bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Offspring development and life‐history variation in a water flea depends upon clone‐specific integration of genetic, non‐genetic and environmental cues
Authors: Harney Ewan , Paterson Steve , Plaistow Stewart J.
Published: April 2017

Theory predicts that offspring developmental strategies involve the integration of genetic, non‐genetic and environmental ‘cues’. But it is unclear how cue integration is achieved during development, and whether this pattern is general or genotype specific.

In order to test this, we manipulated the maternal and offspring environments of three genetically distinct clones of the water fleaDaphnia magnataken from different populations. We then quantified the effect that the genotype, maternal environment and the offspring environment had on the development and life histories of the three different clones.

Mothers responded to the same maternal environments in different ways, resulting in clone‐specific maternal effects on neonate size. Offspring responses to maternal cues varied according to the trait in question and were also clone specific. The integration of these maternal effects during development was highly context dependent in two clones but more consistent across environments in the third.

Genetic, non‐genetic and environmental cues contributed to offspring phenotypic variation in all three clones, but there was no general pattern linking traits to specific cues. In fact, two clones used different combinations of cues at different points in development to achieve similar phenotypic outcomes. Reaction norms for the age and size at which maturation was initiated differed among genotypes, between maternal environments and across current environments. Developmental transitions such as the decision to mature may thus play an important role in determining patterns of cue integration.

Considering multiple traits during development demonstrated that variation in the integration of genetic, non‐genetic and environmental cues was an important determinant of life‐history variation amongD. magnagenotypes. This variation is likely to influence phenotypic evolution.

Alay summaryis available for this article.
Ecological interactions and coexistence are predicted by gene expression similarity in freshwater green algae
Authors: Narwani Anita , Bentlage Bastian , Alexandrou Markos A. , Fritschie Keith J. , Delwiche Charles , Oakley Todd H. , Cardinale Bradley J.
Published: April 2017

Phenotypic variation controls the species interactions which determine whether or not species coexist. Long‐standing hypotheses in ecology and evolution posit that phenotypic differentiation enables coexistence by increasing the size of niche differentiation. This hypothesis has only been tested using macroscopic traits to date, but niche differentiation, particularly of microscopic organisms, also occurs at the molecular and metabolic level.

We examined how phenotypic variation that arises at the level of gene expression over evolutionary time affects phytoplankton species interactions and coexistence.

We predicted that similarity in gene expression among species would decline with phylogenetic distance, and that reduced similarity in gene expression would weaken competition, increase facilitation and promote coexistence.

To test this, we grew eight species of freshwater green algae in monocultures and bicultures for 46 days in a laboratory microcosm experiment. We quantified the strength of species interactions by: (i) fitting Lotka–Volterra models to time‐series densities and estimating interaction coefficients, and (ii) calculating relative densities that compare species’ steady‐state densities in biculture to those in monoculture. We used Illumina high throughput sequencing to quantify the expression of 1253 families of homologous genes, including a set of 17 candidate genes that we hypothesized a priori to be involved in competition or facilitation.

Synthesis. We found that closely related species had greater similarity in gene expression than did distantly related species, but as gene expression became more similar, species experienced weaker competition or greater facilitation, and were more likely to coexist. We identified gene functional categories that were uniquely differentially regulated in association with particular species interaction types. Contrary to common thinking in ecology and evolution, similarity in gene expression, and not differentiation, was associated with weaker competition, facilitation and coexistence.
The Rapid Agricultural Development of Brazil in the Last 20 Years
Authors: Alan Bojanic H.
Published: April 2017

This article offers an overview of the rapid development of agriculture and the improvements in social conditions in the rural areas of Brazil. It describes and explains some of the major policies that have driven these processes. According to OECD‐FAO projections from 2014, Brazil can become the main exporter of agricultural commodities, hence a major world food supplier for the growing world population. From a net importer of food products in the 1980s, it has become one of the major world producers of maize, soybeans, sugar, orange juice, coffee, beef, poultry and pork meat. At the same time, Brazil managed to improve the social conditions of the rural poor, by reducing poverty and food insecurity to the lowest levels in decades. These changes are explained by a combination and articulation of social and production policies such as cash transfers to the poor, state purchases from family farming, food banks, school meals and water supply programmes; but also heavy investments in human resources, research and extension, access to differentiated credit schemes, export promotion, mechanisms for attracting foreign investments and availability of natural resources under tropical conditions, allowing for two harvests per year. However, all of these could not have been achieved without strong political support from Brazil's decision‐makers.
What Prospects for the Brazilian Ethanol Sector?
Authors: Mielnik Otavio , Serigati Felippe , Giner Céline
Published: April 2017

Brazilian ethanol is derived from sugarcane and is mostly used domestically as a transportation fuel either pure or mixed with gasoline. Brazilians will fill their cars with pure ethanol when its pump price in energy equivalent is lower than the price of gasohol, the mandatory mixture of ethanol and gasoline. Over the last decade, Brazilian ethanol companies have used debt financing to meet the expected increase in domestic and international ethanol demand, which did not fully realise. With the current economic crisis, the ethanol sector, the second largest worldwide, is restructuring and seeking additional earning opportunities; co‐generation and valorisation of by‐products are likely to develop. Political commitments towards the ethanol sector through mandatory blending obligations or the fuel taxation system are strong. Domestic ethanol demand should thus remain sustained in the medium term. In addition, sugarcane‐based ethanol has the best GHG emission reduction profile of all biofuels available on a large scale. Advanced ethanol based on sugarcane derived biomass has the potential to perform even better; here Brazil has a major role to play in the future. However massive flows of investments are needed to develop competitive and innovative large‐scale advanced ethanol production facilities in the country.
The skin microbiome of the common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) has low taxonomic and gene function β‐diversity
Authors: Doane Michael P. , Haggerty John Matthew , Kacev Dovi , Papudeshi Bhavya , Dinsdale Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2017

The health of sharks, like all organisms, is linked to their microbiome. At the skin interface, sharks have dermal denticles that protrude above the mucus, which may affect the types of microbes that occur here. We characterized the microbiome from the skin of the common thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) to investigate the structure and composition of the skin microbiome. On average 618 812 (80.9% ± S.D. 0.44%) reads per metagenomic library contained open reading frames; of those, between 7.6% and 12.8% matched known protein sequences. Genera distinguishing theA. vulpinusmicrobiome from the water column included,Pseudoalteromonas(12.8% ± 4.7 of sequences),Erythrobacter(5. 3% ± 0.5) andIdiomarina(4.2% ± 1.2) and distinguishing gene pathways included, cobalt, zinc and cadmium resistance (2.2% ± 0.1); iron acquisition (1.2% ± 0.1) and ton/tol transport (1.3% ± 0.08). Taxonomic community overlap (100 – dissimilarity index) was greater in the skin microbiome (77.6), relative to the water column microbiome (70.6) and a reference host‐associated microbiome (algae: 71.5). We conclude theA. vulpinusskin microbiome is influenced by filtering processes, including biochemical and biophysical components of the shark skin and result in a structured microbiome.
Earnings Attribution and Information Transfers
Authors: Koo David S. , Julie Wu J. , Yeung P. Eric
Published: April 2017

Managers frequently attribute the news in their earnings forecasts to various economic events. Using textual analysis, we identify the economic factors underlying earnings news from press releases. We document a wide range of industry‐wide shocks and firm‐specific actions to which the earnings news in management forecasts is attributed. As expected, earnings attributions significantly affect peer firms’ price reactions to the earnings news. Specifically, earnings news attributed to industry‐wide trends or firm structural changes leads to positive information transfers but earnings news attributed to firm competitive moves triggers negative information transfers. Information transfers are much stronger when each economic factor is mentioned the first time in a given industry‐year. Further analysis reveals that the strength of information transfers varies with firm‐level rivalry within the industry (i.e., similar business strategies, market position, and level of competition).
Bias correction of bounded location errors in presence‐only data
Authors: Hefley Trevor J. , Brost Brian M. , Hooten Mevin B.
Published: April 2017

Location error occurs when the true location is different than the reported location. Because habitat characteristics at the true location may be different than those at the reported location, ignoring location error may lead to unreliable inference concerning species–habitat relationships.

We explain how a transformation known in the spatial statistics literature as a change of support (COS) can be used to correct for location errors when the true locations are points with unknown coordinates contained within arbitrary shaped polygons.

We illustrate the flexibility of the COS by modelling the resource selection of Whooping Cranes (Grus americana) using citizen contributed records with locations that were reported with error. We also illustrate the COS with a simulation experiment.

In our analysis of Whooping Crane resource selection, we found that location error can result in up to a five‐fold change in coefficient estimates. Our simulation study shows that location error can result in coefficient estimates that have the wrong sign, but a COS can efficiently correct for the bias.
Effect of canal preparation with TRUShape and Vortex rotary instruments on three‐dimensional geometry of oval root canals
Authors: Arias Ana , Paqué Frank , Shyn Stephanie , Murphy Sarah , Peters Ove A.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to assess the geometry of non‐round root canals after preparation with TRUShape (a novel instrument with s‐shaped longitudinal design) in comparison to conventional rotary instrumentation using micro‐computed tomography. Twenty distal root canals of mandibular molars were randomly distributed in two groups to be shaped with either TRUShape or Vortex rotaries. Percentages of unprepared surface and volume of dentin removal for the entire canal and for the apical 4 mm were calculated. Canal transportation and the structure model index (SMI) were assessed. Data were compared with Student t‐tests. Shaping with both techniques resulted in similar prepared surface and volume of dentin removed, as well as the extent of canal transportation. The SMI shape factor was significantly lower for TRUShape preparations (P = 0.04) suggesting less rounding during rotary preparation. Although both instruments were suitable for the preparation of oval canals, TRUShape appeared to better conform to the original ribbon‐shaped anatomy.
Editorial: CT‐P13, a biosimilar of anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐alpha agent (infliximab), in inflammatory bowel diseases – authors’ reply
Authors: Komaki Y. , Yamada A. , Komaki F. , Micic D. , Ido A. , Sakuraba A.
Published: April 2017

Linked Content

This article is linked to Komaki et al and Felwick and Cummings papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13990 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14050.
Association between type 2 diabetes, curative treatment and survival in men with intermediate‐ and high‐risk localized prostate cancer
Authors: Crawley Danielle , Garmo Hans , Rudman Sarah , Stattin Pär , Zethelius Björn , Holmberg Lars , Adolfsson Jan , Van Hemelrijck Mieke
Published: April 2017

Objective

To investigate whether curative prostate cancer (PCa) treatment was received less often by men with both PCa and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as little is known about the influence of T2DM diagnosis on the receipt of such treatment in men with localized PCa.

Subjects and Methods

The Prostate Cancer database Sweden (PCBaSe) was used to obtain data on men with T2DM and PCa (n = 2210) for comparison with data on men with PCa only (n = 23 071). All men had intermediate‐ (T1–2, Gleason score 7 and/or prostate‐specific antigen [PSA] 10–20 ng/mL) or high‐risk (T3 and/or Gleason score 8–10 and/or PSA 20–50 ng/mL) localized PCa diagnosed between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for receipt of curative treatment in men with and without T2DM. Overall survival, for up to 8 years of follow‐up, was calculated both for men with T2DM only and for men with T2DM and PCa.

Results

Men with T2DM were less likely to receive curative treatment for PCa than men without T2DM (OR 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.87). The 8‐year overall survival rates were 79% and 33% for men with T2DM and high‐risk PCa who did and did not receive curative treatment, respectively.

Conclusions

Men with T2DM were less likely to receive curative treatment for localized intermediate‐ and high‐risk PCa. Men with T2DM and high‐risk PCa who received curative treatment had substantially higher survival times than those who did not. Some of the survival differences represent a selection bias, whereby the healthiest patients received curative treatment. Clinicians should interpret this data carefully and ensure that individual patients with T2DM and PCa are not under‐ nor overtreated.
Toucans (Ramphastos ambiguus) facilitate resilience against seed dispersal limitation to a large‐seeded tree (Virola surinamensis) in a human‐modified landscape
Authors: Moreira Juan I. , Riba‐Hernández Pablo , Lobo Jorge A.
Published: April 2017

Large‐seeded plants may suffer seed dispersal limitation in human‐modified landscapes if seed dispersers are absent or unable to disperse their seeds. We investigated dispersal limitation for the large‐seeded tree Virola surinamensis in a human‐modified landscape in southern Costa Rica. During two fruiting seasons, we monitored crop size, seed removal rates, the number of fruiting conspecifics within 100 m, and feeding visitation rates by frugivores at trees located in high and low forest disturbance conditions. Seed removal rates and the total number of seeds removed were high regardless of the disturbance level, but these parameters increased with tree crop size and decreased with the number of fruiting V. surinamensis trees within a 100 m radius. Trees at low disturbance levels were more likely to be visited by seed dispersers. Black mandibled toucans (Ramphastos ambiguus) and spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) were the most important seed dispersers, based on visitation patterns and seed removal rates. Spider monkey feeding visits were more frequent at high disturbance levels, but the monkeys preferentially visited isolated trees with large yields and surrounded by a low number of fruiting Virola trees within 100 m. Toucan visitation patterns were not constrained by any of the predictors and they visited trees equally across the landscape. We suggest that isolated and highly fecund Virola trees are an important food resource for spider monkeys in human‐modified landscapes and that toucans can provide resilience against seed dispersal limitations for large‐seeded plants in human‐modified landscapes in the absence of hunting.
Nationwide incidence of blindness in South Korea: a 12‐year study from 2002 to 2013
Authors: Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Kim Dong Wook , Chung Eun Jee , Kim Sung Soo
Published: April 2017

Importance

Blindness is an important public health issue.

Background

The background of the study is to determine the incidence of blindness in South Korea.

Design

Nationwide population‐based retrospective study.

Participants

All individuals from South Korea (n = 47 516 098).

Methods

Patients confirmed with legal blindness based on the worse‐seeing and better‐seeing eyes between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2013 were included. The Korean National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) database was used. Using the World Health Organization definition, blindness was defined as best‐corrected visual acuity in the worse‐seeing and better‐seeing eyes of <20/400. The mean incidence of blindness during the 12‐year period was estimated. The population of South Korea was estimated using census data in 2005 and 2010.

Main Outcome Measures

The total number of legal blindness cases in the KNHIS database.

Results

We identified 195 004 and 20 492 cases of newly developed legal blindness based on the worse‐seeing and better‐seeing eyes, respectively, and the mean incidences of blindness were 34.2 and 3.6 cases/100 000 person‐years, respectively. The prevalence of blindness based on the worse‐seeing and better‐seeing eyes was 425.3 and 57.7 cases/100 000 persons, respectively. The incidence of blindness based on the worse‐seeing eye was higher in men than in women overall. Additionally, the incidence increased with age and showed a decreasing trend from 2002 to 2013.

Conclusions and Relevance

The prevalence of blindness showed an increasing trend from 2002 to 2013. The findings of our study will help in the assessment of the blindness‐related socio‐economic burden and in healthcare planning.
Asenapine modulates mood‐related behaviors and 5‐HT1A/7 receptors‐mediated neurotransmission
Authors: Delcourte Sarah , Abrial Erika , Etiévant Adeline , Rovera Renaud , Arnt Jørn , Didriksen Michael , Haddjeri Nasser
Published: April 2017

Aim

Asenapine is a new atypical antipsychotic prescribed for the treatment of psychosis/bipolar disorders that presents higher affinity for serotonergic than dopaminergic receptors. The objective of this study was to investigate its antidepressant‐like and antimanic‐like properties on relevant animal models of depression and mania and to assess the acute and chronic effect of Asenapine on dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) 5‐HT cell firing activity.

Methods

We assessed the effects of Asenapine using in vivo electrophysiological and behavioral assays in rats.

Results

Behavioral experiments showed that Asenapine had no significant effect on immobility time in the forced swim test (FST) in control rats. In the ACTH‐treated rats, a model of antidepressant‐resistance, Asenapine failed to alter immobility time in the FST. In contrast in the sleep deprivation (SD) model of mania, acute administration of Asenapine significantly decreased the hyperlocomotion of SD rats. In the DRN, acute administration of Asenapine reduced the suppressant effect of the selective 5‐HT7 receptor agonist LP‐44 and of the prototypical 5‐HT1A receptor agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT on 5‐HT neuronal firing activity. In addition, chronic treatment with Asenapine enhanced DRN 5‐HT neuronal firing and this effect was associated with an alteration of the 5‐HT7 receptor responsiveness.

Conclusion

These results confirm that Asenapine displays robust antimanic property and effective in vivo antagonistic activity at 5‐HT1A/7 receptors.
Molecular characterisation of protistan species and communities in ships’ ballast water across three U.S. coasts
Authors: Pagenkopp Lohan Katrina M. , Fleischer Robert C. , Carney Katharine J. , Holzer Kimberly K. , Ruiz Gregory M.
Published: April 2017

Aim

We characterised protistan taxa in ships’ ballast water (BW) arriving to port systems across three U.S. coasts. Our goals were to compare (1) diversity and (2) community composition of protists in BW among and between port systems.

Location

Chesapeake Bay in Virginia (Port of Hampton Roads), Galveston Bay in Texas (Ports of Texas City, Houston and Bayport) and Prince William Sound in Alaska (Port of Valdez).

Methods

We collected 61 BW samples from 39 vessels from May to August 2013. We conducted amplicon‐based high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) using the hypervariable V4 domain of the small subunit (SSU) gene of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) complex to identify protistan taxa.

Results

We detected 8,561 OTUs from protistan taxa, including 35 taxonomic groups. We found high protistan diversity in the BW entering all three port systems, with the dominant taxa belonging to the Alveolata, Rhizaria and Stramenopiles. Thirty‐eight taxa were found in high relative abundance (>10,000 sequences), and some were recovered from multiple samples within and across ports, indicating both a high relative abundance and frequency of introduction events. The composition of the protistan communities entering each of the port systems appeared to vary depending on BW source, with those entering Valdez being consistently more similar to each other than those entering other port systems.

Main conclusions

This study is the most comprehensive assessment of protistan diversity in BW and has important implications for microbial biogeography and invasions. Ships’ BW is importing distinct and diverse protistan communities to U.S. coasts with high propagule pressure for some taxa, creating opportunity for invasion by novel taxa. Further, our results demonstrate the broad‐scale movement of marine protists that has occurred through BW, highlighting a discrepancy between the large magnitude of introductions and limited number of known microbial invasions.
Evolution of silent myocardial ischaemia prevalence and cardiovascular disease risk factor management in Type 2 diabetes over a 10‐year period: an observational study
Authors: Sultan A. , Perriard F. , Macioce V. , Mariano‐Goulart D. , Boegner C. , Daures J.‐P. , Avignon A.
Published: April 2017

Aims

To assess the evolution of silent myocardial ischaemia prevalence and of cardiovascular disease risk factor management over 10 years in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This repeated cross‐sectional study prospectively included 770 people with Type 2 diabetes who presented at our centre in the period 1999–2009. All had at least one additional cardiovascular disease risk factor, no history of coronary disease and were screened for silent myocardial ischaemia using myocardial perfusion imaging. The prevalence of silent myocardial ischaemia, clinical and biological variables and treatments were collected and compared among participants screened in three periods: 1999 to 2002; 2003 to 2005; and 2006 to 2009. We also identified predictive factors for silent myocardial ischaemia.

Results

Participants had a mean ± sd age of 62.3 ± 9.3 years, 57.4% were men and the mean time from diagnosis of diabetes was 13.4 ± 9.3 years. Overall, silent myocardial ischaemia screening was positive in 13.9% of participants. This prevalence decreased sharply over the 10‐year study period (22.6% in 1999–2002, 13.7% in 2003–2005 and 5.9% in 2006–2009; P<0.0001). In parallel, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, HbA1c and LDL cholesterol significantly decreased and glitazone and statin use increased (all P<0.001). Male gender, peripheral artery disease, diastolic blood pressure >80 mmHg and LDL cholesterol >2.6 mmol/l were independently associated with silent myocardial ischaemia. Further adjustment showed the screening period had a significant effect, which erased the effects of diastolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.

Conclusions

The prevalence of silent myocardial ischaemia decreased sharply over time, and control of the main cardiovascular disease risk factors improved. Although the causality link cannot be established, the present study supports current recommendations advocating glycaemic control and intensive management of cardiovascular factors instead of systematic screening.
Application of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry for in vitro identification of wood decay polypores
Authors: Pristaš P. , Kvasnová S. , Gáperová S. , Gašparcová T. , Gáper J.
Published: April 2017

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) was used for the discrimination among wood decay fungal species of the genera Fomitopsis, Rhodofomes, Fomes and Ganoderma (Polyporaceae, Basidiomycota). For all taxa studied, distance levels as high as 400 were observed and intraspecies variability and reproducibility accounted for distance levels up to 150, indicating the applicability of this method for the identification of filamentous basidiomycete fungi. The method was found to work on in vitro mycelia.
Seeing education through the prism of PISA
Authors: Schleicher Andreas
Published: April 2017

International comparisons are never easy and they are not perfect. But PISA shows what is possible in education and it helps countries to see themselves in the mirror of student performance and educational possibilities in other countries. This article summarises key policy insights from PISA. It highlights how excellence and improving equity need not be conflicting policy objectives, but that they tend to be jointly achieved only when deliberate policies are in place that match resources with needs and when stratification and grade repetition are contained. The article also shows how a number of countries have been able to raise learning outcomes and moderate the impact of social background in the last decade and highlights some of the policies and practices that characterise these countries.
Mathematical models for soil particle‐size distribution and their overall and fraction‐wise fitting to measurements
Authors: Bayat H. , Rastgou M. , Nemes A. , Mansourizadeh M. , Zamani P.
Published: April 2017

Several mathematical models have been proposed for describing particle‐size distribution (PSD) data, but their characteristics and accuracy have not been investigated for the < 0.002, 0.002–0.05 and 0.05–2.0‐mm fractions separately. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to examine the characteristics of various PSD models and to evaluate the accuracy of fitting to the entire PSD curve and to each of the three fractions separately. Thirty‐six PSD models were fitted to the experimental data of 160 soil samples from Iran. The beerkan estimation of soil transfer (BEST), Fredlund unimodal and bimodal, two‐ and three‐parameter Weibull, Rosin–Rammler and van Genuchten models provided the best fit to the experimental data of the three size fractions above, but with a different order of performance for the different fractions. For all textural fractions, the following models performed substantially less well than the other models: the offset‐non‐renormalized lognormal, simple lognormal, S‐curve, Schuhmann, Yang, Turcotte and Gompertz models. A comparison of the overall accuracy and simplicity of the models indicated that the BEST, two‐ and three‐parameter Weibull and Rosin–Rammler models provided the best fit to the experimental data for the entire curve, which is similar but does not correspond fully to the findings of a similar, earlier study. We found that the number of model parameters and the type of equation did not explain the models' fitting capabilities. We also found that the iterated function system (IFS) model performed better than the PSD models for all fractions. Comprehensive comparisons of PSD models will be of value to future model users, but it is important to note that such comparisons will remain dataset dependent. This is likely to continue until they are tested on a near‐infinite synthetic dataset that covers all possible data options.

Highlights

Evaluation of accuracy of fitting and characteristics of PSD models to each of the three textural fractions.

Different models provided the best fit to the experimental data of the different fractions.

The number of model parameters and type of equation did not explain the models' fitting capabilities.

Comprehensive comparison of PSD models will guide future model users, but will depend on the dataset.
Stress is associated with an increased risk of recurrent seizures in adults
Authors: Baldin Elisa , Hauser W. Allen , Pack Alison , Hesdorffer Dale C.
Published: April 2017

Objective

The literature is sparse on the complex interrelationships between stressors, depression, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy. We hypothesized that a relationship exists between stress and epilepsy. We evaluated whether markers of stress are associated with seizure recurrence in a low income community‐based cohort of adults with single unprovoked seizure or newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Methods

We ascertained adult residents of Northern Manhattan and Harlem, New York City, with a first unprovoked seizure or newly diagnosed epilepsy, between December 2010 and January 2013. At enrollment, we collected information about seizure phenomenology, demographics, clinical information, and measures of stress (environmental stress, stressful life events, facets of allostatic load—i.e., the cumulative effect of adaptation to stress, psychiatric disorders, and low collective efficacy). Collective efficacy assesses neighborhood characteristics and incorporates social cohesion and informal social control. All subjects were followed for 2 years for further seizures. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios of seizure recurrence during the 2 years of follow‐up.

Results

We identified 52 subjects (64.2%) with a single unprovoked seizure and 29 (35.9%) with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Seizure recurrence was recorded in 38.5% (N = 20) of subjects with a single unprovoked seizure and in 69% of those with epilepsy (N = 20) (p = 0.01). In the overall sample, the hazard of seizure recurrence was increased by lifetime generalized anxiety disorder (3.0‐fold) and by low collective efficacy (2.7‐fold). In a second model, the hazard was increased by lifetime mood disorder (2.1‐fold) and low collective efficacy (2.5‐fold).

Significance

Markers of stress (i.e., low collective efficacy, lifetime mood disorder, and lifetime generalized anxiety disorder) were associated with an increased risk for seizure recurrence in adults with a single unprovoked seizure or newly diagnosed epilepsy. Stress‐reducing interventions, such as mindfulness, may be a useful, safe, and inexpensive adjunctive treatment for epilepsy.
First report of the establishment of the biocontrol agent Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae for control of invasive Acacia longifolia in Portugal
Authors: Marchante H. , López‐Núñez F. A. , Freitas H. , Hoffmann J. H. , Impson F. , Marchante E.
Published: April 2017

Acacia longifolia is one of the most widespread invasive plants in coastal areas of Portugal, where it disrupts the composition and function of natural plant and insect communities as well as microorganisms in the soil. The Australian bud‐galling wasp, Trichilogaster acaciaelongifoliae, induces a reduction in seed production of A. longifolia and has been successfully used as a biological control agent in South Africa for more than 30 years. After a long period of host specificity testing and risk assessment, release permits were issued by national and European Union authorities and, in late 2015, T. acaciaelongifoliae was released into eight selected sites along the Portuguese coast. During April–July 2016, post‐release monitoring detected 56 galls at four of the release sites. At two of the sites second‐generation galls were noted in January 2017, but it is still too soon to measure their abundance. Despite the inherent difficulties associated with transferring the insects between hemispheres, T. acaciaelongifoliae successfully completed its life cycle in Portugal in the wild, and is seemingly starting to proliferate. Further releases were made in late 2016 and monitoring of the insects will continue.
An efficient method for gene knock‐down by RNA interference in human skin mast cells
Authors: Hazzan Tarek , Guhl Sven , Artuc Metin , Franke Kristin , Worm Margitta , Zuberbier Torsten , Babina Magda
Published: April 2017

Mast cells (MCs) from human skin have been notoriously resistant to gene manipulation, and a method to knock‐down gene expression in in situ differentiated MCs is highly desired. The Dharmacon Accell® transfection system proved successful on several “difficult‐to‐transfect” cells. In the present work, we therefore tested this method on skin‐derived MCs using different siRNA entities. The siRNA was readily taken up, followed by pronounced, specific reduction of gene and protein expression. Hence, we present the first efficient technique for the manipulation of gene expression in primary skin MCs ex vivo, which combines high transfection rates with retained cell viability.
Complement‐independent blistering mechanisms in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Iwata Hiroaki , Ujiie Hideyuki
Published: April 2017

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease that clinically demonstrates tense blisters with widespread erythema, histologically demonstrates subepidermal blistering and immunologically demonstrates the presence of circulating autoantibodies against hemidesmosomal molecules. Complement activation has long been regarded as necessary for the generation of the BP. However, certain evidence has recently come to support non‐complemental blistering mechanisms. The story of BP blistering mechanisms is a complicated one. This review mainly focuses on a specific blistering mechanism that highlights the role of complements in BP blistering.
Interannual variation in methane emissions from tropical wetlands triggered by repeated El Niño Southern Oscillation
Authors: Zhu Qiuan , Peng Changhui , Ciais Philippe , Jiang Hong , Liu Jinxun , Bousquet Philippe , Li Shiqin , Chang Jie , Fang Xiuqin , Zhou Xiaolu , Chen Huai , Liu Shirong , Lin Guanghui , Gong Peng , Wang Meng , Wang Han , Xiang Wenhua , Chen Jing
Published: April 2017

Methane (CH4) emissions from tropical wetlands contribute 60%–80% of global natural wetland CH4 emissions. Decreased wetland CH4 emissions can act as a negative feedback mechanism for future climate warming and vice versa. The impact of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on CH4 emissions from wetlands remains poorly quantified at both regional and global scales, and El Niño events are expected to become more severe based on climate models’ projections. We use a process‐based model of global wetland CH4 emissions to investigate the impacts of the ENSO on CH4 emissions in tropical wetlands for the period from 1950 to 2012. The results show that CH4 emissions from tropical wetlands respond strongly to repeated ENSO events, with negative anomalies occurring during El Niño periods and with positive anomalies occurring during La Niña periods. An approximately 8‐month time lag was detected between tropical wetland CH4 emissions and ENSO events, which was caused by the combined time lag effects of ENSO events on precipitation and temperature over tropical wetlands. The ENSO can explain 49% of interannual variations for tropical wetland CH4 emissions. Furthermore, relative to neutral years, changes in temperature have much stronger effects on tropical wetland CH4 emissions than the changes in precipitation during ENSO periods. The occurrence of several El Niño events contributed to a lower decadal mean growth rate in atmospheric CH4 concentrations throughout the 1980s and 1990s and to stable atmospheric CH4 concentrations from 1999 to 2006, resulting in negative feedback to global warming.
Efficacy and safety of low‐dose heparin in hemodialysis
Authors: Murea Mariana , Russell Gregory B. , Daeihagh Pirouz , Saran Anita M. , Pandya Karan , Cabrera Mark , Burkart John M. , Freedman Barry I.
Published: April 2017

Introduction: The dose of unfractionated heparin (UFH) administered during hemodialysis (HD) varies widely. This prospective study evaluated the safety and efficacy of UFH dose de‐escalation.

Methods: Sixty‐six prevalent patients on HD receiving UFH per standard‐dose protocol (load dose [LD] 50–75 units/kg, maintenance dose [MD] 500–1000 units/hour) had heparin prescription converted to low‐dose protocol (start LD 15 units/kg and MD 500 units/hour; dose adjusted in small increments based on assessments of extracorporeal blood circuit). Coagulation parameters, dialysis adequacy, dialyzer clotting, anemia management, and dialyzer reuse rates were compared based on the heparin protocol.

Findings: Mean(SD) UFH dose per HD session, before and after protocol conversion, was 6178(2644) and 2913(1116) units, respectively (P < 0.0001). This corresponded to LD 52.1(16.6) units/kg and MD 615(207) units/hour with standard‐dose protocol, and LD 18.3(6.5) units/kg and MD 505(27) units/hour with low‐dose protocol (P < 0.0001). Mid and postdialysis aPTT was 55.3(31.2) and 35.1(7.8) seconds before, and 37.3(12.9) and 31.5(5.3) seconds after conversion (P = 0.007 and 0.003, respectively); no significant changes in D‐dimer levels occurred. Low‐dose UFH was associated with a small increase in URR and spKt/V (73.0 and 1.54) compared with dialysis clearance on standard‐dose UFH (71.2 and 1.48, respectively, P = 0.02). Weekly dose of ESA decreased by 2388 units postconversion (P = 0.03), while hemoglobin levels and the weekly dose of intravenous iron did not change (P = 0.16 and 0.78). A small rise in the rate of moderate dialyzer clotting at the end of HD was noted with low‐dose UFH (5.7% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.002); the rate of severe dialyzer clotting events did not change (P = 0.91). No change in the dialyzer reuse rate was noted (18.5 vs. 17.0 treatments, P = 0.26).

Discussion: Low‐dose heparinization did not compromise dialysis adequacy and permitted ESA dose reduction. Our findings suggest that in prevalent patients on HD, UFH dose of 15–20 units/kg loading and 500 units/hour maintenance was medically safe and effective.
The synthesis of alumina membrane with interconnected uniform pores from inactive spheres
Authors: Sun Zhiqiang , Ding Fei , Fan Junmei , Hu Peng , Yuan Fangli
Published: April 2017

In this work, the interlayer and top‐layer of alumina membrane are synthesized on substrate by one‐step sintering process, and the microstructure evolution and mass transfer characterization of top‐layer synthesized from sub‐micrometer spheres is fully investigated. It shows that the pores in top‐layer of membrane are interconnected and uniform and their microstructure evolution can be controlled by adjusting the sintering temperature in a wide range. Kinetics analysis of the sintering behavior shows that the superior thermostability of spheres can eliminate the rapid uneven shrinkage of membrane and result in the uniform microstructures. In addition, it is found that the mass transfer among spheres with polycrystalline phases of θ and δ cannot occur unless these metastable phases transform to stable α‐Al2O3, which is favorable to sinter at the same temperature range with the interlayer. Moreover, the effect of phase composition on mass transfer is further put forward. Finally, solid/water mixture has been processed by the synthesized membrane and the excellent filter performance confirms the uniform pores.
The chelating peptide (GPAGPHGPPG) derived from Alaska pollock skin enhances calcium, zinc and iron transport in Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Chen Qianru , Guo Lidong , Du Fen , Chen Tiejun , Hou Hu , Li Bafang
Published: April 2017

Gly‐Pro‐Ala‐Gly‐Pro‐His‐Gly‐Pro‐Pro‐Gly (GPAGPHGPPG), a chelating peptide derived from Alaska pollock skin, has been approved with outstanding ability to chelate calcium, zinc and iron ions. In this study, the stability of GPAGPHGPPG during in vitro gastrointestinal enzymatic digestion, the potential binding site between peptide and metal ions as well as its effects on mineral transport in Caco‐2 cells were investigated. Results showed that approximately 75% of GPAGPHGPPG remained intact at the end of the in vitro gastrointestinal enzymatic digestion. The formation of peptide‐metal complex was potentially related to histidine and cyclic structure in terms of dehydration. Moreover, GPAGPHGPPG revealed significant promotional effects on calcium (112.7%, P < 0.01), zinc (32.3%, P < 0.01) and iron (27.7%, P < 0.01) transport in Caco‐2 cell monolayer. In conclusion, GPAGPHGPPG could be developed as a potential functional ingredient to prevent mineral deficiency.
Formation mechanism and growth of MNbO3, M=K, Na by in situ X‐ray diffraction
Authors: Skjærvø Susanne Linn , Sommer Sanna , Nørby Peter , Bøjesen Espen Drath , Grande Tor , Iversen Bo B. , Einarsrud Mari‐Ann
Published: April 2017

Hydrothermal synthesis is a well‐established method to produce complex oxides, and is a potential interesting approach to synthesize stoichiometric lead‐free piezoelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3. Due to challenges in obtaining the desired stoichiometry of this material, more knowledge is needed on how the end‐members, KNbO3 and NaNbO3, are nucleating and growing. Here, we report on the formation mechanisms and growth during hydrothermal synthesis of KNbO3 and NaNbO3 by in situ synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction. We show that tetragonal KNbO3 crystallites form from dissolved T‐Nb2O5 at 250°C‐300°C and 250 bar while orthorhombic NaNbO3 forms via several crystalline intermediate phases at 225°C‐325°C and 250 bar. The crystallite size of KNbO3 is decreasing while the crystallite size of NaNbO3 is increasing with increasing temperature, demonstrating that the presence of intermediate phases is highly important for the nucleation and growth of the final product. The different crystallization schemes explain the challenge in obtaining stoichiometric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 by hydrothermal synthesis.
Aggravation of diabetes, and incompletely deficient insulin secretion in a case with type 1 diabetes‐resistant human leukocyte antigen DRB1*15:02 treated with nivolumab
Authors: Matsumura Kimio , Nagasawa Kaoru , Oshima Yoichi , Kikuno Shouta , Hayashi Kyohei , Nishimura Akihiro , Okubo Minoru , Uruga Hironori , Kishi Kazuma , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Mori Yasumichi
Published: April 2017

Anti‐programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) antibody therapy induces various adverse effects, especially in the endocrine system. Several cases of acute‐onset insulin‐dependent diabetes after anti‐PD‐1 antibody therapy have been reported. Many of these cases have a susceptible human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotype for type 1 diabetes, possibly suggesting that HLA might be involved in the onset of diabetes with anti‐PD‐1 therapy. We describe an atypical case of hyperglycemia after anti‐PD‐1 antibody administration. A 68‐year‐old Japanese man with pancreatic diabetes and steroid diabetes was given nivolumab three times for chemoresistant adenocarcinoma of the lung. On day 5 after the third infusion of nivolumab, he had hyperglycemia (blood glucose 330 mg/dL and hemoglobin A1c 8.0%) without ketosis and with incompletely deficient insulin secretion. The patient had both type 1 diabetes susceptible (HLA‐A*24:02 and ‐DRB1*09:01) and resistant (HLA‐DRB1*15:02) HLA genotypes. These HLA genotypes differ from those previously reported in anti‐PD‐1 antibody‐induced diabetes, and might have influenced the preservation of insulin secretion after nivolumab administration in the present case.
Radiopacity of Resin Cements Using Digital Radiography
Authors: Hosney Sherif , Abouelseoud Hanan K , El‐Mowafy Omar
Published: April 2017

Statement of Problem

Monitoring performance of glass‐ceramic based indirect restorations using radiographic imaging might be difficult due to their low radiopacity. Therefore, materials used for their cementation must possess adequate radiopacity.

Purpose

This study determined radiopacity of a group of resin‐cements used for adhesive‐cementation of glass‐ceramic‐based restorations using digital radiography.

Methods

Two specimens were prepared from a group of resin cements (VariolinkII‐opaque, VariolinkII‐opaque (base), VariolinkII‐Transparent, VariolinkII‐Transparent (base), Nexus, RelyX Unicem, RelyX ultimate, Duolink, Monocem and Resinomer) and longitudinal sections of same thickness were obtained from molar and premolar. Specimens were assigned to two groups one had molar section with 10 specimens whereas other had premolar with remaining 10 specimens. Each group was placed on digital radiograph sensor (Schick CDR, size 2) together with aluminum step‐wedge. Sensor was exposed to X‐ray using standard technique. Two images were obtained for each group. Pixel measurements were made using NIH Image‐J software. Mean pixel measurements were converted into aluminum thickness equivalents. Data were statistically‐analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's tests.

Results

ANOVA revealed significant difference in mean pixel values among cements (p < 0.001). VariolinkII‐opaque showed highest mean aluminum equivalent (4.6 mm Al/1 mm) followed by VariolinkII‐opaque‐Base (4.5 mm Al/1 mm), VariolinkII‐transparent (4.45 mm Al/1 mm), VariolinkII‐transparent‐Base (4.45 mm Al/1 mm), Nexus (2.95 mm Al/1 mm), Duolink (2.7 mm Al/1 mm), RelyX Unicem (2.2 mm Al/1 mm) and finally RelyX ultimate (2 mm Al/1 mm). All cements had mean radiopacity values higher than that of enamel whereas Monocem (1.25 mm Al/1 mm) and Resinomer (1.2 mm Al/1 mm) had means between those of enamel and dentin.

Conclusions

All tested resin‐cements showed radiopacity values higher than that of dentin which is adequate for diagnostic purposes according to ISO recommendation.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The use of resin cement with adequate radiopacity for adhesive cementation of glass‐ceramic based restorations enables their radiographic monitoring. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:215–221, 2017)
Experimental investigation of the protein foam flow structure in horizontal channels: Flow regime and corresponding bubble size distribution
Authors: Zoheidi Ladan , Panradl Christian , Rauh Cornelia , Delgado Antonio
Published: April 2017

The present study offers the flow patterns and associated structure of protein foam flowing in a horizontal channel. An experimental equipment was developed to study the protein foam flow regime and the related bubble size distribution. The foam formation was performed with the help of a foam generator and transported in a horizontal channel. The optical measurements were performed by a high speed camera which enabled the foam flow visualization at the channel wall. The foam flow pattern and the corresponding bubble size distribution were studied as a function of the foam quality. As a consequence of the higher drainage and gravitational effect at higher gas flowrates, the foam structure resulted in different flow patterns. The bubble size distribution was studied as a function of the volumetric gas and liquid flowrate. The foam consisting of bubbles on the millimeter scale showed a close fit to the log‐normal distribution.

Practical applications

One of the most important attributes of the two‐phase flow is the bubble structure resulting in different foam flow regimes. Since the final appearance of foam food products and their textural properties such as their smoothness are associated with the foam uniform distribution of the bubbles, the main objective of the present work is given to provide the first experimental results of the milk protein foam flow regime and corresponding bubble sizes during mechanical transport through a horizontal duct.