bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient FLP-based toolkit for spatiotemporal control of gene expression inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Muñoz-Jiménez Celia María , Ayuso Cristina , Dobrzynska Agnieszka , Torres Antonio , de la Cruz Ruiz Patricia , Askjaer Peter
Published: February 2017

Site-specific recombinases are potent tools to regulate gene expression. In particular, the Cre and FLP enzymes are widely used to either activate or inactivate genes in a precise spatiotemporal manner. Both recombinases work efficiently in the popular model organismCaenorhabditis elegansbut their use in this nematode is still only sporadic. To increase the utility of the FLP system inC. eleganswe have generated a series of single-copy transgenic strains that stably express an optimized version of FLP in specific tissues or by heat induction. We show that recombination efficiencies reach 100 percent in several cell types, such as muscles, intestine and serotonin producing neurons. Moreover, we demonstrate that most promoters drive recombination exclusively in the expected tissues. As examples of the potentials of the FLP lines we describe novel tools for induced cell ablation by expression of the PEEL-1 toxin and a versatile FLP-out cassette for generation of GFP-tagged conditional knockout alleles. Together with other recombinase-based reagents created by theC. eleganscommunity this toolkit increases the possibilities for detailed analyses of specific biological processes at developmental stages inside intact animals.
Chromosome Number of the Monarch Butterfly,Danaus plexippus(Linnaeus 1758) and the Danainae
Authors: Hamm Christopher A.
Published: February 2017

The monarch butterfly,Danaus plexippus(Linnaeus 1758) is a charismatic butterfly known for its multi-generational migration in Eastern North America, and is emerging as an important system in the study of evolutionary genetics. Assigning genes or genetic elements to chromosomes is an important step when considering how genomes evolved. The monarch butterfly has a reported haploid chromosome number of 30. The specimens that this count is based on are from Madras, India whereD. plexippusdoes not occur. As a consequence the reported haplotype for theD. plexippusis incorrect. A literature review revealed that the specimens this count was based on were most likelyDanaus genutia(Cramer 1779), which Linnaeus and others conflated withD. plexippus. In a 1954 Opinion (#282) the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature decided that the nameD. genutiarefers to specimens originating from the Orient andD. plexippusto those from North America. To clarify the haplotype number ofD. plexippusfrom North America I conducted chromosome squashes of male 5th instar larvae. All specimens examined had a haploid chromosome count of n = 28. Following these new data, I then reconstructed the evolution of haplotypes throughout the Danainae subfamily to provide a testable hypothesis on the evolution of chromosome number for this group.
Metal–organic frameworks for H2and CH4storage: insights on the pore geometry–sorption energetics relationship
Authors: Alkordi Mohamed H. , Belmabkhout Youssef , Cairns Amy , Eddaoudi Mohamed
Published: February 2017

This study aims to assess the possibility of improving H2and CH4binding affinity to the aromatic walls of a designed new Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) through simultaneous dispersive interactions. It is suggested here that desirable H2and CH4storage media at low pressures require narrow uniform pores associated with large surface area, a trade-off that is challenging to achieve.
Supramolecular hydrogen-bonding patterns in 1:1 cocrystals of 5-fluorouracil with 4-methylbenzoic acid and 3-nitrobenzoic acid
Authors: Mohana Marimuthu , Muthiah Packianathan Thomas , McMillen Colin D.
Published: February 2017

The design of a pharmaceutical cocrystal is based on the identification of specific hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor groups in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in order to choose a `complementary interacting' molecule that can act as an efficient coformer. 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) is a pyrimidine derivative with two N—H donors and C=O acceptors and shows a diversity of hydrogen-bonding motifs. Two 1:1 cocrystals of 5-fluorouracil (5FU), namely 5-fluorouracil–4-methylbenzoic acid (5FU–MBA), C4H3FN2O2·C8H8O2, (I), and 5-fluorouracil–3-nitrobenzoic acid (5FU–NBA), C4H3FN2O2·C7H5NO4, (II), have been prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In (I), the MBA molecules form carboxylic acid dimers [R
2
2(8) homosynthon]. Similarly, the 5FU molecules form two types of base pair via a pair of N—H...O hydrogen bonds [R
2
2(8) homosynthon]. In (II), 5FU interacts with the carboxylic acid group of NBA via N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating an R
2
2(8) ring motif (heterosynthon). Furthermore, the 5FU molecules form base pairs [R
2
2(8) homosynthon] via N—H...O hydrogen bonds. Both of the crystal structures are stabilized by C—H...F interactions.
New mixed aluminium–chromium diarsenate
Authors: Bouhassine Mohamad Alem , Boughzala Habib
Published: February 2017

Potassium chromium aluminium diarsenate, KCr1/4Al3/4As2O7, was prepared by solid-state reaction. The structure consists of (Cr1/4/Al3/4)O6octahedra and As2O7diarsenate groups sharing corners to build up a three-dimensional anionic framework. The potassium cations are located in wide channels running along thec-axis direction. The crystal structure is isostructural with the triclinicAIMIIIX2O7(AI= alkali metal;MIII= Al, Cr, Fe;X= As, P) compounds. However, theMIIIoctahedrally coordinated site is 25% partially occupied by chromium and 75% by aluminium.
Dichotomising dementia: is there another way?
Authors: McParland Patricia , Kelly Fiona , Innes Anthea
Published: February 2017

This article discusses the reduction of the complex experience of dementia to a dichotomised ‘tragedy’ or ‘living well’ discourse in contemporary Western society. We explore both discourses, placing them in the context of a successful ageing paradigm, highlighting the complex nature of dementia and the risks associated with the emergence of these arguably competing discourses. Specifically, we explore this dichotomy in the context of societal understandings and responses to dementia. We argue for an acceptance of the fluid nature of the dementia experience, and the importance of an understanding that recognises the multiple realities of dementia necessary for social inclusion to occur. Such an acceptance requires that, rather than defend one position over another, the current discourse on dementia is challenged and problematised so that a more nuanced understanding of dementia may emerge; one that fully accepts the paradoxical nature of this complex condition.
When walking becomes wandering: representing the fear of the fourth age
Authors: Brittain Katherine , Degnen Cathrine , Gibson Grant , Dickinson Claire , Robinson Louise
Published: February 2017

Dementia is linked to behavioural changes that are perceived as challenging to care practices. One such behavioural change is ‘wandering’, something that is often deeply feared by carers and by people with dementia themselves. Understanding how behavioural changes like wandering are experienced as problematic is critically important in current discussions about the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. In this article we draw on our secondary analysis of qualitative interviews and focus groups with carers of people with dementia to critically question ‘when does walking become wandering’? Drawing on theoretical perspectives from anthropology, sociology and human geography to explore experiences of carers and of people with dementia, we argue that a conceptual shift occurs in how pedestrian activity, usually represented as something purposeful, meaningful and healthy (walking) is seen as something threatening that needs managing (wandering). We demonstrate how this shift is connected to cultural assumptions about the mind‐body relationship in both walking and in dementia. We further argue that the narratives of carers about wandering challenge the notion of ‘aimless’ walking in the fourth age. This is because, as these narratives show, there are often pronounced links to specific areas and meaningful places where people with dementia walk to.
Ageing, dementia and the social mind: past, present and future perspectives
Authors: Higgs Paul , Gilleard Chris
Published: February 2017

Accompanying the ageing of contemporary ageing societies is an increase in age associated morbidity, with dementia having an important impact. Mental frailty in later life is a source of fear for many and a major policy concern to all those concerned with health and welfare services. This introduction to the special issue on ‘Ageing, dementia and the social mind’ situates the selected papers within the context of debates about dementia and its social relations. In particular it draws attention to the importance of the social imaginary of the fourth age and what this means for the issue of personhood, care, social representations of dementia and its social contextualisation. The papers illuminating these themes draw on a variety of disciplines and approaches; from the social sciences to the humanities and from the theoretical to the empirical in order to help orientate future researchers to the complexities of dementia and the social and cultural matrix in which it exists. This paper provides an introduction to the potential for a more extended sociology of dementia; one which could combine the insights from medical sociology with the concerns of social gerontology.
Preterm birth prevention in twin pregnancies with progesterone, pessary, or cerclage: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jarde A , Lutsiv O , Park CK , Barrett J , Beyene J , Saito S , Dodd JM , Shah PS , Cook JL , Biringer AB , Giglia L , Han Z , Staub K , Mundle W , Vera C , Sabatino L , Liyanage SK , McDonald SD
Published: February 2017

Background

About half of twin pregnancies deliver preterm, and it is unclear whether any intervention reduces this risk.

Objectives

To assess the evidence for the effectiveness of progesterone, cerclage, and pessary in twin pregnancies.

Search strategy

We searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ISI Web of Science, without language restrictions, up to 25 January 2016.

Selection criteria

Randomised controlled trials of progesterone, cerclage, or pessary for preventing preterm birth in women with twin pregnancies, without symptoms of threatened preterm labour.

Data collection and analysis

Two independent reviewers extracted data using a piloted form. Study quality was appraised with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We performed pairwise inverse variance random‐effects meta‐analyses.

Main results

We included 23 trials (all but three were considered to have a low risk of bias) comprising 6626 women with twin pregnancies. None of the interventions significantly reduced the risk of preterm birth overall at <34 or <37 weeks of gestation, or neonatal death, our primary outcomes, compared to a control group. In women receiving vaginal progesterone, the relative risk (RR) of preterm birth <34 weeks of gestation was 0.82 (95% CI 0.64–1.05, seven studies, I2 36%), with a significant reduction in some key secondary outcomes, including very low birthweight (<1500 g, RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52–0.98, four studies, I2 46%) and mechanical ventilation (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.45–0.82, four studies, I2 22%).

Conclusion

In twin gestations, although no overarching intervention was beneficial for the prevention of preterm birth and its sequelae, vaginal progesterone improved some important secondary outcomes.

Tweetable abstract

Vaginal progesterone may be beneficial in twin pregnancies, but not 17‐OHPC, cerclage, or pessary.
Harnessing the Potential of Blood Proteins as Functional Ingredients: A Review of the State of the Art in Blood Processing
Authors: Lynch Sarah A. , Mullen Anne Maria , O'Neill Eileen E. , García Carlos Álvarez
Published: February 2017

Blood is generated in very large volumes as a by‐product in slaughterhouses all around the world. On the one hand, blood generation presents a serious environmental issue because of its high pollutant capacity; however, on the other hand, blood has the potential to be collected and processed to generate high‐added‐value food ingredients based on its exceptional nutritive value and its excellent functional properties. In this paper, we review the current state of the art for blood processing, from collection to final recovery of protein isolates, the functional properties of blood, impact of processing on functional properties, and potential applications as food ingredients. Furthermore, future challenges are outlined for this underutilized and abundant product from the meat industry.
Antimicrobials from Mushrooms for Assuring Food Safety
Authors: Shen Heng‐Sheng , Shao Suqin , Chen Jun‐Chen , Zhou Ting
Published: February 2017

The interest in discovering and developing natural antimicrobials has significantly increased due to consumer preferences for foods that are free of chemical preservatives while still microbiologically safe. One of the best sources of natural antimicrobials is certain mushrooms (fungi) as many of them not only have nutraceutical functions but also possess antimicrobial properties. This article reviews the available information on mushroom antimicrobials for food safety control. It includes available resources, extraction procedures, antimicrobial activities, and the status of their applications to food safety. The review indicates that there are great potential benefits to be gained from mushroom antimicrobials in food production, processing, and preservation as a biosolution to meet the increasing demands for food quality and safety.
The Popular Movement for Parliamentary Reform in Provincial Britain during the 1860s
Authors: Chase Malcolm
Published: February 2017

Provincial perspectives are largely lacking in accounts of the emergence of the Second Reform Act, but a vigorous and innovative popular movement for reform emerged in the mid 1860s. A burgeoning newspaper press both conveyed and itself did much to create a sense of accelerating movement unparalleled since Chartism. Former Chartists, notably Ernest Jones, were significant organisers, but the infusion of this movement into communities hitherto untouched by organised popular politics was widespread. Formal organisations can be identified in at least 282 separate localities outside London. Conservative working men's associations, by contrast, were slow to emerge and ephemeral. A rich material and performative culture bore witness to workers’ sense of property in their skill, their education and importance as wealth creators, but also to the popular reform movement's profoundly gendered character. Though committed in principle to manhood suffrage, by the spring of 1867 working‐class reformers were largely reconciled to incremental change and middle‐class opinion about reform similarly softened. This is demonstrated in the history of the Reform League's ‘Yorkshire Department’ and the success of its president, Robert Meek Carter, at the 1868 parliamentary election in Leeds.
The Second Reform Act and the Problem of Electoral Corruption
Authors: Rix Kathryn
Published: February 2017

This essay considers the role which the issue of bribery and corruption played during the debates on parliamentary reform in 1867–8, a theme previously neglected by historians of the Second Reform Act. It examines the ways in which the 1867 act itself sought to deal with corruption, analysing the rationale for the disfranchisement of four venal boroughs. It also looks at the attempts made by back benchers to insert provisions to curtail the growing costs of elections. Above all, it shows how the decision to confine discussion of electoral malpractice largely to the separate 1868 Election Petitions Act facilitated the progress of the main Reform Act. The 1868 act was of groundbreaking constitutional significance in transferring jurisdiction over election petitions from committees sitting at Westminster to election judges, who tried petitions in the constituencies. Why the Commons – somewhat reluctantly – decided to surrender what had hitherto been a jealously‐guarded privilege of the lower House is examined, discussing the failings of the existing tribunal and the role of Disraeli in skilfully guiding through reform. For contemporaries, the 1868 act was very much part of a wider reform settlement. Reintegrating the question of electoral corruption into historical analysis of the Second Reform Act helps to provide a fuller understanding of the broader concerns underpinning the extension of the franchise in 1867.
Sensory Profile and Consumer Acceptability of Prebiotic White Chocolate with Sucrose Substitutes and the Addition of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum)
Authors: Morais Ferreira Janaína Madruga , Azevedo Bruna Marcacini , Luccas Valdecir , Bolini Helena Maria André
Published: February 2017

Functional food is a product containing nutrients that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the descriptive sensory profile and consumers’ acceptance of functional (prebiotic) white chocolates with and without the addition of an antioxidant source (goji berry [GB]) and sucrose replacement. The descriptive sensory profile was determined by quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) with trained assessors (n = 12), and the acceptance test was performed with 120 consumers. The correlation of descriptive and hedonic data was determined by partial least squares (PLS). The results of QDA indicated that GB reduces the perception of most aroma and flavor attributes, and enhances the bitter taste, bitter aftertaste, astringency, and most of the texture attributes. The consumers’ acceptance of the chocolates was positive for all sensory characteristics, with acceptance scores above 6 on a 9‐point scale. According to the PLS regression analysis, the descriptors cream color and cocoa butter flavor contributed positively to the acceptance of functional white chocolates. Therefore, prebiotic white chocolate with or without the addition of GB is innovative and can attract consumers, due to its functional properties, being a promising alternative for the food industry.
Characterization of Antibiotic Resistance Genes from Lactobacillus Isolated from Traditional Dairy Products
Authors: Guo Huiling , Pan Lin , Li Lina , Lu Jie , Kwok Laiyu , Menghe Bilige , Zhang Heping , Zhang Wenyi
Published: February 2017

Lactobacilli are widely used as starter cultures or probiotics in yoghurt, cheese, beer, wine, pickles, preserved food, and silage. They are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). However, recent studies have shown that some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains carry antibiotic resistance genes and are resistant to antibiotics. Some of them may even transfer their intrinsic antibiotic resistance genes to other LAB or pathogens via horizontal gene transfer, thus threatening human health. A total of 33 Lactobacillus strains was isolated from fermented milk collected from different areas of China. We analyzed (1) their levels of antibiotic resistance using a standardized dilution method, (2) their antibiotic resistance gene profiles by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using gene‐specific primers, and (3) the transferability of some of the detected resistance markers by a filter mating assay. All Lactobacillus strains were found to be resistant to vancomycin, but susceptible to gentamicin, linezolid, neomycin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. Their susceptibilities to tetracycline, kanamycin, ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, quinupristin/dalfopristin, trimethoprim, ampicillin, rifampicin, and chloramphenicol was different. Results from our PCR analysis revealed 19 vancomycin, 10 ciprofloxacin, and 1 tetracycline‐resistant bacteria that carried the van(X), van(E), gyr(A), and tet(M) genes, respectively. Finally, no transferal of the monitored antibiotic resistance genes was observed in the filter mating assay. Taken together, our study generated the antibiotic resistance profiles of some milk‐originated lactobacilli isolates and preliminarily assessed their risk of transferring antibiotic gene to other bacteria. The study may provide important data concerning the safe use of LAB.
Preparation and Characterization of an Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Skin Gelatin and Polylactic Acid Bilayer Film
Authors: Lee Ka‐Yeon , Song Kyung Bin
Published: February 2017

Olive flounder skin gelatin (OSG) was used as a film base material. A bilayer film of OSG and polylactic acid (PLA) was prepared using solvent casting method to enhance the film properties. Physical properties of the OSG–PLA film were increased compared with the nonaugmented OSG film. In particular, the PLA lamination decreased water vapor permeability from 2.17 to 0.92 × 10−9 g·m/m2·s·Pa, as well as of the water solubility from 16.62% to 9.27%, in the bilayer film relative to the OSG film. The oxygen permeability of the OSG–PLA bilayer film was held low by the OSG film, compensating for the high oxygen permeability of the PLA layer. Therefore, the OSG–PLA bilayer film with its enhanced physical properties and high water and oxygen barrier properties can be applied as a food packaging material.
High‐throughput mining of E‐genome‐specific SNPs for characterizing Thinopyrum elongatum introgressions in common wheat
Authors: Lou Haijuan , Dong Lingli , Zhang Kunpu , Wang Da‐Wei , Zhao Maolin , Li Yiwen , Rong Chaowu , Qin Huanju , Zhang Aimin , Dong Zhenying , Wang Daowen
Published: February 2017

Diploid Thinopyrum elongatum (EE, 2n = 2x = 14) and related polyploid species constitute an important gene pool for improving Triticeae grain and forage crops. However, the genomic and molecular marker resources are generally poor for these species. To aid the genetic, molecular, breeding and ecological studies involving Thinopyrum species, we developed a strategy for mining and validating E‐genome‐specific SNPs using Th. elongatum and common wheat (Triticum aestivum, AABBDD, 2n = 6x = 42) as experimental materials. By comparing the transcriptomes between Chinese Spring (CS, a common wheat variety) and the CS‐Th. elongatum octoploid, 35,193 candidate SNPs between E genome genes and their common wheat orthologs were computed. Through comparative genomic analysis, these SNPs were putatively assigned to the seven individual E genome chromosomes. Among 420 randomly selected SNPs, 373 could be validated. Thus, approximately 89% of the mined SNPs may be authentic with respect to their polymorphism and chromosomal location. Using 14 such SNPs as molecular markers, complex E genome introgressions were reliably identified in 78 common wheat‐Th. elongatum hybrids, and the structural feature of a novel recombinant chromosome formed by 6E and 7E was revealed. Finally, based on testing 33 SNPs assigned to chromosome 3E in multiple genotypes of Th. elongatum, Pseudoroegneria stipifolia (carrying the St genome related to E) and common wheat, we suggest that some of the SNP markers may also be applicable for genetic studies within and among the Thinopyrum species (populations) carrying E and/or St genomes in the future.
Cactivalva nebularia, gen. et sp. nov. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae): a new Weinmannia leaf miner from southern Brazil
Authors: Moreira Gilson Rudinei Pires , Pollo Pietro , Brito Rosângela , Gonçalves Gislene Lopes , Vargas Héctor A
Published: February 2017

Male, female, pupa, larva and egg of a new genus and species of Gracillariidae (Ornixolinae), Cactivalva nebularia Moreira & Vargas gen. et sp. nov., from southern Brazil are described and illustrated with the aid of optical and scanning electron microscopy. A preliminary analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences including members of related lineages is also provided. The immature stages are associated with Weinmannia paulliniifolia Pohl ex Ser. (Cunoniaceae) in high altitude cloud forest of northeast Rio Grande do Sul state. During the first two sap‐feeding instars, the larva forms a serpentine mine in the lowest layer of the spongy parenchyma of a leaflet. After moulting to the third instar, it moves to another leaflet, forming a blotch mine within which the last three tissue‐feeding instars complete development, feeding upon both spongy and palisade parenchyma. Pupation occurs outside the mine, within a cocoon built on the leaf surface. This is the third genus of gracillariid moths described from the Atlantic Forest, and the first gracillariid species ever known to be associated with the Cunoniaceae.
Risk of persistent or recurrent neoplasia in conservatively treated women with cervical adenocarcinoma in situ with negative histological margins
Authors: Munro Aime , Codde Jim , Spilsbury Katrina , Stewart Colin J.R. , Steel Nerida , Leung Yee , Tan Jason , Salfinger Stuart G. , Mohan Ganendra R. , Semmens James B. , Cohen Paul A.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Conservative treatments including cold knife cone biopsy (CKC) or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) are fertility‐preserving alternatives to hysterectomy. The risks of persistent cervical neoplasia in women with negative surgical margins following conservative treatment of adenocarcinoma‐in‐situ (AIS) are uncertain. This study aims to investigate the risk of persistent or recurrent cervical neoplasia [AIS, adenocarcinoma and/or high‐grade cervical squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)] and compliance with follow‐up recommendations in conservatively treated women with AIS and negative histopathological margins.

Material and methods

A retrospective, population‐based study of Western Australian women treated by CKC or LEEP for AIS between 2001 and 2012. Histopathology reports were reviewed for demographic information, treatment procedures and clinicopathological factors. Primary outcomes were the diagnosis of cervical neoplasia during follow‐up (defined as <12 months) and surveillance (≥12 months) periods.

Results

The cohort comprised 360 women, with 175 (48.6%) initially treated by CKC and 185 (51.4%) treated by LEEP. The median patient age at time of excisional treatment was 30.0 years (range 18–64 years) and the median follow‐up time was 3.9 years (range six months to 12.2 years). During the follow‐up and surveillance periods, seven (1.9%) women were diagnosed with CIN 2/3, 10 (2.8%) with AIS, and one (0.3%) with cervical adenocarcinoma, despite their initial excision specimens having negative histological margins.

Conclusion

In this study, there was a low but significant risk of persistent or recurrent cervical neoplasia in women who had initial conservative management of AIS with negative histopathological margins.
The innervation of the kidney in renal injury and inflammation: a cause and consequence of deranged cardiovascular control
Authors: Abdulla M. H. , Johns E. J.
Published: February 2017

Extensive investigations have revealed that renal sympathetic nerves regulate renin secretion, tubular fluid reabsorption and renal haemodynamics which can impact on cardiovascular homoeostasis normally and in pathophysiological states. The significance of the renal afferent innervation and its role in determining the autonomic control of the cardiovascular system is uncertain. The transduction pathways at the renal afferent nerves have been shown to require pro‐inflammatory mediators and TRPV1 channels. Reno‐renal reflexes have been described, both inhibitory and excitatory, demonstrating that a neural link exists between kidneys and may determine the distribution of excretory and haemodynamic function between the two kidneys. The impact of renal afferent nerve activity on basal and reflex regulation of global sympathetic drive remains opaque. There is clinical and experimental evidence that in states of chronic kidney disease and renal injury, there is infiltration of T‐helper cells with a sympatho‐excitation and blunting of the high‐ and low‐pressure baroreceptor reflexes regulating renal sympathetic nerve activity. The baroreceptor deficits are renal nerve‐dependent as the dysregulation can be relieved by renal denervation. There is also experimental evidence that in obese states, there is a sympatho‐excitation and disrupted baroreflex regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity which is mediated by the renal innervation. This body of information provides an important basis for directing greater attention to the role of renal injury/inflammation causing an inappropriate activation of the renal afferent nerves as an important initiator of aberrant autonomic cardiovascular control.
Incidence and predictors of suicide attempts in bipolar I and II disorders: A 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Pallaskorpi Sanna , Suominen Kirsi , Ketokivi Mikko , Valtonen Hanna , Arvilommi Petri , Mantere Outi , Leppämäki Sami , Isometsä Erkki
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Few long‐term studies on bipolar disorder (BD) have investigated the incidence and risk factors of suicide attempts (SAs) specifically related to illness phases. We examined the incidence of SAs during different phases of BD in a long‐term prospective cohort of bipolar I (BD‐I) and bipolar II (BD‐II) patients, and risk factors specifically for SAs during major depressive episodes (MDEs).

Methods

In the Jorvi Bipolar Study (JoBS), 191 BD‐I and BD‐II patients were followed using life‐chart methodology. Prospective information on SAs of 177 patients (92.7%) during different illness phases was available up to 5 years. The incidence of SAs and their predictors were investigated using logistic and Poisson regression models. Analyses of risk factors for SAs occurring during MDEs were conducted using two‐level random‐intercept logistic regression models.

Results

During the 5 years of follow‐up, 90 SAs per 718 patient‐years occurred. The incidence was highest, over 120‐fold higher than in euthymia, during mixed states (765/1000 person‐years; 95% confidence interval [CI] 461−1269 person‐years), and also very high in MDEs, almost 60‐fold higher than in euthymia (354/1000 person‐years; 95% CI 277−451 person‐years). For risk of SAs during MDEs, the duration of MDEs, severity of depression, and cluster C personality disorders were significant predictors.

Conclusions

We confirmed in this long‐term study that the highest incidences of SAs occur in mixed and major depressive illness phases. The variations in incidence rates between euthymia and illness phases were remarkably large, suggesting that the question “when” rather than “who” may be more relevant for suicide risk in BD. However, risk during MDEs is likely also influenced by personality factors.
Order-Restricted Inference for Means with Missing Values
Authors: Wang Heng , Zhong Ping-Shou
Published: February 2017

Missing values appear very often in many applications, but the problem of missing values has not received much attention in testing order-restricted alternatives. Under the missing at random (MAR) assumption, we impute the missing values nonparametrically using kernel regression. For data with imputation, the classical likelihood ratio test designed for testing the order-restricted means is no longer applicable since the likelihood does not exist. This article proposes a novel method for constructing test statistics for assessing means with an increasing order or a decreasing order based on jackknife empirical likelihood (JEL) ratio. It is shown that the JEL ratio statistic evaluated under the null hypothesis converges to a chi-bar-square distribution, whose weights depend on missing probabilities and nonparametric imputation. Simulation study shows that the proposed test performs well under various missing scenarios and is robust for normally and nonnormally distributed data. The proposed method is applied to an Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative data set for finding a biomarker for the diagnosis of the Alzheimer's disease.
Visualizations for Genetic Assignment Analyses Using the Saddlepoint Approximation Method
Authors: McMillan L. F. , Fewster R. M.
Published: February 2017

We propose a method for visualizing genetic assignment data by characterizing the distribution of genetic profiles for each candidate source population. This method enhances the assignment method of Rannala and Mountain (1997) by calculating appropriate graph positions for individuals for which some genetic data are missing. An individual with missing data is positioned in the distributions of genetic profiles for a population according to its estimated quantile based on its available data. The quantiles of the genetic profile distribution for each population are calculated by approximating the cumulative distribution function (CDF) using the saddlepoint method, and then inverting the CDF to get the quantile function. The saddlepoint method also provides a way to visualize assignment results calculated using the leave-one-out procedure. This new method offers an advance upon assignment software such as geneclass2, which provides no visualization method, and is biologically more interpretable than the bar charts provided by the software structure. We show results from simulated data and apply the methods to microsatellite genotype data from ship rats (Rattus rattus) captured on the Great Barrier Island archipelago, New Zealand. The visualization method makes it straightforward to detect features of population structure and to judge the discriminative power of the genetic data for assigning individuals to source populations.
Parametric Modeling of Quantile Regression Coefficient Functions with Censored and Truncated Data
Authors: Frumento Paolo , Bottai Matteo
Published: February 2017

Quantile regression coefficient functions describe how the coefficients of a quantile regression model depend on the order of the quantile. A method for parametric modeling of quantile regression coefficient functions was discussed in a recent article. The aim of the present work is to extend the existing framework to censored and truncated data. We propose an estimator and derive its asymptotic properties. We discuss goodness-of-fit measures, present simulation results, and analyze the data that motivated this article. The described estimator has been implemented in the R package qrcm.
Periocular breast carcinoma metastases: correlation of clinical, radiologic and histopathologic features
Authors: Homer Natalie , Jakobiec Frederick A , Stagner Anna , Cunnane Mary Elizabeth , Freitag Suzanne K , Fay Aaron , Yoon Michael K
Published: February 2017

Importance

To describe presenting patterns of breast cancer metastases to the orbit and eyelids.

Background

To provide clinical, radiographic and pathologic correlations of breast metastases to the orbit or eyelids and evaluate radiographic volumetric orbital changes.

Design

Retrospective review in an academic centre.

Participants

Ten female patients with periocular metastatic breast carcinoma who were seen at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Oculoplastics Clinic.

Methods

Retrospective review of patient records, imaging and pathology findings.

Main Outcome Measures

Presenting clinical characteristics, radiographic findings and histopathological features were assessed and correlated to discover distinctive presenting patterns. Volumetric measurements of the tumours and orbital soft tissue structures were made on magnetic resonance imaging studies.

Results

The breast cancer metastases included eleven orbital lesions and one eyelid lesion. Two distinct clinical presentations were observed. The first consisted of seven patients who had either enophthalmos or euphthalmos, a radiographically indistinct intraconal lesion and a histologically classic invasive lobular breast carcinoma with a prominent fibrotic stroma. The second group consisted of two proptotic patients with discrete mass lesions on imaging and an atypical invasive lobular breast carcinoma pathological subtype (pleomorphic or alveolar). One patient had diffusely indurated eyelid fullness. Volumetric analyses demonstrated variable tumour sizes with an inconsistent impact on the orbital volume and fat.

Conclusions and Relevance

This correlative study provides the clinical‐radiographic‐histopathologic basis for separating two overarching phenotypic presentations of metastatic breast carcinoma to the orbit. Previously postulated mechanisms for the distinctive finding of tumour‐induced enophthalmos are re‐examined in the light of the foregoing conclusions.
“Sense” and sensitivity: Informal apprenticeship among youth care workers in a residential treatment center for children
Authors: Smith Yvonne
Published: February 2017

This article reports findings from a 13‐month ethnographic study of knowledge use and expertise among 78 workers in a U.S. residential treatment center for children. It investigates the question of how youth care workers developed expertise in an organization that did not require graduate professional education and provided little didactic training. It demonstrates how processes of informal apprenticeship allowed some workers to develop locally recognized expertise through working alongside more experienced peers. It analyzes the puzzling initial finding that workers simultaneously attributed expertise to innate “common sense” and reported that they developed this form of expertise through informal on‐the‐job apprenticeship. Taking a cultural perspective on learning, this article conceptualizes youth‐serving organizations as communities of practice in which informal apprenticeship contributes to the development of locally valued forms of expertise and addresses the question of why youth care workers appeared to differ in their ability to make use of opportunities for such learning. It explores implications of these findings for workforce development in youth residential treatment and for social work education in general, suggesting simple methods for maximizing opportunities for situated learning.
Visualization of Eye Tracking Data: A Taxonomy and Survey
Authors: Blascheck T. , Kurzhals K. , Raschke M. , Burch M. , Weiskopf D. , Ertl T.
Published: February 2017

This survey provides an introduction into eye tracking visualization with an overview of existing techniques. Eye tracking is important for evaluating user behaviour. Analysing eye tracking data is typically done quantitatively, applying statistical methods. However, in recent years, researchers have been increasingly using qualitative and exploratory analysis methods based on visualization techniques. For this state‐of‐the‐art report, we investigated about 110 research papers presenting visualization techniques for eye tracking data. We classified these visualization techniques and identified two main categories: point‐based methods and methods based on areas of interest. Additionally, we conducted an expert review asking leading eye tracking experts how they apply visualization techniques in their analysis of eye tracking data. Based on the experts' feedback, we identified challenges that have to be tackled in the future so that visualizations will become even more widely applied in eye tracking research.
Distributed Optimization Framework for Shadow Removal in Multi‐Projection Systems
Authors: Tsukamoto J. , Iwai D. , Kashima K.
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes a novel shadow removal technique for cooperative projection system based on spatiotemporal prediction. In our previous work, we proposed a distributed feedback algorithm, which is implementable in cooperative projection environments subject to data transfer constraints between components. A weakness of this scheme is that the compensation is conducted in each pixel independently. As a result, spatiotemporal information of the environmental change cannot be utilized even if it is available. In view of this, we specifically investigate the situation where some of the projectors are occluded by a moving object whose one‐frame‐ahead behaviour is predictable. In order to remove the resulting shadow, we propose a novel error propagating scheme that is still implementable in a distributed manner and enables us to incorporate the prediction information of the obstacle. It is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally that the proposed method significantly improves the shadow removal performance in comparison to the previous work.
The Importance of Fishing Grounds as Perceived by Local Communities Can be Undervalued by Measures of Socioeconomic Cost Used in Conservation Planning
Authors: Hamel Mélanie A. , Pressey Robert L. , Evans Louisa S. , Andréfouët Serge
Published: February 2017

Marine reserve placement must account for the importance of places for resource use to minimize negative socioeconomic impacts and improve compliance. It is often assumed that placing marine reserves in locations that minimize lost fishing opportunities will reduce impacts on coastal communities, but the influence of the fishing data used on this outcome remains poorly understood. In the Madang Lagoon (Papua New Guinea), we compared three types of proxies for conservation costs to local fishing communities. We developed two types of proxies of opportunity costs commonly used in marine conservation planning: current fishing activity with fisher surveys (n= 68) and proximity from shore. We also developed proxies based on areas of importance for fishing as perceived by surveyed households (n= 52). Although all proxies led to different configurations of potential marine reserves, the three types of cost data reflect different aspects of importance for fishing and should be used as complementary measures.
The Value of the IUCN Red List for Business Decision‐Making
Authors: Bennun Leon , Regan Eugenie C. , Bird Jeremy , van Bochove Jan‐Willem , Katariya Vineet , Livingstone Suzanne , Mitchell Robin , Savy Conrad , Starkey Malcolm , Temple Helen , Pilgrim John D.
Published: February 2017

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species provides assessments of extinction risk for over 80,000 species. It has become an important tool for conservation and for informing natural resource policy and management more broadly. Over the last 10–15 years, the role of the Red List in business decision‐making has become increasingly significant. We describe the key business uses of the Red List and their benefits to conservation, focusing on industrial‐scale development and supply chains. The Red List is used by business throughout the process of planning and implementing projects, in order to understand and manage potential impacts on biodiversity. It informs screening and impact avoidance, baseline survey design, impact assessment and mitigation, biodiversity action plan development, and offset design and implementation. Business use could be strengthened by recognizing business needs when prioritizing improvements, so as to address specific aspects of consistency and coverage, access, information relevance, and assessment transparency. Finding effective ways to feed relevant business‐generated data back into the Red List process would, in turn, strengthen the assessments. The crucial role that the Red List has assumed in good‐practice business decision‐making represents both a success and an opportunity for the Red List community.
Neocolonial Conservation: Is Moving Rhinos to Australia Conservation or Intellectual Property Loss
Authors: Hayward Matt W. , Ripple William J. , Kerley Graham I. H. , Landman Marietjie , Plotz Roan D. , Garnett Stephen T.
Published: February 2017

The Australian Rhino Project (http://www.theaustralianrhinoproject.org) proposes importing 80 rhinos from South Africa to Australia by 2019 at a cost of over $US4 million, with the first six due to have been moved in 2016. This project has high‐profile supporters in the private sector, zoos, and both governments, and is gaining major publicity through association with sporting teams and TedEx talks (http://www.theaustralianrhinoproject.org/index.php/news/blogs/11-news-and-blogs/242-ray-tedx). However, establishing extralimital populations of African rhinos is a very low‐priority conservation action, particularly given over 800 are already in captivity, and we argue this project diverts funds and expertise away from more important conservation activities; the proposed captive conditions will lead to selection for domestic traits; the most likely species involved is the white rhino, which is the lowest priority rhino species for conservation; it removes a driver of in situ conservation; it does not focus on the critically endangered Asian rhino species; and it extends the historical exploitation of Africa's resources by colonial powers. There are also insufficient details in the public domain about the project for objective decision‐making. We believe this is misdirected neocolonial conservation and the policy support from both governments for this project should be reconsidered.
Treatment of cutaneous and/or soft tissue manifestations of corticosteroids refractory chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) by a total nodal irradiation (TNI)
Authors: Peyraga Guillaume , Lizee Thibaut , Gustin Pierre , Clement‐Colmou Karen , Di Bartolo Christelle , Supiot Stephane , Mahe Marc‐Andre , François Sylvie , Mege Martine
Published: February 2017

The management of corticosteroids refractory chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) remains controversial. Retrospective analysis of patients treated at the Integrated Center of Oncology by total nodal irradiation (TNI) was performed to evaluate its therapy potency. TNI delivers a dose of 1 Gy in a single session. The delimitation of the fields is clinical (upper limit: external auditory meatus; lower limit: mid‐femur). No pre‐therapeutic dosimetry scanner was necessary. Evaluation of the efficacy was by clinical measures at 6 months after the treatment. Twelve patients were treated by TNI between January 2010 and December 2013. TNI was used in second‐line treatment or beyond. The median time between allograft and TNI was 31.2 months, and the median time between the first manifestations of cGVHD and TNI was about 24.2 months. Of the 12 patients, nine had a clinical response at 6 months (75%), including five complete clinical responses (41.6%). Five patients could benefit from a reduction of corticosteroid doses. Three patients had hematologic toxicity. TNI could be considered as an option for the treatment of a cutaneous and/or soft tissues corticosteroids refractory cGVHD. However, prospective randomized and double‐blind trials remain essential to answer the questions about TNI safety and effectiveness.
Adverse outcomes associated with postoperative atrial arrhythmias after lung transplantation: A meta‐analysis and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Waldron Nathan H. , Klinger Rebecca Y. , Hartwig Matthew G. , Snyder Laurie D. , Daubert James P. , Mathew Joseph P.
Published: February 2017

Background

Postoperative atrial arrhythmias (AAs) are common after lung transplantation, but studies are mixed regarding their impact on outcomes. We therefore performed this systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine whether AAs after lung transplantation impede postoperative recovery.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Register were searched to identify studies comparing outcomes in adult patients undergoing lung transplantation who experienced postoperative AAs in the immediate postoperative period vs those without postoperative AAs. Our primary outcome was perioperative mortality, and secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS), postoperative complications, and mid‐term (1‐6 years) mortality.

Results

Nine studies including 2653 patients were included in this analysis. Of this group, 791 (29.8%) had postoperative AAs. Patients with postoperative AAs had significantly higher perioperative (OR 2.70 [95% CI: 1.73‐4.19], P<.0001) mortality, longer hospital LOS (MD 8.29 [95% CI: 4.37‐12.21] days, P<.0001), more frequent requirement for tracheostomy (OR 4.67 [95% CI: 2.59‐8.44], P<.0001), and higher mid‐term mortality (OR 1.71 [95% CI: 1.28‐2.30], P=.0003).

Conclusions

AAs after lung transplantation are frequent and associated with significantly higher mortality, longer hospital LOS, and requirement for tracheostomy. Given their impact on recovery, prophylactic strategies against AAs need to be developed.