bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invariant NKT cells are resistant to circulating CD15+ myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Horinaka Atsushi , Sakurai Daiju , Ihara Fumie , Makita Yuji , Kunii Naoki , Motohashi Shinichiro , Nakayama Toshinori , Okamoto Yoshitaka
Published: December 2015

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous population of immature and progenitor myeloid cells with an immunosuppressive role in various types of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the effect on the host immune system, especially on invariant NKT (iNKT) cells with potent anti‐tumor activity, remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of circulating MDSC subsets on the peripheral lymphocytes of patients with head and neck tumors. A significant accumulation of CD15+ granulocytic MDSC (G‐MDSC) and CD14+ monocytic MDSC (M‐MDSC) was demonstrated in HNSCC patients. The percentage of G‐MDSC showed an inverse correlation with the percentage of T cells in the peripheral blood. The increased G‐MDSC was significantly associated with advanced clinical stage and poor prognosis of HNSCC patients. The proliferation and viability of T cells were suppressed by CD15+ cells, and the suppression was reversed by adding the hydrogen peroxide scavenger catalase. However, iNKT cell activation upon α‐galactosylceramide (αGalCer) stimulation was not affected by the presence or absence of CD15+ G‐MDSC. These results indicate that increased G‐MDSC negatively affects peripheral T cell immunity, but not iNKT cells, in HNSCC patients, and that T cells are more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide produced by G‐MDSC than iNKT cells. Cancer immunotherapy designed to enhance the antitumor activity of iNKT cells by stimulation with αGalCer may remain effective in the presence of G‐MDSC.
Frontal Electroencephalogram Asymmetry and Temperament Across Infancy and Early Childhood: An Exploration of Stability and Bidirectional Relations
Authors: Howarth Grace Z. , Fettig Nicole B. , Curby Timothy W. , Bell Martha Ann
Published: December 2015

The stability of frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry, temperamental activity level and fear, as well as bidirectional relations between asymmetry and temperament across the first 4 years of life, were examined in a sample of 183 children. Children participated in annual laboratory visits through 48 months, providing EEG and maternal report of temperament. EEG asymmetry showed moderate stability between 10 and 24 months. Analyses revealed that more left asymmetry predicted later activity level across the first 3 years. Conversely, asymmetry did not predict fear. Rather, fear at 36 months predicted more right asymmetry at 48 months. Results highlight the need for additional longitudinal research of infants and children to increase understanding of bidirectional relations between EEG and temperament in typically developing populations.
Plasma-induced signatures reveal an extracellular milieu possessing an immunoregulatory bias in treatment-naive paediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Gurram B , Salzman N H , Kaldunski M L , Jia S , Li B U K , Stephens M , Sood M R , Hessner M J
Published: December 2015

The inflammatory state associated with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) remains incompletely defined. To understand more clearly the extracellular milieu associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we employed a bioassay whereby plasma of treatment naive paediatric IBD patients (n = 22 CD, n = 15 UC) and unrelated healthy controls (uHC, n = 10) were used to induce transcriptional responses in a healthy leucocyte population. After culture, gene expression was measured comprehensively with microarrays and analysed. Relative to uHC, plasma of CD and UC patients induced distinct responses consisting, respectively, of 985 and 895 regulated transcripts [|log2 ratio| ≥ 0·5 (1·4-fold); false discovery rates (FDR) ≤ 0·01]. The CD:uHC and UC:uHC signatures shared a non-random, commonly regulated, intersection of 656 transcripts (χ2 = P < 0·001) and were highly correlative [Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0·96, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96, 0.97]. Despite sharing common genetic susceptibility loci, the IBD signature correlated negatively with that driven by plasma of type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients (Pearson's correlation coefficient = –0·51). Ontological analyses revealed the presence of an immunoregulatory plasma milieu in IBD, as transcripts for cytokines/chemokines, receptors and signalling molecules consistent with immune activation were under-expressed relative to uHC and T1D plasma. Multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and receptor blockade studies confirmed transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and interleukin (IL)-10 as contributors to the IBD signature. Analysis of CD patient signatures detected a subset of transcripts associated with responsiveness to 6-mercaptopurine treatment. Through plasma-induced signature analysis, we have defined a unique, partially TGF-β/IL-10-dependent immunoregulatory signature associated with IBD that may prove useful in predicting therapeutic responsiveness.
Serum properdin consumption as a biomarker of C5 convertase dysregulation in C3 glomerulopathy
Authors: Corvillo F , Bravo García-Morato M , Nozal P , Garrido S , Tortajada A , Rodríguez de Córdoba S , López-Trascasa M
Published: December 2015

Properdin (P) stabilizes the alternative pathway (AP) convertases, being the only known positive regulator of the complement system. In addition, P is a pattern recognition molecule able to initiate directly the AP on non-self surfaces. Although P deficiencies have long been known to be associated with Neisseria infections and P is often found deposited at sites of AP activation and tissue injury, the potential role of P in the pathogenesis of complement dysregulation-associated disorders has not been studied extensively. Serum P levels were measured in 49 patients with histological and clinical evidence of C3 glomerulopathy (C3G). Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of C3 nephritic factor (C3NeF), an autoantibody that stabilizes the AP C3 convertase. The presence of this autoantibody results in a significant reduction in circulating C3 (P < 0·001) and C5 levels (P < 0·05), but does not alter factor B, P and sC5b-9 levels. Interestingly, in our cohort, serum P levels were low in 17 of the 32 C3NeF-negative patients. This group exhibited significant reduction of C3 (P < 0·001) and C5 (P < 0·001) and increase of sC5b-9 (P < 0·001) plasma levels compared to the control group. Also, P consumption was correlated significantly with C3 (r = 0·798, P = 0·0001), C5 (r = 0·806, P < 0·0001), sC5b-9 (r = −0·683, P = 0·043) and a higher degree of proteinuria (r = −0·862, P = 0·013). These results illustrate further the heterogeneity among C3G patients and suggest that P serum levels could be a reliable clinical biomarker to identify patients with underlying surface AP C5 convertase dysregulation.
Autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell immunotherapy combined with cyclophosphamide in five patients with POEMS syndrome
Authors: Ma L , Wang Y , Bo J , Han W , Wang Y , Zhang L , Wu X , Yu S , Liu R
Published: December 2015

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of autologous cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells combined with cyclophosphamide in the treatment of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome patients. We evaluated five POEMS syndrome patients treated with autologous CIK cell immunotherapy combined with cyclophosphamide from 1 May 2012 to 30 November 2014. The Overall Neuropathy Limitation Scale (ONLS), computed tomography of the chest and abdomen, ultrasound of the abdomen, serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level and lymphocyte count findings in the five patients were recorded. The median age of the patients was 40 years (range: 25–62), and all the patients were male. CIK cells were generated routinely from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of all five patients, and the numbers of CIK cells increased by approximately 105-fold after 14 days of culture. All five patients (100%) responded to their neuropathy treatment, the ONLS scores were reduced by at least 1 and a paired-sample t-test revealed a significant difference (t = 5·715, P = 0·003 < 0·01). The extravascular volume overload responses indicated partial remission (PR = 60%) or stable disease (SD = 40%), and no cases of progressive disease (PD) or complete remission (CR) were observed. During clinical treatment, the serum VEGF of patient 5 decreased after one cycle of transfusion within 1 month. The lymphocyte counts of all the patients increased significantly after CIK transfusion, and a paired-sample t-test revealed a significant difference (t = 5·101, P = 0·004 < 0·01). Autologous CIK cell infusion combined with cyclophosphamide was found to be highly safe and elicited no adverse reactions. CIK cells can improve both the symptoms and quality of life, decrease serum VEGF levels and increase lymphocyte counts in patients with POEMS syndrome.
100 key research questions for the post‐2015 development agenda
Authors: Oldekop Johan A. , Fontana Lorenza B. , Grugel Jean , Roughton Nicole , Adu‐Ampong Emmanuel A. , Bird Gemma K. , Dorgan Alex , Vera Espinoza Marcia A. , Wallin Sara , Hammett Daniel , Agbarakwe Esther , Agrawal Arun , Asylbekova Nurgul , Azkoul Clarissa , Bardsley Craig , Bebbington Anthony J. , Carvalho Savio , Chopra Deepta , Christopoulos Stamatios , Crewe Emma , Dop Marie‐Claude , Fischer Joern , Gerretsen Daan , Glennie Jonathan , Gois William , Gondwe Mtinkheni , Harrison Lizz A. , Hujo Katja , Keen Mark , Laserna Roberto , Miggiano Luca , Mistry Sarah , Morgan Rosemary J. , Raftree Linda L. , Rhind Duncan , Rodrigues Thiago , Roschnik Sonia , Senkubuge Flavia , Thornton Ian , Trace Simon , Ore Teresa , Valdés René Mauricio , Vira Bhaskar , Yeates Nicola , Sutherland William J.
Published: December 2015

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) herald a new phase for international development. This article presents the results of a consultative exercise to collaboratively identify 100 research questions of critical importance for the post‐2015 international development agenda. The final shortlist is grouped into nine thematic areas and was selected by 21 representatives of international and non‐governmental organisations and consultancies, and 14 academics with diverse disciplinary expertise from an initial pool of 704 questions submitted by 110 organisations based in 34 countries. The shortlist includes questions addressing long‐standing problems, new challenges and broader issues related to development policies, practices and institutions. Collectively, these questions are relevant for future development‐related research priorities of governmental and non‐governmental organisations worldwide and could act as focal points for transdisciplinary research collaborations.
Can TTE Diagnose Right Pulmonary Artery‐to‐Left Atrial Fistula? A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Min‐yu , Liu Mei , Gao Yu , Huang Xiao‐ling , Ding Gui‐chun , Wang Jian‐hua
Published: December 2015

Mini‐Abstract

This article describes echocardiographic features of a PA‐LAF case which is a very rare congenital heart disease and assesses the diagnostic value of echocardiography by comparing echocardiographic features with the clinical characteristics, computed tomography imaging features, and surgical findings.
Efficacy and Accuracy of Novel Automated Mitral Valve Quantification: Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Toki Misako , Hara Masahiko , Fukuda Shuichiro , Aritaka Shingo , Miki Tomonori , Ohara Minako , Hayashida Akihiro , Hirohata Atsushi , Yamamoto Keizo , Yoshida Kiyoshi
Published: December 2015

Background

Previous studies indicated that the three‐dimensional features of the mitral valve (MV) have a significant impact on MV disease. However, quantification of MV with manual tracing software was too time‐consuming for routine clinical practice. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy and accuracy of MV quantification with a novel highly automated commercially available software package developed for this purpose.

Methods

Using the manual tracing and automated package, two expert sonographers and one cardiologist individually analyzed three‐dimensional datasets acquired with transesophageal echocardiography from 74 patients (15 with functional mitral regurgitation, 32 with MV prolapse, and 27 normal subjects) retrospectively. Time for analysis and inter‐observer agreement were compared between the two methods, and agreement of measurements was analyzed using Cronbach's α.

Results

Time for analysis using the automated package was significantly shorter than manual tracing (whole cohort, 260 ± 65 vs. 381 ± 68 seconds, P < 0.001; functional mitral regurgitation, 234 ± 42 vs. 378 ± 64 seconds, P < 0.001; MV prolapse, 293 ± 69 vs. 407 ± 67 seconds, P < 0.001; normal controls, 235 ± 52 vs. 351 ± 60 seconds, P < 0.001). There was good agreement among all three observers using both methods, and measurements with the automated package agreed well with the manual tracing values.

Conclusions

The novel automated software package reduced time for quantification of MV with similar accuracy compared to the manual method. Automated quantification is useful and may be a key to widespread adoption of three‐dimensional quantification in clinical practice.
New haplotype and inter‐strain reproductive compatibility ofWolbachia‐uninfected alfalfa weevil,Hypera postica(Coleoptera:Curculionidae), inJapan
Authors: Iwase Shun‐ichiro , Tani Soichiro
Published: December 2015

Hypera posticais a univoltine invasive pest of alfalfa,Medicago sativa, inNorthAmerica. InJapan,H. posticawas first found in 1982 fromFukuoka andOkinawaPrefectures and became a serious pest ofChinese milk vetch,Astragalus sinicus, cultivated as a honey source for humans and green manure for rice. InNorthAmerica, three strains,Western,Eastern andEgyptian, have been identified and theWestern strain is infected withWolbachia, which causes complete inter‐strain reproductive incompatibility. In contrast, onlyWestern andEgyptian strains had been reported throughoutJapan and none of theWestern strain examined for theFukuoka populations in northernKyushu was infected withWolbachia. First, we screened populations from northernKyushu collected since 1982 for geographical and chronological distribution of theEastern strain. TheEastern strain has been found at low frequencies since 1985 and is still present in 2014. Second, we experimentally tested our hypothesis that inter‐strain crosses between uninfectedWestern‐strain males andEgyptian‐strain females should produce viable offspring. We crossbred virgin adults reared individually from field‐collected larvae and confirmed that theF1eggs of crosses between theWestern‐strain males and theEgyptian‐strain females develop successfully into larvae.
Lipoma of the long digital extensor tendon sheath in a horse
Authors: Owens C. , Young A. , Loukopoulos P. , Hilbert B.
Published: December 2015

This paper describes the occurrence of a lipoma associated with the long digital extensor tendon sheath at the level of the tarsus in a 5‐month‐old female Thoroughbred. Radiographic and ultrasonographic images were interpreted as being an atypically located lipoma. Its position and character have some similarities to lipoma arborescens, which is reported to occur in and around human joints and tendon sheaths. Surgical removal is considered to be the treatment of choice.
Investigating the role of nisoldipine in foot‐shock‐induced post‐traumatic stress disorder in mice
Authors: Verma Meenu , Bali Anjana , Singh Nirmal , Jaggi Amteshwar S.
Published: December 2015

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of nisoldipine, an L‐type voltage‐sensitive calcium channel blocker, to ameliorate anxiety and fear response in a mouse model of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Acute trauma was induced in Swiss albino mice in a 2‐day electric foot‐shock paradigm consisting of 15 intermittent foot‐shocks of 0.8 mA intensity, 10‐s duration and 10‐s intershock interval, during 5 min, followed by 3 weekly situational reminders, that is, once per week in the same context on three successive weeks. PTSD‐induced behavioral changes were assessed using actophotometer, open‐field, social interaction test, and freezing behavior. Biochemically, the serum corticosterone levels were estimated. Electric foot‐shock and situational reminders produced behavioral alterations and decreased corticosterone levels, assessed on the 21st day following the traumatic event. Administration of sertraline (Ser 15 mg/kg), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and nisoldipine (20 and 40 mg/kg), significantly attenuated the foot‐shock‐trauma‐induced behavioral changes along with normalization of the corticosterone levels. It may be concluded that nisoldipine produces beneficial effects in re‐establishing behavioral alterations, which may be due to normalization of reduced corticosterone levels in PTSD in mice.
Intercultural Communicative Competence Development During and After Language Study Abroad: Insights From Arabic
Authors: Shiri Sonia
Published: December 2015

This study explored the development and maintenance of intercultural communicative competence (ICC) among 352 American learners of Arabic who completed summer intensive language programs in five Arab countries. Data were collected through a survey that was based on the 2007 draft of the Culture Proficiency Guidelines (Lampe, 2007; later adopted by the Interagency Language Roundtable in 2012) that was designed to measure ICC development and was administered upon students' return to the United States. The survey also investigated which components of the intensive study abroad program fostered the development of particular components of ICC. Data indicated that although students mostly developed ICC at the Intermediate level (completing daily activities), they also progressed into higher levels, e.g., by identifying, comparing, and contrasting traditions, history, and politics or by participating in low‐frequency social occasions. Data showed that the structured and the unstructured components of the program and the diglossic learning of Arabic both supported, to various degrees, students' development of ICC. Data also suggested that students sustained their developing levels of ICC upon their return to the United States, as demonstrated by their ability to shift perspectives, their increased compassion toward different populations, and their sensitivity to stereotyping.
Evaluation of cytocompatibility of calcium silicate‐based endodontic sealers and their effects on the biological responses of mesenchymal dental stem cells
Authors: Rodríguez‐Lozano F. J. , García‐Bernal D. , Oñate‐Sánchez R. E. , Ortolani‐Seltenerich P. S. , Forner L. , Moraleda J. M.
Published: December 2015

Aim

To investigate in vitro the cytocompatibility of the calcium silicate‐containing endodontic sealers MTA Fillapex and TotalFill BC Sealer on human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) by assaying their biological responses and compare them with that observed when using an epoxy resin‐based sealer (AH Plus).

Methodology

Specimens from the three different endodontic sealers were eluated with culture medium for 24 h. The cytotoxicity of these eluates was evaluated using the MTT assay. In addition, an in vitro scratch wound healing model was used to determine their effects on cell migration. Cell adhesion to collagen type I after treatment with the different sealer eluates was also measured, whereas cytotoxicity was determined using the DNA‐specific fluorochrome Hoechst 33342. Finally, to assess cell morphology and attachment to the different sealers, hPDLSCs were directly seeded onto the material surfaces and analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One‐way analysis of variance (anova) followed by a Bonferroni post‐test were performed (P < 0.05).

Results

hPDLSCs exposed to different dilutions of TotalFill BC Sealer eluates had significantly higher cell proliferation compared with that observed when cells were treated with AH Plus and MTA Fillapex eluates (P < 0.001). In addition, TotalFill eluates were associated with significantly increased cell adhesion to collagen type I and migration of hPDLSCs in a concentration‐dependent manner than displayed after treatment with MTA Fillapex or AH Plus eluates (P < 0.001). Moreover, TotalFill BC Sealer‐induced cytotoxicity was significantly lower than observed using AH Plus and MTA Fillapex eluates (P < 0.001). Finally, SEM studies revealed suitable proliferation, cell spreading and attachment, especially when using TotalFill BC Sealer discs.

Conclusion

TotalFill BC Sealer exhibited a higher cytocompatibility than AH Plus and MTA Fillapex. Further investigations using in vivo animal models are required to validate the potential biological responses of TotalFill BC Sealer on hPDLSCs.
Motivation and Arousal Influence Sound‐induced Maternal Pup‐retrieving Behavior in Lactating House Mice
Authors: Ehret G. , Haack B.
Published: December 2015

Abstract and Summary

1. Influences of sounds, short‐term motivation and arousal (alertness) on sound‐induced pup‐retrieving behavior of female house mice were studied in choice tests.

2. The females respond significantly faster to key‐stimuli (preferred ultrasonic call models) compared with non‐preferred ultrasounds, given the choice between these two alternatives. In addition, response latency depends on the pre‐response behavior, being shortest when the females are orienting and longest when they are nursing their pups (intermediate latencies after “active” broodcare, self‐directed behavior, and warming the pups).

3. Key‐stimuli are significantly more often chosen after broodcaring activities than after other behaviors.

4. Retrieval time is generally longer after broodcaring behavior than after other activities. Retrieval time is not influenced by the presence or absence of sound during retrieval.

5. Duration of control runs is longer when sound (key‐stimuli or non‐preferred ultrasound) is present compared with a no‐sound situation.

6. The behavior after the control runs (at the end of the tests) depends on pre‐response behavior.

7. The results are summarized and interpreted in a flow‐diagram which semi‐quantitatively describes the release and course of the behavioral sequence of pup searching and retrieving behavior in house mice.

Wir haben Einflüsse von Schallsignalen und Motivations‐ und Erregungs‐ (Aufmerksamkeits‐)zuständen auf schallinduziertes Jungeeintrageverhalten von Mäuseweibchen in Wahltests untersucht.

Die Weibchen reagierten signifikant schneller auf Schlüsselreize (bevorzugte Ultraschall‐Lautmodelle) als auf nicht bevorzugten Ultraschall, wenn sie die Wahl zwischen diesen Alternativen hatten. Die Reaktionslatenz auf Ultraschall hängt weiterhin von dem Verhalten vor den Tests ab und ist am kürzesten, wenn die Weibchen sich orientieren, und am längsten, wenn sie die Jungen säugen (dazwischenliegende Latenzen treten bei “aktiver” Brutpflege, Eigenverhalten und Wärmen der Jungen auf).

Nach einer Brutpflegeaktivität wählen die Weibchen signifikant häufiger Schlüsselreize als nach anderen Verhaltensweisen.

Die Eintragezeit ist nach Brutpflegeverhalten im allgemeinen länger als nach anderen Aktivitäten. Sie bleibt von Schallsignalen während des Eintragens unbeeinflußt.

Die Präsenz von Schallsignalen (Schlüsselreize oder nicht bevorzugter Schall) verlängert die Kontrollgänge im Vergleich zur Situation ohne Schall.

Das nach den Kontrollgängen gezeigte Verhalten hängt vom Verhalten vor dem Eintragen ab.

Die Ergebnisse werden in einem Flußdiagramm zusammengefaßt und interpretiert, das halb‐quantitativ die Auslösung und den Verlauf der Verhaltenssequenz Jungesuch‐ und Eintrageverhalten von Hausmäusen beschreibt.
“The Idea of Using Statistics to Think about Individuals is Quite Strange”
Authors: Tarran Brian
Published: December 2015

When life insurers set out to make risks, they created “statistical individuals” in the process. Brian Tarran interviews historian Dan Bouk about his new book, How Our Days Became Numbered
Ebola: Lessons from a Human Tragedy
Authors: Majumder Maimuna (Maia)
Published: December 2015

The West African Ebola outbreak brought death and disruption on an unprecedented scale. But in its wake comes new knowledge to help model and respond to future epidemics. Maimuna Majumder reports
A Stopping Rule for Scholastic American Football?
Authors: Wininger Michael
Published: December 2015

Michael Wininger looks to reduce the risk of injury for high school and college football players with a rule change inspired by clinical trials
Is Probability Easier now than in 1560?
Authors: Stigler Stephen M.
Published: December 2015

An old problem still presents difficulties, writes Stephen M. Stigler
Trends in Attempted Suicide in Denmark, 1976–1980
Authors: Bille‐Brahe U. , Juel‐Nielsen N.
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT: The object of the present study was to estimate proportions and changes in the incidence of suicide attempts in Denmark. Case sheets concerning all admissions in 1976–1979 (total 6,650) at the Department of Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital (the catchment area of which provides a representative sample of the Danish population), were examined with a view to establishing the reasons for admission. Rates of suicide attempts by age and sex in 1976–1979 were calculated, and estimated rates of the suicide attempts in 1980 added. Trend analysis showed an increase in the mean rates from 1976 to 1979 of 48%, followed by a decrease in 1980 of 13%. There were high increases among the adolescents, but the increase was above all due to the fact that more and more men attempted suicide; the study suggests as a new phenomenon more male than female suicide attempters. We stress the fact that incidences calculated on the basis of hospital admissions only underestimate the real proportions of self‐destructive behavior.
Nonlinear Elasticity of Silica Glass
Authors: Guerette Michael , Kurkjian Charles R. , Semjonov Sergey , Huang Liping
Published: December 2015

In situ Brillouin light scattering measurements with a spatial resolution of ~1 μm have been carried out to study the elastic moduli of silica glass fibers in a single two‐point bend experiment to nominal strains of 7% in both tensile and compressive regions. Such data are necessary in order to convert the failure strains obtained from two‐point bend experiments into failure stress. For the first time, the neutral axis shift in a bent silica glass fiber was observed in our measurements, with more of the fiber deforming in compression than in tension, resulting from the nonlinear elastic behavior of silica glass. Understanding the neutral axis shift will improve the accuracy of strain and stress calculations in bent fibers. This study shows that an expression including a fifth‐order term is required to capture both the minimum in compression and the maximum in tension in the strain‐dependent Young's modulus of silica glass. A stress versus strain relation over a broad range of compressive and tensile strains was established for silica glass in this study, which will significantly improve our understanding of its deformation behavior.
Reasonable doubt definition effects on judged guilt: moderation by need for cognition and mediation by changes in required and felt certainty
Authors: Leippe Michael R.
Published: December 2015

Mock‐jurors read a criminal‐trial transcript in which the judge defined “beyond reasonable doubt” with either a stringent (even small doubts require acquittal) or lax (having some doubt does not require acquittal) guilt criterion. Across three experiments, guilty verdict preferences were less likely when the criterion was stringent. A stringent criterion also was associated with higher reported certainty required to vote guilty and lower certainty in the preferred verdict. These two variables mediated the influence of definition on verdict preferences in an analysis that included data from all experiments. Perceived strength of evidence was unaffected by definition. Need for cognition (NC) moderated the definition effect on verdict preferences in all experiments. High‐NC mock‐jurors were strongly influenced by the definition; the influence on low‐NC mock‐jurors was minimal.
Abnormal Pulsatile Hemodynamics in Hypertensive Patients With Normalized 24‐Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure by Combination Therapy of Three or More Antihypertensive Agents
Authors: Lu Dai‐Yin , You Li‐Kai , Sung Shih‐Hsien , Cheng Hao‐Min , Lin Shing‐Jong , Chiang Fu‐Tien , Chen Chen‐Huan , Yu Wen‐Chung
Published: December 2015

It remains uncertain whether intensive antihypertensive therapy can normalize pulsatile hemodynamics resulting in minimized residual cardiovascular risks. In this study, office and 24‐hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure, carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), and forward (Pf) and reflected (Pb) pressure wave from a decomposed carotid pressure wave were measured in hypertensive participants. Among them, 57 patients whose 24‐hour SBP and DBP were normalized by three or more classes of antihypertensive medications were included. Another 57 age‐ and sex‐matched normotensive participants were randomly selected from a community survey. The well‐treated hypertensive patients had similar 24‐hour SBP, lower DBP, and higher PP values. The treated patients had higher PWV (11.7±0.3 vs 8.3±0.2 m/s, P<.001), Pf, Pb, Pb/Pf, and left ventricular mass index values. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and office SBP, the differences for PWV, Pb, and Pb/Pf remained significant. Hypertensive patients whose 24‐hour SBP and DBP are normalized may still have markedly increased arterial stiffness and wave reflection.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Suppresses Age‐Related Arterial Stiffening in Healthy Adults: A 2‐Year Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Gando Yuko , Murakami Haruka , Kawakami Ryoko , Yamamoto Kenta , Kawano Hiroshi , Tanaka Noriko , Sawada Susumu S. , Miyatake Nobuyuki , Miyachi Motohiko
Published: December 2015

Cardiorespiratory fitness is negatively associated with arterial stiffness, although it is unclear whether it is associated with prospective arterial stiffness changes. The authors examined cardiorespiratory fitness and arterial stiffness progression in a 2‐year follow‐up study of 470 healthy men and women aged 26 to 69 years. Peak oxygen uptake () was measured at baseline using a graded cycle exercise test. Arterial stiffness was assessed using brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) at baseline and after 2 years. Two‐year changes in baPWV were significantly higher in patients in the lowest tertile (28.8±7.6 cm/s) compared with those in the highest tertile (−1.4±7.5 cm/s) (P=.024) and were inversely correlated with (r=−.112, P=.015). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that age, glucose, baPWV, , and sex were independent correlates of 2‐year changes in baPWV, suggesting that higher cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with age‐related arterial stiffening suppression.
Bacterial community shifts during healing of palatal wounds: comparison of two graft harvesting approaches
Authors: Delima Suzanne L. , Kumar Purnima S. , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the postoperative healing and microbial profile of donor sites of routine and pre‐wounded free gingival grafts (FGGs).

Methods

Ten volunteers, recruited into a split mouth study, had one side of the palate pre‐wounded. Five days later, grafts were harvested from both the pre‐wounded and the contra‐lateral site (routine graft). Wound healing was assessed on postoperative day 3, 7, 14 and 21. Microbiological samples were collected at baseline, graft harvest and the aforementioned postoperative days, and analysed by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism for bacterial community profiling.

Results

On postoperative day 14, 0% of routine and 40% of pre‐wounded sites exhibited epithelial closure; 90% of routine and 30% of pre‐wounded sites were painful on day 7. Microbial profiles differed significantly between routine and pre‐wounded sites at graft harvest and postoperative days 3 and 7. The number of bacterial species increased from surgical intervention to closure. While the number of species in pre‐wounded sites was similar from harvest to day 7, the number in routine sites increased. The Shannon diversity and equitability indices showed statistically significant differences between routine and pre‐wounded sites for days 3 and 7.

Conclusions

Pre‐wounding FGG donor sites might accelerate the healing course and wounding the palate was associated with significant bacterial community shifts.
Restrictive educational placements increase adolescent risks for students with early‐starting conduct problems
Authors: Powers Christopher J. , Bierman Karen L. , Coffman Donna L.
Published: December 2015

Background

Students with early‐starting conduct problems often do poorly in school; they are disproportionately placed in restrictive educational placements outside of mainstream classrooms. Although intended to benefit students, research suggests that restrictive placements may exacerbate the maladjustment of youth with conduct problems. Mixed findings, small samples, and flawed designs limit the utility of existing research.

Methods

This study examined the impact of restrictive educational placements on three adolescent outcomes (high school noncompletion, conduct disorder, depressive symptoms) in a sample of 861 students with early‐starting conduct problems followed longitudinally from kindergarten (age 5–6). Causal modeling with propensity scores was used to adjust for confounding factors associated with restrictive placements. Analyses explored the timing of placement (elementary vs. secondary school) and moderation of impact by initial problem severity.

Results

Restrictive educational placement in secondary school (but not in elementary school) was iatrogenic, increasing the risk of high school noncompletion and the severity of adolescent conduct disorder. Negative effects were amplified for students with conduct problem behavior with less cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

To avoid harm to students and to society, schools must find alternatives to restrictive placements for students with conduct problems in secondary school, particularly when these students do not have cognitive impairments that might warrant specialized educational supports.
The Role of Public Information in Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Calveras Aleix , Ganuza Juan‐José
Published: December 2015

Many of the attributes that make a good “socially responsible” (SR) are credence attributes that cannot be learned by consumers either through search or experience. Consumers, then, use for their purchasing decisions “noisy” information about these attributes obtained from potentially contradictory channels (media, advertisement, NGOs). In this paper we model such informational framework and show the positive relationship between the accuracy of the information transmitted to consumers and corporate social responsibility. We also show that a firm may be tempted to add noise to the information channel (through lobbying of the media), which might reduce the supply of the SR attributes and even harm the firm itself (with lower profits). It might then be profitable to the firm to commit ex ante to not manipulate the information regarding the firm's business practices (e.g., with a partnership with an NGO). Finally, we extend our model to a competition framework endogenizing the number of firms active in the SR segment. We show both that in more transparent markets a larger number of firms will be SR, and that in a market with more intense competition, a higher degree of transparency is required in order to sustain a given number of SR firms.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Graft and Recipient Survival in Elderly Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ilori Titilayo O. , Adedinsewo Demilade A. , Odewole Oluwaseun , Enofe Nosayaba , Ojo Akinlolu O. , McClellan William , Patzer Rachel E.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To investigate racial and ethnic differences in graft and recipient survival in elderly kidney transplant recipients.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

First‐time, kidney‐only transplant recipients aged 60 and older of age at transplantation transplanted between July 1996 and October 2010 (N = 44,013).

Participants

United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database.

Measurements

Time to graft failure and death obtained from the UNOS database and linkage to the Social Security Death Index. Neighborhood poverty from 2000 U.S. Census geographic data.

Results

Of the 44,013 recipients in the sample, 20% were black, 63% non‐Hispanic white, 11% Hispanic, 5% Asian, and the rest “other racial groups.” In adjusted Cox models, blacks were more likely than whites to experience graft failure (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–1.32), whereas Hispanics (HR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.70–0.85) and Asians (HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.61–0.81) were less likely to experience graft failure. Blacks (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.80–0.88), Hispanics (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.64–0.72), and Asians (HR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.57–0.68) were less likely than whites to die after renal transplantation.

Conclusion

Elderly blacks are at greater risk of graft failure than white transplant recipients but survive longer after transplantation. Asians have the highest recipient and graft survival, followed by Hispanics. Further studies are needed to assess additional factors affecting graft and recipient survival in elderly adults and to investigate outcomes such as quality of life.
Transcriptome analysis of near‐isogenic lines provides molecular insights into starch biosynthesis in maize kernel
Authors: Xiao Yingni , Thatcher Shawn , Wang Min , Wang Tingting , Beatty Mary , Zastrow‐Hayes Gina , Li Lin , Li Jiansheng , Li Bailin , Yang Xiaohong
Published: December 2015

Starch is the major component in maize kernels, providing a stable carbohydrate source for humans and livestock as well as raw material for the biofuel industry. Increasing maize kernel starch content will help meet industry demands and has the potential to increase overall yields. We developed a pair of maize near‐isogenic lines (NILs) with different alleles for a starch quantitative trait locus on chromosome 3 (qHS3), resulting in different kernel starch content. To investigate the candidate genes for qHS3 and elucidate their effects on starch metabolism, RNA‐Seq was performed for the developing kernels of the NILs at 14 and 21 d after pollination (DAP). Analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data identified 76 genes with nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms and 384 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the introgressed fragment, including a hexokinase gene, ZmHXK3a, which catalyzes the conversion of glucose to glucose‐6‐phosphate and may play a key role in starch metabolism. The expression pattern of all DEGs in starch metabolism shows that altered expression of the candidate genes for qHS3 promoted starch synthesis, with positive consequences for kernel starch content. These results expand the current understanding of starch biosynthesis and accumulation in maize kernels and provide potential candidate genes to increase starch content.
An (in‐)coherent metamorphic evolution of high‐P eclogites and their host rocks in the Chinese southwest Tianshan?
Authors: Meyer M. , Klemd R. , John T. , Gao J. , Menneken M.
Published: December 2015

In the (ultra‐)high‐P–low‐T metamorphic terrane of the Chinese South Tianshan, discontinuous mafic blocks and boudins (former upper oceanic crust) are now embedded in voluminous (mainly metasedimentary) host rocks. Two different models were proposed and relate the occurrence of both high‐P and ultra‐high‐P mafic and metasedimentary rocks to either (i) a tectonic mélange style exhumation, with no exhumation of coherent units, but different lithologies derived from different depths juxtaposed and intermingled during exhumation in the subduction channel, or (ii) the evolution of two coherent metamorphic belts: one with high‐P and the other with ultra‐high‐P conditions. In contrast to most previous studies in the Chinese South Tianshan which focused either on single eclogites or metasedimentary rocks (assumed as representative), this study concentrates on the systematic investigation of both mafic boudins and their immediate sedimentary host rocks, because the investigation of both lithologies and the comparison of their metamorphic evolution is crucial to reconstruct the geodynamical context of the whole (ultra‐)high‐P–low‐T metamorphic complex. Several sample pairs consisting of both lithologies were geochemically investigated and their respective metamorphic evolution was reconstructed using geothermobarometry and thermodynamic modelling. The latter approach considers changes in the mineral assemblage during the metamorphic evolution, as well as changes in mineral composition, which may help to determine the metamorphic history of a rock despite the preservation of critical mineral assemblages. All samples experienced a clockwise P–T path with overall maximum P–T conditions of 540–550 °C and 1.9–2.25 GPa for the host rocks, and 555–575 °C and 2.2–2.5 GPa for the eclogites. Peak‐metamorphic temperatures of ~525–540 °C of the metasedimentary host rocks were also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material. Results from thermobarometry and thermodynamic modelling are consistent with the observation that none of the samples contains mineral relicts indicating UHP conditions (like coesite in garnet) and neither conventional thermobarometry, nor thermodynamical modelling resulted in P–T conditions in the stability field of coesite. Thus, no evidence of ultra‐high‐P conditions was found. Given that the whole sampled river valley lies within the proposed ‘ultra‐high‐P sub‐belt’ and considering former studies, which showed that at other places within this ‘unit’ both ultra‐high‐P and high‐P rocks are now juxtaposed on a small scale, the formation of the whole (ultra‐)high‐P–low‐T metamorphic belt in the Chinese South Tianshan as a tectonic mélange style exhumation is more convincing than the formation and juxtaposition of two coherent metamorphic units with high‐P and ultra‐high‐P conditions respectively.
Interethnic Marriage in the United States: An Introduction
Authors: Gaines Stanley O. , Clark Eddie M. , Afful Stephanie E.
Published: December 2015

In this article, the editors address the topic of interethnic marriage within the United States. The editors begin by outlining five major objectives for the present edition (i.e., to discuss conceptual and methodological concerns regarding research on interethnic marriage; to examine interethnic marital relationship processes, especially through the lens of interdependence theory; to review attitudes toward interethnic marriage; to assess the clinical and policy implications for interethnic marriages; and to synthesize the contemporary scholarship on this still‐pervasive topic), identifying those papers in which the respective sets of authors within the present edition address each of the objectives. Next, the editors review several previous studies dealing with intermarriage. Afterward, the editors provide an overview of interdependence theory, which they view as a general framework for studying interethnic marriage. Finally, the editors invite readers to join in exploring state‐of‐the‐art theorizing and research on interethnic marriage, in this first‐of‐its‐kindJSIedition on such a timely and important social issue.
News as a Cultural Mirror: Historically Black Newspapers Reflecting Public Views of Loving v. Virginia (1967)
Authors: Ware Jennifer , Zeldes Geri Alumit , Hoewe Jennifer
Published: December 2015

This study examined seven historically Black newspapers’ coverage of the landmark Supreme Court case Loving v. Virginia (1967), which overturned anti‐miscegenation laws that prevented non‐White individuals from marrying White individuals. A content analysis of frames and source usage within 31 news stories about the case indicated that about half of the stories (N = 14) advocated for the Lovings and a small number (N = 1) advocated for the State of Virginia; the remaining stories were either informational (N = 7) or objectivist (N = 9). Because the media is said to be a cultural mirror of public opinion, the results of this study may indicate the public's views on the issue of intermarriage laws. This study's findings also showed that historically Black newspapers agreed with their mainstream counterparts more than they disagreed.
Group Differences in Intermarriage with Whites between Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics: The Effects of Assimilation and Structural Constraints
Authors: Wu Zheng , Schimmele Christoph M. , Hou Feng
Published: December 2015

This study examines the reasons for differences in the prevalence of intermarriage with Whites between racial minorities in 283 U.S. metropolitan areas. The analysis demonstrates that Asians have the highest and Blacks the lowest rate of intermarriage with Whites, with Hispanics falling in between. We tested two theories for these group differences. First, the structural explanation, which posits that differences in the relative size of each racial group in marriage markets affects their chances for intermarriage. Second, the assimilation explanation, which suggests that differences in social distance with Whites influences the propensity for intermarriage. The decomposition analysis shows that the cultural assimilation explanation is the primary reason for the Hispanic–Black gap in intermarriage. However, both explanations predict Black–Asian and Asian–Hispanic differences in intermarriage with Whites.
An Interdependence Approach to Relationship Maintenance in Interracial Marriage
Authors: Dainton Marianne
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the extent to which positive and negative maintenance communication predicted marital satisfaction and commitment in a sample of 90 individuals in an interracial marriage. An interdependence theory approach was used. Participants completed an online survey using SurveyMonkey's audience request. Results of a regression equation indicate that four maintenance activities predicted 52% of the variance in satisfaction, with two being negative predictors (infidelity and avoidance) and two being positive predictors (conflict management and social networks). Three maintenance behaviors predicted commitment, with infidelity and giving advice being negative predictors and the use of social networks being a positive predictor. Finally, consistent with interdependence theory, marital satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between maintenance activity and commitment.
Talking Up and Talking Down: The Power of Positive Speaking
Authors: Fiske Susan T. , Bergsieker Hilary , Constantine Vanessa , Dupree Cydney , Holoien Deborah S. , Kervyn Nicolas , Leslie Lisa , Swencionis Jill
Published: December 2015

Consistent with Lewin's legacy and SPSSI's traditions, out work has focused on inequality and power dynamics between people. Drawing on interpersonal positivity biases, stereotype content emphasizing perceived warmth and competence, and on the compensation effect (trading off warmth and competence), we study how people communicate, understand, and present themselves and others, especially across status divides. First, polite communicators omit negativity in describing individuals, especially stereotyped ones. Negativity omission creates innuendo (its absence implies the negative information), which allows stereotype to stagnate. Listeners understand the innuendo and infer the negativity from its omission. Impression‐managers understand this dynamic and use positive innuendo: They downplay one aspect (e.g., warmth or competence) to convey the other. Status determines which strategy people use: High‐status speakers talk down (warmly), and low‐status speakers talk up (competently). Cross‐race interactions also show this dynamic. This creates dysfunctional inter‐status interactions, the two people operating at crossed purposes.