bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bias from heterogeneous usage of space in spatially explicit capture–recapture analyses
Authors: Efford Murray G.
Published: February 2014

Royleet al. (Methods in Ecology and Evolution,,4, 520) proposed a spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) model in which an animal's usage of a site, and hence its probability of detection, depends on a function of site‐specific covariates normalized using a weighted sum of such values across the animal's home range.

From simulations supposedly based on the model, they drew the conclusion that existing methods will produce ‘extremely biased’ estimates of population size when animals use space selectively. This conclusion is faulty because they simulated data from a different model, omitting the normalization needed to represent selection of resources at the home‐range level.

New simulations show that the null SECR estimator of population size is nearly unbiased for low to moderate levels of selective space use when the generating model includes normalization. Including detector‐level covariates of detection, as allowed in standard software, nearly eliminates bias due to strongly selective space use, whether or not the generating model includes normalization.
MLST@SNaP: user‐friendly software for simplification of multilocus sequence typing and dissemination of microbial population analyses
Authors: Soares Inês , Araujo Ricardo
Published: February 2014

Microbial multilocus sequence typing is a course‐grained approach for classifying micro‐organisms that involves intense gene sequencing, limiting its application in clinical and research laboratories. Multiplexes targeting single‐nucleotide polymorphisms might replace this impractical method by providing the SNaP profile. We here describe mlst@snap, a fast, user‐friendly and automated process to convert thousands of MLST sequences or sequence types into SNaP profiles and vice versa. The software largely increases the promptness of microbial population data analyses, being presently designed for the micro‐organisms Aspergillus fumigatus, Burkholderia cenocepacia, Burkholderia cepacia, Burkholderia contaminans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

mlst@snap is freely available for macintosh, unix and windows systems as supplementary material of this manuscript, at https://www.mediafire.com/folder/kc4fwabtb8lu1/setupMLST%40SNaP and http://www.portugene.com/MLSTSNaP.html accompanied by tutorial, example files and some data.
Climate change increases risk of fusarium ear blight on wheat in central China
Authors: Zhang X. , Halder J. , White R.P. , Hughes D.J. , Ye Z. , Wang C. , Xu R. , Gan B. , Fitt B.D.L.
Published: February 2014

To estimate potential impact of climate change on wheat fusarium ear blight (FEB), simulated weather for the A1B climate change scenario was input into a model for estimating FEB in central China. In this article, a logistic weather‐based regression model for estimating incidence of wheat FEB in central China was developed, using up to 10 years (2001–2010) of disease, anthesis date and weather data available for 10 locations in Anhui and Hubei provinces. In the model, the weather variables were defined with respect to the anthesis date for each location in each year. The model suggested that incidence of FEB is related to number of days of rainfall in a 30‐day period after anthesis and that high temperatures before anthesis increase the incidence of disease. Validation was done to test whether this relationship was satisfied for another five locations in Anhui province with FEB data for 4–5 years but no nearby weather data, using simulated weather data obtained employing the regional climate modelling system PRECIS. How climate change may affect wheat anthesis date and FEB in central China was investigated for period 2020–2050 using wheat growth model Sirius and climate data simulated using PRECIS. The projection suggested that wheat anthesis dates will generally be earlier and FEB incidence will increase substantially for most locations.
Recent Radiation within Y‐chromosomal Haplogroup R‐M269 Resulted in High Y‐STR Haplotype Resemblance
Authors: Larmuseau Maarten H. D. , Vanderheyden Nancy , Van Geystelen Anneleen , van Oven Mannis , de Knijff Peter , Decorte Ronny
Published: February 2014

Y‐chromosomal short tandem repeats (Y‐STRs) are often used in addition to Y‐chromosomal single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (Y‐SNP) to detect subtle patterns in a population genetic structure. There are, however, indications for Y‐STR haplotype resemblance across different subhaplogroups within haplogroup R1b1b2 (R‐M269) which may lead to erosion in the observation of the population genetic pattern. Hence the question arises whether Y‐STR haplotypes are still informative beyond high‐resolution Y‐SNP genotyping for population genetic studies. To address this question, we genotyped the Y chromosomes of more than 1000 males originating from the West‐European regions of Flanders (Belgium), North‐Brabant and Limburg (the Netherlands) at the highest resolution of the current Y‐SNP tree together with 38 commonly used Y‐STRs. We observed high resemblance of Y‐STR haplotypes between males belonging to different subhaplogroups of haplogroup R‐M269. Several subhaplogroups within R‐M269 could not be distinguished from each other based on differences in Y‐STR haplotype variation. The most likely hypothesis to explain this similarity of Y‐STR haplotypes within the population of R‐M269 members is a recent radiation where various subhaplogroups originated within a relatively short time period. We conclude that high‐resolution Y‐SNP typing rather than Y‐STR typing might be more useful to study population genetic patterns in (Western) Europe.
Utilising Family‐Based Designs for Detecting Rare Variant Disease Associations
Authors: Preston Mark D. , Dudbridge Frank
Published: February 2014

Rare genetic variants are thought to be important components in the causality of many diseases but discovering these associations is challenging. We demonstrate how best to use family‐based designs to improve the power to detect rare variant disease associations. We show that using genetic data from enriched families (those pedigrees with greater than one affected member) increases the power and sensitivity of existing case–control rare variant tests. However, we show that transmission‐ (or within‐family‐) based tests do not benefit from this enrichment. This means that, in studies where a limited amount of genotyping is available, choosing a single case from each of many pedigrees has greater power than selecting multiple cases from fewer pedigrees. Finally, we show how a pseudo‐case–control design allows a greater range of statistical tests to be applied to family data.
CMV Infection, TLR‐2 and ‐4 Expression, and Cytokine Profiles in Early‐Onset Preeclampsia with HELLP Syndrome
Authors: Xie Fang , von Dadelszen Peter , Nadeau Joseph
Published: February 2014

Problem

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was previously reported in pregnancy complications. However, its seroprevalence and associated Toll‐like receptor (TLR) expression in early‐onset preeclampsia (EOPE) with hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme and low platelets syndrome (HELLPs) are unexplored.

Method of study

A case–control study was performed to examine maternal CMV antibodies, neutrophil Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐2 and ‐4 expression as well as the cytokine profile in EOPE with HELLPs (EOPE‐HELLPs) (n = 10), late‐onset preeclampsia (LOPE) (n = 20), normal pregnancy (n = 60), and non‐pregnancy (n = 20) controls.

Results

EOPE‐HELLPs had significantly increased CMV IgG sero‐positivity, upregulated TLR‐2/‐4 mRNA expression, increased serum IL‐6 and TNF‐α, and reduced IL‐10 compared with matched normal and non‐pregnancy controls. No significant difference was observed between LOPE and normal pregnancy controls.

Conclusion

We observed a significant association between CMV IgG sero‐positivity and innate immune response in EOPE‐HELLPs. Our data suggest that CMV infection may be a risk factor for this disorder.
Why Indians Vote: Reflections on Rights, Citizenship, and Democracy from a Tamil Nadu Village
Authors: Carswell Grace , De Neve Geert
Published: February 2014

This paper contributes to an empirical and theoretical understanding of democracy and political participation in India through an ethnographic study of the meanings attached to voting in rural Tamil Nadu. Based on a study of voting in a rural constituency during the 2009 national elections, the paper explores the variety of motivations that compel people to vote. It explores how voting is informed by popular understandings of rights and duties as citizens, programmatic policies and their local implementation, commitment to caste and party loyalties, and authority of charismatic leaders. The paper explores the roots of the political consciousness and rights awareness that underpin high levels of electoral participation. It suggests that elections form unique moments that allow ordinary people to experience an individual sense of citizenship and of democracy itself while at the same time allowing them to pursue projects of recognition, respect and assertion as members of communities. It is precisely this dual feature that makes voting so enduringly attractive to India's contemporary electorate.
Primitive Accumulation and the Production of Abstract Space: Nineteenth‐century Mire Reclamation on Gotland
Authors: Mels Tom
Published: February 2014

In Henri Lefebvre's work, abstract space entails qualitatively new ways of envisioning and strategically arranging the sites within which capital accumulation and everyday life are to unfold. This paper sets out to delineate how this premise can be profitably used to decipher contested tactics of primitive accumulation. Arguing from a particular case—nineteenth‐century reclamation of mires on the island of Gotland, Sweden—the paper explores how primitive accumulation was made possible through the conjunction of three spatialities, representing three key lines of struggle over abstract space. The abstraction and avowed homogeneity of space was produced and regulated by concurrent ideological maneuvers against customary practice, leveled by scientific discourse, and pursued through a legally endorsed material transformation of nature.
Efficacy of Prophylactic Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy in Chronic Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Yildirim Yalin , Pecha Simon , Kubik Mathias , Alassar Yousuf , Deuse Tobias , Hakmi Samer , Reichenspurner Hermann
Published: February 2014

This study investigated the efficacy of prophylactic intraoperative intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) usage in chronic heart failure patients with severely reduced left ventricular function undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Between January 2008 and December 2012, 107 patients with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <35%) received prophylactic intraoperative IABP implantation during open‐heart surgery. Surgical procedures performed were isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 35 patients (32.7%), aortic valve replacement in 12 (11.2%), mitral valve repair or replacement in 15 (14.0%), combined valve and CABG procedures in 27 (25.2%), and other surgical procedures in 18 (16.8%). Results and outcomes were compared with those in a propensity score‐matched cohort of 107 patients who underwent cardiac surgery without intraoperative IABP implantation. Matching criteria were age, gender, LVEF, and surgical procedure. Duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of hospital stay, and 30‐day mortality were markers of outcome. In the IABP group, mean patient age was 69.1 ± 13.7 years; 66.4% (70) were male. All IABPs were placed intraoperatively. Mean duration of IABP application time was 42.4 ± 8.7 h. IABP‐related complications occurred in five patients (4.7%), including one case of inguinal bleeding, one case of mesenteric ischemia, and ischemia of the lower limb in three patients. No stroke or major bleeding occurred during IABP support. Mean durations of ICU and hospital stay were 3.38 ± 2.15 days and 7.69 ± 2.02 days, respectively, in the IABP group, and 4.20 ± 3.14 days and 8.57 ± 3.26 days in the control group, showing statistically significant reductions in duration of ICU and hospital stay in the IABP group (ICU stay, P = 0.036; hospital stay, P = 0.015). Thirty‐day survival rates were 92.5 and 94.4% in the IABP and control group, respectively, showing no statistically significant difference (P = 0.75). IABP usage in chronic heart failure patients with severely reduced LVEF undergoing cardiac surgery was safe and resulted in shorter ICU and hospital stay but did not influence 7‐ and 30‐day survival rates.
Sleep fragmentation and increased periodic limb movements are more common in children with nocturnal enuresis
Authors: Dhondt K , Baert E , Van Herzeele C , Raes A , Groen L‐A , Hoebeke P , Vande Walle J
Published: February 2014

Aim

To determine sleep fragmentation in children with nocturnal enuresis (NE).

Methods

Paediatricians assessed NE parameters in children referred to an enuresis clinic. Control subjects, matched by age and gender and without incontinence or (un)treated NE, were recruited from the paediatric sleep clinic regardless of their sleep problem. Sleep was investigated by one overnight video‐polysomnography in both groups.

Results

The study group comprised 67 children with proven NE (50 boys and 17 girls between six and 16 years: 11.1 ± 2.8 SD). They were matched with 67 control subjects (47 boys and 20 girls aged between six and 16 years: 11.0 ± 2.9 SD). Children with NE had a higher incidence of periodic limb movements associated with cortical arousals in their sleep. They displayed significant higher periodic limb movement index, arousal index and awakening index than the control group.

Conclusion

Children with NE displayed higher sleep fragmentation and periodic limb movements in sleep than the control children with a possible sleep disorder without NE. The findings emphasise the central involvement of the pathophysiology of NE and the multifactorial nature of the condition.
Review article: bacteria and pathogenesis of disease in the upper gastrointestinal tract – beyond the era of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Walker M. M. , Talley N. J.
Published: February 2014

Background

Study of the upper gastrointestinal microbiome has shown that other bacteria besides Helicobacter pylori flourish despite the hostile environment. Whilst H. pylori is the most studied bacteria in this region with a defined role in inflammation and neoplasia, it is apparent that other bacteria may contribute to UGI disease.

Aim

To review current knowledge of bacteria inhabiting the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.

Methods

Published studies on the upper gastrointestinal microbiome (extracted from PubMed during the last 20 years).

Results

The stomach is a hostile environment for bacteria; however, recent studies categorising the microbiota have shown surprising results. Helicobacter pylori has been intensively studied since 1984 and recent sequencing analysis of other gastric microbiota shows that H. pylori is not alone. Composition can be influenced by acid suppression, gastritis and abundance of H. pylori. Eradication of H. pylori, whilst decreasing gastric cancer is associated with an increase in asthma, reflux and obesity. A future approach may be to selectively eradicate bacteria which predispose to inflammation and cancer as opposed to a comprehensive knockout policy. In the oesophagus, viridans streptococci are the most common bacteria influenced by both oral and gastric bacteria. Oesophagitis and Barrett's oesophagus are characterised by a significant decrease in Gram‐positive bacteria and an increase in Gram‐negative bacteria. An inverse association of H. pylori and oesophageal adenocarcinoma is described. The duodenal microbiome has been shown to influence small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, irritable bowel syndrome and coeliac disease. The numbers of bacteria recoverable by culture are variable in the stomach mucosa and gastric juice, typically 102–104 colony‐forming units (CFU)/g or mL and in the oesophagus, up to 104 bacteria per mm2 mucosal surface. In the small bowel, in health, 103 CFU/mL are normal.

Conclusion

This review highlights current knowledge of upper gastrointestinal bacteria and associations with disease.
Improved prediction of tacrolimus concentrations early after kidney transplantation using theory‐based pharmacokinetic modelling
Authors: Størset Elisabet , Holford Nick , Hennig Stefanie , Bergmann Troels K. , Bergan Stein , Bremer Sara , Åsberg Anders , Midtvedt Karsten , Staatz Christine E.
Published: February 2014

Aims

The aim was to develop a theory‐based population pharmacokinetic model of tacrolimus in adult kidney transplant recipients and to externally evaluate this model and two previous empirical models.

Methods

Data were obtained from 242 patients with 3100 tacrolimus whole blood concentrations. External evaluation was performed by examining model predictive performance using Bayesian forecasting.

Results

Pharmacokinetic disposition parameters were estimated based on tacrolimus plasma concentrations, predicted from whole blood concentrations, haematocrit and literature values for tacrolimus binding to red blood cells. Disposition parameters were allometrically scaled to fat free mass. Tacrolimus whole blood clearance/bioavailability standardized to haematocrit of 45% and fat free mass of 60 kg was estimated to be 16.1 l h−1 [95% CI 12.6, 18.0 l h−1]. Tacrolimus clearance was 30% higher (95% CI 13, 46%) and bioavailability 18% lower (95% CI 2, 29%) in CYP3A5 expressers compared with non‐expressers. An Emax model described decreasing tacrolimus bioavailability with increasing prednisolone dose. The theory‐based model was superior to the empirical models during external evaluation displaying a median prediction error of −1.2% (95% CI −3.0, 0.1%). Based on simulation, Bayesian forecasting led to 65% (95% CI 62, 68%) of patients achieving a tacrolimus average steady‐state concentration within a suggested acceptable range.

Conclusion

A theory‐based population pharmacokinetic model was superior to two empirical models for prediction of tacrolimus concentrations and seemed suitable for Bayesian prediction of tacrolimus doses early after kidney transplantation.
Pharmacodynamic Modelling of Placebo and Buprenorphine Effects on Event‐Related Potentials in Experimental Pain
Authors: Juul Rasmus V. , Foster David J.R. , Upton Richard N. , Andresen Trine , Graversen Carina , Drewes Asbjørn M. , Christrup Lona L. , Kreilgaard Mads
Published: February 2014

The purpose of the study was to investigate placebo and buprenorphine effects on event‐related potentials (ERPs) in experimental pain and the potential benefit of population pharmacodynamic modelling in data analysis. Nineteen healthy volunteers received transdermal placebo and buprenorphine in a cross‐over study. Drug plasma concentrations and ERPs after electrical stimulation at the median nerve with intensity adjusted to pain detection threshold were recorded until 144 hrs after administration. Placebo and concentration‐effect models were fitted to data using non‐linear mixed‐effects modelling implemented in NONMEM (V7.2.0.). Pharmacodynamic models were developed to adequately describe both placebo and buprenorphine ERP data. Models predicted significant placebo effects, but did not predict significant effects related to buprenorphine concentration. Models revealed that ERPs varied both between subjects and between study occasions. ERPs were found to be reproducible within subjects and occasions as population variance was found to be eight times higher than the unexplained variances. Between‐subject variance accounted for more than 75% of the population variance. In conclusion, pharmacodynamic modelling was successfully implemented to allow for placebo and variability correction in ERP of experimental pain. Improved outcome of ERP studies can be expected if variation between subjects and study occasions can be identified and described.
Low free testosterone levels predict disease reclassification in men with prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance
Authors: San Francisco Ignacio F. , Rojas Pablo A. , DeWolf William C. , Morgentaler Abraham
Published: February 2014

Objective

To determine whether total testosterone and free testosterone levels predict disease reclassification in a cohort of men with prostate cancer (PCa) on active surveillance (AS).

Patients and Methods

Total testosterone and free testosterone concentrations were determined at the time the men began the AS protocol. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t‐test and a chi‐squared test to compare groups. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using univariate logistic regression. Receiver–operator characteristic curves were generated to determine the investigated testosterone thresholds. Kaplan–Meier curves were used to estimate time to disease reclassification. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 154 men were included in the AS cohort, of whom 54 (35%) progressed to active treatment. Men who had disease reclassification had significantly lower free testosterone levels than those who were not reclassified (0.75 vs 1.02 ng/dL, P = 0.03). Men with free testosterone levels <0.45 ng/dL had a higher rate of disease reclassification than patients with free testosterone levels ≥0.45 (P = 0.032). Free testosterone levels <0.45 ng/dL were associated with a several‐fold increase in the risk of disease reclassification (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.25–14.73). Multivariate analysis showed that free testosterone and family history of PCa were independent predictors of disease reclassification.

Conclusions

Free testosterone levels were lower in men with PCa who had reclassification during AS. Men with moderately severe reductions in free testosterone level are at increased risk of disease reclassification.
Bladder reconstruction using scaffold‐less autologous smooth muscle cell sheet engineering: early histological outcomes for autoaugmentation cystoplasty
Authors: Talab Saman S. , Kajbafzadeh Abdol‐Mohammad , Elmi Azadeh , Tourchi Ali , Sabetkish Shabnam , Sabetkish Nastaran , Monajemzadeh Maryam
Published: February 2014

Objective

To investigate the feasibility of a new approach for cystoplasty using autologous smooth muscle cell (SMC) sheet and scaffold‐less bladder tissue engineering with the main focus on histological outcomes in a rabbit model.

Materials and Methods

In all, 24 rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. In the experimental group, SMCs were obtained from the bladder muscular layer, labelled with PKH‐26, and seeded on temperature‐responsive culture dishes. Contiguous cell sheets were noninvasively harvested by reducing the temperature and triple‐layer cell‐dense tissues were constructed. After partial detrusorectomy, the engineered tissue was transplanted onto the urothelial diverticulum. The control group underwent partial detrusorectomy followed by peritoneal fat coverage. At 2, 4, and 12 weeks the rabbits were humanely killed and haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, cluster of differentiation 34 (CD34), CD31, CD3, CD68, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), picrosirius red, and pentachrome staining were used to evaluate bladder reconstruction.

Results

At 2 weeks after SMC‐sheet grafting, PKH‐26 labelled SMCs were evident in the muscular layer. At 4 weeks, 79.1% of the cells in the muscular layer were PKH‐positive cells. The portion of the muscular layer increased in the experimental group during the follow‐up and was similar to normal bladder tissue after 12 weeks. α‐SMA staining showed well organised muscle at 4 and 12 weeks. CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells and CD31+ microvessels increased continuously and peaked 4 and 12 weeks after grafting, respectively.

Conclusion

In the present study, we show that autologous SMC‐sheet grafting has the potential for reliable bladder reconstruction and is technically feasible with a favourable evolution over the 12 weeks following implantation. Our findings could pave the way toward future bladder tissue engineering using the SMC‐sheet technique.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis and urological pelvic cancer surgery: a UK national audit
Authors: Pridgeon Simon , Allchorne Paula , Turner Bruce , Peters John , Green James
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the use of post‐discharge venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in UK pelvic cancer centres consistent with national guidelines.

Methods

Data was collected from healthcare professionals from 64 UK pelvic cancer centres.

Results

After radical cystectomy (RC), all cancer centres routinely use low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) in the perioperative period. After RC 67% of cancer centres use post‐discharge LMWH routinely. After radical prostatectomy (RP), 98% of units use perioperative LMWH VTE prophylaxis routinely. After RP, 61% of hospitals always use post‐discharge LMWH. In all, 27% of all UK cancer centres reported deaths or serious VTE complications from urological pelvic cancer surgery in the last 2 years.

Conclusions

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued explicit guidance of VTE prophylaxis after pelvic and abdominal cancer surgery. Conversion of national guidance into local policy is ≈60% for UK pelvic cancer centres. A lack of good quality evidence is cited as a reason for not adhering to NICE guidance.
Cannabidiol enhances microglial phagocytosis via transient receptor potential (TRP) channel activation
Authors: Hassan Samia , Eldeeb Khalil , Millns Paul J , Bennett Andrew J , Alexander Stephen P H , Kendall David A
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

Microglial cells are important mediators of the immune response in the CNS. The phytocannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), has been shown to have central anti‐inflammatory properties, and the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of CBD and other phytocannabinoids on microglial phagocytosis.

Experimental Approach

Phagocytosis was assessed by measuring ingestion of fluorescently labelled latex beads by cultured microglial cells. Drug effects were probed using single‐cell Ca2+ imaging and expression of mediator proteins by immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry.

Key Results

CBD (10 μM) enhanced bead phagocytosis to 175 ± 7% control. Other phytocannabinoids, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids were without effect. The enhancement was dependent upon Ca2+ influx and was abolished in the presence of EGTA, the Ca2+ channel inhibitor SKF96365, the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel blocker ruthenium red, and the TRPV1 antagonists capsazepine and AMG9810. CBD produced a sustained increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in BV‐2 microglia and this was abolished by ruthenium red. CBD rapidly increased the expression of TRPV2 and TRPV1 proteins and caused a translocation of TRPV2 to the cell membrane. Wortmannin blocked CBD enhancement of BV‐2 cell phagocytosis, suggesting that it is mediated by PI3K signalling downstream of the Ca2+ influx.

Conclusions and Implications

The TRPV‐dependent phagocytosis‐enhancing effect of CBD suggests that pharmacological modification of TRPV channel activity could be a rational approach to treating neuroinflammatory disorders involving changes in microglial function and that CBD is a potential starting point for future development of novel therapeutics acting on the TRPV receptor family.
Negotiating belonging following migration: Exploring the relationship between place and identity in Francophone minority communities
Authors: Huot Suzanne , Dodson Belinda , Rudman Debbie Laliberte
Published: February 2014

A qualitative study was conducted within the Francophone minority community (FMC) of London, Ontario to explore the integration experiences of French‐speaking immigrants from visible minority groups. We address how shifts to place and identity experienced following international migration influenced the study participants' negotiation of belonging within the host community. The ethnographic approach to research was guided by a theoretical framework drawing on geographical and sociological literature critically attending to power and place. Findings focus upon the negotiation of two key tensions influencing belonging. First we address the tension between Canada's official bilingualism and the Francophone immigrants' lived bilingualism within the local FMC. We then discuss the research participants' everyday experiences of displacement and exclusion as embedded within a context of official multiculturalism. The findings serve to illustrate ways in which belonging is negotiated in relation to the politics of place.
Not just gRASping at flaws: Finding vulnerabilities to develop novel therapies for treating KRAS mutant cancers
Authors: Ebi Hiromichi , Faber Anthony C. , Engelman Jeffrey A. , Yano Seiji
Published: February 2014

Mutations in Kirsten rat‐sarcoma (KRAS) are well appreciated to be major drivers of human cancers through dysregulation of multiple growth and survival pathways. Similar to many other non‐kinase oncogenes and tumor suppressors, efforts to directly target KRAS pharmaceutically have not yet materialized. As a result, there is broad interest in an alternative approach to develop therapies that induce synthetic lethality in cancers with mutant KRAS, therefore exposing the particular vulnerabilities of these cancers. Fueling these efforts is our increased understanding into the biology driving KRAS mutant cancers, in particular the important pathways that mutant KRAS governs to promote survival. In this mini‐review, we summarize the latest approaches to treat KRAS mutant cancers and the rationale behind them.
Gonadal function in males with autoimmune Addison's disease and autoantibodies to steroidogenic enzymes
Authors: Dalla Costa M , Bonanni G , Masiero S , Faggian D , Chen S , Furmaniak J , Rees Smith B , Perniola R , Radetti G , Garelli S , Chiarelli S , Albergoni M P , Plebani M , Betterle C
Published: February 2014

Steroidogenic enzyme autoantibodies (SEAbs) are frequently present and are markers of autoimmune premature ovarian failure (POF) in females with autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD). The prevalence and significance of SEAbs in males with AAD have not yet been defined. We studied the prevalence of SEAbs in a large cohort of males with AAD and assessed the relationship between SEAbs positivity and testicular function. A total of 154 males with AAD (mean age 34 years) were studied. SEAbs included autoantibodies to steroid-producing cells (StCA), detected by immunofluorescence, and steroid 17α-hydroxylase (17α-OHAbs) and side chain cleavage enzyme (SCCAbs) measured by immunoprecipitation assays. Gonadal function was evaluated by measuring follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHGB), anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin-B (I-B). Twenty-six males, 10 SEAbs(+) and 16 SEAbs(–), were followed-up for a mean period of 7·6 years to assess the behaviour of SEAbs and testicular function. SEAbs were found in 24·7% of males with AAD, with the highest frequency in patients with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS-1). The levels of reproductive hormones in 30 SEAbs(+) males were in the normal range according to age and were not significantly different compared to 55 SEAbs(–) males (P > 0·05). During follow-up, both SEAbs(+) and SEAbs(–) patients maintained normal testicular function. SEAbs were found with high frequency in males with AAD; however, they were not associated with testicular failure. This study suggests that the diagnostic value of SEAbs in males with AAD differs compared to females, and this may be related to the immunoprivileged status of the testis.
Remodeling of cortical and corticocancellous fresh‐frozen allogeneic block bone grafts – a radiographic and histomorphometric comparison to autologous bone grafts
Authors: Spin‐Neto Rubens , Stavropoulos Andreas , Coletti Felipe L. , Pereira Luís A. V. D. , Marcantonio Elcio , Wenzel Ann
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To compare cortical (AL‐C) and corticocancellous (AL‐CC) fresh‐frozen block bone allografts to cortical block bone autografts (AT) used for lateral ridge augmentation in terms of radiographic dimensional maintenance and histomorphometrical graft remodeling.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐four patients, requiring ridge augmentation in the anterior maxilla prior to implant placement, were treated with AT, AL‐C or AL‐CC bone blocks (eight patients per graft type). Patients were examined with CBCT prior to, 14 days, and 6–8 months after grafting. Amount of augmentation and dimensional block graft maintenance over time was evaluated by comparing planimetric measurements of the alveolar ridge made on CBCT sections of the augmentation area. During implant installation surgery, 6–8 months after grafting, cylindrical biopsies were harvested perpendicularly to the lateral aspect of the augmented alveolar ridge. The relative volumes of vital and necrotic bone and soft tissues were histomorphometrically estimated. Comparisons among groups and observation times were performed using Friedman test followed by Dunn's post‐hoc test.

Results

Radiographic evaluation showed that the three types of grafts resulted in a significant increase in alveolar ridge width, with no significant differences among the groups in terms of ridge dimensions at the various observation times. However, significant graft resorption (P = 0.03) was observed in the AL‐CC group over time (−8.3 ± 7.1%) compared with the AT and AL‐C groups, where a slight increase was observed, on average (1.5 ± 20.6% and 1.3 ± 14.9%, respectively). Histomorphometrical analysis showed that larger amounts of vital bone were found in the biopsies from the AT augmented sites (25.1 ± 11.2%) compared with AL‐CC and AL‐C augmented sites (9.3 ± 3.8% and 3.9 ± 4.6%, respectively; P ≤ 0.01). AL‐CC and AT biopsies had the smallest amount of necrotic bone (38.2 ± 12.1% and 56.7 ± 26.0, respectively) compared with AL‐C (83.7 ± 10.8%, P < 0.01) biopsies. AL‐CC biopsies showed the largest amount of soft tissues (52.5 ± 11.7%) compared with those from AT (18.1 ± 17.1%, P = 0.03) and AL‐C (12.3 ± 8.5%, P < 0.01) sites.

Conclusions

AL block bone graft architecture influences significantly its dimensional incorporation and remodeling. Compared with AT bone graft, a small portion of the AL block consists of vital bone 6–8 months after grafting. Cortical AL blocks seem to show the least amounts of vital bone, while corticocancellous AL blocks seem to undergo more resorption over time.
Genetic testing in inherited polyposis syndromes – how and why?
Authors: Lee G. H. , Payne S. J. , Melville A. , Clark S. K.
Published: February 2014

There have been recent advances in genetic testing enabling accurate diagnosis of polyposis syndromes by identifying causative gene mutations, which is essential in the management of individuals with polyposis syndrome and predictive genetic testing of their extended families. There are some similarities in clinical presentation of various polyposis syndromes, which may pose a challenge to diagnosis. In this review, we discuss the clinical presentation of the main polyposis syndromes and the process of genetic testing, including the latest advancement and future of genetic testing. We aim to reiterate the importance of genetic testing in the management of polyposis syndromes, potential pitfalls associated with genetic testing and recommendations for healthcare professionals involved with the care of polyposis patients.
Method of extraction and resolubilisation of pigments from Chlorociboria aeruginosa and Scytalidium cuboideum, two prolific spalting fungi
Authors: Robinson Sara C , Hinsch Eric , Weber Genevieve , Freitas Shawn
Published: February 2014

Twelve solvents were tested for their ability to extract the pigments of Chlorociboria aeruginosa and Scytalidium cuboideum, two fungi used primarily for the spalting of decorative wood. Solvents were assessed on the basis of the saturation of pigment produced, their ability to diffuse through filter paper, and whether they reacted with the extracted pigments. Solvents that performed well in extraction testing were then tested to determine whether they could also dissolve the extracted pigment once dried. Of the solvents tested, only dichloromethane was capable of quick, non‐reactive extraction with filter paper diffusion, as well as being able fully to redissolve dried pigment extracted from C. aeruginosa. The results of this study show dichloromethane to be an ideal solvent for extracting and applying fungal pigments that offers new possibilities for spalting in which fungi do not need to be grown directly on a substrate in order to produce pigmented wood.
REFERENCE‐DEPENDENT PREFERENCES, LOSS AVERSION, AND LIVE GAME ATTENDANCE
Authors: COATES DENNIS , HUMPHREYS BRAD R. , ZHOU LI
Published: February 2014

We develop a consumer choice model of live attendance at a sporting event with reference‐dependent preferences. The predictions of the model motivate the “uncertainty of outcome hypothesis” (UOH) as well as fans' desire to see upsets and to simply see the home team win games, depending on the importance of the reference‐dependent preferences and loss aversion. A critical review of previous empirical tests of the UOH reveals significant support for models with reference‐dependent preferences, but less support for the UOH. New empirical evidence from Major League Baseball supports the loss aversion version of the model. (JELL83, D12)
Transitional Justice and the Task of Inclusion: A Habermasian Perspective on the Justification of Aboriginal Educational Rights
Authors: Martin Christopher
Published: February 2014

In February 2012, Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission released an interim report that detailed its findings based on extensive testimony by former students of the nation's residential school system, a system designed to forcibly assimilate aboriginal peoples. The report concludes that the state must play an active role in the restoration of indigenous culture and knowledge. It is against this background that Christopher Martin analyzes the idea of aboriginal educational rights. The concern here is not so much with aboriginal persons' right to a fair share of educational provision, but with the aboriginal person's right to reassert authority over his or her developmental interests, including an interest in culture and identity. The specific role of educational rights in such debates remains an important one, especially since such discussions impinge on difficult issues of state sovereignty and cultural rights. In this essay Martin examines various justifications of aboriginal educational rights and develops a Habermasian justification that remains consistent with individual rights.
Effectiveness of a simulated patient training programme based on trainee response accuracy and appropriateness of feedback
Authors: Yoshida T. , Ogawa T. , Taguchi N. , Maeda J. , Abe K. , Rodis O. M. , Nakai Y. , Shirai H. , Torii Y. , Konoo T. , Suzuki K.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Simulated patients (SPs) need education and training in required skills to be effective resources in education. This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of an SP training programme based on the accuracy of trainee responses and the appropriateness of their feedback.

Methods

Thirty‐two applicants to the training programme and 35 experienced SPs were included in this study. The experienced SPs served as a reference group. The rate of accurate responses and the rate of appropriate feedback were assessed with pre‐ and post‐training tests, and these two outcome measures were compared with those of the experienced SPs.

Results

No significant differences were found in trainee response accuracy or appropriateness of feedback between pre‐ and post‐training tests. The response accuracy rate of the trainees on the pre‐training test was significantly lower than that of SPs with 1–2 years of experience, whilst there was no significant difference between these SPs and the trainees on the post‐training test.

Conclusions

Although our study suggests that more training is needed to improve the skills of SPs, the training programme may contribute to helping trainees reach a novice level in the skill of providing accurate responses. SP training should be encouraged to contribute to the effectiveness of such teaching and to establish the validity of the assessment.
Perceptions of D.M.D. student readiness for basic science courses in the United States: Can online review modules help?
Authors: Miller C. J. , Aiken S. A. , Metz M. J.
Published: February 2014

There can be a disconnect between the level of content covered in undergraduate coursework and the expectations of professional‐level faculty of their incoming students. Some basic science faculty members may assume that students have a good knowledge base in the material and neglect to appropriately review, whilst others may spend too much class time reviewing basic material. It was hypothesised that the replacement of introductory didactic physiology lectures with interactive online modules could improve student preparedness prior to lectures. These modules would also allow faculty members to analyse incoming student abilities and save valuable face‐to‐face class time for alternative teaching strategies. Results indicated that the performance levels of incoming U.S. students were poor (57% average on a pre‐test), and students often under‐predicted their abilities (by 13% on average). Faculty expectations varied greatly between the different content areas and did not appear to correlate with the actual student performance. Three review modules were created which produced a statistically significant increase in post‐test scores (46% increase, P < 0.0001, n = 114–115). The positive results of this study suggest a need to incorporate online review units in the basic science dental school courses and revise introductory material tailored to students’ strengths and needs.
Reproductive effort accelerates actuarial senescence in wild birds: an experimental study
Authors: Boonekamp Jelle J. , Salomons Martijn , Bouwhuis Sandra , Dijkstra Cor , Verhulst Simon
Published: February 2014

Optimality theories of ageing predict that the balance between reproductive effort and somatic maintenance determines the rate of ageing. Laboratory studies find that increased reproductive effort shortens lifespan, but through increased short‐term mortality rather than ageing. In contrast, high fecundity in early life is associated with accelerated senescence in free‐living vertebrates, but these studies are non‐experimental. We performed lifelong brood size manipulation in free‐living jackdaws. Actuarial senescence – the increase in mortality rate with age – was threefold higher in birds rearing enlarged‐ compared to reduced broods, confirming a key prediction of the optimality theory of ageing. Our findings contrast with the results of single‐year brood size manipulation studies carried out in many species, in which there was no overall discernible manipulation effect on mortality. We suggest that our and previous findings are in agreement with predictions based on the reliability theory of ageing and propose further tests of this proposition.
Discovery of a cell wall porin in the mycolic‐acid‐containing actinomycete Dietzia marisDSM 43672
Authors: Mafakheri Samaneh , Bárcena‐Uribarri Iván , Abdali Narges , Jones Amanda L. , Sutcliffe Iain C. , Benz Roland
Published: February 2014

The cell wall of the Gram‐positive mycolic‐acid‐containing actinomycete Dietzia maris DSM 43672 was found to contain a pore‐forming protein, as observed from reconstitution experiments with artificial lipid bilayer experiments in the presence of cell wall extracts. The cell wall porin was purified to homogeneity using different biochemical methods and had an apparent molecular mass of about 120 kDa on tricine‐containing SDS/PAGE. The 120 kDa protein dissociated into subunits with a molecular mass of about 35 kDa when it was heated to 100 °C in 8 m urea. The 120 kDa protein, here named PorADm, formed ion‐permeable channels in lipid bilayer membranes with a high single‐channel conductance of about 5.8 nS in 1 m KCl. Asymmetric addition of PorADm to lipid bilayer membranes resulted in an asymmetric voltage dependence. Zero‐current membrane potential measurements with different salt solutions suggested that the porin of D. maris is cation‐selective because of negative charges localized at the channel mouth. Analysis of the single‐channel conductance using non‐electrolytes with known hydrodynamic radii indicated that the diameter of the cell wall channel is about 2 nm. The channel characteristics of the cell wall porin of D. maris are compared with those of other members of the mycolata. They share some common features because they are composed of small molecular mass subunits and form large and water‐filled channels. The porin was subjected to protein analysis by mass spectrometry but its sequence had no significant homology to any known porin sequences.
A quantitative fluorescence‐based steady‐state assay of DNA polymerase
Authors: Driscoll Max D. , Rentergent Julius , Hay Sam
Published: February 2014

Fluorescent dyes that bind DNA have been demonstrated as a useful alternative to radionucleotides for the quantification of DNA and the in vitro measurement of the activity of DNA polymerases and nucleases. However, this approach is generally used in a semi‐quantitative way to determine relative rates of reaction. In this report, we demonstrate a method for the simultaneous quantification of DNA in both its single‐strand and double‐strand forms using the dye PicoGreen. This approach is used in a steady‐state assay of DNA polymerase Klenow fragment exo−, where we determine kcat and Km values for the DNA polymerase that are in excellent agreement with literature values.