bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary salt regulates epithelial sodium channels in rat endothelial cells: adaptation of vasculature to salt
Authors: Liu Hui‐Bin , Zhang Jun , Sun Ying‐Ying , Li Xin‐Yuan , Jiang Shuai , Liu Ming‐Yu , Shi Jing , Song Bin‐Lin , Zhao Dan , Ma He‐Ping , Zhang Zhi‐Ren 
Published: May 2015

Background and PurposeThe epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is expressed in vascular endothelial cells and is a negative modulator of vasodilation. However, the role of endothelial ENaCs in salt‐sensitive hypertension remains unclear. Here, we have investigated how endothelial ENaCs in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats respond to high‐salt (HS) challenge.Experimental ApproachBP and plasma aldosterone levels were measured. We used patch‐clamp technique to record ENaC activity in split‐open mesenteric arteries (MAs). Western blot and Griess assay were used to detect expression of α‐ENaCs, eNOS and NO. Vasorelaxation in second‐order MAs was measured with wire myograph assays.Key ResultsFunctional ENaCs were observed in endothelial cells and their activity was significantly decreased after 1 week of HS diet. After 3 weeks of HS diet, ENaC expression was also reduced. When either ENaC activity or expression was reduced, endothelium‐dependent relaxation (EDR) of MAs, in response to ACh, was enhanced. This enhancement of EDR was mimicked by amiloride, a blocker of ENaCs. By contrast, HS diet significantly increased contractility of MAs, accompanied by decreased eNOS activity and NO levels. However, ACh‐induced release of NO was much higher in MAs isolated from HS rats than those from NS rats.Conclusions and ImplicationsHS intake increased the BP of SD rats, but simultaneously enhanced EDR by reducing ENaC activity and expression due to feedback inhibition. Therefore, ENaCs may play an important role in endothelial cells allowing the vasculature to adapt to HS conditions.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Chinese Innovation in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-23
Rapid Learning in a Children's Museum via Analogical Comparison
Authors: Gentner Dedre , Levine Susan C. , Ping Raedy , Isaia Ashley , Dhillon Sonica , Bradley Claire , Honke Garrett 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe tested whether analogical training could help children learn a key principle of elementary engineering—namely, the use of a diagonal brace to stabilize a structure. The context for this learning was a construction activity at the Chicago Children's Museum, in which children and their families build a model skyscraper together. The results indicate that even a single brief analogical comparison can confer insight. The results also reveal conditions that support analogical learning.
Risk Committee, Firm Life Cycle, and Market Risk Disclosures
Authors: Al‐Hadi Ahmed , Hasan Mostafa Monzur , Habib Ahsan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis study investigates whether the existence of a separate risk committee and risk committee characteristics are associated with market risk disclosures. It also tests whether the role of a risk committee in affecting market risk disclosures varies for different firm life cycle stages.Research Findings/InsightsUsing 677 firm‐year observations of financial firms from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries during the years 2007–2011, we find that firms with a separate risk committee are associated with greater market risk disclosures, an effect that is more pronounced for mature‐stage firms. Furthermore, findings suggest that risk committee qualifications and size have a significant positive impact on market risk disclosures.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis study complements the corporate governance literature by incorporating agency theory, legitimacy theory, stakeholder theory, and the resource‐based theory to provide more robust evidence of the impact of a separate risk committee and the firm life cycle on market risk disclosures. Our results support the monitoring effect of a separate risk committee and suggest that a separate risk committee can improve “firm‐level corporate governance” in the GCC countries characterized by a poor informational environment.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsFindings from this study provide evidence that the existence, qualifications, and size of risk committees may be used as a channel to improve the disclosure level, suggesting a policy prescription for regulators and policymakers. Investors may also find these results useful in forming their own expectations about firm‐level risk disclosures.
Will there be a shift to alien‐dominated vegetation assemblages under climate change?
Authors: Leishman Michelle R. , Gallagher Rachael V. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAlien plant invasions are considered likely to be facilitated by climate change, resulting in a shift to more alien‐dominated vegetation globally. Alien invaders typically have dispersal, environmental tolerance and adaptive capacity traits that may be beneficial for responding to a changing climate. We examine the main drivers of vegetation change under climate change and assess whether these are likely to favour alien invaders over native species. We suggest that responses of native and alien plants to changes in CO2, temperature and rainfall will be strongly species and context dependent so that alien invaders will not consistently be favoured. However, climate change is likely to reduce resilience of vegetation assemblages resulting in increased colonization opportunities which alien invaders are best placed to take advantage of. Consequently, management should focus on actions to increase native vegetation resilience as well as monitoring and early eradication efforts.
Impact of child and family characteristics on cerebral palsy treatment
Authors: Rackauskaite Gija , Uldall Peter W , Bech Bodil H , Østergaard John R 
Published: May 2015

AimThe aim of the study was to describe the relationship between the child's and family's characteristics and the most common treatment modalities in a national population‐based sample of 8‐ to 15‐year‐old children with cerebral palsy.MethodA cross‐sectional study, based on the Danish Cerebral Palsy Registry. The parents of 462 children answered a questionnaire about their child's treatment and the family's characteristics (living with a single parent, having siblings, living in a city, parental education level). Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed for every treatment modality, stratified by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level.ResultsAn IQ below 85 was associated with weekly therapy in GMFCS level I (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 2.5 [CI 1.1–5.7]) and the use of oral spasmolytics in GMFCS levels III to V (ORadj 3.1 [CI 1.3–7.4]). Older children in GMFCS levels III to V used daily orthoses less frequently (ORadj 0.7 [CI 0.6–0.9] per year). Of all of the family characteristics studied, only the parents' education level had significant associations with more than one treatment modality.InterpretationA child's cognitive function showed an impact on treatment of the motor impairment in children 8 to 15 years of age with cerebral palsy. Parental education level may influence the choice of treatment.
The ecological forecast horizon, and examples of its uses and determinants
Authors: Petchey Owen L. , Pontarp Mikael , Massie Thomas M. , Kéfi Sonia , Ozgul Arpat , Weilenmann Maja , Palamara Gian Marco , Altermatt Florian , Matthews Blake , Levine Jonathan M. , Childs Dylan Z. , McGill Brian J. , Schaepman Michael E. , Schmid Bernhard , Spaak Piet , Beckerman Andrew P. , Pennekamp Frank , Pearse Ian S. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractForecasts of ecological dynamics in changing environments are increasingly important, and are available for a plethora of variables, such as species abundance and distribution, community structure and ecosystem processes. There is, however, a general absence of knowledge about how far into the future, or other dimensions (space, temperature, phylogenetic distance), useful ecological forecasts can be made, and about how features of ecological systems relate to these distances. The ecological forecast horizon is the dimensional distance for which useful forecasts can be made. Five case studies illustrate the influence of various sources of uncertainty (e.g. parameter uncertainty, environmental variation, demographic stochasticity and evolution), level of ecological organisation (e.g. population or community), and organismal properties (e.g. body size or number of trophic links) on temporal, spatial and phylogenetic forecast horizons. Insights from these case studies demonstrate that the ecological forecast horizon is a flexible and powerful tool for researching and communicating ecological predictability. It also has potential for motivating and guiding agenda setting for ecological forecasting research and development.
Connecting by breaking and repairing: mechanisms of DNA strand exchange in meiotic recombination
Authors: Sansam Christopher L. , Pezza Roberto J. 
Published: May 2015

During prophase of meiosis I, homologous chromosomes interact and undergo recombination. Successful completion of these processes is required in order for the homologous chromosomes to mount the meiotic spindle as a pair. The organization of the chromosomes into pairs ensures orderly segregation to opposite poles of the dividing cell, such that each gamete receives one copy of each chromosome. Chiasmata, the cytological manifestation of crossover products of recombination, physically connect the homologs in pairs, providing a linkage that facilitates their segregation. Consequently, mutations that reduce the level of recombination are invariably associated with increased errors in meiotic chromosome segregation. In this review, we focus on recent biochemical and genetic advances in elucidating the mechanisms of meiotic DNA strand exchange catalyzed by the Dmc1 protein. We also discuss the mode by which two recombination mediators, Hop2 and Mnd1, facilitate rate‐limiting steps of DNA strand exchange catalyzed by Dmc1.
Norwegian General Motor Function assessment as an outcome measure for a frail elderly population: A validity study
Authors: Langhammer Birgitta , Lindmark Birgitta 
Published: May 2015

AimTo establish the validity of the Norwegian General Motor Function (NGMF) assessment scale.MethodTo establish construct and criteria validity, Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated for the NGMF, and age, sex, medical conditions, history of falls and to four functional tests. Content validity was evaluated by asking participating physiotherapists about the usefulness of the items in the scale. Absolute reliability was evaluated by establishing the standard error of measurement and the minimal detectable change at the 95% level of confidence for total scores of the NGMF subscales for dependence, pain and insecurity.ResultsConstruct validity was established to medical status and medication with subscales dependence and insecurity but not to subscale pain. Criterion validity was established between the NGMF subscales dependence, pain and insecurity, and the Barthel Index, the Falls Efficacy Scale to subscales dependence and insecurity, but not with pain, and the Timed Up‐and‐Go test, to subscale insecurity. Neither the Chair Stand Test nor registered falls were significantly associated with any of the subscales of the NGMF. Content validity of the NGMF was perceived relevant to work in a geriatric setting and as a communication tool for a multidisciplinary team. Minimal detectable change was calculated for dependence (2.76), pain (4.9) and insecurity (6.1), respectively.ConclusionThe construct, criteria and content validity of the NGMF was established. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 432‐439.
‘Don't give us an assignment where we have to use spinach!’: food choice and discourse in home and consumer studies
Authors: Bohm Ingela , Lindblom Cecilia , Åbacka Gun , Hörnell Agneta 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe aim of the study was to describe classroom Discourses about vegetables during the planning, cooking, eating and evaluation of meals in the Swedish school subject Home and Consumer Studies. Fifty‐nine students and five teachers were recruited from five northern Swedish villages and towns, and then observed, recorded and in some cases video‐taped during lessons that took place between 2010 and 2012. Based on 56 instances of talk about vegetables, four Discourses were identified and related to the three aspects of Belasco's culinary triangle of contradictions: identity, responsibility and convenience. The results indicated that the identity‐basedsensoryandculturalDiscourses sometimes clashed with the more responsibility‐orientedhealthandevaluationDiscourses. ThehealthDiscourse was only used when there was an element ofevaluation, with assignments connected to grades. In all other cases, thesensoryandculturalDiscourses guided vegetable use. Sometimes different sensory or cultural assumptions could clash with each other, for example when the teacher insisted on the use of a specific recipe regardless of a student's taste preferences. Since these preferences did not always harmonize with curricular demands for responsibility, there might be a risk of basing grades on aspects of students’ identity. Alternatively, students might feel constrained to argue against their own identity in order to be favourably evaluated. Then again, if teachers always bow to student tastes, this limits their chances of learning about food and physical health. Viewing the dilemma through the lens of the culinary triangle of contradictions may help teachers and researchers develop teaching methods that take all aspects of food choice into account.
Familial colorectal cancer
Authors: Lung M. S. , Trainer A. H. , Campbell I. , Lipton L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIdentifying individuals with a genetic predisposition to developing familial colorectal cancer (CRC) is crucial to the management of the affected individual and their family. In order to do so, the physician requires an understanding of the different gene mutations and clinical manifestations of familial CRC. This review summarises the genetics, clinical manifestations and management of the known familial CRC syndromes, specifically Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, MUTYH‐associated neoplasia, juvenile polyposis syndrome and Peutz–Jeghers syndrome. An individual suspected of having a familial CRC with an underlying genetic predisposition should be referred to a familial cancer centre to enable pre‐test counselling and appropriate follow up.
The Relationship Between Infant Holdout and Gives, and Pointing
Authors: Cameron‐Faulkner Thea , Theakston Anna , Lieven Elena , Tomasello Michael 
Published: May 2015

We provide an analysis of holdout and giving (Ho&G) behaviours in prelinguistic infants and investigate their relationship with index finger pointing. The frequency of Ho&Gs at 10 and 11 months along with the length of the following social interaction correlated with index finger pointing at 12 months. We conclude that Ho&Gs are a precursor to index finger pointing and that this provides support for social‐pragmatic approaches to communicative development.
Effects of Gd Substitution on Sintering and Optical Properties of Highly Transparent (Y0.95−xGdxEu0.05)2O3 Ceramics
Authors: Lu Bin , Li Ji‐Guang , Suzuki Tohru S. , Tanaka Hidehiko , Sun Xudong , Sakka Yoshio 
Published: May 2015

Highly transparent (Y0.95−xGdxEu0.05)2O3 (x = 0.15–0.55) ceramics have been fabricated by vacuum sintering at the relatively low temperature of 1700°C for 4 h with the in‐line transmittances of 73.6%–79.5% at the Eu3+ emission wavelength of 613 nm (~91.9%–99.3% of the theoretical transmittance of Y1.34Gd0.6Eu0.06O3 single crystal), whereas the x = 0.65 ceramic undergoes a phase transformation at 1650°C and has a transparency of 53.4% at the lower sintering temperature of 1625°C. The effects of Gd3+ substitution for Y3+ on the particle characteristics, sintering kinetics, and optical performances of the materials were systematically studied. The results show that (1) calcining the layered rare‐earth hydroxide precursors of the ternary Y–Gd–Eu system yielded rounded oxide particles with greatly reduced hard agglomeration and the particle/crystallite size slightly decreases along with increasing Gd3+ incorporation; (2) in the temperature range 1100°C–1480°C, the sintering kinetics of (Y0.95−xGdxEu0.05)2O3 is mainly controlled by grain‐boundary diffusion with similar activation energies of ~230 kJ/mol; (3) Gd3+ addition promotes grain growth and densification in the temperature range 1100°C–1400°C; (4) the bandgap energies of the (Y0.95−xGdxEu0.05)2O3 ceramics generally decrease with increasing x; however, they are much lower than those of the oxide powders; (5) both the oxide powders and the transparent ceramics exhibit the typical red emission of Eu3+ at ~613 nm (the 5D0→7F2 transition) under charge transfer (CT) excitation. Gd3+ incorporation enhances the photoluminescence and shortens the fluorescence lifetime of Eu3+.
Preparation and Optical Properties of Transparent (Ce,Gd)3Al3Ga2O12 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Xianqiang , Qin Haiming , Zhang Ye , Luo Zhaohua , Jiang Jun , Jiang Haochuan 
Published: May 2015

Transparent (Ce,Gd)3Al3Ga2O12 (Ce:GAGG) ceramics are promising scintillators for use in high‐energy particle detection application such as nuclear medical imaging. In this study, we report a novel method for the preparation of transparent Ce:GAGG ceramic in oxygen atmosphere without sintering aid. The highest transmittance of as prepared samples with thickness of 1 mm around wavelength of 558 nm reaches 62%, which is close to that value of its comparative single crystal. The average grain size of samples sintered at 1650°C for 10 h is about 11 μm. The spectroscopic properties have also been investigated. The emission peak around 558 nm, which is consistent with that of Ce:GAGG single crystals, matches well with the detection wavelength of photomultiplier.
ζ‐Ta4C3−x: A High Fracture Toughness Carbide with Rising‐Crack‐Growth‐Resistance (R‐Curve) Behavior
Authors: Sygnatowicz Michael , Cutler Raymond A. , Shetty Dinesh K. 
Published: May 2015

The microstructures and mechanical properties of tantalum carbides containing predominantly the ζ‐Ta4C3−x phase are compared with the properties of the monocarbide (γ‐TaC) and the hemicarbide (α‐Ta2C) and two‐phase composites. It is shown that a Ta and γ‐TaC powder mixture corresponding to a C/Ta at. ratio of 0.66 can be hot‐pressed (1800°C, 2 h) to obtain ~95 wt% of ζ‐Ta4C3−x with a density of 98% of theoretical. This material has an attractive combination of high fracture toughness (13.8 ± 0.2 MPa√m) and fracture strength (759 ± 24 MPa) with modest hardness (5.6 ± 0.5 GPa). The fracture toughness and strength measured for this material were the highest among all the materials with C/Ta ratio ranging from 0.5 (hemicarbide) to 1.0 (monocarbide). It is also shown that a material containing 86 wt% ζ‐Ta4C3−x can be consolidated by pressureless sintering of a hydrogenated Ta and γ‐TaC powder mixture without significant drop in density (97% of theoretical) or mechanical properties (13.4 ± 0.2 MPa√m, 700 ± 20 MPa, 6.0 ± 0.4 GPa). Materials containing high weight fraction of the ζ‐Ta4C3−x phase exhibited rising crack‐growth‐resistance (R‐curve) behavior. Optical and scanning electron microscope observations suggested crack‐face bridging was the dominant toughening mechanism. The crack‐bridging ligaments were lamellae of the basal planes of the ζ‐Ta4C3−x phase produced by their easy cleavage. The thickness of the lamellae ranged from 40 to 2000 nm, significantly less than the grain size.
Field‐Dependent Magnetoelectric Effects in Polycrystalline Co2Y‐Type Ba0.5Sr1.5Co2(Fe1−xAlx)12O22 Hexaferrites
Authors: Wu Meixia , Gao Xingsen , Liu Zhongwu 
Published: May 2015

Polycrystalline Ba0.5Sr1.5Co2(Fe1−xAlx)12O22 (x = 0, 0.04, 0.08, and 0.12) hexaferrites were prepared by conventional solid‐state reaction method and the magnetic field dependences of magnetic and magnetoelectric properties were investigated. With Al doping (x = 0.04, 0.08), much enhanced ferroelectric polarization and abnormal magnetodielectric properties can be observed at a low applied magnetic field and be maintained down to zero field at 200 K, which may result from the occurrence of field‐induced spin transverse cone structure. The magnetoelectric coefficient increases from 500 ps/m to 1481 ps/m with increasing x value from 0.04 to 0.08. These results suggest that Al ions play an effective role in modifying the magnetoelectricity of hexaferrites.
Low‐Temperature Control of Twins and Abnormal Grain Growth in BaTiO3
Authors: Harris David T. , Burch Matthew J. , Li Jing , Dickey Elizabeth C. , Maria Jon‐Paul 
Published: May 2015

The microstructure of polycrystalline barium titanate (BaTiO3) thin films processed with a liquid‐phase can be controlled by the crystallographic orientation of the underlying sapphire substrate. During postdeposition crystallization, the tendency for {111} twin nucleation, which drives subsequent abnormal grain growth, depends upon the specific sapphire facet. Specifically, tilting away from the close‐packed c‐plane modifies the orientation, morphology, and relative amount of an interfacial BaAl2O4 second phase. These factors control the density of twin formation, and thus overall grain size of the crystallized BaTiO3. As the substrate orientation transitions from c‐plane, to r‐plane, to a‐plane, the twin density is reduced, the average grain size decreases systematically from 270 to 130 nm, and the grain structure becomes overall more homogeneous. This twinning mechanism and abnormal grain growth occur by 900°C, several hundred degrees lower than reported previously.
When a game supports prevocational math education but integrated reflection does not
Authors: ter Vrugte J. , de Jong T. , Wouters P. , Vandercruysse S. , Elen J. , van Oostendorp H. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe present study addressed the effectiveness of an educational math game for improving proportional reasoning in prevocational education, and examined the added value of support in the form of reflection. The study compared four conditions: the game with reflection prompts, the game with reflection prompts plus procedural information, the game with procedural information only and the game without additional support. It was found that students' proportional reasoning skill improved after playing the game. The game managed to target prevocational students with low prior knowledge, a group that has the potential to understand proportional reasoning but has not yet encountered the right learning situation to live up to their potential. However, it was also found that students need to be computational fluent to profit from the game. Furthermore, no added value of the support was found. The way the support was structured may have been too demanding for most of the students. The fact that the prevocational students (and specifically those with low prior knowledge) improved by playing the game is noteworthy, because the topic of proportional reasoning is demanding for this group of students who often have lower abilities as well as in some cases a high resistance to learning.