bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colonization history and clonal richness of asexual Daphnia in periglacial habitats of contrasting age in West Greenland
Authors: Haileselasie Tsegazeabe H. , Mergeay Joachim , Weider Lawrence J. , Jeppesen Erik , De Meester Luc
Published: March 2016

Due to climate change, Arctic ice sheets are retreating. This leads to the formation of numerous new periglacial ponds and lakes, which are being colonized by planktonic organisms such as the water flea Daphnia. This system provides unique opportunities to test genotype colonization dynamics and the genetic assemblage of populations. Here, we studied clonal richness of the Daphnia pulex species complex in novel periglacial habitats created by glacial retreat in the Jakobshavn Isbræ area of western Greenland.

Along a 10 km transect, we surveyed 73 periglacial habitats out of which 61 were colonized by Daphnia pulex. Hence, for our analysis, we used 21 ponds and 40 lakes in two clusters of habitats differing in age (estimated <50 years vs. >150 years). We tested the expectation that genetic diversity would be low in recently formed (i.e. young), small habitats, but would increase with increasing age and size.

We identified a total of 42 genetically distinct clones belonging to two obligately asexual species of the D. pulex species complex: D. middendorffiana and the much more abundant D. pulicaria. While regional clonal richness was high, most clones were rare: 16 clones were restricted to a single habitat and the five most widespread clones accounted for 68% of all individuals sampled. On average, 3·2 clones (range: 1–12) coexisted in a given pond or lake. There was no relationship between clonal richness and habitat size when we controlled for habitat age. Whereas clonal richness was statistically higher in the cluster of older habitats when compared with the cluster of younger ponds and lakes, most young habitats were colonized by multiple genotypes.

Our data suggest that newly formed (periglacial) ponds and lakes are colonized within decades by multiple genotypes via multiple colonization events, even in the smallest of our study systems (4 m2).
Joint attention interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Murza Kimberly A. , Schwartz Jamie B. , Hahs‐Vaughn Debbie L. , Nye Chad
Published: March 2016

Background

A core social‐communication deficit in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is limited joint attention behaviours—important in the diagnosis of ASD and shown to be a powerful predictor of later language ability. Various interventions have been used to train joint attention skills in children with ASD. However, it is unclear which participant, intervention and interventionist factors yield more positive results.

Aims

The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to provide a quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of joint attention interventions aimed at improving joint attention abilities in children with ASD.

Methods & Procedures

The researchers searched six databases for studies meeting the inclusion criteria at two levels: title/abstract and full‐text stages. Two independent coders completed data extraction using a coding manual and form developed specifically for this research study. Meta‐analysis procedures were used to determine the overall effects of several comparisons including treatment type, treatment administrator, intervention characteristics and follow‐up.

Main Contribution

Fifteen randomized experimental studies met inclusion criteria. All comparisons resulted in statistically significant effects, though overlapping confidence intervals suggest that none of the comparisons were statistically different from each other. Specifically, treatment administrator, dosage and design (control or comparison, etc.) characteristics of the studies do not appear to produce significantly different effects.

Conclusions & Implications

The results of this meta‐analysis provide strong support for explicit joint attention interventions for young children with ASD; however, it remains unclear which children with ASD respond to which type of intervention.
Potential of Glycosidase from Non‐Saccharomyces Isolates for Enhancement of Wine Aroma
Authors: Hu Kai , Qin Yi , Tao Yong‐Sheng , Zhu Xiao‐Lin , Peng Chuan‐Tao , Ullah Niamat
Published: March 2016

The aim of this work was to rapidly screen indigenous yeasts with high levels of β‐glucosidase activity and assess the potential of glycosidase extracts for aroma enhancement in winemaking. A semiquantitative colorimetric assay was applied using 96‐well plates to screen yeasts from 3 different regions of China. Isolates with high β‐glucosidase activity were confirmed by the commonly used pNP assay. Among 493 non‐Saccharomyces isolates belonging to 8 generas, 3 isolates were selected for their high levels of β‐glucosidase activity and were identified as Hanseniaspora uvarum, Pichia membranifaciens, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa by sequence analysis of the 26S rDNA D1/D2 domain. β‐Glucosidase in the glycosidase extract from H. uvarum strain showed the highest activity in winemaking conditions among the selected isolates. For aroma enhancement in winemaking, the glycosidase extract from H. uvarum strain exhibited catalytic specificity for aromatic glycosides of C13‐norisoprenoids and some terpenes, enhancing fresh floral, sweet, berry, and nutty aroma characteristics in wine.
Evaluation of Prerequisite Programs Implementation and Hygiene Practices at Social Food Services through Audits and Microbiological Surveillance
Authors: Garayoa Roncesvalles , Yánez Nathaly , Díez‐Leturia María , Bes‐Rastrollo Maira , Vitas Ana Isabel
Published: March 2016

Prerequisite programs are considered the most efficient tool for a successful implementation of self‐control systems to ensure food safety. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of these programs in 15 catering services located in Navarra and the Basque Country (regions in northern Spain), through on‐site audits and microbiological analyses. The implementation of the prerequisite program was incomplete in 60% of the sample. The unobserved temperature control during both the storage and preparation of meals in 20% of the kitchens reveals misunderstanding in the importance of checking these critical control points. A high level of food safety and hygiene (absence of pathogens) was observed in the analyzed meals, while 27.8% of the tested surfaces exceeded the established limit for total mesophilic aerobic microorganisms (≤100 CFU/25 cm²). The group of hand‐contact surfaces (oven door handles and aprons) showed the highest level of total mesophilic aerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae, and the differences observed with respect to the food‐contact surfaces (work and distribution utensils) were statistically significant (P < 0.001). With regard to the food workers’ hands, lower levels of microorganisms were observed in the handlers wearing gloves (that is, for Staphylococcus spp we identified 43 CFU/cm2 on average compared with 4 CFU/cm2 (P < 0.001) for those not wearing and wearing gloves, respectively). For a proper implementation of the prerequisites, it is necessary to focus on attaining a higher level of supervision of activities and better hygiene training for the food handlers, through specific activities such as informal meetings and theoretical‐practical sessions adapted to the characteristics of each establishment.
Safety of the lateral trauma position in cervical spine injuries: a cadaver model study
Authors: Hyldmo P. K. , Horodyski M. B. , Conrad B. P. , Dubose D. N. , Røislien J. , Prasarn M. , Rechtine G. R. , Søreide E.
Published: March 2016

Background

Endotracheal intubation is not always an option for unconscious trauma patients. Prehospital personnel are then faced with the dilemma of maintaining an adequate airway without risking deleterious movement of a potentially unstable cervical spine. To address these two concerns various alternatives to the classical recovery position have been developed. This study aims to determine the amount of motion induced by the recovery position, two versions of the HAINES (High Arm IN Endangered Spine) position, and the novel lateral trauma position (LTP).

Method

We surgically created global cervical instability between the C5 and C6 vertebrae in five fresh cadavers. We measured the rotational and translational (linear) range of motion during the different maneuvers using an electromagnetic tracking device and compared the results using a general linear mixed model (GLMM) for regression.

Results

In the recovery position, the range of motion for lateral bending was 11.9°. While both HAINES positions caused a similar range of motion, the motion caused by the LTP was 2.6° less (P = 0.037). The linear axial range of motion in the recovery position was 13.0 mm. In comparison, the HAINES 1 and 2 positions showed significantly less motion (−5.8 and −4.6 mm, respectively), while the LTP did not (−4.0 mm, P = 0.067).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that in unconscious trauma patients, the LTP or one of the two HAINES techniques is preferable to the standard recovery position in cases of an unstable cervical spine injury.
Systemic Inflammation and Autoimmunity in Women with Chronic Endometritis
Authors: Kushnir Vitaly A. , Solouki Shirley , Sarig‐Meth Tal , Vega Mario G. , Albertini David F. , Darmon Sarah K. , Deligdisch Liane , Barad David H. , Gleicher Norbert
Published: March 2016

Problem

To determine in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and/or implantation failure (RIF) the prevalence of chronic endometritis (CE), systemic inflammation and autoimmunity, and whether they relate.

Method of Study

This retrospective study examined inflammatory (adiponectin, CRP, leptin, and IL6) and autoimmune (total immunoglobulins, ANA, thyroid antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies) markers in a group of 55 women with RPL/RIF. A diagnosis of CE was reached by endometrial biopsy, demonstrating CD138‐positive plasma cells on histology. The prevalence of markers of systemic inflammation and autoimmunity was compared between women with and without CE.

Results

Among all RPL/RIF patients, 32.7% demonstrated at least one positive inflammatory marker, 61.8% at least one autoimmune marker, and 45.5% CE. Moreover, CE patients did not differ in systematic inflammatory or autoimmune profiles from those without CE.

Conclusions

Endometritis and elevated inflammatory and autoimmune markers are common in women with RPL/RIF, but endometritis cannot be predicted based on either peripheral inflammatory or autoimmune markers.
Prevalence of food sensitization and probable food allergy among adults in India: the EuroPrevall INCO study
Authors: Mahesh P. A. , Wong Gary W. K. , Ogorodova L. , Potts J. , Leung T. F. , Fedorova O. , Holla Amrutha D. , Fernandez‐Rivas M. , Clare Mills E. N. , Kummeling I. , Versteeg S. A. , van Ree R. , Yazdanbakhsh M. , Burney P.
Published: March 2016

Background

Data are lacking regarding the prevalence of food sensitization and probable food allergy among general population in India. We report the prevalence of sensitization and probable food allergy to 24 common foods among adults from general population in Karnataka, South India.

Methodology

The study was conducted in two stages: a screening study and a case–control study. A total of 11 791 adults in age group 20–54 were randomly sampled from general population in South India and answered a screening questionnaire. A total of 588 subjects (236 cases and 352 controls) participated in the case–control study involving a detailed questionnaire and specific IgE estimation for 24 common foods.

Results

A high level of sensitization (26.5%) was observed for most of the foods in the general population, higher than that observed among adults in Europe, except for those foods that cross‐react with birch pollen. Most of the sensitization was observed in subjects who had total IgE above the median IgE level. A high level of cross‐reactivity was observed among different pollens and foods and among foods. The prevalence of probable food allergy (self‐reports of adverse symptoms after the consumption of food and specific IgE to the same food) was 1.2%, which was mainly accounted for cow's milk (0.5%) and apple (0.5%).

Conclusion

Very high levels of sensitization were observed for most foods, including those not commonly consumed in the general population. For the levels of sensitization, the prevalence of probable food allergy was low. This disassociation needs to be further explored in future studies.
Faecal chitinase 3‐like 1 is a reliable marker as accurate as faecal calprotectin in detecting endoscopic activity in adult patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Buisson A. , Vazeille E. , Minet‐Quinard R. , Goutte M. , Bouvier D. , Goutorbe F. , Pereira B. , Barnich N. , Bommelaer G.
Published: March 2016

Background

Faecal biomarkers are emerging tools in the assessment of mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs).

Aim

To evaluate the accuracy of faecal chitinase 3‐like 1(CHI3L1) compared to calprotectin in detecting endoscopic activity in IBD.

Methods

Overall, 86 IBD adults underwent colonoscopy consecutively and prospectively, with Crohn's disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) or Mayo endoscopic subscore calculation for ulcerative colitis, and stool collection. Faecal calprotectin was measured using quantitative immunochromatographic testing. Faecal CHI3L1 was quantified by ELISA. CHI3L1 cut‐off value was determined using a receiver‐operating curve.

Results

In 54 Crohn's disease patients, faecal CHI3L1 (ρ = 0.70, P < 0.001) and calprotectin (ρ = 0.74, P < 0.001) levels correlated with CDEIS and were significantly increased in patients with endoscopic ulceration. In patients with ileal Crohn's disease, faecal CHI3L1 seemed to be better correlated with CDEIS than faecal calprotectin (ρ = 0.78 vs. ρ = 0.62, P < 0.001 for both). CHI3L1 > 15 ng/g detected endoscopic ulceration in Crohn's disease with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 63.6%, compared to faecal calprotectin > 250 μg/g showing a sensitivity of 90.5% and a specificity of 59.1%.

In 32 ulcerative colitis patients, faecal CHI3L1 and calprotectin levels correlated with Mayo endoscopic subscore (ρ = 0.44 and 0.61, respectively, P < 0.001 for both) and were significantly increased in ulcerative colitis patients with endoscopic activity. In ulcerative colitis patients, faecal CHI3L1 > 15 ng/g predicted endoscopic activity with a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 80.0%, compared to faecal calprotectin>250 μg/g showing a sensitivity of 86.4% and a specificity of 80.0%.

Conclusion

Faecal CHI3L1 is a reliable biomarker in detecting endoscopic activity in IBD.
Spatial Scan Statistics for Detection of Multiple Clusters with Arbitrary Shapes
Authors: Lin Pei-Sheng , Kung Yi-Hung , Clayton Murray
Published: March 2016

In applying scan statistics for public health research, it would be valuable to develop a detection method for multiple clusters that accommodates spatial correlation and covariate effects in an integrated model. In this article, we connect the concepts of the likelihood ratio (LR) scan statistic and the quasi-likelihood (QL) scan statistic to provide a series of detection procedures sufficiently flexible to apply to clusters of arbitrary shape. First, we use an independent scan model for detection of clusters and then a variogram tool to examine the existence of spatial correlation and regional variation based on residuals of the independent scan model. When the estimate of regional variation is significantly different from zero, a mixed QL estimating equation is developed to estimate coefficients of geographic clusters and covariates. We use the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure (1995) to find a threshold for p-values to address the multiple testing problem. A quasi-deviance criterion is used to regroup the estimated clusters to find geographic clusters with arbitrary shapes. We conduct simulations to compare the performance of the proposed method with other scan statistics. For illustration, the method is applied to enterovirus data from Taiwan.
Dual institution experience of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma reveals excellent long‐term outcomes
Authors: Starr Adam G. , Caimi Paolo F. , Fu PingFu , Massoud Mira R. , Meyerson Howard , Hsi Eric D. , Mansur David B. , Cherian Sheen , Singh Arun D. , Cooper Brenda W. , De Lima Marcos J.G. , Lazarus Hillard M. , Gerson Stanton L. , Jagadeesh Deepa , Smith Mitchell R. , Dean Robert M. , Pohlman Brad L. , Hill Brian T. , William Basem M.
Published: March 2016

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL) is a B‐cell lymphoma arising from mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT). The disease characteristics, clinical course and treatment vary considerably based on site of involvement. Because long‐term outcome data forEMZLare limited, we sought to describe the clinical details of a large number of patients withEMZLevaluated at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center over a 12‐year period to identify prognostic markers including the impact of site of involvement. We identified 211 cases ofEMZLinvolving the stomach (30%), ocular adnexa (19%), lungs (16%) and intestines (9%). Initial treatment included antibiotics (18%), radiation (21%), rituximab (20%), chemotherapy (3%), rituximab + chemotherapy (7%), surgery (17%) or observation (8%). After a median follow‐up of 44·3 months (range 2·2–214·9), median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 68·2 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 54·5–111·3) and median overall survival (OS) has not been reached. Age >60 years, elevated lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH), ≥4 lymph node groups involvement, and high follicular lymphoma international prognostic index (FLIPI) were associated with inferiorPFS/OS. In summary, patients withEMZLhave excellent prognosis with medianOSin excess of 10 years. Age, elevatedLDH, advanced disease, and highFLIPIscore are associated with worse outcomes.
The prospects and promise of chimeric antigen receptor immunotherapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Rotolo Antonia , Caputo Valentina , Karadimitris Anastasios
Published: March 2016

Despite encouraging therapeutic advances, multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable malignancy. The exciting results of chimaeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐based immunotherapy in CD19+ B‐cell malignancies have spurred a great interest in extending the use of the CAR technology to other cancers, including MM.

Availability of a specific, tumour‐restricted antigen is crucial for the design of successful antibody‐based CAR therapy. However, in MM, as in other malignancies, the relative dearth of such antigens‐targets represents the main obstacle for the wider pre‐clinical development and clinical application of the CAR technology.

Here we provide an overview of the current progress and future promises of CAR technology in MM therapy. We highlight that, owing to its complexity, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity and the impact of the microenvironment, MM poses several challenges for CAR‐based therapeutic approaches. Nevertheless, for the same reasons, MM can serve as a paradigm for better understanding, optimization and overall improvement of the CAR technology for the benefit of cancer and myeloma patients.
Novel pathogenic SLC25A46 splice‐site mutation causes an optic atrophy spectrum disorder
Authors: Nguyen M. , Boesten I. , Hellebrekers D. M. E. I. , Mulder‐den Hartog N. M. , de Coo I. F. M. , Smeets H. J. M. , Gerards M.
Published: March 2016

The inherited optic neuropathies comprise a group of genetically heterogeneous disorders causing optic nerve dysfunction. In some cases, optic neuropathies are associated with cerebellar atrophy which mainly affects the vermis. Here, we describe a Moroccan girl of consanguineous parents with optic atrophy and cerebellar atrophy. Exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous mutation (c.283+3G>T) in the donor splice site for exon 1 of SLC25A46. RNA analysis revealed that an alternative splice site within exon 1 was used leading to a premature termination codon within exon 2. SLC25A46 mRNA expression showed there is no wild‐type transcript present in the patient and the mutant transcript does not undergo nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay. Futhermore, we observed c.283+3G>T SLC25A46 mutation induces mitochondrial fragmentation. An additional 10 patients with optic atrophy and cerebellar atrophy, which were negative for mtDNA and OPA1 variants, were tested for pathogenic mutations in the SLC25A46 gene. However, no additional variants were identified. Our findings confirm the recent report of pathogenic SLC25A46 mutations as a novel cause for optic atrophy spectrum disorder.
Immunocytochemical staining for p53 and Ki‐67 helps to characterise urothelial cells in urine cytology
Authors: Courtade‐Saïdi M. , Aziza J. , d'Aure D. , Bérard E. , Evrard S. , Basset C. , Lacoste‐Collin L.
Published: March 2016

Objective

The presence of atypical cells in urine cytology is unsatisfactory for both cytologists and clinicians. The objective of this study was to test whether p53 and Ki‐67 immunostaining could improve urothelial carcinoma (UC) detection on urinary cytology.

Methods

A total of 196 urine samples were analysed, 142 from the bladder, 41 from the upper tract and 13 from ileal bladder replacement. Cytology results were expressed as normal (N) (n = 81), atypia cannot exclude low‐grade UC (ALG) (n = 25), suspicious for high‐grade UC (SHG) (n = 39) and high‐grade UC (HG) (n = 51). Actual diagnoses were confirmed by histopathological analysis, cystoscopic examination or follow‐up for at least 1 year. Immunocytochemistry performed on CytoSpin™ slides allowed the determination of the percentage of positive cells with p53 and Ki‐67.

Results

The median percentage values [first to third quartile] of p53 and Ki‐67 were 0 [0–5] and 0 [0–1] for N cytology, 5 [0–40] and 2 [1–10] for ALG, 10 [0–30] and 6 [3–25] for SHG, and 30 [10–80] and 20 [10–30] for HG, respectively. Statistically higher values were observed for both tests (P < 0.001) in positive cytologies (ALG, SHG and HG). The optimal cut‐offs were 5% for p53 and 3% for Ki‐67. The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of all UC were 86.4% and 76.7% for cytology alone, 81.3% and 93.2% for cytology and p53, 75.7% and 88% for cytology and Ki‐67, and 68.9% and 97.5% for cytology, p53 and Ki‐67, respectively.

Conclusion

Using p53 and/or Ki‐67 in addition to cytology increases the specificity without penalising the sensitivity.
Conceptual constraints and mechanisms in children's selective learning
Authors: Sabbagh Mark A. , Koenig Melissa A. , Kuhlmeier Valerie A.
Published: March 2016

Although we can support Heyes’ call for more research on mechanisms, we disagree that the problem has been ignored as Heyes suggests. We also doubt that basic learning mechanisms are alone sufficient to account for the broad range of findings in the selective social learning literature. Although phylogenetically shared learning mechanisms must support selective social learning, we believe that they must also be guided by top‐down conceptual considerations that may be special to humans. Research to date has been focused on establishing the boundary conditions on selective social learning, with the goal of making generalizations that will constrain theorizing about the character of that special knowledge. This is critical to our understanding of both why and how selective social learning manifests in children.
The Impact of Government Debt, Expenditure and Taxes on Aggregate Investment and Productivity Growth
Authors: Salotti Simone , Trecroci Carmine
Published: March 2016

In this paper we evaluate empirically the impact of fiscal policy on two key determinants of long‐term growth, i.e., private investment and productivity growth. We mostly focus on a panel of 20 OECD economies from 1970 to 2009, although we also present some estimates based on data for 80 developing economies. Our findings suggest that high public debt adversely affects both aggregate investment spending and productivity growth, through distortions related to the size of the public sector. We also find weak evidence of some non‐linear effects on productivity, with government debt becoming more detrimental in advanced economies when above 85–90% of GDP.
Coase Lecture—Human Capital, Inequality and Tax Reform: Recent Past and Future Prospects
Authors: Blundell Richard
Published: March 2016

Even before the financial crisis, many developed economies were facing growing inequality and struggling to maintain employment and earnings. This paper addresses two key questions. What has happened to inequality? Where will tax and welfare reforms have most impact? The UK is used as a running example. The analysis suggests that the pattern of sluggish real wages at the bottom looks set to continue, and longer‐term earnings growth will come mainly from high‐skilled occupations. Growing earnings inequality will bring increasing pressure on the tax and welfare system. A blueprint for a coherent tax policy reform is presented.
Association of a transcobalamin II genetic variant with falsely low results for the holotranscobalamin immunoassay
Authors: Sobczyńska‐Malefora Agata , Pangilinan Faith , Plant Gordon T. , Velkova Aneliya , Harrington Dominic J. , Molloy Anne M. , Brody Lawrence C.
Published: March 2016

Background

The clinical use of holotranscobalamin (holoTC) testing to evaluate vitamin B12 status has increased in recent years. We present two patients (African Caribbean and Indian heritage), in which the holoTC assay indicated severe B12 deficiency (< 5 pmol/L). Additional clinical tests revealed that these patients had normal levels of total vitamin B12 in blood and unremarkable levels of two other markers of vitamin B12 status, homocysteine and methylmalonic acid. We hypothesized that these patients carry a variant in the transcobalamin gene (TCN2) that influences the most widely commercially available holoTC test – Active‐B12 (Axis‐Shield Diagnostics Ltd).

Design

Exon sequencing of the TCN2 gene was carried out. Protein characterization included total transcobalamin (TCN2) detection by Western blot, and holoTC by 57Co‐labelled B12 binding followed by size fractionation.

Results

Exon sequencing of TCN2 revealed both patients were homozygous for the minor allele of rs35838082 (p.R215W). Western blot and chromatographic analyses revealed that the serum of these patients contains intact transcobalamin and that this variant‐containing protein binds vitamin B12. The variant is rare in Caucasians (minor allele frequency (MAF) < 0·01) but more common in South Asians (MAF ~ 0·02) and those of African origin (MAF ~ 0·25).

Conclusions

The impeded ability to detect normal levels of holoTC in these two patients may be due to this variant interfering with the detection of holoTC by one or both of the monoclonal antibodies currently employed in the Active‐B12 test. Laboratories should be aware of this variant and use confirmatory tests when applicable.
Limited direct effects of a massive wildfire on its sagebrush steppe bee community
Authors: LOVE BYRON G. , CANE JAMES H.
Published: March 2016

1. Fire can affect bees directly through exposure to heat and smoke. Direct effects include mortality, injury, and displacement affecting at most two generations – adults and any immature progeny present during the fire. To study the direct effects of fire on bees, two criteria must be met. First, bees must be sampled soon after the fire event, before colonists arrive from outside the burn. Second, sampling locations must be far enough into the burned habitat to ensure that bees observed are survivors, and not foragers nesting outside the burn.

2. Bees were systematically sampled far inside (>7 km) and outside the burn perimeter immediately following a massive wildfire that burned primarily at night in sagebrush steppe habitat. Because adult females sleep in their nests, it was hypothesised that females of species with nests >10 cm underground would be safe from lethal heat, whereas females with shallow or above‐ground nests would be vulnerable. It was also hypothesised that fire would kill proportionately more males, as they typically sleep above ground.

3. Adult bees were present at all burned sample sites 14 and 21 days after the fire started. Many females were observed transporting pollen, indicative of active nest provisioning. Among the guild of bees surveyed at wild sunflowers (the only surviving flowering plant), fewer species were active within the burn. Guild composition was significantly altered, particularly by loss or depletion of several (but not all) sunflower specialists. Sex ratios did not shift, possibly due to surviving males aggregating in remaining patches of sunflowers.
Bonding performance and interfacial characteristics of short fiber‐reinforced resin composite in comparison with other composite restoratives
Authors: Tsujimoto Akimasa , Barkmeier Wayne W. , Takamizawa Toshiki , Latta Mark A. , Miyazaki Masashi
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the shear bond strength (SBS) and surface free‐energy (SFE) of short fiber‐reinforced resin composite (SFRC), using different adhesive systems, in comparison with other composite restoratives. The resin composites used were everX Posterior (EP), Clearfil AP‐X (CA), and Filtek Supreme Ultra Universal Restorative (FS). The adhesive systems used were Scotchbond Multi‐Purpose (SM), Clearfil SE Bond (CS), and G‐Premio Bond (GB). Resin composite was bonded to dentin, and SBS was determined after 24 h of storage in distilled water and after 10,000 thermal cycles (TCs). The SFEs of the resin composites and the adhesives were determined by measuring the contact angles of three test liquids. The SFE values and SFE characteristics were not influenced by the type of resin composite, but were influenced by the type of adhesive system. The results of this study suggest that the bonding performance and interfacial characteristics of SFRC are the same as for other composite restoratives, but that these parameters are affected by the type of adhesive system. The bonding performance of SFRC was enhanced by thermal cycling in a manner similar to that for other composite restoratives.
Performance of real‐time PCR and immunofluorescence for the detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and Ralstonia solanacearum in potato tubers in routine testing
Authors: Vreeburg R. A. M. , Bergsma‐Vlami M. , Bollema R. M. , de Haan E. G. , Kooman‐Gersmann M. , Smits‐Mastebroek L. , Tameling W. I. L. , Tjou‐Tam‐Sin N. N. A. , van de Vossenberg B. T. L. H. , Janse J. D.
Published: March 2016

This paper describes a comparison study of test methods and supports the use of real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and Ralstonia solanacearum in potato tubers in routine testing. These 2 bacteria are quarantine organisms under European Union (EU) regulatory control and testing for (latent) infections of these bacteria in seed potatoes is mandatory. Real‐time PCR tests were performed on 276 routine potato tuber samples, including samples infected with either C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus or R. solanacearum, and the performance of these real‐time PCR tests was compared with that of immunofluorescence (IF). Real‐time PCR tests, using different primer sets and extraction and PCR protocols, proved to be sensitive and specific for the detection of C. michiganensis subsp. sepedonicus and R. solanacearum in potato tubers in routine testing, and performed at least as well as IF. Real‐time PCR is a good addition to the detection protocols as laid down in EU regulations (EU Council Directives 2006/56/EC and 2006/63/EC).
Analysis of microdamage in a nickel‐base alloy during very high cycle fatigue
Authors: Chai Guocai
Published: March 2016

Fatigue damage in a metallic material during very high cycle fatigue can strongly be correlated to the microstructure. This paper provides a review and a discussion on the micro damage behaviours in a nickel‐base alloy during very high cycle fatigue using microplasticity and material mechanics. The results show that cyclic plastic deformation in this material can occur very locally even with an applied stress that is much lower than the yield strength. The fatigue damage occurs mainly at grain or twin boundaries because of local impingement and interaction of slip bands and these boundaries. The crystallographic properties, Schmid factors and orientations of grain and boundaries play very important roles to the fatigue damage. Subsurface fatigue crack initiation in the matrix is one of very high cycle fatigue mechanisms. Twinning and detwinning can also occur during the very high cycle fatigue process.
Organ identity specification factor WGE localizes to the histone locus body and regulates histone expression to ensure genomic stability in Drosophila
Authors: Ozawa Nao , Furuhashi Hirofumi , Masuko Keita , Numao Eriko , Makino Takashi , Yano Tamaki , Kurata Shoichiro
Published: March 2016

Over‐expression of Winged‐Eye (WGE) in the Drosophila eye imaginal disc induces an eye‐to‐wing transformation. Endogenous WGE is required for organ development, and wge‐deficient mutants exhibit growth arrest at the larval stage, suggesting that WGE is critical for normal growth. The function of WGE, however, remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the subcellular localization of WGE to gain insight into its endogenous function. Immunostaining showed that WGE localized to specific nuclear foci called the histone locus body (HLB), an evolutionarily conserved nuclear body required for S phase‐specific histone mRNA production. Histone mRNA levels and protein levels in cytosolic fractions were aberrantly up‐regulated in wge mutant larva, suggesting a role for WGE in regulating histone gene expression. Genetic analyses showed that wge suppresses position‐effect variegation, and that WGE and a HLB component Mute appears to be synergistically involved in heterochromatin formation. Further supporting a role in chromatin regulation, wge‐deficient mutants showed derepression of retrotransposons and increased γH2Av signals, a DNA damage marker. These findings suggest that WGE is a component of HLB in Drosophila with a role in heterochromatin formation and transposon silencing. We propose that WGE at HLB contributes to genomic stability and development by regulating heterochromatin structure via histone gene regulation.
Hindfoot fusion in haemophilic arthropathy: 6‐year mean follow‐up of 41 procedures performed in 28 adult patients
Authors: Brkljac M. , Shah S. , Hay C. , Rodriguez‐Merchan E. C.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Haemophilic arthropathy of the ankle is rare disorder caused by recurrent haemarthorses beginning in early adulthood.

Aim

Our aim was to evaluate the fusion rate of various techniques of hindfoot fusion using internal fixation for the treatment of haemophilic arthropathy of the hindfoot.

Methods

We have evaluated the fusion rate of various techniques of hindfoot (tibiotalar and subtalar joints) fusion for the treatment of haemophilic arthropathy of the hindfoot. Twenty‐eight patients underwent a total of 41 procedures. Thirty‐four ankle (tibiotalar) fusions were performed, seven were done arthroscopically, six using a minimal access approach and 21 with an open approach. There were two isolated subtalar fusions, three combined tibiotalar and subtalar fusions, one of which included a talonavicular fusion at the second operation. There was one peritalar ankle fusion (tibiotalar, subtalar and talonavicular). The mean age at operation was 40.3 years (SD, 12.3; range, 18.7–65.7 years). The mean time to last follow‐up was 77 months (SD, 50.4; range, 7–190).

Results

The overall non‐union rate was 9.7%. All non‐unions occurred in tibiotalar fusions (there were no non‐unions in cases of subtalar or talonavicular fusion). A single deep infection (2.4%) occurred in an arthroscopically fused ankle. The revision rate was 4.8% (2 cases) and was carried out for non‐unions. Both revisions were successful.

Conclusion

Hindfoot arthrodesis in patients with haemophilic ankle arthropathy provides a high fusion rate with few complications. Arthroscopic tibiotalar fusion did not result in shorter hospital stays. Revision surgery for the haemophilic hindfoot is successful, and fusion of the entire hindfoot can be achieved without complications.
Lower incidence of postdural puncture headache using whitacre spinal needles after spinal anesthesia: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Di , Chen LingXiao , Chen XingYu , Wang XiaoBo , Li YuLin , Ning GuangZhi , Feng ShiQing
Published: March 2016

Objective

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the postdural puncture headache after spinal anesthesia with Whitacre spinal needles compared with Quincke spine needles.

Methods

We searched several databases, including PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until October 10th, 2014, for randomized controlled trials that compared spinal anesthesia with Whitacre spinal needles or Quincke spine needles for postdural puncture headache. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, assessed the risk for bias and extracted data. We used RevMan 5.3 software to perform the meta‐analysis. Studies were included for the main end points if they addressed the following: frequency of postdural puncture headache, severity of postdural puncture headache as assessed by limitation of activities, and frequency of epidural blood patch.

Results

Nine randomized controlled trials were included for meta‐analysis. The meta‐analysis showed that spinal anesthesia with Whitacre spinal needles achieved lower incidence of postdural puncture headache(RR 0.34; 95% CI [0.22, 0.52]; P < .00001); in addition, the severity of postdural puncture headache was lower in the Whitacre spinal needle group (RR 0.32; 95% CI [0.16, 0.66]; P = .002). Furthermore, the frequency of an epidural blood patch in the Whitacre spinal needle group was lower compared with that in the Quincke spine needle group (RR 0.15; 95% CI [0.04, 0.51]; P = .002).

Conclusion

We suggest the Whitacre spinal needles as a superior choice for spinal anesthesia compared with Quincke spine needles.
Mucinous epithelial tumours arising from ovarian mature teratomas: a tissue genotyping study
Authors: Snir Olivia L , Buza Natalia , Hui Pei
Published: March 2016

Aims

The association of ovarian mucinous tumours with teratomas is well documented at tissue level, suggesting that some ovarian mucinous tumours arise from teratomas. Teratomas, being of germ cell origin, are genetically distinct from somatic cells, therefore providing a molecular basis for DNA genotyping to separate teratoma‐derived mucinous tumours from metastatic ones. We assessed the diagnostic utility of DNA genotyping in ovarian mucinous tumours.

Methods and results

Nine cases of ovarian mucinous borderline tumours and three mucinous carcinomas associated with teratomas were included, along with three mucinous tumours without associated teratoma for genotyping control. Target tissues (teratoma, mucinous tumour and paired normal tissue) were dissected microscopically, followed by genotyping at 15 short tandem repeat polymorphic loci. Of the 12 mucinous tumours with associated teratoma, tissue genotyping was informative in six cases, including four borderline tumours and two mucinous carcinomas. Homozygosity or partial homozygosity was observed in the teratomatous component in all six cases. Genotypical concordance between the teratoma and mucinous tumour was seen in five cases, including three borderline tumours and two mucinous carcinomas, suggesting clonal evolution. One mucinous borderline tumour showed an unmatched genotype with that of the corresponding teratoma, consistent with disparate tumour origins. All three mucinous tumours without teratoma displayed heterozygosity.

Conclusions

When associated with a teratoma, ovarian mucinous tumours may arise frequently from the coexisting teratoma. In difficult cases, DNA genotyping may be used as a diagnostic tool in separating teratoma‐derived primary ovarian mucinous tumours from those of somatic origin, particularly metastatic tumours from other sites.
The role of tenofovir alafenamide in future HIV management
Authors: Antela A , Aguiar C , Compston J , Hendry BM , Boffito M , Mallon P , Pourcher‐Martinez V , Di Perri G
Published: March 2016

HIV infection has become a chronic condition rather than an acute life‐threatening disease in developed countries, thanks to consistent innovation and evolution of effective interventions. This has altered HIV management and created new challenges. People living with HIV (PLWHIV) are living longer and so encounter comorbidities linked not only with their disease, but also with ageing, lifestyle and chronic exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Although longevity, viral suppression and the prevention of viral transmission remain key goals, more needs to be achieved to encompass the vision of attaining an optimum level of overall health. Treatment choices and management practices should ensure patients’ long‐term health with minimal comorbidity. Treatments that balance optimal efficacy with the potential for improved long‐term safety are needed for all patients. In this review, we consider the evolution and development of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), a novel prodrug of tenofovir which offers high antiviral efficacy at doses over ten times lower than that of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Emerging clinical data suggest that elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine and TAF (E/C/F/TAF) as a single‐tablet regimen offers highly effective viral suppression in treatment‐naïve and treatment‐experienced patients with an improved renal and bone safety profile compared with TDF, this having been demonstrated in diverse groups including patients with existing renal impairment and adolescents. The profile of TAF identifies it as an agent with a promising role within future ART regimens that aim to deliver the vision of undetectable viral load, while requiring less monitoring and having a safety profile designed to minimize comorbid risks while supporting good long‐term health.
Negative impact of wind energy development on a breeding shorebird assessed with a BACI study design
Authors: Sansom Alex , Pearce‐Higgins James W. , Douglas David J. T.
Published: March 2016

Previous studies have shown negative associations between wind energy development and breeding birds, including species of conservation concern. However, the magnitude and causes of such associations remain uncertain, pending detailed ‘before‐after‐control‐intervention’ (BACI) studies. We conducted one of the most detailed such studies to date, assessing the impacts of terrestrial wind energy development on the European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria, a species with enhanced protection under European environmental law. Disturbance activity during construction had no significant effect on Golden Plover breeding abundance or distribution. In contrast, once turbines were erected, Golden Plover abundance was significantly reduced within the wind farm (−79%) relative to the baseline, with no comparable changes in buffer or control areas. Golden Plovers were significantly displaced by up to 400 m from turbines during operation. Hatching and fledging success were not affected by proximity to turbine locations either during construction or operation. The marked decline in abundance within the wind farm during operation but not construction, together with the lack of evidence for changes in breeding success or habitat, strongly suggests the displacement of breeding adults through behavioural avoidance of turbines, rather than a response to disturbance alone. It is of critical importance that wind farms are appropriately sited to prevent negative wildlife impacts. We demonstrate the importance of detailed BACI designs for quantifying the impacts on birds, and recommend wider application of such studies to improve the evidence base surrounding wind farm impacts on birds.
Structural Modulation of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 in Hydrothermal Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Huazhen , Liu Liying , Zhu Mankang , Hou Yudong , Wang Ruzhi , Yan Hui
Published: March 2016

In this study, the high‐quality cubic‐shaped single‐crystalline Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT) has been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method, in which their grain size can be modulated effectively by both mineralizer concentration and reactant concentration. Our result shows that the formation of fine cubic‐shaped NBT can be promoted by increasing the mineralizer concentration, while be inhibited by increasing the reactant concentration as a whole. However, further higher mineralizer concentration or lower reactant concentration may lead to a smaller grain size in NBT. From our results, it is suggested that, to synthesize a big single crystalline of NBT, a suitable mineralizer and reactant concentration should be carefully considered. Interestingly, it is also found that the one‐dimensional nanostructure may be more inclined to form Na–Ti–O (NT) compounds rather than NBT phase. And the growth mechanism and a possible growth model have been presented. Our result presents a simple and green technical preparation route for the low‐cost and high‐quality NBT single crystalline with self‐designed shape and size.
Synthesis and Properties of MoSi2–MoB–SiC Ceramics
Authors: Zhu Gaoming , Wang Xiaohong , Feng Peizhong , Liu Zhangsheng , Niu Jinan , Akhtar Farid
Published: March 2016

MoB and SiC particulate reinforced MoSi2 matrix composites were synthesized in situ from Mo, Si, and B4C powder mixtures by self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS). The SHS MoSi2–MoB–SiC products were vacuum hot‐pressed (HPed) at 1400°C for 90 min to fabricate high‐density (> 97.5% relative density) bulk composites. Microstructure refinement and improvements in the Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of the HPed composites were observed with increasing B4C content in the reaction mixture. The HPed composite of composition MoSi2–0.4MoB–0.1SiC exhibited grain size of 1–5 μm, Vickers hardness of 12.5 GPa, bending strength of 537 MPa, and fracture toughness of 3.8 MPa.m1/2. These excellent mechanical properties indicate that MoB and SiC particulate reinforced MoSi2 composites could be promising candidates for structural applications.
Phase Transition and Large Electrostrain in Lead‐Free Li‐Doped (Ba, Ca)(Ti, Zr)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Li Yongsheng , Zeng Jiangtao , Zheng Liaoying , Park Chul Hong , Li Guorong
Published: March 2016

Large piezoelectric effect is achieved in Li‐doped Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3(BCTZ) ceramics by use of tuning the phase boundaries. Rhombohedral–orthorhombic (R–O) and orthorhombic–tetragonal (O–T) multiphase coexistence is constructed in the ceramics by changing Li contents. The high piezoelectric constant d33 (493 pC/N) and large electrostrain (dSmax/dEmax = 931 pm/V) have been observed in the Li‐doped (Ba, Ca)(Ti, Zr)O3 ceramics at low sintering temperature (1350°C/2 h). The significant enhancement in materials properties is ascribed to the multiphase region around room temperature induced by Li‐doped effect.
Processing Effects on Properties of (Fe,Mg,Al)3O4 Spinels as Potential Consumable Anodes for Pyroelectrolysis
Authors: Ferreira Nuno M. , Kovalevsky Andrei V. , Costa Florinda M. , Frade Jorge R.
Published: March 2016

A promising concept of consumable anode materials for high‐temperature pyroelectrolysis process, which is expected to overcome the environmental and economical impacts of classical extractive metallurgy, relies on substituted magnetite‐based ferrospinels, presenting high electrical conductivity, appropriate refractoriness, and redox stability. The present work aims assessment of the processing effects on structural, redox, and electrical properties of Fe2.3Al0.2Mg0.5O4 spinel, prepared by conventional solid‐state route (SSR) and laser floating zone (LFZ) method. The observed trends for high‐temperature electrical conductivity behavior indicated that the electronic transport is only slightly affected by the preparation method, suggesting the minor effects from the grain boundaries. For scaled‐up ferrospinel‐based consumable anodes the impact of oxidation during thermal cycling on electrical properties and electrode integrity can be minimized even in air, by using relatively fast cooling/heating rates.