bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RLS3, a protein with AAA+ domain localized in chloroplast, sustains leaf longevity in rice
Authors: Lin Yanhui , Tan Lubin , Zhao Lei , Sun Xianyou , Sun Chuanqing
Published: June 2016

Leaf senescence plays an important role in crop developmental processes that dramatically affect crop yield and grain quality. The genetic regulation of leaf senescence is complex, involving many metabolic and signaling pathways. Here, we identified a rapid leaf senescence 3 (rls3) mutant that displayed accelerated leaf senescence, shorter plant height and panicle length, and lower seed set rate than the wild type. Map‐based cloning revealed that RLS3 encodes a protein with AAA+ domain, localizing it to chloroplasts. Sequence analysis found that the rls3 gene had a single‐nucleotide substitution (G→A) at the splice site of the 10th intron/11th exon, resulting in the cleavage of the first nucleotide in 11th exon and premature termination of RLS3 protein translation. Using transmission electron microscope, the chloroplasts of the rls3 mutant were observed to degrade much faster than those of the wild type. The investigation of the leaf senescence process under dark incubation conditions further revealed that the rls3 mutant displayed rapid leaf senescence. Thus, the RLS3 gene plays key roles in sustaining the normal growth of rice, while loss of function in RLS3 leads to rapid leaf senescence. The identification of RLS3 will be helpful to elucidate the mechanisms involved in leaf senescence in rice.
Effect of dietary threonine on laying performance and intestinal immunity of laying hens fed low‐crude‐protein diets during the peak production period
Authors: Azzam M. M. M. , Dong X. Y. , Zou X. T.
Published: June 2016

Threonine (Thr) may be a limiting amino acid for laying hens fed diets with lowered protein level. An experiment was conducted to examine laying performance, and the intestinal immune function of laying hens provided diets varying in digestible Thr levels. Lohmann Brown laying hens (n = 480), 28 weeks of age, were allocated to six dietary treatments, each of which included five replicates of 16 hens. Dietary crude protein (CP) 16.18% diet was offered as the positive control diet. L‐Thr was added to the negative diet (14.16% CP) by 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 g/kg, corresponding 0.44%, 0.43%, 0.49%, 0.57%, 0.66% and 0.74% digestible Thr. At 40 weeks, a reduction in CP level decreased laying performance (p < 0.05). In the low CP, increasing dietary Thr increased (p < 0.05) egg production and egg mass and rose to a plateau between 0.57% and 0.66%. The hens fed 0.66% Thr showed the lowest value (p < 0.05) of feed conversion ratio (FCR). Serum level of uric acid showed the lowest values (p < 0.05) at 0.57–0.66%. In addition, serum‐free Thr maximized (p < 0.05) between 0.66% and 0.74%. Digestive trypsin activity decreased (p < 0.05) when hens fed the low‐CP diet compared with hens fed CP (16.18%) and hens fed 0.57–0.66%. Expressions of ileal MUC2 mRNA maximized (p < 0.05) at 0.66% Thr. Occludin mRNA increased with increasing Thr level (p < 0.05). sIgA mRNA reached to the maximum level (p < 0.05) at 0.66% and 0.74% Thr. INF‐γ mRNA reached to the lowest level (p < 0.05) at 0.65%. Expressions of ileal IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐1β mRNA decreased with increasing Thr level (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Thr supplementation resulting in optimal laying performance and stimulated the mucosal immune system, suggesting that it is a limiting amino acid in the low‐crude‐protein diet of laying hens during the peak production period.
Circadian variation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 availability in the rat brain
Authors: Elmenhorst David , Mertens Kristina , Kroll Tina , Oskamp Angela , Ermert Johannes , Elmenhorst Eva‐Maria , Wedekind Franziska , Beer Simone , Coenen Heinz H. , Bauer Andreas
Published: June 2016

The metabotrophic subtype 5 glutamate receptor (mGluR5) plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity besides its involvement in numerous neurological disorders, such as depression. As mGluR5 availability in humans is altered in sleep deprivation, we hypothesized that mGluR5 availability underlies a circadian variation. To investigate whether mGluR5 underlies potential circadian changes we measured its density in a randomized fashion at six different daytimes in 11 adult Sprague–Dawley rats. mGluR5 density was quantified by positron emission tomography (PET) using the radioactive ligand [11C]ABP688. [11C]ABP688 uptake was quantified in nine regions of interest with a reference tissue model. Significant differences in the binding potential (BPND) and therefore mGluR5 availability between the different circadian times were found in cortex, cingulate cortex, amygdala, caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens. Further post‐hoc statistical analysis (Tukey–Kramer test) of the different time‐points revealed significant changes in BPND between 07:00 hours (start of light‐on phase) and 15:00 hours (last time‐point of the light‐on phase) in the caudate putamen. This study shows that mGluR5 availability is increased during the light‐on, or sleep phase, of rodents by approximately 10%. Given that altered mGluR5 densities play a role in psychiatric disorders, further investigation is warranted to evaluate their circadian involvement in mood changes in humans.
The Religion of the Educated Classes Revisited: New Religions, the Nonreligious, and Educational Levels
Authors: Lewis James R. , Currie Sean E. , Oman‐Reagan Michael P.
Published: June 2016

A number of different studies carried out in the late 20th century indicated that new religious movements (NRMs) tended to recruit individuals who were highly educated. In the present study, we confirm this pattern utilizing data from the national censuses of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, England, and Wales. Additionally, we found that educational patterns for NRMs in the censuses tended to fall into at least two subgroups, one of which had educational levels comparable to mainline denominations and the other of which had significantly higher educational achievements. Furthermore, census respondents who expressed some variety of nonbelief were comparable to this latter group in terms of educational accomplishments. We discuss this latter finding in terms of Ernst Troeltsch and Colin Campbell's analysis of secularization.
Dignity Takings and Dispossession in Israel
Authors: Kedar Alexandre (Sandy)
Published: June 2016

This article examines the concept ofdignity takings, as developed by Bernadette Atuahene, and its applicability to the Israeli situation, focusing on takings from the Arab-Palestinian minority in Israel. Although I find dignity takings a valuable concept, as it emphasizes the interconnections between land dispossession and the denial of human dignity, I offer some qualifications and suggestions. I then examine the applicability of the concept to the dispossession of Arabs/Palestinians in Israel through two case studies: one, a close reading of the (in)famous Ikrit villagers' dispossession; the other, an examination of the dispossession of Negev (southern Israel) Bedouin citizens of Israel, which takes place, not unlike terra nullius, simultaneously with a denial of this very taking. The article concludes that with some modifications, the concept of dignity taking applies to the situation of Arab/Palestinian citizens of Israel.
Prosecutor Risk, Maturation, and Wrongful Conviction Practice
Authors: Levine Kay L. , Wright Ronald F.
Published: June 2016

In this article we rethink the connection between prosecutorial experience and conviction psychology that undergirds much of the academic literature about wrongful convictions. The conviction psychology account of prosecutorial behavior asserts that prosecutorial susceptibility to cognitive biases deepens over time, thereby increasing the risk that prosecutors will become involved in wrongful convictions the longer they stay in the profession. Our interviews with more than 200 state prosecutors call into question the basis for this asserted correlation between prosecutorial experience and risk of misconduct. The prosecutors we met consistently reported that, all else equal, prosecutors tend to become more balanced, rather than more adversarial, over time. Hence, the prosecutors who present the greatest risk of producing a wrongful conviction are those who are either inexperienced or resistant to the normal maturation process. For this reason, we suggest that wrongful conviction researchers and database designers pay closer attention to the variables associated with prosecutorial experience and resistance that might affect the development of prosecutorial maturity and the consequent risk of wrongful convictions.
Reluctant Radicals: How Moderates Shape Movements for Social Change
Authors: Mello Joseph
Published: June 2016

This essay reviews three books within the southern history literature on the white moderate's response to the civil rights movement; Kevin Kruse's White Flight: Atlanta and the Making of Modern Conservatism (2005), Matthew Lassiter's The Silent Majority: Suburban Politics in the Sunbelt South (2006), and Jason Sokol's There Goes My Everything: White Southerners in the Age of Civil Rights, 1945–1975 (2006). I examine how white moderates impacted the struggle for African American civil rights, and explore how this dynamic can help us understand the trajectory of the current debate over gay rights in the United States. I argue that while the US public ultimately came to support equal rights for African Americans, and has grown more tolerant of gay rights recently, they have been willing to do so only when these rights claims are framed as benefiting “deserving” segments of these populations. This shows that rights are, to some extent, contingent resources, available primarily to those citizens who fit certain ideal types, and suggests that those individuals who are unwilling (or unable) to live up to this ideal may ultimately fail to benefit from these movements.
The Storm Before the Calm? Adverse Effects of Tackling Organized Crime
Authors: Long Iain W.
Published: June 2016

Policies targeted at high‐crime neighbourhoods may have unintended consequences in the presence of organized crime. Whilst they reduce the incentive to commit crime at the margin, those who still choose to join the criminal organization have relatively high criminal propensities. Large organizations take advantage of this, substituting away from membership size towards increased individual criminal activity. Aggregate crime may rise. However, as more would‐be recruits move into the formal labour market, falling revenue causes a reversal of this effect. Thereafter, the policy reduces both size and individual activity simultaneously.
Small Artery Elastin Distribution and Architecture—Focus on Three Dimensional Organization
Authors: Hill Michael A. , Nourian Zahra , Ho I‐Lin , Clifford Philip S. , Martinez‐Lemus Luis , Meininger Gerald A.
Published: June 2016

The distribution of ECM proteins within the walls of resistance vessels is complex both in variety of proteins and structural arrangement. In particular, elastin exists as discrete fibers varying in orientation across the adventitia and media as well as often resembling a sheet‐like structure in the case of the IEL. Adding to the complexity is the tissue heterogeneity that exists in these structural arrangements. For example, small intracranial cerebral arteries lack adventitial elastin while similar sized arteries from skeletal muscle and intestinal mesentery exhibit a complex adventitial network of elastin fibers. With regard to the IEL, several vascular beds exhibit an elastin sheet with punctate holes/fenestrae while in others the IEL is discontinuous and fibrous in appearance. Importantly, these structural patterns likely sub‐serve specific functional properties, including mechanosensing, control of external forces, mechanical properties of the vascular wall, cellular positioning, and communication between cells. Of further significance, these processes are altered in vascular disorders such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus where there is modification of ECM. This brief report focuses on the three‐dimensional wall structure of small arteries and considers possible implications with regard to mechanosensing under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Offshore and coastal common bottlenose dolphins of the western South Atlantic face‐to‐face: What the skull and the spine can tell us
Authors: Costa Ana P. B. , Rosel Patricia E. , Daura‐Jorge Fábio G. , Simões‐Lopes Paulo C.
Published: June 2016

The taxonomy of Tursiops truncatus in the western South Atlantic is not resolved. Two different hypotheses have been proposed: (1) offshore and coastal ecotypes with a parapatric distribution, and (2) two species, T. truncatus and T. gephyreus, living in sympatry. To test these hypotheses, we examined a total of 100 physically mature skulls and 35 vertebral columns from the suggested overlap zone in southern Brazil. In all skulls, 24 measurements, four alveoli counts and two categorical variables were analyzed. Vertebral formula was determined and five measurements were taken from selected vertebrae. Multivariate analyses were conducted for skull and vertebral data. Results revealed the presence of two well‐separated groups. Specimens of Group1 had smaller skulls and shorter body lengths, but more vertebrae, than Group2. The morphological characteristics of each group corresponded well with two ecotypes of common bottlenose dolphins reported in other ocean basins. Therefore, we assigned the specimens of Group1 to the offshore ecotype, and Group2 to the coastal ecotype. Differences in the geographic locations and ratio of strandings supported the parapatric hypothesis. The significant morphological differentiation observed suggests the presence of different subspecies, but an additional independent line of evidence is needed to hypothesize whether they represent different species.
An engineered promoter driving expression of a microbial avirulence gene confers recognition of TAL effectors and reduces growth of diverse Xanthomonas strains in citrus
Authors: Shantharaj Deepak , Römer Patrick , Figueiredo Jose F. L. , Minsavage Gerald V. , Krönauer Christina , Stall Robert E. , Moore Gloria A. , Fisher Latanya C. , Hu Yang , Horvath Diana M. , Lahaye Thomas , Jones Jeffrey B.
Published: June 2016

Xanthomonas citri ssp. citri (X. citri), causal agent of citrus canker, uses transcription activator‐like effectors (TALEs) as major pathogenicity factors. TALEs, which are delivered into plant cells through the type III secretion system (T3SS), interact with effector binding elements (EBEs) in host genomes to activate the expression of downstream susceptibility genes to promote disease. Predictably, TALEs bind EBEs in host promoters via known combinations of TALE amino acids to DNA bases, known as the TALE code. We introduced 14 EBEs, matching distinct X. citri TALEs, into the promoter of the pepper Bs3 gene (ProBs31EBE), and fused this engineered promoter with multiple EBEs (ProBs314EBE) to either the β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene or the coding sequence (cds) of the pepper gene, Bs3. TALE‐induced expression of the Bs3 cds in citrus leaves resulted in no visible hypersensitive response (HR). Therefore, we utilized a different approach in which ProBs31EBE and ProBs314EBE were fused to the Xanthomonas gene, avrGf1, which encodes a bacterial effector that elicits an HR in grapefruit and sweet orange. We demonstrated, in transient assays, that activation of ProBs314EBE by X. citri TALEs is T3SS dependent, and that the expression of AvrGf1 triggers HR and correlates with reduced bacterial growth. We further demonstrated that all tested virulent X. citri strains from diverse geographical locations activate ProBs314EBE. TALEs are essential for the virulence of X. citri strains and, because the engineered promoter traps are activated by multiple TALEs, this concept has the potential to confer broad‐spectrum, durable resistance to citrus canker in stably transformed plants.
Ranolazine Therapy in Cardiac Arrhythmias
Authors: PULFORD BRIAN R. , KLUGER JEFFREY
Published: June 2016

Ranolazine is an antianginal medication originally granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for therapeutic use in 2006. Since its introduction into the U.S. market, there have been multiple trials and clinical case reports that demonstrate ranolazine may be effective in the prevention and treatment of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, including postoperative atrial fibrillation following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. More recently, the combination of dronedarone with ranolazine has demonstrated in initial studies to have a synergistic effect in the reduction of burden of atrial fibrillation. This article will review the basic pharmacology of ranolazine, the studies demonstrating use of ranolazine in atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, the limitations to the use of ranolazine as antiarrhythmic therapy, and explore the synergistic effect with other agents in the suppression of arrhythmias.
Plumbing the depths: extracellular water storage in specialized leaf structures and its functional expression in a three‐domain pressure –volume relationship
Authors: Nguyen Hoa T. , Meir Patrick , Wolfe Joe , Mencuccini Maurizio , Ball Marilyn C.
Published: June 2016

A three‐domain pressure–volume relationship (PV curve) was studied in relation to leaf anatomical structure during dehydration in the grey mangrove, Avicennia marina. In domain 1, relative water content (RWC) declined 13% with 0.85 MPa decrease in leaf water potential, reflecting a decrease in extracellular water stored primarily in trichomes and petiolar cisternae. In domain 2, RWC decreased by another 12% with a further reduction in leaf water potential to −5.1 MPa, the turgor loss point. Given the osmotic potential at full turgor (−4.2 MPa) and the effective modulus of elasticity (~40 MPa), domain 2 emphasized the role of cell wall elasticity in conserving cellular hydration during leaf water loss. Domain 3 was dominated by osmotic effects and characterized by plasmolysis in most tissues and cell types without cell wall collapse. Extracellular and cellular water storage could support an evaporation rate of 1 mmol m−2s−1 for up to 54 and 50 min, respectively, before turgor loss was reached. This study emphasized the importance of leaf anatomy for the interpretation of PV curves, and identified extracellular water storage sites that enable transient water use without substantive turgor loss when other factors, such as high soil salinity, constrain rates of water transport.
Heterozygous liver transplantation for maple syrup urine disease: First European reported case
Authors: Roilides I. , Xinias I. , Mavroudi A. , Ioannou H. , Savopoulou P. , Imvrios G.
Published: June 2016

MSUD is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder that results from a defect in the BCKDH enzyme. This enzyme is essential for the second step in the metabolism of the branched‐chain amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Patients with MSUD are subject to severe, irreversible neurologic injury unless closely managed with a specialized metabolic formula and a diet restricted in leucine throughout their lifetime. During times of illness, patients with MSUD can suffer from severe metabolic derangement, acute cerebral edema, and untimely death. Deceased donor liver transplant restores the ability to metabolize branched‐chain amino acids, even on an unrestricted diet, and prevents metabolic derangements during times of illness. We report a successful case of living donor (parental) transplant for a child with MSUD. The donor was the child's father. This approach has been controversial as parents of children with MSUD are obligate heterozygotes for the condition and have diminished levels of BCKDH activity. If effective, living‐related donor transplant provides a promising alternative for deceased donor liver transplant, which often requires a prolonged waiting period and may not be feasible in areas with limited medical resources.
The effect of epidermal levels of urocanic acid on 25‐hydroxyvitamin D synthesis and inflammatory mediators upon narrowband UVB irradiation
Authors: Landeck Lilla , Jakasa Ivone , Dapic Irena , Lutter René , Thyssen Jacob P. , Skov Lone , Braun Andrea , Schön Michael P. , John Swen M. , Kezic Sanja , Brans Richard
Published: June 2016

Background/Purpose

Urocanic acid (UCA) absorbs ultraviolet (UV)B radiation in the epidermis which may interfere with phototherapy. Therefore, the influence of individual levels of UCA on immune reactivity and vitamin D synthesis induced by narrowband UVB radiation was assessed.

Methods

Twenty‐eight subjects with irritant contact dermatitis of the hands were irradiated with suberythemal doses of narrowband UVB radiation on their unaffected lower forearms on three consecutive days. Stratum corneum tape strips and epidermal interstitial fluid (ISF) as well as blood samples were analyzed.

Results

Narrowband UVB irradiation led to the conversion of trans‐UCA into its cis‐isomer in the epidermis. The observed increase in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D serum concentrations was inversely correlated with the baseline levels of trans‐UCA. Furthermore, UVB irradiation induced significant changes in the levels of CXCL10/IP‐10, CCL2/MCP‐1, CCL4/MIP‐1β, and the IL‐1RA/IL‐1α ratio. The levels of IL‐1α and CXCL9/MIG showed a trend toward increase. The changes in the levels of inflammatory and immunomodulatory mediators did not depend on baseline levels of trans‐UCA.

Conclusion

The results suggest that epidermal levels of trans‐UCA affect vitamin D synthesis, but not cutaneous immune reactivity upon repeated exposure to suberythemal doses of narrowband UVB radiation. However, this requires further exploration.
Similarity of symptoms between transient epileptic amnesia and Lewy body disease
Authors: Ukai Katsuyuki , Fujishiro Hiroshige , Watanabe Masako , Kosaka Kenji , Ozaki Norio
Published: June 2016

Epilepsy with the main symptom of amnesia is known as transient epileptic amnesia (TEA). Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common form of neurodegenerative dementia. The concept that Lewy body disease includes Parkinson's disease with dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies was proposed in the 2005 revision of the Clinical Diagnostic Criteria. Here, we describe a woman with cognitive impairment, olfactory dysfunction, and reduced
123I‐meta‐iodobenzylguanidine uptake on myocardial scintigraphy. The patient and her family and friends were unaware of parkinsonism, visual hallucinations, or epilepsy for a long period. After syncope occurred twice within a short interval, electroencephalography revealed sharp waves from the bilateral frontal to parietal lobes, indicating a diagnosis of TEA. The present case prompted us to compare the symptoms of TEA with the clinical diagnostic criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies, revealing their similarities. We also discuss whether Lewy body disease may cause TEA rather than having an incidental association with it.
Detailed analysis of the supermarket task included on the Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test
Authors: Moriyama Yasushi , Yoshino Aihide , Muramatsu Taro , Mimura Masaru
Published: June 2016

Aim

The supermarket task, which is included in the Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test, requires the quick (1 min) generation of words for things that can be bought in a supermarket. Cluster size and switches are investigated during this task. We investigated how the severity of dementia related to cluster size and switches on the supermarket task in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

We administered the Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test to 250 patients with very mild to severe Alzheimer's disease and to 49 healthy volunteers. Patients had Mini‐Mental State Examination scores from 12 to 26 and Clinical Dementia Rating scale scores from 0.5 to 3. Patients were divided into four groups based on their Clinical Dementia Rating score (0.5, 1, 2, 3). We performed statistical analyses between the four groups and control subjects based on cluster size and switch scores on the supermarket task.

Results

The score for cluster size and switches deteriorated according to the severity of dementia. Moreover, for subjects with a Clinical Dementia Rating score of 0.5, cluster size was impaired, but switches were intact.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the scores for cluster size and switches on the supermarket task may be useful for detecting the severity of symptoms of dementia in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Where is the ball? Behavioral and neural responses elicited by a magic trick
Authors: Caffaratti Hugo , Navajas Joaquin , Rey Hernan G. , Quian Quiroga Rodrigo
Published: June 2016

We present results from two experiments, in which subjects watched continuous videos of a professional magician repeatedly performing a maneuver in which a ball could “magically” appear under a cup. In all cases, subjects were asked to predict whether the ball would appear under the cup or not, while scalp EEG recordings were performed. Both experiments elicited strong and consistent behavioral and neural responses. In the first experiment, we used two blocks of videos with different probabilities of the ball appearing in the cup and found that, first, based on the behavioral responses, the subjects could track this probability change; and second, the different probabilities modulated the neural responses. In the second experiment, we introduced a control condition in which the magician performed the maneuver under the table, out of subjects' view. Comparing the two conditions (i.e., performing the maneuver within or out of the subjects' view), we found that, first, the magic trick dramatically biased the subjects' behavioral responses; and second, the two conditions led to differential neural responses, in spite of the fact that the stimulus triggering the evoked responses (seeing the ball in the cup) was exactly the same. Altogether, our results show how new insights into sensory and cognitive processing can be obtained using adapted magic tricks. Moreover, the approach of analyzing responses to continuous video presentations offers a more ecological setting compared to classic evoked potential paradigms, which are typically based on presenting static images flashed at the center of the screen.
Controlling Administrative Discretion Promotes Social Equity? Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Cárdenas Sergio , Ramírez de la Cruz Edgar E.
Published: June 2016

Although social equity has been a formal pillar of public administration for decades, identifying mechanisms through which public officials inadvertently reproduce unfair conditions remains a relevant topic. In particular, it is important to understand how the habits and practices of street‐level bureaucrats may result in an unjust allocation of public resources. This article provides evidence on how the administrative discretion conferred on school principals may result in an efficient but unfair condition regarding the allocation of students across schools, thus undermining social equity. By exploiting a natural experiment, we are able to provide reliable evidence on how controlling administrative discretion decreases the segregation of students based on their socioeconomic status.
The effects of check dams and other erosion control structures on the restoration of Andean bofedal ecosystems
Authors: Hartman Brett D. , Bookhagen Bodo , Chadwick Oliver A.
Published: June 2016

Restoring degraded lands in rural environments that are heavily managed to meet subsistence needs is a challenge due to high rates of disturbance and resource extraction. This study investigates the efficacy of erosion control structures (ECSs) as restoration tools in the context of a watershed rehabilitation and wet meadow (bofedal) restoration program in the Bolivian Andes. In an effort to enhance water security and increase grazing stability, Aymara indigenous communities built over 15,000 check dams, 9,100 terraces, 5,300 infiltration ditches, and 35 pasture improvement trials. Communities built ECSs at different rates, and we compared vegetation change in the highest restoration management intensity, lowest restoration management intensity, and nonproject control communities. We used line transects to measure changes in vegetation cover and standing water in gullies with check dams and without check dams, and related these ground measurements to a time series (1986–2009) of normalized difference vegetation index derived from Landsat TM5 images. Evidence suggests that check dams increase bofedal vegetation and standing water at a local scale, and lead to increased greenness at a basin scale when combined with other ECSs. Watershed rehabilitation enhances ecosystem services significant to local communities (grazing stability, water security), which creates important synergies when conducting land restoration in rural development settings.
Gondwana Link: connecting people, landscapes, and livelihoods across southwestern Australia
Authors: Bradby Keith , Keesing Amanda , Wardell‐Johnson Grant
Published: June 2016

The Gondwana Link (GL) program spans some 1,000 km and includes organizations, businesses, and individuals working to improve ecological function across the most intact large areas of habitat remaining in southwestern Australia (SWA). Noncompetitive leadership plus a focus on tangible achievement have been critical to providing the cohesion and initial momentum needed to support and inspire increased effort from those involved. Ongoing success rests on the responses of people working together, having respect for the integrity of the collective effort and for the specific roles of others across differing but complementary roles. Significant achievements have been secured, with progress in scientific knowledge generally following initial implementation of key actions. Lasting improvements in ecological health and resilience will only occur through larger‐scale actions, which require more effort and time. The GL program has been an important initiative in strengthening the awareness of the distinctive ecological systems across SWA and the intertwined characteristics of resilience and fragility that characterize the region and its people. It has also had a role in inspiring and informing growth in large‐scale connectivity programs nationally and internationally.
Does Institutional Change Spread Across Countries? Explaining Spatial Patterns in Human Rights
Authors: Faber Gerrit , Gerritse Michiel
Published: June 2016

If a country improves its human rights record, will neighbouring countries benefit? Beneficial spillovers could justify intervention by the UN or one of the many other organisations that internationally fight human rights violations. We document that countries’ human rights performances often resemble the human rights situation of their neighbours. However, exploiting time variation in a spatial panel, we find that much of that resemblance is simply determined by the shared geographical location. Changes in neighbouring countries have little influence on local human rights, suggesting that contemporaneous spillovers and interactions are limited.
Mineralization of the Equine Palmar/Plantar Annular Ligament Treated by Surgical Resection
Authors: Garvican Elaine R. , Wylie Claire E. , Payne Richard J. , Smith Roger K.W. , Head Marcus J.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To document the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and surgical treatment of mineralization of the equine palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Ponies (n=7).

Methods

Case records from 2 referral hospitals were examined to identify cases with lameness associated with PAL mineralization treated surgically. Follow‐up information was obtained from the owners by telephone questionnaire.

Results

Duration of lameness before referral ranged from 5 weeks to 6 months, and degree of lameness from grade 1 to 5 out of 10. In 3 cases, records noted obvious pain when pressure was applied over the PAL. Pain resulting in lameness was localized to this area and all cases were treated surgically, although the extent of resected tissue varied among cases. Histological examination of resected tissue (4 cases) revealed fibrocartilaginous and/or osseous metaplasia. Following surgery, 6 of the 7 ponies became sound.

Conclusion

Based on this limited case series, surgical treatment for mineralization of the PAL offers a favorable success rate without severe complications where conservative methods have failed.
No Evidence of Dengue Virus Infections in Several Species of Bats Captured in Central and Southern Mexico
Authors: Cabrera‐Romo S. , Max Ramirez C. , Recio‐Tótoro B. , Tolentino‐Chi J. , Lanz H. , del Ángel R. M. , Sánchez‐Cordero V. , Rodríguez‐Moreno Á. , Ludert J. E.
Published: June 2016

Bats are reservoirs for viruses with zoonotic potential in the Americas, and scattered evidence exists suggesting that bats may act as reservoirs for dengue virus (DENV). To explore further the role of bats as part of DENV sylvatic cycles, 240 bats of 18 species were captured in 2 states of Mexico with contrasting ecological characteristics but concurrent DENV activity in humans. RT‐PCR analysis of RNA extracted from liver or spleen tissue from de bats failed to show evidence for the presence of DENV nucleic acids in these organs. In addition, plasma assayed by plaque reduction neutralization test showed no evidence of neutralizing anti‐DENV antibodies. These results suggest that American bats may not be reservoirs or amplification host for DENV infection.
Wild‐Caught and Farm‐Reared Amphibians are Important Reservoirs of Salmonella, A Study in North‐East Thailand
Authors: Ribas A. , Poonlaphdecha S.
Published: June 2016

The role of amphibians as Salmonella reservoirs has not been as well studied as in reptiles, where the literature is abundant. Recent outbreaks of salmonellosis associated with exotic pet frogs have occurred in United States. Frog farming and wild frog harvesting have increased the international trade in these species. This necessitates a better understanding of the risk of salmonellosis transmission from amphibians to humans. We explored the presence of Salmonella in amphibians (frogs and toads) in Thailand, where farmed and wild frogs as well as toads are present. These live animals are easily found in the local markets and are used as food. Exportation of frog meat from Thailand is common. During March–June 2014, ninety‐seven frogs were collected from several habitats, including frog farms, urban areas and protected natural areas. The collected amphibians were tested for the presence of Salmonella. The overall prevalence of Salmonella was 69.07% (90.00% in farm animals, 0% in urban area animals and 44.83% in protected area animals). Eight serovars of Salmonella were isolated: subsp. diarizonae ser. 50:k:z, Hvittingfoss, Muenchen, Newport, Stanley, Thompson, Panama and Wandsworth. Six of the identified serovars, Hvittingfoss, Newport, Panama, Stanley, Thompson and Wandsworth, have been detected in humans in Thailand. According to our results, amphibians are reservoirs of Salmonella and can be a public health concern when used as a source of protein for humans.
ROBUST HUMAN DETECTION WITH OCCLUSION HANDLING BY FUSION OF THERMAL AND DEPTH IMAGES FROM MOBILE ROBOT
Authors: Hasim Saipol Hadi , Mamat Rosbi , Sheikh Usman Ullah , Mohd Amin Shamsuddin
Published: June 2016

In this paper, a robust surveillance system to enable robots to detect humans in indoor environments is proposed. The proposed method is based on fusing information from thermal and depth images which allows the detection of human even under occlusion. The proposed method consists of three stages; pre-processing, ROI generation and object classification. A new dataset was developed to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the proposed method is able to detect multiple humans under occlusions and illumination variations.
BACKSTEPPING CONTROLLER WITH PSO FOR AN UNDERACTUATED X4-AUV
Authors: Harun Nur Fadzillah , Md. Zain Zainah
Published: June 2016

X4-AUV is a type of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) which has 4 inputs with six degrees of freedoms (6-DOFs) in motion and is classified under an underactuated system. Controlling an underactuated AUV is difficult tasks because of the highly nonlinear dynamic, uncertainties in hydrodynamics behaviour and mostly those systems fails to satisfy Brockett’s Theorem. It usually required a nonlinear control approach and this paper proposed a backstepping control method with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to stabilize an underactuated X4-AUV system. In backstepping controller design, accurate parameters are important in order to obtain the maximal and effective response. Hence, PSO is implemented to obtain optimal parameters for backstepping controller and its carry out by minimizing the fitness function. Comparison results illustrated the controller with PSO has a smooth and fast transient response into the desired point compared than manually tune controller parameters and also improve the system performances. The validity of the proposed control technique for an underactuated X4-AUV demonstrates through simulation.
IMPLEMENTATION OF UNDERWATER GLIDER AND IDENTIFICATION OF ITS PARAMETERS
Authors: Pshikhopov Vyacheslav , Gurenko Boris , Beresnev Maksim , Nazarkin Anatoly
Published: June 2016

This paper is part of a series that describe the development and setup of intelligent underwater vehicle. Here we focus on the implementation tests for the identification of the actuating device parameters. An energy efficient type of glider is chosen with its block diagram presented. The assembled model is placed in a mini pool for movement tests with the objective of setting up the motors and pump. When put in neutral, its immersion and surfacing position show that there is interdependent between pump operation time, ballast bag maze, displacement of weight and glider attitude angle. These dependencies are described by linear equations and coefficients which are then identified.
SELF-TUNING PID CONTROLLER DESIGN USING FUZZY LOGIC FOR A SINGLE-LINK FLEXIBLE JOINT ROBOT MANIPULATOR
Authors: Dehghani Ali , Khodadadi Hamed
Published: June 2016

Although flexible joint robots are widely used in the industry, they are not without problems. It is especially so in their joints, links and complex dynamic where the interaction between loops, non-linearity, and flexibility in the joints can be difficult. The purpose of the present paper is to improve the tracking performance of flexible joint robots. Therefore the physical relations of the system dynamics need to be used to determine a non-linear model for the flexible joint robot. This paper attempts to achieve the desired performance flexible joint robot based on Fuzzy Logic Self-Tuning PID controller. Generally, the classic PID controller is different from the newly introduced form of PID. In classic PID, the parameter values are calculated based on various methods such as Ziegler-Nichols, while in fuzzy logic self-tuning PID, they are obtained by intelligent methods such as fuzzy logic. After deriving the system model, this logic self-tuning PID controller is designed in two cases: using error and its derivative and employing error and its integral for the inputs. The simulation results indicate that the proposed controllers can improve the overall efficiency of the system.
Baseline Ability Makes a Larger Contribution to Race Performance in High-School Sprinters Than Race Experience or Training Exposure
Authors: Lynch Kristine E. , Thomas Alun , Gibson Bryan
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

There has long been a debate regarding the importance of talent versus training in athletic performance. In this study we sought to quantify their relative contributions to the race performance of high-school sprinters.

Methods:

Using race results from the athletic.net website, we identified high-school athletes who participated in at least one race in both 9th and 12th grade in the 100 m, 200 m or 400 m. Athletes with a record of racing before high school were excluded from the analyses. Using separate linear regression models for each event and gender, we analyzed the effect of baseline ability, race experience and training exposure on race time in the 12th grade.

Results:

35,909 athletes, running a total of 1,627,652 races, contributed to the final analyses. The proportion of variance (R2) in 12th grade race times accounted for by baseline ability ranged from 40% to 51% depending on the event, and was consistently higher for females than males. Race experience explained 3.6–4.4% of the variance and training exposure explained 0.8–1.7%.

Conclusion:

Although race experience and training exposure impact high-school sprinters’ performance, baseline ability is the dominant influence.
Xenotropic Murine Leukemia Virus-Related Virus (XMRV) and the Safety of the Blood Supply
Authors: Johnson Andrew D. , Cohn Claudia S.
Published: June 2016

In 2006, a new virus, xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV), was discovered in a cohort of U.S. men with prostate cancer. Soon after this initial finding, XMRV was also detected in samples from patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The blood community, which is highly sensitive to the threat of emerging infectious diseases since the HIV/AIDS crisis, recommended indefinite deferral of all blood donors with a history of CFS. As XMRV research progressed, conflicting results emerged regarding the importance of this virus in the pathophysiology of prostate cancer and/or CFS. Molecular biologists traced the development of XMRV to a recombination event in a laboratory mouse that likely occurred circa 1993. The virus was propagated via cell lines derived from a tumor present in this mouse and spread through contamination of laboratory samples. Well-controlled experiments showed that detection of XMRV was due to contaminated samples and was not a marker of or a causal factor in prostate cancer or CFS. This paper traces the development of XMRV in the prostate and CFS scientific communities and explores the effect it had on the blood community.
Potential Roles of Fungal Extracellular Vesicles during Infection
Authors: Joffe Luna S. , Nimrichter Leonardo , Rodrigues Marcio L. , Del Poeta Maurizio
Published: June 2016

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by virtually all cell types. Within the past few years, work in this field has revealed more information about fungal EVs. Fungal EVs have been shown to carry proteins, lipids, pigments, polysaccharides, and RNA; these components are known virulence factors, a fact which supports the hypothesis that fungal EVs concentrate pathogenic determinants.
Unusual case of appendicitis
Authors: Allen Luke Nelson , Tsai Alice Yi-Chien
Published: June 2016

A teenage girl was admitted to the paediatric assessment unit with non-specific abdominal pain that gradually localised to the right iliac fossa (RIF). She remained systemically well; investigations including blood tests, urine sample and abdominal ultrasound were inconclusive. Surgical opinion was sought and the decision was made to perform a diagnostic laparoscopy due to the ongoing pain. Laparoscopy showed no evidence of any significant pathology, and appendicectomy was performed following the routine practice. Numerous pinworms came out while the appendix was resected. The RIF pain resolved and the patient made a full post-operative recovery. A stat dose of mebendazole and amoxicillin were given and the immediate family was also treated.Enterobius vermicularis(pinworm) causes significant morbidity worldwide and has a high prevalence among children in the UK. It can be easily treated and prompt recognition based on clinical symptoms can potentially prevent unnecessary surgery.
Case of acute lead toxicity associated with Ayurvedic supplements
Authors: Breyre Amelia , Green-McKenzie Judith
Published: June 2016

Use of traditional folkloric remedies not disclosed to the physician may be difficult to identify as a source of lead toxicity. This report illustrates the presentation of a 26-year-old man who, during his 1 month vacation in India, was treated for low back pain with Ayurvedic herbal medicine. On his return to the USA, he presented to the emergency department with epigastric pain, weight loss, dark stools, nausea and vomiting. He was admitted and noted to be anaemic with a blood lead level (BLL) of 94.8 µg/dL. Peripheral blood smear demonstrated basophilic stippling. Chelation therapy with succimer was initiated. The patient became asymptomatic within months. Three years later, he remained asymptomatic with BLL <20 µg/dL. Physicians should be cognisant of potential toxicity from these Ayurvedic medications and have a heightened level of suspicion for lead toxicity in the face of anaemia and abdominal pain without obvious cause.
Lick of death:Capnocytophaga canimorsusis an important cause of sepsis in the elderly
Authors: Wilson James P , Kafetz Kalman , Fink Douglas
Published: June 2016

A 70-year-old Caucasian woman was treated forCapnocytophaga canimorsussepticaemia. The source of bacteraemia was very likely to be her household pet, an Italian greyhound. The patient presented with a presumed complex partial seizure but deteriorated rapidly with sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction. Neither scratch nor bite was established, although close petting including licks was reported. Blood cultures grew Gram-negative rods, identified by molecular techniques asC. canimorsus—a bacterium frequently isolated in the oral cavities of dogs and cats. A full recovery was made following 2 weeks of intensive care support and broad-spectrum antibiotics. No underlying immune dysfunction was found.
The agreement of patient-reported versus observed medication adherence in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
Authors: Kelly Katherine , Grau-Sepulveda Maria V , Goldstein Benjamin A , Spratt Susan E , Wolfley Anne , Hatfield Vicki , Murphy Monica , Jones Ellen , Granger Bradi B
Published: June 2016

Objective

Medication adherence in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) improves glycemic control and is associated with reduced adverse clinical events, and accurately assessing adherence assessment is important. We aimed to determine agreement between two commonly used adherence measures—the self-reported Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and direct observation of medication use by nurse practitioners (NPs) during home visits—and determine the relationship between each measure and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

Research design and methods

We evaluated agreement between adherence measures in the Southeastern Diabetes Initiative (SEDI) prospective clinical intervention home visit cohort, which included high-risk patients (n=430) in 4 SEDI-participating counties. The mean age was 58.7 (SD 11.6) years. The majority were white (n=210, 48.8%), female (n=236, 54.9%), living with a partner (n=316, 74.5%), and insured by Medicare/Medicaid (n=361, 84.0%). Medication adherence was dichotomized to ‘adherent’ or ‘not adherent’ using established cut-points. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated using Cohen's κ coefficient. Relationships among adherence measures and HbA1c were evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and c-statistics.

Results

Fewer patients (n=261, 61%) were considered adherent by self-reported MMAS score versus the NP-observed score (n=338; 79%). Inter-rater agreement between the two adherence measures was fair (κ=0.24; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.33; p<0.0001). Higher adherence was significantly associated with lower HbA1c levels for both measures, yet discrimination was weak (c-statistic=0.6).

Conclusions

Agreement between self-reported versus directly observed medication adherence was lower than expected. Though scores for both adherence measures were significantly associated with HbA1c, neither discriminated well for discrete levels of HbA1c.