bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indolent course of cutaneous gamma‐delta T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Endly Dawnielle C. , Weenig Roger H. , Peters Margot S. , Viswanatha David S. , Comfere Nneka I.
Published: February 2013

Cutaneous gamma‐delta T‐cell lymphoma (γδTCL) is a rare malignancy that typically displays an aggressive clinical course. We present an unusual case of a 57‐year‐old woman with a 3‐year history of lower extremity nodules. Histopathologic, immunophenotypic and molecular genetic studies revealed a clonal, predominantly pannicular gamma‐delta T‐cell infiltrate, leading to a diagnosis of cutaneous γδTCL. The clinical course was characterized by rapid improvement within months of starting systemic corticosteroids, with relapse in ulcerations but no new lesions more than 3 years after onset of disease. Our case and seven previously reported patients with indolent and relatively localized cutaneous γδTCL provide evidence that not all cases of this entity carry a poor prognosis. This indolent subset adds complexity to treatment of cutaneous γδTCL.
Motor activity affects adult skeletal muscle re‐innervation acting via tyrosine kinase receptors
Authors: Sartini Stefano , Bartolini Fanny , Ambrogini Patrizia , Betti Michele , Ciuffoli Stefano , Lattanzi Davide , Di Palma Michael , Cuppini Riccardo
Published: February 2013

Recently, muscle expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA and protein under activity control has been reported. BDNF is a neurotrophin known to be involved in axon sprouting in the CNS. Hence, we set out to study the effect of chronic treadmill mid‐intensity running on adult rat muscle re‐innervation, and to explore the involvement of BDNF and tropomyosin‐related kinase (Trk) receptors. After nerve crush, muscle re‐innervation was evaluated using intracellular recordings, tension recordings, immunostaining and Western blot analyses. An enhanced muscle multiple innervation was found in running rats that was fully reversed to control values blocking Trk receptors or interrupting the running activity. An increase in muscle multiple innervation was also found in sedentary rats treated with a selective TrkB receptor agonist. The expression of TrkB receptors by intramuscular axons was demonstrated, and increased muscle expression of BDNF was found in running animals. The increase in muscle multiple innervation was consistent with the faster muscle re‐innervation that we found in running animals. We conclude that, when regenerating axons contact muscle cells, muscle activity progressively increases modulating BDNF and possibly other growth factors, which in turn, acting via Trk receptors, induce axon sprouting to re‐innervate skeletal muscle.
Effect of Aluminum Content on Mechanical Properties and Thermal Conductivities of Sintered Reaction‐Bonded Silicon Nitride
Authors: Kusano Dai , Hyuga Hideki , Zhou You , Hirao Kiyoshi
Published: February 2013

A systematic study was conducted of the effect of Al impurities on the mechanical and thermal properties of sintered reaction‐bonded silicon nitrides (SRBSNs). 2 mol.% Y2O3 and 5 mol.% MgSiN2 were added as sintering aids to high‐purity raw Si powder, followed by respective additions of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mass% of Al relative to Si. The prepared powder mixes were press formed and nitrided in a 0.1 MPa nitrogen atmosphere at 1400°C for 8 h. Postsintering of the nitrides was conducted under a pressurized nitrogen atmosphere of 0.9 MPa at 1900°C for 6 h. The SRBSN specimens exhibited hardly any difference in their four‐point bending strength, which ranged from 800 to 850 MPa. However, their fracture toughness clearly decreased with increasing additive Al content. This is thought to be due to a reduction in the proportion of coarse prismatic grains improving the toughness with increasing additive Al content. A significant reduction in the thermal conductivity was also observed with increasing additive Al content. This is conjectured to be due to the formation of SiAlON through a substituted solid solution of aluminum (Al) and oxygen (O) in β‐Si3N4 crystals. An inductively coupled plasma and hot gas extraction method were employed to directly analyze Al and O in β‐Si3N4 particles. Approximately half of the additive Al was confirmed to be in solid solution in β‐Si3N4 particles along with the solid solution of O in a chemical formula that nearly corresponds to β‐Si6–zAlzOzN8–z. The chemical analysis results give a Z value range of 0.0006–0.024.
High caries prevalence and risk factors among young preschool children in an urban community with water fluoridation
Authors: Hong Catherine H. L. , Bagramian Robert A. , Hashim Nainar S. M. , Straffon Lloyd H. , Shen Liang , Hsu Chin‐Ying S.
Published: February 2013

Background

Singapore is unique in that it is a 100% urban community with majority of the population living in a homogeneous physical environment. She, however, has diverse ethnicities and cultures as such; there may be caries risk factors that are unique to this population.

Aim

The aims were to assess the oral health of preschool children and to identify the associated caries risk factors.

Design

An oral examination and a questionnaire were completed for each consenting child–parent pair.

Results

One hundred and ninety children (mean age: 36.3 ± 6.9 months) were recruited from six community medical clinics. Ninety‐two children (48.4%) were caries active. The mean d123t and d123s scores were 2.2 ± 3.3 and 3.0 ± 5.6, respectively. Higher plaque scores were significantly (P < 0.0005) associated with all measures of decay (presence of decay, dt, ds). The risk factors for severity of decay (i.e., dt and ds) include child's age, breastfeeding duration, and parents' ability to withhold cariogenic snacks from their child.

Conclusions

The high caries rate suggests that current preventive methods to reduce caries in Singapore may have reached their maximum effectiveness, and other risk factors such as child's race, and dietary and breastfeeding habits need to be addressed.
How much does an Illegal Insider Trade?
Authors: Frino Alex , Satchell Stephen , Wong Brad , Zheng Hui
Published: February 2013

This paper examines the choice of trade size by an illegal insider. Previous literature (i.e. Meulbroek 1992) tends to focus on the price impact of such a trader. Using a unique data set hand‐collected from the litigation reports of the Securities and Exchange Commission and court cases, we provide evidence, which suggests that the size of an illegal insider's trade is a function of the value of his private information, the probability of detection and the expected penalty if detected. Our results have important implication for security market regulators.
Podiatrist care and outcomes for patients with diabetes and foot ulcer
Authors: Gibson Teresa B , Driver Vickie R , Wrobel James S , Christina James R , Bagalman Erin , DeFrancis Roy , Garoufalis Matthew G , Carls Ginger S , Gatwood Justin
Published: February 2013

We examined whether outcomes of care (amputation and hospitalisation) among patients with diabetes and foot ulcer differ between those who received pre‐ulcer care from podiatrists and those who did not. Adult patients with diabetes and a diagnosis of a diabetic foot ulcer were found in the MarketScan Databases, 2005–2008. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models estimated the hazard of amputation and hospitalisation. Logistic regression estimated the likelihood of these events. Propensity score weighting and regression adjustment were used to adjust for potentially different characteristics of patients who did and did not receive podiatric care. The sample included 27 545 patients aged greater than 65+ years (Medicare‐eligible patients with employer‐sponsored supplemental insurance) and 20 208 patients aged lesser than 65 years (non Medicare‐eligible commercially insured patients). Care by podiatrists in the year prior to a diabetic foot ulcer was associated with a lower hazard of lower extremity amputation, major amputation and hospitalisations in both non Medicare‐eligible commercially insured and Medicare‐eligible patient populations. Systematic differences between patients with diabetes and foot ulcer, receiving and not receiving care from podiatrists were also observed; specifically, patients with diabetes receiving care from podiatrists tend to be older and sicker.
Cohort study of atypical pressure ulcers development
Authors: Jaul Efraim
Published: February 2013

Atypical pressure ulcers (APU) are distinguished from common pressure ulcers (PU) with both unusual location and different aetiology. The occurrence and attempts to characterise APU remain unrecognised. The purpose of this cohort study was to analyse the occurrence of atypical location and the circumstances of the causation, and draw attention to the prevention and treatment by a multidisciplinary team. The cohort study spanned three and a half years totalling 174 patients. The unit incorporates two weekly combined staff meetings. One concentrates on wound assessment with treatment decisions made by the physician and nurse, and the other, a multidisciplinary team reviewing all patients and coordinating treatment. The main finding of this study identified APU occurrence rate of 21% within acquired PU over a three and a half year period. Severe spasticity constituted the largest group in this study and the most difficult to cure wounds, located in medial aspects of knees, elbows and palms. Medical devices caused the second largest occurrence of atypical wounds, located in the nape of the neck, penis and nostrils. Bony deformities were the third recognisable atypical wound group located in shoulder blades and upper spine. These three categories are definable and time observable. APU are important to be recognisable, and can be healed as well as being prevented. The prominent role of the multidisciplinary team is primary in identification, prevention and treatment.
New species of the lace bug genus Lasiacantha Stål (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) from Western Australia
Authors: Symonds Celia L , Cassis Gerasimos
Published: February 2013

Five new species of the lace bug genus Lasiacantha are described herein, L. adamah n. sp., L. caneriverensis n. sp., L. meedo n. sp., L. ningaloo n. sp. and L. spinosa n. sp., bringing the current number of Australian Lasiacantha species to 24. All new species of Lasiacantha are from the Carnarvon and Pilbara bioregions of Western Australia, where previously only one species was known. Further, half the Australian Lasiacantha species now known are from Western Australia. One of the new species, L. spinosa, has also been found in inland southern Queensland. This work also contains new collection and host plant records for L. pilbara Cassis and Symonds, corrections to the larval morphology of L. aureolus Cassis and Symonds and L. luritja Cassis and Symonds, a revised key to all representatives of Australian Lasiacantha, and a discussion of Lasiacantha host associations. Also provided are photos and mapped distributions of the new species and some habitat and host plant photos.
New species of Resseliella (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), injurious to Dianella and Phormium (Xanthorrhoeaceae) in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Kolesik Peter , Baker Greg
Published: February 2013

Larvae of an undescribed gall midge species were found feeding within leaf sheaths and between leaves of potted plants of flax lilies Dianella revoluta, D. tasmanica, D. caerulea (all native to Australia) and New Zealand flax Phormium tenax (native to New Zealand) in South Australia. The larvae were previously recorded infesting Phormium tenax in New Zealand. The new species is described and named Resseliella xanthorrhoeae Kolesik. Larvae, pink when young and red when mature, feed gregariously, causing extensive tissue necrosis. Pupation takes place in the soil. Large necrotic areas remain visible after the fully grown larvae exit the sheaths until the end of the infested leaves’ life, temporarily decreasing ornamental value of the plants. Infested plants recover from the injury by shedding off infested leaves and producing fresh leaves. The new species is the first Resseliella Seitner reported from Australia and New Zealand and the first species of this genus known to infest plants from the family Xanthorrhoeaceae.
A Wavelet‐Based Bayesian Approach to Regression Models with Long Memory Errors and Its Application to fMRI Data
Authors: Jeong Jaesik , Vannucci Marina , Ko Kyungduk
Published: February 2013

This article considers linear regression models with long memory errors. These models have been proven useful for application in many areas, such as medical imaging, signal processing, and econometrics. Wavelets, being self‐similar, have a strong connection to long memory data. Here we employ discrete wavelet transforms as whitening filters to simplify the dense variance–covariance matrix of the data. We then adopt a Bayesian approach for the estimation of the model parameters. Our inferential procedure uses exact wavelet coefficients variances and leads to accurate estimates of the model parameters. We explore performances on simulated data and present an application to an fMRI data set. In the application we produce posterior probability maps (PPMs) that aid interpretation by identifying voxels that are likely activated with a given confidence.
Impact of Multiple Matched Controls on Design Sensitivity in Observational Studies
Authors: Rosenbaum Paul R.
Published: February 2013

In an observational study, one treated subject may be matched for observed covariates to either one or several untreated controls. The common motivation for using several controls rather than one is to increase the power of a test of no effect under the doubtful assumption that matching for observed covariates suffices to remove bias from nonrandom treatment assignment. Does the choice between one or several matched controls affect the sensitivity of conclusions to violations of this doubtful assumption? With continuous responses, it is known that reducing the heterogeneity of matched pair differences reduces sensitivity to unmeasured biases, but increasing the sample size has a highly circumscribed effect on sensitivity to bias. Is the use of several controls rather than one analogous to a reduction in heterogeneity or to an increase in sample size? The issue is examined for Huber'sm‐statistics, including thet‐test, the examination having three components: an example, asymptotic calculations using design sensitivity, and a simulation. Use of multiple controls with continuous responses yields a nontrivial reduction in sensitivity to unmeasured biases. An example looks at lead and cadmium in the blood of smokers from the 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A by‐product of the discussion is a new result giving the design sensitivity for the permutation distribution ofm‐statistics.
Prevalence Projections of Chronic Diseases and Impact of Public Health Intervention
Authors: Joly Pierre , Touraine Célia , Georget Aurore , Dartigues Jean‐François , Commenges Daniel , Jacqmin‐Gadda Hélène
Published: February 2013

The estimation of future prevalences of chronic diseases is essential for public health policy. Using incidence estimates from cohort data and demographic projections for general mortality and population sizes, we propose a method based on a general illness–death model to make prevalence projections for chronic diseases. In contrast to previously published methods, we account for differences between global mortality and mortality of healthy subjects and compare two assumptions regarding the secular trend for mortality of diseased subjects. Then we develop a methodology to estimate changes in future disease prevalences resulting from prevention campaign to reduce the frequency or the excess risk associated with a risk factor. The methods are applied for estimating dementia prevalence in France between 2010 and 2030.
Relational approach to work: conceptual definition and scale development
Authors: Matthew Cynthia T. , Buontempo Gina , Block Caryn J.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study is to conceptually define and develop a scale to measure relational behavior in the workplace associated with theorized differences in how women and men approach work. Drawing from the gender studies and organizational literatures, the construct is defined and a relational approach to work scale is developed. Data were collected from a sample of 223 graduate students with work experience. Findings show preliminary evidence of reliability and validity.
The combined effect of ratee's bodyweight and past performance information on performance judgments
Authors: Nieminen Levi R. G. , Rudolph Cort W. , Baltes Boris B. , Casper Christine M. , Wynne Kevin T. , Kirby Lyndsay C.
Published: February 2013

Few studies have examined how various biases operate in combination to influence performance judgments. Along these lines, the current study used experimental methods to test four competing models of the combined influence of ratee's bodyweight and past performance information on performance judgments. Results were consistent with an additive model, such that ratee's bodyweight and information about ratee's past performance combined independently to affect performance judgments. Consistent with a double disadvantage effect, the least favorable performance judgments were made for an overweight ratee with poor previous performance. Finally, mixed evidence was obtained for the interaction of ratee's bodyweight and perceptions of ratee's physical attractiveness, such that high‐perceived attractiveness buffered against the otherwise negative performance ratings associated with overweight status.
Attitude toward environmental policy measures related to value orientation
Authors: Hansla André , Gärling Tommy , Biel Anders
Published: February 2013

Moderated mediation effects on attitude toward environmental policy measures of a self‐enhancement vs. self‐transcendence value orientation were examined in two studies. Study 1 (n = 91) showed that for policy measures incurring nontransparent personal costs, influence of value orientation on attitude is fully mediated by environmental concern, whereas for measures incurring transparent personal costs, influence is partially mediated by environmental concern. Study 2 (n = 71) showed that while influence of value orientation on attitude toward eco‐labeled electricity is not mediated by environmental concern, it is fully mediated by reluctance to pay surcharges for eco‐labeled electricity. Value orientation was also shown to moderate influence of reluctance to pay on attitude in that reluctance had an effect only for a self‐enhancement value orientation.
Efficacy of different mouthrinse formulations in reducing oral malodour: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dadamio Jesica , Van Tournout Marie , Teughels Wim , Dekeyser Christel , Coucke Wim , Quirynen Marc
Published: February 2013

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of mouthrinses formulations in oral malodour.

Material & Methods

This single‐centre, double‐blind, randomized, parallel group clinical trial compared the efficacy of Halita™ and meridol® with and without zinc lactate versus negative and positive control. Volunteers with confirmed oral malodour (18/group) rinsed with one mouthrinse during 7 days (15 ml, 2x/day for 1 min.). 15 min. after a first rinse (masking effect), and after 7 days (therapeutic effect) the change in organoleptic scores and level of sulphur compounds was recorded.

Results

All rinses showed a masking effect (OLS 1 to 2 values reduced), only the rinses with antimicrobial ingredients showed a therapeutic effect (OLS 1 to 1.5 value less). The addition of zinc resulted in a more pronounced masking effect. Halita™ and meridol® with zinc showed the best therapeutic effect.

Conclusion

Although the masking effect of the rinses can be attributed partially to a dilution and the effect of aromas, the therapeutic effect should be linked to the anti‐microbial action of active ingredients and counter action of zinc ions on VSC. A complete resolution of the unpleasant breath by additional mechanical intervention remains to be proven.
Domestication shapes morphology in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Pulcini D. , Wheeler P. A. , Cataudella S. , Russo T. , Thorgaard G. H.
Published: February 2013

In this study, clonal lines from North American resident and migratory populations of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss adapted to different geographical conditions and with different domestication histories were characterized morphologically. Lines reared in a common‐garden experiment were characterized for external shape and meristic values, searching for a general pattern of morphological variation due to exposure to captive conditions. A sharp distinction was identified between wild and captive lines. The body profile was deeper in captive lines, with longer dorsal and anal fins and shorter and deeper caudal peduncles. Highly significant differences were also identified in meristic values among the lines but no consistent relation between meristic values and domestication status was detected. This morphological characterization will facilitate the selection of lines with divergent phenotypes for subsequent quantitative trait loci analysis, aimed at identifying genome regions linked with morphological adaptive response to captive conditions.
Care Experiences of Managed Care Medicare Enrollees Near the End of Life
Authors: Elliott Marc N. , Haviland Amelia M. , Cleary Paul D. , Zaslavsky Alan M. , Farley Donna O. , Klein David J. , Edwards Carol A. , Beckett Megan K. , Orr Nate , Saliba Debra
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To compare reports about care experiences of individuals who died within 1 year of survey with reports of those who did not.

Design

Medicare Advantage (MA) Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys asked about care experiences. Survey completion dates were linked to Social Security Administration death records to identify enrollees dying within 1 year of survey completion. Propensity‐score weighting combined with regression‐based case‐mix adjustment was used to compare these individuals’ experiences with experiences of those who were alive 1 year later.

Setting

Nationally representative sample of MA enrollees.

Participants

Four hundred two thousand five hundred ninety‐three MA enrollees responding to 2008 and 2009 CAHPS Surveys.

Measurements

Outcomes were five care ratings (plan, prescription drug coverage, doctor, specialists, care) and five composite measures of care (getting needed care, getting care quickly, doctor communication, getting drugs, getting drug information). Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, Medicaid status, geographic region, and several health status measures.

Results

Twelve thousand one hundred two enrollees (3%) died within 1 year of survey completion (near‐end‐of‐life group). Those enrollees reported slightly better experiences than other enrollees with respect to getting care quickly (+2%, P < .001) and gave slightly higher ratings for their plans (+1%, P = .02) and prescription drug coverage (+1%, P < .001). There were no measures of participant experience for which the near‐end‐of‐life group reported worse experiences than other enrollees.

Conclusion

Contrary to analyses based on retrospective reports from surviving relatives after an individual's death, MA enrollees’ reports about care within 1 year of death were as good as or better than reports of other MA enrollees. Future research might investigate whether results are similar in other Medicare populations.
Comparing Words with Works: A Study of Pugin's St. Augustine's Church
Authors: Burton Kathryn L. , Pedersen Elaine L.
Published: February 2013

Opportunities to compare the written words of a designer with the products of their design process are rare. In the case of nineteenth–century architect and designer, A. W. N. Pugin such an opportunity exists. Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin (1812–1852) was an important figure in the English Gothic Revival movement. He was not only a designer but a writer who zealously preached his design principles. The breadth of Pugin's design work is astonishing given the brevity of his career. He not only designed buildings of various types, he also designed the finishes and furnishings found within. While Pugin is primarily remembered as an architect, he was also a gifted interior designer. Like Frank Lloyd Wright and others who came after him, Pugin's work embodied a holistic approach to design. For Pugin a structure, its interior spaces, furnishings, and decorative objects were to be part of a cohesive whole, to function physically and visually together. As a writer he created beautifully illustrated pattern books in which the Gothic style was featured. Books were also published that outlined his design principles. It is in those books that we find his rules for “proper” and “moral” architecture and interior spaces based on the Gothic design style. Rooted in Roman Catholic symbolism and ritual, the Gothic style seemed to Pugin to represent a moral fortitude that Classical design could not. Pugin associated pagan worship practices with Classical design and therefore believed that the only “true” design principles to follow where those related to the Gothic style of architecture. Pugin's major design principles were published in four books, Contrasts, True Principles, Present State and An Apology. The current study examines the principles found in An Apology and compares them with design work for a project of great significance in Pugin's life. St. Augustine's Church in Ramsgate, England was built with Pugin's own funds on his land next to the family home on a cliff overlooking the sea. As both client and designer Pugin followed his principles closely as descriptions of the interior spaces, furnishings, and decorative objects reveal. Comparing Pugin's written principles with the details of the spatial plan, ecclesiastical objects, and fittings within the church offers a glimpse of his creative process. Today, St. Augustine's Church stands as a manifestation of Pugin's written principles.
Using a Choice Design to Screen Nutraceutical‐Rich Juices
Authors: Lawless Lydia J.R. , Threlfall Renee T. , Meullenet Jean‐François
Published: February 2013

Availability of functional foods containing nutraceutical compounds has increased because of growing demands for health‐oriented products. Choice surveys, which present hypothetical choice sets to participants, can be used to assess the market potential for products like nutraceutical‐rich juices. An online choice survey (n = 1,035) was used to identify a preferred juice blend and factors that influenced choice for juice blends of açaí, black cherry, blueberry, Concord grape, cranberry and/or pomegranate juice. Participants were given potential health‐oriented information (ranking of antioxidant composites) during the survey. Participants indicated perceived overall liking of individual juices and answered attitudinal statements for time preference and antioxidant information. Concord grape juice was the most liked, followed by cranberry, pomegranate, black cherry, blueberry and açaí. Liking of juice was positively correlated to presence of Concord grape and cranberry juice. Unfamiliarity of juices was negatively correlated to liking of juices. Analysis indicated that black cherry, Concord grape and pomegranate juice blend had the highest marginal utility as well as high overall liking and high antioxidant levels. Choice surveys can be used as screening designs for product development to determine the ingredients that drive consumer choices for nutraceutical‐rich products.

Practical Applications

Screening designs are necessary to maximize research resource potential and to select the most suitable products for further development. Screening designs can be used for other products to facilitate the selection of the best profiles.
Landscape genetics of an early successional specialist in a disturbance‐prone environment
Authors: Pereoglou F. , Lindenmayer D. B. , MacGregor C. , Ford F. , Wood J. , Banks S. C.
Published: February 2013

Species that specialize in disturbed habitats may have considerably different dispersal strategies than those adapted to more stable environments. However, little is known of the dispersal patterns and population structure of such species. This information is important for conservation because many postfire specialists are at risk from anthropogenic changes to natural disturbance regimes. We used microsatellite markers to assess the effect of landscape variation and recent disturbance history on dispersal by a small mammal species that occupies the early seral stage of vegetation regeneration in burnt environments. We predicted that a postfire specialist would be able to disperse over multiple habitat types (generalist) and not exhibit sex‐biased dispersal, as such strategies should enable effective colonization of spatially and temporally variable habitat. We found significant differentiation between sites that fitted an isolation‐by‐distance pattern and spatial autocorrelation of multilocus genotypes to a distance of 2–3 km. There was no consistent genetic evidence for sex‐biased dispersal. We tested the influence of different habitat‐ and fire‐specific landscape resistance scenarios on genetic distance between individuals and found a significant effect of fire. Our genetic data supported recently burned vegetation having greater conductance for gene flow than unburnt habitat, but variation in habitat quality between vegetation types and occupied patches had no effect on gene flow. Postfire specialists must evolve an effective dispersal ability to move over distances that would ensure access to early successional stage vegetation. Natural disturbance and natural heterogeneity may therefore not influence population genetic structure as negatively as expected.
Genetic diversity and differentiation in a wide ranging anadromous fish, American shad (Alosa sapidissima), is correlated with latitude
Authors: Hasselman Daniel J. , Ricard Daniel , Bentzen Paul
Published: February 2013

Studies that span entire species ranges can provide insight into the relative roles of historical contingency and contemporary factors that influence population structure and can reveal patterns of genetic variation that might otherwise go undetected. American shad is a wide ranging anadromous clupeid fish that exhibits variation in demographic histories and reproductive strategies (both semelparity and iteroparity) and provides a unique perspective on the evolutionary processes that govern the genetic architecture of anadromous fishes. Using 13 microsatellite loci, we examined the magnitude and spatial distribution of genetic variation among 33 populations across the species' range to (i) determine whether signals of historical demography persist among contemporary populations and (ii) assess the effect of different reproductive strategies on population structure. Patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation among populations varied widely and reflect the differential influences of historical demography, microevolutionary processes and anthropogenic factors across the species' range. Sequential reductions of diversity with latitude among formerly glaciated rivers are consistent with stepwise postglacial colonization and successive population founder events. Weak differentiation among U.S. iteroparous populations may be a consequence of human‐mediated gene flow, while weak differentiation among semelparous populations probably reflects natural gene flow. Evidence for an effect of reproductive strategy on population structure suggests an important role for environmental variation and suggests that the factors that are responsible for shaping American shad life history patterns may also influence population genetic structure.
Uncovering symbiont‐driven genetic diversity across North American pea aphids
Authors: Russell Jacob A. , Weldon Stephanie , Smith Andrew H. , Kim Kyungsun L. , Hu Yi , Łukasik Piotr , Doll Steven , Anastopoulos Ioannis , Novin Matthew , Oliver Kerry M.
Published: February 2013

Heritable genetic variation is required for evolution, and while typically encoded within nuclear and organellar genomes, several groups of invertebrates harbour heritable microbes serving as additional sources of genetic variation. Hailing from the symbiont‐rich insect order Hemiptera, pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) possess several heritable symbionts with roles in host plant utilization, thermotolerance and protection against natural enemies. As pea aphids vary in the numbers and types of harboured symbionts, these bacteria provide heritable and functionally important variation within field populations. In this study, we quantified the cytoplasmically inherited genetic variation contributed by symbionts within North American pea aphids. Through the use of Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) and 454 amplicon pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes, we explored the diversity of bacteria harboured by pea aphids from five populations, spanning three locations and three host plants. We also characterized strain variation by analysing 16S rRNA, housekeeping and symbiont‐associated bacteriophage genes. Our results identified eight species of facultative symbionts, which often varied in frequency between locations and host plants. We detected 28 cytoplasmic genotypes across 318 surveyed aphids, considering only the various combinations of secondary symbiont species infecting single hosts. Yet the detection of multiple Regiella insecticola, Hamiltonella defensa and Rickettsia strains, and diverse bacteriophage genotypes from H. defensa, suggest even greater diversity. Combined, these findings reveal that heritable bacteria contribute substantially to genetic variation in A. pisum. Given the costs and benefits of these symbionts, it is likely that fluctuating selective forces play a role in the maintenance of this diversity.
Mating system evolution and worker caste diversity inPheidoleants
Authors: Huang Ming H. , Wheeler Diana E. , Fjerdingstad Else J.
Published: February 2013

The efficiency of social groups is generally optimized by a division of labour, achieved through behavioural or morphological diversity of members. In social insects, colonies may increase the morphological diversity of workers by recruiting standing genetic variance for size and shape via multiply mated queens (polyandry) or multiple‐breeding queens (polygyny). However, greater worker diversity in multi‐lineage species may also have evolved due to mutual worker policing if there is worker reproduction. Such policing reduces the pressure on workers to maintain reproductive morphologies, allowing the evolution of greater developmental plasticity and the maintenance of more genetic variance for worker size and shape in populations.Pheidoleants vary greatly in the diversity of worker castes. Also, their workers lack ovaries and are thus invariably sterile regardless of the queen mating frequency and numbers of queens per colony. This allowed us to perform an across‐species study examining the genetic effects of recruiting more patrilines on the developmental diversity of workers in the absence of confounding effects from worker policing. Using highly variable microsatellite markers, we found that the effective mating frequency of the soldier‐polymorphicP. rhea(avg. meN = 2.65) was significantly higher than that of the dimorphicP. spadonia(avg. meN = 1.06), despite a significant paternity skew inP. rhea(avg. B = 0.10). Our findings support the idea that mating strategies of queens may co‐evolve with selection to increase the diversity of workers. We also detected patriline bias in the production of different worker sizes, which provides direct evidence for a genetic component to worker polymorphism.
De‐O‐acetylation of peptidoglycan regulates glycan chain extension and affects in vivo survival of Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Veyrier Frédéric J. , Williams Allison H. , Mesnage Stéphane , Schmitt Christine , Taha Muhamed‐Kheir , Boneca Ivo G.
Published: February 2013

Peptidoglycan O‐acetylation is a modification found in many bacteria. In Gram‐positive pathogens, it contributes to virulence by conferring resistance to host lysozyme. However, in Gram‐negative pathogens, its contribution to physiology and virulence is unknown. We examined the contribution of patA, patB and ape1 to peptidoglycan O‐acetylation in the major human pathogen Neisseria meningitidis (Nm). Using genetic expression of all possible combinations of the three genes in Escherichia coli and Nm, we confirmed that PatA and PatB were required for PG O‐acetylation, while ApeI removed the O‐acetyl group. ApeI was active on all O‐acetylated muropeptides produced by PatA and PatB during heterologous expression in E. coli and was also active on several PG structures in vitro. Interestingly, in Nm, ApeI was found to preferentially de‐O‐acetylate muropeptides with tripeptide stems (GM3), suggesting that its activity is highly regulated. Accordingly, de‐O‐acetylation of GM3 regulated glycan chain elongation and cell size. Additionally, the virulence of Nm lacking ApeI was drastically reduced suggesting that regulation of glycan chain length by O‐acetylation contributes to bacterial fitness in the host. Altogether, our results suggest that ApeI represents an attractive target for new drug development.
Esophageal Tissue Injury Following Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using the PVAC: Assessment by Endoscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: von BARY CHRISTIAN , DORNIA CHRISTIAN , KIRCHNER GABRIELE , WEBER STEFAN , FELLNER CLAUDIA , NISENBAUM DAVID , GEORGIEVA MARTINA , STROSZCZYNSKI CHRISTIAN , HAMER OKKA W.
Published: February 2013

Background

We investigate the frequency of esophageal tissue injury (ETI) following ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) using the pulmonary vein ablation catheter (PVAC) ascertained by esophageal endoscopy (ESE) and corresponding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

A total of 41 patients with symptomatic AF presenting for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) were included consecutively in two observational groups. Group A received MRI the day before and ESE plus MRI within 3–4 weeks following the ablation procedure using the PVAC. Group B received MRI the day before and ESE plus MRI within 2 days after PVI. MRI included T2‐weighted and T1‐weighted postcontrast with fat suppression (fs) and late‐enhancement scans to demonstrate postprocedural edema and contrast enhancement of the esophageal wall.

Results

A total of 13 (32%) patients were enrolled in Group A (26 ± 11 days post‐PVI), and 28 (68%) patients in Group B (2 ± 0.6 days post‐PVI). ETI was found by ESE in one (2%) patient (Group B) and resolved under conservative therapy. Corresponding MRI showed a false negative result with no alterations of esophageal structures using T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and late enhancement scans. In addition, false positive results were demonstrated by late‐enhancement MRI in five (12%) patients (three patients in Group A and two patients in Group B), which could not be verified by corresponding ESE.

Conclusions

Endoluminal ETI is a rare but possible complication, which should be considered following PVAC procedures. MRI of the esophagus is currently not a reliable screening method due to false positive and negative findings compared to ESE.
Time Course of Recovery of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in Patients with Premature Ventricular Contraction‐Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: HASDEMİR CAN , KARTAL YİLDİRİM , SİMSEK EVRİM , YAVUZGİL OGUZ , AYDİN MEHMET , CAN LEVENT H.
Published: February 2013

Background

Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias in the form of frequent, monomorphic premature ventricular contractions (PVC) can cause PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy (PICMP). The aim of this study was to determine the baseline echocardiographic characteristics and the time course and degree of recovery of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with PICMP.

Methods

Study population consisted of 348 consecutive patients (205F/143M, 44 ± 19 y/o) with frequent PVCs and/or ventricular tachycardia. PICMP was defined as LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of <55% in the absence of any detectable underlying heart disease and improvement of LVEF ≥ 15% following treatment of ventricular arrhythmia. Patients with PCIMP underwent transthoracic echocardiography for LV size and function at 1 week and at 1–3 to 6–12 months of follow‐up.

Results

Twenty‐four patients (8F/16M, 47 ± 18 y/o) with PICMP with complete echocardiographic data were included in the study. Average baseline LV end‐diastolic diameter, LV end‐systolic volume, LV mass index, and LVEF were 55.4 ± 6.8 mm, 69.6 ± 23.3 mL, 110.2 ± 28.3 g/m2, and 41 ± 8.4%, respectively. Mild‐to‐moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) was present in 13 (54%) patients. Early improvement (≥25% increase in LVEF at 1‐week follow‐up compared to baseline) was observed in 13 (54%) patients. Patients with early improvement had higher LVEF at 12 months of follow‐up compared to patients without early improvement (58.8 ± 5.0% vs 52.5 ± 6.7%, P = 0.019).

Conclusions

PCIMP is characterized by mild‐to‐moderate global LV systolic dysfunction with slightly increased LV mass and mild‐to‐moderate MR. Greatest improvement in LV systolic dysfunction was observed at 1‐week follow‐up in our study population. Early improvement in LVEF may potentially predict the complete reversibility of LV systolic dysfunction.
Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome and Adenosine Response in Pediatric Patients
Authors: WACKEL PHILIP , BEERMAN LEE , ARORA GAURAV
Published: February 2013

Background

Adenosine administration to patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) usually increases preexcitation and therefore may be diagnostic for WPW syndrome when the electrocardiogram (ECG) is questionable. We aimed to determine the adenosine response in pediatric patients with WPW pattern on ECG and whether blocked accessory pathway (AP) conduction with adenosine correlated with nonrapid AP conduction measured by invasive electrophysiology study (EPS).

Methods

All patients with WPW ≤18 years of age who underwent EPS over a 5‐year period were identified. The adenosine response during atrial pacing was characterized as blocked or continued AP conduction. Invasive data were obtained during atrial pacing and atrial fibrillation. Conduction through the AP to a cycle length ≤250 ms was considered rapid; otherwise patients were nonrapid. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive value were calculated for blocked AP conduction to identify nonrapid baseline AP conduction during EPS.

Results

There were 59 patients included and nine (15%) had blocked AP conduction with adenosine. Five of these nine had WPW syndrome and four had fasciculoventricular APs. All nine patients had nonrapid conduction on baseline EPS. Blocked AP conduction with adenosine as a marker of nonrapid baseline AP conduction had a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100%.

Conclusions

In these pediatric patients with WPW pattern on ECG, a significant minority blocked AP conduction with adenosine and this finding had 100% specificity and PPV for nonrapid baseline antegrade AP conduction. The finding of blocked AP conduction with adenosine may aid in risk stratification.
Innovations in Contemporary Indian Dance: From Religious and Mythological Roots in Classical Bharatanatyam
Authors: Katrak Ketu H.
Published: February 2013

Contemporary Indian Dance as a new multi‐layered dance genre unfolds at the intersection of Indian classical dance and other movement vocabularies such as modern dance, yoga, martial arts, and theatre techniques. This three‐part essay traces a brief history of the “revival” of bharatanatyam in late 19th and early 20th century, then discusses the work of pioneers in Contemporary Indian Dance, Chandralekha, Anita Ratnam, and Hari Krishnan. Discussion includes a redefinition of the sacred, use of Indian goddesses and epic stories for contemporary relevance, as well as the subverting of stereotypes of gender, culture, and nation in Contemporary Indian Dance.
Explaining the United States’ Penal Exceptionalism: Political, Economic, and Social Factors
Authors: Brayne Sarah
Published: February 2013

In this review, I examine explanations for why the United States is a world leader in its use of imprisonment. I first outline cross‐national trends in incarceration and then evaluate the state of the literature and empirical evidence for why the United States is more punitive than other advanced industrialized nations. I argue a confluence of political, economic, and social factors distinct to the United States context are implicated in the punitive turn in the 1970s. Specifically, United States’ penal exceptionalism is the result of (1) a shift of criminal justice policy from the judicial to the legislative branch of government; (2) political responses to social and economic changes including deindustrialization and the upheaval of race relations in the 1960s; and (3) a weak welfare state. These changes stand in stark contrast to the dynamics of criminal justice policymaking among comparable nations. However, there is a need for more comparative research on the topic, as understanding the mechanism behind the stabilization or decrease of penal populations in other countries may better elucidate the reasons for America’s divergence from international trends.
The Political and Economic Consequences of Defining Sustainable Agriculture in the US
Authors: Pilgeram Ryanne
Published: February 2013

Despite the increasing popularity of sustainably produced foods, a concrete definition of sustainable agriculture has been elusive. Even the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) article, “What is Sustainable Agriculture?” starts with the idea that “Some terms defy definition. ‘Sustainable agriculture’ has become one of them” (Gold 2011). This essay explores (1) the history of sustainable agriculture as a concept in the United States, (2) the political and economic forces that have impacted and stifled the process of defining sustainable agriculture, and (3) the implications for social justice that come with creating a specific definition of sustainable agriculture. Recognizing that the ability to define a varied set of agricultural practices as “sustainable” (or not) is an important source of political, economic, or social power, this essay explains how such processes might impact the future of food systems in the United States.
Soil organic carbon sequestration under different fertilizer regimes in north and northeast China: RothC simulation
Authors: Wang J. , Lu C. , Xu M. , Zhu P. , Huang S. , Zhang W. , Peng C. , Chen X. , Wu L.
Published: February 2013

Soil organic carbon (SOC) modelling is a useful approach to assess the impact of nutrient management on carbon sequestration. RothC was parameterized and evaluated with two long‐term experiments comparing different fertilizer treatments in north (Zhengzhou) and northeast (Gongzhuling) China. Four nutrient application treatments were used: no fertilizer (Control), mineral nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium fertilizers (NPK), NPK mineral fertilizer plus manure (NPKM), and NPK mineral fertilizer plus straw return (NPKS). The comparison between simulated and observed data showed that the model can adequately simulate SOC contents in the Control, NPK and NPKM treatments but overestimated in the NPKS treatment at both sites. By changing the value of decomposable plant material:resistant plant material (DPM:RPM) ratio from the default value to 3.35 for the NPKS treatment at the Zhengzhou site, dynamics of simulated SOC agreed with measured values. A pseudo‐parameter, straw retention factor was introduced to adjust the amount of straw incorporated into soils. Using the inverse simulation method and the modified value of the ratio, the best‐fitted value was 0.24 for the NPKS treatment at the Gongzhuling site. This result indicated that retaining straw on the soil surface makes less contribution to carbon sequestration than if it is incorporated. With this modification for straw, the model produced reasonable predictions for the two sites. The model was run for another 30 years with the modified parameter values and current average climatic conditions for different fertilizer treatments at both sites. The results suggested that the NPK application plus the addition of manure or straw would be better management practices for carbon sequestration.