bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pasireotide for the Medical Management of Feline Hypersomatotropism
Authors: Scudder C.J. , Gostelow R. , Forcada Y. , Schmid H.A. , Church D. , Niessen S.J.M. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundFeline hypersomatotropism (HST) is a cause of diabetes mellitus in cats. Pasireotide is a novel multireceptor ligand somatostatin analog that improves biochemical control of humans with HST.Hypothesis/ObjectivesPasireotide improves biochemical control of HST and diabetes mellitus in cats.AnimalsHypersomatotropism was diagnosed in diabetic cats with serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) concentration >1,000 ng/mL by radioimmunoassay and pituitary enlargement.MethodsInsulin‐like growth factor 1 was measured and glycemic control assessed using a 12‐hour blood glucose curve on days 1 and 5. On days 2, 3, and 4, cats received 0.03 mg/kg pasireotide SC q12h. IGF‐1, insulin dose, and estimated insulin sensitivity (product of the area under the blood glucose curve [BGC] and insulin dose) were compared pre‐ and post treatment. Paired t‐tests or Wilcoxon signed rank tests were employed for comparison where appropriate; a linear mixed model was created to compare BGC results.ResultsInsulin‐like growth factor 1 decreased in all 12 cats that completed the study (median [range] day 1: 2,000 ng/mL [1,051–2,000] and day 5: 1,105 ng/mL [380–1,727], P = .002, Wilcoxon signed rank test). Insulin dose was lower on day 5 than on day 1 (mean reduction 1.3 [0–2.7] units/kg/injection, P = .003, paired t‐test). The product of insulin dose and area under the BGC was lower on day 5 than day 1 (difference of means: 1,912; SD, 1523; u × mg/dL × hours, P = .001; paired t‐test). No clinically relevant adverse effects were encountered.ConclusionsShort‐acting pasireotide rapidly decreased IGF‐1 in cats with HST and insulin‐dependent diabetes. The decrease in IGF‐1 was associated with increased insulin sensitivity.
Workplace Job Satisfaction in Britain: Evidence from Linked Employer–Employee Data
Authors: Haile Getinet A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe paper examines the nature of workplace job satisfaction in Britain using an ‘overall’ and domain‐specific job satisfaction outcomes from linked employer–employee data. A measure of aggregate job satisfaction alone might mask domain‐specific differences in satisfaction, something the combined approach in this paper addresses. As well as controlling for a rich set of correlates on employees and their workplaces, the paper deploys alternative empirical models that account for employee‐ and workplace‐level unobserved heterogeneity. The paper reports interesting results on the link between job satisfaction and observed as well as unobserved characteristics of employees and their workplaces.
The Role of Intuitive Approximation Skills for School Math Abilities
Authors: Libertus Melissa E. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTResearch has shown that educated children and adults have access to two ways of representing numerical information: an approximate number system (ANS) that is present from birth and allows for quick approximations of numbers of objects encountered in one's environment, and an exact number system (ENS) that is acquired through experience and instruction, that requires an understanding of language and symbols, and that is at the core of school math abilities. While these two systems are distinct, individual differences in the acuity of the ANS predict later math abilities and advancing the ENS leads to increases in the acuity of the ANS suggesting a reciprocal connection between the two systems. Recently, the focus of the field has turned toward elucidating the mechanisms that underlie this connection, but more work is also needed to understand the sources of individual differences in the ANS and ENS in the first place.
Mind, Brain and Education: A Decade of Evolution
Authors: Schwartz Marc 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThis article examines the evolution of Mind, Brain, and Education (MBE), the field, alongside that of the International Mind, Brain and Education Society (IMBES). The reflections stem mostly from my observations while serving as vice president, president‐elect, and president of IMBES during the past 10 years. The article highlights the evolution during that time about the meaning of MBE and some of the representations that help illustrate the problems and challenges in arriving at a consensus about what MBE means and how IMBES can best serve its members. I explore how IMBES, incorporated in 2004, experimented with a number of different conference models to provide frameworks for thinking about MBE, as well as a structure for supporting collaboration between the disciplines represented in Mind, Brain, and Education. Those models help highlight what IMBES has accomplished in scaffolding the complex conversation unfolding in the field, as well as offering a strategy for a collaborative enterprise that informs practice and new research agendas in the future.
Systemic Seismic Risk Assessment of Road Networks Considering Interactions with the Built Environment
Authors: Argyroudis Sotirios , Selva Jacopo , Gehl Pierre , Pitilakis Kyriazis 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article presents an integrated approach for the probabilistic systemic risk analysis of a road network considering spatial seismic hazard with correlation of ground motion intensities, vulnerability of the network components, and the effect of interactions within the network, as well as, between roadway components and built environment to the network functionality. The system performance is evaluated at the system level through a global connectivity performance indicator, which depends on both physical damages to its components and induced functionality losses due to interactions with other systems. An object‐oriented modeling paradigm is used, where the complex problem of several interacting systems is decomposed in a number of interacting objects, accounting for intra‐ and interdependencies between and within systems. Each system is specified with its components, solving algorithms, performance indicators and interactions with other systems. The proposed approach is implemented for the analysis of the road network in the city of Thessaloniki (Greece) to demonstrate its applicability. In particular, the risk for the road network in the area is calculated, specifically focusing on the short‐term impact of seismic events (just after the earthquake). The potential of road blockages due to collapses of adjacent buildings and overpass bridges is analyzed, trying to individuate possible criticalities related to specific components/subsystems. The application can be extended based on the proposed approach, to account for other interactions such as failure of pipelines beneath the road segments, collapse of adjacent electric poles, or malfunction of lighting and signaling systems due to damage in the electric power network.
Cross‐species chimeras reveal BamA POTRA and β‐barrel domains must be fine‐tuned for efficient OMP insertion
Authors: Browning Douglas F. , Bavro Vassiliy N. , Mason Jessica L. , Sevastsyanovich Yanina R. , Rossiter Amanda E. , Jeeves Mark , Wells Timothy J. , Knowles Timothy J. , Cunningham Adam F. , Donald James W. , Palmer Tracy , Overduin Michael , Henderson Ian R. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryBAM is a conserved molecular machine, the central component of which is BamA. Orthologues of BamA are found in all Gram‐negative bacteria, chloroplasts and mitochondria where it is required for the folding and insertion of β‐barrel containing integral outer membrane proteins (OMPs) into the outer membrane. BamA binds unfolded β‐barrel precursors via the five polypeptide transport‐associated (POTRA) domains at its N‐terminus. The C‐terminus of BamA folds into a β‐barrel domain, which tethers BamA to the outer membrane and is involved in OMP insertion. BamA orthologues are found in all Gram‐negative bacteria and appear to function in a species‐specific manner. Here we investigate the nature of this species‐specificity by examining whether chimeric Escherichia coli BamA fusion proteins, carrying either the β‐barrel or POTRA domains from various BamA orthologues, can functionally replace E. coli BamA. We demonstrate that the β‐barrel domains of many BamA orthologues are functionally interchangeable. We show that defects in the orthologous POTRA domains can be rescued by compensatory mutations within the β‐barrel. These data reveal that the POTRA and barrel domains must be precisely aligned to ensure efficient OMP insertion.
How can nurses support relatives of a dying patient with the organ donation option?
Authors: Mills Leanne , Koulouglioti Christina 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe UK Department of Health in 2008 established the Organ Donation Taskforce to improve organ donation within the UK. Knowing how nurses can best support families during this time is important to maintain best practice.AimsThe purpose of the literature review was to summarise evidence related to nursing support for a dying patient's family with the option of organ donation.Search strategyThe (a) Allied Medical Education Database (AMED), (b) British Nursing Index (BNI), (c) Cochrane Library, (d) Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), (e) NHS Evidence, and (f) PubMed were searched during January to May 2013 using the key words: organ donation, nurse, support, organ donor, family. A total of 23 articles were critiqued to synthesise available evidence over 25 years.Inclusion and exclusion criteriaPrimary sources addressing deceased organ donors, their families and nurses, written in English, in peer reviewed journals over the last 25 years and conducted internationally were included. Articles related to consent, attitudes towards donation and physicians' views were excluded.FindingsTwo major themes emerged: (a) clarity of communication and understanding of information and (b) the nurse's competency.ConclusionsThis study adds to the topic by addressing support needed by a family. Correct information given to a family clearly, sensitively and in a professional manner can accommodate relatives' understanding why their loved one is in a critical condition, which can help them accept death and therefore consider the option of organ donation. Nurses must acquire through regular training specific skills and knowledge in order to practice efficiently and adhere to the needs of a dying patient's family.Relevance to clinical practiceBy incorporating organ donation as a norm in end‐of‐life care, bereavement needs can be addressed in addition to improving organ donation rates.
A shared language regarding sedation and delirium in critically ill patients
Authors: Svenningsen Helle 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients in intensive care units who develop delirium, experience longer stay in intensive care as well as increased morbidity and mortality. A questionnaire in 2009 showed that there was no consensus in Denmark regarding the tools to be used to assess sedation or delirium, the patient groups they should be used in, or the frequency of assessment.AimsThe aims of this survey were to describe clinical practice regarding the assessment of sedation and delirium in intensive care patients and to compare the results with those obtained in 2009.MethodA questionnaire was sent via e‐mail to all intensive care units in Denmark caring for ventilated adult patients. An intensive care nurse with daily patient contact was asked to answer questions about the unit's practice regarding the tools used to assess sedation and delirium in adult patients.ResultsIn all, 98% of the intensive care units responded. Richmond Agitation‐Sedation Scale was the most used tool for sedation assessment, and Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit was used only for delirium assessment.ConclusionA shared language for sedation and delirium assessment was identified as essential in supporting care delivery.Relevance to clinical practiceA systematic use of a shared language according to sedation and delirium in intensive care units can minimize mistakes in transfer of patients and minimize the risk of doubly traumatising patients.
COMPONENT ALLEE EFFECTS AND STAGE‐SPECIFIC PREDATION: A BRIEF INSIGHT INTO CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL ISSUES
Authors: DA S. COSTA MICHEL ISKIN , DOS ANJOS LUCAS 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a two‐stage structured population model subject to component Allee effects in fecundity and maturation, and with two disturbances (predation only and harvest and predation) acting on both stages. It is shown that this combination leads to a demographic Allee effect—a characteristic that could be exploited in pest biological control, but on the other hand, it represents a bane in conservation biology. The analysis is performed for disturbances with functional responses type 2 and 3, and the models show that they yield qualitatively similar results. This characteristic is discussed from the species conservation and biological control point of view, together with possible extensions of this work.
A meta‐analysis of active video games on health outcomes among children and adolescents
Authors: Gao Z. , Chen S. , Pasco D. , Pope Z. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThis meta‐analysis synthesizes current literature concerning the effects of active video games (AVGs) on children/adolescents’ health‐related outcomes. A total of 512 published studies on AVGs were located, and 35 articles were included based on the following criteria: (i) data‐based research articles published in English between 1985 and 2015; (ii) studied some types of AVGs and related outcomes among children/adolescents and (iii) had at least one comparison within each study. Data were extracted to conduct comparisons for outcome measures in three separate categories: AVGs and sedentary behaviours, AVGs and laboratory‐based exercise, and AVGs and field‐based physical activity. Effect size for each entry was calculated with the Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis software in 2015. Mean effect size (Hedge's g) and standard deviation were calculated for each comparison. Compared with sedentary behaviours, AVGs had a large effect on health outcomes. The effect sizes for physiological outcomes were marginal when comparing AVGs with laboratory‐based exercises. The comparison between AVGs and field‐based physical activity had null to moderate effect sizes. AVGs could yield equivalent health benefits to children/adolescents as laboratory‐based exercise or field‐based physical activity. Therefore, AVGs can be a good alternative for sedentary behaviour and addition to traditional physical activity and sports in children/adolescents.
CCN2/CTGF expression via cellular uptake of BMP‐1 is associated with reparative dentinogenesis
Authors: Muromachi K , Kamio N , Matsuki‐Fukushima M , Nishimura H , Tani‐Ishii N , Sugiya H , Matsushima K 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveCCN family member 2/connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is known as an osteogenesis‐related molecule and is thought to be implicated in tooth growth. Bone morphogenetic protein‐1 (BMP‐1) contributes to tooth development by the degradation of dentin‐specific substrates as a metalloprotease. In this study, we demonstrated the correlations between CCN2/CTGF and BMP‐1 in human carious teeth and the subcellular dynamics of BMP‐1 in human dental pulp cells.Materials and MethodsExpression of CCN2/CTGF and BMP‐1 in human carious teeth was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. BMP‐1‐induced CCN2/CTGF protein expression in primary cultures of human dental pulp cells was observed by immunoblotting. Intracellular dynamics of exogenously administered fluorescence‐labeled BMP‐1 were observed using confocal microscope.ResultsImmunoreactivities for CCN2/CTGF and BMP‐1 were increased in odontoblast‐like cells and reparative dentin‐subjacent dental caries. BMP‐1 induced the expression of CCN2/CTGF independently of protease activity in the cells but not that of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) or dentin matrix protein‐1 (DMP‐1). Exogenously added BMP‐1 was internalized into the cytoplasm, and the potent dynamin inhibitor dynasore clearly suppressed the BMP‐1‐induced CCN2/CTGF expression in the cells.ConclusionCCN2/CTGF and BMP‐1 coexist beneath caries lesion and CCN2/CTGF expression is regulated by dynamin‐related cellular uptake of BMP‐1, which suggests a novel property of metalloprotease in reparative dentinogenesis.
Liver X receptors contribute to periodontal pathogen‐elicited inflammation and oral bone loss
Authors: Huang N. , Shaik‐Dasthagirisaheb Y.B. , LaValley M.P. , Gibson F.C. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryPeriodontal diseases are chronic oral inflammatory diseases that are polymicrobial in nature. The presence of specific bacteria in subgingival plaque such as Porphyromonas gingivalis is associated with microbial dysbiosis and the modulation of host immune response. Bacterially elicited innate immune activation and inflammation are key elements implicated in the destruction of soft and hard tissues supporting the teeth. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear hormone receptors with important function in lipid homeostasis, inflammation, and host response to infection; however, their contribution to chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontal disease is not understood. The aim of this study was to define the contribution of LXRs in the development of immune response to P. gingivalis and to assess the roles that LXRs play in infection‐elicited oral bone loss. Employing macrophages, we observed that P. gingivalis challenge led to reduced LXRα and LXRβ gene expression compared with that observed with unchallenged wild‐type cells. Myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)‐independent, Toll/interleukin‐1 receptor‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β (TRIF)‐dependent signaling affected P. gingivalis‐mediated reduction in LXRα expression, whereas neither pathway influenced the P. gingivalis effect on LXRβ expression. Employing LXR agonist and mice deficient in LXRs, we observed functional effects of LXRs in the development of a P. gingivalis‐elicited cytokine response at the level of the macrophage, and participation of LXRs in P. gingivalis‐elicited oral bone loss. These findings identify novel importance for LXRs in the pathogenesis of P. gingivalis infection‐elicited inflammation and oral bone loss.
Vibronic Structures in Absorption and Fluorescence Spectra of Firefly Oxyluciferin in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Hiyama Miyabi , Noguchi Yoshifumi , Akiyama Hidefumi , Yamada Kenta , Koga Nobuaki 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTo elucidate the factors determining the spectral shapes and widths of the absorption and fluorescence spectra for keto and enol oxyluciferin and their conjugate bases in aqueous solutions, the intensities of vibronic transitions between their ground and first electronic excited states were calculated for the first time via estimation of the vibrational Franck–Condon factors. The major normal modes, overtones and combination tones in absorption and fluorescence spectra are similar for all species. The theoretical full widths at half maximum of absorption spectra are 0.4–0.7 eV and those for the fluorescence spectra are 0.4–0.5 eV, except for phenolate‐keto that exhibits exceptionally sharp peak widths due to the dominance of the 0–0′ or 0′–0 band. These spectral shapes and widths explain many relevant features of the experimentally observed spectra.
Memory, emotion, and pupil diameter: Repetition of natural scenes
Authors: Bradley Margaret M. , Lang Peter J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRecent studies have suggested that pupil diameter, like the “old‐new” ERP, may be a measure of memory. Because the amplitude of the old‐new ERP is enhanced for items encoded in the context of repetitions that are distributed (spaced), compared to massed (contiguous), we investigated whether pupil diameter is similarly sensitive to repetition. Emotional and neutral pictures of natural scenes were viewed once or repeated with massed (contiguous) or distributed (spaced) repetition during incidental free viewing and then tested on an explicit recognition test. Although an old‐new difference in pupil diameter was found during successful recognition, pupil diameter was not enhanced for distributed, compared to massed, repetitions during either recognition or initial free viewing. Moreover, whereas a significant old‐new difference was found for erotic scenes that had been seen only once during encoding, this difference was absent when erotic scenes were repeated. Taken together, the data suggest that pupil diameter is not a straightforward index of prior occurrence for natural scenes.
The Role of Platonism in Augustine's 386 Conversion to Christianity
Authors: Boone Mark J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAugustine′s conversion to Christianity in A.D. 386 is a pivotal moment not only in his own life, but in Christian and world history, for the theology of Augustine set the course of theological and cultural development in the western Christian church. But to what exactly was Augustine converted? Scholars have long debated whether he really converted to Christianity in 386, whether he was a Platonist, and, if he adhered to both Platonism and Christianity, which dominated his thought. The debate of the last thirteen decades spans an immense body of literature in multiple languages. In this literature, four major views on Augustine′s conversion may be discerned. The first view is associated with Gaston Boissier and Adolph von Harnack, and was famously championed by Prosper Alfaric: that Augustine in 386 converted to neo‐Platonism but not to Christianity. Second, there is the view recently promoted by Catherine Conybeare: that Augustine in 386 converted to Christianity and rejected neo‐Platonism. Third, there is the view that he converted to Christianity and was also a neo‐Platonist; the most famous adherents of this view are Robert J. O′Connell and Pierre Courcelle. Finally, there is the view recently promoted by Carol Harrison: that Augustine committed to Christianity in 386, yet did not utterly reject neo‐Platonism; rather, he aimed to develop a Christian faith that was informed by neo‐Platonic insight. In this article, I first explain and distinguish these four general views, and then I explain why I prefer the fourth view.
The Postwar British Extreme Right and Empire, 1945–1967
Authors: Stocker Paul 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article examines the relationship between the extreme right and the British Empire during the postwar era. It will first provide a brief review of existing scholarship on the postwar extreme right. It will then go on to argue that scholars have neglected a crucial aspect of the extreme right in postwar Britain – its relationship with imperialism and more specifically, decolonisation – before offering a short overview of extreme right attitudes to Empire during the period in question. The two organisations which will be analysed are Sir Oswald Mosley's Union Movement and the League of Empire Loyalists, led by A.K. Chesterton. The Union Movement sought to break with Britain's imperial past whilst simultaneously promoting a new imperial vision which wanted to see European colonial powers pool their imperial resources in order to match Soviet and US power. The League of Empire Loyalists however sought to promote the conservative tradition of revering the British Empire during its final days and wanted Britain to re‐assert control over their imperial possessions. Crucial to both organisations' imperial visions was conspiracy theory, namely, the idea of a global Jewish conspiracy which was seeking to undermine the British Empire. The article will conclude by demonstrating that there is ample opportunity for future study into the relationship between the postwar extreme right and Empire.