bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composite reinforcement: Recent development of continuous glass fibers
Authors: Li Hong , Charpentier Thibault , Du Jincheng , Vennam Sandeep
Published: February 2017

Light weight, glass fiber‐reinforced composites have gained a broad, global acceptance in commercial markets with a total of more than 7 billion of US dollars in revenue since its first commercial production in US in mid 1930s. This article briefly reviews recent development of continuous glass fibers with a focus on high‐performance glass fibers. With accelerated commercial demands on high‐performance glasses and/or glass fibers, there is a growing realization of fundamental needs in decoding nature of glass structures or “genes” of glass structure building blocks and establishing their relationships to properties of glasses or glass fibers. The related database development can enable researchers shortening the number of product development cycles to bring new fiber products to the market. A special section is, therefore, provided illustrating recent progress in characterizations of glass structures by using techniques of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations.
Phenotypic analysis of circulating T‐cell subset and its association with burden of skin disease in patients with chronic actinic dermatitis: a hematologic and clinicopathologic study of 20 subjects
Authors: Hamada Toshihisa , Aoyama Yumi , Shirafuji Yoshinori , Iwatsuki Keiji
Published: February 2017

Background

Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is a recurrent photosensitive dermatitis that occurs predominantly on sun‐exposed areas with unknown etiology. In severe cases, it may present with erythroderma, which is clinicopathologically analogous to cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Typically, inflammatory infiltrates in the skin lesions are mainly CD8+ reactive T cells. However, hematologic characteristics of CAD have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Twenty patients with CAD ranging in age from 45 to 86 years (median, 64), including 17 males and three females (M/F ratio, 5.7), were examined. All patients were phototested for UV light. In addition, seven of the 20 patients with extensive eruption were also tested for visible light. All biopsy specimens were obtained from the CAD eruptions (n = 25 lesions). Histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies were performed. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis was performed to determine the CD4/8 ratio using peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 13 of the 20 patients.

Results

In 11 of the 20 patients (55%), the eruption was localized to sun‐exposed areas. Skin‐infiltrating T cells were CD8‐dominant in the CAD eruption. Three patients (15%) showed erythroderma with a reduced CD4/8 ratio (median, 0.7) of peripheral mononuclear cells. As for treatment, eight of the 20 patients (40%) required oral cyclosporine in addition to topical therapies. Subsequently, the reduced CD4/8 ratio was normalized after treatment in two of the three patients with erythroderma.

Conclusions

We considered that there appeared to be a relationship between the reduced CD4/8 ratio of circulating T cells (hematologic burden) and the affected area (skin burden).
The IL15 +96522 A>T functional polymorphism is related to the differentiation of Th17 cells and the severity of Hashimoto's disease
Authors: Arakawa Y. , Watanabe M. , Takemura K. , Inoue N. , Hidaka Y. , Iwatani Y.
Published: February 2017

To clarify the association between the genetic producibility of IL‐15, a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, and the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), we genotyped +96522 A>T and +82889 A>G polymorphisms in the IL15 gene using 127 patients with Hashimoto's disease (HD), including 55 patients with severe HD and 48 patients with mild HD; 130 patients with Graves’ disease (GD), including 52 patients with intractable GD and 44 patients with GD in remission; and 79 healthy volunteers. Both the IL15 +96522 A allele and AA genotype were more frequent in patients with severe HD than in those with mild HD. The serum levels of IL‐15 were higher in individuals with the IL15 +96522 AA genotype than in those with the T allele, and they were also higher in patients with severe HD than in those with mild HD. On the other hand, the mRNA levels of IL‐15 were not significantly different among individuals with each genotype of both SNPs. After incubation with recombinant human IL‐15, the proportions of Th17 cells in CD4+ cells were increased, and those of Treg cells in CD4+ cells were maintained. Our study indicates that the IL15 +96522A/C polymorphism correlates with the severity of HD, most likely by increasing Th17 cells.
Experience of providing cultural safety in mental health to Aboriginal patients: A grounded theory study
Authors: McGough Shirley , Wynaden Dianne , Wright Michael
Published: February 2017

The need for mental health clinicians to practice cultural safety is vital in ensuring meaningful care and in moving towards improving the mental health outcomes for Aboriginal people. The concept of cultural safety is particularly relevant to mental health professionals as it seeks to promote cultural integrity and the promotion of social justice, equity and respect. A substantive theory that explained the experience of providing cultural safety in mental health care to Aboriginal patients was developed using grounded theory methodology. Mental health professionals engaged in a social psychological process, called seeking solutions by navigating the labyrinth to overcome the experience of being unprepared. During this process participants moved from a state of being unprepared to one where they began to navigate the pathway of cultural safety. The findings of this research suggest health professionals have a limited understanding of the concept of cultural safety. The experience of providing cultural safety has not been adequately addressed by organizations, health services, governments, educational providers and policy makers. Health services, organizations and government agencies must work with Aboriginal people to progress strategies that inform and empower staff to practice cultural safety.
Interdecadal changes in the community, population and individual levels of the fish fauna of an extensively modified estuary
Authors: Valesini F. J. , Cottingham A. , Hallett C. S. , Clarke K. R.
Published: February 2017

This study examined inter‐period changes over two to three decades in the fish fauna of an urbanized estuary experiencing rapid population growth and a drying climate (Swan–Canning Estuary, Western Australia). Responses were compared at the fish community level (species composition; 1978–2009 in the shallows and 1993–2009 in deeper waters) and at the population and individual levels of an estuarine indicator species, black bream Acanthopagrus butcheri (biomass–abundance and per capita mass at age, respectively; 1993–2009). All three levels showed distinct shifts from earlier to later periods, but their patterns, sensitivity and breadth differed. Community composition changed markedly in the shallows of the lower‐middle estuary between the late 1970s and all later periods and moderately between more disparate periods from 1995 to 2009. Several species trends could be linked to the increasing salinity of the estuary or declining dissolved oxygen levels in its middle–upper reaches. Community changes were, however, small or insignificant in the shallow and deeper waters of the upper estuary and deeper waters of the middle estuary, where environmental perturbations are often most pronounced. This may reflect the resilience of the limited suite of species that typify those reaches and thus their lack of sensitivity in reflecting longer‐term change at the coarser level of mean abundance. One such species, the selected indicator, A. butcheri, did, however, show marked temporal changes at both the population and individual levels. Biomass decreased markedly in deeper waters while increasing in the shallows from earlier to later periods, presumably reflecting an onshore movement of fish, and per capita body mass in the 2+, 3+ and 4+ year classes fell steadily over time. Such changes probably indicate deteriorating habitat quality in the deeper waters. The study outcomes provide support for a multifaceted approach to the biomonitoring of estuaries using fishes and highlight the need for complementary monitoring of relevant stressors to better disentangle cause–effect pathways.
Cognitive Differences between Men and Women who Fracture their Hip and Impact on Six‐Month Survival
Authors: Gruber‐Baldini Ann L. , Hosseini Mina , Orwig Denise , Grattan Lynn , Chiles Shaffer Nancy , Hochberg Marc , Magaziner Jay
Published: February 2017

Objectives

There is limited research in cognition and its relationship to mortality after hip fracture among men compared to women. Therefore, the goals of this study were to: (1) compare men and women who fractured their hip on cognition after hospital discharge, and (2) examine the impact of cognition on the differential risk of 6‐month mortality between men and women post fracture.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Eight hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland.

Participants

Frequency matched 168 male and 171 female hip fracture patients, ages 65 or older, living in the community before fracture.

Measurements

Cognition assed by Modified Mini‐Mental State Examination (3MS, and derived MMSE score), Hooper Visual Organization test (HVOT), and Trail‐making test (Trails A & B) within 22 days of hospital admission, and 6‐month mortality.

Results

Men had more impaired cognitive scores on 3MS, MMSE, HVOT, and Trails A (P < .05) at baseline. These statistically significant differences between men and women remained on MMSE and HVOT after controlling for pre‐fracture dementia, in‐hospital delirium, age, education, race, and comorbidity. Men had higher 6‐month mortality rates (HR = 4.4, P < .001). Cognitive measures were also significantly associated with mortality, including 3MS, HVOT, and Trails B. Among the cognitive measures, higher 3MS was most protective for mortality (HR = 0.98, P < .001), both unadjusted and adjusted for other cognitive scales, comorbidity, delirium, and pre‐existing dementia. The highest mortality was among men with 3MS<78, with 26.3% dying within 6 months. The effects of cognition on mortality did not differ by sex.

Conclusion

Men display greater levels of cognitive impairment within the first 22 days of hip fracture than women, and cognitive limitations increase the risk of mortality in both men and women.
Advanced digital image analysis method dedicated to the characterization of the morphology of filamentous fungus
Authors: HARDY N. , MOREAUD M. , GUILLAUME D. , AUGIER F. , NIENOW A. , BÉAL C. , BEN CHAABANE F.
Published: February 2017

Filamentous fungi have a complex morphology that induces fermentation process development issues, as a consequence of viscosity increase and diffusion limitations. In order to better understand the relationship between viscosity changes and fungus morphology during fermentations of Trichoderma reesei, an accurate image analysis method has been developed to provide quantitative and representative data for morphological analysis. This method consisted of a new algorithm called FACE that allowed sharp images to be created at all positions, segmentation of fungus, and morphological analysis using skeleton and topological approaches. It was applied and validated by characterizing samples of an industrial strain of Trichoderma reesei that had or had not been exposed to an extreme shear stress. This method allowed many morphological characteristics to be identified, among which nine relevant criteria were extracted, regarding the impact of shear stress on the fungus and on the viscosity of the fermentation medium.
A potential role for the secretogranin II‐derived peptide EM66 in the hypothalamic regulation of feeding behaviour
Authors: Trebak F. , Dubuc I. , Arabo A. , Alaoui A. , Boukhzar L. , Maucotel J. , Picot M. , Cherifi S. , Duparc C. , Leprince J. , Prévost G. , Anouar Y. , Magoul R. , Chartrel N.
Published: February 2017

EM66 is a conserved 66‐amino acid peptide derived from secretogranin II (SgII), a member of the granin protein family. EM66 is widely distributed in secretory granules of endocrine and neuroendocrine cells, as well as in hypothalamic neurones. Although EM66 is abundant in the hypothalamus, its physiological function remains to be determined. The present study aimed to investigate a possible involvement of EM66 in the hypothalamic regulation of feeding behaviour. We show that i.c.v. administration of EM66 induces a drastic dose‐dependent inhibition of food intake in mice deprived of food for 18 hours, which is associated with an increase of hypothalamic pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) and melanocortin‐3 receptor mRNA levels and c‐Fos immunoreactivity in the POMC neurones of the arcuate nucleus. By contrast, i.c.v. injection of EM66 does not alter the hypothalamic expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY), or that of its Y1 and Y5 receptors. A 3‐month high‐fat diet (HFD) leads to an important decrease of POMC and SgII mRNA levels in the hypothalamus, whereas NPY gene expression is not affected. Finally, we show that a 48 hours of fasting in HFD mice decreases the expression of POMC and SgII mRNA, which is not observed in mice fed a standard chow. Taken together, the present findings support the view that EM66 is a novel anorexigenic neuropeptide regulating hypothalamic feeding behaviour, at least in part, by activating the POMC neurones of the arcuate nucleus.
Delphi Survey of Clinical Nursing and Midwifery Research Priorities in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Sun Carolyn , Dohrn Jennifer , Oweis Arwa , Huijer Huda Abu‐Saad , Abu‐Moghli Fathieh , Dawani Hania , Ghazi Cheherezade , Larson Elaine
Published: February 2017

Purpose

As the shortage of nurses and midwives is expected to worsen in the Eastern Mediterranean region concomitantly with a growing focus on achievement of universal health coverage, nurses and midwives are expected to fill major gaps in health care. Hence, the need for a solid evidence base for nursing practice and a clear direction for clinical nursing research are paramount. Therefore, a Delphi survey was conducted to determine clinical (research focused on patient outcomes) nursing and midwifery priorities for research within this region.

Design

A Delphi survey, using iterative rounds of an online survey of regional clinical nursing and midwifery research experts, was conducted between January and April 2016.

Methods

Consensus was determined by percentage agreement on level of priority for topics as determined by participants. Additionally, results were compared between countries within the region by income and mortality levels using Kendall's tau.

Findings

Critical research topics were focused on public/community/primary care as well as emergency preparedness for disasters, and these priorities are well aligned with gaps in the literature for this region. There were statistically significant differences between priority level and country mortality group for geriatrics, self‐management of disease, and sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusions

Critical research priorities should focus on population‐based health topics. Between‐country differences should be analyzed further. A clinical research database for the region may help improve research access for nurses and midwives.

Clinical Relevance

Practicing nurses and midwives lack extensive evidence (including culturally relevant evidence) on which to practice. Increasing research in areas identified in this survey may improve patient outcomes and quality of care regionally.
Allostatic load: a useful concept for advancing nursing research
Authors: Rosemberg Marie‐Anne S. , Li Yang , Seng Julia
Published: February 2017

Aims and objectives

To elucidate the historical development of the allostatic load concept, alongside its use in nursing research, and to explore how allostatic load has been investigated among two stress‐vulnerable populations.

Background

‘Stress’ is a prominent term in understanding the development of disease. Allostatic load is among several approaches undertaken to quantify the magnitude of stress and understand how stress can affect health.

Method

We explored the advent of allostatic load including its antecedents, and consequences. We used an exemplar case to apply the concept. We reviewed studies that used allostatic load among workers and women of childbearing age.

Results

There remains a need to consolidate a common definition and operationalisation of allostatic load. Despite this need for further work, allostatic load is a good fit for nursing science which focuses on the client, environment and health. Only 12 studies explored allostatic load among workers (n = 6) and women of childbearing age (n = 6). In some studies, allostatic load was used as a predictor while in others it was used as an outcome. None of the studies considered it as a mediator.

Conclusions

The concept of allostatic load holds promise for nursing researchers to operationalise a holistic view of multiple stressors and to quantify their effects on health. Studies are needed to affirm the role of allostatic load as a potential mediator between multiple stressors and outcomes. Longitudinal studies are also needed to demonstrate a causal pathway from stressor exposure to tertiary outcomes such as chronic conditions and morbidity.

Relevance to clinical practice

Allostatic load is a useful concept for nurses working with stress‐vulnerable populations. With the use of an interpretable allostatic load index, nurses will be able to intervene at various stages of the allostasis–adaptation process (stress‐response) and adjust interventions accordingly.
Association of oral microbiome with type 2 diabetes risk
Authors: Long J. , Cai Q. , Steinwandel M. , Hargreaves M. K. , Bordenstein S. R. , Blot W. J. , Zheng W. , Shu X. O.
Published: February 2017

Background and Objective

The oral microbiome may help to maintain systemic health, including how it affects blood glucose levels; however, direct evidence linking the oral microbiome with diabetes is lacking.

Material and Methods

We compared the oral microbiome profiles of 98 participants with incident diabetes, 99 obese non‐diabetics and 97 normal weight non‐diabetics, via deep sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

We found that the phylum Actinobacteria was present significantly less abundant among patients with diabetes than among the controls (p = 3.9 × 10−3); the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.27 (0.11–0.66) for those individuals who had relative abundance higher than the median value. Within this phylum, five families and seven genera were observed, and most of them were less abundant among patients with diabetes. Notably, genera Actinomyces and Atopobium were associated with 66% and 72% decreased risk of diabetes with p‐values of 8.9 × 10−3 and 7.4 × 10−3, respectively. Stratified analyses by race showed that most taxa in this phylum were associated with diabetes in both black and white participants. This phylum was also less abundant among non‐diabetic obese subjects compared to normal weight individuals, particularly genera Mobiluncus, Corynebacterium and Bifidobacterium, which showed p < 0.05.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that multiple bacteria taxa in the phylum Actinobacteria are associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. Some are also associated with the prevalence of obesity, suggesting that the oral microbiome may play an important role in diabetes etiology.
Locally Stationary Wavelet Packet Processes: Basis Selection and Model Fitting
Authors: Cardinali Alessandro , Nason Guy P.
Published: February 2017

For non‐stationary time series, the fixed Fourier basis is no longer canonical. Rather than limit our basis choice to wavelet or Fourier functions, we propose the use of a library of non‐decimated wavelet packets from which we select a suitable basis (frame). Non‐decimated packets are preferred to decimated basis libraries so as to prevent information ‘loss’ at scales coarser than the finest. This article introduces a new class of locally stationary wavelet packet processes and a method to fit these to time series. We also provide new material on the boundedness of the inverse of the inner product operator of autocorrelation wavelet packet functions. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our modelling and basis selection on simulated series and Standard and Poor's 500 index series.
Likely Effects of the Increasing Alkalinity of Inland Waters on Aquaculture
Authors: Somridhivej Benjaporn , Boyd Claude E.
Published: February 2017

The rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is increasing the solubility of limestone, calcium silicate, and feldspars, resulting in greater total alkalinity concentration in inland waters. This phenomenon will result in inland waters having slightly greater alkalinity concentration (and buffering capacity), higher pH when at equilibrium with atmospheric CO2, and more available carbon for photosynthesis. However, the changes in water quality will be small. Fluctuations in CO2 concentration resulting from CO2 use in photosynthesis by aquatic plants and release of CO2 by respiration, acidity resulting from nitrification of ammonia nitrogen from feeding waste and fertilizer, and application of liming materials to ponds will continue to be the dominant factors affecting pH and alkalinity in waters of inland aquaculture systems.
Improving patient selection for selective internal radiation therapy of intra‐hepatic cholangiocarcinoma: A meta‐regression study
Authors: Cucchetti Alessandro , Cappelli Alberta , Mosconi Cristina , Zhong Jian‐Hong , Cescon Matteo , Pinna Antonio D. , Golfieri Rita
Published: February 2017

Background & Aims

Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) is emerging as a potential therapy for unresectable intra‐hepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) able to prolong life‐expectancy. Aim of this study was to collect available literature meta‐analyse data and results and investigate sources of heterogeneity through a meta‐regression approach before suggestingSIRTas a valuable option.

Methods

A systematic review of studies published until 1 September 2016 in PubMed and Scopus databases was performed. Patient survival was the primary outcome measure. Meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model. Meta‐regression was applied to investigate relationships existing between clinical and tumour features and the primary outcome.

Results

Nine observational studies were included in the analysis involving 224 patients. The 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year pooled survival estimates were 55.7%, 33.1% and 20.2%. Clinical and tumour characteristics showed medium‐to‐considerable heterogeneity (I2>50%). Meta‐regression analysis showed that determinants of best survivals were the presence of mass‐formingiCCAtype (median survival=19.9 months vs 8.1 months for the infiltrative type;P=.002) that also accounted for most of the heterogeneity between included studies (residualI2=0);SIRTas first‐line therapy (median survival=24 months vs 11.5 months for non‐naïve patients;P=.048) and the adoption of concomitant chemotherapy (median survival 19.5 months vs 5.5 months in patients not receiving chemotherapy;P=.042).

Conclusions

There is considerable heterogeneity between studies highlighting that indications forSIRTare extremely varied. To ameliorateSIRTresults naïve patients with mass‐formingiCCAshould be selected as the best candidates with the possibility of adding concomitant standard chemotherapy.
Transient von Willebrand factor‐mediated platelet influx stimulates liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice
Authors: Kirschbaum Marc , Jenne Craig N. , Veldhuis Zwanida J. , Sjollema Klaas A. , Lenting Peter J. , Giepmans Ben N. G. , Porte Robert J. , Kubes Paul , Denis Cécile V. , Lisman Ton
Published: February 2017

Background & Aims

In addition to their function in thrombosis and haemostasis, platelets play an important role in the stimulation of liver regeneration. It has been suggested that platelets deliver mitogenic cargo to the regenerating liver, and accumulation of platelets in the regenerating liver has been demonstrated. We studied kinetics of platelet influx in the regenerating liver and investigated the signal that initiates platelet influx.

Methods

We visualized platelets in the liver remnant after partial hepatectomy in mice using intravital microscopy and assessed liver regeneration by examination of liver/body weight ratio and the number of proliferating hepatocytes examined by immunohistochemistry.

Results

We demonstrated rapid but transient platelet influx into the liver remnant after a partial liver resection. Liver regeneration in thrombocytopenic mice was substantially impaired as evidenced by a reduced liver‐to‐body weight ratio and decreased numbers of proliferating hepatocytes at day 3 compared to mice with normal platelet counts. In contrast, liver regeneration was only mildly impaired when thrombocytopaenia was induced 2 hours after partial liver resection. Platelet influx into the liver remnant was virtually absent in the presence of an antibody to von Willebrand factor (VWF) suggesting that VWF release from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells mediates platelet influx. Additionally, liver regeneration in mice deficient in VWF was markedly impaired.

Conclusions

A rapid but transient VWF‐dependent platelet influx into the liver remnant drives platelet‐mediated liver regeneration.
Increased survivability of ischemic skin flap tissue in Flk‐1+/− mice by Pellino‐1 intervention
Authors: Rednam Chandra K. , Wilson Rickesha L. , Selvaraju Vaithinathan , Rishi Muhammad T. , Thirunavukkarasu Mahesh , Coca‐Soliz Vladimir , Lakshmanan Rajesh , Palesty John A. , McFadden David W. , Maulik Nilanjana
Published: February 2017

Objective

Reduced skin flap survival due to ischemia is a serious concern during reconstructive cosmetic surgery. The absence of VEGF and its receptors during ischemia may lead to flap failure. We identified Peli1, a 46‐kDa protein, as a proangiogenic molecule and is directly regulated by VEGF. Therefore, we hypothesized that Peli1 acts downstream of Flk‐1/VEGFR2 and aids in skin flap survival during ischemia.

Methods

Scratch and matrigel assays were performed to observe cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro. Western blot analysis was carried out to detect the phosphorylation of Akt (p‐Akt) and MAPKAPK2 (p‐MK2) in HUVECs. The translational potential of Peli1 pretreatment in the rescue of skin flap tissue was studied in vivo using Flk‐1+/− mice. Animals underwent dorsal ischemic skin flap surgery, and the tissue was collected on day 12 for analysis.

Results

Western blot analysis revealed a direct relationship between Peli1 and VEGF, as demonstrated by loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function studies. In addition, pretreatment with Ad.Peli1 restored the phosphorylation of Akt and MK2 and improved the migration potential of Flk‐1‐knockdown cells. Ad.Peli1 pretreatment salvaged the ischemic skin flap of Flk‐1+/− mice by increasing blood perfusion and reducing the inflammatory response and the extent of necrosis.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that Peli1 is a proangiogenic molecule that acts downstream of VEGF‐Flk‐1 and restores angiogenesis and enhances skin flap survivability.
Comparative proteomic analysis of Xanthomonas citri ssp. citri periplasmic proteins reveals changes in cellular envelope metabolism during in vitro pathogenicity induction
Authors: Artier Juliana , da Silva Zandonadi Flávia , de Souza Carvalho Flávia Maria , Pauletti Bianca Alves , Leme Adriana Franco Paes , Carnielli Carolina Moretto , Selistre‐de‐Araujo Heloisa Sobreiro , Bertolini Maria Célia , Ferro Jesus Aparecido , Belasque Júnior José , de Oliveira Julio Cezar Franco , Novo‐Mansur Maria Teresa Marques
Published: February 2017

Citrus canker is a plant disease caused by Gram‐negative bacteria from the genus Xanthomonas. The most virulent species is Xanthomonas citri ssp. citri (XAC), which attacks a wide range of citrus hosts. Differential proteomic analysis of the periplasm‐enriched fraction was performed for XAC cells grown in pathogenicity‐inducing (XAM‐M) and pathogenicity‐non‐inducing (nutrient broth) media using two‐dimensional electrophoresis combined with liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Amongst the 40 proteins identified, transglycosylase was detected in a highly abundant spot in XAC cells grown under inducing condition. Additional up‐regulated proteins related to cellular envelope metabolism included glucose‐1‐phosphate thymidylyltransferase, dTDP‐4‐dehydrorhamnose‐3,5‐epimerase and peptidyl‐prolyl cis–trans‐isomerase. Phosphoglucomutase and superoxide dismutase proteins, known to be involved in pathogenicity in other Xanthomonas species or organisms, were also detected. Western blot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses for transglycosylase and superoxide dismutase confirmed that these proteins were up‐regulated under inducing condition, consistent with the proteomic results. Multiple spots for the 60‐kDa chaperonin and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase were identified, suggesting the presence of post‐translational modifications. We propose that substantial alterations in cellular envelope metabolism occur during the XAC infectious process, which are related to several aspects, from defence against reactive oxygen species to exopolysaccharide synthesis. Our results provide new candidates for virulence‐related proteins, whose abundance correlates with the induction of pathogenicity and virulence genes, such as hrpD6, hrpG, hrpB7, hpa1 and hrpX. The results present new potential targets against XAC to be investigated in further functional studies.
Mitochondrial DNA analysis of Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. from the western Iberian peninsula
Authors: ALMEIDA C. , SIMÕES R. , COIMBRA‐DORES M. J. , ROSA F. , DIAS D.
Published: February 2017

Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille (1806) (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is considered to be the most widely distributed tick and to have a vast range of habitats and hosts, including livestock, pets and wildlife. In addition to morphological differences, recent investigations using approaches based on molecular genetic markers have revealed the existence of different R. sanguineus lineages in different geographic regions. In this study, 475 ticks collected from dogs in the western Iberian peninsula were studied both morphologically and genetically, using 12S and 16S rDNA and COI gene markers in order to clarify the controversy over the systematic status of R. sanguineus sensu lato in Western Europe, and to compare the present data with those sourced from studies conducted in other regions of the world. Despite the high morphometric variability, particularly on spiracles in both genders and in female genitalia, data obtained with different genetic molecular markers show very low variability, suggesting the existence of a unique species. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis showed genetic uniformity, supporting the existence of a well‐defined clade consisting of R. sanguineus s.l. specimens from Western Europe that are distinct from R. sanguineus s.l. from Africa. Furthermore, these data corroborate the existence of a polymorphic species in Western Europe, which requires to be consensually redescribed in view of its medical and veterinary importance in pathogen transmission.
Durable remission of C3 glomerulonephritis with mycophenolate mofetil
Authors: Lioufas Nicole , Finlay Moira , Barbour Thomas
Published: February 2017

In C3 glomerulopathy, uncontrolled complement C3 activation via the alternative pathway results in glomerular C3 deposition and, in many cases, progressive renal failure. Despite advances in understanding of C3G pathogenesis over the last few years, there are no proven treatments. We describe a patient in whom C3 glomerulopathy was associated with renal impairment and elevated serum free kappa light chains. An initial response to corticosteroids was followed by relapse once steroids were weaned, prompting use of mycophenolate mofetil to maintain remission. We discuss some of the diagnostic and therapeutic issues surrounding C3G, including in the setting of monoclonal gammopathy.
A small secreted protein in Zymoseptoria tritici is responsible for avirulence on wheat cultivars carrying the Stb6 resistance gene
Authors: Zhong Ziming , Marcel Thierry C. , Hartmann Fanny E. , Ma Xin , Plissonneau Clémence , Zala Marcello , Ducasse Aurélie , Confais Johann , Compain Jérôme , Lapalu Nicolas , Amselem Joëlle , McDonald Bruce A. , Croll Daniel , Palma‐Guerrero Javier
Published: February 2017

Zymoseptoria tritici is the causal agent of Septoria tritici blotch, a major pathogen of wheat globally and the most damaging pathogen of wheat in Europe. A gene‐for‐gene (GFG) interaction between Z. tritici and wheat cultivars carrying the Stb6 resistance gene has been postulated for many years, but the genes have not been identified.

We identified AvrStb6 by combining quantitative trait locus mapping in a cross between two Swiss strains with a genome‐wide association study using a natural population of c. 100 strains from France. We functionally validated AvrStb6 using ectopic transformations.

AvrStb6 encodes a small, cysteine‐rich, secreted protein that produces an avirulence phenotype on wheat cultivars carrying the Stb6 resistance gene. We found 16 nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms among the tested strains, indicating that AvrStb6 is evolving very rapidly. AvrStb6 is located in a highly polymorphic subtelomeric region and is surrounded by transposable elements, which may facilitate its rapid evolution to overcome Stb6 resistance.

AvrStb6 is the first avirulence gene to be functionally validated in Z. tritici, contributing to our understanding of avirulence in apoplastic pathogens and the mechanisms underlying GFG interactions between Z. tritici and wheat.
A Note on US Worker Turnover
Authors: Choi Sekyu , Fernández‐Blanco Javier
Published: February 2017

The length of new employment relationships is of first‐order importance for a number of questions in recent macro‐labour research. We investigate it using data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation for the US from 1996 onwards, and document that above two‐fifths of newly employed workers fall into non‐employment within a year. We also find that the transition rate from employment to non‐employment within the first year varies significantly for different groups of the population, increases with the duration of the previous non‐employment spell, exhibits an acyclical or weakly procyclical pattern and a much higher volatility than the unemployment rate.
Are loss of control while eating and overeating valid constructs? A critical review of the literature
Authors: Goldschmidt Andrea B.
Published: February 2017

Background

Binge eating is a marker of weight gain and obesity, and a hallmark feature of eating disorders. Yet its component constructs – overeating and loss of control (LOC) while eating – are poorly understood and difficult to measure.

Objective

The objective of this study is to critically review the human literature concerning the validity of LOC and overeating across the age and weight spectrum.

Data sources

English‐language articles addressing the face, convergent, discriminant and predictive validity of LOC and overeating were included.

Results

Loss of control and overeating appear to have adequate face validity. Emerging evidence supports the convergent and predictive validity of the LOC construct, given its unique cross‐sectional and prospective associations with numerous anthropometric, psychosocial and eating behaviour‐related factors. Overeating may be best conceptualized as a marker of excess weight status.

Limitations

Binge eating constructs, particularly in the context of subjectively large episodes, are challenging to measure reliably. Few studies addressed overeating in the absence of LOC, thereby limiting conclusions about the validity of the overeating construct independent of LOC. Additional studies addressing the discriminant validity of both constructs are warranted.

Discussion

Suggestions for future weight‐related research and for appropriately defining binge eating in the eating disorders diagnostic scheme are presented.
The circadian clock, metabolism and obesity
Authors: Albrecht U.
Published: February 2017

In the last decades, obesity has been on the rise becoming a burden for health care systems. The reasons behind this rise are most likely caused by lifestyle rather than by an increase in gene mutations, because manifestations of genetic alterations would take longer than just a few decades. Lifestyle has a great impact on the circadian system and therefore on the body internal organization of physiological and biochemical processes, regulating various aspects of behavior and metabolism. In the following, I will discuss recent studies delineating relationships between metabolic processes and the circadian system, how metabolites and nutrients regulate the circadian clock and how nuclear receptors can act as metabolic sensors and clock regulators. Finally, I will discuss how clock modulation and feeding patterns influence the development of obesity.
Facilitation among plants can accelerate density‐dependent mortality and steepen self‐thinning lines in stressful environments
Authors: Zhang Wei‐Ping , Jia Xin , Wang Gen‐Xuan
Published: February 2017

The speed and slope of plant self‐thinning are all affected by plant–plant interactions across environmental gradients. Possible mechanisms driving the self‐thinning dynamics include the relative strength of root versus shoot competition, and the interplay between competition and facilitation. Although these mechanisms often act in concert, their relative importance has not yet been fully explored. We used both a one‐layer and a two‐layer zone‐of‐influence (ZOI) model to examine how competition and facilitation drive self‐thinning across stress gradients. As a development of the traditional ZOI model, the two‐layer version explicitly models shoot and root growth and neighbor interactions, and thus the overall size‐symmetry of competition is regulated by the relative strength of root versus shoot competition. One‐layer model simulations revealed that increasingly asymmetric competition accelerated thinning, and steepened (slope ranged from about –1 to –4/3) and lowered self‐thinning lines. Stress slowed down density‐dependent mortality considerably when competition was not completely symmetric. Stress significantly decreased the self‐thinning intercept, while facilitation simply counteracted stress effects. Both stress and facilitation showed little effect on the slope. In the two‐layer model, both stress and facilitation affected mortality in the same way as in the one‐layer version when competition was not completely symmetric. Different from the one‐layer model, the two‐layer version showed that the effects of stress and facilitation on the self‐thinning slope were mediated by the asymmetry of competition. As stress increased, the overall asymmetry of competition shifted from asymmetric to symmetric due to increased relative strength of root competition. High stress thus dramatically flattened self‐thinning lines, whereas the inclusion of facilitation counteracted stress and led to steeper self‐thinning lines. Our two‐layer model is based on the current knowledge of plant–plant interactions, and better represents ecological realities. It can help elaborate experiments for testing the role of competition and facilitation in driving plant population dynamics.
Complexity and structural properties of food webs in the Barents Sea
Authors: Olivier Pierre , Planque Benjamin
Published: February 2017

A food web topology describes the diversity of species and their trophic interactions, i.e. who eats whom, and structural analysis of food web topologies can provide insight into ecosystem structure and function. It appears simple, at first sight, to list all species and their trophic interactions. However, the very large number of species at low trophic levels and the impossibility to monitor all trophic interactions in the ocean makes it impossible to construct complete food web topologies. In practice, food web topologies are simplified by aggregating species into groups termed trophospecies. It is not clear though, how much simplified versions of food webs retain the structural properties of more detailed networks. Using the most comprehensive Barents Sea food web to date, we investigate the performance of methods to construct simplified food webs using three approaches: taxonomic, structural and regular clustering. We then evaluate how topological properties vary with the level of network simplification. Results show that alteration of food web structural properties due to aggregation are highly sensitive to the methodology used for grouping species and trophic links. In the specific case of the Barents Sea, we show that it is possible to preserve key structural properties of the original complex food web in simplified versions when using taxonomic or structural clustering combined with intermediate 25% linkage for trophic aggregation.
Antiepileptic drugs and anesthesia
Authors: Bloor Melanie , Nandi Reema , Thomas Mark
Published: February 2017

Anesthetists commonly encounter epileptic patients when undergoing surgery. This review article discusses the drugs used to treat epilepsy and their relevant effects on anesthesia.
The influence of parents’ voice on the consumption of propofol for pediatric procedural sedation—a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tschiedel Eva , Heck Victoria , Felderhoff‐Mueser Ursula , Dohna‐Schwake Christian
Published: February 2017

Background

In pediatric patients, invasive procedures such as the insertion of a central venous catheter or gastroscopy require deep sedation. It is unknown whether listening to parental voice during deep sedation in children can reduce sedative doses.

Aim

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the effect of listening to a parent's voice during deep sedation on consumption of sedatives in children.

Methods

Fifty children aged 2–14 years undergoing central line placement or gastroscopy under deep sedation with propofol were randomly assigned to two groups: (A) listening or (B) not listening their parents’ recorded voice reading a standardized text by the use of earphones. Depth of sedation was monitored by Comfort Score and by Bispectral Index.

Results

Mean sedative dose of propofol in both groups was equal (A 0.25 mg·kg−1·min−1; B 0.28 mg·kg−1·min−1; Δ −0.03 mg·kg−1·min−1 (CI 95% −0.08 to 0.01); P = 0.089). Furthermore, complication rate (P = 1.0) and recovery time (A 14.5 min; B 16.1 min; Δ = −1.6 min (CI 95% −6.98 to 3.81); P = 0.60) did not differ between the intervention and the control group.

Conclusion

Listening to parental voice during deep sedation does not result in a reduction of sedative dose in children undergoing short medical procedures.
Medically dependent severe motor and intellectual disabilities: Time study of medical care
Authors: Matsubasa Tadashi , Mitsubuchi Hiroshi , Kimura Akihiko , Shinohara Makoto , Endo Fumio
Published: February 2017

Background

Improvements in neonatal medicine and pediatric emergency medicine have led to an increasing number of children with severe disabilities requiring medical care, such as tracheal suction, on a daily basis. Most of these children, discharged directly from hospitals to their parents' homes, need home medical support. To provide data for the establishment of appropriate support systems, we analyzed the care for such children in a time study conducted at an institution.

Methods

A minute‐by‐minute time study of the work of 33 staff members in a ward for patients (medically dependent severe motor and intellectual disabilities [SMID]) requiring frequent medical care was carried out over 48 h. Data were compared with those from a ward for ordinary non‐medically dependent SMID patients.

Results

Time of life care for medically dependent SMID and ordinary SMID was almost identical, but the time for medical care for the former was 10‐fold longer than that of the latter. Also, tasks involving information exchange and recording of the time of care were performed fourfold more frequently in the medically dependent SMID than in the ordinary SMID ward.

Conclusions

Medically dependent SMID children and adults, predominantly with tracheostomies, needed much more medical care and more concentrated involvement of the staff compared with ordinary SMID. This study provides valuable data for the development of support systems for medically dependent SMID children being cared for at home. In addition, it sheds light on the situation faced by non‐SMID children requiring frequent medical care.
Explanation beyond causation? New directions in the philosophy of scientific explanation
Authors: Reutlinger Alexander
Published: February 2017

In this paper, I aim to provide access to the current debate on non‐causal explanations in philosophy of science. I will first present examples of non‐causal explanations in the sciences. Then, I will outline three alternative approaches to non‐causal explanations – that is, causal reductionism, pluralism, and monism – and, corresponding to these three approaches, different strategies for distinguishing between causal and non‐causal explanation. Finally, I will raise questions for future research on non‐causal explanations.
The relative importance of conidia and ascospores as primary inoculum of Venturia inaequalis in a southeast England orchard
Authors: Passey T. A. J. , Robinson J. D. , Shaw M. W. , Xu X.‐M.
Published: February 2017

Apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, can lead to large losses of marketable fruit if left uncontrolled. The disease appears in orchards during spring as lesions on leaves. These primary lesions are caused by spores released at bud burst from overwintering sources; these spores can be sexually produced ascospores from the leaf litter or asexual conidia from mycelium in wood scab or within buds. The relative importance of conidia and ascospores as primary inoculum were investigated in an orchard in southeast England, UK. Potted trees not previously exposed to apple scab were placed next to (c. 1 m) orchard trees to trap air‐dispersed ascospores. Number and position of scab lesions were assessed on the leaves of shoots from both the potted trees (infection by airborne ascospores) and neighbouring orchard trees (infection by both ascospores and splash‐dispersed, overwintered conidia). The distribution and population similarity of scab lesions were compared in the two tree types by molecular analysis and through modelling of scab incidence and count data. Molecular analysis was inconclusive. Statistical modelling of results suggested that conidia may have contributed approximately 20–50% of the primary inoculum in early spring within this orchard: incidence was estimated to be reduced by 20% on potted trees, and lesion number by 50%. These results indicate that, although conidia are still a minority contributor to primary inoculum, their contribution in this orchard is sufficient to require current management to be reviewed. This might also be true of other orchards with a similar climate.
The welfare effect of a free trade agreement in the presence of foreign direct investment and rules of origin
Authors: Mukunoki Hiroshi
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the welfare effect of forming a free trade agreement (FTA). To receive tariff‐free treatment, firms must comply with the rules of origin (ROO). Outside firms could undertake either market‐oriented or export‐platform foreign direct investments (FDIs). ROO have the following effects: (i) An infeasible FTA may become feasible by deterring outside firms' FDIs, (ii) an FDI of a less efficient firm could replace that of an efficient firm, or (iii) FDIs made before the FTA is concluded might be eliminated. These potential effects complicate the welfare effect of the FTA and could decrease the consumer surplus.