bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oral acetaminophen in combination with codeine in healthy Greyhound dogs
Authors: KuKanich B.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic and antinociceptive effects of an acetaminophen/codeine combination administered orally to six healthy greyhounds. Antinociception was assessed using an electronic von Frey (vF) device as a mechanical/pressure model. Acetaminophen was administered at a dose of 600 mg (14.4–23.1 mg/kg) and codeine phosphate at 90 mg (2.1–3.3 mg/kg) equivalent to 67.5 mg codeine base (1.6–2.5 mg/kg). The geometric mean maximum plasma concentrations of acetaminophen, codeine, and codeine‐6‐glucuronide were 7.95 μg/mL, 11.0 ng/mL, and 3819 ng/mL, respectively. Morphine concentrations were <1 ng/mL. The terminal half‐lives of acetaminophen, codeine, and codeine‐6‐glucuronide were 0.94, 1.71, and 3.12 h. There were no significant changes in vF thresholds, except at 12 h which decreased on average by 17% compared to baseline. The decrease in vF thresholds at 12 h could be due to aversion, hyperalgesia, or random variability. The lack of antinociception in this study could be due to a true lack of antinociception, lack of model sensitivity, or specificity. Further studies using different models (including clinical trials), different dog breeds, multiple dose regimens, and a range of dosages are needed prior to recommended use or concluding lack of efficacy for oral acetaminophen/codeine in dogs.
The Legal System and Child Sex Abuse—Ross Cheit's The Witch‐Hunt
Narrative: Politics, Psychology, and the Sexual Abuse of Children
Authors: Bowman Cynthia Grant
Published: February 2016

The prosecution of child sex abuse in cases involving very young
children presents difficult problems for the justice system. Ross Cheit's
book The Witch‐Hunt Narrative: Politics, Psychology, and the
Sexual Abuse of Children (2014) addresses these problems
in the context of the 1980s cases involving daycare centers. While the
conventional conclusion drawn from these cases is that young children are
not credible witnesses, Cheit's examination of the trial records in these
cases reveals credible evidence of abuse in many, as well as evidence of
injustice attributable to untrained and/or overenthusiastic interviewers.
Cheit's examination of this litigation provides an opportunity to evaluate
the legal system's treatment of child witnesses in sex abuse cases, as well
as to discuss the appropriate use of social scientific evidence in
litigation, the impact of mass media accounts on public policy, and the
respective merits of criminal versus civil lawsuits in child sex abuse
cases.
Correlations and zoning patterns of phosphorus and chromium in olivine from H chondrites and the LL chondrite Semarkona
Authors: McCanta M. C. , Beckett J. R. , Stolper E. M.
Published: February 2016

Phosphorus zoning is observed in olivines in high‐FeO (type IIA) chondrules in H chondrites over the entire range of petrologic grades: H3.1–H6. Features in P concentrations such as oscillatory and sector zoning, and high P cores are present in olivines that are otherwise unzoned in the divalent cations. Aluminum concentrations are low and not significantly associated with P zoning in chondrule olivines. In highly unequilibrated H chondrites, phosphorus zoning is generally positively correlated with Cr. Atomic Cr:P in olivine is roughly 1:1 (3:1 for one zone in one olivine in RC 075), consistent with Cr3+ charge‐balancing P5+ substituting for Si4+. Normal igneous zonation involving the dominant chrome species Cr2+ was observed only in the LL3.0 chondrite Semarkona. In more equilibrated chondrites (H3.5–H3.8), Cr spatially correlated with P is occasionally observed but it is diffuse relative to the P zones. In H4–H6 chondrites, P‐correlated Cr is absent. One signature of higher metamorphic grades (≥H3.8) is the presence of near matrix olivines that are devoid of P oscillatory zoning. The restriction to relatively high metamorphic grade and to grains near the chondrule–matrix interface suggests that this is a response to metasomatic processes. We also observed P‐enriched halos near the chondrule–matrix interface in H3.3–H3.8 chondrites, likely reflecting the loss of P and Ca from mesostasis and precipitation of Ca phosphate near the chondrule surface. These halos are absent in equilibrated chondrites due to coarsening of the phosphate and in unequilibrated chondrites due to low degrees of metasomatism. Olivines in type IA chondrules show none of the P‐zoning ubiquitous in type IIA chondrules or terrestrial igneous olivines, likely reflecting sequestration of P in reduced form within metallic alloys and sulfides during melting of type IA chondrules.
Conceptualization and Operationalization of Executive Function
Authors: Baggetta Peter , Alexander Patricia A.
Published: February 2016

Executive function is comprised of different behavioral and cognitive elements and is considered to play a significant role in learning and academic achievement. Educational researchers frequently study the construct. However, because of its complexity functionally, the research on executive function can at times be both confusing and contradictory. To attempt to bring some clarity to the construct, a systematic review of contemporary empirical studies was conducted. A PsycInfo database search was conducted and 106 empirical studies were selected for review. The analyses explored specific aspects of these studies such as how executive function is defined and measured, and in what domains and population groups is it studied. The resulting analyses identified both points of convergence and divergence, as well as issues with both the conceptualization and operationalization of executive function.
Mind, Brain, and Education: A Transdisciplinary Field
Authors: Knox Rockey
Published: February 2016

The emerging field of mind, brain, and education (MBE) is grappling with core issues associated with its identity, scope, and method. This article examines some of the most pressing issues that structure the development of MBE as a transdisciplinary effort. Rather than representing the ongoing debates in MBE as superficial squabbles to eventually be “overcome,” this article argues that the politics of MBE language, discourse, and validity suggest profound epistemological differences that transcend a traditional interdisciplinary approach. Instead, MBE would benefit from a transdisciplinary approach that contextually accords equal and differential weight to a range of knowledge inputs from education studies, neuroscience, and other academic and practitioner spheres beneath the broad umbrella of MBE. Specifically, this article suggests that some of the key tasks for those involved in MBE studies require a transdisciplinary approach to knowledge translation and knowledge development.
“I was so worried about every drop of milk” – feeding problems at home are a significant concern for parents after major heart surgery in infancy
Authors: Tregay Jenifer , Brown Katherine , Crowe Sonya , Bull Catherine , Knowles Rachel , Wray Jo
Published: February 2016

Increasing numbers of operations in small infants with complex congenital heart disease are being carried out in the UK year on year, with more surviving the initial operation. However, even after successful surgery some of these infants remain fragile when they are discharged home. The aim of the study was to elicit parents' experiences of caring for a child with complex needs after major congenital heart surgery. We conducted a qualitative study involving semi‐structured interviews with parents of 20 children (aged <1–5 months at hospital discharge), who had undergone open heart surgery and subsequently died or been readmitted unexpectedly to intensive care following their initial discharge home. Feeding difficulties following discharge from the specialist surgical centre emerged as one of the most significant parental concerns spontaneously raised in interviews. For some parents the impact of feeding difficulties overshadowed any other cardiac concerns. Key themes centred around feeding management (particularly the practical challenges of feeding their baby), the emotional impact of feeding for parents and the support parents received or needed after discharge with respect to feeding. Caring for a child with congenital heart disease following surgery is demanding, with feeding difficulties being one of the most significant parent stressors. Local health professionals can be a good source of support for parents provided that they are well informed about the needs of a cardiac baby and have realistic expectations of weight gain. Specialist surgical centres should consider addressing issues of parental stress around feeding and weight gain prior to hospital discharge. © 2016 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
‘We disputed every word’: how Kyrgyzstan's moderates tame ethnic nationalism
Authors: Marat Erica
Published: February 2016

In post‐violence Kyrgyzstan, a small group of civic‐minded nationalists are fighting to tame extremist voices by formulating their own reconciliation policies. These moderates have adopted several strategies, including persuasion and bargaining with nationalistic elites. This process is not without its limitations. Important issues, such as forging a civic identity for the majority ethnic group, remain unaddressed. Still, moderates' policy achievements and concrete actions are likely to continue to undercut nationalist rhetoric. The case of Kyrgyzstan offers one possible alternative to the Soviet paradigm of framing nationhood alongside citizenship.
An autopsy case of invasive sino‐orbital aspergillosis presenting the “tram‐track” sign and “donut configuration” in the orbital magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Morimoto Nobutoshi , Morimoto Mizuki , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Kageyama Yasuhiko , Nakamura Satoko , Ando Midori , Mano Shohei , Mizobuchi Koichi , Abe Koji
Published: February 2016

An 84‐year‐old man with diabetes mellitus presented with a right orbital apex syndrome. In the orbital magnetic resonance imaging, the fat‐suppressed T2‐weighted image showed a hyperintense parallel linear lesion on the right optic nerve and a ring lesion around it, producing the “tram‐track” sign on the axial view and the “donut configuration” on the coronal view. A trans‐sphenoid endoscopic orbital biopsy showed an infection of Aspergillus fumigatus. Despite treatment with oral voriconazole, the patient died from deterioration of chronic heart failure. An autopsy found normal tissue around the orbital portion of bilateral optic nerves, while Aspergillus was found around the optic chiasm. The “tram‐track” sign and the “donut configuration” in the orbital magnetic resonance imaging were beneficial for the diagnosis of invasive sino‐orbital aspergillosis.
Objective prediction of pharyngeal swallow dysfunction in dysphagia through artificial neural network modeling
Authors: Kritas S. , Dejaeger E. , Tack J. , Omari T. , Rommel N.
Published: February 2016

Background

Pharyngeal pressure‐flow analysis (PFA) of high resolution impedance‐manometry (HRIM) with calculation of the swallow risk index (SRI) can quantify swallow dysfunction predisposing to aspiration. We explored the potential use of artificial neural networks (ANN) to model the relationship between PFA swallow metrics and aspiration and to predict swallow dysfunction.

Methods

Two hundred consecutive dysphagia patients referred for videofluoroscopy and HRIM were assessed. Presence of aspiration was scored and PFA software derived 13 metrics and the SRI. An ANN was created and optimized over training cycles to achieve optimal classification accuracy for matching inputs (PFA metrics) to output (presence of aspiration on videofluoroscopy). Application of the ANN returned a value between 0.00 and 1.00 reflecting the degree of swallow dysfunction.

Key Results

Twenty one patients were excluded due to insufficient number of swallows (<4). Of 179, 58 aspirated and 27 had aspiration pneumonia history. The SRI was higher in aspirators (aspiration 24 [9, 41] vs no aspiration 7 [2, 18], p < 0.001) and patients with pneumonia (pneumonia 27 [5, 42] vs no pneumonia 8 [3, 24], p < 0.05). The ANN Predicted Risk was higher in aspirators (aspiration 0.57 [0.38, 0.82] vs no aspiration 0.13 [0.4, 0.25], p < 0.001) and in patients with pneumonia (pneumonia 0.46 [0.18, 0.60] vs no pneumonia 0.18 [0.6, 0.49], p < 0.01). Prognostic value of the ANN was superior to the SRI.

Conclusions & Inferences

In a heterogeneous cohort of dysphagia patients, PFA with ANN modeling offers enhanced detection of clinically significant swallowing dysfunction, probably more accurately reflecting the complex interplay of swallow characteristics that causes aspiration.
Probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota relieves stress‐associated symptoms by modulating the gut–brain interaction in human and animal models
Authors: Takada M. , Nishida K. , Kataoka‐Kato A. , Gondo Y. , Ishikawa H. , Suda K. , Kawai M. , Hoshi R. , Watanabe O. , Igarashi T. , Kuwano Y. , Miyazaki K. , Rokutan K.
Published: February 2016

Background

This study aimed to examine the effects of Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) on gut–brain interactions under stressful conditions.

Methods

Three double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials were conducted to examine the effects of LcS on psychological and physiological stress responses in healthy medical students under academic examination stress. Subjects received LcS‐fermented milk or placebo daily for 8 weeks prior to taking a national standardized examination. Subjective anxiety scores, salivary cortisol levels, and the presence of physical symptoms during the intervention were pooled and analyzed. In the animal study, rats were given feed with or without LcS for 2 weeks, then submitted to water avoidance stress (WAS). Plasma corticosterone concentration and the expression of cFos and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were measured immediately after WAS. In an electrophysiological study, gastric vagal afferent nerve activity was monitored after intragastric administration of LcS to urethane‐anesthetized rats.

Key Results

Academic stress‐induced increases in salivary cortisol levels and the incidence rate of physical symptoms were significantly suppressed in the LcS group compared with the placebo group. In rats pretreated with LcS, WAS‐induced increases in plasma corticosterone were significantly suppressed, and the number of CRF‐expressing cells in the PVN was reduced. Intragastric administration of LcS stimulated gastric vagal afferent activity in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusions & Inferences

These findings suggest that LcS may prevent hypersecretion of cortisol and physical symptoms under stressful conditions, possibly through vagal afferent signaling to the brain and reduced stress reactivity in the PVN.
Dissection of expression‐quantitative trait locus and allele specificity using a haploid/diploid plant system – insights into compensatory evolution of transcriptional regulation within populations
Authors: Verta Jukka‐Pekka , Landry Christian R. , MacKay John
Published: February 2016

Regulation of gene expression plays a central role in translating genotypic variation into phenotypic variation. Dissection of the genetic basis of expression variation is key to understanding how expression regulation evolves. Such analyses remain challenging in contexts where organisms are outbreeding, highly heterozygous and long‐lived such as in the case of conifer trees.

We developed an RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq)‐based approach for both expression‐quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping and the detection of cis‐acting (allele‐specific) vs trans‐acting (non‐allele‐specific) eQTLs. This method can be potentially applied to many conifers.

We used haploid and diploid meiotic seed tissues of a single self‐fertilized white spruce (Picea glauca) individual to dissect eQTLs according to linkage and allele specificity. The genetic architecture of local eQTLs linked to the expressed genes was particularly complex, consisting of cis‐acting, trans‐acting and, surprisingly, compensatory cis‐trans effects. These compensatory effects influence expression in opposite directions and are neutral when combined in homozygotes. Nearly half of local eQTLs were under compensation, indicating that close linkage between compensatory cis‐trans factors is common in spruce. Compensated genes were overrepresented in developmental and cell organization functions.

Our haploid–diploid eQTL analysis in spruce revealed that compensatory cis‐trans eQTLs segregate within populations and evolve in close genetic linkage.
Comparing self‐reported optometric dry eye clinical practices in Australia and the United Kingdom: is there scope for practice improvement?
Authors: Downie Laura E. , Rumney Nicholas , Gad Anne , Keller Peter R. , Purslow Christine , Vingrys Algis J.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the self‐reported clinical practice behaviours of optometrists in Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) with respect to the diagnosis and management of dry eye disease (DED). We also sought to examine whether the reported practices of clinicians in each region were consistent with current evidence‐based recommendations for DED.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to optometrists (Australia, n = 654; UK, n = 1006). Respondents provided information about practice modality, years of optometric experience, preferred diagnostic and management strategies (stratified by DED severity) and the information/evidence base used to guide patient care.

Results

A total of 317 completed surveys were received (response rates, Australia: 21%, UK: 17%). Optometrists in both regions demonstrated similarly strong knowledge of tear film assessment and adopted both subjective and objective techniques to diagnose DED. Patient symptoms were considered the most important, valuable and commonly performed assessment by both Australian and UK respondents. UK practitioners valued and utilised conjunctival signs and tear meniscus height assessments more than Australian optometrists (p < 0.05), who placed relatively greater emphasis on sodium fluorescein tear break‐up time to diagnose DED (p < 0.05). Clinicians in both locations tailored DED therapy to severity. While practitioners in both regions predominantly managed mild DED with eyelid hygiene and tear supplementation, Australian optometrists indicated prescribing topical corticosteroid therapy significantly more often than UK practitioners for moderate (14% vs 6%) and severe (52% vs 8%) disease (p < 0.05). The major source of information used to guide practitioners’ dry eye management practices was continuing education conferences.

Conclusions

This study highlights a range of parallels and divergences in dry eye clinical practice between Australian and UK optometrists. Our data identify both areas of strength in the adoption of evidence‐based practice, as well as some potential to improve international translation of dry eye research evidence into practice.
Developmental biology of the early Cambrian cnidarian Olivooides
Authors: Dong Xi‐Ping , Vargas Kelly , Cunningham John A. , Zhang Huaqiao , Liu Teng , Chen Fang , Liu Jianbo , Bengtson Stefan , Donoghue Philip C. J.
Published: February 2016

Fossilized embryos afford direct insight into the pattern of development in extinct organisms, providing unique tests of hypotheses of developmental evolution based in comparative embryology. However, these fossils can only be effective in this role if their embryology and phylogenetic affinities are well constrained. We elucidate and interpret the development of Olivooides from embryonic and adult stages and use these data to discriminate among competing interpretations of their anatomy and affinity. The embryology of Olivooides is principally characterized by the development of an ornamented periderm that initially forms externally and is subsequently formed internally, released at the aperture, facilitating the direct development of the embryo into an adult theca. Internal anatomy is known only from embryonic stages, revealing two internal tissue layers, the innermost of which is developed into three transversally arranged walls that partly divide the lumen into an abapertural region, interpreted as the gut of a polyp, and an adapertural region that includes structures that resemble the peridermal teeth of coronate scyphozoans. The anatomy and pattern of development exhibited by Olivooides appears common to the other known genus of olivooid, Quadrapyrgites, which differs in its tetraradial, as opposed to pentaradial symmetry. We reject previous interpretations of the olivooids as cycloneuralians, principally on the grounds that they lack a through gut and introvert, in embryo and adult. Instead we consider the affinities of the olivooids among medusozoan cnidarians; our phylogenetic analysis supports their classification as total‐group Coronata, within crown‐Scyphozoa. Olivooides and Quadrapyrgites evidence a broader range of life history strategies and bodyplan symmetry than is otherwise commonly represented in extant Scyphozoa specifically, and Cnidaria more generally.
Critical incidents, including cardiac arrest, associated with pediatric anesthesia at a tertiary teaching children's hospital
Authors: Lee Ji‐Hyun , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Song In‐Kyung , Kim Eun‐Hee , Kim Hee‐Soo , Kim Chong‐Sung , Kim Jin‐Tae
Published: February 2016

Background

Analysis of critical incidents provides valuable information to improve the quality and safety of patient care. This study identified and analyzed pediatric anesthesia‐related critical incidents including cardiac arrests in a tertiary teaching children's hospital.

Methods

All pediatric anesthesia‐related critical incidents reported in a voluntary departmental reporting system between January 2008 and August 2013 were included in the analysis. A critical incident was defined as (i) any incident that altered patients' vital signs and affected the management of patients while they were under the care of an anesthesiologist, and (ii) human factor: where patient injury or accidents were as a result of human error. Changes in vital signs that recovered spontaneously were excluded.

Results

During the 6‐year study period, a total of 229 critical incidents were reported from 49 373 anesthetic procedures. The most frequently reported incidents were associated with the respiratory system (55%), with tracheal tube‐related events accounting for 40.9% of respiratory incidents followed by laryngospasm (17.3% of respiratory incidents). Cardiac arrest occurred in 42 cases in this study (8.5 cases per 10 000 anesthetics). Cardiovascular problems were the major causes of cardiac arrest (66.7%), and incidents of cardiogenic shock and hemorrhage/hypotension contributed equally to the cardiac arrest induced by cardiovascular problems (each 16.7%). Human factor‐related events accounted for 58.5% of all critical incidents of which 53.7% were respiratory events.

Conclusion

Despite recent improvements in safety of pediatric anesthesia, many preventable factors still remain that can lead to critical incidents.
Comparative Efficacy of Newer Antidepressants in Combination with Pregabalin for Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Controlled, Randomized Study
Authors: Ramzy Eiad A.
Published: February 2016

Background

This controlled, randomized study investigated the hypothesis that the combined use of pregabalin plus paroxetine for fibromyalgia management would be associated with comparable Somatic Symptoms Scale‐8 (SSS‐8) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESDS) scores, but higher tolerability than the combined use of pregabalin plus either amitriptyline or venlafaxine.

Methods

After institutional ethics committee approval, 75 female subjects diagnosed with fibromyalgia and in receipt of pregabalin (75 mg/day) were randomly allocated to concurrently receive amitriptyline (25 mg/day; n = 24), venlafaxine (75 mg/day; n = 25), or paroxetine (25 mg/day; n = 26). All patients were assessed bimonthly for 6 consecutive months for changes in SSS‐8 and CESDS scores, life satisfaction, mood, sleep quality, fatigue, medication tolerability, and adverse events.

Results

Compared with pregabalin plus amitriptyline or venlafaxine, the combined use of pregabalin plus paroxetine in fibromyalgia patients resulted in significantly lower SSS‐8 and CESDS scores from 18 (P < 0.05) and 10 weeks (P < 0.001) after the initiation of study medications, respectively; higher medication tolerability (P < 0.001); improved life satisfaction, mood, and sleep quality at most observation times (P < 0.05); and fewer instances of dry mouth and elevated blood pressure (P < 0.02). Medication termination due to poor tolerability was observed most frequently in the venlafaxine group (P < 0.05), while drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, abnormal taste, hunger, hallucination, urination problems, and sexual dysfunction were observed most frequently in the amitriptyline group (P < 0.02).

Conclusion

The combined use of pregabalin plus paroxetine offers an effective method with increased tolerability to reduce the somatic and depressive symptoms of fibromyalgia and to enhance the quality of life in affected individuals.
Effects of Flexibility in Coping with Menstrual Pain on Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Kato Tsukasa
Published: February 2016

Coping flexibility refers to the ability to discontinue an ineffective coping strategy and replace it with a more effective alternative. The coping flexibility hypothesis (CFH) predicts that more flexible coping will produce more adaptive outcomes. This study tested CFH validity among young Japanese women with menstrual pain. A total of 186 college students, who reported menstrual pain as being the most frequent pain they suffered over the past year, completed questionnaires related to coping flexibility and strategies for dealing with menstrual pain. Additionally, they reported on later depressive symptoms experienced during menstruation. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that menstrual pain coping flexibility was significantly associated with reduced depressive symptoms during menstruation, even after controlling for the effects of menstrual pain intensity and coping strategies. Thus, the CFH was supported by the data obtained from menstrual pain sufferers in college.
A Comparison of Maternal versus Paternal Nonverbal Behavior During Child Pain
Authors: Schinkel Meghan G. , Chambers Christine T. , Caes Line , Moon Erin C.
Published: February 2016

Parental behavior plays a significant role in children's pain response. Prior research has found generally no differences between mothers’ and fathers’ verbal behavior during child pain. This study compared mothers’ and fathers’ nonverbal behavior during child pain. Nonverbal behavior of mothers (n = 39) and fathers (n = 39) of 39 children (20 boys) aged 8 to 12 years who participated in the cold pressor task (counterbalanced once with each parent) was coded. A range of nonverbal behaviors were coded, including distraction, physical proximity, physical comfort/reassurance, procedure‐related attending behavior, and fidgeting. The most common behaviors parents engaged in were fidgeting, procedure‐related attending behaviors, and physical proximity. Results indicated that the types of nonverbal behavior parents engage in did not differ between mothers and fathers. However, children of mothers who engaged in more physical comfort/reassurance reported higher levels of pain intensity, and children of mothers who engaged in more procedure‐related attending behaviors had lower pain tolerance. Further, both mothers and fathers who engaged in higher levels of verbal nonattending behaviors also engaged in lower levels of nonverbal procedure‐related attending behaviors. These findings further support the importance of considering the influence of mothers and fathers in children's pain, and provide novel insights into the role of nonverbal behavior.
Bean pod mottle virus: a new powerful tool for functional genomics studies in Pisum sativum
Authors: Meziadi Chouaib , Blanchet Sophie , Richard Manon M.S. , Pilet‐Nayel Marie‐Laure , Geffroy Valérie , Pflieger Stéphanie
Published: February 2016

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important legume worldwide. The importance of pea in arable rotations and nutritional value for both human and animal consumption have fostered sustained production and different studies to improve agronomic traits of interest. Moreover, complete sequencing of the pea genome is currently underway and will lead to the identification of a large number of genes potentially associated with important agronomic traits. Because stable genetic transformation is laborious for pea, virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) appears as a powerful alternative technology for determining the function of unknown genes. In this work, we present a rapid and efficient viral inoculation method using DNA infectious plasmids of Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV)‐derived VIGS vector. Six pea genotypes with important genes controlling biotic and/or abiotic stresses were found susceptible to BPMV carrying a GFP reporter gene and showed fluorescence in both shoots and roots. In a second step, we investigated 37 additional pea genotypes and found that 30 were susceptible to BPMV and only 7 were resistant. The capacity of BPMV to induce silencing of endogenes was investigated in the most susceptible genotype using two visual reporter genes: PsPDS and PsKORRIGAN1 (PsKOR1) encoding PHYTOENE DESATURASE and a 1,4‐β‐D‐glucanase, respectively. The features of the ‘one‐step’ BPMV‐derived VIGS vector include (i) the ease of rub‐inoculation, without any need for biolistic or agro‐inoculation procedures, (ii) simple cost‐effective procedure and (iii) noninterference of viral symptoms with silencing. These features make BPMV the most adapted VIGS vector in pea to make low‐ to high‐throughput VIGS studies.
Insomnia, parasomnia, and predisposing factors in Turkish school children
Authors: Ozgun Nezir , Sonmez F Mujgan , Topbas Murat , Can Gamze , Goker Zeynep
Published: February 2016

Background

Insomnia and parasomnia are the most commonly seen sleep disorders in childhood. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of insomnia and parasomnia in school children in a metropolitan area (Trabzon) of Turkey. This is the first study on this issue in Turkey to use a large sample size.

Methods

An 84‐item questionnaire was administered to 5200 school children from different socioeconomic levels in 10 primary and 10 secondary schools. The questionnaire included items on the symptoms of sleep disorders and the predisposing factors according to The International Classification of Sleep Disorders‐2 (ICSD‐2) criteria, sleep habits, as well as demographic, social and economic status. Of the 5200 questionnaires, 4144 were evaluated after elimination of questionnaires with insufficient or incorrect information.

Results

A total of 780 children (18.8%) were diagnosed with insomnia and 1980 (47.8%) were diagnosed with parasomnia. No significant gender difference was observed. Snoring was more common in boys while sleep talking and nightmares were more common in girls (P < 0.05). Sleep talking was the most common type of parasomnia (28.4%), followed by bruxism (14.1%), nightmares (12.9%), primary snoring (7.2%), night terror (5.7%), enuresis (4.7%), and sleepwalking (4.2%). With increasing age, total sleep duration and parasomnia prevalence decreased and prevalence of insomnia increased significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Prevalence of sleep disorders and their predisposing factors were similar to that in the literature. This is of great importance for the diagnosis, follow up and treatment of sleep disturbance in outpatient clinics, especially in pediatric neurology departments.
Men's sociosexuality is sensitive to changes in mate availability
Authors: ARNOCKY STEVEN , WOODRUFF NATHAN , SCHMITT DAVID P.
Published: February 2016

Correlational research has linked mate availability to human sexual behavior, whereby unrestricted sociosexuality seems to be most common under conditions of female abundance. In this study, 71 heterosexual men were randomly assigned to one of two mate availability priming conditions, mate scarcity or mate abundance, and subsequently completed measures of sociosexuality as well as infidelity intentions. Results indicated that men in the mate abundance condition reported stronger sociosexual attitudes and desires, and among those currently in relationships, stronger infidelity intentions. These findings were contrasted with those from a separate sample of 66 heterosexual undergraduate women. Mate scarcity had no effects on women's sociosexuality or infidelity intentions. Findings suggest that when mates are scarce, men will adopt a sociosexual orientation aimed at maintaining a single partner.
Physical activity and its correlates in children and adolescents post‐liver transplant
Authors: Patterson Catherine , So Stephanie , Schneiderman Jane E. , Stephens Derek , Stephens Samantha
Published: February 2016

The health benefits of PA are well established for healthy and chronically ill children. This study objectively measures physical fitness and PA levels in children PLT and explores potential correlates and perceived barriers impacting their PA. A total of 23 children (16 females, mean 14.01 ± 2.49 yrs) >1 yr PLT were assessed for peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. MVPA and steps/day were determined with accelerometry. Additionally, SE, perceived fatigue, and barriers and benefits of PA were examined. VO2peak (mean 33. 2 ± 7.61 mL/kg/min; 77.0 ± 15.6% predicted) and PA (average 6841 ± 2299 steps/day) were below healthy norms. MVPA (31.6 ± 16.1 min/day) was lower than national guidelines. Six participants (30%) attained criterion standards for abdominal strength and one participant (5%) for push‐ups. Fatigue and SE were lower than reported levels in healthy children. A commonly perceived barrier to PA was “I am tired.” A positive correlation was shown between SE and MVPA (r = 0.57, p = 0.007), SE and fatigue (r = 0.54, p = 0.01), and PELD score and fatigue (r = 0.66, p = 0.007). Children PLT demonstrate below normal levels of PA and aerobic capacity. SE is a modifiable correlate of their PA. Further investigation of the impact of PA correlates can guide the development of future innovative PA intervention strategies in children PLT.
Stress Tolerance of the Endemic Antarctic Brown Alga Desmarestia anceps to UV Radiation and Temperature is Mediated by High Concentrations of Phlorotannins
Authors: Flores‐Molina María Rosa , Rautenberger Ralf , Muñoz Pamela , Huovinen Pirjo , Gómez Iván
Published: February 2016

The endemic Antarctic brown macroalga Desmarestia anceps is strongly shade‐adapted, but shows also a high capacity to cope with different environmental stressors, e.g. UV radiation and temperature. Therefore, this species colonizes wide depth gradients, which are characterized by changing environmental conditions. In this study, we examine whether the different physiological abilities allowing D. anceps to grow across a wide depth range is determined by high levels of phlorotannins. Photosynthesis, measured by PAM‐fluorometry, the contents of soluble phlorotannins, antioxidant capacities of field grown were analyzed in response to different conditions of radiation (PAR and PAR + UV) and temperature (2, 7 and 12°C). The results show that maximal quantum of fluorescence (Fv/Fm) decreased with increasing doses of UV radiation, but remained unaffected by temperature. High levels of soluble phlorotannins were detected and confirmed by microscopic observation revealing the abundance of large physodes. Exposure to UV radiation and elevated temperature showed that phlorotannins were not inducible by UV but increased at 12°C. ROS scavenging capacity was positively correlated with the contents of phlorotannins. In general, highest contents of phlorotannins were correlated with the lowest inhibition of Fv/Fm in all experimental treatments, highlighting the UV‐protective role of these compounds in D. anceps.
Evaluation of a di‐O‐methylated glycan as a potential antigenic target for the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis
Authors: Elefant G. R. , Roldán W. H. , Seeböck A. , Kosma P.
Published: February 2016

Serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis is based on the detection of specific IgG antibodies by the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Toxocara larvae excretory–secretory (TES) antigens, but its production is a laborious and time‐consuming process being also limited by the availability of adult females of T. canis as source for ova to obtain larvae. Chemical synthesis of the di‐O‐methylated (DiM) glycan structure found in the TES antigens has provided material for studying the antibody reactivity in a range of mammalian hosts, showing reactivity with human IgM and IgG. In this study, we have evaluated the performance of the DiM glycan against a panel of sera including patients with toxocariasis (n = 60), patients with other helminth infections (n = 75) and healthy individuals (n = 94), showing that DiM is able to detect IgG antibodies with a sensitivity and specificity of 91·7% and 94·7%, respectively, with a very good agreement with the TES antigens (kappa = 0·825). However, cross‐reactivity was observed in some sera from patients with ascariasis, hymenolepiasis and fascioliasis. These results show that the DiM glycan could be a promising antigenic tool for the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis.
Air humidity as key determinant of morphogenesis and productivity of the rare temperate woodland fern Polystichum braunii
Authors: Schwerbrock R. , Leuschner C.
Published: February 2016

(1) Most ferns are restricted to moist and shady habitats, but it is not known whether soil moisture or atmospheric water status are decisive limiting factors, or if both are equally important. (2) Using the rare temperate woodland fern Polystichum braunii, we conducted a three‐factorial climate chamber experiment (soil moisture (SM) × air humidity (RH) × air temperature (T)) to test the hypotheses that: (i) atmospheric water status (RH) exerts a similarly large influence on the fern's biology as soil moisture, and (ii) both a reduction in RH and an increase in air temperature reduce vigour and growth. (3) Nine of 11 morphological, physiological and growth‐related traits were significantly influenced by an increase in RH from 65% to 95%, leading to higher leaf conductance, increased above‐ and belowground productivity, higher fertility, more epidermal trichomes and fewer leaf deformities under high air humidity. In contrast, soil moisture variation (from 66% to 70% in the moist to ca. 42% in the dry treatment) influenced only one trait (specific leaf area), and temperature variation (15 °C versus 19 °C during daytime) only three traits (leaf conductance, root/shoot ratio, specific leaf area); RH was the only factor affecting productivity. (4) This study is the first experimental proof for a soil moisture‐independent air humidity effect on the growth of terrestrial woodland ferns. P. braunii appears to be an air humidity hygrophyte that, whithin the range of realistic environmental conditions set in this study, suffers more from a reduction in RH than in soil moisture. A climate warming‐related increase in summer temperatures, however, seems not to directly threaten this endangered species.
Fusarium oxysporum, F. proliferatum and F. redolens associated with basal rot of onion in Finland
Authors: Haapalainen M. , Latvala S. , Kuivainen E. , Qiu Y. , Segerstedt M. , Hannukkala A. O.
Published: February 2016

In recent years in Finland, Fusarium infections in onions have increased, both in the field and in storage, and Fusarium species have taken the place of Botrytis as the worst pathogens causing post‐harvest rot of onion. To study Fusarium occurrence, samples were taken from onion sets, harvested onions and also from other plants grown in the onion fields. Isolates of five Fusarium species found in the survey were tested for pathogenicity on onion. Fusarium oxysporum was frequently found in onions and other plants, and, of the isolates tested, 31% caused disease symptoms and 15% caused growth stunting in onion seedlings. Fusarium proliferatum, a species previously not reported in Finland, was also identified. Over 50% of the diseased onion crop samples were infected with F. proliferatum, and all the F. proliferatum isolates tested were pathogenic to onion. Thus, compared to F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum seems to be more aggressive on onion. Also some of the F. redolens isolates were highly virulent, killing onion seedlings. Comparison of the translation elongation factor 1α gene sequences revealed that the majority of the aggressive isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. cepae group together and are distinct from the other isolates. Incidence and relative proportions of the different Fusarium species differed between the sets and the mature bulbs. More research is required to determine to what extent Fusarium infections spoiling onions originate from infected onion sets rather than the field soil.
The Third Voice of American Politics
Authors: Hart Roderick P. , Curry Alexander L.
Published: February 2016

This article describes the people's voice in American politics by contrasting it to those of the nation's leaders and the working press. Based on a content analysis of all three actors (with letters to the editor serving as a stand‐in for the citizenry), we find the people situated midway between politicians and the press. Citizen‐writers show greater rhetorical optimism than media operatives but not as much as White House aspirants. Citizens also complain about politics, but it is the management of their buoyancy that makes them special. By understanding the people's voice, the roles of politicians and the press become eminently clearer.
LBJ, Reagan, and the American Dream: Competing Visions of Liberty
Authors: Medhurst Martin J.
Published: February 2016

This article advances the thesis that the narrative of the American Dream, as used in U.S. presidential discourse, is best understood as a rhetoric of competing visions over the nature and purposes of liberty. To test this position, the rhetoric of Lyndon Johnson—an advocate of positive liberty—is compared and contrasted to that of Ronald Reagan—an advocate of negative liberty. Competing visions of liberty are found to structure the contours of the American Dream narrative and to explain many of its inherent tensions.
The Declining Relevance of Candidate Personal Attributes in Presidential Elections
Authors: Wattenberg Martin P.
Published: February 2016

This article examines sixty years of data from the American National Election Studies, and finds that the electorate's focus on candidate attributes has declined substantially. Whereas 80% of respondents had mentioned personal attributes in the past, in recent elections only about 60% have done so. Furthermore, such comments are now more tied to partisan identification and have less of an independent impact on voting behavior. The chances of presidential image makers successfully making a difference by emphasizing a president's personal character are now much less than in the era of Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan.
The Law: The State Secrets Privilege: From Bush II to Obama
Authors: Fisher Louis
Published: February 2016

Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the Bush administration relied heavily on the state secrets privilege to defend executive actions. When Barack Obama entered office, he announced that the privilege had been “over‐used” by the Bush administration and offered this as a first principle: “We must not protect information merely because it reveals the violation of a law or embarrassments to the government.” Yet the Obama administration continued to rely on the privilege to protect litigants from challenging abusive, illegal, and unconstitutional actions by the Bush administration and applied the privilege to entirely new assertions of executive power.
Decreased reaction time variability is associated with greater cardiovascular responses to acute stress
Authors: Wawrzyniak Andrew J. , Hamer Mark , Steptoe Andrew , Endrighi Romano
Published: February 2016

Cardiovascular (CV) responses to mental stress are prospectively associated with poor CV outcomes. The association between CV responses to mental stress and reaction times (RTs) in aging individuals may be important but warrants further investigation. The present study assessed RTs to examine associations with CV responses to mental stress in healthy, older individuals using robust regression techniques. Participants were 262 men and women (mean age = 63.3 ± 5.5 years) from the Whitehall II cohort who completed a RT task (Stroop) and underwent acute mental stress (mirror tracing) to elicit CV responses. Blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability were measured at baseline, during acute stress, and through a 75‐min recovery. RT measures were generated from an ex‐Gaussian distribution that yielded three predictors: mu‐RT, sigma‐RT, and tau‐RT, the mean, standard deviation, and mean of the exponential component of the normal distribution, respectively. Decreased intraindividual RT variability was marginally associated with greater systolic (B = −.009, SE = .005, p = .09) and diastolic (B = −.004, SE = .002, p = .08) blood pressure reactivity. Decreased intraindividual RT variability was associated with impaired systolic blood pressure recovery (B = −.007, SE = .003, p = .03) and impaired vagal tone (B = −.0047, SE = .0024, p = .045). Study findings offer tentative support for an association between RTs and CV responses. Despite small effect sizes and associations not consistent across predictors, these data may point to a link between intrinsic neuronal plasticity and CV responses.
The Normal Law Under Linear Restrictions: Simulation and Estimation via Minimax Tilting
Authors: Botev Z. I.
Published: February 2016

Simulation from the truncated multivariate normal distribution in high dimensions is a recurrent problem in statistical computing and is typically only feasible by using approximate Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling. We propose a minimax tilting method for exact independently and identically distributed data simulation from the truncated multivariate normal distribution. The new methodology provides both a method for simulation and an efficient estimator to hitherto intractable Gaussian integrals. We prove that the estimator has a rare vanishing relative error asymptotic property. Numerical experiments suggest that the scheme proposed is accurate in a wide range of set-ups for which competing estimation schemes fail. We give an application to exact independently and identically distributed data simulation from the Bayesian posterior of the probit regression model.
Back to the future: bacteriophages as promising therapeutic tools
Authors: Domingo‐Calap P. , Georgel P. , Bahram S.
Published: February 2016

Bacteriophages (phages), natural predators of bacteria, are becoming increasingly attractive in medical and pharmaceutical applications. After their discovery almost a century ago, they have been particularly instrumental in the comprehension of basic molecular biology and genetics processes. The more recent emergence of multi‐drug‐resistant bacteria requires novel therapeutic strategies, and phages are being (re)considered as promising potential antibacterial tools. Furthermore, phages are also used for other purposes, e.g. vaccine production, gene/drug carriers, bacterial detection and typing. These new alternative approaches using phages are of major interest and have allowed unexpected developments, from the decipherment of fundamental biological processes to potential clinical applications.