bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of false‐negative and false‐positive diagnoses of lymph node metastases in non‐small cell lung cancer patients staged by integrated 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography/computed tomography: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kaseda Kaoru , Watanabe Ken‐ichi , Asakura Keisuke , Kazama Akio , Ozawa Yukihiko
Published: May 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of integrated 18
F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) in hilar and mediastinal lymph node (HMLN) staging of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to investigate potential risk factors for false‐negative and false‐positive HMLN metastases.

Methods

We examined the data of 388 surgically resected NSCLC patients preoperatively staged by integrated FDG‐PET/CT. Risk factors for false‐negative and false‐positive HMLN metastases were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses of clinicopathological factors.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of integrated FDG‐PET/CT in detecting HMLN metastases were 47.4%, 91.0%, 56.3%, 87.7%, and 82.5%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the tumor (P = 0.042), adenocarcinoma (P = 0.003), and tumor size (P = 0.017) were risk factors for false‐negative HMLN metastases, and history of lung disease (P = 0.006) and tumor location (central; P = 0.025) were risk factors for false‐positive HMLN metastases.

Conclusions

The present study identified risk factors for false‐negative and false‐positive HMLN metastases in NSCLC patients staged by preoperative integrated FDG‐PET/CT. These findings would be helpful in selecting appropriate candidates for mediastinoscopy or endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration.
The Worsening Profile of Alcoholic Hepatitis in the United States
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet A. , DeShazo Jonathan P. , Thacker Leroy R. , Puri Puneet , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: May 2016

Background

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a major cause of liver‐related hospitalization. The profile, treatment patterns, and outcomes of subjects admitted for AH in routine clinical practice are unknown. Also, it is not known whether these are changing over time. This study is thus aimed to identify temporal trends in hospitalization rates, clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes of subjects admitted for AH in a routine clinical setting.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of adults admitted for AH from 2000 to 2011 was performed using an anonymized EMR database of patient‐level data from 169 U.S. medical centers.

Results

(i) Epidemiology: The proportion of baby boomers admitted for AH increased from 2000 to 2011 (26 to 31%, p < 0.0001). (ii) Clinical: The median Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score increased over time from 12 to 14 (p = 0.0014) driven mainly by increased international normalized ratio (1.2 to 1.4, p < 0.0001). The median Charlson Comorbidity Index increased from 0 to 1 (p < 0.0001) with increased diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart disease. (iii) Complications: The following increased from 2001 to 2011: Gastrointestinal bleed—7 to 10% (p = 0.03); hepatic encephalopathy—7 to 13% (p < 0.0001); hepatorenal syndrome—1.8 to 2.8% (p = 0.0003); sepsis—0 to 6% (p < 0.0001); and pancreatitis—11 to 16% (p = 0.0061). (iv) Treatment patterns and mortality: Eight to 9% of subjects received steroids while pentoxifylline use increased to 2.2%. In those with MELD ≥ 22, mortality remained between 19 and 20% and only steroids modestly improved survival in this subset.

Conclusions

Severe AH continues to have a high mortality. The severity and comorbidities and complications associated with AH have worsened. Drug therapy remains suboptimal.
Integrating MI into services: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Rollnick Stephen , Gobat Nina
Published: May 2016

Commentary to: After 30 years of dissemination, have we achieved sustained practice change in motivational interviewing?
Evaluation of tree mortality and parasitoid recoveries on the contiguous western invasion front of emerald ash borer
Authors: Johnson Todd D. , Lelito Jonathan P. , Pfammatter Jesse A. , Raffa Kenneth F.
Published: May 2016

A recent invader to North America, emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Buprestidae), is expanding its western range into new habitats. We examined how site factors affect the emergence and damage caused by this beetle on the western edge of its contiguous population in eastern Wisconsin, U.S.A. We characterized forest structure and quantified signs and symptoms of A. planipennis from 2010 to 2013.

We evaluated the potential for establishment of three host‐specific parasitic Hymenoptera, released as biological control agents of A. planipennis. During June to September 2011, we conducted releases of 1500 Oobius agrili Zhang and Huang (Encyrtidae), 1900 Spathius agrili Yang (Braconidae) and 2700 Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang (Eulophidae) at the same location.

Signs and symptoms of A. planipennis increased in abundance during the present study. Emergence of A. planipennis was greater in larger diameter trees and in subplots with more ash trees. More epicormic shoots were on the upper halves of trees in subplots with a higher percentage of ash. Fraxinus nigra exhibited a higher incidence of ruptured bark than Fraxinus pennsylvanica.

In January 2013, we felled four infested ash trees and censused insect emergence from the entire trees. We recovered 441 A. planipennis, 41 T. planipennisi and no other released parasitoids.

These results suggest that, of these three parasitoids, T. planipennisi has the highest likelihood of contributing to biological control in Wisconsin, although ash mortality will proceed rapidly and likely supersede the effects of the parasitoids. The best opportunity for introduced parasitoids to benefit Wisconsin may arise in post‐outbreak, recovering forests.
The Efficacy and Safety of Cyclosporin A in Pregnant Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Reggia Rossella , Bazzani Chiara , Andreoli Laura , Motta Mario , Lojacono Andrea , Zatti Sonia , Ramazzotto Francesca , Nuzzo Monica , Tincani Angela
Published: May 2016

Problem

Cyclosporin A (CYS A) is an immunosuppressant agent administered in autoimmune diseases, and its use during pregnancy and lactation is a debated topic.

Method of study

The demographic characteristics, the activity of the underlying disease, and the onset of fetal–maternal complications have been investigated in 21 consecutive patients (2 RA, 14 SLE, 2 PA, 1 SjS, 1 DM, 1 Churg–Strauss vasculitis), treated with CYS A throughout 29 gestations. A subanalysis of the SLE group was performed.

Results

We recorded a live birth rate of 86.2%. The median gestational age at birth was 38.2 weeks. The prevalence of maternal–fetal complications showed no differences with general population. Disease flares appeared in 4% of patients during gestation and in 12% during puerperium.

Conclusion

We found no evidence justifying the suspension of CYS A when a pregnancy occurs. The drug does not appear to promote maternal–fetal complications and should be continued in patients who benefit from therapy. Data regarding breast‐feeding during therapy are still scarce, but no evidence of toxicity has emerged.
Hidden Markov Latent Variable Models with Multivariate Longitudinal Data
Authors: Song Xinyuan , Xia Yemao , Zhu Hongtu
Published: May 2016

Cocaine addiction is chronic and persistent, and has become a major social and health problem in many countries. Existing studies have shown that cocaine addicts often undergo episodic periods of addiction to, moderate dependence on, or swearing off cocaine. Given its reversible feature, cocaine use can be formulated as a stochastic process that transits from one state to another, while the impacts of various factors, such as treatment received and individuals’ psychological problems on cocaine use, may vary across states. This article develops a hidden Markov latent variable model to study multivariate longitudinal data concerning cocaine use from a California Civil Addict Program. The proposed model generalizes conventional latent variable models to allow bidirectional transition between cocaine-addiction states and conventional hidden Markov models to allow latent variables and their dynamic interrelationship. We develop a maximum-likelihood approach, along with a Monte Carlo expectation conditional maximization (MCECM) algorithm, to conduct parameter estimation. The asymptotic properties of the parameter estimates and statistics for testing the heterogeneity of model parameters are investigated. The finite sample performance of the proposed methodology is demonstrated by simulation studies. The application to cocaine use study provides insights into the prevention of cocaine use.
Prenatal exposure to dental amalgam and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Lygre Gunvor Bentung , Haug Kjell , Skjærven Rolv , Björkman Lars
Published: May 2016

Objective

Questions have been raised about potential risks of prenatal exposure to mercury from amalgam fillings during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess possible associations between exposure to amalgam fillings in pregnant women participating in a large cohort study and adverse pregnancy outcome.

Methods

In the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), a valid information about the number of teeth with amalgam fillings and dental treatment, including new amalgam fillings placed or removed during pregnancy, was available from 69 474 pregnancies. The information was obtained from two questionnaires sent to the women at 17 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, and the data were linked to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) as a measure of association between pregnancy outcome and prenatal exposure to amalgam fillings.

Results

Logistic regression models, including mothers′ age, education,BMI, parity, smoking during pregnancy, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy revealed no significant associations between the number of teeth with amalgam fillings and early preterm delivery, late preterm delivery, low birthweight, malformation or stillbirth.

Conclusions

We found no evidence for serious perinatal consequences of maternal exposure to amalgam fillings during pregnancy.
Occupational radiation procedures and doses in South Korean dentists
Authors: Kim Yoon‐Ji , Cha Eun Shil , Lee Won Jin
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Dentistry is among the occupations involving chronic exposure to ionizing radiation. Although several cohort studies on medical radiation workers have been conducted in some countries, only a few epidemiological studies on dentists have been performed to examine occupational radiation exposure worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate occupational characteristics and radiation exposures in South Korean dentists.

Methods

A total of 658 dentists were surveyed from April 2012 to May 2013, and survey data were linked with dosimetry data from the National Dose Registry. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the relationship between demographic or occupational factors and individual radiation doses.

Results

Of the dentists sampled, 78% were men, 51% were younger than age 40, and 61% began employment after 2000. The most frequent procedures performed by dentists were panoramic radiography, followed by intraoral and portable dental radiography. Male dentists were more frequently involved in radiation procedures, and a higher proportion of male than female dentists wore a lead apron for diagnostic radiology. The average annual effective dose was 0.18 mSv for male and 0.13 mSv for female dentists. Female dentists working in provincial areas had significantly higher average annual and cumulative effective doses than those in metropolitan areas. The cumulative effective doses were significantly greater for older dentists, those who entered the field in the 1990s, and those with longer employment duration.

Conclusions

Our findings provided detailed information on work practices, number of procedures performed on a weekly basis, and occupational radiation doses, which enabled in‐depth evaluation of occupational radiation exposure and work status among dentists.
Consequences of ‘tiger’ parenting: a cross‐cultural study of maternal psychological control and children's cortisol stress response
Authors: Doan Stacey N. , Tardif Twila , Miller Alison , Olson Sheryl , Kessler Daniel , Felt Barbara , Wang Li
Published: May 2016

Parenting strategies involving psychological control are associated with increased adjustment problems in children. However, no research has examined the extent to which culture and psychological control predict children's stress physiology. We examine cultural differences in maternal psychological control and its associations with children's cortisol. Chinese (N = 59) and American (N = 45) mother‐child dyads participated in the study. Mothers reported on psychological control. Children's cortisol was collected during a stressor and two indices of Area Under the Curve (AUC) were computed: AUCg which accounts for total output, and AUCi, which captures reactivity. Results indicate that Chinese mothers reported higher levels of psychological control and Chinese children had higher levels of AUCg than their American counterparts. Across both cultures, psychological control was significantly associated with increased cortisol levels as indexed by AUCg. There were no associations for AUCi. Finally, mediation analyses demonstrated that psychological control fully explained cultural differences in children's cortisol stress response as indexed by AUCg.
Aid, Catastrophes and the Samaritan's Dilemma
Authors: Raschky Paul A. , Schwindt Manijeh
Published: May 2016

This paper analyses the impact of past foreign aid on the recipient country's preparedness against natural disasters. We estimate the impact of past foreign aid on the occurrence of natural disasters and the death toll from disasters using data from 5089 major natural disasters in 81 developing countries between 1979 and 2012. The results suggest that past foreign aid flows crowd out the recipient's incentives to provide protective measures that decrease the likelihood and the societal impact of a disaster. The crowding‐out effect appears to be stronger in developing countries that are relatively poorer and have weaker political institutions.
Evaluation of P‐Wave Dispersion, Diastolic Function, and Atrial Electromechanical Conduction in Pediatric Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Irdem Ahmet , Aydın Sahin Derya , Kervancioglu Mehmet , Baspinar Osman , Sucu Murat , Keskin Mehmet , Kilinc Metin
Published: May 2016

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate ventricular diastolic dysfunction, inter‐ and intraatrial conduction delay, and P‐wave dispersion in pediatric patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

Methods

The study comprised a total of 30 pediatric patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) (mean age 7.8 ± 3.2 years) and 30 healthy children (mean age 8.4 ± 3.6 years) as the control group. A SH diagnosis was made in the event of increased serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and decreased serum free triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (T4) concentrations.

Results

Conventional Doppler imaging (TDI) showed low mitral early diastolic E‐wave velocity and E/A ratio (P < 0.001) and significantly higher mitral late diastolic A‐wave velocity (P = 0.001) in hypothyroidism patients. Moreover, patients with hypothyroidism had significantly lower left ventricular (LV) septal Em velocity and Em/Am ratios compared with the control group (P < 0.001), whereas Am velocity was higher in hypothyroidism patients (P = 0.018). LV lateral Em velocity and Em/Am ratio were significantly lower in patients with hypothyroidism compared with the control group (P < 0.001). With regard to atrial electromechanical conduction, atrial electromechanical delay (PA) lateral, PA septum, PA tricuspid, and each of interatrial and intraatrial conduction delay were significantly prolonged in hypothyroidism patients as compared with the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.023, P = 0.002, and P = 0.003, respectively). P‐wave dispersion was significantly different in the pediatric patients with hypothyroidism (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated atrial electromechanical conduction delay, abnormal P‐wave dispersion, and ventricle diastolic dysfunction in pediatric patients with hypothyroidism.
Insight into the molecular pathophysiology of myelodysplastic syndromes: targets for novel therapy
Authors: Zahid Mohammad Faizan , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Gangat Naseema , Hashmi Shahrukh K. , Rizzieri David A.
Published: May 2016

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by abnormal cellular differentiation and maturation with variable progression to acute leukemia. Over the last decade, scientific discoveries have unraveled specific pathways involved in the complex pathophysiology of MDS. Prominent examples include aberrations in cytokines and their signaling pathways (such as tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interferon‐gamma, SMAD proteins), mutations in genes encoding the RNA splicing machinery (SF3B1, SRSF2, ZRSR2, and U2AF1 genes), mutations in genes disrupting the epigenetic machinery (TET2, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, EZH2, ASXL1). In addition, abnormalities in regulatory T‐cell dynamics and atypical interactions between the bone marrow microenvironment, stroma and progenitor cells, and abnormal maintenance of telomeres are also notable contributors to the complex pathogenesis of MDS. These pathways represent potential targets for novel therapies. Specific therapies include drugs targeting aberrant DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling, modulating/activating the immune system to enhance tumor‐specific cellular immune responses and reduce anomalous cytokine signaling, and blocking abnormal interaction between hematopoietic progenitors and stromal cells.
When it rains, it pours: Peripartum cardiomyopathy with features of left‐ventricular noncompaction in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Antlanger Marlies , Kammerlander Andreas A. , Ullrich Robert , Haidinger Michael , Bonderman Diana , Mascherbauer Julia , Säemann Marcus D.
Published: May 2016

Pregnancy and associated pre‐eclampsia carry a high maternal risk in hemodialysis patients, yet no guidelines on how to monitor these patients' cardiovascular function exist. A 34‐year‐old hemodialysis patient presented with peripartum cardiomyopathy after a late second trimester miscarriage. On cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostic features of left ventricular noncompaction were apparent. Yet, histological and gene panel analyses remained negative. Upon stringent dry weight control and pharmacological heart failure therapy, the pathological changes showed complete regression. As pregnant hemodialysis patients have an excessively increased risk for pre‐eclampsia‐related cardiac disease, thorough screening appears valuable in these patients.
On the topology of the set of critical equilibria
Authors: Loi Andrea , Matta Stefano
Published: May 2016

In this study, we explore the connection between the dimension of a pure exchange smooth economy and the topology of the set of the critical equilibria. In particular, using the dual framework developed by Balasko, we show that the set of regular equilibria is path connected if two consumers (goods) and at least four goods (consumers) exist, or if the sum of the number of goods and consumers is even. This result depends mainly on the fact that a real projective space of dimension n, , which is embedded in , does not disconnect unless .
Establishment of a new cell line from the snout tissue of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus, and its application in virus susceptibility
Authors: Yu Y. , Wei S. , Wang Z. , Huang X. , Huang Y. , Cai J. , Li C. , Qin Q.
Published: May 2016

A new marine‐fish cell line, designated GPS, was established from the snout tissue of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus. GPS cells multiplied well in Leibovitz's L‐15 containing 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS) at 28° C and the cells have been subcultured for >60 passages. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of 16S ribosomal (r)RNA confirmed the origin of this cell line from T. ovatus. Chromosome analysis showed that GPS cells exhibited chromosomal aneuploidy with a modal chromosome number of 54. Bright green fluorescence signal was observed in enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐N3 transfected cells, indicating that GPS cells could be used to investigate gene functions in vitro. The GPS cells were highly susceptible to Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), which was demonstrated by the presence of severe cytopathic effect (CPE) and increased viral titres. Real‐time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the viral gene transcription and protein synthesis occurred during SGIV infection in GPS cells. Thus, this study described the characteristic of a new cell line from the snout tissue of T. ovatus that could be used as a tool for propagation of iridovirus and genetic manipulation to investigate host‐pathogen interactions.
Multiscale imaging and characterization of the effect of mixing temperature on asphalt concrete containing recycled components
Authors: CAVALLI M.C. , GRIFFA M. , BRESSI S. , PARTL M.N. , TEBALDI G. , POULIKAKOS L.D.
Published: May 2016

When producing asphalt concrete mixture with high amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), the mixing temperature plays a significant role in the resulting spatial distribution of the components as well as on the quality of the resulting mixture, in terms of workability during mixing and compaction as well as in service mechanical properties. Asphalt concrete containing 50% RAP was investigated at mixing temperatures of 140, 160 and 180°C, using a multiscale approach. At the microscale, using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy the RAP binder film thickness was visualized and measured. It was shown that at higher mixing temperatures this film thickness was reduced. The reduction in film thickness can be attributed to the loss of volatiles as well as the mixing of RAP binder with virgin binder at higher temperatures. X‐ray computer tomography was used to characterize statistically the distribution of the RAP and virgin aggregates geometric features: volume, width and shape anisotropy. In addition using X‐ray computer tomography, the packing and spatial distribution of the RAP and virgin aggregates was characterized using the nearest neighbour metric. It was shown that mixing temperature may have a positive effect on the spatial distribution of the aggregates but did not affect the packing. The study shows a tendency for the RAP aggregates to be more likely distributed in clusters at lower mixing temperatures. At higher temperatures, they were more homogeneously distributed. This indicates a higher degree of blending both at microscale (binder film) and macroscale (spatial distribution) between RAP and virgin aggregates as a result of increasing mixing temperatures and the ability to quantify this using various imaging techniques.
Virtual plaster cast: digital 3D modelling of lion paws and tracks using close‐range photogrammetry
Authors: Marchal A. F. J. , Lejeune P. , de Bruyn P. J. N.
Published: May 2016

The ecological monitoring of threatened species is vital for their survival as it provides the baselines for conservation, research and management strategies. Wildlife studies using tracks are controversial mainly due to unreliable recording techniques limited to two‐dimensions (2D). We assess close‐range photogrammetry as a low‐cost, rapid, practical and reliable field technique for the digital three‐dimensional (3D) modelling of lion Panthera leo paws and tracks. First, we tested three reconstruction parameters affecting the 3D model quality. We then compared direct measurements on the paws and tracks versus the same measurements on their digital 3D models. Finally, we assessed the minimum number of photographs required for the 3D reconstruction. Masking, auto‐calibration and optimization provided higher reconstruction quality. Paws masked semi‐automatically and tracks masked manually were characterized by a geometric deviation of 0.23 ± 0.18 cm and 0.50 ± 0.33 cm respectively. Unmasked tracks delineated by means of the contour lines had a geometric deviation of −0.06 ± 0.39 cm. The use of a correction factor reduced the geometric deviation to −0.03 ± 0.20 cm (pad‐masked paws), −0.04 ± 0.35 cm (pad‐masked tracks) and −0.01 ± 0.39 cm (unmasked tracks). Based on the predicted error, the minimum number of photographs required for an accurate reconstruction is seven (paws) or eight (tracks) photographs. This field technique, using only a digital camera and a ruler, takes less than one minute to sample a paw or track. The introduction of the 3D facet provides more realistic replications of paws and tracks that will enable a better understanding of their intrinsic properties and variation due to external factors. This advanced recording technique will permit a refinement of the current methods aiming at identifying species, age, sex and individual from tracks.
Order and control in the environment: Exploring the effects on undesired behaviour and the importance of locus of control
Authors: Jansen Anja M. , Giebels Ellen , van Rompay Thomas J. L. , Austrup Sebastian , Junger Marianne
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This study aimed at gaining more insight into the combined influence of environmental factors and personal vulnerability to environmental cues on cheating behaviour in a task‐related indoor setting. We propose that a disorderly environment increases cheating as it implicitly signals that undesirable behaviours are common. Camera presence is expected to buffer these effects. We included locus of control (LOC) as a personality variable, as we expected individuals with an external LOC to be more susceptible by environmental cues.

Methods

Seventy‐six students participated in a 2 (orderly vs. disorderly environment) × 2 (camera vs. no camera present) experiment with cheating as the main dependent variable. We established the individual participant's LOC (Rotter, 1966, Psychol. Monogr., 80, 1) in a separate session.

Results

Findings did indeed show that individuals with an external LOC cheated more in a disorderly rather than an orderly environment. We also found an interaction effect with LOC suggesting this effect was particularly present for participants having an external rather than internal LOC. Camera presence did not yield significant main or interaction effects.

Conclusion

These findings confirm the importance of environmental design for behaviour regulation as well as the moderating influence of personality makeup.
Beyond clines: lineages and haplotype blocks in hybrid zones
Authors: Sedghifar Alisa , Brandvain Yaniv , Ralph Peter
Published: May 2016

Hybrid zones formed between recently diverged populations offer an opportunity to study the mechanisms underlying reproductive isolation and the process of speciation. Here, we use a combination of analytical theory and explicit forward simulations to describe how selection against hybrid genotypes impacts patterns of introgression across genomic and geographic space. By describing how lineages move across the hybrid zone, in a model without coalescence, we add to modern understanding of how clines form and how parental haplotypes are broken up during introgression. Working with lineages makes it easy to see that clines form in about 1/sgenerations, wheresis the strength of selection against hybrids, and linked clines persist over a genomic scale of 1/T, whereTis the age, in generations, of the hybrid zone. Locally disadvantageous alleles tend to exist as small families, whose lineages trace back to the side from which they originated at speeddispersal distances per generation. The lengths of continuous tracts of ancestry provide an additional source of information: blocks of ancestry surrounding incompatibilities can be substantially longer than the genomewide average block length at the same spatial location, an observation that might be used to identify candidate targets of selection.
Intracerebral hemorrhage due to cerebral amyloid angiopathy after head injury: Report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Pittella José E. H. , da Silva Gusmão Sebastião N.
Published: May 2016

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is an important cause of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage in the elderly. A few case reports of CAA‐related intracerebral hemorrhage after head injury, usually following a fall, have been published. More rarely, it may occur in the setting of a traffic accident, with only four cases having been reported. We describe a case of CAA‐related intracerebral hemorrhage in an 88‐year‐old man injured in a road traffic accident. The patient died 14 h after the accident. Autopsy examination revealed a left frontoparietal hematoma and CAA of most of the small leptomeningeal and cortical arteries, as well as several capillaries, predominantly in the parietal and occipital lobes. Except for bruises in the frontal and zygomatic regions, elbow and forearm, to the left, there were no skull fractures or traumatic lesions in other parts of the body. We review the literature on CAA‐related intracerebral hemorrhage associated with head injury. CAA‐related intracerebral hemorrhage after head injury may occur due to a minor trauma, minor and severe falls, or in the setting of a traffic accident. However, even in this last condition, it seems to happen mostly in patients who had a mild to moderate head injury. These facts show that replacement of the contractile components of the arterial tunica media by amyloid renders the affected cerebral blood vessels more vulnerable to head injury associated with acceleration and deceleration, independently of the severity of the dynamic loading acting on the head.
Leaf water oxygen isotope measurement by direct equilibration
Authors: Song Xin , Barbour Margaret M.
Published: May 2016

The oxygen isotope composition of leaf water imparts a signal to a range of molecules in the atmosphere and biosphere, but has been notoriously difficult to measure in studies requiring a large number of samples as a consequence of the labour‐intensive extraction step.

We tested a method of direct equilibration of water in fresh leaf samples with CO2, and subsequent oxygen isotope analysis on an optical spectrometer.

The oxygen isotope composition of leaf water measured by the direct equilibration technique was strongly linearly related to that of cryogenically extracted leaf water in paired samples for a wide range of species with differing anatomy, with an R2 of 0.95.

The somewhat more enriched values produced by the direct equilibration method may reflect lack of full equilibration with unenriched water in the vascular bundles, but the strong relationship across a wide range of species suggests that this difference can be adequately corrected for using a simple linear relationship.
The relationship between dioptric power and magnification in progressive addition lenses
Authors: Barbero Sergio , Portilla Javier
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Non‐uniform magnification (distortion) and dioptric blur are two major undesired optical defects affecting vision when looking through progressive addition lenses (PALs) and studying them is potentially very valuable for PAL design. The major purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between dioptric power and magnification and, additionally, to evaluate the expected values of distortion and dioptric blur typically present in PALs. This has not been carefully and rigorously analysed to date.

Methods

We computed the local dioptric and magnification matrices (using a two‐ray differential method) for different gaze directions in an archetypical model of a PAL. We used four different maps: scalar magnification and anamorphic distortion, to describe magnification, and mean power and astigmatism, to describe dioptric power.

Results

There is a good correlation between scalar magnification and mean power on the one hand, and anamorphic distortion and astigmatism on the other hand. Changes of 1 D in mean power are associated with variations in scalar magnification of around 3%. Also, 3% of anamorphic distortion is associated with increasing astigmatism up to 1 D. The directions of maximal power and maximal magnification are quite similar, though not equal (differences up to ± 1.5°). These directions strongly change from close to isotropic at the intermediate corridor to around 45° of oblique inclination for a few degrees of horizontal eye rotation. In typical PALs the level of distortion, which is unavoidably present when dioptric blurring appears, is small for usable vision zones (below 1 D of astigmatism).

Conclusion

The combined analysis of dioptric power and magnification in PALs helps to understand their limitations as a visual aid. On the one hand, the potentials of including distortion magnitude as a target in the metric function being optimised in the PAL design are reduced; on the other hand, it seems worthwhile to explore adding the degradation orientation as an additional target.
The effects of altered expression of the Keap1/CncC pathway on the secretion of fluid and salicylate by Malpighian tubules of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kaas Marten , Campos Ana R. , O'Donnell Michael J.
Published: May 2016

The Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway is a major upstream regulator of xenobiotic detoxification. In Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, targeted expression of Keap1 and CncC (the latter the orthologue of human Nrf2) in the Malpighian (renal) tubules is known to confer resistance to lethal doses of the pesticide malathion, which is metabolized into organic anions. Dietary exposure to organic anions such as salicylate (10 mm) causes increases in the fluid secretion rate and salicylate flux across Malpighian tubules. In the present study, salicylate‐selective microelectrodes and Ramsay assays are used to determine the role of Keap1/Nrf2 in regulating these responses. Genetic manipulations designed to increase Nrf2 activity (by knockdown of the repressor Keap1 or overexpression of the Nrf2 coactivator MafS) or to decrease Nrf2 activity (by overexpression of Keap1) are also studied. Although the results of the Keap1 manipulations are inconclusive, there is no increase in the fluid secretion rate or salicylate flux in tubules isolated from flies in which MafS expression is increased.
Effects of Anti‐CD45RB Monoclonal Antibody for T Lymphocyte Subsets in Mice Heart Transplantation Model
Authors: Deng C.‐Y. , Wang X.‐F. , Qi H. , Li F.‐R.
Published: May 2016

Anti‐CD45RB monoclonal antibody (anti‐CD45RBmAb), as a new immune tolerance inducer, may inhibit T cell proliferation and induce immune tolerance through competitive combination with CD45RB on the T cell surface, which blocks the conduction of activation signals. However, how anti‐CD45RBmAb plays its role on T lymphocyte subsets during immunosuppression remains unclear. In this work, we investigate the effects of anti‐CD45RBmAb on CD3+ T lymphocyte both in vitro and in allogeneic heart transplant model in vivo. Interestingly, anti‐CD45RBmAb could inhibit the proliferation of T cells, promote the transformation of T lymphocyte to Treg and Th2 cells, suppress the transformation to Th17 and Th1 cells, increase the number of Ts cells, decrease the number of Tm cells and thus play a role in immune inhibition and induction of immune tolerance.
Informality and Long‐Run Growth
Authors: Docquier Frédéric , Müller Tobias , Naval Joaquín
Published: May 2016

One of the most salient features of developing economies is the existence of a large informal sector. In this paper, we use quantitative theory to study the dynamic implications of informality on wage inequality, human capital accumulation, child labor, and long‐run growth. Our model can generate transitory informality equilibria or informality‐induced poverty traps. Its calibration reveals that the case for the poverty‐trap hypothesis arises: although informality serves to protect low‐skilled workers from extreme poverty in the short run, it prevents income convergence between developed and developing nations in the long run. Then we examine the effectiveness of different development policies to exit the poverty trap. Our numerical experiments show that using means‐tested education subsidies is the most cost‐effective single policy option. However, for longer time horizons, or as the economy gets closer to the poverty trap threshold, combining means‐tested education and wage subsidies is even more effective.
Epistemological Classifiers And Concealed Questions In Acehnese
Authors: Xie Zhiguo
Published: May 2016

There is a morpheme tu ‘know’ in Acehnese (Malayo‐Polynesian) that always needs to combine with so‐called epistemological classifiers specifying conceptual categories of knowledge. On the empirical side, this paper reports first‐hand data involving tu combined with epistemological classifiers. The primary purpose is to demonstrate what epistemological classifiers combine with tu, when tu takes a declarative clause, an overt wh‐clause, or a DP that receives an interrogative reading (“concealed questions”). When tu takes a declarative clause, the epistemological classifier combined with it invariably is peue ‘what.’ When tu takes an overt wh‐clause, the epistemological classifier is either the default peue ‘what’ or the same as the (surface highest) epistemological classifier in the wh‐clause. When tu embeds a concealed question DP, the epistemological classifier is morphologically sensitive to what question the DP is intended to express. The theoretical component of this paper mainly focuses on tu embedding concealed question DPs. I argue that Acehnese concealed questions are best analyzed as wh‐questions in disguise, from which the wh‐word is ellipticized at the PF level. Researchers have previously argued that the question‐in‐disguise analysis of concealed questions does not work for concealed questions in such languages as English and Spanish. Hence, the discussion of concealed questions in Acehnese suggests that the interpretation of concealed questions may show interesting and important crosslinguistic variability.
Myosins, Actin and Autophagy
Authors: Kruppa Antonina J. , Kendrick‐Jones John , Buss Folma
Published: May 2016

Myosin motor proteins working together with the actin cytoskeleton drive a wide range of cellular processes. In this review, we focus on their roles in autophagy – the pathway the cell uses to ensure homeostasis by targeting pathogens, misfolded proteins and damaged organelles for degradation. The actin cytoskeleton regulated by a host of nucleating, anchoring and stabilizing proteins provides the filament network for the delivery of essential membrane vesicles from different cellular compartments to the autophagosome. Actin networks have also been implicated in structurally supporting the expanding phagophore, moving autophagosomes and enabling efficient fusion with the lysosome. Only a few myosins have so far been shown to play a role in autophagy. Non‐muscle myosin IIA functions in the early stages delivering membrane for the initial formation of the autophagosome, whereas myosin IC and myosin VI are involved in the final stages providing specific membranes for autophagosome maturation and its fusion with the lysosome.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FINDINGS IN A CAT WITH SYSTEMIC REACTIVE ANGIOENDOTHELIOMATOSIS
Authors: Schkeeper Amy E. , Narak Jill , Weiss Richard
Published: May 2016

A 10‐year‐old, castrated male domestic short‐haired cat was presented with an acute history of seizures, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and dyspnea. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed multifocal areas of gray matter T2‐weighted hyperintensity. The lesions did not enhance with intravenous contrast. The cat was diagnosed at necropsy with feline systemic reactive angioendotheliomatosis, a rare vascular proliferative disorder for which a treatment has not yet been identified. This report is the first to describe associated magnetic resonance imaging changes for this disease.
Biological control of caterpillar sugarcane (Diatraea saccharalis) considering interval mathematical models
Authors: Campos JosГ© Renato , Assuncao Edvaldo , Silva Geraldo Nunes , Lodwick Weldon
Published: May 2016

Biological control is a sustainable agricultural practice that was introduced to improve crop yields and has been highlighted among the various pest control techniques. However, real mathematical models that describe biological control models can have errors measurements or even are built with lack of information. In these cases, intervals may be feasible to show the lack of information or even measurement errors. So we consider interval mathematical models to represent the biological control problem. Specifically, in the present paper we illustrated the solution of discrete time interval optimal control problem for a practical application of biological control. To solve the problem, we used the single level constrained interval arithmetic [8] and the dynamic programming technique [2], along with the idea proposed in [22] for the solution of interval problem.
Fabrication of Nb/Pb structures through ultrashort pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Gontad Francisco , Lorusso Antonella , Klini Argyro , Broitman Esteban , Perrone Alessio , Fotakis Costas
Published: May 2016

This work reports the fabrication of Nb/Pb structures with an application as photocathode devices. The use of relatively low energy densities for the ablation of Nb with ultrashort pulses favors the reduction of droplets during the growth of the film. However, the use of laser fluences in this ablation regime results in a consequent reduction in the average deposition rate. On the other hand, despite the low deposition rate, the films present a superior adherence to the substrate and an excellent coverage of the irregular substrate surface, avoiding the appearance of voids or discontinuities on the film surface. Moreover, the low energy densities used for the ablation favor the growth of nanocrystalline films with a similar crystalline structure to the bulk material. Therefore, the use of low ablation energy densities with ultrashort pulses for the deposition of the Nb thin films allows the growth of very adherent and nanocrystalline films with adequate properties for the fabrication of Nb/Pb structures to be included in superconducting radiofrequency cavities.
Human embryo research confronts ethical ‘rule’
Authors: Monahan Patrick
Published: May 2016

Time to revise 14-day limit for growing IVF embryos?
Laboratory Diagnosis of Congenital Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Pomares Christelle , Montoya Jose G.
Published: May 2016

Recent studies have demonstrated that screening and treatment for toxoplasmosis during gestation result in a decrease of vertical transmission and clinical sequelae. Early treatment was associated with improved outcomes. Thus, laboratory methods should aim for early identification of infants with congenital toxoplasmosis (CT). Diagnostic approaches should include, at least, detection of
Toxoplasma
IgG, IgM, and IgA and a comprehensive review of maternal history, including the gestational age at which the mother was infected and treatment. Here, we review laboratory methods for the diagnosis of CT, with emphasis on serological tools. A diagnostic algorithm that takes into account maternal history is presented.
Tetraspanin CD151 Promotes Initial Events in Human Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Hochdorfer Daniel , Florin Luise , Sinzger Christian , Lieber Diana
Published: May 2016

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a betaherpesvirus, can cause life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viral envelope glycoproteins that mediate binding to and penetration into target cells have been identified previously. In contrast, cellular proteins supporting HCMV during entry are largely unknown. In order to systematically identify host genes affecting initial steps of HCMV infection, a targeted RNA interference screen of 96 cellular genes was performed in endothelial cells by use of a virus strain expressing the full set of known glycoprotein H and L (gH/gL) complexes. The approach yielded five proviral host factors from different protein families and eight antiviral host factors, mostly growth factor receptors. The tetraspanin CD151 was uncovered as a novel proviral host factor and was analyzed further. Like endothelial cells, fibroblasts were also less susceptible to HCMV infection after CD151 depletion. Virus strains with different sets of gH/gL complexes conferring either broad or narrow cell tropism were equally impaired. Infection of CD151-depleted cells by a fluorescent virus with differentially labeled capsid and envelope proteins revealed a role of CD151 in viral penetration but not in adsorption to the cell. In conclusion, the tetraspanin CD151 has emerged as a novel host factor in HCMV entry and as a putative antiviral target.

IMPORTANCE
At present, the events at the virus-cell interface and the cellular proteins involved during the HCMV entry steps are scarcely understood. In this study, several host factors with putative roles in this process were identified. The tetraspanin CD151 was discovered as a previously unrecognized proviral host factor for HCMV and was found to support viral penetration into the target cells. The findings of this study shed light on the cellular contribution during the initial steps of HCMV infection and open a new direction in HCMV research.