bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caveolae control the anti‐inflammatory phenotype of senescent endothelial cells
Authors: Powter Elizabeth E. , Coleman Paul R. , Tran Mai H. , Lay Angelina J. , Bertolino Patrick , Parton Robert G. , Vadas Mathew A. , Gamble Jennifer R. 
Published: November 2014

SummarySenescent endothelial cells (EC) have been identified in cardiovascular disease, in angiogenic tumour associated vessels and in aged individuals. We have previously identified a novel anti‐inflammatory senescent phenotype of EC. We show here that caveolae are critical in the induction of this anti‐inflammatory senescent state. Senescent EC induced by either the overexpression of ARHGAP18/SENEX or by H2O2 showed significantly increased numbers of caveolae and associated proteins Caveolin‐1, cavin‐1 and cavin‐2. Depletion of these proteins by RNA interference decreased senescence induced by ARHGAP18 and by H2O2. ARHGAP18 overexpression induced a predominantly anti‐inflammatory senescent population and depletion of the caveolae‐associated proteins resulted in the preferential reduction in this senescent population as measured by neutrophil adhesion and adhesion protein expression after TNFα treatment. In confirmation, EC isolated from the aortas of CAV‐1−/− mice failed to induce this anti‐inflammatory senescent cell population upon expression of ARHGAP18, whereas EC from wild‐type mice showed a significant increase. NF‐κB is one of the major transcription factors mediating the induction of E‐selectin and VCAM‐1 expression, adhesion molecules responsible for leucocyte attachment to EC. TNFα‐induced activation of NF‐κB was suppressed in ARHGAP18‐induced senescent EC, and this inhibition was reversed by Caveolin‐1 knock‐down. Thus, out results demonstrate that an increase in caveolae and its component proteins in senescent ECs is associated with inhibition of the NF‐kB signalling pathway and promotion of the anti‐inflammatory senescent pathway.
The Joint Effects of ADH1B Variants and Childhood Adversity on Alcohol Related Phenotypes in African‐American and European‐American Women and Men
Authors: Sartor Carolyn E. , Wang Zuoheng , Xu Ke , Kranzler Henry R. , Gelernter Joel 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe ADH1B gene has consistently been implicated in problem drinking, but rarely incorporated into gene by environment investigations of alcohol phenotypes. This study examined the joint effects of variation in ADH1B and childhood adversity—a well‐documented risk factor for alcohol problems and moderator of genetic liability to psychiatric outcomes—on maximum drinks consumed in a 24‐hour period (maxdrinks) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms.MethodsData were drawn from 2,617 African‐American (AA) and 1,436 European‐American (EA) participants (42% female) in a multisite genetic study of substance dependence. We tested the most significant ADH1B single nucleotide polymorphisms for alcohol dependence from a genomewide association study with this sample, ADH1B‐rs1229984 (Arg48His) and ADH1B‐rs2066702 (Arg370Cys), in EA and AA subsamples, respectively.ResultsOrdinal regression analyses conducted separately by sex and population revealed significant main effects for childhood adversity for both alcohol phenotypes in AA women and men and for maxdrinks in EA women. A significant rs1229984 by childhood adversity interaction was observed for AUD symptoms in EA men. Unexposed His‐allele carriers reported a mean of 3.6 AUD criteria, but adversity‐exposed His‐allele carriers endorsed approximately the same number (6.3) as those without the protective allele (6.3 and 7.0 for adversity‐exposed and ‐unexposed groups, respectively).ConclusionsResults suggest that under conditions of childhood adversity, the His allele does not exert its protective effects in EA men (OR = 0.57, CI: 0.32 to 1.01; p = 0.056). Findings highlight the robust risk effect conferred by childhood adversity and the importance of considering population and sex in genetically informative investigations of its association with alcohol outcomes.
Soil mutualists modify priority effects on plant productivity, diversity, and composition
Authors: Burkle Laura A. , Belote R. Travis 
Published: November 2014

AbstractQuestionThe importance of priority effects on community assembly is well recognized, as is, increasingly, the role of environmental context in shaping those priority effects. Distinguishing the effects of soil nutrients and soil mutualists may be critical in the context of restoration, but remains poorly understood. Additionally, we asked whether pioneer species and soil conditions influenced trade‐offs or complementarities between vegetation production and species diversity.LocationPlant Growth Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, US.MethodsUsing experimental seed addition in mesocosms, we investigated how the priority effects of different plant species influenced productivity, diversity and composition of the resulting plant community. We also experimentally manipulated soil nutrients and mycorrhizae to determine how they modified those priority effects.ResultsWe found that species‐specific priority effects of pioneers strongly governed the productivity, diversity and species composition of the resulting community. Pioneer grasses, one native and one non‐native species, both preempted light and space, prevented the colonization and growth of the subsequent community and restricted community dispersion (i.e. differences in species composition among mesocosms). By contrast, the pioneer forb species had little influence on the recruitment and establishment of the later colonizing species, and supported the assembly of divergent communities. We found evidence to suggest that amendments of soil mutualists, but not soil nutrients, modified the influence of one pioneer species on characteristics of the resulting community by enhancing community productivity and diversity in mesocosms with non‐native grass pioneers. Across all treatments, species diversity declined as vegetation production increased, indicating an overall trade‐off between productivity and diversity. However, relationships between productivity and diversity varied among pioneer treatments and mycorrhizal amendments.ConclusionsOur results emphasize important interactions between priority effects and the use of soil mycorrhizal amendments in restoration, as well as highlight how pioneer species and mycorrhizae influence potential trade‐offs between restoration objectives aimed at enhancing productivity vs species diversity.
Using mixed methods to develop and evaluate an online weight management intervention
Authors: Bradbury Katherine , Dennison Laura , Little Paul , Yardley Lucy 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThis article illustrates the use of mixed methods in the development and evaluation of the Positive Online Weight Reduction (POWeR) programme, an e‐health intervention designed to support sustainable weight loss. The studies outlined also explore how human support might enhance intervention usage and weight loss.MethodsMixed methods were used to develop and evaluate POWeR. In the development phase, we drew on both quantitative and qualitative findings to plan and gain feedback on the intervention. Next, a feasibility trial, with nested qualitative study, explored what level of human support might lead to the most sustainable weight loss. Finally, a large community‐based trial of POWeR, with nested qualitative study, explored whether the addition of brief telephone coaching enhances usage.ResultsFindings suggest that POWeR is acceptable and potentially effective. Providing human support enhanced usage in our trials, but was not unproblematic. Interestingly, there were some indications that more basic (brief) human support may produce more sustainable weight loss outcomes than more regular support. Qualitative interviews suggested that more regular support might foster reliance, meaning patients cannot sustain their weight losses when support ends. Qualitative findings in the community trial also suggested explanations for why many people may not take up the opportunity for human support.ConclusionsIntegrating findings from both our qualitative and quantitative studies provided far richer insights than would have been gained using only a single method of inquiry. Further research should investigate the optimum delivery of human support needed to maximize sustainable weight loss in online interventions.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

There is evidence that human support may increase the effectiveness of e‐health interventions.

It is unclear what level of human support might be optimal or how human support improves effectiveness.

Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods can be used to inform the design and implementation of interventions

What does this study add?

This paper demonstrates the value of a mixed methods approach when developing and evaluating an intervention.

Qualitative methods provided complementary insights into the optimal level of human support.

Brief human support is valued by some and may enhance usage and outcomes of an e‐health intervention for weight loss
A mutation creating an out‐of‐frame alternative translation initiation site in the GRHPR 5′UTR causing primary hyperoxaluria type II
Authors: Fu Y. , Rope R. , Fargue S. , Cohen H.T. , Holmes R.P. , Cohen D.M. 
Published: November 2014

Primary hyperoxaluria type II is a recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in the GRHPR gene. Although several dozen mutations have been described, all affect coding or transcript splicing. A man suspected of having primary hyperoxaluria type II was heterozygous for a novel single‐nucleotide deletion (c.694delC) in GRHPR affecting Gln232, which introduced a pre‐mature termination (p.Gln232Argfs*3). Two 5′untranslated region (UTR) variants of unknown significance were also noted. We show that these two variants occur in cis, on the opposite allele, and introduce – immediately upstream of the canonical translation initiation site – a novel out‐of‐frame translational start site. In vitro studies using the GRHPR 5′UTR fused to a luciferase reporter show that the variant start site pre‐empted initiation at the canonical translational start site, and this was corroborated within the broader context of 1.3 kb of the GRHPR proximal promoter. This latter mechanism may be underappreciated in general; reports of clinically significant functional variation of this type are extremely rare.
Do China's Outward Direct Investors Prefer Countries with High Political Risk? An International and Empirical Comparison
Authors: Guo Jiann‐jong , Wang Guo‐chen , Tung Chien‐hung 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper focuses on a conventional debate regarding whether Chinese outward direct investors tend to invest in countries with high political risk. Using 2003–2011 data from the World Bank, the Heritage Foundation and the KOF Swiss Economic Institute, we investigate China's political risk distribution and political risk index (PRI). Our results indicate that China's political risk index was ranked 48th among 153 economies in 2011, in the lower risk level of the PRI spectrum. In an international comparison of political risk distribution, the proportion of Chinese outward direct investment (ODI) among countries with high political risk is less than the world average. The Chinese ODI political risk index has significantly improved and remains lower than the world average. To improve Chinese ODI PRI, the Chinese Government should continue to implement differentiation strategies and to offer official development assistance to improve the investment environment in developing countries and reduce political risk.
Investigating Chinese Outward Foreign Direct Investments: How Can Firm‐level Data Help?
Authors: Amighini Alessia , Cozza Claudio , Rabellotti Roberta , Sanfilippo Marco 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe empirical literature on China's outward foreign direct investment mainly relies on aggregate data from official statistics, but the reliability of such data is currently a matter of concern because it does not take account of relevant features such as industry breakdown, ownership structure and entry mode. A novel firm‐level database, EMENDATA, compiled by matching data from several available sources on various types of cross‐border deals and including information on group structure, provides a more accurate picture and enables new empirical analyses of the rapidly increasing presence of Chinese companies abroad. Based on this database, this paper offers a more precise assessment of the geographical and sector specialization patterns of Chinese outward foreign direct investment into Europe and suggests new avenues for future research.
Housing Markets in China and Policy Implications: Comovement or Ripple Effect
Authors: Chiang Shu‐hen 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe overheated housing market has recently become a top priority of the Chinese authorities and whether the ripple effect exists is key to understanding this housing issue. The present paper uses a cointegration estimation technique for six first‐tier Chinese cities during the 2003–2013 period to show that the comovements among housing prices in China are fully reflected in a long‐run equilibrium. Using the Toda–Yamamoto causality test, the ripple effect is found to be characterized by a lead–lag relationship. More importantly, it is found that Beijing is the main source of housing price appreciation in China, and should be targeted as the regulatory object to efficiently resolve the troubles in this increasingly high housing‐price era.
Maternal body size prior to pregnancy, gestational diabetes and weight gain: associations with insulin resistance in children at 9–10 years
Authors: Maftei O. , Whitrow M. J. , Davies M. J. , Giles L. C. , Owens J. A. , Moore V. M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimsTo investigate whether maternal body size pre‐pregnancy, gestational diabetes and weight gain are independently associated with subsequent insulin resistance in children; and to examine the potential mediating role of child's body size in any associations.MethodsAt 9–10 years, 443 children took part in a follow‐up of a prospective cohort. Of those, 163 children elected to provide a fasting blood sample and child insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment. Generalized linear models with log link function and Gaussian family were used to assess associations with antenatal exposures. Potential confounders were considered as well as the role of the child's size.ResultsPrior to pregnancy, 23% of mothers were overweight and another 17% obese. All women were screened for gestational diabetes, with 6% diagnosed. On average, women gained an estimated 14 kg during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes was positively associated with child insulin resistance. In addition, maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was associated with child insulin resistance in a non‐linear manner: a positive, progressive association was observed until BMI of 30 kg/m2 was reached, but not thereafter. Estimated gestational weight gain was not associated with child insulin resistance. These findings were not accounted for by size of the child at birth or at 9–10 years.ConclusionsMaternal body size prior to pregnancy is positively associated with increases in child insulin resistance, at least until the ‘obese’ category is reached. This is independent of gestational diabetes and not mediated by body size of the child, suggesting genetic and/or developmental programming origins.
Effects of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Delivered through a Graft Vessel for Patients with Previous Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Heart Failure: An Echocardiographic Study of Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Qi Zhi , Duan Fujian , Liu Sheng , Lv Xiuzhang , Wang Hao , Gao Yiming , Wang Jianpeng 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesThe graft of stem cells to treat ischemic cardiomyopathy is popular in many clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of isolated coronary artery bypass graft combined with bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) delivered through graft vessels to improve left ventricular function of patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure using echocardiography.MethodsForty‐two patients with previous myocardial infarction and chronic heart failure were randomly allocated to one of the two groups: CABG only (18 in CABG group), or CABG with BMMNC transplantation (24 in CABG + BMMNC group). Echocardiographic parameters of systolic function were measured on B‐mode imaging, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), two‐dimensional (2D) strain imaging, and 8 parameters were measured totally. Echocardiographic parameters of diastolic function were measured on pulsed‐wave Doppler imaging, TDI, and 2D strain rate imaging; 17 parameters were measured totally.ResultsPostoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) versus preoperative LVEF were 49.083 ± 1.914% versus 36.042 ± 1.185% (P < 0.05) in CABG + BMMMNC group and 41.389 ± 2.210% versus 34.667 ± 1.369% (P < 0.05) in CABG group, global longitudinal strain were −12.542 ± 0.512% versus −7.083 ± 0.583% (P < 0.05) in CABG + BMMMNC group and −9.278 ± 0.591% versus −7.000 ± 0.673% (P < 0.05) in CABG group, mLsr1 were −0.108 ± 0.018/sec versus −0.039 ± 0.017/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG+BMMMNC group and −0.048 ± 0.021/sec versus 0.004 ± 0.020/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG group, mLsr2 were −0.055 ± 0.013/sec versus −0.009 ± 0.015/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG + BMMMNC group and 0.004 ± 0.015/sec versus 0.024 ± 0.017/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG group, and Aa1 were 7.303 ± 0.479 cm/sec versus 5.131 ± 0.381 cm/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG + BMMMNC group and 7.908 ± 0.553 cm/sec versus 6.764 ± 0.440 cm/sec (P < 0.05) in CABG group. Parameters above were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups. The degree of the improvement was significantly different between the two groups with the CABG + BMMNC group improved more versus the group of CABG only (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe improvement of left ventricular function in CABG + BMMNC group is better than CABG group. 2D strain and strain rate imaging is a more sensitive tool to evaluate left ventricular function.
Left Ventricular Strain Modifications after Maximal Exercise in Athletes: A Speckle Tracking Study
Authors: Santoro Amato , Alvino Federico , Antonelli Giovanni , Cameli Matteo , Bertini Matteo , Molle Roberta , Mondillo Sergio 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe increase in systolic indexes from rest (R) to exercise is achieved by combination of enhanced heart rate (HR) and stroke volume (SV). Aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) longitudinal, circumferential, and torsional components immediately after a maximal intensity exercise (ME) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).MethodsTwenty‐seven male water polo players performed an ME that consisted of 6 repeats of 100 m freestyle swim sets. An echocardiographic examination was performed before and after ME. STE was performed to obtain the analysis of LV myocardial deformation.ResultsThere were no differences between R and ME regarding LV longitudinal strains (PVLS). Apical circumferential LV strain (AVCS) and LV longitudinal strain rate (SR) increased at ME with respect to R (R: −23.1 ± 4.9%; ME: −28.4 ± 7.6%, P < 0.05; R: −1.1 ± 0.1/sec, ME: −1.5 ± 0.2/sec, P < 0.01). LV twisting (LVT) and untwisting (UTW) increased at ME (R: 7.9 ± 2.4°, ME: 14.2 ± 3.2°, P < 0.001; R: −107.2 ± 47.4; ME: −158.5 ± 61.5 °/sec; P < 0.01). At ME, apical rotation (Arot) had higher values than R values (5.4 ± 3.0°; 10.0 ± 6.0°; P < 0.01) and time‐to‐peak (TTP) of apical segments are earlier than all TTP. SV was related to LVT (r = 0.56, P = 0.01), AVCS (r = −0.59, P = 0.005) and Arot (r = 0.46, P = 0.04). At multivariate analysis, AVCS was the independent predictor of SV (β = −0.58; P < 0.05).ConclusionsApical fibers and LVT give the main contribution to systolic components at ME. The storage of energy during LVT, released during early diastole, seems to be a fundamental mechanism to support diastolic filling during maximal exercise.
Causal relations between nominal exchange rates and monetary fundamentals in Central and Eastern European countries
Authors: Dąbrowski Marek A. , Papież Monika , Śmiech Sławomir 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the causal relations between nominal exchange rates and monetary fundamentals. The analysis is conducted using panel quarterly data from the period 2001–12 for Central and Eastern European countries (including Turkey) with relatively flexible exchange rate regimes. The paper reconnects the empirical literature on exchange rates in Central and Eastern European countries with the most recent findings on exchange rate determination in advanced economies. Kóyna's approach, which accounts for linkages between countries, is used in the study. The main findings indicate the existence of causal relations running from both nominal exchange rates to monetary fundamentals and in the opposite direction as well as the existence of a relatively strong link between exchange rates and differentials in the relative price of non‐tradables.
Heterogeneity in the economic returns to schooling among Chinese rural–urban migrants, 2002–07
Authors: Zhu Rong 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper analyses the returns to schooling among Chinese rural migrants using data from the 2002 and 2007 China Household Income Project. Our non‐parametric estimates show substantial heterogeneity in the schooling rates of return among migrant workers. While the returns to schooling for the overall sample have increased over time, this result is driven by the substantial increases in the schooling coefficients of female migrants. We expect the endogeneity biases in the estimated schooling returns to be decreasing after considering the change in the ability distribution of migrant workers during 2002–07.
Indicators of perceived useful dementia care assistive technology: Caregivers' perspectives
Authors: Mao Hui‐Fen , Chang Ling‐Hui , Yao Grace , Chen Wan‐Yin , Huang Wen‐Ni Wennie 
Published: November 2014

AimThe study aims to investigate the caregivers' context‐specific perceived usefulness of available assistive technology (AT) devices and the professionals' perspectives on the usefulness indicators of AT devices for home‐dwelling individuals with mild‐to‐moderate dementia.MethodsA total of 72 caregivers completed a questionnaire rating 82 AT devices with a high‐perceived usefulness (HPU) or low‐perceived usefulness (LPU). A total of 21 experts rated 10 usefulness indicators of these devices. We compared the mean of each indicator between the HPU and LPU groups.ResultsMost caregivers, who are generally amenable to using AT devices, thought they were useful for helping to care for home‐dwelling older adults with mild‐to‐moderate dementia. The level of perceived usefulness from the experts' perspectives depends on specific design indicators (e.g. familiarity) and the context in which the AT is used (e.g. in everyday life or in emergencies). Indicators for HPU devices were: allows selective accident prevention, has an intuitive interface, is familiar, offers ease of use and simplifies activities. LPU devices featured client prompting. There were no significant differences between HPU and LPU devices with indicators of: is automated, informs caregiver, preserves privacy and preserves autonomy. Safety issues were considered important, and sometimes overshadowed ethical dilemmas, such as privacy and autonomy concern.ConclusionsThe present study provides insight into how caregivers perceived the usefulness of AT devices, and how that varied with context. Indicators of devices perceived as useful can serve as guidelines for modifying existing devices and designing new devices. Future application could also incorporate the points of view from the persons with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1049–1057.