bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating systematics and biogeography to disentangle the roles of history and ecology in biotic assembly
Authors: Weeks Brian C. , Claramunt Santiago , Cracraft Joel
Published: April 2016

Aim

We develop a conceptual framework for integrating evolutionary history and ecological processes into studies of biotic assembly.

Location

Global.

Methods

We use theoretical and empirical examples to demonstrate that species distributions are non‐random outcomes of first‐order processes of biotic evolution: allopatry (isolation of populations), speciation and dispersion of biotas across landscapes. We then outline generalizable steps for integrating methods of phylogenetic and historical biogeographical analyses into studies of biotic assembly.

Results

We present a framework that can be applied to any biotic assemblage amenable to phylogenetic and historical biogeographical analyses, can accommodate changes in spatial extent and temporal scale, and will facilitate comparison of assembly processes across biotas. Additionally, we demonstrate the utility of an historical approach for providing context to ecological influences on evolutionary processes, such as trait evolution.

Main conclusions

By focusing on reconstructing the histories of individual lineages, an historical approach to assembly analysis can reveal the timing and underlying processes guiding biotic assembly, making it possible to disentangle the roles of history and ecology in the assembly process.
Evidence of mercury biomagnification in the food chain of the cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi (Osteichthyes: Characidae) in the Rio Negro, central Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Marshall B. G. , Forsberg B. R. , Thomé‐Souza M. , Peleja R. , Moreira M. Z. , Freitas C. E. C.
Published: April 2016

In this study, nitrogen stable isotope (δ15N) and total mercury (THg) analyses were conducted on algae, submersed and emergent macrophytes, shrubs and trees, Macrobrachium sp. and Paracheirodon axelrodi collected in three streams that drain a large interfluvial region in the middle Rio Negro, Amazonas State, Brazil. Samples were collected during different hydrological periods over 12 months in lower stream reaches and their headwaters; the latter being characterized by shallow, open‐canopy swamps. Additionally, δ15N values and mercury concentrations of Paracheirodon simulans and Cichla spp. from the middle Rio Negro were analysed to demonstrate THg biomagnification in the food web. The highest mercury levels of P. axelrodi were found in small individuals, which were collected principally in the low water period. The log10 THg–δ15N relationship of vascular plants and algae, Macrobrachium sp., Paracheirodon spp. and Cichla spp. showed significant mercury biomagnification among trophic levels, with regression slopes of 0·15 and 0·25 for the entire food web and heterotrophs‐only food web, respectively. The mean ± s.d. THg concentrations for Macrobrachium sp., P. axelrodi, P. simulans and Cichla spp. were 63·6 ± 23·7, 104·5 ± 40·0, 112·3 ± 31·4 and 418·5 ± 188·1 ng g−1 wet mass, respectively. Elevated levels of mercury found in Paracheirodon spp. and top predators such as Cichla spp. in a remote area far from anthropogenic inputs provide evidence that high mercury concentrations occur naturally in Rio Negro aquatic food webs.
THE CIRCULAR RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INEQUALITY, LEVERAGE, AND FINANCIAL CRISES
Authors: Bazillier Rémi , Hericourt Jérôme
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we put into perspective the recent literature which points to inequality as a possible cause of credit bubbles, by reintegrating it into a more general analysis on the two‐way relationship between inequality and finance. We focus more specifically on situations where high inequalities and widespread access to credit coexist, and argue that, even when institutions maintain more or less equal access to finance, there may be a dynamic, positive circular relationship between inequality and financial development. However, even if there is some evidence in the literature of a positive causal impact of inequality on credit, this does not preclude other important, cofounding factors. The conclusions concerning the distributional impact of finance are more ambiguous. A survey of the empirical literature highlights several issues that must be tackled. First, endogeneity: reverse causality and coincidental factors are major concerns. Second, the choice of consistent measurements for the key variables (both credit and inequality) has strong empirical implications, and must be grounded on relevant theoretical channels. Third, those circular dynamics have substantial policy implications for emerging economies, since an increasing number face a joint increase in inequality and credit.
The juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: pathogenesis, clinical and autoantibody phenotypes, and outcomes
Authors: Rider L. G. , Nistala K.
Published: April 2016

The aim of this review was to summarize recent advances in the understanding of the clinical and autoantibody phenotypes, their associated outcomes and the pathogenesis of the juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (JIIMs). The major clinical and autoantibody phenotypes in children have many features similar to those in adults, and each has distinct demographic and clinical features and associated outcomes. The most common myositis autoantibodies in JIIM patients are anti‐p155/140, anti‐MJ and anti‐MDA5. Higher mortality has been associated with overlap myositis as well as with the presence of anti‐synthetase and anti‐MDA5 autoantibodies; a chronic illness course and lipodystrophy have been associated with anti‐p155/140 autoantibodies; and calcinosis has been associated with anti‐MJ autoantibodies. Histologic abnormalities of JIIMs detectable on muscle biopsy have also been correlated with myositis‐specific autoantibodies; for example, patients with anti‐MDA5 show low levels of inflammatory infiltrate and muscle damage on biopsy. The first genome‐wide association study of adult and juvenile dermatomyositis revealed three novel genetic associations, BLK, PLCL1 and CCL21 and confirmed that the human leucocyte antigen region is the primary risk region for juvenile dermatomyositis. Here, we review the well‐established pathogenic processes in JIIMs, including the type 1 interferon and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. Several novel JIIM‐associated inflammatory mediators, such as the innate immune system proteins, myeloid‐related peptide 8/14, galectin 9 and eotaxin, have emerged as promising biomarkers of disease. Advances in our understanding of the phenotypes and pathophysiology of the JIIMs are leading to better tools to help clinicians stratify and treat these heterogeneous disorders.
A Global Hardy
Authors: Richardson Angelique
Published: April 2016

‘A Global Hardy’ seeks to situate the fiction of Hardy's Wessex in a network of international exchange. It explores the part played by empire in his fiction, the value he placed on cultural dialogue, his objections to imperialism and patriotism, and the modernist multiplicity of perspective to be found in The Dynasts, as well his awareness of the limits of moves between languages and cultural contexts. In examining the circulation of Hardy's work, it pays particular attention to his navigation of copyright issues and his engagement with translators around the world as his work reached audiences beyond Europe and North America, including Russia, China and Japan. Illuminating the multiplicity of Hardy's work, as scholars, researchers and translators take Hardy Studies in new directions, the project explores ways in which his work has found new audiences in the past one and a half centuries.
Double Dislocation of Interphalangeal Joints Accompanied with Contralateral Shoulder Dislocation: A Case Report
Authors: Raval Pradyumna Ramchandra , Jariwala Arpit
Published: April 2016

Dislocation of any joint is an orthopaedic emergency and needs immediate attention by the attending physician. A delay in reducing a dislocated joint can lead to disastrous complications both immediately as well as in the long run. Although anterior dislocation of a shoulder joint is by far the commonest dislocation encountered by any emergency care physician, other joints may also get dislocated. In certain cases two joints may get dislocated simultaneously. Such dislocation is known as a double dislocation. Double dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint and the distal interphalangeal joint in the same finger is a rare injury. High impact loading at the fingertip is the primary cause in most cases and it is often associated with younger individuals playing contact sports. The right little finger is the digit commonly involved and this injury is evident in football players more often than not. Although closed reduction is a preferred treatment, it may not be always successful. Time of presentation, tendon interposition, associated swelling and co‐existent phalangeal fractures are certain key impediments to a successful closed reduction manoeuvre. In patients with an open injury, a thorough wash out and appropriate antibiotic cover is mandatory. We report a rare case of double dislocation of the interphalangeal joints accompanied with contralateral shoulder dislocation in an elderly man sustained after a fall which was treated successfully with closed reduction and early mobilization.
Mini‐invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion through Wiltse Approach to Treating Lumbar Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Zhou Chao , Tian Yong‐hao , Zheng Yan‐ping , Liu Xin‐yu , Wang Hu‐hu
Published: April 2016

Objective

To assess the clinical efficacy of mini‐invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) through the Wiltse approach for treating lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis.

Methods

In this retrospective controlled study, 69 cases with lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis treated in Qilu hospital from April to November 2014 were randomly assigned to Wiltse approach (31 cases, 16 male, 15 female; mean age 45.1 years) and traditional approach groups (38 cases, 21 male, 17 female; 47.2 years. In the Wiltse approach group, the affected level was L4, 5 in 19 cases and L5S1 in 12, 9 of whom had low back pain (LBP) only and 21 both LBP and leg pain. There were 17 cases of I degree and 14 of II degree spondylolisthesis. Pre‐operative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score was 13.1 ± 2.6; visual analog scale (VAS) for LBP 7.4 ± 1.2; VAS for leg pain 6.1 ± 2.0 and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score 42.2% ± 1.2%. In the traditional approach group, the affected level was L4, 5 in 22 cases and L5S1 in 16, 11 of whom had LBP only and 27 both LBP and leg pain. There were 21 cases of I degree and 17 of II degree spondylolisthesis. Pre‐operative JOA score was 12.8 ± 1.2; VAS for LBP 6.9 ± 1.1; VAS for leg pain 7.1 ± 2.0 and ODI score 41.2% ± 2.0%. The JOA score, VAS for LBP and leg pain, ODI dynamic X‐rays, CT and/or MR were evaluated 3 and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively.

Results

There were no differences in sex, age, affected levels, spondylolisthesis degree, pre‐operative JOA score, VAS for LBP or leg pain and ODI score between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incision length, blood loss and time to achieving exposure were better in the Wiltse approach than the traditional approach group (P < 0.05). The VAS for LBP and muscle atrophy MRI scores were significantly lower in the Wiltse approach than the traditional approach group on Days 1 and 14 and at 1 year follow‐up (P < 0.05). The VAS for leg pain, JOA recovery rate and JOA and ODI scores tended to be lower in the Wiltse approach than the traditional approach group at 1 year follow‐up examinations (no differences statistically significant, P > 0.05). The interbody fusion rate was not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). There were no complications of internal fixation in either group.

Conclusion

TLIF via both approaches has satisfactory clinical efficacy. TLIF through the Wiltse approach significantly reduces the damage of multifidus and postoperative incidence of chronic LBP.
S2 Alar‐iliac Fixation: A Powerful Procedure for the Treatment of Kyphoscoliosis
Authors: Liu Zhen , Qiu Yong , Yan Huang , Hu Zong‐shan , Zhu Feng , Qiao Jun , Xu Lei‐lei , Wang Bin , Yu Yang , Qian Bang‐ping , Zhu Ze‐zhang
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this study was to introduce a powerful technique for the treatment of kyphoscoliosis. There are currently multiple techniques for sacropelvic fixation, including trans‐iliac bars and iliac and iliosacral screws. Several studies have documented the use of these instrumentation techniques; however, a ubiquitous problematic issue concerns the need for separate incisions for the use of offset connectors, which add to surgical time and morbidity. Any additional dissection of the skin, subcutaneous tissue or muscle in this area is believed to increase the incidence of complications of wound healing. However, as stated above, the above‐mentioned techniques require separate incisions for the use of offset connectors, which add to surgical time and morbidity. The novel technique of S2 alar‐iliac (S2AI) pelvic fixation has been developed to address some of these issues. However, a technique for achieving correction of kyphoscoliosis with pelvic obliquity in adult patients with spinal deformity has not previously been described. Our entry point is based on the S1 foramen and is typically up to 5 mm caudal and 2 to 3 mm lateral to that foramen. Once the S1 foramen has been identified, a blunt instrument can be used to probe the alar ridge. The screw trajectory is 40°–50° from horizontal and 20°–30° caudal, aimed toward the greater trochanter and rostral to the sciatic notch. A 36‐year‐old female patient presented with a 3‐year history of low back pain, and progressive thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis. In this typical case, we performed S2AI fixation with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and hemivertebra resection technique to treat her lumbosacral kyphoscoliosis. Satisfactory improvement in her preoperative lumbar kyphoscoliosis was found at 3‐month follow‐up.
Pulmonary vasculature in COPD: The silent component
Authors: Blanco Isabel , Piccari Lucilla , Barberà Joan Albert
Published: April 2016

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow obstruction that results from an inflammatory process affecting the airways and lung parenchyma. Despite major abnormalities taking place in bronchial and alveolar structures, changes in pulmonary vessels also represent an important component of the disease. Alterations in vessel structure are highly prevalent and abnormalities in their function impair gas exchange and may result in pulmonary hypertension (PH), an important complication of the disease associated with reduced survival and worse clinical course. The prevalence of PH is high in COPD, particularly in advanced stages, although it remains of mild to moderate severity in the majority of cases.

Endothelial dysfunction, with imbalance between vasodilator/vasoconstrictive mediators, is a key determinant of changes taking place in pulmonary vasculature in COPD. Cigarette smoke products may perturb endothelial cells and play a critical role in initiating vascular changes. The concurrence of inflammation, hypoxia and emphysema further contributes to vascular damage and to the development of PH.

The use of drugs that target endothelium‐dependent signalling pathways, currently employed in pulmonary arterial hypertension, is discouraged in COPD due to the lack of efficacy observed in randomized clinical trials and because there is compelling evidence indicating that these drugs may worsen pulmonary gas exchange. The subgroup of patients with severe PH should be ideally managed in centres with expertise in both PH and chronic lung diseases because alterations of pulmonary vasculature might resemble those observed in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Because this condition entails poor prognosis, it warrants specialist treatment.
The Importance of Governance Levels in Alternative Food Networks: The Case of Red Meat Inspection Rules
Authors: Denny Riva C. H. , Worosz Michelle R. , Wilson Norbert L. W.
Published: April 2016

Focusing on U.S. red meat inspection regulations, in the context of alternative food networks (AFNs), we explore the implications of different levels of governmental governance for the number of red meat slaughter establishments in the United States. We argue that disaggregating “the state” makes possible a more nuanced consideration of the effects of different tiers of governance. We use regression analysis with data for 40 U.S. states over 40 years to examine the effects of state (subnational) inspection programs and implementation of the federal Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) regulations on the number of slaughter establishments by type. In this analysis we test two common beliefs among AFN actors: that state inspection helps, and HACCP hurts, small slaughter establishments. It also allows us to make a case for disaggregating governance tiers as we find that state inspection programs and HACCP have significant and opposite effects on the number of federally and non–federally inspected slaughter establishments. Our analysis supports the belief that state inspection is important to small slaughter establishments, but does not support the belief that HACCP has had a negative effect on them. Our conclusion is that agrifood scholars need to pay attention to different forms of governmental governance even with the increased focus on private and third‐party certifications.
Generalized Solutions of Piezoelectric Vibration-Based Energy Harvesting Structures Using an Electromechanical Transfer Matrix Method
Authors: Reissman Timothy , Wickenheiser Adam , Garcia Ephrahim
Published: April 2016

Piezoelectric vibration-based energy harvesting (pVEH) offers much potential as renewable energy structures. Within the literature, often geometry-specific models are developed, making designs of new structures difficult. In this work, a generalized linear algebraic method is developed. The method incorporates the transfer matrix method (TMM) into the well-accepted distributed parameter electromechanical model for a composite-piezoelectric, Euler–Bernoulli beam. The result is an electromechanical TMM which is highly accurate at predicting both structural and energy harvesting performances for a wide variety of designs which have chainlike topologies. A simplification is made within the method to model structures which operate solely within bending modes, reducing the computation to analyses of only four-by-four state transition matrices, regardless of structural complexity. As many applications aim to optimize the large bending mode piezoelectric effect, this simplification does not limit the versatility of the method. To demonstrate the validity of this statement, comparisons were performed to evaluate the accuracy of the method's predictions for six piezoelectric topologies, including a unimorph without a tip mass, a bimorph with a tip mass, several partial-length bimorphs without a tip mass, and three different multibeam bimorph structures with inline and folded-back designs. The results show differences no greater than 2.24% for the first and second natural frequencies of the structures. Likewise, the method yields excellent predictions for the mode shapes, their slopes, and the voltage frequency responses, especially within the ±10% bounds of the natural frequencies. Thus, the future design of new structures is shown to be simplified using this generalizable method.
An Accurate Singularity-Free Formulation of a Three-Dimensional Curved Euler–Bernoulli Beam for Flexible Multibody Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Fan W. , Zhu W. D.
Published: April 2016

An accurate singularity-free formulation of a three-dimensional curved Euler–Bernoulli beam with large deformations and large rotations is developed for flexible multibody dynamic analysis. Euler parameters are used to characterize orientations of cross sections of the beam, which can resolve the singularity problem caused by Euler angles. The position of the centroid line of the beam is integrated from its slope, and position vectors of nodes of beam elements are no longer used as generalized coordinates. Hence, the number of generalized coordinates for each node is minimized. Euler parameters instead of position vectors are interpolated in the current formulation, and a new C1-continuous interpolation function is developed, which can greatly reduce the number of elements. Governing equations of the beam and constraint equations are derived using Lagrange's equations for systems with constraints, which are solved by the generalized- α method for resulting differential-algebraic equations (DAEs). The current formulation can be used to calculate static and dynamic problems of straight and curved Euler–Bernoulli beams under arbitrary, concentrated and distributed forces. The stiffness matrix and generalized force in the current formulation are much simpler than those in the geometrically exact beam formulation (GEBF) and absolute node coordinate formulation (ANCF), which makes it more suitable for static equilibrium problems. Numerical simulations show that the current formulation can achieve the same accuracy as the GEBF and ANCF with much fewer elements and generalized coordinates.
Fast wideband acoustical holography
Authors: Hald Jørgen
Published: April 2016

Patch near-field acoustical holography methods like statistically optimized near-field acoustical holography and equivalent source method are limited to relatively low frequencies, where the average array-element spacing is less than half of the acoustic wavelength, while beamforming provides useful resolution only at medium-to-high frequencies. With adequate array design, both methods can be used with the same array. But for holography to provide good low-frequency resolution, a small measurement distance is needed, whereas beamforming requires a larger distance to limit sidelobe issues. The wideband holography method of the present paper was developed to overcome that practical conflict. Only a single measurement is needed at a relatively short distance and a single result is obtained covering the full frequency range. The method uses the principles of compressed sensing: A sparse sound field representation is assumed with a chosen set of basis functions, a measurement is taken with an irregular array, and the inverse problem is solved with a method that enforces sparsity in the coefficient vector. Instead of using regularization based on the 1-norm of the coefficient vector, an iterative solution procedure is used that promotes sparsity. The iterative method is shown to provide very similar results in most cases and to be computationally much more efficient.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two
Kocuria
Isolates,
K. salsicia
G1 and
K. rhizophila
G2, Isolated from a Slaughterhouse in Denmark
Authors: Herschend Jakob , Raghupathi Prem K. , Røder Henriette L. , Sørensen Søren J. , Burmølle Mette
Published: April 2016

We report here the draft genome sequences of
Kocuria salsicia
G1 and
Kocuria rhizophila
G2, which were isolated from a meat chopper at a small slaughterhouse in Denmark. The two annotated genomes are 2.99 Mb and 2.88 Mb in size, respectively.
Genome Sequence of
Kocuria varians
G6 Isolated from a Slaughterhouse in Denmark
Authors: Raghupathi Prem K. , Herschend Jakob , Røder Henriette L. , Sørensen Søren J. , Burmølle Mette
Published: April 2016

We report here the first draft genome sequence of
Kocuria varians
G6, which was isolated from a meat chopper at a small slaughterhouse in Denmark. The 2.90-Mb genome sequence consists of 95 contigs and contains 2,518 predicted protein-coding genes.
Genome Sequences of Five Nonvirulent
Listeria monocytogenes
Serovar 4 Strains
Authors: Sumrall Eric , Klumpp Jochen , Shen Yang , Loessner Martin J.
Published: April 2016

We present the complete genome sequences of five nonpathogenic
Listeria monocytogenes
serovar 4 strains: WSLC 1018 (4e), 1019 (4c), 1020 (4a), 1033 (4d), and 1047 (4d). These sequences may help to uncover genes involved in the synthesis of the serovar antigens—phenotypic determinants of virulence deemed clinically relevant.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Mycobacterium bovis
Strain BCG-1 (Russia)
Authors: Sotnikova Evgeniya A. , Shitikov Egor A. , Malakhova Maja V. , Kostryukova Elena S. , Ilina Elena N. , Atrasheuskaya Alena V. , Ignatyev Georgy M. , Vinokurova Nataliya V. , Gorbachyov Vyacheslav Y.
Published: April 2016

Mycobacterium bovis
BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) is a vaccine strain used for protection against tuberculosis. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of
M. bovis
strain BCG-1 (Russia). Extensive use of this strain necessitates the study of its genome stability by comparative analysis.
Draft Genome Sequence of Two
Sphingopyxis
sp. Strains, Dominant Members of the Bacterial Community Associated with a Drinking Water Distribution System Simulator
Authors: Gomez-Alvarez Vicente , Pfaller Stacy , Revetta Randy P.
Published: April 2016

We report the draft genomes of two
Sphingopyxis
sp. strains isolated from a chloraminated drinking water distribution system simulator. Both strains are ubiquitous residents and early colonizers of water distribution systems. Genomic annotation identified a class 1 integron (
intI1
) gene associated with sulfonamide (
sul1
) and puromycin (
pac
) antibiotic resistance genes.
Intravesical administration of combined hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) for the treatment of female recurrent urinary tract infections: a European multicentre nested case–control study
Authors: Ciani Oriana , Arendsen Erik , Romancik Martin , Lunik Richard , Costantini Elisabetta , Di Biase Manuel , Morgia Giuseppe , Fragalà Eugenia , Roman Tomaskin , Bernat Marian , Guazzoni Giorgio , Tarricone Rosanna , Lazzeri Massimo
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To compare the clinical effectiveness of the intravesical administration of combined hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate (HA+CS) versus current standard management in adult women with recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs).

Setting

A European Union-based multicentre, retrospective nested case–control study.

Participants

276 adult women treated for RUTIs starting from 2009 to 2013.

Interventions

Patients treated with either intravesical administration of HA+CS or standard of care (antimicrobial/immunoactive prophylaxis/probiotics/cranberry).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was occurrence of bacteriologically confirmed recurrence within 12 months. Secondary outcomes were time to recurrence, total number of recurrences, health-related quality of life and healthcare resource consumption. Crude and adjusted results for unbalanced characteristics are presented.

Results

181 patients treated with HA+CS and 95 patients treated with standard of care from 7 centres were included. The crude and adjusted ORs (95% CI) for the primary end point were 0.77 (0.46 to 1.28) and 0.51 (0.27 to 0.96), respectively. However, no evidence of improvement in terms of total number of recurrences (incidence rate ratio (95% CI), 0.99 (0.69 to 1.43)) or time to first recurrence was seen (HR (95% CI), 0.99 (0.61 to 1.61)). The benefit of intravesical HA+CS therapy improves when the number of instillations is ≥5.

Conclusions

Our results show that bladder instillations of combined HA+CS reduce the risk of bacteriologically confirmed recurrences compared with the current standard management of RUTIs. Total incidence rates and hazard rates were instead non-significantly different between the 2 groups after adjusting for unbalanced factors. In contrast to what happens with antibiotic prophylaxis, the effectiveness of the HA+CS reinstatement therapy improves over time.

Trial registration number

NCT02016118.
A multicentre randomised, 1-year comparative effectiveness, parallel-group trial protocol of a physical therapy approach compared to corticosteroid injections
Authors: Deyle Gail D , Gill Norman W , Rhon Daniel I , Allen Chris S , Allison Stephen C , Hando Ben R , Petersen Evan J , Dusenberry Douglas I , Bellamy Nicholas
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are commonly used as an initial or a primary intervention for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Consistent evidence indicates CSIs offer symptom relief with conflicting reports regarding long-term efficacy. Physical therapy (PT) offers a non-invasive alternative. There is moderate evidence suggesting short-term and long-term symptom relief and functional improvement with PT interventions. Patients with knee OA are more commonly prescribed CSI than PT prior to total joint replacement. UnitedHealthcare and Military Health System data show substantially more total knee replacement patients receive preoperative CSI than PT. There are no studies comparing CSI to a PT approach in individuals with knee OA. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of CSI to PT in individuals with knee OA at 1, 2 and 12 months.

Methods and analysis

We plan to recruit 156 participants meeting established knee OA criteria. Following informed consent, participants will be randomised to receive either CSI or PT. All participants will receive instruction on recommended exercise and weight control strategies plus usual medical care. The CSI intervention consisting of 3 injections and the PT intervention consisting of 8–12 sessions will be spaced over 12 months. Measures of the dependent variables (DVs) will occur at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 6 months and 12 months post enrolment. This pragmatic, randomised clinical trial will be a mixed-model 2×5 factorial design. The independent variables are treatment (CSI and PT) and time with five levels from baseline to 1 year. The primary DV is the Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). We will also compare healthcare utilisation between the 2 groups.

Ethics and Dissemination

The protocol was approved by the Madigan Army Medical Center Institutional Review Board. The authors intend to publish the results in a peer-reviewed source.

Trial Registration Number

NCT01427153.
Development and validation of a 21-item challenges to stopping smoking (CSS-21) scale
Authors: Thomas Dennis , Mackinnon Andrew J , Bonevski Billie , Abramson Michael J , Taylor Simone , Poole Susan G , Weeks Gregory R , Dooley Michael J , George Johnson
Published: April 2016

Objective

Identification of challenges associated with quitting and overcoming them may improve cessation outcomes. This study describes the development and initial validation of a scale for measuring challenges to stopping smoking.

Methods

The item pool was generated from empirical and theoretical literature and existing scales, expert opinion and interviews with smokers and ex-smokers. The questionnaire was administered to smokers and recent quitters who participated in a hospital-based smoking cessation trial. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify subscales in the questionnaire. Internal consistency, validity and robustness of the subscales were evaluated.

Results

Of a total of 182 participants with a mean age of 55 years (SD 12.8), 128 (70.3%) were current smokers and 54 (29.7%) ex-smokers. Factor analysis of the 21-item questionnaire resulted in a 2-factor solution representing items measuring intrinsic (9 items) and extrinsic (12 items) challenges. This structure was stable in various analyses and the 2 factors accounted for 50.7% of the total variance of the polychoric correlations between the items. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α) coefficients for the intrinsic and extrinsic subscales were 0.86 and 0.82, respectively. Compared with ex-smokers, current smokers had a higher mean score (±SD) for intrinsic (24.0±6.4 vs 20.5±7.4, p=0.002) and extrinsic subscales (22.3±7.5 vs 18.6±6.0, p=0.001).

Conclusions

Initial evaluation suggests that the 21-item challenges to stopping smoking scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in research and clinical settings to assess challenges to stopping smoking.
CXCL6 promotes human hepatocyte proliferation through the CXCR1–NFκB pathway and inhibits collagen I secretion by hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Li Zhenghong , Zhang Qidi , Zhang Qingqing , Xu Mingyi , Qu Ying , Cai Xiaobo , Lu Lungen
Published: April 2016

Hepatocyte proliferation and collagen I (COLI) secretion are important processes during liver regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the role of CXCL6 in hepatocyte proliferation and COLI secretion. Serum CXCL6 levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were examined and the effects of CXCL6 on the proliferation of L02 hepatocytes and the secretion of COLI from LX2 human hepatic stellate cells were evaluated. We found that serum CXCL6 levels increased gradually with disease progression of CHB, and there was positive correlation between serum CXCL6 level and alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). In vitro, CXCL6 promoted L02 proliferation but this was blocked upon CXCR1 knockdown. The level of phospho-IκBα was upregulated by CXCL6 but downregulated by CXCR1 siRNA in L02 cells. CXCL6 inhibited the secretion of COLI by LX2 cells, dependent on CXCR1 and CXCR2. Taken together, these data suggest that increased expression of CXCL6 during CHB could promote hepatocyte proliferation through the CXCR1–NFκB pathway and inhibit the secretion of COLI by hepatic stellate cells.
Age-dependent stability of nucleoli and global DNA methylation level in spermatocytes of the domestic horse (Equus caballus)
Authors: Andraszek Katarzyna , Gryzińska Magdalena , Danielewicz Agata , Batkowska Justyna , Smalec Elżbieta
Published: April 2016

The aim of the study was to determine the number and shape of nucleoli during meiosis in cells of the domestic horse. In addition, the level of global DNA methylation was determined using a quantitative technique for measuring the relative level of DNA methylation, modelled on an immunoenzymatic assay. The research was carried out on stallions belonging to two age groups (2 and 7 yr). In the cells of the 2-yr-old animals, the nucleoli were mainly of a regular shape and no fragmented nucleoli were observed. The cells of the 7-yr-old horses had a small percentage of regularly shaped nucleoli, and nucleoli with a fragmented structure were present. The study provides a basis for further research on epigenetic mechanisms in horses.
An investigation of a novel behavioural test to assess pain in piglets following castration
Authors: Bilsborrow Kayla , Seddon Yolande M. , Brown Jennifer , Waldner Cheryl , Stookey Joseph M.
Published: April 2016

A novel behavioural test using a handling chute was evaluated over two trials as an objective method to assess pain in piglets following castration. Piglet (n = 98) navigation time (NT) through a handling chute was measured at specific time points up to 24 h post treatment. In trial 1, comparing the NT of castrates (C) and sham castrates (SC), C piglets had a longer NT than SC at 0 and 15 min post treatment (P < 0.05), with no differences thereafter. In trial 2, the effect of an analgesic to control postoperative pain on NT was examined, with castrated piglets given a half (CH) or full (CF) dose of meloxicam 1 h prior to treatment, compared with piglets castrated and given saline (CS) or sham castrated and given saline (SS). Post treatment, CS piglets had a longer NT than SS at 0 min (P < 0.005), and at 15 min, piglets CS had a longer NT than all groups (P < 0.001). No significant associations were found between piglet behaviour in the home pen and NT during the 60 min following treatment. These data demonstrate potential for the use of a handling chute to measure NT as a quick, standardized, method to assess piglet pain in response to castration.
Inclusion complexes of anhydrolycorine with cyclodextrins: preparation, characterization, and anticancer activity
Authors: Guo Yafei , Li Jiuling , Liu Yuqi , Ma Yongping , Cheng Huilin , Yang Bo , Liu Dandan , Yang Rui
Published: April 2016

This article describes the preparation of a series of inclusion complexes of anhydrolycorine with three cyclodextrins (CDs), namely β-CD, γ-CD, and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), and their successful characterization through UV, TG, DSC, XRD, SEM, 1H NMR, and 2D NMR spectroscopies. The results demonstrated that the water solubility of anhydrolycorine increased notably by about 23–42 times after the inclusion complexation with these CDs. Furthermore, preliminary in vitro cytotoxicity experiments on human colon cancer cell lines HT-29, SW480, HCT116, and DLD-1 were also performed, and the complexes showed remarkable anticancer activity against HT-29, SW480, and HCT116. These results suggested that the inclusion complexes would be potentially useful for applications for human colon cancer chemotherapy.
Paleoenvironments revealed by rare-earth element systematics in vertebrate bioapatite from the Lower Devonian of Svalbard
Authors: Žigaitė Živilė , Fadel Alexandre , Pérez-Huerta Alberto , Jeffries Teresa , Goujet Daniel , Ahlberg Per Erik
Published: April 2016

In situ rare-earth element (REE) compositions have been measured in early vertebrate microremains from the Lower Devonian basin of Andrée Land (Svalbard), with the aim of obtaining information about their early depositional environment and potential reworking. Vertebrate microremains with different histology were used for the analyses, sourced from two different localities of marginal marine to freshwater sediments from geographically distant parts of the Grey Hœk Formation (Skamdalen and Tavlefjellet members). We selected thelodont and undescribed ?chondrichthyan scales, which allowed us to define potential taxonomic, histological, and taphonomic variables of the REE uptake. Results showed REE concentrations to be relatively uniform within the scales of each taxon, but apparent discrepancies were visible between the studied localities and separate taxa. The compilation of REE abundance patterns as well as REE ratios have revealed that thelodont and ?chondrichthyan originating from the same locality must have had different burial and early diagenetic histories. The shapes of the REE profiles, together with the presence and absence of the Eu and Ce anomalies, equally suggested different depositional and diagenetic environments for these two sympatric taxa resulting from either stratigraphical or long-distance reworking. The REE concentrations appear to have visible differences between separate dental tissues, particularly between enameloid and dentine of thelodonts, emphasizing the importance of in situ measurements in microfossil biomineral geochemistry.
Multiconfiguration Dirac–Fock calculations of excitation energies and wavelengths in highly charged tungsten ions
Authors: Xu Min , Jiang Gang , Wu Miao , Li Xiangfu , Bian Guojie , Hu Feng
Published: April 2016

The fully relativistic multiconfiguration Dirac–Fock (MCDF) method is employed to calculate the excitation energies and wavelengths for nine isoelectronic sequences of tungsten ions. In calculations, electron correlations, quantum electrodynamical (QED) effect, and Breit correction are taken into account. The core–valence and valence–valence corrections are analyzed in a systematic way. The core setting was systematically studied for four cases of one electron occupying the outermost s orbital, one electron occupying the outermost p orbital, three electrons occupying the outermost p orbital, and one electron occupying the outermost d orbital. In our research, at least two calculation models are adopted for every tungsten ion. Through analyzing our results, it is found that the following three calculation models can help to get results closer to measured values: (i) setting the closed shells as core; (ii) taking core–valence corrections into account when there is only one valence electron; (iii) taking valence–valence corrections into account when the number of valence electrons is not less than three. The purpose of this paper is to provide some references on configuration selection and configuration interaction in calculations for a multi-electron system of highly charged tungsten ions.
DC field microscopy of Rydberg Li atoms
Authors: Wang Dehua , Cheng Shaohao , Chen Qiang , Chen Zhaohang
Published: April 2016

The DC field microscopy of Rydberg Li atoms has been studied on the basis of the semiclassical theory for the first time. In particular, we discuss the atomic core scattering effect in the ionization dynamics of the Rydberg Li atom. Unlike the case of the photoionization of a Rydberg H atom in an electric field, where the photoionization microscopy interference patterns are mainly caused by the Coulomb scattering and the electric field potential, for the photoionization of a Rydberg Li atom in an electric field, the influence of the atomic core scattering effect on the photoionization microscopy interference patterns plays an important role. In addition, the structure of the interference pattern, which contains the spatial component of the electronic wave function, evolves smoothly with the electron energy above the saddle point energy. The observed oscillatory patterns in the electron probability density distributions on the detector plane are interpreted within the framework of the semiclassical approximation, which can be considered as a manifestation of interference between various electron trajectories arriving at a given point from the atom to the detector plane. This study provides some reference values for future experimental research on photoionization microscopy of the non-hydrogen Rydberg atoms in the presence of external fields.
No evidence for larger brains in cooperatively breeding cichlid fishes
Authors: Reddon Adam R. , O’Connor Constance M. , Ligocki Isaac Y. , Hellmann Jennifer K. , Marsh-Rollo Susan E. , Hamilton Ian M. , Balshine Sigal
Published: April 2016

The social brain hypothesis posits that frequent social interactions, characteristic of group living species, select for greater socio-cognitive abilities and the requisite neural machinery. An extension of the social brains hypothesis, known as the cooperative breeding brain hypothesis, postulates that cooperatively breeding species, which live in stable social groups and provide allocare, face particularly pronounced cognitive demands because they must recognize, remember, and differentially respond to multiple group members. These socio-cognitive challenges are thought to have selected for increased cognitive capacity, supported by a bigger brain. To test the prediction that cooperative breeders have larger brains, we performed a phylogenetically controlled comparison of the whole brain masses of adult fish from 16 closely related species of cooperatively and independently breeding lamprologine cichlid species from Lake Tanganyika. We collected data on brain mass from males of eight species of lamprologine cichlids and added this to brain mass data from eight more species found in the published literature. Controlling for body size and phylogeny, we found that cooperative breeding species did not have larger brains, and this was true of for both our field-collected data set and the expanded data set including published values. This study adds to a growing body of literature from other taxa that cast doubt on the cooperative breeding brain hypothesis.
Evaluating potential artefacts of photo-reversal on behavioural studies with nocturnal invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)
Authors: Barnett M. , Imre I. , Wagner C.M. , Di Rocco R.T. , Johnson N.S. , Brown G.E.
Published: April 2016

Sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus L., 1758) are nocturnal, so experiments evaluating their behaviour to chemosensory cues have typically been conducted at night. However, given the brief timeframe each year that adult P. marinus are available for experimentation, we investigated whether P. marinus exposed to a 12 h shifted diurnal cycle (reversed photoperiod) could be tested in a darkened arena during the day and show the same response to chemosensory cues as natural photoperiod P. marinus that were tested during the night. Ten replicates of 10 P. marinus, from each photoperiod, were exposed to deionized water (negative control), 2-phenylethylamine hydrochloride (PEA HCl, putative predator cue), or P. marinus whole-body extract (conspecific alarm cue). All P. marinus demonstrated a significant avoidance response to both cues. No significant differences were found in avoidance to PEA HCl between photoperiods. Avoidance of P. marinus whole-body extract was significantly stronger in natural compared with reversed photoperiod P. marinus. The use of reversed photoperiod subjects is suitable for examining the presence or absence of avoidance in response to novel chemosensory alarm cues, or the change in the magnitude of antipredator response. Studies investigating the natural magnitude of antipredator response should use natural photoperiod experimental subjects.
Spin-dependent currents in nanostructures
Authors: Bennemann K. H.
Published: April 2016

Spin-dependent currents in nanostructures, in particular, tunnel junctions are discussed. Using Onsager response theory a compact description of coupled spin-dependent thermoelectric currents in tunnel junctions is achieved. This may also apply to magnetohydrodynamics and cosmology.
Nanostructures in silicon carbide crystals and films
Authors: Vlaskina S. I. , Kruchinin S. P. , Kuznetsova E. Ya. , Rodionov V. E. , Mishinova G. N. , Svechnikov G. S.
Published: April 2016

Phase transformations of SiC crystals with grown original defects and thin films have been presented. The SiC crystals were grown by the Tairov method and the films were obtained by the “sandwich” and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods.

The analysis of absorption spectra, excitation spectra and low-temperature photoluminescence spectra testifies to the formation of a new microphase during the growth. The complex spectrum can be decomposed into similar structure-constituting spectra shifted on the energy scale relative to the former. Such spectra are indicators of the formation of new nanophases.

The joint consideration of photoluminescence spectra, excitement photoluminescence spectra and absorption spectra testifies to the uniformity of different spectra and the autonomy of each of them. Structurally, the total complexity spectra correlate with the degree of disorder (imperfection) of the crystal and are related to the peculiarities of a defective performance such as a one-dimensional disorder. Three different types of spectra have three different principles of construction and behavior.
Guest Editorial of the Special Issue on Whole-Body Control for Robots in the Real World
Authors: Moro Federico L. , Gienger Michael , Goswami Ambarish , Khatib Oussama , Yoshida Eiichi
Published: April 2016

Research in whole-body control (WBC) aims to contribute to provide robots with those capabilities that are necessary to move and perform in real world scenarios. Until recent years, limitations on hardware relegated WBC to almost purely theoretical research. Recently, a growing number of experimental platforms have become available (in particular, torque-controlled humanoids). This new opportunity has triggered the deployment on real robots of the theoretical outcomes of research in the field. This is backed up by a number of new research projects and initiatives addressing issues in this domain, including the Darpa robotic challenge (DRC). The goal of this special issue is to provide a clear representation of what is the state-of-the-art in WBC, and to help identifying what steps still need to be taken to have humanoid robots moving out of research laboratories to real world applications.