bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum phosphate is related to adiposity in healthy adults
Authors: Billington Emma O. , Gamble Greg D. , Bristow Sarah , Reid Ian R.
Published: May 2017

Background

Inorganic phosphate is a crucial component of cellular energy metabolism. We have identified an inverse relationship between serum phosphate concentration and fat mass in a cohort of healthy men. This study reports those data and determines whether this association is present in two female populations.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from three independent cohorts, consisting of healthy adult males (Male Cohort, n = 323) and healthy postmenopausal women (Female Cohort 1, n = 185; and Female Cohort 2, n = 1471), are reported. Associations between serum phosphate and weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed. In a fourth cohort of postmenopausal women (FGF23 Cohort, n = 20), associations between fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), weight and BMI were assessed.

Results

Serum phosphate correlated inversely with weight, BMI and fat mass across all three cohorts (r = −0·13 to −0·31, P < 0·0001–0·02). Associations were diminished after adjustment for PTH, but remained significant. In the FGF23 Cohort, FGF23 was positively correlated with weight (r = 0·60, P = 0·007) and BMI (r = 0·49, P = 0·03). Phosphate was inversely associated with BMD in Female Cohorts 1 and 2 (r = −0·08 to −0·29, P < 0·0001–0·02). This relationship was attenuated, but remained significant at most sites, following adjustment for age, fat mass, renal function and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D.

Conclusions

Serum phosphate is inversely associated with measures of adiposity in both women and men, largely independently of PTH. FGF23 might mediate these associations. This relationship may be an unrecognized confounder in some of the correlates of serum phosphate already described.
The Problem of Relevant Descriptions and the Scope of Moral Principles
Authors: Schumski Irina
Published: May 2017

In her seminal attack on modern moral philosophy, G. E. M. Anscombe claims that Kant's ‘rule about universalizable maxims is useless without stipulations as to what shall count as a relevant description of an action with a view to constructing a maxim about it’. Although this so‐called problem of relevant descriptions has received considerable attention in the literature, there is little agreement on how it should be understood or solved. My aim in this paper is, first, to clarify the problem by clearing up several misunderstandings, and, second, to show that the problem is rooted in a standard assumption about Kant's stance on the scope of moral principles—an assumption that precludes its solution. I argue that the problem consists in the fact that Kant's formula of universal law seems to stand in need of an account of moral sensibility that does not render the formula superfluous. But, as my discussion of existing solutions reveals, there can be no such account. Instead, I propose a dissolution: we should think of the formula of universal law itself as Kant's account of moral sensibility. In order to do so, we must reject the standard assumption that a principle is universal if and only if it holds for all instances of the action type that it specifies.
Seed dormancy, soil type and protective shelters influence seedling emergence at Shark Bay, Western Australia: Insight into global dryland revegetation
Authors: Mayence Charles Ellery , Carrick Peter J. , Van Beem Dale , Broenland Eefje , Dixon Kingsley W.
Published: May 2017

Seedling emergence is a major constraint on dryland revegetation success. In this study, we investigated seedling emergence of six framework shrub species as influenced by seed treatment, soil type and protective shelters using a large field trial in arid Western Australia. We observed the main effects of seed treatment and soil type to account for the majority of the variation in emergence. For species that exhibit pronounced dormancy, we found emergence of dormancy‐alleviated or treated (T) seed to be significantly greater than dormant or untreated (UT) seed, with responses varying across species (e.g. 41 times greater for Acacia ligulata Benth., and 10 times greater for Stylobasium spathulatum Desf.). For shallowly or nondormant species like Senna glutinosa (DC) Randall, UT seed emergence was slightly greater than for T seed. Compared to subsoil, topsoil was more receptive to infiltration (3.44 vs. 0.38 mm/min), and less prone to compaction (1.24 vs. 1.67 g/cm3) and crusting (0.6 vs. 1.3 kg/cm2); however, subsoil had greater moisture retention. Shelters failed to benefit soil moisture retention in either soil type, but enhanced emergence for most species. This study provides insight into how various cost‐effective treatments can be utilized to manipulate seed dormancy to optimize seedling emergence, the intrinsic value of topsoil as a superior growth medium and the benefit of novel, low‐cost shelters for enhancing seedling emergence. In arid environments, sowing T seed in combination with UT seed increases the likelihood of capitalizing on inherently variable precipitation events.
Relationship between pain and motor and non‐motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Defazio G. , Antonini A. , Tinazzi M. , Gigante A. F. , Pietracupa S. , Pellicciari R. , Bloise M. , Bacchin R. , Marcante A. , Fabbrini G. , Berardelli A.
Published: May 2017

Background and purpose

Although female gender, depressive symptoms and medical conditions predisposing to pain are more common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with pain, no study has yet explored the relationship between pain and other non‐motor symptoms (NMS).

Methods

A total of 321 consecutive patients with PD [190 men/131 women aged 68.3 (SD 9.2) years] attending four Italian movement disorder clinics were studied. Demographic/clinical data were obtained by a standardized interview and the NMS scale. The association of pain with motor and NMS was assessed by multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

At the time of the study, 180 patients with PD (56%) reported chronic pain that, in most cases, was described as being muscular or arthralgic pain. Pain preceded the onset of motor signs in 36/180 patients. In the main‐effect model, factors independently associated with pain were female sex [odds ratio (OR), 2.1; P = 0.01], medical conditions predisposing to pain (OR, 2.9; P < 0.001), Hoehn–Yahr staging (OR, 1.9; P = 0.04), motor complications (OR, 4.7; P = 0.04) and NMS belonging to the sleep/fatigue (OR, 1.6; P = 0.04) and mood/cognition (OR, 1.6; P = 0.03) domains. Most explanatory variables in the multivariable analysis were similarly distributed in patients in whom pain may have been related to PD or to a cause other than PD.

Conclusions

We confirm that pain in PD is more frequent in women and in subjects with medical conditions predisposing to painful symptoms. Moreover, this strengthens the association between pain and motor severity measures and NMS domains, particularly sleep and mood disturbances.
Tax Havens, Tax Evasion and Tax Information Exchange Agreements in the OECD
Authors: Kemme David M. , Parikh Bhavik , Steigner Tanja
Published: May 2017

Using data on Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), we find a positive relationship between higher tax burden and OECD residents’ tax evasion, especially via tax havens. Contrary to established investor preference for certain country characteristics, we find they are less important to tax evaders who value privacy and want to remain undetected by their home tax authorities. We find very limited evidence that OECD Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAS) reduce tax evasion, controlling for other determinants of overall OECD FPI. Without the US in the OECD sample, tax havens play a lesser role and OECD policies appear to make a marginal impact.
Marital Interactions, Family Intervention, and Disagreements: A Daily Diary Study in a Low‐income Sample
Authors: Hsueh JoAnn , McCormick Meghan , Merrillees Christine , Chou Patricia , Cummings Edward Mark
Published: May 2017

Little research has examined associations between low‐income married couples’ daily interactions and severity of disagreements. Similarly, few researchers have considered how family‐strengthening interventions for low‐income couples may affect the quality of daily interactions and associations between interactions and conflict experiences. This study aims to fill these gaps in the literature by leveraging daily diary data from a random assignment study of a family‐strengthening intervention with low‐income husbands and wives 30 months postenrollment. Married couples randomly assigned to the intervention participated in 10 weeks of relationship education services. Control group couples received no services. Thirty months postrandom assignment, participants reported on the severity of daily marital disagreements over a 15‐day period, as well as their positive and negative emotions during inter‐spousal interactions. Multi‐level models demonstrated associations between reports of emotions in interactions and severity of disagreements. In addition, wives assigned to the family strengthening program reported fewer negative emotions during interactions at follow‐up than wives in the control condition. Finally, negative associations between positive emotions in interactions and severity of disagreements were stronger for wives assigned to the intervention, while positive associations between negative emotions in interactions and severity of disagreements were weaker for wives assigned to the intervention. Implications for future research and intervention development are discussed.
Diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) – an E. coli alarmone or a damage metabolite?
Authors: Despotović Dragana , Brandis Alexander , Savidor Alon , Levin Yishai , Fumagalli Laura , Tawfik Dan S.
Published: May 2017

Under stress, metabolism is changing: specific up‐ or down‐regulation of proteins and metabolites occurs as well as side effects. Distinguishing specific stress‐signaling metabolites (alarmones) from side products (damage metabolites) is not trivial. One example is diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) – a side product of aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases found in all domains of life. The earliest observations suggested that Ap4A serves as an alarmone for heat stress in Escherichia coli. However, despite 50 years of research, the signaling mechanisms associated with Ap4A remain unknown. We defined a set of criteria for distinguishing alarmones from damage metabolites to systematically classify Ap4A. In a nutshell, no indications for a signaling cascade that is triggered by Ap4A were found; rather, we found that Ap4A is efficiently removed in a constitutive, nonregulated manner. Several fold perturbations in Ap4A concentrations have no effect, yet accumulation at very high levels is toxic due to disturbance of zinc homeostasis, and also because Ap4A's structural overlap with ATP can result in spurious binding and inactivation of ATP‐binding proteins. Overall, Ap4A met all criteria for a damage metabolite. While we do not exclude any role in signaling, our results indicate that the damage metabolite option should be considered as the null hypothesis when examining Ap4A and other metabolites whose levels change upon stress.
Prevalence of muscle weakness based on different diagnostic criteria in community‐dwelling older adults: A comparison of grip strength dynamometers
Authors: Kim Miji , Shinkai Shoji
Published: May 2017

Aim

The present study compared the performance of the Jamar and Smedley dynamometers for the measurement of grip strength, and the two dynamometers were used to determine the prevalence rate of weakness in a large, community‐dwelling, older adult population, based on different diagnostic criteria.

Methods

A total of 467 community‐dwelling older adults aged 69–89 years were recruited into the study. Grip strength was measured with two dynamometers; the Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer was used as the reference device. To assess agreement between grip strength measurements by the two dynamometers, linear regression and Bland–Altman analyses were carried out.

Results

In a comparison of the dynamometers, high coefficients of determination (R2) were obtained for grip strength (R2 = 0.80, standard error of the estimate 2.68 kg in male participants, and R2 = 0.75, standard error of the estimate = 1.95 kg in female participants). There was systematic bias with underestimation of grip strength (bias 3.09 kg, 95% confidence interval 2.77 to 3.41 for men; bias 2.60 kg, 95% confidence interval 2.31 to 2.89 for women) by the Smedley dynamometer. In both sexes, no proportional bias was noted between the two dynamometers for measurement of grip strength (r = 0.030, P = 0.611 for male participants; r = −0.033, P = 0.653 for female participants). The prevalence of weakness ranged from 1.8 to 19.9% in male participants, and 0.5 to 27.4% in female participants.

Conclusions

The present study shows that despite the excellent correlation between the two dynamometers, there is a statistically significant difference in grip strength measurements. The Smedley dynamometer showed a higher prevalence of weakness than did the Jamar dynamometer. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2089–2095
High electrocaloric effect in hot‐pressed Pb0.85La0.1(Zr0.65Ti0.35)O3 ceramics with a wide operating temperature range
Authors: Zhang Guangzu , Chen Mo , Fan Baoyan , Liu Yang , Li Mingyu , Jiang Shenglin , Huang Houbing , Liu Huan , Li Honglang , Wang Qing
Published: May 2017

The temperature stability of the electrocaloric effect (ECE) in relaxor ferroelectric Pb0.85La0.1(Zr0.65Ti0.35)O3 (PLZT) prepared by the hot‐press sintering method has been investigated. Compared to the PLZTs prepared via the conventional sintering process, the hot‐pressed PLZTs exhibit larger ECE and superior temperature stability. The hot‐pressed sample with an appropriate content of excess PbO presents a high ΔT of 2.4°C and ΔS of 2.3 J kg−1·K−1, both of which are 30% greater than those of the conventionally sintered samples measured at 100 kV·cm−1. More importantly, the hot‐pressed specimens display great stable electrical properties, including the dielectric breakdown strength and electrical resistivity in the temperature range from 0°C to 100°C, whose ECE instability, especially, is only one‐half that of the samples prepared by the conventional solid‐state method. In addition, the ECE and its stability of the hot‐pressed sample can be further enhanced by increasing the operating electric field to a relatively high level of 200 kV·cm−1. This work demonstrates hot‐press sintering is an effective method to fabricate ferroelectric ceramics with high ECE as well as desirable temperature stability.
Bullous pemphigoid associated with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors: A report of five cases
Authors: Yoshiji Satoshi , Murakami Takaaki , Harashima Shin‐ichi , Ko Rie , Kashima Riko , Yabe Daisuke , Ogura Masahito , Doi Kentaro , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: May 2017

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering skin disorder. Recently, BP induced by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors has been a concern. Although DPP‐4 inhibitors are commonly used in the Asian population because of their safety and efficacy, BP associated with DPP‐4 inhibitors is sometimes seen in clinical settings. Here, we report five Japanese cases of BP associated with the agents. In the present cases, BP occurred in older adults using four different DPP‐4 inhibitors, which showed various clinical manifestations in terms of latency period for BP, sex, glycemic control and diabetes duration. Withdrawal of DPP‐4 inhibitors was effective in improving BP, and achieved remission even in cases requiring oral steroid administration and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Clinicians should note the importance of early diagnosis of this clinical condition and initiate prompt withdrawal of DPP‐4 inhibitors.
Association between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and glycated hemoglobin levels in type 2 diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lim Lee Ling , Ng Yong Muh , Kang Pei San , Lim Soo Kun
Published: May 2017

Aims/Introduction

Vitamin D is suggested to influence glucose homeostasis. An inverse relationship between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and glycemic control in non‐chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with type 2 diabetes was reported. We aimed to examine this association among type 2 diabetes patients with CKD.

Materials and Methods

A total of 100 type 2 diabetes participants with stage 3–4 CKD were recruited. Blood for glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum 25(OH)D, renal and lipid profiles were drawn at enrollment. Correlation and regression analyses were carried out to assess the relationship of serum 25(OH)D, HbA1c and other metabolic traits.

Results

A total of 30, 42, and 28% of participants were in CKD stage 3a, 3b and 4, respectively. The proportions of participants based on ethnicity were 51% Malay, 24% Chinese and 25% Indian. The mean (±SD) age and body mass index were 60.5 ± 9.0 years and 28.3 ± 5.9 kg/m2, whereas mean HbA1c and serum 25(OH)D were 7.9 ± 1.6% and 37.1 ± 22.2 nmol/L. HbA1c was negatively correlated with serum 25(OH)D (rs = −0.314, P = 0.002), but positively correlated with body mass index (rs = 0.272, P = 0.006) and serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.006). There was a significant negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D and total daily dose of insulin prescribed (rs = −0.257, P = 0.042). Regression analyses showed that every 10‐nmol/L decline in serum 25(OH)D was associated with a 0.2% increase in HbA1c.

Conclusions

Lower serum 25(OH)D was associated with poorer glycemic control and higher insulin use among multi‐ethnic Asians with type 2 diabetes and stage 3–4 CKD.
The Demise of Mexican State Nationalism and the Rise of Purhépecha Ethnicity: Kurikahueri K'uinchikua and Purhéecherio
Authors: Roth‐Seneff Andrew
Published: May 2017

Un tema persistente en la antropología mexicana se ha enfocado en las posibilidades y consecuencias de transiciones nacionales mayores, especialmente dentro de paradigmas de modernización. En las vísperas de las transiciones ‘neoliberales’ mayores en México iniciadas en la década de 1990, tanto Adolfo Gilly como Arturo Warman hicieron hincapié en el potencial innovador de formas históricamente enraizadas de solidaridad rural mexicana para la organización de significantes cambios colectivos productivos desde abajo, libres de la dependencia impuesta desde arriba y asociada con el estado. Mediante un análisis conceptual y la etnografía, este artículo explora esta posibilidad en términos de cultura, identidad y partimonio subalternos, y en relación al ocaso del nacionalismo del estado mexicano y la emergencia de la etnicidad purhépecha en las últimas tres décadas.
Assessment of trophic ecomorphology in non‐alligatoroid crocodylians and its adaptive and taxonomic implications
Authors: Iijima Masaya
Published: May 2017

Although the establishment of trophic ecomorphology in living crocodylians can contribute to estimating feeding habits of extinct large aquatic reptiles, assessment of ecomorphological traits other than the snout shape has scarcely been conducted in crocodylians. Here, I tested the validity of the proposed trophic ecomorphological traits in crocodylians by examining the correlation between those traits and the snout shape (an established trophic ecomorphology), using 10 non‐alligatoroid crocodylian species with a wide range of snout shape. I then compared the ontogenetic scaling of trophic ecomorphology to discuss its adaptive and taxonomic significance. The results demonstrated that degree of heterodonty, tooth spacing, size of supratemporal fenestra (STF), ventral extension of pterygoid flange and length of lower jaw symphysis are significantly correlated with snout shape by both non‐phylogenetic and phylogenetic regression analyses.Gavialis gangeticusfalls outside of 95% prediction intervals for the relationships of some traits and the snout shape, suggesting that piscivorous specialization involves the deviation from the typical transformation axis of skull characters. The comparative snout shape ontogeny revealed a universal trend of snout widening through growth in the sampled crocodylians, implying the existence of a shared size‐dependent biomechanical constraint in non‐alligatoroid crocodylians. Growth patterns of other traits indicated thatG. gangeticusshows atypical trends for degree of heterodonty, size of STF, and symphysis length, whereas the same trends are shared for tooth spacing and ventral extension of pterygoid flange among non‐alligatoroid crocodylians. These suggest that some characters are ontogenetically labile in response to prey preference shifts through growth, but other characters are in keeping with the conserved biomechanics among non‐alligatoroid crocodylians. Some important taxonomic characters such as the occlusal pattern are likely correlated with ontogeny and trophic ecomorphology rather than are constrained by phylogenetic relationships, and careful reassessment of such characters might be necessary for better reconstructing the morphological phylogeny of crocodylians.
Observational study investigating tooth extraction and the shortened dental arch approach
Authors: Olley R. C. , Renton T. , Frost P. M.
Published: May 2017

The shortened dental arch (SDA) provides a cost‐effective dentition, considering the population is ageing and retaining teeth for longer. The aims were to observe the reasons and sites of tooth extraction and assess the functional dentition over 15 years in dental practice. Subjects were recruited who required permanent tooth extractions between 2000 and 2015. The reasons for extractions were chosen from twelve extraction codes. Data were also collected for demographics, tooth position, root treated teeth and functional pairs remaining. Patient‐centred factors on reasons for tooth extraction and comments on chewing ability and aesthetics following extractions were recorded. Nine hundred and fifty‐one teeth were extracted in 900 patients. The mean age was 60 years (SD 20, SE 7, 95% CI 46, 74). Reasons for extraction were periodontal disease (n = 361, 38%), periapical infection (n = 288, 34%) or tooth and tooth‐root fractures (15%). Extractions included 201 (21%) second molars, 179 (19%) first molars, 152 (16%) second premolars, 95 (10%) first incisors, 86 (9%) second incisors, 76 (8%) canines and 67 (7%) first premolars. Following extractions, median functional pairs were 12, interquartile range (IQR) 19–7. Individuals with ≥10 functional pairs including anterior teeth (60%, n = 571) had no complaints with chewing ability or aesthetics. They did not require additional prostheses. Periodontal disease and periapical infection were the main causes for the extraction. First and second molars followed by second premolars were the most commonly extracted teeth. This study supports the SDA in creating a cost effective, functional dentition in an aging population, provided remaining teeth and restorations are preserved/maintained, oral health is promoted, and anterior aesthetic tooth replacement is ensured.
Boreal bryophyte response to natural fire edge creation
Authors: Barbé Marion , Fenton Nicole J. , Bergeron Yves
Published: May 2017

Question

Changes in species richness and composition in plant communities as a result of edge creation are well documented in anthropogenically modified landscapes, but what happens after natural disturbance? We investigate the responses of boreal bryophytes to edge creation in a post‐wildfire residual forest patch system.

Location

Boreal black spruce–feather moss forest, western Québec, Canada.

Methods

Bryophyte community was sampled in 50‐m2 plots: 117 plots in 39 undisturbed forest cores (control) and 108 plots in 30 residual forest patches from wildfire, divided into 48 core plots, 30 north‐facing edge plots and 30 south‐facing edge plots. Temporal, severity, spatial and structural characteristics of the stands were also recorded to explain bryophyte community composition.

Results

Residual edges and cores were more species‐rich than undisturbed cores, particularly north‐facing edges, but community composition differed between undisturbed and residual cores. Indicator species of undisturbed cores and residual edges differed in their species traits. Spatial variables explained variations in composition, with a larger difference between core and edge communities in patches over 3 ha compared to smaller patches.

Conclusion

We observed community composition change in response to natural edge creation. While edge influence is reduced in large patches, the bryophyte community remains distinct from undisturbed cores. This community change is a ‘control’ in studies of boreal bryophyte response to anthropogenic edge creation, and suggests that we should consider the natural range of variability. Finally, this study emphasizes that forest remnants do not substitute for continuous and undisturbed forests.
Treatment of primary biliary cholangitis ursodeoxycholic acid non‐responders: A systematic review
Authors: Suraweera Duminda , Rahal Harman , Jimenez Melissa , Viramontes Matthew , Choi Gina , Saab Sammy
Published: May 2017

Background

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by an immune mediated destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been the primary medication for the treatment ofPBC, resulting in improved liver tests, resolution of symptoms and increased transplant free survival. However, not all patients respond toUDCA. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an evidence based assessment of the medications that have been studied in patients who are refractory toUDCA.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search onMEDLINEand the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews of the published literature. A total of 23 articles fulfilling our inclusion criteria were found.

Results

Several studies have shown an improvement in liver biochemistries with the use of obeticholic acid in conjunction withUDCA. Fibrates, including fenofibrate and bezafibrate, have evidence supporting benefit in this population but need more robust studies to confirm these observational results. Neither obeticholic acid nor fibrates have shown to increase transplant free survival. While there may be some benefit with methotrexate, colchicine, budesonide, mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine, these findings were not consistent and the benefits were marginal. Further investigation is needed.

Conclusion

In patients withPBCrefractory toUDCA, obeticholic acid or a fibrate is a reasonable choice as an adjunctive treatment toUDCA. Further investigation with randomized controlled trials is needed to provide high quality evidence to formulate standardized therapies in this difficult to treat population.
The studies of ParA and ParB dynamics reveal asymmetry of chromosome segregation in mycobacteria
Authors: Ginda Katarzyna , Santi Isabella , Bousbaine Djenet , Zakrzewska‐Czerwińska Jolanta , Jakimowicz Dagmara , McKinney John
Published: May 2017

Active segregation of bacterial chromosomes usually involves the action of ParB proteins, which bind in proximity of chromosomal origin (oriC) regions forming nucleoprotein complexes – segrosomes. Newly duplicated segrosomes are moved either uni‐ or bidirectionally by the action of ATPases – ParA proteins. In Mycobacterium smegmatis the oriC region is located in an off‐centred position and newly replicated segrosomes are segregated towards cell poles. The elimination of M. smegmatis ParA and/or ParB leads to chromosome segregation defects. Here, we took advantage of microfluidic time‐lapse fluorescent microscopy to address the question of ParA and ParB dynamics in M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis cells. Our results reveal that ParB complexes are segregated in an asymmetrical manner. The rapid movement of segrosomes is dependent on ParA that is transiently associated with the new pole. Remarkably in M. tuberculosis, the movement of the ParB complex is much slower than in M. smegmatis, but segregation as in M. smegmatis lasts approximately 10% of the cell cycle, which suggests a correlation between segregation dynamics and the growth rate. On the basis of our results, we propose a model for the asymmetric action of segregation machinery that reflects unequal division and growth of mycobacterial cells.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi and the enzymatic liberation of nitrogen from soil organic matter: why evolutionary history matters
Authors: Pellitier Peter T. , Zak Donald R.
Published: May 2017

Contents

Summary
68

I.
Introduction
68

II.
Have ECM fungi retained genes with lignocellulolytic potential from saprotrophic ancestors?
69

III.
Are genes with saprotrophic function expressed by ECM fungi when in symbiosis?
71

IV.
Do transcribed enzymes operate to obtain N from SOM?
71

V.
Is the organic N derived from SOM transferred to the plant host?
71

VI.
Concluding remarks
72

Acknowledgements
72

References
72

The view that ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi commonly participate in the enzymatic liberation of nitrogen (N) from soil organic matter (SOM) has recently been invoked as a key mechanism governing the biogeochemical cycles of forest ecosystems. Here, we provide evidence that not all evolutionary lineages of ECM have retained the genetic potential to produce extracellular enzymes that degrade SOM, calling into question the ubiquity of the proposed mechanism. Further, we discuss several untested conditions that must be empirically validated before it is certain that any lineage of ECM fungi actively expresses extracellular enzymes in order to degrade SOM and transfer N contained therein to its host plant.
Protracted growth impedes the detection of sexual dimorphism in non‐avian dinosaurs
Authors: Hone David W. E. , Mallon Jordan C.
Published: May 2017

Evidence for sexual dimorphism is extremely limited in the non‐avian dinosaurs despite their high diversity and disparity, and despite the fact that dimorphism is very common in vertebrate lineages of all kinds. Using body‐size data from both Alligator mississippiensis and Rhea americana, which phylogenetically bracket the dinosaurs, we demonstrate that even when there is strong dimorphism in a species, random sampling of populations of individuals characterized by sustained periods of growth (as in the alligator and most dinosaurs) can result in the loss of this signal. Dimorphism may be common in fossil taxa but very hard to detect without ontogenetic age control and large sample sizes, both of which are hampered by the limitations of the fossil record. Signal detection may be further hindered by Type III survivorship, whereby increased mortality among the young favours the likelihood that they will be sampled (unless predation or taphonomic bias against small size acts against this). These, and other considerations relating to behaviour and ecology, provide powerful reasons to suggest that sexual dimorphism in dinosaurs may be very difficult to detect in almost all currently available samples. Similar issues are likely also to be applicable to many fossil reptiles, or animals more generally.
The “Discourse” of International Law and Humanitarian Intervention
Authors: Gozzi Gustavo
Published: May 2017

This essay analyzes the doctrine of “humanitarian intervention” in the frame of international law in the second half of nineteenth century and identifies the ground of legitimation of this intervention in the violation of presumed universal laws of humanity. The analysis emphasizes the transformation of the paradigm of “humanitarian intervention” into the current doctrine of the “responsibility to protect,” which under the rubric of “responsibility” legitimizes limitations on a state's sovereignty in cases where the state fails to guarantee the protection of its own population. This reconstruction of the genealogy of “humanitarian intervention” illustrates the continual exceptions to the principle of nonintervention, which means that the Westphalian principle of sovereignty has always been violated. Both doctrines—humanitarian intervention and the responsibility to protect—can be considered “hegemonic techniques” that use so‐called universal concepts in order to legitimize unilateral power interests.
Identification of ageing biomarkers in human dermis biopsies by thermal analysis (DSC) combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR)
Authors: Tang R. , Samouillan V. , Dandurand J. , Lacabanne C. , Lacoste‐Ferre M‐H. , Bogdanowicz P. , Bianchi P. , Villaret A. , Nadal‐Wollbold F.
Published: May 2017

Background/purpose

The purpose of this clinical study was to identify suitable biomarkers for a better understanding of the molecular and organizational changes in human dermis during intrinsic and extrinsic ageing.

Methods

Sun‐exposed and non‐exposed skin biopsies were collected from twenty‐eight women devised in two groups (20‐30 and ≥60 years old). The hydric organization and thermal transitions were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the absorption bands of the dermis and to quantify the different absorbance ratio.

Results

The amounts of total, freezable and unfreezable water were determined. A significant increasing amount of freezable water is evidenced in sun‐exposed area skin of aged group compared with young group (P=.0126). Another significant effect of extrinsic ageing (P=.0489) is the drastic decrease of fibrillary collagen, the main protein component of dermis. The only significant effect of intrinsic ageing (P=.0184) is an increase of the heat‐stable fraction of collagens in dermis.

Conclusion

DSC and FTIR are well‐suited techniques to characterize human skin, giving accurate results with a high reproducibility. The combination of these techniques is useful for a better understanding of human skin modifications with intrinsic and extrinsic ageing.
Non‐invasive longitudinal monitoring of angiogenesis in a murine full‐thickness cutaneous wound healing model using high‐resolution three‐dimensional ultrasound imaging
Authors: Mukai K. , Zhu W. , Nakajima Y. , Kobayashi M. , Nakatani T.
Published: May 2017

Background/Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the longitudinal monitoring of angiogenesis in a murine full‐thickness cutaneous wound healing model using high‐resolution three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging.

Methods

Two C57BL/6 mice were used. Two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound images with the Color Doppler mode were acquired at regular spatial intervals on day 9, 11, and 14 after wounding. 3D ultrasound images were processed by reconstructing the 2D ultrasound image sequences. The wounds were harvested on day 14 and serial sections were immunohistologically stained with an anti‐CD31 antibody.

Results

3D ultrasound imaging with the Color Doppler mode showed the distribution of microvascular growth on days 9, 11, and 14 after wounding (44.6%, 51.5%, and 27.3% in wound 1, 55.8%, 38.1%, and 35.1% in wound 2, 60.6%, 62.6%, and 63.1% in wound 3, and 15.8%, 42.0%, and 31.9% in wound 4, respectively). A correlation was observed between % vascularity measured by paired 2D ultrasound imaging with the Color Doppler mode and sections immunohistologically stained for the anti‐CD31 antibody (r=0.927, 0.871, 0.717, and 0.913 for wounds 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. P<.01).

Conclusion

These results indicate that high‐resolution 3D ultrasound imaging is useful for longitudinally evaluating the distribution of microvascular growth over the course of healing.
The Blood Donation Ambivalence Survey: measuring conflicting attitudes about giving blood
Authors: Fox K. R. , Himawan L. K. , France C. R.
Published: May 2017

SUMMARY

Objectives

This study was designed to develop and conduct initial validation testing for a novel measure of ambivalence about donating blood.

Background

Previous studies of living organ, bone marrow and stem cell donors have identified donation‐related ambivalence as a predictor of decisions about donation and post‐donation outcomes. Ambivalence about blood donation has not received the same attention.

Methods

In Study 1, a sample of young adults (N = 396) were administered test items of ambivalence, and exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were performed to identify the Blood Donation Ambivalence Survey. In Study 2, a separate sample of young adults (N = 241) completed the Blood Donation Ambivalence Survey in addition to questionnaires assessing known predictors of blood donation.

Results

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a two‐factor structure reflecting commitment to donating blood and indecision about giving blood. The commitment subscale was positively related to known predictors of increased donation behaviour (e.g. donation intention, self‐efficacy), whereas the indecision subscale was positively related to known predictors of decreased donation behaviour (e.g. donation anxiety, negative affect). Furthermore, a history of blood donation was associated with greater commitment and less indecision.

Conclusions

The present findings provide strong initial support for the reliability and validity of a novel measure of blood donor ambivalence.
Adult‐onset, chronic, cyclic thrombocytopenia in a Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) after dengue virus vaccination and viral challenge
Authors: Frydman Galit H. , Metcalf Pate Kelly A. , Marini Robert P. , de Laforcade Armelle M. , Bosch Irene , Bakthavatchalu Vasudevan , Muthupalani Sureshkumar , Swennes Alton G. , Lyons Claire E. , Tompkins Ronald G. , Fox James G.
Published: May 2017

An 8‐year‐old, male Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), previously used for dengue virus (DENV) vaccine research with viral challenge, was presented with adult‐onset, chronic, cyclic thrombocytopenia. Platelet number, morphology, and function were evaluated by automated hematology, peripheral blood smears, electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and impedance aggregometry. Bone marrow was evaluated by cytology. Both serum anti‐dengue nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) antibodies and anti‐platelet antibodies were detected by ELISA. Platelet characterization showed a lack of aggregation to all agonists (ADP, ASP, and collagen), increased activation with increased expression of surface marker (HLA‐ABC), and an absence of surface receptor GPIX during clinical episodes of petechiae and ecchymoses, even in the presence of normal platelet counts. Bone marrow aspirates identified potential mild megakaryocytic hypoplasia. All platelet functions and morphologic attributes were within normal limits during clinically normal phases. Presence of anti‐dengue NS1 serum antibodies confirmed a positive DENV titer 8 years postvaccination. Based on the history and clinical findings, a primary differential diagnosis for this chronic, cyclic platelet pathology was autoimmune platelet destruction with potential bone marrow involvement.
Operator‐based variability of equine thromboelastography
Authors: Thane Kristen , Bedenice Daniela , Pacheco Ana
Published: May 2017

Objective

To determine the extent of intraoperator (between duplicate samples) and interoperator (between different operators) variability in equine thromboelastography (TEG).

Design

Kaolin‐activated TEG was performed in duplicate by operator‐pair A/B or A/C (2 groups of 10 horses) using discrete setups, within 30–45 minutes of vacuum‐assisted blood collection. Recorded TEG variables included clot initiation time (R), clot formation time (K), rate of clot formation (α), clot strength (MA), and viscoelastic/shear strength (G). Operators independently determined the clinical coagulation status for each sample. Intra‐ and interoperator variabilities were reported as coefficients of variation (CV), using descriptive statistics and paired samples t‐test or Wilcoxon matched pair signed‐rank test (P < 0.05 considered significant).

Animals

Twenty hospitalized adult horses with no clinical evidence of systemic inflammation.

Measurements and Main Results

Mean intraoperator CVs ranged from 2.6 to 14% (operator A), 2.8 to 13% (operator B) and 1.2 to 18% (operator C). Both intra‐ and interoperator variabilities were lowest for MA (1.2–3.2%) and G (2.9–7.3%), and highest for K (13–23%). Mean CVs for all TEG parameters were lower when comparing intra‐ to interoperator variation. Seventy percent of horses had at least 1 TEG variable (out of 4 replicates) outside the established reference intervals. Assessment of coagulation status was conserved between operators in 9/10 and 8/10 horses for A/B and A/C, respectively, with comparable agreement between operator A/B (к = 0.73) and A/C (к = 0.74).

Conclusions

TEG measurements of MA and G are more reproducible than assessment of K, within samples and between operators. The highest test variability was thus observed within the early phase of clot formation.
A prospective observational study on effects of fever on red cell transfusion outcome
Authors: Wendelbo Ø. , Netland Opheim E. , Felli Lunde T. H. , Bruserud Ø. , Hervig T. , Reikvam H.
Published: May 2017

The effects of fever on red cell transfusions are not well documented. In this pilot study, we have compared the outcome of red‐blood‐cell transfusions in haematologic patients with and without fever. The results indicate that haemoglobin increment per unit is significantly lower in febrile patients receiving red cell transfusions than in patients without fever. These findings are in line with earlier findings in preclinical studies. Larger studies are necessary to confirm our results, and laboratory studies should be conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Potential Heat Transfer Fluids (Nanofluids) for Direct Volumetric Absorption-Based Solar Thermal Systems
Authors: Khullar Vikrant , Bhalla Vishal , Tyagi Himanshu
Published: May 2017

Nanoparticle dispersions or more popularly “nanofluids” have been extensively researched for their candidature as working fluid in direct-volumetric-absorption solar thermal systems. Flexibility in carving out desired thermophysical and optical properties has lend the nanofluids to be engineered for solar thermal and photovoltaic applications. The key feature which delineates nanofluid-based direct absorption volumetric systems from their surface absorption counterparts is that here the working fluid actively (directly) interacts with the solar irradiation and hence enhances the overall heat transfer of the system. In this work, a host of nanoparticle materials have been evaluated for their solar-weighted absorptivity and heat transfer enhancements relative to the basefluid. It has been found that solar-weighted absorptivity is the key feature that makes nanoparticle dispersions suitable for solar thermal applications (maximum enhancement being for the case of amorphous carbon nanoparticles). Subsequently, thermal conductivity measurements reveal that enhancements on the order of 1–5% could only be achieved through addition of nanoparticles into the basefluid. Furthermore, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and optical measurements (carried out for as prepared, 5 h old and 24 h old samples) reveal that nanoclustering and hence soft agglomeration does happen but it does not have significant impact on optical properties of the nanoparticles. Finally, as a proof-of-concept experiment, a parabolic trough collector employing the amorphous carbon-based nanofluid and distilled water has been tested under the sun. These experiments have been carried out at no flow condition so that appreciable temperatures could be reached in less time. It was found that for the same exposure time, increase in the temperature of amorphous carbon based nanofluid is approximately three times higher as compared to that in the case of distilled water.
Enhanced Thermal Conductivity for Graphene Nanoplatelets/Epoxy Resin Composites
Authors: Zhu Dahai , Qi Yu , Yu Wei , Chen Lifei , Wang Mingzhu , Xie Huaqing
Published: May 2017

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have excellent thermal conductivity. It can significantly improve the heat-conducting property of epoxy resin (EP) matrix. In this paper, the GNPs/EP composites were successfully prepared by using ultrasonication and the cast molding method. The prepared GNPs/EP composites were systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal conductivity analyzer. Some factors affecting the thermal transfer performance of the composites were discussed. The defoamation has great influence on the thermal conductivity of composite. There is a nearly linear relationship between the mass fraction and the thermal conductivity of composite when the mass fraction of GNPs is below 4.3%. The results show that when the mass fraction of GNPs is 4.3% with crushing time of 2 s, the thermal conductivity of GNPs/EP composite is up to 0.99 W/m K. The thermal conductivity is increased by 9.0% compared with that without pulverization treatment (0.91 W/m K). When it is ground three times, the thermal conductivity of composite reaches the maximum (1.06 W/m K) and it is increased by 307.7% compared with that of epoxy resin matrix.
Orientation and conformation of osteocalcin adsorbed onto calcium phosphate and silica surfaces
Authors: Scudeller Luisa A. , Srinivasan Selvi , Rossi Alexandre M. , Stayton Patrick S. , Drobny Gary P. , Castner David G.
Published: May 2017

Adsorption isotherms, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) were used to investigate the adsorption of human osteocalcin (hOC) and decarboxylated (i.e., Gla converted back to Glu) hOC (dhOC) onto various calcium phosphate surfaces as well as silica surfaces. The adsorption isotherms and XPS nitrogen signals were used to track the amount of adsorbed hOC and dhOC. The intensities of key ToF-SIMS amino acid fragments were used to assess changes in the structure of adsorbed hOC and dhOC. CD spectra were used to investigate the secondary structure of OC. The largest differences were observed when the proteins were adsorbed onto silica versus calcium phosphate surfaces. Similar amounts (3–4 at. % N) of hOC and dhOC were adsorbed onto the silica surface. Higher amounts of hOC and dhOC were adsorbed on all the calcium phosphate surfaces. The ToF-SIMS data showed that the intensity of the Cys amino acid fragment, normalized to intensity of all amino acid fragments, was significantly higher (∼×10) when the proteins were adsorbed onto silica. Since in the native OC structure the cysteines are located in the center of three α-helices, this indicates both hOC and dhOC are more denatured on the silica surface. As hOC and dhOC denature upon adsorption to the silica surface, the cysteines become more exposed and are more readily detected by ToF-SIMS. No significant differences were detected between hOC and dhOC adsorbed onto the silica surface, but small differences were observed between hOC and dhOC adsorbed onto the calcium phosphate surfaces. In the OC structure, the α-3 helix is located above the α-1 and α-2 helices. Small differences in the ToF-SIMS intensities from amino acid fragments characteristic of each helical unit (Asn for α-1; His for α-2; and Phe for α-3) suggests either slight changes in the orientation or a slight uncovering of the α-1 and α-2 for adsorbed dhOC. XPS showed that similar amounts of hOC and dhOC were absorbed onto hydroxyapaptite and octacalcium phosphate surfaces, but ToF-SIMS detected some small differences in the amino acid fragment intensities on these surfaces for adsorbed hOC and dhOC.
Dicarboxylic acids analysed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Part V - heptanedioic acid anhydrous
Authors: Ferreira Jose M. , Trindade Gustavo F. , Watts John F. , Baker Mark A.
Published: May 2017

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) was carried out to analyse a commercially available heptanedioic acidpowder.XPSspectra were obtained using incident monochromatic Al Kα radiation at 1486.6 eV. Snapshots and scans of C 1s and O 1s core level spectra are presented. The presence of characteristiccarbon and oxygen photoelectrons allows the use these results as a reference for dicarboxylic acids.
Perpetuating the myth of the return of native forests
Authors: Van Holt Tracy , Putz Francis Edward
Published: May 2017

Still missing the forest: Optimistic claims of forest recovery based on research that lumps tree plantations with native forests are misleading.