bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining patterns of avian diversity and endemicity: climate and biomes of southern Africa over the last 140,000 years
Authors: Huntley Brian , Collingham Yvonne C. , Singarayer Joy S. , Valdes Paul J. , Barnard Phoebe , Midgley Guy F. , Altwegg Res , Ohlemüller Ralf
Published: February 2016

Aim

Test hypotheses that present biodiversity and endemic species richness are related to climatic stability and/or biome persistence.

Location

Africa south of 15° S.

Methods

Seventy eight HadCM3 general circulation model palaeoclimate experiments spanning the last 140,000 years, plus a pre‐industrial experiment, were used to calculate measures of climatic variability for 0.5° grid cells. Models were fitted relating distributions of the nine biomes of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland to present climate. These models were used to simulate potential past biome distribution and extent for the 78 palaeoclimate experiments, and three measures of biome persistence. Climatic response surfaces were fitted for 690 bird species regularly breeding in the region and used to simulate present species richness for cells of the 0.5° grid. Species richness was evaluated for residents, mobile species (nomadic or partially/altitudinally migrant within the region), and intra‐African migrants, and also separately for endemic/near‐endemic (hereafter ‘endemic’) species as a whole and those associated with each biome. Our hypotheses were tested by analysing correlations between species richness and climatic variability or biome persistence.

Results

The magnitude of climatic variability showed clear spatial patterns. Marked changes in biome distributions and extents were projected, although limited areas of persistence were projected for some biomes. Overall species richness was not correlated with climatic variability, although richness of mobile species showed a weak negative correlation. Endemic species richness was significantly negatively correlated with climatic variability. Strongest correlations, however, were positive correlations between biome persistence and richness of endemics associated with individual biomes.

Main conclusions

Low climatic variability, and especially a degree of stability enabling biome persistence, is strongly correlated with species richness of birds endemic to southern Africa. This probably principally reflects reduced extinction risk for these species where the biome to which they are adapted persisted.
Old but not ancient: coalescent species tree of New Caledonian geckos reveals recent post‐inundation diversification
Authors: Skipwith Phillip L. , Bauer Aaron M. , Jackman Todd R. , Sadlier Ross A.
Published: February 2016

Aim

New Caledonia is a remnant of the land mass Tasmantis that harbours high levels of endemism. Two primary hypotheses have been proposed for the origin of such endemic lineages; the first suggests a vicariant origin arising from the sundering of eastern Gondwana in the Cretaceous. The second posits more recent dispersal and colonization. We use concatenated and coalescent time‐calibrated phylogenies to test whether New Caledonian diplodactylid geckos diversified steadily following an ancient vicariance event or experienced an early burst of diversification followed by a decline in net diversification after long‐distance dispersal.

Location

New Caledonia, Gondwana.

Methods

Phylogenetic relationships were elucidated from a multilocus DNA data set. Divergence times were inferred using relaxed clock Bayesian methods on the concatenated data set and in a multispecies coalescent framework using *beast. In order to elucidate patterns of diversification for the New Caledonian clade we tested models of diversification using laser and ddd.

Results

The divergence of the New Caledonian clade from its Australian sister clade occurred well after Gondwanan fragmentation, and the age of the crown clade is younger than the proposed drowning period of the island. Diversification analyses strongly suggest that the group experienced an early burst of diversification, which has slowed towards the present.

Main conclusions

We demonstrate that the species‐rich diplodactylid geckos endemic to New Caledonia are of recent origin and that the diversification of the clade is consistent with the expectations of a recent radiation. Diversification in this clade does not conform to a constant‐rate model, but rather experienced an initial burst followed by a decline in net diversification. This pattern is consistent with a decline in diversification as ecological niche space was filled. Our results add to the growing body of evidence that recent adaptive radiations have contributed to the remarkable endemism of New Caledonia.
Real‐Time MRI‐Guided Cardiac Cryo‐Ablation: A Feasibility Study
Authors: KHOLMOVSKI EUGENE G. , COULOMBE NICOLAS , SILVERNAGEL JOSHUA , ANGEL NATHAN , PARKER DENNIS , MACLEOD ROB , MARROUCHE NASSIR , RANJAN RAVI
Published: February 2016

Real‐Time MRI Cryo‐Ablation

Introduction

MRI‐based ablation provides an attractive capability of seeing ablation‐related tissue changes in real time. Here we describe a real‐time MRI‐based cardiac cryo‐ablation system.

Methods

Studies were performed in canine model (n = 4) using MR‐compatible cryo‐ablation devices built for animal use: focal cryo‐catheter with 8 mm tip and 28 mm diameter cryo‐balloon. The main steps of MRI‐guided cardiac cryo‐ablation procedure (real‐time navigation, confirmation of tip–tissue contact, confirmation of vessel occlusion, real‐time monitoring of a freeze zone formation, and intra‐procedural assessment of lesions) were validated in a 3 Tesla clinical MRI scanner.

Results

The MRI compatible cryo‐devices were advanced to the right atrium (RA) and right ventricle (RV) and their position was confirmed by real‐time MRI. Specifically, contact between catheter tip and myocardium and occlusion of superior vena cava (SVC) by the balloon was visually validated. Focal cryo‐lesions were created in the RV septum. Circumferential ablation of SVC–RA junction with no gaps was achieved using the cryo‐balloon. Real‐time visualization of freeze zone formation was achieved in all studies when lesions were successfully created. The ablations and presence of collateral damage were confirmed by T1‐weighted and late gadolinium enhancement MRI and gross pathological examination.

Conclusion

This study confirms the feasibility of a MRI‐based cryo‐ablation system in performing cardiac ablation procedures. The system allows real‐time catheter navigation, confirmation of catheter tip–tissue contact, validation of vessel occlusion by cryo‐balloon, real‐time monitoring of a freeze zone formation, and intra‐procedural assessment of ablations including collateral damage.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Older Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Recipients Using a Pacemaker versus a Defibrillator
Authors: MUNIR MUHAMMAD BILAL , ALTHOUSE ANDREW D. , RIJAL SHASANK , SHAH MAULIN BHARAT , ABU DAYA HUSSEIN , ADELSTEIN EVAN , SABA SAMIR
Published: February 2016

CRT‐P versus CRT‐D Outcomes

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is commonly used to manage heart failure, yet published guidelines do not distinguish between recommendations for pacemakers (CRT‐P) and defibrillators (CRT‐D) despite significant differences in size, longevity, and cost between these devices. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes between elderly recipients of CRT‐P and CRT‐D.

Methods and Results

Data from 512 patients (405 CRT‐D, 107 CRT‐P) aged ≥75 years with LV ejection fraction ≤35% and QRS duration >120 milliseconds were retrospectively analyzed for baseline characteristics and followed to the primary outcome of all‐cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for possible confounders. Results were further validated through propensity matching cohorts. Compared to CRT‐D recipients, CRT‐P patients were older (83 years vs. 81 years, P < 0.001) and had more comorbid conditions (Charlson index = 5 [3–6] vs. 4 [3–5], P = 0.007). During 40.8 months of follow‐up, there were 280 deaths. Compared to CRT‐D patients, CRT‐P recipients had higher unadjusted mortality (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.15–2.08, P = 0.004). However, this difference lost significance after adjusting for baseline differences between the groups (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.78–1.77, P = 0.435).

Conclusion

Higher all‐cause mortality in older CRT‐P versus CRT‐D patients is largely explained by baseline clinical and demographic differences between the two groups, which are likely the drivers of device selection in real‐world clinical practice, where the published guidelines remain ambiguous. There is a need for randomized studies to determine optimal CRT device selection.
Selection and constraints on offspring size‐number trade‐offs in sand lizards (Lacerta agilis)
Authors: Ljungström G. , Stjernstedt M. , Wapstra E. , Olsson M.
Published: February 2016

The trade‐off between offspring size and number is a central component of life‐history theory, postulating that larger investment into offspring size inevitably decreases offspring number. This trade‐off is generally discussed in terms of genetic, physiological or morphological constraints; however, as among‐individual differences can mask individual trade‐offs, the underlying mechanisms may be difficult to reveal. In this study, we use multivariate analyses to investigate whether there is a trade‐off between offspring size and number in a population of sand lizards by separating among‐ and within‐individual patterns using a 15‐year data set collected in the wild. We also explore the ecological and evolutionary causes and consequences of this trade‐off by investigating how a female's resource (condition)‐ vs. age‐related size (snout‐vent length) influences her investment into offspring size vs. number (OSN), whether these traits are heritable and under selection and whether theOSNtrade‐off has a genetic component. We found a negative correlation between offspring size and number within individual females and physical constraints (size of body cavity) appear to limit the number of eggs that a female can produce. This suggests that theOSNtrade‐off occurs due to resource constraints as a female continues to grow throughout life and, thus, produces larger clutches. In contrast to the assumptions of classicOSNtheory, we did not detect selection on offspring size; however, there was directional selection for larger clutch sizes. The repeatabilities of both offspring size and number were low and we did not detect any additive genetic variance in either trait. This could be due to strong selection (past or current) on these life‐history traits, or to insufficient statistical power to detect significant additive genetic effects. Overall, the findings of this study are an important illustration of how analyses of within‐individual patterns can reveal trade‐offs and their underlying causes, with potential evolutionary and ecological consequences that are otherwise hidden by among‐individual variation.
Unpacking Negligence Liability: Experimentally Testing the Governance Effect
Authors: Eisenberg Theodore , Engel Christoph
Published: February 2016

Arguably, if a court holds a defendant liable for negligently inflicting harm on the plaintiff, this intervention combines three effects: (1) the court specifies the normative expectation, (2) the court expresses dissatisfaction with the plaintiff's behavior, for example, her level of activity, and (3) the court obliges the defendant to compensate the plaintiff. In the field, it would be close to impossible to disentangle the three effects, or to investigate how they interact with intrinsic reticence to inflict harm on a passive outsider. We therefore go to the lab. We do not find an effect of intrinsic morality. However, the intervention has a separate significant effect on each of the three channels.
Early TIPS versus endoscopic therapy for secondary prophylaxis after management of acute esophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Halabi Shadi Al , Sawas Tarek , Sadat Besher , Jandali Aiyah , Halabi Hadi Al , Halabi Fadi Al , Kapoor Baljendra , Carey William D
Published: February 2016

Background and aims

American College of Gastroenterology and American Association for the Study of Liver Disease guidelines recommend endoscopic and pharmacologic treatment for esophageal variceal bleed. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement is reserved for cases of therapeutic failure. Several studies have suggested improved prevention of rebleeding and improved survival without excess hepatic encephalopathy in patients who receive TIPS within the first 5 days after bleeding (early TIPS). In this meta‐analysis, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of early TIPS versus endoscopic therapy for secondary prophylaxis after acute esophageal variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.

Methods

Pubmed, Medline, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ISI Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials that compared early TIPS to endoscopic therapy. The primary outcome was mortality at 1 year; secondary outcomes were rebleeding and hepatic encephalopathy at 1 year.

Results

Nine randomized controlled trials involving 608 cirrhotic patients were identified. Early TIPS was associated with a significant risk reduction in 1‐year mortality (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.49‐0.96; P = 0.03) and 1‐year incidence of variceal rebleeding (RR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.20‐0.40; P < 0.001) without significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 30% and 47%, respectively). No significant difference in the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy at 1 year was observed (RR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.72‐2.56; P = 0.34); however, there was significant heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 68%).

Conclusion

TIPS placed within 5 days after a major esophageal variceal hemorrhage is superior to endoscopic treatment in reducing subsequent bleeding. Early TIPS placement is also associated with superior 1‐year survival without significantly increasing the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy.
Pituitary Adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide orchestrates neuronal regulation of the astrocytic glutamate‐releasing mechanism system xc−
Authors: Kong Linghai , Albano Rebecca , Madayag Aric , Raddatz Nicholas , Mantsch John R. , Choi SuJean , Lobner Doug , Baker David A.
Published: February 2016

Glutamate signaling is achieved by an elaborate network involving neurons and astrocytes. Hence, it is critical to better understand how neurons and astrocytes interact to coordinate the cellular regulation of glutamate signaling. In these studies, we used rat cortical cell cultures to examine whether neurons or releasable neuronal factors were capable of regulating system xc− (Sxc), a glutamate‐releasing mechanism that is expressed primarily by astrocytes and has been shown to regulate synaptic transmission. We found that astrocytes cultured with neurons or exposed to neuronal‐conditioned media displayed significantly higher levels of Sxc activity. Next, we demonstrated that the pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP) may be a neuronal factor capable of regulating astrocytes. In support, we found that PACAP expression was restricted to neurons, and that PACAP receptors were expressed in astrocytes. Interestingly, blockade of PACAP receptors in cultures comprised of astrocytes and neurons significantly decreased Sxc activity to the level observed in purified astrocytes, whereas application of PACAP to purified astrocytes increased Sxc activity to the level observed in cultures comprised of neurons and astrocytes. Collectively, these data reveal that neurons coordinate the actions of glutamate‐related mechanisms expressed by astrocytes, such as Sxc, a process that likely involves PACAP.

image

A critical gap in modeling excitatory signaling is how distinct components of the glutamate system expressed by neurons and astrocytes are coordinated. In these studies, we found that system xc− (Sxc), a glutamate release mechanism expressed by astrocytes, is regulated by releasable neuronal factors including PACAP. This represents a novel form of neuron–astrocyte communication, and highlights the possibility that pathological changes involving astrocytic Sxc may stem from altered neuronal activity.
Reduced glutathione biosynthesis in Drosophila melanogaster causes neuronal defects linked to copper deficiency
Authors: Mercer Stephen W. , La Fontaine Sharon , Warr Coral G. , Burke Richard
Published: February 2016

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide often considered to be the master antioxidant in cells. GSH plays an integral role in cellular redox regulation and is also known to have a role in mammalian copper homeostasis. In vitro evidence suggests that GSH is involved in copper uptake, sequestration and efflux. This study was undertaken to further investigate the roles that GSH plays in neuronal copper homeostasis in vivo, using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of the Glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalytic subunit gene (Gclc) that encodes the rate‐limiting enzyme in GSH biosynthesis was utilised to genetically deplete GSH levels. When Gclc was knocked down in all neurons, this caused lethality, which was partially rescued by copper supplementation and was exacerbated by additional knockdown of the copper uptake transporter Ctr1A, or over‐expression of the copper efflux transporter ATP7. Furthermore, when Gclc was knocked down in a subset of neuropeptide‐producing cells, this resulted in adult progeny with unexpanded wings, a phenotype previously associated with copper dyshomeostasis. In these cells, Gclc suppression caused a decrease in axon branching, a phenotype further enhanced by ATP7 over‐expression. Therefore, we conclude that GSH may play an important role in regulating neuronal copper levels and that reduction in GSH may lead to functional copper deficiency in neurons in vivo.

image

We provide genetic evidence that glutathione (GSH) levels influence Cu content or distribution in vivo, in Drosophila neurons. GSH could be required for binding Cu imported by Ctr1A and distributing it to chaperones, such as Mtn, CCS and Atox1. Alternatively, GSH could modify the copper‐binding and transport activities of Atox1 and the ATP7 efflux protein via glutathionylation of copper‐binding cysteines.
The role of the Wnt/β‐catenin‐Annexin A1 pathway in the process of sevoflurane‐induced cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Hu Nan , Wang Chao , Zheng Yuxin , Ao Jiying , Zhang Chao , Xie Keliang , Li Yize , Wang Haiyun , Yu Yonghao , Wang Guolin
Published: February 2016

Postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) is a common geriatric complication, and sevoflurane is a widely accepted inducer of POCD. Although the aetiology of POCD is not clear, a breach in the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is involved in early POCD. Annexin A1 has shown protective effects on BBB function. The objective of this study was to investigate both the effects of sevoflurane on the components of the BBB and the underlying mechanism. In vivo treatment with 3.6% sevoflurane for 6 h disrupted BBB components led to fibrinogen invasion and down‐regulation of Annexin A1 expression at 24 h after inhalation. The administration of human recombinant Annexin A1 (hr Annexin A1) attenuated the disruption of BBB components, thereby reducing fibrinogen invasion. In addition, the administration of hr Annexin A1 improved cognitive function after the inhalation of 3.6% sevoflurane for 6 h. Moreover, in cultured endothelial cells, 3.6% sevoflurane for 6 h increased GSK‐3β and decreased β‐catenin levels at 24 h after inhalation. The activation/inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway attenuated/worsened the sevoflurane‐induced decrease in Annexin A1. Our findings indicate that in endothelial cells, treatment with 3.6% sevoflurane for 6 h inhibits the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway, thereby increasing GSK‐3β and decreasing β‐catenin. By inhibiting this pathway, the gas anaesthetic sevoflurane down‐regulated Annexin A1, which consequently breached the BBB and induced POCD.

image

We propose the following cascade for sevoflurane‐induced cognitive dysfunction: in microvascular endothelial cells, treatment with 3.6% sevoflurane for 6 h inhibits the Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway, increasing GSK‐3β and decreasing β‐catenin, which down‐regulates the expression of Annexin A1. This cascade leads to a breach in the blood–brain barrier, a process which is involved in the occurrence of early postoperative cognitive decline.

Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.13314.
Comparison of Preference Mapping Methods on Commodity Foods with Challenging Groups of Low‐Variance Attributes: Sliced Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread Example
Authors: Jervis S.M. , Guthrie B. , Guo G. , Worch T. , Hasted A. , Drake M.A.
Published: February 2016

Traditional preference mapping methods can suffer where groups of attributes with larger variances dominate the analysis, thus, detracting attention from attributes of potential importance as drivers of liking. This study compared traditional external preference mapping methods (PLS and PREFMAP) with a new method called PrefHMFA which is designed to control dominance of groups of high variance attributes. Twenty‐five sliced whole wheat breads were profiled by descriptive analysis (DA) for flavor, appearance (crust and crumb groups) and texture (oral, hand) attributes. Breads were subsequently presented to adult bread consumers (n = 360). Data were also subjected to path analysis (PATH‐PLS) and three different preference mapping analyses (PLS and PREFMAP and PrefHMFA). Traditional methods (PLS/PREFMAP) showed broad ideal points. PrefHMFA partial axes showed that the main hedonic dimensions were aligned with higher sensory dimensions. PrefHMFA revealed the greater importance of appearance and hand‐perceived texture attributes for liking. Path‐PLS confirmed the importance of sensory liking and family drivers of purchase intent for sliced sandwich bread.

Practical Applications

External preference mapping is used to relate analytical sensory data to consumer acceptance. Traditional techniques have been criticized since groups of attributes with large variances can dominate the traditional PCA or PLS‐based methods. New preference mapping techniques of PrefMFA and PrefHMFA have been suggested to account for attribute dominance. These techniques will aid in determining drivers of liking for commodity‐type foods and other product or situations where attribute dominance poses a problem with traditional methods.
Determination of the energy value of corn distillers dried grains with solubles containing different oil levels when fed to growing pigs
Authors: Li Z.‐C. , Li P. , Liu D.‐W. , Li D.‐F. , Wang F.‐L. , Su Y.‐B. , Zhu Z.‐P. , Piao X.‐S.
Published: February 2016

This experiment used indirect calorimetry to determine the net energy (NE) content of five corn distillers dried grains with solubles (corn DDGS) containing different oil levels and to compare the NE obtained using indirect calorimetry with that calculated using previously published prediction equations. There were two samples of high‐oil DDGS, one sample of medium‐oil DDGS and two samples of low‐oil DDGS. Twelve barrows (initial BW of 32.8 ± 2.0 kg) were used in a repeated 3 × 6 Youden square design with three periods and six diets. The diets were comprised of a corn–soybean meal basal diet and five diets containing 29.25% of one of the corn DDGS added at the expense of corn and soybean meal. During each period, the pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 16 days which included 7 days for adaption to feed and environmental conditions. On day 8, the pigs were transferred to respiration chambers and fed one of the six diets at 2300 kJ ME/kg BW0.6/day. Faeces and urine were collected from day 9 to 13 and heat production (HP) was also measured. From day 14 to 15, the pigs were fed 893 kJ ME/kg BW0.6/day to allow them to adapt from the fed to the fasted state. On the last day of each period (day 16), the pigs were fasted and fasting HP was measured. The digestible energy value was 16.0, 17.1 and 15.3 MJ/kg DM, the metabolizable energy value was 14.6, 15.5 and 13.7 MJ/kg DM and the NE value was 10.7, 11.0 and 9.4 MJ/kg DM, for the high‐oil, medium‐oil and low‐oil corn DDGS, respectively. The NE obtained with indirect calorimetry in the present study did not differ from values calculated using previously published prediction equations.
Mineral requirements of hair sheep in tropical climates
Authors: Pereira E. S. , Carmo A. B. R. , Costa M. R. G. F. , Medeiros A. N. , Oliveira R. L. , Pinto A. P. , Carneiro M. S. S. , Lima F. W. R. , Campos A. C. N. , Gomes S. P.
Published: February 2016

In this study, we evaluated the requirements of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) for sheep hair growth. Experimental diets contained different levels of metabolizable energy [ME; 0.96, 1.28, 1.72, 2.18 and 2.62 Mcal/kg of dry matter, (DM), corresponding to 4.23, 5.64, 7.58, 9.61 and 11.55 MJ/kg DM]. The lambs' hair (n = 48) at 2 months of age presented an average body weight (BW) of 12.05 ± 1.81 kg. At the beginning of the experiment, eight animals were slaughtered as a reference group to estimate the initial empty body weight and body composition. Net mineral requirements (g/day) ranged from 0.73 to 0.71 g of Ca, 0.51 to 0.49 g of P, 0.026 to 0.026 g of Mg, 0.16 to 0.19 g of Na and 0.15 to 0.13 g of K for animals with a BW ranging from 15 to 30 kg and a daily gain of 100 g. The results of this study indicate that the net macromineral requirements for weight gain in Morada Nova lambs are different from the values commonly recommended by the Agricultural and Food Research Council.
Explaining Violence ‐ Towards a Critical Friendship with Neuroscience?
Authors: Ray Larry
Published: February 2016

The neurosciences challenge the ‘standard social science’ model of human behaviour particularly with reference to violence. Although explanations of violence are interdisciplinary it remains controversial to work across the division between the social and biological sciences. Neuroscience can be subject to familiar sociological critiques of scientism and reductionism but this paper considers whether this view should be reassessed. Concepts of brain plasticity and epigenetics could prompt reconsideration of the dichotomy of the social and natural while raising questions about the intersections of materiality, embodiment and social action. Although violence is intimately bound up with the body, sociologies of both violence and the body remain on the surface and rarely go under the skin or skulls of violent actors. This article argues for a non‐reductionist realist explanation of violent behaviour that is also interdisciplinary and offers the potential to generate nuanced understandings of violent processes. It concludes that sociology should engage critically and creatively with the neuroscience of violence.
That Untravell'd World: The Problem of Thinking Globally in Victorian Studies
Authors: Lecourt Sebastian
Published: February 2016

Over the past decade, a growing number of scholars has sought out new ways of conceptualizing literature in terms of global systems. Victorianists, despite their field's monarchial nomenclature, have experimented with several such approaches. Some have mapped out 19th‐century transatlantic literary relations; others have explored the global media infrastructure constructed by Victorian imperialism; still others have traced the cross‐period resonances of Victorian literary forms and aesthetic constructs. Such approaches promise not only to enlarge the field's geographical scope but also to allow for creative forms of presentism that can expand the field's purchase beyond the terms of the New Historicism.
Evolutionary Science and Aestheticism: a Survey and a Suggestion
Authors: Wilhelm Lindsay P.
Published: February 2016

The past 30 years have witnessed a marked growth in critical studies of science and literature in late nineteenth‐century Britain. This essay seeks to highlight a small, but expanding, subset of research within this larger field that specifically concerns the intersections of evolutionary science and literary aestheticism. As this essay explains, scholars have gradually uncovered the significant influence that evolutionary science brought to bear on aesthetic thought. By delving into the archive, literary historians have also come to recognize that this influence was reciprocated, in large part because the relationship between evolutionary science and aestheticism was widely recognized by Victorian readers: even as scientific language permeated aesthetic writing, popular associations between the two movements steered scientific inquiry in certain directions. In conclusion, this essay suggests areas for future critical expansion and considers several striking affinities between evolutionism and aestheticism that merit particular exploration.
Impact of obesity and diabetes on waitlist survival, probability of liver transplantation and post‐transplant survival among chronic hepatitis C virus patients
Authors: Aguilar Maria , Liu Benny , Holt Edward W. , Bhuket Taft , Wong Robert J.
Published: February 2016

Background & Aims

The rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) among hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients contributes to concurrent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aim to evaluate the impact of concurrent obesity or DM on waitlist survival and probability of liver transplantation (LT) among adults with chronic HCV awaiting LT.

Methods

Using 2003–2013 United Network for Organ Sharing data, we evaluated the impact of obesity and DM among adults with chronic HCV awaiting LT: non‐obese, non‐DM vs. obese, non‐DM (obese) vs. non‐obese, DM (DM) vs. obese and DM. Overall, LT waitlist survival and probability of receiving LT were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

From 2003–2013, there were 43 478 new LT waitlist registrants with chronic HCV (21.0% with HCC, 79% without HCC). Obesity was associated with lower probability of receiving LT (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.85–0.97; P < 0.01), and lower probability of waitlist mortality (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.72–0.89; P < 0.001) when compared to non‐obese patients. DM among HCV patients did not impact probability of waitlist survival or receiving LT. When evaluating post‐LT survival, compared to non‐obese, non‐DM patients, obese HCV patients had significantly lower post‐LT mortality (HR 0.86; 95%CI, 0.81–0.92; P < 0.001); whereas, HCV patients with DM had significantly higher post‐LT mortality (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12–1.33; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Among adults with chronic HCV awaiting LT in the US, obesity is associated with lower probability of receiving LT, but did not impact waitlist survival. DM among chronic HCV patients did not impact waitlist survival or probability of LT.
Viral infection of the marine alga Emiliania huxleyi triggers lipidome remodeling and induces the production of highly saturated triacylglycerol
Authors: Malitsky Sergey , Ziv Carmit , Rosenwasser Shilo , Zheng Shuning , Schatz Daniella , Porat Ziv , Ben‐Dor Shifra , Aharoni Asaph , Vardi Assaf
Published: February 2016

Viruses that infect marine photosynthetic microorganisms are major ecological and evolutionary drivers of microbial food webs, estimated to turn over more than a quarter of the total photosynthetically fixed carbon. Viral infection of the bloom‐forming microalga Emiliania huxleyi induces the rapid remodeling of host primary metabolism, targeted towards fatty acid metabolism.

We applied a liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS)‐based lipidomics approach combined with imaging flow cytometry and gene expression profiling to explore the impact of viral‐induced metabolic reprogramming on lipid composition.

Lytic viral infection led to remodeling of the cellular lipidome, by predominantly inducing the biosynthesis of highly saturated triacylglycerols (TAGs), coupled with a significant accumulation of neutral lipids within lipid droplets. Furthermore, TAGs were found to be a major component (77%) of the lipidome of isolated virions. Interestingly, viral‐induced TAGs were significantly more saturated than TAGs produced under nitrogen starvation.

This study highlights TAGs as major products of the viral‐induced metabolic reprogramming during the host–virus interaction and indicates a selective mode of membrane recruitment during viral assembly, possibly by budding of the virus from specialized subcellular compartments. These findings provide novel insights into the role of viruses infecting microalgae in regulating metabolism and energy transfer in the marine environment and suggest their possible biotechnological application in biofuel production.
Transpulmonary thermodilution (PiCCO) measurements in children without cardiopulmonary dysfunction: large interindividual variation and conflicting reference values
Authors: Grindheim Guro , Eidet Jo , Bentsen Gunnar
Published: February 2016

Background

The PiCCO system, based on transpulmonary thermodilution, is one of the few tools available for continuous hemodynamic monitoring in children. However, published data for some of the derived variables reveal indexed values that seem questionable.

Aims

The aim of this study was to collect data from hemodynamically normal children and compare these to existing reference values. Furthermore, we sought to explore if indexing some of the variables differently could improve the clinical application of the obtained values.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study in a tertiary university hospital including 31 children without cardiopulmonary disease scheduled for major neurosurgery. Measurements were performed after induction of general anesthesia.

Results

Median age was 8 months. PiCCO‐derived median Cardiac Index (CI) was 3.8 l·min−1·m−2 (range 2.6–6.6), reference range 3.0–5.0, median Global End‐Diastolic Volume Index (GEDVI) was 366 ml·m−2 (range 269–685), reference range 680–800, whereas median Extravascular Lung Water Index (EVLWI) was 12 ml·kg−1 (range 7–31), reference range 3–7. All measured variables had a high interindividual variation, especially in children weighing less than 15 kg.

Conclusions

Values obtained by the PiCCO system in children have a wide range, and should therefore be interpreted with caution. Current reference values published for GEDVI and EVLWI are not applicable in children; the former is too high and the latter too low, and should not guide clinical practice. Indexing by other physiological indices may reduce this problem. Using current variables, we find GEDVI 280–590 ml·m−2 and ELWI 7–27 ml·kg−1 to be typical ranges for children.
Acrodermatitis Dysmetabolica in a Child with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Strathie Page Sarah , Foster Rachael
Published: February 2016

Acrodermatitis dysmetabolica is an umbrella term encompassing the other metabolic causes of an erosive periorificial and acral dermatitis that mimics acrodermatitis enteropathica. Causes include acquired zinc, amino acid, biotin, and fatty acid deficiencies. We present the case of an exclusively breastfed, 2‐month‐old boy with known cystic fibrosis admitted with failure to thrive and erosive dermatitis. A diagnosis of acrodermatitis dysmetabolica was made when investigations revealed a normal zinc level but low amino acid levels.
Effects of Nintendo Wii‐Fit® video games on balance in children with mild cerebral palsy
Authors: Tarakci Devrim , Ersoz Huseyinsinoglu Burcu , Tarakci Ela , Razak Ozdincler Arzu
Published: February 2016

Background

This study compared the effects of Nintendo Wii‐Fit® balance‐based video games and conventional balance training in children with mild cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

This randomized controlled trial involved 30 ambulatory pediatric patients (aged 5–18 years) with CP. Participants were randomized to either conventional balance training (control group) or to Wii‐Fit balance‐based video games training (Wii group). Both group received neuro‐developmental treatment (NDT) during 24 sessions. In addition, while the control group received conventional balance training in each session, the Wii group played Nintendo Wii Fit games such as ski slalom, tightrope walk and soccer heading on balance board. Primary outcomes were Functional Reach Test (forward and sideways), Sit‐to‐Stand Test and Timed Get up and Go Test. Nintendo Wii Fit balance, age and game scores, 10 m walk test, 10‐step climbing test and Wee‐Functional Independence Measure (Wee FIM) were secondary outcomes.

Results

After the treatment, changes in balance scores and independence level in activities of daily living were significant (P < 0.05) in both groups. Statistically significant improvements were found in the Wii‐based game group compared with the control group in all balance tests and total Wee FIM score (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Wii‐fit balance‐based video games are better at improving both static and performance‐related balance parameters when combined with NDT treatment in children with mild CP.
Functional conservation and diversification of APETALA1/FRUITFULL genes in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Li Qi , Wang Ye , Wang Fuxiang , Guo Yuyu , Duan Xueqing , Sun Jinhao , An Hailong
Published: February 2016

The duplicated grass APETALA1/FRUITFULL (AP1/FUL) genes have distinct but overlapping patterns of expression, suggesting their discrete roles in transition to flowering, specification of spikelet meristem identity and specification of floral organ identity. In this study, we analyzed the expression patterns and functions of four AP1/FUL paralogs (BdVRN1, BdFUL2, BdFUL3 and BdFUL4) in Brachypodium distachyon, a model plant for the temperate cereals and related grasses. Among the four genes tested, only BdVRN1 could remember the prolonged cold treatment. The recently duplicated BdVRN1 and BdFUL2 genes were expressed in a highly consistent manner and ectopic expressions of them caused similar phenotypes such as extremely early flowering and severe morphological alterations of floral organs, indicating their redundant roles in floral transition, inflorescence development and floral organ identity. In comparison, ectopic expressions of BdFUL3 and BdFUL4 only caused a moderate early flowering phenotype, suggesting their divergent function. In yeast two‐hybrid assay, both BdVRN1 and BdFUL2 physically interact with SEP proteins but only BdFUL2 is able to form a homodimer. BdVRN1 also interacts weakly with BdFUL2. Our results indicate that, since the separation of AP1/FUL genes in grasses, the process of sub‐ or neo‐functionalization has occurred and paralogs function redundantly and/or separately in flowering competence and inflorescence development.
Research Synthesis Methods in an Age of Globalized Risks: Lessons from the Global Burden of Foodborne Disease Expert Elicitation
Authors:   World Health Organization, Foodborne Epidemiology Reference Group, Source Attribution Task Force
Published: February 2016

We live in an age that increasingly calls for national or regional management of global risks. This article discusses the contributions that expert elicitation can bring to efforts to manage global risks and identifies challenges faced in conducting expert elicitation at this scale. In doing so it draws on lessons learned from conducting an expert elicitation as part of the World Health Organizations (WHO) initiative to estimate the global burden of foodborne disease; a study commissioned by the Foodborne Disease Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG). Expert elicitation is designed to fill gaps in data and research using structured, transparent methods. Such gaps are a significant challenge for global risk modeling. Experience with the WHO FERG expert elicitation shows that it is feasible to conduct an expert elicitation at a global scale, but that challenges do arise, including: defining an informative, yet feasible geographical structure for the elicitation; defining what constitutes expertise in a global setting; structuring international, multidisciplinary expert panels; and managing demands on experts’ time in the elicitation. This article was written as part of a workshop, “Methods for Research Synthesis: A Cross‐Disciplinary Approach” held at the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis on October 13, 2013.
Characterization of the Human Risk of Salmonellosis Related to Consumption of Pork Products in Different E.U. Countries Based on a QMRA
Authors: Vigre Håkan , Barfoed Kristen , Swart Arno N. , Simons Robin R. L. , Hill Andrew A. , Snary Emma L , Hald Tine
Published: February 2016

In response to the European Food Safety Authority's wish to assess the reduction of human cases of salmonellosis by implementing control measures at different points in the farm‐to‐consumption chain for pork products, a quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) was developed. The model simulated the occurrence of Salmonella from the farm to consumption of pork cuts, minced meat, and fermented ready‐to‐eat sausage, respectively, and a dose‐response model was used to estimate the probability of illness at consumption.

The QMRA has a generic structure with a defined set of variables, whose values are changed according to the E.U. member state (MS) of interest. In this article we demonstrate the use of the QMRA in four MSs, representing different types of countries.

The predicted probability of illness from the QMRA was between 1 in 100,000 and 1 in 10 million per serving across all three product types. Fermented ready‐to‐eat sausage imposed the highest probability of illness per serving in all countries, whereas the risks per serving of minced meat and pork chops were similar within each MS. For each of the products, the risk varied by a factor of 100 between the four MSs.

The influence of lack of information for different variables was assessed by rerunning the model with alternative, more extreme, values. Out of the large number of uncertain variables, only a few of them have a strong influence on the probability of illness, in particular those describing the preparation at home and consumption.
A QMRA Model for Salmonella in Pork Products During Preparation and Consumption
Authors: Swart A. N. , van Leusden F. , Nauta M. J.
Published: February 2016

As part of a quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA) food chain model, this article describes a model for the consumer phase for Salmonella‐contaminated pork products. Three pork products were chosen as a proxy for the entire pork product spectrum: pork cuts, minced meat patties, and fermented sausages. For pork cuts cross‐contamination is considered the most important process and therefore it is modeled in detail. For minced meat, both cross‐contamination and undercooking are the relevant processes. For those commodities bacterial growth during transport and storage is also modeled. Fermented sausages are eaten raw and the production may be defective. Variability between consumers’ behavior and the impact of variability between production processes at the farm and abattoir are taken into account. Results indicate that Salmonella levels on products may increase significantly during transport and storage. Heating is very efficient at lowering concentrations, yet cross‐contamination plays an important role in products that remain contaminated. For fermented sausage it is found that drying is important for Salmonella reduction. Sensitivity analysis revealed that cross‐ contamination factors “knife cleaning” and “preparation of a salad” are important parameters for pork cuts. For minced meat cleaning of the board, salad consumption, refrigerator temperature, and storage time were significant.
A Common Rationale for Global Sensitivity Measures and Their Estimation
Authors: Borgonovo Emanuele , Hazen Gordon B. , Plischke Elmar
Published: February 2016

Measures of sensitivity and uncertainty have become an integral part of risk analysis. Many such measures have a conditional probabilistic structure, for which a straightforward Monte Carlo estimation procedure has a double‐loop form. Recently, a more efficient single‐loop procedure has been introduced, and consistency of this procedure has been demonstrated separately for particular measures, such as those based on variance, density, and information value. In this work, we give a unified proof of single‐loop consistency that applies to any measure satisfying a common rationale. This proof is not only more general but invokes less restrictive assumptions than heretofore in the literature, allowing for the presence of correlations among model inputs and of categorical variables. We examine numerical convergence of such an estimator under a variety of sensitivity measures. We also examine its application to a published medical case study.
Estimating the Probability of Rare Events Occurring Using a Local Model Averaging
Authors: Chen Jin‐Hua , Chen Chun‐Shu , Huang Meng‐Fan , Lin Hung‐Chih
Published: February 2016

In statistical applications, logistic regression is a popular method for analyzing binary data accompanied by explanatory variables. But when one of the two outcomes is rare, the estimation of model parameters has been shown to be severely biased and hence estimating the probability of rare events occurring based on a logistic regression model would be inaccurate. In this article, we focus on estimating the probability of rare events occurring based on logistic regression models. Instead of selecting a best model, we propose a local model averaging procedure based on a data perturbation technique applied to different information criteria to obtain different probability estimates of rare events occurring. Then an approximately unbiased estimator of Kullback‐Leibler loss is used to choose the best one among them. We design complete simulations to show the effectiveness of our approach. For illustration, a necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) data set is analyzed.
Campylobacter QMRA: A Bayesian Estimation of Prevalence and Concentration in Retail Foods Under Clustering and Heavy Censoring
Authors: Mikkelä Antti , Ranta Jukka , González Manuel , Hakkinen Marjaana , Tuominen Pirkko
Published: February 2016

A Bayesian statistical temporal‐prevalence‐concentration model (TPCM) was built to assess the prevalence and concentration of pathogenic campylobacter species in batches of fresh chicken and turkey meat at retail. The data set was collected from Finnish grocery stores in all the seasons of the year. Observations at low concentration levels are often censored due to the limit of determination of the microbiological methods. This model utilized the potential of Bayesian methods to borrow strength from related samples in order to perform under heavy censoring. In this extreme case the majority of the observed batch‐specific concentrations was below the limit of determination. The hierarchical structure was included in the model in order to take into account the within‐batch and between‐batch variability, which may have a significant impact on the sample outcome depending on the sampling plan. Temporal changes in the prevalence of campylobacter were modeled using a Markovian time series. The proposed model is adaptable for other pathogens if the same type of data set is available. The computation of the model was performed using OpenBUGS software.
Denosumab‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws: successful management with a conservative surgical approach
Authors: de Souza Póvoa Raphaela Capella , Marlierè Daniel Amaral Alves , da Silveira Henrique Martins , Pires Fábio Ramoa
Published: February 2016

Denosumab‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws (DRONJ) is a recently described entity that shares many common clinical and radiological features with bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). The aim of the present study is to report a case of DRONJ affecting the anterior mandible of a 58‐year‐old male treated with denosumab to prevent skeletal‐related events associated with prostate cancer. Conservative surgery in conjunction with antibiotic therapy and discontinuation of denosumab use were effective in managing the condition and the patient remains free of clinical and radiological changes after a 38 month follow‐up.