bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Towards a fair assessment of social security liabilities under pay‐as‐you‐go and partially funded schemes
Authors: Drouin Anne , Plamondon Pierre , Lloret Cristina 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article provides insights into methodological and measurement considerations and challenges from an actuarial and social security policy perspective with reference to actuarial valuation work undertaken in the recent period. It aims at supporting the global discussion to improve the transparency of the reporting of financial liabilities of social security schemes linked to employment‐based obligations (contributory), as these are often guaranteed by the government following social security funding rules such as pay‐as‐you‐go and partially funded approaches. The article supports the actuarial profession's engagement with experts in national accounting and public finance statistics towards providing improved guidance to national governments in presenting a fair and accurate picture of the financial position of their social security schemes with due and unbiased recognition of the social security policy approach decision of any given country. While the reflection of the financial position of social security schemes guaranteeing long‐term benefits payable for life is most important in terms of possible public finance implications, care must be exercised in adopting a valuation methodology and indicators that are not biased and which do not distort the interpretation of its financial position. In this respect, challenges remain and there is ample scope for refining methodologies and adopting coherent accounting approaches encompassing policy decisions for funding purposes.
Milk carton with integrated paper‐based microfluidics for milk quality rapid test
Authors: Fan Yiqiang , Wang Hongliang , Liu Shicheng , Zhang Boyang , Zhang Yajun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study integrated paper‐based microfluidic device on a milk carton for a rapid milk quality check. The microfluidic device was printed on the outer surface of milk carton using commercial wax printer. The testing process is fully automatic, after apply one drop of milk on the loading point, milk was driven by capillary force in the porous paper fiber in wax‐defined microchannels to reach the preload reactants for chromogenic reaction. The proposed integration method provides a simple, low cost and rapid onsite milk quality check technique for milk consumers, and also have wide potential applications in food industry.Practical applicationsMicrofluidics has been widely used in the chemical and biological field for analysis or synthesis, in this research, the microfluidic devices were integrated on the outer surface of a milk carton for a rapid and low‐cost milk quality test, and the test result could be easily read using mobile phone app. The proposed research is of significant application prospect in food industry for rapid and onsite food quality test using the microfluidic devices integrated on paper packaging. The fabrication method of the microfluidic devices proposed in this research using wax printing is also low cost and nontoxic, and could be easily integrated with the current paper packaging production line.
Digital Learning Resources for Prosthodontic Education: The Perspectives of a Long‐Term Dental Educator Regarding 4 Key Factors
Authors: Goodacre Charles J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTechnological advances have led to the introduction of 3D education programs specifically designed for dentistry, leading to the author's use of these programs in the education of dental students. Based on this usage, this paper proposes there are 4 key factors that can enhance student education (spatial ability, interactivity, critical thinking, and clinical correlations with integration of multiple dental disciplines). These key factors can be incorporated into student learning through the use of 3D education programs in class. Lessons learned from using these programs include the importance of regular use in class as well as testing students both visually and textually on the content present in such programs. In this way, students will use the program and thereby enhance their 3D visualization skills while learning the required didactic information. Simply providing students with access to such programs without regular use in class and without testing the students on the content leads to these programs’ lack of use. As a result, the students miss an opportunity to enhance their ability to visualize structures three dimensionally and manipulate them in their minds, a process known as spatial ability that is linked to success in the sciences.
Polyphyletic Alyssum cuneifolium (Brassicaceae) revisited: Morphological and genome size differentiation of recently recognized allopatric taxa
Authors: Španiel Stanislav , Marhold Karol , Zozomová‐Lihová Judita 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAlyssum cuneifolium has been recognized as a perennial alpine species growing in five isolated European mountain ranges: the Pyrenees, Western Alps, Apennines, Pirin Mts and Mt Smolikas. Recent molecular systematic studies revealed that the disjunct populations from distant mountains are not closely related and belong to five independent species: A. cacuminum (Spain, Pyrenees), A. cuneifolium (Italy, Apennines), A. flexicaule (France, Western Alps), A. pirinicum (Bulgaria, Pirin Mts), and A. spruneri (Greece, Mt Smolikas). The present study brings the thorough morphometric analysis of the segregated taxa. We found minor morphological differences between them. Whereas A. pirinicum can be clearly distinguished, the other taxa are recognizable only at the level of population means of investigated characters. The morphological similarity of these distantly related species is obviously the result of adaptation to similar high‐alpine scree habitats. It is not clear, however, whether this adaptation is environmentally controlled or whether it is also genetically fixed and whether it reflects parallel evolution towards similar morphotypes. The observed morphological patterns and their assumed correlation with environmental factors are discussed using examples from other Alyssum taxa. Three different ploidy levels have been reported for the species under study. In the present article, we examine variation in relative nuclear genome size. The Alpine and Pyrenean species have larger relative monoploid genome sizes than the Apennine and Balkan ones, probably reflecting the evolutionary history of the group. A nomenclatural account of the study species is presented, and lectotypes of A. cuneifolium and of two other names are selected.
Polycomb repressive complex 2 attenuates ABA‐induced senescence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Chunmei , Cheng Jingfei , Zhuang Yili , Ye Luhuan , Li Zijuan , Wang Yuejun , Qi Meifang , Xu Lin , Zhang Yijing 
Published: October 2018

SummaryThe phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA)‐induced leaf senescence facilitates nutrient reuse and potentially contributes to enhancing plant stress tolerance. However, excessive senescence causes serious reductions in crop yield, and the mechanism by which senescence is finely tuned at different levels is still insufficiently understood. Here, we found that the double mutant of core enzymes of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is hypersensitive to ABA in Arabidopsis thaliana. To elucidate the interplay between ABA and PRC2 at the genome level, we extensively profiled the transcriptomic and epigenomic changes triggered by ABA. We observed that H3K27me3 preferentially targets ABA‐induced senescence‐associated genes (SAGs). In the double, but not single, mutant of PRC2 enzymes, these SAGs were derepressed and could be more highly induced by ABA compared with the wild‐type, suggesting a redundant role for the PRC2 enzymes in negatively regulating ABA‐induced senescence. Contrary to the rapid transcriptomic changes triggered by ABA, the reduction of H3K27me3 at these SAGs falls far behind the induction of their expression, indicating that PRC2‐mediated H3K27me3 contributed to long‐term damping of ABA‐induced senescence to prevent an oversensitive response. The findings of this study may serve as a paradigm for a global understanding of the interplay between the rapid effects of a phytohormone such as ABA and the long‐term effects of the epigenetic machinery in regulating plant senescence processes and environmental responses.
Use of Objective Measures to Estimate Sedentary Time in Youth
Authors: Crouter Scott E. , Hibbing Paul R. , LaMunion Samuel R. 
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the ActiGraph GT3X+ (AG) and activPAL (AP) for assessing time spent in sedentary behaviors (SB) in youth using structured and free-living activities. Forty-four participants (Mage, 12.7±0.8 yrs) completed up to eight structured activities and approximately 2 hrs of free-living activity while wearing an AG (right hip) and AP (right thigh). A Cosmed K4b2 was used for measured energy expenditure (METy; activity VO2 ÷ resting VO2). Direct observation was used during the structured activities. SB time was estimated using the inclinometer function of the AP and AG, and count thresholds with AG (<75 vector magnitude [VM] counts/10-s; <25 vertical axis [VA] counts/10-s; and <50, 100, 150, and 200 VA counts/min). For the structured activities, the AG inclinometer and AP correctly classified supine rest about 45% of the time, seated activities 54.6% and 65.1% of the time, respectively, and walking and running >96% of the time. For the free-living measurement, the VA <25 counts/10-s had the lowest RMSE (20.6 min), while the VM <75 counts/10-s had the lowest MAPE (69.2%). The AG inclinometer was within 0.2 minutes of measured time, but had the highest MAPE (107.1%). The AP was within 1.6 minutes of measured time, but had the highest RMSE (28.5 minutes). Compared to measured SB time, the VA <25 counts/10-s and VM <75 counts/10-s provided the most precise estimates of SB during free-living activity. Further refinement is needed to improve the AP and AG posture estimates.
Validity of Garmin Vívofit 1 and Garmin Vívofit 3 for School-Based Physical Activity Monitoring
Authors: Šimůnek Adam , Dygrýn Jan , Jakubec Lukáš , Neuls Filip , Frömel Karel , Welk Gregory John 
Published: October 2018

Purpose: Activity trackers are useful tools for physical activity promotion in adolescents, but robust validity evaluations have not been done under free-living conditions. This study evaluated the validity of the Garmin Vívofit 1 (G1) and Garmin Vívofit 3 (G3) in different settings and contexts. Methods: The participants (girls: 52%, age: 15.9 [1.9] y) wore the G1 and G3 on their nondominant wrist and the Yamax pedometer on their right hip for a period of 1 week. Validity was examined in 4 discrete segments (before school, in school, after school, and whole day). The criterion method was the Yamax pedometer. Results: Both the G1 and G3 could be considered equivalent to the Yamax pedometer regarding the before school, in school, and whole day segments. The G1 showed wider limits of agreement than G3. Conclusions: The G1 and G3 trackers exhibited acceptable validity for 3 of the 4 segments (before school, in school, and whole day measurements). The results were less accurate during the after-school segment. The evidence that the validity of the monitors varied depending on the setting and context is an important consideration for research on adolescent activity patterns.
Making sense of recovery after traumatic brain injury through a peer mentoring intervention: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Kersten Paula , Cummins Christine , Kayes Nicola , Babbage Duncan , Elder Hinemoa , Foster Allison , Weatherall Mark , Siegert Richard John , Smith Greta , McPherson Kathryn 
Published: October 2018

ObjectiveTo explore the acceptability of peer mentoring for people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in New Zealand.DesignThis is a qualitative descriptive study exploring the experiences reported by mentees and mentors taking part in a feasibility study of peer mentoring. Interviews with five mentees and six mentors were carried out. Data were analysed using conventional content analysis.SettingThe first mentoring session took place predischarge from the rehabilitation unit. The remaining five sessions took place in mentees’ homes or community as preferred.ParticipantsTwelve people with TBI took part: six mentees (with moderate to severe TBI; aged 18–46) paired with six mentors (moderate to severe TBI >12 months previously; aged 21–59). Pairing occurred before mentee discharge from postacute inpatient brain injury rehabilitation. Mentors had been discharged from rehabilitation following a TBI between 1 and 5 years previously.InterventionThe peer mentoring programme consisted of up to six face-to-face sessions between a mentee and a mentor over a 6-month period. The sessions focused on building rapport, exploring hopes for and supporting participation after discharge through further meetings and supported community activities.ResultsData were synthesised into one overarching theme: making sense of recovery. This occurred through the sharing of experiences and stories; was pivotal to the mentoring relationship; and appeared to benefit both mentees and mentors. Mentors were perceived as valued experts because of their personal experience of injury and recovery, and could provide support in ways that were different from that provided by clinicians or family members. Mentors required support to manage the uncertainties inherent in the role.ConclusionsThe insight mentors developed through their own lived experience established them as a trusted and credible source of hope and support for people re-engaging in the community post-TBI. These findings indicate the potential for mentoring to result in positive outcomes.
Physiotherapist–patient communication in entry-level physiotherapy education: A national survey in Nigeria
Authors: Abaraogu Ukachukwu Okoroafor , Aguji Kaosisochukwu Rachael , Duru Deborah Onyinyechukwu , Okafor Udoka Chris , Ezeukwu Antoninus Obinna , Igwe Sylvester Emeka 
Published: October 2018

Background: Clinical communication impacts on physiotherapy treatment outcome and its competence warrants being assessed during training for physiotherapists given the increasing need to improve patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the assessment of clinical communication in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Nigeria. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, questionnaires were sent by e-mail or hand-delivered to the heads of physiotherapy programs, asking them to consult with faculty members involved in the assessment of clinical communication in undergraduate education. Results: Six of seven physiotherapy programs responded (an 86% response rate). Assessment of clinical communication and methods of assessing clinical communication by the programs showed wide variation. There was an average of two assessments per year. The objective structured clinical examination with patients (21; 38%) and written communications (report/chart) (13; 23%) were the most commonly used assessment methods. Perceived challenges included a lack of facilities, validity, inexperienced examiners, and difficulties in integrating processes and content. Conclusion: A variety of assessment methods are being used in entry-level physiotherapy programs in Nigeria, which target different components of clinical communication skills acquisition. More effort is needed to improve limited facilities and human resources training to enhance clinical communication assessment in Nigerian physiotherapy programs.
Modulation of Cardiac Ventricular Excitability by GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
Authors: Ang Richard , Mastitskaya Svetlana , Hosford Patrick S. , Basalay Marina , Specterman Mark , Aziz Qadeer , Li Yiwen , Orini Michele , Taggart Peter , Lambiase Pier D. , Gourine Andrey , Tinker Andrew , Gourine Alexander V. 
Published: October 2018

Background:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, systemic actions of these agents cause sympathetic activation, which is generally considered to be detrimental in cardiovascular disease. Despite significant research interest in cardiovascular biology of GLP-1, the presence of GLP-1R in ventricular cardiomyocytes remains a controversial issue, and the effects of this peptide on the electrical properties of intact ventricular myocardium are unknown. We sought to determine the effects of GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 (Ex4) on ventricular action potential duration (APD) and susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia in the rat heart in vivo and ex vivo.

Methods:
Ventricular monophasic action potentials were recorded in anaesthetized (urethane) rats in vivo and isolated perfused rat hearts during sinus rhythm and ventricular pacing.

Results:

In vivo, systemic administration of Ex4 (5 μg/kg intravenously) increased heart rate, and this effect was abolished by β-adrenoceptor blockade. Despite causing sympathetic activation, Ex4 increased APD at 90% repolarization during ventricular pacing by 7% (
P
=0.044; n=6) and reversed the effect of β-adrenoceptor agonist dobutamine on APD at 90% repolarization. In isolated perfused hearts, Ex4 (3 nmol/L) increased APD at 90% repolarization by 14% (
P
=0.015; n=6) with no effect on heart rate. Ex4 also reduced ventricular arrhythmia inducibility in conditions of β-adrenoceptor stimulation with isoproterenol. Ex4 effects on APD and ventricular arrhythmia susceptibility were prevented in conditions of muscarinic receptor blockade or inhibition of nitric oxide synthase.

Conclusions:
These data demonstrate that GLP-1R activation effectively opposes the effects of β-adrenoceptor stimulation on cardiac ventricular excitability and reduces ventricular arrhythmic potential. The effect of GLP-1R activation on the ventricular myocardium is indirect, mediated by acetylcholine and nitric oxide and, therefore, can be explained by stimulation of cardiac parasympathetic (vagal) neurons.
Cardiac Dysfunction in the Sigma 1 Receptor Knockout Mouse Associated With Impaired Mitochondrial Dynamics and Bioenergetics
Authors: Abdullah Chowdhury S. , Alam Shafiul , Aishwarya Richa , Miriyala Sumitra , Panchatcharam Manikandan , Bhuiyan Mohammad Alfrad Nobel , Peretik Jonette M. , Orr A. Wayne , James Jeanne , Osinska Hanna , Robbins Jeffrey , Lorenz John N. , Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin 
Published: October 2018

Background

The Sigma 1 receptor (Sigmar1) functions as an interorganelle signaling molecule and elicits cytoprotective functions. The presence of Sigmar1 in the heart was first reported on the basis of a ligand‐binding assay, and all studies to date have been limited to pharmacological approaches using less‐selective ligands for Sigmar1. However, the physiological function of cardiac Sigmar1 remains unknown. We investigated the physiological function of Sigmar1 in regulating cardiac hemodynamics using the Sigmar1 knockout mouse (Sigmar1
−/−
).

Methods and Results

Sigmar1
−/−
hearts at 3 to 4 months of age showed significantly increased contractility as assessed by left ventricular catheterization with stimulation by increasing doses of a β
1
‐adrenoceptor agonist. Noninvasive echocardiographic measurements were also used to measure cardiac function over time, and the data showed the development of cardiac contractile dysfunction in Sigmar1

−/−

hearts as the animals aged. Histochemistry demonstrated significant cardiac fibrosis, collagen deposition, and increased periostin in the Sigmar1

−/−

hearts compared with wild‐type hearts. Ultrastructural analysis of Sigmar1
−/−
cardiomyocytes revealed an irregularly shaped, highly fused mitochondrial network with abnormal cristae. Mitochondrial size was larger in Sigmar1
−/−
hearts, resulting in decreased numbers of mitochondria per microscopic field. In addition, Sigmar1
−/−
hearts showed altered expression of mitochondrial dynamics regulatory proteins. Real‐time oxygen consumption rates in isolated mitochondria showed reduced respiratory function in Sigmar1
−/−
hearts compared with wild‐type hearts.

Conclusions
We demonstrate a potential function of Sigmar1 in regulating normal mitochondrial organization and size in the heart. Sigmar1 loss of function led to mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal mitochondrial architecture, and adverse cardiac remodeling, culminating in cardiac contractile dysfunction.
Baseline Longitudinal Strain Predicts Recovery of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Hospitalized Patients With Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Swat Stanley A. , Cohen David , Shah Sanjiv J. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Baldridge Abigail S. , Freed Benjamin H. , Vorovich Esther E. , Yancy Clyde W. , Jonnalagadda Siddhartha R. , Prenner Stuart , Kim Daniel , Wilcox Jane E. 
Published: October 2018

Background

Heart failure (
HF
) with “recovered” ejection fraction (
HF
rec
EF
) is an emerging phenotype, but no tools exist to predict ejection fraction (
EF
) recovery in acute
HF
. We hypothesized that indices of baseline cardiac structure and function predict
HF
rec
EF
in nonischemic cardiomyopathy and reduced
EF
.

Methods and Results

We identified a nonischemic cardiomyopathy cohort with
EF
<40% during the first
HF
hospitalization (n=166). We performed speckle‐tracking echocardiography to measure longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain, and the average of these measures (myocardial systolic performance).
HF
rec
EF
was defined as follow‐up
EF
≥40% and ≥10% improvement from baseline
EF
. Fifty‐nine patients (36%) achieved
HF
rec
EF
(baseline
EF
26±7%; follow‐up
EF
51±7%) within a median of 135 (interquartile range 58‐239) days after the first
HF
hospitalization. Baseline demographics, biomarker profiles, and comorbid conditions (except lower chronic kidney disease in
HF
rec
EF
) were similar between
HF
rec
EF
and persistent reduced‐
EF
groups.
HF
rec
EF
patients had smaller baseline left ventricular end‐systolic dimension (3.6 versus 4.8 cm;
P
<0.01), higher baseline myocardial systolic performance (9.2% versus 8.1%;
P
=0.02), and improved survival (adjusted hazard ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.11, 0.62). We found a significant interaction between baseline left ventricular end‐systolic dimension and absolute longitudinal strain. Among patients with left ventricular end‐systolic dimension >4.35 cm, higher absolute longitudinal strain (≥8%) was associated with
HF
rec
EF
(unadjusted odds ratio=3.9, 95%
CI
)confidence interval 1.2, 12.8). Incorporation of baseline indices of cardiac mechanics with clinical variables resulted in a predictive model for
HF
rec
EF
with c‐statistic=0.85.

Conclusions

Factors associated with achieving
HF
rec
EF
were specific to cardiac structure and indices of cardiac mechanics. Higher baseline absolute longitudinal strain is associated with
HF
rec
EF
among nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients with reduced
EF
and larger left ventricular dimensions.