bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Viral Hepatitis E Infection in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mysore, South India
Authors: Murthy Karkala Achutha Sudharshana , Khan Ismailkhan Mohammed , Kiran Pura Krishnamurthy , Hakeem Hisham
Published: June 2014

Background.  In this study, we aimed to explore the clinical and epidemiological profile of all patients with hepatitis E virus (HEV) who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Mysore, India and to further assess various factors that influence the prognosis of these patients.

Methods.  Two hundred ninety patients with HEV infection were included in the study and interviewed. They were subjected to clinical examination and laboratory investigations, including complete hemogram, renal, and liver function tests. Viral markers for HBV, HAV, HCV, and HEV by hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HAV, anti-HCV, and anti-HEV antibodies, respectively, were done using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Final outcome was recorded in the form of discharge or death.

Results.  Males had higher (82.8%) incidence of HEV infection. Yellowish discoloration of urine was the most common symptom, and icterus was the most common sign at presentation. Hepatomegaly was most common finding on abdominal examination. Mean duration of hospital stay was higher among diabetics (10 days vs 7.11 ± 3.52 days). Overall, mortality observed was 3.45%. A higher mean age (P = .000) and duration of hospital stay (P = .000) were associated with higher mortality. Mortality was significantly higher among patients with alcohol abuse (25% vs 0%) (P = .004). Higher mean prothrombin time-international normalised ratio (PT-INR) (1.6 ± 0.13 vs 1.21 ± 0.32), total bilirubin (20.3 ± 5.08 vs 11.33 ± 7.26 mg/dL), and direct bilirubin (15.05 ± 3.64 vs 6.35 ± 3.71 mg/dL) were associated with higher mortality, whereas lower mean serum albumin (2.6 ± 0.11 vs 3.41 ± 0.40 gm/dL) was associated with higher mortality. Increase in renal parameters (ie, urea [97 ± 33.48 vs 32.43 ± 18.41 mg/dL] and creatinine [2.9 ± 1.38 vs 1.12 ± 0.64 mg/dL]) and electrolyte imbalances (ie, hyperkalemia [5.95 ± 1.21 vs 4.29 ± 0.51 mmol/L] and hyponatremia [123 ± 3.56 vs 136.04 ± 2.97 mmol/L]) were associated with higher mortality. There were 20-fold increases in mean serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) values (SGPT: SGOT = 1.148) and a 1-fold increase in mean alkaline phosphatase.

Conclusions.  Higher mean age, duration of hospital stay, PT-INR, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, blood urea, serum creatinine, potassium values, alcohol abuse, presence of ascites, and fulminant hepatitis were associated with higher mortality, whereas lower mean serum albumin and sodium values were associated with higher mortality. Diabetics had a higher mean duration of hospital stay.
Ancient DNA and the tropics: a rodent's tale
Authors: Gutiérrez-García Tania A. , Vázquez-Domínguez Ella , Arroyo-Cabrales Joaquín , Kuch Melanie , Enk Jacob , King Christine , Poinar Hendrik N.
Published: June 2014

Most genetic studies of Holocene fauna have been performed with ancient samples from dry and cold regions, in which preservation of fossils is facilitated and molecular damage is reduced. Ancient DNA work from tropical regions has been precluded owing to factors that limit DNA preservation (e.g. temperature, hydrolytic damage). We analysed ancient DNA from rodent jawbones identified as
Ototylomys phyllotis
, found in Holocene and Late Pleistocene stratigraphic layers from Loltún, a humid tropical cave located in the Yucatan peninsula. We extracted DNA and amplified six short overlapping fragments of the cytochrome
b
gene, totalling 666 bp, which represents an unprecedented success considering tropical ancient DNA samples. We performed genetic, phylogenetic and divergence time analyses, combining sequences from ancient and modern
O. phyllotis
, in order to assess the ancestry of the Loltún samples. Results show that all ancient samples fall into a unique clade that diverged prior to the divergence of the modern
O. phyllotis
, supporting it as a distinct Pleistocene form of the
Ototylomys
genus. Hence, this rodent's tale suggests that the sister group to modern
O. phyllotis
arose during the Miocene–Pliocene, diversified during the Pleistocene and went extinct in the Holocene.
Modelling and control issues of dynamically substructured systems: adaptive forward prediction taken as an example
Authors: Tu Jia-Ying , Hsiao Wei-De , Chen Chih-Ying
Published: June 2014

Testing techniques of dynamically substructured systems dissects an entire engineering system into parts. Components can be tested via numerical simulation or physical experiments and run synchronously. Additional actuator systems, which interface numerical and physical parts, are required within the physical substructure. A high-quality controller, which is designed to cancel unwanted dynamics introduced by the actuators, is important in order to synchronize the numerical and physical outputs and ensure successful tests. An adaptive forward prediction (AFP) algorithm based on delay compensation concepts has been proposed to deal with substructuring control issues. Although the settling performance and numerical conditions of the AFP controller are improved using new direct-compensation and singular value decomposition methods, the experimental results show that a linear dynamics-based controller still outperforms the AFP controller. Based on experimental observations, the least-squares fitting technique, effectiveness of the AFP compensation and differences between delay and ordinary differential equations are discussed herein, in order to reflect the fundamental issues of actuator modelling in relevant literature and, more specifically, to show that the actuator and numerical substructure are
heterogeneous dynamic
components and should not be collectively modelled as a homogeneous delay differential equation.
Utilization of structural steel in buildings
Authors: Moynihan Muiris C. , Allwood Julian M.
Published: June 2014

Over one-quarter of steel produced annually is used in the construction of buildings. Making this steel causes carbon dioxide emissions, which climate change experts recommend be reduced by half in the next 37 years. One option to achieve this is to design and build more efficiently, still delivering the same service from buildings but using less steel to do so. To estimate how much steel could be saved from this option, 23 steel-framed building designs are studied, sourced from leading UK engineering firms. The utilization of each beam is found and buildings are analysed to find patterns. The results for over 10 000 beams show that average utilization is below 50% of their capacity. The primary reason for this low value is ‘rationalization’—providing extra material to reduce labour costs. By designing for minimum material rather than minimum cost, steel use in buildings could be drastically reduced, leading to an equivalent reduction in ‘embodied’ carbon emissions.
Global late Quaternary megafauna extinctions linked to humans, not climate change
Authors: Sandom Christopher , Faurby Søren , Sandel Brody , Svenning Jens-Christian
Published: June 2014

The late Quaternary megafauna extinction was a severe global-scale event. Two factors, climate change and modern humans, have received broad support as the primary drivers, but their absolute and relative importance remains controversial. To date, focus has been on the extinction chronology of individual or small groups of species, specific geographical regions or macroscale studies at very coarse geographical and taxonomic resolution, limiting the possibility of adequately testing the proposed hypotheses. We present, to our knowledge, the first global analysis of this extinction based on comprehensive country-level data on the geographical distribution of all large mammal species (more than or equal to 10 kg) that have gone globally or continentally extinct between the beginning of the Last Interglacial at 132 000 years BP and the late Holocene 1000 years BP, testing the relative roles played by glacial–interglacial climate change and humans. We show that the severity of extinction is strongly tied to hominin palaeobiogeography, with at most a weak, Eurasia-specific link to climate change. This first species-level macroscale analysis at relatively high geographical resolution provides strong support for modern humans as the primary driver of the worldwide megafauna losses during the late Quaternary.
Epstein–Barr virus, the germinal centre and the development of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Mohamed Ghada , Vrzalikova Katerina , Cader Fathima Zumla , Vockerodt Martina , Nagy Eszter , Flodr Patrik , Yap Lee-Fah , Diepstra Arjan , Kluin Philip M. , Rosati Stefano , Murray Paul
Published: June 2014

The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and the germinal centre (GC) of the asymptomatic host remains an enigma. The occasional appearance of EBV-positive germinal centres in some patients, particularly those with a history of immunosuppression, suggests that EBV numbers in the GC are subject to immune control. The relationship, if any, between lymphoid hyperplasia with EBV-positive germinal centres and subsequent or concurrent lymphomagenesis remains to be clarified. As far as the development of EBV-associated Hodgkin's lymphoma is concerned, the suppression of virus replication, mediated by LMP1 on the one hand, and the loss of B-cell receptor signalling on the other, appears to be an important pathogenic mechanism. A further important emerging concept is that alterations in the microenvironment of the EBV-infected B-cell may be important for lymphomagenesis.
How the tortoise beats the hare: Slow and steady adaptation in structured populations suggests a rugged fitness landscape in bacteria
Authors: Nahum Joshua R. , Godfrey-Smith Peter , Harding Brittany N. , Marcus Joseph H. , Carlson-Stevermer Jared , Kerr Benjamin
Published: June 2014

In the context of Wright’s adaptive landscape, genetic epistasis can yield a multipeaked or “rugged” topography. In an unstructured population, a lineage with selective access to multiple peaks is expected to rapidly fix on one, which may not be the highest peak. Contrarily, beneficial mutations in a population with spatially restricted migration take longer to fix, allowing distant parts of the population to explore the landscape semi-independently. Such a population can simultaneous discover multiple peaks and the genotype at the highest discovered peak is expected to fix eventually. Thus, structured populations sacrifice initial speed of adaptation for breadth of search. As in the Tortoise-Hare fable, the structured population (Tortoise) starts relatively slow, but eventually surpasses the unstructured population (Hare) in average fitness. In contrast, on single-peak landscapes (e.g., systems lacking epistasis), all uphill paths converge. Given such “smooth” topography, breadth of search is devalued, and a structured population only lags behind an unstructured population in average fitness (ultimately converging). Thus, the Tortoise-Hare pattern is an indicator of ruggedness. After verifying these predictions in simulated populations where ruggedness is manipulable, we then explore average fitness in metapopulations ofEscherichia coli. Consistent with a rugged landscape topography, we find a Tortoise-Hare pattern. Further, we find that structured populations accumulate more mutations, suggesting that distant peaks are higher. This approach can be used to unveil landscape topography in other systems, and we discuss its application for antibiotic resistance, engineering problems, and elements of Wright’s Shifting Balance Process.

Significance Statement:

Adaptive landscapes are a way of describing how mutations interact with each other to produce fitness. If an adaptive landscape is rugged, organisms achieve higher fitness with more difficulty because the mutations to reach high fitness genotypes may not be always beneficial. By evolving populations ofEscherichia coliwith different degrees of spatial structure, we identified a Tortoise-Hare pattern, where structured populations were initially slower, but overtook less structured populations in mean fitness. These results, combined with genetic sequencing and computational simulation, indicate this bacterial adaptive landscape is rugged. Our findings address one of the most enduring questions in evolutionary biology, in addition to, providing insight into how evolution may influence medicine and engineering.
Natural variation in teosinte at the domestication locusteosinte branched1(tb1)
Authors: Vann Laura , Kono Thomas , Pyhäjärvi Tanja , Hufford Matthew B. , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey
Published: June 2014

Premise of the study

Theteosinte branched1(tb1)gene is a major QTL controlling branching differences between maize and its wild progenitor, teosinte. The insertion of a transposable element (Hopscotch) upstream oftb1is known to enhance the gene’s expression, causing reduced tillering in maize. Observations of the maizetb1allele in teosinte and estimates of an insertion age of theHopscotchthat predates domestication led us to investigate its prevalence and potential role in teosinte.

Methods

Prevalence of theHopscotchelement was assessed across an Americas-wide sample of 837 maize and teosinte individuals using a co-dominant PCR assay. Population genetic summaries were calculated for a subset of individuals from four teosinte populations in central Mexico. Phenotypic data were also collected using seed from a single teosinte population whereHopscotchwas found segregating at high frequency.

Key results

Genotyping results indicate theHopscotchelement is found in a number of teosinte populations and linkage disequilibrium neartb1does not support recent introgression from maize. Population genetic signatures are consistent with selection on this locus revealing a potential ecological role forHopscotchin teosinte, but a greenhouse experiment does not detect a strong association betweentb1and tillering in teosinte.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the role ofHopscotchdiffers between maize and teosinte. Future work should assesstb1expression levels in teosinte with and without theHopscotchand more comprehensively phenotype teosinte to assess the ecological significance of theHopscotchinsertion and, more broadly, thetb1locus in teosinte.
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin infection in NADPH oxidase deficiency: defective mycobacterial sequestration and granuloma formation
Authors: Deffert Christine , Schäppi Michela G. , Pache Jean-Claude , Cachat Julien , Vesin Dominique , Bisig Ruth , Mulone Xiaojuan Ma , Kelkka Tiina , Holmdahl Rikard , Garcia Irene , Olleros Maria L. , Krause Karl-Heinz
Published: June 2014

Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) lack generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2. CGD is an immune deficiency that leads to frequent infections with certain pathogens; this is well documented forS. aureusandA. fumigatus, but less clear for mycobacteria. We therefore performed an extensive literature search which yielded 297 cases of CGD patients with mycobacterial infections;M.bovisBCG was most commonly recovered (74%). The relationship between NOX2 deficiency and BCG infection however has never been studied in a mouse model. We therefore investigated BCG infection in three different mouse models of CGD: Ncf1 mutants in two different genetic backgrounds and NOX2 knock-out mice. In addition we investigated a macrophage-specific rescue (transgenic expression of Ncf1 under the control of the CD68 promoter). Wild type mice did not develop severe disease upon BCG injection. In contrast, all three types of CGD mice were highly susceptible to BCG, as witnessed by a severe weight loss, development of hemorrhagic pneumonia, and a high mortality (∼ 50%). Rescue of NOX2 activity in macrophages restored BCG resistance, similar as seen in wild-type mice. Granulomas from mycobacteria-infected wild type mice generated ROS, while granulomas from CGD mice did not. Bacterial load in CGD mice was only moderately increased, suggesting that it was not crucial for the observed phenotype. CGD mice responded with massively enhanced cytokine release (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17 and IL-12) to BCG infection, which might account for severity of the disease. Finally, in wild-type mice, macrophages formed clusters and restricted mycobacteria to granulomas, while macrophages and mycobacteria were diffusely distributed in lung tissue from CGD mice. Our results demonstrate that lack of the NADPH oxidase leads to a markedly increased severity of BCG infection through mechanisms including increased cytokine production and impaired granuloma formation.
Systems Analysis of the Response of Photosynthesis, Metabolism, and Growth to an Increase in Irradiance in the Photosynthetic Model OrganismChlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Mettler Tabea , Mühlhaus Timo , Hemme Dorothea , Schöttler Mark-Aurel , Rupprecht Jens , Idoine Adam , Veyel Daniel , Pal Sunil Kumar , Yaneva-Roder Liliya , Winck Flavia Vischi , Sommer Frederik , Vosloh Daniel , Seiwert Bettina , Erban Alexander , Burgos Asdrubal , Arvidsson Samuel , Schönfelder Stephanie , Arnold Anne , Günther Manuela , Krause Ursula , Lohse Marc , Kopka Joachim , Nikoloski Zoran , Mueller-Roeber Bernd , Willmitzer Lothar , Bock Ralph , Schroda Michael , Stitt Mark
Published: June 2014

We investigated the systems response of metabolism and growth after an increase in irradiance in the nonsaturating range in the algal model Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In a three-step process, photosynthesis and the levels of metabolites increased immediately, growth increased after 10 to 15 min, and transcript and protein abundance responded by 40 and 120 to 240 min, respectively. In the first phase, starch and metabolites provided a transient buffer for carbon until growth increased. This uncouples photosynthesis from growth in a fluctuating light environment. In the first and second phases, rising metabolite levels and increased polysome loading drove an increase in fluxes. Most Calvin-Benson cycle (CBC) enzymes were substrate-limited in vivo, and strikingly, many were present at higher concentrations than their substrates, explaining how rising metabolite levels stimulate CBC flux. Rubisco, fructose-1,6-biosphosphatase, and seduheptulose-1,7-bisphosphatase were close to substrate saturation in vivo, and flux was increased by posttranslational activation. In the third phase, changes in abundance of particular proteins, including increases in plastidial ATP synthase and some CBC enzymes, relieved potential bottlenecks and readjusted protein allocation between different processes. Despite reasonable overall agreement between changes in transcript and protein abundance (R  2 = 0.24), many proteins, including those in photosynthesis, changed independently of transcript abundance.
Who and What Affects the First Estate? An Analysis of Clergy Attitudes on Cultural and Economic Issues
Authors: Calfano Brian R. , Oldmixon Elizabeth A. , Suiter Jane
Published: June 2014

Since the 1980s, scholars have come to appreciate the role clergy have in shaping the political attitudes and behaviour of the faithful. Through their leadership in self-selecting religious contexts, they are well positioned to translate religious values into political values. Given their potential as opinion leaders, this study investigates the dynamics of clergy opinions. Focusing on clergy in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, it assesses the influence of psychological factors on economic and cultural attitudes, while controlling for the influence of contextual and personal characteristics. This is done using a question-order experiment embedded in an original survey. There are three key findings: (1) clergy attitudes are sensitive to cognitive primes that elevate the salience of interpersonal and institutional concerns; (2) clergy are sensitive to the perceived preferences of their institutional superiors; and (3) social-psychological factors affect how clergy report their political opinions. This means that the social-psychological dimension should be considered important alongside existing frameworks for understanding clergy politics.
Emergency healthcare of the future
Authors: FitzGerald Gerry , Toloo Ghasem (Sam) , Romeo Michele
Published: June 2014

Emergency healthcare is a high profile component of modern healthcare systems, which over the past three decades has fundamentally transformed in many countries. However, despite this rapid development, and associated investments in service standards, there is a high level of concern with the performance of emergency health services relating principally to system wide congestion. The factors driving this problem are complex but relate largely to the combined impact of growing demand, expanded scope of care and blocked access to inpatient beds. These factors are unlikely to disappear in the medium term despite the National Emergency Access Target. The aim of this article is to stimulate a conversation about the future design and functioning of emergency healthcare systems; examining what we understand about the problem and proposing a rationale that may underpin future strategic approaches. This is also an invitation to join the conversation.
Physicochemical, Pasting, and Functional Properties of Amaranth Seed Flours: Effects of Lipids Removal
Authors: Shevkani Khetan , Singh Narpinder , Kaur Amritpal , Rana Jai Chand
Published: June 2014

The present work was carried out to evaluate physicochemical (composition, hunter color, and sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS‐PAGE]), pasting, and functional properties (foaming, emulsification, water, and fat absorption capacity) of amaranth full‐fat flours from 6 lines/cultivars (AFs), and to see the effects of lipid removal/defatting on these properties. Protein, ash, and lipid content of AFs ranged between 12.5% to 15.2%, 3.0% to 3.5%, and 7.1% to 8.0%, respectively. The flours showed a number of bands between 97 and 7 kDa, with main subunits of approximately 58, 37, 33, 31, 23, and 16 kDa in the SDS‐PAGE profiles. The protein content and L* value increased, while b* values decreased following defatting for most of the lines/cultivars. The defatted flours (DAFs) had higher final viscosity and stability (lower breakdown viscosity) as compared to counterpart AFs. The protein profiling of the flours was not affected with the lipid removal/defatting. However, water absorption capacity and foam stability of the flours improved upon defatting. Principal component analysis revealed that pasting temperature was positively related to lipid content, while breakdown viscosity was negatively related to protein content. Foaming properties (capacity and stability) showed negative relationship with lipid content, and positive with protein content, ash content, water, and fat absorption capacity.
The Influence of Different Processing Stages on Particle Size, Microstructure, and Appearance of Dark Chocolate
Authors: Glicerina Virginia , Balestra Federica , Rosa Marco Dalla , Bergenhstål Bjorn , Tornberg Eva , Romani Santina
Published: June 2014

The effect of different process stages on microstructural and visual properties of dark chocolate was studied. Samples were obtained at each phase of the manufacture process: mixing, prerefining, refining, conching, and tempering. A laser light diffraction technique and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) were used to study the particle size distribution (PSD) and to analyze modifications in the network structure. Moreover, colorimetric analyses (L*, h°, and C*) were performed on all samples. Each stage influenced in stronger way the microstructural characteristic of products and above all the PSD. Sauter diameter (D [3.2]) decreased from 5.44 μm of mixed chocolate sample to 3.83 μm, of the refined one. ESEM analysis also revealed wide variations in the network structure of samples during the process, with an increase of the aggregation and contact point between particles from mixing to refining stage. Samples obtained from the conching and tempering were characterized by small PS, and a less dense aggregate structure. From color results, samples with the finest particles, having larger specific surface area and the smallest diameter, appeared lighter and more saturated than those with coarse particles.
Production of lactic acid using a new homofermentative Enterococcus faecalis isolate
Authors: Subramanian Mohan Raj , Talluri Suvarna , Christopher Lew P.
Published: June 2014

Lactic acid is an intermediate‐volume specialty chemical for a wide range of food and industrial applications such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and chemical syntheses. Although lactic acid production has been well documented, improved production parameters that lead to reduced production costs are always of interest in industrial developments. In this study, we describe the production of lactic acid at high concentration, yield and volumetric productivity utilizing a novel homofermentative, facultative anaerobe Enterococcus faecalis CBRD01. The highest concentration of 182 g lactic acid l−1 was achieved after 38 h of fed‐batch fermentation on glucose. The bacterial isolate utilized only 2–13% of carbon for its growth and energy metabolism, while 87–98% of carbon was converted to lactic acid at an overall volumetric productivity of 5 g l−1 h−1. At 13 h of fermentation, the volumetric productivity of lactate production reached 10.3 g l−1 h−1, which is the highest ever reported for microbial production of lactic acid. The lactic acid produced was of high purity as formation of other metabolites was less than 0.1%. The present investigation demonstrates a new opportunity for enhanced production of lactic acid with potential for reduced purification costs.
Bacterial seed endophytes: genera, vertical transmission and interaction with plants
Authors: Truyens Sascha , Weyens Nele , Cuypers Ann , Vangronsveld Jaco
Published: June 2014

Although the importance of plant‐associated microorganisms for plant growth and health was getting more recognition recently, the role of seed‐associated microorganisms, and especially seed endophytic bacteria, still is underestimated. Nevertheless, these associations could be beneficial for germination and seedling establishment as seed endophytic bacteria are already present in these very early plant growth stages. Moreover, bacteria with beneficial characteristics can be selected by the plants and could be transferred via the seed to benefit the next generation. In this paper, the current literature concerning bacterial endophytes that have been isolated from seeds of different plant species is reviewed. Their colonization routes, localization inside seeds and mode of transmission as well as their role and fate during germination and seedling development are discussed. At the end, some examples of bacterial seed endophytes with applications as a plant growth‐promoting or biocontrol agent are given.
Induced systemic resistance and growth promotion in tomato by an indole‐3‐acetic acid‐producing strain of Paenibacillus polymyxa
Authors: Mei L. , Liang Y. , Zhang L. , Wang Y. , Guo Y.
Published: June 2014

Paenibacillus polymyxa strain CF05, a plant‐growth‐promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) showed inhibitory effect on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycoersici in vitro, causal agent of Fusarium‐wilt of tomato. In the greenhouse experiments, tomatoes inoculated with strain CF05 promoted the significant growth. Meanwhile, strain CF05 suppressed the Fusarium‐wilt with 78.24% in control efficiency, which was similar to the carbendazim treatment. The bacterial culture supernatant was found to have the presence of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), which could be accumulated throughout the growth. Furthermore, strain CF05 could greatly stimulate the activities of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in either the absence or the presence of fungal pathogen, and the stimulation stayed throughout the entire experimental assessment. Activities of POD and SOD reached the maximum amount at the second day post‐inoculation (dpi) after inoculation while activities of PAL and PPO reached the maximum amount at the third dpi and the fourth dpi, respectively. Moreover, strain CF05 could stimulate the H2O2 and phenol contents in the initial phase after pathogen inoculation. These results suggest that the sustained and timely induction of defence enzymes and accumulation of H2O2 and phenolics treated with P. polymyxa might have contributed to restriction of invasion of fungal pathogen in tomato roots. In summary, P. polymyxa strain CF05, which elicited both plant growth promotion and induction of defence response, could be potential agent to improve the yield of tomato and manage Fusarium‐wilt disease.
Natural and human‐mediated selection in a landrace of Thai rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Pusadee T. , Oupkaew P. , Rerkasem B. , Jamjod S. , Schaal B.A.
Published: June 2014

Landrace rice in Thailand consists of managed populations grown under traditional and long‐standing agricultural practices. These populations evolve both in response to environmental conditions within the local agro‐ecosystem and in response to human activities. Single landraces are grown across varying environments and recently have experienced temporal changes in local environments due to climate change. Here we assess the interplay between natural selection in a changing climate and human‐mediated selection on the population genetic structure of Muey Nawng, a local landrace of Thai rice. Genetic diversity and population structure of landrace rice were assessed by a STRUCTURE analysis of 20 microsatellite loci. The first exon–intron junction of the waxy gene was sequenced to determine genotypes for glutinous or non‐glutinous grain starch. Muey Nawng rice is genetically variable and is structured based on starch grain types and the level of resistance to gall midge pest. A strong positive correlation was found between genetic diversity and the percentage of gall midge infestation. Variation in the waxy locus is correlated with starch quality; selection for non‐glutinous rice appears to involve additional genes. The dynamics of genetic diversity within Muey Nawng rice depends on three factors: (a) a genetic bottleneck caused by strong selection associated with gall midge infestation, (b) selection by local farmers for starch quality and (c) variation introduced by farmer practices for cultivation and seed exchange. These results, when taken in total, document the ability of landrace rice to quickly evolve in response to both natural and human‐mediated selection.
Rating Migrations: The Effect of History and Time
Authors: Dang Huong , Partington Graham
Published: June 2014

We examine the effect of rating history and the passage of time on the rating migration hazard for corporate debt issuers. Controlling for industry effects and the evolution of business and political cycles, the results consistently show that the next change of rating depends more strongly on rating history than it does on the current rating. However, there are significant interactions between the main effects of rating history and the duration of the current rating. The result is substantial decay in the effects of rating history the longer a rating remains unchanged. This decay effect is stronger for downgrades and for ratings in the speculative category.
Mesopredator release facilitates range expansion in fisher
Authors: LaPoint S. D. , Belant J. L. , Kays R. W.
Published: June 2014

Some central and eastern populations of fisherPekania[Martes]pennantiare expanding their ranges following historic range contractions, while many western populations have yet to do so. We investigated whether expanding fisher populations are benefiting from a mesopredator release following reductions in their carnivore predator communities. This hypothesis posits that local extinctions of the largest predators ‘release’ mesopredator populations from direct predation and competition, leading to an increase in their abundance, expansion of their range and potentially to shifts in their morphology and ecological niche. Our comparison of the conservation status and predator communities of fishers across four geographic regions of their range supports the mesopredator release hypothesis, especially in their eastern range. Our meta‐analysis of fisher diet also suggests that released fisher populations may benefit by complementing their diverse diets with more large‐bodied prey species, whereas those with more specialized diets (e.g. northwestern populations) or diverse diets with small amounts of large‐bodied prey (e.g. populations withinCalifornia) have experienced little range expansion. Further, measurements of museum specimens suggest that individuals within released populations have evolved a larger body size since the time of their most contracted range, which may help them hunt larger prey species that are expected to be more available in the absence of larger carnivores. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that a reduced predator community is contributing to the geographic variation in modern fishers' range expansion. In addition to harvest restrictions, habitat protection and translocations, future conservation plans should consider the potential effects of the predator community, emphasizing the need to quantify fisher mortality sources and fisher–predator interactions.
Efficacy of the nicotine vaccine 3′‐AmNic‐rEPA (NicVAX) co‐administered with varenicline and counselling for smoking cessation: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Hoogsteder Philippe H. J. , Kotz Daniel , van Spiegel Paul I. , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , van Schayck Onno C. P.
Published: June 2014

Background and Aims

Nicotine vaccination has been proposed as a possible treatment to aid smoking cessation. First efficacy results of the nicotine vaccine 3′‐AmNic‐rEPA (NicVAX) showed that only a subgroup of the top 30% antibody responders achieved higher abstinence rates than placebo. The present study examined the efficacy of adding NicVAX versus placebo to varenicline and behavioural support as an aid in smoking cessation and relapse prevention.

Design

Randomized placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting

Two research centres (Maastricht University Medical Centre and Slotervaart Hospital) in the Netherlands.

Participants

A total of 558 smokers were assigned randomly to six injections with NicVAX (n = 278) or placebo (n = 280) both co‐administered with open label varenicline and behavioural support.

Measures

Outcomes were prolonged carbon monoxide‐validated abstinence from weeks 9 to 52 (primary) and weeks 37 to 52 (secondary). We also performed a pre‐planned subgroup analysis in the top 30% antibody responders.

Findings

There was no difference in abstinence rates between NicVAX and placebo from weeks 9 to 52 [27.7 versus 30.0%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.62–1.29] or weeks 37 to 52 (33.8 versus 33.2%, OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.73–1.46). The top 30% antibody responders, compared to the placebo group, showed a non‐significant tendency towards higher abstinence rates from weeks 37 to 52 (42.2 versus 33.2%, OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 0.89–2.42).

Conclusion

The nicotine vaccine, NicVAX, does not appear to improve the chances of stopping smoking when given in addition to varenicline and behavioural support.
Randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of bupropion in methamphetamine‐dependent participants with less than daily methamphetamine use
Authors: Heinzerling Keith G. , Swanson Aimee‐Noelle , Hall Timothy M. , Yi Yi , Wu Yingnian , Shoptaw Steven J.
Published: June 2014

Aims

Two previous randomized trials found an effect for bupropion in reducing methamphetamine use in the subgroup with lower frequency of methamphetamine use at baseline. This study aimed to replicate these results by comparing bupropion versus placebo in methamphetamine‐dependent participants with less than daily methamphetamine use at baseline.

Methods

Methamphetamine‐dependent volunteers reporting methamphetamine use on ≤29 of past 30 days were randomized to bupropion 150 mg twice daily (n = 41) or placebo (n = 43) and out‐patient counseling for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion achieving end‐of‐treatment (EOT) methamphetamine abstinence (weeks 11 and 12) for bupropion versus placebo. A post‐hoc analysis compared EOT abstinence by medication adherence assessed via plasma bupropion/hydroxybupropion level.

Results

There was no significant difference in EOT abstinence between bupropion (29%, 12 of 41) and placebo (14%, six of 43; P = 0.087). Among participants receiving bupropion, EOT abstinence was significantly higher in participants assessed as medication adherent by plasma bupropion/hydroxybupropion levels (54%, seven of 13) compared to non‐adherent participants (18%, five of 28; P = 0.018). Medication adherence by plasma levels was low (32%).

Conclusions

Bupropion may be efficacious for reducing methamphetamine in people with less than daily baseline methamphetamine use, but the evidence remains inconclusive.
Assisted colonization as a climate change adaptation tool
Authors: Gallagher Rachael V. , Makinson Robert O. , Hogbin Patricia M. , Hancock Nola
Published: June 2014

Assisted colonization is a form of conservation translocation which introduces species at risk from extinction to new habitats, beyond their current range, in anticipation of more suitable conditions. Identifying which species, communities and ecosystems may benefit most from assisted colonization in coming decades is a key goal for conservation. Climate change is expected to lead to the loss or movement of suitable habitat for a range of species and anticipating which can be effectively conserved through assisted colonization is critical. Here, we identify a series of scenarios that may predispose terrestrial species to the need for assisted colonization in order to reduce extinction risk resulting from anthropogenic climate change and assemble a list of traits commonly associated with at‐risk species. These traits may help to provide broad‐scale guidance on how to select species to target for assisted colonization as a conservation management response to climate change. We also identify six key themes associated with successful conservation translocations including recipient site selection and preparation, a clear understanding of species biology and ecology, and taking lessons from invasive species research.
The intubation scoop (i‐scoop) – a new type of laryngoscope for difficult and normal airways
Authors: Raymondos K. , Seidel T. , Sander B. , Gerdes A. , Goetz F. , Helmstädter V. , Panning B. , Dieck T.
Published: June 2014

The i‐scoop is an intubation device with a curved guiding bar with laterally located lenses at its tip, rather than a blade. Twenty‐five anaesthesiologists intubated a manikin that simulated first a normal and then a difficult airway. All participants were able to intubate the difficult airway with a good view of the glottis using the i‐scoop. None was able to intubate using seven other laryngoscopes (Macintosh laryngoscope, GlideScope® GVL and AVL, McGrath® (Series 5/MAC), C‐MAC®, A.P. Advance™). Intubation was successful only with the Airtraq® (n = 10), the Airway Scope (n = 5), the C‐MAC D‐Blade (n = 2), the A.P. Advance DAB (n = 1) and the GlideScope DL Trainer (n = 1) (p < 0.001, success rate of i‐scoop vs all 12 laryngoscopes combined). In contrast to all other videolaryngoscopes, intubation of the normal airway with the i‐scoop was achieved even faster than with the Macintosh laryngoscope (p < 0.02). The i‐scoop outperformed all other laryngoscopes in both difficult and normal airways, and therefore has potential as an easier and safer alternative to present devices.
Avoiding split attention in computer‐based testing: Is neglecting additional information facilitative?
Authors: Jarodzka Halszka , Janssen Noortje , Kirschner Paul A. , Erkens Gijsbert
Published: June 2014

This study investigated whether design guidelines for computer‐based learning can be applied to computer‐based testing (CBT). Twenty‐two students completed a CBT exam with half of the questions presented in a split‐screen format that was analogous to the original paper‐and‐pencil version and half in an integrated format. Results show that students attended to all information in the integrated format while ignoring information in the split format. Interestingly, and contrary to expectations, they worked more efficiently in the split format. A content analysis of the ignored information revealed that it was mostly not relevant to answering the questions, unnecessarily taxed students' cognitive capacity and inefficiently increased the mental effort they expended. Further comparisons of different mental effort measures indicate that mental effort had an explicit (ie, self‐reports, explicit utterances) and an implicit component (ie, silent pauses in thinking‐aloud, eye tracking parameters). Consequently, when designing CBT environments, not only the design of the tasks but also the content of the given information and their effect on the different aspects of mental effort must be considered.
On the persuadability of memory: Is changing people's memories no more than changing their minds?
Authors: Nash Robert A. , Wheeler Rebecca L. , Hope Lorraine
Published: June 2014

The observation of parallels between the memory distortion and persuasion literatures leads, quite logically, to the appealing notion that people can be ‘persuaded’ to change their memories. Indeed, numerous studies show that memory can be influenced and distorted by a variety of persuasive tactics, and the theoretical accounts commonly used by researchers to explain episodic and autobiographical memory distortion phenomena can generally predict and explain these persuasion effects. Yet, despite these empirical and theoretical overlaps, explicit reference to persuasion and attitude‐change research in the memory distortion literature is surprisingly rare. In this paper, we argue that stronger theoretical foundations are needed to draw the memory distortion and persuasion literatures together in a productive direction. We reason that theoretical approaches to remembering that distinguish (false) beliefs in the occurrence of events from (false) memories of those events – compatible with a source monitoring approach – would be beneficial to this end. Such approaches, we argue, would provide a stronger platform to use persuasion findings to enhance the psychological understanding of memory distortion.
Land claim and treaty negotiations in British Columbia, Canada: Implications for First Nations land and self‐governance
Authors: Curry John , Donker Han , Krehbiel Richard
Published: June 2014

Unlike the historic settlement of the rest of Canada, treaties with the First Nations originally occupying most of present‐day British Columbia have never been finalized. Since 1993, the federal government of Canada, the provincial government of British Columbia, and approximately two‐thirds of the First Nations in British Columbia have been engaged in treaty and land claim negotiations under a unique British Columbia treaty process. To date the process has produced only five agreements, three of which are fully ratified, one of which is in the ratification process, and one of which was rejected by the First Nations membership. This article reviews the history of treaties in British Columbia and uses exploratory illustrative case studies to examine two of these recent treaty negotiations—the Lheidli T'enneh First Nations and the Tsawwassen First Nations. These case studies demonstrate that treaty negotiations are very complex processes and do not always achieve mutual agreement, yet features of governance and land ownership included in these agreements have implications for land use policy and planning that affect all First Nations people in British Columbia, in Canada, and around the world.
The effect of marginal bone level changes on the stability of dental implants in a short‐term evaluation
Authors: Dias Danilo R. , Leles Cláudio R. , Lindh Christina , Ribeiro‐Rotta Rejane F.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To evaluate whether changes in marginal bone level (MBL) around implants, in sites with different bone types, affect the over time implant stability measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA).

Material and methods

Seventy‐eight implants were inserted into jawbones of 32 patients using a two‐stage surgical protocol, and implant bone sites were grouped according to the Lekholm and Zarb bone classification. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured by RFA at four time points: implant placement, uncovering, rehabilitation, and at 1‐year follow‐up after loading. The MBL was measured on periapical radiographs at uncovering and at 1‐year follow‐up. Percent change in bone level was calculated based on the difference between the implant length and height from the crestal bone level to the implant apex. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and repeated‐measures ANOVA were used for data analysis.

Results

Significant improvement of ISQ was found between implant insertion and uncovering surgery (P < 0.001), while no significant changes were detected throughout the remaining follow‐up period. The greatest improvement of ISQ was observed for bone type 4, compared with the other groups (P < 0.001). Percent change in bone level had no effect on longitudinal measures of ISQ (P = 0.337). The ISQ difference between uncovering and 1 year after loading was not correlated with percent change in bone level (r = 0.16; P = 0.157).

Conclusion

There was increased implant stability after implant placement, but it was not affected by changes in marginal bone level during the first year of loading.
Resolving Human‐Bear Conflict: A Global Survey of Countries, Experts, and Key Factors
Authors: Can Özgün Emre , D'Cruze Neil , Garshelis David L. , Beecham John , Macdonald David W.
Published: June 2014

Human‐bear conflicts cause annoyance, financial losses, injuries, and even death to people. In poorer parts of the world, conflicts with bears can affect local economies. Retaliation against bears may threaten the future of small, isolated populations. Our survey of the world's bear experts revealed that the problem is worsening in terms of severity of conflicts and their impact on bear conservation on all four continents inhabited by bears. However, the main drivers of conflict, and its manifestations, differ among bear species. We reviewed human‐bear conflict management plans from which we identified 10 categories of mitigating interventions that together comprise a ubiquitous bear conflict management toolbox. Within this toolbox, the peer‐reviewed literature indicates heavy reliance on education and physical barriers for conflict mitigation. In customizing these general approaches to local circumstances, it is important to be mindful of starkly varying geopolitical and social circumstances. There is a pressing need to improve transfer of knowledge from places with active empirical research on mitigation (especially North America), and adapting methodologies to other parts of the world. We saw little evidence of evaluation and adaptive management in the conflict plans. Failure to mitigate conflicts may reduce society's tolerance of bears and diminish conservation efforts.