bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generating Supplier Benefits through Buyer‐Enabled Knowledge Enrichment: A Social Capital Perspective
Authors: Preston David S. , Chen Daniel Q. , Swink Morgan , Meade Laura
Published: April 2016

In accordance with the tenets of social capital theory, the knowledge‐based view of the firm, and absorptive capacity theory we provide an integrative research model that sheds light on how suppliers can derive benefits from a strong relationship with key buyers. In particular, we examine three research questions that address: (i) the interrelationships among the three dimensions of buyer–supplier social capital (structural, cognitive, relational); (ii) the mechanism through which buyer–supplier social capital can influence supplier performance; and (iii) the contingency factors that influence the key relationships in the main model. We empirically validate the research model using data collected from a North America‐based major electronic components distributor (i.e., the buyer) and 166 of its suppliers. The findings of our data analysis indicate that structural and cognitive social capital influence relational social capital. The findings also support that relational social capital allows for the transfer of knowledge from the buyer to the supplier, which in turn leads to greater supplier cost efficiency and innovation. However, the influence of buyer–supplier relational social capital appears to be less important in lengthier buyer–supplier relationships. The analysis also indicates that the benefits derived from a supplier's knowledge enrichment are significantly greater when the supplier possesses greater exploitative capacity. These findings provide important extensions to theory describing buyer–supplier relationships, as well as providing clear prescriptions for suppliers and relationship managers.
Risk factors for necrobiosis lipoidica in Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hammer E. , Lilienthal E. , Hofer S. E. , Schulz S. , Bollow E. , Holl R. W. ,   for the DPV Initiative and the German BMBF Competence Network for Diabetes Mellitus
Published: April 2016

Aims

To compare the clinical and metabolic characteristics of patients with Type 1 diabetes and necrobiosis lipoidica with those of patients with Type 1 diabetes who do not have necrobiosis lipoidica. A multicentre analysis was performed.

Methods

Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from 64 133 patients (aged 0–25 years) with Type 1 diabetes with and without necrobiosis lipoidica who were registered in the German/Austrian Diabetes Prospective Documentation Initiative registry. Data were analysed using multivariable regression modelling. Age, diabetes duration, treatment year and sex were considered as confounding factors.

Results

Results adjusted for demographic variables are presented. In patients with necrobiosis lipoidica, metabolic control was worse (HbA1c 72 vs. 67 mmol/mol, 8.7% vs. 8.3%; P = 0.0065) and the duration of diabetes was longer [6.24 (3.28–9.97) vs. 5.11 (2.08–8.83) years; P = 0.014; not adjusted]. Patients with necrobiosis lipoidica required higher insulin doses than those without (1.02 vs. 0.92 U/kg/day; P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the frequency of microvascular complications (microalbuminuria and retinopathy) between the groups. Furthermore, 24.8% and 17.5% of patients with Type 1 diabetes with and without necrobiosis lipoidica, respectively, had elevated thyroid antibodies (P = 0.051). Necrobiosis lipoidica was correlated with coeliac disease in patients with Type 1 diabetes (3.4% vs. 1.0%; P = 0.0035).

Conclusions

Our data indicate a strong correlation between hyperglycaemia and the development of necrobiosis lipoidica. We postulate that the underlying pathogenic processes differ from those leading to microalbuminuria and retinopathy, and additional immunological mechanisms may play a role.
JOB MOBILITY AND EARNINGS INSTABILITY
Authors: Leonardi Marco
Published: April 2016

There is still no consensus on the causes of the increase in the variance of transitory earnings (earnings instability) in the United States. It is difficult to attribute the rise in instability to job mobility because there is no evidence of a concurrent increase in job turnover or separations. Using an error component model of the covariance structure of earnings on Panel Survey of Income Dynamics and Survey of Income and Program Participation data, this study shows that job mobility and the increase in the variance of wage changes upon job change accounts for a substantial part of the increase in earnings instability. The empirical evidence is consistent with the simulations of a search and matching model where an increase in the variance of productivity shocks increases on‐the‐job search and earnings instability among job changers while leaving job turnover approximately constant. (JEL J21, J31)
Protection of cultured dopamine neurons from MPP+ requires a combination of neurotrophic factors
Authors: Jaumotte Juliann D. , Wyrostek Stephanie L. , Zigmond Michael J.
Published: April 2016

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, caused in part by the loss of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Neurotrophic factors have been shown to increase the basal survival of DA neurons in vitro, as well as to protect the neurons from some toxins under certain in vitro conditions and in animal models. Although these factors have often been tested individually, they have rarely been studied in combinations. We therefore examined the effect of such combinations after acute exposure to the toxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) using dissociated postnatal rat midbrain cultures isolated from SN and ventral tegmental area (VTA). We found that significant loss of DA neurons in the SN occurred with an LC50 of between 1 and 10 μm, whereas the LC50 of DA neurons from the VTA was approximately 1000‐fold higher. We did not observe neuroprotection against MPP+ by individual exposure to glial cell‐line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) or growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5) at concentrations of 100 or 500 ng/mL. Combinations of two, three or four neurotrophic factors were also ineffective. However, when the SN cultures were exposed to a combination of all five neurotrophic factors, each at a concentration of 100 ng/mL, we observed a 30% increase in DA neuron survival in the presence of 10 and 500 μm MPP+. These results may be relevant to the use of neurotrophic factors as therapeutic treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Effect of storage time and temperature on the results of analysis of synovial and mesothelial fluids
Authors: Hughes K. J. , Rendle D. I. , Higgins S. , Barron R. , Cowling A. , Love S. , Durham A. E.
Published: April 2016

Reasons for performing study

Delays between collection and laboratory analysis of equine body fluid samples are common in practice; however, the effects of delays on the accuracy of results and diagnostic interpretation are unknown.

Objectives

To assess the effects of storage time and temperature combination on protein and cell parameters of equine synovial and mesothelial cavity fluids and determine whether any changes affect clinicopathological interpretation.

Study design

In vitro experiment.

Methods

Body fluid samples obtained from horses during diagnostic investigation were divided into 7 aliquots and total protein concentration (TP), total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and neutrophil morphology were analysed immediately (T0) and at 24 (T24), 48 (T48) and 72 h (T72) after storage at 4 or 22°C. Linear mixed models were used to analyse effects of fluid type and storage conditions onTP,TNCCand neutrophil morphology grade. Changes in interpretation of samples over time and diagnostic performance at each analysis point were recorded.

Results

A total of 32 samples were collected from 23 horses. Storage had no effect onTP. Cell count was influenced by fluid type and was significantly reduced at T72for storage at 4°C and T24, T48and T72for 22°C (P<0.001). Neutrophil morphology grade was significantly greater at T24, T48and T72than at T0for both 4 and 22°C (P<0.001). For 9 samples, the diagnostic interpretation changed over time. Specificity and positive predictive value at each analysis point was 100%; however, sensitivity and negative predictive value decreased with greater storage duration and temperature.

Conclusions

Alterations in theTNCCand neutrophil morphology of body fluid samples occur when analysis is delayed, especially with higher storage temperatures, and may influence interpretation and clinical decision‐making. Body fluid samples should be analysed as soon as possible after collection to minimise preanalytical errors due to storage.
“Bending” Evidence for a Cause: Scholar‐Advocacy Bias in Family Law
Authors: Emery Robert E. , Holtzworth‐Munroe Amy , Johnston Janet R. , Pedro‐Carroll JoAnne L. , Pruett Marsha Kline , Saini Michael , Sandler Irwin
Published: April 2016

There are a number of salient public policy issues in the family law field that have invoked impassioned policy debates on a recurrent basis. In the absence of a body of research to address these critical concerns, advocates under the guise of social science scholarship have exacerbated the confusion and controversy by construing the scant available research evidence to justify their own ends, without regard to the relevance, quality, utility, and limitations of the studies. This is one of two articles on this problem that we have named “scholar‐advocacy bias.” In this article, we discuss the difference between truth in social science and truth in law. We identify common ways in which social science researchers and reviewers of research—wittingly or unwittingly—can become advocates for ideological positions and social policies at the expense of being balanced reporters of research evidence as illustrated by recent debates about overnight parenting of infants and toddlers. We also consider how adherence to established scientific principles and methods prevents the misuse of research in this way.
Same Crime, Different Time: Why we Need an Amended Guideline for Repeat Offenders to Minors
Authors: Danesi Carissa
Published: April 2016

Currently there is a circuit split between the Second and Ninth Circuits in determining whether or not to apply previous juvenile sex offenses to the sentencing of an adult sex offender. The Second Circuit feels it is within the trial court's discretion to apply an enhancement of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines by applying either a juvenile adjudicated or unadjudicated sex offense to the sentencing of an adult offender. The Ninth Circuit sees that as improper and only adult sex offenses should be counted toward the sentencing of adult sex offenses. Due to the vague language of this enhancement, the determination of how to apply this is up to the court's discretion. This Note proposes that the U.S. Sentencing Commission amend section 4B1.5, and decide in favor of the Ninth Circuit due to the plain text reading of the statute, as well as the intent of the guideline itself alongside the “rule of lenity” as understood in the Ninth Circuit's reasoning of only applying adult offenses to the sentencing of that adult later on in life. The positive public policy of rehabilitation of juvenile offenders would be served greatly by this amendment to this guideline. By eliminating the possibility of having such an offense count against a juvenile in the future would allow and encourage those juveniles to take positive steps toward their future.
Land‐use change to bioenergy: grassland to short rotation coppice willow has an improved carbon balance
Authors: Harris Zoe M. , Alberti Giorgio , Viger Maud , Jenkins Joe R. , Rowe Rebecca , McNamara Niall P. , Taylor Gail
Published: April 2016

The effect of a transition from grassland to second‐generation (2G) bioenergy on soil carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) balance is uncertain, with limited empirical data on which to validate landscape‐scale models, sustainability criteria and energy policies. Here, we quantified soil carbon, soilGHGemissions and whole ecosystem carbon balance for short rotation coppice (SRC) bioenergy willow and a paired grassland site, both planted at commercial scale. We quantified the carbon balance for a 2‐year period and captured the effects of a commercial harvest in theSRCwillow at the end of the first cycle. Soil fluxes of nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) did not contribute significantly to theGHGbalance of these land uses. Soil respiration was lower inSRCwillow (912 ± 42 g C m−2 yr−1) than in grassland (1522 ± 39 g C m−2 yr−1). Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) reflected this with the grassland a net source of carbon with meanNEEof 119 ± 10 g C m−2 yr−1andSRCwillow a net sink, −620 ± 18 g C m−2 yr−1. When carbon removed from the ecosystem in harvested products was considered (Net Biome Productivity),SRCwillow remained a net sink (221 ± 66 g C m−2 yr−1). Despite theSRCwillow site being a net sink for carbon, soil carbon stocks (0–30 cm) were higher under the grassland. There was a largerNEEand increase in ecosystem respiration in theSRCwillow after harvest; however, the site still remained a carbon sink. Our results indicate that once established, significant carbon savings are likely inSRCwillow compared with the minimally managed grassland at this site. Although these observed impacts may be site and management dependent, they provide evidence that land‐use transition to 2G bioenergy has potential to provide a significant improvement on the ecosystem service of climate regulation relative to grassland systems.
Role of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Body Height of Adult Dyspeptic Patients
Authors: Dore Maria P. , Pes Giovanni M. , Sferlazzo Giovanni , Marras Giuseppina , Bassotti Gabrio
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The prevalence of H. pylori infection is high in underdeveloped countries and is associated with growth retardation. In the first half of the 20th century, Sardinia was an underdeveloped region; however, more recent development resulted in a decline in H. pylori infection. Because body height is correlated with health and nutritional status in childhood, the association among H. pylori infection and height was explored.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted involving patients undergoing endoscopy for dyspepsia from 2002 to 2012. H. pylori status was assessed by histology plus the rapid urease test or 13Carbon‐urea breath test.

Results

Body height and H. pylori status were assessed in 5045 adult patients: 3257 (64.6%) were women. Patients born after 1950 showed a significant increase in height (average 3.22 cm) compared to patients born before 1950 (163.93 vs 160 cm; 95% confidence interval, CI = 2.74–3.70 cm) (p < .0001). H. pylori‐infected patients were nearly 1 cm shorter than uninfected patients (95% CI = −1.35 to·−0.09 cm) (p = .012). The multivariate linear regression analysis showed male gender, birth cohort, and occupational categories to be strongly associated with height, while the weak effect of H. pylori infection disappeared.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate a strong secular trend related to body height in Sardinia with a minimal influence of H. pylori infection.
Influence of glass fibre post length and remaining dentine thickness on the fracture resistance of root filled teeth
Authors: Junqueira R. B. , de Carvalho R. F. , Marinho C. C. , Valera M. C. , Carvalho C. A. T.
Published: April 2016

Aim

To evaluate, ex vivo, the influence of glass fibre post length and remaining thickness of dentine on the fracture resistance of bovine roots, after thermomechanical ageing.

Methodology

Ninety bovine roots of the same size were root filled and randomly distributed into nine groups (n = 10), according to the root weakening protocol (NW – nonweakened; MW – medium weakened; HW – highly weakened) and post length (7 mm; 9 mm and 12 mm). The weakening of roots was performed using diamond burs, resulting in different thicknesses of remaining dentine. The post spaces were prepared, and in the weakened roots, the glass fibre posts were customized with composite resin, to create posts matching the canal size. Chemically activated resin cement was used to lute the posts. After luting, full crowns made of composite resin were attached to a silicon matrix. To reproduce physiological mobility, the roots were covered with polyether and embedded in polyurethane. The thermomechanical cycling was performed (1 200 000 cycles; 88N; 3,8 Hz; 5 ± 1 °C to 55 ± 1 °C). Then, the specimens were subjected to compressive force in a universal testing machine (1 mm min−1; 100 kgf) to analyse the fracture resistance. The specimens were analysed through a stereomicroscope to classify the failure mode (repairable/catastrophic). The values were subjected to statistical analysis (two‐way anova and Tukey's test at 5%). The frequencies of failure mode were compared using chi‐square test.

Results

The association between length and dentine thickness was significant (P > 0.05). The difference was between NW and HW roots for posts of 12 mm in length. There was an association between failure mode and the length and remaining dentine thickness.

Conclusions

Reduced dentine thickness in roots with longer posts had lower fracture resistance values, as catastrophic failure was more predominant.
Stock Market Liquidity and Firm Value: An Empirical Examination of the Australian Market
Authors: Nguyen Trang , Duong Huu Nhan , Singh Harminder
Published: April 2016

We document a positive relation between stock liquidity and firm value. We examine the mechanism through which stock market liquidity enhances firm value by dividing firm value, as measured by Tobin's Q, into three components, namely, operating income to price, leverage, and operating income to assets. Using the switch to broker anonymity as an exogenous shock to market liquidity, we show that the increase in liquidity around the shock leads to an increase in firm value. Our results suggest that higher firm value for more liquid stocks seems to stem from enhanced stock prices rather than from better operating performance.
Supply chain network design with efficiency, location, and inventory policy using a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Perez Loaiza Rodolfo Eleazar , Olivares‐Benitez Elias , Miranda Gonzalez Pablo A. , Guerrero Campanur Aaron , Martinez Flores Jose Luis
Published: April 2016

This study presents a metaheuristic based on a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm to solve a biobjective mixed‐integer nonlinear programming model for supply chain design with location‐inventory decisions and supplier selection. The supply chain has four echelons with suppliers, plants, distribution centers, and retailers. The decision variables are the opening of plants and distribution centers and the flow of materials between the different facilities, considering a continuous review inventory policy. The conflicting objectives are to minimize total costs on the entire chain, and to maximize a combined value of overall equipment effectiveness from suppliers. Small‐ and medium‐sized scenarios are solved and compared with Pareto fronts obtained with commercial optimization software applying the epsilon‐constraint method. The numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed metaheuristic. The main contributions of this work are a new practical problem that has not been analyzed before, and the development of the evolutionary algorithm.
Corporates’ control strategies using network optimization
Authors: Martins Pedro , Neves Elisabete
Published: April 2016

The ownership of a quoted company is usually spread among various shareholders. This dispersion can be characterized by an oriented network, whose nodes represent the companies, and an arc between companies i and j, with weight sij, indicates that company i owns sij percent of company j, being denoted by stock shareholding network (SSN). Given two sets of companies T and C0 from a SSN, we say that the companies in C0 control those in T if they own or imply ownership of at least αj percent of companies’ T shares. So, given a targeting set T, our problem is to find a set of companies C0 in which we invest such that the entire investment cost is the lowest. This problem has relevant applications in corporate governance and it can be modeled within network optimization. We discuss its applicability using a broad set of companies in the European stock market.
The generalized discrete ‐centroid problem
Authors: Santos‐Peñate D.R. , Campos‐Rodríguez C.M. , Moreno‐Pérez J.A.
Published: April 2016

The‐centroid problem or leader–follower problem is generalized considering different customer choice rules where a customer may use facilities belonging to different firms, if the difference in travel distance (or time) is small enough. Assuming essential goods, some particular customer choice rules are analyzed. Linear programming formulations for the generalized‐medianoid and‐centroid problems are presented and an exact solution approach is applied. Some computational examples are included.
A non‐destructive sampling protocol for field studies of seed dispersal by fishes
Authors: Correa S. B. , Anderson J. T.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents a standardized protocol for the non‐lethal capture of fishes, sampling of stomach contents and quantification of seed dispersal efficiency by frugivorous fishes. Neotropical pacuPiaractus mesopotamicusindividuals were collected with fruit‐baited hooks. The diets of 110 fish were sampled using a lavage method, which retrieved >90% of stomach contents of both juveniles and adults and allowed individuals to recover within 5 min of treatment. The proportional volume of six food categories was similar for stomachs and whole digestive tracts retrieved by dissection. Fruit pulp was proportionally lower in the stomach. The abundance and species richness of intact seeds increased with fish size independent of whether only stomachs or whole digestive tracts were analysed. The analysis of stomach contents accounted for 62·5% of the total species richness of seeds dispersed byP. mesopotamicusand 96% of common seeds (seed species retrieved from more than one fish). Germination trials revealed that seed viability was similar for seeds collected from the stomachvialavage and seeds that passed through the entire digestive tract. Therefore, stomach contents provide an unbiased representation of the dietary patterns and seed dispersal of frugivorous fishes.
Spousal Associations Between Frailty and Depressive Symptoms: Longitudinal Findings from the Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Monin Joan , Doyle Margaret , Levy Becca , Schulz Richard , Fried Terri , Kershaw Trace
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To determine whether older adult spouses’ frailty states and depressive symptoms are interrelated over time.

Design

Longitudinal, dyadic path analysis using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model.

Setting

Data were from baseline (1989–90), Wave 3 (1992–93), and Wave 7 (1996–97), all waves in which frailty and depressive symptoms were measured, of the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), a multisite, longitudinal, observational study of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adults aged 65 and older.

Participants

Spouses in 1,260 community‐dwelling married couples.

Measurements

Frailty was measured using the CHS criteria, categorized as nonfrail, prefrail, or frail. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Results

Within individuals (actor effects), greater frailty predicted greater subsequent depressive symptoms, and greater depressive symptoms predicted greater subsequent frailty. Between spouses (partner effects), an individual's greater frailty predicted the spouse's greater frailty, and an individual's greater depressive symptoms predicted the spouse's greater depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Frailty and depressive symptoms are interrelated in older adult spouses. For older couples, interventions to prevent or treat frailty and depression that focus on couples may be more effective than those that focus on individuals.
Head Trauma from Falling Increases Subsequent Emergency Department Visits More Than Other Fall‐Related Injuries in Older Adults
Authors: Southerland Lauren T. , Stephens Julie A. , Robinson Shari , Falk James , Phieffer Laura , Rosenthal Joseph A. , Caterino Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

To determine whether fall‐related injuries affect return to the ED after the initial visit.

Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Academic Level 1 trauma center ED.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older evaluated for a fall from standing height or less and discharged (N = 263, average age 77, 70% female).

Measurements

After institutional review board approval, electronic medical record data were queried. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with risk of returning to the ED within 90 days.

Results

Injuries included fractures (45%, n = 117); head trauma (22%, n = 58); abrasions, lacerations, or contusions (34%, n = 88); and none (22%, n = 57). Emergency care was frequently required, with 13 (5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.3–7.6%) returning within 72 hours, 35 (13%, 95% CI = 9.2–17%] within 30 days, and 57 (22%, 95% CI = 17–27%) within 90 days. Univariately, the odds of returning to the ED within 90 days was more than two times as high for those with head trauma as for those without (odds ratio = 2.66). This remained significant in the multivariable model, which controlled for Charlson Comorbidity Index, fractures, soft tissue injuries, and ED observation unit use.

Conclusion

More than one‐third of older adults with minor head trauma from a fall will need to return to the ED in the following 90 days. These individuals should receive close attention from primary care providers. The link between minor head trauma and ED recidivism is a new finding.
MicroRNA and gynecologic cancers
Authors: Kanekura Kohsuke , Nishi Hirotaka , Isaka Keiichi , Kuroda Masahiko
Published: April 2016

Aim

Gynecologic malignancies are serious problems in female health. Here we aim to discuss the involvement of microRNA (miRNA) in the pathogenesis of gynecologic cancers and use of miRNA profiles for diagnosis of diseases.

Methods

In order to obtain information needed for this review, we searched the PubMed database with the following keywords: miRNA and ovarian cancer; miRNA and cervical cancer; and miRNA and endometrial cancer.

Results

Recent explosive investigations in the field have dramatically expanded our knowledge of the roles of miRNA in the pathology of gynecologic malignancies. In ovarian cancer, miRNA participates in the development of drug resistance. In cervical cancer and endometrial cancer, miRNA play essential roles in important oncogenic processes, including cell proliferation, migration and metastasis. miRNA also have high potentials to be used as biomarkers in these diseases.

Conclusion

Further validation of the studies and improvement of the methods will result in the broader use of miRNA in the diagnosis of diseases as well as in understanding of the pathomechanisms of gynecologic cancers.
A magnetic resonance imaging‐based classification system for indication of trans‐sphenoidal hypophysectomy in canine pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism
Authors: Sato A. , Teshima T. , Ishino H. , Harada Y. , Yogo T. , Kanno N. , Hasegawa D. , Hara Y.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to establish a magnetic resonance imaging‐based classification system for canine hyperadrenocorticism according to pituitary gland extension, determine indications for trans‐sphenoidal hypophysectomy, and clarify the prognosis for each disease grade.

Methods

A 5‐point classification system (Grades 1 to 5) was developed based on tumour extension in dorsal and cranio–caudal directions. Cases were then classified as Type A: no arterial circle of Willis or cavernous sinus involvement and Type B: cases in which these blood vessels were involved.

Results

Medical records and magnetic resonance imaging data of 37 cases with hyperadrenocorticism were reviewed. Thirty‐three cases underwent surgery; 4 Grade 5 cases did not have appropriate indications for surgery, and other therapies were used. Complete resection was achieved for 3, 3, 22 and 1 Grade 1A, 2A, 3A and 3B cases, respectively. Resection was incomplete in 1, 1 and 2 Grade 3A, 3B and 4B cases, respectively. Remission was achieved in 29 cases. Recurrence occurred in 4 cases, all of which were classified as Grade 3.

Clinical Significance

Dogs with Type A, Grade 1 to 3 hyperadrenocorticism had a good prognosis following trans‐sphenoidal hypophysectomy. Grade 3B, 4 and 5 cases may not be suitable for this surgery.
Urolithiasis in chinchillas: 15 cases (2007 to 2011)
Authors: Martel‐Arquette A. , Mans C.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To evaluate the signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, treatment and outcome of chinchillas diagnosed with urolithiasis.

Methods

Medical records of 15 chinchillas diagnosed with urolithiasis were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

All animals were male with a median age of 30 months (range: 11 to 132 months). Haematuria, pollakiuria and stranguria were the most common presenting complaints. Of 15 animals, 12 had abnormal physical abdominal examination, including pain and palpable cystic calculi. Uroliths were diagnosed in the urinary bladder, urethra or both. Nine animals had cystic calculi only. Four out of 6 chinchillas with urethral calculi were euthanased within 1 day of diagnosis. There was recurrence of cystic calculi following cystotomy in 5/10 animals and median time to recurrence was 68 days (range: 19 to 440 days). Median survival time in chinchilla with urolith recurrence was 391 days (range: 74 to 1074 days) following initial diagnosis. Disease‐free follow‐up time in 5/10 chinchillas without urolith recurrence following surgical removal was 2204 days (range: 1914 to 2535 days).

Clinical Significance

Cystic uroliths in male chinchillas carry a better prognosis than urethral uroliths. Recurrence of urolithiasis is common.
Cryptic sex? Estimates of genome exchange in unisexual mole salamanders (Ambystoma sp.)
Authors: Gibbs H. Lisle , Denton Robert D.
Published: April 2016

Cryptic sex has been argued to explain the exceptional longevity of certain parthenogenetic vertebrate lineages, yet direct measurements of genetic exchange between sexual and apparently parthenogenetic forms are rare. Female unisexual mole salamanders (Ambystoma sp.) are the oldest known unisexual vertebrate lineage (~5 million years), and one hypothesis for their persistence is that allopolyploid female unisexuals periodically exchange haploid genomes ‘genome exchange’ during gynogenetic reproduction with males from sympatric sexual species. We test this hypothesis by using genome‐specific microsatellite DNA markers to estimate the rates of genome exchange between sexual males and unisexual females in two ponds in NE Ohio. We also test the prediction that levels of gene flow should be higher for ‘sympatric’ (sexual males present) genomes in unisexuals compared to ‘allopatric’ (sexual males absent) unisexual genomes. We used a model testing framework in the coalescent‐based program MIGRATE‐N to compare models where unidirectional gene flow is present and absent between sexual species and unisexuals. As predicted, our results show higher levels of gene flow between sexuals and sympatric unisexual genomes compared to lower (likely artefactual) levels of gene flow between sexuals and allopatric unisexual genomes. Our results provide direct evidence that genome exchange between sexual and unisexual Ambystoma occurs and demonstrate that the magnitude depends on which sexual species are present. The relatively high levels of gene flow suggest that unisexuals must be at a selective advantage over sexual forms so as to avoid extinction due to genetic swamping through genome exchange.
Endocannabinoid‐related lipids are increased during an episode of cyclic vomiting syndrome
Authors: Venkatesan T. , Zadvornova Y. , Raff H. , Hillard C. J.
Published: April 2016

Background

The endocannabinoid system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis are important neuromodulators of nausea and vomiting. This led us to hypothesize that patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) have lower serum endocannabinoids (eCBs) and higher salivary cortisol and alpha amylase.

Methods

Serum eCBs and related lipids, N‐oleoylethanolamine (OEA) and N‐palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and salivary cortisol, and alpha amylase (index of sympathetic nervous system activity) were measured in 22 CVS patients (age 40 ± 11, female = 17) in the well and sick phases and 12 matched controls (age 37 ± 12, female = 10).

Key Results

Contrary to our hypothesis, serum concentrations of the eCBs were not different among the study groups. However, serum concentrations of OEA and PEA were significantly higher during the sick than well phase in CVS patients (p = 0.001 and p = 0.04). There were positive correlations between serum PEA and nausea scores in the sick phase (Pearson's rho = 0.48, p = 0.036) and between serum OEA and poor sleep quality in patients (Pearson's rho = 0.7, p = 0.0005). Salivary cortisol and alpha amylase were not different between patients and controls, but subgroup analysis revealed that both were significantly higher in marijuana users compared to non‐users during the sick phase (p = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions & Inferences

These data demonstrate that eCB‐related lipids, OEA and PEA, are mobilized in the sick phase of CVS and are positively correlated with several of the symptoms of a CVS episode. These data also suggest the hypothesis that chronic marijuana use results in enhanced stress responses during CVS.
Cervical ultrasound and computed tomography of Kawasaki disease: Comparison with lymphadenitis
Authors: Nozaki Taiki , Morita Yuka , Hasegawa Daisuke , Makidono Akari , Yoshimoto Yuri , Starkey Jay , Kusakawa Isao , Manabe Atsushi , Saida Yukihisa
Published: April 2016

Background

Differentiating Kawasaki disease (KD) from cervical lymphadenitis (CL) is clinically difficult but essential given that treatment and outcome differ significantly. Research on differentiation between KD and CL using ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) is limited. The purpose of this study was to identify cervical US and CT findings that may differentiate KD from CL.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed cervical US of 25 KD patients and 25 CL patients, and CT of 14 KD patients, and 14 CL patients. Two radiologists analyzed specific imaging features on US (lymph node size, shape, echogenicity, margins, laterality, necrosis, and presence of normal hilum) and on CT (size and location of enlarged nodes, laterality, perinodal infiltration, and retropharyngeal edema).

Results

On US, patients with KD more frequently had lymph nodes with a “cluster of grapes” appearance (KD vs CL: 64% vs 32%, P < 0.05) and less frequently had poorly circumscribed margins (0% vs 36%, P < 0.01), necrosis (0% vs 32%, P < 0.01), or non‐visualization of the hilum (4% vs 36%, P < 0.01). On CT, KD patients more frequently had retropharyngeal edema (100% vs 29%, P < 0.001) and less frequently had level 4 lymphadenopathy (14% vs 79%, P < 0.01) than CL patients.

Conclusions

Ultrasound is mainly useful for excluding purulent lymphadenopathy while CT is a useful diagnostic tool for differentiating KD from CL, especially in patients with incomplete KD, who present with prominent cervical lymphadenopathy and other equivocal principal findings.
Autecology, pigment composition and toxicology of Dictyocha octonaria (Dictyochophyceae, Ochrophyta) from Wellington Harbor, New Zealand
Authors: Chang F. Hoe , Gall Mark
Published: April 2016

Growth and pigment composition of both the skeleton‐bearing and naked forms and toxicology of the naked form of Dictyocha octonaria were studied here using clonal cultures derived from a single cell from Wellington Harbour. In this study both the naked and skeleton‐bearing forms showed optimum growth between 14 and 18°C. Maximum growth rates of the naked and skeleton‐bearing forms were 1.46 and 0.99 division day−1, respectively. Growth rates of the naked form at temperatures <18°C were found to be greater than those of the skeleton‐bearing form. The reverse was true at temperatures >22°C. Cells of the naked form died at 24°C while those of the skeleton‐bearing form at 26°C. In this study the naked and skeleton‐bearing forms cultured in identical growth conditions contained almost the same pigments, except zeaxanthin, which made up about 3.2% of the total carotenoid in the skeleton‐bearing form and virtually none in the naked form. Toxicological tests conducted on rotifers indicated that the naked form was not harmful to the test organisms.
Ecosystem services returned through seagrass restoration
Authors: Reynolds Laura K. , Waycott Michelle , McGlathery Karen J. , Orth Robert J.
Published: April 2016

Ecosystem restoration is often costly, but can be effective at increasing biodiversity and ecosystem services. We used a case study—reseeding seagrass to a coastal lagoon—to demonstrate the value of enhanced ecosystem services as a result of restoration. We modeled the recovery of areal plant coverage in a system where seagrasses were lost due to disease and disturbance, and estimated the value of the returned functions of nitrogen removal and carbon sequestration. We estimated, as of 2010, that this restoration removes 170 ton of nitrogen per year via denitrificiation and sequesters carbon at a rate of 630 tons carbon per year in the sediment. Further, we estimated that natural recovery would take more than 100 years to reach the areal coverage achieved by restoration using seeds in just 10 years. Restoration enhanced this recovery, and the earlier establishment of plants results in a net gain of at least 4,100 ton of nitrogen removed from the system via denitrification and 15,000 ton of carbon sequestered in the sediment. These services have significant ecological and societal value.
Almighty God and the Almighty Dollar: The Study of Religion and Market Economies in the United States
Authors: Koenig Sarah
Published: April 2016

This essay reviews several of the main ways in which scholars of religion have depicted relationships between religion and market economies in the United States. It traces sociological, historical, and ethnographic approaches to the study of religion and market economies, examining how scholars have navigated the tensions between religious declension, on the one hand, and celebration of free market ideals, on the other. It then suggests some directions for further study, including better integration of the studies of material goods, labor, and capitalism with studies of religion and market economies; new studies of religion and finance; greater attention to non‐capitalist systems in U.S. history; and studies that recognize the permeable and co‐constructed nature of religion and market economies.
‘Enhanced’ characterization of cystic–cavitary lesions using DCE‐MRI
Authors: Rosenow Tim
Published: April 2016

See article, page 739
Domestic political competition and pro‐cyclical import protection
Authors: Lake James , Linask Maia
Published: April 2016

Governments, especially in developing countries, routinely practice binding overhang (i.e. setting applied tariffs below binding WTO commitments) and frequently move applied tariffs for given products up and down over the business cycle. Moreover, applied tariffs are pro‐cyclical in developing countries. We explain this phenomenon using a dynamic theory of lobbying between domestic interest groups. Applied tariffs are pro‐cyclical when high‐tariff interests (e.g. import‐competing industries) capture the government: these groups concede lower tariffs to low‐tariff interest groups (e.g. exporting firms or firms using imported intermediate inputs) during recessions because recessions lower the opportunity cost of lobbying and thereby generate a stronger lobbying threat.
Church presence and gender relations in the Wonenara valley (Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea)
Authors: Bonnemère Pascale
Published: April 2016

Since 1951, date of the First contact, the Baruya of the Wonenara valley have twice been a pioneering frontline for Protestant missions. First in the 1960s, when several Lutheran and SDA pastors moved in, and the second time at the beginning of the 2000s, when three ‘New Evangelical Churches’ settled in the valley. After presenting the history of the presence of these five Churches, I analyse the pastors’ ideas, as expressed during services or in informal discussions, about the place of women in daily life and in church, and about gender relations more generally. The observation of church services reveals a possibility of women speaking in public that was hitherto unknown. Moreover, the pastors’ origins (Baruya or non Baruya) seem to play a role in the way they talk about women during their services, whatever their Church may say.
Structural Transformation and Comparative Advantage: Implications for Small Open Economies
Authors: Whang Unjung
Published: April 2016

Data from the last half‐century show that revealed comparative advantage in agriculture (manufacturing) is negatively (positively) associated with the rate of decline in labour share in agriculture. Motivated by this finding, the author constructs and calibrates a simple open‐economy model, where there is learning‐by‐doing in manufacturing and industry‐supplied inputs to agricultural production. This paper focuses on the effects of comparative advantage and learning‐by‐doing on structural transformation and calibrate the model to the US and the UK data to estimate key parameters of the model. Quantitative experiments show that holding constant other factors a small difference in a country's comparative advantage can account for a large variation in structural transformation for open economies, which does not require nearly as much differential productivity growth as in closed‐economy models.
DNA methylation and targeted sequencing of methyltransferases family genes in canine acute myeloid leukaemia, modelling human myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Bronzini I. , Aresu L. , Paganin M. , Marchioretto L. , Comazzi S. , Cian F. , Riondato F. , Marconato L. , Martini V. , te Kronnie G.
Published: April 2016

Tumours shows aberrant DNA methylation patterns, being hypermethylated or hypomethylated compared with normal tissues. In human acute myeloid leukaemia (hAML) mutations in DNA methyltransferase (DNMT3A) are associated to a more aggressive tumour behaviour. As AML is lethal in dogs, we defined global DNA methylation content, and screened the C‐terminal domain of DNMT3 family of genes for sequence variants in 39 canine acute myeloid leukaemia (cAML) cases. A heterogeneous pattern of DNA methylation was found among cAML samples, with subsets of cases being hypermethylated or hypomethylated compared with healthy controls; four recurrent single nucleotide variations (SNVs) were found in DNMT3L gene. Although SNVs were not directly correlated to whole genome DNA methylation levels, all hypomethylated cAML cases were homozygous for the deleterious mutation at p.Arg222Trp. This study contributes to understand genetic modifications of cAML, leading up to studies that will elucidate the role of methylome alterations in the pathogenesis of AML in dogs.
EcoRacer: Game-Based Optimal Electric Vehicle Design and Driver Control Using Human Players
Authors: Ren Yi , Bayrak Alparslan Emrah , Papalambros Panos Y.
Published: April 2016

We compare the performance of human players against that of the efficient global optimization (EGO) algorithm for an NP-complete powertrain design and control problem. Specifically, we cast this optimization problem as an online competition and received 2391 game plays by 124 anonymous players during the first month from launch. We found that while only a small portion of human players can outperform the algorithm in the long term, players tend to formulate good heuristics early on that can be used to constrain the solution space. Such constraining of the search enhances algorithm efficiency, even for different game settings. These findings indicate that human-assisted computational searches are promising in solving comprehensible yet computationally hard optimal design and control problems, when human players can outperform the algorithm in a short term.
Can You Beat This?
Authors: Holbrow Charles H. , Holbrow Charles J.
Published: April 2016

Here is a nice 1-D kinematics problem disguised in a musical (drumming) context. We think the novel perspective of the problem can enliven the study of the basic equations that describe motion under constant acceleration.
Refugee crisis brings new health challenges
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: April 2016

Imported pathogens are a much bigger threat to migrants than they are to Europeans.
Skirmishing over the scope of the threat
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: April 2016

As malaria experts chart their battle plans, they are looking to the past for clues.
The unlikely diplomat
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: April 2016

Myaing Myaing Nyunt fled Myanmar in 1988; now she is back, forging alliances against malaria.
A beak size locus in Darwin’s finches facilitated character displacement during a drought
Authors: Lamichhaney Sangeet , Han Fan , Berglund Jonas , Wang Chao , Almén Markus Sällman , Webster Matthew T. , Grant B. Rosemary , Grant Peter R. , Andersson Leif
Published: April 2016

Linked loci and Galapagos finch size

Observations of parallel evolution in the finches of the Galapagos, including body and beak size, contributed to Darwin's theories. Lamichhaney
et al.
carried out whole-genome sequencing of 60 Darwin's finches. These included small, medium, and large ground finches as well as small, medium, and large tree finches. A genomic region containing the
HMGA2
gene correlated strongly with beak size across different species. This locus appears to have played a role in beak diversification throughout the radiation of Darwin's finches.

Science
, this issue p.
470
Comment on “Slow adaptation in the face of rapid warming leads to collapse of the Gulf of Maine cod fishery”
Authors: Swain Douglas P. , Benoît Hugues P. , Cox Sean P. , Cadigan Noel G.
Published: April 2016

Pershing
et al
. (
Science,
13 November 2015, p. 809) concluded that recent warming in the Gulf of Maine contributed to the collapse of Gulf of Maine cod. We argue that this conclusion is based on a flawed analysis of the population dynamics of this cod stock. We believe that understanding the potential role of climate change in the collapse of this stock requires more defensible analyses.
All-optical control and metrology of electron pulses
Authors: Kealhofer C. , Schneider W. , Ehberger D. , Ryabov A. , Krausz F. , Baum P.
Published: April 2016

Electron pulses under control

The ability to take snapshots of fast events can often provide insights into the dynamics of the processes involved: chemical reactions, electronic transport, structural transitions, and complex combinations involving of all of these processes. Kealhofer
et al.
describe an ultrafast optics approach for generating bunches of electrons and compressing them by more than an order of magnitude to just femtosecond time scales (see the Perspective by Ropers). The technique opens up the possibility of imaging ultrafast phenomena with atomic-scale spatial resolution.

Science
, this issue p.
429
; see also p.
410
Response to Comments on “Slow adaptation in the face of rapid warming leads to collapse of the Gulf of Maine cod fishery”
Authors: Pershing Andrew J. , Alexander Michael A. , Hernandez Christina M. , Kerr Lisa A. , Le Bris Arnault , Mills Katherine E. , Nye Janet A. , Record Nicholas R. , Scannell Hillary A. , Scott James D. , Sherwood Graham D. , Thomas Andrew C.
Published: April 2016

Palmer
et al
. and Swain
et al
. suggest that our “extra mortality” time series is spurious. In response, we show that including temperature-dependent mortality improves abundance estimates and that warming waters reduce growth rates in Gulf of Maine cod. Far from being spurious, temperature effects on this stock are clear, and continuing to ignore them puts the stock in jeopardy.