bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PilG is Involved in the Regulation of Twitching Motility and Antifungal Antibiotic Biosynthesis in the Biological Control Agent Lysobacter enzymogenes
Authors: Zhou Xue , Qian Guoliang , Chen Yuan , Du Liangcheng , Liu Fengquan , Yuen Gary Y.
Published: September 2015

Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3 is a gliding bacterium which produces the antifungal secondary metabolite heat-stable antifungal factor (HSAF) and type IV pilus (T4P) as important mechanisms in biological control activity against fungal pathogens. To date, the regulators that control HSAF biosynthesis and T4P-dependent twitching motility in L. enzymogenes are poorly explored. In the present study, we addressed the role of pilG in the regulation of these two traits in L. enzymogenes. PilG of L. enzymogenes was found to be a response regulator, commonly known as a component of a two-component transduction system. Mutation of pilG in strain C3 abolished its ability to display spreading colony phenotype and cell movement at the colony margin, which is indicative of twitching motility; hence, PilG positively regulates twitching motility in L. enzymogenes. Mutation of pilG also enhanced HSAF production and the transcription of its key biosynthetic gene hsaf pks/nrps, suggesting that PilG plays a negative regulatory role in HSAF biosynthesis. This finding represents the first demonstration of the regulator PilG having a role in secondary metabolite biosynthesis in bacteria. Collectively, our results suggest that key ecological functions (HSAF production and twitching motility) in L. enzymogenes strain C3 are regulated in opposite directions by the same regulatory protein, PilG.
Patterns of Long-term Cancer Survivorship Care in a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
Authors: Miller Kenneth , Mehta Rutika , Abraham Joseph , Opneja Aman , Jain Rohit K.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

The majority of the cancer survivors in the United States are 5 or more years beyond their diagnosis. The follow-up care of these individuals remains a major concern for survivors and for the cancer care system. The purpose of this study was to characterize long-term cancer survivors’ visits at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.

Materials and Methods:

We abstracted electronic medical record data for 18,882 unique patients’ visits during 2010 to determine the distribution of the number of years of survival after the initial cancer diagnosis. We then reviewed 374 patient visits during a randomly selected week in April 2010 to determine whether patients were seen for treatment of a new diagnosis of cancer, a residual or recurrent cancer, for a second or secondary cancer, or for cancer survivorship care while not actively receiving treatment (other than adjuvant hormonal therapy).

Results:

In the 1-year group of 18,882 unique patients visits the percentage of patients who were <1, 1 to 5, 6 to 10, and >10 years postdiagnosis were 18.7%, 48.7%, 18.9%, and 13.8%, respectively. During the selected week, 74% of the total office visits were with patients who were being actively treated for a new cancer, relapse, or a second cancer, whereas 24% were not being seen for treatment of an active malignancy. The percentage of total office visits with patients who were <6, 6 to 10, or >10 years postdiagnosis and had completed their initial treatment were 21.4%, 3.7%, and 1%, respectively. Approximately 5% of oncology office visits were with cancer survivors who were 5 or more years postdiagnosis and not receiving treatment.

Conclusions:

In a database of over 18,000 unique patients who were seen at a major cancer center in 2010, approximately 68% were 5 or less and 32% were 6 or more years postdiagnosis. A review of the medical oncology notes in a random sample of cases of oncology visits demonstrated that approximately 5% of office visits were with long-term cancer survivors who were >5 years postdiagnosis and not receiving active treatment.

Implications for Cancer Survivors:

Cancer survivors often indicate a preference to receive long-term follow-up care from their oncologist. These findings suggest that long-term cancer survivorship care represents only a small component of care at a comprehensive cancer center and also that alternative models for long-term survivorship health care need to be considered.
Factors Associated With Discharge After Initial Emergency Treatment of Pediatric Migraine
Authors: Aravamuthan Bhooma R. , Mar Soe Soe , Williams Kristine G.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Migraine treatment varies widely in the pediatric emergency department (ED). Factors associated with discharge after only initial emergency treatment were examined.

Methods

A retrospective chart analysis was conducted on patients 6 to 18 years old who presented to the St. Louis Children's Hospital ED between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, with a discharge diagnosis of migraine (n = 700 visits). Associations between patient characteristics, initial treatments, and rates of discharge after only initial treatment were examined using a generalized linear model and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

If exclusively oral or intranasal (PO/IN) medications were given initially (n = 285), ibuprofen alone was associated with lower discharge rates compared with other PO/IN medication regimens (P < 0.05). The only other variable associated with discharge was arrival pain score (P < 0.05). When ibuprofen alone was administered, pain scores equal to or lower than 5/10 were associated with the greatest sensitivity and specificity for discharge. With administration of other PO/IN regimens, pain scores equal to or lower than 8/10 were associated with the greatest sensitivity and specificity for discharge. If intravenous (IV) medications were given initially (n = 415), ketorolac given with an antinausea medication was associated with higher discharge rates compared with independent administration of these medications (P < 0.05). Intravenous medications were associated with higher discharge rates compared with PO/IN medications (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Arrival pain score may be used to help select initial migraine treatment in the pediatric ED. Initial use of PO/IN regimens including triptans or an antiemetic and concurrent administration of IV ketorolac with an antiemetic may be associated with higher rates of discharge after initial treatment alone.
Halobacillus sediminis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a solar saltern sediment
Authors: Kim Su-Jin , Lee Jae-Chan , Han Song-Ih , Whang Kyung-Sook
Published: September 2015

A Gram-staining-positive, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain NGS-2T, was isolated from sediment of a solar saltern pond located in Shinan, Korea. Strain NGS-2T was a strictly aerobic, non-motile rod that grew at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 8.0), at 10–30 °C (optimum, 28 °C) and in the presence of 1–20 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 10 % NaCl). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain NGS-2T belonged to the genus Halobacillus, with sequence similarity of 98.4–95.8 % to existing type strains, showing the highest sequence similarity to Halobacillus dabanensis D-8T (98.4 %), H. litoralis SL-4T (98.4 %), H. trueperi SL-5T (98.2 %), H. faecis IGA7-4T (98.2 %), H. profundi IS-Hb4T (98.1 %) and H. mangrovi MS10T (98.0 %). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyl-N-methylethanolamine and an unknown glycolipid. The cell-wall peptidoglycan was based on l-Orn–d-Asp, the predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7) and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C15: 0 and anteiso-C17: 0. The DNA G+C content of the novel isolate was 45.0 mol%. Levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between strain NGS-2T and the type strains of 12 other species of the genus ranged from 32 to 3 %. On the basis of the polyphasic analysis conducted in this study, strain NGS-2T represents a novel species of the genus Halobacillus, for which the name Halobacillus sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NGS-2T ( = KACC 18263T = NBRC 110639T).
Macau’s Pataca and identity
Authors: Spooner Paul B.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– For over a 100 years, Macau’s Pataca has been tied to Macau’s identity, its independent financial existence and its links to the Lusophone world. Its role as a supporter of the Macau identity relies upon the strength and capabilities of its financial institutions, the Macau Monetary Authority and banking institutions that issue its currency (Banco Nacional Ultramarino and Bank of China). The paper aims to discuss the above issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author uses statistics and data from the Macau Monetary Authority.

Findings

– There are three possible scenarios that could emerge: first, retired in favor of the RMB, the HK dollar; second, maintained with its use expanding as Macau’s revenues and investment funds grow, or third, become a force for stronger economic cohesion and identity among the Lusophone nations.

Practical implications

– Which of these scenarios will offer Macau the highest possibility of maintaining its international network of relationships and representation, diversifying its economy into new growth markets and playing a unique role in China’s twenty-first century destiny?

Originality/value

– This paper studies a rarely discussed topic and focuses on a core component of Macau’s existence.
“Father” of Hong Kong nationalism? A critical review of Wan Chin’s city-state theory
Authors: Cheung Tommy
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to give a critical review of the City-State Theory by Wan Chin of Hong Kong. Chin is referred to as the “Father of Hong Kong Independence,” and his two books about the City-State Theory of Hong Kong are popular among the netizens in Hong Kong as a new model of Hong Kong-China (People’s Republic of China (PRC)), in which Hong Kong is considered a city-state and should be fully segregated from the PRC other than in seeking its help in military and diplomatic functions. This paper will aim to review his works with the view of nationalism and nativism theories.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses nationalism theories with particular focus on Benedict Anderson’s Imagined Communities and theories on American nativism. Then an effort is made to compare these theories against Chin’s arguments on his City-State Theory. This paper also compares his theories against China’s state-nationalism raised by Professors He and Guo.

Findings

– This paper concludes that Chin advocates a “Hong Kong Nationalism,” a blend of traditional Chinese culture and moral values (he used the term Huaxia), but with a Western influence, into a typical Hong Kong culture. His theory fits into Anderson’s arguments of allowing Hong Kong citizens to imagine Hong Kong as a nation, through the “ramparts” of the city-state. His nativist advocacies also have shown strong nationalistic sentiments. He argues that China should be built in the Hong Kong model before the PRC intervention.

Originality/value

– Despite his fame, this paper is the first comprehensive academic paper to review Chin’s theories. This paper introduced the notion of “ramparts” and how this has become the backbone of Chin’s nationalism advocacies.
Workplace stress in a foreign environment: Chinese migrants in New Zealand
Authors: Yao Christian , Thorn Kaye , Duan Zheng , Taskin Nazim
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relevance of personal and organisational factors contributing to workplace stress among Chinese migrants in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on surveys of 88 participants using the theoretical model of person-environment fit.

Findings

– The results reveal that perceived fit of organisational factors has a significant impact on workplace stress outcomes including emotional well-being, work-related health, job performance and intention to quit. Further analysis also shows that personal factors, some as a result of acculturation, play a moderating effect on the perceived relationship between the organisation and workplace stress. Education, advanced language skills and building networks in the new community are all important factors to minimise stress.

Originality/value

– From an organisational perspective, the study highlights the importance of understanding the factors that cause workplace stress, especially with a culturally diverse working population. This cross-sectional study could be furthered through the use of alternative cultural samples, and through the development of a longitudinal design. In short, this study of the work stress of Chinese migrants in New Zealand contributes to the field of knowledge providing exploratory insights for work stress research in human resource management.
Viewing domestic workers problems through a human rights lens
Authors: Salih Ismail Idowu
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the pattern and attitude of the UK government towards international frameworks that promotes humane treatment of domestic workers and the respect of their human rights. This paper also examines the UK government continued refusal to adopt ILO Convention 189 that consolidates the framework for regulating domestic work.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the concept of human rights, this paper conducts an extensive literature review on domestic workers; migrants in particular.

Findings

– This paper concludes that the best way to deal with the problems faced by domestic workers in the UK is the inclusion of them in all aspects of employment and health and safety protection, the regulation of domestic work, and a review of the domestic workers visas.

Research limitations/implications

– The Home Office has commissioned a panel to look into the effect of the current domestic workers visa on the vulnerability of the workers. The panel’s report is yet to be released as at the time of drafting this viewpoint.

Practical implications

– This paper contains useful informational for policy makers, NGOs, and academics.

Social implications

– This papers is a useful tool for a symposium, seminar, or conference.

Originality/value

– This paper contains original work of the author; except where copyright is acknowledged.
Post-transitional social economy: the case of Poland
Authors: Grygieńć Janusz
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the main determinants of the development of social economy in Poland; introduction to Polish socio-economic system, and identifying the institutional and cultural barriers to its development.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the paper presents the historical and institutional determinants of Polish social economy; second, it sets out the problems faced by post-transitional social economy. The approach to this issue takes a diversified form: it includes a political science approach (in describing the institutional determinants of social economy), a sociological approach (when it refers to sociological surveys and studies of Polish society), and a philosophical analysis (in considering the normative implications of introducing socio-economic institutions, describing their advantages and disadvantages).

Findings

– The theses of the paper state that: first, in the case of social economy, the Polish legal system anticipates social consciousness; in consequence, it does not contribute significantly to an increase in the number of socio-economic enterprises; second, institutional barriers to socio-economic development are derivative of cultural barriers.

Research limitations/implications

– The subject of the paper helps to explain and analyze Poland’s transformation.

Practical implications

– Recommendations for further development of social economy in Poland given as a conclusion to the paper.

Originality/value

– The paper combines descriptive and normative accounts of Polish social economy, summarizing its character and limitations as those have been identified by major Polish scholars, adding two theses not previously found in the scholarly literature, and presenting practical recommendations for development of social economy in Poland.
Weapon of the weak
Authors: Gaus Nurdiana , Hall David
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how academics resisted and accommodated changes towards the reform process in higher education institutions in Indonesia which has introduced market-driven principle of new public management and the principle of Neo-Weberian model. Using the theory developed by Scott concerning the resistance patterns by powerless or subordinated groups through “weapon of the weak”, this study aimed at mapping the resistance exhibited by Indonesian academics.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study was a case study using semi-structured interviews conducted with 30 academics in three state universities in Indonesia.

Findings

– The results of this study demonstrated that academics in Indonesian universities resisted and accommodated the policy reform using their discursive, unobtrusive tactics of resisting.

Research limitations/implications

– The method of data collection used in this research was based on the interview alone. It would be useful to consider to deploy other forms of data collection such as, observation to allow the building up of strong trusthworthiness of the findings of this research.

Practical implications

– The authors believed that this study may be useful to give better understandings for policy makers on implementing policies by considering aspects of behaviours of academics as street level bureaucrats in accepting, interpreting, and implementing policy imperatives. These results might also be beneficial for policy makers from other sectors outside higher education in effectuating policy imperatives.

Originality/value

– The authors argued that, academics actively responded to external pressures which contradicted their own values and beliefs with their unique intellectual strategies by which have been overlooked in the formulation of policy.
A new approach to the Scoreboard
Authors: Magazzino Cosimo , Felici Francesco , Bozic Vanja
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the information content of the variables that can help detecting external and internal imbalances in an early stage. The starting point is the Scoreboard, where nine indicators are chosen in order to increase macroeconomic surveillance of all member states.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides an overview of the variables that could be informative for imbalances by focusing on EU-27 countries over the period 1960-2010. The number of chosen variables is 28, and they are aggregated in six macro-areas. Therefore, once an imbalance is observed in any of those areas, it is possible to detect in a simple way which specific variable is determining such outcome.

Findings

– In general, this approach provides reliable signal to the policy-makers about the indicators that can drive imbalances within the area, shedding light on the relationship among the variables included in the analysis, too.

Research limitations/implications

– In fact, the empirical results underline some well-known critical issue for several countries, and is largely in line with results obtained in a variety of EC and OECD studies.

Originality/value

– The main added value of the approach adopted in this paper is the introduction of more variables than those initially proposed by the European Commission in the construction of the Scoreboard. This provides more information about the macroeconomic situation in each country, preserving, however, the simplicity of the analysis as the variables are aggregated by homogeneous areas.
Librarians as partners in research data service development at Griffith University
Authors: Searle Samantha , Wolski Malcolm , Simons Natasha , Richardson Joanna
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution to date and future directions in research data policy, infrastructure, skills development and advisory services in an Australian university, with a focus on the role of librarians.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors have been involved in the development of research data services at Griffith, and the case study presents observations and reflections arising from their first-hand experiences.

Findings

– Griffith University’s organisational structure and “whole-of-enterprise” approach has facilitated service development to support research data. Fostering strong national partnerships has also accelerated development of institutional capability. Policies and strategies are supported by pragmatic best practice guidelines aimed directly at researchers. Iterative software development and a commitment to well-supported enterprise infrastructure enable the provision of a range of data management solutions. Training programs, repository support and data planning services are still relatively immature. Griffith recognises that information services staff (including librarians) will need more opportunities to develop knowledge and skills to support these services as they evolve.

Originality/value

– This case study provides examples of library-led and library-supported activities that could be used for comparative purposes by other libraries. At the same time, it provides a critical perspective by contrasting areas of good practice within the University with those of less satisfactory progress. While other institutions may have different constraints or opportunities, some of the major concepts within this paper may prove useful to advance the development of research data capability and capacity across the library profession.
Governance and long-term operating performance of family and non-family firms in Australia
Authors: Halili Enver , Saleh Ali Salman , Zeitun Rami
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the long-term operating performance of family and non-family firms from the agency theoretic perspective. The analysis is focused on investigating the impact of family ownership on principal–agent conflicts of interest.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper examines the relationship between firm operating performance and family ownership for a large sample of 677 Australian-listed companies. The paper uses the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) estimator model developed by Arellano and Bond (1991) and used by other studies in finance (Baltagi, 2012; Bond, 2002; Mohamed et al., 2008).

Findings

– The empirical results show that firms with ownership concentration has a better operating performance due to the alignment of owner-management interests. This study also finds that family-listed companies have higher survival rates and perform better than non-family companies. Findings support the hypothesis that agency costs arise as a result of privileged access of information and self-interest behaviour of managers (outsiders) in firms with dispersed ownership structures.

Originality/value

– Earlier studies have only focused on short-term perspectives, particularly investigating small and medium types of Australian family businesses from narrow aspects, such as productivity, business behaviour, capital structure and leverage. Therefore, this paper has conducted a comparative examination of family and non-family firms listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) to identify the impact of agency costs on their financial performance.
Seed germination of Melocactus sergipensis N.P. Taylor & M.V. Meiado, the newest Brazilian cactus destined for extinction
Authors: Meiado Marcos V.
Published: September 2015

Recently, a new cactus was discovered in an area of the Caatinga, a tropical dry forest of north‐eastern Brazil. Although this discovery is excellent news, Melocactus sergipensis is critically endangered because it is affected by deforestation of native vegetation and chemicals used in the maize crop, next to the holotype locality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seed germination and seedling survival of the newest Brazilian cactus. All germination treatments were performed at room temperature and white light or continuous darkness. For the evaluation of establishment, 50 seedlings were examined at 30‐day intervals for 5 months. I did not observe seed germination of M. sergipensis in continuous darkness, which shows that the newly discovered species is positive photoblastic. However, a high germinability was observed under white light (80.0 ± 10.8%), indicating that the seeds of the newly discovered species are able to germinate and the light is needed for seed germination. After 5 months, seedling mortality was less than 5%. These results show that the seedlings of the newly discovered cactus can be produced in a glasshouse, providing support for studies on ex situ conservation of a species that could become extinct in the near future.
Monitoring of Levamisole Concentration in Serum of Traffic Participants after Cocaine Consumption
Authors: Dziadosz Marek , Klintschar Michael , Teske Jörg
Published: September 2015

This study highlights the problem of levamisole‐adulterated cocaine in context of active traffic participation. For the purposes of levamisole concentration monitoring in human serum, an analytical method based on LC‐MS/MS and solid‐phase extraction was applied. A Luna 5 μm C18 (2) 100 A, 150 mm × 2 mm column and a mobile phase consisting of A (H2O/methanol = 95/5, v/v) and B (H2O/methanol = 3/97, v/v), both with 10 mM ammonium acetate and with 0.1% acetic acid (pH = 3.2), were used. The validation experiments demonstrated that the method applied was appropriate for levamisole quantification in human serum. For 23% of levamisole‐positive samples, the concentrations exceeded 20 ng/mL. Therefore, the interaction of this drug with cocaine has to be considered as important for active traffic participation. As a consequence, monitoring of levamisole concentration in human serum is recommended, as long as it is used as cocaine adulterant.
High‐density SNP assay development for genetic analysis in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster)
Authors: Plomion C. , Bartholomé J. , Lesur I. , Boury C. , Rodríguez‐Quilón I. , Lagraulet H. , Ehrenmann F. , Bouffier L. , Gion J. M. , Grivet D. , de Miguel M. , de María N. , Cervera M. T. , Bagnoli F. , Isik F. , Vendramin G. G. , González‐Martínez S. C.
Published: September 2015

Maritime pine provides essential ecosystem services in the south‐western Mediterranean basin, where it covers around 4 million ha. Its scattered distribution over a range of environmental conditions makes it an ideal forest tree species for studies of local adaptation and evolutionary responses to climatic change. Highly multiplexed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays are increasingly used to study genetic variation in living organisms and for practical applications in plant and animal breeding and genetic resource conservation. We developed a 9k Illumina Infinium SNP array and genotyped maritime pine trees from (i) a three‐generation inbred (F2) pedigree, (ii) the French breeding population and (iii) natural populations from Portugal and the French Atlantic coast. A large proportion of the exploitable SNPs (2052/8410, i.e. 24.4%) segregated in the mapping population and could be mapped, providing the densest ever gene‐based linkage map for this species. Based on 5016 SNPs, natural and breeding populations from the French gene pool exhibited similar level of genetic diversity. Population genetics and structure analyses based on 3981 SNP markers common to the Portuguese and French gene pools revealed high levels of differentiation, leading to the identification of a set of highly differentiated SNPs that could be used for seed provenance certification. Finally, we discuss how the validated SNPs could facilitate the identification of ecologically and economically relevant genes in this species, improving our understanding of the demography and selective forces shaping its natural genetic diversity, and providing support for new breeding strategies.
Tachyphylaxis to local anaesthetics. What is the clinical evidence? A systematic review
Authors: Kongsgaard U. E. , Werner M. U.
Published: September 2015

Background

Tachyphylaxis or acute tolerance to local anaesthetics has been reported, but the prevalence in clinical analgesia is obscure, and the mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unclear. We sought to examine the clinical significance of tachyphylaxis from the available literature.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature utilising the databases PubMed and Embase employing the search terms [Tachyphylaxis AND Local Anaesthetics AND Human] AND [Tolerance AND Local Anaesthetics AND Human].

Results

A total of 66 records were identified. Thirty‐four articles were assessed in full text for eligibility. Twenty studies were considered relevant for qualitative analyses, but only six studies were randomised controlled trials. Because of the heterogeneity of the randomised controlled trials, it was not possible to conduct a meta‐analysis.

Conclusion

Studies documenting tachyphylaxis with clinical use of local anaesthetics are surprisingly scarce, and the mechanisms behind it remain unclear.
Ligneous membranitis in Scottish Terriers is associated with a single nucleotide polymorphism in theplasminogen(PLG) gene
Authors: Ainsworth Stuart , Carter Stuart , Fisher Claire , Dawson Jenna , Makrides Loria , Nuttall Tim , Mason Sarah L.
Published: September 2015

Ligneous membranitis (LM) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition of the mucous membranes associated with plasminogen (encoded byPLG) deficiency in affected humans and dogs. In human, the condition is genetic in nature with numerous mutations and polymorphisms inPLGidentified in affected individuals and related family members. The condition is uncommonly reported in dogs and, to date, no genetic studies have been performed. We identified related Scottish Terriers (littermates) with severe LM and unaffected relatives (sire, dam and a sibling from a previous litter). Plasma plasminogen activity was below normal in one affected dog but within normal reference intervals for the other. Sequencing ofPLGfrom the affected dogs revealed a homozygous A>T single nucleotide polymorphism in an intron donor site (c.1256+2T>A). The related, unaffected dogs displayed heterozygous alleles at this position (c.1256+2T/A), whereas no mutation was detected in unaffected, non‐related control dogs. This is the first report to identify gene polymorphisms associated with LM in dogs.
Copy number variations in the amylase gene (AMY2B) in Japanese native dog breeds
Authors: Tonoike A. , Hori Y. , Inoue‐Murayama M. , Konno A. , Fujita K. , Miyado M. , Fukami M. , Nagasawa M. , Mogi K. , Kikusui T.
Published: September 2015

A recent study suggested that increased copy numbers of the AMY2B gene might be a crucial genetic change that occurred during the domestication of dogs. To investigate AMY2B expansion in ancient breeds, which are highly divergent from modern breeds of presumed European origins, we analysed copy numbers in native Japanese dog breeds. Copy numbers in the Akita and Shiba, two ancient breeds in Japan, were higher than those in wolves. However, compared to a group of various modern breeds, Akitas had fewer copy numbers, whereas Shibas exhibited the same level of expansion as modern breeds. Interestingly, average AMY2B copy numbers in the Jomon‐Shiba, a unique line of the Shiba that has been bred to maintain their appearance resembling ancestors of native Japanese dogs and that originated in the same region as the Akita, were lower than those in the Shiba. These differences may have arisen from the earlier introduction of rice farming to the region in which the Shiba originated compared to the region in which the Akita and the Jomon‐Shiba originated. Thus, our data provide insights into the relationship between the introduction of agriculture and AMY2B expansion in dogs.
Evaluation of polymyxin susceptibility profile among KPC‐producing Klebsiella pneumoniae using Etest and MicroScan WalkAway automated system
Authors: Perez Leandro Reus Rodrigues
Published: September 2015

Determination of polymyxin susceptibility profile is important to monitor resistance rates and for implementing control measures for polymyxin‐resistant carbapenem‐resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Some laboratorial methods have been used to determine the polymyxin susceptibility profile. However, the performance of MicroScan WalkAway has been poorly reported for KPC‐producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, so far. To evaluate two different methods, Etest and the MicroScan automated system, in determining minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of polymyxin among KPC‐producing K. pneumoniae isolated from patients in two care units (ICUs) of a tertiary hospital in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. A total of 101 KPC‐Kb isolates were obtained from rectal swabs and clinical specimens (urine, blood, and endotracheal aspirate). Colistin and polymyxin B MICs were determined using MicroScan WalkAway automated system and Etest, respectively. Discrepant results were resolved by broth microdilution (BMD). MicroScan showed 88.1% of sensitivity for predicting polymyxin B resistance in KPC‐producing K. pneumoniae compared to the results obtained by Etest. All discrepant results were tested by BMD and these were concordant with results obtained by Etest. The MicroScan automated system does not seem to be very efficient for the screening of polymyxin‐resistant isolates once an inappropriate sensitivity is achieved. The results presented here show the need for confirmation of the susceptibility profile by use of a dilution method (Etest or BMD).
Micronucleus scoring: a potential adjunct for diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma on cervical samples
Authors: Gupta Parikshaa , Dey Pranab , Gupta Nalini
Published: September 2015

Micronucleus (MN) is an additional, small nucleus formed due to failure of incorporation of a fragment or the whole chromosome into the main daughter nuclei during cell division. MN scoring is a useful indicator of exposure to genotoxic agents and of malignancy. This study was conducted to know whether the MN score was significantly different in cervical cytology smears of patients with endometrial carcinoma, atypical and benign cells. Three groups of cervical smears were taken up for MN scoring: Group ‘A’ included benign endometrial cells, Group ‘B’, atypical glandular cells – endometrial and Group ‘C’, endometrial adenocarcinoma. Post hoc analysis of variance test was used to determine significant differences between the three groups. There were 30 cases in Group ‘A’, 31 cases in Group ‘B’ and 39 cases in Group ‘C’. The mean MN score was 0.67 ± 0.711 in Group A, 1.74 ± 0.930 in Group B and 4.10 ± 2.500 in Group C. MN scores were significantly different between all three groups (p < 0.05). The MN score is significantly higher in cervical smears of patients with endometrial carcinoma; as compared to smears showing atypical and benign cells and that this finding may be useful for further research.
Executive functions in early childhood: The role of maternal and paternal parenting practices
Authors: Lucassen Nicole , Kok Rianne , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Van Ijzendoorn Marinus H. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Hofman Albert , Verhulst Frank C. , Lambregtse‐Van den Berg Mijke P. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: September 2015

We investigated the association between mothers' and fathers' harsh parenting and sensitive parenting practices and child's executive functions (EF) in early childhood in 607 families. We focused on three broad dimensions of child EF: Emergent metacognition, inhibitory self‐control, and flexibility measured with the parent‐reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function‐Preschool Version. Less sensitive parenting of the mother and harsher parenting of the father were related to lower scores of emergent metacognition and inhibitory self‐control. Parenting was not associated with child flexibility. This study extends previous research on the association between parenting and EF by the focus on the role of the father and demonstrates independent effects of mother and father on child EF.
Posthurricane Seedling Structure in a Multi‐aged Tropical Dry Forest: Implications for Community Succession
Authors: Carrington Mary E. , Ross Michael S. , Basit Alia F.
Published: September 2015

Hurricane‐caused tree mortality in tropical dry forests occurs predominantly in early successional species. Consequently, hurricanes may accelerate succession in these forests. Forest regeneration, however, must be measured over an extended posthurricane time period to demonstrate this pattern. In this study, we recorded tree seedlings in 19 Florida Keys forests during May–August 1995, 3 years after Hurricane Andrew. For these forests—spanning a chronosequence from 14 to over 100 years since the most recent clearing—we used weighted averaging regression on relative abundances of pre‐hurricane trees to calculate a successional age optimum for each species; and used weighted averaging calibration to calculate inferred successional ages for stands based on pre‐hurricane trees and on posthurricane seedlings. To test the hypothesis that successional stage of seedlings exceeded successional stage of pre‐hurricane trees, we compared inferred stand ages based on posthurricane seedlings with those based on pre‐hurricane trees. Across the study area, inferred stand ages based on posthurricane seedlings were greater than those based on pre‐hurricane trees (P < 0.005); however, more seedlings in the youngest stands were early successional than in older stands. Of 29 species present both as pre‐hurricane trees and posthurricane seedlings, 23 had animal‐dispersed seeds. These results provide evidence that: (1) hurricanes do not ‘reset’ succession, and may accelerate succession; and (2) a strong legacy of stand successional age influences seedling assemblages in these forests.
Effects of Tree Genotypic Diversity and Species Diversity on the Arthropod Community Associated with Big‐leaf Mahogany
Authors: Campos‐Navarrete María J. , Munguía‐Rosas Miguel A. , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Quinto Javier , Parra‐Tabla Víctor
Published: September 2015

Despite potential interactive effects of plant species and genotypic diversity (SD and GD, respectively) on consumers, studies have usually examined these effects separately. We evaluated the individual and combined effects of tree SD and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) GD on the arthropod community associated with mahogany. We conducted this study within the context of a tree diversity experiment consisting of 74 plots with 64 saplings/plot. We sampled 24 of these plots, classified as monocultures of mahogany or polycultures of four species (including mahogany). Within each plot type, mahogany was represented by either one or four maternal families. We surveyed arthropods on mahogany and estimated total arthropod abundance and species richness, as well as abundance and richness separately for herbivorous and predatory arthropods. Overall tree SD and mahogany GD had positive effects on total arthropod species richness and abundance on mahogany, and also exerted interactive effects on total species richness (but not abundance). Analyses conducted by trophic level group showed contrasting patterns; SD positively influenced herbivore species richness but not abundance, and did not affect either predator richness or abundance. GD influenced predator species richness but not abundance, and did not influence herbivore abundance or richness. There were interactive effects of GD and SD only for predator species richness. These results provide evidence that intra‐ and inter‐specific plant diversity exert interactive controls on associated consumer communities, and that the relative importance of SD and GD may vary among higher trophic levels, presumably due to differences in the underlying mechanisms or consumer traits.
Hard to reach and easy to ignore: the drinking careers of young people not in education, employment or training
Authors: Nelson Peter , Taberrer Sharon
Published: September 2015

Young people's drinking in the UK remains a matter of medical, social, media and political concern. The notion of transition and drinking styles in the move from childhood to adulthood and from education to employment has been central to understanding young people's drinking behaviour, but little is known about how the drinking patterns of those not in education or employment, both men and women, develop over time. This paper reports on research which aimed to examine the current drinking habits and drinking careers of young people not in education employment and training who are traditionally described as hard to reach. In‐depth qualitative interviews were undertaken with 23 young people: 15 women and 8 men aged between 14 and 23. The findings are presented with respect to three stages of drinking: starting, continuing or increasing, and decreasing or stopping. The conclusions indicate that for the majority of these young people, alcohol is a significant factor in their lives and that peers, gender, time and place combine to structure both their current alcohol use and drinking career. The paper argues that an understanding of young people's drinking career development and current alcohol use will help target effective social work and multi‐agency intervention.
Phylogeny, landmark analysis and the use of wing venation to study the evolution of social wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Vespinae)
Authors: Perrard Adrien , Lopez‐Osorio Federico , Carpenter James M.
Published: September 2015

Wing venation provides useful characters with which to classify extant and fossil insects. Recently, quantification of its shape using landmarks has increased the potential of wing venation to distinguish taxa. However, the use of wing landmarks in phylogenetic analyses remains largely unexplored. Here, we tested landmark analysis under parsimony (LAUP) to include wing shape data in a phylogenetic analysis of hornets and yellow jackets. Using 68 morphological characters, nine genes and wing landmarks, we produced the first total‐evidence phylogeny of Vespinae. We also tested the influence of LAUP parameters using simulated landmarks. Our data confirmed that optimization parameters, alignment method, landmark number and, under low optimization parameters, the initial orientation of aligned shapes can influence LAUP results. Furthermore, single landmark configurations never accurately reflected the topology used for data simulation, but results were significantly close when compared to random topologies. Thus, wing landmark configurations were unreliable phylogenetic characters when treated independently, but provided some useful insights when combined with other data. Our phylogeny corroborated the monophyly of most groups proposed on the basis of morphology and showed the fossil Palaeovespa is distantly related to extant genera. Unstable relationships among genera suggest that rapid radiations occurred in the early history of the Vespinae.
In vitro evaluation of peri‐implantitis treatment modalities on Saos‐2osteoblasts
Authors: Toma Selena , Lasserre Jerome , Brecx Michel C. , Nyssen‐Behets Catherine
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Mechanical treatment of the implant surface through surgical approach is recommended to control peri‐implantitis. Few conclusive data exist about the physical and chemical properties of treated titanium surfaces and their biocompatibility towards osteoblasts. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate four clinical procedures: plastic curette, air‐abrasive device (Perio‐Flow®), titanium brush (Ti‐Brush®) and implantoplasty in terms of biocompatibility and osteogenic effect when cultured with Saos2.

Materials and Methods

Titanium disks were treated with plastic curette, air‐abrasive device (Perio‐Flow®), titanium brush (Ti‐Brush®) and implantoplasty. Their surface microtopography (SEM), chemical composition (EDX) and wettability were evaluated. After seeding with Saos‐2, cell morphology (1 h, 24 h), viability (three and 6 days) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteocalcin (OCN) production (7 days) were analyzed.

Results

Control, plastic curette, Perio‐Flow® and Ti‐Brush® groups presented complex microstructures including craters and micropits, whereas the implantoplasty group appeared much smoother (SEM). Titanium, oxygen, aluminium and carbon were identified as the main components in all disks with a decrease in the percentage of oxygen, carbon and an increase in the percentage of titanium in the implantoplasty group (EDX). Implantoplasty disks were also significantly more hydrophilic than the other ones, whose surfaces appeared hydrophobic. Saos‐2 showed no morphological difference at 1 h. At 24 h, they appeared round shaped in all groups, except the implantoplasty group where the cells appeared stretched and elongated. Viability was similar in all groups, but significantly higher in the Perio‐Flow® than the control group at day six. ALP, OPG and OCN protein expression at 7 days was similar in all groups.

Conclusions

Although implantoplasty was the only modality to modify the titanium surface morphology, composition and wettability, all treatment modalities promoted ALP, OPG and OCN production and appeared as valid approaches in terms of biocompatibility.
Armenian cochineal (Porphyrophora hamelii) and purpurin‐rich madder in ancient polychromy
Authors: Mantzouris Dimitrios , Karapanagiotis Ioannis
Published: September 2015

Samples removed from funeral figurines, dated the third to the second centuryBC(Hellenistic period) and found in Macedonia, Greece, are investigated using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Two results are reported that provide new insights into ancient polychromy. Firstly, high‐performance liquid chromatography results, in combination with historical information, indicate that insect species of cochineal, most probablyPorphyrophora hameliiBrandt, was used in Hellenistic objects. Secondly, madder detected in the archaeological samples contains high amounts of purpurin (alizarin is either not detected or detected in trace). This relative composition, which is recorded using the hydrochloric acid method for dyestuff extraction, is consistent with that prepared from wild madder (Rubia peregrinaL.), which is a common plant in the Mediterranean region.
Plasma citrulline after small bowel transplantation: effect of time from transplantation, acute cellular rejection, and renal failure
Authors: Pironi Loris , Guidetti Mariacristina , Lauro Augusto , Zanfi Chiara , Agostini Federica , D'Errico Antonietta , Altimari Annalisa , Pinna Antonio D.
Published: September 2015

Background

Plasma citrulline concentration (CIT) depends on its synthesis by enterocytes and its catabolism by renal tubules. To evaluate CIT applicability as a marker of acute cellular rejection (ACR) after intestinal transplantation (ITx), CIT was investigated according to time from ITx, episodes of ACR, and creatinine clearance (CrCl).

Methods

Twenty‐four adult ITx recipients were prospectively studied. The results were compared with those of 19 healthy controls (HCs) and of 29 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF).

Results

In ITx recipients, CIT was lower than in HCs during the first two postoperative weeks; it then progressively increased and reached the range observed in HCs, approximately between the 31st and the 45th postoperative day. A positive association with postoperative days (R = 0.63; p < 0.0001) and a negative association with CrCl (R = −0.57; p < 0.0001) were observed. CIT was higher in patients with CRF than in HCs (p < 0.0001). CIT sensitivity and specificity in detecting ACR after the 45th postoperative day were 38% and 83%, using CIT threshold observed in HCs, and 69% and 77%, respectively, using CIT threshold adjusted for CRF degree.

Conclusions

Adjusting CIT threshold for CRF degree almost doubled the sensitivity of CIT as a non‐invasive marker of ACR in ITx recipients.