bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
tEFMA: computing thermodynamically feasible elementary flux modes in metabolic networks
Authors: Gerstl Matthias P. , Jungreuthmayer Christian , Zanghellini Jürgen
Published: February 2015

Summary: Elementary flux modes (EFMs) are important structural tools for the analysis of metabolic networks. It is known that many topologically feasible EFMs are biologically irrelevant. Therefore, tools are needed to find the relevant ones. We present thermodynamic tEFM analysis (tEFMA) which uses the cellular metabolome to avoid the enumeration of thermodynamically infeasible EFMs. Specifically, given a metabolic network and a not necessarily complete metabolome, tEFMA efficiently returns the full set of thermodynamically feasible EFMs consistent with the metabolome. Compared with standard approaches, tEFMA strongly reduces the memory consumption and the overall runtime. Thus tEFMA provides a new way to analyze unbiasedly hitherto inaccessible large-scale metabolic networks.

Availability and implementation: https://github.com/mpgerstl/tEFMA

Contact: christian.jungreuthmayer@boku.ac.at or juergen.zanghellini@boku.ac.at

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Unified representation of genetic variants
Authors: Tan Adrian , Abecasis Gonçalo R. , Kang Hyun Min
Published: February 2015

Summary: A genetic variant can be represented in the Variant Call Format (VCF) in multiple different ways. Inconsistent representation of variants between variant callers and analyses will magnify discrepancies between them and complicate variant filtering and duplicate removal. We present a software tool vt normalize that normalizes representation of genetic variants in the VCF. We formally define variant normalization as the consistent representation of genetic variants in an unambiguous and concise way and derive a simple general algorithm to enforce it. We demonstrate the inconsistent representation of variants across existing sequence analysis tools and show that our tool facilitates integration of diverse variant types and call sets.

Availability and implementation: The source code is available for download at http://github.com/atks/vt. More detailed documentation is available at http://genome.sph.umich.edu/wiki/Variant_Normalization.

Contact:  hmkang@umich.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Age-dependent trends in postoperative mortality and preoperative comorbidity in isolated coronary artery bypass surgery: a nationwide study
Authors: Thorsteinsson Kristinn , Fonager Kirsten , Mérie Charlotte , Gislason Gunnar , Køber Lars , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Mortensen Rikke N. , Andreasen Jan J.
Published: February 2015

OBJECTIVES

An increasing number of octogenarians are being subjected to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The purpose of this study was to examine age-dependent trends in postoperative mortality and preoperative comorbidity over time following CABG.

METHODS

All patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery between January 1996 and December 2012 in Denmark were included. Patients were identified through nationwide administrative registers. Age was categorized into five different groups and time into three periods to see if mortality and preoperative comorbidity had changed over time. Predictors of 30-day mortality were analysed in a multivariable Cox proportional-hazard models and survival at 1 and 5 years was estimated by Kaplan–Meier curves.

RESULTS

A total of 38 830 patients were included; the median age was 65.4 ± 9.5 years, increasing over time to 66.6 ± 9.5 years. Males comprised 80%. The number of octogenarians was 1488 (4%). The median survival was 14.7 years (60–69 years), 10.7 years (70–74 years), 8.9 years (75–79 years) and 7.2 years (≥80 years). The 30-day mortality rate was 3%, increasing with age (1% in patients <60 years, 8% in octogenarians). The long-term mortality rate at 1 and 5 years was 2 and 7% (age <60 years) and 14 and 36% (age >80 years), respectively. The proportion of patients >75 years increased from 10 to 20% during the study period as well as the proportion of patients undergoing urgent or emergency surgery. The burden of comorbidities increased over time, e.g. congestive heart failure 13–17%, diabetes 12–21%, stroke 9–11%, in all age groups. Age and emergency surgery were the main predictors of 30-day mortality: age >80 years [hazard ratio (HR): 5.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.41–7.50], emergency surgery (HR: 5.23, 95% CI: 4.38–6.25).

CONCLUSION

Patients are getting older at the time of surgery and have a heavier burden of comorbidities than before. The proportion of patients undergoing urgent or emergency surgery increased with age and over time. Despite this, the 30-day mortality decreased over time and long-term survival increased, except in octogenarians where it was stable. Octogenarians had substantially higher 30-day mortality compared with younger patients but surgery can be performed with acceptable risks and good long-term outcomes.
Radiation drag effects in black hole outflows from super-critical accretion disks via special relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamics simulations
Authors: Takahashi Hiroyuki R. , Ohsuga Ken
Published: February 2015

By performing 2.5-dimensional special relativistic radiation magnetohydrodynamics simulations, we study super-critical accretion disks and the outflows launched via the radiation force. We find that the outflow is accelerated by the radiation flux force, but the radiation drag force prevents the outflow velocity from increasing. The outflow velocity saturates around 30%–40% of the light speed around the rotation axis, since then the flux force balances with the drag force. Our simulations show that the outflow velocity is kept nearly constant in the region of $\skew4\dot{M}_{\rm BH}\sim 10^{2-3}L_{\rm Edd}/c^{\,2}$, where $\skew4\dot{M}_{\rm BH}$ is the mass accretion rate, LEdd is the Eddington luminosity, and c is the light speed. Such a faster outflow is surrounded by a slower outflow of ∼ 0.1c. This velocity is also determined by the balance between the radiation flux force and the radiation drag. The radiation drag works to collimate the slower outflow in cooperation with the Lorentz force, although the faster outflow is mainly collimated by the Lorentz force. The kinetic energy is carried by the slower outflow rather than by the faster outflow. The total kinetic luminosity of the outflow as well as the photon luminosity is ∼ LEdd, almost independent of the mass accretion rate.
Adenosine 5′-Triphosphate Test in the Management of Patients With Syncope
Authors: Flammang Daniel , Benditt David G. , Church Timothy R. , Pelleg Amir
Published: February 2015

The response to adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) identifies patients with syncope who might benefit from pacemaker therapy (ATP test). Two measures have been used to determine the outcome of the ATP test, which have lead to contrasting conclusions regarding its utility: (1) the duration of cardiac pause (CP) mainly due to AV block and (2) the longest RR interval (RRmax). We tested the hypothesis that the discrepancy regarding the utility of the ATP test is mainly because of the different way the 2 measures determine the outcome of the test. Post hoc analysis was applied to data obtained from patients with syncope (n = 33) with a positive and negative ATP test based on the CP duration and RRmax, respectively, subjected to pacemaker therapy. In 19 and 14 patients, the pacemaker was programmed to function as AAI pacing at 30 ppm (control) and as DDD pacing at 70 ppm, respectively. During the follow-up period of 17.0 ± 8.6 months, syncope recurred in only 1 of the 14 patients with DDD pacing; in contrast, 10 of 19 patients with AAI30 pacing experienced syncope within the first 5.3 ± 5.2 months of follow-up (P < 0.009; recurrence rate). The ATP test, the outcome of which is determined by the CP measure, is a useful diagnostic test for the identification of patients with bradycardic syncope who may benefit from pacemaker therapy; the identification of such patients would be missed when the RRmax measure is used to determine the outcome of the test. The efficacy of DDD pacing suggests that atrioventricular nodal conduction block is the primary cause of syncope in patients with a positive ATP test based on the CP measure.
Growth of Indonesian Infants Compared With World Health Organization Growth Standards
Authors: Dwipoerwantoro Pramita G. , Mansyur Muchtaruddin , Oswari Hanifah , Makrides Maria , Cleghorn Geoffrey , Firmansyah Agus
Published: February 2015

Objectives:

The ability of the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards to represent the growth of South East Asian infants has been questioned. The aim of this study was to provide contemporary data on the growth of Indonesian breast‐fed and formula‐fed infants, compared with the WHO growth standards.

Methods:

A prospective cohort study of 160 normal healthy infants was undertaken in a suburban area of South Jakarta, Indonesia. Infants from 2 to 6 weeks of age were recruited, and they consumed exclusively either breast milk or infant formula for at least 6 months, with follow‐up until 12 months of age.

Results:

Overall, the infants in the present study were lighter (weight‐for‐age), were shorter (length‐for‐age), and had smaller head circumferences (head circumference‐for‐age) than the average WHO Growth Reference Study population but were of similar proportion (weight‐for‐length). Compared with the WHO Growth Reference Study, the z scores for weight‐for‐age, length‐for‐age, and head circumference‐for‐age in the Indonesian children fell from birth to 6 weeks of age and then increased until 3 months of age in both the breast‐fed and the formula‐fed infants. At 6 weeks of age, the weight‐for‐age z scores fell below −2 standard deviations for 16 (20.5%) breast‐fed and 40 (51.3%) formula‐fed infants, and the length‐for‐age z scores fell below −2 standard deviations for 31 (39.7%) breast‐fed and 41 (52.6%) formula‐fed infants.

Conclusion:

The WHO growth standards do not reflect the growth of the present cohort of Indonesian infants and may overestimate the levels of underweight and stunted children.
FYVE1 Is Essential for Vacuole Biogenesis and Intracellular Trafficking in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kolb Cornelia , Nagel Marie-Kristin , Kalinowska Kamila , Hagmann Jörg , Ichikawa Mie , Anzenberger Franziska , Alkofer Angela , Sato Masa H. , Braun Pascal , Isono Erika
Published: February 2015

The plant vacuole is a central organelle that is involved in various biological processes throughout the plant life cycle. Elucidating the mechanism of vacuole biogenesis and maintenance is thus the basis for our understanding of these processes. Proper formation of the vacuole has been shown to depend on the intracellular membrane trafficking pathway. Although several mutants with altered vacuole morphology have been characterized in the past, the molecular basis for plant vacuole biogenesis has yet to be fully elucidated. With the aim to identify key factors that are essential for vacuole biogenesis, we performed a forward genetics screen in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and isolated mutants with altered vacuole morphology. The vacuolar fusion defective1 (vfd1) mutant shows seedling lethality and defects in central vacuole formation. VFD1 encodes a Fab1, YOTB, Vac1, and EEA1 (FYVE) domain-containing protein, FYVE1, that has been implicated in intracellular trafficking. FYVE1 localizes on late endosomes and interacts with Src homology-3 domain-containing proteins. Mutants of FYVE1 are defective in ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, vacuolar transport, and autophagy. Altogether, our results show that FYVE1 is essential for plant growth and development and place FYVE1 as a key regulator of intracellular trafficking and vacuole biogenesis.
PHOTOSYSTEM II SUBUNIT R Is Required for Efficient Binding of LIGHT-HARVESTING COMPLEX STRESS-RELATED PROTEIN3 to Photosystem II-Light-Harvesting Supercomplexes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Xue Huidan , Tokutsu Ryutaro , Bergner Sonja Verena , Scholz Martin , Minagawa Jun , Hippler Michael
Published: February 2015

In Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the LIGHT-HARVESTING COMPLEX STRESS-RELATED PROTEIN3 (LHCSR3) protein is crucial for efficient energy-dependent thermal dissipation of excess absorbed light energy and functionally associates with photosystem II-light-harvesting complex II (PSII-LHCII) supercomplexes. Currently, it is unknown how LHCSR3 binds to the PSII-LHCII supercomplex. In this study, we investigated the role of PHOTOSYSTEM II SUBUNIT R (PSBR) an intrinsic membrane-spanning PSII subunit, in the binding of LHCSR3 to PSII-LHCII supercomplexes. Down-regulation of PSBR expression diminished the efficiency of oxygen evolution and the extent of nonphotochemical quenching and had an impact on the stability of the oxygen-evolving complex as well as on PSII-LHCII-LHCSR3 supercomplex formation. Its down-regulation destabilized the PSII-LHCII supercomplex and strongly reduced the binding of LHCSR3 to PSII-LHCII supercomplexes, as revealed by quantitative proteomics. PHOTOSYSTEM II SUBUNIT P deletion, on the contrary, destabilized PHOTOSYSTEM II SUBUNIT Q binding but did not affect PSBR and LHCSR3 association with PSII-LHCII. In summary, these data provide clear evidence that PSBR is required for the stable binding of LHCSR3 to PSII-LHCII supercomplexes and is essential for efficient energy-dependent quenching and the integrity of the PSII-LHCII-LHCSR3 supercomplex under continuous high light.
Crown plasticity enables trees to optimize canopy packing in mixed‐species forests
Authors: Jucker Tommaso , Bouriaud Olivier , Coomes David A.
Published: February 2015

It has been suggested that diverse forests utilize canopy space more efficiently than species‐poor ones, as mixing species with complementary architectural and physiological traits allows trees to pack more densely. However, whether positive canopy packing–diversity relationships are a general feature of forests remains unclear.

Using crown allometric data collected for 12 939 trees from permanent forest plots across Europe, we test (i) whether diversity promotes canopy packing across forest types and (ii) whether increased canopy packing occurs primarily through vertical stratification of tree crowns or as a result of intraspecific plasticity in crown morphology.

We found that canopy packing efficiency increased markedly in response to species richness across a range of forest types and species combinations. Positive canopy packing–diversity relationships were primarily driven by the fact that trees growing in mixture had sizably larger crowns (38% on average) than those in monoculture.

The ability of trees to plastically adapt the shape and size of their crowns in response to changes in local competitive environment is critical in allowing mixed‐species forests to optimize the use of canopy space. By promoting the development of denser and more structurally complex canopies, species mixing can strongly impact nutrient cycling and storage in forest ecosystems.
An Unusual Case of Strychnine Poisoning
Authors: Prat Sebastien , Hoizey Guillaume , Lefrancq Thierry , Saint‐Martin Pauline
Published: February 2015

Strychnine‐related death has been described since the 19th century. This alkaloid was discovered in 1818. Historically, strychnine was used by the South‐East Asian autochthones on their arrows. However, its production was modified by legislation, which was used to protect people against accidental intoxications. Here, we present the case of a 69‐year‐old man who was found dead at home. During the autopsy, we found a blue substance in the stomach. Toxicological analysis measured strychnine at 0.29 μg/mL in the blood sample, which is a relatively low level in comparison with the results given in the literature. However, histologic examination and toxicological findings permitted the conclusion of strychnine poisoning.
Investigating the Potential of Fluorescent Fingerprint Powders as a Marker for Blow Fly Larvae (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Rosati Jennifer Y. , Robinson Scott D. , Devine Richard
Published: February 2015

Four fluorescent fingerprint powders (RedWop™, GreenWop™, Basic Yellow™, and Yellow Powder™) were evaluated as a marker for blow fly larvae. Administration methods included ingestion (high vs. low concentration) or topical. Ingestion of high concentrations of Basic Yellow™ and RedWop™ caused higher larval mortality. Basic Yellow™ delayed development and adult emergence while RedWop™ and Yellow Powder™ had a significant effect on particular stages of development, however, emergence time was not altered. Optimal administration is through ingestion at low concentration levels (<10%) or topically, with GreenWop™ demonstrating minimal adverse effects. Optimum wavelength for discrimination between powders was 450 nm. This research can aid in investigative training to increase visibility of larval and pupal blow flies. It can also be used in entomological studies to differentiate between larval blow flies (or other dipteran) species or individuals to further understand complex interactions and behavior during larval development.
Recovery of DNA from Latent Fingerprint Tape Lifts Archived Against Matte Acetate
Authors: Steadman Shelly A. , Hoofer Steven R. , Geering Sarah C. , King Stephanie , Bennett Marc A.
Published: February 2015

This study was driven by court order to examine methods to remove, extract, and STR‐type potential DNA entrapped between latent fingerprint lifting tape and matte acetate that was collected from a 1977 crime scene. Results indicate that recovery of appreciable quantities of DNA is more challenging once adhesive is attached to matte acetate cards and even more difficult when fixed following black powder enhancement. STR amplification of extracts from entrapped fingermarks collected following the dusting/lifting procedure did not produce robust profiles, and extraneous peaks not expressed by print donors were detected for some samples. A hearing was set to argue whether there was DNA remaining to be tested, and if so, whether that DNA could be exculpatory in this postconviction matter. The studies herein provided the basis for the court's decision to not require the testing.
Evaluation of a Visualization Assay for Blood on Forensic Evidence
Authors: Vandewoestyne Mado , Lepez Trees , Van Hoofstat David , Deforce Dieter
Published: February 2015

In forensics, bloodstains on dark fabrics might be invisible for the naked eye. Although several visualization, presumptive, and confirmatory blood tests have been developed, all have one or more disadvantages, especially on DNA analysis. We report here the use of a visualization assay that can visually detect blood drops up to 1/20 dilution. In this assay, the fabric is placed between two wet filter papers and covered by glass surfaces on both sides. Pressure is applied on the glass surfaces in which bloodstains transfer onto the filter papers through capillary forces. Detected stains can be tested with other more sensitive presumptive blood tests performed on the filter paper. Even more, DNA analysis can be performed on the transferred bloodstains. The presented visualization assay is easy to perform, extremely cheap, requires little hands on time, and does not affect bloodstain pattern analysis.
Forensic Age Estimation Using Thin‐Slice Multidetector CT of the Clavicular Epiphyses Among Adolescent Western Chinese
Authors: Zhang Kui , Chen Xiao‐gang , Zhao Huan , Dong Xiao‐ai , Deng Zhen‐hua
Published: February 2015

Reaching the age of 18 years is the most significant step for criminal proceedings in China. In this study, a population of 752 individuals was recruited to clarify how strong the chronological age relates to clavicular ossification status revealed by CT scans with 1 mm slice thickness in the West China Han population. Finally, the epiphysis was observed to commence fusion in females at 16.28 years and 16.74 years in males and be fully ossified by 25.97 years in females and 25.81 years in males. These findings suggested that ossification of medial clavicular epiphyseal cartilage can be used in age estimation for West China Han population with the age threshold of 18 years. By comparison with previous German studies, our results suggested that the pace of ossification of medial clavicular epiphyseal cartilage may be potentially affected by socioeconomic status.
Decolonizing the map? Toponymic politics and the rescaling of the Salish Sea
Authors: Tucker Brian , Rose‐Redwood Reuben
Published: February 2015

This article examines the role that place naming has played in the rescaling of the Pacific waters along the Canada/United States border as the “Salish Sea.” Drawing upon archival materials and a series of semi‐structured interviews, we argue that the scalar framing of such waters as a delimited spatial “unit” was dependent upon the performative reiteration of citational practices that were employed over a period of two decades to discursively assemble these fluid multiplicities into a cartographically bounded space. Although one of the ostensible aims of this geographical designation was to acknowledge the longstanding presence of Coast Salish peoples in the region, the naming of the Salish Sea has also had the political effect of reinforcing neocolonial relations of socio‐spatial dispossession by further entrenching the powers of the state as the final arbiter of geographical naming conventions.

Décoloniser la carte ? Les enjeux politiques de la toponymie et le transfert d'échelle de la mer des Salish

Cet article étudie le rôle que la dénomination de la « mer des Salish » le long de la frontière canado‐américaine a joué dans le changement d'échelle des eaux du Pacifique. Des documents issus de fonds d'archives et une série d'entretiens semi‐dirigés servent d'appui pour défendre l'idée selon laquelle la conception scalaire de ces eaux en tant qu'unité spatiale délimitée découlait de la réitération performative des pratiques citationnelles adoptées depuis deux décennies afin de traduire de manière discursive cette abondance aqueuse dans un espace cartographique circonscrit. Bien que l'un des objectifs apparents de cette appellation géographique fût de reconnaître l'ancienneté de l'établissement dans la région des peuples Salish de la côte, l'appellation de la mer des Salish a eu comme impact politique de renforcer les relations néocoloniales de la dépossession socio‐spatiale en consolidant les pouvoirs étatiques comme arbitre final des conventions existantes en matière de toponymie.

Mots clés : décolonisation, performativité, mer des Salish, toponymie, échelle
Raised immunoglobulin A and circulating T follicular helper cells are linked to the development of food allergy in paediatric liver transplant patients
Authors: De Bruyne R. , Gevaert P. , Van Winckel M. , De Ruyck N. , Minne A. , Bogaert D. , Van Biervliet S. , Vande Velde S. , Smets F. , Sokal E. , Gottrand F. , Vanhelst J. , Detry B. , Pilette C. , Lambrecht B. N. , Dullaers M.
Published: February 2015

Background

Post‐transplant food allergy (LTFA) is increasingly observed after paediatric liver transplantation (LT). Although the immunopathology of LTFA remains unclear, immunoglobulin (Ig) E seems to be implicated.

Objective

To study humoral and cellular immunity in paediatric LT patients in search for factors associated with LTFA, and compare with healthy controls (HC) and non‐transplant food‐allergic children (FA).

Methods

We studied serum Ig levels in 29 LTFA, 43 non‐food‐allergic LT patients (LTnoFA), 21 FA patients and 36 HC. Serum‐specific IgA and IgE against common food allergens in LTFA, IgA1, IgA2 and joining‐chain‐containing polymeric IgA (pIgA) were measured. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were analysed by flow cytometry for B and T cell populations of interest.

Results

Serum IgA and specific IgA were higher in LTFA compared to LTnoFA. LTFA patients had the highest proportion of circulating T follicular helper cells (cTfh). The percentage of cTfh correlated positively with serum IgA. Unique in LTFA was also the significant increase in serum markers of mucosal IgA and the decrease in the Th17 subset of CXCR5− CD4+ cells compared to HC. Both LT patients exhibited a rise in IgA+ memory B cells and plasmablasts compared to HC and FA.

Conclusions

LT has an impact on humoral immunity, remarkably in those patients developing FA. The increase in serum markers of mucosal IgA, food allergen‐specific IgA and cTfh cells observed in LTFA, point towards a disturbance in intestinal immune homoeostasis in this patient group.
Allergic disorders and socio‐economic status: a study of schoolchildren in an urban area of Makassar, Indonesia
Authors: Hamid F. , Wahyuni S. , van Leeuwen A. , van Ree R. , Yazdanbakhsh M. , Sartono E.
Published: February 2015

Background

In urban centres of developing countries, there is great variation in socio‐economic status (SES) and lifestyle; however, little information is available on allergic disorders in groups with high‐ or low‐SES within the same urban area.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of allergic disorders and investigate risk factors related to them among high‐ and low‐SES schoolchildren in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Method

This cross‐sectional study was performed in 623 children originating from high‐ (N = 349) and low‐SES (N = 274) schools. Information on reported allergic symptoms and potential factors associated with allergic disorders was obtained by questionnaire. Specific IgE and skin prick test (SPT) reactivity were determined against aeroallergens [Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (HDM) and cockroach]. Total IgE and helminth infections were also assessed.

Result

The prevalence of SPT to any aeroallergens was significantly higher in high‐SES than in low‐SES school (25% vs. 8%, P < 0.001, respectively). However, specific IgE against cockroach and total IgE were significantly lower in high‐ than in low‐SES children. Allergic symptoms were reported more often in low‐ compared to high‐SES children. Specific IgE to aeroallergens significantly increased the risk of SPT positivity to the same aeroallergen in the high‐, but not in the low‐SES children. In the high‐ but not in low‐SES, there was a significant positive association between SPT to HDM and wheeze. Similarly, cockroach skin reactivity and elevated BMI increased the risk of eczema in the high‐SES children only.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Skin prick test is higher in high‐SES, whereas IgE and allergic symptoms are higher in low‐SES children. Specific IgE is a risk factor for being SPT‐positive, and SPT positivity is a risk factor for allergic symptoms but only in children of high‐ and not low‐SES school. Therefore, the socio‐economic status of a child might affect the diagnosis of allergic disease in a developing country.
The sexual dimorphic association of cardiorespiratory fitness to working memory in children
Authors: Drollette Eric S. , Scudder Mark R. , Raine Lauren B. , Davis Moore R. , Pontifex Matthew B. , Erickson Kirk I. , Hillman Charles H.
Published: February 2015

The present investigation examined the sexual dimorphic patterns of cardiorespiratory fitness to working memory in preadolescent children (age range: 7.7–10.9). Data were collected in three separate studies (Study 1: n = 97, 42 females; Study 2: n = 95, 45 females; Study 3: n = 84, 37 females). All participants completed a cardiorespiratory fitness assessment in addition to a specific measure of working memory (i.e. the operation span task, the n‐back task, or the Sternberg task). Results from all three samples revealed that higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels were associated with better working memory performance only for males with no such relation observed for females. In addition, the sexually dimorphic pattern was selective for the most challenging working memory conditions in each task. Together, these findings reveal new evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness is selectively related to better working memory performance for male children. This investigation provides additional insight into how interventions aimed at improving fitness may influence cognitive development differentially among preadolescent children.
Underground spaces as neglected niche for occurrence of Heterobasidion annosum complex
Authors: Nováková A. , Sedlák P. , Kubátová A. , Tomšovský M.
Published: February 2015

The serious forest pathogen Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato was found during mycological exploration in caves and underground tunnels. Seventeen isolates of Heterobasidion annosum s.l. were obtained in these habitats in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Spain during 2008–2012. Three species, H. abietinum, H. annosum sensu stricto, and H. parviporum, were identified by analyses of DNA sequences of three gene regions: glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, translation elongation factor 1‐alfa and transcription factor. Isolates of H. parviporum were obtained from moonmilk, air and underground gallery wall. H. parviporum recorded from Spain, Castaňar de Ibor Cave, was obtained far from the natural distribution of its main host, Picea abies. Heterobasidion annosum was obtained from cave air and sediment, isopod faeces and underground gallery wall. Heterobasidion abietinum was isolated from bat guano and outdoor air. The origin and ways of fungal dispersal are discussed. The forest stands surrounding caves and tunnels are hypothesized as the potential source of inoculum to inhabit these unusual spaces, although the real paths of the pathogen to the habitats remain unclear.
Mandatory Gender Balance and Board Independence
Authors: Bøhren Øyvind , Staubo Siv
Published: February 2015

We find that forcing radical gender balance on corporate boards is associated with increased board independence and reduced firm value. A mandatory 40% gender quota shifts the average fraction of independent directors from 46% to 67% because female directors are much more often independent directors than males are. This shock to board independence via gender quotas is strongest in small, young, profitable, non‐listed firms with powerful stockholders and few female directors. Such firms also lose the most value, presumably because they need advice from dependent directors the most and monitoring by independent directors the least.
PDGF signalling in the dermis and in dermal condensates is dispensable for hair follicle induction and formation
Authors: Rezza Amélie , Sennett Rachel , Tanguy Manon , Clavel Carlos , Rendl Michael
Published: February 2015

Embryonic hair follicle (HF) induction and formation is dependent on signalling crosstalk between the dermis and specialized dermal condensates on the mesenchymal side and epidermal cells and incipient placodes on the epithelial side, but the precise nature and succession of signals remain unclear. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signalling is involved in the development of several organs and the maintenance of adult tissues, including HF regeneration in the hair cycle. As both PDGF receptors, PDGFRα and PDGFRβ, are expressed in embryonic dermis and dermal condensates, we explored in this study the role of PDGF signalling in HF induction and formation in the developing skin mesenchyme. We conditionally ablated both PDGF receptors with Tbx18Cre in early dermal condensates before follicle formation, and with Prx1‐Cre broadly in the ventral dermis prior to HF induction. In both PDGFR double mutants, HF induction and formation ensued normally, and the pattern of HF formation and HF numbers were unaffected. These data demonstrate that mesenchymal PDGF signalling, either in the specialized niche or broadly in the dermis, is dispensable for HF induction and formation.
MCPH1 maintains long‐term epigenetic silencing of ANGPT2 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Kopparapu Pradeep Kumar , Miranda Caroline , Fogelstrand Linda , Mishra Kankadeb , Andersson Per‐Ola , Kanduri Chandrasekhar , Kanduri Meena
Published: February 2015

The microcephalin gene (MCPH1) [also known as inhibitor of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression] is a tumor suppressor gene that is functionally involved in the DNA damage response. Angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2) is a crucial factor regulating tumor angiopoiesis. Deregulation of angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of many cancers, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In CLL, ANGPT2 is a well‐studied potential prognostic marker. As MCPH1 overlaps with the ANGPT2 transcription unit on the same chromosome but in the opposite orientation, we wanted to study the functional role of MCPH1 in regulation of ANGPT2 in CLL. The mRNA expression levels of MCPH1 and ANGPT2, including the MCPH1 target gene hTERT, showed significant differences between two prognostic groups, i.e. IGHV‐mutated and IGHV‐unmutated (P = 0.007 for MCPH1, P = 0.0002 for ANGPT2, and P = 0.00001 for hTERT), in which the expression level of MCPH1 was inversely correlated with the expression levels of hTERT and ANGPT2. Downregulation of MCPH1 resulted in upregulation of ANGPT2, accompanied by loss of its promoter methylation. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation and coimmunoprecipitation assays, we found that MCPH1 binds to the ANGPT2 promoter and recruits DNA methyltransferases, thereby silencing ANGPT2. Thus, our data suggest a novel function for MCPH1 in regulating and maintaining ANGPT2 silencing in CLL through regulation of promoter DNA methylation.
Exploring access and attitudes to regular sexually transmitted infection screening: the views of young, multi‐ethnic, inner‐city, female students
Authors: Normansell Rebecca , Drennan Vari M. , Oakeshott Pippa
Published: February 2015

Background

Low uptake of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing by young people is a major public health problem worldwide. The aims of this qualitative, community‐based study were to explore access and attitudes to STI screening in high risk, young, ethnically diverse female students.

Methods

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted at an inner‐London further education college with 17 women aged 16–25 years.

Results

The women wanted convenient, regular STI testing and perceived this as responsible behaviour. However, they doubted the maturity of their peers who were unlikely to view themselves as candidates for testing, and feared the perceived stigma associated with testing. This was reflected in their preference for confidential testing. Despite attending their general practice for non‐sexual health matters, most did not consider this option for STI testing. However, the long wait in specialist clinics was an important barrier. Many younger participants would not want postal STI sample kits sent to their homes. We found dissatisfaction with sexual health education.

Conclusions

STI screening for underserved groups such as young sexually active ethnically diverse female college students needs to be confidential, convenient, easily accessed and offered in ways that allow them to consider themselves as candidates for such screening without fear of social stigma. Family doctors should be aware that young women often do not perceive primary care to be an option for accessing STI screening, and could consider ways of advertising these services. Policymakers and commissioners should be aware that clinic waiting times and lack of education remain barriers to testing.
The importance of packaging in purchase and usage behaviour
Authors: Gómez Mar , Martín‐Consuegra David , Molina Arturo
Published: February 2015

This study's primary objective is to analyse how consumers evaluate product packaging in two distinct phases of the consumer decision‐making process: at the moment of acquisition and post‐consumption. The packaging's technical, functional and informative attributes, as well as its influence on satisfaction and loyalty, were evaluated. An empirical study was conducted with a product of immediate consumption, milk, using four versions of packaging and a total sample of 265 family units. The model was evaluated using partial least squares (PLS), and differences were compared using variance analysis. The results demonstrate the most and least valued attributes, the primary differences between the four types of packaging, and the perception generated at each moment. The research provides interesting theoretical and empirical perspectives and has business implications for marketing directors and product managers.
Sustainable fashion consumption and the fast fashion conundrum: fashionable consumers and attitudes to sustainability in clothing choice
Authors: McNeill Lisa , Moore Rebecca
Published: February 2015

The fashion industry has recently heeded the call for sustainability and ethically sound production. There has been, however, a reluctant uptake of these products with many consumers and a seeming conflict with existing ‘fast fashion’ desires in this area. This study explores the attitudes of fashion consumers toward sustainable products, ethical fashion purchasing and their subsequent behaviour. The research applies the developmental theory model to a fashion context, finding fashion consumers can be categorized into one of three groups: ‘Self’ consumers, concerned with hedonistic needs, ‘Social’ consumers, concerned with social image and ‘Sacrifice’ consumers who strive to reduce their impact on the world. These different groups view fast fashion in conflicting ways and subsequent implications for marketing sustainably produced fashion products to each group are, thus, significantly different.
Consumer rights of the elderly as vulnerable consumers in South Africa: some comparative aspects of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008
Authors: Barnard Jacolien
Published: February 2015

Although consumer protection is not a new concept in South African law, the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) now provides for a much more comprehensive and encompassing mechanism to protect consumers. Consumers are protected, not only in the provision of goods and services, the conclusion of contracts but also in the promotion and marketing thereof. The CPA further provides special protection to a particular type of consumer which is the vulnerable consumer and includes elderly consumers. Importantly, and for the first time in the history of South African law, the consumer is provided with eight core fundamental consumer rights. As this contribution is an attempt to provide an interdisciplinary analysis from a legal perspective, identification of what is considered to be an ‘elderly' consumer, needs to be assessed by referring to relevant empirical studies from both an international as well as South African perspective. The focus of this study is on the protection of the elderly as a category of vulnerable consumers in terms of the CPA. The investigation will attempt to show that the elderly is protected in terms of all eight of the fundamental consumer rights within the CPA. Special reference will be made to two fundamental rights of the consumer in terms of the CPA. First, the elderly consumer's right to equality in the consumer market (Part A of the CPA) which provides additional protection as the CPA also refers to the Constitutional right to equality. Second, the elderly consumer's the right to fair and responsible marketing (Part E of the CPA) which in terms of the research is compared with the EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. Certain problems regarding elderly consumers are identified and the importance of consumer rights as well as the implementation of the correct consumer policy is argued.
Response to advertising on online social networks: the role of social capital
Authors: Pinho José Carlos , Soares Ana Maria
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study is to analyse the marketing value obtained from developing and maintaining social relationships through online social networks (OSNs). We propose and test a structural model that considers a number of antecedents to response to advertising, namely social capital, social status and sociability. Data was gathered through the administration of a structured online questionnaire to a sample of 274 OSN users. Results show that social capital derived from participating in OSNs has a positive impact on social status and sociability; in turn this has a positive impact in response to advertising. This study advances theory by analysing the impact of bonding and bridging social capital on both social status and sociability. Additionally, it examines the impact of both of these constructs on response to advertising. The confirmation of the significance of social capital gained through participation in OSNs and its impact on response to ads provides support for the notion that the relationally oriented and marketing‐oriented management of OSNs are compatible. These findings are of great relevance for the appropriate management of company presence on OSNs.
The heuristic‐systemic model of sustainability stewardship: facilitating sustainability values, beliefs and practices with corporate social responsibility drives and eco‐labels/indices
Authors: Kim HaeJung , Lee Stacy H. , Yang Kiseol
Published: February 2015

Using a framework from the heuristic‐systematic model and the value‐belief‐norm (VBN) theory, this study tests consumers’ systematic conjunction of sustainability values, beliefs and practices, and examines the heuristic influence of sustainability stewardship on the consumers’ VBN framework. In this study, sustainability stewardship within the textile and apparel industry refers to approaches that can facilitate the corporate social responsible (CSR) drive and eco‐labels/indices in corporate sustainability practices. Data from 239 US college students were analyzed using a structural equation modeling method. The findings confirmed that only the CSR drive is significant as heuristic sustainability stewardship in facilitating the consumer's systematic process in the VBN framework, while eco‐labels/indices do not moderate consumers’ sustainable practices. In particular, the current CSR drives in the textile and apparel industry strengthen consumers’ values in the altruistic, self‐enhancement and biospheric dimensions, and, further, lead to the sustainability practices of eco‐citizenship, green consumption and green product purchasing, through the mediation of proenvironmental belief. Comprehending these dynamics can empower marketers and researchers to devise pertinent ideas and practical applications of sustainability stewardship to academia and to the textiles and apparel industry.
Beliefs, perceptions, and treatment modalities of acne among schoolchildren in Lithuania: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Karciauskiene Jurgita , Valiukeviciene Skaidra , Stang Andreas , Gollnick Harald
Published: February 2015

Background

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the majority of adolescents.

Objectives

We sought to evaluate children's and adolescents' beliefs, perceptions, sources of information, and modalities of treatment of acne.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 1277 pupils aged 7–19 years. Children and adolescents were surveyed using a self‐administered questionnaire and were subsequently examined by one specially trained dermatologist. Children and adolescents with specialist‐confirmed acne were additionally interviewed about their help‐seeking behavior and acne treatment.

Results

The rate of response to the study was 51.4%. The overall prevalence of acne among responders was 82.9%. According to the Leeds Revised Acne Grading System, 44.6% of responders had no acne, 49.3% had mild acne, 5.9% had moderate acne, and 0.2% had severe acne. Responders with moderate or severe acne more often knew what acne was than responders with mild acne (odds ratio [OR] 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–24.3; OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.8, respectively). The three main sources of information about acne were parents (76.3%), magazines (35.5%), and friends (29.3%). The three main causal or exacerbating factors of acne pointed out by responders were poor hygiene (69.0%), hormones (65.3%), and diet (64.5%). Only 7.2% of pupils had been provided with treatment for acne by a dermatologist. The majority of pupils (84.9%) with acne had been using cosmetic remedies to control it.

Conclusions

Many children and adolescents consider acne to be a skin problem that is caused by lack of hygiene and misuse acne treatment modalities.
Recombinant adeno‐associated viral (rAAV) vectors mediate efficient gene transduction in cultured neonatal and adult microglia
Authors: Su Wei , Kang John , Sopher Bryce , Gillespie James , Aloi Macarena S. , Odom Guy L. , Hopkins Stephanie , Case Amanda , Wang David B. , Chamberlain Jeffrey S. , Garden Gwenn A.
Published: February 2015

Microglia are a specialized population of myeloid cells that mediate CNS innate immune responses. Efforts to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate microglia behaviors have been hampered by the lack of effective tools for manipulating gene expression. Cultured microglia are refractory to most chemical and electrical transfection methods, yielding little or no gene delivery and causing toxicity and/or inflammatory activation. Recombinant adeno‐associated viral (rAAVs) vectors are non‐enveloped, single‐stranded DNA vectors commonly used to transduce many primary cell types and tissues. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and efficiency of utilizing rAAV serotype 2 (rAAV2) to modulate gene expression in cultured microglia. rAAV2 yields high transduction and causes minimal toxicity or inflammatory response in both neonatal and adult microglia. To demonstrate that rAAV transduction can induce functional protein expression, we used rAAV2 expressing Cre recombinase to successfully excise a LoxP‐flanked miR155 gene in cultured microglia. We further evaluated rAAV serotypes 5, 6, 8, and 9, and observed that all efficiently transduced cultured microglia to varying degrees of success and caused little or no alteration in inflammatory gene expression. These results provide strong encouragement for the application of rAAV‐mediated gene expression in microglia for mechanistic and therapeutic purposes.

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Neonatal microglia are functionally distinct from adult microglia, although the majority of in vitro studies utilize rodent neonatal microglia cultures because of difficulties of culturing adult cells. In addition, cultured microglia are refractory to most methods for modifying gene expression. Here, we developed a novel protocol for culturing adult microglia and evaluated the feasibility and efficiency of utilizing Recombinant Adeno‐Associated Virus (rAAV) to modulate gene expression in cultured microglia.
Pollen morphology of Androsace (Primulaceae) and its systematic implications
Authors: Xu Yuan , Hu Chi‐Ming , Hao Gang
Published: February 2015

A close relationship between Androsace and related genera (Douglasia, Vitaliana, and Pomatosace) has long been recognized. Recent molecular studies have provided abundant evidence that Douglasia, Vitaliana, and Pomatosace are nested within Androsace and together constitute the monophyletic “Androsace group”. We investigated the pollen morphology of 80 taxa representing all sections of Androsace s.s. as traditionally construed, as well as Douglasia, Vitaliana, and Pomatosace, to see whether they are congruent with phylogenetic relationships. We uncovered subtle variation in pollen morphology within the group. The shape of pollen grains ranges from spheroidal to perprolate. Pollen size ranges from 9.37 µm in Androsace sect. Samuelia to 20.68 µm in Douglasia. Exine ornamentation includes microreticulate, microechinate, perforate, and rugulate types. The polar view varies from circular, triangular and planaperturate, to triangular and angulaperturate. Various pollen morphological characters support the monophyly of major clades, including /Septentrionalis, /Pomatosace, /Orthocaulon, and /Megista, which were recognized previously based on molecular evidence.