bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Schemas for Racial Identity in Canadian Television Advertising
Authors: Baumann Shyon , Ho Loretta
Published: April 2014

Quelles significations sont rattachées à la race dans la publicité? Nous analysons un échantillon de publicités télévisées canadiennes aux heures de grande écoute dans le but d'identifier des schémas culturels associés à ce que cela signifie d’être blanc, noir ou d’Asie de l’Est ou du Sud‐Est. Notre analyse empirique porte sur la publicité alimentaire et pour restaurants. Par l'entremise d'une analyse quantitative de contenu portant sur les liens entre la race et les sous‐types d'aliments, nous démontrons des différences systématiques dans les types d'aliments associés aux différents groupes étudiés. Au moyen d'une analyse qualitative, nous éclairons ces modèles quantitatifs et présentons six schémas culturels de l'identité raciale. Ces schémas appréhendent à la fois la diversité et le privilège associés aux représentations des personnes de race blanche, et des contrastes frappants par rapport au statut et à l’émotivité parmi les représentations plus limitées des deux autres groupes.

What meanings are attached to race in advertising? We analyze a sample of prime‐time Canadian television advertising to identify cultural schemas for what it means to be White, Black, and East/Southeast Asian. Our empirical focus is on food and dining advertising. Through quantitative content analysis of associations between race and food subtypes, we show that there are systematic differences in the types of foods that groups are associated with. Through a qualitative content analysis of the commercials, we illuminate these quantitative patterns and discuss six cultural schemas for racial identity. The schemas allow for both diversity and privilege in the representation of Whites, and poignant contrasts regarding status and emotionality in the narrow representations of the other two groups.
Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): an updated review of the essential facts
Authors: Tarver J. , Daley D. , Sayal K.
Published: April 2014

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex disorder that can affect individuals across the lifespan. It is associated with substantial heterogeneity in terms of aetiology, clinical presentation and treatment outcome and is the subject of extensive research. Because of this, it can be difficult for clinicians to stay up to date with the most relevant findings and know how best to respond to parents' questions and concerns about the disorder and interventions. This is a narrative review that aims to summarize key findings from recent research into ADHD and its treatment that clinicians can share with families in order to increase their knowledge about ADHD and intervention options. ADHD develops as a result of complex interplay between interdependent genetic and non‐genetic factors. The disorder is associated with substantial impairments in functioning and poor long‐term outcomes. Pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatment options are available for symptom management and to improve function, but functioning outcomes often fail to normalize in children with ADHD. Despite extensive advances in understanding this complex disorder, it is clear that there is still a long way to go. In particular, we address the need for future non‐pharmacological interventions to be more specifically targeted for ADHD symptoms and its commonly associated functioning deficits in order to ensure the best long‐term outcomes for children with ADHD.
Luminance and colour variant pupil perimetry in glaucoma
Authors: Carle Corinne F , James Andrew C , Kolic Maria , Essex Rohan W , Maddess Ted
Published: April 2014

Background

This study investigated the diagnostic utility for glaucoma of multifocal pupillographic objective perimetry stimuli targeting different components of the pupillary response: cortically derived colour responses and subcortical luminance responses.

Design

Observational cross‐sectional study undertaken at the Australian National University.

Participants

Thirty‐five eyes of 24 glaucoma subjects and 46 eyes of 23 normal subjects.

Methods

Subjects were tested with three multifocal pupillographic objective perimetry stimulus variants. The luminance‐only variant (YYbal) utilized yellow stimuli on a yellow background; mixed colour and luminance protocols utilized green stimuli on a red background (RGbal, RG). Stimuli of 33 ms duration were presented at mean intervals of 4 s/region.

Main Outcome Measures

Pupil constriction amplitude and time to peak. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was the main measure of sensitivity and specificity for glaucoma.

Results

Colour and luminance protocols were more accurate at differentiating glaucoma subjects from normal subjects than the luminance‐only protocol, and produced the largest reductions in amplitudes. This type of protocol also produced the highest overall sensitivity and specificity for glaucoma (receiver operating characteristic % area under the curve: severe, 100%; moderate, 94.4%; mild, 71.0%). Pattern deviations tended to produce higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curves in eyes classified as mild. Significant differences in the means of the six worst amplitude deviations were observed between normal and severe glaucoma subjects only.

Conclusions

Stimuli targeting both cortical pupillary colour response and subcortical pupillary luminance response components produced higher diagnostic accuracy than stimuli targeting subcortical pupillary luminance responses alone. Inclusion of constriction latencies further improved accuracy.
Inflammation and infections in asthma
Authors: Gillissen Adrian , Paparoupa Maria
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Asthma is driven by an inflammatory response against normally harmless environmental inorganic and organic compounds in the respiratory tract. Immune responses to airborne pathogens such as viruses and bacteria may reduce the allergic responses but are also known to trigger asthma attacks and eventually lead to severe disease condition.

Objective

To investigate the role of respiratory pathogens concerning the induction or protection against acute or chronic asthma manifestations.

Methods

We included 131 articles for the final review according to their relevance with the subject.

Results

There is apparently contradictory interaction of respiratory germs in the airways of asthmatics which may be protective on one angle but deleterious on the other.

Conclusion

The relationship between inflammation and remodeling and the pathogenic role of viral and bacterial infection in the airways of asthmatic patients is still highly debatable and incompletely understood.
Post‐traumatic ruptured gastrothorax mimicking chylothorax
Authors: Sersar Sameh I. , Batouk AbdulNassir O.
Published: April 2014

Introduction

The presence of the stomach in the chest is called gastrothorax. Few cases were reported. Most of them were related to congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Objectives

We are presenting a case of successful repair of ruptured traumatic gastrothorax which was masqueraded as chylothorax.

Methods

A male patient with rupture stomach in the left chest cavity. Results successful repair of ruptured traumatic gastrothorax.

Conclusion

Traumatic ruptured gastrothorax can be mistaken for chylothorax.
Preference induction and the benefits of floral resources for a facultative florivore
Authors: MERWIN ANDREW C. , PARRELLA MICHAEL P.
Published: April 2014

The causes and consequences of flower feeding for facultative florivores are poorly understood. Several factors can influence host selection and may, by extension, influence host part selection. Two such factors cited for the facultative florivore, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess), are the optimisation of adult performance and natal habitat preference induction (NHPI) – a change in preference for a habitat in response to cues associated with the natal habitat.

In this study we compared the nutritive and physical qualities of leaves and petals of Gerbera jamesonii, measured the survival and fitness of adults flies reared on leaves, flowers or a mixed diet, and investigated the influence of NHPI on adult host part choice.

Liriomyza trifolii exhibited more than 50% higher lifetime fecundity on a mixed diet than on strict diets of leaves or flowers. Newly emerged adult flies exposed to leaves for 24 h showed a significant preference towards leaves, while flower‐exposed flies showed no significant preference; flower‐exposed flies were thus more than twice as likely as leaf‐exposed flies to feed and oviposit on flowers.

These results suggest that the optimisation of adult performance may be driving facultative florivory for L. trifolii in general, but the degree of florivory expressed is influenced by early adult experience, as NHPI explained 33% and 39% of feeding and oviposition host part choice, respectively. The potential for NHPI to influence the spatiotemporal occurrence of florivory is discussed.
The effects of habitat complexity and hydraulic conditions on the establishment of benthic stream macroalgae
Authors: Tonetto Aurélio F. , Cardoso‐Leite Ricardo , Peres Cleto K. , Bispo Pitagoras da C. , Branco Ciro Cesar Z.
Published: April 2014

Habitat complexity is thought to play an important role in various ecological communities, but its role under variable natural conditions is not well understood, particularly in lotic habitats where the complexity of the substratum influences the diversity and abundance of the benthic community.

We investigated the effects of the habitat complexity of the substratum, as represented by fractal structure, on the establishment of stream macroalgae. We also analysed the influence of hydraulic conditions associated with variations in the fractal dimension of the substratum. We hypothesised that habitats with higher surface complexity would have higher macroalgal abundance and that hydraulic conditions would affect macroalgal establishment differently on surfaces of differing complexity.

We designed a field experiment to elucidate the role of habitat complexity (represented by the fractal dimension and density of roughness elements) and consequent hydraulic conditions (assessed by the Reynolds number and drag forces) on algal growth. Sterile artificial substrata with five levels of complexity were placed in four unshaded streams. After 60 days of complete submergence, the substrata were removed from the streams, and the per cent cover of macroalgae was measured.

We used a principal components analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality and collinearity among our variables (fractal dimension, density of roughness elements, Reynolds number and drag force) and summarise them adequately. Axis 1 (PC1) values were used in a linear model to assess the relationship between the variables and macroalgal cover.

PC1 explained 82.2% of the variability in substratum complexity and hydraulic condition. The fractal dimension and density of the roughness elements were negatively related with PC1, whereas the Reynolds number and drag force were related positively. Hydraulic conditions differed among each level of complexity, with the Reynolds number and drag force decreasing with increasing complexity. Macroalgal cover increased on surfaces with lower turbulence and drag force, indicating that less aggressive conditions are suitable for macroalgal colonisation. Additionally, the establishment of macroalgae was greatest on the leading edge of flat‐top ridges, where the water velocity slows and the current changes direction.

Habitat complexity and hydraulic conditions play an important role in the establishment of macroalgae in streams and could explain their naturally patchy distribution.
Do Spatial Interdependencies Matter in Italian Regional Specialization?
Authors: De Siano Rita , D'Uva Marcella
Published: April 2014

This article summarizes and evaluates the effects of spatial interdependencies in Italian regional specialization over the period 1995–2006. First, we perform an exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), and then we estimate a spatial panel data model built according to the new economic geography theory.ESDAreveals positive spatial interdependence overall and detects hot spots in the north and cold spots in the south for all sectors, but agriculture shows the reverse. Similarly, an econometric investigation furnishes evidence of the presence of spillover effects, implying that the determinants of the specialization of a region influence its neighbors' specialization.

Este artículo resume y evalúa los efectos de las interdependencias espaciales en la especialización regional italiana durante el período 1995–2006. En primer lugar, se realiza un análisis exploratorio de datos espaciales (Exploratory Spatial Data Analysis‐ESDA), y luego se estima un modelo de datos de panel espacial construido de acuerdo a la teoría de la nueva geografía económica (New Economic Geography‐NEG). ESDA revela la interdependencia espacial positiva global en los datos y detecta zonas de concentración de incidencia alta (hot spots) en los el norte y zonas concentración de incidencia baja o nula (cold spots) en el sur para todos los sectores económicos excepto el caso de la agricultura. Del mismo modo el estudio realiza un análisis econométrico que demuestra la presencia de efectos de desbordamiento espacial (spillovers), lo cual implica que los factores determinantes de la especialización de una región influyen en la especialización de sus vecinos.

本文对1995‐2006年间意大利区域专业化的空间依赖性效果进行了总结和评价。首先进行了探索性空间数据分析（ESDA），然后对根据新经济地理理论构建的一种空间面板数据模型进行了评价。ESDA揭示了全局的正向空间相互依赖性及北部热点区和南部冷点区的分布特征，但农业的分布特征却相反。同样地，一项计量经济调查提供了溢出效应存在的证据，同时表明了区域专业化的决定因素影响其邻近区域的专业化。
Global relationship of wood and leaf litter decomposability: the role of functional traits within and across plant organs
Authors: Pietsch Katherina A. , Ogle Kiona , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Cornwell William K. , Bönisch Gerhard , Craine Joseph M. , Jackson Benjamin G. , Kattge Jens , Peltzer Duane A. , Penuelas Josep , Reich Peter B. , Wardle David A. , Weedon James T. , Wright Ian J. , Zanne Amy E. , Wirth Christian
Published: April 2014

Aim

Recent meta‐analyses have revealed that plant traits and their phylogenetic history influence decay rates of dead wood and leaf litter, but it remains unknown if decay rates of wood and litter covary over a wide range of tree species and across ecosystems. We evaluated the relationships between species‐specific wood and leaf litter decomposability, as well as between wood and leaf traits that control their respective decomposability.

Location

Global.

Methods

We compiled data on rates of wood and leaf litter decomposition for 324 and 635 tree species, respectively, and data on six functional traits for both organs. We used hierarchical Bayesian meta‐analysis to estimate, for the first time, species‐specific values for wood and leaf litter decomposability standardized to reference conditions (k*woodandk*leaf) across the globe. With these data, we evaluated the relationships: (1) between wood and leaf traits, (2) between eachk* and the selected traits within and across organs, and (3) between wood and leafk*.

Results

Across all speciesk*woodandk*leafwere positively correlated, phylogenetically clustered and correlated with plant functional traits within and across organs.k* of both organs was usually better described as a function of within‐ and cross‐organ traits, than of within‐organ traits alone. When analysed for angiosperms and gymnosperms separately, wood and leafk* were no longer significantly correlated, but eachk* was still significantly correlated to the functional traits.

Main conclusions

We demonstrate important relationships among wood and leaf litter decomposability as after‐life effects of traits from the living plants. These functional traits influence the decomposability of senesced tissue which could potentially lead to alterations in the rates of biogeochemical cycling, depending on the phylogenetic structure of the species pool. These results provide crucial information for a better representation of decomposition rates in dynamic global vegetation models.
Framework of outcome measures recommended for use in the evaluation of childhood obesity treatment interventions: the CoOR framework
Authors: Bryant M. , Ashton L. , Nixon J. , Jebb S. , Wright J. , Roberts K. , Brown J. ,   CoOR Scientific advisory group
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Consensus is lacking in determining appropriate outcome measures for assessment of childhood obesity treatments. Inconsistency in the use and reporting of such measures impedes comparisons between treatments and limits consideration of effectiveness. This study aimed to produce a framework of recommended outcome measures: the Childhood obesity treatment evaluation Outcomes Review (CoOR) framework.

Methods

A systematic review including two searches was conducted to identify (1) existing trial outcome measures and (2) manuscripts describing development/evaluation of outcome measures. Outcomes included anthropometry, diet, eating behaviours, physical activity, sedentary time/behaviour, fitness, physiology, environment, psychological well‐being and health‐related quality of life. Eligible measures were appraised by the internal team using a system developed from international guidelines, followed by appraisal from national external expert collaborators.

Results

 A total of 25 486 papers were identified through both searches. Eligible search 1 trial papers cited 417 additional papers linked to outcome measures, of which 56 were eligible. A further 297 outcome development/evaluation papers met eligibility criteria from search 2. Combined, these described 191 outcome measures. After internal and external appraisal, 52 measures across 10 outcomes were recommended for inclusion in the CoOR framework.

Conclusion

Application of the CoOR framework will ensure greater consistency in choosing robust outcome measures that are appropriate to population characteristics.
A Look Back at the Beginnings of EVA and Value‐Based Management
Authors: Stern Joel M. , Willett Joseph T.
Published: April 2014

One of the pioneers of value‐based management discusses his life's work in converting principles of modern finance theory into performance evaluation and incentive compensation plans that have been adopted by many of the world's largest and most successful companies, including Coca‐Cola in the U.S., SABMiller in London, Siemens in Germany, and the Godrej Group in India. The issues covered include the significance of dividend payouts (are dividends really necessary to support a company's stock price and, if so, why?) as well as the question of optimal capital structure (whether and why debt might not be cheaper than equity).

But the most important focus of the interview is corporate performance measurement and the use of executive pay to strengthen management incentives to increase efficiency and value. According to Stern, the widespread tendency of public companies to manage “for earnings”—or in accordance with what he refers to as “the accounting model of the firm”—often leads to value‐destroying decisions. As one example, the GAAP accounting principle that requires intangible investments like R&D and training to be written off in the year the expenses are incurred is likely to cause underinvestment in such intangibles. At the same time, the failure of conventional income statements to reflect the cost of equity almost certainly encourages corporate overinvestment.

Stern's solution to this problem is an executive incentive compensation plan in which rewards are tied to increases in a measure of economic profit called economic value added, or EVA, which research has shown to have a significance relation to changes both in share value and the premium of market value over book value. Moreover, by combining such a plan with a “bonus bank” that pays out annual awards over a multi‐year period, boards can ensure that management will be rewarded not for good luck but rather for sustainable improvements in performance.
The Evolution of Private Equity Fund Terms Beyond 2 and 20
Authors: Stoff Ingo , Braun Reiner
Published: April 2014

With the remarkable increases in the assets under management of private equity firms, the standard compensation arrangement of a 2% management fee plus 20% carried interest has raised concerns of a misalignment of interests between limited partners (LPs) and general partners (GPs). Using a proprietary data set that includes detailed fund terms of 210 PE buyout funds with vintage years between 1989 and 2012, the authors summarize the findings of their recent study of the evolution of fund terms.

The authors report that PE fund terms have been remarkable mainly for their resistance to change, and that the only important force for bringing about reductions in percentage management fees has been the recent increase in fund sizes. But the modest cuts in management fees that have accompanied the increase in fund sizes have done little to address what appears to be a conflict of interest between LPs and GPs over the optimal PE fund size.

As one possible solution to this conflict, the authors analyze a recent innovation by Bain Capital that involves considerably smaller management fees (say, 1%) and larger carried interest (as high as 30%). According to the authors, such terms have a good chance of becoming the new industry standard for two reasons: First, LPs have become increasingly “professionalized,” which has led to greater focus on GP compensation and ways of realigning their interests with LPs'. Second, the “signaling” benefits for those GPs willing to distinguish themselves by offering terms like “1 and 30” could encourage more GPs to move in this direction. In the authors' words, “For all but the most reputable and established PE firms, those GPs that do not offer the new terms may well be seen as signaling little confidence in their ability to do what they're being paid to do: namely, produce above‐market returns.”
How Much Do Private Equity Funds Benefit From Debt‐related Tax Shields?
Authors: Knauer Alexander , Lahmann Alexander , Pflücke Magnus , Schwetzler Bernhard
Published: April 2014

In 2008 the German government enacted a measure designed to curb excessive leverage in LBOs by limiting tax‐deductible interest to 30% of EBITDA. And in the U.S., legislators are currently reviewing several regulatory measures, including limits on tax‐deductible interest, that are intended to reduce the leverage of portfolio companies in U.S. LBO funds.

In their recent study of 56 German LBOs transacted after the tax law change in 2008, the authors analyze the importance of debt‐related tax savings and the economic consequences of their reduction for the PE business model. The study begins by confirming that LBO debt tax shields are a material component of LBO purchase prices, contributing as much as 20% of the average estimated total enterprise value. At the same time, however, the study finds that the effects on LBO fund returns of limits to the taxdeductibility of LBO interest payments are likely to be modest, in part because a large portion of the value from expected tax savings is effectively paid for upfront by the private equity firm in the form of higher LBO purchase prices.

Moreover, the authors do not expect to see LBO funds change their business model in response to this change in taxdeductibility. Based on their findings, the authors expect neither a significant decline in LBO leverage nor a notable change in the pricing of PE deals. As finance scholars have suggested, there are significant benefits associated with the use of debt that have nothing to do with the tax shield provided by the deductibility of interest. The authors' results provide yet another piece of evidence suggesting that taxes have at most a second‐order effect on corporate financing decisions—and that the gains to private equity come mainly from improvements in operating performance.
Students' mathematics word problem‐solving achievement in a computer‐based story
Authors: Gunbas N.
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a computer‐based story, which was designed in anchored instruction framework, on sixth‐grade students' mathematics word problem‐solving achievement. Problems were embedded in a story presented on a computer as computer story, and then compared with the paper‐based version of the same story and to a condition that presented the problems as typical, isolated word problems (i.e., a non‐story condition including only problems). One hundred twenty‐eight sixth‐grade students from two public middle schools in Turkey participated in this study. In a pretest–posttest experimental design, students were randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups mentioned earlier in which they solved the same mathematics word problems. A one‐way analysis of covariance was used to analyse students' achievement in the treatment groups. The results indicated that students who solved the problems in the computer story treatment had significantly higher achievement scores than students who solved the problems in the paper story and isolated word problems treatments. In addition, the story was found to be significantly more effective than the non‐story treatment when it was presented on computer.
Dose‐dependent effects of an immune challenge at both ultimate and proximate levels in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Nystrand M. , Dowling D. K.
Published: April 2014

Immune responses are highly dynamic. The magnitude and efficiency of an immune response to a pathogen can change markedly across individuals, and such changes may be influenced by variance in a range of intrinsic (e.g. age, genotype, sex) and external (e.g. abiotic stress, pathogen identity, strain) factors. Life history theory predicts that up‐regulation of the immune system will come at a physiological cost, and studies have confirmed that increased investment in immunity can reduce reproductive output and survival. Furthermore, males and females often have divergent reproductive strategies, and this might drive the evolution of sex‐specific life history trade‐offs involving immunity, and sexual dimorphism in immune responses per se. Here, we employ an experiment design to elucidate dose‐dependent and sex‐specific responses to exposure to a nonpathogenic immune elicitor at two scales – the ‘ultimate’ life history and the underlying ‘proximate’ immune level in Drosophila melanogaster. We found dose‐dependent effects of immune challenges on both male and female components of reproductive success, but not on survival, as well as a response in antimicrobial activity. These results indicate that even in the absence of the direct pathogenic effects that are associated with actual disease, individual life histories respond to a perceived immune challenge – but with the magnitude of this response being contingent on the initial dose of exposure. Furthermore, the results indicate that immune responses at the ultimate life history level may indeed reflect underlying processes that occur at the proximate level.
Characteristics of gastric cancer according to Helicobacter pylori infection status
Authors: Kwak Hee‐Won , Choi Il Ju , Cho Soo‐Jeong , Lee Jong Yeul , Kim Chan Gyoo , Kook Myeong‐Cherl , Ryu Keun Won , Kim Young‐Woo
Published: April 2014

Background and Aims

The definition and incidence of gastric cancer (GC) without Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection varies between studies. The aim of our study was to compare the characteristics of GC according to Hp infection status.

Methods

We evaluated the presence of Hp infection in 1833 GC patients with rapid urease tests, serology examinations, and histological evaluations. GC was classified as GC with current Hp infection (HpC‐GC), GC with past Hp infection (HpP‐GC), and GC not associated with Hp infection (HpN‐GC). HpP‐GC was defined as GC without current infection but with a positive serology test, glandular atrophy, and/or intestinal metaplasia. HpN‐GC was defined as GC with negative Hp test results and no histological changes.

Results

The numbers of HpC‐GC, HpP‐GC, and HpN‐GC were 1378 (75.2%), 412 (22.5%), and 43 (2.3%), respectively. Among GCs without current infection, 90.5% (412/455) were associated with HpP‐GC. HpP‐GCs were more common in older and male patients, had an increased incidence of synchronous cancer, and less frequently had a diffuse‐type histology than HpC‐GCs. HpN‐GCs were more common in younger, female patients; had a higher proportion of diffuse‐type cancers; and more frequently showed distant metastasis than HpP‐GCs. In the 40s, the proportion of HpP‐GCs with diffuse‐type histology (41.9%) was lower than that of HpC‐GCs (60.3%) (P = 0.016). The difference was also significant in the 50s (29.1% vs 40.1%, respectively, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Most GCs in Korea without current Hp infection showed evidence of past Hp infection. The proportion of GCs with diffuse‐type histology decreased in patients with past infection.
Neonatal monosodium glutamate treatment causes obesity, diabetes, and macrovesicular steatohepatitis with liver nodules in DIAR mice
Authors: Tsuneyama Koichi , Nishida Takeshi , Baba Hayato , Taira Shu , Fujimoto Makoto , Nomoto Kazuhiro , Hayashi Shinichi , Miwa Shigeharu , Nakajima Takahiko , Sutoh Mitsuko , Oda Emu , Hokao Ryoji , Imura Johji
Published: April 2014

Background and Aim

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS). Monosodium glutamate (MSG)‐treated ICR mice is a useful model of MS and NASH, but it shows the different patterns of steatosis from human NASH. Because inbred aged DIAR (ddY, Institute for Animal Reproduction) mice spontaneously show the similar pattern of steatosis as NASH, we analyzed their liver pathology after administering MSG.

Methods

MSG‐treated DIAR mice (DIAR‐MSG) and untreated DIAR mice (DIAR‐controls) were sacrificed and assessed histopathologically at 29, 32, 40, 48, and 54 weeks of age. The NASH activity score, body mass index, blood glucose level, and oral glucose tolerance test were also assessed.

Results

The body mass index and blood glucose levels of DIAR‐MSG were significantly higher than controls. The oral glucose tolerance test revealed a type 2 diabetes pattern in DIAR‐MSG. The livers of DIAR‐MSG mice showed macrovesicular steatosis, lobular inflammation with neutrophils, and ballooning degeneration after 29 weeks. At 54 weeks, mild fibrosis was observed in 5/6 DIAR‐MSG and 2/5 DIAR‐control mice. In imaging mass spectrometry analysis, cholesterol as well as triglyceride accumulated in the liver of DIAR‐MSG mice. Atypical liver nodules were also observed after 32 weeks in DIAR‐MSG, some with cellular and structural atypia mimicking human hepatocellular carcinoma. The NASH activity score of DIAR‐MSG after 29 weeks was higher than that of control mice, suggesting the development of NASH.

Conclusions

DIAR‐MSG had NASH‐like liver pathology and liver nodules typically associated with MS symptoms. DIAR‐MSG provides a valuable animal model to analyze NASH pathogenesis and carcinogenesis.
Advanced liver fibrosis by transient elastography, Fibrosis 4, and alanine aminotransferase/platelet ratio index among Asian hepatitis C with and without human immunodeficiency virus infection: Role of vitamin D levels
Authors: Avihingsanon Anchalee , Jitmitraparp Salyavit , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Ramautarsing Reshmie A. , Apornpong Tanakorn , Jirajariyavej Supunee , Putcharoen Opass , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Akkarathamrongsin Srunthron , Poovorawan Yong , Matthews Gail V , Lange Joep MA , Ruxrungtham Kiat ,   HIV‐NAT125 study team
Published: April 2014

Background and Aim

Vitamin D insufficiency plays an important role in liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients. We assessed liver fibrosis by transient elastography and 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] status in HCV‐infected patients, with (HIV/HCV) or without HIV co‐infection (HCV) from Thailand.

Methods

Fibrosis stage was defined as mild (< 7.1 kPa); moderate (7.2–9.4 kPa); severe (9.5–14 kPa), and cirrhosis (> 14 kPa). Hypovitaminosis D was defined as 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess predictors for significant fibrosis. Serum 25(OH) D levels, HCV genotypes (GT), interleukin‐28B (IL28B) and HCV‐RNA were assessed.

Results

A total of 331 HCV and 130 HIV/HCV patients were enrolled (70% male, 35% people who inject drugs [PWIDs]). HCV GT distribution was as follows: GT3 47%, GT1 34%, GT6 17%. IL‐28B CC genotype (rs12979860) were found in 88% of HIV/HCV and 85% of HCV. In HCV, liver fibrosis was mild in 56.5%; moderate in 18.4%; severe in 12.4%; and cirrhosis in 12.7%. In HIV/HCV, these figures were 30.6%, 27.8%, 17.6%, and 24.1%, respectively. Patients with significant fibrosis were more often male, older, with HIV infection, hypovitaminosis D, and less likely to be infected with GT6. Factors associated with significant fibrosis by multivariate analysis were HIV infection (adjusted odd ratio [95% confidential interval]: 2.67, 1.20–5.93), P = 0.016, Fib‐4 score > 1.45 (6.30, 2.70–14.74), P < 0.001, and hypovitaminosis D (2.48, 1.09–5.67), P = 0.031. GT 6 was less likely to have advanced liver fibrosis (0.17, 0.05–0.65), P = 0.01.

Conclusions

HIV infection, Fib‐4 score > 1.45, and hypovitaminosis D are strong and independent predictors for the presence of advanced fibrosis in our HCV‐infected patients. These data highlight the urgent need of HCV treatment and vitamin D supplement in resource‐limited settings.
Life‐Space Mobility Declines Associated with Incident Falls and Fractures
Authors: Lo Alexander X. , Brown Cynthia J. , Sawyer Patricia , Kennedy Richard E. , Allman Richard M.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To determine the effect of falls and fractures on life‐space mobility in a cohort of community‐dwelling older adults.

Design

Prospective, observational study with a baseline in‐home assessment and 6‐month telephone follow‐up interviews over 4 years.

Setting

Central Alabama.

Participants

Community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older recruited from a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries stratified according to sex, race, and urban versus rural residence (N = 970).

Measurements

Sociodemographic factors, medical history, depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale), cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination), mobility‐related symptoms, transportation difficulty, and healthcare use were assessed during a baseline in‐home interview of participants. Life‐space mobility and falls or injuries (including fractures) were assessed at the baseline interview and at 6‐month intervals in follow‐up telephone calls.

Results

Four hundred fifty‐four (47%) participants reported at least one fall during the 4‐year follow‐up. The life‐space score fell 3.2 points from the beginning to the end of the 6‐month interval during which a fall occurred, adjusting for other known predictors of decline in life‐space mobility. The decrease in interval life‐space score was progressively greater for a fall and an injury (−4.7 points), a fall and a fracture (−14.2 points), and a fall and a hip fracture (−23.6 points).

Conclusion

Falls, whether associated with an injury or not, were independently associated with a decrease in life‐space mobility in the ensuing 6 months. Further studies are needed to determine reasons for life‐space mobility decline in community‐dwelling older adults with incident falls without any injuries.
Butler Interprets Aquinas
Authors: Grimes Katie
Published: April 2014

This essay examines whether the Catholic magisterium's use of Aquinas to condemn homosexual acts is actually Thomistic. Rather than being aligned with the magisterium, Aquinas advances a moral epistemology better illuminated by the work of philosopher Judith Butler. Deploying Butler as a means of immanent critique, I show how magisterial attempts to argue against lesbian and gay sex fail on their own terms. Reading Aquinas alongside Butler shows us why we need not choose between fidelity to Thomistic natural law and affirmation of lesbians and gays.
Thermodynamic properties of the effector domains of MARTX toxins suggest their unfolding for translocation across the host membrane
Authors: Kudryashova Elena , Heisler David , Zywiec Andrew , Kudryashov Dmitri S.
Published: April 2014

MARTX (multifunctional autoprocessing repeats‐in‐toxin) family toxins are produced by Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus, Aeromonas hydrophila and other Gram‐negative bacteria. Effector domains of MARTX toxins cross the cytoplasmic membrane of a host cell through a putative pore formed by the toxin's glycine‐rich repeats. The structure of the pore is unknown and the translocation mechanism of the effector domains is poorly understood. We examined the thermodynamic stability of the effector domains of V. cholerae and A. hydrophila MARTX toxins to elucidate the mechanism of their translocation. We found that all but one domain in each toxin are thermodynamically unstable and several acquire a molten globule state near human physiological temperatures. Fusion of the most stable cysteine protease domain to the adjacent effector domain reduces its thermodynamic stability ∼ 1.4‐fold (from 21.8 to 16.1 kJ mol−1). Precipitation of several individual domains due to thermal denaturation is reduced upon their fusion into multi‐domain constructs. We speculate that low thermostability of the MARTX effector domains correlates with that of many other membrane‐penetrating toxins and implies their unfolding for cell entry. This study extends the list of thermolabile bacterial toxins, suggesting that this quality is essential and could be susceptible for selective targeting of pathogenic toxins.
Inferring climate from angiosperm leaf venation networks
Authors: Blonder Benjamin , Enquist Brian J.
Published: April 2014

Leaf venation networks provide an integrative linkage between plant form, function and climate niche, because leaf water transport underlies variation in plant performance.

Here, we develop theory based on leaf physiology that uses community‐mean vein density to predict growing season temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration. The key assumption is that leaf water supply is matched to water demand in the local environment. We test model predictions using leaves from 17 temperate and tropical sites that span broad climatic gradients.

We find quantitative agreement between predicted and observed climate values. We also highlight additional leaf traits that may improve predictions.

Our study provides a novel approach for understanding the functional linkages between functional traits and climate that may improve the reconstruction of paleoclimate from fossil assemblages.
Ectomycorrhizal Cortinarius species participate in enzymatic oxidation of humus in northern forest ecosystems
Authors: Bödeker Inga T. M. , Clemmensen Karina E. , de Boer Wietse , Martin Francis , Olson Åke , Lindahl Björn D.
Published: April 2014

In northern forests, belowground sequestration of nitrogen (N) in complex organic pools restricts nutrient availability to plants. Oxidative extracellular enzymes produced by ectomycorrhizal fungi may aid plant N acquisition by providing access to N in macromolecular complexes. We test the hypotheses that ectomycorrhizal Cortinarius species produce Mn‐dependent peroxidases, and that the activity of these enzymes declines at elevated concentrations of inorganic N.

In a boreal pine forest and a sub‐arctic birch forest, Cortinarius DNA was assessed by 454‐sequencing of ITS amplicons and related to Mn‐peroxidase activity in humus samples with‐ and without previous N amendment. Transcription of Cortinarius Mn‐peroxidase genes was investigated in field samples. Phylogenetic analyses of Cortinarius peroxidase amplicons and genome sequences were performed.

We found a significant co‐localization of high peroxidase activity and DNA from Cortinarius species. Peroxidase activity was reduced by high ammonium concentrations. Amplification of mRNA sequences indicated transcription of Cortinarius Mn‐peroxidase genes under field conditions. The Cortinarius glaucopus genome encodes 11 peroxidases – a number comparable to many white‐rot wood decomposers.

These results support the hypothesis that some ectomycorrhizal fungi – Cortinarius species in particular – may play an important role in decomposition of complex organic matter, linked to their mobilization of organically bound N.
Emission of herbivore elicitor‐induced sesquiterpenes is regulated by stomatal aperture in maize (Zea mays) seedlings
Authors: SEIDL‐ADAMS I. , RICHTER A. , BOOMER K. B. , YOSHINAGA N. , DEGENHARDT J. , TUMLINSON J. H.
Published: April 2014

Maize seedlings emit sesquiterpenes during the day in response to insect herbivory. Parasitoids and predators use induced volatile blends to find their hosts or prey. To investigate the diurnal regulation of biosynthesis and emission of induced sesquiterpenes, we applied linolenoyl‐L‐glutamine (LG) to maize seedlings in the morning or evening using a cut‐stem assay and tracked farnesene emission, in planta accumulation, as well as transcript levels of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase 3 (ZmFPPS3) and terpene synthase10 (ZmTPS10) throughout the following day. Independent of time of day of LG treatment, maximum transcript levels of ZmFPPS3 and ZmTPS10 occurred within 3–4 h after elicitor application. The similarity between the patterns of farnesene emission and in planta accumulation in light‐exposed seedlings in both time courses suggested unobstructed emission in the light. After evening induction, farnesene biosynthesis increased dramatically during early morning hours. Contrary to light‐exposed seedlings dark‐kept seedlings retained the majority of the synthesized farnesene. Two treatments to reduce stomatal aperture, dark exposure at midday, and abscisic acid treatment before daybreak, resulted in significantly reduced amounts of emitted and significantly increased amounts of in planta accumulating farnesene. Our results suggest that stomata not only play an important role in gas exchange for primary metabolism but also for indirect plant defences.
Changing trends in blood transfusion: an analysis of 244,013 hospitalizations
Authors: Shehata Nadine , Forster Alan , Lawrence Nadine , Rothwell Deanna M. , Fergusson Dean , Tinmouth Alan , Wilson Kumanan
Published: April 2014

Background

Identifying recipients of blood transfusion and the trends in transfusion are needed to properly identify and target clinical services in need of patient blood management strategies. We determined the proportion of admissions to each clinical service that received blood, the mean number of units utilized, and the 5‐year trends in utilization.

Study Design and Methods

We used a large administrative database, a repository for three campuses of one university‐affiliated hospital, and included all adults that were hospitalized from November 1, 2006, to June 2012. The data were analyzed as the proportion of admissions transfused and the mean number units transfused per admission.

Results

Of 244,013 hospitalizations, 38,265 received at least one transfusion (29,165 for red blood cells [RBCs], 6760 for plasma, and 5795 for platelets [PLTs]). Although there has been a gradual decrease in the mean number of RBCs transfused (percent change, −9.8%; p = 0.002), an increase in the proportion of admissions receiving RBCs (17.2% increase, p < 0.0001) and PLTs (31.5% increase, p < 0.0001) was apparent while there has been a decrease in the proportion of admissions receiving plasma (23.9% decrease, p < 0.0001). Eight percent of cardiology admissions received RBCs, and the highest mean RBC utilization per admission, aside from the stem cell transplantation service, occurred in cardiology and critical care hospitalizations (mean, 4.7 units/hospitalization).

Conclusion

Although there has been a reduction in the mean RBC units used, there has been an increase in the proportion of hospitalizations transfused. A better understanding of the indications for transfusion is required to facilitate the development of targeted blood conservation strategies.
Tolerance of intraoperative hemoglobin decrease during cardiac surgery
Authors: Hogervorst Esther , Rosseel Peter , van der Bom Johanna , Bentala Mohamed , Brand Anneke , van der Meer Nardo , van de Watering Leo
Published: April 2014

Background

It has been suggested that a decrease of at least 50% from the preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level during cardiac surgery is associated with adverse outcomes even if the absolute Hb level remains above the commonly used transfusion threshold of 7.0 g/dL. In this study the relation between intraoperative Hb decline of at least 50% and a composite endpoint was analyzed.

Study Design and Methods

This single‐center study comprised 11,508 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and had normal preoperative Hb levels (12.0‐16.0 g/dL in women, 13.0‐18.0 g/dL in men) between January 2001 and December 2011. Logistic regression modeling was used. The composite endpoint comprised in‐hospital mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal failure.

Results

Patients whose Hb did not decrease at least 50% and remained above 7 g/dL were used as reference (n = 9672). A total of 363 (3.2%) patients had an intraoperative Hb of less than 7 g/dL during surgery but a Hb decrease of less than 50%; 876 patients (7.4%) showed both a nadir Hb less than 7 g/dL and a Hb decrease of at least 50%, while 597 (5.2%) had a Hb decrease of at least 50% and a nadir Hb of at least 7 g/dL. In this last group the incidence of the composite endpoint was higher than in patients in the reference group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.14‐1.41).

Conclusions

Our findings show that a decrease of at least 50% from baseline Hb during cardiac surgery is associated with adverse outcomes, even if the absolute Hb level remains higher than the commonly used transfusion threshold of 7.0 g/dL.
Application of the tissue transfer technique in veterinary cytopathology
Authors: Stone Brett M. , Gan David
Published: April 2014

Background

Limited availability of diagnostic cytopathologic material may preclude additional diagnostic techniques. Tissue transfer allows for preparation of additional slides from a single original slide. Information pertaining to the application of the tissue transfer technique in veterinary cytopathology is lacking.

Objectives

The objectives were to evaluate the application of the tissue transfer technique on Quick Dip‐stained veterinary cytologic smears and to assess if a selection of histochemical and immunocytochemical stains, and PCR analyses could be performed on transferred material.

Methods

Archived Quick Dip‐stained canine lymph node aspirate smears from previously diagnosed lymphoma cases were utilized to validate and optimize the tissue transfer technique. In this technique, diagnostic material is lifted from the original stained slide, is divided and transferred to multiple new slides. Histochemical stains such as Gram, periodic acid Schiff, Congo red, and Ziehl–Neelson, immunohistochemistry for CD3 and PAX5, and PCR for cryptococcal and mycobacterial organisms were selectively performed on transferred material.

Results

The tissue transfer technique was simple, and transferred Quick Dip‐stained material retained cellular morphology. Histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, and PCR analysis yielded reliable results when performed on the additional smears produced by this technique.

Conclusions

The tissue transfer technique was simple and easy to perform on previously Quick Dip‐stained cytology smears. Cellular detail was preserved and multiple additional ancillary diagnostic techniques were facilitated, such as histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, and PCR analysis.