bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phakomatoses Part I: Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Common and Uncommon Neuroimaging Findings
Authors: Faro Scott H. , Higginson Sean N. , Koenigsberg Robert , Poon Cheryce M. , Swidryk John P. , Mohammed Feroze B. , Zimmerman Robert A. , Chen Cheng Y.
Published: February 2016

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF‐1) belongs to a family of diseases named phakomatoses, which are characterized by congenital malformations of ectodermal structures. Neurofibromatosis type I affects 1 in 3000 people, and has a diverse clinical presentation as well as an array of imaging findings. In this article the authors review the various neuroimaging findings present in NF‐1, including abnormalities of the parenchyma, meninges, vessels, and associated neoplasms.
Orbital Involvement as the Initial Manifestation of Sarcoidosis: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: Shaikh Zubair A. , Bakshi Rohit , Greenberg Steven J. , Fine Edward J. , Shatla Ahmed , Lincoff Norah S.
Published: February 2016

A 74‐year‐old man had diplopia, painful right ophthalmoplegia, proptosis, conjunctival injection, and facial skin lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed infiltration of the right intraorbital adipose tissue. Lesions were mixed low‐ and highsignal on T2‐weighted images and enhanced on fat‐suppressed T1‐weighted postcontrast images. A skin biopsy revealed numerous noncaseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. Treatment with corticosteroids and chlorambucil led to a full clinical recovery. Sarcoidosis should be considered in the evaluation of orbital pseudotumor in elderly patients, even if no systemic manifestations of sarcoidosis are present
Imaging of Dopamine Transporters With Technetium‐99m TRODAT‐1 and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
Authors: Bao Shi‐yao , Wu Jin‐chang , Luo Wui‐fend , Fang Ping , Liu Zeng‐li , Tang Jun
Published: February 2016

The authors wanted to evaluate the usefulness of 99TmTRODAT‐ 1 as an imaging agent for measuring changes in dopamine transporter concentrations in Parkinson disease (PD) and correlate the findings to the severity of the disease as measured by the Hoehn and Yahr scale (HIY). Twenty‐two healthy volunteers and 27 patients with PD of H/Y stage I‐IV were evaluated. Acquisitions were performed 2 hours after injection of 99TmTRODAT‐ 1. Regions of interest were drawn over the striatum and the cerebellum, and the ratios of striatum‐to‐cerebellum (ST/CB) were calculated. Patients with PD showed a significant decrease in the striatal uptake of 99Tm‐TRODAT‐1 compared to healthy volunteers, and the ST/CB ratios were closely related to the stage of PD. The present study demonstrates that it is possible to visualize and quantify changes in dopamine transporter in the striatum of patients with PD using 99Tm‐TRODAT‐1 and SPECT with good correlation to H/Y stage and unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) scale.
Acute Optic Neuritis: Association With Paranasal Sinus Inflammatory Changes on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ergene Erhan , Rupp Frederick W , Qualls Clifford R. , Ford Corey C.
Published: February 2016

The authors compared the frequency of paranasal sinus inflammatory changes (SIC) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained from 23 patients with new onset acute optic neuritis (ON) and 48 control patients who underwent outpatient MRI of the brain for reasons other than ON. The authors found a higher frequency of paranasal SIC in patients with ON (83%) than in controls (54%) (p = 0.02). The distribution of paranasal SIC (in ON and in controls) was maxillary (83% and 52%), ethmoid (4% and 2%), frontal (9% and 14%), and sphenoid (4% and 1.0%). Frequency of the maxillary SIC was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in patients with ON than in controls. Further evaluation of maxillary paranasal SIC with a grading system showed the presence of thickened mucosal lining of the sinuses (grade I) in 17% (ON) and 23% (controls), mucous retention cysts within the sinuses (grade II) in 48% (ON) and 25% (controls), and severe mucosal thickening with complete or nearcomplete filling of the sinus or an air‐fluid level within the sinus (grade Ill) in 17% (ON) and 4% (controls). Combined frequency of grade II and grade Ill SIC was significantly higher in the ON group than in controls (p = 0.005), as was the frequency of grade III SIC alone (p = 0.02). Grade I SIC did not significantly differ between the groups. There was a trend (p = 0.09) toward a higher prevalence of bilateral sinus inflammatory changes in patients with bilateral ON. These findings suggest that ON may be associated with sinus inflammatory changes.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Bilateral Bell's Palsy
Authors: Shaikh Zubair A. , Bakshi Rohit , Wasay Mohammad , Dai Alper , Gosy Eugene
Published: February 2016

Bell's palsy (idiopathic facial paralysis) is the most common cause of unilateral peripheral facial neuropathy. Bilateral involvement occurs in less than 10% of cases. The authors describe a 20‐year‐old man with bilateral idiopathic facial weakness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed abnormal bilateral enhancement of the proximal intracanalicular segments of VII/VIII nerve complexes. The enhancement was most prominent in the leptomeningeal regions. There was no facial nerve swelling. Three months later he had improving residual bifacial weakness. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of abnormal MRI findings in bilateral Bell's palsy.
Influence of Liquid Lubrication on the Screw‐Joint Stability of Y‐TZP Implant Abutment Systems
Authors: Basílio Mariana de Almeida , Abi‐Rached Filipe de Oliveira , Butignon Luis Eduardo , Arioli Filho João Neudenir
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of abutment screws coated with liquid Vaseline on the screw‐joint stability of yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y‐TZP) abutment systems.

Materials and Methods

Forty Y‐TZP prefabricated abutments, 20 Neodent and 20 Bionnovation, were tightened to 20 Ncm on their respective external hexagon implants, and divided into four groups (n = 10) according to the screws: coated with Vaseline or uncoated. The removal torque (RT) value of the abutment screw was measured before and after loading. A cyclic loading (0.5 × 106 cycles; 15 Hz) between 11 and 211 N was applied. Means were compared using a repeated‐measures ANOVA (α = 0.05).

Results

There was no significant difference between coated and uncoated screws (p = 0.822). Significant differences were found between the abutment systems (p < 0.001). There was a significant effect of cyclic loading (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Coated and uncoated screws presented similar effectiveness in maintaining preload.

Clinical Relevance

The liquid lubricant used in this study does not influence the stability of Y‐TZP single‐implant restorations.
Various patterns of disrupted daily rest–activity rhythmicity associated with diabetes
Authors: Kadono Mayuko , Nakanishi Naoko , Yamazaki Masahiro , Hasegawa Goji , Nakamura Naoto , Fukui Michiaki
Published: February 2016

Disruptions to sleep and circadian rhythms have now been recognized as common comorbidities in patients with medical illnesses. We aimed to determine if the diurnal rhythms for rest and activity were disrupted in parallel with the development of diabetic complications. Ninety outpatients in our diabetes clinic who had a body mass index <25 kg m2 wore an actigraph for 7 consecutive days (42 men; mean age 68.7 ± 8.2 years). Patients with neuropsychiatric diseases, liver cirrhosis, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or blindness, or those who performed shiftwork were excluded. We grouped the actigraph recordings into 1‐h periods and counted the number of minutes that showed activity. Stepwise regression analysis showed an association between a diabetic clinical background and measurements of circadian rhythms such as daytime activity, night‐time activity, phase, interdaily stability, intradaily variability and relative amplitude. Higher age, body mass index, total cholesterol levels and insulin usage were associated with lower daytime activity and higher intradaily variability, whereas higher haemoglobin A1c levels and the presence of neuropathy were associated with greater daytime activity. The presence of proliferative retinopathy and increased levels of microalbuminuria were associated with higher intradaily variability and lower interdaily stability and amplitude. The presence of cardiovascular disease was associated with advanced phase, whereas painful neuropathy was associated with delayed phase. Our study demonstrated that different diabetic complications were associated independently with a variety of alterations in the circadian rest and activity rhythms. Our findings have provided novel insights that may be helpful in developing interventions for sleep–wake disorders associated with diabetes.
Sleep problems and internet addiction among children and adolescents: a longitudinal study
Authors: Chen YI‐Lung , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen
Published: February 2016

Although the literature has documented associations between sleep problems and internet addiction, the temporal direction of these relationships has not been established. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the bidirectional relationships between sleep problems and internet addiction among children and adolescents longitudinally. A four‐wave longitudinal study was conducted with 1253 children and adolescents in grades 3, 5 and 8 from March 2013 to January 2014. The sleep problems of the student participants were measured by parental reports on the Sleep Habit Questionnaire, which catalogues early insomnia, middle insomnia, disturbed circadian rhythm, periodic leg movements, sleep terrors, sleepwalking, sleep talking, nightmares, bruxism, snoring and sleep apnoea. The severity of internet addiction was measured by students’ self‐reports on the Chen Internet Addiction Scale. Based on the results of time‐lag models, dyssomnias (odds ratio = 1.31), especially early and middle insomnias (odds ratio = 1.74 and 2.24), sequentially predicted internet addiction, and internet addiction sequentially predicted disturbed circadian rhythm (odds ratio = 2.40), regardless of adjustment for gender and age. This is the first study to demonstrate the temporal relationship of early and middle insomnia predicting internet addiction, which subsequently predicts disturbed circadian rhythm. These findings imply that treatment strategies for sleep problems and internet addiction should vary according to the order of their occurrence.
A Wavelet Characterization of Continuous‐Time Periodically Correlated Processes with Application to Simulation
Authors: Ghanbarzadeh Mitra , Aminghafari Mina
Published: February 2016

We introduce a wavelet characterization of continuous‐time periodically correlated processes based on a linear combination of infinite‐dimensional stationary processes. The finite version of this linear combination converges to the main process. The first‐order and second‐order estimators based on the wavelets are presented. Under a simple and easy algorithm, the periodically correlated process is simulated for a given autocovariance function. The proposed algorithm has two main advantages: first, it is fast, and second, it is distribution free. We indicate through four examples that the simulated data are periodically correlated with the desired period.
Cross‐genotype‐specific T‐cell responses in acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection
Authors: Gisa A. , Suneetha P. V. , Behrendt P. , Pischke S. , Bremer B. , Falk C. S. , Manns M. P. , Cornberg M. , Wedemeyer H. , Kraft A. R. M.
Published: February 2016

Hepatitis E is an inflammatory liver disease caused by infection with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). In tropical regions, HEV is highly endemic and predominantly mediated by HEV genotypes 1 and 2 with >3 million symptomatic cases per year and around 70 000 deaths. In Europe and America, the zoonotic HEV genotypes 3 and 4 have been reported with continues increasing new infections per year. So far, little is known about T‐cell responses during acute HEV genotype 3 infection. Therefore, we did a comprehensive study investigating HEV‐specific T‐cell responses using genotypes 3‐ and 1‐specific overlapping peptides. Additional cytokines and chemokines were measured in the plasma. In four patients, longitudinal studies were performed. Broad functional HEV‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses were detectable in patients acutely infected with HEV genotype 3. Elevated of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine levels during acute HEV infection correlated with ALT levels. Memory HEV‐specific T‐cell responses were detectable up to >1.5 years upon infection. Importantly, cross‐genotype HEV‐specific T‐cell responses (between genotypes 1 and 3) were measurable in all investigated patients. In conclusion, we could show for the first time HEV‐specific T‐cell responses during and after acute HEV genotype 3 infection. Our data of cross‐genotype HEV‐specific T‐cell responses might suggest a potential role in cross‐genotype‐specific protection between HEV genotypes 1 and 3.
Soil pH limits of forest vascular plants determine range size and threat level
Authors: Michaelis Jana , Pannek Angela , Diekmann Martin
Published: February 2016

Questions

Knowledge about the response curves of species along soil variable gradients is scarce. Because environmental change may force species to live closer to their ecological limits than optima, we examined and compared the importance of response limits, response optima and Ellenberg indicator values for soil pH to determine the regional range sizes and threat levels of species.

Location

Deciduous forests in the lowlands and uplands of northern Germany.

Methods

We used Huisman–Olff–Fresco models to examine the species responses of forest vascular plants along a soil pH gradient with a particular focus on rare species. Separately for the two regions, the optima and limits across all species were related to range size, change in regional range size over the past decades and threat level.

Results

Lower pH limits showed an aggregation around pH 4, and were consistent across regions, whereas upper pH limits were not clumped and not significantly correlated between regions. In the lowlands, species with relatively large lower pH limits were less widespread, had decreased more over time and were more threatened than species able to grow on very acid soils. Lower limits were more closely related to regional range size and rarity than optima and Ellenberg R values. These patterns were not found for upland species, probably due to a more complex interaction between pH and other soil factors.

Conclusion

The results reinforce the importance of soil variables and their interactions for the occurrence of plant species, and suggest that limits may be better predictors of current and future species distributions than optima and Ellenberg indicator values. Still, crucial information is missing even for common species. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more and better species occurrence data relative to edaphic factors in order to identify the species' needs and their potential responses to environmental change.
Understanding clonal plant competition for space over time: a fine‐scale spatial approach based on experimental communities
Authors: Saiz Hugo , Bittebiere Anne‐Kristel , Benot Marie‐Lise , Jung Vincent , Mony Cendrine
Published: February 2016

Aims

Competitive interactions are a determinant driver of plant community structure in temperate grasslands. In such dense vegetation cover, competition mostly occurs over free space, which conditions niche availability. Clonal growth determines how plants exploit horizontal space, by (1) exploring and colonizing free patches (guerilla form) or (2) resisting competitors through space consolidation (phalanx form), with possible intermediate strategies. Few studies have explored the dynamics of co‐existing plants belonging to different clonal strategies. Models predict that guerilla forms may be advantageous during the early stages of succession, whereas phalanx forms are expected to be better competitors over time. We investigated whether these predictions are true under experimental conditions and explored possible mechanisms that promote clonal plant co‐existence.

Location

Experimental garden of the University of Rennes 1, France.

Methods

We set up a large‐scale mesocosm, in which we manipulated different mixtures of three clonal growth forms (guerilla, intermediate and phalanx) over 5 yr (2009–2014), which impeded all types of reproduction other than clonal spread of the initial planted individuals. We analysed the spatio‐temporal dynamics of the communities using linear mixed models to compare the change in relative cover and spatial association (differentiating between associations with similar and different species) for each clonal form.

Results

Guerilla forms dominated the early community, but decreased in dominance at later stages, at which point intermediate forms benefitted. Furthermore, guerilla forms were more likely to co‐occur with other guerrillas, with this pattern remaining consistent over time. In contrast, and contrary to our expectations, phalanx forms had the lowest cover throughout the experiment, and exhibited clear segregation from intermediate or other phalanx species. Intermediate growth forms between guerilla and phalanx were the most variable over time, displaying both consolidative and explorative patterns depending on the clonal forms of the other species which they coexisted with, suggesting plastic variation in their traits.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the key role of clonal forms in driving competitive interactions and, hence, determining the spatio‐temporal dynamics of grassland communities.
Fine‐scale patterns in the day, night and crepuscular composition of a temperate reef fish assemblage
Authors: Myers Elisabeth M. V. , Harvey Euan S. , Saunders Benjamin J. , Travers Michael J.
Published: February 2016

The distribution, abundance and composition of marine fish assemblages are influenced by changes in behaviour and movement associated with the diel cycle. The majority of studies exploring day–night differences have demonstrated that there is a greater abundance and diversity of fishes during diurnal compared with nocturnal hours, and that fish assemblage composition varies with time of day or night. We investigated fine‐scale (hourly) diel cycles in the composition and relative abundance of temperate reef fishes using unbaited remote underwater video systems. We observed short crepuscular changeover periods with the hours around dawn and dusk sharing many species, some of which are nocturnal and others diurnal. Diurnal surveys recorded a greater number of individuals (16,990) and species (70) than nocturnal surveys (1053 individuals and 19 species). There was a clear difference between the diurnal assemblage, which was characterized by benthic invertivores, and the nocturnal assemblage composition, which contained zooplanktivores and generalist feeders. Within the diurnal period the hourly temporal variation was relatively homogenous, indicating that standardization of diurnal sampling to a particular time of day may not be necessary.
Spatiotemporal choreography of chromosome and megaplasmids in the Sinorhizobium meliloti cell cycle
Authors: Frage Benjamin , Döhlemann Johannes , Robledo Marta , Lucena Daniella , Sobetzko Patrick , Graumann Peter L. , Becker Anke
Published: February 2016

A considerable share of bacterial species maintains multipartite genomes. Precise coordination of genome replication and segregation with cell growth and division is vital for proliferation of these bacteria. The α‐proteobacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti possesses a tripartite genome composed of one chromosome and the megaplasmids pSymA and pSymB. Here, we investigated the spatiotemporal pattern of segregation of these S. meliloti replicons at single cell level. Duplication of chromosomal and megaplasmid origins of replication occurred spatially and temporally separated, and only once per cell cycle. Tracking of FROS (fluorescent repressor operator system)‐labelled origins revealed a strict temporal order of segregation events commencing with the chromosome followed by pSymA and then by pSymB. The repA2B2C2 region derived from pSymA was sufficient to confer the spatiotemporal behaviour of this megaplasmid to a small plasmid. Altering activity of the ubiquitous prokaryotic replication initiator DnaA, either positively or negatively, resulted in an increase in replication initiation events or G1 arrest of the chromosome only. This suggests that interference with DnaA activity does not affect replication initiation control of the megaplasmids.
The cystathionine‐β‐synthase domains on the guanosine 5′’‐monophosphate reductase and inosine 5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase enzymes from Leishmania regulate enzymatic activity in response to guanylate and adenylate nucleotide levels
Authors: Smith Sabrina , Boitz Jan , Chidambaram Ehzilan Subramanian , Chatterjee Abhishek , Ait‐Tihyaty Maria , Ullman Buddy , Jardim Armando
Published: February 2016

The Leishmania guanosine 5′‐monophosphate reductase (GMPR) and inosine 5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) are purine metabolic enzymes that function maintaining the cellular adenylate and guanylate nucleotide. Interestingly, both enzymes contain a cystathionine‐β‐synthase domain (CBS). To investigate this metabolic regulation, the Leishmania GMPR was cloned and shown to be sufficient to complement the guaC (GMPR), but not the guaB (IMPDH), mutation in Escherichia coli. Kinetic studies confirmed that the Leishmania GMPR catalyzed a strict NADPH‐dependent reductive deamination of GMP to produce IMP. Addition of GTP or high levels of GMP induced a marked increase in activity without altering the Km values for the substrates. In contrast, the binding of ATP decreased the GMPR activity and increased the GMP Km value 10‐fold. These kinetic changes were correlated with changes in the GMPR quaternary structure, induced by the binding of GMP, GTP, or ATP to the GMPR CBS domain. The capacity of these CBS domains to mediate the catalytic activity of the IMPDH and GMPR provides a regulatory mechanism for balancing the intracellular adenylate and guanylate pools.
Automated identification and clustering of subunits within delphinid vocalizations
Authors: Frasier Kaitlin E. , Elizabeth Henderson E. , Bassett Hannah R. , Roch Marie A.
Published: February 2016

Tonal vocalizations or whistles produced by many species of delphinids range from simple tones to complex frequency contours. Whistle structure varies in duration, frequency, and composition between delphinid species, as well as between populations and individuals. Categorization of whistles may be improved by decomposition of complex calls into simpler subunits, much like the use of phonemes in classification of human speech. We identify a potential whistle decomposition scheme and normalization process to facilitate comparison of whistle subunits derived from tonal vocalizations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), and short‐beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). Network analysis is then used to compare subunits within the vocal corpus of each species. By processing whistles through a series of steps including segmentation, normalization, and dynamic time warping, we are able to automatically cluster selected subunits by shape, regardless of differences in absolute frequency or moderate differences in duration. Using the clustered subunits, we demonstrate a preliminary species classification scheme based on rates of subunit occurrence in vocal repertoires. This provides a potential mechanism for comparing the structure of complex vocalizations within and between species.
Novel Percutaneous Epicardial Autonomic Modulation in the Canine for Atrial Fibrillation: Results of an Efficacy and Safety Study
Authors: MADHAVAN MALINI , VENKATACHALAM K.L. , SWALE MATTHEW J. , DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , GARD JOSEPH J. , JOHNSON SUSAN B. , SUDDENDORF SCOTT H. , MIKELL SUSAN B. , LADEWIG DOROTHY J. , NOSBUSH TONI GRABINGER , DANIELSEN ANDREW J. , KNUDSON MARK , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: February 2016

Background

Endocardial ablation of atrial ganglionated plexi (GP) has been described for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Our objective in this study was to develop percutaneous epicardial GP ablation in a canine model using novel energy sources and catheters.

Methods

Phase 1: The efficacy of several modalities to ablate the GP was tested in an open chest canine model (n = 10). Phase 2: Percutaneous epicardial ablation of GP was done in six dogs using the most efficacious modality identified in phase 1 using two novel catheters.

Results

Phase 1: Direct current (DC) in varying doses (blocking [7–12 μA], electroporation [300–500 μA], ablation [3,000–7,500 μA]), radiofrequency ablation (25–50 W), ultrasound (1.5 MHz), and alcohol (2–5 mL) injection were successful at 0/8, 4/12, 5/7, 3/8, 1/5, and 5/7 GP sites. DC (500–5,000 μA) along with alcohol irrigation was tested in phase 2. Phase 2: Percutaneous epicardial ablation of the right atrium, oblique sinus, vein of Marshall, and transverse sinus GP was successful in 5/6 dogs. One dog died of ventricular fibrillation during DC ablation at 5,000 μA. Programmed stimulation induced AF in six dogs, preablation and no atrial arrhythmia in three, flutter in one, and AF in one postablation. Heart rate, blood pressure, effective atrial refractory period, and local atrial electrogram amplitude did not change significantly postablation. Microscopic examination showed elimination of GP, and minimal injury to atrial myocardium.

Conclusion

Percutaneous epicardial ablation of GP using DC and novel catheters is safe and feasible and may be used as an adjunct to pulmonary vein isolation in the treatment of AF in order to minimize additional atrial myocardial ablation.
A novel ATM‐dependent checkpoint defect distinct from loss of function mutation promotes genomic instability in melanoma
Authors: Spoerri Loredana , Brooks Kelly , Chia KeeMing , Grossman Gavriel , Ellis Jonathan J. , Dahmer‐Heath Mareike , Škalamera Dubravka , Pavey Sandra , Burmeister Bryan , Gabrielli Brian
Published: February 2016

Melanomas have high levels of genomic instability that can contribute to poor disease prognosis. Here, we report a novel defect of the ATM‐dependent cell cycle checkpoint in melanoma cell lines that promotes genomic instability. In defective cells, ATM signalling to CHK2 is intact, but the cells are unable to maintain the cell cycle arrest due to elevated PLK1 driving recovery from the arrest. Reducing PLK1 activity recovered the ATM‐dependent checkpoint arrest, and over‐expressing PLK1 was sufficient to overcome the checkpoint arrest and increase genomic instability. Loss of the ATM‐dependent checkpoint did not affect sensitivity to ionizing radiation demonstrating that this defect is distinct from ATM loss of function mutations. The checkpoint defective melanoma cell lines over‐express PLK1, and a significant proportion of melanomas have high levels of PLK1 over‐expression suggesting this defect is a common feature of melanomas. The inability of ATM to impose a cell cycle arrest in response to DNA damage increases genomic instability. This work also suggests that the ATM‐dependent checkpoint arrest is likely to be defective in a higher proportion of cancers than previously expected.
Why the Sky Didn't Fall: Mobilizing Anger in Reaction to Voter ID Laws
Authors: Valentino Nicholas A. , Neuner Fabian G.
Published: February 2016

Since 2002, 26 U.S. states have passed laws that enhance restrictions on voters who intend to register and vote. Most have been sponsored by Republican legislators and passed by states with large Republican majorities. Proponents of such identification requirements argue that they are necessary to ensure the integrity of the electoral system by reducing voter fraud. Many Democrats have cried foul, arguing these laws are motivated by crass partisanship at best, and racial bias at worst, because they disproportionately disenfranchise minorities. Surprisingly, empirical evidence for significant demobilization, either in the aggregate or among Democrats specifically, has thus far failed to materialize. We suspect strong emotional reactions to the public debate about these laws may mobilize Democrats, counterbalancing the disenfranchising effect. We find support for this conjecture in a nationally representative survey and an experiment where news frames about voter identification (ID) laws are carefully manipulated.
Relationship Between Mean Leucocyte Telomere Length and Measures of Allostatic Load in US Reproductive‐Aged Women, NHANES 1999–2002
Authors: Ahrens Katherine A. , Rossen Lauren M. , Simon Alan E.
Published: February 2016

Background

Reproductive health disparities may be partly explained by the cumulative effects of chronic stress experienced by socially disadvantaged groups. Although, telomere length (TL) and allostatic load score have each been used as biological markers of stress, the relationship between these two measures is unknown.

Methods

We investigated the association between leucocyte TL and allostatic load score in 1503 non‐pregnant women (20–44 years) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2002. We constructed six different allostatic load scores using either quartile‐ or clinical‐based cut‐points for 14 biomarkers based on previously published methods. We estimated associations between TL and allostatic load scores and component biomarkers using linear regression, also assessing interactions by race/ethnicity.

Results

After adjustment for age, longer TL was associated with higher HDL cholesterol and lower C‐reactive protein and creatinine clearance; TL was not associated with the other component biomarkers. Shorter TL was associated with higher allostatic load scores for the two clinical cut‐point‐based scores after adjustment for age, but not the four scores based on quartile cut‐points. Significant interactions by race/ethnicity were observed for TL and HbA1c and triglycerides, but not for other component biomarkers or allostatic load scores.

Conclusions

Although TL and allostatic load score are both considered measures of cumulative stress, most component biomarkers and scores using quartile‐based cut‐points were not associated with TL. In reproductive‐aged women, allostatic load scores using clinical‐based cut‐points were more strongly associated with TL compared with quartile‐based scores.
Deficient attention modulation of lateralized alpha power in schizophrenia
Authors: Kustermann Thomas , Rockstroh Brigitte , Kienle Johanna , Miller Gregory A. , Popov Tzvetan
Published: February 2016

Modulation of 8–14 Hz (alpha) activity in posterior brain regions is associated with covert attention deployment in visuospatial tasks. Alpha power decrease contralateral to to‐be‐attended stimuli is believed to foster subsequent processing, such as retention of task‐relevant input. Degradation of this alpha‐regulation mechanism may reflect an early stage of disturbed attention regulation contributing to impaired attention and working memory commonly found in schizophrenia. The present study tested this hypothesis of early disturbed attention regulation by examining alpha power modulation in a lateralized cued delayed response task in 14 schizophrenia patients (SZ) and 25 healthy controls (HC). Participants were instructed to remember the location of a 100‐ms saccade‐target cue in the left or right visual hemifield in order to perform a delayed saccade to that location after a retention interval. As expected, alpha power decrease during the retention interval was larger in contralateral than ipsilateral posterior regions, and SZ showed less of this lateralization than did HC. In particular, SZ failed to show hemifield‐specific alpha modulation in posterior right hemisphere. Results suggest less efficient modulation of alpha oscillations that are considered critical for attention deployment and item encoding and, hence, may affect subsequent spatial working memory performance.
Characteristics of Antioxidant Systems of Yellow Fraction of Red Deer's (Cervus elaphus L.) Semen During the Rutting Period
Authors: Koziorowska‐Gilun M , Szurnicka M , Dziekonska A , Kordan W , Giżejewski Z , Filipowicz K
Published: February 2016

Contents

The objective of this study was to make the preliminary characterization of the antioxidant defence systems of the yellow fraction (YF) of red deer's (Cervus elaphus L.) semen during the rutting period. The semen was collected using artificial vagina (AV). The studies included spectrophotometric determination of antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). We also analysed the contents of low‐molecular antioxidants such as L‐glutathione (GSH + GSSG), L‐ascorbate (ASC) and total antioxidant status (TAS). Additionally, the samples were subjected to PAGE and stained for SOD and GPx activities. It was demonstrated that the yellow fraction exhibited activities of SOD and GPx, with the highest activities in September and October. CAT activity was not detected. Staining for the SOD and GPx activities confirmed three protein bands with SOD activity and one protein band with GPx activity. The content of GSH + GSSG was similar in trials dating from October to December contrary to the content of ASC which was high in samples from September and October. The stable rate of TAS was observed during the whole rutting period. The results of this study showed that the YF of red deer semen is equipped with basic battery of antioxidant enzymes comprising SOD and GPx, with the supporting role of GSH + GSSG and ASC. Moreover, the samples obtained at the peak of the rutting period occurring from September to October had the highest enzymatic activity in comparison with remaining months of the rutting period, which contributed to the high quality of the semen by preventing it from the formation of oxidative stress during the short period of intense sexual activity of male red deer. The better understanding of the mechanisms of antioxidant defence systems in the YF of deer's semen may contribute to the potential use of this fraction in technology of wild ruminant semen preservation.
Successful Vitrification of In vivo Embryos Collected from Superovulated Japanese Black Cattle (Wagyu)
Authors: An L , Ling PP , Zhu X , Liu Y , Zhang F , Ma X , Xu B , Wang Y , Du Z , Yang L , Xue F , Bella A , Presicce GA , Du F
Published: February 2016

Content

The aim of this study was to determine whether vitrification is an effective method when used for Japanese Black Cattle (Wagyu) in vivo‐derived embryos, collected following a superovulation treatment and embryo transfer (MOET) programme. In vivo‐derived morula and blastocysts collected on day 7 after artificial insemination, were vitrified using a modified droplet vitrification (MDV) procedure and subsequently warmed for transfer (ET) into synchronized recipients. Fresh embryos, and embryos cryopreserved using a standardized slow freezing procedure (direct thaw/direct transfer, DT) served as ET controls. Two different follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) sources, Folltropin® Canada (FSH BAH, 24 donors) and a brand prepared by the Chinese Academy of Science (FSH CAS, 16 donors), were compared in a series of superovulation outcomes following well‐established FSH administration protocols. Following data analysis, the total number of ovulations recorded at the time of embryo flushing (10.5 vs 8.5; p = 0.28) and the total number of transferable embryos (6.2 vs 5.1; p = 0.52) were similar between the two FSH sources. ET for MDV (39.7%, n = 78), DT (35.2%, n = 71) and fresh controls (47.1%, n = 34) resulted in similar pregnancy rates (p > 0.05). When MDV was used, a higher pregnancy rate (42.6%) resulted from the transfer of vitrified morulae, when compared to the DT counterparts (24.3%), (p = 0.05). Transfer of vitrified morulae resulted also in higher pregnancy rate, when compared to the transfer of vitrified blastocysts (42.6% vs. 29.4%; p < 0.05). Transfer of DT blastocysts resulted in higher pregnancy rate than morulae, similarly cryopreserved (47.1% vs. 24.3%, p < 0.05). In conclusion, MDV is an effective alternative methodology for cryopreservation of in vivo‐derived embryos. This study gives also indication that, compared to vitrified blastocysts, MDV of morula stage embryos results in higher pregnancy rates following warming and transfer into synchronized recipients.
Changes in habitat availability for outmigrating juvenile salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) following estuary restoration
Authors: Ellings Christopher S. , Davis Melanie J. , Grossman Eric E. , Woo Isa , Hodgson Sayre , Turner Kelley L. , Nakai Glynnis , Takekawa Jean E. , Takekawa John Y.
Published: February 2016

The restoration of the Nisqually River Delta (Washington, U.S.A.) represents one of the largest efforts toward reestablishing the ecosystem function and resilience of modified habitat in the Puget Sound, particularly for anadromous salmonid species. The opportunity for outmigrating salmon to access and benefit from the expansion of available tidal habitat can be quantified by several physical attributes, which are related to the ecological and physiological responses of juvenile salmon. We monitored a variety of physical parameters to measure changes in opportunity potential from historic, pre‐restoration, and post‐restoration habitat conditions at several sites across the delta. These parameters included channel morphology, water quality, tidal elevation, and landscape connectivity. We conducted fish catch surveys across the delta to determine if salmon was utilizing restored estuary habitat. Overall major channel area increased 42% and major channel length increased 131% from pre‐ to post‐restoration conditions. Furthermore, the results of our tidal inundation model indicated that major channels were accessible up to 75% of the time, as opposed to 30% pre‐restoration. Outmigrating salmon utilized this newly accessible habitat as quickly as 1 year post‐restoration. The presence of salmon in restored tidal channels confirmed rapid post‐restoration increases in opportunity potential on the delta despite habitat quality differences between restored and reference sites.
Competition and switching in public service markets: Can they reduce inequalities?
Authors: Fernández‐Gutiérrez Marcos , James Oliver , Jilke Sebastian
Published: February 2016

Regulatory reforms to public infrastructure services across European Union (EU) countries were aimed at increasing consumer welfare by introducing competition and choice into service markets. However, empirical evaluations have questioned whether these reforms have benefitted all consumers, suggesting that vulnerable groups of service users (especially those with lower levels of formal education), might be locked into poorly performing services. We assess the relationship between the level of competition in electricity and fixed telephony markets in EU countries and evaluate the affordability of these services for different socio‐educational layers. Our findings show that – although in countries where there is a relatively high frequency of switching, inequalities between socio‐educational groups are smaller and eventually disappear – competition as such does not play a part. These results suggest that demand‐side regulation that successfully enables consumer switching has the potential to equalize social welfare, thereby reflecting a possible convergence of regulatory instruments and the central aims of the welfare state in this context.
Hurricane Isaac: A Longitudinal Analysis of Storm Characteristics and Power Outage Risk
Authors: Tonn Gina L. , Guikema Seth D. , Ferreira Celso M. , Quiring Steven M.
Published: February 2016

In August 2012, Hurricane Isaac, a Category 1 hurricane at landfall, caused extensive power outages in Louisiana. The storm brought high winds, storm surge, and flooding to Louisiana, and power outages were widespread and prolonged. Hourly power outage data for the state of Louisiana were collected during the storm and analyzed. This analysis included correlation of hourly power outage figures by zip code with storm conditions including wind, rainfall, and storm surge using a nonparametric ensemble data mining approach. Results were analyzed to understand how correlation of power outages with storm conditions differed geographically within the state. This analysis provided insight on how rainfall and storm surge, along with wind, contribute to power outages in hurricanes. By conducting a longitudinal study of outages at the zip code level, we were able to gain insight into the causal drivers of power outages during hurricanes. Our analysis showed that the statistical importance of storm characteristic covariates to power outages varies geographically. For Hurricane Isaac, wind speed, precipitation, and previous outages generally had high importance, whereas storm surge had lower importance, even in zip codes that experienced significant surge. The results of this analysis can inform the development of power outage forecasting models, which often focus strictly on wind‐related covariates. Our study of Hurricane Isaac indicates that inclusion of other covariates, particularly precipitation, may improve model accuracy and robustness across a range of storm conditions and geography.
Estimating the Density of Ethnic Minorities and Aged People in Berlin: Multivariate Kernel Density Estimation Applied to Sensitive Georeferenced Administrative Data Protected Via Measurement Error
Authors: Groß Marcus , Rendtel Ulrich , Schmid Timo , Schmon Sebastian , Tzavidis Nikos
Published: February 2016

Modern systems of official statistics require the timely estimation of area-specific densities of subpopulations. Ideally estimates should be based on precise geocoded information, which is not available because of confidentiality constraints. One approach for ensuring confidentiality is by rounding the geoco-ordinates. We propose multivariate non-parametric kernel density estimation that reverses the rounding process by using a measurement error model. The methodology is applied to the Berlin register of residents for deriving density estimates of ethnic minorities and aged people. Estimates are used for identifying areas with a need for new advisory centres for migrants and infrastructure for older people.
Zero-Inflated Modelling for Characterizing Coverage Errors of Extracts from the US Census Bureau'sMaster Address File
Authors: Young Derek S. , Raim Andrew M. , Johnson Nancy R.
Published: February 2016

To meet the strategic goals and objectives for the 2020 census, the US Census Bureau must make fundamental changes to the design, implementation and management of the decennial census. The changes must build on the successes and address the challenges of the previous censuses. Of particular interest is to gauge the on-going quality of the census frames. We address this topic by discussing a set of statistical models for the Master Address File that will produce estimates of coverage error at levels of geography down to the block level. The distributions of added and deleted housing units in a block are used to characterize the undercoverage and overcoverage respectively. The data used are from the 2010 address canvassing operation. As will be shown, these distributions are highly right skewed with a very large proportion of 0 counts. Hence, we utilize zero-inflated regression modelling to determine the predicted distribution of additions and deletions. In addition to standard statistical measures, we gauge the performance of this model by simulating a 2010 address canvassing operation using a specified coverage level. We also discuss future maintenance and updating of this model.
India's Grain Security Policy in the Era of High Food Prices: A Computable General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Yu Wusheng , Bandara Jayatilleke
Published: February 2016

This study uses a computable general equilibrium model to evaluate the fiscal and welfare costs of the market stabilisation and insulating food policy of India during the 2007–08 global food crisis. We demonstrate that domestic food grain price stabilisation through simultaneously subsidising consumers and producers and restricting exports entailed huge fiscal costs and equally large welfare costs to India, an outcome that is almost always the worst as compared to the alternative policy mixes examined in this study. While the most market‐oriented domestic and trade policy alternatives that would generate better welfare effects and the least fiscal costs may not be feasible due to political economy considerations, we argue that there exist some ‘middle‐ground’ policy mixes featuring partial relaxations of domestic subsidies on either food grains or fertilisers and/or less restrictive border policies, which are superior in terms of their welfare effects and fiscal costs and might also be politically feasible. These findings have important implications on the ongoing debates on India's food security policy, particularly in relation to the discussion on its National Food Security Act.
The importance of the gastrorenal axis in the control of body sodium homeostasis
Authors: Jose Pedro A. , Yang Zhiwei , Zeng Chunyu , Felder Robin A.
Published: February 2016

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

Sensing the amount of ingested sodium is one mechanism by which sodium balance is regulated. This review describes the role of gastrin in the cross‐talk between the stomach and the kidney following the ingestion of sodium.

What advances does it highlight?

Neural mechanisms and several gut hormones, including cholecystokinin and uroguanylin, have been suggested to mediate the natriuresis after an oral sodium load. It is proposed that gastrin produced by G‐cells via its receptor, cholecystokinin B receptor, interacts with renal D1‐like dopamine receptors to increase renal sodium excretion.

Hypertension develops with chronically increased sodium intake when sodium that accumulates in the body can no longer be sequestered, extracellular fluid volume is expanded, and compensatory neural, hormonal and pressure‐natriuresis mechanisms fail. Sensing the amount of ingested sodium, by the stomach, is one mechanism by which sodium balance is regulated. The natriuresis following the ingestion of a certain amount of sodium may be due to an enterokine, gastrin, secreted by G‐cells in the stomach and duodenum and released into the circulation. Circulating gastrin levels are 10‐ to 20‐fold higher than those for cholecystokinin. Of all the gut hormones circulating in the plasma, gastrin is the one that is reabsorbed to the greatest extent by renal tubules. Gastrin, via its receptor, the cholecystokinin type B receptor (CCKBR), is natriuretic in mammals, including humans, by inhibition of renal sodium transport. Germline deletion of gastrin (Gast) or Cckbr gene in mice causes salt‐sensitive hypertension. Selective silencing of Gast in the stomach and duodenum impairs the ability to excrete an oral sodium load and also increases blood pressure. Thus, the gastrorenal axis, mediated by gastrin, can complement pronatriuretic hormones, such as dopamine, to increase sodium excretion after an oral sodium load. These studies in mice may be translatable to humans because the chromosomal loci of CCKBR and GAST are linked to human essential hypertension. Understanding the role of genes in the regulation of renal function and blood pressure may lead to the tailoring of antihypertensive treatment based on genetic make‐up.