bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guidelines for quantification of noise‐induced hearing loss in a medicolegal context
Authors: Lutman M.E. , Coles R.R.A. , Buffin J.T.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Guidelines published in 2000 by the authors are widely used by medical and legal professionals in the UK for diagnosis of noise‐induced hearing loss in a medicolegal context. However, they cannot be used for quantification of the noise‐induced hearing loss, which is required in most cases. This requirement is addressed.

Design

A method is developed here to quantify noise‐induced hearing loss, thereby overcoming this shortcoming.

Setting

Assessment of noise‐induced hearing loss in medicolegal cases.

Participants

A consecutive series of 124 cases of noise‐induced hearing loss is used for evaluation.

Main outcome measure

Magnitude of noise‐induced hearing loss based on hearing threshold levels averaged over the frequencies 1, 2 and 3 kHz.

Results

The rationale of the method, practical application and three worked examples are developed. A simpler short‐cut method is developed and shown to be equivalent to the full method in most cases.

Conclusions

The method offers a practical approach to quantification of noise‐induced hearing loss.
LDL cholesterol is not a good marker of cardiovascular risk in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hero C. , Svensson A‐M. , Gidlund P. , Gudbjörnsdottir S. , Eliasson B. , Eeg‐Olofsson K.
Published: October 2015

Aim

LDL cholesterol (LDL–C) is considered an important cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Less is known in Type 1 diabetes. We assessed LDL–C and total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL–C) as predictors of CVD in Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

The study monitored 30 778 people with Type 1 diabetes, baseline 2003–2006, to 31 December 2011. Cox regression analyses were performed with LDL–C and TC/HDL–C as predictors of fatal/non‐fatal CVD. Models were adjusted for traditional CVD risk factors.

Results

Hazard ratios (HR) (with 95% CI) per 1 mmol/l increase in LDL–C for CVD were 1.09 (1.01–1.18) in people without lipid‐lowering medication and 1.02 (0.95–1.09) in people with lipid‐lowering medication (P = 0.02 and 0.65). In people aged 40 years or older having a CVD risk factor, and in people with a history of CVD, HR was 1.07 (0.99–1.16) and 1.02 (0.92–1.13) (P = 0.07 and 0.66). HR per 1 unit increase in TC/HDL–C was 1.12 (1.05–1.20) in people without lipid‐lowering medication and 1.08 (1.02–1.15) in people with lipid‐lowering medication (P < 0.001 and 0.01). For people aged 40 or older and people with a history of CVD, HR was 1.16 (1.09–1.24) and 1.04 (0.95–1.14) (P < 0.001 and 0.43). Broken down into octiles, LDL–C was not a significant predictor of CVD in any group. Higher octiles of TC/HDL–C were significant predictors for CVD in people without lipid‐lowering medication and in those aged 40 years or older.

Conclusion

In this study of people with Type 1 diabetes in clinical practice, LDL–C was not a good predictor of CVD. We found no support for an LDL–C cut‐off point < 2.6 mmol/l. TC/HDL–C seems more reliable as a marker for CVD risk when considering primary prevention.
Switching from constant voltage to constant current in deep brain stimulation: a multicenter experience of mixed implants for movement disorders
Authors: Preda F. , Cavandoli C. , Lettieri C. , Pilleri M. , Antonini A. , Eleopra R. , Mondani M. , Martinuzzi A. , Sarubbo S. , Ghisellini G. , Trezza A. , Cavallo M. A. , Landi A. , Sensi M.
Published: October 2015

Background and purpose

For many years deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices relied only on voltage‐controlled stimulation (CV), but recently current‐controlled devices have been developed and approved for new implants as well as for replacement of CV devices after battery drain. Constant‐current (CC) stimulation has been demonstrated to be effective in new implanted parkinsonian and dystonic patients, but the effect of switching to CC therapy in patients chronically stimulated with CV implantable pulse generators (IPGs) has not been assessed. This report shows the results of a consecutive retrospective data collection performed at five Italian centers before and after replacement of constant‐voltage with constant‐current DBS devices, in order to verify the clinical efficacy and safety of this procedure.

Methods

Nineteen patients with Parkinson's disease or dystonic syndrome underwent DBS IPG CV/CC replacement. Clinical features and therapy satisfaction were assessed before surgery, 1 week after and 3 and 6 months after replacement. Programming settings and impedances were recorded before removing the CV device and when the CC IPGs were switched on.

Results

The clinical outcome of CC stimulation was similar to that obtained with CV devices and remained stable at 3 and 6 months of follow‐up. Impedance values recorded for CV and CC IPGs were similar. Ninety‐five percent of patients and physicians were satisfied with mixed implants. No adverse events occurred after IPG replacement.

Conclusion

Replacing CV with CC IPGs is a safe and effective procedure. Longer follow‐up is necessary to better clarify the impact of CC stimulation on clinical outcome after chronic stimulation in CV mode.
Familial aggregation of stroke amongst young patients in Lund Stroke Register
Authors: Ilinca A. , Kristoffersson U. , Soller M. , Lindgren A. G.
Published: October 2015

Background and purpose

The known monogenic forms of stroke are rare. The aim of this study was to analyze pedigrees of young stroke patients regarding possible monogenic cerebrovascular disease and to evaluate the possibility of genetic stroke in these families. This may contribute to a better understanding of disease mechanism in stroke.

Methods

Lund Stroke Register includes consecutive patients with first‐ever stroke from a defined geographical area in southern Sweden. Early‐onset (≤55 years) stroke patients were systematically screened with regard to family history (FHx), and families with stroke aggregation were compiled. Participants provided information in a questionnaire on occurrence of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in their families. Information on cardiovascular risk factors (VRFs) and clinical stroke subtype was collected. FHx for stroke was considered positive when the patient reported either ≥1 first‐degree relative with stroke/TIA, or no first‐degree relative but ≥3 second‐ or third‐degree relatives with stroke/TIA in a distribution compatible with monogenic inheritance.

Results

Of 4103 stroke patients registered, 426 (10%) had first‐ever stroke at ≤55 years and 338 (79%) of these answered the questionnaire. Of them, 159 (47%) reported a positive FHx. Twenty‐eight (18%) of the probands with positive FHx had no known VRFs. Thirty‐two families with ≥4 members with stroke were identified. In all these larger families the affected individuals with stroke were present in more than one generation.

Conclusion

Aggregation of stroke in families of early‐onset stroke patients is not uncommon. Genetic factors with impact on stroke risk, including monogenic causes, need to be evaluated in future stroke studies.
Gastric juicepHmeasurement in horses: Three‐quarters of a century of history!
Authors: Andrews F. M.
Published: October 2015

Inhibition of gastric acid and increased stomachpH>4.0 is currently accepted as the mainstay of treatment for gastric ulcers in horses. Measurement of gastricpHis complicated and requires placement of a cannula and collection of gastric juice or placement ofpHelectrodes in the stomach. Since the distance from the nares to the stomach is approximately 200 cm, finding a system with apHelectrode with this length is difficult, not to mention difficult to maintain. There has been a fascination with the measurement of gastric juicepHin horses that has covered three‐quarters of a century starting with a fistula model in 1933 and culminating in a recent technique described in this issue. Placement of gastric cannulas and variouspHelectrodes have been used to measure gastric juicepHin horses in the past and present, but the future may require more sophisticated methods as we look at the efficacy of different formulations of acid suppressive drugs for treatment of equine gastric ulcer syndrome.
Water depth modifies back kinematics of horses during water treadmill exercise
Authors: Nankervis K. J. , Finney P. , Launder L.
Published: October 2015

Reasons for performing study

Water treadmill exercise can be incorporated into the rehabilitation programmes of horses recovering from back pathology, yet little is known about the effect of this type of exercise on thoracolumbar movement ranges.

Objectives

To measure the flexion‐extension range of motion (FE ROM) of the thoracolumbar spine and pelvic vertical displacement during water treadmill walking at 3 water depths and compare these with the control condition.

Study design

Within‐subject trial using a crossover design in healthy horses.

Methods

A total of 14 horses walked at 0.8 m/s on a water treadmill for 3 min at each of the following depths; hoof (control), metatarsophalangeal joint (low), tarsal joint (medium) and femoropatellar joint (high). Skin surface markers on T6, T10, T13, T18, L3, L5 and S3 were used to obtain FE ROM and the minimum and maximum angular motion pattern values (AMPmin and AMPmax) for T10, T13, T18, L3 and L5. Markers placed on left and right tuber coxae were used to obtain pelvic vertical displacement. Friedman's tests and post hoc Wilcoxon's signed ranks tests were used to determine the effects of water depth on measured variables.

Results

The FE ROM of T10 (8.4°), T13 (8.1°), T18 (6.9°) and L3 (6.4°) when walking at high depth was significantly greater than control (5.5, 5.7, 5.1 and 5.1°, respectively; P<0.008); T13 AMPmin was significantly lower in high water (−3.0°) than control (0.1°, P = 0.001) and L3 AMPmax significantly greater in high water (−1.9°) than control (−4.8°, P = 0.001). There was no significant association between pelvic vertical displacement and water depth.

Conclusions

Walking in high water causes cranial thoracic extension and thoracolumbar flexion when compared with walking in water at hoof depth. This postural change should be considered when designing rehabilitation programmes for horses with back and/or hindlimb pathology.
Clinical features and management of equine post operative ileus (POI):Survey ofDiplomates of theAmericanColleges ofVeterinaryInternalMedicine (ACVIM),VeterinarySurgeons (ACVS) andVeterinaryEmergency andCriticalCare (ACVECC)
Authors: Lefebvre D. , Hudson N. P. H. , Elce Y. A. , Blikslager A. , Divers T. J. , Handel I. G. , Tremaine W. H. , Pirie R. S.
Published: October 2015

Reasons for performing study

A recent survey of European Colleges (European College of Equine Internal Medicine [ECEIM] and European College of Veterinary Surgeons [ECVS]) revealed the different strategies implemented by, and some of the challenges facing, European clinicians presented with cases of post operative ileus (POI). It was concluded that further comparative analysis of opinions, canvassed from additional colleges of equine veterinary specialism worldwide, would provide valuable additional insight into currentPOIknowledge on a more global scale.

Objectives

To report and compare the current strategies favoured by American veterinary specialists when managingPOIin horses that underwent emergency colic surgery.

Study design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

Electronic invitations were sent to 814 Large Animal specialists, including 3 colleges: the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC).

Results

The response rate was 14% (115/814). The majority of respondents (68%) reported an estimated prevalence range of POI of 0–20%. The presence of reflux on nasogastric intubation was the main criterion used to definePOI. A lesion involving the small intestine was considered the main risk factor forPOI. Anti‐inflammatory drugs,intravenous (i.v.) fluids and antimicrobial drugs were the primary strategies used when managingPOI. Flunixin meglumine and i.v. lidocaine were the drugs most commonly used in the treatment of horses withPOI. Supplementary management strategies targeted mainly the prevention of post operative adhesions, infection and inflammation.

Conclusions

There is a lack of consensus on the clinical definition ofPOI. Prospective and objective clinical assessment of the effectiveness of the different strategies contained within this and the European survey is necessary in order to identify a standardised approach to the management of equinePOI.
A New Development Technology? South Asian Biometrics and the Promise of State Security and Economic Opportunity
Authors: Fluri Jennifer L. , Jackson Paul S. B. , Paudel Dinesh
Published: October 2015

This paper examines the intra‐ and inter‐state usage of biometrics as a “new” technology of development and neoliberal security in South Asia. We view developmental use of biometrics as a tool for integrating the vast majority of poor and marginalized people as visible and calculable economic subjects. We examine the ways in which biometrics translates people into data for the purposes of state, security, and economic legibility. In this paper, we explore biometrics at the intersection of geopolitics, biopolitics, and development to highlight the promise and pitfalls of “technological progress” as a new development strategy.
Successful use of a bivalirudin treatment protocol to prevent extracorporeal thrombosis in ambulatory hemodialysis patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Al‐Ali Fadwa Saqr , Elsayed Mohammed , Khalifa Sabah , Abdulla Aisha Elsayed , Tolba Hoda , Bouanane Hisham , Ibrahim Rania , Hamad Abdullah
Published: October 2015

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an uncommon problem in hemodialysis (HD) patients. There have been a few reports on the use of lepirudin, argatroban, or danaparoid in the management of extracorporeal thrombosis (ECT) during dialysis in these patients, because heparin is contraindicated. Here, we report the first long‐term use of bivalirudin to prevent ECT. Our study was conducted at Fahd Bin Jassim Kidney Center in Doha, Qatar. All patients diagnosed with HIT were included. A bivalirudin treatment protocol was developed with the initial dosage and dosage adjustments based on the value of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), the risk of bleeding, and the recurrence of ECT. Eight patients were positive for HIT AB. Among them, three were excluded: two due to the use of warfarin for atrial fibrillation and one due to a negative repeat HIT AB test with no ECT. Five patients who were positive for HIT AB and experienced recurrent ECT events during dialysis were included. These patients were monitored while on bivalirudin protocol for a mean of 4.6 ± 2 months, during which they received a mean number of HD treatments of 66 ± 24. There were no bleeding events or adverse reactions related to bivalirudin during the study. Here, we report the first long‐term successful use of a bivalirudin protocol to prevent ECT in ambulatory HD patients with HIT. This protocol allowed for a simple dosing initiation with easy adjustment based on weight, aPTT, and recurrence of ECT events. The protocol provided excellent safety.
Chinese Postgraduate Choices When Considering a UK Business and Management Programme
Authors: Manns Yihan , Swift Jonathan
Published: October 2015

This research investigated Chinese students' decision making processes for enrolling on a postgraduate taught business and management programme in a UK university, based on structured interviews, followed by a survey of just over 450 respondents. The validity and reliability of the research instrument were assessed prior to issuing the survey. Convenience sampling was used to collect questionnaires from Chinese students in seven universities in the Northwest of the UK, and the findings were analysed using frequency and factor analysis. The research shows that Chinese students chose a country first, a programme (Business & Management) second, a university third, and a city last; the four choices are determined by 14 factors comprising 42 variables. This study has managerial implications for UK universities' policy makers, managers and practitioners to promote their programmes in China.
Highly Porous Silicon Nitride Foam Prepared Using a Route Similar to the Making of Aerated Food
Authors: Yin Liuyan , Zhou Xingui , Yu Jinshan , Wang Honglei
Published: October 2015

A new foaming route, which was imitated from the foaming of aerated foods, was used by the protein foaming method in preparing highly porous silicon nitride (Si3N4) foams. Effects of air fraction on the structure and property of the products were investigated. It was indicated that the porosity increased with the air fraction exponentially, whereas the air fraction had little effect on the average pore sizes of Si3N4 foams. Thermal conductivity of the product measured using the laser flash method decreased from 4.07 to 2.29 W/(m·K) when the porosity increased from 80.00% to 87.61%.
Impact of aging and comorbidity on the efficacy of low‐intensity shock wave therapy for erectile dysfunction
Authors: Hisasue Shin‐ichi , China Toshiyuki , Horiuchi Akira , Kimura Masaki , Saito Keisuke , Isotani Shuji , Ide Hisamitsu , Muto Satoru , Yamaguchi Raizo , Horie Shigeo
Published: October 2015

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of low‐intensity shock wave therapy and to identify the predictive factors of its efficacy in Japanese patients with erectile dysfunction.

Methods

The present study included 57 patients with erectile dysfunction who satisfied all the following conditions: more than 6‐months history of erectile dysfunction, sexual health inventory for men score of ≤12 without phosphodiesterase type‐5 inhibitor, erection hardness score grade 1 or 2, mean penile circumferential change by erectometer assessing sleep related erection of <25 mm and non‐neurological pathology. Patients were treated by a low‐energy shock waves generator (ED1000; Medispec, Gaithersburg, MD, USA). A total of 12 shock wave treatments were applied. Sexual health inventory for men score, erection hardness score with or without phosphodiesterase type‐5 inhibitor, and mean penile circumferential change were assessed at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months after the termination of low‐intensity shock wave therapy.

Results

Of 57 patients who were assigned for the low‐intensity shock wave therapy trial, 56 patients were analyzed. Patients had a median age of 64 years. The sexual health inventory for men and erection hardness score (with and without phosphodiesterase type‐5 inhibitor) were significantly increased (P < 0.001) at each time‐point. The mean penile circumferential change was also increased from 13.1 to 20.2 mm after low‐intensity shock wave therapy (P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, age and the number of concomitant comorbidities were statistically significant predictors for the efficacy.

Conclusions

Low‐intensity shock wave therapy seems to be an effective physical therapy for erectile dysfunction. Age and comorbidities are negative predictive factors of therapeutic response.
Immune regulation by Fcα/μ receptor (CD351) on marginal zone B cells and follicular dendritic cells
Authors: Shibuya Akira , Honda Shin‐ichiro
Published: October 2015

Although both Fcα/μ receptor (Fcα/μR) and polymeric Ig receptor (poly‐IgR) are Fc receptors for IgA and IgM and are functionally and genetically related, the expression profile of Fcα/μR is unique. Unlike poly‐IgR, Fcα/μR is expressed on marginal zone (MZ) B cells and follicular dendritic cells, suggesting that Fcα/μR plays an important role in humoral immune responses. Fcα/μR mediates endocytosis of the IgM immune complex (IC). Recent research demonstrated that Fcα/μR downregulated retention of the IgM IC with a T‐independent (TI) antigen on MZ B cells and follicular dendritic cells due to endocytosis of the IgM IC, suppressing germinal center formation, affinity maturation, and memory B‐cell generation in response to TI antigen challenge. In addition, Fcα/μR physically associates with Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and augments TLR4 oligomerization and signaling in MZ B cells upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, leading to increased proinflammatory cytokine production by MZ B cells. Thus, Fcα/μR is a unique Fc receptor that is involved in humoral immune responses and inflammation.
The high‐affinity receptor for IgG, FcγRI, of humans and non‐human primates
Authors: Chenoweth Alicia M. , Trist Halina M. , Tan Peck‐Szee , Wines Bruce D. , Hogarth P. Mark
Published: October 2015

Non‐human primate (NHP) models, especially involving macaques, are considered important models of human immunity and have been essential in preclinical testing for vaccines and therapeutics. Despite this, much less characterization of macaque Fc receptors has occurred compared to humans or mice. Much of the characterization of macaque Fc receptors so far has focused on the low‐affinity Fc receptors, particularly FcγRIIIa. From these studies, it is clear that there are distinct differences between the human and macaque low‐affinity receptors and their interaction with human IgG. Relatively little work has been performed on the high‐affinity IgG receptor, FcγRI, especially in NHPs. This review will focus on what is currently known of how FcγRI interacts with IgG, from mutation studies and recent crystallographic studies of human FcγRI, and how amino acid sequence differences in the macaque FcγRI may affect this interaction. Additionally, this review will look at the functional consequences of differences in the amino acid sequences between humans and macaques.
Metaphorical expressions used in Swedish news media narratives to portray the shortage of nurses and their working conditions
Authors: Blomberg Helena , Stier Jonas
Published: October 2015

Aim

The aim of the study is to uncover and reveal how nurses as a profession and their working conditions are dramatized and portrayed in Swedish media narratives about the shortage of nurses.

Background

The media is an arena where stakeholders can air their views of the healthcare sector in general and the situation for nurses in particular. The focus in this study is the debate in Sweden on the shortage of nurses.

Design

Qualitative discursive study.

Method

A discourse analysis of media narratives about nurses and their working conditions published in several Swedish newspapers from 2009–2014. 1779 articles were included in the study. A selection (113 articles) of these articles was further analysed using a qualitative discursive psychological approach.

Findings

Nurses are portrayed as being good, concerned about and critical of healthcare managers and politicians for not taking action. The accused actors justify their actions by partially accepting or displacing responsibility. The shortage of nurses is framed as a social problem – a threat to patients' safety. Seven different types of metaphorical expression frame the problem as inevitable, beyond control, abstract, an individual and collegial problem and nurses as replaceable. In addition, nurses and patients are dehumanized and no‐one is held responsible.

Conclusions

This study analyses the role of the media in emphasizing the seriousness or obscurity of the problem and possible solutions to it. Alternative narratives are needed to re‐frame the nursing shortage and to find sustainable solutions.
The Fable of Land Reform: Leases and Credit Markets in Occupied Japan
Authors: Ramseyer J. Mark
Published: October 2015

Development officials and scholars routinely argue that land reform can raise productivity. It may not always do so, they write, but it can—and during 1947–1950 in Japan it did. Land reform may sometimes raise productivity, but it did not raise it in Japan. The claim that it did is a fable, a tale people tell and re‐tell only because they wish it were true. A lease is a credit transaction—a way for local elites (tied to local information networks in ways that banks can never be) to extend funds to farmers. Elites could lend money directly, but would need to create a security interest to protect their loans. Doing so requires legal procedures, however, and most local elites in prewar Japan lacked the university education necessary to manipulate those procedures. By contrast, a lease lets local elites protect their funds simply by retaining the right to evict tenants who fail to pay. As such, it represents a way for investors and farmers jointly to economize on credit market costs. The Japanese land reform program effectively banned this transaction‐cost economizing credit‐market strategy, expropriated the wealth of the investors who used it—and cut the rate of growth in agricultural productivity.
Contracting with Private Knowledge of Production Capacity
Authors: Chu Leon Yang , Sappington David E. M.
Published: October 2015

We analyze the design of procurement contracts when the supplier is privately informed about both his innate production capacity (K) and his innate unit cost of production. We identify conditions under which the supplier will strategically employ an inefficient production technology to expand output above K. We also show that when the buyer employs the simple fixed‐price cost‐reimbursement (FPCR) contracts in the setting examined by Rogerson (2003), the supplier has no incentive to exaggerate K. Furthermore, the buyer can secure with FPCR contracts at least 75% of the surplus she secures with fully optimal contracts.
Falsified or Substandard? Assessing Price and Non‐price Signals of Drug Quality
Authors: Bate Roger , Jin Ginger Zhe , Mathur Aparna
Published: October 2015

Pharmaceutical products can be of poor quality either because they contain zero correct active ingredient (referred to as “falsified”) or because they contain a nonzero but incorrect amount of the right active ingredient (referred to as “substandard”). Although both types of poor‐quality drugs can be dangerous, they differ in health consequence, price, and potential policy remedies. Assessing basic quality of 1437 samples of Ciprofloxacin from 18 low‐to‐middle‐ income countries, we aim to understand how price and nonprice signals can help distinguish between falsified, substandard, and passing drugs.

Following the Global Pharma Health Fund e.V. Minilab® protocol, we find 9.88% of samples have less than 80% of the correct active ingredient and 41.5% of these failures are falsified. Falsified and substandard drugs tend to differ in two observable attributes: first, falsified drugs are more likely to mimic drugs registered with local drug safety regulators. Second, after controlling for other factors, substandard drugs are on average cheaper than passing generics in the same city but the price of falsified drugs is not significantly different from that of passing drugs on average. These data patterns suggest that careful consumers may have information to suspect a drug is substandard before purchase but substandard drugs can still exist to cater to poor and less‐educated population. In contrast, falsified drugs will be more difficult for consumers to identify ex ante because they appear similar to high‐quality, locally registered products in both price and packaging.
Physician Incentives and Treatment Choice
Authors: Pflum Kevin E.
Published: October 2015

I analyze the impact of physician competition for patients on treatment selection and an insurer's ability to induce its preferences through a supply‐side payment mechanism. Informed patients choose the physician whose treatment practice best fits their preferences, aligning physician incentives with patient preferences. An insurer's ability to counter these incentives is not monotonic in how informed patients are, however. When demand is either perfectly inelastic to treatment practices because patients are completely uninformed or a sufficient proportion of the market is informed relative to the number of physicians in the market, then an insurer can induce its preferences through supply‐side payment rules. Otherwise, more intensive policy levers such as utilization review must be employed. Programs that increase patient information can therefore improve the efficiency despite generating stronger incentive to treat according to patient preferences. I also explore how noisy signals of illness type and diagnostic testing further complicate the insurer's problem.
Sacrificing Indigenous Bodies and Lands: The Political–Economic History of Lowland Bolivia in Light of the Recent TIPNIS Debate
Authors: Fabricant Nicole , Postero Nancy
Published: October 2015

El plan de Evo Morales de construir una autopista masiva a través de tierras y territorios indígenas ha creado una tormenta política que ha hecho temblar a Bolivia. Nosotros argumentamos que este conflicto no puede ser comprendido fuera de la historia de las industrias extractivas y producción agrícola en las tierras bajas bolivianas porque ambas han creado patrones racializados de opresión y explotación laboral que han estructurado a las tierras bajas desde la época colonial. Al trazar la historia económica de las tierras bajas, mostramos cómo las demandas globales por comodidades han contrapuesto a los pueblos de las tierras bajas unos contra otros, creando tensiones en torno a tierras, recursos y diferencias culturales que continúan en el presente. Segundo, mostramos que tanto el gobierno de Morales como las élites de las tierras bajas han defendido sus posiciones en el debate sobre la autopista al oscurecer esta historia política y económica y declarar la protección de los pueblos indígenas de la región; sin embargo, tales proyectos de desarrollo una vez más trastornarán la organización social y modos de producción.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in a transgenic mouse model expressing human amyloid precursor protein (APP) with the Arctic mutation
Authors: Rönnbäck Annica , Pavlov Pavel. F. , Mansory Mansorah , Gonze Prisca , Marlière Nicolas , Winblad Bengt , Graff Caroline , Behbahani Homira
Published: October 2015

Accumulation of amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) in the brain is an important event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. We have used a transgenic mouse model expressing human amyloid precursor protein (APP) with the Arctic mutation to investigate whether Aβ deposition is correlated with mitochondrial functions in these animals. We found evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction (i.e., decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, increased production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative DNA damage) at 6 months of age, when the mice showed very mild Aβ deposition. More pronounced mitochondrial abnormalities were present in 24‐month‐old TgAPParc mice with more extensive Aβ pathology. This study demonstrates for the first time mitochondrial dysfunction in transgenic mice with a mutation within the Aβ peptide (the Arctic APP mutation), and confirms previous studies suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress is an early event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease.

image

This study demonstrates mitochondrial dysfunction in transgenic mice with a mutation within the amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide (the Arctic amyloid precursor protein (APP) mutation). We found evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction (i.e. decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative DNA damage) at 6 months of age, when very mild Aβ deposition is present in the mice. Also, the cytochrome c (COX) activity was significantly decreased in mitochondria from transgenic mice at 24 months of age.
Climatic and geographic correlates of global forest tree species–abundance distributions and community evenness
Authors: Ulrich Werner , Kusumoto Buntarou , Shiono Takayuki , Kubota Yasuhiro
Published: October 2015

Questions

Species–abundance distributions (SADs) have long been at the centre of ecological interest because they summarize various patterns of community assembly in condensed form. Here we link observed patterns of SAD shape and evenness to latitude and climatic conditions to infer global trends in abundance distributions.

Location

Global.

Methods

We compiled data on tree species abundances and climate covariates from 605 sites worldwide. We applied linear regression modelling and nonlinear least squares fitting of log‐series and lognormal abundance distributions to species rank–order log‐abundance plots to assess latitudinal and climatic gradients in abundance distributions and Pielou evenness.

Results

We observed significant latitudinal trends in SAD shape and evenness, even after accounting for richness and spatial effects. Evenness tended to increase towards lower latitudes and was positively correlated with actual evapotranspiration and negatively with climatic variability. We observed an excess of log‐series SADs at lower latitudes and an increase in lognormal distributions towards northern latitudes. Accordingly, the proportion of species less abundant than expected from a log‐series distribution decreased towards the tropics.

Conclusions

We speculate that the observed latitudinal trends are caused by respective gradients in the importance of dispersal for local tree community assembly. This interpretation implies the hypothesis that tropical communities tend to be more open and input‐driven in comparison to temperate communities.
Hare demography, physiology and European Brown Hare Syndrome virus infection: is there an association?
Authors: Sokos C. , Touloudi A. , Iakovakis C. , Papaspyropoulos K. , Giannakopoulos A. , Birtsas P. , Spyrou V. , Theodosiadou E. , Valasi I. , Sfougaris A. , Billinis C.
Published: October 2015

Epidemiological studies of disease ecology typically ignore the influence of host sex, age, nutritional condition and immunocompetence factors. However, this can lead to shortcomings and incorrect conclusions regarding the mechanisms of pathogen transmission and prevalence in wild animals. In many European countries, European Brown Hare Syndrome Virus (EBHSV) causes a disease lethal to brown hares Lepus europaeus. Associations of EBHSV infection, sex, age, body condition and spleen mass were studied in hares collected, from the prefectures of Chalkidiki and Thessaloniki, Hellas, during the hunting season. Data showed a sex‐biased prevalence with twice as many males infected with EBHSV than females (P = 0.061), indicating a sexual dimorphism in disease exposure or susceptibility. EBHSV infection was not related to hare body condition (P = 0.853). Adults had significantly greater spleen mass than young hares (P = 0.003), indicating past infections. Significantly greater spleen mass was found in hares positive for EBHSV (P = 0.010) and a negative relation was found between spleen mass and body condition (P = 0.038), indicating energy consumption for immune defense investment. The present study is one of the few that examine the relevance of individual risk factors in understanding patterns of viral infections in natural populations of wild animals.
Pretransplant renal function according to CKD‐EPI cystatin C equation is a prognostic factor of death after liver transplantation
Authors: Uguen Thomas , Jezequel Caroline , Ropert Martine , Houssel‐Debry Pauline , Latournerie Marianne , Lainé Fabrice , Deugnier Yves , Vigneau Cécile , Boudjema Karim , Guyader Dominique , Bardou‐Jacquet Edouard
Published: October 2015

Background & Aims

In patients with cirrhosis, cystatin C (CystC) based equations may be more accurate indicators of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) than creatinine (Pcr) based equations. Renal function before liver transplantation (LT) is thought to impact survival after LT. We aimed at assessing pretransplant creatinine and CystC based equations with respect to their predictive value on long‐term survival after LT.

Methods

From 2001 to 2011, CystC was determined at pre‐LT evaluation in 682 patients together with GFR assessed using MDRD‐4, MDRD‐6, CKD‐EPI‐cystatin C, CKD‐EPI‐creatinine and CKD‐EPI‐creatinine‐cystatin C equations. Patients were classified according to the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative classification (KDOQI).

Results

Median age at LT was 55 [49–60] years with a median MELD score of 13.5 [8.3–19.2] and a median post‐transplant follow‐up of 60 [26–89] months. Using CKD‐EPI Cystatin C and the KDOQI classification, 21.1% of patients were stage 1, 43.1% stage 2, 29.1% stage 3 and 6.5% stage 4. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates were significantly different between KDOQI stages when determined using the CKD‐EPI‐CystatinC equation. This was not the case when using the other equations. At multivariate analysis, GFR and KDOQI estimated using the CKD‐EPI‐CystatinC equation were significantly associated with death (HR:0.992;CI95%:0.986–0.999 and 1.24;CI95%:1.02–1.50 respectively). When assessed using the MDRD‐4, MDRD‐6, CKD‐EPI‐Creatinine‐CystatinC and CKD‐EPI‐Creatinine equations GFR was not significantly associated with death.

Conclusions

Estimated pre‐LT renal function is predictive of post‐LT survival only when assessed using the CKD‐EPI cystatin C equation. This supports the use of Cystatine C and of its related equation for the assessment of renal function before liver transplantation.
Are Spatial‐Numerical Associations a Cornerstone for Arithmetic Learning? The Lack of Genuine Correlations Suggests No
Authors: Cipora Krzysztof , Patro Katarzyna , Nuerk Hans‐Christoph
Published: October 2015

The mental number line metaphor describes how numbers are associated with space. These spatial‐numerical associations (SNA) are subserved by parietal structures (mainly intraparietal sulcus [IPS] and posterior superior parietal lobule [PSPL]). Generally, it is assumed that this association is a basic cornerstone for arithmetic skills. In this review, we present a taxonomy of SNAs and outline which of them are related to arithmetic skills. Recent research suggests that not all SNAs are related to arithmetic skills; for instance, the spatial‐numerical association of response codes (SNARC) is not or at least less related to arithmetic skills than SNAs assessed in the number line estimation task. In general, we conclude that the relationship between SNAs and arithmetic skills are rather weak or caused by mediating variables. Nevertheless, interventions based on relations between space and numbers can be beneficial for arithmetic skills because space is a powerful tool to understand arithmetic concepts.
Learning From Examples Versus Verbal Directions in Mathematical Problem Solving
Authors: Lee Hee Seung , Fincham Jon M. , Anderson John R.
Published: October 2015

This event‐related fMRI study investigated the differences between learning from examples and learning from verbal directions in mathematical problem solving and how these instruction types affect the activity of relevant brain regions during instruction and solution periods within problem‐solving trials. We identified distinct neural signatures during the instruction period of trials. While studying examples, greater activation was found in the prefrontal and parietal regions that were known to be involved in mathematical problem solving. In contrast, while studying verbal directions, increased activation was found in motor and visual regions. These differences, however, disappeared during the solution period. During the solution period, participants showed brain activation patterns like those they displayed while studying an example, regardless of which instruction they learned from. The results suggest instruction type becomes irrelevant after students get to an understanding. Educational implications were discussed with regard to example‐based instruction.
The identification of raft‐derived tau‐associated vesicles that are incorporated into immature tangles and paired helical filaments
Authors: Nishikawa T. , Takahashi T. , Nakamori M. , Hosomi N. , Maruyama H. , Miyazaki Y. , Izumi Y. , Matsumoto M.
Published: October 2015

Aims

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), a cardinal pathological feature of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) are primarily composed of hyper‐phosphorylated tau protein. Recently, several other molecules, including flotillin‐1, phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2] and cyclin‐dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), have also been revealed as constituents of NFTs. Flotillin‐1 and PtdIns(4,5)P2 are considered markers of raft microdomains, whereas CDK5 is a tau kinase. Therefore, we hypothesized that NFTs have a relationship with raft domains and the tau phosphorylation that occurs within NFTs.

Methods

We investigated six cases of AD, six cases of other neurodegenerative diseases with NFTs and three control cases. We analysed the PtdIns(4,5)P2‐immunopositive material in detail, using super‐resolution microscopy and electron microscopy to elucidate its pattern of expression. We also investigated the spatial relationship between the PtdIns(4,5)P2‐immunopositive material and tau kinases through double immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

Pretangles contained either paired helical filaments (PHFs) or PtdIns(4,5)P2‐immunopositive small vesicles (approximately 1 μm in diameter) with nearly identical topology to granulovacuolar degeneration (GVD) bodies. Various combinations of these vesicles and GVD bodies, the latter of which are pathological hallmarks observed within the neurons of AD patients, were found concurrently in neurons. These vesicles and GVD bodies were both immunopositive not only for PtdIns(4,5)P2, but also for several tau kinases such as glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and spleen tyrosine kinase.

Conclusions

These observations suggest that clusters of raft‐derived vesicles that resemble GVD bodies are substructures of pretangles other than PHFs. These tau kinase‐bearing vesicles are likely involved in the modification of tau protein and in NFT formation.
Bacterial RNAs activate innate immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Boyoung , Park Yong‐Soon , Lee Soohyun , Song Geun Cheol , Ryu Choong‐Min
Published: October 2015

The common molecular patterns of microbes play a critical role in the regulation of plant innate immunity. However, little is known about the role of nucleic acids in this process in plants.

We pre‐infiltrated Arabidopsis leaves with total RNAs from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pto DC3000) and subsequently inoculated these plants with the same bacterial cells.

Total Pto DC3000 RNAs pre‐infiltrated into Arabidopsis leaves elicited plant immune responses against Pto DC3000. However, sheared RNAs and RNase A application failed to induce immunity, suggesting that intact bacterial RNAs function in plant innate immunity. This notion was supported by the positive regulation of superoxide anion levels, callose deposition, two mitogen‐activated protein kinases and defense‐related genes observed in bacterial RNA‐pre‐treated leaves. Intriguingly, the Pto DC3000 population was not compromised in known pattern recognition receptor mutants for chitin, flagellin and elongation factor‐Tu (EF‐Tu). Plant defense‐related mutant analyses further revealed that bacterial RNA‐elicited innate immunity was normally required for salicylic and jasmonic acid signaling. Notably, among total RNAs, the abundant bacterial RNA species 16S and 23S ribosomal RNAs were the major determinants of this response.

Our findings provide evidence that bacterial RNA serves as a microbe‐associated molecular pattern in plants.
Dynamic QTL mapping for plant height in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Shang Lianguang , Liu Fang , Wang Yumei , Abduweli Abdugheni , Cai Shihu , Wang Kunbo , Hua Jinping
Published: October 2015

Plant height served as one of model traits to analyse dynamic development. The objective of this research was to investigate quantitative trait loci (QTL) and dynamic QTL for plant height trait using an intraspecific recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and a constructed genetic map in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Totally, 41 QTL and 23 conditional QTL controlling plant height were detected at two experimental environments, respectively. Four stable QTL were identified simultaneously in both environments. Some QTL identified at the early stage could not be detected at the final stage at plant maturity. Conditional QTL with different genetic effects were identified at certain stages, demonstrating that the expression of QTL had temporal characteristic during plant growth. Therefore, the study of dynamic QTL could unravel temporal genetic patterns controlling complex developmental quantitative traits.
Encouraging Local Compliance with Federal Civil Rights Laws: Field Experiments with the National Voter Registration Act
Authors: Hess Douglas R. , Hanmer Michael J. , Nickerson David W.
Published: October 2015

Can state officials increase local officials’ compliance with an important federal civil rights law with subtle interventions? The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) requires voter registration services at certain government agencies, but many counties fail to comply with the act. Working with officials in two states, the authors conducted field experiments to determine whether two methods commonly used by state officials increase compliance with the NVRA. Findings show that although the effects of the methods on output were sizable relative to recent performance, agency performance remained poor overall, with many offices continuing their history of registering no voters. The authors also discovered that gains in performance were largest for the offices that had performed best in the past. These findings suggest that while subtle interventions by state officials can produce increased compliance, stronger tactics may be needed to secure implementation of this federal law by local government agents.
Play Behavior and Playfulness in Adulthood
Authors: Van Vleet Meredith , Feeney Brooke C.
Published: October 2015

Although research has established play behavior and playfulness as important to the well‐being of children and animals, researchers have not typically considered the importance or implications of play in human adults. This is surprising given that play behavior is a topic of high relevance to social psychology. Definitional issues, a lack of a theoretical framework, and a dearth of standardized measures have posed obstacles in the advancement of this interesting research area, which is ripe for investigation. In this review, we summarize the extant literature, identify strengths and weaknesses of this literature, propose definitions to guide future work in this area, identify relevant theories that may be expanded to provide a framework for programmatic research on play in adulthood, and elucidate avenues for future research. Our aim is to encourage the development of this research area within social psychology.