bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exchange rate fluctuations and labour market adjustments in Canadian manufacturing industries
Authors: Bruneau Gabriel , Moran Kevin
Published: February 2017

We estimate the link between exchange rate fluctuations and the labour input of Canadian manufacturing industries. The analysis is based on a dynamic model of labour demand and the econometric strategy employs a panel two‐step approach for cointegrating regressions. Our data are drawn from a panel of 20 manufacturing industries from the KLEMS database and cover a long sample period that includes all cycles of appreciation and depreciation of the Canadian dollar over the last 50 years. Our results indicate that exchange rate fluctuations have significant long‐term effects on the labour input of Canada's manufacturing industries, especially for trade‐oriented industries, but that these long‐term impacts materialize very gradually following shocks.
Do South–South preferential trade agreements undermine the prospects for multilateral free trade?
Authors: Missios Paul , Yildiz Halis Murat
Published: February 2017

Due to trade diversion, there have been concerns expressed over the proliferation of preferential trade agreements (PTAs) that include South countries. In this paper, we compare welfare across different geographic configurations of bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) and customs unions (CUs) and examine their implications for the stability of multilateral free trade. While North–North PTAs do tend to yield higher global welfare than South–South PTAs, a single South–South FTA may make free trade more sustainable than any other single agreement. With pre‐existing North–North agreements and a large enough cost asymmetry between regions, an additional South member or a new South–South agreement always makes free trade harder to sustain.
Endogenous growth with a limited fossil fuel extraction capacity
Authors: Kollenbach Gilbert
Published: February 2017

Campbell (1980) and following authors have discussed a limited resource extraction capacity as an augmentation of the well‐known Hotelling model. We integrate a limited extraction capacity and related investments in the endogenous growth model of Tsur and Zemel (2005) to study its effect on economic development. The capacity constraint gives rise to three effects. On the one hand, higher energy costs and the reallocation of production towards capacity investments decrease production available for consumption, research and/or capital investments (energy costs and reallocation effect). On the other hand, research investments may increase, which boosts available production (research effect). Depending on the capital endowment and the strength of the effects, long‐run consumption may be boosted or depressed. In particular, the capacity constraint may render everlasting consumption growth non‐optimal in a resource‐rich economy. Furthermore, we find that capacity investments may be postponed to later points in time if the capital endowment is high.
An economic theory of foreign interventions and regime change
Authors: Bonfatti Roberto
Published: February 2017

I construct a theory of foreign interventions in which a home country's main trade partner may influence the course of regime change. The foreign country intervenes in support of the group that draws the largest gains from trade, since such a group is willing to concede most in trade agreements. But interventions are more than offset by the domestic political system, which supports in power the group that concedes least (economic nationalism). I allow for geopolitical competition between the main trade partner and a second foreign country as well as for domestic ideological preferences over the two and look at how geopolitical competition interacts with the economic mechanism described above. My results help interpret some of the patterns of Western interventions in the 20th century and the role of economic nationalism in regime change. Furthermore, they help explain why the Cold War strengthened the West's preference for incumbent elites, even when the oppositions did not have a strong communist ideology. I provide detailed historical evidence in favour of my arguments.
Discovery of Mieap‐regulated mitochondrial quality control as a new function of tumor suppressor p53
Authors: Nakamura Yasuyuki , Arakawa Hirofumi
Published: February 2017

The tumor suppressor p53 gene is frequently mutated in human cancers, and the p53 protein suppresses cancer. However, the mechanism behind the p53‐mediated tumor suppression is still unclear. Recently, the mitochondria‐eating protein (Mieap) was identified as a p53‐inducible protein. Mieap induces the accumulation of lysosomal proteins within mitochondria (Mieap‐induced accumulation of lysosome‐like organelles within mitochondria, or MALM) in response to mitochondrial damage, and eliminates the oxidized mitochondrial proteins to repair unhealthy mitochondria. Furthermore, Mieap also induces vacuole‐like structures (Mieap‐induced vacuole, or MIV) to eat and degrade unhealthy mitochondria. Therefore, Mieap controls mitochondrial quality by repairing or eliminating unhealthy mitochondria by MALM or MIV, respectively. This mechanism is not mediated by canonical autophagy. Mieap‐deficient ApcMin/+ mice show strikingly high rates of intestinal tumor development as well as advanced‐grade adenomas and adenocarcinomas. The p53/Mieap/BCL2 interacting protein 3 mitochondrial quality control pathway is frequently inactivated in human colorectal cancers. Defects in Mieap‐regulated mitochondrial quality control lead to accumulation of unhealthy mitochondria in cancer cells. Cancer‐specific unhealthy mitochondria could contribute to cancer development and aggressiveness through mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and altered metabolism. Mieap‐regulated mitochondrial quality control is a newly discovered function of p53 that plays a critical role in tumor suppression.
‘I Eat the Vegetables because I Have Grown them with My Own Hands’: Children's Perspectives on School Gardening and Vegetable Consumption
Authors: Sarti Asia , Dijkstra Coosje , Nury Edris , Seidell Jacob C. , Dedding Christine
Published: February 2017

Inadequate vegetable consumption is a global public health concern related to numerous health risks. A promising intervention to increase children's vegetable consumption is school gardening, although earlier studies have shown mixed results. This study explores how gardening might contribute to changed attitudes towards eating vegetables from a child's perspective. Findings are based on qualitative research with children in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. We reflect on how children enact agency regarding their vegetables. Results show that children report that changes occur in their attitudes towards vegetables as they not only eat more vegetables but also advocate the consumption of vegetables at home.
Tree mortality across biomes is promoted by drought intensity, lower wood density and higher specific leaf area
Authors: Greenwood Sarah , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi , Lloret Francisco , Kitzberger Thomas , Allen Craig D. , Fensham Rod , Laughlin Daniel C. , Kattge Jens , Bönisch Gerhard , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Jump Alistair S.
Published: February 2017

Drought events are increasing globally, and reports of consequent forest mortality are widespread. However, due to a lack of a quantitative global synthesis, it is still not clear whether drought‐induced mortality rates differ among global biomes and whether functional traits influence the risk of drought‐induced mortality. To address these uncertainties, we performed a global meta‐analysis of 58 studies of drought‐induced forest mortality. Mortality rates were modelled as a function of drought, temperature, biomes, phylogenetic and functional groups and functional traits. We identified a consistent global‐scale response, where mortality increased with drought severity [log mortality (trees trees−1 year−1) increased 0.46 (95% CI = 0.2–0.7) with one SPEI unit drought intensity]. We found no significant differences in the magnitude of the response depending on forest biomes or between angiosperms and gymnosperms or evergreen and deciduous tree species. Functional traits explained some of the variation in drought responses between species (i.e. increased from 30 to 37% when wood density and specific leaf area were included). Tree species with denser wood and lower specific leaf area showed lower mortality responses. Our results illustrate the value of functional traits for understanding patterns of drought‐induced tree mortality and suggest that mortality could become increasingly widespread in the future.
Characterization of a novel signal transducer element intrinsic to class IIIa/b adenylate cyclases and guanylate cyclases
Authors: Ziegler Miriam , Bassler Jens , Beltz Stephanie , Schultz Anita , Lupas Andrei N. , Schultz Joachim E.
Published: February 2017

Adenylate cyclases (ACs) are signaling proteins that produce the second messenger cAMP. Class III ACs comprise four groups (class IIIa–d) of which class IIIa and IIIb ACs have been identified in bacteria and eukaryotes. Many class IIIa ACs are anchored to membranes via hexahelical domains. In eukaryotic ACs, membrane anchors are well conserved, suggesting that this region possesses important functional characteristics that are as yet unknown. To address this question, we replaced the hexahelical membrane anchor of the mycobacterial AC Rv1625c with the hexahelical quorum‐sensing receptor from Legionella, LqsS. Using this chimera, we identified a novel 19‐amino‐acid cyclase transducer element (CTE) located N‐terminally to the catalytic domain that links receptor stimulation to effector activation. Coupling of the receptor to the AC was possible at several positions distal to the membrane exit, resulting in stimulatory or inhibitory responses to the ligand Legionella autoinducer‐1. In contrast, on the AC effector side functional coupling was only successful when starting with the CTE. Bioinformatics approaches established that distinct CTEs are widely present in class IIIa and IIIb ACs and in vertebrate guanylate cyclases. The data suggest that membrane‐delimited receiver domains transduce regulatory signals to the downstream catalytic domains in an engineered AC model system. This may suggest a previously unknown mechanism for cellular cAMP regulation.
Drosophila divalent metal ion transporter Malvolio is required in dopaminergic neurons for feeding decisions
Authors: Søvik E. , LaMora A. , Seehra G. , Barron A. B. , Duncan J. G. , Ben‐Shahar Y.
Published: February 2017

Members of the natural resistance‐associated macrophage protein (NRAMP) family are evolutionarily conserved metal ion transporters that play an essential role in regulating intracellular divalent cation homeostasis in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Malvolio (Mvl), the sole NRAMP family member in insects, plays a role in food choice behaviors in Drosophila and other species. However, the specific physiological and cellular processes that require the action of Mvl for appropriate feeding decisions remain elusive. Here, we show that normal food choice requires Mvl function specifically in the dopaminergic system, and can be rescued by supplementing food with manganese. Collectively, our data indicate that the action of the Mvl transporter affects food choice behavior via the regulation of dopaminergic innervation of the mushroom bodies, a principle brain region associated with decision‐making in insects. Our studies suggest that the homeostatic regulation of the intraneuronal levels of divalent cations plays an important role in the development and function of the dopaminergic system and associated behaviors.
Treatment of bleeding episodes with recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein in A‐LONG study subjects with severe haemophilia A
Authors: Shapiro A. D. , Mahlangu J. N. , Perry D. , Pasi J. , Quon D. V. , Chowdary P. , Tsao E. , Li S. , Innes A. , Pierce G. F. , Allen G. A.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The Phase 3 A‐LONG study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of rFVIIIFc for the control and prevention of bleeding episodes in severe haemophilia A.

Aim

To describe the treatment of bleeding episodes with rFVIIIFc in the A‐LONG study.

Methods

A‐LONG subjects (<1 IU dL−1 endogenous FVIII) were treated with individualized prophylaxis (Arm 1), weekly prophylaxis (Arm 2) or episodic treatment (Arm 3). Information recorded for each bleeding episode included type, location and dose to treat the episode.

Results

During A‐LONG, 757 bleeding episodes occurred during the efficacy period; the majority [456 (60%)] occurred in Arm 3 (episodic treatment). Of 93 subjects in the prophylaxis arms who entered the study with target joints, 43 (60%) in Arm 1 and 11 (52%) in Arm 2 did not experience a target joint bleed. Overall, 98% of bleeding episodes (and 98% of bleeds involving a target joint) resolved with one or two infusions; the median dose per infusion to treat a bleed was 27 IU kg−1 (27 IU kg−1 for target joints). Using population pharmacokinetic simulations, FVIII activity levels were predicted to be below the upper limit of normal (150 IU dL−1) in most patients in the event that rFVIIIFc is used to treat a bleeding episode in close proximity to a prophylactic dose.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the efficacy of rFVIIIFc for the treatment of acute bleeding episodes in subjects with severe haemophilia A, regardless of treatment regimen.
Incidence of low‐titre factor VIII inhibitors in patients with haemophilia A: meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Messori A. , Peyvandi F. , Mengato D. , Mannucci P. M.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

A few studies have been focused on low‐titre inhibitors in patients with haemophilia A. Although several putative factors have been implicated in the development of these inhibitors, solid data are still lacking.

Aim

The aim of this study was to perform a proportion meta‐analysis on the incidence of low‐titre inhibitors in haemophilia A.

Methods

We surveyed the PubMed database to identify studies on de novo development of low‐titre inhibitors in haemophilia A patients. On the basis of these data, we carried out a proportion meta‐analysis to summarize information on incidence and between‐study variability. Furthermore, the following three covariates were assessed by meta‐regression: (i) mild disease vs. severe haemophilia; (ii) status of previously untreated patient (PUP) as opposed to multi‐transfused and (iii) type of factor VIII.

Results

Our literature search on PubMed extracted 340 eligible articles. From these, we selected 33 patient cohorts that were included in our meta‐analysis (19 cohorts for PUPs and 14 cohorts for multi‐transfused or unselected patients). The pooled incidence of low‐titre inhibitors was 10.3% (95%CI: 8.3–12.5%) for studies including PUPs and 5.8% (95%CI: 2.5–10.4%) for the other studies; the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.003). Meta‐regression of 31 patient cohorts found that mild disease and type of factor VIII were not associated with an increased incidence of low‐titre inhibitors.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed that PUPs show a higher incidence of low‐titre inhibitors than the other patients. Furthermore, our data showed that mild haemophilia was not associated with an increased incidence of low‐titre inhibitors.
Immunoserological and histological differences between autoimmune hepatitis with acute presentation and chronic autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Dohmen Kazufumi , Tanaka Hirofumi , Haruno Masatora , Aishima Shinichi
Published: February 2017

Aim

The histological features of clinically chronic autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have been well established, with interface hepatitis and plasma cell infiltration as hallmark lesions, however, the immunoserological and histological features of recent‐onset and acute AIH remain undefined. The goal of this study was to define the immunoserological and histological differences between AIH with acute presentation and chronic AIH.

Methods

Thirty‐two consecutive patients with well‐characterized AIH who had undergone a liver biopsy were identified at our institution. These patients were divided into two groups. Sixteen patients whose liver dysfunction had persisted for at least 12 months were defined as chronic AIH (C‐AIH) patients, and 16 patients whose liver dysfunction had been within normal limits for >12 months previously, and had only recently been found to have abnormal function for the first time, were defined as AIH with acute presentation (AIH‐a) patients. Various biological and histological characteristics were compared between these two patient groups.

Results

No significant differences were found between the groups for age, body mass index, serum levels of total bilirubin, transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, prothrombin activity, immunoglobulin, titers of antinuclear antibody, or diagnostic scores between the groups. Histologically, there was no significant difference in the degree of interface hepatitis, plasma cell infiltration, or centrilobular necrosis between AIH‐a and C‐AIH patients. However, histological active findings such as activity, lobular inflammation, rosette formation, spotty necrosis, seroid‐laden macrophages, and single cell necrosis were significantly more frequent in AIH‐a patients, whereas portal fibrosis was significantly more frequent in C‐AIH patients. Only one case among the 16 AIH‐a patients was confirmed as acute AIH, showing massive centrilobular necrosis with a mild degree of portal inflammation and interface hepatitis. All patients with AIH‐a and C‐AIH responded well to corticosteroid or ursodeoxycholic acid treatment.

Conclusions

Patients with AIH‐a could not be distinguished from C‐AIH patients clinically or immunoserologically. Based on the histopathological findings of the liver, almost all cases of AIH‐a might be exacerbations of non‐symptomatic pre‐existing C‐AIH.
Exploring the relationship between activities and emotional experience using a diary in a mental health inpatient setting
Authors: Folke Fredrik , Hursti Timo , Kanter Jonathan W. , Arinell Hans , Tungström Stefan , Söderberg Per , Ekselius Lisa
Published: February 2017

Mental health inpatient milieus have repeatedly been found to be associated with passivity, social disengagement, and low levels of interaction with staff. However, little is known about patients’ experiences related to different ward activities. In the present study, we aimed to study the reports of activities and associated experiences of patients admitted to acute psychiatric inpatient wards. Disengaged, inactive, and solitary activities were hypothesized to be associated with less reward and more distress than their counterparts. We also aimed to investigate if such activities predicted distress, and if they were associated with clinical severity. Participants (n = 102) recorded their activities along with concurrent ratings of reward and distress in a structured 1‐day diary, and nurses provided clinical severity ratings. On average, 3.74 of the 11 hours assessed (34%) were spent doing nothing, only 0.88 hours (8%) were spent with staff, and most of the time was spent in solitude. Doing nothing, being alone, and passivity were associated with the greatest levels of distress and lowest levels of reward, whereas informal socializing demonstrated the opposite pattern. Distress was not predicted by activity or reward when adjusting for baseline distress. Clinical severity was not associated with the amount of time spent alone or the experience of reward during activity. In conclusion, the risk for passivity and social disengagement during admission prevails. This activity pattern could have detrimental emotional consequences and warrants action, but more studies are needed to determine if activity actually precedes emotional experience.
Enhanced power factor of textured Al‐doped‐ZnO ceramics by field‐assisted deforming
Authors: Yang Shuang , Chen Fei , Gao Xiaoyi , Shen Qiang , Zhang Lianmeng
Published: February 2017

Field‐assisted deforming method has been used to prepare c‐axis textured Al‐doped‐ZnO Ceramics (AZO) ceramics. In such cases, AZO ceramics with different degree of texture can be controlled efficiently. As a consequence, the electrical conductivity has been significantly enhanced for AZO ceramic with high degree of texture. The electrical conductivity for highly textured AZO is as high as 29.5 S·m−1, 6 times higher than random orientation AZO ceramics. The enhanced electrical conductivity leads to a higher power factor of 5.3×10−4 W·m−1·K−2 at 750 K, a 60.6% improvement over the random orientation AZO ceramic.
Structural insights in Dy3+‐doped β‐Tricalcium phosphate and its multimodal imaging characteristics
Authors: Meenambal Rugmani , Poojar Pavan , Geethanath Sairam , Sanjeevi Kannan
Published: February 2017

A series of Dysprosium (Dy3+) doped β‐Tricalcium phosphate [β‐TCP, β‐Ca3(PO4)2] were developed for applications in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). Characterization studies confirmed the Dy3+ occupancy at Ca2+(1), Ca2+(2), and Ca2+(3) lattice sites of β‐Ca3(PO4)2 and its substitution limit was determined as 4.35 mol%. The transitions from the 6H15/2 ground state to various excited energy levels is validated by the characteristic absorption peaks of Dy3+. Luminescence studies inferred two intense bands at 480 and 572 nm due to 4F9/2→6H15/2 (blue) and 4F9/2→6H13/2 (yellow) transitions of Dy3+. The paramagnetic and nontoxic behavior of Dy3+‐doped β‐Ca3(PO4)2 were confirmed from magnetic and MTT tests, respectively. Dy3+ in the host induces a high X‐ray absorption ability for X‐ray computed tomography (CT) and showed efficient contrast T2‐enhancing modality. Thus the proposed system could be used as a promising probe for multimodality with optical imaging, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.
Diversification through ecological opportunity in dwarf chameleons
Authors: da Silva Jessica Marie , Tolley Krystal A.
Published: February 2017

Aim

To investigate whether morphological variation in a continental radiation of lizards (Chamaeleonidae) was driven by ecological opportunity.

Location

KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa.

Methods

Chameleons from all morphotypes were genotyped (n = 279) using 10 microsatellite and one mitochondrial marker (n = 130). Genetic spatial structure was examined in a Bayesian framework and compared to ecomorphological forms, to identify distinct chameleon groups using a total evidence approach. Ecological niche modelling projected back to the Last Glacial Maximum and the Last Interglacial was used to make inferences regarding the processes that may have facilitated diversification through ecological opportunity.

Results

For the three inland groups, genetic and morphological evidence were in agreement suggesting these are candidate species. However, there was discordance in evidence for populations from coastal regions, although the different time‐scales of the data allow us to make some inferences regarding this disparity. The microsatellite data suggest at least three independent origins of coastal chameleons, although all three clusters show the same ecomorph, which indicates convergence of phenotype in a similar environment. The species distribution models revealed high niche stability among inland groups, suggesting the presence of refugia for these chameleons; whereas the coastal niche is more dynamic and likely resulted in recent origins of these groups.

Main Conclusions

A dynamic climatic niche and corresponding vegetation shifts are likely to have shaped contrasting ecomorphological and genetic patterns within this continental radiation by creating ecological opportunity for the coastal chamleons. In contrast, inland groups are in climatically stable regions, and show concordance between lines of evidence, suggesting that niche stability has allowed for these chameleons to diverge genetically and phenotypically.
Evaluation of adherence predictors for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis with biologics: the importance of physician–patient interaction and communication
Authors: Zschocke I. , Ortland C. , Reich K.
Published: February 2017

Background

Treatment efficacy of biologic agents in moderate to severe psoriasis is regarded as high with patient adherence being higher than for traditional therapies. However, use of biologics is connected to high discontinuation rates. The current investigator‐initiated study was conducted to improve the understanding of adherence.

Materials and methods

The study was designed as non‐interventional retrospective multicentre trial in Germany. Questionnaires were developed based on the adherence dimensions identified by the World Health Organization, WHO. Thirteen dermatologists and 246 patients participated in the study and replied to the questionnaires. Study data were analysed for potential predictors of adherence in an explorative manner.

Results

Based on the physician's assessment of the patients' individual adherence, subsets of adherent and non‐adherent patients were discriminated. Two main drivers were identified on the patients' side that were positively connected to adherence: a lack of efficacy of the previous treatments and the knowledge of comorbidities associated with severe psoriasis. Furthermore, physician–patient communication seems to play a central role, as on the dermatologists' side, there was a strong association of adherence and positive personal interrelation between dermatologist and patient.

Conclusion

The data reported here underline the importance of patient education and information delivery to optimize patient adherence and thereby treatment outcomes. Treating physicians should be aware that soft aspects of their interaction with the patient might influence treatment adherence.
Can Braden Score Predict Outcomes for Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients?
Authors: Bandle Brian , Ward Kelsey , Min Sung‐Joon , Drake Cynthia , McIlvennan Colleen K. , Kao David , Wald Heidi L.
Published: February 2017

Background

Braden score is a routine assessment of pressure ulcer risk hypothesized to identify the frail phenotype.

Objectives

To investigate the predictive utility of the Braden score on outcomes of inpatients with heart failure (HF).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

An academic medical center between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013.

Participants

642 inpatients with a primary diagnosis of HF (ICD‐9 428).

Measurements

The primary predictor was Braden score. Primary outcome was 30‐day mortality. Additional outcomes included 30‐day readmission, length of stay (LOS), and discharge destination. Multivariable methods were used to determine the association between the primary predictor and each outcome adjusted for patient demographics and clinical variables.

Results

Mean admission and discharge Braden scores were 19.5 ± 2.3 (SD) (range = 9–23) and 20.0 ± 1.9 (range = 11–23), respectively (P < .0001). Mean age was 61.8 ± 16.2 years (range = 19–101). The 30‐day mortality rate was 4.4%, 30‐day readmission rate was 16.2%, mean LOS was 7.0 ± 8.7 days, and 78.2% were discharged home. After adjustment, higher (better) Braden score was significantly associated with decreased 30‐day mortality (discharge Braden AOR 0.81 (95% CI 0.66–0.996)), and decreased average LOS (admission Braden β −0.52 days (P = .0002)). Higher discharge Braden score was significantly associated with discharge to home (AOR 1.66 (95% CI 1.42–1.95)). Braden score was not significantly associated with 30‐day readmission.

Conclusion

Braden score is an independent predictor of mortality, LOS, and discharge destination among inpatients with HF. Further exploration of the use of Braden scores to identify inpatients who might benefit from specialized intervention is warranted.
Effect of Physical Activity versus Health Education on Physical Function, Grip Strength and Mobility
Authors: Santanasto Adam J. , Glynn Nancy W. , Lovato Laura C. , Blair Steven N. , Fielding Roger A. , Gill Thomas M. , Guralnik Jack M. , Hsu Fang‐Chi , King Abby C. , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Manini Todd M. , Marsh Anthony P. , McDermott Mary M. , Goodpaster Bret H. , Pahor Marco , Newman Anne B. ,   the LIFE Study Group
Published: February 2017

Background

Physical activity (PA) reduces the rate of mobility disability, compared with health education (HE), in at risk older adults. It is important to understand aspects of performance contributing to this benefit.

Objective

To evaluate intervention effects on tertiary physical performance outcomes.

Design

The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) was a multi‐centered, single‐blind randomized trial of older adults.

Setting

Eight field centers throughout the United States.

Participants

1635 adults aged 78.9 ± 5.2 years, 67.2% women at risk for mobility disability (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] <10).

Interventions

Moderate PA including walking, resistance and balance training compared with HE consisting of topics relevant to older adults.

Outcomes

Grip strength, SPPB score and its components (balance, 4 m gait speed, and chair‐stands), as well as 400 m walking speed.

Results

Total SPPB score was higher in PA versus HE across all follow‐up times (overall P = .04) as was the chair‐stand component (overall P < .001). No intervention effects were observed for balance (overall P = .12), 4 m gait speed (overall P = .78), or grip strength (overall P = .62). However, 400 m walking speed was faster in PA versus HE group (overall P =<.001). In separate models, 29% of the rate reduction of major mobility disability in the PA versus HE group was explained by change in SPPB score, while 39% was explained by change in the chair stand component.

Conclusion

Lower extremity performance (SPPB) was significantly higher in the PA compared with HE group. Changes in chair‐stand score explained a considerable portion of the effect of PA on the reduction of major mobility disability–consistent with the idea that preserving muscle strength/power may be important for the prevention of major mobility disability.
Acute ghrelin changes food preference from a high‐fat diet to chow during binge‐like eating in rodents
Authors: Bake T. , Hellgren K. T. , Dickson S. L.
Published: February 2017

Ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone released from the empty stomach, provides a gut–brain signal that promotes many appetitive behaviours, including anticipatory and goal‐directed behaviours for palatable treats high in sugar and/or fat. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether ghrelin is able to influence and/or may even have a role in binge‐like eating behaviour in rodents. Accordingly, we used a palatable scheduled feeding (PSF) paradigm in which ad lib. chow‐fed rodents are trained to ‘binge’ on a high‐fat diet (HFD) offered each day for a limited period of 2 hours. After 2 weeks of habituation to this paradigm, on the test day and immediately prior to the 2‐hour PSF, rats were administered ghrelin or vehicle solution by the i.c.v. route. Remarkably and unexpectedly, during the palatable scheduled feed, when rats normally only binge on the HFD, those injected with i.c.v. ghrelin started to eat more chow and chow intake remained above baseline for the rest of the 24‐hour day. We identify the ventral tegmental area (VTA) (a key brain area involved in food reward) as a substrate involved because these effects could be reproduced, in part, by intra‐VTA delivery of ghrelin. Fasting, which increases endogenous ghrelin, immediately prior to a palatable schedule feed also increased chow intake during/after the schedule feed but, in contrast to ghrelin injection, did not reduce HFD intake. Chronic continuous central ghrelin infusion over several weeks enhanced binge‐like behaviour in palatable schedule fed rats. Over a 4‐week period, GHS‐R1A‐KO mice were able to adapt and maintain large meals of HFD in a manner similar to wild‐type mice, suggesting that ghrelin signalling may not have a critical role in the acquisition or maintenance in this kind of feeding behaviour. In conclusion, ghrelin appears to act as a modulating factor for binge‐like eating behaviour by shifting food preference towards a more nutritious choice (from HFD to chow), with these effects being somewhat divergent from fasting.
Quality and stability of extemporaneous pyridoxal phosphate preparations used in the treatment of paediatric epilepsy
Authors: Mohamed-Ahmed Abeer H A , Wilson Matthew P , Albuera Maedelyn , Chen Ting , Mills Philippa B , Footitt Emma J , Clayton Peter T , Tuleu Catherine
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To assess the pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP) content and stability of extemporaneous PLP liquids prepared from dietary supplements used for the treatment of vitamin B6-dependent epilepsy.

Methods

Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate liquids were prepared in accordance with the guidelines given to patients from marketed 50 mg PLP dietary capsules and tablets. The PLP content and its stability were evaluated under conditions resembling the clinical setting using reverse phase HPLC and mass spectrometry.

Key findings

Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate content in most of the extemporaneously prepared liquids from dietary supplements was found to be different from the expected amount (~16–60 mg). Most of these PLP extemporaneous liquids were stable at room temperature (protected from light) after 24 h but unstable after 4 h when exposed to light. A key photodegradation product of PLP in water was confirmed as 4-pyridoxic acid 5′-phosphate (PAP).

Conclusion

Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate tablets from Solgar® were found to be the most reliable product for the preparation of extemporaneous PLP liquids. This work highlighted the difference between the marketed PLP dietary supplements quality and the importance of proper storage of aqueous PLP. There is a need to develop pharmaceutical forms of PLP that ensure dose accuracy and avoid potentially unsafe impurities with the aim of enhancing safety and compliance.
Validation of Ultrasonography for Assessment of Gastric Emptying Time in Healthy Cats by Radionuclide Scintigraphy
Authors: Husnik R. , Fletcher J.M. , Gaschen L. , Gaschen F.P.
Published: February 2017

Background

The prevalence of gastric emptying (GE) disorders in cats is unknown due to lack of clinically applicable diagnostic tests.

Objectives

The principal aim of this study was to assess correlation between scintigraphic and ultrasonographic measurements ofGEtime (GET) in healthy cats. Additionally, variability of ultrasonographicGET, and correlation between scintigraphy and ultrasonographic parameters of gastric motility were evaluated.

Animals

Eight healthy domestic shorthair cats.

Methods

Prospective study. ScintigraphicGETwas determined using a solid test meal containing 4mCi99mTc‐mebrofenin. Each cat had 3 separate ultrasonographic assessments ofGE, performed independent of scintigraphic assessment, after solid test meal consumption. The motility index (MI) of antral contractions was plotted against time and time for each fraction of the area under theMIcurve determined. UltrasonographicGETandMIwere correlated to scintigraphicGET.

Results

ScintigraphicGET(mean ±SD) for 25, 50, and 75%GEwas 103 ± 32 minutes, 196 ± 45 minutes, and 288 ± 62 minutes, whereas sonographicGETfor 25, 50, and 75%GEwas 106 ± 13 minutes, 203 ± 19 minutes, and 305 ± 27 minutes. There was good correlation between scintigraphic and sonographicGET(r= 0.72–0.82) at 45–90% fractionalGEand between scintigraphicGETand time of correspondingMIcurve fraction (r= 0.78–0.86) at 40–90% fraction of theMIcurve. There was moderate intraindividual variability for sonographicGETandMIcurve fraction times as well as significant variation among individuals.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Ultrasonography is a valid alternative to scintigraphy for assessment of solid‐phaseGEand allows assessment of postprandial gastric motility in healthy cats.
Excusable consent in duress
Authors: Loke Alexander F H
Published: February 2017

While the illegitimate pressure theory provides a more satisfactory theoretical basis for duress in contract law than the overborne will theory, it insufficiently addresses why a victim who has given deliberated consent should be excused from contractual responsibility. The paper proposes that the additional element of ‘excusable consent’ enhances the current analytical framework: first, by recognising that the law makes value judgments of both the threatening party's actions and the victim's response; secondly, by lightening the burden of the illegitimate pressure element and providing it greater focus; and, thirdly, by providing a better fit for considerations such as ‘no practical alternatives’ that strain the existing framework.
Extreme genetic structure in a social bird species despite high dispersal capacity
Authors: Morinha Francisco , Dávila José A. , Bastos Estela , Cabral João A. , Frías Óscar , González José L. , Travassos Paulo , Carvalho Diogo , Milá Borja , Blanco Guillermo
Published: February 2017

Social barriers have been shown to reduce gene flow and contribute to genetic structure among populations in species with high cognitive capacity and complex societies, such as cetaceans, apes and humans. In birds, high dispersal capacity is thought to prevent population divergence unless major geographical or habitat barriers induce isolation patterns by dispersal, colonization or adaptation limitation. We report that Iberian populations of the red‐billed chough, a social, gregarious corvid with high dispersal capacity, show a striking degree of genetic structure composed of at least 15 distinct genetic units. Monitoring of marked individuals over 30 years revealed that long‐distance movements over hundreds of kilometres are common, yet recruitment into breeding populations is infrequent and highly philopatric. Genetic differentiation is weakly related to geographical distance, and habitat types used are overall qualitatively similar among regions and regularly shared by individuals of different populations, so that genetic structure is unlikely to be due solely to isolation by distance or isolation by adaptation. Moreover, most population nuclei showed relatively high levels of genetic diversity, suggesting a limited role for genetic drift in significantly differentiating populations. We propose that social mechanisms may underlie this unprecedented level of genetic structure in birds through a pattern of isolation by social barriers not yet described, which may have driven this remarkable population divergence in the absence of geographical and environmental barriers.
Evolutionary genetics of host shifts in herbivorous insects: insights from the age of genomics
Authors: Vertacnik Kim L. , Linnen Catherine R.
Published: February 2017

Adaptation to different host taxa is a key driver of insect diversification. Herbivorous insects are classic models for ecological and evolutionary research, but it is recent advances in sequencing, statistics, and molecular technologies that have cleared the way for investigations into the proximate genetic mechanisms underlying host shifts. In this review, we discuss how genome‐scale data are revealing—at resolutions previously unimaginable—the genetic architecture of host‐use traits, the causal loci underlying host shifts, and the predictability of host‐use evolution. Collectively, these studies are providing novel insights into longstanding questions about host‐use evolution. On the basis of this synthesis, we suggest that different host‐use traits are likely to differ in their genetic architecture (number of causal loci and the nature of their genetic correlations) and genetic predictability (extent of gene or mutation reuse), indicating that any conclusions about the causes and consequences of host‐use evolution will depend heavily on which host‐use traits are investigated. To draw robust conclusions and identify general patterns in host‐use evolution, we argue that investigation of diverse host‐use traits and identification of causal genes and mutations should be the top priorities for future studies on the evolutionary genetics of host shifts.
Biochemical characterization of metabolism‐based atrazine resistance in Amaranthus tuberculatus and identification of an expressed GST associated with resistance
Authors: Evans Anton F. , O'Brien Sarah R. , Ma Rong , Hager Aaron G. , Riggins Chance W. , Lambert Kris N. , Riechers Dean E.
Published: February 2017

Rapid detoxification of atrazine in naturally tolerant crops such as maize (Zea mays) and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) results from glutathione S‐transferase (GST) activity. In previous research, two atrazine‐resistant waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) populations from Illinois, U.S.A. (designated ACR and MCR), displayed rapid formation of atrazine‐glutathione (GSH) conjugates, implicating elevated rates of metabolism as the resistance mechanism. Our main objective was to utilize protein purification combined with qualitative proteomics to investigate the hypothesis that enhanced atrazine detoxification, catalysed by distinct GSTs, confers resistance in ACR and MCR. Additionally, candidate AtuGST expression was analysed in an F2 population segregating for atrazine resistance. ACR and MCR showed higher specific activities towards atrazine in partially purified ammonium sulphate and GSH affinity‐purified fractions compared to an atrazine‐sensitive population (WCS). One‐dimensional electrophoresis of these fractions displayed an approximate 26‐kDa band, typical of GST subunits. Several phi‐ and tau‐class GSTs were identified by LC‐MS/MS from each population, based on peptide similarity with GSTs from Arabidopsis. Elevated constitutive expression of one phi‐class GST, named AtuGSTF2, correlated strongly with atrazine resistance in ACR and MCR and segregating F2 population. These results indicate that AtuGSTF2 may be linked to a metabolic mechanism that confers atrazine resistance in ACR and MCR.
Everglades tree island restoration: testing a simple tree planting technique patterned after a natural process
Authors: Dreschel Thomas W. , Cline Eric A. , Hill Steven D.
Published: February 2017

Tree islands in the Everglades are critical landscape features, but anthropogenic modification of the Everglades during the past century has led to the degradation and loss of many of the tree islands that originally dotted the Everglades landscape. Many of the tree islands have lost elevation and the majority of their woody species such that they are now covered with emergent plants such as sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense). A simple, cost‐effective tree planting technique is needed for restoring degraded Everglades tree islands. We patterned our design after a natural Everglades process that creates floating islands, which promotes tree survival and growth in both flooded and dry conditions and may lead to the development of fixed islands. Commercial peat bags were tested as a means to provide the medium for the growth and establishment of potted tree saplings native to Everglades tree islands. Three tree species (Annona glabra, Ficus aurea, and Acer rubrum) and five treatments were evaluated. The results indicate that the preferred deployed peat‐bag configuration should provide the greatest additional elevation to minimize inundation and be planted with a single Everglades tree island species sapling, with a single commercial tree fertilizer spike inserted for nutrients. Although most plants survived and many thrived for the two‐year period of this study, determining whether the trees planted using this technique can become established will require longer‐term studies and extensive field tests.
Follow‐up of surgically treated patients with cystic echinococcosis: can novel recombinant antigens compete with imaging? Analysis of a patient cohort
Authors: Stojkovic Marija , Adt Hans‐Micha , Rosenberger Kerstin , Boubaker Ghalia , Hernandez‐Gonzalez Ana , Junghanss Thomas , Zwahlen Marcel , Siles‐Lucas Mar
Published: February 2017

Objective

To compare the performance of two novel recombinant antigens (EgP29, 2B2t) with imaging in a well‐defined cohort of surgically treated cystic echinococcosis (CE) patients to determine whether serology reflects surgical cure as defined by imaging.

Methods

From a cohort of 223 CE‐confirmed patients of a national clinical center for echinococcosis, 36 surgically treated patients were eligible for analysis. Sera were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for specific IgG and IgG4 antibodies against the EgP29 and 2B2t antigens. We used a hierarchical linear regression model to examine the course of antibody levels over time for each patient. A meta‐analysis of the patient‐specific estimates of the time to negativity was performed using the metan command in Stata.

Results

The range of positive serological results at the beginning of post‐surgical monitoring was 34–60%: 2B2t 51%, 2B2t‐IgG4 34%, EgP29 60% and EgP29‐IgG4 40%. The pooled estimates of time to seronegativity were as follows: 2B2t‐ELISA 3.92 (3.24, 4.61) years; 2B2t‐IgG4‐ELISA 4.60 (3.91, 5.29) years; EgP29‐ELISA 3.94 (3.50, 4.39) years; EgP29‐IgG4‐ELISA 2.55 (1.93, 3.18) years.

Conclusion

After surgical treatment, antibodies to the recombinant antigens 2B2t and EgP29 become negative in the majority of CE‐confirmed, surgically cured patients. The major drawback is the fact that only around half of the CE‐confirmed, surgically treated patients were at all responsive to the test antigens, so they are of limited benefit for documenting primary cure. Equally, these antigens do not appear to be sensitive to recurrences.
“The Gaze Heuristic:” Biography of an Adaptively Rational Decision Process
Authors: Hamlin Robert P.
Published: February 2017

This article is a case study that describes the natural and human history of the gaze heuristic. The gaze heuristic is an interception heuristic that utilizes a single input (deviation from a constant angle of approach) repeatedly as a task is performed. Its architecture, advantages, and limitations are described in detail. A history of the gaze heuristic is then presented. In natural history, the gaze heuristic is the only known technique used by predators to intercept prey. In human history the gaze heuristic was discovered accidentally by Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter command just prior to World War II. As it was never discovered by the Luftwaffe, the technique conferred a decisive advantage upon the RAF throughout the war. After the end of the war in America, German technology was combined with the British heuristic to create the Sidewinder AIM9 missile, the most successful autonomous weapon ever built. There are no plans to withdraw it or replace its guiding gaze heuristic. The case study demonstrates that the gaze heuristic is a specific heuristic type that takes a single best input at the best time (take the best2). Its use is an adaptively rational response to specific, rapidly evolving decision environments that has allowed those animals/humans/machines who use it to survive, prosper, and multiply relative to those who do not.