bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How many Layers has the Adventitia? – Structure of the Arterial Tunica Externa Revisited
Authors: Witter K. , Tonar Z. , Schöpper H. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryTunica adventitia or tunica externa is the outer layer of the blood vessel wall. It consists of connective tissue with vasa and nervi vasorum and plays a key role in vascular health. The aim of our study was to compare the wall layers beyond tunica media in arteries of different type and location. The following arteries of pig, dog and cat were processed histologically and analysed by light microscopy: aorta ascendens, arcus aortae, aorta thoracica, aorta abdominalis, arteria (a.) femoralis, a. tibialis cranialis, a. carotis communis, a. lingualis, a. basilaris, a. cerebralis media, a. testicularis and aa. jejunales. We found two layers of connective tissue outside the media: (1) a compact layer with many elastic fibres in muscular and few in elastic arteries and (2) an outer layer of loose connective tissue. The compact layer was missing in aorta ascendens, arcus aortae and intracranial vessels. Adventitial stripping removed only the loose connective tissue layer. In spite of the still present compact layer, stripped arteries were very flimsy. We suggest using the term ‘tunica externa’ for the compact connective tissue layer and ‘tunica adventitia’ for the outermost loose connective tissue layer as in other organs. The presence of the tunica externa differs between species, arteries and arterial side, as well as the removability of tunica adventitia and tunica externa by anatomical dissection.
Markers of tolerance development to food allergens
Authors: Ponce M. , Diesner S. C. , Szépfalusi Z. , Eiwegger T. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIgE‐mediated reactions to food allergens are the most common cause of anaphylaxis in childhood. Although allergies to cow's milk, egg, or soy proteins, in contrast to peanut and tree nut allergens, resolve within the first 6 years of life in up to 60% due to natural tolerance development, this process is not well understood. At present, there is no cure or treatment for food allergy that would result in an induction of tolerance to the symptom‐eliciting food. Avoidance, providing an emergency plan and education, is the standard of treatment. Oral immunotherapeutic approaches have been proven reasonable efficacy; however, they are associated with high rates of side‐effects and low numbers of patients achieving tolerance. Nevertheless, mechanisms that take place during oral immunotherapy may help to understand tolerance development. On the basis of these therapeutic interventions, events like loss of basophil activation and induction of regulatory lymphocyte subsets and of blocking antibodies have been described. Their functional importance at a clinical level, however, remains to be investigated in detail. Consequently, there is eminent need to understand the process of tolerance development to food allergens and define biomarkers to develop and monitor new treatment strategies for food allergy.
Pelvic fracture‐specific scales versus general patient reported scales for pelvic fracture outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Lumsdaine William , Weber Dieter G. , Balogh Zsolt J. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundMultiple scoring systems are used in the assessment of post‐injury outcomes in pelvic fracture patients. Although commonly used, there is scarce evidence as to their validity.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of the current literature to compare a well validated generic outcome tool (Short Form‐36 (SF‐36)) and three commonly used pelvic‐specific outcome tools, the Iowa Pelvic Score, Majeed Pelvic Score and Orlando Pelvic Score.ResultsEleven papers were found that used both the SF‐36 and one or more of the pelvic‐specific outcome tools. The data demonstrate great variability in both the method of application and form of reporting.ConclusionThe pelvic‐specific tools produce similar results to the SF‐36 and are potentially more sensitive in examining specific areas related to pelvic injuries and easier to perform and calculate than the SF‐36.
Explaining university students’ effective use of e‐learning platforms
Authors: Moreno Valter , Cavazotte Flavia , Alves Isabela 
Published: June 2016

AbstractStudents’ success in e‐learning programs depends on how they adopt and embed technology into their learning activities. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model, we propose a framework to explain students’ intention to use e‐learning platforms effectively, that is, their intention to fully exploit system's functionalities in leaning processes, even when this would require changes in study routines. The model was tested with data from 251 students enrolled in distance learning Business Administration programs. Results of structural equation modeling supported most hypotheses. Over 71% of the variance of intention to use an e‐learning platform were explained. Our findings indicate that students’ perceptions of system usefulness and ease of use positively influence their intention to effectively use e‐learning systems, and that these effects are fully mediated by students’ attitudes towards the LMS. Furthermore, system usefulness and ease of use are influenced by students’ cognitive absorption and self‐efficacy, as well as by system interactivity and facilitating conditions (FC).
4‐amino‐6‐alkyloxy‐2‐alkylthiopyrimidine derivatives as novel non‐nucleoside agonists for the adenosine A1 receptor
Authors: Cosimelli Barbara , Greco Giovanni , Laneri Sonia , Novellino Ettore , Sacchi Antonia , Trincavelli Maria Letizia , Giacomelli Chiara , Taliani Sabrina , Da Settimo Federico , Martini Claudia 
Published: June 2016

Three 4‐amino‐6‐alkyloxy‐2‐alkylthiopyrimidine derivatives (4–6) were investigated as potential non‐nucleoside agonists at human adenosine receptors (ARs). When tested in competition binding experiments, these compounds exhibited low micromolar affinity (Ki values comprised between 1.2 and 1.9 μm) for the A1 AR and no appreciable affinity for the A2A and A3 ARs. Evaluation of their efficacy profiles by measurement of intracellular cAMP levels revealed that 4 and 5 behave as non‐nucleoside agonists of the A1 AR with EC50 values of 0.47 and 0.87 μm, respectively. No clear concentration‐response curves could be instead obtained for 6, probably because this compound modulates one or more additional targets, thus masking the putative effects exerted by its activation of A1 AR. The three compounds were not able to modulate A2B AR‐mediated cAMP accumulation induced by the non‐selective AR agonist NECA, thus demonstrating no affinity toward this receptor.
Acute resistance exercise with blood flow restriction in elderly hypertensive women: haemodynamic, rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate
Authors: Pinto Roberta R. , Karabulut Murat , Poton Roberto , Polito Marcos D. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryPurposeThis study aimed to compare haemodynamic, rating of perceived exertion and blood lactate responses during resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) compared with traditional high‐intensity resistance exercise in hypertensive older women.MethodsEighteen hypertensive women (age = 67·0 ± 1·7 years.) undertook three random sessions: (i) three sets; 10 repetitions; 20% of one repetition maximum (1RM) with BFR; (ii) three sets; 10 repetitions; 65% of 1RM; without BFR; and (iii) no‐exercise with BFR. The exercise sessions were performed on knee extension equipment.ResultsSystolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were significantly higher (P<0·05) in all sets of exercise sessions than the control. No statistically significant differences were detected between exercise sessions. However, SBP, DBP and systemic vascular resistance were higher (P<0·05) and SV and CO were lower (P<0·05) during the rest intervals in the session with BFR. The perceived exertion was significantly higher (P<0·01) in the 1st (4·8 ± 0·4 versus 3·1 ± 0·3), 2nd (7·3 ± 0·4 versus 5·7 ± 0·4) and 3rd sets (8·6 ± 0·5 versus 7·5 ± 0·4) of the traditional high‐intensity resistance exercise compared with the exercise with BFR. Blood lactate was higher (P<0·05) in the traditional high‐intensity resistance exercise (6·2 ± 0·7 mmol) than in the exercise with BFR (4·5 ± 0·4 mmol).ConclusionIn comparison with high‐intensity resistance exercise, low‐intensity resistance exercise with BFR can elicit: (i) same haemodynamic values during exercise; (ii) lower rating of perceived exertion; (iii) lower blood lactate; (iv) higher haemodynamic demand during the rest intervals.
Power, Ideology and Global Development: On the Origins, Evolution and Achievements of UNCTAD
Authors: Karshenas Massoud 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTUNCTAD was created in 1964 as a forum for strategic thinking about international trade and development issues and for identifying mutually beneficial opportunities for policy coordination and international cooperation with the participation of both developing and industrialized countries. The history of UNCTAD, with its successes and failures, therefore, is closely intertwined with the history of ideas on trade and development and the interplay of political power and ideological manipulation in international trade and development policy making. This article focuses on the intellectual traditions in economics which underpinned the formation of UNCTAD and examines the way in which such intellectual traditions have informed — both in method and substance — the subsequent thinking and research output by the institution and helped define its objectives. It compares UNCTAD's methods and research output on a number of international development issues with the positions taken by other international institutions. These findings are used to reflect on the ideological element in development economics thinking.
Climate change and the evolution of reef fishes: past and future
Authors: Rummer Jodie L , Munday Philip L 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPredicting the impacts of ocean warming and acidification on marine ecosystems requires an evolutionary perspective because, for most marine species, these environmental changes will occur over a number of generations. Acclimation through phenotypic plasticity and adaptation through genetic selection could help populations of some species cope with future warmer and more acidic oceans. Coral reef species are predicted to be some of the most vulnerable to climate change because they live close to their thermal limits. Yet, their evolutionary history may indicate that they possess adaptations that enable them to cope with a high CO2 environment. Here, we first explore the evolutionary history of reef fishes and how their history has shaped their physiological adaptations to environmental temperatures and pCO2. We examine current‐day thermal and CO2 environments experienced by coral reef fishes and summarize experimental studies that have tested how they respond to elevated temperatures and pCO2 levels. We then examine evidence for acclimation and adaptation to projected ocean warming and acidification. Indeed, new studies have demonstrated the potential for transgenerational plasticity and heritable genetic variation that would allow some fishes to maintain performance as the oceans warm and become more acidic. We conclude by outlining management approaches – specifically those that can help preserve genetic variation by maintaining population size – to enhance the potential for genetic adaptation to climate change.
On the stress state in rectilinear anisotropic thick plates with blunt cracks
Authors: Zappalorto M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn this paper the analytical solution for the stress fields in the close neighbourhoods of blunt cracks in thick anisotropic plates is provided. As a first step the equations of the three‐dimensional theory of elasticity are successfully reduced to two un‐coupled equations in the two‐dimensional space. Later on, the 3D stress field solution for anisotropic plates with blunt cracks is presented and its degree of accuracy discussed comparing theoretical results and numerical data from 3D FE analyses. Eventually, relevant expressions for the Generalised Stress Intensity Factors for blunt cracks in orthotropic plates under mode I, II and III are provided.
Belowground impacts of perennial grass cultivation for sustainable biofuel feedstock production in the tropics
Authors: Sumiyoshi Yudai , Crow Susan E. , Litton Creighton M. , Deenik Jonathan L. , Taylor Andrew D. , Turano Brian , Ogoshi Richard 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPerennial grasses can sequester soil organic carbon (SOC) in sustainably managed biofuel systems, directly mitigating atmospheric CO2 concentrations while simultaneously generating biomass for renewable energy. The objective of this study was to quantify SOC accumulation and identify the primary drivers of belowground C dynamics in a zero‐tillage production system of tropical perennial C4 grasses grown for biofuel feedstock in Hawaii. Specifically, the quantity, quality, and fate of soil C inputs were determined for eight grass accessions – four varieties each of napier grass and guinea grass. Carbon fluxes (soil CO2 efflux, aboveground net primary productivity, litterfall, total belowground carbon flux, root decay constant), C pools (SOC pool and root biomass), and C quality (root chemistry, C and nitrogen concentrations, and ratios) were measured through three harvest cycles following conversion of a fallow field to cultivated perennial grasses. A wide range of SOC accumulation occurred, with both significant species and accession effects. Aboveground biomass yield was greater, and root lignin concentration was lower for napier grass than guinea grass. Structural equation modeling revealed that root lignin concentration was the most important driver of SOC pool: varieties with low root lignin concentration, which was significantly related to rapid root decomposition, accumulated the greatest amount of SOC. Roots with low lignin concentration decomposed rapidly, but the residue and associated microbial biomass/by‐products accumulated as SOC. In general, napier grass was better suited for promoting soil C sequestration in this system. Further, high‐yielding varieties with low root lignin concentration provided the greatest climate change mitigation potential in a ratoon system. Understanding the factors affecting SOC accumulation and the net greenhouse gas trade‐offs within a biofuel production system will aid in crop selection to meet multiple goals toward environmental and economic sustainability.
Nucleos(t)ide analogs improve long‐term prognosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B‐associated liver failure
Authors: Hu Ting , Yao Lipeng , Hu Airong , Jiang Suwen , Ying Hao , Deng Qinzhi , Hu Yaoren , Zhou Wenhong , Xiong Tao 
Published: June 2016

AimChronic hepatitis B‐associated liver failure (CHB‐LF) is associated with high mortality. Antiviral therapy with nucleoside and nucleotide analogs (NUCs) has been reported to improve the short‐term prognosis of patients with CHB‐LF. However, the long‐term effects of the therapy remain unclear. We undertook a cohort study to investigate the long‐term effect of NUC‐based antiviral therapy in patients with CHB‐LF.MethodsA total of 976 patients with CHB‐LF were enrolled between January 2001 and December 2009 at the Liver Disease Center of Ningbo No. 2 Hospital (Ningbo, China). The patients were divided into the NUC treatment group (n = 412) and control group (n = 564). The propensity score matching method was used to match the patients between the two groups to equilibrate the covariates. Survival analysis was carried out using the matched samples. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for the analysis of prognostic factors.ResultsAfter propensity matching, 262 pairs were successfully matched. No statistically significant difference was observed in the baseline characteristics of the matching pairs (P > 0.05). The long‐term survival rate and survival duration of the NUC treatment group were higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Gender, age, Model for End‐stage Liver Disease values, cholinesterase levels, white blood cell counts, hepatic encephalopathy, concomitant infection, and treatment with NUCs were found to be the independent factors associated with long‐term prognosis.ConclusionAntiviral therapy with NUCs may reduce the mortality rate and improve the long‐term prognosis of patients with CHB‐LF.
Transcriptome analysis provides insight into venom evolution in a seed‐parasitic wasp, Megastigmus spermotrophus
Authors: Paulson A. R. , Le C. H. , Dickson J. C. , Ehlting J. , von Aderkas P. , Perlman S. J. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractOne of the most striking host range transitions is the evolution of plant parasitism from animal parasitism. Parasitoid wasps that have secondarily evolved to attack plants (ie gall wasps and seed‐feeders) demonstrate intimate associations with their hosts, yet the mechanism of plant–host manipulation is currently not known. There is, however, emerging evidence suggesting that ovipositional secretions play a role in plant manipulation. To investigate whether parasites have modified pre‐existing adaptations to facilitate dramatic host shifts we aimed to characterize the expression of venom proteins in a plant parasite using a collection of parasitoid venom sequences as a guide. The transcriptome of a seed‐feeding wasp, Megastigmus spermotrophus, was assembled de novo and three putative venoms were found to be highly expressed in adult females. One of these putative venoms, aspartylglucosaminidase, has been previously identified as a major venom component in two distantly related parasitoid wasps (Asobara tabida and Leptopilina heterotoma) and may have originated via gene duplication within the Hymenoptera. Our study shows that M. spermotrophus, a specialized plant parasite, expresses putative venom transcripts that share homology to venoms identified in Nasonia vitripennis (both superfamily Chalcidoidea), which suggests that M. spermotrophus may have co‐opted pre‐existing machinery to develop as a plant parasite.
Industrial Ecology Education at Tsinghua University
Authors: Shi Lei 
Published: June 2016

SummaryAs a leading university in engineering education in China, Tsinghua University implemented industrial ecology (IE) education in the 1990s. This article describes the evolution of IE education at Tsinghua. Tsinghua mainstreams IE education into green education and engineering education not only by establishing independent courses of IE for both undergraduate and graduate students, but also by incorporating IE principles and knowledge modules into an increasing number of courses. During 2002–2015, a total of 1,023 undergraduates from 33 schools and departments participated in an IE course. To cope with the diversity of participants, four knowledge modules were customized for an undergraduate course: concepts and history; methods and tools; topics and applications; and policy and perspectives. Meanwhile, an interdisciplinary teaching method was adopted by inviting experts from diverse disciplines and organizing group discussions. Though the course has received strong positive feedback, four challenges still remain in IE education: defining the knowledge boundary, presenting an integrated view, utilizing an interdisciplinary methodology, and cultivating a class culture.
Social workers' attributions towards individuals with dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and mental illness
Authors: Araten‐Bergman T. , Werner S. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to explore the applicability of the attribution model to social workers' attributions towards clients with dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and psychiatric illness. Specifically, the study examined the relations between social workers' attribution of responsibility, causality, stereotypes of dangerousness, their emotional reactions and behavioural reactions towards clients with dual diagnosis.MethodSocial workers (N = 279) completed questionnaires measuring attributions of responsibility, causation and dangerousness, and reported on their emotional and behavioural reactions to clients diagnosed with DD.ResultsMost social workers reported high levels of helping behaviours. The strongest predictor of discriminatory behaviours was the stereotype of dangerousness. Social workers who reported feeling less anger and more pity towards clients with DD tended to report higher levels of helping behaviour. But contrary to attribution theory, fear and anger did not predict discriminatory behaviours.ConclusionThe results are discussed in relation to the core values of social work and to professional identity.
Pay for Talk: How the Use of Shareholder‐Value Language Affects CEO Compensation
Authors: Shin Taekjin , You Jihae 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTThe language that signals conformity to a prevailing norm can contribute to the appearance of managerial competency and organizational legitimacy. We argue that top corporate managers’ use of language that is congruent with a prevailing norm leads the boards of directors to evaluate the managers more favourably and to grant a higher level of compensation. We test this argument by analysing the letters to shareholders from 334 US firms and examine the CEOs’ expression of the shareholder value principle, which is a prevailing model of corporate governance in the USA. We found that the use of shareholder‐value language is significantly related to a higher level of CEO compensation and that the effect of shareholder‐value language is greater when shareholder activism is stronger.
Is bruxism a disorder or a behaviour? Rethinking the international consensus on defining and grading of bruxism
Authors: Raphael K. G. , Santiago V. , Lobbezoo F. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryInspired by the international consensus on defining and grading of bruxism (Lobbezoo F, Ahlberg J, Glaros AG, Kato T, Koyano K, Lavigne GJ et al. J Oral Rehabil. 2013;40:2), this commentary examines its contribution and underlying assumptions for defining sleep bruxism (SB). The consensus’ parsimonious redefinition of bruxism as a behaviour is an advance, but we explore an implied question: might SB be more than behaviour? Behaviours do not inherently require clinical treatment, making the consensus‐proposed ‘diagnostic grading system’ inappropriate. However, diagnostic grading might be useful, if SB were considered a disorder. Therefore, to fully appreciate the contribution of the consensus statement, we first consider standards and evidence for determining whether SB is a disorder characterised by harmful dysfunction or a risk factor increasing probability of a disorder. Second, the strengths and weaknesses of the consensus statement's proposed ‘diagnostic grading system’ are examined. The strongest evidence‐to‐date does not support SB as disorder as implied by ‘diagnosis’. Behaviour alone is not diagnosed; disorders are. Considered even as a grading system of behaviour, the proposed system is weakened by poor sensitivity of self‐report for direct polysomnographic (PSG)‐classified SB and poor associations between clinical judgments of SB and portable PSG; reliance on dichotomised reports; and failure to consider SB behaviour on a continuum, measurable and definable through valid behavioural observation. To date, evidence for validity of self‐report or clinician report in placing SB behaviour on a continuum is lacking, raising concerns about their potential utility in any bruxism behavioural grading system, and handicapping future study of whether SB may be a useful risk factor for, or itself a disorder requiring treatment.