bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pervasive early 21st‐century vegetation changes across Danish semi‐natural ecosystems: more losers than winners and a shift towards competitive, tall‐growing species
Authors: Timmermann Allan , Damgaard Christian , Strandberg Morten T. , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: November 2014

Semi‐natural open habitats in north‐western Europe are highly prioritized for conservation, and optimization of management planning is essential for continued protection of their diversity. We evaluate whether current management practices, which consist mainly of summer grazing by livestock, are sufficient to maintain plant species composition in a stable state across semi‐natural areas in Denmark, or if shifts in functional composition are taking place. Further, we investigate important drivers of any ongoing changes through trait differences between winner and loser species.

Using a data set of 6513 annually inventoried (2004–2010) vegetation plots from 202 semi‐natural NATURA 2000 protected areas, we assessed changes in cover of all plant species and, using boosted regression trees, whether winners and losers differ in regard to autecological characteristics and traits.

There were consistent changes in cover for 123 out of 603 species across the 6‐year study period, with more species losing than winning (78 vs. 45). Winner and loser species were strongly differentiated by competition‐related traits, but traits related to soil nutrients and soil moisture also had some importance. Generally, our results indicate a trend towards taller and more competitive species.

Synthesis and applications. Despite conservation actions in order to maintain a so‐called favourable conservation status, vegetation in NATURA 2000 protected areas is still undergoing compositional changes. Overall, autecological characteristics and trait differences between winners and losers match expectations given the contemporary anthropogenic pressures, especially reduced livestock grazing. Atmospheric nitrogen deposition and increased soil moisture due to reduced drainage might also be involved in observed changes. Current management (i.e. summer grazing by livestock) is insufficient to preserve the diversity of less‐competitive, low‐statured and stress‐tolerant herbaceous species, potentially leading to species losses. Such patterns can thus be expected across semi‐natural ecosystems in north‐western Europe and other places where traditional land use (i.e. previous widespread extensive livestock grazing) have been replaced with various degrees of conservation management. A greater focus on returning large grazing herbivores to conservation areas is recommended for the protection of plant species diversity and to counteract ongoing changes.
Short Selling Pressure, Stock Price Behavior, and Management Forecast Precision: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: LI YINGHUA , ZHANG LIANDONG
Published: November 2014

Using a natural experiment (Regulation SHO), we show that short selling pressure and consequent stock price behavior have a causal effect on managers’ voluntary disclosure choices. Specifically, we find that managers respond to a positive exogenous shock to short selling pressure and price sensitivity to bad news by reducing the precision of bad news forecasts. This finding on management forecasts appears to be generalizable to other corporate disclosures. In particular, we find that, in response to increased short selling pressure, managers also reduce the readability (or increase the fuzziness) of bad news annual reports. Overall, our results suggest that maintaining the current level of stock prices is an important consideration in managers’ strategic disclosure decisions.
Making Change: Can Ethnographic Research about Women Makers Change the Future of Computing?
Authors: FAULKNER SUSAN , MCCLARD ANNE
Published: November 2014

Two ethnographers from different parts of the same technology company set out to explore the role of women and girls in the worldwide maker movement. We wanted to know who is currently participating in the maker phenomenon, how they became makers, what motivates them to continue making, what kinds of things they make, and what their hopes are for the future. Most importantly, we investigated why women are underrepresented in the realm of tech making with the explicit goal of being change agents and triggers of transformation both within our company and in the broader technology landscape.
You'll Never Ride Alone: The Role of Social Media in Supporting the Bus Passenger Experience
Authors: GAULT PAUL , CORSAR DAVID , EDWARDS PETER , NELSON JOHN D , COTTRILL CAITLIN
Published: November 2014

The paper discusses a study of social media usage within the context of a public transport operator. This involved fieldwork within three subsidiary companies of FirstGroup alongside a content analysis of the individual Twitter feeds they operate and the conversations they generate through them to engage with passengers. A refiguring of the notion of social is taking place within these companies through their emergent strategies for utilizing social media. The findings showed how the companies address this by pursuing a persistent conversation with customers, facilitating the provision of real‐time information and carefully managing their Twitter identity.
Anticipatory Ethnography: Design Fiction as an Input to Design Ethnography
Authors: LINDLEY JOSEPH , SHARMA DHRUV , POTTS ROBERT
Published: November 2014

Here we consider design ethnography, and design fiction. We cast these two approaches, and the design endeavor itself, as forward‐looking processes. Exploring the means by which design ethnography and design fiction derive their value reveals the potential for a mutually beneficial symbiosis. Our thesis argues that design ethnography can provide design fiction with the methods required to operationalize the practice in industry contexts. Meanwhile design fiction can provide design ethnographers a novel way of extending the temporal scope of the practice, thus deriving actionable insights that are applicable further into the future.
Genitalia‐associated microbes in insects
Authors: Otti Oliver
Published: November 2014

In sexual reproduction different types of symbiotic relationships between insects and microbes have become established. For example, some bacteria have evolved almost exclusive vertical transmission and even define the compatibility of insect mating partners. Many strictly sexually transmitted diseases have also been described in insects. Apart from such rather specific relationships the role of opportunistic infections in the reproductive process has been widely neglected. Opportunistic microbes transmitted passively during mating might impose an energetic cost, as the immune system will need to be alert and will use resources to fight potential intruders. Through mating wounds and contaminated reproductive organs opportunistic microbes might be transferred to mating partners and even enter the body cavity. Females as the “receiving” sex are particularly likely to have evolved adaptations to avoid or reduce opportunistic infections. Males of several species show highly complex seminal fluids, which as well as containing components that influence a males’ fertilization success, also possess antimicrobial substances. The role of antimicrobials in the reproductive process is not well understood. Some evidence hints at the protection of sperm against microbes, indicating a role for natural selection in shaping the evolution of reproductive traits. By highlighting the potential importance of microbes in sexual selection and their role in reproduction in general I will make a case for studies in sexual selection, especially the ones investigating postcopulatory processes, that should incorporate environmental, as well as genotypic variation, in reproductive traits.
Intercrop movement of convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), between adjacent cotton and alfalfa
Authors: Bastola Anup , Parajulee Megha N. , Porter R. Patrick , Shrestha Ram B. , Chen Fa‐Jun , Carroll Stanley C.
Published: November 2014

A 2‐year study was conducted to characterize the intercrop movement of convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guerin‐Meneville (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) between adjacent cotton and alfalfa. A dual protein‐marking method was used to assess the intercrop movement of the lady beetles in each crop. In turns field collected lady beetles in each crop were assayed by protein specific ELISA to quantify the movement of beetles between the crops. Results indicated that a high percentage of convergent lady beetles caught in cotton (46% in 2008; 56% in 2009) and alfalfa (46% in 2008; 71% in 2009) contained a protein mark, thus indicating that convergent lady beetle movement was largely bidirectional between the adjacent crops. Although at a much lower proportion, lady beetles also showed unidirectional movement from cotton to alfalfa (5% in 2008 and 6% in 2009) and from alfalfa to cotton (9% in 2008 and 14% in 2009). The season‐long bidirectional movement exhibited by the beetles was significantly higher in alfalfa than cotton during both years of the study. The total influx of lady beetles (bidirectional and unidirectional combined) was significantly higher in alfalfa compared with that in cotton for both years. While convergent lady beetles moved between adjacent cotton and alfalfa, they were more attracted to alfalfa when cotton was not flowering and/or when alfalfa offered more opportunities for prey. This study offers much needed information on intercrop movement of the convergent lady beetle that should facilitate integrated pest management decisions in cotton utilizing conservation biological control.
Drosophila melanogaster brain invasion: pathogenic Wolbachia in central nervous system of the fly
Authors: Strunov Anton , Kiseleva Elena
Published: November 2014

The pathogenic Wolbachia strain wMelPop rapidly over‐replicates in the brain, muscles, and retina of Drosophila melanogaster, causing severe tissue degeneration and premature death of the host. The unique features of this endosymbiont make it an excellent tool to be used for biological control of insects, pests, and vectors of human diseases. To follow the dynamics of bacterial morphology and titer in the nerve cells we used transmission electron microscopy of 3‐d‐old female brains. The neurons and glial cells from central brain of the fly had different Wolbachia titers ranging from single bacteria to large accumulations, tearing cell apart and invading extracellular space. The neuropile regions of the brain were free of wMelPop. Wolbachia tightly interacted with host cell organelles and underwent several morphological changes in nerve cells. Based on different morphological types of bacteria described we propose for the first time a scheme of wMelPop dynamics within the somatic tissue of the host.
Where have all the tadpoles gone? Individual genetic tracking of amphibian larvae until adulthood
Authors: Ringler Eva , Mangione Rosanna , Ringler Max
Published: November 2014

Reliably marking larvae and reidentifying them after metamorphosis is a challenge that has hampered studies on recruitment, dispersal, migration and survivorship of amphibians for a long time, as conventional tags are not reliably retained through metamorphosis. Molecular methods allow unique genetic fingerprints to be established for individuals. Although microsatellite markers have successfully been applied in mark–recapture studies on several animal species, they have never been previously used in amphibians to follow individuals across different life cycle stages. Here, we evaluate microsatellites for genetic across‐stages mark–recapture studies in amphibians and test the suitability of available software packages for genotype matching. We sampled tadpoles of the dendrobatid frog Allobates femoralis, which we introduced on a river island in the Nature Reserve ‘Les Nouragues’ in French Guiana. In two subsequent recapture sessions, we searched for surviving juveniles and adults, respectively. All individuals were genotyped at 14 highly variable microsatellite loci, which yielded unique genetic fingerprints for all individuals. We found large differences in the identification success of the programs tested. The pairwise‐relatedness‐based approach, conducted with the programs kingroup or ML‐Relate, performed best with our data set. Matching ventral patterns of juveniles and adult individuals acted as a control for the reliability of the genetic identification. Our results demonstrate that microsatellite markers are a highly powerful tool for studying amphibian populations on an individual basis. The ability to individually track amphibian tadpoles throughout metamorphosis until adulthood will be of substantial value for future studies on amphibian population ecology and evolution.
Operative efficiency and accuracy of patient‐specific cutting guides in total knee replacement
Authors: Nankivell Mark , West Graeme , Pourgiezis Nicholas
Published: November 2014

Background

Total knee replacement (TKR) outcomes depend on accurate positioning of implants and restoration of the mechanical axis of the knee. Compared with standard techniques, patient‐specific cutting guides are postulated to improve accuracy of bone resections, and therefore implant placement. Furthermore, patient‐specific cutting guides are postulated to reduce operative time and increase efficiency by reducing the number of trays used.

Methods

This study evaluates these claims using the Visionaire (Smith & Nephew, Inc., Memphis, TN, USA) patient‐specific system. The thickness of actual bone resections was compared with the predicted thickness (giving a resection ‘error’). Data were also obtained on the number of trays used, skin‐to‐skin operating time and tourniquet time.

Results

Forty‐one TKRs were performed on 33 females (one bilateral) and seven males. Average resection errors were 0.22 mm medially and 0.05 mm laterally for the distal femur, 0.99 mm medially and 0.74 mm laterally for posterior femoral condyles, and 0.55 mm medially and 0.71 mm laterally for the proximal tibia. There were no significant differences in tourniquet time, skin‐to‐skin time or the number of trays used between the patient‐specific and historical comparison groups.

Conclusion

Patient‐specific cutting guides make accurate resections. Operative and tourniquet times and the number of trays used were no different to standard TKRs. Further investigation is needed to determine whether patient‐specific cutting guides improve post‐operative alignment and patient satisfaction.
The Role of Rac1 on Carbachol‐induced Contractile Activity in Detrusor Smooth Muscle from Streptozotocin‐induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Evcim Atiye Sinem , Micili Serap Cilaker , Karaman Meral , Erbil Guven , Guneli Ensari , Gidener Sedef , Gumustekin Mukaddes
Published: November 2014

This study was designed to determine the role of the small GTPase Rac1 on carbachol‐induced contractile activity in detrusor smooth muscle using small inhibitor NSC 23766 in diabetic rats. Rac1 expression in bladder tissue was also evaluated. In the streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rat model, three study groups were composed of control, diabetic and insulin‐treated diabetic subjects. The detrusor muscle strips were suspended in organ baths at the end of 8–12 weeks after STZ injection. Carbachol (CCh) (10−9–10−4 M) concentration–response curves were obtained both in the absence and in the presence of Rac1 inhibitor NSC 23766 (0.1, 1 and 10 μM). Diabetes‐related histopathological changes and Rac1 expressions were assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. CCh caused dose‐dependent contractile responses in all the study groups. Rac1 inhibitor NSC 23766 inhibited CCh‐induced contractile responses in all groups, but this inhibition seen in both diabetes groups was greater than in the control group. Histological examination revealed an increased bladder wall thickness both in the diabetes and in the insulin‐treated diabetes groups compared to the control group. In immunohistochemical staining, expression of Rac1 was observed to be increased in all layers of bladder in both diabetic groups compared to the control group. In the diabetic bladders, increased expression of Rac1 and considerable inhibition of CCh‐induced responses in the presence of NSC 23766 compared to those of the control group may indicate a specific role of Rac1 in diabetes‐related bladder dysfunction, especially associated with cholinergic mediated detrusor overactivity.
Worldwide Distribution of Four SNPs in X‐Ray and Repair and Cross‐Complementing Group 1 (XRCC1)
Authors: Takeshita Haruo , Fujihara Junko , Yasuda Toshihiro , Kimura‐Kataoka Kaori
Published: November 2014

Purpose

X‐ray repair cross‐complementing group 1 (XRCC1) repairs single‐strand breaks in DNA. Several reports have shown the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (Arg194Trp, Pro206Pro, Arg280His, Arg399Gln) in XRCC1 to diseases. Limited population data are available regarding SNPs in XRCC1, especially in African populations. In this study, genotype distributions of four SNPs in worldwide populations were examined and compared with those reported previously.

Materials and Methods

Four SNPs (Arg194Trp, Pro206Pro, Arg280His, Arg399Gln) in XRCC1 from genomic DNA samples of 10 populations were evaluated by using polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results

The frequency of the minor allele corresponding to the Trp allele of XRCC1Arg194Trp was higher in Asian populations than in African and Caucasian populations. As for XRCC1Pro206Pro, Africans showed higher minor allele frequencies than did Asian populations, except for Tamils and Sinhalese. XRCC1 Arg280His frequencies were similar among Africans and Caucasians but differed among Asian populations. Similarly, lower mutant XRCC1 Arg399Gln frequencies were observed in Africans.

Conclusions

This study is the first to show the existence of a certain genetic heterogeneity in the worldwide distribution of four SNPs in XRCC1.
Validity and reproducibility of measures of oropharyngeal dysphagia in preschool children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Benfer Katherine A , Weir Kelly A , Bell Kristie L , Ware Robert S , Davies Peter SW , Boyd Roslyn N
Published: November 2014

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine the best measure to discriminate between those with oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) and those without OPD, among young children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

We carried out a cross‐sectional population‐based study involving 130 children with CP aged between 18 months and 36 months (mean 27.4mo; 81 males, 49 females) classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification Scale (GMFCS) as level I (n=57), II (n=15), III (n=23), IV (n=12), or V (n=23). Forty children with CP (mean 28.5mo; 21 males,19 females, eight for each GMFCS level) were included in the reproducibility sub‐study, and 40 children with typical development (mean 26.2mo; 18 males, 22 females) were included in the validity sub‐study. OPD was assessed using the Dysphagia Disorders Survey (DDS), Pre‐Speech Assessment Scale (PSAS), and Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment (SOMA). We analysed reproducibility using inter‐ and intrarater agreement (percentage) and reliability (kappa values and intraclass correlation coefficients). Construct validity was assessed as concordance between measures (SOMA, DDS, and PSAS). In the absence of a criterion standard measure for OPD, prevalence was estimated using latent class variable analysis. Data from the children with typical development were used to propose modified OPD cut‐points for discriminative validity.

Results

All measures had strong agreement (>85%) for inter‐ and intrarater reliability. The SOMA had the best specificity (100.0%), but lacked sensitivity (53.0%), whereas the DDS and PSAS had high sensitivity (each 100.0%) but lacked specificity (47.1% and 70.6% respectively). OPD prevalence when calculated using the web‐based estimation was 65.4%, which was similar to the estimate from the modified cut‐points.

Interpretation

Using the sample of children with typical development and modified cut‐points, OPD prevalence was lower than estimates with standard scoring. We propose using these modified cut‐points when administering the DDS, PSAS or SOMA in young children with CP.
Standardized assessment of seizures in patients with juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Augustine Erika F , Adams Heather R , Beck Christopher A , Vierhile Amy , Kwon Jennifer , Rothberg Paul G , Marshall Frederick , Block Robert , Dolan James , Mink Jonathan W ,   the Batten Study Group
Published: November 2014

Aim

To evaluate seizure phenomenology, treatment, and course in individuals with juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL).

Method

Data from an ongoing natural history study of JNCL were analyzed using cross‐sectional and longitudinal methods. Seizures were evaluated with the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale, a disease‐specific quantitative assessment tool.

Results

Eighty‐six children (44 males, 42 females) with JNCL were assessed at an average of three annual visits (range 1–11). Eighty‐six percent (n=74) experienced at least one seizure, most commonly generalized tonic–clonic, with mean age at onset of 9 years 7 months (SD 2y 10mo). Seizures were infrequent, typically occurring less often than once every 3 months, and were managed with one to two medications for most participants. Valproate (49%, n=36) and levetiracetam (41%, n=30) were the most commonly used seizure medications. Myoclonic seizures occurred infrequently (16%, n=14). Seizure severity did not vary by sex or genotype. Seizures showed mild worsening with increasing age.

Interpretation

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) represent a group of disorders unified by neurodegeneration and symptoms of blindness, seizures, motor impairment, and dementia. While NCLs are considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive myoclonus epilepsy, we show that myoclonic seizures are infrequent in JNCL. This highlights the NCLs as consisting of genetically distinct disorders with differing natural history.
Efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin monotherapy in people with Type 2 diabetes: a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled 102‐week trial
Authors: Bailey C. J. , Morales Villegas E. C. , Woo V. , Tang W. , Ptaszynska A. , List J. F.
Published: November 2014

Aims

To assess initial pharmacotherapy of Type 2 diabetes with the sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor dapagliflozin.

Methods

This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, randomly allocated people with Type 2 diabetes aged 18–77 years and inadequate glycaemic control on diet and exercise [HbA1c 53–86 mmol/mol (7.0–10.0%)] to receive placebo (n = 75) or dapagliflozin monotherapy 2.5 mg (n = 65), 5 mg (n = 64) or 10 mg (n = 70) once daily in the morning. After 24 weeks, low‐dose double‐blind metformin 500 mg/day was added to the placebo group regimen (placebo+low‐dose metformin group). Changes in HbA1c level, fasting plasma glucose and body weight, as well as adverse events, were assessed over 102 weeks.

Results

Of the 274 participants randomized, 167 completed the study (60.9%). At 102 weeks, significant differences vs placebo+low‐dose metformin with dapagliflozin 5 and 10 mg were observed for HbA1c (−5.8 mmol/mol [−0.53%], P = 0.018; and −4.8 mmol/mol [−0.44%], P = 0.048), respectively); and for FPG (−0.69 mmol/L, P = 0.044; and −1.12 mmol/l, P = 0.001, respectively). For body weight, the difference between the dapagliflozin 10‐mg group and the placebo+low‐dose metformin group was significant (−2.60 kg; P = 0.016). Hypoglycaemic events were uncommon, with rates of 5.3% for placebo+low‐dose metformin group and 0–4.6% for the dapagliflozin groups. Genital infections and urinary tract infections were more common in the dapagliflozin groups than in the placebo+low‐dose metformin group.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin as monotherapy in treatment‐naïve people with early Type 2 diabetes improved glycaemic control and reduced weight without increasing hypoglycaemia over 102 weeks. Dapagliflozin may provide an alternative initial pharmacotherapy in such people.
Does exposure to hyperglycaemia in utero increase the risk of obesity and diabetes in the offspring? A critical reappraisal
Authors: Donovan L. E. , Cundy T.
Published: November 2014

Background

The idea that exposure to hyperglycaemia in utero is an important factor in the development of obesity and diabetes in the offspring has become entrenched as popular belief.

Aim

To appraise the literature supporting this hypothesis in the light of recent studies that have clarified the main drivers of obesity in children and adolescents.

Methods

A review of published evidence from animal studies, human observational studies, systematic reviews and experimental trials that address the impact of diabetes (Types 1 and 2, genetic or gestational) on the future risk of obesity and/or glucose intolerance in the offspring.

Results

Some animal studies support a relationship between exposure to hyperglycaemia in utero and future development of obesity and diabetes, but the results are inconsistent. Most of the human studies claiming to show a relationship have not taken into account important known confounders, such as maternal and paternal BMI. Evidence supporting a dose–response relationship between maternal hyperglycaemia exposure and obesity and diabetes in the offspring is weak, and there is no convincing evidence that treating gestational diabetes reduces the later risk of offspring obesity or glucose intolerance.

Conclusions

Exposure to hyperglycaemia in utero has minimal direct effect on the later risk of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The increased risk of obesity in the offspring of women with Type 2 or gestational diabetes can be explained by confounding factors, such as parental obesity.
LOCUS OF CONTROL AND JOB TURNOVER
Authors: Ahn Taehyun
Published: November 2014

In this article, I investigate how a worker's locus of control, that is, the perception of control over daily events, affects job‐to‐job and job‐to‐nonemployment turnover. I find that an increase in internality—the degree to which respondents believe that the outcomes of their life events are determined by their own actions versus external factors—increases job‐to‐job transitions. In addition, the annual wage growth rate and the wage gains from job‐to‐job transitions increase with internality. The influence of the locus of control on job‐to‐nonemployment turnover, however, is insignificant on controlling for the worker's level of attained education. (JEL D83, J63)
Age‐related changes in neural gap detection thresholds in the rat auditory cortex
Authors: Zhao Yin , Xu Xiaoxiao , He Juan , Xu Jinghong , Zhang Jiping
Published: November 2014

The ability of the auditory system to resolve sound temporal information is crucial for the understanding of human speech and other species‐specific communications. Gap detection threshold, i.e. the ability to detect the shortest duration of a silent interval in a sound, is commonly used to study the auditory temporal resolution. Behavioral studies in humans and rats have shown that normal developing infants have higher gap detection thresholds than adults; however, the underlying neural mechanism is not fully understood. In the present study, we determined and compared the neural gap detection thresholds in the primary auditory cortex of three age groups of rats: the juvenile group (postnatal day 20–30), adult group I (8–10 weeks), and adult group II (28–30 weeks). We found age‐related changes in auditory temporal acuity in the auditory cortex, i.e. the proportion of cortical units with short neural gap detection thresholds (< 5 ms) was much lower in juvenile groups compared with that in both adult groups at a constant sound level, and no significant differences in neural gap detection thresholds were found between the two adult groups. In addition, units in the auditory cortex of each group generally showed better gap detection thresholds at higher sound levels than at lower sound levels, exhibiting a level‐dependent temporal acuity. These results provided evidence for neural correlates of age‐related changes in behavioral gap detection ability during postnatal hearing development.
Gaseous emissions from management of solid waste: a systematic review
Authors: Pardo Guillermo , Moral Raúl , Aguilera Eduardo , del Prado Agustín
Published: November 2014

The establishment of sustainable soil waste management practices implies minimizing their environmental losses associated with climate change (greenhouse gases: GHGs) and ecosystems acidification (ammonia: NH3). Although a number of management strategies for solid waste management have been investigated to quantify nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) losses in relation to varied environmental and operational conditions, their overall effect is still uncertain. In this context, we have analyzed the current scientific information through a systematic review. We quantified the response of GHG emissions, NH3 emissions, and total N losses to different solid waste management strategies (conventional solid storage, turned composting, forced aerated composting, covering, compaction, addition/substitution of bulking agents and the use of additives). Our study is based on a meta‐analysis of 50 research articles involving 304 observations. Our results indicated that improving the structure of the pile (waste or manure heap) via addition or substitution of certain bulking agents significantly reduced nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) emissions by 53% and 71%, respectively. Turned composting systems, unlike forced aerated composted systems, showed potential for reducing GHGs (N2O: 50% and CH4: 71%). Bulking agents and both composting systems involved a certain degree of pollution swapping as they significantly promoted NH3 emissions by 35%, 54%, and 121% for bulking agents, turned and forced aerated composting, respectively. Strategies based on the restriction of O2 supply, such as covering or compaction, did not show significant effects on reducing GHGs but substantially decreased NH3 emissions by 61% and 54% for covering and compaction, respectively. The use of specific additives significantly reduced NH3 losses by 69%. Our meta‐analysis suggested that there is enough evidence to refine future Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methodologies from solid waste, especially for solid waste composting practices. More holistic and integrated approaches are therefore required to develop more sustainable solid waste management systems.
Fracturesis Jointitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Groundwater Communities
Authors: Manda Alex K. , Horsman Eric
Published: November 2014

Fracturesis Jointitis is a grammatical disorder characterized by failure or inability to understand the difference between overarching and specific terms of brittle deformation features. The disorder leads to the use of the word “fracture” as a specific type of discontinuity rather than as an overarching term for mechanical breaks in rocks. This condition appears to be prevalent among groundwater practitioners working with fractured rocks. Common signs and symptoms of Fracturesis Jointitis include the use of terms such as “joints and fractures” and “joints, faults and fractures” when describing fractures in rocks. At best, such terms imply that a “fracture” is one of many kinds of features like joints and faults, and at worst that joints and faults are not fractures but something else. Using proper terms to identify specific fracture types is critical because fractures may act as either barriers to groundwater flow (e.g., faults or deformation bands) or conduits for flow (e.g., faults and joints), The treatment for Fracturesis Jointitis involves an education campaign highlighting to the groundwater community the different fracture types that exist, the modes by which fractures propagate and the role that these fractures play in facilitating or hindering groundwater flow. Those afflicted by Fracturesis Jointitis can be cured of the condition by avoiding the word “fractures” in phrases such as “joints and fractures” or by adding descriptive words before the word “fractures” to specify fracture types (e.g., “foliation‐parallel” fractures). Only with a concerted education campaign can we rid our community of Fracturesis Jointitis.
A case–control study assessing bone mineral density in severe haemophilia A in the UK
Authors: Wells A. J. , McLaughlin P. , Simmonds J.V. , Prouse P. J. , Prelevic G. , Gill S. , Chowdary P.
Published: November 2014

It has been shown that bone mineral density (BMD) may be lower in patients with haemophilia (PWH). A comparison to control subjects is required to thoroughly assess current BMD in PWH in the UK. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that BMD is lower in PWH than in controls, and in patients with more severely affected joints or lower activity levels. In this case–control study, 37 patients with severe haemophilia A were recruited from two haemophilia centres in the UK. A group of 37 age, gender and ethnicity‐matched control participants were recruited. All participants had a bone density scan, a musculoskeletal assessment, a blood test for vitamin D and completed a functional activity questionnaire. Of the case group, 5% had osteoporosis and 24% had BMD lower than expected for age. No control participants had osteoporosis, 3% had osteopenia and 14% had BMD lower than expected for age. Ninety one per cent of case participants and 92% of control participants had reduced 25(OH)D levels. Case participants had significantly lower BMD than control participants, and case participants with more severely affected joints, lower activity levels, HIV, history of hepatitis C or lower BMI had significantly lower BMD. Patients with severe haemophilia have a higher risk of low BMD than men without haemophilia. Patients with more severely affected joints and lower activity levels have lower BMD. It remains unclear whether patients with low BMD reached adequate peak bone mass. Low vitamin D may be present in the majority of PWH.
Review: Efficacy and Safety of Hybrid Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Ben , Wang You‐Hua , Lv Zhi‐Fa , Xiong Hui‐Fang , Wang Hui , Yang Yang , Xie Yong
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and safety of hybrid therapy compared to other pre‐existing therapies and to new therapies.

Methods

Through a search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Conference Proceedings Citation Index, two independent reviewers systemically identified randomized, controlled trials that compared hybrid therapy to other pre‐existing and new therapies. Dichotomous data were pooled to obtain the relative risk (RR) of the eradication rate, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We identified 6 studies, 5 of which compared hybrid therapy and sequential therapy, and 3 of which compared hybrid therapy and concomitant therapy. Pooled estimates of the 5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed no significant differences between hybrid therapy and sequential therapy and no evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 0%; p = .803), the pooled RRs were 1.02 (95% CI: 0.93–1.12) (intention‐to‐treat (ITT)), and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.94–1.13) (per protocol (PP)). Pooled estimates of the 3 RCTs showed no significant differences between hybrid therapy and concomitant therapy with no evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 0%; p = .967), the pooled RRs were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.89–1.10) (ITT) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.89–1.10) (PP). No significant differences in adverse events were noted among hybrid therapy, sequential therapy, and concomitant therapy ((RR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.87–1.48; I2 = 13.2%; p = .327), (RR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.73–1.08; I2 = 0%; p = .978) (ITT), respectively). After consideration of all treatment arms, the ITT eradication rates with hybrid therapy, concomitant therapy, and sequential therapy were 88.6, 86.3, and 84.7%, respectively. And the PP eradication rates were 92.1, 92.5, and 87.5%. No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of compliance.

Conclusions

All three of these therapies yielded good eradication rates. Hybrid therapy could be an alternative to sequential therapy and concomitant therapy, but additional RCTs are needed to confirm this finding.
The Helicobacter pylori L‐form: Formation and Isolation in the Human bile Cultures in vitro and in the Gallbladders of Patients with Biliary Diseases
Authors: Wang Dan N. , Ding Wen J. , Pan Yao Z. , Tang Ke L. , Wang Tao , She Xiao L. , Wang He
Published: November 2014

Background

The Helicobacter pylori is considered the important causative agent causing biliary diseases, but the H. pylori can be isolated from very few gallbladder specimens with diseases. We studied the formation of H. pylori L‐forms in bile in vitro and isolated the H. pylori L‐forms from gallbladder of patients with biliary diseases.

Methods

We inoculated the H. pylori into the human bile to induce the L‐form in vitro. The gallbladder specimens were collected from patients with biliary diseases to isolate the bacterial L‐forms by the nonhigh osmotic isolation technique, and the H. pylori L‐forms in the L‐form isolates were identified by the gene assay for the H. pylori‐specific genes 16S rRNA and UreA.

Results

The H. Pylori cannot be isolated from the bile‐induced cultures, but the H. pylori L‐form can be isolated from the H. pylori‐negative bile‐induced cultures. The L‐form isolates of bile‐induced cultures showed a positive reaction of the H. pylori‐specific genes by PCR, and the coincidence ratio of the nucleotide sequences between the L‐forms and the H. pylori is 99%. The isolation rate of bacteria L‐form is 93.2% in the gallbladder specimens with bacteria‐negative isolation culture by the nonhigh osmotic isolation technique, and the positive rate of the H. pylori‐specific genes in the L‐form isolates is 7.1% in the bacterial L‐form‐positive isolation cultures by the PCR.

Conclusions

H. pylori can be rapidly induced into the L‐form in the human bile; the L‐form, as the latent bacteria, can live in the host gallbladder for a long times, and they made the host became a latent carrier of the H. pylori L‐form. The H. pylori L‐form can be isolated by the nonhigh osmotic isolation technique, and the variant can be identified by the gene assay for the H. pylori‐specific genes 16S rRNA and reA.
Effects of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Its Eradication on Lipid Profiles and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Nam Su Youn , Ryu Kum Hei , Park Bum Joon , Park Sohee
Published: November 2014

Background

We aimed to examine the relationship of current Helicobacter pylori infection with lipid profile and cardiovascular disease and its eradication effect.

Methods

Healthy subjects, who underwent routine checkup between October 2003 and December 2007, were followed up until June 2009. Helicobacter pylori and lipid profiles were measured both baseline and follow‐up. Multiple logistic regression models for odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the effects of H. pylori infection and its eradication, on lipids and cardiovascular disease.

Results

Current infection with H. pylori with 50.5% (6759/13383) at baseline increased low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) than H. pylori‐negative group. Successful eradication of H. pylori decreased the risk of high LDL compared with the persistent infection (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.59–96), which was comparable to that of the persistent negative group (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70–0.97), and decreased the risk of low HDL (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49–0.96). Current infection of H. pylori increased the risk of cardiovascular disease (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.31–8.14) at baseline, but its eradication failed to decrease the risk at a 2‐year follow‐up. However, persistent negative infection decreased the risk (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.35–0.94) comparing to persistent positive infection at follow‐up.

Conclusions

Current infection with H. pylori had a positive association with high LDL, low HDL, and cardiovascular disease. Successful H. pylori eradication decreased the risk of high LDL and low HDL, but did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Effects of JNK1/2 on the inflammation cytokine TNF‐α‐enhanced production of MMP‐3 in human dental pulp fibroblast‐like cells
Authors: Goda S. , Kato Y. , Domae E. , Hayashi H. , Tani‐Ishii N. , Iida J. , Ikeo T.
Published: November 2014

Aim

To investigate the effects of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK1/2) on the inflammation cytokine tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐enhanced production of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3) in human dental pulp fibroblast‐like cells (HPFs).

Methodology

HPFs were grown from pulp explants from healthy donors. Primary cultures were established by culturing the cells for 20 to 30 days. The experiments with HPFs were performed between passages 3 and 10. The HPFs were incubated in serum‐free medium containing TNF‐α for 24 h. The medium in each well was prepared in SDS sample buffer and was analysed for MMP‐3 by Western blotting.

Results

JNK inhibitor SP601245 markedly inhibited the production of MMP‐3 in TNF‐α‐stimulated human dental pulp fibroblasts. MMP‐3 production was enhanced by TNF‐α in HPFs; silencing JNK1 and JNK2 expression inhibited this activation. cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) was activated by TNF‐α in HPFs; silencing JNK1 and JNK2 expression inhibited this activation.

Conclusion

The activation of CREB via JNK pathways in the presence of TNF‐α occurred with enhancement of MMP‐3 production in dental pulp fibroblasts.
Antigen‐induced regulation of T‐cell motility, interaction with antigen‐presenting cells and activation through endogenous thrombospondin‐1 and its receptors
Authors: Bergström Sten‐Erik , Uzunel Mehmet , Talme Toomas , Bergdahl Eva , Sundqvist Karl‐Gösta
Published: November 2014

Antigen recognition reduces T‐cell motility, and induces prolonged contact with antigen‐presenting cells and activation through mechanisms that remain unclear. Here we show that the T‐cell receptor (TCR) and CD28 regulate T‐cell motility, contact with antigen‐presenting cells and activation through endogenous thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) and its receptors low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1), calreticulin and CD47. Antigen stimulation induced a prominent up‐regulation of TSP‐1 expression, and transiently increased and subsequently decreased LRP1 expression whereas calreticulin was unaffected. This antigen‐induced TSP‐1/LRP1 response down‐regulated a motogenic mechanism directed by LRP1‐mediated processing of TSP‐1 in cis within the same plasma membrane while promoting contact with antigen‐presenting cells and activation through cis interaction of the C‐terminal domain of TSP‐1 with CD47 in response to N‐terminal TSP‐1 triggering by calreticulin. The antigen‐induced TSP‐1/LRP1 response maintained a reduced but significant motility level in activated cells. Blocking CD28 co‐stimulation abrogated LRP1 and TSP‐1 expression and motility. TCR/CD3 ligation alone enhanced TSP‐1 expression whereas CD28 ligation alone enhanced LRP1 expression. Silencing of TSP‐1 inhibited T‐cell conjugation to antigen‐presenting cells and T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokine responses. The Th1 response enhanced motility and increased TSP‐1 expression through interleukin‐2, whereas the Th2 response weakened motility and reduced LRP1 expression through interleukin‐4. Ligation of the TCR and CD28 therefore elicits a TSP‐1/LRP1 response that stimulates prolonged contact with antigen‐presenting cells and, although down‐regulating motility, maintains a significant motility level to allow serial contacts and activation. Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses differentially regulate T‐cell expression of TSP‐1 and LRP1 and motility.
Impact of the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Programme on patient functioning
Authors: Meehan Tom , Robertson Samantha
Published: November 2014

The Mental Health Nurse Incentive Programme (MHNIP) was established across Australia during 2007. The programme enables mental health nurses to work alongside general practitioners (GPs) and other health professionals to assist in the assessment and treatment of people with mental illnesses. This paper reports on the outcomes for 309 patients referred by GPs to the programme in one region of Queensland. Standardized measures were completed pre‐ and post‐treatment to evaluate changes in symptoms and general functioning between baseline and follow up. Patient contact with the programme ranged from 3 weeks to 38 weeks, and the study group (n = 84) demonstrated significant improvement on all of the self‐report and clinician‐rated measures employed. Effect sizes ranged from 0.59 to 0.74. The findings suggest that the MHNIP is making a positive contribution, with a medium‐to‐large impact on the mental health and general functioning of individuals supported through the programme. Further evaluation work is required to determine if the findings from this study can be generalized more broadly.
Phase Stability and Optoelectronic Properties of the Bixbyite Phase in the Gallium–Indium–Tin–Oxide System
Authors: Dolgonos Alex , Wells Spencer A. , Poeppelmeier Kenneth R. , Mason Thomas O.
Published: November 2014

X‐ray diffraction techniques were used to determine the phase boundaries of the In2O3 solid solution phase in the Ga2O3–In2O3–SnO2 ternary system. The effects of Ga and Sn content on the unit cell dimensions of the bixbyite phase were calculated by a linear regression fit, the results of which indicate the two substitutive cations have opposite and independent effects on the lattice parameter. These results suggest that the cations do not strongly interact with each other in the crystal. Measurements of optoelectronic properties were also taken on single‐phase bulk specimens within the solid solution to establish their dependence on composition. As anticipated, Sn doping yields corresponding increases in conductivity, reduction in the absolute value of Seebeck coefficient, and increase in optical band gap. In contrast, these properties are not significantly affected by varying Ga content, confirming that Ga behaves as an isovalent dopant at the low doping levels involved.
Decreased levels of circulating CD34+ cells are associated with coronary heart disease in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Makino Hisashi , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Kikuchi‐Taura Akie , Soma Toshihiro , Taguchi Akihiko , Kishimoto Ichiro
Published: November 2014

Aims/Introduction

Circulating progenitor cells, including CD34 positive (CD34+) cells, play a key role in neovascularisation and the maintenance of vascular endothelial function. Several lines of evidence show an association between decreased levels of circulating CD34+ cells and cardiovascular disease. However, the contribution of circulating CD34+ cells to the occurrence of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

In the present study with a median follow up of 4.6 years, we analyzed the level of circulating CD34+ cells in 192 patients with type 2 diabetes. The outcome variables were coronary heart disease (CHD) events (cardiovascular death, unstable angina, myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting) and cerebrovascular disease events (cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage or transient ischemic attack).

Results

Decreased levels of circulating CD34+ cells were associated with a significantly higher incidence of CHD based on Kaplan–Meier analysis (P = 0.0052). After adjusting for age, sex, dyslipidemia, hypertension, glycated hemoglobin, history of cardiovascular disease, body mass index, and statin and renin angiotensin system inhibitors use, decreased levels of CD34+ cells were significantly associated with the incidence of CHD events (hazard ratio of low tertile 2.61, 95% confidence interval 1.22–5.96; P = 0.013, reference; high tertile).

Conclusions

Decreased levels of circulating CD34+ cells might predict CHD events in patients with diabetes, and this could be useful for identifying patients with diabetes at high risk of cardiovascular events.