bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Stair Climb Power Test as an Efficacy Outcome in Randomized Trials of Function Promoting Therapies in Older Men
Authors: Gagliano-Jucá Thiago , Li Zhuoying , Pencina Karol M , Traustadóttir Tinna , Travison Thomas G , Woodhouse Linda , Basaria Shehzad , Tsitouras Panayiotis D , Harman S Mitchell , Bhasin Shalender , Storer Thomas W
Published: July 2019

Background

Standardization of performance-based physical function measures that are reliable and responsive to intervention is necessary for efficacy trials of function promoting anabolic therapies (FPTs). Herein, we describe a standardized method of measuring stair climbing power (SCP) and evaluate its ability to assess improvements in physical function in response to an FPT (testosterone) compared to gait speed.

Methods

We used a 12-step SCP test with and without carrying a load (loaded, LSCP or unloaded, USCP) in two testosterone trials in older men. SCP was determined from mass, total step-rise, and time of ascent measured with an electronic timing system. Associations between SCP and leg press performance (strength and power), testosterone levels, and gait speed were assessed. Test–retest reliability was evaluated using interclass correlation and Bland–Altman analyses.

Results

Baseline SCP was negatively associated with age and positively with leg strength and power and gait speed. Both tests of SCP were safe and showed excellent reliability (intra-class correlation 0.91–0.97 in both cohorts). Changes in testosterone concentrations were associated with changes in USCP and LSCP, but not gait speed in mobility-limited men. Changes in leg press performance were associated with SCP in both trials.

Conclusions

Both USCP and LSCP are safe and have high test–retest reliability. Compared to gait speed, SCP is associated more robustly with leg press performance and is sensitive to testosterone therapy. The LSCP might be a more responsive outcome than gait speed to evaluate the efficacy of FPT in randomized trials.
Evaluation of Various Sources of Viral Infection in Strawberry Fields of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Bonneau Phanie , Hogue Richard , Tellier Stéphanie , Fournier Valérie
Published: July 2019

The decline of cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne ex Rozier; Rosaceae) observed in the province of Quebec, Canada, between 2012 and 2014 was mostly caused by persistent viruses: strawberry mild yellow edge virus (SMYEV) (Potexvirus; Alphaflexiviridae) and strawberry crinkle virus (SCV) (Cytorhabdovirus; Rhabdoviridae); and semi-persistent viruses: strawberry mottle virus (SmoV) (Secoviridae), strawberry vein banding virus (SVBV) (Caulimovirus; Caulimoviridae), and strawberry pallidosis virus (SPaV) (Crinivirus: Closteroviridae) transmitted by insect vectors. The objective of this study was to determine the sources of viral contamination in commercial strawberry fields in Quebec. Specifically, we wished to 1) determine the prevalence of persistent viruses in winged strawberry aphid Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) specimens captured; 2) determine the prevalence of all viruses in wild strawberry Fragaria virginiana Miller plants near commercial plantings; and 3) evaluate the viral contamination of strawberry transplants obtained from nurseries and tested before and after planting in commercial strawberry fields. Results indicated high percentage (38%) of the aphids (n = 205) and high percentage (67%) of F. virginiana patches (n = 12) were infected by strawberry viruses. Ultimately, our results showed a low percentage (5%) of the plants from various nurseries (n = 56) were infected before planting, whereas a third (29%) of the healthy exposed plants in the fields (n = 96) became rapidly infected by insect vectors within a year of having been planted. This study provides significant insights on the relative importance of the various sources of contamination in Quebec strawberry fields: C. fragaefolii versus F. virginiana versus nurseries versus post-nursery infections through exposure to virus-carrying insects.
The Balance Intensity Scales for Therapists and Exercisers Measure Balance Exercise Intensity in Older Adults: Initial Validation Using Rasch Analysis
Authors: Farlie Melanie K , Keating Jennifer L , Molloy Elizabeth , Bowles Kelly-Ann , Neave Becky , Yamin Jessica , Weightman Jussyan , Saber Kelly , Haines Terry P
Published: July 2019

Background

The Balance Intensity Scales (BIS) have been developed to measure the intensity of balance exercise in older adults.

Objective

The objective was to determine whether the BIS for therapists (BIS-T) and for exercisers (BIS-E) are unidimensional measures of balance exercise intensity, able to be refined using the Rasch model into a hierarchical item order, and appropriately targeted for the older adult population with a variety of diagnoses in a range of exercise testing settings.

Design

This was a scale development study using a pragmatic mixed-methods approach.

Methods

Older adult exercisers (n = 108) and their therapists (n = 33) were recruited from a large metropolitan health service and rated balance exercise tasks on the BIS-T and BIS-E in a single session.

Results

Scores on both the BIS items and global effort ratings for therapists and exercisers had good correlation and demonstrated unidimensionality. The BIS-T and BIS-E demonstrated a hierarchical distribution of items that fit the Rasch model. The Person Separation Index was moderate (0.62) for the BIS-T but poor (0.33) for the BIS-E.

Limitations

The limitations were that therapists in this study underprescribed high-intensity balance tasks.

Conclusions

Initial validation of the BIS-T and the BIS-E demonstrated that these scales can be used for the measurement of balance exercise intensity in older adult populations. The BIS-T items and global effort ratings are recommended for use by therapists, and the global effort ratings are recommended for use by exercisers. Ongoing validation of both scales using high-intensity balance task ratings and different populations of older adults is recommended.
An assessment of engaged social science research in nanoscale science and engineering communities
Authors: Radatz Alecia , Reinsborough Michael , Fisher Erik , Corley Elizabeth , Guston David
Published: July 2019

Increased funding of nanotechnology research in the USA at the turn of the millennium was paired with a legislative commitment to and a novel societal research policy for the responsible development of nanotechnology. Innovative policy discourses at the time suggested that such work could engage a variety of publics, stakeholders, and researchers to enhance the capacity of research systems to adapt and be responsive to societal values and concerns. This article reviews one of two federally funded social science research centers—the Center for Nanotechnology in Society at Arizona State University(CNS-ASU)—to assess the merits of this form of engaged social science research in which social science contributes not only to traditional knowledge production but also to the capacity of natural science and engineering researchers and research communities for greater reflexivity and responsiveness, ultimately producing more socially robust research systems.
Genetic Characterization of Leaf and Stripe Rust Resistance in the Brazilian Wheat Cultivar Toropi
Authors: Rosa Silvia B. , Zanella Camila M. , Hiebert Colin W. , Brûlé-Babel Anita L. , Randhawa Harpinder S. , Shorter Stephen , Boyd Lesley A. , McCallum Brent D.
Published: July 2019

Leaf and stripe rust are major threats to wheat production worldwide. The effective, multiple rust resistances present in the Brazilian cultivar Toropi makes it an excellent choice for a genetic study of rust resistance. Testing of DNA from different seed lots of Toropi with 2,194 polymorphic 90K iSelect single nucleotide polymorphism markers identified significant genetic divergence, with as much as 35% dissimilarity between seed lots. As a result, further work was conducted with a single plant line derived from Toropi variant Toropi-6.4. A double haploid population with 168 lines derived from the cross Toropi-6.4 × Thatcher was phenotyped over multiple years and locations in Canada, New Zealand, and Kenya, with a total of seven field trials undertaken for leaf rust and nine for stripe rust. Genotyping with the 90K iSelect array, simple sequence repeat and Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction markers resulted in a genetic map of 3,043 cM, containing 1,208 nonredundant markers. Significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) derived from Toropi-6.4 were identified in multiple environments on chromosomes 1B (QLr.crc-1BL/QYr.crc-1BL), 3B (QLr.crc-3BS), 4B (QYr.crc-4BL), 5A (QLr.crc-5AL and QYr.crc-5AL), and 5D (QLr.crc-5DS). The QTL QLr.crc-1BL/QYr.crc-1BL colocated with the multi-rust resistance locus Lr46/Yr29, while the QTL QLr.crc-5DS located to the Lr78 locus previously found in a wheat backcross population derived from Toropi. Comparisons of QTL combinations showed QLr.crc-1BL to contribute a significantly enhanced leaf rust resistance when combined with QLr.crc-5AL or QLr.crc-5DS, more so than when QLr.crc-5AL and QLr.crc-5DS were combined. A strong additive effect was also seen when the stripe rust resistance QTL QYr.crc-1BL and QYr.crc-5AL were combined.
Contrasting the Pathogen Loads in Co-Existing Populations ofPhytophthora pluvialisandNothophaeocryptopus gaeumanniiin Douglas Fir Plantations in New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest United States
Authors: Gómez-Gallego Mireia , LeBoldus Jared M. , Bader Martin Karl-Friedrich , Hansen Everett , Donaldson Lloyd , Williams Nari Michelle
Published: July 2019

The emergence of Phytophthora pluvialis as a foliar pathogen of Douglas fir in New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest United States has raised questions about its interaction with the widespread Swiss needle cast (SNC) disease. During Spring 2017, we repeatedly sampled 30 trees along an environmental gradient in each region and 292 additional trees in a longitudinal transect to assess the P. pluvialis epidemic and the association between P. pluvialis and Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii, which are causal agents of SNC. Both pathogens were consistently more abundant in the host’s exotic environment in New Zealand. In both areas, the two pathogens co-exist in different spatial scales for regions and needles. The relative abundance of both pathogens was negatively correlated in the Pacific Northwest, where both presumably have co-existed for longer. Our findings confirmed the interaction of P. pluvialis and N. gaeumannii as foliar pathogens of Douglas fir and suggest a within-site spatial variation in the Pacific Northwest.
Factors associated with anal cancer screening uptake in men who have sex with men living with HIV: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Vanhaesebrouck Alexis , Pernot Simon , Pavie Juliette , Lucas Marie-Laure , Collias Lio , Péré Hélène , Taieb Julien , Weiss Laurence , Grabar Sophie
Published: July 2019

Most western countries have guidelines on anal cancer screening for men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. However, adherence to these guidelines has been studied poorly. This cross-sectional study reports anal cancer screening uptake and identifies the factors associated with a previous screening in MSM living with HIV in a Paris Hospital (France). A total of 410 outpatients completed a self-administered questionnaire on anal cancer screening. The median age was 50 years and the median time from HIV diagnosis was 14.2 years. Overall, 82.2% of patients were aware of anal cancer screening and, of these, 56.7% had already undergone a screening test. The absence of history of screening (43.3%) was most often explained by lack of time (31.3%) or information (28.2%). Among patients familiar with the anal screening procedure, those older than 50 years (adjusted odds ratio=2.4, 95% confidence interval=1.3–4.7, P=0.007) and informed by healthcare providers (adjusted odds ratio=8.2, 95% confidence interval=2.5–32.0, P=0.001) were more likely to have already been screened. To date, adherence to anal cancer screening in MSM living with HIV appears to be inadequate to enable diagnosis of cancer at its early stages. Encouraging physicians to inform MSM living with HIV about anal cancer screening, irrespective of their age, could be an effective strategy to improve anal cancer screening uptake.
ASSESSMENT OF CENTRAL SEROUS CHORIORETINOPATHY DEPICTED ON COLOR FUNDUS PHOTOGRAPHS USING DEEP LEARNING
Authors: Zhen Yi , Chen Hang , Zhang Xu , Meng Xin , Zhang Jian , Pu Jiantao
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

To investigate whether and to what extent central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) depicted on color fundus photographs can be assessed using deep learning technology.

Methods:

We collected a total of 2,504 fundus images acquired on different subjects. We verified the CSC status of these images using their corresponding optical coherence tomography images. A total of 1,329 images depicted CSC. These images were preprocessed and normalized. This resulting data set was randomly split into three parts in the ratio of 8:1:1, respectively, for training, validation, and testing purposes. We used the deep learning architecture termed Inception-V3 to train the classifier. We performed nonparametric receiver operating characteristic analyses to assess the capability of the developed algorithm to identify CSC. To study the inter-reader variability and compare the performance of the computerized scheme and human experts, we asked two ophthalmologists (i.e., Rater #1 and #2) to independently review the same testing data set in a blind manner. We assessed the performance difference between the computer algorithms and the two experts using the receiver operating characteristic curves and computed their pair-wise agreements using Cohen's Kappa coefficients.

Results:

The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the computer, Rater #1, and Rater #2 were 0.934 (95% confidence interval = 0.905–0.963), 0.859 (95% confidence interval = 0.809–0.908), and 0.725 (95% confidence interval = 0.662–0.788). The Kappa coefficient between the two raters was 0.48 (P < 0.001), while the Kappa coefficients between the computer and the two raters were 0.59 (P < 0.001) and 0.33 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our experiments showed that the computer algorithm based on deep learning can assess CSC depicted on color fundus photographs in a relatively reliable and consistent way.
Regulatory and Developmental Aspects of Biomarkers in the Treatment of Ocular Surface Disease
Authors: Novack Gary D.
Published: July 2019

The ideal biomarker would be a simple laboratory or clinical evaluation before treatment, which would predict subsequent therapeutic response. This might include selection of which patients might respond to that treatment. While other disciplines such as neurology and oncology have biomarkers, ophthalmology is limited to one—elevated intraocular pressure as a surrogate for progressive glaucomatous field loss. US law in 2016 required the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to set up a system to qualify biomarkers. The system now exists—with most validated or pending biomarkers limited to safety and infection. The American Academy of Ophthalmology selected dry eye disease as one of three diseases in which to standardize outcomes in ophthalmology research. There have been a number of biomarkers proposed for evaluating ocular surface disease and its treatment. None currently meets the scientific or regulatory basis for being a valid biomarker—however, additional research may result in validity. Given the FDA's scientific basis, it is unlikely that an unproven biomarker could be used for regulatory approval, even for a “SubPart H” conditional new drug application. Elsewhere in ophthalmology, we know that even patients who share the same disease gene or mutation may differ substantially in penetrance and clinical expression. Thus, it is not unexpected that ocular surface disease, a heterogeneous disease with a variable presentation of signs and symptoms, has yet to have validated biomarkers that reach the level of evidence that allows their use for diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and for making decisions in drug development.
Adenocarcinoma of the Stomach Leading to Recurrent Regurgitation and Muscular Hypermetabolism on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Parihar Ashwin Singh , Vadi Shelvin Kumar , Kumar Rajender , Mittal Bhagwant Rai , Singh Harmandeep , Kapoor Rakesh
Published: July 2019

Skeletal muscle uptake of 18F-FDG can result from a variety of physiologic and pathologic conditions. It is important for the physician to interpret these uptake patterns in the correct context to avoid a misdiagnosis. We present a case of a 36-year-old man with progressive, repeated episodes of regurgitation who was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the stomach. 18F-FDG PET/CT showed increased tracer uptake in the primary tumor and in the intercostal and sternocleidomastoid muscles. The pattern of tracer uptake along with the clinical history and examination of the patient helped differentiate a physiologic variant from a pathologic cause.
Celiac Disease on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Cardin Anthony Joshua , Patel Mihir , Ma Dickson
Published: July 2019

An FDG PET with diagnostic CT was performed on a 52-year-old man for investigation of lymphocytosis and the clinical suspicion of lymphoma. The PET/CT demonstrated diffuse small bowel uptake, prominent mesenteric lymph nodes without significant FDG uptake, and other features suggestive of celiac disease. Subsequently, the patient was found to have markedly elevated celiac disease antibodies (deamidated gliadin IgG and tissue transglutaminase IgA) and to be HLA DQ2 and DQ8 allele positive on genotyping for celiac disease. Gastroscopy and duodenal biopsy also confirmed the diagnosed.
Cervical Stenosis in Non-Syndromic Pierre Robin Sequence
Authors: Abu-Ghname Amjed , Masoumy Mohamad , Monson Laura A.
Published: July 2019

Pierre Robin sequence is a triad of micrognathia, glossoptosis, and airway obstruction that has reported associations with numerous birth defects and anomalies including craniocervical pathologies. Given the number of airway assessments and neck manipulations these neonates experience, undetected cervical instability can result in detrimental consequences. The authors present a case of a neonate with non-syndromic Pierre Robin sequence planned for mandibular distraction osteogenesis that developed abnormal motor activity following intubation. The patient was eventually diagnosed with cervical spine stenosis and craniocervical instability after radiologic investigation. This paper demonstrates the significance of preoperative cervical spine evaluation and the importance of maintaining high level of suspicion when performing neck manipulations in those high-risk infants.
Beneficial Effects of Ivabradine on Post-Resuscitation Myocardial Dysfunction in a Porcine Model of Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Yang Min , Chen Limin , Hua Tianfeng , Zou Yangyang , Yang Zhengfei
Published: July 2019

Background:

Ivabradine selectively inhibits the If current, reducing the heart rate and protecting against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. We investigated the effects of ivabradine on post-resuscitation myocardial function in a porcine model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods and Results:

Ventricular fibrillation was induced and untreated for 8 min while defibrillation was attempted after 6 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in anesthetized domestic swine. Then the animals were randomized into ivabradine and placebo groups (n = 5 each). Ivabradine and saline were administered at the same volume 5 min after Return of Spontaneous Circulation, followed by continuous intravenous infusion at 0.5 mg/kg for 480 min. Hemodynamic parameters were continuously recorded. Myocardial function was assessed by echocardiography at baseline and at 60, 120, 240, 480 min and 24 h after resuscitation. The serum levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Animals were killed 24 h after resuscitation, and all myocardial tissue was removed for histopathological analysis. The heart rate was significantly reduced from 1 h after resuscitation in the ivabradine group (all P < 0.05). The post-resuscitation mitral E/A and E/e′ velocity ratios and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly better in the ivabradine than placebo group (P < 0.05). The serum levels of myocardial injury biomarkers (NT-proBNP, cTnI) and the myocardial biopsy scores were significantly lower in the ivabradine than placebo group (P < 0.05). Neurological deficit scores were lower in the IVA group at PR 24 h (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Ivabradine improved post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction, myocardial injury, and post-resuscitation cerebral function, and also slowed the heart rate in this porcine model.
Heavy chain-1 of inter-α-inhibitor has an integrin-like structure with immune regulatory activities
Authors: Briggs David C. , Langford-Smith Alexander W.W. , Jowitt Thomas A. , Kielty Cay M. , Enghild Jan J. , Baldock Clair , Milner Caroline M. , Day Anthony J.
Published: July 2019

Inter-α-inhibitor (IαI) is a proteoglycan essential for mammalian reproduction that also plays a less well-characterised role in inflammation. IαI is composed of 2 homologous ‘heavy chains’ (HC1 and HC2) covalently attached to chondroitin sulphate on the bikunin core protein. Prior to ovulation HCs are transferred onto the polysaccharide hyaluronan (HA), thereby stabilising a matrix that is required for fertilisation. Here we show that human HC1 has a structure similar to integrin β-chains and contains a functional MIDAS (metal ion-dependent adhesion site) motif that can mediate self-association of heavy chains, providing a mechanism for matrix crosslinking. Surprisingly, its interaction with RGD-containing integrin ligands, such as vitronectin and the latency-associated peptides of TGFβ, occurs in a MIDAS/cation-independent manner. However, HC1 utilises its MIDAS motif to bind to, and inhibit the cleavage of, complement C3, thus identifying it as a novel regulator of innate immunity through inhibition of the alternative pathway C3 convertase.

Abbreviations

ADPs, atomic displacement parameter; AUC, analytical ultracentrifugation; CMG2, capillary morphogenesis protein-2; COC, cumulus-oocyte complex; CS, chondroitin sulphate; FB, complement factor B; FnIII; fibronectin type III; HA, hyaluronan; HC, heavy chain; HC•HA, covalent complex of HC with HA; IαI, inter-α-inhibitor; ITGA, integrin α-chain; ITGB, integrin β-chain; LAP, latency associated peptide; LLC, large latent complex; LTBP, latent TGFβ binding protein; MIDAS, metal ion-dependent adhesion site; PαI, pre-α-inhibitor; PTX3, pentraxin-3; rHC1, recombinant HC1; SAXS, small-angle X-ray scattering; SHAP, serum-derived HA binding protein; SLC, small latent complex; TEM8, tumour endothelial marker-8; TGFβ, transforming factor β; TSG-6, tumour necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6; TSG-6•HC, covalent complex of TSG-6 and HC; vWFA domain, von Willebrand Factor A domain.
Size effect on thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication of industrial chain bush-pin hinge pair
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Wang Jing , Liu Yi , Dai Longjie , Shang Zhaohua
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theory to study the variation of the equivalent curvature radius “R” on the change of oil film thickness, pressure, temperature rise and friction coefficient in the contact zone between bush-pin in industrial chain drive.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the contact between bush and pin is simplified as infinitely long line contact. The lubrication state is studied by numerical simulation using steady-state line contact thermal EHL. The two constitutive equations, namely, Newton fluid and Ree–Eyring fluid are used in the calculations.

Findings

It is found that with the increase of equivalent curvature radius, the thickness of oil film decreases and the temperature rise increases. Under the same condition, the friction coefficient of Newton fluid is higher than that of Ree–Eyring fluid. When the load increases, the oil film thickness decreases, the temperature rise increases and the friction coefficient decreases; and the film thickness increases with the increase of the entraining speed under the condition “R < 1,000 mm”.

Research limitations/implications

The infinite line contact assumption is only an approximation. For example, the distances between the two inner plates are 5.72 mm, by considering the two parts assembled into the inner plates, the total length of the bush is less than 6 mm. The diameter of the pin and the bore diameter of the bush are 3.28 and 3.33 mm. However, the infinite line contact is also helpful in understanding the general variation of oil film characteristics and provides a reference for the future study of finite line contact of chain problems.

Originality/value

The change of the equivalent radius R on the variation of the oil film in the contact of the bush and the pin in industrial chain drive was investigated. The size effect influences the lubrication characteristic greatly in the bush-pin pair.
Effects of macrolides on airway microbiome and cytokine of children with bronchiolitis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Yin , Dai Jihong , Jian Hui , Lin Jilei
Published: July 2019

Macrolides may attenuate airway inflammation of bronchiolitis with anti‐inflammatory and antiviral effects. However, the potential mechanisms of action underlying the efficiency of macrolides in treating bronchiolitis are limited. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis to assess the effects of macrolides on airway microbiome and cytokine of children with bronchiolitis. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until May 2018. The reference lists of included studies and pertinent reviews were investigated for supplementing our search. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared macrolides with placebo assessing the change of microbiome in airway and cytokine were included. A total of four RCTs were included in this review. Data analysis showed no significant reduction of viruses at 48 hr after azithromycin treatment (p = 0.41). There were significant reductions in Streptococcus pneumoniae (risk ratio [RR] 0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.6, p < 0.01), Haemophilus influenza (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.62, p < 0.01), and Moraxella catarrhalis (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.5, p < 0.01), but no significant reduction of Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.28) following treatment with macrolides. There was a significant decrease in the serum interleukin‐8(IL‐8), interleukin‐4(IL‐4), and eotaxin levels following 3 weeks of clarithromycin therapy. There was no significant difference in the serum IL‐8 level at Day 15 after the intervention between the azithromycin and control groups; however, a significant reduction of nasal lavage IL‐8 level was found. The macrolides may reduce the IL‐8 levels in the airway and plasma, but failed to demonstrate an antiviral effect in children with bronchiolitis.
Consistent temperature dependence of functional response parameters and their use in predicting population abundance
Authors: Archer Louise C. , Sohlström Esra H. , Gallo Bruno , Jochum Malte , Woodward Guy , Kordas Rebecca L. , Rall Björn C. , O’Gorman Eoin J.
Published: July 2019

Global warming is one of the greatest threats to the persistence of populations: increased metabolic demands should strengthen pairwise species interactions, which could destabilize food webs at the higher organizational levels. Quantifying the temperature dependence of consumer–resource interactions is thus essential for predicting ecological responses to warming.

We explored feeding interactions between different predator–prey pairs in controlled‐temperature chambers and in a system of naturally heated streams. We found consistent temperature dependence of attack rates across experimental settings, though the magnitude and activation energy of attack rate were specific to each predator, which varied in mobility and foraging mode.

We used these parameters along with metabolic rate measurements to estimate energetic efficiency and population abundance with warming. Energetic efficiency accurately estimated field abundance of a mobile predator that struggled to meet its metabolic demands, but was a poor predictor for a sedentary predator that operated well below its energetic limits. Temperature effects on population abundance may thus be strongly dependent on whether organisms are regulated by their own energy intake or interspecific interactions.

Given the widespread use of functional response parameters in ecological modelling, reconciling outcomes from laboratory and field studies increases the confidence and precision with which we can predict warming impacts on natural systems.
Species diversity and dispersal traits alter biodiversity spillover in reconstructed grasslands
Authors: Sperry Katie P. , Hilfer Hayley , Lane Ian , Petersen Jessica , Dixon Philip M. , Sullivan Lauren L.
Published: July 2019

Grasslands are among the planet’s most imperilled ecosystems, largely because habitat conversion has caused extreme biodiversity loss. In response, managers and scientists aim to recreate grassland habitat, yet these reconstructed grasslands are often species‐poor and lose diversity through time. One potential mechanism to promote biodiversity in grasslands is spillover, or the targeted dispersal of species across habitat boundaries from areas of high to low biodiversity. There is potential for native species to disperse via spillover from high‐quality remnant habitat and establish in reconstructions, thus increasing biodiversity. However, plant dispersal and establishment are often context dependent, and the conditions that promote spillover in grasslands are largely unknown.

Here we examine the contexts under which spillover can enhance biodiversity in grasslands. Specifically, we investigate whether the species richness of reconstructions and individual plant dispersal traits alter spillover. To do so, we surveyed plant species richness at reconstructed grasslands of varying diversity adjacent to remnant grasslands.

We found that spillover from remnants supplies reconstructions with rare species that would otherwise not be present, but only in reconstructions with lower overall richness. Furthermore, spillover was more likely to occur for species with wind dispersed seeds than species with unassisted seed dispersal.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show that the context dependency of both dispersal and establishment processes are critical to understanding when and where spillover can promote biodiversity in reconstructed systems. Understanding these contexts will help land managers leverage natural dispersal to mitigate biodiversity loss by anticipating which species are likely to arrive in reconstructions without assistance and when they are likely to establish.
Anecdotes in Primatology: Temporal Trends, Anthropocentrism, and Hierarchies of Knowledge
Authors: Ramsay Malcolm S. , Teichroeb Julie A.
Published: July 2019

Formal narrative descriptions of primates have long been used by primatologists to describe novel events that are not captured by other data collection methods. However, there has been a shift away from narrative accounts toward more quantitative methods both within primatology and more broadly in the natural sciences. Our objective was to investigate the shifting use of anecdotal evidence in primatology. We systematically reviewed anecdotal accounts published in the four major primatology journals since the year 2000. We found 163 published anecdotal accounts out of 3,960 total articles published between 2000 and 2016. There was an overall decrease in the rates of anecdotes published during this time. Those published covered a wide range of topics and taxa but were skewed toward larger, diurnal primates—in particular, apes. We suggest that anecdotal evidence should continue to be published but that the publication of these data should better reflect the taxonomic diversity of primates. We also suggest potential venues for anecdote publication that may compensate for their loss from formal scientific journals. [narratives, qualitative data, anthropomorphic, primates, observation]
Stunting, recovery from stunting and puberty development in the MINIMat cohort, Bangladesh
Authors: Svefors Pernilla , Pervin Jesmin , Islam Khan Ashraful , Rahman Anisur , Ekström Eva‐Charlotte , El Arifeen Shams , Ekholm Selling Katarina , Persson Lars‐Åke
Published: July 2019

Aim

This paper aimed to analyse the association between small for size at birth, stunting, recovery from stunting and pubertal development in a rural Bangladeshi cohort.

Methods

The participants were 994 girls and 987 boys whose mothers participated in the Maternal and Infant Nutrition Interventions in Matlab trial. The birth cohort was followed from birth to puberty 2001‐2017. Pubertal development according to Tanner was self‐assessed. Age at menarche was determined and in boys, consecutive height measurements were used to ascertain whether pubertal growth spurt had started. The exposures and outcomes were modelled by Cox’s proportional hazards analyses and logistic regression.

Results

There was no difference in age at menarche between girls that were small or appropriate for gestational age at birth. Boys born small for gestational age entered their pubertal growth spurt later than those with appropriate weight. Children who were stunted had later pubertal development, age at menarche and onset of growth spurt than non‐stunted children. Children who recovered from infant or early childhood stunting had similar pubertal development as non‐stunted children.

Conclusion

Infant and childhood stunting was associated with a later pubertal development. Recovery from stunting was not associated with earlier puberty in comparison with non‐stunted children.
Robust Spatial Extent Inference With a Semiparametric Bootstrap Joint Inference Procedure
Authors: Vandekar Simon N. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Xia Cedric H. , Adebimpe Azeez , Ruparel Kosha , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Shinohara Russell T.
Published: July 2019

Spatial extent inference (SEI) is widely used across neuroimaging modalities to adjust for multiple comparisons when studying brain-phenotype associations that inform our understanding of disease. Recent studies have shown that Gaussian random field (GRF)-based tools can have inflated family-wise error rates (FWERs). This has led to substantial controversy as to which processing choices are necessary to control the FWER using GRF-based SEI. The failure of GRF-based methods is due to unrealistic assumptions about the spatial covariance function of the imaging data. A permutation procedure is the most robust SEI tool because it estimates the spatial covariance function from the imaging data. However, the permutation procedure can fail because its assumption of exchangeability is violated in many imaging modalities. Here, we propose the (semi-) parametric bootstrap joint (PBJ; sPBJ) testing procedures that are designed for SEI of multilevel imaging data. The sPBJ procedure uses a robust estimate of the spatial covariance function, which yields consistent estimates of standard errors, even if the covariance model is misspecified. We use the methods to study the association between performance and executive functioning in a working memory functional magnetic resonance imaging study. The sPBJ has similar or greater power to the PBJ and permutation procedures while maintaining the nominal type 1 error rate in reasonable sample sizes. We provide an R package to perform inference using the PBJ and sPBJ procedures.
Sensor‐aware Normal Estimation for Point Clouds from 3D Range Scans
Authors: Comino M. , Andujar C. , Chica A. , Brunet P.
Published: July 2019

Normal vectors are essential for many point cloud operations, including segmentation, reconstruction and rendering. The robust estimation of normal vectors from 3D range scans is a challenging task due to undersampling and noise, specially when combining points sampled from multiple sensor locations. Our error model assumes a Gaussian distribution of the range error with spatially‐varying variances that depend on sensor distance and reflected intensity, mimicking the features of Lidar equipment. In this paper we study the impact of measurement errors on the covariance matrices of point neighborhoods. We show that covariance matrices of the true surface points can be estimated from those of the acquired points plus sensor‐dependent directional terms. We derive a lower bound on the neighbourhood size to guarantee that estimated matrix coefficients will be within a predefined error with a prescribed probability. This bound is key for achieving an optimal trade‐off between smoothness and fine detail preservation. We also propose and compare different strategies for handling neighborhoods with samples coming from multiple materials and sensors. We show analytically that our method provides better normal estimates than competing approaches in noise conditions similar to those found in Lidar equipment.
Urinary volatile organic compounds and faecal microbiome profiles in colorectal cancer
Authors: McFarlane M. , Millard A. , Hall H. , Savage R. , Constantinidou C. , Arasaradnam R. , Nwokolo C.
Published: July 2019

Aim

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are potential biomarkers for diagnosing colorectal cancer (CRC). We characterized urinary VOCs from CRC patients, their spouses/cohabitors (spouses) and first‐degree relatives (relatives) to determine any differences. Correlation with stool‐derived microbiomes was also undertaken.

Methods

Urine from 56 CRC patients, 45 spouses and 37 relatives was assayed using liquid chromatography, field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS), mass spectrometer technology. Analysis was performed using five‐fold cross‐validation and a random forest classifier. Faecal microbiome 16S rRNA was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq protocols and analysed using UPARSE and QIIME pipelines. VOC and microbiome profiles were also compared before and after cancer treatment.

Results

Urinary VOC profiles of CRC patients were indistinguishable from either spouses or relatives. When spouses and relatives were grouped together to form a larger non‐cancer control group (n = 82), their VOC profiles became distinguishable from those of CRC patients (n = 56) with 69% sensitivity and specificity, area under the curve 0.72 (P < 0.001). Microbiome analysis identified > 1300 operational taxonomic units across all groups. The analysis of similarity R value was 0.067 (P < 0.001), with significantly different bacterial abundances in 82 operational taxonomic units (6.2%) by Kruskal–Wallis testing. CRC patients’ VOC or stool microbiome profiles were unchanged after treatment.

Conclusion

Although CRC patients’ urinary VOC profiles cannot be differentiated from those of spouses or relatives they can be differentiated from a larger non‐cancer control group. Comparison of the groups’ microbiomes confirmed differences in bacterial species abundance. The current FAIMS‐based assay can detect a unique, but modest, signal in CRC patients’ urinary VOCs, which remains unaltered after treatment.
Technical Note: Should an Online Seller Post Inventory Scarcity Messages?
Authors: Park Sungho , Rabinovich Elliot , Tang Christopher S. , Yin Rui , Yu Jiayi Joey
Published: July 2019

Recent research suggests that the sales rate of a product would increase immediately after a seller posts a “scarcity message” to alert potential consumers that there are only a few units left in inventory. Knowing this effect, should an online seller post scarcity messages? In this technical note, we develop and analyze a variant of the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model to capture this effect in an environment involving the sale of slow moving items. Our result suggests that, in general, posting scarcity messages is beneficial only for products with high or low retail margins. Scarcity messages will not be beneficial for products with moderate retail margins because the resulting extra ordering/inventory cost per unit of time outweighs the resulting extra gross profit per unit of time for these products.
Rearing temperature and parasitoid load determine host and parasitoid performance in Manduca sexta and Cotesia congregata
Authors: Moore M. Elizabeth , Kester Karen M. , Kingsolver Joel G.
Published: July 2019

1. Temperature strongly influences the rates of physiological processes in insects, including the herbivore Manduca sexta and its larval endoparasitoid Cotesia congregata. Parasitisation by C. congregata decreases the growth and consumption of food by larval M. sexta. However, the effects of temperature on parasitised caterpillars and the developing wasp larvae are largely unknown.

2. In this study, parasitised and unparasitised caterpillars were reared at three constant temperatures (20, 25 and 30 °C) throughout larval development. Caterpillar mass gain and consumption were monitored daily until wandering (unparasitised control group) or wasp emergence (parasitised group) was observed. Development time and survival to emergence were measured as metrics of parasitoid performance.

3. Parasitised M. sexta developed more slowly than unparasitised controls, but had similar cumulative consumption until the terminal instar. Parasitised caterpillars with relatively large parasitoid loads had higher rates of consumption and growth than those with smaller loads. Both temperature and parasitoid load strongly affected wasp success. Mean development time to wasp emergence increased with low temperatures and with large loads. The combination of warm temperature and large parasitoid loads greatly reduced wasp survival.

4. These results demonstrate the interactive effects of rearing temperature and parasitisation on host consumption and growth rates throughout larval development. In addition, wasp performance was affected by the interaction of temperature and parasitoid load size. High temperatures alter the dynamics of the interaction between the parasitoid and its caterpillar host, which could have far‐reaching impacts as the global temperatures continue to rise.
The response of U.S. regional demographics to import shocks
Authors: Chung Seung‐hun , Bae Jung Dae
Published: July 2019

We analyze regional demographic responses to increased competition from Chinese imports. Treating the opening up of the Chinese economy in recent decades as an exogenous shock to the degree of trade exposure faced by U.S. regions, we find that demographic characteristics such as education level, population growth, immigrant share, and age structure, are not significantly impacted by increased Chinese trade exposure. We also discuss possible mechanisms that may explain this finding and explain why our results may differ in direction from previous studies. Specifically, our finding is consistent with a story where moving costs hamper labor mobility and significant demographic shifts do not occur even after employment falls due to trade exposure.
Buying Citizenship? Chinese Golden Visa Migrants in Portugal
Authors: Gaspar Sofia , Ampudia de Haro Fernando
Published: July 2019

In 2011, Portugal launched a residence permit programme to attract foreign investment from non‐EU citizens, with Chinese business migrants representing those taking most advantage of this initiative. This paper analyses this policy measure and assesses its social consequences, as a new way that Chinese migrants have to enter Portugal. Firstly, we characterise this programme by identifying its principles and legal requirements, using official data from 2012 to 2018. We then describe the emergence of this type of residence permit as a response to the financial crisis of 2011, and as part of a neoliberal political rationality that has guided a governance model since this time. Next, we characterise the profile of Chinese citizens who benefit from this initiative and claim residence permits on the basis of their economic power. Finally, we discuss the social and political implications of this kind of entrance to Portugal, to provide some insights for policymakers.
Penal Disenfranchisement and Equality of Status
Authors: Porro Costanza
Published: July 2019

This article discusses the removal of voting rights from those convicted of crimes. I focus on two recent defences of penal disenfranchisement: firstly, I question one justification of the view that voting rights are conditional on the fulfilment of certain responsibilities that offenders fail to meet. Secondly, I criticise an expressivist justification of disenfranchisement based on the idea that it is uniquely suited to express dissociation from serious wrongdoing. While embracing the expressivist perspective of the latter line of argument, I argue that disenfranchisement also expresses attitudes that are incompatible with the commitment to equality. Disenfranchisement conveys the judgment that offenders are not fit to participate in the democratic process. In doing so, it violates the duty of the state to treat all its citizens with equal respect and undermines offenders’ equal status. Moreover, this policy fosters objectionable inequalities of esteem: other members of the community are very likely to internalise the judgment that offenders are second‐class citizens and to regard them as inferior, which in turn undermines their status in society.
lncRNA H19 contributes to oxidative damage repair in the early age‐related cataract by regulating miR‐29a/TDG axis
Authors: Cheng Tianyu , Xu Mudong , Qin Bai , Wu Jian , Tu Yuanyuan , Kang Lihua , Wang Yong , Guan Huaijin
Published: July 2019

Age‐related cataract (ARC) is caused by the exposure of the lens to UVB which promotes oxidative damage and cell death. This study aimed to explore the role of lncRNA H19 in oxidative damage repair in early ARC. lncRNAs sequencing technique was used to identify different lncRNAs in the lens of early ARC patients. Human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) were exposed to ultraviolet irradiation; and 8‐OHdG ELISA, Cell counting kit 8 (CCK8), EDU, flow cytometry and TUNEL assays were used to detect DNA damage, cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis. Luciferase assay was used to examine the interaction among H19, miR‐29a and thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) 3'UTR. We found that lncRNA H19 and TDG were highly expressed while miR‐29a was down‐regulated in the three types of early ARC and HLECs exposed to ultraviolet irradiation, compared to respective controls. lncRNA H19 knockdown aggravated oxidative damage, reduced cell viability and proliferation, and promoted apoptosis in HLECs, while lncRNA H19 overexpression led to opposite effects in HLECs. Mechanistically, miR‐29a bound TDG 3'UTR to repress TDG expression. lncRNA H19 up‐regulated the expression of TDG by repressing miR‐29a because it acted as ceRNA through sponging miR‐29a. In conclusion, the interaction among lncRNA H19, miR‐29a and TDG is involved in early ARC. lncRNA H19 could be a useful marker of early ARC and oxidative damage repair pathway of lncRNA H19/miR‐29a/TDG may be a promising target for the treatment of ARC.
The power of registry studies to inform maternal influenza vaccine policy and practice
Authors: Ortiz J. R.
Published: July 2019

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