bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
B0‐orientation dependent magnetic susceptibility‐induced white matter contrast in the human brainstem at 11.7T
Authors: Aggarwal Manisha , Kageyama Yusuke , Li Xu , van Zijl Peter C.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

To investigate B0‐field‐orientation dependent white matter contrast in the human brainstem based on R2* and frequency difference (Δf) mapping from gradient echo (GRE) imaging at 11.7T.

Methods

Multi‐echo GRE data were acquired from two fixed human brainstem specimens at multiple orientations with respect to the static B0 field. The B0‐orientation dependent modulation curves of R2* and Δf measurements between short and long echo time regimes were used to reconstruct maps of three‐dimensional (3D) white matter orientation vectors. The results were compared with maps from diffusion MRI, susceptibility tensor imaging, and histological staining of the same specimens.

Results

R2* and Δf maps demonstrated distinct and significant contrast modulation between the corticospinal tract (CST) and transverse pontine fibers (TPF) dependent on B0 orientation. Interleaved fiber orientations of the CST and TPF could be sensitively resolved based on field‐orientation‐dependent fitting of the R2* and Δf measurements. The fitted 3D orientation vector maps and peak‐to‐peak amplitude of R2* and Δf modulation exhibited close correspondence to primary eigenvector and anisotropy maps derived from diffusion MRI. The amplitude of B0‐orientation dependent R2* modulation was significantly (P < 0.005) higher in the CST compared with TPF, while fractional anisotropies were comparable.

Conclusion

The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of B0‐orientation dependent susceptibility‐induced R2* and Δf contrasts to probe tract‐specific orientation and microstructure in white matter. Magn Reson Med 75:2455–2463, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preconditioning a mass‐conserving discontinuous Galerkin discretization of the Stokes equations
Authors: Adler James H. , Benson Thomas R. , MacLachlan Scott P.
Published: March 2016

The incompressible. Stokes equations are a widely used model of viscous or tightly confined flow in which convection effects are negligible. In order to strongly enforce the conservation of mass at the element scale, special discretization techniques must be employed. In this paper, we consider a discontinuous Galerkin approximation in which the velocity field is H(div,Ω)‐conforming and divergence‐free, based on the Brezzi, Douglas, and Marini finite‐element space, with complementary space (P0) for the pressure. Because of the saddle‐point structure and the nature of the resulting variational formulation, the linear systems can be difficult to solve. Therefore, specialized preconditioning strategies are required in order to efficiently solve these systems. We compare the effectiveness of two families of preconditioners for saddle‐point systems when applied to the resulting matrix problem. Specifically, we consider block‐factorization techniques, in which the velocity block is preconditioned using geometric multigrid, as well as fully coupled monolithic multigrid methods. We present parameter study data and a serial timing comparison, and we show that a monolithic multigrid preconditioner using Braess–Sarazin style relaxation provides the fastest time to solution for the test problem considered. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evans Syndrome at Childhood‐Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Diagnosis: A Large Multicenter Study
Authors: Lube Gabriella E. , Ferriani Mariana Paes Leme , Campos Lucia Maria Arruda , Terreri Maria Teresa , Bonfá Eloisa , Magalhães Claudia Saad , Aikawa Nadia Emi , Piotto Daniela Petry , Peracchi Octavio Augusto Bedin , dos Santos Maria Carolina , Appenzeller Simone , Ferriani Virginia Paes Leme , Pereira Rosa Maria Rodrigues , Silva Clovis Artur
Published: March 2016

Background

Evans syndrome (ES) in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) patients has been rarely reported and limited to small populations.

Procedures

A retrospective multicenter cohort study (Brazilian cSLE group) was performed in 10 Pediatric Rheumatology services including 850 patients with cSLE. ES was assessed at disease diagnosis and defined by the combination of immune thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Results

ES was observed in 11 of 850 (1.3%) cSLE patients. The majority of them had hemorrhagic manifestations (91%) and active disease (82%). All patients with ES were hospitalized and none died. Comparisons of cSLE patients with and without ES at diagnosis revealed similar frequencies of female gender, multiorgan involvement, autoantibodies profile, and low complement (P > 0.05). Patients with ES had a lower frequency of malar rash (9% vs. 53%, P = 0.003) and musculoskeletal involvement (18% vs. 69%, P = 0.001) than those without this complication. The frequencies of intravenous methylprednisolone (82% vs. 43%, P = 0.013) and intravenous immunoglobulin use (64% vs. 3%, P < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the ES group, with similar current prednisone dose between groups (1.1 [0.76–1.5] vs. 1.0 mg/kg/day [0–30], P = 0.195).

Conclusions

Our large multicenter study identified ES as a rare and severe initial manifestation of active cSLE with good outcome. Diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of typical signs and symptoms of lupus and the requirement to exclude infection and primary immunodeficiency.
An Investigation on the Effect of Silica Aerogel Content on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Sisal/PLA Nano Composites
Authors: Venkata Prasad C. , Sudhakara P. , Prabhakar M.N. , Ur Rehman Shah Atta , Song Jung‐Il
Published: March 2016

In this research work, the authors proposed to prepare sisal/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites with various amounts of silica aerogel (SAG) particles and studied the effect of aerogel content on the mechanical properties and thermal properties. Characterization of the composites in the presence and absence of aerogel particles were studied by Differential scanning calorimeter and Thermogravimetric analysis analysis. The dispersion trend of SAG particles and interfacial adhesion between the matrix and fibers were assessed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs of the surface and fractured surface of the composites, respectively. The thermal degradation temperatures of PLA/Sisal composites were increased by compounding with SAG particle. The tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus and water sorption increased with SAG content in the range of 0 to 2 wt%. However, NaOH (5 wt%) treated sisal fiber nanocomposites imparts superior mechanical properties than those of untreated ones. The fracture surface morphologies showed that the SAG particles are uniformly dispersed in PLA matrix. The results obtained by SEM confirmed that the interfacial adhesion between SAG and PLA matrix was good. Biodegradation studies were also performed to study the effect of SAG particles on degradation rate of the composites. Results indicated that the addition of SAG particles improved the overall performance of the composites including their thermal stability and mechanical properties. This work provides us the exploratory idea of using SAG particles as additives in biodegradable composites for possible applications, such as interior parts of automobiles and marine industry etc. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:835–840, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
THE USE OF EVIDENCED‐BASED PRACTICES IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AMONG SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Authors: Combes Bertina H. , Chang Mei , Austin Jennifer E. , Hayes Demarquis
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to explore school psychologists’ use of evidence‐based practices (EBP), specifically in the area of social skills training, for students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants were 220 school psychologists practicing in public school settings who provided social skills training to students with ASD. Participants were recruited through e‐mail solicitations and completed surveys administered on‐line. Results indicated that 47% of the participants reported that their graduate program did not provide courses including content addressing social skills training for students with ASD, and 58% did not receive training on the topic during their internship. The most and least frequently endorsed EBP reported were the provision of clear and measurable treatment objectives and regular communication with parents, respectively. Greater use of EBP was reported when school districts perceived implementing EBP as important. Implications of findings for training programs of school psychologists, school districts, and individual school psychologists are discussed, as well as implications for future research.
MicroRNA alteration and putative target genes in high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer: STAT3 and ZEB1 are upregulated during prostate carcinogenesis
Authors: Cha Yoon Jin , Lee Joo Hyun , Han Hyun Ho , Kim Baek Gil , Kang Suki , Choi Young Deuk , Cho Nam Hoon
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

We aimed to identify alteration of cancer‐related miRNAs in HGPIN and PCa, and to investigate the clinical implications of HGPIN as a precancerous lesion of PCa.

METHODS

Clinicopathologic analysis based on the status of HGPIN was performed in 388 patients who received radical prostatectomy between January 2005 and December 2008 in Severance Hospital. Among them, 10 paired HGPIN and PCa were prepared to perform miRNA microarray and quantitative real‐time PCR. Fifty‐two prostatectomy specimens were used to further validation of protein expression that was assessed by immunohistochemical staining (IHC) in matched non‐neoplastic prostatic tissue (NPT), HGPIN, and PCa. Functional analysis was performed using a prostate normal cell line (RWPE‐1) and two prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, PC‐3) for comparison of expression of miR‐155 and STAT3 mRNA before and after treatment of miR‐155 mimetics/antagomir into each cell line.

RESULTS

Patients with HGPIN had significantly less lymphovascular invasion, less lymph node metastasis, lower tumor volume, lower Gleason score, lower incidence of death, and longer overall survival compared to patients without HGPIN. MiR‐155, miR‐210, miR‐153, and miR‐200c were downregulated in HGPIN and PCa in common, compared to NPT. As putative target mRNAs, mRNA expression level of STAT3, ZEB1, and BACH1 was increased in PCa and HGPIN compared to NPT. mRNA expression level of ephrin‐A3 was increased in PCa compared to NPT, and FGFRL1 was decreased in PCa compared to HGPIN and NPT. Protein expression assessed by IHC showed correlated results in STAT3, ZEB1, and ephrin‐A3. Moreover, STAT3 and ZEB1 increased in a stepwise manner, from NPT to PCa. Treatment of miR‐155 antagomir increased STAT3 mRNA expression in RWPE‐1 cells, whereas treatment of miR‐155 mimetics into PC‐3 cells significantly decreased STAT3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

STAT3 and ZEB1 could be the key molecules altered at the early stages of carcinogenesis, especially in HGPIN. Prostate 76:937–947, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ScaffoldSeq: Software for characterization of directed evolution populations
Authors: Woldring Daniel R. , Holec Patrick V. , Hackel Benjamin J.
Published: March 2016

ScaffoldSeq is software designed for the numerous applications—including directed evolution analysis—in which a user generates a population of DNA sequences encoding for partially diverse proteins with related functions and would like to characterize the single site and pairwise amino acid frequencies across the population. A common scenario for enzyme maturation, antibody screening, and alternative scaffold engineering involves naïve and evolved populations that contain diversified regions, varying in both sequence and length, within a conserved framework. Analyzing the diversified regions of such populations is facilitated by high‐throughput sequencing platforms; however, length variability within these regions (e.g., antibody CDRs) encumbers the alignment process. To overcome this challenge, the ScaffoldSeq algorithm takes advantage of conserved framework sequences to quickly identify diverse regions. Beyond this, unintended biases in sequence frequency are generated throughout the experimental workflow required to evolve and isolate clones of interest prior to DNA sequencing. ScaffoldSeq software uniquely handles this issue by providing tools to quantify and remove background sequences, cluster similar protein families, and dampen the impact of dominant clones. The software produces graphical and tabular summaries for each region of interest, allowing users to evaluate diversity in a site‐specific manner as well as identify epistatic pairwise interactions. The code and detailed information are freely available at http://research.cems.umn.edu/hackel. Proteins 2016; 84:869–874. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Pallet Deckboard Stiffness on Corrugated Box Compression Strength
Authors: Baker Matthew , Horvath Laszlo , White Marshall
Published: March 2016

The packaging industry has long considered pallets to be rigid structures. However, in a unit load, the weight of the product produces compressive forces that are distributed across the pallet causing the top deckboards to deflect. Corrugated paperboard boxes are highly susceptible to changing support conditions; therefore, the deckboard deflection directly impacts the vertical compression strength of the box. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of pallet deckboard stiffness on the vertical compression strength and deflection of corrugated paperboard boxes. Additional treatments included gaps between the deckboards and location of the box relative to the pallet stringers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear joint latent variable models and integrative tumor subtype discovery
Authors: Liu Binghui , Shen Xiaotong , Pan Wei
Published: March 2016

Integrative analysis has been used to identify clusters by integrating data of disparate types, such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) copy number alterations and DNA methylation changes for discovering novel subtypes of tumors. Most existing integrative analysis methods are based on joint latent variable models, which are generally divided into two classes: joint factor analysis and joint mixture modeling, with continuous and discrete parameterizations of the latent variables respectively. Despite recent progresses, many issues remain. In particular, existing integration methods based on joint factor analysis may be inadequate to model multiple clusters due to the unimodality of the assumed Gaussian distribution, while those based on joint mixture modeling may not have the ability for dimension reduction and/or feature selection. In this paper, we employ a nonlinear joint latent variable model to allow for flexible modeling that can account for multiple clusters as well as conduct dimension reduction and feature selection. We propose a method, called integrative and regularized generative topographic mapping (irGTM), to perform simultaneous dimension reduction across multiple types of data while achieving feature selection separately for each data type. Simulations are performed to examine the operating characteristics of the methods, in which the proposed method compares favorably against the popular iCluster that is based on a linear joint latent variable model. Finally, a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) dataset is examined.
Investigation of graphene layers on electrodeposited polycrystalline metals
Authors: Nobili L. , Magagnin L. , Bernasconi R. , Livolsi F. , Pedrazzetti L. , Lucotti A. , Balijepalli S.K. , Mezzi A. , Kaciulis S. , Montanari R.
Published: March 2016

Nowadays, many different methods are used to produce graphene. Electrochemical techniques represent a low‐cost and versatile route to deposit metals, although the characterization of graphene grown on electrochemically deposited polycrystalline metals is still in its infancy.

In this work, several metal substrates were prepared by electrochemical processes and then covered with graphene layers grown by CVD. Free‐standing foils of Cu and Ni‐Cu alloy (20 wt.% of Cu) were prepared by electroforming, while a pure Ni film was obtained by galvanic displacement on a Si wafer. The thickness of Ni film on Si wafer was about 0.7 µm, whereas the Ni‐Cu foils were much thicker (12 µm). The characterization of the graphene films was performed by using Raman spectroscopy, XPS and AES. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Institutional Economics, Social Dilemmas, and the Complexity‐Sustainability Trade‐off (A response to Hielscher and Pies)
Authors: Valentinov Vladislav , Chatalova Lioudmila
Published: March 2016

Drawing inspiration from Niklas Luhmann's social systems theory, the present note argues that the complexity of social systems has the potential to undermine their sustainability and thus to generate social dilemmas. The conceptual construct of the ‘complexity‐sustainability trade‐off’ is invoked to make the point that ensuring sustainability, if at all possible, requires controlling the proliferation of systemic complexity. To some extent, this control is feasible through structural couplings that correspond to the economic concept of the internalization of externalities. If this solution falls short of meeting the sustainability goals, systemic complexity can be alternatively controlled through the dampening of systemic imperatives, which translates, at the individual level, into the weakening of incentives. Williamson's transaction cost theory of for‐profit hierarchy and Hansmann's trustworthiness theory of nonprofit organizations present cases in point.
Concise Review: Apoptotic Cell-Based Therapies–Rationale, Preclinical Results and Future Clinical Developments
Authors: Saas Philippe , Daguindau Etienne , Perruche Sylvain
Published: March 2016

The objectives of this review are to summarize the experimental data obtained using apoptotic cell-based therapies, and then to discuss future clinical developments. Indeed, apoptotic cells exhibit immunomodulatory properties that are reviewed here by focusing on more recent mechanisms. These immunomodulatory mechanisms are in particular linked to the clearance of apoptotic cells (called also efferocytosis) by phagocytes, such as macrophages, and the induction of regulatory T cells. Thus, apoptotic cell-based therapies have been used to prevent or treat experimental inflammatory diseases. Based on these studies, we have identified critical steps to design future clinical trials. This includes: the administration route, the number and schedule of administration, the appropriate apoptotic cell type to be used, as well as the apoptotic signal. We also have analyzed the clinical relevancy of apoptotic-cell-based therapies in experimental models. Additional experimental data are required concerning the treatment of inflammatory diseases (excepted for sepsis) before considering future clinical trials. In contrast, apoptotic cells have been shown to favor engraftment and to reduce acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in different relevant models of transplantation. This has led to the conduct of a phase 1/2a clinical trial to alleviate GvHD. The absence of toxic effects obtained in this trial may support the development of other clinical studies based on this new cell therapy.
LSD1 Mediates Neuronal Differentiation of Human Fetal Neural Stem Cells by Controlling the Expression of a Novel Target Gene, HEYL
Authors: Hirano Kazumi , Namihira Masakazu
Published: March 2016

Histone-modifying enzymes dynamically regulate the chromatin status and have been implicated in the fate specification of stem cells, including neural stem cells (NSCs), which differentiate into three major cell types: neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1, also known as KDM1A) catalyzes the demethylation of H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2, and it was recently suggested that functional disruption of LSD1 links to various human diseases. However, the mechanism by which LSD1 regulates human neural development remains unclear. Here, we present evidence that specific inhibition of LSD1 suppresses the neurogenesis of cultured human fetal NSCs (hfNSCs) isolated from the human fetal neocortex. Notably, we found that LSD1 directly associates with the promoter of the HEYL gene, and controls the demethylation of H3K4me2, which is accompanied by repression of HEYL expression during hfNSC neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, we also showed that HEYL expression is sufficient to inhibit the neuronal differentiation of hfNSCs. This mechanism seems to be primate-specific because mouse NSCs do not exhibit the LSD1 inhibitor-induced upregulation of Heyl. Our findings suggest that LSD1 plays an important role in primate neurogenesis and may contribute to the characterization of an evolved primate brain.
The North American model and captive cervid facilities—What is the threat?
Authors: Organ John F. , Decker Thomas A. , Lama Tanya M.
Published: March 2016

The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation represents the key principles that in combination resulted in a distinct form of wildlife conservation in the United States and Canada. How and to what extent captive cervid facilities comport with or conflict with these principles has implications for wildlife conservation. Greatest threats appear to be toward principles of public ownership of wildlife, allocation of wildlife by law, and in policy decisions based on science. Captive cervid facilities have potential to contribute to erosion of the underlying principles of the Model and could undermine public support for conservation initiatives. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A stable phylogeny of the large‐spored Metschnikowia clade
Authors: Lachance Marc‐André , Hurtado Emilia , Hsiang Tom
Published: March 2016

Draft genomes of 55 strains representing all known large‐spored Metschnikowia species were used to construct a robust phylogeny of these yeasts found in association with flower‐visiting insects. The genomes were annotated with reference to Clavispora lusitaniae. From 3016 orthologues identified, 1061 were present in all strains with enough overlap to generate alignments of 500 bp or more. We constructed trees for all those alignments and evaluated their accuracy from their ability to resolve each of 22 sets of conspecifics correctly as sister taxa. Neighbour‐joining identified species membership better than maximum likelihood, as did trees based on larger gene alignments. However, correct species assignment was not predictive of a gene's ability to resolve deeper topologies, which were more reliably identified by maximum likelihood analyses of large concatenations. Specifically, 14 trees based on independent concatenations ca. 100 kb in length were topologically consistent with a tree based on a single, large concatenation (1 410 065 positions), lending a high degree of confidence to the stability of the phylogeny. A tree based on a concatenation of intergenic regions (112 136 positions) was also congruent. Again, the best predictor of phylogenetic signal quality of a gene was the size of the alignment. Bootstraps were not always good indicators of phylogenetic quality, as they were sometimes affected by clade size. A tree constructed from a presence–absence matrix of all annotated genes was remarkably congruent with sequence‐based phylogenies, suggesting that gain or loss of genes is worth exploring further as a phylogenetically significant event. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the cathode potential and sulfate ions on nitrate reduction in a microbial electrochemical denitrification system
Authors: Nguyen Van Khanh , Park Younghyun , Yang Heechun , Yu Jaecheul , Lee Taeho
Published: March 2016

Recently, bioelectrochemical systems have been demonstrated as advantageous for denitrification. Here, we investigated the nitrate reduction rate and bacterial community on cathodes at different cathode potentials [−300, −500, −700, and −900 mV vs. standard hydrogen electrode (SHE)] in a two-chamber microbial electrochemical denitrification system and effects of sulfate, a common nitrate co-contaminant, on denitrification efficiency. The results indicated that the highest nitrate reduction rates (3.5 mg L−1 days−1) were obtained at a cathode potential of −700 mV, regardless of sulfate presence, while a lower rate was observed at a more negative cathode potential (−900 mV). Notably, although sulfate ions generally inhibited nitrate reduction, this effect was absent at a cathode potential of −700 mV. Polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis revealed that bacterial communities on the graphite-felt cathode were significantly affected by the cathode potential change and sulfate presence. Shinella-like and Alicycliphilus-like bacterial species were exclusively observed on cathodes in reactors without sulfate. Ochrobactrum-like and Sinorhizobium-like bacterial species, which persisted at different cathode potentials irrespective of sulfate presence, were shown to contribute to bioelectrochemical denitrification. This study suggested that a cathode potential of around −700 mV versus SHE would ensure optimal nitrate reduction rate and counteract inhibitory effects of sulfate. Additionally, sulfate presence considerably affects denitrification efficiency and microbial community of microbial electrochemical denitrification systems.
Strategies to distinguish new synthetic cannabinoid FUBIMINA (BIM-2201) intake from its isomer THJ-2201: metabolism of FUBIMINA in human hepatocytes
Authors: Diao Xingxing , Scheidweiler Karl B. , Wohlfarth Ariane , Zhu Mingshe , Pang Shaokun , Huestis Marilyn A.
Published: March 2016

Since 2013, a new drugs-of-abuse trend attempts to bypass drug legislation by marketing isomers of scheduled synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), e.g., FUBIMINA (BIM-2201) and THJ-2201. It is much more challenging to confirm a specific isomer’s intake and distinguish it from its structural analog because the isomers and their major metabolites usually have identical molecular weights and display the same product ions. Here, we investigated isomers FUBIMINA and THJ-2201 and propose strategies to distinguish their consumption. THJ-2201 was scheduled in the US, Japan, and Europe; however, FUBIMINA is easily available on the Internet. We previously investigated THJ-2201 metabolism in human hepatocytes, but human FUBIMINA metabolism is unknown. We aim to characterize FUBIMINA metabolism in human hepatocytes, recommend optimal metabolites to confirm its consumption, and propose strategies to distinguish between intakes of FUBIMINA and THJ-2201. FUBIMINA (10 μM) was incubated in human hepatocytes for 3 h, and metabolites were characterized with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS). We identified 35 metabolites generated by oxidative defluorination, further carboxylation, hydroxylation, dihydrodiol formation, glucuronidation, and their combinations. We recommend 5′-OH-BIM-018 (M34), BIM-018 pentanoic acid (M33), and BIM-018 pentanoic acid dihydrodiol (M7) as FUBIMINA specific metabolites. THJ-2201 produced specific metabolite markers 5′-OH-THJ-018 (F26), THJ-018 pentanoic acid (F25), and hydroxylated THJ-2201 (F13). Optimized chromatographic conditions to achieve different retention times and careful selection of specific product ion spectra enabled differentiation of isomeric metabolites, in this case FUBIMINA from THJ-2201. Our HR-MS approach should be applicable for differentiating future isomeric SCs, which is especially important when different isomers have different legal status.
Vulnerable, But Why? Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Older Adults Exposed to Hurricane Sandy
Authors: Heid Allison R. , Christman Zachary , Pruchno Rachel , Cartwright Francine P. , Wilson-Genderson Maureen
Published: March 2016

Objective

Drawing on pre-disaster, peri-disaster, and post-disaster data, this study examined factors associated with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in older adults exposed to Hurricane Sandy.

Methods

We used a sample of older participants matched by gender, exposure, and geographic region (N=88, mean age=59.83 years) in which one group reported clinically significant levels of PTSD symptoms and the other did not. We conducted t-tests, chi-square tests, and exact logistic regressions to examine differences in pre-disaster characteristics and peri-disaster experiences.

Results

Older adults who experienced PTSD symptoms reported lower levels of income, positive affect, subjective health, and social support and were less likely to be working 4 to 6 years before Hurricane Sandy than were people not experiencing PTSD symptoms. Those developing PTSD symptoms reported more depressive symptoms, negative affect, functional disability, chronic health conditions, and pain before Sandy and greater distress and feelings of danger during Hurricane Sandy. Exact logistic regression revealed independent effects of preexisting chronic health conditions and feelings of distress during Hurricane Sandy in predicting PTSD group status.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that because vulnerable adults can be identified before disaster strikes, the opportunity to mitigate disaster-related PTSD exists through identification and resource programs that target population subgroups. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:362–370)
An Interdisciplinary Response to a Tobacco Cessation Case Vignette
Authors: Morris Chad D. , Richardson Donna L. , Loewen Jill M. , Vanheest Laura C. , Brumley-Shelton Angela , Feo Maria T.
Published: March 2016

Introduction:Tobacco use is a chronic, relapsing condition. While there are proven cessation medications and counselling treatments, uptake of available aids is poor and smokers often do not have access to evidence-based services.

Aims:The Association for the Treatment of Tobacco Use and Dependence (ATTUD) is an organisation of tobacco treatment specialists (TTSs) representing a wide array of disciplines and healthcare settings. This case vignette was intended to provide a clinical example of an interdisciplinary approach to tobacco use treatment.

Methods:ATTUD Interdisciplinary Committee members representing tobacco-cessation experts from five professions were asked to respond to the same composite case vignette detailing key areas of clinical consideration and treatment.

Results/Findings:While there were common treatment themes across professions, each provider also offered a unique treatment perspective addressing different facets of the patient's complex care needs, including attention to other chronic illnesses, mental illnesses, and preventive services. Expert responses highlighted that different treatment approaches across a continuum of healthcare settings are complementary.

Conclusions:Responses to this vignette support the need to address tobacco use from an interdisciplinary approach. Existing chronic care and patient-centred models should be utilised to ensure that tobacco users receive a sufficient range of cessation services.
Introduction: Planetary geosciences, the Dutch contribution to the exploration of our solar system
Authors: De Vet S.J. , Van Westrenen W.
Published: March 2016

Planetary geoscience was effectively born when Christiaan Huygens took his first look at planet Mars on Friday 28 November 1659. As one of the leading scientists of his time, Huygens was known for constructing his own telescopes to observe stars, planets and nebulae whenever the clear and spacious skies above the Netherlands allowed. Huygens observed the planet Mars during the heydays of its 1659 opposition. On the night of 28 November he succeeded in sketching the first albedo feature on a different planet in our solar system. The roughly triangular dark-coloured patch was originally christened the Hourglass Sea, suggesting it to be an area of open water. Perhaps the landscape surrounding him in the Netherlands prompted Huygens to interpret the newly discovered feature as a wet area on the planet's surface. The attribution of traits to an albedo feature on another planet based on terrestrial landscapes may well be considered as the first-ever attempt at ‘comparative planetology’. The albedo feature can still be recognised at the surface of Mars today as Syrtis Major. Any modest amateur telescope can provide a view superior to that of Huygens’, allowing the observation of the very first geological feature ever identified on another rocky planet.
General models of ecological diversification. II. Simulations and empirical applications
Authors: Novack-Gottshall Philip M.
Published: March 2016

Models of functional ecospace diversification within life-habit frameworks (functional-trait spaces) are increasingly used across community ecology, functional ecology, and paleoecology. In general, these models can be represented by four basic processes, three that have driven causes and one that occurs through a passive process. The driven models include redundancy (caused by forms of functional canalization), partitioning (specialization), and expansion (divergent novelty), but they also share important dynamical similarities with the passive neutral model. In this second of two companion articles, Monte Carlo simulations of these models are used to illustrate their basic statistical dynamics across a range of data structures and implementations. Ecospace frameworks with greater numbers of characters (functional traits) and ordered (multistate) character types provide more distinct dynamics and greater ability to distinguish the models, but the general dynamics tend to be congruent across all implementations. Classification-tree methods are proposed as a powerful means to select among multiple candidate models when using multivariate data sets. Well-preserved Late Ordovician (type Cincinnatian) samples from the Kope and Waynesville formations are used to illustrate how these models can be inferred in empirical applications. Initial simulations overestimate the ecological disparity of actual assemblages, confirming that actual life habits are highly constrained. Modifications incorporating more realistic assumptions (such as weighting potential life habits according to actual frequencies and adding a parameter controlling the strength of each model’s rules) provide better correspondence to actual assemblages. Samples from both formations are best fit by partitioning (and to lesser extent redundancy) models, consistent with a role for local processes. When aggregated as an entire formation, the Kope Formation pool remains best fit by the partitioning model, whereas the entire Waynesville pool is better fit by the redundancy model, implying greater beta diversity within this unit. The ‘ecospace’ package is provided to implement the simulations and to calculate their dynamics using the R statistical language.
Identification of male-produced aggregation pheromone of the curculionid beetle Acrotomopus atropunctellus
Authors: Rodríguez S.A. , Pérez M.L.P. , Nazareno M.A.
Published: March 2016

The sugarcane stem weevil, Acrotomopus atropunctellus (Boheman) (Curculionidae: Molytinae: Cholini) is an important economic pest from the Northwestern region of Argentina. Analyses of the headspace volatiles produced by separated males and females revealed one male-specific compound. Its structural identification is reported here in using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy analysis and chemical micro-reactions. Besides, two laboratory olfactometry assays allowed us to propose 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (sulcatone) as an aggregation pheromone for this insect, being attractive to both conspecific males and females. This compound is reported for the first time as involved in the Curculionidae family communication.
Morphology and ultrastructure of the antennal sensilla of Sitophilus granarius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Ali S.A.I. , Diakite M.M. , Ali S. , Wang M.-Q.
Published: March 2016

Sensilla are sense organs in insects, typically consisting of a group of cuticle or epidermal cells that appear as hairs or rod-shaped structures. Sensilla serve as the functional elements of sensory systems. The goal of this study was to determine the type and distribution of sensilla in the antennae of Sitophilus granarius (L.) using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This is one of the first studies in which the morphology and distribution patterns of sensilla on antennal segments of male and female S. granarius have been investigated using SEM, followed by TEM. Different morphological sensilla types, including two sensilla basiconica (SB) types, with two subtypes, four sensilla coeloconica (SC) types and five sensilla chaetica (SCH) types, with one subtype, have been identified on S. granarius antennae, whose external structure and shape are peculiar. TEM micrographs of SB on the antennae of S. granarius are characterized by strongly corrugated pores around the cuticle, while micrographs of SC longitudinal sections showed flat-tipped and smooth-surfaced pegs bearing an apical pore that is suggestive of a gustatory function. TEM micrographs of SCH longitudinal sections showed dendrite branches and cuticular pore arrow heads that may be involved in the perception of humidity, temperature, heat and CO2. Because SCH of different sizes were distributed around the head and rostrum, these may function as contact-chemoreceptors .These results are discussed in relation to the possible roles of the sensilla types in the host location behavior of S. granarius.
High regional genetic diversity and lack of host-specificity in Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) as revealed by mtDNA variation
Authors: Piwczyński M. , Pabijan M. , Grzywacz A. , Glinkowski W. , Bereś P.K. , Buszko J.
Published: March 2016

The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) infests a wide array of host plants and is considered one of the most serious pests of maize in Europe. Recent studies suggest that individuals feeding on maize in Europe should be referred to O. nubilalis (sensu nov.), while those infesting dicots as Ostrinia scapulalis (sensu nov.). We test if the clear genetic distinctiveness among individuals of O. nubilalis living on maize vs. dicots is tracked by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). We used fragments of COI and COII genes of 32 individuals traditionally recognized as O. nubilalis collected on three host plants, maize, mugwort and hop, growing in different parts of Poland. In addition, we reconstructed the mtDNA phylogeny of Ostrinia species based on our data and sequences retrieved from GenBank to assess host and/or biogeographic patterns. We also compared haplotype variation found in Poland (east-central Europe) with other regions (Anatolia, Eastern Europe, Balkans, Far East, North America). Our study showed high mtDNA diversity of O. nubilalis in Poland in comparison with other regions and revealed rare haplotypes likely of Asian origin. We did not find distinct mtDNA haplotypes in larvae feeding on maize vs. dicotyledonous plants. Phylogenetic analyses showed an apparent lack of mtDNA divergence among putatively distinct lineages belonging to the O. nubilalis group as identical haplotypes are shared by Asian and European individuals. We argue that human-mediated dispersal, hybridization and sporadic host jumps are likely responsible for the lack of a geographic pattern in mtDNA variation.
Elasticity in Polynomial-Type Extensions
Authors: Batell Mark , Coykendall Jim
Published: March 2016

The elasticity of an atomic integral domain is, in some sense, a measure of how far the domain is from being a half-factorial domain. We consider the relationship between the elasticity of a domain R and the elasticity of its polynomial ring R[x]. For example, if R has at least one atom, a sufficient condition for the polynomial ring R[x] to have elasticity 1 is that every non-constant irreducible polynomial f ∈ R[x] be irreducible in K[x]. We will determine the integral domains R whose polynomial rings satisfy this condition.
CIVIL RELIGIONS IN DERBY, 1930–2000
Authors: CHAPMAN ALISTER
Published: March 2016

This article explores the impact of immigration on the social history of Derby, England, after the Second World War. In particular, it studies the changes in the city's religious culture associated with the decline of Christianity as the city's civil religion and the increased religious pluralism due to immigration. This local study challenges assumptions about the nature and timing of secularization, and the characterization of religion in late twentieth-century Britain as militant. As new communities from South Asia and the West Indies settled in Derby, their politicization resulted in a growing emphasis on their religious identity that countered interethnic conflict and fostered civil society. The Christian churches are an important part of this story as they found new ways of remaining relevant, sometimes in concert with members of other faith traditions. Between 1930 and 2000, Derby experienced a shift from a civil religion to an array of religions that were civil to each other and concerned for the good of society. Religion continued to play a constructive role in English society at the end of the twentieth century.
Infection levels of protostrongylid nematodes in definitive caprine and intermediate gastropod hosts from Uzbekistan
Authors: Kuchboev A.E. , Krücken J. , Karimova R.R. , Ruziev B.H. , Pazilov A.
Published: March 2016

Morphological analysis of lungworms collected among Caprinae from Uzbekistan resulted in the identification of four species of Protostrongylidae:Protostrongylus rufescens, Protostrongylus hobmaieri, Spiculocaulus leuckartiandCystocaulus ocreatus. The following species were recorded as definitive hosts:Ovis aries, Ovis ammon, Ovis vignei, Capra hircus, Capra falconeriandCapra sibirica. The prevalence ofP. rufescensreached 45.3%, followed byS. leuckartiandC. ocreatuswith 31.7% andP. hobmaieriwith 16.9%. The sex ratio ranged between 1:3.1 and 1:6.2, withP. hobmaierishowing the strongest predominance of females over males. The prevalence of infection of small ruminants with protostrongylid nematodes increased with the age of the hosts. Protostrongyles use terrestrial gastropods as intermediate hosts, and infective larvae were found in the speciesVallonia costata, Gibbulinopsis signata, Pupilla muscorum, Pseudonapaeus albiplicata, Pseudonapaeus sogdiana, Leucozonella ferghanica, Xeropicta candacharica, Candaharia levanderiandMacrochlamys sogdiana. Xeropicta candacharicawas the most abundant gastropod and had the highest prevalence of infection with protostrongylids. AdultX. candacharicahad a significantly higher infection intensity than juveniles. The epidemiology of protostrongylid infections is dynamic and subject to considerable changes. Further characterization of the interaction of protostrongylid parasites with their terrestrial gastropods as intermediate hosts and Caprinae as definitive hosts is required to understand these processes and to monitor the effects of changing ecological contexts.
Partial altitudinal migration of the Near Threatened satyr tragopanTragopan satyrain the Bhutan Himalayas: implications for conservation in mountainous environments
Authors: Norbu Nawang , Ugyen  , Wikelski Martin C. , Wilcove David S.
Published: March 2016

Relative to long-distance migrants, altitudinal migrants have been understudied, perhaps because of a perception that their migrations are less complex and therefore easier to protect. Nonetheless, altitudinal migrants may be at risk as they are subject to ongoing anthropogenic pressure from land use and climate change. We used global positioning system/accelerometer telemetry to track the partial altitudinal migration of the satyr tragopanTragopan satyrain central Bhutan. The birds displayed a surprising diversity of migratory strategies: some individuals did not migrate, others crossed multiple mountains to their winter ranges, others descended particular mountains, and others ascended higher up into the mountains in winter. In all cases migration between summer breeding and winter non-breeding grounds was accomplished largely by walking, not by flying. Females migrated in a south-easterly direction whereas males migrated in random directions. During winter, migrants occupied south-east facing slopes whereas residents remained on south-west facing slopes. Migratory and resident tragopans utilized a range of forest types, with migratory individuals preferring cool broadleaved forests during winter. These complex patterns of migration suggest that conservation measures should extend across multiple mountains, protect the full range of forest types and encompass multiple landscape configurations to protect aspect diversity. Given the diversity of migratory strategies employed by this single species it seems clear that more research on altitudinal migrants is needed to understand what must be done to ensure their future in an era of widespread land-use and climate change.
Population status of the jaguarPanthera oncain one of its last strongholds in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Srbek-Araujo Ana Carolina , Chiarello Adriano Garcia
Published: March 2016

Remaining jaguarPanthera oncapopulations in the Atlantic Forest are restricted to eight regions, and all populations appear to be declining. We report on the status of one of the last populations in south-eastern Brazil. We monitored this population with camera traps during June 2005–January 2013 in Vale Natural Reserve. We estimated an abundance of 9 ± SE 1.98 jaguars (95% CI 9–17) and a population density of 3.22 ± SE 1.58 individuals per 100 km2(95% CI 1.29–7.98). Annual survival probability over a 5-year interval was 78% (95% CI 58–98) and the recapture probability was 62% (95% CI 42–79). Although our results are among the highest densities reported for the jaguar in this biome, the future of the population is threatened by genetic deterioration and local threats, including the expansion of an existing highway and depletion of the jaguar's native prey base as a result of poaching, and will depend upon urgent implementation of conservation actions. The necessary actions include establishing gene flow with other compatible populations, increasing surveillance against poaching, continuing population monitoring of jaguars and their main prey species, and implementing mitigation measures in relation to the impacts of the highway on local fauna.
Can pastoral communities offer solutions for conserving the Endangered Grevy's zebraEquus grevyiat the periphery of its range?
Authors: Parker Guy E. , Davidson Zeke , Low Belinda , Lalampaa Peter R. , Sundaresan Siva , Fischer Martha
Published: March 2016

Little is known about the Endangered Grevy's zebraEquus grevyiin far northern Kenya, where the species exists in small, isolated populations at the periphery of its range. Understanding the threats facing this species is a prerequisite for effective conservation planning but its rarity makes obtaining accurate information challenging. We set out to establish the current status of, and attitudes towards, Grevy's zebra in northern Kenya using local knowledge as the primary source of information. Pastoralists perceived Grevy's zebra to be in decline as a result of drought, lack of pasture and water, and hunting for consumptive use. There was also evidence of competition with livestock. Attitudes towards Grevy's zebra were predominantly positive, influenced by a range of perceived benefits of living alongside the species, and an absence of severe costs. Coupled with evidence of local conservation efforts in several locations, this is a positive starting point for community-based conservation.