bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zakat on retirement and pension plans
Authors: Rahman Shafiqur
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to compare and contrast alternative pension plans in the market place and their status as zakatable wealth or property. These plans differ in terms of who is responsible for providing funds for pension benefit to the retirees upon retirement and who is responsible for bearing investment risk. Whether a pension plan is subject to zakat immediately or upon receipt at retirement depends on immediate accessibility to and ownership of the funds in the account. It makes no difference whether employer and/or the employee is (are) responsible for funding the plan and who bears the investment risk.

Design/methodology/approach

– Descriptive and analytical methods were used.

Findings

– There is consensus among Muslim jurists and shariah scholars that mandatory retirement plans offered as a part of compensation and benefit package for a job are subject to zakat when money is received upon retirement and non-mandatory plans offered as replacement for or supplement to employer-sponsored plans with voluntary employee participation are subject to zakat in each year of employment.

Originality/value

– There is no prior research work in the extant literature examining zakatability of alternative retirement plans offered in the US marketplace. This paper fills this void and provides a comprehensive survey and analysis of all available retirement plans and their treatment with respect to zakat.
Mental representation of brands: a schema-based approach to consumers’ organization of market knowledge
Authors: Halkias Georgios
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to review the notion of schemata in consumer behavior, placing particular emphasis on the conceptualization of brand knowledge, and illustrate how schema theory may act as a unifying conceptual framework to study what consumers know about products and brands. Extant research on how consumers conceptualize brands lacks a single, coherent theoretical framework. The literature is fragmented into different approaches that may prevent comparisons across studies and make it difficult to draw conclusive results.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper discusses the central tenets of schema theory and then presents the structure of schematic knowledge and the main typology of consumer schemata. It focuses on the brand schema, delineating its internal properties and drawing analogies with other approaches used to describe consumers’ mental representation of brands.

Findings

– Schema theory can provide a comprehensive framework to analyze how consumers perceive brand information. A cognitive schema specifies the parameters of knowledge content, discriminates between different types of information and indicates how various pieces of information relate to one another. Importantly, the internal structure of schemata remains stable across conceptual domains, allowing to investigate brand-specific knowledge in different contexts and in conjunction with superordinate and subordinate knowledge structures.

Originality/value

– This is the first systematic review of the notion of schemata in consumer behavior. It thoroughly describes how schema theory from psychology has been applied in marketing research to describe the organization of market knowledge and illustrates how it may function as an analytical tool.
Crowding out, diversion, and benefit/cost assessments in fertilizer subsidy programs in sub‐Saharan Africa: a comment on Jayne, T.S., Mather, D., Mason, N., Ricker‐Gilbert, J., 2013. How do fertilizer subsidy programs affect total fertilizer use in sub‐Saharan Africa? Crowding out, diversion, and benefit/cost assessments. Agric. Econ. 44(6), 687–703
Authors: Dorward A. R. , Chirwa E. W.
Published: July 2015

Jayne et al. make a valuable contribution to emerging empirical evidence on agricultural input subsidy programs in Africa by examining the effects of corrupt “diversion” of subsidized fertilizers on the displacement or crowding out effects of farmers’ purchases of subsidized fertilizer on purchases of unsubsidized fertilizer. Unfortunately, their estimation of the effects of this on economic and financial benefit cost ratios (BCRs) is methodologically flawed and, for Malawi, is also undermined by problematic use of data. This comment presents a consistent methodology for revised estimates of both economic BCR and fiscal efficiency for the Malawi program. This shows that the underlying economic BCR of subsidized fertilizers in Malawi has been higher than estimated by Jayne et al. and is largely unaffected by diversion and displacement, but that the fiscal efficiency of investments in the program is strongly affected by diversion and displacement in program implementation.
Emergence of methicillin‐resistant coagulase‐negative staphylococci resistant to linezolid with rRNA gene C2190T and G2603T mutations
Authors: Cidral Thiago André , Carvalho Maria Cícera , Figueiredo Agnes Marie Sá , de Melo Maria Celeste Nunes
Published: July 2015

The aim of this article were to determinate the mechanism of linezolid resistance in coagulase‐negative methicillin‐resistant staphylococci from hospitals in the northeast of Brazil. We identified the isolates using VITEK® 2 and MALDI‐TOF. Susceptibility to antibiotics was measured by the disk‐diffusion method and by Etest®. Extraction of the whole genome DNA was performed, followed by screening of all the strains for the presence of mecA and cfr genes. The domain V region of 23S rRNA gene was sequenced and then aligned with a linezolid‐susceptible reference strain. Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) macro‐restriction analysis was performed. Three linezolid‐resistant Staphylococcus hominis and two linezolid‐resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strains were analyzed. The isolates showed two point mutations in the V region of the 23S rRNA gene (C2190T and G2603T). We did not detect the cfr gene in any isolate by PCR. The S. hominis showed the same pulsotype, while the S. epidermidis did not present any genetic relation to each other. In conclusion, this study revealed three S. hominis and two S. epidermidis strains with resistance to linezolid due to a double mutation (C2190T and G2603T) in the domain V of the 23S rRNA gene. For the first time, the mutation of C2190T in S. epidermidis is described. This study also revealed the clonal spread of a S. hominis pulsotype between three public hospitals in the city of Natal, Brazil. These findings highlight the importance of continued vigilance of linezolid resistance in staphylococci.
Resting‐State Functional Brain Networks in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Baggio Hugo C. , Segura Bàrbara , Junque Carme
Published: July 2015

The network approach is increasingly being applied to the investigation of normal brain function and its impairment. In the present review, we introduce the main methodological approaches employed for the analysis of resting‐state neuroimaging data in Parkinson's disease studies. We then summarize the results of recent studies that used a functional network perspective to evaluate the changes underlying different manifestations of Parkinson's disease, with an emphasis on its cognitive symptoms. Despite the variability reported by many studies, these methods show promise as tools for shedding light on the pathophysiological substrates of different aspects of Parkinson's disease, as well as for differential diagnosis, treatment monitoring and establishment of imaging biomarkers for more severe clinical outcomes.
Jewellery: alloy composition and release of nickel, cobalt and lead assessed with the EU synthetic sweat method
Authors: Hamann Dathan , Thyssen Jacob P. , Hamann Carsten R. , Hamann Curtis , Menné Torkil , Johansen Jeanne D. , Spiewak Radoslaw , Maibach Howard , Lundgren Lennart , Lidén Carola
Published: July 2015

Background

Several studies have shown nickel and cobalt release from jewellery by using spot tests, but the metal composition of jewellery is largely unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate the metal composition of a large worldwide sample of mainly inexpensive jewellery items, and investigate the release of nickel, cobalt and lead from a subsample by using EN 1811:1998‐required methods.

Methods

A total of 956 metallic jewellery components were examined with X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy. A subsample of 96 jewellery items purchased in the United States were investigated for nickel, cobalt and lead release by the use of artificial sweat immersion and plasma optical emission spectroscopy.

Results

Eighteen elements were detected. The 10 most frequently occurring were, in order of frequency, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, silver, chromium, tin, manganese, lead, and cobalt. Release of nickel was noted from 79 of the 96 US samples (0.01–98 µg/cm2/week), release of cobalt from 35 samples (0.02–0.5 µg/cm2/week), and release of lead from 37 samples (0.03–2718 µg/cm2/week).

Conclusions

We present here a comprehensive list of the most frequently encountered metals in jewellery and fashion accessories. Different allergenic and non‐allergenic metals are utilized. We also report the frequent release of nickel, cobalt and lead from these objects, despite legislative restrictions.
Treating codeine dependence with buprenorphine: Dose requirements and induction outcomes from a retrospective case series in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Nielsen Suzanne , Bruno Raimondo , Murnion Bridin , Dunlop Adrian , Degenhardt Louisa , Demirkol Apo , Muhleisen Peter , Lintzeris Nicholas
Published: July 2015

Introduction and Aims

Codeine dependence is an emerging public health concern, yet no studies have specifically examined the treatment of codeine dependence. Given the lower potency of codeine it cannot be assumed that buprenorphine dose requirements for heroin dependence will generalise to codeine. This is the first study to examine buprenorphine treatment for codeine dependence.

Design and Methods

Retrospective case series of 19 codeine‐dependent treatment entrants who received sublingual buprenorphine maintenance treatment through six specialist inpatient and outpatient treatment centres. Baseline codeine doses and buprenorphine dose at days 7 and 28 were collected, in addition to details on general demographics, pain and mental health, substance use and outcomes after 28 days of buprenorphine treatment.

Results

A significant linear relationship was found between initial codeine dose and dose of buprenorphine given at days 7 and 28 for the codeine dose range of 50–960 mg day−1 (mean: 564 mg; 95% confidence interval 431–696 mg). Median buprenorphine dose was 12.0 mg (interquartile range 9.5 mg, range 4–32 mg) at day 7 and 16.0 mg (interquartile range 13.5 mg, range 4–32 mg) at day 28. Buprenorphine doses received were markedly higher than estimated codeine doses based on standard dose conversion tables.

Discussion and Conclusions

With increasing presentations relating to codeine dependence, these findings provide important guidance to clinicians. Buprenorphine doses were consistently higher than doses estimated based on the dose of codeine consumed, and were comparable with doses used in the treatment of dependence with heroin and more potent prescription opioids. [Nielsen S, Bruno R, Murnion B, Dunlop A, Degenhardt L, Demirkol A, Muhleisen P, Lintzeris N. Treating codeine dependence with buprenorphine: Dose requirements and induction outcomes from a retrospective case series in New South Wales, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015]
Triptans attenuate circadian responses to light
Authors: Basu Priyoneel , Ie Naomi , Wensel Adrienne L. , Baskerville Joelle D. , Smith Victoria M. , Antle Michael C.
Published: July 2015

Daily exposure to light synchronizes the circadian clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), to external day/night cycles. These responses to light can be modified by serotonergic drugs, such as serotonin 5HT1B receptor agonists. Triptans are specific 5HT1B agonists prescribed to treat migraines. Here, we examined the effects of two triptans (zolmitriptan and sumatriptan) on photic phase resetting in Syrian hamsters. Pre‐treatment with intra‐SCN sumatriptan significantly attenuates, and at higher doses completely blocks, phase advances to light during the late night. Pre‐treatment with systemic zolmitriptan significantly attenuates both light‐induced phase advances and phase delays. Neither of these drugs, nor their vehicles, causes phase shifts on their own. Pre‐treatment with zolmitriptan also significantly reduces the expression of light‐induced c‐fos in the SCN. Neither zolmitriptan nor vehicle alone induces significant c‐fos expression in the SCN. Finally, pre‐treatment with zolmitriptan does not attenuate phase shifts to intra‐SCN N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate injections, indicating that the mechanism of action for zolmitriptan is likely to be through activation of presynaptic 5HT1B receptors on retinal terminals, thereby decreasing light‐induced neurotransmitter release. As triptans are commercially available medications, there is potential for their use in blocking unwanted photic phase shifting during shift‐work or jet‐lag. Additionally, triptans may also affect the circadian clock in patients receiving them regularly for migraines. Finally, our results may hint at the mechanism by which triptans can alleviate the photophobia that frequently accompanies migraines, namely by activating 5HT1B receptors on retinal terminals elsewhere in the brain, and thereby diminishing visually‐evoked neurotransmitter signalling in those areas.
The macroecology of phylogenetically structured hummingbird–plant networks
Authors: Martín González Ana M. , Dalsgaard Bo , Nogués‐Bravo David , Graham Catherine H. , Schleuning Matthias , Maruyama Pietro K. , Abrahamczyk Stefan , Alarcón Ruben , Araujo Andréa C. , Araújo Francielle P. , de Azevedo Severino Mendes , Baquero Andrea C. , Cotton Peter A. , Ingversen Tanja Toftemark , Kohler Glauco , Lara Carlos , Las‐Casas Flor Maria Guedes , Machado Adriana O. , Machado Caio Graco , Maglianesi María Alejandra , McGuire Jimmy A. , Moura Alan Cerqueira , Oliveira Genilda M. , Oliveira Paulo E. , Ornelas Juan Francisco , Rodrigues Licléia da Cruz , Rosero‐Lasprilla Liliana , Rui Ana M. , Sazima Marlies , Timmermann Allan , Varassin Isabela Galarda , Vizentin‐Bugoni Jeferson , Wang Zhiheng , Watts Stella , Rahbek Carsten , Martinez Neo D.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To investigate the association between hummingbird–plant network structure and species richness, phylogenetic signal on species' interaction pattern, insularity and historical and current climate.

Location

Fifty‐four communities along a c. 10,000 km latitudinal gradient across the Americas (39° N–32° S), ranging from sea level to c. 3700 m a.s.l., located on the mainland and on islands and covering a wide range of climate regimes.

Methods

We measured the level of specialization and modularity in mutualistic plant–hummingbird interaction networks. Using an ordinary least squares multimodel approach, we examined the influence of species richness, phylogenetic signal, insularity and current and historical climate conditions on network structure (null‐model‐corrected specialization and modularity).

Results

Phylogenetically related species, especially plants, showed a tendency to interact with a similar array of mutualistic partners. The spatial variation in network structure exhibited a constant association with species phylogeny (R2 = 0.18–0.19); however, network structure showed the strongest association with species richness and environmental factors (R2 = 0.20–0.44 and R2 = 0.32–0.45, respectively). Specifically, higher levels of specialization and modularity were associated with species‐rich communities and communities in which closely related hummingbirds visited distinct sets of flowering species. On the mainland, specialization was also associated with warmer temperatures and greater historical temperature stability.

Main conclusions

Our results confirm the results of previous macroecological studies of interaction networks which have highlighted the importance of species richness and the environment in determining network structure. Additionally, for the first time, we report an association between network structure and species phylogenetic signal at a macroecological scale, indicating that high specialization and modularity are associated with high interspecific competition among closely related hummingbirds, subdividing the floral niche. This suggests a tighter co‐evolutionary association between hummingbirds and their plants than in previously studied plant–bird mutualistic systems.
Carnosic acid protects normal mouse hepatocytes against H2O2‐induced cytotoxicity via sirtuin 1‐mediated signaling
Authors: Wang Ting , Takikawa Yasuhiro
Published: July 2015

Aim

Carnosic acid (CA) is well known for its antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of CA on cytotoxicity under oxidative stress.

Methods

Primary hepatocytes and AML12 cells were treated with: (i) 0.1 μM, 1 μM and 10 μM CA; (ii) 3 mM H2O2 with or without 1 μM CA; or (iii) 3 mM H2O2 with 1 μM CA and 0.04 μM sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibitor EX527 or 10 μM mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor U0126. Cell viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage were determined. In addition, total protein levels of cleaved caspase 3, SIRT1, phosphorylated Nrf2, 5′‐adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and MAPKs were evaluated by western blot analysis and suspension array system.

Results

First, although 10 μM CA produced cytotoxicity, CA at concentrations at or below 1 μM did not inhibit cell viability. Second, H2O2 increased total cellular ROS and LDH leakage and decreased cell viability, whereas co‐treatment with H2O2 and 1 μM CA significantly inhibited these effects of H2O2. Third, CA at 1 μM increased protein levels of SIRT1. Pretreatment with EX527 or transfection of siRNA‐targeting SIRT1 weakened the protective effects of CA against H2O2‐induced cell death. Fourth, H2O2 induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in primary hepatocytes. U0126 inhibited oxidative damage induced by H2O2. Co‐treatment with CA inhibited ERK1/2 activation induced by H2O2.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that CA protects against oxidative stress‐induced cytotoxicity via SIRT1 by regulating subsequent downstream factors such as ERK1/2.
An unknown mass: the differential diagnosis of digit tumors
Authors: Longhurst William D. , Khachemoune Amor
Published: July 2015

There is little discussion of tumors arising in the digits in the dermatology literature. The patient with an undifferentiated mass of the finger is frequently encountered in the clinic, and variances in presentation of common and uncommon entities pose a challenge that may prompt further investigation for proper diagnosis and treatment. In this review, the authors illustrate the approach and work‐up of an unknown digit mass of a 45‐year‐old female patient. They go on to discuss the presentation and treatment of common tumor lesions of the finger likely to be encountered in the dermatologist's clinic including: ganglion cyst/mucous cyst, giant‐cell tumor, verruca vulgaris, epidermal inclusion cyst, poroma, porocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, infantile digital fibromatosis, acquired digital fibrokeratoma, Koenen's tumor, schwannoma, cutaneous neurofibroma, pyogenic granuloma, hemangioma, glomus tumor, epithelioid sarcoma, and metastatic disease.
Changing maternal perceptions of healthy feeding: a novel intervention
Authors: Meers M. R. , Domoff S. E. , LeRoy M. , Holt S. , Musher‐Eizenman D. R.
Published: July 2015

Objective

This study sought to better understand factors influencing mothers' perceptions about healthy feeding. Additionally, a social consensus intervention was used to try to change mothers' likelihood to serve healthy foods.

Methods

Mothers saw photographs of healthy and unhealthy snacks and meals and rated them on several factors that were hypothesized to predict the likelihood of serving the foods. Then, mothers were randomly assigned to the experimental or control condition. Those in the experimental condition received social consensus information about these foods, whereas the control condition did not. The change in perceptions in the control and experimental conditions was examined.

Results

Mothers rated healthy meals and snacks less favourably than unhealthy meals and snacks on factors including cost, preparation time and difficulty, and child preference. Furthermore, mothers' perceptions of foods as liked by their child, easy to prepare and ‘kid‐friendly’ predicted higher likelihood to serve those foods. Finally, mothers were more likely to describe the healthy snack as kid‐friendly and indicated being more likely to serve it after receiving favourable social norm information about the food.

Conclusions

The use of social consensus interventions to change parents' perceptions of healthy snacks may be one means of increasing the quality of children's diets.
Changes in the Relationship Between Temperature During the Seed‐Filling Period and Soya Bean Seed Isoflavones Under Water‐Deficit Conditions
Authors: Carrera C. S. , Dardanelli J. L.
Published: July 2015

Isoflavones have been shown to have health‐promoting activities in humans and are particularly abundant in soya bean. This study was conducted to determine how water deficit during seed fill affects the already known relationship between temperature and, alternately, solar radiation with soya bean seed isoflavone content. Isoflavone profile was analysed from seed samples of commercial cultivars grown in 76 environments in Argentina (29–38°S). Significant explanatory multiple linear regressions were detected for total isoflavones (TI), aglycones (AGL), glucosides (GLC), malonyl glucosides (MAL) and acetyl glucosides (ACE) regarding the following: temperature during seed fill (TmR5R7) and precipitation minus potential evapotranspiration during the reproductive period (pp‐PETR1R7), as well as for the combinations of these climatic variables. Cumulative solar radiation predicted isoflavone content but was less robust than TmR5R7 and pp‐PETR1R7. To our knowledge, this is the first report of changes in the relationship between TI, as well as AGL, GLC, MAL, and ACE and TmR5R7 as a function of drought in the field. When pp‐PETR1R7 was below 70 mm (indicating drought), TI, as well as AGL, GLC, MAL, and ACE decreased linearly with rising temperatures and with increasing water deficit (decreasing values of pp‐PETR1R7), with both climatic variables exhibiting additive effects on isoflavones. Our results also suggest that water deficit (estimated by pp‐PETR1R7) would be important for modelling the relationship between temperature and soya bean seed isoflavones in rainfed crops.
Long‐Term Effects of Low‐Dose Spironolactone on Chronic Dialysis Patients: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Study
Authors: Lin ChongTing , Zhang Qing , Zhang HuiFang , Lin AiXia
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this 2‐year multicentric, randomized, placebo‐controlled study was to evaluate the long‐term effects and adverse effects of spironolactone on chronic dialysis patients. A total of 253 non–heart failure dialysis patients with end‐stage renal disease were randomly assigned to 2‐year treatment with spironolactone (25 mg once daily, n=125) or a matching placebo (n=128) as add‐on therapy. The primary outcome was a composite of death from cardiocerebrovascular (CCV) events, aborted cardiac arrest, and sudden cardiac death, and the secondary outcome was death from all causes. Other CCV‐related indexes such as left ventricular mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, heart rate variability, vascular endothelial function, and blood pressure–lowering effect were analyzed for patients who completed the whole 2‐year follow‐up study. Sociodemographic, clinical, and relevant laboratory data were also collected. During the 2‐year follow‐up, the primary outcome occurred less frequently in the spironolactone group vs the control group (7.2% vs 18.0%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26–0.78). Death from CCV events occurred in 4.0% of patients in the spironolactone group and in 11.7% of patients in the control group. Neither aborted cardiac arrest nor sudden cardiac death was significantly reduced by spironolactone treatment. The secondary outcome occurred less frequently in the spironolactone group vs the control group (9.6% vs 19.5%; adjusted HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29–0.94). Other CCV‐related indexes except for heart rate variability were significantly improved. This study demonstrates that use of low‐dose spironolactone in non–heart failure dialysis patients can effectively reduce the risks of both CCV morbidity and mortality with few side effects. Moreover, the beneficial effect was mediated through improving the endothelial function or reducing left ventricular size independent of blood pressure changes, rather than mediation through changes in salt or potassium handling in the kidney.
Combining Multiregional Input‐Output Analysis with a World Trade Model for Evaluating Scenarios for Sustainable Use of Global Resources, Part II: Implementation
Authors: Duchin Faye , Levine Stephen H.
Published: July 2015

The standard multiregional input‐output (MRIO) framework can be combined with the outcomes of analysis using a model of the world economy to calculate footprints and other path‐based results for scenarios about the future. A companion article, entitled “Combining multiregional input‐output analysis with a world trade model for evaluating scenarios for sustainable use of global resources, part I: Conceptual framework,” describes our approach for extending the reach of MRIO techniques from descriptions of the past to prospects for the future. Here, we demonstrate the mathematics for converting scenario outcomes obtained using an input‐output (I‐O) model of the world economy to MRIO flow tables and then applying MRIO footprinting techniques to the resulting MRIO database. A numerical example comparing water footprints under alternative scenarios demonstrates that the world model outcomes are a sounder basis for the analysis of scenarios than the standard MRIO approach and identifies the reason why this is so. The approach described in this article integrates two previously distinct lines of research in I‐O analysis, enlarging opportunities for collaboration on both the formulation and analysis of scenarios that can provide concrete guidance for longer‐term strategies.
A novel approach to fireball modeling: The observable and the calculated
Authors: Sansom Eleanor Kate , Bland Philip , Paxman Jonathan , Towner Martin
Published: July 2015

Estimating the mass of a meteoroid passing through the Earth's atmosphere is essential to determining potential meteorite fall positions. High‐resolution fireball images from dedicated camera networks provide the position and timing for fireball bright flight trajectories. There are two established mass determination methods: the photometric and the dynamic. A new approach is proposed, based on the dynamic method. A dynamic optimization initially constrains unknown meteoroid characteristics which are then used in a parametric model for an extended Kalman filter. The extended Kalman filter estimates the position, velocity, and mass of the meteoroid body throughout its flight, and quantitatively models uncertainties. Uncertainties have not previously been modeled so explicitly and are essential for determining fall distributions for potential meteorites. This two‐step method aims to automate the process of mass determination for application to any trajectory data set and has been applied to observations of the Bunburra Rockhole fireball. The new method naturally handles noisy raw data. Initial and terminal bright flight mass results are consistent with other works based on the established photometric method and cosmic ray analysis. A full analysis of fragmentation and the variability in the heat‐transfer coefficient will be explored in future versions of the model.
Impact of Screening for Hepatic Hemangiomas in Patients with Multiple Cutaneous Infantile Hemangiomas
Authors: Rialon Kristy L. , Murillo Rudy , Fevurly Rebecca D. , Kulungowski Ann M. , Zurakowski David , Liang Marilyn , Kozakewich Harry P. W. , Alomari Ahmad I. , Fishman Steven J.
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Hepatic hemangiomas are often found in association with multiple cutaneous infantile hemangiomas. Screening abdominal ultrasonography has been recommended for patients with five or more cutaneous lesions. We sought to determine whether hemangiomas found through screening had improved clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients entered into our hepatic hemangioma registry between 1995 and 2012 were reviewed.

Results

Seventy‐two patients with multiple cutaneous and hepatic hemangiomas were identified; 43 (60%) were detected through screening. The median age at diagnosis was 41 days for screened patients and 53 days for those not screened. Screening detected 40 (93%) multifocal and 3 (7%) diffuse hemangiomas, compared to 18 (62%) and 11 (38%), respectively, in the nonscreened group. Patients identified by screening had lower incidences of congestive heart failure and hypothyroidism and were less likely to receive treatment for their hemangiomas. The mortality rate in the children not screened was 28% (n = 8). None of the patients found by screening died (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis of treated patients demonstrated that screening was a significant predictor of reduced mortality (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Hepatic hemangiomas found through screening ultrasonography are less likely to develop serious clinical sequelae. Although the reasons for this may include detection of hemangiomas that are less likely to progress to symptomatic disease, it appears that it also allows for earlier intervention for more concerning (e.g. diffuse) subtypes. Screening may allow for closer surveillance and earlier treatment before life‐threatening progression in a subset of infants with liver hemangiomas, preventing complications and reducing mortality.
Parental Body Mass Index, Gestational Weight Gain, and Risk of Macrosomia: a Population‐Based Case–Control Study in China
Authors: Yang Shaoping , Zhou Aifen , Xiong Chao , Yang Rong , Bassig Bryan A. , Hu Ronghua , Zhang Yiming , Yao Cong , Zhang Yaqi , Qiu Lin , Qian Zhengmin , Trevathan Edwin , Flick Louise , Xu Shunqing , Wang Youjie , Xia Wei , Zheng Tongzhang , Zhang Bin
Published: July 2015

Background

The prevalence of macrosomia has risen markedly worldwide, including in China, during the past two decades. Few epidemiological studies, however, have investigated the risk factors for macrosomia in China. This study was designed to investigate the associations between parental anthropometric characteristics, gestational weight gain (GWG), and risk of macrosomia in China.

Methods

This population‐based, case–control study in Wuhan, China, included a total of 6341 subjects (870 cases and 5471 controls). Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Mothers or fathers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy had an elevated risk of giving birth to a macrosomic infant compared with their normal weight counterparts. Women with GWG above the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendation had an adjusted OR of 6.09 [95% CI 5.04, 7.35] for delivering a macrosomic infant compared with women who had GWG within the IOM recommendation. When stratified by maternal pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI), women who were underweight or normal weight before pregnancy were observed to have a higher risk of macrosomia birth associated with greater GWG.

Conclusions

Parental pre‐pregnancy overweight/obesity and excessive GWG during pregnancy were highly associated with macrosomia. The association with GWG was most pronounced in mothers who had a normal or underweight pre‐pregnancy BMI. Weight control efforts before pregnancy for mothers and fathers as well as control of maternal gain during pregnancy may reduce the risk of macrosomia.
Displacement Discontinuity or Complex Shape of Sample: Assessment of Accuracy and Adaptation of Local DIC Approach
Authors: Dupré J. C. , Doumalin P. , Husseini H. A. , Germaneau A. , Brémand F.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we study the impact of a complex shape of sample and the appearance of a displacement discontinuity on performances of measurement by local Digital Image Correlation (DIC). Both cases are modelled from synthetic images into two parts: one with a speckle field and another part without speckle or two parts with similar speckle fields but with different kinematics. The accuracy of displacement measurements assessed for DIC subsets crossing the boundary between the two parts is lower than the one obtained without discontinuity and justifies adapting DIC method. A new local DIC process is presented in detail. It is an alternative way able to take into account any shape of sample and several curved lines of discontinuity in the same subset. Two experimental examples are presented: displacement and strain fields obtained by DIC and adapted DIC are compared. We can conclude that it is possible to lead a mechanical analysis until the limits of the sample and even during the appearance and the propagation of a crack.
Association between DEFB103 gene copy number variation and ankylosing spondylitis: a case–control study
Authors: Cai G. , Xia Q. , Fan D. , Li X. , Ding N. , Hu Y. , Yang X. , Liu L. , Xin L. , Wang L. , Xu S. , Xu J. , Zou Y. , Ding C. , Pan F.
Published: July 2015

In this brief communication, we investigate the role of DEFB103 gene copy number variation (CNV) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility. A total of 807 Chinese individuals including 406 AS patients and 401 controls were enrolled. The DEFB103 copy number was measured by two sets of probes to obtain a stable result in a custom‐by‐design Multiplex AccuCopy™ kit (Genesky Biotechnologies Inc., Shanghai, China) based on a multiplex fluorescence competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) principle. The copy number of DEFB103 ranged from 2 to 6 in both AS patients and controls. Mann–Whitney U test and chi‐squared test were performed to analyze the difference of DEFB103 copy number between AS patients and controls while no statistical difference has been found. We considered the copy number of DEFB103 gene may not associate with susceptibility to AS.
The extracellular matrix molecule brevican is an integral component of the machinery mediating fast synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held
Authors: Blosa Maren , Sonntag Mandy , Jäger Carsten , Weigel Solveig , Seeger Johannes , Frischknecht Renato , Seidenbecher Constanze I. , Matthews Russell T. , Arendt Thomas , Rübsamen Rudolf , Morawski Markus
Published: July 2015

Key points

The proteoglycan brevican is a major component of the extracellular matrix of perineuronal nets and is highly enriched in the perisynaptic space suggesting a role for synaptic transmission.

We have introduced the calyx of Held in the auditory brainstem as a model system to study the impact of brevican on dynamics and reliability of synaptic transmission.

In vivo extracellular single‐unit recordings at the calyx of Held in brevican‐deficient mice yielded a significant increase in the action potential (AP) transmission delay and a prolongation of pre‐ and postsynaptic APs.

The changes in dynamics of signal transmission were accompanied by the reduction of presynaptic vGlut1 and ultrastructural changes in the perisynaptic space.

These data show that brevican is an important mediator of fast synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held.

The extracellular matrix is an integral part of the neural tissue. Its most conspicuous manifestation in the brain are the perineuronal nets (PNs) which surround somata and proximal dendrites of distinct neuron types. The chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan brevican is a major component of PNs. In contrast to other PN‐comprising proteoglycans (e.g. aggrecan and neurocan), brevican is mainly expressed in the perisynaptic space closely associated with both the pre‐ and postsynaptic membrane. This specific localization prompted the hypothesis that brevican might play a role in synaptic transmission. In the present study we specifically investigated the role of brevican in synaptic transmission at a central synapse, the calyx of Held in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body, by the use of in vivo electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, biochemistry and electron microscopy. In vivo extracellular single‐unit recordings were acquired in brevican‐deficient mice and the dynamics and reliability of synaptic transmission were compared to wild‐type littermates. In knockout mice, the speed of pre‐to‐postsynaptic action potential (AP) transmission was reduced and the duration of the respective pre‐ and postsynaptic APs increased. The reliability of signal transmission, however, was not affected by the lack of brevican. The changes in dynamics of signal transmission were accompanied by the reduction of (i) presynaptic vGlut1 and (ii) the size of subsynaptic cavities. The present results suggest an essential role of brevican for the functionality of high‐speed synaptic transmission at the calyx of Held.
Triple-Layer Control System for Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell–Gas Turbine Hybrid System
Authors: Milewski Jarosław , Biczel Piotr , Kłos Mariusz
Published: July 2015

The control system of molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) coupled with a gas turbine (GT) should be based on the multilayer structure (two- or three-layers), wherein the third layer is connected with the power output from the system and can be considered separately. Simulation model of the MCFC–GT hybrid system (HS) was built. The simulator is based on a zero-dimensional modeling of the individual elements of the system. The simulator was used for mapping the main components behavior (MCFC and GT separately). On the basis of the obtained maps of the performances and adopted restrictions on technical–operational nature, the operation line for the first line of the control strategy was obtained. The control system which realizes the obtained control strategy was built in reality. Then, the hardware-based models of the main elements were created based on the electric equipment. The hardware–software model was connected to the control system and adequate simulations were performed. The presented results indicate that the analyzed MCFC–GT HS possesses a high operation and control flexibility while at the same time maintaining stable thermal efficiency. Operation of the system is possible over a wide range of parameter changes.
Former head of China's genome powerhouse starts new chapter
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: July 2015

Jun Wang will concentrate on applying artificial intelligence to making sense of genome data.
Japan's universities open up to the world
Authors: Lin Brian
Published: July 2015

A quest to globalize and engage with a wary public has sparked enthusiasm for science communication at Japanese universities
Response to Comment on “Phylogenomics resolves the timing and pattern of insect evolution”
Authors: Kjer K. M. , Ware J. L. , Rust J. , Wappler T. , Lanfear R. , Jermiin L. S. , Zhou X. , Aspöck H. , Aspöck U. , Beutel R. G. , Blanke A. , Donath A. , Flouri T. , Frandsen P. B. , Kapli P. , Kawahara A. Y. , Letsch H. , Mayer C. , McKenna D. D. , Meusemann K. , Niehuis O. , Peters R. S. , Wiegmann B. M. , Yeates D. K. , von Reumont B. M. , Stamatakis A. , Misof B.
Published: July 2015

Tong
et al
. comment on the accuracy of the dating analysis presented in our work on the phylogeny of insects and provide a reanalysis of our data. They replace log-normal priors with uniform priors and add a “roachoid” fossil as a calibration point. Although the reanalysis provides an interesting alternative viewpoint, we maintain that our choices were appropriate.
Thermal and mechanical properties of the near-surface layers of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko
Authors: Spohn T. , Knollenberg J. , Ball A. J. , Banaszkiewicz M. , Benkhoff J. , Grott M. , Grygorczuk J. , Hüttig C. , Hagermann A. , Kargl G. , Kaufmann E. , Kömle N. , Kührt E. , Kossacki K. J. , Marczewski W. , Pelivan I. , Schrödter R. , Seiferlin K.
Published: July 2015

Thermal and mechanical material properties determine comet evolution and even solar system formation because comets are considered remnant volatile-rich planetesimals. Using data from the Multipurpose Sensors for Surface and Sub-Surface Science (MUPUS) instrument package gathered at the Philae landing site Abydos on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, we found the diurnal temperature to vary between 90 and 130 K. The surface emissivity was 0.97, and the local thermal inertia was 85 ± 35 J m
−2
K
−1
s
-1/2
. The MUPUS thermal probe did not fully penetrate the near-surface layers, suggesting a local resistance of the ground to penetration of >4 megapascals, equivalent to >2 megapascal uniaxial compressive strength. A sintered near-surface microporous dust-ice layer with a porosity of 30 to 65% is consistent with the data.
A leap ahead for activating C-H bonds
Authors: Bose Shubhankar Kumar , Marder Todd B.
Published: July 2015

Boron-based catalysts add functional groups to normally unreactive carbon-hydrogen bonds

[Also see Report by

Légaré
et al.

]
Actinomyces Species Isolated from Breast Infections
Authors: Bing A. U. , Loh S. F. , Morris T. , Hughes H. , Dixon J. M. , Helgason K. O.
Published: July 2015

Actinomycosis is a chronic infection caused by
Actinomyces
species characterized by abscess formation, tissue fibrosis, and draining sinuses. The spectrum of infections caused by
Actinomyces
species ranges from classical invasive actinomycosis to a less invasive form of superficial skin and soft tissue infection. We present a review detailing all
Actinomyces
species isolated from breast infections in NHS Lothian between 2005 and 2013,
Actinomyces
species isolated from breast infections referred to the United Kingdom Anaerobe Reference Unit between 1988 and 2014, and cases describing
Actinomyces
breast infections published in the medical literature since 1994.
Actinomyces
species are fastidious organisms which can be difficult to identify and are likely to be underascertained as a cause of breast infections. Due to improved diagnostic methods, they are increasingly associated with chronic, recurrent breast infections and may play a more significant role in these infections than has previously been appreciated.
Evaluation of Two Phenotypic Screening Tests for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Pantel Alix , Souzy Dimitri , Sotto Albert , Lavigne Jean-Philippe
Published: July 2015

We evaluated the performance of two rapid tests for detection of carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
(CPE) strains. The sensitivities and the specificities were 97.6% and 94.4% for the Rapid CARB Screen and 98.8% and 93.1% for the KPC/MBL & OXA-48 Confirm tests, providing the usefulness of these tools for screening CPE in microbiology wards.
Antagonistic Relationship between Human Cytomegalovirus pUL27 and pUL97 Activities during Infection
Authors: Bigley Tarin M. , Reitsma Justin M. , Terhune Scott S.
Published: July 2015

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a member of the betaherpesvirus family. During infection, an array of viral proteins manipulates the host cell cycle. We have previously shown that expression of HCMV pUL27 results in increased levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p21Cip1. In addition, pUL27 is necessary for the full antiviral activity of the pUL97 kinase inhibitor maribavir (MBV). The purpose of this study was to define the relationship between pUL27 and pUL97 and its role in MBV antiviral activity. We observed that expression of wild-type but not kinase-inactive pUL97 disrupted pUL27-dependent induction of p21Cip1. Furthermore, pUL97 associated with and promoted the phosphorylation of pUL27. During infection, inhibition of the kinase resulted in elevated levels of p21Cip1in wild-type virus but not a pUL27-deficient virus. We manipulated the p21Cip1levels to evaluate the functional consequence to MBV. Overexpression of p21Cip1restored MBV activity against a pUL27-deficient virus, while disruption reduced activity against wild-type virus. We provide evidence that the functional target of p21Cip1in the context of MBV activity is CDK1. One CDK-like activity of pUL97 is to phosphorylate nuclear lamin A/C, resulting in altered nuclear morphology and increased viral egress. In the presence of MBV, we observed that infection using a pUL27-deficient virus still altered the nuclear morphology. This was prevented by the addition of a CDK inhibitor. Overall, our results demonstrate an antagonistic relationship between pUL27 and pUL97 activities centering on p21Cip1and support the idea that CDKs can complement some activities of pUL97.

IMPORTANCEHCMV infection results in severe disease upon immunosuppression and is a leading cause of congenital birth defects. Effective antiviral compounds exist, yet they exhibit high levels of toxicity, are not approved for use during pregnancy, and can result in antiviral resistance. Our studies have uncovered new information regarding the antiviral efficacy of the HCMV pUL97 kinase inhibitor MBV as it relates to the complex interplay between pUL97 and a second HCMV protein, pUL27. We demonstrate that pUL97 functions antagonistically against pUL27 by phosphorylation-dependent inactivation of pUL27-mediated induction of p21Cip1. In contrast, we provide evidence that p21Cip1functions to antagonize overlapping activities between pUL97 and cellular CDKs. In addition, these studies further support the notion that CDK inhibitors or p21Cip1activators might be useful in combination with MBV to effectively inhibit HCMV infections.
Inhibition of HIV Expression and Integration in Macrophages by Methylglyoxal-Bis-Guanylhydrazone
Authors: Jin Xia , McGrath Michael S. , Xu Hua
Published: July 2015

Macrophages are a target for infection with HIV and represent one of the viral reservoirs that are relatively resistant to current antiretroviral drugs. Here we demonstrate that methylglyoxal-bis-guanylhydrazone (MGBG), a polyamine analog and potentS-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase inhibitor, decreases HIV expression in monocytes and macrophages. MGBG is selectively concentrated by these cells through a mechanism consistent with active transport by the polyamine transporter. Using a macrophage-tropic reporter virus tagged with the enhanced green fluorescent protein, we demonstrate that MGBG decreases the frequency of HIV-infected cells. The effect is dose dependent and correlates with the production of HIV p24 in culture supernatants. This anti-HIV effect was further confirmed using three macrophage-tropic primary HIV isolates. Viral life cycle mapping studies show that MGBG inhibits HIV DNA integration into the cellular DNA in both monocytes and macrophages.

IMPORTANCEOur work demonstrates for the first time the selective concentration of MGBG by monocytes/macrophages, leading to the inhibition of HIV-1 expression and a reduction in proviral load within macrophage cultures. These results suggest that MGBG may be useful in adjunctive macrophage-targeted therapy for HIV infection.