bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Attention to Dynamic Spatial Relations in Infants and Adults
Authors: Galazka Martyna , Nyström Pär
Published: June 2015

Previous research has found that kinematic features of interactions, such as spatial proximity, capture adult visual attention. The current research uses online measures of gaze behavior to determine attentional capture to objects with reduced interobject spacing in adults as well as infants at 5 and 12 months. The three age groups observed three identical geometrical shapes that moved randomly. Relative distance between the objects was mapped and intervals of high and low spatial proximity were identified. Findings demonstrate that only adults and 12‐month‐olds look significantly more at the objects that are close during instances of high spatial proximity, while 5‐month‐olds look at chance. The findings speak for a developmental trend in oculomotor processes, where a bias to look at objects with high spatial proximity develops within the first year of life.
Computation of Effective Steady‐State Creep of Porous Ni–YSZ Composites with Reconstructed Microstructures
Authors: Kwok Kawai , Jørgensen Peter Stanley , Frandsen Henrik Lund
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates the effective steady‐state creep response of porous Ni–YSZ composites used in solid oxide fuel cell applications by numerical homogenization based on three‐dimensional microstructural reconstructions and steady‐state creep properties of the constituent phases. The Ni phase is found to carry insignificant stress in the composite and has a negligible role in the effective creep behavior. Thus, when determining effective creep, porous Ni–YSZ composites can be regarded as porous YSZ in which the Ni phase is counted as additional porosity. The stress exponents of porous YSZ are the same as that of dense YSZ, but the effective creep rate increases by a factor of 8–10 due to porosity. The relationship of creep rate and volume fraction of YSZ computed by numerical homogenization is underestimated by most existing analytical models. The Ramakrishnan–Arunchalam creep model provides the closest approximation among all analytical models.
The population cost‐effectiveness of a parenting intervention designed to prevent anxiety disorders in children
Authors: Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Vos Theo , Rapee Ronald M. , Pirkis Jane , Chatterton Mary Lou , Lee Yu‐Chen , Carter Rob
Published: June 2015

Background

Prevention and early intervention for anxiety disorders has lagged behind many other forms of mental disorder. Recent research has demonstrated the efficacy of a parent‐focussed psycho‐educational programme. The programme is directed at parents of inhibited preschool children and has been shown to reduce anxiety disorders at 1 and 3 years following intervention. The current study assesses the cost‐effectiveness of this intervention to determine whether it could provide value‐for‐money across a population.

Method

A cost‐utility economic framework, using Disability‐Adjusted‐Life‐Years (DALYs) as the outcome, was adopted. Economic modelling techniques were used to assess the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the intervention within the Australian population context, which was modelled as add‐on to current practice. The perspective was the health sector. Uncertainty was measured using multivariate probabilistic testing and key assumptions were tested using univariate sensitivity analysis.

Results

The medianICERfor the intervention wasAUD$8,000 perDALYaverted with 99.8% of the uncertainty iterations falling below the threshold value‐for‐money criterion ofAUD$50,000 perDALYaverted. The results were robust to sensitivity testing.

Conclusions

Screening young children in a preschool setting for an inhibited temperament and providing a brief intervention to the parents of children with high levels of inhibition appears to provide very good value‐for‐money and worth considering in any package of preventive care. Further evaluation of this intervention under routine health service conditions will strengthen conclusions. Acceptability issues associated with this intervention, particularly to preschool staff and parents, need to be considered before wide‐scale adoption is undertaken.
Default mode network maturation and psychopathology in children and adolescents
Authors: Sato João Ricardo , Salum Giovanni Abrahão , Gadelha Ary , Crossley Nicolas , Vieira Gilson , Manfro Gisele Gus , Zugman André , Picon Felipe Almeida , Pan Pedro Mario , Hoexter Marcelo Queiroz , Anés Mauricio , Moura Luciana Monteiro , Del'Aquilla Marco Antonio Gomes , Jr Edson Amaro , McGuire Philip , Lacerda Acioly Luiz Tavares , Rohde Luis Augusto , Miguel Euripedes Constantino , Jackowski Andrea Parolin , Bressan Rodrigo Affonseca
Published: June 2015

Background

The human default mode (DMN) is involved in a wide array of mental disorders. Current knowledge suggests that mental health disorders may reflect deviant trajectories of brain maturation.

Method

We studied 654 children using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans under a resting‐state protocol. A machine‐learning method was used to obtain age predictions of children based on the average coefficient of fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (fALFFs) of the DMN, a measure of spontaneous local activity. The chronological ages of the children and fALFF measures from regions of this network, the response and predictor variables were considered respectively in a Gaussian Process Regression. Subsequently, we computed a network maturation status index for each subject (actual age minus predicted). We then evaluated the association between this maturation index and psychopathology scores on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).

Results

Our hypothesis was that the maturation status of the DMN would be negatively associated with psychopathology. Consistent with previous studies, fALFF significantly predicted the age of participants (p < .001). Furthermore, as expected, we found an association between the DMN maturation status (precocious vs. delayed) and general psychopathology scores (p = .011).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that child psychopathology seems to be associated with delayed maturation of the DMN. This delay in the neurodevelopmental trajectory may offer interesting insights into the pathophysiology of mental health disorders.
Effect of a novel repellent, acetylated glyceride, on courtship behaviours and acoustic signals of Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Kashima T. , Kanmiya K. , Yoshida K. , Arimoto Y.
Published: June 2015

The sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), attacks a wide range of vegetables and ornamental plants in the tropics and subtropics. This study involved observations of adult whitefly courtship behaviours to determine the impact of acetylated glyceride treatment, which is currently being developed as a repellent for adults, on their progeny. In addition, the effect of acetylated glyceride treatment on acoustic‐based communication was evaluated, as this type of communication is known to play a pivotal role in the search for mating partners on host‐plant leaves in adult whiteflies. Adults were able to land on grape tomato leaves a few days after treatment, when the residual repellency had dissipated. Almost no male courtship behaviour in terms of searching for sexually mature females was observed throughout the observation period (60 min) under conditions in which adults of both sexes remained on a treated leaf or those in which an adult of either sex remained on a non‐treated leaf. By contrast, these behaviours accounted for 26.5% of the observation time under conditions in which both sexes remained on a non‐treated leaf. In cross‐tests performed for 4 days using one non‐mated female and two non‐mated males, the sex ratio (male/female) of the newly emerged adults on treated leaves (2.4) was 63.6% lower than that of the non‐treated controls (0.9). During courtship, acoustic signals produced by both sexes were exchanged rhythmically on non‐treated leaves, whereas the signals on treated leaves were irregular. The frequency of the vibratory sound produced by males was 66–81% lower on the treated leaves than on the non‐treated leaves. A large reduction in the acoustic signals produced by males on treated leaves caused a decrease in courting pair formation, leading to a significant reduction in the number of female progeny due to arrhenotokous parthenogenesis in virgin B. tabaci females.
A 12‐Week Physical and Cognitive Exercise Program Can Improve Cognitive Function and Neural Efficiency in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nishiguchi Shu , Yamada Minoru , Tanigawa Takanori , Sekiyama Kaoru , Kawagoe Toshikazu , Suzuki Maki , Yoshikawa Sakiko , Abe Nobuhito , Otsuka Yuki , Nakai Ryusuke , Aoyama Tomoki , Tsuboyama Tadao
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To investigate whether a 12‐week physical and cognitive exercise program can improve cognitive function and brain activation efficiency in community‐dwelling older adults.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Kyoto, Japan.

Participants

Community‐dwelling older adults (N = 48) were randomized into an exercise group (n = 24) and a control group (n = 24).

Intervention

Exercise group participants received a weekly dual task–based multimodal exercise class in combination with pedometer‐based daily walking exercise during the 12‐week intervention phase. Control group participants did not receive any intervention and were instructed to spend their time as usual during the intervention phase.

Measurements

The outcome measures were global cognitive function, memory function, executive function, and brain activation (measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging) associated with visual short‐term memory.

Results

Exercise group participants had significantly greater postintervention improvement in memory and executive functions than the control group (P < .05). In addition, after the intervention, less activation was found in several brain regions associated with visual short‐term memory, including the prefrontal cortex, in the exercise group (P < .001, uncorrected).

Conclusion

A 12‐week physical and cognitive exercise program can improve the efficiency of brain activation during cognitive tasks in older adults, which is associated with improvements in memory and executive function.
Uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in cerebral vasculature of Tg2576 mice
Authors: Santhanam Anantha Vijay R. , d'Uscio Livius V. , He Tongrong , Das Pritam , Younkin Steven G. , Katusic Zvonimir S.
Published: June 2015

In this study, we tested the hypothesis that reduced bioavailability of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is a major mechanism responsible for pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in cerebral microvessels of transgenic mice expressing the Swedish double mutation of human amyloid precursor protein (APP) (Tg2576 mice). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expression was significantly increased in cerebral vasculature of Tg2576 mice. In contrast, bioavailability of BH4 was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Moreover, superoxide anion production was increased in cerebral microvessels of Tg2576 mice (p < 0.05). Incubation with NOS inhibitor, Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester, decreased superoxide anion indicating that uncoupled eNOS is most likely the source of superoxide anion. Increasing BH4 bioavailability either exogenously by BH4 supplementation or endogenously by treatment with the selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor – delta activator GW501516 (2 mg/kg/day, 14 days) attenuated eNOS uncoupling and decreased superoxide anion production in cerebral microvessels of Tg2576 mice (p < 0.05). Treatment with GW501516 restored the biological activity of endothelial nitric oxide in cerebral microvessels of Tg2576 mice, as indicated by the increased nitrite/nitrate content and 3,5‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate levels (p < 0.05). Our studies indicate that sub‐optimal BH4 bioavailability in cerebral vasculature is an important contributor to oxidant stress and endothelial dysfunction in Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

image

Existing evidence suggests that Aβ peptides‐induced up‐regulation of expression and activity of NADPH oxidase causes increased production of superoxide anion (.O2−). .O2− can also be converted to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) or spontaneous dismutation. Elevation of .O2− and H2O2 might cause oxidation of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) to dihydrobiopterin (BH2) and subsequent uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) (a) thus reducing levels of nitric oxide (NO) and 3′,5′‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Supplementation of BH4 or activation of PPARδ prevents detrimental effects of eNOS uncoupling by restoring bioavailability of BH4 and scavenging of .O2−, respectively (b). Activation of PPARδ also increases expression of catalase thereby inactivating H2O2. Generation of H2O2 by uncoupled eNOS in cerebral microvessels of Tg2576 mice is hypothetical.
MFN2 deletion of exons 7 and 8: founder mutation in the UK population
Authors: Carr Aisling S. , Polke James M. , Wilson Jacob , Pelayo‐Negro Ana L. , Laura Matilde , Nanji Tina , Holt James , Vaughan Jennifer , Rankin Julia , Sweeney Mary G. , Blake Julian , Houlden Henry , Reilly Mary M.
Published: June 2015

Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) mutations are the most common cause of axonal Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT2). The majority are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner but recessive and semi‐dominant kindreds have also been described. We previously reported a deletion of exons 7 and 8 resulting in nonsense‐mediated decay, segregating with disease when present in trans with another pathogenic MFN2 mutation. Detailed clinical and electrophysiological data on a series of five affected patients from four kindreds and, when available, their parents and relatives were collected. MFN2 Sanger sequencing, multiplex ligation probe amplification, and haplotype analysis were performed. A severe early‐onset CMT phenotype was seen in all cases: progressive distal weakness, wasting, and sensory loss from infancy or early childhood. Optic atrophy (four of five) and wheelchair dependency in childhood were common (four of five). All were compound heterozygous for a deletion of exons 7 and 8 in MFN2 with another previously reported pathogenic mutation (Phe216Ser, Thr362Met, and Arg707Trp). Carrier parents and relatives were unaffected (age range: 24–82 years). Haplotype analysis confirmed that the deletion had a common founder in all families.
Impairment measures versus inflammatory RODS in GBS and CIDP: a responsiveness comparison
Authors: Vanhoutte Els K. , Draak Thomas H. P. , Gorson Kenneth C. , van Nes Sonja I. , Hoeijmakers Janneke G. J. , Van der Pol W.‐Ludo , Notermans Nicolette. C. , Lewis Richard A. , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo , Léger Jean‐Marc , Van den Bergh Peter Y. K. , Lauria Giuseppe , Bril Vera , Katzberg Hans , Lunn Michael P. T. , Pouget Jean , van der Kooi Anneke J. , Hahn Angelika F. , van Doorn Pieter A. , Cornblath David R. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Faber Catharina G. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. ,   on behalf of the PeriNomS Study Group
Published: June 2015

This study aimed to ‘define responder’ through the concept of minimum clinically important differences using the individually obtained standard errors (MCID‐SE) and a heuristic ‘external criterion’ responsiveness method in patients with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). One hundred and fourteen newly diagnosed or relapsing patients (GBS: 55, CIDP: 59) were serially examined (1‐year follow‐up). The inflammatory Rasch‐built overall disability scale (I‐RODS), Rasch‐transformed MRC sum score (RT‐MRC), and Rasch‐transformed modified‐INCAT‐sensory scale (RT‐mISS) were assessed. Being‐a‐responder was defined as having a MCID‐SE cut‐off ≥1.96. Also, the correlations between patients' scores on each scale and the EuroQoL health‐status ‘thermometer’ (external criterion) were determined (higher correlation indicated better responsiveness). In both diseases, the SEs showed a characteristic ‘U’‐shaped dynamic pattern across each scales' continuum. The number of patients showing a meaningful change were higher for the I‐RODS > RT‐MRC > RT‐mISS and were in GBS higher than CIDP patients. The MCID‐SE concept using Rasch‐transformed data demonstrated an individual pattern of ‘being‐a‐responder’ in patients with immune‐mediated neuropathies, and the findings were validated by the external criterion responsiveness method. The I‐RODS showed greater responsiveness compared with the MRC and INCAT‐sensory scales, and its use is therefore recommended in future trials in GBS and CIDP.
Improving assessment in small fiber neuropathy
Authors: Brouwer Brigitte A. , Bakkers Mayienne , Hoeijmakers Janneke G. J. , Faber Catharina G. , Merkies Ingemar S. J.
Published: June 2015

Interval measures at the impairment level addressing symptoms and at the activity/participation level addressing daily and social restrictions have not been developed for small fiber neuropathy (SFN). We developed an SFN‐specific Rasch‐built overall disability scale (SFN‐RODS©), an activity/participation scale at the interval level. A preliminary SFN‐RODS containing 146 activity/participation items was assessed twice (reliability studies) in 238 patients with SFN. The ordinal‐based 13‐item SFN‐symptoms inventory questionnaire (SFN‐SIQ©) and pain‐visual‐analogue‐scale were also assessed (validity studies). The pre‐SFN‐RODS and SFN‐SIQ data were subjected to the Rasch analyses. The pre‐SFN‐RODS did not meet Rasch model expectations. Based on requirements, such as misfit statistics, differential item functioning, and local dependency, items were systematically removed and model fit improved. Finally, a 32‐item SFN‐RODS© scale was constructed that fulfilled all Rasch requirements, demonstrating acceptable reliability and validity scores. The 13‐item SFN‐SIQ© was successfully transformed to an interval Rasch‐built measure fulfilling model's requirements. In conclusion, the 32‐item SFN‐RODS© is a disease‐specific interval measure suitable for detecting activity limitations and participation restrictions in patients with SFN. The 13‐item SFN‐SIQ© was transformed through Rasch to an interval measure. The use of these scales is recommended in future clinical interventional trials involving patients with SFN.
Discrepancy in Personality Perceptions Is Related to Relationship Satisfaction: Findings from Dyadic Latent Discrepancy Analyses
Authors: Schaffhuser Kathrin , Allemand Mathias , Werner Christina S. , Martin Mike
Published: June 2015

The current study investigated discrepancies in self‐, partner‐, and meta‐perceptions of the Big Five traits and their associations with relationship satisfaction in intimate couples. The study was based on a subsample of the Swiss study “Co‐Development in Personality: Longitudinal Approaches to Personality Development in Dyads Across the Life Span” (CoDiP) including cross‐sectional data of 216 heterosexual couples. We adapted the Latent Congruence Model (LCM) for the study of discrepancies in personality perceptions in dyads. Beyond personality trait levels, the discrepancies between self‐ and partner‐perceptions and between partner‐ and meta‐perceptions of the Big Five traits were related to relationship satisfaction as actor and partner effects. In general, flattering and favorable partner‐perceptions in relation to self‐ and meta‐perceptions seem to positively contribute to relationship satisfaction. The present study implies that not only personality trait levels but also discrepancies between personality perceptions are important for understanding relationship satisfaction.
Combining lived experience with the facilitation of enquiry‐based learning: a ‘trigger’ for transformative learning
Authors: Stacey G , Oxley R , Aubeeluck A
Published: June 2015

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject

The values underpinning recovery‐orientated practice are recited in the literature and influential in the content of mental health nurse education internationally. However, scepticism exists regarding the degree to which students' assimilate the principles of recovery into their practice due to the troublesome and challenging nature of learning at a transformational level, also known as threshold concept learning.

Evaluation suggests that this combination of educational approaches positively influences students' prior understandings, beliefs and values in relation to the prospect for people with significant mental health problems to recover.

The components of threshold concepts are useful as a deductive framework for the evaluation of educational initiatives which attempt to initiate transformative learning.

While this forum clearly holds significant potential for student development, support and preparation is needed for both the student and the facilitator in order to enable the possibility of learning which influences attitudes, beliefs and practice.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the potential for combining lived experience of mental distress with the facilitation of enquiry‐based learning (EBL) to act as a trigger for transformative learning in the context of promoting the understanding of mental health ‘recovery’ in nurse education.The values underpinning recovery‐orientated practice are recited in the literature and influential in mental health nurse education internationally. However, scepticism exists regarding the degree to which students assimilate into their practice. An open‐ended was distributed to a cohort of pre‐registration nursing students receiving the co‐facilitated EBL (n = 112). Data demonstrated how the specific attributes of this educational approach were identified by students as impacting positively on ill‐informed preconceptions, understanding of complex theory and their future practice. Results were considered in light of the identification of ‘recovery’ as a ‘threshold concept’ and offered evidence to support the value of this specific educational forum in the promotion of learning which is transformative, integrative, bounded and at times troublesome. Support and significant preparation is needed for both the student and the facilitator in order to enable the possibility of transformatory learning.
Sound Pressure Levels in 2 Veterinary Intensive Care Units
Authors: Fullagar B. , Boysen S.R. , Toy M. , Makwana C. , Pang D.S.J.
Published: June 2015

Background

Intensive care units (ICUs) in human hospitals are consistently noisy environments with sound levels sufficient to substantially decrease sleep quality. Sound levels in veterinary ICUs have not been studied previously, but environmental sound has been shown to alter activity in healthy dogs.

Hypothesis

Veterinary ICUs, like those in human medicine, will exceed international guidelines for hospital noise.

Animals

NA.

Methods

Prospective, observational study performed consecutively and simultaneously over 4 weeks in 2 veterinary ICUs. Conventional A‐weighted sound pressure levels (equivalent continuous level [a reflection of average sound], the sound level that is exceeded 90% of the recording period time [reflective of background noise], and maximum sound levels) were continuously recorded and the number of spikes in sound >80 dBA were manually counted.

Results

Noise levels were comparable to ICUs in human hospitals. The equivalent continuous sound level was higher in ICU1 than in ICU2 at every time point compared, with greatest differences observed on week day (ICU1, 60.1 ± 3.7 dBA; ICU2, 55.9 ± 2.5 dBA, P < .001) and weekend nights (ICU1, 59.9 ± 2.4 dBA; ICU2, 53.4 ± 1.7 dBA, P < .0001) reflecting a 50% difference in loudness. Similar patterns were observed for the maximum and background noise levels. The number of sound spikes was up to 4 times higher in ICU1 (162.3 ± 84.9 spikes) than in ICU2 (40.4 ± 12.2 spikes, P = .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These findings show that sound in veterinary ICUs is loud enough to potentially disrupt sleep in critically ill veterinary patients.
Plasma pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur metabolite desfuroylceftiofur cysteine disulfide in holstein steers: application of nonlinear mixed‐effects modeling
Authors: Chiesa O. A. , Feng S. , Kijak P. , Smith E. A. , Li H. , Qiu J.
Published: June 2015

Eight clinically normal and drug‐naïve Holstein steers were dosed with ceftiofur sodium at 2.2 mg/kg body weight intramuscularly. Doses were given at 24‐h intervals for 5 days. Prior to the first dose and after all injections, blood samples were collected serially for determination of plasma concentrations of one of ceftiofur's main metabolites, desfuroylceftiofur cysteine disulfide (DCCD). A nonlinear mixed‐effect model was used to analyze the plasma concentration data. A stochastic approximation expectation maximization (SAEM) algorithm inMONOLIXversion 4.2.2 was used to approximate the likelihood of the nonlinear mixed‐effect model and to estimate the population parameters. In addition, simulation studies were conducted to justify the model and demonstrate how to interpret the model parameters given different scenarios.
A PRIMAL–DUAL ALGORITHM FOR BSDES
Authors: Bender Christian , Schweizer Nikolaus , Zhuo Jia
Published: June 2015

We generalize the primal–dual methodology, which is popular in the pricing of early‐exercise options, to a backward dynamic programming equation associated with time discretization schemes of (reflected) backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs). Taking as an input some approximate solution of the backward dynamic program, which was precomputed, e.g., by least‐squares Monte Carlo, this methodology enables us to construct a confidence interval for the unknown true solution of the time‐discretized (reflected) BSDE at time 0. We numerically demonstrate the practical applicability of our method in two 5‐dimensional nonlinear pricing problems where tight price bounds were previously unavailable.
A review of vital rates and cause‐specific mortality of elk Cervus elaphus populations in eastern North America
Authors: Keller Barbara J. , Montgomery Robert A. , Campa Henry R. , Beyer Dean E. , Winterstein Scott R. , Hansen Lonnie P. , Millspaugh Joshua J.
Published: June 2015

A review of elk vital rates in eastern North America is warranted given continued interest in restoring the species to the region and the variation in habitat conditions, anthropogenic influence on population dynamics and predator fauna between eastern and western North America.

We reviewed 23 studies of elk demographics from populations in eastern North America and summarized adult (>2 years old), subadult (1–2 years old) and juvenile (0–1 years old) annual survival and fecundity. We also reviewed and compared studies in which causes of mortality in eastern and western North American elk populations were reported.

Annual survival of adult and subadult elk in populations in eastern North America was similar to those reported for western North American elk populations. Annual juvenile survival [Ŝ = 0.76, standard error (SE) = 0.07] in eastern North American elk populations was 53% higher than that in western North American populations.

Fecundity rates in elk populations in eastern North America were low (0.75 juveniles per female per year, SE = 0.06) compared with fecundity rates typical of western North American populations. Juvenile survival and adult fecundity were lower in recently restored populations (Ŝ = 0.65, SE = 0.09; 0.62 juveniles per female per year) than in established populations (Ŝ = 0.83, SE = 0.07; 0.80 juveniles per female per year) in eastern North America.

Brainworm Parelaphostrongylus tenuis infection, vehicle collisions and nuisance culling were important factors contributing to mortality in eastern North American, but not in western North American, elk populations.

Eastern North American elk populations have the potential to exhibit high population growth rates (λ = 1.02–1.29). Variation in vital rates between recently restored and established elk populations highlights the need for continued long‐term monitoring of translocated elk populations.
The MinD homolog FlhG regulates the synthesis of the single polar flagellum of Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Ono Hiroki , Takashima Akari , Hirata Hikaru , Homma Michio , Kojima Seiji
Published: June 2015

FlhG, a MinD homolog and an ATPase, is known to mediate the formation of the single polar flagellum of Vibrio alginolyticus together with FlhF. FlhG and FlhF work antagonistically, with FlhF promoting flagellar assembly and FlhG inhibiting it. Here, we demonstrate that purified FlhG exhibits a low basal ATPase activity. As with MinD, the basal ATPase activity of FlhG can be activated and the D171A residue substitution enhances its ATPase activity sevenfold. FlhG‐D171A localizes strongly at the cell pole and severely inhibits motility and flagellation, whereas the FlhG K31A and K36Q mutants, which are defective in ATP binding, do not localize to the poles, cannot complement a flhG mutant and lead to hyperflagellation. A strong polar localization of FlhF is observed with the K36Q mutant FlhG but not with the wild‐type or D171A mutant FlhG. Unexpectedly, an Ala substitution at the catalytic residue (D60A), which abolishes ATPase activity but still allows ATP binding, only slightly affects FlhG functions. These results suggest that the ATP‐dependent polar localization of FlhG is crucial for its ability to downregulate the number of polar flagella. We speculate that ATP hydrolysis by FlhG is required for the fine tuning of the regulation.
Orthocaspases are proteolytically active prokaryotic caspase homologues: the case of Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Klemenčič Marina , Novinec Marko , Dolinar Marko
Published: June 2015

Caspases are a family of cysteine‐dependent proteases known to be involved in the process of programmed cell death in metazoans. Recently, cyanobacteria were also found to contain caspase‐like proteins, but their existence has only been identified in silico up to now. Here, we present the first experimental characterisation of a prokaryotic caspase homologue. We have expressed the putative caspase‐like gene MaOC1 from the toxic bloom‐forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 in Escherichia coli. Kinetic characterisation showed that MaOC1 is an endopeptidase with a preference for arginine in the P1 position and a pH optimum of 7.5. MaOC1 exhibited high catalytic rates with the kcat/KM value for Z‐RR‐AMC substrate of the order 106 M−1 s−1. In contrast to plant or metazoan caspase‐like proteins, whose activity is calcium‐dependent or requires dimerisation for activation, MaOC1 was activated by autocatalytic processing after residue Arg219, which separated the catalytic domain and the remaining 55 kDa subunit. The Arg219Ala mutant was resistant to autoprocessing and exhibited no proteolytic activity, confirming that processing of MaOC1 is a prerequisite for its activity. Due to their structural and functional differences to other known caspase‐like proteins, we suggest to name these evolutionary primitive proteins orthocaspases.
Cysteine scanning reveals minor local rearrangements of the horizontal helix of respiratory complex I
Authors: Steimle Stefan , Schnick Christian , Burger Eva‐Maria , Nuber Franziska , Krämer Dorothée , Dawitz Hannah , Brander Sofia , Matlosz Bartlomiej , Schäfer Jacob , Maurer Katharina , Glessner Udo , Friedrich Thorsten
Published: June 2015

The NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, respiratory complex I, couples electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone with the translocation of protons across the membrane. The complex consists of a peripheral arm catalyzing the redox reaction and a membrane arm catalyzing proton translocation. The membrane arm is almost completely aligned by a 110 Å unique horizontal helix that is discussed to transmit conformational changes induced by the redox reaction in a piston‐like movement to the membrane arm driving proton translocation. Here, we analyzed such a proposed movement by cysteine‐scanning of the helix of the Escherichia coli complex I. The accessibility of engineered cysteine residues and the flexibility of individual positions were determined by labeling the preparations with a fluorescent marker and a spin‐probe, respectively, in the oxidized and reduced states. The differences in fluorescence labeling and the rotational flexibility of the spin probe between both redox states indicate only slight conformational changes at distinct positions of the helix but not a large movement.
Comparison of reproductive parameters for populations of eastern North Pacific common dolphins: Delphinus capensis and D. delphis
Authors: Chivers Susan J. , Perryman Wayne L. , Lynn Morgan S. , Gerrodette Tim , Archer Frederick I. , Danil Kerri , Berman‐Kowalewski Michelle , Dines James P.
Published: June 2015

Reproductive parameters were estimated and compared for eastern North Pacific populations of common dolphins using specimen and photogrammetric data. Age and length data for Delphinus capensis and D. delphis specimens recovered as bycatch or strandings were used to estimate the postnatal growth rates needed to estimate age for calves measured in aerial photographs. Bayesian methods propagated uncertainty among models and revealed that the 2009 cohort of calves had birth dates centered on 6 March 2009 for D. capensis and 12 December 2008 for D. delphis. The evidence for discrete calving seasons suggests a mechanism of reproductive isolation has evolved between species. Photogrammetric data and Bayesian methods were also used to estimate the average length at which calves swim independently: 145.1 cm (≈ 11.1 mo) in D. capensis and 140.1 cm (≈ 14.0 mo) in D. delphis, and the proportion of calves (calves/dolphins counted): 0.045 in D. capensis and 0.069 in D. delphis. The latter parameter was converted to an index of calf production (calf/female dolphin) that was >50% lower than pregnancy rates suggesting few births occurred during the study year. Comparisons of regional differences in calf production suggest variability in habitat use patterns within the study area.
Recurrent mutations of CD79B and MYD88 are the hallmark of primary central nervous system lymphomas
Authors: Nakamura T. , Tateishi K. , Niwa T. , Matsushita Y. , Tamura K. , Kinoshita M. , Tanaka K. , Fukushima S. , Takami H. , Arita H. , Kubo A. , Shuto T. , Ohno M. , Miyakita Y. , Kocialkowski S. , Sasayama T. , Hashimoto N. , Maehara T. , Shibui S. , Ushijima T. , Kawahara N. , Narita Y. , Ichimura K.
Published: June 2015

Aims

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) manifest aggressive clinical behaviour and have poor prognosis. Although constitutive activation of the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway has been documented, knowledge about the genetic alterations leading to the impairment of the NF‐κB pathway in PCNSLs is still limited. This study was aimed to unravel the underlying genetic profiles of PCNSL.

Methods

We conducted the systematic sequencing of 21 genes relevant to the NF‐κB signalling network for 71 PCNSLs as well as the pyrosequencing of CD79B and MYD88 mutation hotspots in a further 35 PCNSLs and 46 glioblastomas (GBMs) for validation.

Results

The results showed that 68 out of 71 PCNSLs had mutations in the NF‐κB gene network, most commonly affecting CD79B (83%), MYD88 (76%), TBL1XR1 (23%), PRDM1 (20%) and CREBBP1 (20%). These mutations, particularly CD79B and MYD88, frequently coincided within each tumour in various combinations, simultaneously affecting diverse pathways within the network. No GBMs had hotspot mutation of CD79B Y196 and MYD88 L265.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CD79B and MYD88 mutations in PCNSLs was considerably higher than reported in systemic diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas. This observation could reflect the paucity of antigen stimuli from the immune system in the central nervous system (CNS) and the necessity to substitute them by the constitutive activation of CD79B and MYD88 that would initiate the signalling cascades. These hotspot mutations may serve as a genetic hallmark for PCNSL serving as a genetic marker for diagnose and potential targets for molecular therapy.
Overexpression of a small heat‐shock‐protein gene enhances tolerance to abiotic stresses in rice
Authors: Wang Anquan , Yu Xiaohong , Mao Yun , Liu Ying , Liu Guoqing , Liu Yongsheng , Niu Xiangli
Published: June 2015

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important crops in the world which survives from various abiotic stresses in natural environments with specific stress‐involved genes expressed. Plant sHSPs (small heat‐shock proteins) were reported to respond to abiotic stresses. To improve the understanding of sHSPs in rice, we characterized heat‐shock‐protein gene OsHSP18.6 here. OsHSP18.6 could be induced by diverse stresses, such as drought, salt and cold, especially under heat. The gene was found expressed in root, stem, leaf, internode and spikelet. Overexpression of OsHSP18.6 results in increased thermotolerance and exhibits universal tolerance to stresses tested, including heat, drought, salt and cold. Lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and greater activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were observed in OsHSP18.6‐overexpression rice under heat and drought. OsHSP18.6‐overexpression lines indicated decreased sterile rates under hot weather without remarkable changes in most of other agronomic traits compared with wild‐type plants.
PTEN regulates IGF‐1R‐mediated therapy resistance in melanoma
Authors: Wang Jun , Sinnberg Tobias , Niessner Heike , Dölker Rebecca , Sauer Birgit , Kempf Wolfgang E. , Meier Friedegund , Leslie Nick , Schittek Birgit
Published: June 2015

Inhibition of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a major advance in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, its therapeutic success is limited by the rapid emergence of drug resistance. The insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) is overexpressed in melanomas developing resistance toward the BRAFV600 inhibitor vemurafenib. Here, we show that hyperactivation of BRAF enhances IGF‐1R expression. In addition, the phosphatase activity of PTEN as well as heterocellular contact to stromal cells increases IGF‐1R expression in melanoma cells and enhances resistance to vemurafenib. Interestingly, PTEN‐negative melanoma cells escape IGF‐1R blockade by decreased expression of the receptor, implicating that only in melanoma patients with PTEN‐positive tumors treatment with IGF‐1R inhibitors would be a suitable strategy to combat therapy resistance. Our data emphasize the crosstalk and therapeutic relevance of microenvironmental and tumor cell‐autonomous mechanisms in regulating IGF‐1R expression and by this sensitivity toward targeted therapies.
Predicting the neural effect of switching from donepezil to galantamine based on single‐photon emission computed tomography findings in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Oka Mizuki , Nakaaki Shutaro , Negi Atsushi , Miyata Jun , Nakagawa Atsuo , Hirono Nobutsugu , Mimura Masaru
Published: June 2015

Background

A number of neuroimaging studies have addressed the specific effect of treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors on the frontal lobe in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the neural effects of cholinesterase inhibitors on both apathy and executive dysfunction remain unclear. We examined whether baseline regional cerebral blood flow, as determined by using single‐photon emission computed tomography, is capable of predicting changes in apathy and executive dysfunction in response to AD patients switching from donepezil to galantamine therapy.

Methods

We conducted a 24‐week, prospective, open‐label study of AD patients treated with galantamine who did not respond to previous treatment with donepezil. Single‐photon emission computed tomography was performed at baseline, and behaviour and cognitive assessments including the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Japanese version of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale, the Frontal Assessment Battery, the Neuropsychiatry Inventory Brief Questionnaire Form, and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire were conducted at three time points (baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks of galantamine therapy).

Results

After galantamine therapy, the Neuropsychiatry Inventory Brief Questionnaire Form scores (apathy, irritability, and aberrant motor symptoms) and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire score improved significantly. The single‐photon emission computed tomography findings showed that lower baseline regional cerebral blood flow values in several frontal areas, including the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate, and the orbitofrontal cortex, predicted greater reductions in the score for apathy (distress) on the Neuropsychiatry Inventory Brief Questionnaire Form and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire score after patients switched from donepezil to galantamine therapy.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that galantamine therapy, unlike donepezil, is characterized by a dual mechanism of action that may increase acetylcholine and the nicotinic receptor‐modulation effect within the frontal lobe, both of which are associated with apathy and executive dysfunction in AD patients.
Cognitive impairment before changes appear on [18F]‐fluoro‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography images in a patient with possible early‐stage cerebellar‐predominant multiple system atrophy
Authors: Takaya Masahiko , Atsumi Masahiko , Hirose Tomoyuki , Ishii Kazunari , Shirakawa Osamu
Published: June 2015

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a sporadic, rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by autonomic dysfunction combined with parkinsonism or cerebellar ataxia. Patients with MSA typically suffer from cognitive disorders and rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography is used to assess MSA. However, the relationship between the clinical features and findings on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography in patients with MSA has not yet been investigated. Here we report a case of possible early‐stage cerebellar‐type MSA. We concluded that cerebellar‐type MSA or other factors, such as rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder or obstructive sleep apnoea cognitive impairment, could appear before changes are visible on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography images. Additionally, we concluded that the cognitive impairment could derive from cerebellar‐type MSA itself, not from other factors such as rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder or sleep apnoea syndrome.
Thinking Concretely Increases the Perceived Likelihood of Risks: The Effect of Construal Level on Risk Estimation
Authors: Lermer Eva , Streicher Bernhard , Sachs Rainer , Raue Martina , Frey Dieter
Published: June 2015

Recent findings on construal level theory (CLT) suggest that abstract thinking leads to a lower estimated probability of an event occurring compared to concrete thinking. We applied this idea to the risk context and explored the influence of construal level (CL) on the overestimation of small and underestimation of large probabilities for risk estimates concerning a vague target person (Study 1 and Study 3) and personal risk estimates (Study 2). We were specifically interested in whether the often‐found overestimation of small probabilities could be reduced with abstract thinking, and the often‐found underestimation of large probabilities was reduced with concrete thinking. The results showed that CL influenced risk estimates. In particular, a concrete mindset led to higher risk estimates compared to an abstract mindset for several adverse events, including events with small and large probabilities. This suggests that CL manipulation can indeed be used for improving the accuracy of lay people's estimates of small and large probabilities. Moreover, the results suggest that professional risk managers’ risk estimates of common events (thus with a relatively high probability) could be improved by adopting a concrete mindset. However, the abstract manipulation did not lead managers to estimate extremely unlikely events more accurately. Potential reasons for different CL manipulation effects on risk estimates’ accuracy between lay people and risk managers are discussed.
The Impact of Foreign Aid Linked to Infrastructure and Pollution Abatement
Authors: Barañano Ilaski , San Martín Marta
Published: June 2015

This paper studies the macroeconomic effects of foreign aid taking into account environmental quality. We develop a dynamic equilibrium model in which public investments in both infrastructure and pollution abatement can be co‐financed using domestic resources and international aid. We consider untied aid, aid fully tied to either infrastructure or abatement and aid equally tied to both expenditures. We find that when the extent to which agents are affected by environmental problems is taken into account, then, regardless of the chances of substitution between factors, transfers linked to both infrastructure and pollution abatement may be the best welfare‐enhancing alternative.
Fairness Considerations in Labor Union Wage Setting – A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Strifler Matthias , Beissinger Thomas
Published: June 2015

We consider a theoretical model in which unions not only take the outside option into account, but also care about the performance of the firm and base their wage‐setting decisions on a firm internal reference, called the fairness reference. Two references, which measure the earnings situation of the firm, are considered – productivity and profits per worker. Wage and employment outcomes as well as the degree of wage rigidity depend on the size of the fairness reference relative to the outside option. A high fairness reference leads to wage pressure and real wage rigidity, whereas a low fairness reference leads to wage moderation and real wage flexibility. An increase in the weight on the fairness reference amplifies these deviations from the standard model.
Transfusion in CMV seronegative T‐depleted allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients with CMV‐unselected blood components results in zero CMV transmissions in the era of universal leukocyte reduction: a UK dual centre experience
Authors: Hall S. , Danby R. , Osman H. , Peniket A. , Rocha V. , Craddock C. , Murphy M. , Chaganti S.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To establish rates of cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission with use of CMV‐unselected (CMV‐U), leukocyte‐reduced blood components transfused to CMV‐seronegative patient/CMV‐seronegative donor (CMV neg/neg) allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) recipients including those receiving T‐depleted grafts.

Background

CMV infection remains a major cause of morbidity following SCT. CMV‐seronegative SCT recipients are particularly at risk of transfusion transmitted CMV (TT‐CMV) and until recently they have received blood components from CMV‐seronegative donors with significant resource implications. Although leukocyte reduction of blood components is reported to minimise risk of TT‐CMV, its efficacy in high‐risk situations, such as in T‐depleted transplant recipients, is unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed the incidence of TT‐CMV in CMV neg/neg allogeneic SCT recipients transfused with CMV‐U, leukocyte‐reduced blood components in two transplantation centres in the UK. Patients were monitored for CMV infection by weekly CMV polymerase chain reaction testing. Leukocyte reduction of blood components was in accordance with current UK standards.

Results

Among 76 patients, including 59 receiving in vivo T‐depletion, no episodes of CMV infection were detected. Patients were transfused with 1442 CMV‐unselected, leukocyte‐reduced components, equating to 1862 donor exposures.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the safety of leukocyte reduction as a strategy in preventing TT‐CMV in high‐risk allogeneic SCT recipients.