bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of maternal subclinical hypothyroidism on IQ in 7‐ to 8‐year‐old children: A case–control review
Authors: Murphy Niamh C. , Diviney Mairead M. , Donnelly Jennifer C. , Cooley Sharon M. , Kirkham Colin H. , Foran Adrienne M. , Breathnach Fionnuala M. , Malone Fergal D. , Geary Michael P.
Published: June 2015

Background

In Ireland, pregnant women are not routinely screened for subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).

Aim

Our objective was to compare the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children whose mothers had been diagnosed with SCH prenatally with matched controls using a case–control retrospective study.

Materials and Methods

In a previous study from our group, 1000 healthy nulliparous women were screened anonymously for SCH. This was a laboratory diagnosis involving elevated TSH with normal fT4 or normal TSH with hypothyroxinaemia. We identified 23 cases who agreed to participate. These were matched with 47 controls. All children underwent neurodevelopmental assessment at age 7–8. Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children IV assessment scores were used to compare the groups. Our main outcome measure was to identify whether there was a difference in IQ between the groups.

Results

From the cohort of cases, 23 mothers agreed to the assessment of their children as well as 47 controls. The children in the control group had higher mean scores than those in the case group across Verbal Comprehension Intelligence, Perceptual Reasoning Intelligence, Working Memory Intelligence, Processing Speed Intelligence and Full Scale IQ. Mann–Whitney U‐test confirmed a significant difference in IQ between the cases (composite score 103.87) and the controls (composite score 109.11) with a 95% confidence interval (0.144, 10.330).

Conclusions

Our results highlight significant differences in IQ of children of mothers who had unrecognised SCH during pregnancy. While our study size and design prevents us from making statements on causation, our data suggest significant potential public health implications for routine prenatal screening.
Participatory Democracy and New Left Student Movements: The University of Sydney, 1973–1979
Authors: D'Avigdor Lewis
Published: June 2015

Participatory democracy was one of the core tenets of the New Left student movements that emerged in Australia in the 1960s. However, scant attention has been given to the idea within the literature on the New Left. This article examines an experiment in participatory democracy that took place in the Department of Philosophy at Sydney University in the 1970s. Following a series of strikes, the Philosophy department was split in two, with one half, the Department of General Philosophy, operating under a democratic constitution for six years from 1973 to 1979. This case study reveals a great deal about the intellectual history of the student New Left and the centrality of participatory democracy within it.
Sustainability as Empty Signifier: Its Rise, Fall, and Radical Potential
Authors: Brown Trent
Published: June 2015

Until recently, the concept of “sustainability” appeared to occupy a central position in the politics of many Western democracies. Following the 2008 financial crisis, however, sustainability has been relegated to a position of secondary or tertiary significance. This article considers the rise and fall of sustainability through the theoretical lens of Ernesto Laclau, considering whether it may be seen as an example of an “empty signifier”. Through detailed engagement with Laclau's work, as well as both theoretical and empirical studies of the concept of sustainability, I argue that sustainability signifies the multiple failures of dominant discourses to recognise “the future” as a meaningful category. After examining the historical conditions under which sustainability was able to operate in this way, I go on to argue that the global financial crisis and neoliberalism more broadly have interrupted our capacity to think about the future, undermining the significance of sustainability, at least temporarily.
The patient's journey with chronic hepatitis C from interferon plus ribavirin to interferon‐ and ribavirin‐free regimens: a study of health‐related quality of life
Authors: Younossi Z. M. , Stepanova M. , Nader F. , Lam B. , Hunt S.
Published: June 2015

Background

Interferon and ribavirin negatively impact health‐related quality of life (HRQL) during treatment.

Aim

To compare the impact of interferon and/or ribavirin‐containing regimens on HRQL to interferon‐ and ribavirin‐free regimens.

Methods

HRQL data from nine multinational phase 3 clinical trials of sofosbuvir (SOF)‐based regimens with and without ledipasvir (LDV), pegylated interferon (IFN) or ribavirin (RBV) were used. The Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) HRQL questionnaire was administered to subjects prospectively at baseline, during treatment, and 12 and 24 weeks after treatment cessation.

Results

A total of 3460 CH‐C with SF‐36 data were included (52.2 ± 10.3 years, 62.6% male, 73.6% treatment‐naïve, 15.0% cirrhotic, 68.2% HCV genotype 1 and 20.1% genotype 3). Compared to baseline HRQL, at the end of treatment, severe HRQL decrements were noted in IFN + RBV ± SOF regimens (on average, −3.8 to −24.3 on a 0–100 scale for different HRQL domains), while moderate decrements were noted in SOF + RBV ± LDV (−2.8 to −8.6). In contrast, in SOF/LDV without RBV, HRQL improvements were noted during treatment (+2.3 to +5.2). By 12 weeks post‐treatment, HRQL returned to baseline in IFN + RBV ± SOF (P > 0.05) and improved in all IFN‐free arms (+2.6 to +7.8). In multivariate analysis, a lower end of treatment HRQL was associated with IFN + RBV + SOF and a higher end of treatment HRQL was associated with SOF/LDV. By post‐treatment‐12, SOF/LDV was additionally associated with higher mental health scores. These improvements in HRQL scores were maintained 24 weeks post‐treatment.

Conclusions

Removing interferon and ribavirin has led to substantial improvement of health‐related quality of life during treatment. This may result in better patient experience and higher adherence to treatment regimen.
Magnetic resonance imaging‐quantified small bowel motility is a sensitive marker of response to medical therapy in Crohn's disease
Authors: Plumb A. A. , Menys A. , Russo E. , Prezzi D. , Bhatnagar G. , Vega R. , Halligan S. , Orchard T. R. , Taylor S. A.
Published: June 2015

Background

Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) can measure small bowel motility, reduction in which reflects inflammatory burden in Crohn's Disease (CD). However, it is unknown if motility improves with successful treatment.

Aim

To determine if changes in segmental small bowel motility reflect response to anti‐TNFα therapy after induction and longer term.

Methods

A total of 46 patients (median 29 years, 19 females) underwent MRE before anti‐TNFα treatment; 35 identified retrospectively underwent repeat MRE after median 55 weeks of treatment and 11 recruited prospectively after median 12 weeks. Therapeutic response was defined by physician global assessment (retrospective group) or a ≥3 point drop in the Harvey–Bradshaw Index (prospective group), C‐reactive protein (CRP) and the MaRIA score. Two independent radiologists measured motility using an MRE image‐registration algorithm. We compared motility changes in responders and nonresponders using the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

Anti‐TNFα responders had significantly greater improvements in motility (median = 73.4% increase from baseline) than nonresponders (median = 25% reduction, P < 0.001). Improved MRI‐measured motility was 93.1% sensitive (95%CI: 78.0–98.1%) and 76.5% specific (95% CI: 52.7–90.4%) for anti‐TNFα response. Patients with CRP normalisation (<5 mg/L) had significantly greater improvements in motility (median = 73.4% increase) than those with persistently elevated CRP (median = 5.1%, P = 0.035). Individuals with post‐treatment MaRIA scores of <11 had greater motility improvements (median = 94.7% increase) than those with post‐treatment MaRIA score >11 (median 15.2% increase, P = 0.017).

Conclusions

Improved MRI‐measured small bowel motility accurately detects response to anti‐TNFα therapy for Crohn's disease, even as early as 12 weeks. Motility MRI may permit early identification of nonresponse to anti‐TNFα agents, allowing personalised treatment.
Efficacious trees and the politics of forestation inUganda
Authors: Weisser Florian
Published: June 2015

This paper explores the role of trees in the politics of forestation inUganda from the vantage point of recent object‐oriented philosophy. Rather than conceiving of trees as passive, a substrate of thought, or serving utilitarian ends in human action, this paper stresses their autonomous ontological efficacy. First, it shows how trees themselves, in this case the monumentalMilicia excelsa, matter to (post‐)colonial politics in the country through affective materiality. Second, considering the Eucalyptus grandis, it argues that the species has a variety of qualities that unfold under different circumstances and to different effects, and, in this way, complicate the government of forestation. At the same time, however, there is another potentiality of the tree; one that allows the government of forestation across difference. Third, the paper emphasises the adaptability of trees and argues that this trait enables present‐day reforestation, in which trees are often disciplined in growing schemes and subsequently denied their treeness. In conclusion, I contend that the empirical case furthers the engagement with politics in object‐oriented approaches, and argue that this is no mere academic exercise but also has implications for the practice of forest stewardship.
Resveratrol Enhances Etoposide‐Induced Cytotoxicity through Down‐Regulating ERK1/2 and AKT‐Mediated X‐ray Repair Cross‐Complement Group 1 (XRCC1) Protein Expression in Human Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Ko Jen‐Chung , Syu Jhan‐Jhang , Chen Jyh‐Cheng , Wang Tai‐Jing , Chang Po‐Yuan , Chen Chien‐Yu , Jian Yun‐Ting , Jian Yi‐Jun , Lin Yun‐Wei
Published: June 2015

Etoposide (VP‐16), a topoisomerase II inhibitor, is an effective anti‐cancer drug used for the treatment of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound that has been proved to have anti‐cancer activity. XRCC1 is an important scaffold protein involved in base excision repair that is regulated by ERK1/2 and AKT signals and plays an important role in the development of lung cancer. However, the role of ERK1/2 and AKT‐mediated XRCC1 expression in etoposide treatment alone or combined with resveratrol‐induced cytotoxicity in NSCLC cells has not been identified. In this study, etoposide treatment increased XRCC1 mRNA and protein expression through AKT and ERK1/2 activation in two NSCLC cells, H1703 and H1975. Knockdown of XRCC1 in NSCLC cells by transfection of XRCC1 siRNA or inactivation of ERK1/2 and AKT resulted in enhancing cytotoxicity and cell growth inhibition induced by etoposide. Resveratrol inhibited the expression of XRCC1 and enhanced the etoposide‐induced cell death and anti‐proliferation effect in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, transfection with constitutive active MKK1 or AKT vectors could rescue the XRCC1 protein level and also the cell survival suppressed by co‐treatment with etoposide and resveratrol. These findings suggested that down‐regulation of XRCC1 expression by resveratrol can enhance the chemosensitivity of etoposide in NSCLC cells.
Analytical rubrics in higher education: A repository of empirical data
Authors: Hack Catherine
Published: June 2015

The use of rubrics for grading and feedback in higher education has increased in response to requirements for consistency and transparency across a diverse range of assessment tasks. There is a growing evidence base demonstrating the reliability of rubrics across different markers and instances. The number of studies describing the impact of rubrics on student learning has also grown; however, these studies are predominantly qualitative and/or use a quasi‐experimental design. Confounding factors in these studies include the validity and quality of the rubric, markers' expertise and students' previous experience of using rubrics and learning preferences. This paper describes a data set comprising student marks from large cohorts of postgraduate students, pre and post the introduction of rubrics on three different modules, and the associated rubrics. In making these data available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, it is hoped to establish a repository of rubrics validated for specific assessment tasks and their associated data sets, to develop robust methods for their evaluation and explore methods of rubric deployment for effective learning through assessment.
15‐Lipoxygenases regulate the production of chemokines in human lung macrophages
Authors: Abrial C , Grassin‐Delyle S , Salvator H , Brollo M , Naline E , Devillier P
Published: June 2015

Background and Purpose

15‐Lipoxygenase (15‐LOX) activity is associated with inflammation and immune regulation. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the expression of 15‐LOX‐1 and 15‐LOX‐2 and evaluate the enzymes' roles in the polarization of human lung macrophages (LMs) in response to LPS and Th2 cytokines (IL‐4/‐13).

Experimental Approach

LMs were isolated from patients undergoing surgery for carcinoma. The cells were cultured with a 15‐LOX inhibitor (PD146176 or ML351), a COX inhibitor (indomethacin), a 5‐LOX inhibitor (MK886) or vehicle and then stimulated with LPS (10 ng·mL−1), IL‐4 (10 ng·mL−1) or IL‐13 (50 ng·mL−1) for 24 h. Levels of ALOX15 (15‐LOX‐1) and ALOX15B (15‐LOX‐2) transcripts were determined by real‐time quantitative PCR. Immunoassays were used to measure levels of LPS‐induced cytokines (TNF‐α, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CXCL1, CXCL8 and CXCL10) and Th2 cytokine‐induced chemokines (CCL13, CCL18 and CCL22) in the culture supernatant.

Key Results

Stimulation of LMs with LPS was associated with increased expression of ALOX15B, whereas stimulation with IL‐4/IL‐13 induced the expression of ALOX15. PD146176 and ML351 (10 μM) reduced the release of the chemokines induced by LPS and Th2 cytokines. The effects of these 15‐LOX inhibitors were maintained in the presence of indomethacin and MK886. Furthermore, indomethacin revealed the inhibitory effect of PD146176 on TNF‐α release.

Conclusions and Implications

Inhibition of the 15‐LOX pathways is involved in the down‐regulation of the in vitro production of chemokines in LMs. Our results suggest that the 15‐LOX pathways have a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung disorders and may thus constitute a potential drug target.
T‐cell plasticity in inflammatory skin diseases – the good, the bad, and the chameleons
Authors: Gatzka Martina , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin
Published: June 2015

According to the concept of T‐cell plasticity, peripheral T cells – once differentiated into a specific T cell subset – may, in response to new environmental cues or signaling alterations, adopt the phenotype of a different helper cell subset with regard to cytokine production and regulatory functions. In a variety of T cell‐mediated inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis, T‐cell plasticity – in particular the conversion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to IL‐17‐producing inflammatory cells – has recently been described as key pathomechanism contributing to the aggravation of inflammatory symptoms and disease chronification. Apart from psoriasis, the phenomenon of immune cell plasticity may also have a role in other inflammatory conditions of the skin showing a T cell component and/or an IL‐17‐mediated pathology, such as lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, blistering diseases, allergic disorders, and others. This review summarizes the basic molecular mechanisms regulating T‐cell fate decisions and plasticity in inflamed skin and in other lymphoid organs. Moreover, it explores the effect of established targeted therapies as well as alternative concepts with a focus on how to prevent the unwanted conversion of “helpful” T cells and other beneficial immune cells to pathological inflammatory vermin.
Effect of Temperature on Activity Patterns in a Small Andean Rodent: Behavioral Plasticity and Intraspecific Variation
Authors: Sassi Paola L. , Taraborelli Paula , Albanese Soledad , Gutierrez Andrea
Published: June 2015

The activity rhythm of a species is ruled by internal signals as well as external factors. Among them, ambient temperature strongly influences the amount, duration, and distribution of an organism's activities throughout the day. The result is a pattern of activity that, between certain limits, can be flexible to deal with seasonal and spatial thermal heterogeneity. The range of behavioral plasticity increases with environmental variability and could be beneficial for a species' persistence under novel conditions. Thus, the goal of this study was to experimentally explore the behavioral plasticity in Phyllotis xanthopygus, a rodent species inhabiting an altitudinal gradient in the Central Andes Mountains of Argentina. In the laboratory, we assessed activity rate and pattern under different temperatures by comparing groups of individuals collected at different altitudes. All animals were acclimated to subsequent thermal treatments in a paired design. As expected, P. xanthophygus showed changes in activity under different temperatures, and animals from diverse altitudes were differently affected. In particular, animals from mid‐altitudes and high altitudes reduced their activity under high temperatures. Intraspecific differences across the altitudinal gradient suggest that animals from mid‐altitudes and high altitudes are less heat tolerant than those from lower sites, in spite of acclimation to equal conditions. We propose that climate ranges experienced in the field possibly promote this different response. Our results are discussed in light of recent forecasts of temperature rises in the region, which could constrain P. xanthophygus activity in space and time.
Sickness Absence and the Court of Justice: Examining the Role of Fundamental Rights in EU Employment Law
Authors: Bell Mark
Published: June 2015

Being absent from work due to sickness is a critical issue for individuals and their employers, but it has traditionally fallen outside the scope of EU employment legislation. This article argues that this is changing; it examines case‐law under the Working Time and Employment Equality Directives. The article considers the justifications that the Court of Justice has advanced to explain this expansion in EU employment law. It finds that the Court has, at times, invoked fundamental social rights as a basis for interpreting employment legislation in a manner favourable to workers. Yet the way in which the Court deploys rights‐based reasoning can be difficult to anticipate, not least the countervailing weight attached to the interests of employers. The case studies indicate that fundamental rights discourse offers a possible foundation for more extensive readings of employment legislation, but it is not a simple ‘trump card’ for advocates of stronger worker protection.
Maize Genotypes Differing in Salt Resistance Vary in Jasmonic Acid Accumulation During the First Phase of Salt Stress
Authors: Shahzad A. N. , Pitann B. , Ali H. , Qayyum M. F. , Fatima A. , Bakhat H. F.
Published: June 2015

Plant hormones are considered to play an important role in plant adaptation to drought and salt stress. The objective of the study was to investigate the changes in endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) in relation to differences in the salt resistance of maize genotypes. Two maize genotypes (SR 03 and Across 8023) were compared for changes in water relations, growth and tissue JA levels in response to 100 mm NaCl. Salt stress significantly reduced the shoot growth of both genotypes; however, SR 03 exhibited significantly less reduction in relative shoot fresh weight than Across 8023. Both genotypes showed an identical response to salt stress regarding plant water relations; therefore, genotypic differences in the salt resistance could not be attributed to changes in shoot turgor and these results were further confirmed by the response of both genotypes under equiosmotic stress (−0.49 MPa) of either 100 mm NaCl or PEG‐6000. GC‐MS/MS analysis showed that salt stress did not alter shoot JA levels of both genotypes, however significantly increased the root JA levels of Across 8023. In contrast, root JA levels of salt‐resistant SR 03 did not change by salt stress. Increase in root JA levels in response to stress treatments does not coincide with the growth inhibition of shoot in Across 8023. In contrast, both PEG and NaCl did not change the JA concentrations in both root and shoot tissues of SR 03. Growth assays with maize seedlings showed that JA supply in root medium inhibits shoot extension growth and both maize genotypes were sensitive to the inhibitory effects of JA. These results suggest that maize genotypes differ in JA accumulation during the first phase of salt stress and JA may indirectly be involved in leaf growth inhibition of the salt‐sensitive genotype. In addition, our results also showed that treatment of salt‐stressed plants with exogenous JA improved the Na+ exclusion by decreasing the Na+ uptake at the root surface.
Getting People into Work: What (if Anything) Can Justify Mandatory Activation of Welfare Recipients?
Authors: Molander Anders , Torsvik Gaute
Published: June 2015

So‐called activation policies aiming at bringing jobless people into work have been a central component of welfare reforms across OECD countries during the last decades. Such policies combine restrictive and enabling programs, but their characteristic feature is that enabling programs are also mandatory, and non‐compliers are sanctioned. There are four main arguments that can be used to defend mandatory activation of benefit recipients. We label them efficiency, sustainability, paternalism, and justice. Each argument is analysed in turn. First we clarify which standards it invokes, thereafter we evaluate each argument according to its own standards and introduce competing normative concerns that have to be taken into account.
Real‐World Love Drugs: Reply to Nyholm
Authors: Naar Hichem
Published: June 2015

In a recent article, Sven Nyholm argues that the use of biomedical enhancements (BE) in our romantic relationships would fail to secure the final value we attribute to love. On Nyholm's view, one thing we desire for its own sake is to be at the origin of the love others have for us. The satisfaction of this desire, he argues, is incompatible with the use of BE insofar as they are responsible for the attachment characteristic of love. In particular, the use of BE in order to create and sustain the sort of attachment characteristic of love would be less desirable than the creation and sustainment of it by more ordinary means. If one needs such enhancements in order for one's love to be created or sustained, then one's love is of lesser quality than the love we want. In this reply, I raise doubts about the argument.
Revisiting Jevons’ Paradox with System Dynamics: Systemic Causes and Potential Cures
Authors: Freeman Rachel , Yearworth Mike , Preist Chris
Published: June 2015

This article examines the dynamic relationship between the consumption of goods and services, technological efficiency, and associated resource use, as described by the theory of Jevons’ Paradox (JP). A theory is presented about what causes JP, in which resource efficiency savings are eventually overtaken by increases in consumption to produce a net increase in resource use and therefore environmental impacts. An application of the theory was carried out using system dynamics, modeling carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2‐eq) emissions from private road transport in the UK between 1970 and 2010. The model results indicate the approximate impact of JP within the historical period: a rise in travel consumption of approximately one half and a rise in CO2‐eq emissions of approximately one third. The model was used to estimate whether the European Union (EU) goal of a 40% drop in CO2‐eq emissions by 2030 is achievable in the road transport sector, by adding interventions, and the results indicate that higher increases in fleet efficiency than are currently forecast, costlier travel, and a reduction in travel consumption would all be required. The theory and model presented in this article highlight the need to implement a system of interventions that can influence the strength and direction of each of the feedback loops within the system being intervened with, if CO2‐eq emissions are to be more reliably reduced than they are at present. Further, because the system is constantly evolving, intervening with it requires a responsive, holistic approach, while maintaining focus on a long‐term goal.
Observing practice leadership in intellectual and developmental disability services
Authors: Beadle‐Brown J. , Bigby C. , Bould E.
Published: June 2015

Background

Improving staff performance is an issue in services for people with intellectual disability. Practice leadership, where the front line leader of a staff team focuses on service user outcomes in everything they do and provides coaching, modeling, supervision and organisation to the team, has been identified as important in improving staff performance. To date this finding is based only on self‐report measures.

Methods

This paper describes and tests an observational measure of practice leadership based on an interview with the front‐line manager, a review of paperwork and observations in 58 disability services in Australia.

Results

The measure showed good internal consistency and acceptable inter‐rater reliability. Practice leadership was associated with staff practice and outcomes for service users. The observed measure of practice leadership appears to be a useful tool for assessing whether leadership within a service promotes enabling and empowering support by staff. It was found to discriminate higher and lower performing services in terms of active support.

Conclusions

The measure had good reliability and validity although some further testing is required to give a complete picture of the possible uses and reliability of the measure. The measure is potentially useful in contexts of both research and service development. The confirmation of previous findings from self‐report measures that practice leadership is related to the quality of staff practice and outcomes for service users has implications for policy and practice in terms of the training of managers and structures for organisational management.
M2 macrophages and inflammatory cells in oral lesions of chronic paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: de Carli Marina Lara , Miyazawa Marta , Nonogaki Suely , Shirata Neuza Kasumi , Oliveira Denise Tostes , Pereira Alessandro Antônio Costa , Hanemann João Adolfo Costa
Published: June 2015

Background

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic fungal infection caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb) and associated with deficient cellular immune response, which is modulated by inflammatory cells, mainly macrophages, and cytokines. Recently, the comprehension of the macrophage polarization mediated by Th1 and Th2 cytokines has contributed to elucidate the immune response that takes part in some diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the presence of Th1‐ and Th2‐immune response and also Pb counting in oral lesions of chronic PCM.

Methods

Forty‐eight cases of chronic PCM oral lesions were included. All cases were classified as loose or dense granulomas. S100 protein, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, CD163 and CD68 immunoexpressions, and Pb localization were evaluated. The fungi present in the tissue were quantified by anti‐Pb antibody.

Results

Most patients were white men with mean age of 47 years old and showed higher incidence of multiple lesions. Loose granulomas were predominant and exhibited a great amount of M2 macrophages, which were visualized with anti‐CD163 antibody. The expression for CD163 and CD68 was similar (P = 0.05), highlighting the predominance of M2 macrophages in PCM. IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α immunoexpression did not significantly change with CD163, CD68, and S100 protein. The number of fungi was significantly higher in cases with intense IL‐1β immunoexpression (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

M2‐activated macrophages were the majority among inflammatory cells in chronic PCM, characterizing the action of a Th2‐immune response. Nevertheless, Th1 cytokines were also found; mainly IL‐1β, which was associated with fungi counting in oral lesions.
Evolution of hypsodonty reveals a long‐standing ecological separation in theJapanese shrew‐moles
Authors: Sansalone G.
Published: June 2015

Habitat segregation has been reported for theJapanese shrew‐moles by several studies. However, there is a lack of surveys aimed at characterizing the ecological separation occurring betweenUrotrichus talpoidesandDymecodon pilirostris. In this paper, possible reasons for this ecological separation are proposed for the first time. A geometric morphometrics analysis was performed on first lower molars and mandibles of both fossil and extant specimens. The results evidenced thatU. talpoidesevolved a hypsodont configuration and a more robust mandible bearing an enlarged second incisor, whileD. pilirostrismaintained the primitive brachyodont morphology and a slender mandible. The fossil specimens proved to be very similar to their extant relatives. The shape analyses of m1 and the mandible suggest thatU. talpoidespossesses a more efficient feeding behaviour compared with that ofD. pilirostris. Moreover, the derived state of the mandible morphology, associated with a larger size, suggests thatU. talpoideslargely displacedD. pilirostrisand confined it to isolated highland areas by means of competition for food resources.
Transient elastography and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio predict liver injury in paediatric intestinal failure
Authors: Hukkinen Maria , Kivisaari Reetta , Lohi Jouko , Heikkilä Päivi , Mutanen Annika , Merras‐Salmio Laura , Pakarinen Mikko P.
Published: June 2015

Background & Aims

We aimed to evaluate the value of AST to platelet ratio (APRI) and transient elastography (TE) as predictors of liver histopathology in children with intestinal failure (IF).

Methods

Altogether 93 liver biopsies from 57 children with parenteral nutrition (PN) duration ≥3 months were analysed. APRI measurement and TE (n = 46) were performed at the time of biopsy.

Results

IF was caused by short bowel syndrome in 75% of patients. At the time of liver biopsy, PN dependent patients (n = 42) were younger with longer PN duration compared to those weaned off PN (n = 51) (2.2 vs. 7.6 years, P < 0.001; 26 vs. 10.5 months, P = 0.043). Elevated transaminase or bilirubin levels were found in 51%, splenomegaly in 26%, and oesophageal varices in 3.5%. Histological fibrosis was present in 61% (Metavir stage F1; 27%, F2; 26%, F3–4; 9%), cholestasis in 25% and steatosis in 22% of biopsy specimens. TE was superior to APRI in prediction of any liver histopathology (fibrosis, cholestasis or steatosis) with areas under the receiving operating curve (AUROC) of 0.86 (95% CI 0.74–0.97) and 0.67 (95% CI 0.58–0.78) respectively. For prediction of ≥F1 and ≥F2 fibrosis, AUROC values for TE were 0.78 (95% CI 0.64–0.93) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.59–0.88), whereas APRI did not correlate with fibrosis stages. For detection of histological cholestasis, the AUROC for APRI was 0.77 (95% CI 0.64–0.89).

Conclusions

Both TE and APRI are promising noninvasive methods for monitoring the development of IF‐related liver histopathology. TE values reflected the degree of fibrosis better while APRI detected histological cholestasis more accurately.
Mating with an allopatric male triggers immune response and decreases longevity of ant queens
Authors: Schrempf A. , von Wyschetzki K. , Klein A. , Schrader L. , Oettler J. , Heinze J.
Published: June 2015

In species with lifelong pair bonding, the reproductive interests of the mating partners are aligned, and males and females are expected to jointly maximize their reproductive success. Mating increases both longevity and fecundity of female reproductives (queens) of the antCardiocondyla obscurior, indicating a tight co‐evolution of mating partners. Here, we show that mating with a male from their own population increases lifespan and reproductive success of queens more than mating with a male from a different population, with whom they could not co‐evolve. A comparison of transcriptomes revealed an increased expression of genes involved in immunity processes in queens, which mated with males from a different population. Increased immune response might be proximately associated with decreased lifespan. Our study suggests a synergistic co‐evolution between the sexes and sheds light on the proximate mechanisms underlying the decreased fitness of allopatrically mated queens.
Candida albicans chronic colonisation in cystic fibrosis may be associated with inhaled antibiotics
Authors: Noni Maria , Katelari Anna , Kaditis Athanasios , Theochari Ioanna , Lympari Ioulia , Alexandrou‐Athanassoulis Helen , Doudounakis Stavros‐Eleftherios , Dimopoulos George
Published: June 2015

Candida albicans is increasingly recognised as a coloniser of the respiratory tract in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Yet, the potential role, if any, of the micro‐organism in the progress of the disease remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the association between inhaled antibiotics and C. albicans chronic colonisation in patients with CF. A cohort of 121 CF patients born from 1988 to 1996 was, respectively, studied. The medical records of each patient were reviewed from the first time they attended the CF Centre until the occurrence of C. albicans chronic colonisation or their last visit for the year 2010. Chronic colonisation was defined as the presence of C. albicans in more than 50% of cultures in a given year. A number of possible confounders were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify an independent association between inhaled antibiotics and C. albicans chronic colonisation. Fifty‐four (44.6%) of the 121 patients enrolled in the study developed chronic colonisation by the micro‐organism. Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined the independent effect of inhaled antibiotic treatment on the odds of chronic colonisation (OR 1.112, 95% CI [1.007–1.229], P = 0.036). Candida albicans chronic colonisation may be associated with the duration of inhaled antibiotic treatment.
RNA–protein interactions in plant disease: hackers at the dinner table
Authors: Spanu Pietro D.
Published: June 2015

Plants are the source of most of our food, whether directly or as feed for the animals we eat. Our dinner table is a trophic level we share with the microbes that also feed on the primary photosynthetic producers. Microbes that enter into close interactions with plants need to evade or suppress detection and host immunity to access nutrients. They do this by deploying molecular tools – effectors – which target host processes. The mode of action of effector proteins in these events is varied and complex. Recent data from diverse systems indicate that RNA‐interacting proteins and RNA itself are delivered by eukaryotic microbes, such as fungi and oomycetes, to host plants and contribute to the establishment of successful interactions. This is evidence that pathogenic microbes can interfere with the host software. We are beginning to see that pathogenic microbes are capable of hacking into the plants' immunity programs.

Contents

Summary
991

I.
Introduction: effectors – from affectation to explanation
991

II.
From manipulating hardware, to interfering with software
992

III.
Delivering the message
994

IV.
Conclusion
994

References
994
Transcriptional landscape of trans‐kingdom communication between Candida albicans and Streptococcus gordonii
Authors: Dutton L.C. , Paszkiewicz K.H. , Silverman R.J. , Splatt P.R. , Shaw S. , Nobbs A.H. , Lamont R.J. , Jenkinson H.F. , Ramsdale M.
Published: June 2015

Recent studies have shown that the transcriptional landscape of the pleiomorphic fungus Candida albicans is highly dependent upon growth conditions. Here using a dual RNA‐seq approach we identified 299 C. albicans and 72 Streptococcus gordonii genes that were either upregulated or downregulated specifically as a result of co‐culturing these human oral cavity microorganisms. Seventy‐five C. albicans genes involved in responses to chemical stimuli, regulation, homeostasis, protein modification and cell cycle were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) upregulated, whereas 36 genes mainly involved in transport and translation were downregulated. Upregulation of filamentation‐associated TEC1 and FGR42 genes, and of ALS1 adhesin gene, concurred with previous evidence that the C. albicans yeast to hypha transition is promoted by S. gordonii. Increased expression of genes required for arginine biosynthesis in C. albicans was potentially indicative of a novel oxidative stress response. The transcriptional response of S. gordonii to C. albicans was less dramatic, with only eight S. gordonii genes significantly (P ≤ 0.05) upregulated at least two‐fold (glpK, rplO, celB, rplN, rplB, rpsE, ciaR and gat). The expression patterns suggest that signals from S. gordonii cause a positive filamentation response in C. albicans, whereas S. gordonii appears to be transcriptionally less influenced by C. albicans.
Association analysis of five candidate genes with plant height and dry matter yield in perennial ryegrass
Authors: Statkevičiūté Gražina , Aleliūnas Andrius , Kemešyté Vilma , Pašakinskiené Izolda , Lübberstedt Thomas , Brazauskas Gintaras
Published: June 2015

Five candidate genes LpIAA1, LpRUB1, LpBRI1, LpSHOOT1 and LpTB1 with putative function in plant architecture were allele sequenced in a panel of 96 diploid perennial ryegrass genotypes of diverse origin. The total length of the non‐redundant genomic DNA alignment was 5425 bp and revealed 270 polymorphic sites in total. A negative significant Tajima's D value was detected in LpTB1 gene, suggesting selection pressure for low‐frequency alleles in this gene. All 96 genotypes were evaluated for plant height and dry matter yield over two years. Marker–trait associations were calculated between polymorphic sites and both phenotypic traits. Three indels and three single nucleotide substitutions in LpTB1 gene were significantly (P < 0.05, q < 0.05) associated with plant height, while one indel was associated with dry matter yield. The results suggest putative role of LpTB1 gene in plant height determination in perennial ryegrass and provide means for target allele selection.
Contrastivism About Reasons and Ought
Authors: Snedegar Justin
Published: June 2015

Contrastivismabout some concept says that the concept is relativized to sets of alternatives. Relative to some alternatives, the concept may apply, but relative to others, it may not. This article explores contrastivism about the central normative concepts of reasons and ought. Contrastivism about reasons says that a consideration may be a reason for an actionArather than one alternative,B, but may not be a reason forArather than some other alternative,C. Likewise, contrastivism about ought says that it might be that you ought to perform actionArather than actionB, while it is not the case that you ought to performArather than some other alternative,C. It explores the shape and motivations for, and the relationship between, these contrastivist theories.
Root infection of potato by Spongospora subterranea: knowledge review and evidence for decreased plant productivity
Authors: Falloon R. E. , Merz U. , Butler R. C. , Curtin D. , Lister R. A. , Thomas S. M.
Published: June 2015

Information is reviewed on root infection of potato by the plasmodiophorid Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea. This pathogen has long been recognized as the cause of root galls (hyperplasia) and the economically important disease powdery scab on tubers (modified stolons). The significance for plant productivity of the zoosporangium stages of the pathogen in potato roots has only recently begun to be documented. Two experiments are described that assessed effects of S. subterranea root infection on potato plant root function and productivity. A greenhouse experiment measured root function and plant parameters for eight potato cultivars with markedly different susceptibilities to tuber powdery scab. Water uptake and plant growth were reduced by S. subterranea inoculation in all eight cultivars. The magnitudes of these negative effects, and intensities of root hyperplasia, differed among the cultivars, but were not related to respective susceptibilities to tuber powdery scab. A field trial assessed root function and plant productivity for a cultivar (Iwa) that is very susceptible to Spongospora tuber and root diseases. Soil water content beneath uninoculated plants was consistently less than for inoculated plants, indicating that inoculation reduced water uptake (root function). Inoculation reduced shoot and root dry weights, and reduced weight of tubers per plant by 42%. Spongospora subterranea causes three diseases of potato: root membrane dysfunction, root hyperplasia and tuber powdery scab. The root diseases caused by the pathogen are likely to be important both for powdery scab management and for deleterious effects on potato crop yields.
Understanding the History of Soviet Criminal Justice: The Contribution of Archives and Other Sources
Authors: SOLOMON PETER H.
Published: June 2015

On the basis of the author's research (and to a lesser extent that of other scholars), this paper argues that for constructing the history of Soviet criminal justice archives served mainly as a supplement to rather than substitute for printed sources and oral history. Archives were more important for the postwar decade, 1946–55, when the quality of printed sources reached a low point. Overall, archival sources provided special insights into decision‐making in criminal policy and the role of Stalin; statistics on the work of the justice agencies (including campaigns and the implementation of new laws); secret laws and decrees; and documents on the management of the penal system. Major findings to which archival sources contributed include the difficulties implementing extreme measures initiated by Stalin (extensions of the law and severe punishments) because of resistance of officials to them; the abandonment in the mid‐1930s of the practice of running legal institutions with uneducated trustees in favor of trained legal officials making careers and the way their work came to be evaluated; the extent of dysfunctions in the administration of justice before Stalin's death; and the seriousness of attempts at reform in the first years of Khrushchev's rule.
Ageing does not result in a decline in cell synthetic activity in an injury prone tendon
Authors: Thorpe C. T. , McDermott B. T. , Goodship A. E. , Clegg P. D. , Birch H. L.
Published: June 2015

Advancing age is a well‐known risk factor for tendon disease. Energy‐storing tendons [e.g., human Achilles, equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT)] are particularly vulnerable and it is thought that injury occurs following an accumulation of micro‐damage in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Several authors suggest that age‐related micro‐damage accumulates due to a failure of the aging cell population to maintain the ECM or an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic pathways. We hypothesized that ageing results in a decreased ability of tendon cells to synthesize matrix components and matrix‐degrading enzymes, resulting in a reduced turnover of the ECM and a decreased ability to repair micro‐damage. The SDFT was collected from horses aged 3–30 years with no signs of tendon injury. Cell synthetic and degradative ability was assessed at the mRNA and protein levels. Telomere length was measured as an additional marker of cell ageing. There was no decrease in cellularity or relative telomere length with increasing age, and no decline in mRNA or protein levels for matrix proteins or degradative enzymes. The results suggest that the mechanism for age‐related tendon deterioration is not due to reduced cellularity or a loss of synthetic functionality and that alternative mechanisms should be considered.
MicroRNAs in cardiovascular ageing
Authors: Seeger Timon , Boon Reinier A.
Published: June 2015

MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as potent regulators of pathways in physiological and disease contexts. This review focuses on the role of miRs in ageing of the cardiovascular system. Several miRs have been described to be regulated during ageing and some of these miRs are involved in the regulation of ageing‐related processes. We discuss the roles of miR‐34, miR‐217 and miR‐29, which are induced during ageing in the vasculature. The roles of miR‐34, miR‐29 (age‐induced) and miR‐18/19, which are decreased during ageing in the heart, are discussed as well. Furthermore, numerous miRs that play a role in diseases associated with ageing, like diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and atrial fibrillation, are also briefly discussed. miRs also serve as circulating biomarkers for cardiovascular ageing or ageing‐associated diseases. Finally, pharmacological modulation of ageing‐related miRs might become a promising strategy to combat cardiovascular ageing in a clinical setting.
The Laser Interlaminar Reinforcement of Continuous Glass Fiber Composites
Authors: Bian Dakai , Satoh Gen , Lawrence Yao Y.
Published: June 2015

Interlaminar crack initiation and propagation are a major mode of failure in laminate fiber reinforced composites. A laser reinforcement process is developed to bond layers of glass fabric prior to the vacuum-assisted transfer molding of laminate composites. Glass fabric layers are bonded by fusing a dense glass bead to fibers within the laser focal volume, forming a 3D reinforcement architecture. Coupled heat transfer and viscous flow modeling is used to capture the temperature and morphology evolution of glass during the reinforcement process under experimentally observed conditions. Mode I double cantilever beam (DCB) testing is performed to quantify the effects of laser interlaminar reinforcements on composite delamination resistance. Postmortem high-resolution imaging of the fracture surface is used to characterize the toughening mechanism of the interlaminar reinforcements. Improved delamination resistance of laser reinforced composites derives from crack arrest and deflection mechanisms, showing a positive correlation to the reinforcement thickness.
Kilometer-Long Optical Fiber Sensor for Real-Time Railroad Infrastructure Monitoring to Ensure Safe Train Operation
Authors: Bao Yi , Chen Genda , Meng Weina , Tang Fujian , Chen Yizheng
Published: June 2015

This study is aimed to develop a real-time safety monitoring of kilometer-long joint rails using a distributed fiber optic sensor. The sensor measures the distribution of Brillouin frequency shift along its length with pulse pre-pump Brillouin optical time domain analysis (PPP-BOTDA). The measurement distance and spatial resolution can be up to 25 km and 2 cm, respectively. The fiber optic sensor was first characterized and calibrated for distributed strain and temperature measurement, and then instrumented on a small-scale joint rail-like specimen in laboratory. The specimen was loaded at room temperature, and its strain distribution along the sensor was measured using a Neubrescope with high accuracy and spatial resolution. Given a gage length, the joint open change was determined and visibly identified from the measured strain distribution. Finally, an implementation plan of distributed sensors on a railway is introduced, including sensor deployment, sensor repair when broken, and cost analysis. The gage length at a crack is an important parameter in sensor deployment and investigated using finite element analysis. The results indicate that the distributed sensor can be used successfully to monitor the strain and temperature distributions in joint rails.