bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of reward signalling and appetite regulating peptide systems in the control of food‐cue responses
Authors: Reichelt A C , Westbrook R F , Morris M J
Published: September 2015

Understanding the neurobiological substrates that encode learning about food‐associated cues and how those signals are modulated is of great clinical importance especially in light of the worldwide obesity problem. Inappropriate or maladaptive responses to food‐associated cues can promote over‐consumption, leading to excessive energy intake and weight gain. Chronic exposure to foods rich in fat and sugar alters the reinforcing value of foods and weakens inhibitory neural control, triggering learned, but maladaptive, associations between environmental cues and food rewards. Thus, responses to food‐associated cues can promote cravings and food‐seeking by activating mesocorticolimbic dopamine neurocircuitry, and exert physiological effects including salivation. These responses may be analogous to the cravings experienced by abstaining drug addicts that can trigger relapse into drug self‐administration. Preventing cue‐triggered eating may therefore reduce the over‐consumption seen in obesity and binge‐eating disorder. In this review we discuss recent research examining how cues associated with palatable foods can promote reward‐based feeding behaviours and the potential involvement of appetite‐regulating peptides including leptin, ghrelin, orexin and melanin concentrating hormone. These peptide signals interface with mesolimbic dopaminergic regions including the ventral tegmental area to modulate reactivity to cues associated with palatable foods. Thus, a novel target for anti‐obesity therapeutics is to reduce non‐homeostatic, reward driven eating behaviour, which can be triggered by environmental cues associated with highly palatable, fat and sugar rich foods.
Platelet secretion of CXCL4 is Rac1‐dependent and regulates neutrophil infiltration and tissue damage in septic lung damage
Authors: Hwaiz Rundk , Rahman Milladur , Zhang Enming , Thorlacius Henrik
Published: September 2015

Background and Purpose

Platelets are potent regulators of neutrophil accumulation in septic lung damage. We hypothesized that platelet‐derived CXCL4 might support pulmonary neutrophilia in a murine model of abdominal sepsis.

Experimental Approach

Polymicrobial sepsis was triggered by coecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in C57BL/6 mice. Platelet secretion of CXCL4 was studied by using confocal microscopy. Plasma and lung levels of CXCL4, CXCL1 and CXCL2 were determined by elisa. Flow cytometry was used to examine surface expression of Mac‐1 on neutrophils.

Key Results

CLP increased CXCL4 levels in plasma, and platelet depletion reduced plasma levels of CXCL4 in septic animals. Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 decreased the CLP‐enhanced CXCL4 in plasma by 77%. NSC23766 also abolished PAR4 agonist‐induced secretion of CXCL4 from isolated platelets. Inhibition of CXCL4 reduced CLP‐evoked neutrophil recruitment, oedema formation and tissue damage in the lung. However, immunoneutralization of CXCL4 had no effect on CLP‐induced expression of Mac‐1 on neutrophils. Targeting CXCL4 attenuated plasma and lung levels of CXCL1 and CXCL2 in septic mice. CXCL4 had no effect on neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro, indicating it has an indirect effect on pulmonary neutrophilia. Intratracheal CXCL4 enhanced infiltration of neutrophils and formation of CXCL2 in the lung. CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 markedly reduced CXCL4‐provoked neutrophil accumulation in the lung. CXCL4 caused secretion of CXCL2 from isolated alveolar macrophages.

Conclusions and Implications

Rac1 controls platelet secretion of CXCL4 and CXCL4 is a potent stimulator of neutrophil accumulation in septic lungs via generation of CXCL2 in alveolar macrophages. Platelet‐derived CXCL4 plays an important role in lung inflammation and tissue damage in polymicrobial sepsis.
Age and Growth Patterns of Brazil Nut Trees (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.) in Amazonia, Brazil
Authors: Schöngart Jochen , Gribel Rogério , Ferreira da Fonseca‐Junior Sinomar , Haugaasen Torbjørn
Published: September 2015

Various techniques have been used to estimate the age of Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.), but these techniques produce large discrepancies. Here, we first verified that two individuals of known ages from a plantation in central Amazonia, Brazil, have a congruent number of growth rings. The indexed average tree‐ring curve was significantly correlated with total precipitation during the rainy season (November–June) over a 50‐yr period, confirming the annual nature of the tree rings. Second, we analyzed Brazil nut trees from two populations in the Trombetas (eastern Amazon) and Purus (central Amazon) regions, performing tree‐ring analysis to estimate tree age and diameter increment rates. We compared age–diameter relationships, mean passage time through 10‐cm diameter size classes, and growth trajectories of individual trees. The maximum age of Brazil nut trees analyzed was 361 yr in the Purus and 401 yr in the Trombetas. Trees at the Purus site had higher mean diameter increment rates and showed more variation compared to trees at the Trombetas site. Individual growth trajectories show that the majority of trees attained the canopy by direct growth, while a smaller number passed through one release or one suppression event before becoming established in the canopy. None of the trees passed through multiple release and suppression events. The age estimations presented here are comparable to previous tree‐ring analyses for the species, and the observed growth patterns support earlier work indicating B. excelsa as a gap‐dependent tree species.
Effects of Logging and Oil Palm Expansion on Stream Frog Communities on Borneo, Southeast Asia
Authors: Konopik Oliver , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Grafe T. Ulmar
Published: September 2015

The conversion of tropical rain forests to oil palm plantations is a major threat to Southeast Asia's rich biodiversity. Fostering forest species communities in secondary forests, agroforestry systems, and plantations is therefore increasingly becoming a conservation focus. This study uses standardized transect‐based sampling to compare species richness, density and community composition of stream anuran assemblages among primary forests, repeatedly logged forests and oil palm plantations in northern Borneo. In primary forest streams, we recorded an average of 19 frog species, compared to 15 species in logged forests and 11 species in oil palm plantation streams. However, the high percentage of canopy cover above the plantation streams mitigated this loss to some extent. This study corroborates numerous studies that oil palm plantations have mainly negative effects on the region's biodiversity. However, our results also demonstrate the high conservation value of logged forests for Bornean stream‐dependent anurans. We conclude that palm plantations have a largely unused potential to promote regional anuran biodiversity.
Synthesis of Analogues of BCTC Incorporating a Pyrrolidinyl Linker and Biological Evaluation as Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Antagonists
Authors: Yan Lin , Wang Jingjie , Pan Miaobo , Qiu Qianqian , Huang Wenlong , Qian Hai
Published: September 2015

A series of novel pyrrolidinyl linker TRPV1 antagonists were prepared in an effort to lower the hyperthermic side‐effects of first‐generation antagonist BCTC. These compounds were investigated for antagonism of hTRPV1 activation by capsaicin and acid in vitro. Preliminary results suggested the compounds 10a, 10b, 10c and 10j had favorable TRPV1 antagonism activity. In further studies in vivo, 10b, comparable to BCTC, showed potent analgesic activity in capsaicin‐induced and heat‐induced pain models. In addition, 10b indicated a reduced risk of body temperature elevation. All of these demonstrated that 10b can be considered as a safe candidate for the further development of analgesic drugs.
Targeting Bacterial Cell Wall Peptidoglycan Synthesis by Inhibition of Glycosyltransferase Activity
Authors: Mesleh Michael F. , Rajaratnam Premraj , Conrad Mary , Chandrasekaran Vasu , Liu Christopher M. , Pandya Bhaumik A. , Hwang You Seok , Rye Peter T. , Muldoon Craig , Becker Bernd , Zuegg Johannes , Meutermans Wim , Moy Terence I.
Published: September 2015

Synthesis of bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan requires glycosyltransferase enzymes that transfer the disaccharide–peptide from lipid II onto the growing glycan chain. The polymerization of the glycan chain precedes cross‐linking by penicillin‐binding proteins and is essential for growth for key bacterial pathogens. As such, bacterial cell wall glycosyltransferases are an attractive target for antibiotic drug discovery. However, significant challenges to the development of inhibitors for these targets include the development of suitable assays and chemical matter that is suited to the nature of the binding site. We developed glycosyltransferase enzymatic activity and binding assays using the natural products moenomycin and vancomycin as model inhibitors. In addition, we designed a library of disaccharide compounds based on the minimum moenomycin fragment with peptidoglycan glycosyltransferase inhibitory activity and based on a more drug‐like and synthetically versatile disaccharide building block. A subset of these disaccharide compounds bound and inhibited the glycosyltransferase enzymes, and these compounds could serve as chemical entry points for antibiotic development.
Using ecological reducing agents instead of sodium sulphide in dyeing with CI Sulphur Black 1
Authors: Yao Jiming , Dou Chunxiao , Wei Sainan , Zheng Mingyuan
Published: September 2015

Although low‐cost sodium sulphide is used as a reducing agent in most sulphur dyeing processes, it is considered to be environmentally unfavourable because of the resultant contaminated wastewater and the toxic hydrogen sulphide generated during the dyeing process. In the present paper, hydrazine sulphate, glucose, and sodium borohydride in the presence of sodium hydroxide were used as ecologically safe reduction systems for the CI Sulphur Black 1 dyeing of cotton fabric, and results were compared with those obtained using sodium sulphide. Dyeing processes were carried out at 90 °C for 60 min, and the colour yield (the K/S value), dyeing fastness, and breaking strength of dyed fabrics after soaping were measured. Response surface methodology was employed for experimental design and optimisation of results. Mathematical model equations were derived and statistical analysis carried out by computer simulation programming using Minitab v.15. At a dosage of 0.8 g l−1 of CI Sulphur Black 1, the optimum sodium borohydride reduction system (sodium borohydride 0.47 g l−1, sodium hydroxide 0.65 g l−1) exhibited the highest colour yield and the lowest chemical oxygen demand of the residual dyebath.
Dyeability of polyurethane nanofibres with disperse dyes
Authors: Khatri Awais , Ali Shamshad , Jhatial Abdul Khalique , Kim Seong Hun
Published: September 2015

Nanofibres enjoy broad technical applications in filtration, medical, biosensing, functional, and high‐performance textiles. Recent trends/developments in nanofibre research have also focused on the coloration of nanofibres. In this context, polyurethane nanofibre webs, which have been commercially successful, were electrospun and dyed with a high‐energy‐level CI Disperse Red 167:1 dye and a low‐energy‐level CI Disperse Blue 56 dye by the pad‐dry‐cure method. The dyed polyurethane nanofibres exhibited good colour strength values with acceptable colour fastness. Results revealed that the high‐energy‐level dye produced slightly better colour strength than the lower‐energy‐level dye. Further, scanning electron microscopy images showed that the morphologies of dyed and undyed nanofibres were almost identical.
Graft‐versus‐host disease after orthotopic liver transplantation: multivariate analysis of risk factors
Authors: Elfeki Mohamed A. , Pungpapong Surakit , Genco Petrina V. , Nakhleh Raouf E. , Nguyen Justin H. , Harnois Denise M.
Published: September 2015

Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a rare, fatal complication following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). To date, several risk factors have been proposed, but reports on these factors have been inconclusive. This is a retrospective, case–control study of prospectively collected data from 2775 OLTs performed at our institution. Eight cases of GVHD after OLT were diagnosed on the basis of the patient's clinical characteristics, and the findings were confirmed with skin and colonic biopsies. Each case was matched to three controls based on the diagnosis of liver disease, recipient's age, and blood group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with the development of GVHD after OLT. The univariate and multivariate analyses identified two main risk factors associated with development of GVHD in OLT recipients, a difference between recipient and donor age of >20 yr, and any human leukocyte antigen class I matches. Taking these two risk factors into consideration while matching prospective donors and recipients may reduce further incidence of GVHD in OLT patients. However, further studies are recommended to validate these findings.
Older kidney transplant patients experience less antibody‐mediated rejection: a retrospective study of patients with mild to moderate sensitization
Authors: Scalea Joseph R. , Redfield Robert R. , Muth Brenda L. , Mohamed Maha , Wilson Nancy A. , Ellis Thomas M. , Kaufman Dixon B. , Djamali Arjang
Published: September 2015

Background

There is a paucity of data stratifying by age the incidence of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) in kidney transplant patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of all adult, renal transplant recipients at a single institution between December 12, 2009, and March 16, 2011. Mildly and moderately sensitized patients were defined as patients with positive donor‐specific antibody (DSA) and negative flow cross‐match.

Results

One hundred and forty‐six patients were determined to have mild to moderate pre‐transplantation sensitization. Thirty percent of patients younger than 40 yr of age experienced AMR vs. 15% in the older group (p = 0.04). There was a disproportionate increase in DSA for younger patients at 12 months, particularly for antibodies to class II. Histologic presence of C4d deposition was independently associated with AMR on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Following renal transplantation, moderately sensitized patients aged 40 yr old and older were less likely to develop AMR when compared with younger patients.
COLLATERAL CONSTRAINTS AND THE CURRENT ACCOUNT: THEORY AND EVIDENCE
Authors: Kunieda Takuma , Okada Keisuke , Shibata Akihisa
Published: September 2015

We investigate the impact of domestic financial frictions on the current account dynamics in Asian countries before and after the Asian financial crisis in 1997–1998 by introducing collateral constraints into the intertemporal current account approach. We examine six Asian countries. Before the crisis, collateral constraints significantly impact the current account in Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, but after the crisis, they do not. Our study shows that the impact of domestic financial frictions on the current account changes before and after a financial crisis. (JEL F32, F41)
Efficacy of Ribbond and a fibre post on the fracture resistance of reattached maxillary central incisors with two fracture patterns: a comparative in vitro study
Authors: Ramesh Poornima , Mathew Sylvia , Murthy Sreenivasa B.V. , George John V. , Hegde Swaroop , Premkumar Remya
Published: September 2015

Aim

To compare the fracture resistance of maxillary central incisor fragments having two different fracture patterns and re‐attached using two different posts – fibre post and Ribbond.

Materials and methods

Sixty extracted human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into two groups of thirty samples each. Group A consisted of samples with ‘labio‐palatal’ fracture pattern and Group B with a ‘palato‐labial’ fracture pattern. The crowns of all the samples were sectioned using safe‐sided diamond discs. Following cleaning and shaping and sectional obturation, the samples were randomly subdivided into two subgroups of 15 samples each. Prefabricated fibre post (Reforpost, Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) was placed in all samples of Subgroup I, and Ribbond (Ribbond Inc., Seattle, WA, USA) was placed in all samples of Subgroup II. The fragments were re‐attached, fracture resistance was tested using Instron Universal Testing Machine, and the failure modes were assessed using a stereomicroscope.

Results

Group A with a labio‐palatal fracture pattern exhibited higher fracture resistance as compared to Group B (palato‐labial) in both subgroups. The fibre post (Subgroup I) exhibited higher fracture resistance as compared to Ribbond (Subgroup II). The Ribbond group exhibited significantly more number of repairable failures as compared to fibre post group.

Conclusion

The labio‐palatal pattern of fracture is a favourable type of fracture on palatal load application. The fragments re‐attached using the fibre post (Reforpost) had a higher resistance to fracture. However, teeth restored with Ribbond posts exhibited 100% repairable failures upon load application. The fracture pattern had no influence on the failure modes.
Decomposing income inequality in a backward pre‐industrial economy: Old Castile (Spain) in the middle of the eighteenth century
Authors: Nicolini Esteban A. , Ramos Palencia Fernando
Published: September 2015

Research on economic inequality in early modern Europe is complicated by the lack of appropriate data for reconstructing income or wealth distributions. This article presents a study of income inequality in mid‐eighteenth‐century Old Castile (Spain) using the Ensenada Cadastre, a census conducted between 1749 and 1759. The article describes the information provided by this census and then discusses its advantages and disadvantages for reconstructing income profiles and calculating income inequality. This is followed by analysis of a dataset derived from the Cadastre that consists of more than 4,000 observations from Palencia (a province in northern Spain) and contains information on sources of household income, each household head's main occupation, residence location, and other household characteristics. Demographic data from this census is used to weight observations in the sample and thereby minimize selection bias. Findings show that inequality in eighteenth‐century Spain was probably substantial despite its relative backwardness; that the relationship between inequality and per capita income was not clear‐cut and was probably influenced by measurement of the higher incomes; and that although income inequality was largely driven by uneven land distribution, labour income also contributed to overall inequality—especially in urban centres.
Symptom profiles and explanatory models of first‐episode psychosis in African‐, Caribbean‐ and European‐origin groups in Ontario
Authors: Maraj Anika , Anderson Kelly K. , Flora Nina , Ferrari Manuela , Archie Suzanne , McKenzie Kwame J. ,   ACE Project Team
Published: September 2015

Aim

To assess variability in symptom presentation and explanatory models of psychosis for people from different ethnic groups.

Methods

Clients with first‐episode psychosis (n = 171) who identified as black African, black Caribbean or white European were recruited from early intervention programmes in Toronto and Hamilton. We compared results by ethnic group for symptom profiles and explanatory models of illness.

Results

Clients of black Caribbean origin had a lower odds of reporting that they were speaking incomprehensibly (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14–0.90) and black African clients had a greater odds of reporting persistent aches or pains (OR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.32–6.50). Black African clients had a lower odds of attributing the cause of psychosis to hereditary factors (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19–0.89) or to substance abuse (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13–0.67) and had a lower odds of assigning responsibility for their illness to themselves (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19–0.89).

Conclusions

Understanding the differences in illness models for ethnic minority groups may help improve the cultural competence of mental health services.
Segmentation of the thalamus based on BOLD frequencies affected in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Morgan Victoria L. , Rogers Baxter P. , Abou‐Khalil Bassel
Published: September 2015

Objective

Temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with functional changes throughout the brain, particularly including a putative seizure propagation network involving the hippocampus, insula, and thalamus. We identified a specified frequency range where functional connectivity in this network was related to duration of disease. Then, to identify specific thalamic nuclei involved in seizure propagation, we determined the subregions of the thalamus that have increased resting functional oscillations in this frequency range.

Methods

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was acquired from 20 patients with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE; 14 right and 6 left) and 20 healthy controls who were each age and gender matched to a specific patient. Wavelet‐based fMRI connectivity mapping across the network was computed at each frequency to determine those frequencies where connectivity significantly decreases with duration of disease consistent with impairment due to repeated seizures. The voxel‐wise power of the spontaneous blood oxygenation fluctuations of this frequency band was computed in the thalamus of each subject.

Results

Functional connectivity was impaired in the proposed seizure propagation network over a specific range (0.0067–0.013 Hz and 0.024–0.032 Hz) of blood oxygenation oscillations. Increased power in this frequency band (<0.032 Hz) was detected bilaterally in the pulvinar and anterior nucleus of the thalamus of healthy controls, and was increased over the ipsilateral thalamus compared to the contralateral thalamus in TLE.

Significance

This study identified frequencies of impaired connectivity in a TLE seizure propagation network and used them to localize the anterior nucleus and pulvinar of the thalamus as subregions most susceptible to TLE seizures. Further examinations of these frequencies in healthy and TLE subjects may provide unique information relating to the mechanism of seizure propagation and potential treatment using electrical stimulation.
Who Is Affected by the Minimum Wage?
Authors: Belman Dale , Wolfson Paul , Nawakitphaitoon Kritkorn
Published: September 2015

Prior surveys of empirical research on the minimum wage have been organized around the question “What does the minimum wage affect?” This survey is organized around the question “Who is affected by the minimum wage?” We review the consequences of the minimum wage for teens and young workers, men and women, African Americans and Hispanics, the less educated, workers in low‐wage industries, and low‐wage/low‐income populations. Although there is almost universal agreement that the minimum wage boosts earnings, evidence for a negative employment effect varies between mixed and nonexistent. An important gap in the literature is the paucity of research on low‐wage/low‐income groups.
FLSA Working Hours Reform: Worker Well‐Being Effects in an Economic Framework
Authors: Golden Lonnie
Published: September 2015

This article discusses a model developed to predict the effects of recently proposed amendments to the FLSA workweek and overtime provisions. The model contrasts allowing compensatory time for overtime pay for private nonexempt employees to “rights to request” reduced hours. Hours demanded are likely to rise for workers who request comp time, undermining the intention of family‐friendliness and alleviating overemployment, unless accompanied by offsetting policies that would prevent the denied use or forced use of comp time and that resurrect some monetary deterrent effect. A unique survey shows that the preference for time over money and comp time is relatively more prevalent among exempt, long hours and women workers; thus, worker welfare is likely better served if comp time were incorporated into an individualized, employee‐initiated right to request.
Nanoscale Microstructural and Chemical Analysis of SiO2–Zn1−xAlxO Nanocomposites: Towards a Better Understanding of Si and Al Substitution in ZnO
Authors: Gilbert Matthieu , Byl Celine , Berardan David , Gloter Alexandre , Dragoe Nita , Vurpillot François
Published: September 2015

In this study, we report on the microstructure of SiO2‐coated Al‐doped ZnO nanoparticles densified by spark plasma sintering(SPS), using a multiscale approach. Our observations show that it is possible to successfully prepare dense pellets while keeping the nanostructure with well‐defined Si‐rich grain boundaries. Although a very limited partial solubility of Si in the ZnO matrix has been observed, Si is mostly concentrated at the grain boundaries. More surprisingly, we evidenced some areas with nanoscale inhomogeneity of the Al concentration, which can locally strongly exceed the average composition of the matrix. It could explain the apparent discrepancy observed in the literature between the simultaneous presence of ZnAl2O4in Al‐doped ZnO, which should be the signature of the doping level exceeding the solubility limit, and the concentration of carriers that still depends on the nominal Al concentration in ZnO even in the presence of ZnAl2O4.
Lesion Size and Safety Comparison Between the Novel Flex Tip on the FlexAbility Ablation Catheter and the Solid Tips on the ThermoCool and ThermoCool SF Ablation Catheters
Authors: WINTERFIELD JEFFREY R. , JENSEN JAMES , GILBERT THERESE , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS , NATALE ANDREA , PACKER DOUGLAS , REDDY VIVEK , MAHAPATRA SRIJOY , WILBER DAVID J.
Published: September 2015

Flex Tip Comparative Ablation

Introduction

Next‐generation catheters have been developed to reduce irrigation volume and preserve power delivery. A novel design uses a flexible tip (FlexAbility™ catheter) that directs flow to the contact surface. Because of recent safety issues with new catheters, we undertook a study in a canine heart with 3 irrigated catheters to compare efficacy and safety.

Methods

Endocardial ablation was performed by 2 independent operators in 12 anesthetized canines with the FlexAbility (St. Jude Medical), ThermoCool™ (Biosense Webster), and ThermoCool™ SF (Biosense Webster) catheters. Endocardial RF lesions were delivered with each catheter in all 4 chambers of each animal for 52 ± 16 seconds. Each chamber was randomized to receive ablation from one catheter with recording of safety events. Cardiac pathology was performed with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride stain.

Results

Average lesion dimensions were not significantly different between the 3 catheters. FlexAbility™ demonstrated a lower risk of steam pops relative to ThermoCool SF (P‐value = 0.013) despite equal mean power and radiofrequency time. High‐temperature generator shutdowns were observed with FlexAbility™ but not with either ThermoCool catheter. High‐temperature shutdowns were associated with larger average impedance drops (28.5 ohms vs. 19 ohms) without compromising lesion size.

Conclusions

The FlexAbility™ tip is safe and effective with no significant difference in lesion sizes compared to both standard ThermoCool and ThermoCool SF. FlexAbility™ has a significantly lower risk of steam pops compared to ThermoCool SF in a beating heart as defined predominantly by an abrupt rise of impedance.
Evidence‐based medicine meets person‐centred care: a collaborative perspective on the relationship
Authors: Price Amy I. , Djulbegovic Ben , Biswas Rakesh , Chatterjee Pranab
Published: September 2015

In a recent list‐serve, the way forward for evidence‐based medicine was discussed. The purpose of this paper was to share the reflections and multiple perspectives discussed in this peer‐to‐peer encounter and to invite the reader to think with a mind for positive change in the practice of health care. Let us begin with a simple question. What if we dared to look at evidence‐based medicine (EBM) and informed shared decision making like two wheels on a bike? They both need to be full of substance, well connected, lubricated and working in balance, propelled and guided by a competent driver, with good vision to get the bike where we want it to go. We need all the tools in the toolkit for the bike to stay operational and to meet the needs of the driver. By the same rationale, evidence alone is necessary but not sufficient for decision making; values are necessary and if neglected, may default to feelings based on social pressures and peer influence. Medical decisions, even shared ones, lack focus without evidence and application. Just as a bike may need a tune up from time to time to maintain optimal performance, EBM may benefit from a tune up where we challenge ourselves to move away from general assumptions and traditions and instead think clearly about the issues we face and how to ask well‐formed, specific questions to get the answers to meet the needs we face in health care.
Application of Nondestructive and Low‐Cost Impedance Technology to Determine the Effect of Curing Degree on Meat Quality
Authors: Chen Tianhao , Han Minyi , Wang Peng , Wei Ran , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong
Published: September 2015

The electrical impedance technology was used to explore the changes in the dry‐cured meat during the curing process. Four salt levels (0, 4, 8 and 12%) were assessed. Physicochemical changes in the samples such as color, pH and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were evaluated. The results showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the impedance characteristics between the samples dry cured by lower (0 and 4%) salt levels and those processed by higher levels (8 and 12%). Color parameters, L* (lightness) and a* (redness), and pH values decreased (P < 0.05) as the salt level increased. However, b* (yellowness) showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) with the increasing value of salt levels. NMR test showed the status of the dry‐cured meat after a 10 day curing. The values obtained from the test indicated that 4% in salt‐level group had the best water‐holding capacity than other groups (P < 0.05). Generally, the modulus and phase decreased as the frequency increases. On the one hand, the modulus of control group is larger (P < 0.05) when compared with the treated groups (4, 8, 12%). And it decreased as the salt content increases. On the other hand, the phase of control group is lower than the other groups (P < 0.05) and it increased as the salt content increases. Moreover, frequencies ranging from 50 to 1,000 Hz might be used as the best detection zone for the quality determination of the dry‐cured meat. In conclusion, real‐time impedance instrument was proven to be a useful potential quantitative way for in‐line evaluation of the salt level of meat.

Practical Applications

Because of the nondestructive and low‐cost characteristics, impedance technology could be used as an important tool on the production line. A product cured by salt may cause the salt‐overtaking problems. Due to the fact that there are few rapid methods existing in the market to inspect the salt content, the application based on impedance technology meets the demand of factories. Meanwhile, compared with the existing methods, the nondestructive property of impedance technology could improve the efficiency of production and the quality of products greatly. Impedance technology relied on the mobility and the amount of ion. Combined with principal component analysis or independent component analysis, the developed technology can be considered as a precise method to determine salt content and differences among different salt levels in experimental and industrial applications.
Benchmarking flood risk reduction in the Elbe River
Authors: Grabs W.
Published: September 2015

The past decade has seen the development and overall acceptance of the concept of Integrated Flood Risk Management. This approach strives to balance positive and negative effects of riverine floods and combines it with risk management concepts. In practice, this has led to a diversification of flood management practices that go beyond traditional structural flood protection measures towards non‐structural measures. These include giving more space for rivers, backwards location of dykes, re‐naturalisation of flood plains and a suite of improved information systems including improved flood forecasting services, promoting flood risk awareness and self‐help capabilities. The paper describes in some detail the process of benchmarking to support effective planning, implementation and monitoring of integrated flood risk management activities that require a set of quantifiable measures, against which progress in flood risk management can be referenced. The case of the extreme Elbe River floods in 2002 and 2013 triggered the development and implementation of the Elbe Flood Protection – Action Plan that in large parts has been implemented. The paper shows the basic concepts of the Elbe Flood Protection Plan and its actions and puts these in the context of a benchmarking framework. The paper concludes that although elements of a benchmarking concept are outlined in the Action Plan, the establishment of benchmarking practices as a tool in flood risk management is in its infancy. The development of a consistent benchmarking procedure would have the potential to improve further the effectiveness of Integrated Flood Risk Management practices in national and international river basins.
The Cause Cue Effect: Cause‐Related Marketing and Consumer Health Perceptions
Authors: Minton Elizabeth A. , Cornwell T. Bettina
Published: September 2015

Many for‐profit companies (e.g., Kraft, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Keebler, 5‐Hour Energy) are partnering with health‐oriented nonprofits (e.g., Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Susan G. Komen for Breast Cancer Research, American Red Cross) to make purchase‐contingent donations. Companies use cause‐related marketing to improve brand image and goodwill for their food products and companies. Prior research has examined how food‐related cues can create consumer misperceptions; however, consumer perceptions related to corporate communications (e.g., the use of cause cues) has received little research attention. This research explores consumer reactions to cause cues and finds that adding a health cause to a food package significantly increases product health perceptions, and, usually, product attitude, and purchase intentions (i.e., the cause cue effect) in both a student sample (Studies 1 and 2) and an adult sample on Amazon's mTurk (Study 3). Implications for cueing and inference‐making literature, and for consumer health, and policymakers are discussed.
Does the Value Circle Exist Within Persons or Only Across Persons?
Authors: Borg Ingwer , Bardi Anat , Schwartz Shalom H.
Published: September 2015

This study tests whether the Schwartz (1992) value circle exists within individuals, not only across individuals, thereby providing evidence for the within‐person rationale underlying the value circle. We analyze responses from five samples (a representative sample in Britain, a general population sample in the United States, and university students in Britain and Iran) varying in value measures of the Schwartz value theory (SVS, PVQ40, PVQ21). An unfolding model is used to map each person's value profile into a two‐dimensional space representing both persons and values. In all samples, clear value circles were found, with values ordered around the circle largely according to the theory. The model also represents most individuals well. The value circle exists within individuals, providing strong support for the underlying within‐person rationale for the Schwartz (1992) value theory. The unfolding analysis allows identifying which persons fit the model less well and in which way, identifying how meaningful subgroups differ in their value profiles, and testing whether meaningful subgroups have different value structures. The model opens up many new possibilities for research linking values to other variables.
Genome‐wide association links candidate genes to resistance to Plum Pox Virus in apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Authors: Mariette Stéphanie , Wong Jun Tai Fabienne , Roch Guillaume , Barre Aurélien , Chague Aurélie , Decroocq Stéphane , Groppi Alexis , Laizet Yec'han , Lambert Patrick , Tricon David , Nikolski Macha , Audergon Jean‐Marc , Abbott Albert G. , Decroocq Véronique
Published: September 2015

In fruit tree species, many important traits have been characterized genetically by using single‐family descent mapping in progenies segregating for the traits. However, most mapped loci have not been sufficiently resolved to the individual genes due to insufficient progeny sizes for high resolution mapping and the previous lack of whole‐genome sequence resources of the study species. To address this problem for Plum Pox Virus (PPV) candidate resistance gene identification in Prunus species, we implemented a genome‐wide association (GWA) approach in apricot.

This study exploited the broad genetic diversity of the apricot (Prunus armeniaca) germplasm containing resistance to PPV, next‐generation sequence‐based genotyping, and the high‐quality peach (Prunus persica) genome reference sequence for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identification.

The results of this GWA study validated previously reported PPV resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) intervals, highlighted other potential resistance loci, and resolved each to a limited set of candidate genes for further study.

This work substantiates the association genetics approach for resolution of QTL to candidate genes in apricot and suggests that this approach could simplify identification of other candidate genes for other marked trait intervals in this germplasm.
Expression of β‐glucosidase increases trichome density and artemisinin content in transgenic Artemisia annua plants
Authors: Singh Nameirakpam Dolendro , Kumar Shashi , Daniell Henry
Published: September 2015

Artemisinin is highly effective against multidrug‐resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the aetiological agent of the most severe form of malaria. However, a low level of accumulation of artemisinin in Artemisia annua is a major limitation for its production and delivery to malaria endemic areas of the world. While several strategies to enhance artemisinin have been extensively explored, enhancing storage capacity in trichome has not yet been considered. Therefore, trichome density was increased with the expression of β‐glucosidase (bgl1) gene in A. annua through Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. Transgene (bgl1) integration and transcript were confirmed by molecular analysis. Trichome density increased up to 20% in leaves and 66% in flowers of BGL1 transgenic plants than Artemisia control plants. High‐performance liquid chromatography, time of flight mass spectrometer data showed that artemisinin content increased up to 1.4% in leaf and 2.56% in flowers (per g DW), similar to the highest yields achieved so far through metabolic engineering. Artemisinin was enhanced up to five‐fold in BGL1 transgenic flowers. This study opens the possibility of increasing artemisinin content by manipulating trichomes’ density, which is a major reservoir of artemisinin. Combining biosynthetic pathway engineering with enhancing trichome density may further increase artemisinin yield in A. annua. Because oral feeding of Artemisia plant cells reduced parasitemia more efficiently than the purified drug, reduced drug resistance and cost of prohibitively expensive purification process, enhanced expression should play a key role in making this valuable drug affordable to treat malaria in a large global population that disproportionally impacts low‐socioeconomic areas and underprivileged children.
Optimal Routefinding Across Landscapes Featuring High‐cost Linear Obstacles
Authors: Dean Denis J. , Thakar Vaishnavi , Sirdeshmukh Neeraj
Published: September 2015

Existing GIS‐based least‐cost routefinding approaches can in some cases be confounded by linear features in the landscape whose crossing costs are high relative to other traversing costs found throughout the landscape. Unfortunately, such high‐cost linear features are not uncommon; they frequently occur in the form of hydrologic features whose crossing costs are high relative to costs of traversing the surrounding dry land. This study (1) enumerates the situations where existing approaches can fail, (2) proposes a simple method for overcoming the limitations of the existing approaches, and (3) conducts an experiment to assess the impact of the weaknesses of existing approaches and the magnitude of the differences between the results produced by existing and revised approaches. Our results show that in mountainous terrain, linear hydrologic features with high crossing costs can have a profound impact on least‐cost routes, and the choice of solution method has equally profound impacts on the optimal route produced by the analysis.
AmicroRNAallele that emerged prior to apple domestication may underlie fruit size evolution
Authors: Yao Jia‐Long , Xu Juan , Cornille Amandine , Tomes Sumathi , Karunairetnam Sakuntala , Luo Zhiwei , Bassett Heather , Whitworth Claire , Rees‐George Jonathan , Ranatunga Chandra , Snirc Alodie , Crowhurst Ross , de Silva Nihal , Warren Ben , Deng Cecilia , Kumar Satish , Chagné David , Bus Vincent G. M. , Volz Richard K. , Rikkerink Erik H. A. , Gardiner Susan E. , Giraud Tatiana , MacDiarmid Robin , Gleave Andrew P.
Published: September 2015

The molecular genetic mechanisms underlying fruit size remain poorly understood in perennial crops, despite size being an important agronomic trait. Here we show that the expression level of amicroRNAgene (miRNA172) influences fruit size in apple. A transposon insertional allele ofmiRNA172showing reduced expression associates with large fruit in an apple breeding population, whereas over‐expression ofmiRNA172in transgenic apple significantly reduces fruit size. The transposon insertional allele was found to be co‐located with a major fruit size quantitative trait locus, fixed in cultivated apples and their wild progenitor species with relatively large fruit. This finding supports the view that the selection for large size in apple fruit was initiated prior to apple domestication, likely by large mammals, before being subsequently strengthened by humans, and also helps to explain why signatures of genetic bottlenecks and selective sweeps are normally weaker in perennial crops than in annual crops.
Phosphorylation of CONSTANS and its COP1‐dependent degradation during photoperiodic flowering of Arabidopsis
Authors: Sarid‐Krebs Liron , Panigrahi Kishore C. S. , Fornara Fabio , Takahashi Yasuyuki , Hayama Ryosuke , Jang Seonghoe , Tilmes Vicky , Valverde Federico , Coupland George
Published: September 2015

Seasonal flowering involves responses to changes in day length. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the CONSTANS (CO) transcription factor promotes flowering in the long days of spring and summer. Late flowering in short days is due to instability of CO, which is efficiently ubiquitinated in the dark by the CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) E3 ligase complex. Here we show that CO is also phosphorylated. Phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms are detected throughout the diurnal cycle but their ratio varies, with the relative abundance of the phosphorylated form being higher in the light and lower in the dark. These changes in relative abundance require COP1, because in the cop1 mutant the phosphorylated form is always more abundant. Inactivation of the PHYTOCHROME A (PHYA), CRYPTOCHROME 1 (CRY1) and CRYPTOCHROME 2 (CRY2) photoreceptors in the phyA cry1 cry2 triple mutant most strongly reduces the amount of the phosphorylated form so that unphosphorylated CO is more abundant. This effect is caused by increased COP1 activity, as it is overcome by introduction of the cop1 mutation in the cop1 phyA cry1 cry2 quadruple mutant. Degradation of CO is also triggered in red light, and as in darkness this increases the relative abundance of unphosphorylated CO. Finally, a fusion protein containing truncated CO protein including only the carboxy‐terminal region was phosphorylated in transgenic plants, locating at least one site of phosphorylation in this region. We propose that CO phosphorylation contributes to the photoperiodic flowering response by enhancing the rate of CO turnover via activity of the COP1 ubiquitin ligase.
Comparison of Single Port Access Versus Multiple Port Access Systems in Elective Laparoscopy: 98 Dogs (2005–2014)
Authors: Gonzalez‐Gasch Esteban , Monnet Eric
Published: September 2015

Objective

To report and compare the duration of surgery, the frequency of complications, and the frequency of open conversion for elective surgeries performed with 2 laparoscopic techniques: a single incision port access system (SPAS) and a multiple port access system (MPAS) using a Veress needle.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Ninety‐eight consecutive, client owned dogs.

Methods

Medical records of dogs undergoing an elective laparoscopic procedure were reviewed. Dogs were classified as SPAS or MPAS according to the initial surgical approach. Duration of surgery, intraoperative complications, reason for open conversion, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared.

Results

The duration of surgery for SPAS gastropexy (P = .0039), ovariectomy (P = .0052), and gastropexy/ovariectomy combined (P = .0002) were significantly reduced compared to corresponding MPAS procedures. Nine splenic punctures occurred during MPAS. The frequency of intraoperative complications was significantly less for SPAS (0/44) than MPAS (12/54, P = .004). Elective conversion was performed because of gastric malpositioning in 1 dog and emergent conversion was required because of bleeding from the ovarian pedicle in 2 dogs (0/44 SPAS, 3/54 MPAS, P = .250). There were 14/76 dogs with followup to suture removal with postoperative complications, all incisional (7/31 SPAS, 7/45 MPAS, P = 1.0).

Conclusion

The use of SPAS for laparoscopy reduced surgical time and intraoperative complications in elective procedures.
Nanoscale characterization of an electron emitting tip by field emission microscopy and scanning probe microscopy
Authors: Watanabe Norimichi , Tanaka Miyuki , Shimizu Tetsuo
Published: September 2015

Schottky electron emitters are widely used for electron microscopy. In the evaluation of Schottky electron emitters, the distribution of the work function on the electron emitting tip is generally observed as an emission pattern using a field emission microscope (FEM). However, it is not possible to observe the nanostructure and local distribution of the work function within each crystal face on an electron emitting tip for the development of new electron emitters. Therefore, the authors have attempted to measure the nanostructure of an electron emitting tip using a scanning probe microscope (SPM) with high spatial resolution. The crystal grain boundary of a polycrystalline tungsten electron emitting tip and each crystal face of the single-crystalline tungsten 〈111〉 electron emitting tip were successfully observed using an SPM. Furthermore, the emission pattern obtained by the FEM and the topography observed with the SPM in a single-crystalline tungsten 〈100〉 electron emitting tip could be successfully correlated. Therefore, SPM is confirmed as a useful tool for the evaluation of electron emitting tips.