bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rationale for an adjunctive therapy with fenofibrate in pharmacoresistant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Puligheddu Monica , Melis Miriam , Pillolla Giuliano , Milioli Giulia , Parrino Liborio , Terzano Giovanni Mario , Aroni Sonia , Sagheddu Claudia , Marrosu Francesco , Pistis Marco , Muntoni Anna Lisa 
Published: August 2017

SummaryObjectiveNocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE) is an idiopathic partial epilepsy with a family history in about 25% of cases, with autosomal dominant inheritance (autosomal dominant NFLE [ADNFLE]). Traditional antiepileptic drugs are effective in about 55% of patients, whereas the rest remains refractory. One of the key pathogenetic mechanisms is a gain of function of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing the mutated α4 or β2 subunits. Fenofibrate, a common lipid‐regulating drug, is an agonist at peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) that is a ligand‐activated transcription factor, which negatively modulates the function of β2‐containing nAChR. To test clinical efficacy of adjunctive therapy with fenofibrate in pharmacoresistant ADNFLE\NFLE patients, we first demonstrated the effectiveness of fenofibrate in a mutated mouse model displaying both disease genotype and phenotype.MethodsWe first tested the efficacy of fenofibrate in transgenic mice carrying the mutation in the α4‐nAChR subunit (Chrna4S252F) homologous to that found in humans. Subsequently, an add‐on protocol was implemented in a clinical setting and fenofibrate was administered to pharmacoresistant NFLE patients.ResultsHere, we show that a chronic fenofibrate diet markedly reduced the frequency of large inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) recorded from cortical pyramidal neurons in Chrna4S252F mice, and prevented nicotine‐induced increase of IPSC frequency. Moreover, fenofibrate abolished differences between genotypes in the frequency of sleep‐related movements observed under basal conditions. Patients affected by NFLE, nonresponders to traditional therapy, by means of adjunctive therapy with fenofibrate displayed a reduction of seizure frequency. Furthermore, digital video‐polysomnographic recordings acquired in NFLE subjects after 6 months of adjunctive fenofibrate substantiated the significant effects on control of motor–behavioral seizures.SignificanceOur preclinical and clinical studies suggest PPARα as a novel disease‐modifying target for antiepileptic drugs due to its ability to regulate dysfunctional nAChRs.
Do investment banks create value for their clients? Empirical evidence from European acquisitions
Authors: Kolb Johannes 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEurope provides an interesting setting to explore the role that investment banks play in acquisitions because it is composed of countries with different legal regimes – the shareholder‐oriented common law regime in the UK/Ireland and the stakeholder‐oriented civil law regime in Continental Europe. Since investment banks are hired to act in the interests of shareholders, and due to differences in disclosure requirements, market transparency, accounting standards, and ownership between the UK and Continental Europe, I argue that investment banks are relatively more important in UK‐only acquisitions. My findings support this conjecture.
Simulation of low cycle fatigue stress‐strain response in 316LN stainless steel using non‐linear isotropic kinematic hardening model—A comparison of different approaches
Authors: Q. J. Ashraf , G. V. Prasad Reddy , R. Sandhya , K. Laha , G. A. Harmain 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCyclic stress‐strain response of 316LN stainless steel subjected to low cycle fatigue at strain amplitude of ±0.4% and at 873 K is simulated using finite element analysis with non‐linear isotropic‐kinematic hardening Chaboche model. Four different approaches have been used in simulating cyclic stress response and hysteresis loops: 3 based on Chaboche model‐parameters and the fourth on direct experimental data (stabilized loop and cyclic stress‐strain curve [CSSC]). Among them, simulations performed with direct experimental data have not yielded expected initial cyclic response. The source of data used for evaluation of kinematic‐hardening (KH) parameters determined the extent of closeness between experimental results and Chaboche‐model predictions. KH parameters determined from first‐cycle loop and modified‐CSSC predicted the overall stress‐strain response (from initial to stabilized condition) with reasonable fit, compared with other approaches. All 4 approaches though predicted stabilized response, simulations based on “KH‐parameters from stabilized‐cycle” accurately described stabilized response with coefficient of determination (r2) 0.995.
Ratcheting response of nylon fiber reinforced natural rubber/styrene butadiene rubber composites under uniaxial stress cycles: Experimental studies
Authors: Vahidifar A. , Esmizadeh E. , Naderi G. , Varvani‐Farahani A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe present study intends to study the ratcheting response of nylon fiber reinforced natural rubber (NR)‐styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composite samples under asymmetric stress cycles. Uniaxial tests conducted on composite samples have shown how influential the weight fraction of short nylon fibers on the stress‐strain curves/loops under monotonic and cyclic loads is. NR/SBR composite samples with various fiber contents of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 per hundred rubber (phr) were tested under asymmetric stress cycles. In these tests, stress‐strain hysteresis loops were progressively shifted over stress cycles resulting in progressive plastic strain accumulation. Over stress cycles, ratcheting strain progressed within the first few cycles with a relatively high rate, and as the number of cycles increased, this rate decayed resulting in a plateau in strain accumulation (shakedown). The ratcheting strain rate and magnitude resulting in shakedown were highly affected by the nylon fiber content. The experimental observations showed that this plateau (shakedown) occurred after a number of cycles in NR/SBR composite samples where the widths of hysteresis loops stayed unchanged. Samples with no fiber and that with 10 phr fiber content possessed high ratcheting rates leading samples to failure after a few stress cycles. Fracture surfaces in these samples were further analyzed through SEM investigation.
Factors influencing recruitment and growth of age‐0 yellow perch in eastern South Dakota glacial lakes
Authors: Dembkowski D. J. , Weber M. J. , Wuellner M. R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractVariation in recruitment and growth of age‐0 yellow perch,Perca flavescens(Mitchill), was modelled across a range of nine eastern South Dakota glacial lakes to: (i) estimate factors influencing recruitment and growth dynamics during early ontogeny; and (ii) determine the relative importance of biotic versus abiotic processes in regulating recruitment and growth dynamics. Results provide a framework for future investigations and suggest that abiotic factors were more important in regulating recruitment of age‐0 yellow perch, whereas biotic factors were more important in regulating growth. Recruitment was positively related to springtime water levels and temperature and negatively related to spawning stock biomass and springtime wind conditions. By contrast, growth was negatively related to abundance of conspecifics and potential competitors (i.e. bluegill,Lepomis macrochirusRafinesque) and positively related to abundance of potential predators [i.e. walleye,Sander vitreus(Mitchill) and northern pike,Esox luciusLinnaeus].
Conservative endodontic management of a fused tooth: A case report
Authors: Persic Bukmir Romana , Braut Alen , Brekalo Prso Ivana 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo report a conservative treatment of a rare developmental anomaly.Case reportA 73‐year‐old patient with previously initiated therapy and acute apical abscess of a maxillary right central incisor fused with the supernumerary tooth sought treatment. The conservative approach included nonsurgical root canal treatment and composite restoration.ConclusionThis case illustrates the importance of an individual approach when treating anomalous teeth. Priorities in pain and infection management to properly and functionally restore teeth should be unaffected by age.
Factors associated with shared decision making among primary care physicians: Findings from a multicentre cross‐sectional study
Authors: Menear Matthew , Garvelink Mirjam Marjolein , Adekpedjou Rhéda , Perez Maria Margarita Becerra , Robitaille Hubert , Turcotte Stéphane , Légaré France 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundDespite growing recognition that shared decision making (SDM) is central for patient‐centred primary care, adoption by physicians remains limited in routine practice.ObjectiveTo examine the characteristics of physicians, patients and consultations associated with primary care physicians’ SDM behaviours during routine care.MethodsA multicentre cross‐sectional survey study was conducted with 114 unique patient‐physician dyads recruited from 17 primary care clinics in Quebec and Ontario, Canada. Physicians’ SDM behaviours were assessed with the 12‐item OPTION scale scored by third observers using audio‐recordings of consultations. Independent variables included 21 physician, patient and consultation characteristics. We assessed factors associated with OPTION scores using multivariate linear regression models.ResultsOn the OPTION scale, where higher scores indicated greater SDM behaviours, physicians earned an overall mean score of 25.7±9.8 of 100. In the final adjusted regression model, higher OPTION scores were associated with physicians’ social participation (involvement in one committee β=5.75, P=.04; involvement in two or more committees β=7.74, P=.01), patients’ status as employed (β=6.48, P=.02), clinically significant decisional conflict in patients (β=7.15, P=.002) and a longer duration of consultations (β=0.23, P=.002).ConclusionPhysicians’ social participation, patients’ employment status and decisional conflict and the duration of consultations were associated with primary care physicians’ SDM behaviours in routine care. These factors should be considered when designing strategies to implement SDM and promote more patient‐centred care in primary care.
Subcritical crack growth behavior of a perovskite‐structured Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ oxygen transport membrane
Authors: Wang Li , Dou Rui , Wang Gong , Li Yizhe , Bai Mingwen , Hall David , Chen Ying 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper herein studies subcritical crack growth (SCG) behavior of a perovskite‐structured Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) as an oxygen transport membrane material. The SCG behavior of BSCF is evaluated by a constant load method and constant stress rate method at room temperature (RT) and 800°C in air, respectively. The low crack velocity measurements are carried out by ring‐on‐ring bending tests while the high crack velocity measurements by compact tension tests. The stress rates vary approximately from 0.1012 to 101.2 MPa/min. The fracture stress increases with increasing stress rate at 800°C. The SCG parameter, n, of BSCF is determined to be 24.32 and 13.83 at RT and 800°C in air, respectively. This indicates that BSCF is more susceptible to SCG at 800°C. The strength‐probability‐time (SPT) diagram is constructed for design proposes. The stress for a lifetime of 40 years should not exceed 27.21 MPa at RT or 4.53 MPa at 800°C to assure a failure probability below 1%.
Optimism and timing of market entry: How beliefs and information distortion create market leadership
Authors: Alvim Nuno , Pires Tiago 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper analyzes the relation between the timing of entry in markets and firms’ beliefs about the state of the world. We further study whether firms have incentives to become optimistic. We consider an endogenous timing model with incomplete information about demand and show the existence of a unique perfect Bayesian equilibrium where Bayesian firms with optimistic beliefs become market leaders and firms with pessimistic beliefs become market followers. Firms never become market followers when they are able to choose their beliefs by forgetting bad news. Our findings provide a justification for firms hiring and retaining managers with biased beliefs.
Forgiveness by God, religious commitment, and waist/hip ratios
Authors: Krause Neal , Ironson Gail 
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to see if a person's level of commitment to religion moderates the relationship between forgiveness by God and waist/hip ratios. The data come from a nationwide probability survey of adults of all ages (N = 2,453). Interviewers measured respondents' waist and hip circumference. Questions were administered to assess how often people feel they have been forgiven by God and how deeply they are committed to their faith. Controls were established for several different aspects of religion (i.e., church attendance, private prayer, and religious affiliation) as well as select demographic characteristics (i.e., age, sex, education, race, residential location, and marital status). Forgiveness by God is associated with less favorable waist/hip ratios, but only among study participants who are less committed to their faith. A set of supplementary analyses were performed using the frequency of moderate exercise as an outcome. The findings suggest that forgiveness by God is associated with less frequent exercise, but only among study participants who are less committed to their faith. The findings add greater credence to the literature on the relationship between religion and health because they are based on biological measures.
Administration of signalling molecules dictates stem cell homing for in situ regeneration
Authors: Li Xuan , He Xiao‐Tao , Yin Yuan , Wu Rui‐Xin , Tian Bei‐Min , Chen Fa‐Ming 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEx vivo‐expanded stem cells have long been a cornerstone of biotherapeutics and have attracted increasing attention for treating intractable diseases and improving tissue regeneration. However, using exogenous cellular materials to develop restorative treatments for large numbers of patients has become a major concern for both economic and safety reasons. Advances in cell biological research over the past two decades have expanded the potential for using endogenous stem cells during wound healing processes, and in particular, recent insight into stem cell movement and homing has prompted regenerative research and therapy based on recruiting endogenous cells. Inspired by the natural healing process, artificial administration of specific chemokines as signals systemically or at the injury site, typically using biomaterials as vehicles, is a state‐of‐the‐art strategy that potentiates stem cell homing and recreates an anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory microenvironment to enhance in situ tissue regeneration. However, pharmacologically coaxing endogenous stem cells to act as therapeutics in the field of biomedicine remains in the early stages; its efficacy is limited by the lack of innovative methodologies for chemokine presentation and release. This review describes how to direct the homing of endogenous stem cells via the administration of specific signals, with a particular emphasis on targeted signalling molecules that regulate this homing process, to enhance in situ tissue regeneration. We also provide an outlook on and critical considerations for future investigations to enhance stem cell recruitment and harness the reparative potential of these recruited cells as a clinically relevant cell therapy.
LINC01101 and LINC00277 expression levels as novel factors in HPV‐induced cervical neoplasia
Authors: Iancu Iulia Virginia , Anton Gabriela , Botezatu Anca , Huica Irina , Nastase Anca , Socolov Demetra Gabriela , Stanescu Anca Daniela , Dima Simona Olimpia , Bacalbasa Nicolae , Plesa Adriana 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRecently long non‐coding RNAs were identified as new factors involved in gene expression regulation. To gain insight into expression pattern of these factors related to E7 HPV18 oncogene, this study uses HeLa cell culture transfected with E7‐siRNA. Gene expression profile was investigated using microarray analysis. After analysing the microarray results, we identified 15,387 RNA species differentially expressed in E7‐siRNA‐transfected cells compared with controls (fold change >2). The expression profiles of lncRNA species highlighted 731 lncRNAs and 203 lincRNAs. We selected two lincRNAs (LINC01101 and LINC00277) and we evaluated the expression profile in HPV‐induced neoplasia. Both lincRNAs investigated display a significantly reduced pattern of expression in cervical lesions and cancer, associated with clinical parameters. A connection between HPV presence and lincRNAs was noted. hrHPV‐positive samples exhibit significantly reduced LINC01101 and LINC00277 expression level (P < 0.05). These results provide new insights into involvement of lncRNA in HPV‐induced cervical cancer, enriching our understanding of their potential role in this pathology.
Insulin degludec in the first trimester of pregnancy: Report of two cases
Authors: Milluzzo Agostino , Tumminia Andrea , Scalisi Nunzio M , Frittitta Lucia , Vigneri Riccardo , Sciacca Laura 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInsulin degludec is an extra‐long‐acting insulin analog that allows for enhanced efficacy and flexibility in the injection time. However, it is not approved for use during pregnancy. We report the pregnancy outcome and newborn conditions in two women with type 1 diabetes who continued preconception degludec treatment during embryogenesis. No pregnancy complication or congenital neonatal malformation was observed. Both babies presented with hypoglycemia and required neonatal intensive care unit admission. Degludec treatment did not cause adverse effects in the mothers or malformations in the newborns. The observed neonatal complications were probably independent of early pregnancy degludec treatment.
Minimal hepatic encephalopathy identifies patients at risk of faster cirrhosis progression
Authors: Ampuero Javier , Montoliú Carmina , Simón‐Talero Macarena , Aguilera Virginia , Millán Raquel , Márquez Celina , Jover Rodrigo , Rico María Carmen , Sendra Carmen , Serra Miguel Ángel , Romero‐Gómez Manuel 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground and AimMinimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) predicts poor prognosis and could reflect an advanced liver disease. We aimed to assess whether MHE could be a surrogate marker of a further liver disease.MethodsProspective multicenter study including 320 cirrhotic patients, followed for up to 5 years, which were classified at baseline in compensated cirrhosis without (stage 1) and with varices (stage 2), one decompensating event (stage 3), and any second decompensating event (stage 4). Cirrhosis progression was defined by a transition towards a different stage (competing events: liver transplant due to hepatocellular carcinoma and non‐liver‐related death). MHE was detected by critical flicker frequency and psychometric tests.ResultsMinimal hepatic encephalopathy was diagnosed in 18.2% (57/314) of patients. Cirrhosis progression occurred in 38.1% (122/320) of patients, while liver transplant was required in 10.9% (35/320), and 19.1% (61/320) died. In competing risk regression, MHE was associated with disease progression: model 1 {subhazard ratio [sHR] 2.34 [95%confidence interval (CI) 1.58–3.46]; P = 0.0001}; model 2 [sHR 2.18 (95%CI 1.43–3.33); P = 0.0001]; model 3 [sHR 2.48 (95%CI 1.63–3.76); P = 0.0001]. The annual incidence rate of progression was higher in MHE patients: stage 1 (19.4 vs 5.6 cases per 100 person‐years); stage 2 (26.8 vs 15.6); stage 3 (45.7 vs 16.5); and stage 4 (40.7 vs 12.8). MHE showed a higher cumulative incidence of disease progression from the first year in decompensated and the third year in compensated cirrhosis.ConclusionMinimal hepatic encephalopathy was associated with cirrhosis progression and showed a higher cumulative and annual incidence rate of disease progression. MHE could be a surrogate marker of disease progression, irrespective of cirrhosis status, identifying patients at risk of suffering a more aggressive cirrhosis form.
Hope, Coping, and Relationship Quality in Mothers of Children With Down Syndrome
Authors: Cless Jessica D. , Nelson Goff Briana S. , Durtschi Jared A. 
Published: August 2017

Parenting a child with Down syndrome may pose unique challenges for parents’ relationship quality. This study used structural equation modeling with a sample of 351 mothers of children with Down syndrome to test if hope mediated the association between mothers’ various coping behaviors and mothers’ relationship quality. Hope was defined as a generalized positive state that comes from a personal sense of agency. Results indicated a greater degree of religious coping and internal coping were each significantly associated with more hope, whereas support seeking was not related with more hope. Higher hope was significantly associated with greater relationship quality. Bootstrapped indirect effects from both religious coping and internal coping to hope, and then hope to relationship quality, were identified. Implications for therapists and future research are described.
Physical Activity and School Absenteeism Due to Illness in Adolescents
Authors: de Groot Renate , van Dijk Martin , Savelberg Hans , van Acker Frederik , Kirschner Paul 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDKnowledge about the beneficial role of physical activity (PA) for health and school performance is growing. Studies investigating the link between PA and school absenteeism due to illness are lacking. Therefore, we investigated associations between habitual PA and school absenteeism due to illness in adolescents and explored whether mental health and cardiovascular fitness mediated this association.METHODSWe studied 328 students in grades 7 and 9 (mean age 13.8 years; 49% boys). The PA was measured objectively by an ActivPAL3™ accelerometer attached on the thigh during 1 full week (24 hours/day). Depressive symptoms and self‐esteem were self‐reported by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) and Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale, respectively, and included as a proxy for mental health in the analyses. Cardiovascular fitness was measured by the 20‐m shuttle‐run test. School absenteeism due to illness data was provided by the school administration.RESULTSThe PA was not significantly associated with school absenteeism, though there was an indirect association between PA and school absenteeism by cardiovascular fitness.CONCLUSIONSCardiovascular fitness mediates the association between PA and school absenteeism due to illness. Thus, cardiovascular fitness of students should be improved to reduce school absenteeism due to illness.
Heterogeneity, impatience, and dynamic private provision of a discrete public good
Authors: Bhattacharya Subhra K. , Tokovenko Oleksiy , Sardana Kavita 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe analyze dynamic private provision of a discrete public good by heterogeneous agents, who differ in terms of their levels of impatience, in a differential game framework. In contrast to the strategic complementarity result for homogeneous individuals, we show that an asymmetric completion Markov perfect equilibrium exists, where the individual contributions and the strategic behaviors depend crucially on an impatience differential: the difference in rates of time preference across groups of individuals. When this differential is insignificant, contributions of both types of individuals are strategic complements. On the other hand, when this impatience differential exceeds a threshold, the contributions of impatient individuals become strategic substitutes, whereas the contributions of patient individuals remain strategic complements. We show that group size has an interesting role to play in the strategic behavior: increasing the number of patient individuals aggravates the incentives to free‐ride by the impatient agents. We also derive a condition under which all the socially beneficial projects get completed in the equilibrium.