies Gareth E. , Edelmann Winfried , Ehli Erik A. , Lynch Patrick M. , Hawk Ernest T. , Capella Gabriel , Scheet Paul , Vilar Eduardo
Published: May 2016

The molecular basis of the adenoma-to-carcinoma transition has been deduced using comparative analysis of genetic alterations observed through the sequential steps of intestinal carcinogenesis. However, comprehensive genomic analyses of adenomas and at-risk mucosa are still lacking. Therefore, our aim was to characterize the genomic landscape of colonic at-risk mucosa and adenomas. We analyzed the mutation profile and copy number changes of 25 adenomas and adjacent mucosa from 12 familial adenomatous polyposis patients using whole-exome sequencing and validated allelic imbalances (AI) in 37 adenomas using SNP arrays. We assessed for evidence of clonality and performed estimations on the proportions of driver and passenger mutations using a systems biology approach. Adenomas had lower mutational rates than did colorectal cancers and showed recurrent alterations in known cancer driver genes (APC, KRAS, FBXW7, TCF7L2) and AIs in chromosomes 5, 7, and 13. Moreover, 80% of adenomas had somatic alterations in WNT pathway genes. Adenomas displayed evidence of multiclonality similar to stage I carcinomas. Strong correlations between mutational rate and patient age were observed in at-risk mucosa and adenomas. Our data indicate that at least 23% of somatic mutations are present in at-risk mucosa prior to adenoma initiation. The genomic profiles of at-risk mucosa and adenomas illustrate the evolution from normal tissue to carcinoma via greater resolution of molecular changes at the inflection point of premalignant lesions. Furthermore, substantial genomic variation exists in at-risk mucosa before adenoma formation, and deregulation of the WNT pathway is required to foster carcinogenesis. Cancer Prev Res; 9(6); 417–27. ©2016 AACR.
Association between Age at Menarche and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in China: A Large Population-Based Investigation
Authors: Zheng Yansong , Zhang Guilan , Chen Zhilai , Zeng Qiang
Published: May 2016

Background: The association between age at menarche (AAM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has previously been investigated with controversial results. The relationship between the psychological characteristic of AAM and many cardiovascular risk factors remains unclear. Purpose: To assess the association between AAM and CVD risk factors in a large population. Design and Setting: 13,242 women aged 24-79 years were recruited from China mainland during 2009-2013 for a cross-sectional, population-based study to investigate the association between AAM and CVD risk factors. Information on AAM was obtained from self-report and information on CVD risk factors from physical examination. Results: In age-, body-mass-index- and height-adjusted analyses, AAM was positively associated with hypertension and ‘college or above' educational level and incident CVD events. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% conﬁdence intervals for hypertension across AAM categories (≤12, 13-14, 15-16, and ≥17 years) were 0.820 (0.70-0.96), 0.82 (0.70-0.96), 0.88 (0.79-0.99) and 1 (referent), respectively; adjusted ORs for high educational level (‘college or above') were 0.29 (0.24-0.34), 0.60 (0.41-0.51), 0.69 (0.62-0.76), and 1 (referent), respectively; adjusted ORs for incident CVD events were 0.18 (0.08-0.41), 0.18 (0.08-0.41), 0.62 (0.41-0.93), 1 (referent), respectively. Conclusions: Earlier AAM were positively associated with incident CVD events, hypertension and ‘college or above' educational level.
Breastfeeding, Dental Biofilm Acidogenicity, and Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Neves Pierre A.M. , Ribeiro Cecília Claudia Costa , Tenuta Livia Maria Andaló , Leitão Tarcísio J. , Monteiro-Neto Valério , Nunes Ana Margarida M. , Cury Jaime Aparecido
Published: May 2016

Aim: This study evaluated the acidogenicity of human milk by the dental biofilms of children with and without early childhood caries (ECC). Method: Biofilms of 16 children (7 with ECC; 9 caries free) were exposed to human milk or 10% sucrose solution in the crossover design, and the biofilm pH was determined. Results: Breastfeeding did not provoke a decrease in biofilm pH, irrespective of the children's caries status, whereas sucrose decreased the pH for both groups. In addition, higher ΔpH5min (pH variation occurring at 5 min) was observed in the biofilms of ECC children (p < 0.05). The results suggest that breastfeeding may not contribute to ECC.
How Much Do We Know about Maintaining Treatment Response after Successful Acne Therapy? Systematic Review on the Efficacy and Safety of Acne Maintenance Therapy
Authors: Dressler Corinna , Rosumeck Stefanie , Nast Alexander
Published: May 2016

After cessation of successful initial acne therapy, patients often experience flares. Consecutive maintenance treatment after successful induction therapy is promoted by guidelines; however, little is known about the efficacy/safety of different maintenance regimens. A systematic review on acne maintenance treatments was conducted. We identified 5 randomized controlled trials [RCTs; adapalene vs. vehicle or vs. no treatment (3 RCTs), adapalene/benzoyl peroxide (BPO) vs. vehicle, combination/monotherapy of minocycline (systemic)/tazarotene/placebo] and 3 non-RCTs on systemic isotretinoin, adapalene/BPO and azelaic acid. The results of adapalene versus vehicle/no treatment varied depending on the reported outcome. The ‘number of patients maintaining at least 50% improvement' counting inflammatory lesions/non-inflammatory lesions with adapalene was superior to vehicle (risk ratio, RR 1.24, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.08-1.43/RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.18-1.59). However, no significant differences were found in 2 of 3 RCTs for maintaining ‘clear/almost clear' or ‘mild acne' or on the global grading score. For the combination regimens of minocycline/tazarotene/placebo, no significant differences were found. Adapalene/BPO was superior to vehicle counting inflammatory lesions/non-inflammatory lesions (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.31-1.99; RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.44-2.26). Due to the scarcity of studies, few conclusions can be drawn. More homogeneous outcome measures and specific maintenance study designs may lead to more robust findings.
Diagnostic Value of Antigen-Specific Immunoglobulin E Immunoassays against Ara h 2 and Ara h 8 Peanut Components in Child Food Allergy
Authors: Martinet Jérémie , Couderc Laure , Renosi Florian , Bobée Victor , Marguet Christophe , Boyer Olivier
Published: May 2016

Background: Peanut allergy is one of the most severe food allergies in children. The diagnostic gold standard is the oral food challenge (OFC). However, OFC has inherent risks and is time consuming. The measurement of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to peanut components in blood detects peanut sensitization, but the decision point predicting allergy is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of these tests for the evaluation of child peanut allergy. Methods: In this retrospective study, 81 children were referred for peanut allergy. The diagnosis of peanut allergy was based on the clinical context and a positive OFC. Levels of sIgE against whole peanuts or peanut components (Ara h 2 and Ara h 8) were determined by immunoassay. Results: The Ara h 2 sIgE assay has the best negative predictive value (0.93) and positive predictive value (1) at a cutoff of 0.1 kU/l. Ara h 2 sIgE titers can predict the risk of anaphylaxis (<0.44 kU/l, low risk; >14 kU/l, high risk). The Ara h 8 sIgE assay is not able to discriminate peanut-allergic patients but can be used to evaluate possible cross-reactions to birch pollen with a low risk of anaphylaxis. The best diagnostic strategy is to first determine the Ara h 2 sIgE level and, if negative, evaluate Ara h 8 sIgE. Conclusions: We propose an algorithm for a better use of peanut component sIgE immunoassays that should improve their diagnostic value and avoid unnecessary OFC.
Pulmonary Artery Pressure–Guided Heart Failure Management Reduces 30-Day Readmissions
Authors: Adamson Philip B. , Abraham William T. , Stevenson Lynne Warner , Desai Akshay S. , Lindenfeld JoAnn , Bourge Robert C. , Bauman Jordan
Published: May 2016

Background—

This study examines the impact of pulmonary artery pressure–guided heart failure (HF) care on 30-day readmissions in Medicare-eligible patients.

Methods and Results—

The CardioMicroelectromechanical system (CardioMEMS) Heart Sensor Allows Monitoring of Pressures to Improve Outcomes in New York Heart Association Class III Heart Failure Patients (CHAMPION) Trial included 550 patients implanted with a permanent MEMS-based pressure sensor in the pulmonary artery. Subjects were randomized to a treatment group (uploaded pressures were made available to investigators) or a control group (uploaded pressures were not made available to investigators). This analysis focuses on the 245 Medicare-eligible subjects for whom compliance with daily transmissions was 93% compared with 88% for the overall population. Medications were changed more often in the treatment group using pressure information compared with the control group using symptoms and daily weights alone. During the 515 days follow-up after implant, the overall rate of HF hospitalizations was 49% lower in the treatment group (60 HF hospitalizations, 0.34 events/patient-year) compared with control (117 HF hospitalizations, 0.67 events/patient-year; hazard ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.70;
P
<0.0001). Of the 177 HF hospitalizations, 155 qualified as an index HF hospitalization. All-cause 30-day readmissions were 58% lower in the treatment group (0.07 events/patient-year) compared with 0.18 events/patient-year in the control group (hazard ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.80;
P
=0.0080).

Conclusions—

Pulmonary artery pressure–guided HF management in Medicare-eligible patients led to a 49% reduction in total HF hospitalizations and a 58% reduction in all-cause 30-day readmissions.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00531661.
Early Rivaroxaban Use After Cardioembolic Stroke May Not Result in Hemorrhagic Transformation
Authors: Gioia Laura C. , Kate Mahesh , Sivakumar Leka , Hussain Dulara , Kalashyan Hayrapet , Buck Brian , Bussiere Miguel , Jeerakathil Thomas , Shuaib Ashfaq , Emery Derek , Butcher Ken
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose—

Early anticoagulation after cardioembolic stroke remains controversial because of the potential for hemorrhagic transformation (HT). We tested the safety and feasibility of initiating rivaroxaban ≤14 days after cardioembolic stroke/transient ischemic attack.

Methods—

A prospective, open-label study of patients with atrial fibrillation treated with rivaroxaban ≤14 days of transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale <9). All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging <24 hours of rivaroxaban initiation and day 7. The primary end point was symptomatic HT at day 7.

Results—

Sixty patients (mean±SD age 71±19 years, 82% stroke/18% transient ischemic attack) were enrolled. Median (interquartile range) time from onset to rivaroxaban was 3 (5) days. At treatment initiation, median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was 2 (4), and median diffusion-weighted imaging volume was 7.9 (13.7) mL. At baseline, HT was present in 25 (42%) patients (hemorrhagic infarct [HI]1=19, HI2=6). On follow-up magnetic resonance imaging, no patients developed symptomatic HT. New asymptomatic HI1 developed in 3 patients, and asymptomatic progression from HI1 to HI2 occurred in 5 patients; otherwise, HT remained unchanged at day 7.

Conclusions—

These data support the safety of rivaroxaban initiation ≤14 days of mild–moderate cardioembolic stroke/transient ischemic attack. Magnetic resonance imaging evidence of petechial HT, which is common, does not appear to increase the risk of symptomatic HT.
Teacher Quality and Teacher Mobility
Authors: Feng Li , Sass Tim R.
Published: May 2016

There is growing concern among policy makers over the quality of the teacher workforce in general, and the distribution of effective teachers across schools. The impact of teacher attrition on overall teacher quality will depend on the effectiveness of teachers who leave the profession. Likewise, teacher turnover may alleviate or worsen inequities in the distribution of teachers, depending on which teachers change schools or leave teaching and who replaces them. Using matched student–teacher panel data from the state of Florida, we examine teacher mobility across the distribution of effectiveness (as measured by teacher value added). We find that top-quartile and bottom-quartile teachers exit at a higher rate than do average-quality teachers. Additionally, as the share of peer teachers with more experience, advanced degrees, or professional certification increases, the likelihood of moving within-district decreases. We also find some evidence of assortative matching among teachers—more productive reading/language arts teachers are more likely to stay in teaching if they have more productive peer teachers.
The role of male coloration in the outcome of staged contests in the European common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis)
Authors: Abalos J. , Pérez i de Lanuza G. , Carazo P. , Font E.
Published: May 2016

Colour signals play a key role in regulating the intensity and outcome of animal contests. Males of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) show conspicuous ventrolateral ultraviolet (UV)-blue and black patches. In addition, some populations express a striking ventral colour polymorphism (i.e., discrete orange, white and yellow morphs). In this study, we set out to evaluate the potential signalling function of these colour patches by staging pairwise combats between 60 size-matched adult lizards (20 per morph). Combats were held in a neutral arena, with each lizard facing rivals from the three morphs in a tournament with a balanced design. We then calculated a fighting ability ranking using the Bradley–Terry model, and used it to explore whether ventral colour morph, the size of UV-blue and black patches or the spectral characteristics of UV-blue patches (i.e., brightness, hue, chroma) are good predictors of fighting ability. We did not find an effect of the UV-blue patches on contest outcome, but the size of black patches emerged as a good predictor of fighting ability. We also found that winners were more aggressive when facing rivals with black patches of similar size, suggesting that black patches play a role in rival assessment and fighting rules. Finally, we found that orange males lost fights against heteromorphic males more often than yellow or white males. In light of these results, we discuss the potential signalling function of ventrolateral and ventral colour patches in mediating agonistic encounters in this species.
Constructing Spirituality
Authors: Sheldrake Philip
Published: May 2016

How we define “spirituality” and also distinguish and describe different traditions of spirituality is not a simple matter of objective observation. All definitions and descriptions are a matter of interpretation which, in turn, involves preferences, assumptions and choices. In that sense, our approaches to spirituality may often be effectively “political” in that they express values and commitments. Sometimes our historical narratives also reflect the interests of dominant groups – whether in a religious institutional, theological or socio-cultural sense. This process may sometimes be conscious but is more often unconscious and uncritical. This essay first of all explores some of the issues surrounding the question of definition in the study and presentation of Christian spirituality in particular. Second, the essay examines how the history of Christian spirituality has been shaped by certain underlying “narratives”. However, following the thought of Paul Ricoeur, narrative and story are not to be rejected in favour of a quest for history as a form of pure factual “truth”. Rather, what is needed is a more conscious understanding of the power of narrative, its importance and the potential released by identifying forgotten or repressed human stories. Third, the essay then asks whether our approaches to, and descriptions of, particular spiritual traditions have masked prior assumptions about their autonomy, purity and their radical discontinuity (or “rupture”) from what went before or what lies alongside them. Two examples are briefly outlined: the supposed Catholic-Protestant spiritual divide and the often unacknowledged impact of another faith (for example, Sufi Islam) on certain Christian spiritual or mystical traditions. Fourth, the regular geographical-cultural biases in the study of Christian spirituality are noted and one response to this among Spanish-speaking Christians of the Americas, known as “traditioning”, is outlined. Finally, the importance of critical self-awareness in how we employ interpretative frameworks is underlined.
Investigating dental variation in Perameles nasuta Geoffroy, 1804, with morphological evidence to raise P. nasuta pallescens Thomas, 1923 to species rank
Authors: TRAVOUILLON KENNY J.
Published: May 2016

The long-nosed bandicoot, Perameles nasuta Geoffroy, 1804, found on the east coast of Australia, has two subspecies, P. n. nasuta Geoffroy, 1804 and P. n. pallescens Thomas, 1923. Until recently, this distinction has remained untested by either morphological or molecular studies. Based on a recently published but limited molecular study, two publications have recommended that P. pallescens be treated as a species distinct from P. nasuta. Here, the morphological distinction between P. pallescens and P. nasuta is tested by examination of museum specimens from throughout the combined species range, using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. No external features and very few cranial features were found to separate the two subspecies. However, dental morphology and measurements are effective at distinguishing two geographically distinct populations; while a complex pattern of clinal vs non-clinal trends in cranial size suggest a genetic disjunction that corresponds with the dentally-defined geographic groups. These findings support the raising of P. pallescens to species level. In terms of dental features, P. pallescens was found to be most similar to the fossil P. sobbei. The morphological phylogeny recovered P. pallescens as sister to P. nasuta, when no fossil Perameles taxa were included, probably as a result of little cranial differentiation between them. When fossil Perameles were included, the relationships between species of Perameles were unresolved, probably as a result of P. sobbei lacking cranial remains.
Description of a new species of the genus Hyalessa China (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Sonatini) from Yunnan, China, with a key to the species of Hyalessa and a calling song analysis for two Hyalessa species
Authors: PUISSANT STÉPHANE , LEE YOUNG JUNE
Published: May 2016

A new species, Hyalessa scutata sp. nov., is described from Yunnan, China. This species is similar to Hyalessa fuscata (Distant, 1905) but is distinguished by the larger male opercula and the evenly narrow uncal lobe. Hyalessa ella (Lei & Chou, 1997) syn. nov. is synonymized with Hyalessa stratoria (Distant, 1905). A detailed sound analysis of the calling songs of Hyalessa fuscata (Distant, 1905) and Hyalessa maculaticollis (De Motschulsky, 1866) is provided. A key to the species of Hyalessa China, 1925 is also provided. A discussion is conducted for the first time about the presence of potential hybrids between H. maculaticollis and H. fuscata within Tsushima Island situated in the Korea Strait.
A review of the genus Cyana Walker, 1854 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae) from Cambodia, with description of new species
Authors: BAYARSAIKHAN ULZIIJARGAL , BAE YANG-SEOP
Published: May 2016

Genus Cyana Walker, 1854, with 17 species in Cambodia, is reviewed. Among them, Cyana angkorensis Bayarsaikhan & Bae, sp. n. is described as new to science and 7 species are newly recorded from Cambodia. A key to the Cambodian species of the genus Cyana with illustrations of adults and genitalia is presented.
Calculation of total energy release rate in post-local buckling delamination of composite laminates
Authors: Naghinejad M , Ovesy H R
Published: May 2016

In the present article, the variational energy principle is used to derive the expression for energy release rate in buckled composite laminate containing through-the-width delamination, subjected to in-plane strains. Boundary conditions are clamped at both edges. Buckling and post-buckling solutions are obtained and expressions for critical buckling load and post-buckling deflection have been developed. A through-the-width delamination model has been considered and formulations are based on higher order shear deformation theory. The effects of considering the higher order shear deformation theory on equivalent bending rigidity, buckling load, and energy release rate have been investigated. Finally, the results of current study have been compared with the results of finite element method analysis by Abaqus/CAE and those available in the literature.
Building Memory
Authors: Wilson Kristi M.
Published: May 2016

The U.S.-backed Latin American military dictatorships of the 1970s and 1980s resulted in a lack of documentary evidence about the lives of thousands of political activists, intellectuals, union leaders, and everyday people who were tortured and disappeared by their own governments. In Argentina, people have attempted to come to terms with such horrific past events in a variety of ways that are neither static nor univocal. The dynamic process of memory building is influenced by ongoing political debates, shifting power dynamics, global markets, social movements, and a host of other factors such as justice policies. Spaces of memory and museums created in former clandestine centers of torture and disappearance bring to light a politics of truth that works against and reframes a history of silence through impunity.

Parte del legado de las dictaduras militares latinoamericanas de los años 70 y 80 apo-yadas por los Estados Unidos es la carencia de pruebas documentales acerca de las vidas de miles de militantes políticos, intelectuales, líderes sindicales y gente común que fueron torturados y desaparecidos por sus propios gobiernos. En la Argentina, la gente ha tratado de lidiar con estos horribles hechos del pasado por medio de una variedad de formas que no son ni estáticas ni unívocas. El proceso dinámico de construir la memoria está influenciado por los debates políticos en curso, las cambiantes dinámicas de poder, los mercados globales, los movimientos sociales y una gama de otros factores tales como las políticas judiciales. Los espacios de la memoria y los museos creados en antiguos centros de tortura y desapariciones clandestinos como el ESMA y el Olimpo ponen de manifiesto una política de la verdad que de forma visual actúa en contra de una historia del silencio guiada por la impunidad y la redefine.
Is Popular More Likeable? Choice Status by Intrinsic Appeal in an Experimental Music Market
Authors: Lynn Freda B. , Walker Mark H. , Peterson Colin
Published: May 2016

There is widespread agreement from many areas of status research that evaluators’ judgments of performances can be distorted by the status of the performer. The question arises as to whether status distorts perceptions differently at different levels of performance quality. Using data from the Columbia Musiclab study, we conduct a large-scale test of whether the effect of popularity on private perceptions of likeability is contingent on songs’ intrinsic appeal. We discover that choice status (i.e., popularity) can boost perceptions of a song’s likeability but only for songs of lower quality. In effect, the likeability halo created by popularity is one mechanism for why it is that “bad” songs can sometimes become more successful than songs that are intrinsically more appealing. But this same mechanism does not explain why “good” songs sometimes turn into superstars. This study suggests that status theories be refined to consider heterogeneous effects.
Evaluating Technical Efficiency of Nursing Care Using Data Envelopment Analysis and Multilevel Modeling
Authors: Min Ari , Park Chang Gi , Scott Linda D.
Published: May 2016

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is an advantageous non-parametric technique for evaluating relative efficiency of performance. This article describes use of DEA to estimate technical efficiency of nursing care and demonstrates the benefits of using multilevel modeling to identify characteristics of efficient facilities in the second stage of analysis. Data were drawn from LTCFocUS.org , a secondary database including nursing home data from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting System and Minimum Data Set. In this example, 2,267 non-hospital-based nursing homes were evaluated. Use of DEA with nurse staffing levels as inputs and quality of care as outputs allowed estimation of the relative technical efficiency of nursing care in these facilities. In the second stage, multilevel modeling was applied to identify organizational factors contributing to technical efficiency. Use of multilevel modeling avoided biased estimation of findings for nested data and provided comprehensive information on differences in technical efficiency among counties and states.
Anterolateral Advancement Pharyngoplasty
Authors: Emara Tarek Abdelzaher , Hassan Mostafa Hasan , Mohamad Abdelraoof Saeed , Anany Ahmad Mohamad , Ebrahem Ahmad Elsayed
Published: May 2016

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of anterolateral advancement pharyngoplasty to enlarge pharyngeal airspace and to decrease palatal and lateral pharyngeal wall collapse in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

University medical hospital.

Subjects and Method

Forty‐one patients underwent an anterolateral advancement pharyngoplasty procedure according to the following criteria: body mass index <30 kg/m2, Friedman stage II or III, type I Fujita, nocturnal polysomnography diagnostic of OSA, retropalatal and lateral pharyngeal collapse, and diagnosis with flexible nasoendoscopy during a Müller’s maneuver based on a 5‐point scale. Patients with retroglossal airway collapse were excluded from the study. The principle of this technique is to advance and fix the palatopharyngeus muscle with the superior pharyngeus constrictor muscle without transecting any of their fascicules anterolateral to the pterygomandibular raphe and anterosuperior to the levator veli palatine muscle.

Results

Pre‐ and postoperative polysomnography findings (mean ± SD) showed significant statistical differences: apnea hypopnea index (AHI) decreased from 42.1 ± 16.34 to 16.3 ± 10.3 (P ≤. 001); percentage of time with oxyhemoglobin saturation <90% decreased from 18.5% ± 4.2% to 10.1% ± 1.3% (P ≤. 001); and lowest oxygen saturation level increased from 79.9% ± 14.8% to 89.3% ± 11.1% (P ≤. 05). The mean time for patients to return to a normal diet was 12.2 days. There was no postoperative bleeding, velopharyngeal insufficiency, speech alternations, or taste loss. Based on a threshold of a 50% reduction in AHI and AHI <20, surgical success was 86.8%.

Conclusion

Anterolateral advancement pharyngoplasty appears to be an effective technique with a high surgical success rate in the treatment of OSA patients with lateral pharyngeal wall collapse.
Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of Surgical Complications following Cochlear Implantation in Canal Wall Down Mastoid Cavities
Authors: Hunter Jacob B. , O’Connell Brendan P. , Wanna George B.
Published: May 2016

Objective

We sought to assess the complication rates following cochlear implantation in canal wall down mastoid cavities in adults and children.

Data Sources

A systematic review of English articles from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Additional studies were identified by reviewing the reference lists of the originally identified studies.

Review Methods

Studies were included that reported on surgical outcomes following cochlear implantation in canal wall down mastoid cavities. Two authors, using predefined data fields, independently reviewed all articles while tabulating study quality indicators. A meta‐analysis of proportions was conducted on select cohorts to determine weighted complication rates.

Results

Forty‐two articles were included that accounted for 424 patients and described surgical outcomes following cochlear implantation in canal wall down mastoid cavities. In a comparison of the postoperative complication rates, overclosing the external auditory meatus had significantly fewer global complications than did maintaining a canal wall down mastoid cavity (P =. 027). In a comparison of the complication rates (1) between staging the cochlear implantation and performing external auditory meatus overclosure simultaneously with cochlear implantation and (2) between pediatric and adult cochlear implantation recipients with external auditory meatus overclosure, there were no significant differences (P =. 085 and P =. 92, respectively).

Conclusion

Overclosing the external auditory meatus at the same time of cochlear implantation leads to significantly fewer complications when compared with maintaining a canal wall down mastoid cavity with soft tissue coverage of the electrode array.