bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomineralization changes with food supply confer juvenile scallops (Argopecten purpuratus) resistance to ocean acidification
Authors: Ramajo Laura , Marbà Núria , Prado Luis , Peron Sophie , Lardies Marco A. , Rodriguez‐Navarro Alejandro B. , Vargas Cristian A. , Lagos Nelson A. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: December 2015

Future ocean acidification (OA) will affect physiological traits of marine species, with calcifying species being particularly vulnerable. As OA entails high energy demands, particularly during the rapid juvenile growth phase, food supply may play a key role in the response of marine organisms to OA. We experimentally evaluated the role of food supply in modulating physiological responses and biomineralization processes in juveniles of the Chilean scallop, Argopecten purpuratus, that were exposed to control (pH ~ 8.0) and low pH (pH ~ 7.6) conditions using three food supply treatments (high, intermediate, and low). We found that pH and food levels had additive effects on the physiological response of the juvenile scallops. Metabolic rates, shell growth, net calcification, and ingestion rates increased significantly at low pH conditions, independent of food. These physiological responses increased significantly in organisms exposed to intermediate and high levels of food supply. Hence, food supply seems to play a major role modulating organismal response by providing the energetic means to bolster the physiological response of OA stress. On the contrary, the relative expression of chitin synthase, a functional molecule for biomineralization, increased significantly in scallops exposed to low food supply and low pH, which resulted in a thicker periostracum enriched with chitin polysaccharides. Under reduced food and low pH conditions, the adaptive organismal response was to trade‐off growth for the expression of biomineralization molecules and altering of the organic composition of shell periostracum, suggesting that the future performance of these calcifiers will depend on the trajectories of both OA and food supply. Thus, incorporating a suite of traits and multiple stressors in future studies of the adaptive organismal response may provide key insights on OA impacts on marine calcifiers.
Resource subsidies between stream and terrestrial ecosystems under global change
Authors: Larsen Stefano , Muehlbauer Jeffrey D. , Marti Eugenia
Published: December 2015

Streams and adjacent terrestrial ecosystems are characterized by permeable boundaries that are crossed by resource subsidies. Although the importance of these subsidies for riverine ecosystems is increasingly recognized, little is known about how they may be influenced by global environmental change. Drawing from available evidence, in this review we propose a conceptual framework to evaluate the effects of global change on the quality and spatiotemporal dynamics of stream–terrestrial subsidies. We illustrate how changes to hydrological and temperature regimes, atmospheric CO2 concentration, land use and the distribution of nonindigenous species can influence subsidy fluxes by affecting the biology and ecology of donor and recipient systems and the physical characteristics of stream–riparian boundaries. Climate‐driven changes in the physiology and phenology of organisms with complex life cycles will influence their development time, body size and emergence patterns, with consequences for adjacent terrestrial consumers. Also, novel species interactions can modify subsidy dynamics via complex bottom‐up and top‐down effects. Given the seasonality and pulsed nature of subsidies, alterations of the temporal and spatial synchrony of resource availability to consumers across ecosystems are likely to result in ecological mismatches that can scale up from individual responses, to communities, to ecosystems. Similarly, altered hydrology, temperature, CO2 concentration and land use will modify the recruitment and quality of riparian vegetation, the timing of leaf abscission and the establishment of invasive riparian species. Along with morphological changes to stream–terrestrial boundaries, these will alter the use and fluxes of allochthonous subsidies associated with stream ecosystems. Future research should aim to understand how subsidy dynamics will be affected by key drivers of global change, including agricultural intensification, increasing water use and biotic homogenization. Our conceptual framework based on the match–mismatch between donor and recipient organisms may facilitate understanding of the multiple effects of global change and aid in the development of future research questions.
Comprehensive genetic analysis of a paediatric pleomorphic myxoid liposarcoma reveals near‐haploidization and loss of the RB1 gene
Authors: Hofvander Jakob , Jo Vickie Y , Ghanei Iman , Gisselsson David , Mårtensson Emma , Mertens Fredrik
Published: December 2015

Aims

Pleomorphic myxoid liposarcoma (PML) is an exceptionally rare and poorly studied subtype of liposarcoma, occurring typically in children and adolescents. The few previous genetic studies have shown that PML lacks the gene fusions and amplifications that characterize myxoid liposarcoma, atypical lipomatous tumour and de‐differentiated liposarcoma. To learn more about its pathogenesis, we performed a comprehensive genetic analysis, including chromosome banding, fluorescence in‐situ hybridization, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis, deep sequencing of the exome (WES) complemented by targeted sequencing of hot‐spot regions of selected cancer‐associated genes and transcriptome sequencing (RNA‐seq) of a PML in a 10‐year‐old boy.

Methods and results

Banding analysis revealed a hyperdiploid/hypotriploid karyotype that at SNP array analysis could be shown to derive from a near‐haploid ancestral clone. Structural imbalances were few, but included homozygous loss of the RB1 locus; no fusion transcripts were identified at RNA‐seq, no somatic mutations were seen at gene panel analysis and the most interesting mutation detected at WES involved KMT2D.

Conclusion

The results support the notion that PML is a distinct type of liposarcoma, associated with a spectrum of somatic mutations that is different from that in other liposarcoma subtypes. The findings in the present case, combined with previous data, suggest that PML develops through combinations of numerical chromosome aberrations, possibly initialized by haploidization. The results also suggest that inactivation of RB1 is pathogenetically important.
The emerging roles of the STING adaptor protein in immunity and diseases
Authors: Liu Xing , Wang Chen
Published: December 2015

DNA that gains access to the cytoplasm generally serves as a danger signal for the hosts. An emerging paradigm for responding to cytosolic DNAs centres on the endoplasmic reticulum‐resident protein stimulator of interferon genes (STING, also known as MITA, ERIS or MPYS), the hub adaptor of the recently identified DNA sensors. Dynamic regulations of STING action are critical for shaping innate immune responses against microbial infections, as well as for preventing autoimmune diseases. STING is also indispensable for the detection of immunogenic tumours. A deeper understanding of STING modulations could be instrumental for developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies against infectious, autoimmune and cancerous diseases. In this review, we summarize the latest advances on the role of STING in the DNA‐triggered immune reactions, and underscore the critical issues that remain to be resolved in future studies.
Becoming Overweight without Gaining a Pound: Weight Evaluations and the Social Integration of Mexicans in the United States
Authors: Altman Claire E. , Van Hook Jennifer , Gonzalez Jonathan
Published: December 2015

Mexican women gain weight with increasing duration in the United States. In the United States, body dissatisfaction tends to be associated with depression, disordered eating, and incongruent weight evaluations, particularly among white women and women of higher socioeconomic status. However, it remains unclear how being overweight and obesity are interpreted by Mexican women. Using comparable data of women aged 20–64 from both Mexico (the 2006 Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutricion; N = 17,012) and the United States (the 1999–2009 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys; N = 8,487), we compare weight status evaluations among Mexican nationals, Mexican immigrants, US-born Mexicans, US-born non-Hispanic whites, and US-born non-Hispanic blacks. Logistic regression analyses, which control for demographic and socioeconomic variables and measured body mass index and adjust for the likelihood of migration for Mexican nationals, indicate that the tendency to self-evaluate as overweight among Mexicans converges with levels among non-Hispanic whites and diverges from blacks over time in the United States. Overall, the results suggest a US integration process in which Mexican-American women's less critical self-evaluations originate in Mexico but fade with time in the United States as they gradually adopt US white norms for thinner body sizes. These results are discussed in light of prior research about social comparison and negative health assimilation.
Individual inversions or their combinations: which is the main selective target in a natural population ofDrosophila subobscura?
Authors: Zivanovic G. , Arenas C. , Mestres F.
Published: December 2015

It is generally accepted that chromosomal inversions have been key elements in adaptation and speciation processes. In this context,Drosophila subobscurahas been, and still is, an excellent model species due to its rich chromosomal polymorphism. In this species, many analyses from natural populations have demonstrated the adaptive potential of individual inversions (and their overlapped combinations, the so‐called arrangements). However, little information is available on the evolutionary role of combinations generated by inversions located in homologous and nonhomologous chromosomes. The aim of this research was to ascertain whether these combinations are also a target for natural selection. For this objective, we have studied the inversion composition of homologous and nonhomologous chromosomes from aD. subobscurasample collected in a well‐studied population, Mount Avala (Serbia). No significant deviation from H‐W expectations was detected, and when comparing particular karyotypic combinations, likelihood ratios close to 1 were obtained. Thus, it seems that for each pair of homologous chromosomes inversions no deviation from randomness was detected. Finally, no linkage disequilibrium was observed between inversions located in different chromosomes of the karyotype. For all these reasons, it can be assumed that, at the cytological level, the individual inversions rather than their combinations in different chromosomes are the main target of selection.
Using standardized patients to evaluate medical students’ evidence‐based medicine skills
Authors: Amini Richard , Hernandez Nicholas C , Keim Samuel M , Gordon Paul R
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To analyze the effectiveness of an Evidence Based Medicine Objective Structured Clinical Examination (EBM OSCE) with standardized patients for end of third year medical students at our institution.

Methods

This was a single‐center prospective cross‐sectional investigation. As part of the eight‐station OSCE exam, the authors developed and implemented a new 25‐minute EBM OSCE station with the goal of evaluating evidence based medicine skills necessary for daily clinical encounters. The OSCE case involved a highly educated patient with a history of recurrent debilitating migraines who has brought eight specific questions regarding the use of steroids for migraine headaches. Students were provided computer stations equipped to record a log of the searches performed.

Results

One hundred and four third‐year medical students participated in this study. The average number of search tools used by the students was 4 (SD = 2). The 104 students performed a total of 896 searches. The two most commonly used websites were uptodate.com and google.com. Sixty‐nine percent (95% CI, 60% to 78%) of students were able to find a meta‐analysis regarding the use of dexamethasone for the prevention of rebound migraines. Fifty‐two percent of students were able to explain that patients who took dexamethasone had a moderate RR (0.68 to 0.78) of having a recurrent migraine, and 71% of students were able to explain to the standardized patient that the NNT for dexamethasone was nine.

Conclusion

The EBM OSCE was successfully integrated into the existing eight‐station OSCE and was able to assess student EBM skills.
Tribolium confusum responses to blends of cereal kernels and plant volatiles
Authors: Wenda‐Piesik A. , Piesik D. , Nowak A. , Wawrzyniak M.
Published: December 2015

In this study, we report on the behavioural responses of the Tribolium confusum to 6 blends of cereal volatiles. There were tested four doses (1 ng/min, 10 ng/min, 100 ng/min and 1000 ng/min in 50 μl of hexane applied on filter paper). A Y‐tube experiment revealed that T. confusum females and males were attracted to the blend 1, 4 and 5 at the concentrations between 1 and 10 ng/min. Confused T. confusum females and males were not attracted to any concentration of blend 2 and 3. Yet the beetle females and males were repelled by the highest concentrations (1000 ng/min) for all the blends tested and also by the concentration 100 ng/min of all the blends tested, except for blend 1 and 4. Females and males were also repelled by the three blend 6 concentrations tested (10, 100 and 1000 ng/min).
Molecular subtypes of pancreatic cancer based on miRNA expression profiles have independent prognostic value
Authors: Namkung Junghyun , Kwon Wooil , Choi Yonwhan , Yi Sung Gon , Han Sangjo , Kang Mee Joo , Kim Sun‐Whe , Park Taesung , Jang Jin‐Young
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim:

Altered microRNAs (miRNA) expression, a typical feature of many cancers, is reportedly associated with prognosis according to several studies. Although numerous studies on miRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma have also attempted to identify prognostic biomarkers, more large‐scale clinical studies are needed to establish the clinical significance of the results. Present study aimed to identify prognosis‐related molecular subtypes of primary pancreas tumors using miRNA expression profiling.

Methods:

Expression profiles of 1733 miRNAs were obtained by using microarray analysis of 104 pancreatic tumors of Korean patients. To detect subgroups informative in predicting the patient's prognosis, we applied unsupervised clustering methods and then analyzed the association of the molecular subgroups with survival time. Then, we constructed a classifier to predict the subgroup using penalized regression models.

Results:

We have determined three pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tumor subtypes associated with prognosis based on miRNA expression profiles. These subtypes showed significantly different survival time for patients with the same clinical conditions. This demonstrates that our prognostic molecular subgroup has independent prognostic utility. The molecular subtypes can be predicted with a classifier of 19 miRNAs. Of the 19 signature miRNAs, miR‐106b‐star, miR‐324‐3p, and miR‐615 were related to a p53 canonical pathway, and miR‐324, miR‐145‐5p, miR‐26b‐5p, and miR‐574‐3p were related to a Cox‐2 centered pathway.

Conclusions:

Our prognostic molecular subtypes demonstrated that miRNA profiles could be used as prognostic markers. Additionally, we have constructed a classifier that may be used to determine the molecular subgroup of new patient sample data. Further studies are needed for validation.
Electroencephalographic studies of eclampsia and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Maeda Kazuo
Published: December 2015

Aims

To investigate eclampsia and pre‐eclampsia electroencephalograms (EEGs) and related animal experiments, and to publish a Japanese article in English.

Materials and Methods

A two channel EEG system constructed with a self‐made vacuum tube amplifier, optical recorder, signal generator, a magic‐eye signal monitor and a shield room were prepared by the author. EEGs were recorded in five admitted eclamptic and 35 pre‐eclamptic cases before, during and after convulsion until clinical recovery. The hypothalami of female rabbits were stimulated with Kurotsu's electrode, and blood pressure and urinary proteins were studied before and after stimulation. The rabbits cortical and hypothalamic EEGs were studied.

Results

Frontal and occipital EEG waves synchronized immediately before and during eclamptic convulsions and during coma. Large δ waves were characteristic during the coma after convulsions. Moderately slow waves were recorded in cases of pre‐eclampsia. In animal experiments, hypertension and proteinuria appeared in cases of hypothalamic sympathetic zone stimulation, while there was no change in parasympathetic stimulation.

Conclusion

Eclamptic convulsion is evoked by synchronization of the whole cortex controlled by a heavily excited hypothalamus. Pregnancy hypertension and proteinuria is caused by the excited sympathetic center of the hypothalamus.
Practical Usefulness of Dual Lumen Catheter‐Facilitated Reverse Wire Technique for Markedly Angulated Bifurcated Lesions
Authors: Nomura Tetsuya , Higuchi Yusuke , Kubota Hiroshi , Miyawaki Daisuke , Urata Ryota , Sugimoto Takeshi , Kato Taku , Keira Natsuya , Tatsumi Tetsuya
Published: December 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the practical usefulness of dual lumen catheter‐facilitated reverse wire technique.

Background

We sometimes encounter difficulty in introducing a guidewire to the highly angulated side branch. In those cases, the reverse wire technique is considered as a last resort to overcome the situation.

Methods

Between January 2013 and June 2015, we performed the reverse wire technique for guidewire crossing into an extremely angulated side branch in consecutive seven cases with true bifurcated lesions. We retrospectively evaluated patients’ backgrounds, lesion characteristics, and details of the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures.

Results

Three interventional cardiologists with various levels of experience in coronary intervention performed this technique. A polymer‐jacket hydrophilic‐coated guidewire was used for the reverse wire system excluding in one case, and we adopted a sharp curve for the tip shape in all cases. After crossing the reverse wire into a highly angulated side branch, we usually deliver a flexible micro catheter over the guidewire for the purpose of guidewire exchange. We deployed a stent in the side branch in three cases. We successfully performed all PCI procedures without any complications and no major adverse cardiac event was observed during hospitalization.

Conclusions

We could safely and effectively perform the reverse wire technique for guidewire crossing into a markedly angulated side branch. We recommend a polymer‐jacket hydrophilic‐coated guidewire with a sharp curve in the tip shape for this technique. All interventional cardiologists should acquire knowledge and skills regarding this guidewire manipulation technique. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:544–550)
Percutaneous Coronary Interventions and Hemodynamic Support in the USA: A 5 Year Experience
Authors: Patel Nileshkumar J. , Singh Vikas , Patel Samir V. , Savani Chirag , Patel Nilay , Panaich Sidakpal , Arora Shilpkumar , Cohen Mauricio G. , Grines Cindy , Badheka Apurva O.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To compare the utilization and outcomes in patients who had percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) performed with intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) versus percutaneous ventricular assist devices (PVADs) such as Impella and TandemHeart and identify a sub‐group of patient population who may derive the most benefit from the use of PVADs over IABP.

Background

Despite the lack of clear benefit, the use of PVADs has increased substantially in the last decade when compared to IABP.

Methods

We performed a cross sectional study including using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Procedures performed with hemodynamic support were identified through appropriate ICD‐9‐CM codes.

Results

We identified 18,094 PCIs performed with hemodynamic support. IABP was the most commonly utilized hemodynamic support device (93%, n = 16, 803) whereas 6% (n = 1069) were performed with PVADs and 1% (n = 222) utilized both IABP and PVAD. Patients in the PVAD group were older in age and had greater burden of co‐morbidities whereas IABP group had higher percentage of patients with cardiac arrest. On multivariable analysis, the use of PVAD was a significant predictor of reduced mortality (OR 0.55, 0.36–0.83, P = 0.004). This was particularly evident in sub‐group of patients without acute MI or cardiogenic shock. The propensity score matched analysis also showed a significantly lower mortality (9.9% vs 15.1%; OR 0.62, 0.55–0.71, P < 0.001) rate associated with PVADs when compared to IABP.

Conclusion

This largest and the most contemporary study on the use of hemodynamic support demonstrates significantly reduced mortality with PVADs when compared to IABP in patients undergoing PCI. The results are largely driven by the improved outcomes in non‐AMI and non‐cardiogenic shock patients. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:563–573)
Real Time Intraprocedural Ultrasound Measurements of the Radial and Ulnar Arteries in 565 Consecutive Patients Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization and/or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention via the Wrist: Understanding Anatomy and Anomalies May Improve Access Success
Authors: Baumann Frederic , Roberts Jonathan S.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Ultrasound evaluation of both the radial artery (RA) and ulnar artery (UA) in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization/percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background

Arterial access from the wrist is almost exclusively obtained from the RA. Crossover to secondary femoral arterial access was observed in up to 7.6% in randomized multicenter trials utilizing palpation guided RA access.

Methods

Intraprocedural ultrasound evaluation of the RA and UA was performed in a consecutive series of patients. A difference of ≥20% in diameter was defined as significant. In the case of a dual artery, measurements of the dual arteries and the proximal confluens were obtained.

Results

A total of 566 RA/UA measurements were analysed (patients: n = 565, female: n = 201 [35.5%], mean age: 66.5 years). Overall, the RA measured 3.03 ± 0.57 mm and the UA 2.70 ± 0.57 mm (P < 0.01). The RA was larger in 210 (37.1%) and the UA in 37 (6.5%) measurements. A dual RA was present in 25 (4.4%) measurements. The mean diameters of the smaller and larger of the dual RAs were 1.82 ± 0.37 and 2.59 ± 0.36 mm (P < 0.01). The corresponding proximal confluens measured 3.10 ± 0.40 mm. No dual UA was observed.

Conclusion

In 10.9 % of patients, a larger UA or a dual RA with a more accessible confluens was observed. This information can only be obtained using ultrasound and may improve arterial access from the wrist if the larger UA or RA confluens is accessed instead of blind palpation guided RA access.
Phylogeny and molecular evolution of the DMC1 gene in the polyploid genus Leymus (Triticeae: Poaceae) and its diploid relatives
Authors: Sha Li‐Na , Fan Xing , Zhang Hai‐Qin , Kang Hou‐Yang , Wang Yi , Wang Xiao‐Li , Yu Xiao‐Fang , Zhou Yong‐Hong
Published: December 2015

The level and pattern of nucleotide variation in duplicate genes provide important information on the evolutionary history of polyploids and divergent processes between homoeologous loci within lineages. Leymus, a group of allopolyploid species with the NsXm genomes, is a perennial genus with a diverse array of morphology, ecology, and distribution in Triticeae. To estimate the phylogeny and molecular evolution of a single‐copy DMC1 gene in Leymus and its diploid relatives, DMC1 homoeologous sequences were isolated from the sampled Leymus species and were analyzed with those from 30 diploid taxa representing 18 basic genomes in Triticeae. Sequence diversity patterns and genealogical analysis suggested that: (i) different Leymus species might derive their Ns genome from different Psathyrostachys species; (ii) Pseudoroegneria has contributed to the nuclear genome of some Leymus species, which might result from recurrent hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting; (iii) the Xm genome origin of Leymus could differ among species; (iv) rapid radiation and multiple origin might account for the rich diversity, numbers of species, and wide ecological adaptation of Leymus species; and (v) the DMC1 sequence diversity of the Ns genome in Leymus species was lower than that in the Psathyrostachys diploids, while the level of DMC1 sequence diversity in Leymus was higher than that in diploid Pseudoroegneria. Our results provide new insight on the evolutionary dynamics of duplicate DMC1 genes, polyploid speciation, and the phylogeny of Leymus species.
Adolescent Obesity Risk Knowledge (AORK): Let the Discussion Begin
Authors: Rutkowski Elaine M. , Connelly Cynthia D.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

This study aims to examine adolescent level of knowledge concerning obesity risk.

Design and Methods

Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using a staged process. Data collected with (a) Obesity Risk Knowledge Scale (ORK‐10), (b) focus groups, (c) scientific advisory group input, and (d) the Adolescent Obesity Risk Knowledge Scale (AORK).

Results

TheAORKis tailored from theORK‐10 (α = .53) to capture adolescents' knowledge of obesity complications and/or risks (α = .68).

Practice Implications

TheAORKintegrates questions for assisting practitioners to initiate discussions about obesity and lifestyle choices with adolescents and their families.
Effect of Sucralfate on the Relative Bioavailability of Enrofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin in Healthy Fed Dogs
Authors: KuKanich K. , KuKanich B. , Guess S. , Heinrich E.
Published: December 2015

Background

Sucralfate impairs absorption of ciprofloxacin and other fluoroquinolones in humans, but no sucralfate–fluoroquinolone interaction has been reported in dogs. Veterinary formularies recommend avoiding concurrent administration of these medications, which might impact compliance, therapeutic success, and resistance selection from fluoroquinolones.

Objectives

To determine whether a drug interaction exists when sucralfate is administered to fed dogs concurrently with ciprofloxacin or enrofloxacin, and whether a 2 hour delay between fluoroquinolone and sucralfate affects fluoroquinolone absorption.

Animals

Five healthy Greyhounds housed in a research colony.

Methods

This was a randomized crossover study. Treatments included oral ciprofloxacin (C) or oral enrofloxacin (E) alone, each fluoroquinolone concurrently with an oral suspension of sucralfate (CS, ES), and sucralfate suspension 2 hours after each fluoroquinolone (C2S, E2S). Fluoroquinolone concentrations were evaluated using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry.

Results

Drug exposure of ciprofloxacin was highly variable (AUC 5.52–22.47 h μg/mL) compared to enrofloxacin (AUC 3.86–7.50 h μg/mL). The mean relative bioavailability for ciprofloxacin and concurrent sucralfate was 48% (range 8–143%) compared to ciprofloxacin alone. Relative bioavailability of ciprofloxacin improved to 87% (range 37–333%) when sucralfate was delayed by 2 hours. By contrast, relative bioavailability for enrofloxacin and concurrent sucralfate was 104% (94–115%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A possible clinically relevant drug interaction for the relative bioavailability of ciprofloxacin with sucralfate was found. No significant difference in bioavailability was documented for enrofloxacin with sucralfate. Further research is warranted in fasted dogs and clinical cases requiring enrofloxacin or other approved fluoroquinolones in combination with sucralfate.
Methionine restriction fundamentally supports health by tightening epithelial barriers
Authors: Mullin James M. , Skrovanek Sonja M. , Ramalingam Arivudainambi , DiGuilio Katherine M. , Valenzano Mary C.
Published: December 2015

Dietary methionine restriction (MR) has been found to affect one of the most primary tissue‐level functions of an organism: the efficiency with which the epithelial linings of major organs separate the fluid compartments that they border. This process, epithelial barrier function, is basic for proper function of all organs, including the lung, liver, gastrointestinal tract, reproductive tract, blood–brain barrier, and kidney. Specifically, MR has been found to modify the protein composition of tight junctional complexes surrounding individual epithelial cells in a manner that renders the complexes less leaky. This has been observed in both a renal epithelial cell culture model and in gastrointestinal tissue. In both cases, MR increased the transepithelial electrical resistance across the epithelium, while decreasing passive leak of small nonelectrolytes. However, the specific target protein modifications involved were unique to each case. Overall, this provides an example of the primary level on which MR functions to modify, and improve, an organism.
Differentiation of Slow‐Slow Form of AVNRT from AVRT through a Posteroseptal Accessory Pathway by Retrograde P‐Wave Amplitude
Authors: NAKATANI YOSUKE , MIZUMAKI KOICHI , SAKAMOTO TAMOTSU , KATAOKA NAOYA , NISHIDA KUNIHIRO , YAMAGUCHI YOSHIAKI , TSUJINO YASUSHI , INOUE HIROSHI
Published: December 2015

Background

This study aimed to clarify whether retrograde P‐wave amplitude during tachycardia can be used to differentiate slow‐slow form of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (S/S‐AVNRT) from atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia through a posteroseptal accessory pathway (PS‐AVRT).

Methods

Sixteen patients with S/S‐AVNRT and 14 patients with PS‐AVRT constituted the study group. Electrocardiographic and electrophysiological parameters were compared between both the groups. HA(CS‐His), which indicates the location of the earliest atrial activation site during tachycardia, was calculated as the difference of the shortest HA interval in the His bundle region and the coronary sinus region.

Results

Negative deflection of the retrograde P wave during tachycardia was significantly greater in S/S‐AVNRT than in PS‐AVRT in the inferior leads (lead aVF, −0.22 ± 0.04 mV vs −0.10 ± 0.07 mV; P < 0.001). Among the electrocardiographic parameters, retrograde P‐wave amplitude in lead aVF had the highest diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve 0.975, sensitivity 93%, and specificity 88% for a cutoff value of −0.16 mV). HA(CS‐His) was negatively greater in S/S‐AVNRT than in PS‐AVRT (−24 ± 13 ms vs −3 ± 18 ms; P = 0.001), and was significantly correlated with the retrograde P‐wave amplitude in lead aVF (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Deeper negative deflection of the retrograde P wave in the inferior lead can help differentiate S/S‐AVNRT from PS‐AVRT.
Technician‐Supported Remote Interrogation of CIEDs: Initial Use in US Emergency Departments and Perioperative Areas
Authors: AHMED IMDAD , PATEL AMISHA S. , BALGAARD TIMOTHY J. , ROSENFELD LYNDA E.
Published: December 2015

Background

Interrogation/interpretation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is frequently required in the emergency department (ED) or perioperative areas (OR) where resources to do this are often not available. CareLink Express (CLE; Medtronic, plc, Mounds View, MN, USA) is a technician‐supported real‐time remote interrogation system for Medtronic CIEDs. Using data from 136 US locations, this retrospective study was designed to assess CLE efficiency compared to traditional device management, and examine its findings.

Methods

All 7,044 US CLE transmissions from the ED and OR (January 2012–October 2014) were compared to 217 traditional requests where CIED interrogations/interpretations were performed by calling industry representatives to these sites.

Results

CLE reduced the time to device interrogation/interpretation by 78%: 100 ± 140–22 ± 14 minutes, P < 0.0001, improving response time and consistency; ED: 82 ± 103–23 ± 18 minutes, P, ≤ 0.01; OR: 127 ± 181–17 ± 10 minutes, P < 0.0001. Actionable events (AE) (arrhythmia, device/lead abnormalities) were infrequent: 9.1% overall (ED: 9.9%; OR: 4.1%). Only 6.5% of patients with syncope/presyncope and 13.6% with a perceived shock had AE. AEs were more common in those with suspected device problems (30.4%) or audible alerts (52.6%). They were more likely in patients not enrolled in long‐term remote monitoring (23.9% vs 8.2%, P < 0.0001) and in those with older CIED systems (7.4% in year 1 vs 31.0% after 10 years).

Conclusions

The many patients with CIEDs, and the ability to quickly identify the minority with high‐risk AE from the no/low‐risk majority, strongly support CLE use in the ED and OR, sites which are expensive and prioritize efficiency.
Grapevine petioles are more sensitive to drought induced embolism than stems: evidence from in vivo MRI and microcomputed tomography observations of hydraulic vulnerability segmentation
Authors: Hochberg Uri , Albuquerque Caetano , Rachmilevitch Shimon , Cochard Herve , David‐Schwartz Rakefet , Brodersen Craig R. , McElrone Andrew , Windt Carel W.
Published: December 2015

The ‘hydraulic vulnerability segmentation’ hypothesis predicts that expendable distal organs are more susceptible to water stress‐induced embolism than the main stem of the plant. In the current work, we present the first in vivo visualization of this phenomenon. In two separate experiments, using magnetic resonance imaging or synchrotron‐based microcomputed tomography, grapevines (Vitis vinifera) were dehydrated while simultaneously scanning the main stems and petioles for the occurrence of emboli at different xylem pressures (Ψx). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed that 50% of the conductive xylem area of the petioles was embolized at a Ψx of −1.54 MPa, whereas the stems did not reach similar losses until −1.9 MPa. Microcomputed tomography confirmed these findings, showing that approximately half the vessels in the petioles were embolized at a Ψx of −1.6 MPa, whereas only few were embolized in the stems. Petioles were shown to be more resistant to water stress‐induced embolism than previously measured with invasive hydraulic methods. The results provide the first direct evidence for the hydraulic vulnerability segmentation hypothesis and highlight its importance in grapevine responses to severe water stress. Additionally, these data suggest that air entry through the petiole into the stem is unlikely in grapevines during drought.
Follicular Mucinosis in a Male Adolescent with a History of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and Graft‐versus‐Host Disease
Authors: Jefferson Julie , Taube Janis , Grossberg Anna
Published: December 2015

Although many cases of follicular mucinosis are idiopathic, numerous others are associated with mycosis fungoides or, rarely, other neoplastic or inflammatory disorders. There are only three reported cases, all in adults, of follicular mucinosis arising in association with acute myelogenous leukemia, two of which involved mycosis fungoides–associated follicular mucinosis, including one case in which the patient had a preceding bone marrow transplant. We present the first reported case of follicular mucinosis arising in an adolescent with acute myelogenous leukemia and acute graft‐versus‐host disease after an allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
Acquired Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis Associated with Human Papilloma Virus Type 14 in a Small Bowel Transplanted Child—A Case Report
Authors: Hirschman Derek , Tacastacas Joselin , Rady Peter L. , Tyring Stephen K. , Cooper Kevin , Honda Kord
Published: December 2015

A 3‐year‐old African American girl taking sirolimus and tacrolimus for a small bowel transplantation presented with hypopigmented macules and papules throughout her trunk. A biopsy diagnosed epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) that was found to be associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) type 14 according to polymerase chain reaction analysis. There are few cases of acquired EV in the setting of organ transplantation. Although there is no standardized treatment for acquired EV, prevention and surveillance for transformation to squamous cell carcinoma are primary concerns.
Experimental Approaches to Moral Standing
Authors: Goodwin Geoffrey P.
Published: December 2015

Moral patients deserve moral consideration and concern – they have moral standing. What factors drive attributions of moral standing? Understanding these factors is important because it indicates how broadly (or narrowly) individuals conceptualize the moral world, and suggests how they will treat various entities, both human and non‐human. This understanding has recently been advanced by a series of studies conducted by both psychologists and philosophers, which have revealed three main drivers of moral standing: the capacity to suffer (psychological patiency), intelligence or autonomy (agency), and the nature of an entity's disposition (whether it is harmful). These studies have also revealed causal links between moral standing and other variables of interest, namely, mental state attributions and moral behavior. In this review, I consider this recent research, aiming to clarify what the balance of evidence indicates about how moral standing is judged and about its links to mind perception and behavior. I conclude by suggesting open questions for future research on this exciting topic.
Recovering the Craft of Public Administration
Authors: Rhodes Roderick A. W.
Published: December 2015

Public sector reform has rarely dropped off the political agenda of Western governments, yet the old craft skills of traditional public administration remain of paramount importance. The pendulum has swung too far toward the new and the fashionable reforms associated with New Public Management and the New Public Governance. It needs to swing back toward bureaucracy and the traditional skills of bureaucrats as part of the repertoire of governing. This article discusses the skills of counseling, stewardship, practical wisdom, probity, judgment, diplomacy, and political nous. Although these skills are of wide relevance, the article focuses on their relevance in Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand. It concludes that the next bout of reforms needs to recover the traditional craft skills. It is not a question of traditional skills versus the new skills of New Public Management or New Public Governance; it is a question of what works, of what skills fit in a particular context.
Making Sense of Community Action and Voluntary Participation—A Multilevel Test of Multilevel Hypotheses: Do Communities Act?
Authors: Cope Michael R. , Currit Alex , Flaherty Jeremy , Brown Ralph B.
Published: December 2015

To what extent does community context influence individuals’ proclivity to participate in community‐oriented activities and projects? In this article we utilize survey data from residents of 99 Iowa communities to conduct a multilevel analysis of voluntary participation and community action, simultaneously addressing voluntary participation at the individual level and “community action” at the community level. Additionally, we test the suggestion that community attachment may constitute a unique form of social capital. The robustness of these data allows us to overcome the obstacles that have led to the conflation of individual‐ and community‐level attributes in many community studies. We show that community attachment and community‐oriented action are determined almost entirely by individuals’ characteristics rather than by the characteristics of communities, and thus do not constitute community‐level phenomena, calling into question the assumptions on which certain theoretical approaches to community are based.
Effects of muscle activation on shear between human soleus and gastrocnemius muscles
Authors: Finni T. , Cronin N. J. , Mayfield D. , Lichtwark G. A. , Cresswell A. G.
Published: December 2015

Lateral connections between muscles provide pathways for myofascial force transmission. To elucidate whether these pathways have functional roles in vivo, we examined whether activation could alter the shear between the soleus (SOL) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles. We hypothesized that selective activation of LG would decrease the stretch‐induced shear between LG and SOL. Eleven volunteers underwent a series of knee joint manipulations where plantar flexion force, LG, and SOL muscle fascicle lengths and relative displacement of aponeuroses between the muscles were obtained. Data during a passive full range of motion were recorded, followed by 20° knee extension stretches in both passive conditions and with selective electrical stimulation of LG. During active stretch, plantar flexion force was 22% greater (P < 0.05) and relative displacement of aponeuroses was smaller than during passive stretch (P < 0.05). Soleus fascicle length changes did not differ between passive and active stretches but LG fascicles stretched less in the active than passive condition when the stretch began at angles of 70° and 90° of knee flexion (P < 0.05). The activity‐induced decrease in the relative displacement of SOL and LG suggests stronger (stiffer) connectivity between the two muscles, at least at flexed knee joint angles, which may serve to facilitate myofascial force transmission.
How 100‐m event analyses improve our understanding of world‐class men's and women's sprint performance
Authors: Slawinski J. , Termoz N. , Rabita G. , Guilhem G. , Dorel S. , Morin J.‐B. , Samozino P.
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to compare the force (F)–velocity (v)–power (P)–time (t) relationships of female and male world‐class sprinters. A total of 100 distance–time curves (50 women and 50 men) were computed from international 100‐m finals, to determine the acceleration and deceleration phases of each race: (a) mechanical variables describing the velocity, force, and power output; and (b) F‐P‐v relationships and associated maximal power output, theoretical force and velocity produced by each athlete (Pmax, F0, and V0). The results showed that the maximal sprint velocity (Vmax) and mean power output (W/kg) developed over the entire 100 m strongly influenced 100‐m performance (r > −0.80; P ≤ 0.001). With the exception of mean force (N/kg) developed during the acceleration phase or during the entire 100 m, all of the mechanicals variables observed over the race were greater in men. Shorter acceleration and longer deceleration in women may explain both their lower Vmax and their greater decrease in velocity, and in turn their lower performance level, which can be explained by their higher V0 and its correlation with performance. This highlights the importance of the capability to keep applying horizontal force to the ground at high velocities.
Out of South‐East Asia: phylogeny and biogeography of the spiny ant genus Polyrhachis Smith (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: MEZGER DIRK , MOREAU CORRIE S.
Published: December 2015

Spiny ants (Polyrhachis Smith) are a hyper‐diverse genus of ants distributed throughout the Palaeotropics and the temperate zones of Australia. To investigate the evolution and biogeographic history of the group, we reconstructed their phylogeny and biogeography using molecular data from 209 taxa and seven genes. Our molecular data support the monophyly of Polyrhachis at the generic level and several of the 13 recognized subgenera, but not all are recovered as monophyletic. We found that Campomyrma Wheeler consists of two distinct clades that follow biogeographic affinities, that the boundaries of Hagiomyrma Wheeler are unclear depending on the analysis, that Myrma Billberg might be treated as one or two clades, and that Myrmhopla Forel is not monophyletic, as previously proposed. Our biogeographic ancestral range analyses suggest that the evolution of Polyrhachis originated in South‐East Asia, with an age of the modern crown‐group Polyrhachis of 58 Ma. Spiny ants dispersed out of South‐East Asia to Australia several times, but only once to mainland Africa around 26 Ma.
The PPR‐SMR protein PPR53 enhances the stability and translation of specific chloroplast RNAs in maize
Authors: Zoschke Reimo , Watkins Kenneth P. , Miranda Rafael G. , Barkan Alice
Published: December 2015

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins are helical repeat proteins that bind RNA and influence gene expression in mitochondria and chloroplasts. Several PPR proteins in plants harbor a carboxy‐terminal small‐MutS‐related (SMR) domain, but the functions of the SMR appendage are unknown. To address this issue, we studied a maize PPR‐SMR protein denoted PPR53 (GRMZM2G438524), which is orthologous to the Arabidopsis protein SOT1 (AT5G46580). Null ppr53 alleles condition a chlorotic, seedling‐lethal phenotype and a reduction in plastid ribosome content. Plastome‐wide transcriptome and translatome analyses revealed strong defects in the expression of the ndhA and rrn23 genes, which were superimposed on secondary effects resulting from a decrease in plastid ribosome content. Transcripts with processed 5′‐ends mapping approximately 70 nucleotides upstream of rrn23 and ndhA are absent in ppr53 mutants, and the translational efficiency of the residual ndhA mRNAs is reduced. Recombinant PPR53 binds with high affinity and specificity to the 5′ proximal region of the PPR53‐dependent 23S rRNA, suggesting that PPR53 protects this RNA via a barrier mechanism similar to that described for several PPR proteins lacking SMR motifs. However, recombinant PPR53 did not bind with high affinity to the ndhA 5′ untranslated region, suggesting that PPR53's RNA‐stabilization and translation‐enhancing effects at the ndhA locus involve the participation of other factors.
Tomato fruit carotenoid biosynthesis is adjusted to actual ripening progression by a light‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Llorente Briardo , D'Andrea Lucio , Ruiz‐Sola M. Aguila , Botterweg Esther , Pulido Pablo , Andilla Jordi , Loza‐Alvarez Pablo , Rodriguez‐Concepcion Manuel
Published: December 2015

Carotenoids are isoprenoid compounds that are essential for plants to protect the photosynthetic apparatus against excess light. They also function as health‐promoting natural pigments that provide colors to ripe fruit, promoting seed dispersal by animals. Work in Arabidopsis thaliana unveiled that transcription factors of the phytochrome‐interacting factor (PIF) family regulate carotenoid gene expression in response to environmental signals (i.e. light and temperature), including those created when sunlight reflects from or passes though nearby vegetation or canopy (referred to as shade). Here we show that PIFs use a virtually identical mechanism to modulate carotenoid biosynthesis during fruit ripening in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). However, instead of integrating environmental information, PIF‐mediated signaling pathways appear to fulfill a completely new function in the fruit. As tomatoes ripen, they turn from green to red due to chlorophyll breakdown and carotenoid accumulation. When sunlight passes through the flesh of green fruit, a self‐shading effect within the tissue maintains high levels of PIFs that directly repress the master gene of the fruit carotenoid pathway, preventing undue production of carotenoids. This effect is attenuated as chlorophyll degrades, causing degradation of PIF proteins and boosting carotenoid biosynthesis as ripening progresses. Thus, shade signaling components may have been co‐opted in tomato fruit to provide information on the actual stage of ripening (based on the pigment profile of the fruit at each moment) and thus finely coordinate fruit color change. We show how this mechanism may be manipulated to obtain carotenoid‐enriched fruits.