bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unfavorable neuroblastoma prognostic factor NLRR2 inhibits cell differentiation by transcriptional induction through JNK pathway
Authors: Sheikh Afzal , Takatori Atsushi , Hossain Md Shamim , Hasan Md Kamrul , Tagawa Masatoshi , Nagase Hiroki , Nakagawara Akira
Published: June 2016

The novel human gene family encoding neuronal leucine rich repeat (NLRR) proteins were identified as prognostic markers from our previous screening of primary neuroblastoma (NB) cDNA libraries. Of the NLRR gene family members, NLRR1 and NLRR3 are associated with the regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation, respectively. However, the functional regulation and clinical significance of NLRR2 in NB remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the differential expression of NLRR2, where high expressions of NLRR2 were significantly associated with a poor prognosis of NB (P = 0.0009), in 78 NBs. Enforced expression of NLRR2 in NB cells enhanced cellular proliferation and induced resistance to retinoic acid (RA)‐mediated cell growth inhibition. In contrast, knockdown of NLRR2 exhibited growth inhibition effects and enhanced RA‐induced cell differentiation in NB cells. After RA treatment, NLRR2 expression was increased and correlated with the upregulation of c‐Jun, a member of the activator protein‐1 (AP‐1) family in NB cells. Moreover, the expressions of NLRR2 and c‐Jun were suppressed by treatment with a JNK inhibitor, which ameliorated the promoter activity of the NLRR2 gene while knockdown of c‐Jun reduced NLRR2 expression. We then searched AP‐1 binding consensus in the NLRR2 promoter region and confirmed c‐Jun recruitment at a consensus. Conclusively, NLRR2 must be an inducible gene regulated by the JNK pathway to enhance cell survival and inhibit NB cell differentiation. Therefore, NLRR2 should have an important role in NB aggressiveness and be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of RA resistant and aggressive NB.
The awareness of primary caregivers in South Africa of the human rights of their children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Huus K. , Dada S. , Bornman J. , Lygnegård F.
Published: June 2016

Background

Besides the right to freedom, human rights can be seen as a basic requirement also for the maintenance of human dignity and the opportunity to thrive – particularly in the case of children with disabilities. It is imperative to explore primary caregivers' awareness of the human rights of their children with intellectual disabilities in view of the role they may play in either facilitating or restricting these rights. This paper explores the awareness of 219 primary caregivers of the human rights of their children with intellectual disabilities.

Method

A descriptive survey design was used with a custom‐designed questionnaire that employed a deductive content analysis based on the articles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child. Comparisons were drawn between the awareness of primary caregivers from urban and those from rural areas.

Results

The majority (85.5%) of participants agreed that their child with intellectual disability had rights. Three broad kinds of right were mentioned (in descending order): provision rights, protection rights and participation rights. Participants from both urban and rural areas mentioned education (a provision right) most frequently. However, participants from urban areas were more aware of the different rights that existed than were their counterparts from rural areas.

Conclusion

Primary caregivers in both rural and urban areas are aware of the rights of their children with disabilities, although there are significant differences between them.
Validation of a rapid neurodevelopmental assessment tool for 10‐ to 16‐year‐old young adolescents in Bangladesh
Authors: Muslima H. , Khan N. Z. , Shilpi A. B. , Begum D. , Parveen M. , McConachie H. , Darmstadt G. L.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To validate a Rapid Neurodevelopmental Assessment (RNDA) tool for use by child health professionals to determine neurodevelopmental impairments (NDIs) in young adolescents aged 10–16 years in Bangladesh.

Study design

In a convenience sample of community children (n = 47), inter‐rater reliability was determined between four testers, and concurrent validity was determined by simultaneous administration of an intelligence quotient (IQ) test (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Revised) by a child psychologist.

Results

Inter‐rater reliability was excellent between the testers on the 47 children administered the RNDA (kappa = 1.00). Significantly lower IQ scores were obtained in those identified with ‘any (>1) NDI’ (n = 34) compared with those with no NDI (n = 13) on Verbal IQ (P‐value < 0.0001), Performance IQ (P‐value < 0.0001) and Full‐scale IQ (P‐value < 0.0001) scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Revised.

Conclusion

The RNDA shows promise as a tool for use by child health professionals for identifying NDIs in young adolescents aged 10–16 years. A larger study sample is needed to determine its usefulness for identification of some impairments not found in the study population, i.e. gross motor, fine motor, hearing and seizures.
Sequence conservation predicts T cell reactivity against ragweed allergens
Authors: Pham J. , Oseroff C. , Hinz D. , Sidney J. , Paul S. , Greenbaum J. , Vita R. , Phillips E. , Mallal S. , Peters B. , Sette A.
Published: June 2016

Background

Ragweed is a major cause of seasonal allergy, affecting millions of people worldwide. Several allergens have been defined based on IgE reactivity, but their relative immunogenicity in terms of T cell responses has not been studied.

Objective

We comprehensively characterized T cell responses from atopic, ragweed‐allergic subjects to Amb a 1, Amb a 3, Amb a 4, Amb a 5, Amb a 6, Amb a 8, Amb a 9, Amb a 10, Amb a 11, and Amb p 5 and examined their correlation with serological reactivity and sequence conservation in other allergens.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from donors positive for IgE towards ragweed extracts after in vitro expansion for secretion of IL‐5 (a representative Th2 cytokine) and IFN‐γ (Th1) in response to a panel of overlapping peptides spanning the above‐listed allergens were assessed.

Results

Three previously identified dominant T cell epitopes (Amb a 1 176–191, 200–215, and 344–359) were confirmed, and three novel dominant epitopes (Amb a 1 280–295, 304–319, and 320–335) were identified. Amb a 1, the dominant IgE allergen, was also the dominant T cell allergen, but dominance patterns for T cell and IgE responses for the other ragweed allergens did not correlate. Dominance for T cell responses correlated with conservation of ragweed epitopes with sequences of other well‐known allergens.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These results provide the first assessment of the hierarchy of T cell reactivity in ragweed allergens, which is distinct from that observed for IgE reactivity and influenced by T cell epitope sequence conservation. The results suggest that ragweed allergens associated with lesser IgE reactivity and significant T cell reactivity may be targeted for T cell immunotherapy, and further support the development of immunotherapies against epitopes conserved across species to generate broad reactivity against many common allergens.
Investigation of JAKs/STAT-3 in lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Fu L , Wei L-W , Zhao M-D , Zhu J-L , Chen S-Y , Jia X-B , Lai S-J
Published: June 2016

Janus-activated kinase (JAKs)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) signalling play critical roles in immunoregulation and immunopathology, which involve inflammatory responses and enteritis. JAK phosphorylates STAT-3 in response to stimulation by cytokines or growth factors, and then activates or represses the gene expression. STAT-3 is activated persistently in cancer cells and contributes to the malignant progression of various types of cancer and inflammation. To elucidate the different roles of JAKs in the activation of STAT-3, the lipopolysaccharide-induced primary intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) acute inflammatory model was established. Small interference RNAs (siRNAs) were then employed to attenuate the expression levels of JAKs. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (qRT–PCR) revealed that JAK mRNA levels were reduced efficiently by JAK-specific siRNAs. Under the IEC inflammatory model transfected with si-JAK, which equates to effective silencing, qRT–PCR and Western blot assays, suggested that knockdowns of JAK attenuated the JAK-induced down-regulation of STAT-3 at the mRNA or protein levels. In particular, JAK1 played a key role, which was consistent with the RNA-Seq results. Subsequently, the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were down-regulated in the IEC inflammatory model transfected with si-JAK1. JAK1 appears as a direct activator for STAT-3, whereas treatments targeting JAK1 repressed STAT-3 sufficiently pathways in the IEC inflammatory model. Therefore, the control of JAK1 using siRNAs has the potential to be an effective strategy against enteritis.
Sinus Floor Cortication: Classification and Prevalence
Authors: Choucroun Guillaume , Mourlaas Julien , Kamar Affendi Nur Hafizah , Froum Stuart J , Cho Sang‐Choon
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To present a classification and assess the presence and degree of cortication of the sinus floor utilizing Computerized Tomography (CT) scan images.

Materials and Methods

One hundred CT scans, of patient who required a sinus augmentation procedure (SAP), were evaluated and classified according to the Type of sinus floor cortication (SFC). Type 1: sinus floor showing similar or higher density than the surrounding cortical areas. Type 2: sinus floor showing less density than the surrounding cortical areas. Type 3: sinus floor showing no cortical bone. Type 4: sinus floor showing the fusion of sinus floor bone and native crestal bone.

Results

The SFC were present in 31, 41, 18, and 10 cases in Type 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Conclusions

This classification based on the level of cortication of the sinus floor is clinically useful as a method of determining if the dental implant can be placed simultaneously or not with the SAP, or can be placed even without a SAP.
Benchmark Schedules for Subcontracted Operations: Decentralization Inefficiencies that Arise from Competition and First‐Come‐First‐Served Processing*
Authors: Vairaktarakis George L. , Aydinliyim Tolga
Published: June 2016

Subcontracting has become a prominent business practice across many industries. Subcontracting of industrial production is generally based on short‐term need for additional processing capacity, and is frequently employed by manufacturers to process customer orders more quickly than using only in‐house production. In this article, we study a popular business model where multiple manufacturers, each capable of processing his entire workload in‐house, have the option to subcontract some of their operations to a single third party with a flexible resource. Each manufacturer can deliver customer orders only after his entire batch of jobs, processed in‐house and at the third party, is completed. The third party facility is available to several manufacturers who compete for its use. Current business practice of First‐Come‐First‐Served (FCFS) processing of the subcontracted workloads as well as the competitive Nash equilibrium schedules developed in earlier studies result in two types of inefficiencies; the third party capacity is not maximally utilized, and the manufacturers incur decentralization cost. In this article, we develop models to assess the value created by coordinating the manufacturers' subcontracting decisions by comparing two types of centralized control against FCFS and Nash equilibrium schedules. We present optimal and/or approximate algorithms to quantify the third party underutilization and the manufacturers' decentralization cost. We find that both inefficiencies are more severe with competition than they are when the third party allocates capacity in an FCFS manner. However, in a decentralized setting, a larger percentage of the players prefer Nash equilibrium schedules to FCFS schedules. We extend our analysis to incomplete information scenarios where manufacturers reveal limited demand information, and find that more information dramatically benefits the third party and the manufacturers, however, the marginal benefit of additional information is decreasing. Finally, we discuss an extension wherein each manufacturer's objective takes into account asymmetries in subcontracting, in‐house processing, and delay costs.
The Impact of the Potential Entry of Copycats: Entry Conditions, Consumer Welfare, and Social Welfare
Authors: Gao Sarah Y. , Lim Wei Shi , Tang Christopher
Published: June 2016

This article examines the implications of the potential entry of a copycat who produces and sells a copycat (i.e., imitation) product that competes with the incumbent product. By analyzing a two‐period dynamic noncooperative game between these two firms, we identify conditions under which the copycat can gain successful market entry. More importantly, we find that the potential entry of a copycat creates (implicit) pressure for the incumbent to lower its selling price; hence, it improves consumer welfare. Finally, we identify conditions under which the potential entry of a copycat can increase social welfare (i.e., consumer welfare and the profit of both firms).
Ventriculomegaly in very‐low‐birthweight infants with Down syndrome
Authors: Movsas Tammy Z , Spitzer Alan R , Gewolb Ira H
Published: June 2016

Aim

The prevalence of Down syndrome in infants with fetal ventriculomegaly is 5% to 10%; however, the converse, the prevalence of cerebral ventriculomegaly in live‐born infants with Down syndrome, is not well established. Because cranial ultrasounds are performed on most very‐low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants (birthweight <1500g), our aim was to examine ultrasound abnormalities of VLBW infants to determine prevalence of ventriculomegaly and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in VLBW infants with Down syndrome, and whether VLBW infants with Down syndrome are at higher risk for cranial ultrasound abnormalities, compared with the already elevated risk in other VLBW infants.

Method

This study comprised retrospective analysis of data from Pediatrix BabySteps Clinical Data Warehouse. The study population consisted of 121 736 VLBW infants (61 869 males, 59 867 females), born between 1996 and 2013, of whom 441 had Down syndrome (233 males, 208 females; mean gestational age 30wks, standard deviation [SD] 2.8wks). Logistic regression was used to calculate odds of ventriculomegaly and IVH for Down syndrome.

Results

Prevalence of ventriculomegaly in Down syndrome was 5.2% compared with 0.8% in other VLBW infants. Multivariate analysis indicated 5.8× odds (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4–9.7) of ventriculomegaly in Down syndrome and 0.9× odds (95% CI 0.7–1.1) of IVH for Down syndrome.

Interpretation

Very preterm infants with Down syndrome are at increased risk for ventriculomegaly (but not for IVH) compared with other infants born very preterm.
Intravenous immunoglobulin in paediatric neurology: evaluating effective usage and outcomes
Authors: Absoud Michael , Lim Ming J
Published: June 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Nosadini et al. on pages 1180–1192 of this issue.
Dogfish glucagon analogues counter hyperglycaemia and enhance both insulin secretion and action in diet‐induced obese diabetic mice
Authors: O'Harte F. P. M. , Ng M. T. , Lynch A. M. , Conlon J. M. , Flatt P. R.
Published: June 2016

Aims

To investigate the antidiabetic actions of three dogfish glucagon peptide analogues [known glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucagon receptor co‐agonists] after chronic administration in diet‐induced high‐fat‐diet‐fed diabetic mice.

Materials and methods

National Institutes of Health Swiss mice were pre‐conditioned to a high‐fat diet (45% fat) for 100 days, and control mice were fed a normal diet (10% fat). Normal diet control and high‐fat‐fed control mice received twice‐daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline injections, while the high‐fat‐fed treatment groups (n = 8) received twice‐daily injections of exendin‐4(1‐39), [S2a]dogfish glucagon, [S2a]dogfish glucagon exendin‐4(31‐39) or [S2a]dogfish glucagon‐Lys30‐γ‐glutamyl‐PAL (25 nmol/kg body weight) for 51 days.

Results

After dogfish glucagon analogue treatment, there was a rapid and sustained decrease in non‐fasting blood glucose and an associated insulinotropic effect (analysis of variance, p < .05 to <.001) compared with saline‐treated high‐fat‐fed controls. All peptide treatments significantly improved i.p. and oral glucose tolerance with concomitant increased insulin secretion compared with saline‐treated high‐fat‐fed controls (p <.05 to <.001). After chronic treatment, no receptor desensitization was observed but insulin sensitivity was enhanced for all peptide‐treated groups (p < .01 to <.001) except [S2a]dogfish glucagon. Both exendin‐4 and [S2a]dogfish glucagon exendin‐4(31‐39) significantly reduced plasma triglyceride concentrations compared with those found in lean controls (p = .0105 and p = .0048, respectively). Pancreatic insulin content was not affected by peptide treatments but [S2a]dogfish glucagon and [S2a]dogfish glucagon exendin‐4(31‐39) decreased pancreatic glucagon by 28%‐34% (p = .0221 and p = .0075, respectively). The percentage of β‐cell area within islets was increased by exendin‐4 and peptide analogue treatment groups compared with high‐fat‐fed controls and the β‐cell area decreased (p < .05 to <.01).

Conclusions

Overall, dogfish glucagon co‐agonist analogues had several beneficial metabolic effects, showing therapeutic potential for type 2 diabetes.
Multiple myocardial crypts: multimodality imaging evaluation
Authors: Gonçalves Almeida João , Ladeiras‐Lopes Ricardo , Bettencourt Nuno , Ferreira Nuno , Ribeiro José , Gama Ribeiro Vasco
Published: June 2016

We describe a rare case of multiple myocardial crypts with atypical septal localization, evaluated with multimodality imaging. Although myocardial crypts seem to be more prevalent in hypertensive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients, they are also occasionally found in apparently normal patients. Their clinical significance remains poorly understood.
An NCME Instructional Module on Data Mining Methods for Classification and Regression
Authors: Sinharay Sandip
Published: June 2016

Data mining methods for classification and regression are becoming increasingly popular in various scientific fields. However, these methods have not been explored much in educational measurement. This module first provides a review, which should be accessible to a wide audience in education measurement, of some of these methods. The module then demonstrates using three real‐data examples that these methods may lead to an improvement over traditionally used methods such as linear and logistic regression in educational measurement.
Predictions of establishment risk highlight biosurveillance priorities for invasive fish in New Zealand lakes
Authors: Leathwick John R. , Collier Kevin J. , Hicks Brendan J. , Ling Nicholas , Stichbury Glen , de Winton Mary
Published: June 2016

The ability to predict invasive species spread is essential for effective biosecurity management and the allocation of scarce monitoring resources. Prevention of invasive fish incursions poses a significant challenge because of the wide physiological tolerances of many species, their mobility and the role that human vectors play in their spread. In New Zealand, seven introduced fish species are distributed to varying extents in lakes across the two main islands. We used field survey data from 470 New Zealand lakes to fit statistical models of the current geographic distributions of seven introduced species; the resulting models were then used to predict risks of future establishment of each species in 3595 New Zealand lakes >1 ha.

Initial models fitted using lake‐ and catchment‐scale environmental predictors identified summer temperature among the top two most influential variables, with lake density and size also important for some species. Distribution models for Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis), rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) and tench (Tinca tinca) were substantially improved by the addition of variables describing human population densities and lake accessibility. All seven species occurred most frequently in lakes close to human population centres suggesting that human‐mediated dispersal has played at least some role in determining current distributions.

Addition of a spatial variable, representing the presence or absence of the modelled species within the broader catchment within which each lake is located, improved the predictive performance of models for the brown bullhead catfish (Ameiurus nebulosus), perch and rudd. This finding indicates that the current distributions of these species include clusters of lakes within ‘occupied’ catchments, resulting in geographic patchiness that is independent of the available environmental and human population predictors. This distribution has most likely resulted from spread into accessible and suitable lakes from one or more initial liberation points, either by natural dispersal along waterways or through human‐assisted movement.

Predictions to all mapped lakes throughout New Zealand indicate (i) that the potential for future spread is greatest for catfish, perch and rudd and (ii) the high vulnerability to invasion for lakes along the east coast of both islands and in inland montane regions of the South Island. Our results allow for improved identification of lakes likely to be suitable for invasive fish species and which should therefore be accorded priority for surveillance; they highlight in particular the potential for perch and catfish to establish in higher‐elevation lakes distant from human population centres.
Costimulation of soil glycosidase activity and soil respiration by nitrogen addition
Authors: Chen Ji , Luo Yiqi , Li Jianwei , Zhou Xuhui , Cao Junji , Wang Rui‐Wu , Wang Yunqiang , Shelton Shelby , Jin Zhao , Walker Laura M. , Feng Zhaozhong , Niu Shuli , Feng Wenting , Jian Siyang , Zhou Lingyan
Published: June 2016

Unprecedented levels of nitrogen (N) have been deposited in ecosystems over the past century, which is expected to have cascading effects on microbially mediated soil respiration (SR). Extracellular enzymes play critical roles on the degradation of soil organic matter, and measurements of their activities are potentially useful indicators of SR. The links between soil extracellular enzymatic activities (EEAs) and SR under N addition, however, have not been established. We therefore conducted a meta‐analysis from 62 publications to synthesize the responses of soil EEAs and SR to elevated N. Nitrogen addition significantly increased glycosidase activity (GA) by 13.0%, α‐1,4‐glucosidase (AG) by 19.6%, β‐1,4‐glucosidase (BG) by 11.1%, β‐1,4‐xylosidase (BX) by 21.9% and β‐D‐cellobiosidase (CBH) by 12.6%. Increases in GA were more evident for long duration, high rate, organic and mixed N addition (combination of organic and inorganic N addition), as well as for studies from farmland. The response ratios (RRs) of GA were positively correlated with the SR‐RRs, even when evaluated individually for AG, BG, BX and CBH. This positive correlation between GA‐RR and SR‐RR was maintained for most types of vegetation and soil as well as for different methods of N addition. Our results provide the first evidence that GA is linked to SR under N addition over a range of ecosystems and highlight the need for further studies on the response of other soil EEAs to various global change factors and their implications for ecosystem functions.
Rapid carbon loss and slow recovery following permafrost thaw in boreal peatlands
Authors: Jones Miriam C. , Harden Jennifer , O'Donnell Jonathan , Manies Kristen , Jorgenson Torre , Treat Claire , Ewing Stephanie
Published: June 2016

Permafrost peatlands store one‐third of the total carbon (C) in the atmosphere and are increasingly vulnerable to thaw as high‐latitude temperatures warm. Large uncertainties remain about C dynamics following permafrost thaw in boreal peatlands. We used a chronosequence approach to measure C stocks in forested permafrost plateaus (forest) and thawed permafrost bogs, ranging in thaw age from young (<10 years) to old (>100 years) from two interior Alaska chronosequences. Permafrost originally aggraded simultaneously with peat accumulation (syngenetic permafrost) at both sites. We found that upon thaw, C loss of the forest peat C is equivalent to ~30% of the initial forest C stock and is directly proportional to the prethaw C stocks. Our model results indicate that permafrost thaw turned these peatlands into net C sources to the atmosphere for a decade following thaw, after which post‐thaw bog peat accumulation returned sites to net C sinks. It can take multiple centuries to millennia for a site to recover its prethaw C stocks; the amount of time needed for them to regain their prethaw C stocks is governed by the amount of C that accumulated prior to thaw. Consequently, these findings show that older peatlands will take longer to recover prethaw C stocks, whereas younger peatlands will exceed prethaw stocks in a matter of centuries. We conclude that the loss of sporadic and discontinuous permafrost by 2100 could result in a loss of up to 24 Pg of deep C from permafrost peatlands.
Laboratory observations of fault transmissibility alteration in carbonate rock during direct shearing
Authors: Giwelli A. , Delle Piane C. , Esteban L. , Clennell M. B. , Dautriat J. , Raimon J. , Kager S. , Kiewiet L.
Published: June 2016

We present the results of hydromechanical changes across and along the evolving rupture surface of carbonate rocks during direct shear experiments. Direct shear experiments were performed on a laminated travertine of continental, microbial origin with calcite content of 99 wt%, chosen as a lithological analogue for Aptian presalt oil reservoir rocks found in South Atlantic presalt basins. Medical X‐ray CT images show that the porosity (~9–13%) is mainly composed of subplanar pores and vugs. Permeability is high along the laminations (~50–200 mD), controlled by interconnected pores and fractures, and extremely low across the laminations (≪1 mD). Six intact samples of travertine were sheared across the bedding direction to short displacement (20 mm), and a further three samples were sheared to a much longer displacement (120 mm). A constant effective vertical stresses of either 35, 40 or 45 MPa was applied throughout the tests. Fluid flow response across and along the fault zone was monitored continuously during both shear deformation (dynamic transmissibility) and hold periods (static transmissibility), while keeping a constant pore pressure throughout the measurement. While the samples show some microstructural variability, the set of samples sheared to 20‐mm displacement followed the same early kinematics and show very similar mechanical response to that seen in the same period of the samples where shear was continued on to 120‐mm displacement. After 20‐mm displacement, the microstructures are dominated by fractures in a zone 10–20 mm wide resembling a typical fault damage zone, with only thin and patchy development of gouge on the principal displacement plane. In all of the samples sheared to a high displacement of 120 mm, a continuous layer of gouge (6.2–13 mm thick) was formed, defining a distinct core of the shear zone. The dynamic transmissibility across the fault decreases progressively in all the sheared samples regardless of the applied effective stress. In general, the volume decreases as well, though at a tapering rate, throughout shear. A small vertical dilation occurred near the peak strength for travertine sheared under 35 MPa vertical stress, but this was not accompanied by an increase in transmissibility. From the results, we conclude that once the gouge material is developed in the core of the fault zone, the dynamic transmissibility across the fault is permanently decreased.
A Postfeminist Sensibility at Work
Authors: Gill Rosalind , K. Kelan Elisabeth , M. Scharff Christina
Published: June 2016

Postfeminism remains a relatively unexplored concept for scholars in the area of gender and organizations. In this article we first provide theoretical perspectives on postfeminism and elaborate a critical approach to it. Postfeminism is seen as a concept, rather than an identification, that can assist in understanding the patterning of gender in the modern workplace. The second part of the article illustrates different discursive moves that we observed in our own research exploring how sexism is repudiated and how gender fatigue is enacted. This meta‐theme is supported by four discursive moves: first, gender inequalities are routinely allocated to the past or, secondly, to other countries or contexts; third, women are seen as the advantaged sex; and fourth, the status quo is accepted as just how workplaces are. The article thereby makes a contribution to understanding the patterning of a postfeminist sensibility both theoretically and empirically in the work context.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on endothelial dysfunction in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Karakas Yusuf , Sahin Garip , Urfali Furkan Ertürk , Bal Cengiz , Degirmenci Nevbahar Akcar , Sirmagul Basar
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) commonly experience 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25‐OH‐D3) deficiency, and these patients have a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) due to endothelial dysfunction (ED). The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of 25‐OH‐D3 deficiency and its supplementation on ED in patients with CKD. Methods: Twenty‐nine uremic patients on dialysis and 20 healthy controls were evaluated for ED by high‐resolution Doppler ultrasonography of the brachial artery. In addition, 25‐OH‐D3‐deficient patients (25‐OH‐D3 < 30 nmol/L) with CKD and healthy controls were evaluated for ED before and after 8 weeks of oral vitamin D (cholecalciferol, 50,000 units) treatment. All subjects were evaluated for percent flow‐mediated dilatation (%FMD), percent endothelium‐independent nitroglycerin‐induced vasodilatation (%NID), and bilateral carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT). Findings: Patients on dialysis had lower %FMD and %NID 6.11 [2.27–12.74] and 10.96 [5.43–16.4], respectively, than controls 15.84 [8.19–22.49] and 21.74 [12.49–29.4], respectively (P < 0.05). Patients on dialysis had higher left and right CIMT (0.79 ± 0.15 and 0.78 ± 0.14, respectively) than controls (0.60 ± 0.09 and 0.59 ± 0.09, respectively; P < 0.05). In 25‐OH‐D3‐deficient patients with CKD, after vitamin D treatment, %FMD was significantly increased in dialysis patients (10.25 [7.8–12.8]) compared to before supplementation (5.4 [2.77–6.15]; P < 0.001). Discussion: These results indicated that dialysis patients had significantly lower blood 25‐OH‐D3 levels and higher CIMT than healthy subjects. In addition, vitamin D supplementation improved ED and increased %FMD in dialysis patients. Our findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation in dialysis patients might prevent CVD.
Two micrometer fluorescence emission and energy transfer in Yb3+/Ho3+ co‐doped lead silicate glass
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Tang Guowu , Chen Xiaodong , Sun Min , Qian Qi , Chen Dongdan , Yang Zhongmin
Published: June 2016

Enhanced 2.0 μm and visible up‐conversion emissions from Ho3+ via Yb3+ sensitization in lead silicate glasses have been obtained under the excitation of 980‐nm laser diode. The possible energy transfer mechanism has been analyzed based on the photoemission spectroscopy and lifetime measurement. The lifetime of Ho3+: 5I7 laser upper level has also been measured. Based on the absorption spectra, Judd–Ofelt parameters, spontaneous emission probability, the absorption, emission cross sections, and gain coefficients have been calculated and analyzed. The results indicate that the Yb3+/Ho3+ co‐doped lead silicate glass has potential application in mid‐infrared wavelengths.
Weathering the Storm? The Great Recession and the Employment Status Transitions of Low-Skill Male Immigrant Workers in the United States1
Authors: Sisk Blake , Donato Katharine M.
Published: June 2016

Using matched data from the Current Population Survey from 2005 to 2011 ( n = 5,507), we use multinomial and binary logistic regression models to examine employment transitions related to the Great Recession for five groups of men with less than a high school degree: foreign-born Mexicans, other foreign-born, and US-born whites, blacks, and Latinos. We find that, during the recession, Mexican immigrants were the most likely to remain continuously employed. However, immigrant workers also experienced high levels of involuntary part-time employment during the recession, suggesting that their relative success in remaining employed was not without its costs.
Graphical Tools for Detecting Departures from Linear Mixed Model Assumptions and Some Remedial Measures
Authors: Singer Julio M. , Rocha Francisco M.M. , Nobre Juvêncio S.
Published: June 2016

We review some results on the analysis of longitudinal data or, more generally, of repeated measures via linear mixed models starting with some exploratory statistical tools that may be employed to specify a tentative model. We follow with a summary of inferential procedures under a Gaussian set‐up and then discuss different diagnostic methods focusing on residual analysis but also addressing global and local influence. Based on the interpretation of diagnostic plots related to three types of residuals (marginal, conditional and predicted random effects) as well as on other tools, we proceed to identify remedial measures for possible violations of the proposed model assumptions, ranging from fine‐tuning of the model to the use of elliptically symmetric or skew‐elliptical linear mixed models as well as of robust estimation methods. We specify many results available in the literature in a unified notation and highlight those with greater practical appeal. In each case, we discuss the availability of model diagnostics as well as of software and give general guidelines for model selection. We conclude with analyses of three practical examples and suggest further directions for research.
Sealing Glass‐Ceramics with Near Linear Thermal Strain, Part I: Process Development and Phase Identification
Authors: Dai Steve , Rodriguez Mark A. , Griego James J. M.
Published: June 2016

A widely adopted approach to form matched seals in metals having high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), e.g. stainless steel, is the use of high CTE glass‐ceramics. With the nucleation and growth of Cristobalite as the main high‐expansion crystalline phase, the CTE of recrystallizable lithium silicate Li2O–SiO2–Al2O3–K2O–B2O3–P2O5–ZnO glass‐ceramic can approach 18 ppm/°C, matching closely to the 18 ppm/°C–20 ppm/°C CTE of 304L stainless steel. However, a large volume change induced by the α‐β inversion between the low‐ and high‐ Cristobalite, a 1st order displacive phase transition, results in a nonlinear step‐like change in the thermal strain of glass‐ceramics. The sudden change in the thermal strain causes a substantial transient mismatch between the glass‐ceramic and stainless steel. In this study, we developed new thermal profiles based on the SiO2 phase diagram to crystallize both Quartz and Cristobalite as high expansion crystalline phases in the glass‐ceramics. A key step in the thermal profile is the rapid cooling of glass‐ceramic from the peak sealing temperature to suppress crystallization of Cristobalite. The rapid cooling of the glass‐ceramic to an initial lower hold temperature is conducive to Quartz crystallization. After Quartz formation, a subsequent crystallization of Cristobalite is performed at a higher hold temperature. Quantitative X‐ray diffraction analysis of a series of quenched glass‐ceramic samples clearly revealed the sequence of crystallization in the new thermal profile. The coexistence of two significantly reduced volume changes, one at ~220°C from Cristobalite inversion and the other at ~470°C from Quartz inversion, greatly improves the linearity of the thermal strains of the glass‐ceramics, and is expected to improve the thermal strain match between glass‐ceramics and stainless steel over the sealing cycle.
Lattice Dynamics, Dielectric Constants, and Phase Diagram of Bismuth Layered Ferroelectric Bi3Ti1−xWxNbO9+δ Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Jinzhong , Jiang Kai , Zhou Zhiyong , Hu Zhigao , Wang Genshui , Dong Xianlin , Chu Junhao
Published: June 2016

Lattice dynamics and phase transitions of Aurivillius ferroelectric Bi3Ti1−xWxNbO9+δ (BTWN100x, 0 ≤ x ≤ 15%) ceramics have been investigated by temperature‐dependent Raman spectra (80–800 K) and far‐infrared (FIR) reflectance spectra (6–300 K). The frequency, intensity, and line width of phonon modes as well as complex dielectric functions of BTWN100x ceramics have been extracted by fitting Raman and FIR reflectance spectra with the multi‐Lorentzian oscillator model. It was found that the dielectric constants at a certain frequency region become lower with increasing W compositions at room temperature due to the compressive stress on W–O bands. Moreover, the temperature‐dependent behavior of optical phonon modes in BTWN100x ceramics indicates that there are two intermediate phases during the phase transition from paraelectric I4/mmm to ferroelectric A21am phase on cooling. The phase diagram of BTWN100x ceramics as a function of W composition has been improved.
Impact of fitting dominance and additive effects on accuracy of genomic prediction of breeding values in layers
Authors: Heidaritabar M. , Wolc A. , Arango J. , Zeng J. , Settar P. , Fulton J.E. , O'Sullivan N.P. , Bastiaansen J.W.M. , Fernando R.L. , Garrick D.J. , Dekkers J.C.M.
Published: June 2016

Most genomic prediction studies fit only additive effects in models to estimate genomic breeding values (GEBV). However, if dominance genetic effects are an important source of variation for complex traits, accounting for them may improve the accuracy of GEBV. We investigated the effect of fitting dominance and additive effects on the accuracy of GEBV for eight egg production and quality traits in a purebred line of brown layers using pedigree or genomic information (42K single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel). Phenotypes were corrected for the effect of hatch date. Additive and dominance genetic variances were estimated using genomic‐based [genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP)‐REML and BayesC] and pedigree‐based (PBLUP‐REML) methods. Breeding values were predicted using a model that included both additive and dominance effects and a model that included only additive effects. The reference population consisted of approximately 1800 animals hatched between 2004 and 2009, while approximately 300 young animals hatched in 2010 were used for validation. Accuracy of prediction was computed as the correlation between phenotypes and estimated breeding values of the validation animals divided by the square root of the estimate of heritability in the whole population. The proportion of dominance variance to total phenotypic variance ranged from 0.03 to 0.22 with PBLUP‐REML across traits, from 0 to 0.03 with GBLUP‐REML and from 0.01 to 0.05 with BayesC. Accuracies of GEBV ranged from 0.28 to 0.60 across traits. Inclusion of dominance effects did not improve the accuracy of GEBV, and differences in their accuracies between genomic‐based methods were small (0.01–0.05), with GBLUP‐REML yielding higher prediction accuracies than BayesC for egg production, egg colour and yolk weight, while BayesC yielded higher accuracies than GBLUP‐REML for the other traits. In conclusion, fitting dominance effects did not impact accuracy of genomic prediction of breeding values in this population.
Which Budgetary Union for the E(M)U?
Authors: da Costa Cabral Nazaré
Published: June 2016

This article considers whether the creation of a budgetary union in the European EMU (economic and monetary union) is a feasible and suitable way to resolve the current impasse created by the euro crisis. The article begins by identifying the major drawbacks concerning the transposition of prescriptions regarding fiscal federalism to the current E(M)U scenario, with the outlook that this appears to be an extemporaneous solution. It then indicates the alternative conception of an incomplete budgetary union, which is mostly characterized by the setting up of specific insurance mechanisms. These alternative measures are shown to be more realistic and feasible, since they combine path dependency with an innovative appropriation of specific features of the classic federalism model, modifying them to an E(M)U scenario in a heterodox way.
Treatment of eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells syndrome) – a systematic review
Authors: Räßler F. , Lukács J. , Elsner P.
Published: June 2016

Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells syndrome) is a rare inflammatory skin disease defined by erythematous, tender, sometimes urticarial plaques, possibly with vesicles and bullae, and granulomatous eosinophilic infiltrates in the dermis. Usually the disease has a benign course with spontaneous remission within a few weeks. Nevertheless, recurrences are quite frequent and may occur for several years. The objective of this study was to review the so far reported treatment options for Wells syndrome in a systematic manner. This systematic review is based on a search on Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central Register for English and German articles from 1970 to 2015. Advices on the treatment of Wells syndrome are limited predominately to case reports or to small case series. There are no randomized controlled trials, and control groups are missing. A variety of treatment options for Wells syndrome were reported including topical and systemic corticosteroids, antihistamines, cyclosporine, dapsone, azathioprine, griseofulvin, doxycycline, minocycline, antimalarial medications, oral tacrolimus/topical tacrolimus, sulfasalazine, interferon alpha and gamma, TNF alpha inhibitors, colchicine and PUVA therapy. As well‐designed, randomized controlled trials are missing, no guidelines for the treatment of this disease can be given. Due to the small number of patients and the frequent misdiagnosis of this clinical entity, the aim of this systematic overview is to call attention to this rare condition and to help clinicians to diagnose and treat Wells syndrome effectively. Due to the good prognosis and tendency to resolve, systemic treatment should be limited to cases resistant to local therapy or with widespread lesions.
Laser and light therapy for facial warts: a systematic review
Authors: Maranda E.L. , Lim V.M. , Nguyen A.H. , Nouri K.
Published: June 2016

Facial verruca plana, or flat warts, are benign skin papillomas caused by human papillomavirus infections. A large portion of cases are refractory to treatment and can cause psychosocial distress in patients. Laser and light modalities offer an alternative therapeutic approach that has not been extensively explored. We systematically reviewed PubMed for studies describing treatment of facial verruca plana using lasers, photodynamic therapy and infrared coagulation. Final inclusion and review of eighteen studies suggests laser and light therapies to have considerable potential in the treatment of this recalcitrant condition. In particular, yttrium aluminium garnet lasers, infrared coagulation and photodynamic therapies have been reported to demonstrate efficacy. Further studies with larger power are required to determine which method should be established as the alternative treatment of choice for recalcitrant facial verrucae.
Long‐term safety of replication‐defective smallpox vaccine (MVA‐BN) in atopic eczema and allergic rhinitis
Authors: Darsow U. , Sbornik M. , Rombold S. , Katzer K. , von Sonnenburg F. , Behrendt H. , Ring J.
Published: June 2016

Background

Availability of a safe smallpox vaccine may be necessary under certain circumstances. Use of the old life virus vaccine was associated with serious adverse events, particularly in the setting of atopic eczema (AE) and immunodeficiency. Modified virus Ankara (MVA)‐BN, a highly attenuated strain of vaccinia virus, was developed for vaccination with improved safety profile.

Methods

A phase 1 study was conducted in 60 subjects without history of smallpox vaccination to gain experience with smallpox vaccination using this strain in healthy and atopic subjects. Healthy subjects, subjects with a history of AE, subjects with mild active AE and subjects with mild allergic rhinitis without AE were equally allocated into four groups. MVA‐BN was injected s.c. in a dose of 108 TCID50 twice in a 4‐week interval.

Results

No serious or unexpected adverse reactions were reported. All subjects experienced mild to moderate pain and redness at the injection site. Dermatologic examinations did not reveal any unfavourable reactions to the study medication, particularly no sign or exacerbation of eczema for as long as 196 days. All subjects seroconverted after two vaccinations and no significant difference in antibody titres between the four different groups was observed.

Conclusions

A good safety profile of the MVA‐BN vaccine was shown. The absence of adverse events in subjects with atopic disorders appears promising for the development of a safe smallpox vaccine for patients with AE or other atopic diseases.
Phage‐Based Biosensor and Optimization of Surface Blocking Agents to Detect Salmonella Typhimurium on Romaine Lettuce
Authors: Mack Jacqueline D. , Yehualaeshet Teshome , Park Mi‐Kyung , Tameru Berhanu , Samuel Temesgen , Chin Bryan A.
Published: June 2016

The development of rapid detection technologies in parallel with understanding production practices will markedly improve the microbiological safety of leafy vegetables. The objective of this study was on the application of phage‐based magnetoelastic (ME) biosensors and optimization of selected surface blocking agents for a rapid detection for Salmonella Typhimurium on Romaine lettuce. Initially, Romaine lettuce hearts surface was examined for structural differences followed by attachment and distribution of S. Typhimurium using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, selected surface blocking agents were compared and optimized for the application of phage‐based ME biosensors surface. A total of 156 observations, ranging from 1 to 8 logs CFU/ml, and 18 frequency measurements were recorded and analyzed. Both measurement (with E2 phage) and control (without E2 phage) sensors were blocked with selected blocking agents to prevent nonspecific binding. Statistical analysis using ANOVA revealed that there was a significant difference between controls and measurements (P < 0.001). The comparison showed that 5 × 102 CFU/mL and higher concentrations of S. Typhimurium were detected on Romaine lettuce surface, and PEG performed better as a blocking agent of choice. Understanding the complexity of the bacteria‐plant surface interaction and improved detection protocol will provide a solid foundation to design feasible control strategies.

Practical Applications

Salmonella species are generally associated with food products of animal origin and recently leafy green vegetables have been considered as a major public health concern and source of the bacteria. There is still a need to explore swift and reliable detection protocol, which could be easily applied to leafy vegetables from the farm to consumer. In this study, we have demonstrated the rapid detection for Salmonella Typhimurium on Romaine lettuce using phage‐based protocol. Furthermore, better surface blocking agent was optimized for the protocol. Further optimization of phage‐based detection approach could be instrumental to develop better Salmonella detection approach that can be adopted and used from farms to the consumer level.