bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TNF and CD28 Signaling Play Unique but Complementary Roles in the Systemic Recruitment of Innate Immune Cells after Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin A Inhalation
Authors: Svedova Julia , Tsurutani Naomi , Liu Wenhai , Khanna Kamal M. , Vella Anthony T.
Published: April 2016

Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins cause debilitating systemic inflammatory responses, but how they spread systemically and trigger inflammatory cascade is unclear. In this study, we showed in mice that after inhalation, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A rapidly entered the bloodstream and induced T cells to orchestrate systemic recruitment of inflammatory monocytes and neutrophils. To study the mechanism used by specific T cells that mediate this process, a systems approach revealed inducible and noninducible pathways as potential targets. It was found that TNF caused neutrophil entry into the peripheral blood, whereas CD28 signaling, but not TNF, was needed for chemotaxis of inflammatory monocytes into blood and lymphoid tissue. However, both pathways triggered local recruitment of neutrophils into lymph nodes. Thus, our findings revealed a dual mechanism of monocyte and neutrophil recruitment by T cells relying on overlapping and nonoverlapping roles for the noninducible costimulatory receptor CD28 and the inflammatory cytokine TNF. During sepsis, there might be clinical value in inhibiting CD28 signaling to decrease T cell–mediated inflammation and recruitment of innate cells while retaining bioactive TNF to foster neutrophil circulation.
Estrategias de marketing territorial en una región transfronteriza: Tamaulipas-Texas
Authors: Oliveras González Xavier
Published: April 2016

En un contexto de competencia espacial a nivel global y de reivindicación de las escalas local y regional, los lugares han adoptado el marketing territorial como estrategia de desarrollo territorial. Para estas estrategias se movilizan actores y recursos con el objetivo de captar inversiones, turismo y residentes. En las regiones fronterizas se promueve dicha localización y las interrelaciones transfronterizas, a la vez que se construye una marca territorial transfronteriza. Se analiza el caso de la frontera Tamaulipas, México-Texas, Estados Unidos donde, desde fines del siglo XIX, se han desarrollado tres líneas estratégicas principales: para la captación de residentes e inversores agrícolas; de turistas; y de inversores industriales. Aunque en algunas ocasiones las estrategias son producto de la colaboración transfronteriza, mayoritariamente éstas han sido desarrolladas por los actores territoriales del sur de Texas; asimismo, se basan en las asimetrías territoriales entre ambos lados de la frontera. Ambas dinámicas refuerzan la diferenciación fronteriza en lugar de la unidad transfronteriza. La investigación sigue una metodología cualitativa, habiendo realizado un análisis de contenidos a partir de la documentación de las campañas de marketing territorial
Public domain small-area cancer incidence data for New York State, 2005-2009
Authors: Boscoe Francis P. , Talbot Thomas O. , Kulldorff Martin
Published: April 2016

There has long been a demand for cancer incidence data at a fine geographic resolution for use in etiologic hypothesis generation and testing, methodological evaluation and teaching. In this paper we describe a public domain dataset containing data for 23 anatomic sites of cancer diagnosed in New York State, USA between 2005 and 2009 at the census block group level. The dataset includes 524,503 tumours distributed across 13,823 block groups with an average population of about 1400. In addition, the data have been linked with race/ethnicity and with socioeconomic indicators such as income, educational attainment and language proficiency. We demonstrate the application of the dataset by confirming two well-established relationships: that between breast cancer and median household income and that between stomach cancer and Asian race. We foresee that this dataset will serve as the basis for a wide range of spatial analyses and as a benchmark for evaluating spatial methods in the future.
Satellite-based forest monitoring: spatial and temporal forecast of growing index and short-wave infrared band
Authors: Bayr Caroline , Gallaun Heinz , Kleb Ulrike , Kornberger Birgit , Steinegger Martin , Winter Martin
Published: April 2016

For detecting anomalies or interventions in the field of forest monitoring we propose an approach based on the spatial and temporal forecast of satellite time series data. For each pixel of the satellite image three different types of forecasts are provided, namely spatial, temporal and combined spatio-temporal forecast. Spatial forecast means that a clustering algorithm is used to group the time series data based on the features normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the short-wave infrared band (SWIR). For estimation of the typical temporal trajectory of the NDVI and SWIR during the vegetation period of each spatial cluster, we apply several methods of functional data analysis including functional principal component analysis, and a novel form of random regression forests with online learning (streaming) capability. The temporal forecast is carried out by means of functional time series analysis and an autoregressive integrated moving average model. The combination of the temporal forecasts, which is based on the past of the considered pixel, and spatial forecasts, which is based on highly correlated pixels within one cluster and their past, is performed by functional data analysis, and a variant of random regression forests adapted to online learning capabilities. For evaluation of the methods, the approaches are applied to a study area in Germany for monitoring forest damages caused by wind-storm, and to a study area in Spain for monitoring forest fires.
Comparison Between Measured and Calculated Free Calcium Values at Different Serum Albumin Concentrations
Authors: Mir Altaf Ahmad , Goyal Bela , Datta Sudip Kumar , Ikkurthi Saidaiah , Pal Arnab
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Free ionic calcium is the metabolically active component of total calcium (TCa) in blood. However, most laboratories report TCa levels that are dependent on serum albumin concentration. Hence, several formulae have evolved to calculate free calcium levels from TCa after adjustment for albumin. However, free calcium can directly be measured using direct ion selective electrodes rather than spectrophotometric methods used in autoanalyzers.

Objectives: This study compares the levels of free calcium obtained by measurement by direct ion selective electrode (ISE) and the one calculated as a function of TCa by formulae.

Materials and Methods: A total of 254 serum samples submitted to clinical biochemistry laboratory of a tertiary care hospital were analyzed for total protein, albumin, and TCa by standard spectrophotometric methods and for free calcium by direct ISE. Three commonly used formulae viz. Orrell, Berry et al. and Payne et al. were used to calculate adjusted TCa. Calculated free calcium was obtained by taking 50% of these values.

Results: A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between calculated free calcium by all the three formulae and measured free calcium estimated by direct ISE using paired t-test and Bland–Altman plots.

Conclusion: Formulae for predicting free calcium by estimating TCa and albumin lacks consistency in prediction and free calcium should be evaluated by direct measurement.
Cholecystitis Associated with Heterotopic Pancreas, Pseudopyloric Metaplasia, and Adenomyomatous Hyperplasia: A Rare Combination
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Chander Bal , Kaur Harjit , Kaul Rashmi
Published: April 2016

Heterotopic pancreatic tissue in the gall bladder is an uncommon incidental finding in most cases. We hereby describe the case of a 45-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of acalculous cholecystitis. Pathological examination detected heterotopic pancreatic tissue, pseudopyloric metaplasia, and adenomyomatous hyperplasia in the gall bladder. This is a rare combination of three entities which is being reported for the first time. This case emphasizes that heterotopic pancreas might be the causative factor for cholecystitis.
Isolated intramedullary spinal cysticercosis: A case report with review of literature of a rare presentation
Authors: Maste Praful , Lokanath Yadhu , Mahantshetti Shambhulingappa , Soumya S
Published: April 2016

A number of parasitic infections can involve the central nervous system of which neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the most common one in developing countries. Most often the brain is involved, spine and spinal cord involvement is very rare and intramedullary involvement is rarer still. Here, we report a 30-year-old male patient, with intramedullary NCC of dorsal spinal cord.
Combined use of intraoperative indocyanine green and dynamic angiography in rotational vertebral artery occlusion
Authors: Chaudhry Nauman , Gaynor Brandon , Ambekar Sudheer , Elhammady Mohamed
Published: April 2016

Rotational vertebral artery occlusion (RVAO) is a well-documented surgically amenable cause of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Traditionally, patients have been imaged using dynamic rotational angiography. We report a case of RVAO in which intraoperative indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) was used to confirm adequate surgical decompression of the VA. A 57-year-old female who presented with multiple episodes of syncope provoked by turning her head to the right. Rotational dynamic angiography revealed a dominant right VA that became occluded at the level of C5/6 with head rotation to the right. The patient underwent successful surgical decompression of the VA via an anterior cervical approach. ICGA demonstrated VA patency with head rotation. This was further confirmed by intraoperative dynamic catheter angiography. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first use of ICG combined with intra-operative dynamic rotational angiography to document the adequacy surgical decompression of the VA in a patient with RVAO.
Factors affecting outcome of acute cervical spine injury: A prospective study
Authors: Srinivas Bhavanam , Rajesh Alugolu , Purohit A
Published: April 2016

Background: Injury to the spine and spinal cord is one of the common cause of disability and death. Several factors affect the outcome; but which are these factors (alone and in combination), are determining the outcomes are still unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors influencing the outcome following acute cervical spine injury. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study at single-center with all patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), attending our hospital within a week of injury during a period of October 2011 to July 2013 was included for analysis. Demographic factors such as age, gender, etiology of injury, preoperative American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade, upper (C2-C4) versus lower (C5-C7) cervical level of injury, imageological factors on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and timing of intervention were studied. Change in neurological status by one or more ASIA grade from the date of admission to 6 months follow-up was taken as an improvement. Functional grading was assessed using the functional independence measure (FIM) scale at 6 months follow-up. Results: A total of 39 patients with an acute cervical spine injury, managed surgically were included in this study. Follow-up was available for 38 patients at 6 months. No improvement was noted in patients with ASIA Grade A. Maximum improvement was noted in ASIA Grade D group (83.3%). The improvement was more significant in lower cervical region injuries. Patient with cord contusion showed no improvement as opposed to those with just edema wherein; the improvement was seen in 62.5% patients. Percentage of improvement in cord edema ≤3 segments (75%) was significantly higher than edema with >3 segments (42.9%). Maximum improvement in FIM score was noted in ASIA Grade C and patients who had edema (especially ≤3 segments) in MRI cervical spine. Conclusions: Complete cervical SCI, upper-level cervical cord injury, patients showing MRI contusion, edema >3 segments group have worst improvement in neurological status at 6 months follow-up.
A Mixed Blessing: Resilience in the Entrepreneurial Socio-Technical System of Bitcoin
Authors: Morisse Marcel , Ingram Claire
Published: April 2016

Studies of resilience highlight the tension between actions that allow a firm – and a system – to be robust and those that allows it to be flexible. Studies suggest that an entrepreneurial firm will prioritize flexibility, given resource constraints. However, what occurs when a number of firms are embedded in a common socio-technical system and an extreme event affects them collectively? This paper tests whether existing theory about resilience predicts the responses of entrepreneurs in such a system, with reference to an extreme event in the Bitcoin socio-technical system: the much-publicized bankruptcy of Mt.Gox, a key player. It relies on in-depth interviews with 8 entrepreneurs in Europe, triangulated with other data. We find that robustness is the dominant strategy for those interviewed. This is partly because the firms rely on pooled resources supplied by the collective, and partly because robustness builds trust, giving the firms a competitive advantage.
La restauración en los premios Aga Khan de Arquitectura
Authors: Noguera Giménez Juan Francisco , Vegas López-Manzanares Fernando
Published: April 2016

Un recorrido por las intervenciones de restauración, que han sido galardonadas durante la historia de los Premios de Arquitectura del Aga Khan, revela la voluntad de reconocimiento de esfuerzos colectivos destinados a la preservación, no sólo de la arquitectura, sino del vasto patrimonio que supone la identidad cultural de cada comunidad. Este recorrido se detiene en la descripción detallada del último galardón, otorgado a la rehabilitación del centro histórico de Hebrón, donde a pesar de los conflictos del presente, se ha realizado una labor considerable orientada a la recuperación integral. Este enfoque social, más extensivo y anónimo de la restauración se presenta como alternativa a las habituales intervenciones estelares de unos pocos monumentos.
San Esteban de Ribas de Sil en el origen de la restauración actual en Galicia Polémica y Restauración
Authors: Fontenla San Juan Concha
Published: April 2016

El análisis de lo acontecido en materia de conservación del patrimonio en la década de los ochenta en España resulta cada vez más necesario para comprender las claves que definen la restauración actual. Concha Fontenla, directora del SIPAC 99 plantea en este artículo cómo la restauración de San Esteban de Ribas de Sil supuso en Galicia un antes y un después en la rehabilitación del patrimonio arquitectónico. La polémica que rodeó esta intervención, según la autora, impulsó el discurso teórico y desencadenó un mayor rigor en los planteamientos y el posicionamiento de los arquitectos
Las herramientas de la construcción en el siglo XV
Authors: Iñurria Víctor
Published: April 2016

El arquitecto Víctor Iñurria ha realizado un trabajo riguroso de investigación sobre los oficios y herramientas propios de la construcción medieval a través de representaciones pictóricas y láminas de extraordinaria belleza. El trabajo pensado en primer lugar como aportación al conocimiento de la arquitectura medieval valenciana, trasciende dicho ámbito y establece relaciones universales. Teniendo en cuenta el general desconocimiento de este tema y el rigor con que se trata, es indudable que constituye una aportación valiosísima para la historia, el conocimiento de la arquitectura y el ejercicio de la conservación y restauración arquitectónica.
El Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas. Valencia Arqueología e historia del edificio
Authors: Coll Conesa Jaume
Published: April 2016

Los tres artículos que siguen pretenden explicar la restauración y rehabilitación llevada a cabo en el Palacio Marqués de Dos Aguas de Valencia . La trascendencia  his­tórica y cultural del edificio, su valor arquitectónico y  artís­tico como Palacio y a la vez como Museo Nacional de Céramica, la importancia y complejidad de la intervención, se exponen explicando en este primer artículo su historia, para acometer en los artículos siguientes la rehabilitación arquitectónica y restauración de sus ornamentos.
Comparing model and measured ice crystal concentrations in orographic clouds during the INUPIAQ campaign
Authors: Farrington Robert J. , Connolly Paul J. , Lloyd Gary , Bower Keith N. , Flynn Michael J. , Gallagher Martin W. , Field Paul R. , Dearden Chris , Choularton Thomas W.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. This paper assesses the reasons for high ice number concentrations observed in orographic clouds by comparing in situ measurements from the Ice NUcleation Process Investigation And Quantification field campaign (INUPIAQ) at Jungfraujoch, Switzerland (3570 m a.s.l.) with the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) simulations over real terrain surrounding Jungfraujoch. During the 2014 winter field campaign, between 20 January and 28 February, the model simulations regularly underpredicted the observed ice number concentration by 103 L−1. Previous literature has proposed several processes for the high ice number concentrations in orographic clouds, including an increased ice nucleating particle (INP) concentration, secondary ice multiplication and the advection of surface ice crystals into orographic clouds. We find that increasing INP concentrations in the model prevents the simulation of the mixed-phase clouds that were witnessed during the INUPIAQ campaign at Jungfraujoch. Additionally, the inclusion of secondary ice production upwind of Jungfraujoch into the WRF simulations cannot consistently produce enough ice splinters to match the observed concentrations. A flux of surface hoar crystals was included in the WRF model, which simulated ice concentrations comparable to the measured ice number concentrations, without depleting the liquid water content (LWC) simulated in the model. Our simulations therefore suggest that high ice concentrations observed in mixed-phase clouds at Jungfraujoch are caused by a flux of surface hoar crystals into the orographic clouds.
Simulations of Organic Aerosol Concentrations during Springtime in the Guanzhong Basin, China
Authors: Feng Tian , Li Guohui , Cao Junji , Bei Naifang , Shen Zhenxing , Zhou Weijian , Liu Suixin , Zhang Ting , Wang Yichen , Tie Xuexi , Molina Luisa T.
Published: April 2016

Abstract. The organic aerosol (OA) concentration is simulated in the Guanzhong basin, China from 23 to 25 April 2013 utilizing the WRF-CHEM model. Two approaches are used to predict OA concentrations: (1) a traditional secondary organic aerosol (SOA) module; (2) a non-traditional SOA module including the volatility basis-set modeling method in which primary organic aerosols (POA) are assumed to be semi-volatile and photochemically reactive. Generally, the spatial patterns and temporal variations of the calculated hourly near-surface ozone and fine particle matters agree well with the observations in Xi’an and surrounding areas. The model also yields reasonable distributions of daily PM2.5 and elemental carbon (EC) compared to the filter measurements at 29 sites in the basin. Filter measured organic carbon (OC) and EC are used to evaluate OA, POA, and SOA using the OC / EC ratio approach. Compared with the traditional SOA module, the non-traditional module significantly improves SOA simulations and explains about 88 % of the observed SOA concentration. Oxidation and partitioning of POA treated as semi-volatile constitute the most important pathway for the SOA formation, contributing more than 75 % of the SOA concentrations in the basin. Residential emissions are the dominant anthropogenic OA source, constituting about 50 % of OA concentrations in urban and rural areas and 30 % in the background area. The OA contribution from transportation emissions decreases from 25 % in urban areas to 20 % in the background area, and the industry emission OA contribution is less than 6 %. The simulation results will facilitate the design of the air pollution control strategies in the basin.
Muhammet Çap & Sehil Inşaat Endustri ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti. V. Turkmenistan: Procedural Order No. 3 (ICSID)
Authors: Desierto Diane A.
Published: April 2016

On June 12, 2015, the Arbitral Tribunal in Muhammet Çap & Sehil Inşaat Endustri ve Ticaret Ltd. Sti. v. Turkmenistan, composed of Professor Julian D.M. Lew (President), Professor Laurence Boisson de Chazournes (Arbitrator), and Professor Bernard Hanotiau (President), issued its Procedural Order No. 3, ordering claimants to confirm

whether its claims in this arbitration are being funded by a third-party funder, and if so, shall, advise Respondent and the Tribunal of the name or names and details of the third-party funder(s), and the nature of the arrangements concluded with the third-party funder(s), including whether and to what extent it/they will share in any successes that Claimants may achieve in this arbitration.

This is the first publicly available written order issued by an arbitral tribunal constituted under the rules of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) that compels claimants to disclose information about any third-party funding arrangements.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 & Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
Authors: Rosenthal Michael D.
Published: April 2016

For many years, the United Nations Security Council expressed its concerns about the proliferation risks presented by the Iranian nuclear program, doing so in the context of its primary responsibility under the Charter of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security. With the intent to resolve its concerns, the Security Council adopted Resolution 2231 on July 20, 2015. The Resolution endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that had been concluded on July 14, 2015, by China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union, and Iran (the E3/EU + 3). Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA are closely intertwined. Their implementation will result in strict limits on Iran’s ability to produce weapongrade nuclear material. On-site verification and monitoring of these limits by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will provide assurance that Iran is observing them. Resolution 2231 and the JCPOA also provide for a step-by-step removal of sanctions imposed on Iran for its past failure to resolve concerns about its nuclear program. Past concerns about “possible military dimensions” to Iran’s nuclear program, while neither misplaced nor necessarily fully assuaged, were put aside, being outweighed by the prospect that the JCPOA offers, “a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.”
Testing the Impact of Strategic Leadership on Organizational Ambidexterity: A field Study on the Jordanian Chemical Manufacturing Companies
Authors: AbuZaid Ahmad Nasser
Published: April 2016

Organizations need to be ambidextrous to acquire new capabilities to be compatible with changing business environment and at the same time to employ its available capabilities to achieve the efficiency. The leadership contributes in building organizational ambidexterity through creating the context of ambidexterity. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the impact of strategic leadership on the organizational ambidexterity of the (94) Jordanian chemical manufacturing companies operating at King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein Industrial City. The sample of the study includes all the study population. The sampling unit and analysis (respondents) composed of the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of all target companies. In order to achieve the study objectives, the researcher designed a questionnaire to collect the required data from study sample. To test the hypotheses the multiple regression analysis used. Empirical results indicated that the strategic leadership has a positive impact on organizational ambidexterity. Based on the results of the study, the strategic leader must be having the following skills: visioning, focusing, and implementing. In addition, researchers should conduct additional studies in strategic leadership and organizational ambidexterity in the different industries and contexts, especially in the service companies and taking other dimensions of strategic leadership rather than visioning, focusing, and implementing.
Functional Competency Development Model for Academic Personnel Based on International Professional Qualification Standards in Computing Field
Authors: Tumthong Suwut , Piriyasurawong Pullop , Jeerangsuwan Namon
Published: April 2016

This research proposes a functional competency development model for academic personnel based on international professional qualiﬁcation standards in computing ﬁeld and examines the appropriateness of the model. Speciﬁcally, the model consists of three key components which are: 1) functional competency development model, 2) blended training system for academic personnel, and 3) test for computer science certiﬁcations. For functional competency development model, there are ﬁve sub-components which are: 1) objective, 2) qualities of academic personnel, 3) trainers, 4) content (curriculum), and 5) training plan. Next, the proposed blended training system consists of six different training modules which are: 1) pre-test, 2) face-to-face training, 3) e-Video lecture, 4) e-Web cooperation, 5) post-test, and 6) feedback. Lastly, for the third key component, there are 3 levels of certiﬁcations which are: 1) basic level, 2) specialist level, and 3) professional level, accordingly. The assessment result, based on opinions of 9 experts in the form of 5-point Likert scale, reveals that these three components and all their sub-components are rated as the highly appropriate ( x = 4.50).
West Palm Beach Waterworks: A Unique Blend of Old and New
Authors: Kelly Scott D. , Kalkat Poonam K.
Published: April 2016

Steeped in history yet offering the latest technologies and sustainable features, West Palm Beach Waterworks is proud of its past and what it offers its customers, today and into the future.
No Shortage of Challenges
Authors: McGuire Michael J.
Published: April 2016

There is much going on internationally with AWWA and the Journal. Last October I had the opportunity to travel to India, where I witnessed the water trials faced in that country and how the AWWAIndia initiative was developing. It opened my eyes to just how much work remains to be done to bring 24/7 delivery of safe drinking water to the entire county. AWWAIndia recently held a training program on effective utility management and asset management in Mumbai, and more training events are planned to help transfer needed skills to the local level.
Pacientes com a Doença de Parkinson são capazes de melhorar seu desempenho em tarefas virtuais do Xbox Kinect®: “uma série de casos”
Authors: Mendes Felipe Augusto dos Santos , Arduini Lilian , Aparecida Aparecida Botelho , Da Cruz Mariana Busche , Da Paz Clarissa Cardoso Couto , Pompeu Sandra Maria Alvarenga Anti , Piemonte Maria Elisa Pimentel , Pompeu José Eduardo
Published: April 2016

A utilidade dos videogames na reabilitação de pacientes com Doença de Parkinson (PDP) vem sendo demonstrada.  Contudo, a discussão sobre a seleção dos jogos utilizados ainda é escassa, embora fundamental para recomendação de seu uso terapêutico. Não foram, até o momento, encontrados estudos sobre a utilização do Xbox Kinect® (XK) na reabilitação de PDP. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar as modificações de desempenho de PDP, decorrentes do treino, por meio das mudanças nas pontuações de jogos do XK, em cada sessão. Sete PDP em estágios leve a moderado realizaram 14 sessões de treinamento em quatro jogos previamente selecionados. As pontuações foram registradas para análise da curva de desempenho entre as sessões. Foram feitas análises de variância para medidas repetidas considerando-se um grupo e 14 sessões, seguidas por testes Post Hoc Tukey-Kramer para verificar as diferenças entre as mesmas (p≤ 0.05). Os resultados mostraram que os PDP melhoraram seu desempenho em todos os jogos, porém em momentos diferentes. Concluiu-se que os PDP do presente estudo mostraram capacidade de melhorar o desempenho em jogos do XK, mas que a melhora depende das demandas e da presença de fatores facilitadores da aprendizagem, reforçando a importância da sua escolha com propósito de reabilitação.

 
Keel-bone damage and foot injuries in commercial laying hens in Denmark
Authors: Riber AB , Hinrichsen LK
Published: April 2016

Keel-bone damage and foot injuries have a negative impact on welfare in laying hens. The extent of the problems in Danish commercial flocks of layers is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the current prevalence of keel-bone damage and foot injuries in Danish commercial flocks of laying hens and to investigate the effects of production system, housing system, hybrid and age. The occurrences of keel-bone damage, hyperkeratosis and missing toes were higher at 62 compared to 32 weeks of age, while the reverse was found for toe wounds, foot-pad lesions and bumble feet. There was no difference between barn and organic production systems in the risk of having keel-bone fractures and foot injuries, except that barn hens were more likely to have foot-pad lesions than organic hens (32 weeks: 16.1 vs 3.1%). Hens in multi-tiered systems were more likely to have keel-bone fractures compared to hens in single-tiered systems (62 weeks: 11.6 vs 4.9%). Of the four hybrids, Lohmann Brown Lite had a higher risk of keel-bone fractures, whereas bumble feet were found more frequently in Lohmann LSL Keel-bone damage and foot injuries are less common in Danish non-cage systems compared to most of the reporting presently available from other countries. We suggest transnational studies, aimed at identifying the causal factors of this discrepancy, to increase existing knowledge on how to reduce incidences of keel-bone damage and foot injuries.
Animal welfare initiatives improve feather cover of cage-free laying hens in the UK
Authors: Mullan S , Szmaragd C , Cooper MD , Wrathall JHM , Jamieson J , Bond A , Atkinson C , Main DCJ
Published: April 2016

This paper describes a case example where initiatives from private assurance schemes, scientists, charities, government and egg companies have improved the welfare of UK cage-free laying hens. The RSPCA and Soil Association farm assurance schemes introduced formal welfare outcome assessment into their annual audits of laying-hen farms in 2011. Feather loss was assessed on 50 birds from each flock on a three-point scale for two body regions: Head and Neck (HN) and Back and Vent (BV). In support of the observations, assessors were trained in feedback techniques designed to encourage change in farmer behaviour to improve welfare. In addition, during Year 2 farmers were asked about changes they had made, and intended to make on their farms. During 2011-2013 there were also wider industry initiatives to improve feather cover. Data were analysed from 830 and 743 farms in Year 1 and Year 2, respectively. From Year 1 to Year 2 there was a significant reduction in the prevalence of feather loss from 31.8% (9.6% severe) to 20.8% (6% severe) for the HN region, and from 33.1% (12.6% severe) to 22.7% (8.3% severe) for BV. Fifty-nine percent of 662 farmers reported they had made changes on their farms during Year 1 to improve bird welfare. For such a substantial industry change, attributing causation to specific initiatives is difficult; however, this is the first study to demonstrate the value to animal welfare of certification schemes monitoring the effectiveness of their own and other industry-led interventions to guide future policy.
Classification of animal welfare on mink farms differs between three annual production periods
Authors: Henriksen BIF , Sørensen JT , Møller SH
Published: April 2016

According to the WelFur assessment protocol for mink, welfare is assessed via three one-day visits; one during each of the three main annual production phases. If one of these three assessments could provide a representative description of the welfare on a mink farm throughout the year, not only would much time and money be saved, it would also provide the farmer with an immediate result. As the same manager is usually in place for all three production phases and as most of the welfare problems associated with mink production are related to management, we hypothesise that assessment in one of the three phases should be sufficient for predicting the overall annual classification of welfare on a farm. Based on the WelFur protocol for mink, data from 19 farms were collected in each of the three production phases: breeders during winter (assessment period one); females and kits in lactation (assessment period two); and juveniles during late growth (assessment period three). The data were recorded by two external assessors per farm, on nine farms in 2011 and ten other farms in 2013, and an aggregated welfare assessment at farm level was calculated for each of the three visits. Data from the three assessments per farm were compared both at criteria, principle, and at overall classification level according to the Welfur mink concept. It appears that the estimated WelFur classification of farms differs between assessment periods, especially as regards to low score-value of the principal ‘Good Feeding’ in the summer period. Scores from periods two and three are needed to predict the full annual score of the four WelFur principles. Based on the results found, we reject the hypothesis that the overall annual classification of welfare of a farm in the WelFur system can be based on one period. A simplification of the WelFur-assessment system may be possible, with the exclusion of the welfare assessment in period one.
The Short, Unhappy Use Lives of Early Agricultural Period “Food Storage” Pits at the Las Capas Site, Southern Arizona
Authors: Diehl Michael W. , Davis Owen K.
Published: April 2016

Were Early Agricultural period (2100 B.C.–A.D. 50) maize cultivators in Southern Arizona sedentary farmers or seasonally mobile forager-farmers? Ethnographic analogs and ethnographically derived middle range theory support both claims. One argument for sedentism has been the abundance of large subterranean storage pits. These are often presumed to have been used for long-term food storage. This study of wetlands-indicator spores recovered from those pits indicates that the pits were often saturated and could not have been used for long-term food storage; these findings support the general contention that Early Agricultural period maize cultivators were seasonally mobile and tried to fit early agriculture into a subsistence regime focused on wild foods.
Evidence for Stepped Pyramids of Shell in the Woodland Period of Eastern North America
Authors: Pluckhahn Thomas J. , Thompson Victor D. , Rink W. Jack
Published: April 2016

Antiquarians of the nineteenth century referred to the largest monumental constructions in eastern North America as pyramids, but this usage faded among archaeologists by the mid-twentieth century. Pauketat (2007) has reintroduced the term pyramid to describe the larger, Mississippian-period (A.D. 1050 to 1550) mounds of the interior of the continent, recognizing recent studies that demonstrate the complexity of their construction. Such recognition is lacking for earlier mounds and for those constructed of shell. We describe the recent identification of stepped pyramids of shell from the Roberts Island Complex, located on the central Gulf Coast of Florida and dating to the terminal Late Woodland period, A.D. 800 to 1050, thus recognizing the sophistication of monument construction in an earlier time frame, using a different construction material, and taking an alternative form.
Bareboat Charter Registry
Authors: Pijaca Marija , Mandić Nikola
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this article is to establish the concept of the bareboat charter registry and draw attention to a few significant international conventions that govern certain aspects of the bareboat charter registry. Also, the purpose is to present models which various countries apply to regulate the registration of vessels during the bareboat charter and analyse the contents of the provisions of the bareboat charter that regulate the relations between the contracting parties who wish to have the vessel registered in the bareboat charter registry. BIMCO’s Standard Bareboat Charter, also known under the code name BARECON 2001, will be used to lay out the provisions applicable to vessels registered in the bareboat charter registry.
Community effects in regulation of translation
Authors: Macdonald Paul M , Kanke Matt , Kenny Andrew
Published: April 2016

Certain forms of translational regulation, and translation itself, rely on long-range interactions between proteins bound to the different ends of mRNAs. A widespread assumption is that such interactions occur only in cis, between the two ends of a single transcript. However, certain translational regulatory defects of the Drosophila oskar (osk) mRNA can be rescued in trans. We proposed that inter-transcript interactions, promoted by assembly of the mRNAs in particles, allow regulatory elements to act in trans. Here we confirm predictions of that model and show that disruption of PTB-dependent particle assembly inhibits rescue in trans. Communication between transcripts is not limited to different osk mRNAs, as regulation imposed by cis-acting elements embedded in the osk mRNA spreads to gurken mRNA. We conclude that community effects exist in translational regulation.
The modulation of savouring by prediction error and its effects on choice
Authors: Iigaya Kiyohito , Story Giles W , Kurth-Nelson Zeb , Dolan Raymond J , Dayan Peter
Published: April 2016

When people anticipate uncertain future outcomes, they often prefer to know their fate in advance. Inspired by an idea in behavioral economics that the anticipation of rewards is itself attractive, we hypothesized that this preference of advance information arises because reward prediction errors carried by such information can boost the level of anticipation. We designed new empirical behavioral studies to test this proposal, and confirmed that subjects preferred advance reward information more strongly when they had to wait for rewards for a longer time. We formulated our proposal in a reinforcement-learning model, and we showed that our model could account for a wide range of existing neuronal and behavioral data, without appealing to ambiguous notions such as an explicit value for information. We suggest that such boosted anticipation significantly drives risk-seeking behaviors, most pertinently in gambling.
Extracellular interactions and ligand degradation shape the nodal morphogen gradient
Authors: Wang Yin , Wang Xi , Wohland Thorsten , Sampath Karuna
Published: April 2016

The correct distribution and activity of secreted signaling proteins called morphogens is required for many developmental processes. Nodal morphogens play critical roles in embryonic axis formation in many organisms. Models proposed to generate the Nodal gradient include diffusivity, ligand processing, and a temporal activation window. But how the Nodal morphogen gradient forms in vivo remains unclear. Here, we have measured in vivo for the first time, the binding affinity of Nodal ligands to their major cell surface receptor, Acvr2b, and to the Nodal inhibitor, Lefty, by fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy. We examined the diffusion coefficient of Nodal ligands and Lefty inhibitors in live zebrafish embryos by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. We also investigated the contribution of ligand degradation to the Nodal gradient. We show that ligand clearance via degradation shapes the Nodal gradient and correlates with its signaling range. By computational simulations of gradient formation, we demonstrate that diffusivity, extra-cellular interactions, and selective ligand destruction collectively shape the Nodal morphogen gradient.
Dual functions of a small regulatory subunit in the mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex
Authors: Tsai Ming-Feng , Phillips Charles B , Ranaghan Matthew , Tsai Chen-Wei , Wu Yujiao , Williams Carole , Miller Christopher
Published: April 2016

Mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, a process crucial for bioenergetics and Ca2+ signaling, is catalyzed by the mitochondrial calcium uniporter. The uniporter is a multi-subunit Ca2+-activated Ca2+ channel, with the Ca2+ pore formed by the MCU protein and Ca2+-dependent activation mediated by MICU subunits. Recently, a mitochondrial inner membrane protein EMRE was identified as a uniporter subunit absolutely required for Ca2+ permeation. However, the molecular mechanism and regulatory purpose of EMRE remain largely unexplored. Here, we determine the transmembrane orientation of EMRE, and show that its known MCU-activating function is mediated by the interaction of transmembrane helices from both proteins. We also reveal a second function of EMRE: to maintain tight MICU regulation of the MCU pore, a role that requires EMRE to bind MICU1 using its conserved C-terminal polyaspartate tail. This dual functionality of EMRE ensures that all transport-competent uniporters are tightly regulated, responding appropriately to a dynamic intracellular Ca2+ landscape.
The expanding role of dopamine
Authors: Doll Bradley B , Daw Nathaniel D
Published: April 2016

Evidence increasingly suggests that dopaminergic neurons play a more sophisticated role in predicting rewards than previously thought.
Automated Estimation of Melanocytic Skin Tumor Thickness by Ultrasonic Radiofrequency Data
Authors: Andrekute Kristina , Valiukeviciene Skaidra , Raisutis Renaldas , Linkeviciute Gintare , Makstiene Jurgita , Kliunkiene Renata
Published: April 2016

Objectives

High‐frequency (>20‐MHz) ultrasound (US) is a noninvasive preoperative tool for assessment of melanocytic skin tumor thickness. Ultrasonic melanocytic skin tumor thickness estimation is not always easy and is related to the experience of the clinician. In this article, we present an automated thickness measurement method based on time‐frequency analysis of US radiofrequency signals.

Methods

The study was performed on 52 thin (≤1‐mm) melanocytic skin tumors (46 melanocytic nevi and 6 melanomas). Radiofrequency signals were obtained with a single‐element focused transducer (fundamental frequency, 22 MHz; bandwidth, 12–28 MHz). The radiofrequency data were analyzed in the time‐frequency domain to make the tumor boundaries more noticeable. The thicknesses of the tumors were evaluated by 3 different metrics: histologically measured Breslow thickness, manually measured US thickness, and automatically measured US thickness.

Results

The results showed a higher correlation coefficient between the automatically measured US thickness and Breslow thickness (r= 0.83; P< .0001) than the manually measured US thickness (r = 0.68; P < .0001). The sensitivity of the automated tumor thickness measurement algorithm was 96.55%, and the specificity was 78.26% compared with histologic measurement. The sensitivity of the manually measured US thickness was 75.86%, and the specificity was 73.91%.

Conclusions

The efficient automated tumor thickness measurement method developed could be used as a tool for preoperative assessment of melanocytic skin tumor thickness.
Prenatal and Postnatal Survival of Fetal Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Zhao Yili , Abuhamad Alfred , Fleenor Jonathan , Guo Yajun , Zhang Wangshu , Cao Danming , Zeng Shi , Sinkovskaya Elena , Zhou Qichang
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the postnatal outcomes, genetic testing results, and sonographic findings in 3 subtypes of tetralogy of Fallot.

Methods

Thirty‐six articles from the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were selected for this review. The postnatal outcomes, karyotyping results, and sonographic findings of fetal tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis, tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, and tetralogy of Fallot with an absent pulmonary valve were collected and compared.

Results

The survival rates (termination of pregnancy was considered fetal death) for prenatally diagnosed tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and tetralogy of Fallot with an absent pulmonary valve at the end of neonatal period were significantly lower than the rate for tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis (P < .05). The survival rate for tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia was also lower at birth (P < .001). Major chromosomal anomalies were more frequently detected in tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis (P< .05); conversely, 22q11 deletion was present more often in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and tetralogy of Fallot with an absent pulmonary valve (P < .001). Compared to tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis, a right aortic arch was more associated with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia (32.6%; P < .05), and the ductus arteriosus was almost always absent in tetralogy of Fallot with an absent pulmonary valve (87.5%; P < .001).

Conclusions

The postnatal outcomes, genetic testing results, and sonographic findings are different among subtypes of tetralogy of Fallot. Documenting those details at diagnosis can help specialists better counsel their patients.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Dissipative Energy Loss by Vector Flow Mapping in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Zhong Yue , Liu Yanting , Wu Ting , Song Huizi , Chen Zhongxiu , Zhu Wei , Cai Yuyan , Zhang Wen , Bai Wenjuan , Tang Hong , Rao Li
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Dissipative energy loss derived from vector flow mapping represents the viscous dissipation of turbulent blood flow. We aimed to determine the left ventricular (LV) energy loss in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Methods

Patients with ESRD and a preserved LV ejection fraction, who consisted of a group receiving peritoneal dialysis, a group receiving hemodialysis, and a group receiving preparation for dialysis initiation, were examined by echocardiography; a group of healthy control participants were examined as well. Vector flow mapping analysis was then performed from the apical 4‐chamber view to calculate the energy loss during diastole and systole in the left ventricle.

Results

Conventional transthoracic echocardiography and LV energy loss calculations were successfully performed in 63 cases and 50 controls. The patients with ESRD had significantly higher diastolic energy loss [median (interquartile range), 71.73 (46.08–106.75) versus 23.32 (17.17–29.26) mW/m; P < .001] and higher systolic energy loss [25.28 (19.03–33.93) versus 12.52 (9.35–16.47) mW/m; P < .001]. A significant difference in diastolic energy loss between the peritoneal dialysis and preparation groups was found [54.92 (39.28–89.94) versus 84.82 (62.58–171.4) mW/m; P = .04]. In patients with ESRD, the log‐transformed diastolic energy loss had a significant association with the peak early diastolic transmitral flow velocity (P = .011), peak early diastolic transmitral flow velocity–to–peak early diastolic mitral annular flow velocity ratio (P = .001), LV mass index (P = .017), and heart rate (P = .003).

Conclusions

Impaired blood flow efficiency was detected in patients with ESRD by using dissipative energy loss derived from vector flow mapping. The energy loss value could be a novel parameter for evaluating the ventricular workload of uremic hearts in terms of fluid mechanics.