bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and Functional Characterization of Protein Isolated from Different Quinoa Varieties (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Steffolani M. Eugenia , Villacorta Paula , Morales‐Soriano Eduardo R. , Repo‐Carrasco Ritva , León Alberto E. , Pérez Gabriela T.
Published: December 2015

The objectives of this work were to investigate the nutritional and physicochemical characteristics as well as the functional properties of quinoa protein isolates (QPI) from different varieties, and to determine their potential use of such protein isolates in food products. Proteins were isolated by isoelectric precipitation at pH 5 from quinoa flour, and the QPI had a protein percentage of over 85%. The comparison of the flours and QPI electrophoretic profiles indicated that the extraction method allowed isolating practically all proteins of each variety. All the varieties analyzed had high lysine content, compared with cereals, and the essential amino acid content of Bolivian varieties was higher than varieties from Peru. The pH value affected the solubility and foaming capacity, and the magnitude of effects depended on the variety. Cluster analysis showed a strong influence of variety source and amino acid composition on protein physicochemical and functional properties; samples from Bolivia (cluster 2) were characterized as having the highest thermal stability, oil binding capacity, and water binding capacity at acid pH; samples from Peru (cluster 1) had the highest water binding capacity at basic pH and foaming capacity at pH 5. QPI presented a potential as an alternative vegetable protein for food application, in particular for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Identification of Multiple Phytotoxins Produced by Fusarium virguliforme Including a Phytotoxic Effector (FvNIS1) Associated With Sudden Death Syndrome Foliar Symptoms
Authors: Chang Hao-Xun , Domier Leslie L. , Radwan Osman , Yendrek Craig R. , Hudson Matthew E. , Hartman Glen L.
Published: December 2015

Sudden death syndrome (SDS) of soybean is caused by a soilborne pathogen, Fusarium virguliforme. Phytotoxins produced by F. virguliforme are translocated from infected roots to leaves, in which they cause SDS foliar symptoms. In this study, additional putative phytotoxins of F. virguliforme were identified, including three secondary metabolites and 11 effectors. While citrinin, fusaric acid, and radicicol induced foliar chlorosis and wilting, Soybean mosaic virus (SMV)-mediated overexpression of F. virguliforme necrosis-inducing secreted protein 1 (FvNIS1) induced SDS foliar symptoms that mimicked the development of foliar symptoms in the field. The expression level of fvnis1 remained steady over time, although foliar symptoms were delayed compared with the expression levels. SMV::FvNIS1 also displayed genotype-specific toxicity to which 75 of 80 soybean cultivars were susceptible. Genome-wide association mapping further identified three single nucleotide polymorphisms at two loci, where three leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein kinase (LRR-RLK) genes were found. Culture filtrates of fvnis1 knockout mutants displayed a mild reduction in phytotoxicity, indicating that FvNIS1 is one of the phytotoxins responsible for SDS foliar symptoms and may contribute to the quantitative susceptibility of soybean by interacting with the LRR-RLK genes.
Postdispersal Infection and Disease Development ofPyrenophora semeniperdainBromus tectorumSeeds
Authors: Finch-Boekweg Heather , Gardner John S. , Allen Phil S. , Geary Brad
Published: December 2015

The Ascomycete fungus, Pyrenophora semeniperda, attacks a broad range of cool-season grasses. While leaf and predispersal infection of seeds (i.e., florets containing caryopses) have been previously characterized, little is known about the pathogenesis of mature seeds following dispersal. In this study, we examined infection and disease development of P. semeniperda on dormant seeds of Bromus tectorum. Inoculated seeds were hydrated at 20°C for up to 28 days. Disease development was characterized using scanning electron and light microscopy. P. semeniperda conidia germinated on the seed surface within 5 to 8 h. Hyphae grew on the seed surface and produced extracellular mucilage that eventually covered the seed. Appressoria formed on the ends of hyphae and penetrated through the lemma and palea, stomatal openings, and broken trichomes. The fungus then catabolized the endosperm, resulting in a visible cavity by 8 days. Pathogenesis of the embryo was associated with progressive loss of cell integrity and proliferation of mycelium. Beginning at approximately day 11, one to several stromata (approximately 150 μm in diameter and up to 4 mm in length) emerged through the lemma and palea. Degradation of embryo tissue was completed near 14 days. Conidiophores produced conidia between 21 and 28 days and often exhibited “Y-shaped” branching. This characterization of disease development corrects previous reports which concluded that P. semeniperda is only a weak seed pathogen with infection limited to the outermost seed tissues. In addition, the time required for disease development explains why infected dormant or slow-germinating seeds are most likely to experience mortality.
A Graphic Overlay Method for Selection of Osteotomy Site in Chronic Radial Head Dislocation: An Evaluation of 3D-printed Bone Models
Authors: Kim Hui Taek , Ahn Tae Young , Jang Jae Hoon , Kim Kang Hee , Lee Sung Jae , Jung Duk Young
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

Three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography imaging is now being used to generate 3D models for planning orthopaedic surgery, but the process remains time consuming and expensive. For chronic radial head dislocation, we have designed a graphic overlay approach that employs selected 3D computer images and widely available software to simplify the process of osteotomy site selection.

Methods:

We studied 5 patients (2 traumatic and 3 congenital) with unilateral radial head dislocation. These patients were treated with surgery based on traditional radiographs, but they also had full sets of 3D CT imaging done both before and after their surgery: these 3D CT images form the basis for this study. From the 3D CT images, each patient generated 3 sets of 3D-printed bone models: 2 copies of the preoperative condition, and 1 copy of the postoperative condition. One set of the preoperative models was then actually osteotomized and fixed in the manner suggested by our graphic technique. Arcs of rotation of the 3 sets of 3D-printed bone models were then compared.

Results:

Arcs of rotation of the 3 groups of bone models were significantly different, with the models osteotomized accordingly to our graphic technique having the widest arcs.

Conclusions:

For chronic radial head dislocation, our graphic overlay approach simplifies the selection of the osteotomy site(s). Three-dimensional-printed bone models suggest that this approach could improve range of motion of the forearm in actual surgical practice.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—therapeutic study.
Efficacy of the Modified Broström Procedure for Adolescent Patients With Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability
Authors: Kocher Mininder S. , Fabricant Peter D. , Nasreddine Adam Y. , Stenquist Nicole , Kramer Dennis E. , Lee Jared T.
Published: December 2015

Background and Purpose:

Lateral ankle sprains are very common, representing up to 30% of sports-related injuries. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and less commonly the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) are injured. Surgical treatment is reserved for injuries that fail nonoperative treatment with recurrent instability. Anatomic repair using the modified Broström technique has been shown to have good clinical outcomes in the adult population. The purpose of this study was to report on the outcomes of the modified Broström technique in the pediatric and adolescent population (under 18 y old) for chronic lateral ankle instability.

Methods:

Thirty-one patients over an 8-year period were included in the current study after excluding for congenital malformation or underlying connective tissue disease. All patients were treated with a modified Broström technique in which the ATFL was repaired anatomically. Twenty-four patients (77%) underwent concomitant arthroscopy for intra-articular pathology. Demographic, surgical, and clinical data were collected and outcome scores were obtained, including the Marx activity scale, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score, and modified American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score.

Results:

Mean time from initial injury to surgery averaged 27 months with an overall mean clinical postoperative follow-up of 36 months. Of the 24 patients who underwent concomitant arthroscopy, all had thickening of Bassett ligament and 3 (12.5%) had cartilage lesions. Postoperatively, the mean Marx activity score was 9.9±4.7, mean UCLA score was 9.3±1.3, and mean modified AOFAS score was 83.8±11.7. 71% (22 of 31) of patients achieved good-to-excellent results (as defined by a modified AOFAS score of 80 or greater). Two patients had superficial wound infections; no other complications were experienced in this cohort.

Conclusions:

Lateral ankle sprains are common injuries that can frequently be treated nonoperatively; chronic instability may result despite appropriate therapy. Surgical treatment with anatomic repair of the ATFL and CFL using the modified Broström technique in pediatric and adolescent patients results in improved stability, low complication rate, and good clinical outcome scores.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—prognostic retrospective case series.
Prosthetic Valve Escaping during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Furukawa Nobuyuki , Scholtz Werner , Scholtz Smita , Faber Lothar , Ensminger Stephan , Gummert Jan , Börgermann Jochen
Published: December 2015

We performed transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation on an 87-year-old woman with severe aortic valve stenosis. Because of the narrow left ventricular outflow tract, annular positioning of the prosthetic valve proved challenging. During positioning, the prosthetic valve was accidentally dislodged from the balloon catheter and dropped into the left ventricle. Attempted catheter retrieval was unsuccessful. We therefore converted to open surgery without delay. After aortotomy, to our surprise, the prosthesis could not be found, neither in the left ventricle nor in the ascending aorta. Transesophageal echocardiography failed to reveal the location of the missing prosthesis. Fluoroscopy finally displayed the prosthesis in the descending aorta at the level of the left atrium. We proceeded with aortic and mitral valve replacement and closed the sternum. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the prosthetic valve was secured to the wall of the abdominal aorta in an infrarenal position by dilatation with a balloon catheter. This case shows that we should be alert to septum hypertrophy or a narrow left ventricular outflow tract during transapical aortic valve implantation. In such anatomical situations, we recommend advancing the sheath of the application system directly below the annular plane and positioning the prosthesis from this point.
A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties of Health-Related Quality-of-Life and Symptom Instruments in Adult Acute Leukemia Survivors
Authors: Bryant Ashley Leak , Walton AnnMarie , Shaw-Kokot Julia , Mayer Deborah K. , Reeve Bryce B.
Published: December 2015

Background:

Acute leukemia represents 4% of cancer cases in the United States annually. There are more than 302 000 people living with acute and chronic leukemia in the United States. Treatment has been shown to have both positive and negative effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Objective:

The aims of this study were to examine psychometric properties of symptom and HRQOL instruments and to provide implications for the assessment in adults with acute leukemia relevant to clinical practice and future research.

Methods:

Systematic literature search was conducted from 1990 to 2014 using electronic databases and manual searches. Psychometric studies were considered eligible for inclusion if (1) the psychometric paper was published using at least 1 HRQOL or symptom instrument, and (2) adults with acute leukemia were included in the sample. Studies were excluded if the age groups were not adults, or if the instrument was in a language other than English.

Results:

Review identified a total of 7 instruments (1 cancer generic HRQOL, 2 symptom related, 3 HRQOL combined with symptom questions, and 1 disease specific). The most commonly used instrument was the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30, followed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Fatigue.

Conclusions:

An acute leukemia diagnosis can have a significant impact on HRQOL. Our recommendations include using both an HRQOL and symptom instrument to capture patient experiences during and after treatment.

Implications for Practice:

The availability of comprehensive, valid, and reliable HRQOL and symptom instruments to capture the experiences of adults with acute leukemia during and after treatment is limited.
Aspergillus fumigatus native valve infective endocarditis in an otherwise healthy adult
Authors: Ikediobi Uchenna , Sutton Richard E.
Published: December 2015

Introduction:

Fungal endocarditis is a rare cause of infective endocarditis, and Aspergillus spp. account for up to 30 % of all cases. Risk factors include intravenous drug use, immunosuppression, malignancy and the presence of prosthetic valves.

Case presentation:

We present a case of A. fumigatus endocarditis in a patient without any known or described risk factors.

Conclusion:

Diagnosis of Aspergillus endocarditis requires a high clinical index of suspicion, given the initial non-specific presentation, and treatment may require both medical and surgical therapies to ensure improved outcomes, but mortality rates still approach 80 %. Voriconazole remains the antifungal agent of choice.
3D tree dimensionality assessment using photogrammetry and small unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Gatziolis Demetrios , Lienard Jean F. , Vogs Andre , Strigul Nikolay S.
Published: December 2015

Detailed, precise, three-dimensional (3D) representations of individual trees are a prerequisite for an accurate assessment of tree competition, growth, and morphological plasticity. Until recently, our ability to measure the dimensionality, spatial arrangement, shape of trees, and shape of tree components with precision has been constrained by technological and logistical limitations and cost. Traditional methods of forest biometrics provide only partial measurements and are labor intensive. Active remote technologies such as LiDAR operated from airborne platforms provide only partial crown reconstructions. The use of terrestrial LiDAR is laborious, has portability limitations and high cost. In this work we capitalized on recent improvements in the capabilities and availability of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), light and inexpensive cameras, and developed an affordable method for obtaining precise and comprehensive 3D models of trees and small groups of trees. The method employs slow-moving UAVs that acquire images along predefined trajectories near and around targeted trees, and computer vision-based approaches that process the images to obtain detailed tree reconstructions. After we confirmed the potential of the methodology via simulation we evaluated several UAV platforms, strategies for image acquisition, and image processing algorithms. We present an original, step-by-step workflow which utilizes open source programs and original software. We anticipate that future development and applications of our method will improve our understanding of forest self-organization emerging from the competition among trees, and will lead to a refined generation of individual-tree-based forest models.
Crystal structure of bis[μ-S-hexyl 3-(2-oxidobenzylidene)dithiocarbazato-κ4O,N3,S:O]dicopper(II)
Authors: Begum M. S. , Howlader M. B. H. , Sheikh M. C. , Miyatake R. , Zangrando E.
Published: December 2015

The title compound, [Cu2(C14H18N2OS2)2], is a binuclear copper(II) complex of an oxybenzylidenedithiocarbazate ligand. The ligand coordinates in a tridentate manner through N-, S- and O-donor atoms. Each O atom also bridges to a second CuIIion to form the binuclear species. It has a central Cu2O2rhomboid moiety and a metal-to-metal separation of 2.9923 (6) Å. In the crystal, the binuclear complexes stack along theaaxis with all the hexyl chains located side-by-side, forming a hydrophobic region. The complexes are linkedviaC—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming chains along thec-axis direction. One CuIIatom has the S atom of a symmetry-related complex located approximately in the apical position at 2.9740 (11) Å. This weak interaction links the chains to form slabs parallel to theacplane.
Crystal structure ofN′′-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethyl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-N′′-[3-(1,3,3-trimethylureido)propyl]guanidinium tetraphenylborate
Authors: Tiritiris Ioannis , Kantlehner Willi
Published: December 2015

In the title salt, C16H34N5O3+·C24H20B−, the C—N bond lengths in the cation are 1.3368 (16), 1.3375 (18) and 1.3594 (17) Å, indicating partial double-bond character. The central C atom is bonded to the three N atoms in a nearly ideal trigonal–planar geometry and the positive charge is delocalized in the CN3plane. In the crystal, weak C—H...O contacts are observed between neighbouring guanidinium ions and between guanidinium ions and tetraphenylborate anions. In addition, C—H...π interactions involving guanidinium H atoms and aromatic rings of the anion are present. The phenyl rings form aromatic pockets, in which the cations are embedded. This leads to the formation of a two-dimensional supramolecular pattern along theabplane.
Crystal structure of pyrazoxyfen
Authors: Kwon Eunjin , Kim Jineun , Kang Gihaeng , Kim Tae Ho
Published: December 2015

The title compound, C20H16Cl2N2O3(systematic name: 2-{[4-(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl)-1,3-dimethylpyrazol-5-yl}oxy}-1-phenylethan-1-one), is the benzoylpyrazole herbicide pyrazoxyfen. The asymmetric unit comprises two independent molecules,AandB, in which the pyrazole ring makes dihedral angles of 80.29 (10) and 61.70 (10)° and 87.60 (10) and 63.92 (8)°, respectively, with the dichlorophenyl and phenyl rings. In the crystal, C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, and C—H...π and π–π [3.646 (2) Å] interactions link adjacent molecules, forming a two-dimensional network parellel to (011). In addition, the networks are linked by weak intermolecular C—Cl...π [3.356 (2), 3.950 (2), 3.250 (2) and 3.575 (2) Å] interactions, resulting in a three-dimensional architecture.
Factors affecting faculty use of learning object repositories
Authors: Xu Hong
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to identify factors that motivate or impede faculty use of learning object repositories (LORs). The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) served as the theoretical framework for this study.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches to explore two research questions relating to factors affecting faculty use of LORs. Research subjects were faculty users in two- or four-year colleges or universities from two LORs: Orange Grove and Wisconsin Online Resource Center (Wisc-Online). Two phases of the study were conducted. Phase I of the study collected data by semi-structured interviews, and data were analyzed by a content analysis method. Based on the results of Phase I, Phase II collected data by a survey instrument, and data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and analysis of variance.

Findings

– The study identified 22 factors as motivators for faculty use of LORs and 13 factors as barriers for faculty use of LORs.

Research limitations/implications

– The research policies of Orange Grove and Wisc-Online limited the selection of study participants. Lack of a random sample and a small sample size limited the generalizability of the results and findings of the study. However, as an exploratory research, the results and findings of the study are still valuable for LOR builders and managers to get a better understanding of factors affecting faculty use of LORs, and to develop strategies to recruit more faculty members to use LORs.

Practical implications

– The findings and results of the study can inform designers and managers of LORs about what positively or negatively influences faculty use of LORs, and serve as a basis to develop strategies to recruit faculty members to use LORs.

Originality/value

– First, this study identified the factors that motivate or impede faculty use of LORs from actual faculty users’ perspectives, so these factors more accurately reflect LORs’ values to faculty in teaching and course design and the barriers for faculty use of LORs in a practical environment. Second, this study is among the first known to explore these factors using UTAUT as the theoretical framework, and the results of the study also validate UTAUT in the context of faculty use of LORs.
Measurement of generic core competencies among students of library and information science in Iran
Authors: Geraei Ehsan , Heidari Gholamreza
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the present survey is to identify and measure generic core competencies essential for Iranian library and information science (LIS) students.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study population included all undergraduate LIS students in Iran, and the sample included all undergraduate LIS students in the three universities of Tehran, Shahid Chamran and Ferdowsi of Mashhad. The study was performed during the second semester (February to May) of the 2010-2011 academic year. After a thorough review of the literature, a pattern for generic core competencies was formulated and, accordingly, a researcher-designed questionnaire was developed and distributed. The final data analysis was carried out using 207 completed questionnaires, and the data were analysed using the SPSS19 software.

Findings

– Except for English and management, the major participants’ scores mean for the 12 identified generic core competencies were higher than the total mean.

Originality/value

– Besides presenting a new theoretical pattern for measuring core generic competencies, especially for students in the LIS field, the study is expected to help higher education planners to channel their efforts into strengthening the examined competencies.
Scholarly communication trends in the digital age
Authors: Shehata Ahmed , Ellis David , Foster Allen
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate scholars’ attitudes toward informal publishing and dissemination to provide a view of the challenges and advantages of using such channels. Although considerable research has been carried out in relation to peer-reviewed scholarly publishing, relatively few studies have investigated the adoption of informal scholarly communication platforms in the scholarly publishing process.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper deployed a grounded theory approach using semi-structured interviews as a qualitative research tool. A theoretical sample of 40 researchers in 4 universities were interviewed to gather data regarding informal publishing, platforms, factors that affect the researchers’ decision and the use of informal channels in dissemination.

Findings

– Results of the interviews suggest that there is an increasing trend among researchers toward informal publishing and dissemination throughout the scholarly communication cycle. The paper shows that there are three types of scholars who are involved in the scholarly communication process: conventional, modern and liberal scholars. Each of these scholars carries different beliefs regarding the scholarly communication process.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper was conducted on a relatively small sample of academic researchers, and therefore, the results cannot be easily generalized into a wider community of scholars.

Originality/value

– The paper provides insight into informal scholarly publishing practices using a grounded theory approach. This approach helped to capture the changes in both scholarly publishing practices and the adoption of informal techniques among the scholarly community.
Corporate real estate risks
Authors: Bartelink Ruben , Appel-Meulenbroek Rianne , van den Berg Pauline , Gehner Ellen
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the corporate real estate (CRE) risks that might influence the added value of CRE to the shareholder value of an organization and to analyze if there are differences in perception of these risks according to job and company specifics of the respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature study was carried out to identify the CRE risks. In addition, a number of interviews were held with CRE specialists to complete the list of risks. An inventory of the risk perception was gathered by making use of a survey among 70 end-users, 16 CRE consultants and 2 CRE academics. Differences are analyzed making use of Kruskal–Wallis tests, Mann–Whitney U tests andt-tests.

Findings

– In total, 43 risks in six different categories were identified. It turned out that the risk perception differentiates the most per geographical location or industry segment. The size of the organization (number of employees) does not appear to influence the way in which the risks are perceived.

Practical implications

– This paper provides CRE managers and risk managers with a basis for a risk register that contributes to identification of possible CRE risks. Besides, it enables a comparison of their risk perception with industry peers.

Originality/value

– Earlier research concerning CRE risk management approached the subject from a specific point of view, but did not provide a CRE risk list using an integral perspective and covering multiple topics. Also, this paper provides insights in how CRE risk management is perceived in practice.
Assessment and comparison of probiotic potential of four Lactobacillus species isolated from feces samples of Iranian infants
Authors: Halimi Shahnaz , Mirsalehian Akbar
Published: December 2015

The probiotic potential of Lactobacillus species isolated from infant feces was investigated. For this study, the antibiotic susceptibility, tolerance in gut‐related conditions, antimicrobial activity, and ability to adhere to a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco‐2 cells) of four common Lactobacillus species (Lactobacillus paracasei [n = 15], Lactobacillus rhamnosus [n = 45], Lactobacillus gasseri [n = 20] and Lactobacillus fermentum [n = 18]) were assessed. Most isolates that which were sensitive to imipenem, ampicillin, gentamycin, erythromycin and tetracycline were selected for other tests. L. gasseri isolates had the greatest sensitivity to gastric and intestinal fluids (<10% viability). L. fermentum (FH5, FH13 and FH18) had the highest adhesion to Caco‐2 cells. The lowest antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria was shown by L. gasseri strains in spot tests. Furthermore, non‐adjusted cell‐free culture supernatants with low pH had greater antimicrobial activity, which was related to organic acid. The results showed that some isolates of L. rhamnosus and L. fermentum are suitable for use as a probiotic.
Phenolic Compounds, Volatiles, and Sensory Characteristics of Twelve Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Cultivars Grown in Turkey
Authors: Hayaloglu Ali Adnan , Demir Nurullah
Published: December 2015

The paper reports the phenolic, anthocyanin, and volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of 12 cultivars of sweet cherries including cvs. Belge, Bing, Dalbasti, Durona di Cesena, Lambert, Merton Late, Starks Gold, Summit, Sweetheart, Van, Vista, and 0–900 Ziraat. Eight individual phenolic compounds were determined by the HPLC‐DAD method. Among these cherries, cvs. Bing, Durona di Cesena, and Lambert contained higher levels of total individual phenolic compounds than the other cultivars. Six anthocyanins were detected in cherries and cyanidin‐3‐O‐rutinoside was principal and it was the highest level in cv. Bing. The major volatiles found were 1‐hexanol, (E)‐2‐hexen‐1‐ol, benzylalcohol, hexenal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, and benzaldehyde. Sensory evaluation of the cherries showed that cvs. Belge, Bing, Dalbasti, and Summit have higher textural and flavor scores than others. It was concluded that the same compounds for phenolic or volatiles profiles of sweet cherries were similar in qualitative; however, quantitative differences were observed in these cultivars.
Reservoir Operation with Feedback in a Coupled Land Surface and Hydrologic Model: A Case Study of the Huai River Basin, China
Authors: Lv Meixia , Hao Zhenchun , Lin Zhaohui , Ma Zhuguo , Lv Meizhao , Wang Jiahu
Published: December 2015

Regarding emerging large‐scale reservoir operation models, reports of reservoir operation feedback for hydrologic modeling are rare, and little attention has been paid to flood control. An operation scheme considering multilevel flood control (MLFC) was first proposed in this study, but more reservoir information was needed. Thus, an alternative scheme was proposed that consisted of a modified version of the reservoir operation scheme in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool Model (MSWAT scheme). These schemes were coupled to a land surface and hydrologic model system with feedback, i.e., a system in which reservoir operation can affect the subsequent simulation, and were investigated in the Huai River Basin. The results show reservoir storage and peak flow were generally overestimated by the original SWAT reservoir scheme (SWAT scheme). Compared with the SWAT scheme, the MSWAT scheme successfully reduced the simulated storage and peak flow at the reservoir stations. For the downstream stations, the streamflow simulations were improved at a significance level of 5%. The performances of the MSWAT and MLFC schemes at the reservoir stations were nearly equivalent. Importantly, reservoir operation feedback to hydrologic modeling was necessary because the reservoir operation effects could not be transferred downstream without it. The streamflow simulation of a reservoir station located on a flat plain was less sensitive to feedback than that of a mountain reservoir station.
Whole‐genome resequencing of extreme phenotypes in collared flycatchers highlights the difficulty of detecting quantitative trait loci in natural populations
Authors: Kardos Marty , Husby Arild , McFarlane S. Eryn , Qvarnström Anna , Ellegren Hans
Published: December 2015

Dissecting the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in natural populations is a long‐standing goal in evolutionary biology. One open question is whether quantitative traits are determined only by large numbers of genes with small effects, or whether variation also exists in large‐effect loci. We conducted genomewide association analyses of forehead patch size (a sexually selected trait) on 81 whole‐genome‐resequenced male collared flycatchers with extreme phenotypes, and on 415 males sampled independent of patch size and genotyped with a 50K SNP chip. No SNPs were genomewide statistically significantly associated with patch size. Simulation‐based power analyses suggest that the power to detect large‐effect loci responsible for 10% of phenotypic variance was <0.5 in the genome resequencing analysis, and <0.1 in the SNP chip analysis. Reducing the recombination by two‐thirds relative to collared flycatchers modestly increased power. Tripling sample size increased power to >0.8 for resequencing of extreme phenotypes (N = 243), but power remained <0.2 for the 50K SNP chip analysis (N = 1245). At least 1 million SNPs were necessary to achieve power >0.8 when analysing 415 randomly sampled phenotypes. However, power of the 50K SNP chip to detect large‐effect loci was nearly 0.8 in simulations with a small effective population size of 1500. These results suggest that reliably detecting large‐effect trait loci in large natural populations will often require thousands of individuals and near complete sampling of the genome. Encouragingly, far fewer individuals and loci will often be sufficient to reliably detect large‐effect loci in small populations with widespread strong linkage disequilibrium.
A note on the use of multiple linear regression in molecular ecology
Authors: Frasier Timothy R.
Published: December 2015

Multiple linear regression analyses (also often referred to as generalized linear models – GLMs, or generalized linear mixed models – GLMMs) are widely used in the analysis of data in molecular ecology, often to assess the relative effects of genetic characteristics on individual fitness or traits, or how environmental characteristics influence patterns of genetic differentiation. However, the coefficients resulting from multiple regression analyses are sometimes misinterpreted, which can lead to incorrect interpretations and conclusions within individual studies, and can propagate to wider‐spread errors in the general understanding of a topic. The primary issue revolves around the interpretation of coefficients for independent variables when interaction terms are also included in the analyses. In this scenario, the coefficients associated with each independent variable are often interpreted as the independent effect of each predictor variable on the predicted variable. However, this interpretation is incorrect. The correct interpretation is that these coefficients represent the effect of each predictor variable on the predicted variable when all other predictor variables are zero. This difference may sound subtle, but the ramifications cannot be overstated. Here, my goals are to raise awareness of this issue, to demonstrate and emphasize the problems that can result and to provide alternative approaches for obtaining the desired information.
Catatonia in 26 patients with bipolar disorder: clinical features and response to electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Medda Pierpaolo , Toni Cristina , Luchini Federica , Giorgi Mariani Michela , Mauri Mauro , Perugi Giulio
Published: December 2015

Objectives

We describe the clinical characteristics and short‐term outcomes of a sample of inpatients with bipolar disorder with severe catatonic features resistant to pharmacological treatment.

Methods

The study involved 26 catatonic patients, resistant to a trial of benzodiazepines, and then treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). All patients were evaluated prior to and one week following the ECT course using the Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI).

Results

In our sample, women were over‐represented (n = 23, 88.5%), the mean (± standard deviation) age was 49.5 ± 12.5 years, the mean age at onset was 28.1 ± 12.8 years, and the mean number of previous mood episodes was 5.3 ± 2.9. The mean duration of catatonic symptoms was 16.7 ± 11.8 (range: 3–50) weeks, and personal history of previous catatonic episodes was present in 10 patients (38.5%). Seventeen (65.4%) patients showed abnormalities at cerebral computerized tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging and neurological comorbidities were observed in 15.4% of the sample. Stupor, rigidity, staring, negativism, withdrawal, and mutism were observed in more than 90% of patients. At the end of the ECT course, 21 patients (80.8%) were classified as responders. The BFCRS showed the largest percentage of improvement, with an 82% reduction of the initial score. The number of previous mood episodes was significantly lower and the use of anticholinergic and dopamine‐agonist medications was significantly more frequent in non‐responders than in responders.

Conclusions

Our patients with bipolar disorder had predominantly retarded catatonia, frequent previous catatonic episodes, indicating a recurrent course, and high rates of concomitant brain structure alterations. However, ECT was a very effective treatment for catatonia in this patient group that was resistant to benzodiazepines.
Lupus anti-ribosomal P autoantibody proteomes express convergent biclonal signatures
Authors: Al Kindi M A , Colella A D , Beroukas D , Chataway T K , Gordon T P
Published: December 2015

Lupus-specific anti-ribosomal P (anti-Rib-P) autoantibodies have been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological complications in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of the present study was to determine variable (V)-region signatures of secreted autoantibody proteomes specific for the Rib-P heterocomplex and investigate the molecular basis of the reported cross-reactivity with Sm autoantigen. Anti-Rib-P immunoglobulins (IgGs) were purified from six anti-Rib-P-positive sera by elution from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plates coated with either native Rib-P proteins or an 11-amino acid peptide (11-C peptide) representing the conserved COOH-terminal P epitope. Rib-P- and 11-C peptide-specific IgGs were analysed for heavy (H) and light (L) chain clonality and V-region expression using an electrophoretic and de-novo and database-driven mass spectrometric sequencing workflow. Purified anti-Rib-P and anti-SmD IgGs were tested for cross-reactivity on ELISA and their proteome data sets analysed for shared clonotypes. Anti-Rib-P autoantibody proteomes were IgG1 kappa-restricted and comprised two public clonotypes defined by unique H/L chain pairings. The major clonotypic population was specific for the common COOH-terminal epitope, while the second shared the same pairing signature as a recently reported anti-SmD clonotype, accounting for two-way immunoassay cross-reactivity between these lupus autoantibodies. Sequence convergence of anti-Rib-P proteomes suggests common molecular pathways of autoantibody production and identifies stereotyped clonal populations that are thought to play a pathogenic role in neuropsychiatric lupus. Shared clonotypic structures for anti-Rib-P and anti-Sm responses suggest a common B cell clonal origin for subsets of these lupus-specific autoantibodies.
Connecting science, policy, and implementation for landscape‐scale habitat connectivity
Authors: Brodie Jedediah F. , Paxton Midori , Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu , Balamurugan G. , Clements Gopalasamy Reuben , Reynolds Glen , Jain Anuj , Hon Jason
Published: December 2015

We examined the links between the science and policy of habitat corridors to better understand how corridors can be implemented effectively. As a case study, we focused on a suite of landscape‐scale connectivity plans in tropical and subtropical Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, and Bhutan). The process of corridor designation may be more efficient if the scientific determination of optimal corridor locations and arrangement is synchronized in time with political buy‐in and establishment of policies to create corridors. Land tenure and the intactness of existing habitat in the region are also important to consider because optimal connectivity strategies may be very different if there are few, versus many, political jurisdictions (including commercial and traditional land tenures) and intact versus degraded habitat between patches. Novel financing mechanisms for corridors include bed taxes, payments for ecosystem services, and strategic forest certifications. Gaps in knowledge of effective corridor design include an understanding of how corridors, particularly those managed by local communities, can be protected from degradation and unsustainable hunting. There is a critical need for quantitative, data‐driven models that can be used to prioritize potential corridors or multicorridor networks based on their relative contributions to long‐term metacommunity persistence.
Math performance in Turner syndrome: implications for math disability research
Authors: Tolar Tammy D
Published: December 2015

This commentary is on the review article by Baker and Reiss on pages 123–130 of this issue.
Impact of inter‐ and intra‐specific competition among larvae on larval, adult, and life‐table traits of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus females
Authors: NODEN BRUCE H. , O'NEAL PAUL A. , FADER JOSEPH E. , JULIANO STEVEN A.
Published: December 2015

1. Few studies have taken a comprehensive approach of measuring the impact of inter‐ and intra‐specific larval competition on adult mosquito traits. In this study, the impact of competition among Aedes aegypti (L.) and A. albopictus (Skuse) was quantified over the entire life of a cohort.

2. Competitive treatments affected hatch‐to‐adult survivorship and the development time to adulthood of females for both species but affected the median wing length of females only for A. albopictus. Competitive treatments had no significant effect on the median adult female longevity nor were there any effects on other individual traits related to blood feeding and reproductive success.

3. Analysis of life table traits revealed no effect of competitive treatment on the net reproductive rate (R0) but there were significant effects on the cohort generation time (Tc) and the cohort rate of increase (r) for both species.

4. Inter‐ and intra‐specific competition among Aedes larvae may produce individual and population‐level effects that are manifest in adults; however, benign conditions may enable resulting adults to compensate for some impacts of competition, particularly those affecting blood‐feeding success, fecundity, and the net reproductive rate, R0. The effect of competition, therefore, affects primarily larva‐to‐adult survivorship and the larval development time, which in turn impacts the cohort generation time, Tc, and ultimately the cohort rate of increase, r.

5. The lack of effects of the larval rearing environment on adult longevity suggests that effects on vectorial capacity owing to longevity may be limited if adults have easy access to sugar and bloodmeals.
Methods of inoculation and evaluation of Erwinia psidii in eucalypt
Authors: Ferraz H. G. M. , Demuner G. A. , Guimarães L. M. S. , Arriel D. A. A. , da Silva A. C. , Junior N. B. , Mafia R. G. , Alfenas A. C.
Published: December 2015

The dieback and wilting caused by Erwinia psidii are emerging eucalypt diseases that have been observed since 2014 in the south and central‐south regions of Brazil. Field observations have shown variability in disease severity resistance among Eucalyptus spp. clones and species. It is hypothesized that this variability is due to genetic resistance. To confirm this hypothesis, inoculations in genetically distinct eucalypt plants are necessary. However, lack of an inoculation method and disease assessment makes difficult to select resistant genotypes for use in commercial plantations or genetic breeding programmes. Three inoculation methods were tested on eight clones of Eucalyptus spp. Among them, inoculum deposition with bacteria‐impregnated toothpick on the axillary buds was the simplest and most effective, capable to reproduce the disease symptoms observed under conditions of natural infection. We also developed a rating scale for disease assessment. Among eight clones tested, only Clone 1 (Eucalyptus saligna) and Clone 2 (Eucalyptus urophylla) were resistant.
The ability of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells from the bone marrow of patients with leukemia to maintain normal hematopoietic progenitor cells
Authors: Sorokina Tamara , Shipounova Irina , Bigildeev Alexey , Petinati Nataliya , Drize Nina , Turkina Anna , Chelysheva Ekaterina , Shukhov Oleg , Kuzmina Larisa , Parovichnikova Elena , Savchenko Valery
Published: December 2015

Background

The development of leukemia impairs normal hematopoiesis and marrow stromal microenvironment. The aim of the investigation was to study the ability of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from the bone marrow of patients with leukemia to maintain normal hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Methods

MSCs were obtained from the bone marrow of 14 patients with acute lymphoblastic (ALL), 25 with myeloid (AML), and 15 with chronic myeloid (CML) leukemia. As a control, MSCs from 22 healthy donors were used. The incidence of cobblestone area forming cells (CAFC 7–8 d) in the bone marrow of healthy donor cultivated on the supportive layer of patients MSCs was measured.

Results

The ability of MSCs from AML and ALL patients at the moment of diagnosis to maintain normal CAFC was significantly decreased when compared to donors. After chemotherapy, the restoration of ALL patients’ MSCs functions was slower than that of AML. CML MSCs maintained CAFC better than donors’ at the moment of diagnosis and this ability increased with treatment.

Conclusions

The ability of patients’ MSCs to maintain normal hematopoietic progenitor cells was shown to change in comparison with MSCs from healthy donors and depended on nosology. During treatment, the functional capacity of patients’ MSCs had been partially restored.
Towards a clinically informed, data‐driven definition of elderly onset epilepsy
Authors: Josephson Colin B. , Engbers Jordan D. T. , Sajobi Tolulope T. , Jette Nathalie , Agha‐Khani Yahya , Federico Paolo , Murphy William , Pillay Neelan , Wiebe Samuel
Published: December 2015

Objective

Elderly onset epilepsy represents a distinct subpopulation that has received considerable attention due to the unique features of the disease in this age group. Research into this particular patient group has been limited by a lack of a standardized definition and understanding of the attributes associated with elderly onset epilepsy.

Methods

We used a prospective cohort database to examine differences in patients stratified according to age of onset. Linear support vector machine learning incorporating all significant variables was used to predict age of onset according to prespecified thresholds. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated and plotted in receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) space. Feature coefficients achieving an absolute value of 0.25 or greater were graphed by age of onset to define how they vary with time.

Results

We identified 2,449 patients, of whom 149 (6%) had an age of seizure onset of 65 or older. Fourteen clinical variables had an absolute predictive value of at least 0.25 at some point over the age of epilepsy‐onset spectrum. Area under the curve in ROC space was maximized between ages of onset of 65 and 70. Features identified through machine learning were frequently threshold specific and were similar, but not identical, to those revealed through simple univariable and multivariable comparisons.

Significance

This study provides an empirical, clinically informed definition of “elderly onset epilepsy.” If validated, an age threshold of 65–70 years can be used for future studies of elderly onset epilepsy and permits targeted interventions according to the patient's age of onset.