bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia with neurodegeneration associated with AIFM1 mutation – a novel phenotype of the mitochondrial disease
Authors: Mierzewska H. , Rydzanicz M. , Biegański T. , Kosinska J. , Mierzewska‐Schmidt M. , Ługowska A. , Pollak A. , Stawiński P. , Walczak A. , Kędra A. , Obersztyn E. , Szczepanik E. , Płoski R.
Published: April 2016

In 1999, based on a single family, spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD) with mental retardation (MR) was described as a novel syndrome with probably X‐linked recessive inheritance and unknown molecular defect (MIM 300232). Our purpose was to search for the causative defect in the originally described family and in an independently ascertained second family. All patients had slowly progressive neurodegeneration with central and peripheral involvement and identical skeletal dysplasia. Whole exome sequencing performed in two subjects showed a single plausible candidate – the p.Asp237Gly variant in AIFM1 (chr. Xq26.1). The p.Asp237Gly segregated with disease as indicated by linkage analysis [maximum logarithm of odds score (LOD) score at theta 0 for the two families was 3.359]. This variant had not been previously reported and it was predicted to be pathogenic by Polyphen2, SIFT, MutationTaster and Mutation Assessor. AIFM1 encodes mitochondria associated apoptosis‐inducing factor. The AIFM1 gene has been linked with COXPD6 encephalomyopathy (MIM 300816), Cowchock syndrome (MIM 310490) and X‐linked deafness with neuropathy (DFNX5, MIM 300614), none of which are similar to SEMD‐MR. Our results place SEMD as the third instance of a skeletal phenotype associated with a mitochondrial disease (the others being EVEN‐PLUS syndrome caused by mutations of HSPA9 and CODAS syndrome due to LONP1 mutations).
Researching the Social Worlds of Autistic Children: An Exploration of How an Understanding of Autistic Children's Social Worlds is Best Achieved
Authors: Ellis Jaimie
Published: April 2016

Since United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, social research has encouraged the involvement of children in research concerning them. However, there is little evidence to demonstrate how autistic children can be involved. Little is known about which methods are appropriate to research the social worlds of autistic children: adult‐centred or child‐centred methods? Empirical research with autistic children is used to illustrate the contribution that methods which involve children, and methods that do not, can make to the understanding of autistic children's social worlds. I argue while autistic children's participation contributed towards greater understanding, the understanding was enriched for having parents and teachers participate too.
Evaluation of nasal patency by visual analogue scale/nasal obstruction symptom evaluation questionnaires and anterior active rhinomanometry after septoplasty: a retrospective one‐year follow‐up cohort study
Authors: Hsu H.C. , Tan C.D. , Chang C.W. , Chu C.W. , Chiu Y.C. , Pan C.J. , Huang H.M.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To assess the efficacy of septoplasty and the correlation between the subjective evaluations of a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire and active anterior rhinomanometry of the nasal airway after septoplasty.

Design

A retrospective, individual cohort study.

Setting

Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Participants

Fifty patients with chronic nasal obstruction were enrolled in the study. All 50 patients underwent septoplasty because of nasal septal deviation. Another 28 patients without nasal symptoms served as controls.

Main outcome measures

VAS, NOSE and active anterior rhinomanometry were used to measure the sensation of nasal obstruction. All measurements were performed in both groups preoperatively and then repeated on three postoperative visits (3, 6 and 12 months).

Results

The mean VAS score, NOSE score and the nasal resistance in the narrow side of the nose in the study group showed reduced symptoms at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively compared with the respective preoperative measurements (P < 0.001, all). The VAS and NOSE scores did not significantly correlate with total nasal resistance preoperatively or postoperatively. The VAS and nasal resistance in the obstructed nasal cavity correlated significantly preoperatively (P < 0.05), but not postoperatively.

Conclusions

The subjective and objective symptoms of nasal obstruction had improved 1 year after septoplasty. A significant correlation between VAS scores and nasal resistance in the narrow side of the nose was found before surgery. The subjective and objective measurements of nasal obstruction lacked significant correlation postoperatively.
819. ILLICIUM SIMONSII
Authors: McNamara William A.
Published: April 2016

Illicium simonsii Maxim. a shrub or small tree, from western China, Burma and northeast India is illustrated; the circumstances of its introduction and its cultivation are described. It is related to the star anise, Illicium verum Hook. f., an important spice, which originated in southeastern China.
820. STAUNTONIA LIBERA
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: April 2016

Stauntonia libera, collected as ‘KWJ 12218’ from Vietnam and cultivated by Crûg Farm Plants, is an evergreen vine with scented flowers and edible fruit. It is described and illustrated here and details of the distribution and habitat are also provided. It is a plant with horticultural potential, but remains a rarity in cultivation.
821. EUPTELEA PLEIOSPERMA
Authors: Rix Martyn , Endress Peter K.
Published: April 2016

Euptelea pleiosperma J.D. Hooker & Thomson is illustrated, both in flower and fruit; its pollination and floral anatomy are discussed, and the systematic position of the family Eupteleaceae is clarified using recent molecular phylogenetic studies.
CITRUS AND ORANGERIES IN NORTHERN EUROPE
Authors: Wearn James A. , Mabberley David J.
Published: April 2016

The genus Citrus comprises c. 25 species distributed from north‐east India and China to Australia and New Caledonia. Citrus fruits today make up the most significant component of fruit‐growing in warm countries, and extracts from them provide not only a very large share of the juice industry but are also used in many consumer products. When the first of them were brought to Europe, two millennia ago, however, they were not even consumed – the fruits being used for scenting and moth‐proofing clothes. From the 16th century onwards, the affluent commissioned glasshouses for citrus trees, called ‘orangeries’. This led to a phase of ‘citrusmania’, and citrus tree growing became a status symbol. The particular properties of their berries, called hesperidia, have in turn, led to their cosmopolitan significance as fruit‐crops.
827. SORBUS HENRYI
Authors: Rushforth Keith
Published: April 2016

Sorbus henryi Rehder from the Mount Omei region in Sichuan, remains a rarity in cultivation. Its nomenclature and taxonomy are discussed. A fruiting specimen and flowers are illustrated.
829. TSUGA CHINENSIS
Authors: Aiello Anthony S.
Published: April 2016

Tsuga chinensis Franch. is described and illustrated here and details of its distribution and habitat are also provided. Its history in cultivation and its resistance to the woolly adelgid, (Adelges tsugae) which is so damaging to T. canadensis in North America, are discussed.
826. HALESIA MACGREGORII
Authors: Grimshaw John , Rix Martyn
Published: April 2016

Halesia macgregorii, a little‐known Chinese member of the familiar American genus, is illustrated. Its phylogeny is discussed, particularly in view of the conflicting DNA and morphological evidence. The life and work of the Revd. Stephen Hales, after whom the genus is named, is briefly considered.
Mature neurons modulate neurogenesis through chemical signals acting on neural stem cells
Authors: Pardal Ricardo , López Barneo José
Published: April 2016

The discovery of neural stem cells has revealed a much higher structural and functional plasticity in the adult nervous system than previously anticipated. Progenitor cells are able to give rise to new neurons and glial cells when needed, thanks to their surveillance of the environment from the germinal niches. Multiple different factors define neural stem cell niches, including cellular and non‐cellular components. Innervation of neurogenic centers is crucial, as it allows the functional connection between stem cell behavior and surrounding neuronal activity. Although the association between organismal behavior and neurogenesis is well documented, much less is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which neurons control stem cell activity. In this review we discuss the existing data on this type of regulation from the three best characterized germinal niches in the adult nervous system: the subventricular zone, the hippocampal subgranular zone, and the carotid body. In all cases, neuronal activity modulates stem cell behavior either by neurotransmitter spillover or by synaptic‐like contacts. Currently, the molecular mechanisms underlying mature neuron‐stem cell interaction are being clarified. Functional consequences and potential clinical relevance of these phenomena are also discussed.
Should botulinum toxin A injections be repeated in children with cerebral palsy? A systematic review
Authors: Kahraman Aysu , Seyhan Kübra , Değer Ünal , Kutlutürk Seval , Mutlu Akmer
Published: April 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of repeat botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) injections in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) on the basis of a best evidence synthesis.

Method

This study included 13 original articles after searching the literature to retrieve information. We used the critical review form produced by McMaster University to determine the methodological quality of the studies, and then confirmed the levels of evidence from Sackett. The studies were also evaluated using the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health – Children and Youth Version (ICF‐CY).

Results

A total of 893 children with spastic CP who had been administered repeat BoNT‐A injections were evaluated. The evidence level was II in four of the thirteen studies, III in four studies, and IV in five studies. The McMaster review form score was 14 in two studies, 13 in four studies, and 12 in seven studies. The results showed that repeat BoNT‐A may be a safe and an effective approach. The first two injections/one repeat especially relieve spasticity and improve fine and gross motor activities.

Interpretation

Future studies to investigate the effectiveness of repeat BoNT‐A in children with spastic CP may be planned within the framework of the ICF‐CY to include well‐designed randomized controlled trials and those conducted on larger homogenous groups.
Interest, not Preference: Dewey and Reframing the Conceptual Vocabulary of School Choice
Authors: Wilson Terri S.
Published: April 2016

School choice positions parents as consumers who select schools that maximize their preferences. This account has been shaped by rational choice theory. In this essay, Terri Wilson contrasts a rational choice framework of preferences with John Dewey's understanding of interest. To illustrate this contrast, she draws on an example of one parent's school decision‐making process. Dewey's concept of interest offers an alternative conceptual vocabulary attentive to the complex, value‐laden, and evolving process of choosing a school. Her analysis considers how schools might not just appeal to the preexisting preferences of families, but might instead actively shape those interests to democratic ends.
Democratic Education versus Smithian Efficiency: Prospects for a Deweyan Ideal in the “Neoliberal Age”
Authors: Meens David E.
Published: April 2016

In this essay, David Meens examines the viability of John Dewey's democratic educational project, as presented in Democracy and Education, under present economic and political conditions. He begins by considering Democracy and Education's central themes in historical context, arguing that Dewey's proposal for democratic education grew out of his recognition of a conflict between how political institutions had traditionally been understood and organized on the one hand, and, on the other, emerging requirements for personal and social development in the increasingly interconnected world of the early twentieth century. Meens next considers Dewey's ideas in our contemporary context, which is dominated by a neoliberal ideology that extends the economic logic of Smithian efficiency to all domains of modern social and political life. He argues that the prevalence of neoliberalism poses two challenges to Deweyan democratic education: first, Dewey's emphasis on general education and a resistance to specialization is economically inefficient; and second, Dewey's strong, democratic conception of the “the public” is anathema to the neoliberal vision of the public as a conglomeration of individual agents. These challenges, he concludes, significantly stack the deck against Deweyan education by ensuring that the latter will be neither economically practicable nor widely understood.
“We're Not Going to Do That Because It's Not Right”: Using Pedagogical Responsibility to Reframe the Doublespeak of Fidelity
Authors: Santoro Doris A.
Published: April 2016

In this essay, Doris Santoro examines the discourse of “fidelity of instruction” to show how it is doublespeak for teacher compliance that is incompatible with democracy and education. Analyzing the distorted use of the term “fidelity” by market‐based reformers, Santoro illustrates how it can be used as a weapon against teacher intelligence and moral response. She argues that John Dewey's philosophy provides conceptual resources to reframe some teacher infidelity as intelligent response, the moral agency required for pedagogical responsibility.
Democratizing Children's Computation: Learning Computational Science as Aesthetic Experience
Authors: Farris Amy Voss , Sengupta Pratim
Published: April 2016

In this essay, Amy Voss Farris and Pratim Sengupta argue that a democratic approach to children's computing education in a science class must focus on the aesthetics of children's experience. In Democracy and Education, Dewey links “democracy” with a distinctive understanding of “experience.” For Dewey, the value of educational experiences lies in “the unity or integrity of experience.” In Art as Experience, Dewey presents aesthetic experience as the fundamental form of human experience that undergirds all other forms of experiences and that can bring together multiple forms of experiences, locating this form of experience in the work of artists. Particularly relevant to the focus of this essay, computational literacy, Dewey calls the process through which a person transforms a material into an expressive medium an aesthetic experience. Farris and Sengupta argue that the kind of experience that is appropriate for a democratic education in the context of children's computational science is essentially aesthetic in nature. Given that aesthetics has received relatively little attention in STEM education research, the authors' purpose here is to highlight the power of Deweyan aesthetic experience in making computational thinking available and attractive to all children, including those who are disinterested in computing, and especially those who are likely to be discounted by virtue of location, gender, or race.
Ultrasonic Reaction of Bank Vole Males to the Presence of Females Varying in Hormonal Activity
Authors: Kapusta Joanna , Kruczek Małgorzata
Published: April 2016

Rodents are known to emit ultrasounds during social interactions. Despite the evidence that ultrasonic vocalizations are emitted during sexual encounters and may play a certain role in sexual selection, only a few studies have investigated this phenomenon, mainly in laboratory rodents. We analysed the ultrasonic calls of bank vole (Myodes glareolus) males from an outbred colony in the presence of females differing in hormonal activity. Sexually experienced males were tested during interactions with naive, ovariectomized, pregnant and post‐partum oestrous females. We found that the males’ ultrasound vocalizations depend on the phase of the bank vole females’ reproductive cycle. During encounters with post‐partum oestrous females the males emitted significantly more ultrasounds, and the total duration of ultrasound vocalization was longer. The presence of post‐partum oestrous females also influenced the type of ultrasounds: the most typical constant‐frequency sounds were significantly shorter, and two additional types of ultrasounds were presented during interactions with females ready to mate: U‐shaped frequency‐modulated sounds and frequency‐modulated upsweep sounds. To our knowledge this is the first evidence that male voles of the subfamily Arvicolinae emit different types of ultrasounds in the presence of females depending on their reproductive stage. We suggest that these ultrasounds may be employed as an attractant during reproductive behaviour and that they are potentially an element of sexual selection.
Evaluation of the strain energy density control volume for a nanoscale singular stress field
Authors: Gallo P , Sumigawa T , Kitamura T , Berto F
Published: April 2016

Fracture mechanics at micro‐ and nano‐scale has become a very attractive topic in the last years. However, the results are still few, mostly because of the lack of effective analytical tools and of the difficult to conduct experimental tests at those scales.

In this study, the authors report preliminary analysis on the application of the Strain Energy Density (SED) method at nano‐scale. In detail, starting from mechanical properties experimentally evaluated on small single crystal silicon cracked specimens, a first evaluation of the control volume due to a nano‐size singular stress field is carried out. If the extension of the SED approach at micro‐ nano‐scale is given in near future, an easy and fast tool to design against fatigue will be provided for micro‐ nano‐devices such as MEMS and NEMS, resulting in a significant technological impact and providing an easy and fast tool to conduct static and fatigue assessment at micro‐ and nano‐scale.
Osseo‐gingival pathology as sequelae of dental trauma to the primary upper incisor: a case series
Authors: Kimura Juliana S. , Aldrigui Janaina M. , de Carvalho Patrícia , Wanderley Marcia T.
Published: April 2016

Background

Osseo‐gingival pathology (OGP) may be observed in traumatized primary teeth, and its knowledge is essential for treatment decision.

Aim

To describe the occurrence and treatment of OGP in traumatized primary upper incisors.

Design

One examiner collected data from patients' charts of the Clinic of Trauma in Primary Teeth of the University of Sao Paulo. OGP was divided into apical fenestration (AF), total gingival recession (TGR), and partial gingival recession (PGR).

Results

From 2516 charts, 61 patients (2.4%) presented 73 teeth with OGP (9.6% AF, 19.2% TGR and 71.2% PGR). OGP was observed in 63% of male and 43.8% of children aged 4–5 years old. Mean time between trauma and diagnosis was 15 months AF, 23.5 months TGR, and 7.5 months PGR. Periodontal trauma occurred in 86.3% of teeth with OGP. Pulp necrosis was observed in all cases of AF and 92.9% of TGR; however, 76.9% of PGR were vital. All teeth with AF and 85.7% of TGR were extracted, and 44.2% of PGR were monitored.

Conclusions

Osseo‐gingival pathology has low occurrence in traumatized primary upper incisors. The treatment for AF and TGR is tooth extraction, and for PGR is tooth monitoring or extraction depending on the case severity.
Triple Hysteresis Loops of PLZST Ceramics Related to Coexistence of Ferroelectricity and Antiferroelectricity
Authors: Bai Yang , Zeng Tao , Liu Zhen , Chen Xuefeng , Dong Xianlin , Wang Genshui , Cao Jianwu
Published: April 2016

The hysteresis behaviors and phase characteristics of Pb0.97La0.02(Zr0.90Sn0.025Ti0.075)O3 (PLZST) ceramics were investigated in this work. A single mini hysteresis loop at 3 kV/mm with the maximum polarization (Pmax) of 8.3 μC/cm2 and triple hysteresis loops at 6.6 kV/mm were observed, which indicates the coexistence of rhombohedral ferroelectric phase and tetragonal antiferroelectric phase. The X‐ray Diffraction patterns and dielectric temperature spectra both demonstrate this coexistence. Moreover, the hysteresis loops with increasing temperature indicated that a ferroelectric–antiferroelectric phase transition occurred at about 60°C. These phenomena would be useful for understanding the domain evolution during ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phase transition.
Processing Low‐Oxide ZrB2 Ceramics with High Strength Using Boron Carbide and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Pham David , Dycus Joseph Houston , LeBeau James M. , Manga Venkateswara R. , Muralidharan Krishna , Corral Erica L.
Published: April 2016

A phase diagram‐assisted powder processing approach is shown to produce low‐oxygen (0.06 wt%O) ZrB2 ceramics using minimal B4C additions (0.25 wt%) and spark plasma sintering. Scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy with elemental spectroscopy are used to identify “trash collector” oxides. These “trash collector” oxides are composed of manufacturer metal powder impurities that form discreet oxide particles due to the absence of standard Zr–B oxides found in high oxygen samples. A preliminary Zr–B–C–O quaternary thermodynamic database developed as a part of this work was used to calculate the ZrO2–B4C pseudobinary phase diagram and ZrB2–ZrO2–B4C pseudoternary phase diagrams. We use the calculated equilibrium phase diagrams to characterize the oxide impurities and show the direct reaction path that allows for the formation of ZrB2 with an oxygen content of 0.06 wt%, fine grains (3.3 μm) and superior mechanical properties (flexural strength of 660 MPa).
Risk behaviours of an interrelated syphilis‐infected sexual network of men who have sex with men
Authors: Diesterheft Richie , Brady John P , Shattell Mona
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives

We examined the risk behaviours in an interrelated sexual network of 33 syphilis‐infected men who have sex with men on the use of condoms, substances and websites to meet sexual partners. Our study used a descriptive exploratory design to investigate co‐occurring high‐risk behaviours in this interrelated sexual network to inform future health interventions and research directions.

Background

Although the risk behaviours for human immunodeficiency virus transmission in men who have sex with men have been studied, few have studied the high‐risk population of men who already have syphilis, and even fewer have studied the risk behaviours in sexual networks of syphilis‐infected men who have sex with men who were identified using contact tracing.

Design/Methods

The data were collected from semi‐structured, individual interviews at a not‐for‐profit lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health centre in a large city in the Midwestern USA.

Results

Inconsistent condom use was substantial during both insertive (92%) and receptive (88%) anal intercourse. Most participants (97%) reported using one or more substances prior to or during anal intercourse, and Internet websites were the most common place to meet sexual partners (88%).

Conclusions

High‐risk behaviours were significant within this syphilis‐infected sexual network of men who have sex with men. The majority of our 33 participants were non‐Hispanic Whites (n = 27, 82%), possessed a baccalaureate degree or higher (n = 23, 70%), and actively sought out unprotected anal intercourse [21 participants (64%) used BareBackRT.com, a website to seek out unprotected anal intercourse].

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses should be more informed about the risk factors of a high‐risk sexual network of syphilis‐infected men who have sex with men. Interrelated sexual networks have high levels of similarity among participants’ high‐risk behaviours; contact tracing may be used to identify individual participants for relevant risk‐reduction interventions.
Teaching menstrual care skills to intellectually disabled female students
Authors: Altundağ Sebahat , Çalbayram Nazan Çakırer
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to teach pad replacement skills to intellectually disabled adolescent female students during their menstruation periods by demonstrating on a dummy.

Background

It may be difficult to make intellectually disabled adolescents achieve self‐care during menstruation. In addition, there are difficulties experienced in explaining menstruation, such as physical changes and the practice of cleaning during this period.

Design

The study used a ‘One group pretest and post‐test model’.

Method

The study was performed in a special educational institution. The population consisted of 77 female students in the high school section. Calculation of a sample size was not attempted, and 54 students with no attendance issues agreed to take part in the study and were included.

Results

In this work, we found that pad replacement training significantly changed the scores of mentally disabled adolescents before and after training. Our training yielded positive results, and the population improved their skills at all stages of skill building.

Conclusion

Training adolescents with mental disabilities helped them gain hygiene habits. Performance of these trainings occurs at the beginning of menstrual hygiene education.

Relevance to clinical practice

To achieve improved success in life, it is important that adolescents assume the responsibility of self‐care and manage sustained care activity on their own.
The Effect of Over‐Indebtedness on Health: Comparative Analyses for Europe
Authors: Angel Stefan
Published: April 2016

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it tests whether an effect of over‐indebtedness on self‐assessed health exists. Fixed‐effects panel regression models based on panel data for 25 European countries show that being in arrears increases the likelihood of reporting bad/very bad health. However, effects are weak in terms of economic significance. The second research question focuses on the effect heterogeneity of overindebtedness among different European countries. It asks whether country‐level factors moderate the effect of problematic debt on health. These macro‐variables are the accessibility of health services, debt management and debt discharge regulations, dispute resolution with banks/insurance companies, and the social stigma of being over‐indebted/in debt. Descriptive analyses showed that some aspects of the legal debt‐collection process (e.g., higher costs of debt collection) are associated with a stronger effect of over‐indebtedness on subjectively assessed poor health. There is also some evidence that easier dispute resolution with banks and insurance companies is correlated with smaller effects of over‐indebtedness on health.
China's Impact on Africa – The Role of Trade, FDI and Aid
Authors: Busse Matthias , Erdogan Ceren , Mühlen Henning
Published: April 2016

This paper investigates the impact of Chinese activities in sub‐Saharan African countries with respect to the growth performance of economies in that region. Using a Solow‐type growth model and panel data for the period 1991 to 2010, we find that African economies that export natural resources have benefited from positive terms‐of‐trade effects. In addition, there is evidence for displacement effects of African firms due to competition from China. On the other hand, Chinese foreign investment and aid in Africa does not appear to have a significant impact on African growth.
Introduced Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) invades the genome of native populations in vulnerable heathland habitats
Authors: Rostgaard Nielsen Lene , Brandes Ursula , Dahl Kjær Erik , Fjellheim Siri
Published: April 2016

Cytisus scoparius is a global invasive species that affects local flora and fauna at the intercontinental level. Its natural distribution spans across Europe, but seeds have also been moved among countries, mixing plants of native and non‐native genetic origins. Hybridization between the introduced and native gene pool is likely to threaten both the native gene pool and the local flora. In this study, we address the potential threat of invasive C. scoparius to local gene pools in vulnerable heathlands. We used nuclear single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers together with plastid SSR and indel markers to investigate the level and direction of gene flow between invasive and native heathland C. scoparius. Analyses of population structures confirmed the presence of two gene pools: one native and the other invasive. The nuclear genome of the native types was highly introgressed with the invasive genome, and we observed advanced‐generation hybrids, suggesting that hybridization has been occurring for several generations. There is asymmetrical gene flow from the invasive to the native gene pool, which can be attributed to higher fecundity in the invasive individuals, measured by the number of flowers and seed pods. Strong spatial genetic structure in plastid markers and weaker structure in nuclear markers suggest that seeds spread over relatively short distances and that gene flow over longer distances is mainly facilitated by pollen dispersal. We further show that the growth habits of heathland plants become more vigorous with increased introgression from the invaders. Implications of the findings are discussed in relation to future management of invading C. scoparius.
Rhizosphere priming effect on soil organic carbon decomposition under plant species differing in soil acidification and root exudation
Authors: Wang Xiaojuan , Tang Caixian , Severi Julia , Butterly Clayton R. , Baldock Jeff A.
Published: April 2016

Effects of rhizosphere properties on the rhizosphere priming effect (RPE) are unknown. This study aimed to link species variation in RPE with plant traits and rhizosphere properties.

Four C3 species (chickpea, Cicer arietinum; field pea, Pisum sativum; wheat, Triticum aestivum; and white lupin, Lupinus albus) differing in soil acidification and root exudation, were grown in a C4 soil. The CO2 released from soil was trapped using a newly developed NaOH‐trapping system.

White lupin and wheat showed greater positive RPEs, in contrast to the negative RPE produced by chickpea. The greatest RPE of white lupin was in line with its capacity to release root exudates, whereas the negative RPE of chickpea was attributed to its great ability to acidify rhizosphere soil. The enhanced RPE of field pea at maturity might result from high nitrogen deposition and release of structural root carbon components following root senescence. Root biomass and length played a minor role in the species variation in RPE.

Rhizosphere acidification was shown to be an important factor affecting the magnitude and direction of RPE. Future studies on RPE modelling and mechanistic understanding of the processes that regulate RPE should consider the effect of rhizosphere pH.
Temporal dynamic of parasite‐mediated linkages between the forest canopy and soil processes and the microbial community
Authors: Mellado Ana , Morillas Lourdes , Gallardo Antonio , Zamora Regino
Published: April 2016

Parasitic plants are important drivers of community and ecosystem properties. In this study, we identify different mechanisms by which mistletoe (Viscum albumsubsp.austriacum) can affect soil chemical and biological properties at different temporal stages of parasitism.

We quantified the effect of parasitism on host growth and the number of frugivorous mutualists visiting the host canopy. Then we collected, identified, and weighed the organic matter input underneath tree canopies and analyzed its nutrient content. Simultaneously, we analyzed soil samples under tree canopies and examined the chemical properties, microbial abundance, and functional evenness of heterotrophic microbial communities.

Mistletoe increased the amount, quality, and diversity of organic matter input beneath the host canopy, directly through its nutrient‐rich litter and indirectly through a reduction in host litterfall and an increase in bird‐derived debris. All these effects gave rise to enriched hotspots able to support larger and more functionally even soil microbial communities beneath parasitized hosts, the effects of which were accentuated after host death.

We conclude that mistletoe, together with the biotic interactions it mediates, plays a key role in intensifying soil resource availability, regulating the functional evenness, abundance, and spatial distribution of soil microbial communities.
Improved Phytophthora resistance in commercial chickpea (Cicer arietinum) varieties negatively impacts symbiotic gene signalling and symbiotic potential in some varieties
Authors: Plett Jonathan M. , Plett Krista L. , Bithell Sean L. , Mitchell Chris , Moore Kevin , Powell Jeff R. , Anderson Ian C.
Published: April 2016

Breeding disease‐resistant varieties is one of the most effective and economical means to combat soilborne diseases in pulse crops. Commonalities between pathogenic and mutualistic microbe colonization strategies, however, raises the concern that reduced susceptibility to pathogens may simultaneously reduce colonization by beneficial microbes. We investigate here the degree of overlap in the transcriptional response of the Phytophthora medicaginis susceptible chickpea variety ‘Sonali’ to the early colonization stages of either Phytophthora, rhizobial bacteria or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. From a total of 6476 genes differentially expressed in Sonali roots during colonization by any of the microbes tested, 10.2% were regulated in a similar manner regardless of whether it was the pathogenic oomycete or a mutualistic microbe colonizing the roots. Of these genes, 49.7% were oppositely regulated under the same conditions in the moderately Phytophthora resistant chickpea variety ‘PBA HatTrick’. Chickpea varieties with improved resistance to Phytophthora also displayed lower colonization by rhizobial bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi leading to an increased reliance on N and P from soil. Together, our results suggest that marker‐based breeding in crops such as chickpea should be further investigated such that plant disease resistance can be tailored to a specific pathogen without affecting mutualistic plant:microbe interactions.
Using Omaha System Documentation to Understand Physical Activity among Rural Women
Authors: Olsen Jeanette M. , Thorson Diane , Baisch Mary Jo , Monsen Karen A.
Published: April 2016

Objective(s)

Examine factors related to physical activity among rural women using Omaha System data.

Design and Sample

Mixed methods: quantitative analysis of de‐identified clinical data and thematic analysis of public health nurse (PHN) focus group data.

Rural women who received PHN services (N = 852) and purposively selected PHNs (N = 12).

Measures

Omaha System problems; signs/symptoms; knowledge, behavior, and status ratings; demographics.

Results

Physical activity behavior among rural women was inconsistently appropriate (M = 3.27). Age, body mass index, physiological, psychosocial, and environmental domain problems, and physical activity knowledge explained 33.2% of physical activity behavior variance. Almost all women for whom specific problems were documented had insufficient physical activity. This included physiological problems of cognition and pregnancy; psychosocial problems of abuse, caretaking/parenting, mental health, and interpersonal relationship; and environmental problems of neighborhood/workplace safety and income. Having problems in two or more domains was significantly associated with insufficient physical activity behavior (p < .001). PHNs validated findings and expressed concerns that client complexity, priorities, and time constraints may affect client assessment and documentation.

Conclusions

PHNs should assess rural women who are not physically active for potentially serious physiological, psychosocial, and environmental problems. Departmental policies requiring assessment of Omaha System data across programs enabled population health measurement and research.
Involvement of a vascular hypersensitive response in quantitative resistance to Ralstonia solanacearum on tomato rootstock cultivar LS‐89
Authors: Nakaho K. , Seo S. , Ookawa K. , Inoue Y. , Ando S. , Kanayama Y. , Miyashita S. , Takahashi H.
Published: April 2016

Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt disease in Solanaceae spp. Expression of the Phytophthora inhibitor protease 1 (PIP1) gene, which encodes a papain‐like extracellular cysteine protease, is induced in R. solanacearum‐inoculated stem tissues of quantitatively resistant tomato cultivar LS‐89, but not in susceptible cultivar Ponderosa. Phytophthora inhibitor protease 1 is closely related to Rcr3, which is required for the Cf‐2‐mediated hypersensitive response (HR) to the leaf mould fungus Cladosporium fulvum and manifestation of HR cell death. However, up‐regulation of PIP1 in R. solanacearum‐inoculated LS‐89 stems was not accompanied by visible HR cell death. Nevertheless, upon electron microscopic examination of inoculated stem tissues of resistant cultivar LS‐89, several aggregated materials associated with HR cell death were observed in xylem parenchyma and pith cells surrounding xylem vessels. In addition, the accumulation of electron‐dense substances was observed within the xylem vessel lumen of inoculated stems. Moreover, when the leaves of LS‐89 or Ponderosa were infiltrated with 106 cells mL−1 R. solanacearum, cell death appeared in LS‐89 at 18 and 24 h after infiltration. The proliferation of bacteria in the infiltrated leaf tissues of LS‐89 was suppressed to approximately 10–30% of that in Ponderosa, and expression of the defence‐related gene PR‐2 and HR marker gene hsr203J was induced in the infiltrated tissues. These results indicated that the response of LS‐89 is a true HR, and induction of vascular HR in xylem parenchyma and pith cells surrounding xylem vessels seems to be associated with quantitative resistance of LS‐89 to R. solanacearum.
Overcoming physiological dormancy in seeds of Triodia (Poaceae) to improve restoration in the arid zone
Authors: Erickson Todd E. , Shackelford Nancy , Dixon Kingsley W. , Turner Shane R. , Merritt David J.
Published: April 2016

Reinstating dominant Triodia grassland communities following disturbance has been a focus of arid land restoration practitioners for decades in Australia. Yet, seed quality and variable seed germination have seriously hindered the reestablishment potential of Triodia species to date. This study set out to examine diaspore quality, germination requirements, and seed dormancy in seven Triodia species to identify first, then resolve, germination impediments. Freshly collected florets from all species were cleaned to ensure that each floret contained a viable seed and then evaluated for their initial germination capacity. Very low germination from florets (<10%) indicated the presence of physiological seed dormancy (PD) in all species. However, germination was significantly improved (up to 57%) with the use of 0.67 µm karrikinolide (KAR1), and to a lesser degree with 289 µm gibberellic acid (GA3). When the covering floret structures (i.e. lemma and palea) were removed, germination increased up to 59%, which was further enhanced after exposure to GA3 (up to 66%) and KAR1 (up to 92%). Optimal germination temperatures varied from 20 to 35°C and were species specific. Dry after‐ripening (DAR −30°C and 50% relative humidity [RH]) of florets and seeds promoted the progressive loss of PD over 12–24 months storage for most species. Germination, dormancy level, and response to incubation temperature differed amongst species, experimental units (florets and seeds), DAR treatments, and after exposure to germination stimulants (GA3 and KAR1). For use in restoration seeding programs, careful consideration of seed pre‐treatments is necessary to improve germination in Triodia species.
Overcoming the oral aspects of ­self‐mutilation: description of a method
Authors: Shapira Joseph , Birenboim Ravit , Shoshani Michael , Abdel‐Kader Arin , Behar Ofra , Moskovitz Moti , Ben‐Attar Yaniv , Chaushu Stella , Becker Adrian
Published: April 2016

Background/Aim

Self‐injurious behavior (SIB) is a serious and chronic condition frequently seen in special needs populations, affecting 10% to 17% of individuals diagnosed with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. A 2.5‐year‐old infant with SIB, whose presenting symptoms were severe tongue and lip lacerations accompanied by much hemorrhage, is presented here to illustrate the problem and to show how this may be prevented.

Materials and Methods

An appliance is described which effectively limits the damage caused by SIB and permits rapid healing of existing injuries.

Results

The method provides for a stable, retentive, and comfortable device on the infant's undererupted and largely nonretentive crowns of the deciduous teeth as well as for all permanent teeth in children, adolescents, and adults.

Conclusions

The appliance has been successfully employed for the past 10 years in patients with SIB who have attended for treatment in the Special Needs Clinic in our Department.
Temporal and bathymetric resolution of nautiloid death assemblages in stratigraphically condensed oozes (New Caledonia)
Authors: Tomašových Adam , Schlögl Ján , Kaufman Darrell S. , Hudáčková Natália
Published: April 2016

Cephalopod shells can be affected by postmortem transport and biostratigraphic condensation, but direct estimates of the temporal and spatial resolutions of cephalopod assemblages are missing. Amino acid racemisation calibrated by 14C demonstrates a centennial‐scale time averaging (<500 years) of Nautilus macromphalus in sediment‐starved, epi‐ and mesobathyal pelagic environments. The few shells that are thousands of years old are highly degraded. The median occurrence of dead shells is at 445 m depth, close to the 300–400 m depth where living N. macromphalus are most abundant. Therefore, dead shells of this species accumulate at a centennial temporal resolution and with excellent bathymetric fidelity. Dead Nautilus shells exist for only a few hundred years on the seafloor, in contrast to the biostratigraphically condensed mixture of extant foraminifers and foraminifers that went extinct during the Pleistocene. Cephalopod shells that do not show any signs of early diagenetic cementation are unlikely to be biostratigraphically condensed.
Mur (MNS 10) screening with a novel loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay in Zhongshan, China
Authors: Wei S.S. , Sun A.N. , Ding S.H. , Meng Q.L. , Wang H.M. , Duan S.B. , Tian J.J. , Chen Y.Z. , Liu X.M. , Li Y. , Liao Y.T.
Published: April 2016

Background

The distribution of the Mur blood group antigen is 5–7% in the south of China, and a much higher prevalence is observed in some areas of the region. Anti‐Mur can cause hemolytic disease of the newborn and severe transfusion reactions.

Objectives

Genetic testing is more ideal than conventional serological tests because antibodies for detection are usually not available.

Methods

In this study, a novel loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the detection of Mur blood group antigen was established.

Results

Fifteen of 275 (5·5%) samples were confirmed by LAMP as Mur antigen positive. All the Mur antigen‐positive samples were GP.Mur subtype which was confirmed with sequencing.

Conclusion

The LAMP method has identical results with conventional serology method but more suitable for large‐scale screening.
Gender and age disparities in adult undernutrition in northern Uganda: high‐risk groups not targeted by food aid programmes
Authors: Schramm Stine , Kaducu Felix Ocaka , Smedemark Siri Aas , Ovuga Emilio , Sodemann Morten
Published: April 2016

Objective

To determine the prevalence of adult malnutrition and associated risk factors in a post‐conflict area of northern Uganda.

Methods

A cross‐sectional community survey was performed from September 2011 to June 2013. All registered residents in Gulu Health and Demographic Surveillance System aged 15 years and older were considered eligible. Trained field assistants collected anthropometric measurements (weight and height) and administered questionnaires with information on sociodemographic characteristics, food security, smoking and alcohol. Nutritional status was classified by body mass index.

Results

In total, 2062 men and 2924 women participated and were included in the analyses. The prevalence of underweight was 22.3% for men and 16.0% for women, whereas the prevalence of overweight was 1.5% for men and 7.6% for women. In men, underweight was associated with younger (15–19 years) and older age (>55 years) (P< 0.001), being divorced/separated [odds ratio (OR) = 1.91 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–2.99] and smoking (OR= 2.13, 95%CI: 1.67–2.73). For women, underweight was associated with older age (P< 0.001) and hungry‐gap rainy season (May–July) (OR= 1.33, 95%CI: 1.04–1.69). Widowed or divorced/separated women were not more likely to be underweight. No association was found between education, alcohol consumption or food security score and underweight.

Conclusions

Our findings are not in line with the conventional target groups in nutritional programmes and highlight the importance of continuous health and nutritional assessments of all population groups that reflect local social determinants and family structures.
The state of the science of whole blood: lessons learned at Mayo Clinic
Authors: Stubbs James R. , Zielinski Martin D. , Jenkins Donald
Published: April 2016

AABB Standards specify that ABO group‐specific whole blood is the only acceptable choice for whole blood transfusions. Although universal donor group O stored whole blood (SWB) was used extensively by the military during the wars of the mid‐twentieth century, its use has fallen out of favor and has never been used to great extent in the civilian trauma population. Interest in the use of whole blood has been renewed, particularly in light of its potential value in far‐forward military and other austere environments. Evidence of preserved platelet function in SWB has heightened enthusiasm for a “one stop shop” resuscitation product providing volume, oxygen carrying capacity, and hemostatic effects. Experience with universal donor group O SWB is required to ascertain whether its use will be an advance in trauma care. Described here is the process of establishing a universal donor group O SWB at a civilian trauma center in the United States.