bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial patterns of benthic bacterial communities in a large lake
Authors: Liu Li‐Xiang , Xu Ming , Qiu Shuai , Shen Rui‐Chang
Published: July 2015

To gain insights into the spatial pattern of microbial communities in Poyang Lake, we collected a total of 42 sediment samples from each of the four major parts of the lake in October 2010. We analyzed the spatial patterns of microbial biomass and microbial community composition using the phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) method. The mean total microbial biomass was 2.28 mg PLFA/kg dry weight (wt) ranging from 0.25 to 6.56 mg PLFA/kg dry wt, indicating a high‐spatial variation. The coefficients of variations (CVs) of the bacterial and fungal biomasses were 73 and 80%, respectively. In addition, the CVs of biomasses for the seven bacterial groups ranged from 62 to 92%, which included anaerobic bacteria, Gram‐positive bacteria (G+), Gram‐negative bacteria (G−), aerobic bacteria (AE), actinomycetes (A), sulfate‐reducing bacteria (S), and methane‐oxidizing bacteria. In our study, the ammonium concentrations both in the water and in the sediment were closely correlated to the total microbial biomass and the biomasses of bacterial groups, while the ratios of fungal to bacterial biomass (F/B) and G−/G+ were correlated with ammonium concentration only in the water. In addition, F/B in the lake sediment was significantly correlated with the nitrogen content and the ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen contents in the sediment (C/N). Moreover, the ammonium concentrations in the water and in the sediment, water dissolved organic carbon (DOC), sediment nitrogen content, and sediment organic carbon content were strongly linked to the spatial variation of bacterial community composition. Our results show that the C and N availability in the water and in the sediment are key predictors for microbial biomass and microbial community composition in Poyang Lake.
Cytochrome P450 induction response in tethered spheroids as a three‐dimensional human hepatocyte in vitro model
Authors: Xia Lei , Hong Xin , Sakban Rashidah Binte , Qu Yinghua , Singh Nisha Hari , McMillian Michael , Dallas Shannon , Silva Jose , Sensenhauser Carlo , Zhao Sylvia , Lim Heng Keang , Yu Hanry
Published: July 2015

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) induction is a key risk factor of clinical drug–drug interactions that has to be mitigated in the early phases of drug discovery. Three‐dimensional (3D) cultures of hepatocytes in vitro have recently emerged as a potentially better platform to recapitulate the in vivo liver structure and to maintain long‐term hepatic functions as compared with conventional two‐dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. However, the majority of published studies on 3D hepatocyte models use rat hepatocytes and the response to CYP inducers between rodents and humans is distinct. In the present study, we constructed tethered spheroids on RGD/galactose‐conjugated membranes as an in vitro 3D model using cryopreserved human hepatocytes. CYP3A4 mRNA expression in the tethered spheroids was induced to a significantly greater extent than those in the collagen sandwich cultures, indicating the transcriptional regulation was more sensitive to the CYP inducers in the 3D model. Induction of CYP1A2, CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 activities in the tethered spheroids were comparable to, if not higher than that observed in the collagen sandwich cultures. The membrane‐based model is readily integrated into multi‐well plates for higher‐throughput drug testing applications, which might be an alternative model to screen the CYP induction potential in vitro with more physiological relevance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and in vitroAntimicrobial Activity of Nalidixic Acid Hydrazones
Authors: Popiołek Łukasz , Biernasiuk Anna , Malm Anna
Published: July 2015

A series of nalidixic acid‐based hydrazones have been synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity using the broth microdilution method against a panel of reference strains of microorganisms, including Gram‐positive bacteria, Gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi belonging to yeasts Candida spp. and molds Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Rhizopus spp. Nalidixic acid derivatives were obtained by condensation reaction of nalidixic acid hydrazide with substituted (hetero)aromatic aldehydes. All compounds have been characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. The antimicrobial activity indicated that compound with indole substituent could be a promising lead for future development of active antifungal agents.
Multilevel analysis of elastic morphology: The mantis shrimp's spring
Authors: Rosario M. V. , Patek S. N.
Published: July 2015

Spring systems, whether natural or engineered, are composed of compliant and rigid regions. Biological springs are often similar to monolithic structures that distribute compliance and rigidity across the whole system. For example, to confer different amounts of compliance in distinct regions within a single structure, biological systems typically vary regional morphology through thickening or elongation. Here, we analyze the monolithic spring in mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda) raptorial appendages to rapidly acquire or process prey. We quantified the shape of cross‐sections of the merus segment of the raptorial appendage. We also examined specific regions of the merus that are hypothesized to either store elastic energy or provide structural support to permit energy storage in other regions of the system. We found that while all mantis shrimp contain thicker ventral bars in distal cross‐sections, differences in thickness are more pronounced in high‐impact “smasher” mantis shrimp than in the slower‐striking “spearer” mantis shrimp. We also found that spearer cross‐sections are more circular while those of smashers are more eccentric with elongation along the dorso‐ventral axis. The results suggest that the regional thickening of ventral bars provides structural support for resisting spring compression and also reduces flexural stiffness along the system's long axis. This multilevel morphological analysis offers a foundation for understanding the evolution and mechanics of monolithic systems in biology. J. Morphol. 276:1123–1135, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Mechanistic Study on the Oxidative Degradation of Dibenzazepine Derivatives by Manganese(III) Complexes in Acidic Sulfate Media
Authors: Wiśniewska Joanna , Wrzeszcz Grzegorz
Published: July 2015

The oxidative degradation of tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) was studied in the presence of a large excess of the oxidizing agent manganese(III) and its reduced form manganese(II) sulfate in acidic media. The products were detected and identified using UV–vis, ESI‐MS, IR, and EPR methods. The mechanism of the reaction was studied for the following two classes of TCA: 10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenz[b, f]azepines and dibenz[b, f]azepines. The oxidative degradation between dibenz[b, f]azepines and the manganese(III) ions resulted in the formation of substituted acridine with the same substituent as in the origin dibenz[b, f]azepine derivative. The pseudo–first‐order rate constants (kobs) were determined for the degradation process. The dependences of the observed rate constants on the [MnIII] with a zero intercept were linear. The reaction between 10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenz[b, f]azepines, and the manganese(III) sulfate ion resulted in oxidative dehydrogenation, which proceeded via the formation of the following two intermediates: a free organic radical and a dimer. Further oxidation of the second intermediate led to a positively charged radical dimer as the single final product. Linear dependences of the pseudo–first‐order rate constants (kobs) on the [MnIII] with a zero intercept were established for the degradation of 10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenz[b, f]azepines. The observed rate constants were dependent on the [H+] and independent of the [TCA] within the excess concentration range of the manganese(III) complexes used in the isolation method. The radical product of the degradation of 10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenz[b, f]azepines was not stable in the aqueous solution and was subsequently transformed to a nonradical dimer in the next slower step. The observed rate constants were independent of the [MnIII], independent of the [H+] and increased slightly with increasing TCA concentrations when TCA was used in excess. The mechanistic consequences of all of these results are discussed.
Effect of recurrent onabotulinum toxin a injection into the salivary glands: An ultrasound measurement
Authors: Cardona Isabel , Saint‐Martin Christine , Daniel Sam J.
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Onabotulinum toxin A (OBTXA) injection is a well‐established therapeutic option for the management of drooling. Many of the children treated undertake repeated injections every 3 to 6 months. We aimed to assess quantitative salivary gland changes via ultrasound imaging after intraglandular injection of OBTXA for sialorrhea treatment in children, as a method that suggests permanent changes in glandular size can cause a decrease in functionality or atrophy.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Methods

The parotid and submandibular glands of 22 patients with sialorrhea with previous repetitive OBTXA treatments were measured via ultrasound. These were compared with a control group of 38 healthy children.

Results

A total of 60 patients were included in the study (38 boys, 22 females). Body mass index, sex, and age were defined as confounders. The mean age was 7 years (standard deviation [SD] ±2.3 years) and 9 years (SD ±3.8 years) for treatment and control groups, respectively. There were no postinjection complications. We found significant decrease in the size dimensions (surface area and depth) of both submandibular glands and one parotid gland in the treatment group (P < .05). Significant smaller anterior‐posterior dimension of the submandibular glands (P < .01) was also found.

Conclusions

The chronic use of intraglandular OBTXA reduced the size of the salivary glands measured ultrasonographically. Results were correlated with clinical outcomes. Pathological studies should be done to correlate whether ultrasound changes result in atrophy or apoptosis of the glands.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 125:E328–E332, 2015
Potential correlations of dentogenic factors to the development of clinically verified fungus balls: A retrospective computed tomography–based analysis
Authors: Tomazic Peter Valentin , Dostal Eva , Magyar Marton , Lang‐Loidolt Doris , Wolf Axel , Koele Wolfgang , Truschnegg Astrid , Stammberger Heinz , Payer Michael
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Fungus balls are a common disease of the paranasal sinuses, usually involving the maxillary sinus. To clarify the pathology, we analyzed patients treated for maxillary sinus fungus balls to see whether the latter correlated with dentogenic factors.

Study Design

Retrospective case analysis.

Methods

Cases of maxillary sinus fungus balls diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients' charts were reviewed for diagnosis, gender, and age. Paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed according to the side of the fungus ball, calcifications/opacifications, and dentogenic factors.

Results

In 98/102 patients (96.1%), 157 dentogenic factors could be identified on the side affected by a fungus ball. On the contralateral healthy side, there were 125 dentogenic factors. In four (3.9%) of the patients, no dentogenic pathology was identified on the CT scan. The presence of dentogenic factors (regardless of number) was significantly associated with a fungus ball compared to the healthy side (P = .024, χ2 test, odds ratio: 2.72 [95% confidence interval: 1.02–7.23]).

Conclusions

Dentogenic factors regardless of type potentially correlate with the presence of maxillary sinus fungus ball. Unlike the overall presence of dentogenic factors, the particular dentogenic factors in an individual patient do not significantly influence the development of fungus balls. After diagnosis of dentogenic pathology in penetrated maxillary sinus floors, patients should be closely monitored and informed about their higher risk of developing a fungus ball.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:39–43, 2016
Pediatric facial fractures: Demographic determinants influencing clinical outcomes
Authors: Chan Kenny H. , Gao Dexiang , Bronsert Michael , Chevallier Keely M. , Perkins Jonathan N.
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

There is limited data linking demographic determinants to clinical outcomes in facial trauma, particularly when comparing regional to national datasets; these are the aims of the present study.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A 10‐year, retrospective single‐institutional chart review was undertaken at Children's Hospital Colorado (CHC) to characterize a pediatric population with facial fractures. A comparative analysis between the CHC and National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) datasets was also conducted.

Results

In the CHC dataset, increased hospital stay was positively predicted by bilateral mandible fracture, skull, intracranial, spine, thoracic, abdominal, and limb injuries. Predictors of increased intensive‐care unit (ICU) stay included skull, spine, and limb injuries. The CHC cohort had younger subjects, more females, fewer African Americans, and more Hispanics than the NTDB dataset. They were more likely to be injured by nonviolent activities than by altercations. Divergent facial and associated injuries between the datasets were found. Multivariate models showed longer length of hospital stay for the CHC group (P = .0085), but the NTDB group had higher ICU admission (P = .04) and longer lengths of ICU stay (P = .007).

Conclusion

The demographic disparities (age, ethnicity, mechanism of injury, and injury type) resulted in divergent injury patterns and likely influenced clinical outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:485–490, 2016
Role of saposin C and D in auditory and vestibular function
Authors: Lustig Lawrence R. , Alemi Sean , Sun Ying , Grabowski Gregory , Akil Omar
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Saposins are small proteins derived from a precursor protein, prosaposin. Each of the four saposins (A–D) is necessary for the activity of lysosomal glycosphingolipid hydrolases. Individual saposin mutations lead to lysosomal storage diseases, some of which are associated with hearing loss. Here we evaluate the effects of the loss of saposins C and D on auditory and vestibular function in transgenic mice.

Methods

Transgenic mice with either loss of saposin C function or a combined loss of saposin C + D function were studied. Light microscopy and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate histologic and morphologic changes in the auditory and vestibular organs. Acoustic brainstem response thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions were used to study the auditory phenotype.

Results

A null mutation of saposin C did not result in any identifiable histologic changes or loss of hearing through postnatal day 55. Combined losses of saposins C and D similarly did not result in any changes in organ of Corti histology or loss of hearing. However, inclusions within the vestibular end organs was noted, consistent with afferent and efferent neuronal sprouting, although to a much milder degree than seen in the previously studied prosaposin knockout mouse.

Conclusions

Loss of saposin C and D function, although causing mild phenotypic changes in the vestibular end organs, otherwise results in minimal functional impairment and no changes in the auditory system. It is more likely that the auditory and vestibular effects of the loss of prosaposin are mediated through the actions of saposin A and/or B.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 126:452–459, 2016
Effects of different bronchoalveolar lavage methods on tracheobronchial foreign body patients
Authors: Luo Hua‐Nan , Ma Si‐Jing , Guo Hai‐Li , Wang Zheng‐Hui , Ren Xiao‐Yong
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare the different effects of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with diverse combinations of lidocaine, epinephrine, and dexamethasone on pediatric patients with an inhaled tracheobronchial foreign body (TFB).

Study Design

Randomized controlled study.

Methods

Two hundred forty cases of pediatric patients with inhaled TFB were included in this study, and were randomly divided into four groups using three kinds of drugs for BAL, namely 0.9% saline (S) group, 2% lidocaine with diluted epinephrine (LE) group, 2% lidocaine with diluted epinephrine and 0.5% dexamethasone (LED), control group (C) without BAL. The incidences of intraoperative or postoperative complications and recovery periods were compared. Meanwhile, the concentrations of interleukin (IL)−1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in BAL fluids and plasma were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The incidences of bronchospasm, hypoxemia, and postoperative fever were significantly lower in the LED group than other groups (P < .001). Fever after the TFB removal procedure appeared later in the LED group than the other groups. The improvement and healing periods in the LE and LED groups were significantly shorter than those in the C and S groups (P < .001). The concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in BAL fluids were significantly higher in the LE and LED groups than those in the S group (P < .001), but those in the plasma of the C and S groups were lower compared with the LE and LED groups (P < .001).

Conclusions

BAL with lidocaine, epinephrine, and dexamethasone could promote recovery for TFB patients and reduce incidences of complications, possibly by regulating release of proinflammatory cytokines.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 126:1000–1005, 2016
Unplanned reoperations after microvascular free tissue transfer: An analysis of 2,244 patients using the american college of surgeons national surgical quality improvement program database
Authors: Kwok Alvin C. , Agarwal Jayant P.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Our intent was to evaluate unplanned reoperations as a quality indicator for microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT).

Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify MFTT cases from January 2012 to December 2013. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine risk factors for unplanned reoperations.

Results

We identified 2,244 MFTT cases. There were 290 associated unplanned reoperations (12.92%). There was a threefold increase in the rate of complications when patients underwent reoperation (58.28% vs 18.12%, p < 0.0001). Head and neck reconstructions had the highest rate of reoperations (18.04%). Most reoperations were debridements (38.28%), followed by microvascular procedures (28.97%) and flap revisions (26.55%). American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) classification ≥3 [OR 1.565, 95% CI (1.204, 2.034), p = 0.0008] and prolonged operative time [OR 1.597, 95% CI (1.221, 2.089), p = 0.0006] were significant independent risk factors for reoperations.

Conclusions

Unplanned reoperations are a useful quality indicator for MFTT. ASA classification ≥3 and prolonged operative time were risk factors associated with an increased risk for unplanned reoperations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:184–189, 2017.
Multiparametric MRI analysis for the evaluation of MR‐guided high intensity focused ultrasound tumor treatment
Authors: Hectors Stefanie J. C. G. , Jacobs Igor , Heijman Edwin , Keupp Jochen , Berben Monique , Strijkers Gustav J. , Grüll Holger , Nicolay Klaas
Published: July 2015

For the clinical application of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for thermal ablation of malignant tumors, accurate treatment evaluation is of key importance. In this study, we have employed a multiparametric MRI protocol, consisting of quantitative T1, T2, ADC, amide proton transfer (APT), T1ρ and DCE‐MRI measurements, to evaluate MR‐guided HIFU treatment of subcutaneous tumors in rats. K‐means clustering using all different combinations of the endogenous contrast MRI parameters (feature vectors) was performed to segment the multiparametric data into tissue populations with similar MR parameter values. The optimal feature vector for identification of the extent of non‐viable tumor tissue after HIFU treatment was determined by quantitative comparison between clustering‐derived and histology‐derived non‐viable tumor fractions. The highest one‐to‐one correspondence between these clustering‐based and histology‐based non‐viable tumor fractions was observed for the feature vector {ADC, APT‐weighted signal} (R2 to line of identity (R2y=x) = 0.92) and the strongest agreement was seen 3 days after HIFU (R2y=x = 0.97). To compare the multiparametric MRI analysis results with conventional HIFU monitoring and evaluation methods, the histology‐derived non‐viable tumor fractions were also quantitatively compared with non‐perfused tumor fractions (derived from the level of contrast enhancement in the DCE‐MRI measurements) and 240 CEM tumor fractions (i.e. thermal dose > 240 cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C). The correlation between histology‐derived non‐viable tumor fractions directly after HIFU and the 240 CEM fractions was high, but not significant. The non‐perfused fractions overestimated the extent of non‐viable tumor tissue directly after HIFU, whereas an underestimation was observed 3 days after HIFU.

In conclusion, we have shown that a multiparametric MR analysis, especially based on the ADC and the APT‐weighted signal, can potentially be used to determine the extent of non‐viable tumor tissue 3 days after HIFU treatment. We expect that this method can be incorporated in the current clinical workflow of MR–HIFU ablation therapies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Bayesian approach to estimating causal vaccine effects on binary post‐infection outcomes
Authors: Zhou Jincheng , Chu Haitao , Hudgens Michael G. , Halloran M. Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

To estimate causal effects of vaccine on post‐infection outcomes, Hudgens and Halloran (2006) defined a post‐infection causal vaccine efficacy estimand VEI based on the principal stratification framework. They also derived closed forms for the maximum likelihood estimators of the causal estimand under some assumptions. Extending their research, we propose a Bayesian approach to estimating the causal vaccine effects on binary post‐infection outcomes. The identifiability of the causal vaccine effect VEI is discussed under different assumptions on selection bias. The performance of the proposed Bayesian method is compared with the maximum likelihood method through simulation studies and two case studies — a clinical trial of a rotavirus vaccine candidate and a field study of pertussis vaccination. For both case studies, the Bayesian approach provided similar inference as the frequentist analysis. However, simulation studies with small sample sizes suggest that the Bayesian approach provides smaller bias and shorter confidence interval length. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A versatile test for equality of two survival functions based on weighted differences of Kaplan–Meier curves
Authors: Uno Hajime , Tian Lu , Claggett Brian , Wei L. J.
Published: July 2015

With censored event time observations, the logrank test is the most popular tool for testing the equality of two underlying survival distributions. Although this test is asymptotically distribution free, it may not be powerful when the proportional hazards assumption is violated. Various other novel testing procedures have been proposed, which generally are derived by assuming a class of specific alternative hypotheses with respect to the hazard functions. The test considered by Pepe and Fleming (1989) is based on a linear combination of weighted differences of the two Kaplan–Meier curves over time and is a natural tool to assess the difference of two survival functions directly. In this article, we take a similar approach but choose weights that are proportional to the observed standardized difference of the estimated survival curves at each time point. The new proposal automatically makes weighting adjustments empirically. The new test statistic is aimed at a one‐sided general alternative hypothesis and is distributed with a short right tail under the null hypothesis but with a heavy tail under the alternative. The results from extensive numerical studies demonstrate that the new procedure performs well under various general alternatives with a caution of a minor inflation of the type I error rate when the sample size is small or the number of observed events is small. The survival data from a recent cancer comparative study are utilized for illustrating the implementation of the process. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mid‐Cretaceous rudists (Bivalvia: Hippuritida) from the Langshan Formation, Lhasa block, Tibet
Authors: Rao Xin , Skelton Peter W. , Sha Jingeng , Cai Huawei , Iba Yasuhiro
Published: July 2015

The Cretaceous Langshan Formation, which crops out along the northern portion of the Lhasa block, is composed mainly of grey or grey‐black fine‐grained limestones, argillaceous limestones and a few thin‐bedded siltstones and silty mudstones. From specimens collected and/or photographed in the field, combined with a revision of taxa previously recorded from the Langshan Formation, four rudist taxa are recognized: (1) Auroradiolites gen. nov.; (2) Eoradiolites cf. davidsoni; (3) Magallanesia rutogensis sp. nov.; and (4) Sellaea sp. We propose Auroradiolites gen. nov. for the grouping of SW Asian to Pacific radiolitid species formerly attributed to Eoradiolites and characterized by a compact (non‐celluloprismatic) outer shell layer. The new genus is represented in the Langshan Formation by A. biconvexus (Yang et al., 1982), including several other synonymized taxa. Taxonomic confusion in the literature has resulted from the varied appearance of the strongly developed ligamentary infolding in such forms: in the right valve, it has a forked inner termination, but common transverse sections through both valves show the latter juxtaposed against its broad, rounded counterpart in the left valve, giving the combined terminations a bulb‐shaped appearance. Associated Eoradiolites cf. davidsoni is of smaller size and, by contrast, shows the celluloprismatic structure of the outer shell layer. The recently described canaliculate polyconitid genus, Magallanesia Sano et al., 2014, is represented by M. rutogensis sp. nov., which differs from the type species in possessing more numerous and ventrally extended canals in the left valve. Possibly belonging with the latter species are isolated right valves, similar to Horiopleura, but containing tabulae. A probable Sellaea sp. is represented by poorly preserved right valves nevertheless showing typical features, including a very thin outer shell layer and an erect posterior myophoral wall, separating off a broad posterior ectomyophoral cavity. Based on the presence of Magallanesia and the orbitolinid record, this rudist fauna is probably no older than late Albian, while a younger age cannot be excluded. Both Magallanesia and Auroradiolites are characteristic of a SW Asian/central Pacific faunal province, while the other two genera are more widely distributed.
Genome-Wide Identification of MESP1 Targets Demonstrates Primary Regulation Over Mesendoderm Gene Activity
Authors: Soibam Benjamin , Benham Ashley , Kim Jong , Weng Kuo-Chan , Yang Litao , Xu Xueping , Robertson Matthew , Azares Alon , Cooney Austin J. , Schwartz Robert J. , Liu Yu
Published: July 2015

MESP1 is considered the first sign of the nascent cardiac mesoderm and plays a critical role in the appearance of cardiac progenitors, while exhibiting a transient expression in the developing embryo. We profiled the transcriptome of a pure population of differentiating MESP1-marked cells and found that they chiefly contribute to the mesendoderm lineage. High-throughput sequencing of endogenous MESP1-bound DNA revealed that MESP1 preferentially binds to two variants of E-box sequences and activates critical mesendoderm modulators, including Eomes, Gata4, Wnt5a, Wnt5b, Mixl1, T, Gsc, and Wnt3. These mesendoderm markers were enriched in the MESP1 marked population before the appearance of cardiac progenitors and myocytes. Further, MESP1-binding is globally associated with H3K27 acetylation, supporting a novel pivotal role of it in regulating target gene epigenetics. Therefore, MESP1, the pioneer cardiac factor, primarily directs the appearance of mesendoderm, the intermediary of the earliest progenitors of mesoderm and endoderm organogenesis. Stem Cells  2015;33:3254–3265
Network planning for Type 1 and Type 1a relay nodes in LTE‐Advanced networks
Authors: Tseng Fan‐Hsun , Chou Li‐Der , Chao Han‐Chieh
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the planning problem of multiple evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and two types of relay nodes is defined base on linear programming. Type 1 relay nodes are placed in the center of eNB, and Type 1a relay nodes are deployed at cell edge. Three algorithms are proposed to investigate the Type 1a relay node placement and communication interference. All algorithms are designed on the basis of graph theory and analyzed in planning case and simulation results. The ultimate goal is to maximize the average throughput of all served users with minimum communication interference. Results showed that the proposed interference coordination algorithm not only provides the lowest construction cost with slightly fewer numbers of served users but also eliminates the communication interference with the highest average throughput. Most importantly, it achieves the best communication quality for next generation mobile networks. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a waistband for attaching external radiotransmitters to anurans
Authors: Groff Luke A. , Pitt Amber L. , Baldwin Robert F. , Calhoun Aram J. K. , Loftin Cynthia S.
Published: July 2015

Radiotelemetry provides fine‐scale temporal and spatial information about an individual's movements and habitat use; however, its use for monitoring amphibians has been restricted by transmitter mass and lack of suitable attachment techniques. We describe a novel waistband for attaching external radiotransmitters to anurans and evaluate the percentages of resulting abrasions, lacerations, and shed transmitters. We used radiotelemetry to monitor movements and habitat use of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvaticus) in 2006 and 2011–2013 in Maine, USA; American toads (Anaxyrus americanus) in 2012 in North Carolina, USA; and, wood frogs, southern leopard frogs (L. sphenocephalus), and green frogs (L. clamitans) in 2012 in South Carolina, USA. We monitored 172 anurans for 1–365 days (56.4 ± 59.4) in a single year and 1–691 days (60.5 ± 94.1) across years. Our waistband resulted in an injury percentage comparable to 7 alternative anuran waistband attachment techniques; however, 12.5% fewer anurans shed their waistband when attached with our technique. Waistband retention facilitates longer monitoring periods and, thus, provides a greater quantity of data per radiotagged individual. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Parental attachment and Chinese adolescents' delinquency: The mediating role of moral disengagement
Authors: Bao Zhenzhou , Zhang Wei , Lai Xuefen , Sun Wenqiang , Wang Yanhui
Published: July 2015

There is substantial literature documenting the negative association between secure parental attachment and lower adolescent delinquency, but little is known about the mediating mechanisms (i.e., how does parental attachment relate to delinquency?) underlying this relation. The present study examined whether secure parental attachment would be indirectly related to lower adolescent delinquency through lower adolescent moral disengagement. A total of 1766 adolescents (44% male; mean age = 14.25 years,SD= 1.54) living in an urban area of southern China completed anonymous questionnaires regarding parental attachment, moral disengagement and delinquency. After controlling for gender, age, socioeconomic status, and school variable, it was found that secure parental attachment was negatively associated with adolescent delinquency and this negative association was fully mediated by the extent of adolescent moral disengagement. These findings contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of adolescent delinquency and have important implications for intervention.
Brief report: Executive functions in adolescent offspring of mothers with a history of depression
Authors: Wagner Clara , Abramson Lyn Y. , Alloy Lauren B.
Published: July 2015

Deficits in executive functions (EFs) have been documented among individuals with unipolar depression, but controversy exists as to whether such deficits are state‐dependent or are trait markers that precede disorder onset. The present study examined whether maternal history of unipolar depression was associated with deficits in EFs in early adolescent offspring, a finding that would support a trait marker conceptualization of EF deficits.

Participants were a diverse sample (N = 493) of adolescents and their mothers recruited through local schools. Measures included semi‐structured diagnostic interviews of mother and adolescent, mother‐report forms assessing demographic information, and tests of executive function. Hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between maternal depression diagnosis and adolescent offspring performance on tests of EF. Maternal lifetime history of depression was not associated with offspring EF task performance. Findings are not consistent with the conceptualization of impaired executive functions as trait markers of unipolar depression.
Impact of Glaucoma on Quality of Life and Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Park Sangshin , Kho Young Lim , Kim Hyo-Jin , Kim JiHyun , Lee Eun-Hee
Published: July 2015

Objective/Background

This study was performed to assess the associations of glaucoma with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and activities of daily living (ADL).

Methods

Using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III in 2005, we analysed 9,047 participants (≥ 50 years old) and 3,518 participants (> 65 years old) to assess the associations of glaucoma with HRQOL and ADL, respectively. The diagnosis of glaucoma was based on questionnaires. HRQOL was evaluated by the EuroQol five-dimension descriptive system (EQ-5D) and the EuroQol visual analogue scale. The ADL was evaluated by the Korean-optimised ADL questionnaire. Logistic-regression analyses were used to assess the associations of glaucoma with HRQOL and ADL.

Results

The glaucoma patients showed lower HRQOL and ADL scores compared to the healthy participants. The glaucoma patients showed significantly higher prevalence of impaired health status in all dimensions of EQ-5D, as well as in the “bathing” dimension of ADL as compared with the healthy participants. Impaired HRQOL and ADL were significantly associated with the risk of glaucomatous status (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] of EQ-5D: 1.65 [1.33, 2.05], EuroQol visual analogue scale: 1.75 [1.43, 2.15], and ADL: 2.04 [1.12, 3.74]).

Conclusion

In line with previous studies conducted in other countries, Koreans with glaucoma had impaired HRQOL and ADL as compared with healthy Koreans.
Round robin test on quantification of amyloid‐β 1–42 in cerebrospinal fluid by mass spectrometry
Authors: Pannee Josef , Gobom Johan , Shaw Leslie M. , Korecka Magdalena , Chambers Erin E. , Lame Mary , Jenkins Rand , Mylott William , Carrillo Maria C. , Zegers Ingrid , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Portelius Erik
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid‐β 1–42 (Aβ42) is an important biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, both in diagnostics and to monitor disease‐modifying therapies. However, there is a great need for standardization of methods used for quantification. To overcome problems associated with immunoassays, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) has emerged as a critical orthogonal alternative.

Methods

We compared results for CSF Aβ42 quantification in a round robin study performed in four laboratories using similar sample preparation methods and LC‐MS instrumentation.

Results

The LC‐MS results showed excellent correlation between laboratories (r2 >0.98), high analytical precision, and good correlation with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (r2 >0.85). The use of a common reference sample further decreased interlaboratory variation.

Discussion

Our results indicate that LC‐MS is suitable for absolute quantification of Aβ42 in CSF and highlight the importance of developing a certified reference material.
Trauma and Children: A Refugee Perspective
Authors: Shukoor Jabrulla
Published: July 2015

Post-traumatic stress affects both the mental and physical health of individuals, giving rise to various psychological disturbances. The neurological effects of these disturbances are similar across age groups, irrespective of race or culture. However, the perception of psychological disturbances differs from culture to culture depending on issues such as the stigma that attaches to mental illness and the ability or willingness to seek assistance. While much research has been undertaken on the impact of trauma on both adults and children, research to explore the effect of trauma on people in the context of their various cultures, especially people of refugee background, remains at an early stage. Mental health professionals working with refugees encounter various challenges. They range from dealing with resistance by individuals to the notion of counselling itself, to barriers such as the perceived stigma that prevents some individuals from acknowledging mental health problems. Other challenges in providing mental health services in such cases are contributed to by government policies and the limited resources available. All this exacerbates the mental health of traumatised parents and caregivers, and has a ripple effect on their children, who exhibit the effects of trauma in their own ways. This paper aims to highlight and discuss these issues through the presentation of two case studies, suggest a workable recovery model, possible ways to deal with the challenges, and to propose recommendations for working with non-Western children and their families.
Interpersonal Neurobiology as a Lens into the Development of Wellbeing and Reslience
Authors: Siegel Daniel J.
Published: July 2015

This article reviews the interdisciplinary field of interpersonal neurobiology and its view of developmental trauma and wellbeing. Issues related to the mind, brain and relationships are discussed along with a working definition of both the mind and mental health.
The Second Lebanon War Experience at Western Galilee Hospital
Authors: Lino Bartholomew , Eisenman Arie , Schuster Richard , Giloni Carlos , Bharoum Masad , Daniel Moshe , Dallas Cham
Published: July 2015

The summer of 2006 in northern Israel served as the battleground for the second war against Hezbollah based along Israel’s border with southern Lebanon. Western Galilee Hospital (WGH), which is located only 6 miles from the Lebanese border, served as a major medical center in the vicinity of the fighting. The hospital was directly impacted by Hezbollah with a Katyusha rocket, which struck the ophthalmology department on the 4th floor. WGH was able to utilize a 450-bed underground facility that maintained full hospital functionality throughout the conflict. In a major feat of rapid evacuation, the entire hospital population was relocated under the cover of darkness to these bunkers in just over 1 hour, thus emptying the building prior to the missile impact. Over half of the patients presenting during the conflict did not incur physical injury but qualified as acute stress disorder patients. The particulars of this evacuation remain unique owing to the extraordinary circumstances, but many of the principles employed in this maneuver may serve as a template for other hospitals requiring emergency evacuation. Hospital functionality drastically changed to accommodate the operational reality of war, and many of these tactics warrant closer investigation for possible implementation in other conflict zones. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:152–156)
Health-Related Quality of Life in the Aftermath of the L’Aquila Earthquake in Italy
Authors: Gigantesco Antonella , D’Argenio Paolo , Cofini Vincenza , Mancini Cristiana , Minardi Valentina
Published: July 2015

Objective

A recent article reported a reduction in the suicide rate in the inhabitants of L’Aquila (Italy) in 2009, when on the night of April 6, a devastating earthquake struck the city. The potential implications of the role of resilience in the aftermath of natural disasters, together with the limitations of existing evidence on this topic, suggest a need for more research. We aimed to retrospectively investigate the impact of the L’Aquila earthquake on a standardized self-reported measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

HRQoL data were collected through 2 separate cross-sectional surveys conducted during 2008 and 2010, before and after the earthquake that occurred in 2009, on 2 random samples of adults living in L’Aquila.

Results

The data seemed to suggest no decrease in the inhabitants’ HRQoL level after the disaster, which may suggest the role of resilience in supporting survivors’ HRQoL. The findings were also consistent with previous observations of a reduction in the suicide rate in the same inhabitants after the earthquake.

Conclusions

After a natural disaster, people likely activate personal resources and protective social factors that result in better subjective outcomes. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:11-15)
Dynamical decompositions of
Authors: ZELENYUK YEVHEN , ZELENYUK YULIYA
Published: July 2015

Let $X$ be a locally compact, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70E}$-compact, non-compact Hausdorff space and let $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}X$ be the Stone-Čech compactification of $X$. Let $G$ be a countably infinite discrete group continuously acting on $X$, and suppose that, for every $g\in G$, $\text{Fix}(g)=\{x\in X:gx=x\}$ is compact. The action of $G$ on $X$ induces the action on $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}X$, and so on $X^{\ast }=\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}X\setminus X$. Let ${\mathcal{D}}$ denote the finest decomposition of $X^{\ast }$ into closed invariant subsets such that the corresponding quotient space of $X^{\ast }$ is Hausdorff. Such a decomposition can be defined for any action of $G$ on a compact Hausdorff space. Applying it to every member of ${\mathcal{D}}$ gives us a decomposition ${\mathcal{D}}^{2}$ of $X^{\ast }$, then ${\mathcal{D}}^{3}$, and so on. We show that (1) ${\mathcal{D}}^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{1}}$ is the coarsest decomposition of $X^{\ast }$ into closed invariant topologically transitive subsets, (2) there is a dense subset of points $p\in X^{\ast }$ such that $\overline{Gp}\in {\mathcal{D}}^{2}\setminus {\mathcal{D}}$, in particular, ${\mathcal{D}}$ is non-trivial and ${\mathcal{D}}^{2}$ is finer than ${\mathcal{D}}$, and (3) for every ordinal $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}<\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{1}$, there is $p\in X^{\ast }$ such that $\overline{Gp}\in {\mathcal{D}}^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}+2}\setminus {\mathcal{D}}^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}+1}$, so all the decompositions ${\mathcal{D}}^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}$, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\leq \unicode[STIX]{x1D714}_{1}$, are distinct.
Embedding topological dynamical systems with periodic points in cubical shifts
Authors: GUTMAN YONATAN
Published: July 2015

According to a conjecture of Lindenstrauss and Tsukamoto, a topological dynamical system $(X,T)$ is embeddable in the $d$-cubical shift $(([0,1]^{d})^{\mathbb{Z}},\text{shift})$ if both its mean dimension and periodic dimension are strictly bounded by $d/2$. We verify the conjecture for the class of systems admitting a finite-dimensional non-wandering set and a closed set of periodic points. This class of systems is closely related to systems arising in physics. In particular, we prove an embedding theorem for systems associated with the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations of fluid mechanics. The main tool in the proof of the embedding result is the new concept of local markers. Continuing the investigation of (global) markers initiated in previous work it is shown that the marker property is equivalent to a topological version of the Rokhlin lemma. Moreover, new classes of systems are found to have the marker property, in particular, extensions of aperiodic systems with a countable number of minimal subsystems. Extending work of Lindenstrauss we show that, for systems with the marker property, vanishing mean dimension is equivalent to the small boundary property.
Hausdorff spectrum of harmonic measure
Authors: TANAKA RYOKICHI
Published: July 2015

For every non-elementary hyperbolic group, we show that for every random walk with finitely supported admissible step distribution, the associated entropy equals the drift times the logarithmic volume growth if and only if the corresponding harmonic measure is comparable with Hausdorff measure on the boundary. Moreover, we introduce one parameter family of probability measures which interpolates a Patterson–Sullivan measure and the harmonic measure, and establish a formula of Hausdorff spectrum (multifractal spectrum) of the harmonic measure. We also give some finitary versions of dimensional properties of the harmonic measure.
Fluid invasion of an unsaturated leaky porous layer
Authors: Pegler Samuel S. , Bain Emily L. , Huppert Herbert E. , Neufeld Jerome A.
Published: July 2015

We study the flow and leakage of gravity currents injected into an unsaturated (dry), vertically confined porous layer containing a localized outlet or leakage point in its lower boundary. The leakage is driven by the combination of the gravitational hydrostatic pressure head of the current above the outlet and the pressure build-up from driving fluid downstream of the leakage point. Model solutions illustrate transitions towards one of three long-term regimes of flow, depending on the value of a dimensionless parameter $D$, which, when positive, represents the ratio of the hydrostatic head above the outlet for which gravity-driven leakage balances the input flux, to the depth of the medium. If $D\leqslant 0$, the input flux is insufficient to accumulate any fluid above the outlet and fluid migrates directly through the leakage pathway. If $0<D\leqslant 1$, some fluid propagates downstream of the outlet but retains a free surface above it. The leakage rate subsequently approaches the input flux asymptotically but much more gradually than if $D\leqslant 0$. If $D>1$, the current fills the entire depth of the medium above the outlet. Confinement then fixes gravity-driven leakage at a constant rate but introduces a new force driving leakage in the form of the pressure build-up associated with mobilizing fluid downstream of the outlet. This causes the leakage rate to approach the injection rate faster than would occur in the absence of the confining boundary. This conclusion is in complete contrast to fluid-saturated media, where confinement can potentially reduce long-term leakage by orders of magnitude. Data from a new series of laboratory experiments confirm these predictions.
Rooting Out Corruption or Rooting for Corruption? The Heterogeneous Electoral Consequences of Scandals
Authors: Fernández-Vázquez Pablo , Barberá Pablo , Rivero Gonzalo
Published: July 2015

Corruption scandals have been found to have significant but mild electoral effects in the comparative literature (Golden 2006). However, most studies have assumed that voters punish all kinds of illegal practices. This article challenges this assumption by distinguishing between two types of corruption, according to the type of welfare consequences they have for the constituency. This hypothesis is tested using data from the 2011 Spanish local elections. We exploit the abundance of corruption allegations associated with the Spanish housing boom, which generated income gains for a wide segment of the electorate in the short term. We find that voters ignore corruption when there are side benefits to it, and that punishment is only administered in those cases in which they do not receive compensation.