bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An explanation of the formation of the peculiar periphery of Tycho's supernova remnant
Authors: Fang Jun , Yu Huan , Zhang Li
Published: November 2017

Tycho's supernova remnant (SNR) has a periphery that clearly deviates from a spherical shape, based on X-ray and radio observations. The forward shock from the south-east to the north of the remnant has a deformed outline with a depression in the east, although in the west it is generally round and smooth. Moreover, at some locations in the shell, the supernova ejecta is located close to the forward shock, resulting in protrusions. Using 3D hydrodynamical simulations, we studied the dynamical evolution of the supernova ejecta in an inhomogeneous medium and the formation process of the profile of the forward shock. In order to reproduce the peculiar periphery of the remnant, we propose a model in which the supernova ejecta has evolved in a cavity blown by a latitude-dependent outflow. The results indicate that the depression to the east and the protrusion to the south-east on the observed periphery of the remnant can be generally reproduced if we assume a wind bubble driven by an anisotropic wind with a mass-loss rate of ∼10−7 M⊙ yr−1, a pole velocity of ∼100 km s−1, a duration of ∼105 yr prior to the supernova explosion, and a spatial velocity of ∼30 km s−1 of the progenitor with respect to the circumstellar medium. In conclusion, an explanation of the peculiar shape of the periphery of Tycho's SNR is that the supernova ejecta evolved in the cavity driven by a latitude-dependent wind.
Spiral arms in thermally stratified protoplanetary discs
Authors: Juhász Attila , Rosotti Giovanni P
Published: November 2017

Spiral arms have been observed in nearly a dozen protoplanetary discs in near-infrared scattered light and recently also in the submillimetre continuum. While one of the most compelling explanations is that they are driven by planetary or stellar companions, in all but one cases such companions have not yet been detected and there is even ambiguity on whether the planet should be located inside or outside the spirals. Here, we use 3D hydrodynamic simulations to study the morphology of spiral density waves launched by embedded planets taking into account the vertical temperature gradient, a natural consequence of stellar irradiation. Our simulations show that the pitch angle of the spirals in thermally stratified discs is the lowest in the disc mid-plane and increases towards the disc surface. We combine the hydrodynamic simulations with 3D radiative transfer calculations to predict that the pitch angle of planetary spirals observed in the near-infrared is higher than in the submillimetre. We also find that in both cases the spirals converge towards the planet. This provides a new powerful observational method to determine if the perturbing planet is inside or outside the spirals, as well as map the thermal stratification of the disc.
Control of intestinal lipoprotein secretion by dietary carbohydrates
Authors: Stahel Priska , Xiao Changting , Lewis Gary F.
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lipoproteins secreted by the intestine can contribute to dyslipidemia and may increase risk for CVD. This review focuses on how dietary carbohydrates can impact the production of chylomicrons, thereby influencing plasma concentrations of triglycerides and lipoproteins.

Recent findings

Hypercaloric diets high in monosaccharides can exacerbate postprandial triglyceride concentration. In contrast, isocaloric substitution of monosaccharides into mixed meals has no clear stimulatory or inhibitory effect on postprandial triglycerides. Mechanistic studies with oral ingestion of carbohydrates or elevation of plasma glucose have demonstrated enhanced secretion of chylomicrons. The mechanisms underlying this modulation remain largely unknown but may include enhanced intestinal de novo lipogenesis and mobilization of intestinally stored lipids.

The studies reviewed here have implications for dietary recommendations regarding refined carbohydrate intake and prevention of CVD.
Convergent origination of aDrosophila-like dosage compensation mechanism in a reptile lineage
Authors: Marin Ray , Cortez Diego , Lamanna Francesco , Pradeepa Madapura M. , Leushkin Evgeny , Julien Philippe , Liechti Angélica , Halbert Jean , Brüning Thoomke , Mössinger Katharina , Trefzer Timo , Conrad Christian , Kerver Halie N. , Wade Juli , Tschopp Patrick , Kaessmann Henrik
Published: November 2017

Sex chromosomes differentiated from different ancestral autosomes in various vertebrate lineages. Here, we trace the functional evolution of the XY Chromosomes of the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis), on the basis of extensive high-throughput genome, transcriptome and histone modification sequencing data and revisit dosage compensation evolution in representative mammals and birds with substantial new expression data. Our analyses show thatAnolissex chromosomes represent an ancient XY system that originated at least ≈160 million years ago in the ancestor of Iguania lizards, shortly after the separation from the snake lineage. The age of this system approximately coincides with the ages of the avian and two mammalian sex chromosomes systems. To compensate for the almost complete Y Chromosome degeneration, X-linked genes have become twofold up-regulated, restoring ancestral expression levels. The highly efficient dosage compensation mechanism ofAnolisrepresents the only vertebrate case identified so far to fully support Ohno's original dosage compensation hypothesis. Further analyses reveal that X up-regulation occurs only in males and is mediated by a male-specific chromatin machinery that leads to global hyperacetylation of histone H4 at lysine 16 specifically on the X Chromosome. The green anole dosage compensation mechanism is highly reminiscent of that of the fruit fly,Drosophila melanogaster. Altogether, our work unveils the convergent emergence of aDrosophila-like dosage compensation mechanism in an ancient reptilian sex chromosome system and highlights that the evolutionary pressures imposed by sex chromosome dosage reductions in different amniotes were resolved in fundamentally different ways.
Mapping collaboration networks in talent management research
Authors: Gallardo-Gallardo Eva , Arroyo Moliner Liliana , Gallo Pedro
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Despite the popularity of talent management (TM), very little has been published on the community of scholars that contribute to the knowledge base of the field. The purpose of this paper is to disclose the dynamics in TM research through a detailed analysis of its evolving collaboration networks (i.e. research communities) in order to identify key authors and major topics covered.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 225 co-authored articles published on TM from 2001 to May 2016 were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus and then analyzed and mapped using social network analysis methods.

Findings

The authors identified two major scientific communities (one of 63 authors and the other one of 24 authors). Both communities not only have different characteristics and structure, but also focus on different topics. The authors identified key players within each community and offer a dynamic view on the main topics studied.

Practical implications

This paper may help practitioners and newcomers to the field to rapidly identify key players and main topics studied in the TM field. It may assist academic institutions and journal editorial teams in better assessing and identifying key scholars in this field.

Originality/value

This paper offers the first analysis of TM collaborative research networks.
Hedonic experience of customer re-patronizing intention: a system dynamics viewpoint
Authors: Chang Wei-Lun , Chang Chiao-Jung
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This research paper expects to discover the causal relationships between hedonic value and certain factors by using the concept of system dynamics, which is a process-oriented method that can deal with a large number of variables and a higher-order non-linear system. Thus, this research paper’s purposes are to explore the degree of customer delight on re-patronizing intention, investigate the importance of word-of-mouth (WOM) on re-patronizing intention of new customers and discover the gap between service recovery and customer expectation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research aims to propose a holistic framework to investigate the factors influencing patronizing and re-patronizing intention by utilizing system dynamics. System dynamics uses simulation to investigate the complex economic system in the society; furthermore, it deals with the decision-making problem. The features of system dynamics include non-linearity, information feedback, time delay and dynamic complexity.

Findings

The result showed that customer hedonic value is a major influence. The authors discovered that customer delight, WOM, service recovery and re-patronizing intention are interrelated. The analysis shows hedonic value indirectly influenced customer delight during service experiential process. The result also indicated that a high hedonic value influenced WOM efficiently.

Originality/value

This research aims to understand customer hedonic experience and the important factors that influence service experience. The authors used the concept of system dynamics to analyze the proposed model. A causal loop diagram was used to present the relationships among variables. The results reveal that hedonic value is the most critical factor that influences all the other factors. Customers who experience more hedonic value will accelerate the speed of delivery and amount of WOM. The service experience processes of customer delight, WOM and service recovery will affect the customers’ hedonic value and ultimately affect customers’ re-patronizing intention.
Rehearsing the revolution: theatre as a reflective social practice
Authors: Scholte Tom
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explicate the ways in which the practice of the dramatic arts has evolved to facilitate second-order observation of social systems and can be used to “pragmatize” systems thinking for a wider audience.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey of selected dramatic theory and practice from the nineteenth century to the present framed within the cyber-systemic theories of Niklas Luhmann, Werner Ulrich and Oswaldo Garcia de la Cerda and Maria Saavedra Ulloa.

Findings

Beginning with Naturalism in the late nineteenth century, theatrical practitioners have increasingly revealed the structure of social systems through their work, largely without any explicit adoption or deployment of systems theory. Current methods of theatrical presentation are highly compatible with cyber-systemic heuristics and could be used to make this body of theory known to a wider public.

Research limitations/implications

Work involving the direct application of systems theory to theatrical practice is still in its very early stages.

Practical implications

Despite the lack of direct influence by systems theory, Western theatrical practice has evolved in such a way as to facilitate increased opportunities for second-order observation of, and subsequent intervention in, the structure of social systems. The deliberate cultivation and integration of systems theory could allow theatre to become a significant tool for the explication of systems theory to the general public in a highly practical manner.

Social implications

As a communal and, in certain forms, interactive endeavour, a systems-oriented theatrical practice can provide an inclusive public space for the critique of social systems as they are currently structured and for the modelling of alternative structures.

Originality/value

Theorizing selected moments of theatre history as the development of platforms for second-order observation is a unique analytical approach. The applications suggested in this paper may lead to novel approaches to the development of systems literacy across society.
I, NEURON: the neuron as the collective
Authors: Nizami Lance
Published: November 2017

Purpose

In the last half-century, individual sensory neurons have been bestowed with characteristics of the whole human being, such as behavior and its oft-presumed precursor, consciousness. This anthropomorphization is pervasive in the literature. It is also absurd, given what we know about neurons, and it needs to be abolished. This study aims to first understand how it happened, and hence why it persists.

Design/methodology/approach

The peer-reviewed sensory-neurophysiology literature extends to hundreds (perhaps thousands) of papers. Here, more than 90 mainstream papers were scrutinized.

Findings

Anthropomorphization arose because single neurons were cast as “observers” who “identify”, “categorize”, “recognize”, “distinguish” or “discriminate” the stimuli, using math-based algorithms that reduce (“decode”) the stimulus-evoked spike trains to the particular stimuli inferred to elicit them. Without “decoding”, there is supposedly no perception. However, “decoding” is both unnecessary and unconfirmed. The neuronal “observer” in fact consists of the laboratory staff and the greater society that supports them. In anthropomorphization, the neuron becomes the collective.

Research limitations/implications

Anthropomorphization underlies the widespread application to neurons Information Theory and Signal Detection Theory, making both approaches incorrect.

Practical implications

A great deal of time, money and effort has been wasted on anthropomorphic Reductionist approaches to understanding perception and consciousness. Those resources should be diverted into more-fruitful approaches.

Originality/value

A long-overdue scrutiny of sensory-neuroscience literature reveals that anthropomorphization, a form of Reductionism that involves the presumption of single-neuron consciousness, has run amok in neuroscience. Consciousness is more likely to be an emergent property of the brain.
Utility of Gram staining for diagnosis of Malassezia folliculitis
Authors: Tu Wei‐Ting , Chin Szu‐Ying , Chou Chia‐Lun , Hsu Che‐Yuan , Chen Yu‐Tsung , Liu Donald , Lee Woan‐Ruoh , Shih Yi‐Hsien
Published: November 2017

Malassezia folliculitis (MalF) mimics acne vulgaris and bacterial folliculitis in clinical presentations. The role of Gram staining in rapid diagnosis of MalF has not been well studied. In our study, 32 patients were included to investigate the utility of Gram staining for MalF diagnosis. The final diagnoses of MalF were determined according to clinical presentation, pathological result and treatment response to antifungal agents. Our results show that the sensitivity and specificity of Gram staining are 84.6% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, Gram staining is a rapid, non‐invasive, sensitive and specific method for MalF diagnosis.
Public Health Spending and Medicare Resource Use: A Longitudinal Analysis of U.S. Communities
Authors: Mays Glen P. , Mamaril Cezar B.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine whether local expenditures for public health activities influence area‐level medical spending for Medicare beneficiaries.

Data Sources and Setting

Six census surveys of the nation's 2,900 local public health agencies were conducted between 1993 and 2013, linked with contemporaneous information on population demographics, socioeconomic characteristics, and area‐level Medicare spending estimates from the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care.

Data Collection/Extraction

Measures derive from agency survey data and aggregated Medicare claims.

Study Design

A longitudinal cohort design follows the geographic areas served by local public health agencies. Multivariate, fixed‐effects, and instrumental‐variables regression models estimate how area‐level Medicare spending changes in response to shifts in local public health spending, controlling for observed and unmeasured confounders.

Principal Findings

A 10 percent increase in local public health spending per capita was associated with 0.8 percent reduction in adjusted Medicare expenditures per person after 1 year (p < .01) and a 1.1 percent reduction after 5 years (p < .05). Estimated Medicare spending offsets were larger in communities with higher rates of poverty, lower health insurance coverage, and health professional shortages.

Conclusions

Expanded financing for public health activities may provide an effective way of constraining Medicare spending, particularly in low‐resource communities.
Long‐Term Impact of a Postdischarge Community Health Worker Intervention on Health Care Costs in a Safety‐Net System
Authors: Galbraith Alison A. , Meyers David J. , Ross‐Degnan Dennis , Burns Marguerite E. , Vialle‐Valentin Catherine E. , Larochelle Marc R. , Touw Sharon , Zhang Fang , Rosenthal Meredith , Balaban Richard B.
Published: November 2017

Objective

Patient navigators (PNs) may represent a cost‐effective strategy to improve transitional care and reduce hospital readmissions. We evaluated the impact of a PN intervention on health system costs in the 180 days after discharge for high‐risk patients in a safety‐net system.

Data Source/Setting

Primary and secondary data from an academic safety‐net health system.

Study Design

We compared per‐patient utilization and costs, overall and by age, for high‐risk, medical service patients randomized to the PN intervention relative to usual care between October 2011 and April 2013. Intervention patients received hospital visits and telephone outreach from PNs for 30 days after every qualifying discharge.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We used administrative and electronic encounter data, and a survey of nurses; costs were imputed from the Medicare fee schedule.

Principal Findings

Total costs per patient over the 180 days postindex discharge for those aged ≥60 years were significantly lower for PN patients compared to controls ($5,676 vs. $7,640, p = .03); differences for patients aged <60 ($9,942 vs. $9,046, p = .58) or for the entire cohort ($7,092 vs. $7,953, p = .27) were not significant.

Conclusions

Patient navigator interventions may be useful strategies for specific groups of patients in safety‐net systems to improve transitional care while containing costs.
State Prescription Contraception Insurance Mandates: Effects on Unintended Births
Authors: Johnston Emily M. , Adams E. Kathleen
Published: November 2017

Objective

To test the effects of state prescription contraception insurance mandates on unintended, mistimed, and unwanted births in a sample of privately insured recent mothers.

Data

We pooled Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 1997 to 2012 to study 209,964 privately insured recent mothers in 24 states, 11 of which implemented prescription contraception coverage mandates between 2000 and 2008.

Study Design

Individual‐level difference‐in‐differences models compare the probability of unintended birth among privately insured recent mothers in state‐years with mandates to those in state‐years without mandates. Additional models use aggregate data to estimate the effect of mandates on states’ number of unintended births.

Principal Findings

State mandates are associated with decreased probability of unintended birth (1.58 percentage points) among privately insured women in the second year of implementation, driven by decreased probability of mistimed birth (1.37 percentage points or 614 births per state‐year) in the second year of implementation. We find no effects in the first year of implementation or on the probability of unwanted birth. Unexpectedly, recent mothers without private insurance experienced declines in unintended birth, but among unwanted, rather than mistimed, births.

Conclusions

State prescription contraception insurance mandates are associated with reduced probability of unintended and mistimed births among privately insured women.
Shifting Patterns in Cesarean Delivery Scheduling and Timing in Oregon before and after a Statewide Hard Stop Policy
Authors: Muoto Ifeoma , Darney Blair G. , Lau Bernard , Cheng Yvonne W. , Tomlinson Mark W. , Neilson Duncan R. , Friedman Steven A. , Rogovoy Joanne , Caughey Aaron B. , Snowden Jonathan M.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To assess the use and timing of scheduled cesareans and other categories of cesarean delivery and the prevalence of neonatal morbidity among cesareans in Oregon before and after the implementation of Oregon's statewide policy limiting elective early deliveries.

Data Sources

Oregon vital statistics records, 2008–2013.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study, with multivariable logistic regression, regression controlling for time trends, and interrupted time series analyses, to compare the odds of different categories of cesarean delivery and the odds of neonatal morbidity pre‐ and postpolicy.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We analyzed vital statistics data on all term births in Oregon (2008–2013), excluding births in 2011.

Principal Findings

The odds of early‐term scheduled cesareans decreased postpolicy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.70; 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 0.66–0.74). In the postpolicy period, there were mixed findings regarding assisted neonatal ventilation and neonatal intensive care unit admission, with regression models indicating higher postpolicy odds in some categories, but lower postpolicy odds after controlling for time trends.

Conclusions

Oregon's hard stop policy limiting elective early‐term cesarean delivery was associated with lower odds of cesarean delivery in the category of women who were targeted by the policy; more research is needed on impact of such policies on neonatal outcomes.
Shareholder Litigation and Corporate Disclosure: Evidence from Derivative Lawsuits
Authors: BOURVEAU THOMAS , LOU YUN , WANG RENCHENG
Published: November 2017

Using the staggered adoption of universal demand (UD) laws in the United States, we study the effect of shareholder litigation risk on corporate disclosure. We find that disclosure significantly increases after UD laws make it more difficult to file derivative lawsuits. Specifically, firms issue more earnings forecasts and voluntary 8‐K filings, and increase the length of management discussion and analysis (MD&A) in their 10‐K filings. We further assess the direct and indirect channels through which UD laws affect firms' disclosure policies. We find that the effect of UD laws on corporate disclosure is driven by firms facing relatively higher ex ante derivative litigation risk and higher operating uncertainty, as well as firms for which shareholder litigation is a more important mechanism to discipline managers.
Antioxidant Activities of Lactic Acid Bacteria for Quality Improvement of Fermented Sausage
Authors: Zhang Yulong , Hu Ping , Lou Lijiao , Zhan Jianlong , Fan Min , Li Dan , Liao Qianwei
Published: November 2017

Lactobacillus curvatus (SR6) and Lactobacillus paracasei (SR10‐1) were assessed for their antioxidant activities and inoculated into sausages to investigate their effects on quality during fermentation. The results showed that L. curvatus SR6 had better DPPH• scavenging activity (59.67% ± 6.68%) and reducing power (47.31% ± 4.62%) and L. paracasei SR10‐1 had better OH• scavenging activity (285.67% ± 2.00%) and anti‐lipid peroxidation capacity (63.89% ± 0.93%). The superoxide dismutase activity of the cell culture fluid was greater than 47.00 U/mL, and the catalase activity of the cell‐free extracts was greater than 1.00 U/mL. In the sausage model, lactic acid bacteria rapidly became the dominant microflora and reduced the moisture content, water activity, nitrite, and pH. The bacteria significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of the sausage extracts, which improved the sensory characteristics and safety of the sausages. These results illustrate that both strains have excellent antioxidant activities and can be used as antioxidant starters in fermented meat products.

Practical Application

The study illustrated the antioxidant and antioxidase activities of Lactobacillus curvatus SR6 and Lactobacillus paracasei SR10‐1 and demonstrated the changes in the quality characteristics and antioxidant activities of fermented sausages. The findings provide valuable information for the meat industry on the application of functional starters in fermented meat products.
Diagnosis of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Singh Surjit , Jindal Ankur Kumar , Pilania Rakesh Kumar
Published: November 2017

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a medium vessel vasculitis with predilection for coronary arteries. Due to lack of a reliable confirmatory laboratory test, the diagnosis of KD is based on a constellation of clinical findings that appear in a typical temporal sequence. These diagnostic criteria have been modified from time to time and the most recent guidelines have been proposed by the American Heart Association (AHA) in 2017. However, several children may have incomplete or atypical forms of KD and the diagnosis can often be difficult, especially in infants and young children. In this review, we have detailed the steps involved in arriving at a diagnosis of KD and also highlight the important role of echocardiography in diagnosis and management of children with KD.
Advertising and attachment: exploiting loss aversion through prepurchase information
Authors: Karle Heiko , Schumacher Heiner
Published: November 2017

We analyze a monopolist's optimal advertising strategy when consumers are expectation‐based loss‐averse and uncertain about their individual match value with the product. Advertising provides verifiable match value information. It modifies the consumers' reference point and hence their willingness to pay for the product. We show that the optimal advertising strategy pools different consumer types so that some consumers engage in ex ante unfavorable trade. Incomplete informative advertising thus has a persuasive effect. This provides a rationale for policies that force the monopolist to disclose important product characteristics, not only at the point of sale, but also in all promotional materials.
A Risk Assessment Score and Initial High‐sensitivity Troponin Combine to Identify Low Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Emergency Department
Authors: Pickering John W. , Flaws Dylan , Smith Stephen W. , Greenslade Jaimi , Cullen Louise , Parsonage William , Carlton Edward , Mark Richards A. , Troughton Richard , Pemberton Christopher , George Peter M. , Than Martin P.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Early discharge of patients with presentations triggering assessment for possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is safe when clinical assessment indicates low risk, biomarkers are negative, and electrocardiograms (ECGs) are nonischemic. We hypothesized that the Emergency Department Assessment of Chest Pain Score (EDACS) combined with a single measurement of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs‐cTn) could allow early discharge of a clinically meaningful proportion of patients.

Methods

We pooled data from four patient cohorts from New Zealand and Australia presenting to an emergency department with symptoms suggestive of ACS. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 30 days of presentation. In patients with a nonischemic ECG we evaluated the sensitivity for MACE and percentage low risk of every combination of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) concentration and high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs‐cTnI) concentration with EDACS. We used a standard smoothing technique on the probability density function for hs‐cTn and EDACS and applied bootstrapping to determine the optimal threshold combinations, namely, the combination that maximized the percentage low risk with ≥98.5% sensitivity for MACE.

Results

From 2,536 patients, 2,258 presented without an ischemic ECG of whom 272 (12.1%) had a MACE within 30 days. The optimal threshold for hs‐cTnI was 7 ng/L combined with an EDACS threshold of 16 (36.8% patients low risk). The optimal thresholds for hs‐cTnT were 8 ng/L combined with an EDACS threshold of 15 (30.2% patients low risk).

Conclusion

Single measurements of both hs‐cTnI and hs‐cTnT at presentation combined with EDACS to identify over 30% of patients as low risk and therefore eligible for safe early discharge after only one blood draw.
Education, school type and screen time were associated with overweight and obesity in 2930 adolescents
Authors: Furthner Dieter , Ehrenmueller Margit , Lanzersdorfer Roland , Halmerbauer Gerhard , Schmitt Klaus , Biebl Ariane
Published: November 2017

Aim

This cross‐sectional study analysed the influence of socio‐economic factors on screen time, overweight and obesity.

Methods

We asked adolescents aged 10, 14 and 17 from 10 school types in urban and rural regions in Upper Austria to complete questionnaires from December 2012 to February 2013. Their parents were also asked to complete questionnaires.

Results

The questionnaires were completed by 2930 adolescents and 2209 parents. Total weekend screen time was significantly associated with a higher body mass index (BMI) in 10‐year‐old boys (p < 0.005) and 10‐year‐old girls (p = 0.002), and there were significant associations between higher BMI and television time and longer weekend video game use in subjects aged 10 and 14. Higher education levels were associated with shorter daily video game use and longer computer use. Males (p < 0.0001) and adolescents from immigrant families (p < 0.0001) reported longer screen times at all ages. Lower parental education and higher parental BMI correlated significantly with longer screen time and BMI in the youngest age group.

Conclusion

The greatest weight problems were in younger adolescents, despite shorter screen times, and boys and adolescents from immigrant families reported the longest screen times. Prevention strategies need to start early.
Performance and hemtochemical parameters of buck‐kids fed concentrate partially replaced with tropical Piliostigma thonningii foliage
Authors: Olafadehan Olurotimi A. , Njidda Ahmed A. , Okunade Sunday A. , Salihu Sarah O. , Balogun David O. , Salem Abdelfattah Z. M.
Published: November 2017

Fifteen 5‐month‐old Red Sokoto buck‐kids, (6.6 ± 0.71 kg body weight (BW)) randomly distributed into three groups of five animals per group, were used to study the effects of supplementary concentrate partially replaced with Piliostigma thonningii (PT) foliage on the growth performance, economic benefit and blood profile in a completely randomized design using analysis of variance. The goats in group 1 received 100% supplementary concentrates (PT0), groups 2 and 3 received 25% (PT25) and 50% (PT50), respectively, of concentrate replaced with an equal amount (dry matter basis) of Piliostigma foliage. The goats were fed a basal diet of threshed sorghum top (TST). Intake of concentrate, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, total feeding cost and cost/kg BW were greater (P < 0.05) for PT0 than for PT25 and PT50. Consumption of P. thonningii foliage was greater (P < 0.05) for PT50 relative to PT25. Tannin consumption of the treatment diets were greater (P < 0.05) than that of the control concentrate diet. Serum urea N reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing level of concentrate replacement, while serum glucose was higher (P < 0.05) in PT0 than in PT50. However, means of all blood measurements were within normal ranges for goats. Net benefit showed this rank order: PT0 < PT50 < PT25 (all P < 0.05). Both differential and relative benefits were higher (P < 0.05) for PT25 than for PT50. P. thonningii foliage can replace 50% of supplemental concentrate without impairing feed intake, growth performance and health of buck‐kids.
TXNDC5 contributes to rheumatoid arthritis by down-regulating IGFBP1 expression
Authors: Li J , Xu B , Wu C , Yan X , Zhang L , Chang X
Published: November 2017

The thioredoxin domain-containing 5 (TXNDC5) gene is associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and exhibits increased expression in the synovial tissues. TXNDC5 is also associated strongly with diabetes, a metabolic disease characterized by interrupted insulin signalling. This study investigated whether TXNDC5 contributes to RA via the insulin signalling pathway. In this study, RA synovial fibroblast-like cells (RASFs) transfected with an anti-TXNDC5 small interfering RNA (siRNA) were analysed with an insulin signaling pathway RT2 profiler polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array and an insulin resistance RT2 profiler PCR array. The PCR arrays detected significantly increased expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) in RASFs with suppressed TXNDC5 expression. The result was verified using real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. Significantly elevated IGFBP1 expression and decreased interleukin (IL)-6 secretion were also detected in culture medium of transfected RASFs. Furthermore, decreased IGFBP1 mRNA and protein expression levels were detected in RA synovial tissues. Additionally, significantly increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation and cell migration were observed in RASFs transfected with the anti-TXNDC5 siRNA, whereas transfection with the anti-IGFBP1 siRNA or a mixture of the anti-IGFBP1 and anti-TXNDC5 siRNAs restored normal cell proliferation, migration and IL-6 level in RASFs. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) has potent prosurvival and anti-apoptotic functions, and IGFBP1 can suppress IGF activity. Based on the results of the present study, we suggest that TXNDC5 contributes to abnormal RASF proliferation, migration and IL-6 production by inhibiting IGFBP1 expression.
Zika, contraception and the non‐identity problem
Authors: Doolabh Keyur , Caviola Lucius , Savulescu Julian , Selgelid Michael , Wilkinson Dominic JC
Published: November 2017

The 2016 outbreak of the Zika arbovirus was associated with large numbers of cases of the newly‐recognised Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). This novel teratogenic epidemic raises significant ethical and practical issues. Many of these arise from strategies used to avoid cases of CZS, with contraception in particular being one proposed strategy that is atypical in epidemic control.

Using contraception to reduce the burden of CZS has an ethical complication: interventions that impact the timing of conception alter which people will exist in the future. This so‐called ‘non‐identity problem’ potentially has significant social justice implications for evaluating contraception, that may affect our prioritisation of interventions to tackle Zika.

This paper combines ethical analysis of the non‐identity problem with empirical data from a novel survey about the general public's moral intuitions. The ethical analysis examines different perspectives on the non‐identity problem, and their implications for using contraception in response to Zika. The empirical section reports the results of an online survey of 93 members of the US general public exploring their intuitions about the non‐identity problem in the context of the Zika epidemic. Respondents indicated a general preference for a person‐affecting intervention (mosquito control) over an impersonal intervention (contraception). However, their responses did not appear to be strongly influenced by the non‐identity problem.

Despite its potential philosophical significance, we conclude from both theoretical considerations and analysis of the attitudes of the community that the non‐identity problem should not affect how we prioritise contraception relative to other interventions to avoid CZS.
Racial identity, aesthetic surgery and Yorùbá African Values
Authors: Fayemi Ademola K.
Published: November 2017

The question of racial identity in the process and outcome of aesthetic surgery is gaining increasing attention in bioethical discourse. This paper attempts an ethical examination of the racial identity issues involved in aesthetic surgery. Dominant moral values in Western culture are explored in the evaluation of aesthetic surgery. The paper argues that African values are yet to receive the universal attention they arguably deserve especially in the rethinking of values underlying aesthetic surgery as racial transformation. Through a consideration of some moral‐aesthetic values in the Yorùbá‐African culture, this paper further re‐evaluates the ethics of aesthetic surgery. The paper contends against the propagation of aesthetic surgery as a new form of bolstering racial divides and identity in the evolving cosmopolitan age. The position defended in the paper is that some values from Yorùbá‐African culture are useful in the consideration of the ethics of aesthetic surgery and more importantly, in avoiding the racial identity bias embedded in aesthetic surgery. The paper concludes that if due consideration is perhaps given to some African moral‐aesthetic values in the global aesthetic surgery industry, some of the evolving moral and racial complexities would be better mediated.
Pilot study on the effectiveness and students’ attitude towards undergraduate training provided by industry
Authors: Karl M. , Franz M. , Grobecker‐Karl T. , Scheib M.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Rapid developments in CAD/CAM technology necessitate the adaptation of curriculum content. Limited resources hinder institutions in holding state of the art equipment available for student training.

Materials and Methods

A workshop given by an industry partner was organised as part of the final pre‐clinical course in prosthodontics for the academic years 2015 and 2016. The workshop on dental ceramics and CAD/CAM technology comprised of lectures and practical demonstrations. Multiple‐choice examinations prior to and after the workshop as well as questionnaires were used for assessing effectiveness and students’ perception. The test scores and evaluation results were compared using Fisher's exact test of homogeneity (α = 0.05).

Results

The workshop improved students’ performance in the written examination. With the exception of 1 question, students having attended the workshop performed significantly better (P < .05). The majority of students felt that the workshop fostered their knowledge in the field of dental ceramics and CAD/CAM. Whilst only a small portion (<10%) disapproved industry‐supported education, up to 45% of the participants considered the workshop as sales promotion. The students were undecided on whether or not competitor companies should be invited to present on the same topic and whether or not more industry‐supported courses would be beneficial.

Discussion

Industry‐supported education appears to be a necessity in the field of CAD/CAM dentistry, but care has to be taken to select adequate partners, and the content of courses has to be controlled.
Suppressive effects of morphine injected into the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis on the affective, but not sensory, component of pain in rats
Authors: Maruyama Chikashi , Deyama Satoshi , Nagano Yusuke , Ide Soichiro , Kaneda Katsuyuki , Yoshioka Mitsuhiro , Minami Masabumi
Published: November 2017

Pain is a complex experience with both sensory and affective components. Clinical and preclinical studies have shown that the affective component of pain can be reduced by doses of morphine lower than those necessary to reduce the sensory component. Although the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of morphine on the sensory component of pain have been investigated extensively, those influencing the affective component remain to be elucidated. The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) has been implicated in the regulation of various negative emotional states, including aversion, anxiety and fear. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the role of the ventral part of the BNST (vBNST) in the actions of morphine on the affective and sensory components of pain. First, the effects of intra‐vBNST injections of morphine on intraplantar formalin‐induced conditioned place aversion (CPA) and nociceptive behaviors were investigated. Intra‐vBNST injections of morphine reduced CPA without affecting nociceptive behaviors, which suggests that intra‐vBNST morphine alters the affective, but not sensory, component of pain. Next, to examine the effects of morphine on neuronal excitability in type II vBNST neurons, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings were performed in brain slices. Bath application of morphine hyperpolarized type II vBNST neurons. Thus, the suppressive effects of intra‐vBNST morphine on pain‐induced aversion may be due to its inhibitory effects on neuronal excitability in type II vBNST neurons. These results suggest that the vBNST is a key brain region involved in the suppressive effects of morphine on the affective component of pain.
Somatosensory profile of patients with haemophilia
Authors: Krüger S. , Boettger M. K. , Hilberg T.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Patients with haemophilia (PwH) suffer from an enhanced pain sensitivity due to repetitive joint bleedings. A comprehensive, quantitative examination of the somatosensory system has not been performed in this population to date.

Material and methods

Thirty patients with moderate or severe haemophilia A or B and 30 healthy controls were examined by means of Quantitative Sensory Testing to assess the function of the somatosensory system. Detection (DT) and pain thresholds (PT) were determined, amounting to a total of 13 parameters. Both knee joints and the hand as reference were examined in order to assess both joint‐specific as well as general changes in the somatosensory profile.

Results

Analysing DT and PT, a significant main effect was found for group × stimulus interaction (P ≤ .001). Post hoc tests revealed significant differences in DT between PwH and controls for thermal stimuli across both knees (cold DT: P < .001; warm DT: P < .01) and the hand (cold DT: P < .01; warm DT: P < .05). Mechanical DT was increased in PwH at both knee joints (left knee: P ≤ .05; right knee: P ≤ .01). Furthermore, pressure PT was decreased in PwH at both knees (P ≤ .001).

Conclusion

Haemophilic arthropathy leads to alterations of the somatosensory profile in PwH. Our results reveal initial evidence of a combination of peripheral sensitization, indicated by decreased pressure PT and mechanical DT at the knee joints, as well as general changes of the somatosensory system, shown by reduced thermal DT at affected sites and remote from these. Therefore, both mechanisms have to be considered regarding the pain management in PwH.
Polysaccharides from Chinese Liupao dark tea and their protective effect against hyperlipidemia
Authors: Mao Yan , Wei Baoyao , Teng Jianwen , Xia Ning , Zhao Mouming , Huang Li , Ye Ying
Published: November 2017

Polysaccharides‐rich dark tea is believed to be beneficial to health in Southeast Asian. However, the hypolipidemic effect of Chinese Liupao tea polysaccharides (CLTPS) has not been investigated. Here, the potential mechanism by which the oral administration of CLTPS affects lipid metabolism was evaluated using high‐fat diet‐induced hyperlipidemia rats. In rats supplemented with CLTPS, a suppressive effect on body weight was observed after 4 weeks of intervention. CLTPS significantly improved the levels of lipid profiles, the oxidation of lipids and antioxidant enzyme activity in a dose‐dependent manner. The cholesterol‐lowering action was paralleled by the stimulation of cholesterol converted to bile acids along with a 1.5‐fold increase in faecal excretion. Besides, the prolongation of coagulation factors and the reduction in fibrinogen content showed that CLTPS regulated the coagulation initiated through the intrinsic pathway. With current findings, CLTPS may be valuable as a natural hypolipidemic nutraceutical for human consumption.
Asthma prevalence trends by weight status among US children aged 2–19 years, 1988–2014
Authors: Akinbami L. J. , Rossen L. M. , Fakhouri T. H. I. , Fryar C. D.
Published: November 2017

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for asthma. However, it is unclear if increased obesity prevalence contributed to rising childhood asthma prevalence.

Objective

To assess if population‐level changes in weight status impacted asthma prevalence over time.

Methods

Using nationally representative 1988–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data for 40 644 children aged 2–19 years, we analyzed asthma trends by weight status (body mass index age‐specific percentiles determined using measured weight and height). Logistic regression and population attributable fraction were used to assess the association between obesity and asthma prevalence.

Results

Although obesity was a risk factor for asthma throughout the period, asthma prevalence increased only among children with normal weight; there was no interaction between weight status and time. The population attributable fraction for overweight/obesity rose from 8.5% in 1988–1994 to 11.9% in 2011–2014, but this increase was not significant (P = 0.44).

Conclusions

Together, these data do not support a contribution of obesity trends to asthma prevalence trends.
Slag corrosion mechanism of lightweight Al2O3–MgO castable in different atmospheric conditions
Authors: Zou Yang , Gu Huazhi , Huang Ao
Published: November 2017

The slag resistance of ladle lining refractory in different atmospheric conditions is of utmost importance due to the strong variation of atmospheric environment in ladle during the process cycle. In this study, by adopting dynamic induction furnace corrosion test, the corrosion mechanism of lightweight Al2O3–MgO castable with different environmental oxygen partial pressure was investigated through macro and microanalysis, XRD, and thermodynamic simulation. The atmospheric condition was set to P (O2) = 0.21 atm or P(Ar) = 1.0 atm. The attained results showed that a reduced slag corrosion but intensified slag penetration happened at low environmental oxygen partial pressure condition. With P(O2) = 0.21 atm, Mn and Fe in slag were present in the form of divalent and/or trivalent cations and were incorporated into spinel to form MnFe2O4 solutions and MgAl2O4 solutions during the corrosion process. Since Fe, Mn ions were largely consumed, liquid with high viscosity formed and the continuing infiltration was suppressed. Under P(Ar) = 1.0 atm, Fe ions in the slag were totally reduced into elemental iron while Mn existed mainly in the state of MnO, and the amount of liquid slag was therefore reduced, leading to significantly weakened corrosion on castable aggregates. Corrosion reaction products under this condition were mainly MgAl2O4 and CA6.
Origins and patterns of endemic diversity in two specialized lizard lineages from the Australian Monsoonal Tropics (Oedura spp.)
Authors: Laver Rebecca J. , Doughty Paul , Oliver Paul M.
Published: November 2017

Aim

Savanna biomes cover around 20% of land surfaces, yet the origins and processes that have shaped their biodiversity remain understudied. Here, we assess the timing of diversification and how patterns of genetic diversity vary along an aridity gradient in specialized saxicoline gecko clades (Oedura spp.) from the tropical savannas of northern Australia.

Location

Australian Monsoonal Tropics (AMT), Kimberley region (Western Australia).

Methods

We compiled mitochondrial and nuclear data for two Kimberley endemic lizard clades (Oedura filicipoda/murrumanu and O. gracilis), and allied non‐Kimberley taxa (O. marmorata complex). Species delimitation methods were used to identify evolutionary lineages, Maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods were employed to assess relationships and diversification timeframes, and rainfall data and range sizes were tested for correlations.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses of cryptic or recently discovered lineage diversity revealed late‐Miocene to early‐Pliocene crown ages. Microendemism and diversity were highest in high‐rainfall regions, while the most widespread lineages occurred in the central and south‐east Kimberley, and showed evidence of introgression with parapatric lineages.

Main conclusions

The initial diversification in both clades was broadly concordant with global climatic events linked to the expansion of savanna biomes in the lateMiocene. Higher endemism in mesic and refugial areas suggests long histories of localized persistence, while wider distributions and evidence of introgression suggest a dynamic history at the arid‐monsoonal interface.