bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term C, N and P allocation to reproduction in Bornean tropical rain forests
Authors: Kitayama Kanehiro , Tsujii Yuki , Aoyagi Ryota , Aiba Shin‐ichiro
Published: January 2015

Tropical rain forests in SE Asia are well known for the occurrence of supra‐annual synchronous reproductive events, masting. Answering the question how trees allocate carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to such irregular but gregarious reproduction requires a long‐term observation. We conducted a 10‐year continuous monitoring of litterfall in eight tropical rain forests, which differ significantly in P (and N) availability on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo.

Mean P concentration in reproductive organ litter decreased significantly with increasing P‐use efficiency of net primary production (PUE), an index of P deficiency. Therefore, P in reproductive organ litter became diluted as the magnitude of P deficiency increased.

Mean annual litterfall (kg ha−1 yr−1) of reproductive organs over the 10 years ranged from 128.5 to 730.9 across the eight forests. Long‐term C allocation ratio to reproductive organs (i.e. C in reproductive organs per C in total litterfall) varied from 2.0% to 7.8% across the eight forests and did not relate with PUE, indicating that long‐term C allocation ratio to reproduction was not controlled by the availability of the most critical soil nutrient.

Long‐term N allocation ratio to reproduction varied from 2.7% to 9.9% and significantly positively related with C allocation ratio. The quotient of N allocation ratio to C allocation ratio ranged from 1.1 to 1.4. Long‐term P allocation ratio to reproduction varied from 9.8% to 16.4%. The quotient of P allocation ratio to C allocation ratio ranged from 1.6 to 5.0. Therefore, tropical trees allocated much greater proportion of P to reproduction than C and N over the 10 years. Moreover, trees disproportionately increased P allocation to reproduction with decreasing C allocation to reproduction. Trees adjusted P allocation relative to C allocation and maintained a narrow range of P allocation ratio to reproduction in the long run in each site.

Synthesis. Reproduction in Bornean tropical rain forests costs more P than C and N. Our results suggest that reproductive events in these forests are regulated by P at the level of overall long‐term mean. Understanding patterns and processes of reproductive events requires a long‐term monitoring of nutrient dynamics.
Niche construction by growth forms is as strong a predictor of species diversity as environmental gradients
Authors: Bråthen Kari Anne , Ravolainen Virve Tuulia
Published: January 2015

We present a conceptual framework that describes how species belonging to a growth form collectively can be niche constructors (i.e. modify niches) and affect species diversity in plant communities. We use an empirical assessment of tundra plant communities to illustrate the framework's utility. In doing so, we make a first investigation of collective niche construction in ecological communities.

In tundra plant communities, growth forms differently affect ecosystem process rates and cause environmental modifications; thus, growth forms are strong candidates for being niche constructors. To assess the impact of growth form niche construction on plant species diversity, we excluded the species of the growth form applied as niche constructor when estimating the community species diversity.

We assessed niche construction in 70 tundra meadow communities and 1450 randomly selected tundra plant communities that are distributed along ecological gradients in temperature, resource availability, competitive interference and herbivory. These gradients allowed us to concomitantly assess to what extent the niche construction is independent of environmental conditions.

Growth forms varied from strong positive to neutral predictors of both species richness and Simpson index in the order of forbs, grasses, sedges, deciduous shrubs and evergreen shrubs, suggesting that growth forms have important roles as niche constructors in tundra plant communities. Also, the environmental conditions were strong predictors of species diversity, but they did not interact with or confound the effects of growth forms.

Forbs and grasses were the least abundant growth forms, yet they were the strongest positive predictors of species diversity. Therefore, our results suggest a particular niche‐constructing role of these growth forms for enhancing species diversity in tundra plant communities.

Synthesis. In this study, we provide conceptual and empirical evidence for collective niche construction as a powerful ecological process that affects species diversity and that can act independently of environmental conditions. Species sharing a single trait or species belonging to a growth form can act as collective niche constructors, and as exemplified for growth forms in this study, be important predictors of species diversity in ecological communities.
Measuring quality of life in children with speech and language difficulties: a systematic review of existing approaches
Authors: Gomersall Tim , Spencer Sarah , Basarir Hasan , Tsuchiya Aki , Clegg Judy , Sutton Anthea , Dickinson Kath
Published: January 2015

Background

Children's and adolescent's speech and language difficulties (SaLD) can affect various domains of quality of life (QoL), and speech and language therapy interventions are critical to improving QoL. Systematically measuring QoL outcomes in this population is highly complex due to factors such as heterogeneity in impairments and differing targets during intervention. However, measurements of QoL are increasingly required by healthcare commissioners and policy‐makers to inform resource allocation.

Aims

To review the use of QoL measures in research involving children (age ≤ 18 years) with SaLD.

Methods & Procedures

A systematic review was undertaken. A systematic search across various databases was performed. Information on the methodological details of each relevant study, along with descriptions of the QoL measures employed, were extracted into standardized data extraction forms. Findings were discussed in a narrative synthesis.

Outcomes & Results

Twenty‐one relevant studies were identified that deal with a range of subpopulations of children with SaLD. For the most part, generic QoL measures were used, although there was little convergence on the type of QoL measures employed throughout the literature. Five studies utilized preference‐based QoL measures, including the 16D/17D, HUI3, EQ‐5D and QWB‐SA. Of these measures, the HUI3 demonstrated the most promising discriminant validity, although the preference weights for this measure were generated with adults.

Conclusions & Implications

QoL among children with SaLD is not yet being captured in a systematic way. The HUI3 measure appears to show some promise for generating relevant preference‐based QoL estimates, although further testing of the measure is required.
Evaluation of a short version of the Illinois Loneliness and Social Satisfaction Scale in a sample of students with and without special educational needs – an empirical study with primary and secondary students in Austria
Authors: Schwab Susanne
Published: January 2015

The first aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of a short version of the Illinois Loneliness and Social Satisfaction Scale with children with special educational needs. The second aim was to explore loneliness in relation to self‐perceived social integration, school well‐being and the social self‐concept of students from primary and secondary schools, in both inclusive and regular classes. This study had 1,115 student participants (408 fourth graders and 707 seventh graders), of whom 126 were diagnosed as having special educational needs. Factor analyses confirmed a unidimensional latent factor structure. The scale showed satisfactory reliability and the validity coefficients indicated that the scale is suitable for surveys including students with special educational needs. Generally speaking, the level of self‐rated loneliness is low. Nevertheless, students with special educational needs in inclusive classes felt significantly lonelier than students without special educational needs in inclusive classes.
AftrRAD: a pipeline for accurate and efficient de novo assembly of RADseq data
Authors: Sovic Michael G. , Fries Anthony C. , Gibbs H. Lisle
Published: January 2015

An increase in studies using restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) methods has led to a need for both the development and assessment of novel bioinformatic tools that aid in the generation and analysis of these data. Here, we report the availability of AftrRAD, a bioinformatic pipeline that efficiently assembles and genotypes RADseq data, and outputs these data in various formats for downstream analyses. We use simulated and experimental data sets to evaluate AftrRAD's ability to perform accurate de novo assembly of loci, and we compare its performance with two other commonly used programs, stacks and pyrad. We demonstrate that AftrRAD is able to accurately assemble loci, while accounting for indel variation among alleles, in a more computationally efficient manner than currently available programs. AftrRAD run times are not strongly affected by the number of samples in the data set, making this program a useful tool when multicore systems are not available for parallel processing, or when data sets include large numbers of samples.
High‐throughput genotyping for species identification and diversity assessment in germplasm collections
Authors: Mason Annaliese S. , Zhang Jing , Tollenaere Reece , Vasquez Teuber Paula , Dalton‐Morgan Jessica , Hu Liyong , Yan Guijun , Edwards David , Redden Robert , Batley Jacqueline
Published: January 2015

Germplasm collections provide an extremely valuable resource for breeders and researchers. However, misclassification of accessions by species often hinders the effective use of these collections. We propose that use of high‐throughput genotyping tools can provide a fast, efficient and cost‐effective way of confirming species in germplasm collections, as well as providing valuable genetic diversity data. We genotyped 180 Brassicaceae samples sourced from the Australian Grains Genebank across the recently released Illumina Infinium Brassica 60K SNP array. Of these, 76 were provided on the basis of suspected misclassification and another 104 were sourced independently from the germplasm collection. Presence of the A‐ and C‐genomes combined with principle components analysis clearly separated Brassica rapa, B. oleracea, B. napus, B. carinata and B. juncea samples into distinct species groups. Several lines were further validated using chromosome counts. Overall, 18% of samples (32/180) were misclassified on the basis of species. Within these 180 samples, 23/76 (30%) supplied on the basis of suspected misclassification were misclassified, and 9/105 (9%) of the samples randomly sourced from the Australian Grains Genebank were misclassified. Surprisingly, several individuals were also found to be the product of interspecific hybridization events. The SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) array proved effective at confirming species, and provided useful information related to genetic diversity. As similar genomic resources become available for different crops, high‐throughput molecular genotyping will offer an efficient and cost‐effective method to screen germplasm collections worldwide, facilitating more effective use of these valuable resources by breeders and researchers.
When Do Analysts Adjust for Biases in Management Guidance? Effects of Guidance Track Record and Analysts' Incentives
Authors: Tan H.‐T. , Libby R. , Hunton J. E.
Published: January 2015

The above article has been retracted at the request of authors Robert Libby and Hun‐Tong Tan, in agreement with the Editor‐in‐Chief, Patricia C. O'Brien, the copyright holder, the Canadian Academic Accounting Association (CAAA), and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bentley University conducted an investigation confirming that Dr. J. E. Hunton, while a faculty member at Bentley University and without the knowledge of his co‐authors, engaged in research misconduct, specifically data fabrication. Dr. Hunton provided the data used in the above study, and did not respond to a request for comment. Based on Bentley's initial report and further investigation into details specific to this paper, we conclude that the validity of the data cannot be confirmed. To correct the academic literature and maintain standards of academic integrity, we therefore retract the paper.

The article was published online in Contemporary Accounting Research on 13 May 2010, in Wiley Online (wileyonlinelibrary.com).

Reference

Tan, H.‐T., R. Libby, and J. E. Hunton. 2010. . Contemporary Accounting Research 27 (): 187–208. doi: 10.1111/j.1911‐3846.2010.01006.x
Approximate Bayesian Computation of diversification rates from molecular phylogenies: introducing a new efficient summary statistic, the nLTT
Authors: Janzen Thijs , Höhna Sebastian , Etienne Rampal S.
Published: January 2015

Molecular phylogenies form a potential source of information on rates of diversification, and the mechanisms that underlie diversification patterns. Diversification models have become increasingly complex over the past decade, and we have reached a point where the computation of the analytical likelihood of the model given a phylogeny is either unavailable or intractable. For such models, a likelihood‐free approach such as Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) offers a solution. ABC is a Bayesian framework that uses one or more summary statistics instead of the likelihood function. Crucial to the performance of an ABC algorithm is the choice of summary statistics.

Here, we analyse the applicability of three traditional and often‐used summary statistics (Gamma statistic, Phylogenetic Diversity and tree size) within an ABC framework and propose a new summary statistic: the normalized Lineages‐Through‐Time (nLTT) statistic.

We find that the traditional summary statistics perform poorly and should not be used as a substitute of the likelihood. By contrast, we find that the nLTT statistic performs on par with the likelihood.

We suggest to include the nLTT statistic in future ABC applications within phylogenetics. We argue that the use of ABC in diversification rate analysis is a promising new approach, but that care should be taken which summary statistics are chosen.
Using species distribution models to select species resistant to climate change for ecological restoration of bowé in West Africa
Authors: Padonou Elie A. , Teka Oscar , Bachmann Yvonne , Schmidt Marco , Lykke Anne Mette , Sinsin Brice
Published: January 2015

Bowalization is a particular form of land degradation and leads to lateral expansion of ferricrete horizons. The process occurs only in tropical regions. In this study, the most adapted and resistant species towards climate change were identified on bowé. The 15 most common bowé species of the subhumid and semi‐arid climate zones of Benin were submitted together with significant environmental variables (elevation, current bioclimatic variables, soil types) to three ecological niche modelling programmes (Maxent, Domain and GARP). For future prediction (2050), IPCC4/CIAT and IPCC5/CMIP5 climate data were applied. Asparagus africanus, Andropogon pseudapricus and Combretum nigricans were identified as the most resistant species for ecological restoration of bowé in the semi‐arid climate zone and Asparagus africanus, Detarium microcarpum and Lannea microcarpa in the subhumid climate zone. The ‘Pull’ strategies were identified as appropriate for ecological restoration of bowé in Benin.
Recent Insight into the Role of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 Pathway in Feto‐Maternal Tolerance and Pregnancy
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Hong , Tian Mei , Tang Mao‐Xing , Liu Zhao‐Zhao , Liao Ai‐Hua
Published: January 2015

Pregnancy presents a great challenge to the maternal immune system. Given that maternal alloreactive lymphocytes are not depleted during pregnancy, local and/or systemic mechanisms have to serve a central function in altering the maternal immune responses. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway are both critical in controlling the immune responses. Recent studies have proved the critical function of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway in regulating the T‐cell homeostasis and the peripheral tolerance through promoting the development and function of Tregs, and inhibiting the activation of effector T cells. The function of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway in feto‐maternal interface and pregnancy has been investigated in human and animal models of pregnancy. In this review, we provide recent insight into the role of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway in regulating T‐cell homeostasis, maternal tolerance, and pregnancy‐related complications as well as its possible applicability in clinical immunotherapy.
Parental fat‐free mass is related to the fat‐free mass of infants and maternal fat mass is related to the fat mass of infant girls
Authors: Henriksson Pontus , Löf Marie , Forsum Elisabet
Published: January 2015

Aim

Existing studies suggest that weight and body composition of parents influence the size and body composition of their offspring, but are often inconclusive and conducted by means of inappropriate body composition methodology. Our aim was to study infant size and body composition variables in relation to body composition variables of their mothers and fathers in a well‐nourished population using an accurate methodology.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2011, we used air displacement plethysmography to measure the body composition of 209 parent–infant units. Parents were measured when women were in gestational week 32. Their healthy, singleton, full‐term infants were measured at 1 week.

Results

Infant fat‐free mass in grams was positively related (p ≤ 0.007) to the fat‐free mass in kilograms of the mothers (15.6 g/kg) and the fathers (9.1 g/kg). Furthermore, the fat mass of the daughters, but not of the sons, was positively related to the fat mass of the mothers (5.8 g/kg, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

This study found associations between the fat‐free mass of parents and infants and an association between the fat mass of mothers and their infant girls. These findings may help to understand early life factors behind overweight and obesity.
The incidence of type 1 diabetes is still increasing in the Netherlands, but has stabilised in children under five (Young DUDEs‐1)
Authors: Spaans Engelina A. J. M. , Gusdorf Lisette M. A. , Groenier Klaas H. , Brand Paul L. P. , Veeze Henk J. , Reeser Hans M. , Bilo Henk J. G. , Kleefstra Nanne
Published: January 2015

Aim

This study described the incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes in children in the Netherlands in 2010–2011 and to compare these results with earlier studies.

Methods

This was a retrospective nationwide cohort study of Dutch children aged 14 years or younger. Patients were identified using health insurance reimbursement registries for hospital care and invoices for insulin. In the Netherlands, all children with diabetes are treated by hospital‐based paediatricians and health care for all Dutch citizens is covered by law.

Results

The incidence of type 1 diabetes almost doubled between 1978–1980 and 2010–2011, from 11.1 to 21.4 per 100 000. In the youngest age group, who were under 5 years, the incidence rate doubled between 1996 and 1999 and remained stable after that. There were no relevant incidence differences between the sexes. The overall prevalence of type 1 diabetes in the Netherlands during 2009–2011 was 143.6 (95% confidence interval 141.1–146.2) per 100 000 children and was similar for boys and girls.

Conclusion

The incidence of type 1 diabetes in children in the Netherlands almost doubled between 1978–1980 and 2010–2011, but the incidence in children under 5 years appeared to stabilise between 1996 and 1999. There were no statistical differences between the sexes.
Condition‐dependence, pleiotropy and the handicap principle of sexual selection in melanin‐based colouration
Authors: Roulin Alexandre
Published: January 2015

The signalling function of melanin‐based colouration is debated. Sexual selection theory states that ornaments should be costly to produce, maintain, wear or display to signal quality honestly to potential mates or competitors. An increasing number of studies supports the hypothesis that the degree of melanism covaries with aspects of body condition (e.g. body mass or immunity), which has contributed to change the initial perception that melanin‐based colour ornaments entail no costs. Indeed, the expression of many (but not all) melanin‐based colour traits is weakly sensitive to the environment but strongly heritable suggesting that these colour traits are relatively cheap to produce and maintain, thus raising the question of how such colour traits could signal quality honestly. Here I review the production, maintenance and wearing/displaying costs that can generate a correlation between melanin‐based colouration and body condition, and consider other evolutionary mechanisms that can also lead to covariation between colour and body condition. Because genes controlling melanic traits can affect numerous phenotypic traits, pleiotropy could also explain a linkage between body condition and colouration. Pleiotropy may result in differently coloured individuals signalling different aspects of quality that are maintained by frequency‐dependent selection or local adaptation. Colouration may therefore not signal absolute quality to potential mates or competitors (e.g. dark males may not achieve a higher fitness than pale males); otherwise genetic variation would be rapidly depleted by directional selection. As a consequence, selection on heritable melanin‐based colouration may not always be directional, but mate choice may be conditional to environmental conditions (i.e. context‐dependent sexual selection). Despite the interest of evolutionary biologists in the adaptive value of melanin‐based colouration, its actual role in sexual selection is still poorly understood.
A step towards cinacalcet testing for the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism: comparison with the standardized intravenous calcium loading. A pilot study
Authors: Cailleux A. , Vuillermet P. , Basuyau J.P. , Ménard J.F. , Lefebvre H. , Kuhn J.M. , Prévost G.
Published: January 2015

Objective

A calcium load to suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion can help to perform the diagnosis in some case of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) with atypical presentation. A similar test with calcimimetic, which avoids hypercalcaemia, would be of interest. Our proof of concept study was conducted to compare firstly the results of a single‐dose cinacalcet testing with those of the standardized short‐time calcium load in healthy control (HC) and secondly the results of the single‐dose cinacalcet testing in HC and in PHPT.

Methods

Twelve HCs received in a random order, at a 2‐week interval, either 0·33 mmol/kg calcium gluconate intravenously for 3 h, or a single oral dose of 30 mg or 60 mg cinacalcet. Twelve PHPTs received 30 mg cinacalcet and twelve other PHPTs 60 mg cinacalcet orally. Calcaemia and serum PTH levels were measured basally and then hourly for 6 h.

Results

In HC, plasma calcium did not significantly change after cinacalcet intake, whereas calcaemia rose up to 3·47 ± 0·05 mmol/l (mean ± SEM) at the end of the calcium load. PTH dropped from basal level to a similar extend (≥80%) with 60 mg cinacalcet and calcium load, whereas the decrease was significantly lesser (P < 0·01) with 30 mg cinacalcet. In PHPT, serum PTH levels dropped by 44·8 ± 6·9% and 58·2 ± 5·3% 1 h after the respective intake of 30 and 60 mg cinacalcet. One hour after the oral intake of 60 mg cinacalcet, serum PTH levels were <8 ng/l in HC and ≥8 ng/l in PHPT.

Conclusion

Sixty milligrams of cinacalcet provides similar results as the standardized calcium load test; PHPT patients have a lower response to 60 mg cinacalcet than HC.
Surface micro‐structuring of zirconia dental implants
Authors: Fischer J. , Schott A. , Märtin S.
Published: January 2015

Objective

Sandblasting with subsequent acid etching is a potential procedure to generate microstructured surfaces on zirconia implants. The aim of the study was to systematically analyze the effect of these process steps on surface morphology and mechanical strength of the implants.

Materials and methods

Zirconia implant blanks (ceramic.implant, VITA) were sandblasted (105‐μm alumina, 6 bar), subsequently HF‐etched, and finally heat‐treated at 1250°C. Surface topographies were documented by SEM. Surface roughness Ra (n = 4), monoclinic volume fraction in the surface layer (n = 1), and static fracture load (n = 4) were measured.

Results

Surface roughness Ra reached a maximum of 1.2 μm after 4× sandblasting. Scratches and sharp edges dominated the surface aspect. Fracture load increased with the number of sandblasting cycles with a gain of 30% after 20 cycles. HF etching did not change the Ra values, but sharp edges were rounded and small pits created. A minor decrease in fracture load with increasing etching time was observed. Heat treatment of 1 h reduced the fracture load by 1/3. Longer heat treatment had no further effect. The roughness Ra was not modified by heat treatment. Fracture load was strongly correlated with the monoclinic fraction except for the results obtained directly after acid etching, where a constant monoclinic fraction was observed.

Conclusions

Sandblasting with 105‐μm alumina followed by 1 h HF etching at room temperature and 1 h heat treatment at 1250°C is a reliable and tolerant process to create a surface roughness of about Ra = 1.2 μm on zirconia implants.
Piezosurgical treatment of crestal bone: quantitative comparison of post‐extractive socket outcomes with those of traditional treatment
Authors: Spinato Sergio , Rebaudi Alberto , Bernardello Fabio , Bertoldi Carlo , Zaffe Davide
Published: January 2015

Objective

The study aimed to quantitatively compare, for the first time, the clinical outcomes of crestal bone volume resorption in sockets undergoing traditional extraction technique (TET) or piezosurgical extraction technique (PET), also considering the influence of buccal plate thickness.

Material and methods

In this prospective study, 19 sockets were randomly treated with TET, and 18 sockets were randomly treated with PET. Furthermore, patients were split into subgroup A, with buccal bone plate thickness (BPT) ≤1 mm, and subgroup B, with BPT>1 mm. Buccal (BCH) and palatal (PCH) cortex height, bucco‐palatal ridge (BPR) width were monitored at tooth extraction and after the 4‐month post‐extractive period of natural healing.

Results

After 4 months, BCH, PCH and BPR width decreased more in the TET than in the PET group, but only the BPR decrease was statistically significant (P = 0.034) after ANOVA test. In both TET and PET groups, all B subgroup patients showed a lower decrease than A subgroup patients for both BCH, PCH and BPR, statistically significant for PCH (P = 0.019) and BPR (P < 0.001) of TET group, and BPR (P = 0.002) of PET group, after ANOVA. Both A and B subgroups of PET showed a statistically significant lower decrease than the corresponding subgroups of TET, comparing A (P = 0.005) and B (P = 0.037) subgroups for BPR, after ANOVA.

Conclusions

With both thin and thick buccal plates, the piezosurgical extraction technique of teeth significantly decreases the horizontal resorption of the hard tissue ridge, but not the vertical resorption. Moreover, buccal plate thickness seems to be a key factor in post‐extractive bone resorption: the thinner the buccal plate the greater the horizontal crestal bone loss.
The correlation between lipoprotein ratios and hearing outcome in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients
Authors: Lin H.‐C. , Wang C.‐H. , Chou Y.‐C. , Shih C.‐P. , Chu Y.‐H. , Lee J.‐C. , Chen H.‐C.
Published: January 2015

Objective

Recent reports have identified hypercholesterolaemia as a significant risk factor for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Therefore, we investigated whether lipid profiles and lipoprotein ratios are correlated with the prognosis of hearing recovery in ISSNHL patients.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Main outcome measures

Patients with ISSNHL were classified into four groups (complete, partial, slight and no recovery) according to their degree of hearing recovery using Siegel's criteria and the Sudden Deafness Research Group (SDRG) criteria developed by the Japanese Ministry of Welfare. All patients' lipid profiles were analysed, including total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. We calculated the ratios of TC/HDL‐C and LDL‐C/HDL‐C and used statistical methods to evaluate correlations between lipid profiles and lipoprotein ratios and ISSNHL prognosis.

Results

Hearing recovery was observed in 103 (62.0%) of 166 cases using Siegel's criteria and in 114 (68.7%) of 166 cases using SDRG's criteria. Among the three recovery groups (i.e. excluding the no recovery group), the ratio of LDL‐C/HDL‐C was found to be associated with recovery outcome by showing the ratio on an upward trend from complete recovery to slight recovery group, and the difference is statistically significant (P = 0.016 by Siegel's criteria, P = 0.041 by SDRG's criteria). Multiple linear regression analysis further revealed a significantly higher LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratio in slight hearing recovery group compared with complete recovery group (P = 0.007 by Siegel's criteria, P = 0.031 by SDRG's criteria).

Conclusion

We suggested that lipoprotein ratio of LDL‐C/HDL‐C may be a prognostic factor for hearing recovery in ISSNHL patients. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether hearing outcomes in ISSNHL can be improved by changing patients' lipid profiles via antilipidemic treatment.
Validation of the Greek version of Mini Tinnitus Questionnaire as a Brief Screening Test for Assessment of Tinnitus‐related Distress: our experience in 301 adult patients
Authors: Panagiotopoulos G. , Galanakis M. , Varvogli L. , Chrousos G. , Darviri C.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Validation of the Greek version of Mini Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini‐TQ‐GR) as a Brief Screening Test for Assessment of Tinnitus‐related Distress.

Design

Questionnaire study.

Setting

401 General Military Hospital of Athens/Department of Audiology – Neurootology, Athens, Greece.

Participants

Three hundred and one participants have anonymously completed the Mini‐TQ‐GR, comparing it to the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 14) and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MΗLoC) from November 2013 until May 2014.

Main outcome measure

Mini‐TQ‐GR, compared to PSS 14 and MΗLoC.

Results

Factor analysis, has shown that the Mini‐TQ‐GR includes three main factors (Distress, Health pre‐occupation and Depression), which explains the 59.05% of the total variance. The Cronbach alpha index was 0.865 approaching the respective reliability factor of the original validation (0.9). The test–retest correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient) was 0.9 (P < 0.01), close to the results of the original study (0.89). We found a positive correlation between tinnitus and perceived stress (r = 0.349**) and negative correlation between tinnitus and external locus of control (r = −0.124*, r = −0.198**) (chance, others).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the Mini‐TQ‐GR has good internal consistency and reliability becoming a useful, validated measurement tool for tinnitus‐induced distress.
Severity of pneumococcal versus non‐pneumococcal acute otitis media in children
Authors: Ovnat Tamir S. , Roth Y. , Goldfarb A. , Grotto I. , Marom T.
Published: January 2015

Background

Pneumococcal acute otitis media (AOM) has been previously considered as a more severe disease than that caused by other otopathogens, based on clinical and/or otologic scores. We sought to test this hypothesis in the pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV) era.

Methods

Children <6 years who presented with ‘severe’ AOM episodes with middle ear fluid (MEF) cultures during 2008–2013 were retrospectively identified. ‘Severe’ AOM episodes were considered if tympanocentesis was required or if spontaneous otorrhea was present. Data were extracted for demographics, clinical and laboratory tests. Children were categorised according to their PCV status as ‘unimmunised’ or ‘PCV7/PCV13 immunised’ and according to their MEF culture results into the ‘pneumococcal’ or the ‘non‐pneumococcal’ group. Leukocytosis was defined as white blood cells (WBC) count >15 000/μL, and elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) level was considered as >50 mg/L.

Results

Of 295 eligible AOM episodes, 106 (36%) were culture positive. Children in the pneumococcal group (65, 61%) had a significantly higher WBC counts and higher CRP levels, were more often <2 years old and were more prone to complicate with acute mastoiditis (AM), compared to children in the non‐pneumococcal group, P = 0.03, P = 0.02, P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively. In the pneumococcal group, unimmunised children had higher WBC counts when compared with PCV13‐immunised children (P = 0.04), but there were no appreciable differences in CRP levels between unimmunised and PCV7/PCV13‐immunised children.

Conclusion

Pneumococcal AOM is associated with higher leukocytosis and CRP levels than non‐pneumococcal AOM. Circulating Streptococcus pneumoniae strains causing ‘severe’ AOM in PCV13‐immunised children yielded lower inflammatory responses when compared with unimmunised children.
Tumorstammzellen im Melanom
Authors: Roesch Alexander
Published: January 2015

Das Tumorstammzellkonzept bietet eine wichtige Erweiterung unseres Verständnisses der Biologie des Melanoms. Es sollte aber keinesfalls isoliert, sondern als Teil eines holistischen Krebsmodells betrachtet werden, in welchem auch die genetische Evolution von Tumorzellen und die Variabilität von Zellphänotypen innerhalb eines dynamischen Tumormikromilieus miteinbezogen werden müssen. Die biologische Komplexität, aber auch methodische Schwierigkeiten behindern derzeit die direkte Translation experimenteller Ergebnisse zu Tumorstammzellen und deren Biomarker in die Klinik. Interessanterweise ermöglichen aber gerade die methodischen Unzulänglichkeiten bei der Identifikation von Tumorstammzellen einen neuen Blickwinkel auf die phänotypische Heterogenität des Melanoms, die wesentlich geprägt zu sein scheint von der Plastizität von Zellphänotypen. Die Entwicklung neuer therapeutischer (Kombinations‐)Ansätze, insbesondere zur Umgehung von Therapieresistenzen, könnte in besonderem Maße von der zielgerichteten Elimination von Zellsubpopulationen mit Tumorstammzelleigenschaften profitieren.
Screening colonoscopy: What is the most reliable modality for the detection and characterization of colorectal lesions?
Authors: Matsuda Takahisa , Kawano Hiroshi , Chiu Han‐Mo
Published: January 2015

Colonoscopy is considered the best modality for the detection and treatment of colorectal polyps. However, some polyps still may not be detected. Although conventional white‐light endoscopy is the gold standard for the detection of colorectal polyps, up to a fifth of lesions may be missed on screening colonoscopy, especially non‐polypoid colorectal neoplasms. Recently, many studies have reported on various endoscopic modalities that improve the detection and characterization of colorectal lesions. Newly developed modalities might be helpful to recognize colorectal lesions; however, careful observation is required to identify flat/depressed lesions as well as hidden polyps during screening and surveillance colonoscopy.
Elevated ozone induces jasmonic acid defense of tomato plants and reduces midgut proteinase activity in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Ren Qin , Sun Yucheng , Guo Huijuan , Wang Chenzhu , Li Chuanyou , Ge Feng
Published: January 2015

As a consequence of membrane lipid peroxidation, foliar defense compounds are changed by elevated ozone (O3), which in turn affects the palatability and performance of insect herbivores. The induced defense of two tomato [Solanum esculentum L. (Solanaceae)] genotypes, namely jasmonic acid (JA) pathway‐deficient mutant spr2 and its wild‐type control, was studied in response to cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as well as the digestive adaptation of these insects under elevated O3 in open‐top field chambers. Our data indicated that elevated O3 increased foliar JA and salicylic acid (SA) levels simultaneously and up‐regulated proteinase inhibitors (PIs) and lipoxidase activities in wild‐type plants, regardless of H. armigera infestation. In contrast, only the O3+H. armigera treatment increased free SA levels in spr2 plants, but did not affect JA level or PI activities. Additionally, the lower activity of midgut digestive enzymes, including active alkaline trypsin‐like enzyme and chymotrypsin‐like enzyme, was observed in the midgut of cotton bollworms after they consumed wild‐type plants treated for 2 h with elevated O3. With temporary increases at 8 h, all four digestive enzymes of interest in the insect midgut dropped when they were fed with wild‐type plants under elevated O3 treatment. Increases in atmospheric O3 are thought to increase JA signaling and consequently reduce the activities of midgut digestive enzymes in H. armigera, therefore enhancing plant resistance against insect herbivores.
Changes in the density and growth of brown trout (Salmo trutta) after intensive removal of sympatric Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in the sub‐Arctic lake Møkkelandsvatn, Norway
Authors: Svenning Martin A. , Hanssen Øyvind K. , Elliott J. Malcolm
Published: January 2015

This study tests the basic hypothesis that the removal of charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), would cause an increase in both the growth and density of a sympatric trout population, Salmo trutta L. The charr population was characterised by slow‐growing individuals, with a high proportion of mature fish, that is typical for so‐called overpopulated populations. A total of 31,000 charr was removed from the lake in the period 1990–1992, and the density of younger trout (1+, 2+), but not older trout (3+, 4+), increased. The growth of older trout (3+, 4+) increased, but the evidence for similar growth increases of younger trout (1+, 2+) was limited. From 1989 to 1990, the proportion of trout increased from 30 to only 40% of the total catch, but from 1991 to 1994, it was significantly higher (60–80%) than that of charr. Total trout biomass increased to a maximum in 1992 and then decreased so that the biomass of 1994 was nearly similar to that of 1989, that is before the start of the charr removal. Back‐calculated lengths of trout from otoliths showed that 2+ and 3+ trout caught in the pelagic were growing consistently faster over previous years than those caught in the littoral, while this was not the case for the 4+ fish. Therefore, the hypothesis was partially supported; the growth rate of trout increased (age groups 1+ to 4+), while the density of juvenile trout (1+, 2+), but not the older trout (3+, 4+), increased after the removal of charr.
Climate change and shrinking salamanders: alternative mechanisms for changes in plethodontid salamander body size
Authors: Connette Grant M. , Crawford John A. , Peterman William E.
Published: January 2015

An increasing number of studies have demonstrated relationships between climate trends and body size change of organisms. In many cases, climate might be expected to influence body size by altering thermoregulation, energetics or food availability. However, observed body size change can result from a variety of ecological processes (e.g. growth, selection, population dynamics) or imperfect observation of biological systems. We used two extensive datasets to evaluate alternative mechanisms for recently reported changes in the observed body size of plethodontid salamanders. We found that mean adult body size of salamanders can be highly sensitive to survey conditions, particularly rainfall. This systematic bias in the detection of larger or smaller individuals could result in a signature of body size change in relation to reported climate trends when it is simply observation error. We also identify considerable variability in body size distributions among years and find that individual growth rates can be strongly influenced by weather. Finally, our study demonstrates that measures of mean adult body size can be highly variable among surveys and that large sample sizes may be required to make reliable inferences. Identifying the effects of climate change is a critical area of research in ecology and conservation. Researchers should be aware that observed changes in certain organisms can result from multiple ecological processes or systematic bias due to nonrandom sampling of populations.
Consciousness or the Physical Universe – Which Came First?
Authors: Emery Carl
Published: January 2015

Historically, many have seen the intelligibility of the physical universe as showing that it is somehow ultimately dependent upon conscious intelligent pre‐existing being – ‘God’. Today, however, many believe that modern advances in our scientific understanding of the origins and nature of the universe, and of the conscious intelligent beings it contains, render God, as Laplace said, an ‘unnecessary hypothesis’. This article considers whether the findings of modern science do indeed diminish the plausibility of belief in a creator God. Or, on the contrary, whether there are features of current scientific understanding which may reasonably be thought to support the belief that conscious intelligent being pre‐existed the physical universe and caused it to be. In short: can science reasonably be thought to support the view that consciousness created the physical universe rather than that the physical universe created consciousness?
The influence of different plasticisers and fatty acids on functional properties of basil seed gum edible film
Authors: Mohammad Amini Asad , Razavi Seyed Mohammad Ali , Zahedi Younes
Published: January 2015

In this study, the influence of different concentrations of plasticisers and fatty acids on functional properties of basil seed gum (BSG) films was investigated. The results revealed that glycerol and sorbitol were effective plasticisers for BSG films. Glycerol‐plasticised films exhibited hydrophilic nature with high moisture content (27–49%) and water vapour permeability (4.2–6.5 × 10−11 g Pa−1 m−1 s−1), moisture uptake higher than 100%, solubility ranging 39–50% and moderate mechanical properties. The films containing sorbitol showed lower moisture content, moisture uptake and percentage elongation compared with glycerol‐plasticised samples. Presence of fatty acids promoted an increase in hydrophobicity of samples, characterised by lower moisture uptake, solubility, water vapour permeability and higher contact angles. Among investigated fatty acids, oleic acid efficiency on improving the characteristics of films was higher than saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic acid). Concluding, BSG films showed a substantial potential to be incorporated into food packaging applications, especially for those that require less hydrophilic films.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 gene polymorphism and its serum level have an impact on anthropometric and biochemical risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Indian population
Authors: Madeshiya A. K. , Singh S. , Dwivedi S. , Saini K. S. , Singh R. , Tiwari S. , Konwar R. , Ghatak A.
Published: January 2015

Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), encoded by gene CCL‐2 (Chemokine C‐C motif 2), is the ligand of chemokine receptor CCR‐2. Concurrent clinical alteration in several metabolic aspects, including central obesity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension, is clinically characterized as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Role of MCP‐1 in each of these aspects has been established in vitro and in animal studies as well. We here report genetic association of −2518 A>G MCP‐1 (rs 1024611) gene polymorphism and level of MCP‐1 with MetS in North Indian subjects. We analysed (n = 386, controls and n = 384, MetS subjects) for MCP‐1 gene polymorphism using PCR‐RFLP, its serum level using ELISA, anthropometric (body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, waist–hip ratio and blood pressure) and biochemical (serum lipids, plasma glucose and insulin levels) variables in a genetic association study. The body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist–hip ratio, blood pressure, serum lipids, insulin and fasting plasma glucose level were significantly high in MetS subjects. Regression analysis showed significant correlation of body mass index, waist and hip circumference, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR with MetS. MCP‐1 allele and genotype were significantly associated with MetS. Serum MCP‐1 level was high in overall cases. In conclusions, the MCP‐1 2518A>G (rs 1024611) polymorphism has significant impact on risk of MetS, and MCP‐1 level correlates with anthropometric and biochemical risk factors of MetS.
Intergranular Nanostructure Effects on Strength and Toughness of Si3N4
Authors: Mikijelj Biljana , Nawaz Zubair , Kruzic Jamie J. , Idrobo Juan , Swab Jeffrey J. , Özcoban Husseyin , Jelitto Hans , Schneider Gerold A. , Fett Theo , Liu Yi
Published: January 2015

Strength, toughness, microstructure, and atomic adsorption arrangement in silicon nitrides with MgO and RE2O3 additions (RE = La, Gd, Y, Lu) were examined. Mechanical properties were high for La, Gd, and equal La–Lu additions, but surprisingly were progressively lower for Y‐ and Lu‐doped samples. The lower strength and toughness were associated with fewer visible crack deflections and grain bridges. Detailed microstructural analysis of the Lu‐doped material revealed a complex intergranular nanostructure with variable Lu content and Si3N4 nanocrystals. Furthermore, the Lu‐rich areas showed an extra Lu‐adsorption site on the Si3N4 prismatic planes not previously observed in other studies. This inhomogeneous structure was attributed to grain growth impingement and higher viscosity of the Lu‐doped oxynitride glass that slows homogenization. The Y‐doped material with nearly identical glass viscosity demonstrates intermediate behavior. Finally, substituting half of the Lu2O3 with La2O3 resulted in a homogenous intergranular structure, attributed to a lower viscosity of the oxynitride glass phase, and high mechanical properties. Overall, care must be taken when adapting Si3N4 processing parameters for the smaller ionic radius rare earth dopants such as Lu and Y.
Preparation of Alkali‐Activated Slag‐Fly Ash‐Metakaolin Hydroceramics for Immobilizing Simulated Sodium‐Bearing Waste
Authors: Wang Jin , Wang Junxia , Huang Yi , Zhang Kuibao , Li Yuxiang , Wu Xiuling
Published: January 2015

The radioactive sodium‐bearing waste (SBW), which is mainly generated from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing activities, requires to be stabilized into a solid form for geological disposal. In this study, the alkali‐activated slag–fly ash–metakaolin hydroceramic (ASFMH) waste form for solidifying simulated SBW (S‐SBW) was prepared by hydrothermal process. The mineralogy, morphology, composition, compressive strength, and chemical durability of ASFMH waste form were investigated. It is shown that crystalline analcime phase was formed in the hydration products of ASFMH waste form after alkaline activation and hydrothermal process. The introducing of S‐SBW not only contributed to forming crystalline zeolite phase but also reduced the temperature and time for forming zeolite phase. Importantly, the cations including simulated radionuclides Sr2+ and Cs+ in S‐SBW could be immobilized as cationic components in the channels or voids of zeolitic structure during the formation of analcime phase. Moreover, when the loading content of S‐SBW in ASFMH waste form was 37.5 wt%, ASFMH waste form still exhibited superior mechanical strength, which was higher than 24 MPa. The product consistency test leaching results showed that ASFMH waste form possessed superior chemical durability after leaching test carried out for 7 d. It is suggested that ASFMH waste form is a promising candidate for application in immobilizing SBW.