bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High levels of whole raw soybean in diets for Nellore bulls in feedlot: effect on growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality
Authors: Cônsolo N. R. B. , Gardinal R. , Gandra J. R. , de Freitas Junior J. E. , Rennó F. P. , Santana M. H. de A. , Pflanzer Junior S. B. , Pereira A. S. C.
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of whole raw soybean (WRS) in the finishing diet of Nellore cattle on productive performance, carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid profile of meat, and blood parameters. In a completely randomized design, 52 Nellore bulls (mean body weight ± SD: 380 ± 34 kg) were allotted for 84 days. The animals received the following diets with a forage: concentrate ratio of 40/60: (i) WRS0: control diet without soybean grains; (ii) WRS8: diet containing 8% WRS in dry matter basis; (iii) WRS16: diet containing 16% WRS, and (iv) WRS24: diet containing 24% WRS. At intervals of 28 days, the animals were weighed, muscle and adipose tissue was analysed by ultrasound, and blood samples were collected. The animals were slaughtered on day 85 and liver weight and hot carcass weight were measured during slaughter. The pH and carcass dressing were calculated at 24 h after slaughter. Longissimus dorsi muscle samples were collected for the determination of fatty acid profile of meat, ether extract, tenderness and sensory analysis of meat aged for 14 days. Blood cholesterol content increased linearly with increasing proportion of whole raw soybean grains. The diet did not affect performance or carcass attributes. The WRS8 had the highest shear force values. In fatty acid profile, C14:0 decreased (p = 0.05), whereas 16:1, 20:0 and 20:1 fatty acids increased linearly with increasing proportion of WRS (p < 0.05). However, concentration of conjugated linoleic acid cis 9, trans 11 and 17:0 increased with WRS24 and WRS16. In the sensory analysis, WRS24 was more tender with respect to the other treatments (p < 0.05). Finally, the inclusion of WRS in the finishing diet of feedlot Nellore bulls only evidenced little changes in fatty acid profile and tenderness, in animals fed diets containing 16 or 24% soybean.
Associations of disordered sleep with body fat distribution, physical activity and diet among overweight middle‐aged men
Authors: Tan Xiao , Alén Markku , Cheng Shu Mei , Mikkola Tuija M. , Tenhunen Jarkko , Lyytikäinen Arja , Wiklund Petri , Cong Fengyu , Saarinen Antti , Tarkka Ina , Partinen Markku , Cheng Sulin
Published: February 2015

This cross‐sectional study aimed to investigate whether body fat distribution, physical activity levels and dietary intakes are associated with insomnia and/or obstructive sleep apnea among overweight middle‐aged men. Participants were 211 Finnish men aged 30–65 years. Among the 163 overweight or obese participants, 40 had insomnia only, 23 had obstructive sleep apnea only, 24 had comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea and 76 were without sleep disorder. The remaining 48 participants had normal weight without sleep disorder. Fat mass, levels of physical activity and diet were assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray densitometry, physical activity questionnaire and 3‐day food diary, respectively. Among the overweight participants, we found that: (i) groups with sleep disorders had higher fat mass in trunk and android regions than the group without sleep disorder (P = 0.048–0.004); (ii) the insomnia‐only group showed a lower level of leisure‐time physical activity (436.9 versus 986.5 MET min week−1, P = 0.009) and higher intake of saturated fatty acids (14.8 versus 12.7 E%, P = 0.011) than the group without sleep disorder; and (iii) the comorbid group had a lower level of leisure‐time physical activity (344.4 versus 986.5 MET min week−1, P = 0.007) and lower folate intake (118.9 versus 152.1 μg, P = 0.002) than the group without sleep disorder, which were independent of body mass index. The results suggest that central obesity is associated with insomnia and/or obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, low levels of leisure‐time physical activity and poor dietary intakes are related to insomnia or comorbid insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea among overweight men.
Morphological Traits of Wild and Selected Strains of Cultured Undaria pinnatifida from Galicia (NW Spain)
Authors: Peteiro César , Freire Óscar
Published: January 2015

Wakame, Undaria pinnatifida, is one of the most popular seaweeds used for human consumption in the world. Wakame quality is mainly valued on the basis of its morphological features. Continual inbreeding and directional selection have traditionally been used with economic seaweeds to obtain elite strains with high‐quality forms. In this study, we compared the morphological traits of cultured sporophytes originating from wild and selected strains of U. pinnatifida in Galicia (NW Spain). Seedlings (young sporophytes) of the two strains were cultured at a sheltered site in a coastal bay of Galicia under the same environmental conditions. Sixteen different morphological measurements were taken on cultured sporophytes. We found that the sporophytes of both wild and selected strains were significantly similar in all studied morphological characters. These results suggest that the morphology of cultured strains of U. pinnatifida from Galicia is due to environmental conditions and that specific morphological traits are dependent on the cultivation environment. Consequently, the morphological traits of Galician U. pinnatifida populations are not an important factor in selective breeding for enhanced wakame quality, and hence, for the establishment of a germplasm bank (e.g., gametophyte stocks).
Benthic Recovery after the Cessation of a Gilt‐head Seabream, Sparus aurata, Farm in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Morata Tania , Falco Silvia , Sospedra Javier , Gadea Isabel , Rodilla Miguel
Published: January 2015

An environmental recovery study was carried out after the cessation of a gilt‐head seabream farm off the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Physicochemical variables of sediments, in situ benthic fluxes of oxygen and nutrients, and benthic macrofauna were measured in the farming area and at a control station. Five sampling campaigns were done, one before the closure and the others at 1, 3, 9, and 24 mo after cessation. Benthic flux of ammonium was the first variable to recover, followed by benthic fluxes of phosphate and dissolved oxygen and percentage organic matter in the sediments, which 3 mo after the cessation of farming already showed levels similar to those in the control station. Nine months after cessation, the other abiotic variables of the sediments disturbed by the activity had recovered, such as percentage coarse fraction, total phosphorus concentrations, and redox potential measurements. The recovery of the macrofauna was slower than the abiotic variables. Three months after cessation, Capitella capitata abundance had reduced drastically in the farming area, but similar specific richness levels were not observed between the two sampled zones until 2 yr after farming cessation.
Effect of Stocking Density on Growth, Survival, and Condition of the Mexican Cichlid Cichlasoma beani
Authors: Aragon‐Flores Edgar A. , Valdez‐Hernandez Edna F. , Martinez‐Cardenas Leonardo , Castañeda‐Chavez Maria R. , Gonzales‐Diaz Alfonso A. , Soria‐Barreto Miriam , Ruiz‐Velazco Javier M. J. , Peña‐Messina Emilio
Published: January 2015

The Mexican cichlid Cichlasoma beani is currently exploited regionally as food and can be commercialized in the aquarium trade. Natural populations of C. beani may already be negatively affected by anthropogenic alteration of the areas in which it is distributed. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect on growth, survival, and condition of C. beani cultured in three stocking densities: three (D3), six (D6), and nine (D9) fish per each 40 L tank. At the end of a 6‐wk trial the fish cultured in D3 were longer, heavier, and grew faster than the rest of the treatments but their survival was the lowest compared to D6 and D9. The mortalities were caused by a strong aggressive behavior in D3.
Queue Profile Estimation in Congested Urban Networks with Probe Data
Authors: Ramezani Mohsen , Geroliminis Nikolas
Published: January 2015

Queues at signalized intersections are the main cause of traffic delays and travel time variability in urban networks. In this article, we propose a method to estimate queue profiles that are traffic shockwave polygons in the time‐space plane describing the spatiotemporal formation and dissipation of queues. The method integrates the collective effect of dispersed probe vehicle data with traffic flow shockwave analysis and data mining techniques. The proposed queue profile estimation method requires position and velocity data of probe vehicles; however, any explicit information of signal settings and arrival distribution is indispensable. Moreover, the method captures interdependencies in queue evolutions of successive intersections. The significance of the proposed method is that it is applicable in oversaturated conditions and includes queue spillover identification. Numerical results of simulation experiments and tests on NGSIM field data, with various penetration rates and sampling intervals, reveal the promising and robust performance of the proposed method compared with a uniform arrival queue estimation procedure. The method provides a thorough understanding of urban traffic flow dynamics and has direct applications for delay analysis, queue length estimation, signal settings estimation, and vehicle trajectory reconstruction.
Correlation between signal input and output in PctA and PctB amino acid chemoreceptor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Reyes‐Darias José A. , Yang Yiling , Sourjik Victor , Krell Tino
Published: January 2015

The PctA and PctB chemoreceptors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa mediate chemotaxis toward amino acids. A general feature of signal transduction processes is that a signal input is converted into an output. We have generated chimeras combining the Tar signaling domain with either the PctA or PctB ligand binding domain (LBD). Escherichia coli harboring either PctA‐Tar or PctB‐Tar mediated chemotaxis toward amino acids. The responses of both chimeras were determined using fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and the derived EC50 values are a measure of output. PctA‐Tar and PctB‐Tar responded to 19 and 11 L‐amino acids respectively. The EC50 values of PctA‐Tar responses differed by more than three orders of magnitude, whereas PctB‐Tar responded preferentially to L‐Gln. The comparison of amino acid binding constants and the corresponding EC50 values for both receptors revealed statistically significant correlations between inputs and outputs. PctA and PctB possess a double PDC (PhoQ‐DcuS‐CitA) LBD – a family of binding domain found in various other amino acid chemoreceptors. Similarly, various chemoreceptors share the preferential response to certain amino acids (e.g. L‐Cys, L‐Ser and L‐Thr) that we observed for PctA. Defining the specific inputs and outputs of these chemoreceptors is an important step toward better understanding of their physiological role.
The Crc protein participates in down‐regulation of the Lon gene to promote rhamnolipid production and rhl quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Yang Nana , Ding Shuting , Chen Feifei , Zhang Xue , Xia Yongjie , Di Hongxia , Cao Qiao , Deng Xin , Wu Min , Wong Catherine C.L. , Tian Xiao‐Xu , Yang Cai‐Guang , Zhao Jing , Lan Lefu
Published: January 2015

Rhamnolipid acts as a virulence factor during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Here, we show that deletion of the catabolite repression control (crc) gene in P. aeruginosa leads to a rhamnolipid‐negative phenotype. This effect is mediated by the down‐regulation of rhl quorum sensing (QS). We discover that a disruption of the gene encoding the Lon protease entirely offsets the effect of crc deletion on the production of both rhamnolipid and rhl QS signal C4‐HSL. Crc is unable to bind lon mRNA in vitro in the absence of the RNA chaperon Hfq, while Crc contributes to Hfq‐mediated repression of the lon gene expression at a posttranscriptional level. Deletion of crc, which results in up‐regulation of lon, significantly reduces the in vivo stability and abundance of the RhlI protein that synthesizes C4‐HSL, causing the attenuation of rhl QS. Lon is also capable of degrading the RhlI protein in vitro. In addition, constitutive expression of rhlI suppresses the defects of the crc deletion mutant in rhamnolipid, C4‐HSL and virulence on lettuce leaves. This study therefore uncovers a novel posttranscriptional regulatory cascade, Crc‐Hfq/Lon/RhlI, for the regulation of rhamnolipid production and rhl QS in P. aeruginosa.
Destabilization of interaction between cytokinin signaling intermediates AHP1 and ARR4 modulates Arabidopsis development
Authors: Verma Vivek , Sivaraman Jayaraman , Srivastava Anjil Kumar , Sadanandom Ari , Kumar Prakash P.
Published: January 2015

Eukaryotic two‐component signaling involves the His–Asp–His–Asp multistep phosphorelay (MSP). In Arabidopsis thaliana, cytokinin‐mediated MSP signaling intermediates include histidine kinases (HKs), histidine phosphotransfer proteins (Hpts) and response regulators (RRs). The structure–function relationship of interaction between Hpt (e.g. AHP1) and RR (e.g. ARR4) is poorly understood.

Using a homology model and yeast two‐hybrid analysis, we identified key amino acids of ARR4 at the AHP1–ΔARR4(16–175) interaction interface. Mutating them in Arabidopsis (arr3,4,5,6,8,9 hextuple mutant background) and performing root length assays provided functional relevance, and coimmunoprecipitation (coIP) assay provided biochemical evidence for the interaction.

The homology model mimics crystal structures of Hpt–RR complexes. Mutating selected interface residues of ARR4 either abolished or destabilized the interaction. D45A and Y96A mutations weakened interaction with AHP1, and exhibited weaker rescue of root elongation in the hextuple mutants. CoIP analysis using cytokinin‐treated transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings provided biochemical evidence for weakened AHP1–ARR4 interaction. The relevance of the selected residues for the interaction was further validated in two independent pairs of Hpt–RR proteins from Arabidopsis and rice (Oryza sativa).

Our data provide evidence of a link between Hpt–RR interaction affinity and regulation of downstream functions of RRs. This establishes a structure–function relationship for the final step of a eukaryotic MSP signal cascade.
Functional analysis of a Wheat Homeodomain protein, TaR1, reveals that host chromatin remodelling influences the dynamics of the switch to necrotrophic growth in the phytopathogenic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Lee Jack , Orosa Beatriz , Millyard Linda , Edwards Martin , Kanyuka Kostya , Gatehouse Angharad , Rudd Jason , Hammond‐Kosack Kim , Pain Naomi , Sadanandom Ari
Published: January 2015

A distinguishing feature of Septoria leaf blotch disease in wheat is the long symptomless growth of the fungus amongst host cells followed by a rapid transition to necrotrophic growth resulting in disease lesions. Global reprogramming of host transcription marks this switch to necrotrophic growth. However no information exists on the components that bring about host transcriptional reprogramming.

Gene‐silencing, confocal‐imaging and protein–protein interaction assays where employed to identify a plant homeodomain (PHD) protein, TaR1 in wheat that plays a critical role during the transition from symptomless to necrotrophic growth of Septoria.

TaR1‐silenced wheat show earlier symptom development upon Septoria infection but reduced fungal sporulation indicating that TaR1 is key for prolonging the symptomless phase and facilitating Septoria asexual reproduction. TaR1 is localized to the nucleus and binds to wheat Histone 3. Trimethylation of Histone 3 at lysine 4 (H3K4) and lysine 36 (H3K36) are found on open chromatin with actively transcribed genes, whereas methylation of H3K27 and H3K9 are associated with repressed loci. TaR1 specifically recognizes dimethylated and trimethylated H3K4 peptides suggesting that it regulates transcriptional activation at open chromatin.

We conclude that TaR1 is an important component for the pathogen life cycle in wheat that promotes successful colonization by Septoria.
Isometric partitioning of hydraulic conductance between leaves and stems: balancing safety and efficiency in different growth forms and habitats
Authors: DRAKE PAUL L. , PRICE CHARLES A. , POOT PIETER , VENEKLAAS ERIK J.
Published: January 2015

Recent advances in modelling the architecture and function of the plant hydraulic network have led to improvements in predicting and interpreting the consequences of functional trait variation on CO2 uptake and water loss. We build upon one such model to make novel predictions for scaling of the total specific hydraulic conductance of leaves and shoots (kL and kSH, respectively) and variation in the partitioning of hydraulic conductance. Consistent with theory, we observed isometric (slope = 1) scaling between kL and kSH across several independently collected datasets and a lower ratio of kL and kSH, termed the leaf‐to‐shoot conductance ratio (CLSCR), in arid environments and in woody species. Isometric scaling of kL and kSH supports the concept that hydraulic design is coordinated across the plant. We propose that CLSCR is an important adaptive trait that represents the trade‐off between efficiency and safety at the scale of the whole plant.
Cutaneous Angiomyolipoma Masquerading as a Neurofibroma in a Child with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report
Authors: Carrau Diana , Kahwash Samir , Pearson Gregory
Published: January 2015

Angiomyolipomas are benign tumors composed of blood vessels, smooth muscle, and adipose tissue that are frequently associated with tuberous sclerosis. Cutaneous angiomyolipomas are rare and typically present in men in the fifth or sixth decade of life. We present a case of a cutaneous angiomyolipoma masquerading as a neurofibroma in a 13‐year‐old boy with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1.
Molluscum Contagiosum: To Treat or Not to Treat? Experience with 170 Children in an Outpatient Clinic Setting in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Basdag Hatice , Rainer Barbara M. , Cohen Bernard A.
Published: January 2015

Despite the high prevalence of molluscum contagiosum (MC) in children, epidemiologic data on this common self‐limited viral infection is limited. In this report we review our experience with the demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, management, and time to resolution of MC in 170 children. A retrospective medical chart review and telephone survey were conducted on children younger than 16 years of age evaluated for MC in the Division of Pediatric Dermatology at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, Baltimore, Maryland, from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2011. Of 170 children with MC, 51.8% were female and 77.1% were Caucasian. The median age at diagnosis was 5 years and 46.5% had a history of atopic dermatitis (AD). Children with AD had significantly more MC lesions than those without (p < 0.05); 72.9% of children did not receive any treatment. MC lesions completely cleared within 12 months in 45.6% of treated and 48.4% of untreated children and within 18 months in 69.5% of treated and 72.6% of untreated children. Treatment (if any), sex, race, diagnosing physician, number of lesions at diagnosis, number of anatomic locations, or history of AD did not predict time to resolution of MC lesions. MC lesions completely resolved in approximately 50% of children within 12 months and in 70% within 18 months. Treatment did not shorten the time to resolution.
Atypical Presentations of Terra Firma‐Forme Dermatosis
Authors: Thomas Richard Scott , Collins Jeffrey , Young Russel John , Bohlke Angela
Published: January 2015

Terra firma‐forme dermatosis is a benign dermatologic condition that presents as dirt‐colored patches and plaques, mainly affecting children and adolescents. It is resistant to conventional washing with soap and water but is easily treated with isopropyl alcohol. Clinical awareness of this condition provides a quick, simple resolution. Here we present two cases involving 14‐year‐old girls with uncommon presentations of terra firma‐forme dermatosis. One case involved an upper extremity and the other presented with a history of knee brace occlusion. After diagnosis, both patients were successfully treated with weekly isopropyl alcohol applications.
Recessive Bullous Dermolysis of the Newborn in Preterm Siblings with a Missense Mutation in Type VII Collagen
Authors: Boccaletti Valeria , Zambruno Giovanna , Castiglia Daniele , Magnani Cinzia , Tognetti Elena , Fabrizi Giuseppe , Cortelazzi Chiara , Pagliarello Calogero , Di Nuzzo Sergio
Published: January 2015

Bullous dermolysis of the newborn is a dominant or recessive inherited subtype of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa characterized by the tendency to spontaneously stop blistering within the first months of life. Here we report two siblings with bullous dermolysis of the newborn who were born prematurely and have a novel recessive mutation, p.Pro2259Leu, in the triple helix domain of type VII collagen. We discuss the possible relationship between genotype and prematurity and clinical manifestations in these patients.
Nickel Ferrule Applicators: A Source of Nickel Exposure in Children
Authors: Jacob Sharon E. , Silverberg Jonathan I. , Rizk Christopher , Silverberg Nanette
Published: January 2015

Eye makeup has been investigated for nickel content and found to have no direct association with nickel allergy and cosmetic dermatitis. However, the tools used (e.g., eyelash curlers, hairdressing scissors, hair curlers, and eye shadow and makeup applicators) may be sources. Nickel is ubiquitous and a wide range of sources have been reported, and makeup applicators (ferrules) now join the list.
Reactogenicity and immunogenicity of measles–rubella combined vaccine in school‐entry‐aged subjects with naturally acquired measles immunity
Authors: Kumagai Takuji , Ihara Toshiaki , Nakayama Tetsuo , Nagata Nobuo , Kamiya Hitoshi
Published: January 2015

Background

The reintroduction of measles–rubella combined (MR) vaccination to Japan raised concerns about adverse events as well as immunogenicity related to booster immunization in subjects with naturally acquired immunity to measles or rubella.

Methods

The time course of reactogenicity and antibody responses in recipients with pre‐existing immunity to measles through natural infection was observed. Eighteen children aged 80–104 months received MR booster vaccination; 16 of them had had previous rubella vaccination.

Results

There were virtually no clinical reactions related to booster vaccination, and a highly significant antibody response to rubella antigen, whereas the antibody rise to measles was statistically significant but poor.

Conclusions

Vaccination of individuals already immune is not harmful. Booster immunization to rubella for Japanese children is vitally important.
Corporate Paternalism and the Problem of Harmful Products
Authors: Benson Peter
Published: January 2015

Withstanding the many important differences between tobacco and firearms, the goal of this article is to analyze a similar set of public relations strategies in these industries. The tobacco industry seeks to focus things on the family and uphold a behavioral and psychological model of risk management in the face of alternative public health, regulatory, and preventative approaches. My concern is with discourse analysis, and in exploring the motives, interests, and effects of corporate communications, I document a convergence in how the tobacco and firearms industries approach questions of responsibility and agency. These case studies permit a wider theorization of the dynamics of what Michel Foucault calls “problematization.”
Corporations and Community in Highland Guatemala
Authors: Thomas Kedron
Published: January 2015

This article takes Eric Wolf's concept of the closed, corporate community as a starting point for exploring how senses of community take shape in highland Guatemala in relation to contemporary property and production models that are premised on the sovereignty of legal corporations (i.e., multinational firms). Findings are based on ethnographic fieldwork among indigenous Maya entrepreneurs who own small‐scale clothing manufacturing businesses and who routinely copy trademarked fashion brands. Their understandings and practices of community reveal a great deal about the unique dilemmas forged by global rights regimes and transnational capitalist production. Small‐scale manufacturers interpret their relationships to international intellectual property protections and maquiladoras [foreign‐owned, large‐scale factories] through a moral economy that privileges the sharing of knowledge and resources across kin and neighbors and in ways that reinforce senses of belonging to spatialized communities.
Citizen–Auditors and Visible Subjects:Mi Familia Progresaand Transparency Politics in Guatemala
Authors: Dotson Rachel
Published: January 2015

This article analyzes the politics of transparency in Guatemala through the lens ofMi Familia Progresa, a state social program in the Guatemalan highlands that is based on the conditional cash transfer model of poverty alleviation, implemented between 2008 and 2012 under the administration of President Alvaro Colom. I argue that concepts of transparency and audit that permeate national‐level political discourse in Guatemala work to create dual classes of citizens: taxpayers who have the right and responsibility to audit social programs, and recipients of state benefits who are viewed as legitimate objects of public scrutiny. Through combined analysis of political discourse and ethnographic research on Mi Familia Progresa, this article provides a view into how the terms of these emerging forms of citizenship are negotiated and with what results for those Guatemalans who rely on Mi Familia Progresa to meet their day‐to‐day needs. This article concludes that efforts to make state social programs transparent, while often portrayed as empowering and democratic, actually work to reinforce long‐standing forms of exclusionary citizenship. At the same time, a dominant focus on transparency works to obscure critical questions related to the efficacy of state social programs in addressing issues of poverty and inequality.
Behavioral Determinants of Citizen Involvement: Evidence from Natural Resource Decentralization Policy
Authors: Coleman Eric A.
Published: January 2015

This article examines the robustness of citizen involvement in decentralized governance. It develops two behavioral theories of citizen involvement and examines their relative explanatory power with survey data collected from subsistence households in forest‐dependent communities in Bolivia, Kenya, Mexico, and Uganda. Counterintuitively, the analysis finds that households that have been engaged with collective action the longest are the most likely to disengage from decentralized institutions once they confront crises. This result is interpreted in light of psychological self‐licensing theory: people justify noninvolvement with decentralization precisely because of their past effort. This result implies that policies that rely on local involvement may be unsustainable insofar as they fail to address the underlying vulnerability of local users. In order to ensure that citizen involvement with decentralized governance is consistent and effective, policies need to address the structural factors that make users vulnerable to crises.
Why Reflective Equilibrium? III: Reflective Equilibrium as a Heuristic Tool
Authors: Eng Svein
Published: January 2015

In A Theory of Justice (1971), John Rawls introduces the concept of “reflective equilibrium.” Although there are innumerable references to and discussions of this concept in the literature, there is, to the present author's knowledge, no discussion of the most important question: Why reflective equilibrium? In particular, the question arises: Is the method of reflective equilibrium applicable to the choice of this method itself? Rawls's drawing of parallels between Kant's moral theory and his own suggests that his concept of “reflective equilibrium” is on a par with Kant's concept of “transcendental deduction.” Treating these two approaches to justification as paradigmatic, I consider their respective merits in meeting the reflexive challenge, i.e., in offering a justification for choice of mode of justification. In the first part of this enquiry (Eng 2014a), I raised the issue of the reflexivity of justification and questioned whether the reflexive challenge can be met within the framework of A Theory of Justice. In the second part (Eng 2014b), I outlined a Kantian approach that represents a paradigmatic alternative to Rawls. In this third and final part, I shall argue that Rawls's reflective equilibrium cannot justify the choice of itself and that in the broader perspective thus necessitated, we cannot escape the metaphysical issues integral to the Kantian approach.
A Bayesian Approach for The Analysis of Triadic Data In Cognitive Social Structures
Authors: Swartz Tim B. , Gill Paramjit S. , Muthukumarana Saman
Published: January 2015

The paper proposes a fully Bayesian approach for the analysis of triadic data in social networks. Inference is based on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods as implemented in the software package WinBUGS. We apply the methodology to two data sets to highlight the ease with which cognitive social structures can be analysed.
Antibiotic Dosing in Critically Ill Patients Receiving CRRT: Underdosing is Overprevalent
Authors: Lewis Susan J. , Mueller Bruce A.
Published: January 2015

Published CRRT drug dosing algorithms and other dosing guidelines appear to result in underdosed antibiotics, leading to failure to attain pharmacodynamic targets. High mortality rates persist with inadequate antibiotic therapy as the most important risk factor for death. Reasons for unintended antibiotic underdosing in patients receiving CRRT are many. Underdosing may result from lack of the recognition that better hepatic function in AKI patients yields higher nonrenal antibiotic clearance compared to ESRD patients. Other factors include the variability in body size and fluid composition of patients, the serious consequence of delayed achievement of antibiotic pharmacodynamic targets in septic patients, potential subtherapeutic antibiotic concentrations at the infection site, and the influence of RRT intensity on antibiotic concentrations. Too often, clinicians weigh the benefits of overcautious antibiotic dosing to avoid antibiotic toxicity too heavily against the benefits of rapid attainment of therapeutic antibiotic concentrations in critically ill patients receiving CRRT. We urge clinicians to prescribe antibiotics aggressively for these vulnerable patients.
Molecular Analysis and Localization of CaARA7 a Conventional RAB5 GTPase from Characean Algae
Authors: Hoepflinger Marion C. , Geretschlaeger Anja , Sommer Aniela , Hoeftberger Margit , Hametner Christina , Ueda Takashi , Foissner Ilse
Published: January 2015

This is the first detailed investigation of a conventional RAB5 GTPase (CaARA7/CaRABF2) in a green alga closely related to land plants (Chara australis; Charales). CaARA7 is highly similar to other RAB5 proteins and has intrinsic GTPase activity. It is involved in endosomal membrane trafficking as suggested by localization experiments (immunolabelling of internodal cells using anti‐CaARA7 as well as transient expression of different fluorescently tagged RAB5s in tobacco) and by protein mutations in membrane anchoring and GTP binding sites.
Costs, consequences, and cost‐effectiveness of strategies for Babesia microti donor screening of the US blood supply
Authors: Goodell Alex J. , Bloch Evan M. , Krause Peter J. , Custer Brian
Published: January 2015

Background

Babesia microti is regarded as the foremost infectious risk to the US blood supply for which a regulatory‐approved screening test is unavailable. More than 160 cases of transfusion‐transmitted Babesia microti (TTB) have been reported to date, yet there is little consensus regarding a mitigation strategy.

Study Design and Methods

This study sought to assess the cost‐utility of donation screening by mode of testing (immunofluorescence assay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], polymerase chain reaction [PCR], and combinations thereof) as well as extent of geographic inclusion (4‐state, 7‐state, 20‐state, or national screening). A discrete‐time Markov cohort model to simulate the outcomes of B. microti infection and survival of the transfused population was developed. Seroprevalence was estimated by extrapolating babesiosis claims from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services and reports to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Test performance was estimated from clinical diagnostics and limited donor screening studies, while transmissibility was estimated as a weighted average of three studies. Results are reported as the cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) for each strategy compared to no screening.

Results

Given model inputs, 4‐state and 7‐state ELISA in combination with PCR would cost $5.2 million and $6.6 million/QALY, respectively. Cost‐effectiveness for 20‐state and national screening strategies were less favorable.

Conclusion

Targeted screening in states with the highest seroprevalence of infection is likely to exceed an implicit threshold of $1 million/QALY often used in blood safety. However, the proportion of donor‐seronegative parasitemia, transmissibility, and clinical outcomes resulting from TTB are uncertain.
Differences in gene flow in a twofold secondary contact zone of pond turtles in southern Italy (Testudines: Emydidae:Emys orbicularis galloitalica,E. o. hellenica,E. trinacris)
Authors: Vamberger Melita , Stuckas Heiko , Sacco Francesco , D'Angelo Stefania , Arculeo Marco , Cheylan Marc , Corti Claudia , Lo Valvo Mario , Marrone Federico , Wink Michael , Fritz Uwe
Published: January 2015

Using virtually range‐wide sampling for three pond turtle taxa (Emys orbicularis galloitalica,E. o. hellenica,E. trinacris), we analyse gene flow across their southern Italian contact zone. Based on population genetic analyses of 15 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci and a mitochondrial marker, we show that the general genetic pattern matches well with the current taxon delimitation. Yet, single individuals with conflicting genetic identity suggest translocation of turtles by humans. In addition, we identify in south‐western France and the vicinity of Rome populations being heavily impacted by introduced turtles. Cline analyses reveal that the major genetic break betweenE. o. galloitalicaandE. o. hellenicacorresponds well with the currently accepted intergradation zone in southern Italy. However, introgression is largely unidirectional fromE. o. galloitalicaintoE. o. hellenica. In the distribution range of the latter subspecies, genetic footprints ofE. o. galloitalicaare evident along most of the Italian east coast. Our results corroborate thatE. o. galloitalicawas introduced long ago in Corsica and Sardinia and naturalized there. Gene flow betweenE. orbicularisandE. trinacrisis negligible, with the Strait of Messina matching well with the narrow cline centre between the two species. This contrasts with other Mediterranean freshwater turtle species with extensive transoceanic gene flow. Compared to the two subspecies ofE. orbicularis, the SicilianE. trinacrisshows an unexpectedly strong population structuring, a finding also of some relevance for conservation. The differences between the two taxon pairsE. orbicularis/E. trinacrisandE. o. galloitalica/E. o. hellenicasupport their current taxonomic classification and make them attractive objects for follow‐up studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of speciation by comparing their properties.
A quantitative study of the mechanosensory innervation of the salmander skin.
Authors: Cooper E , Diamond J
Published: January 2015

We have investigated by physiological means the characteristics and organization of the mechanoreceptors in the skin of the salamander hind limb. A controlled mechanical stimulator with a tip diameter of a few microns was used to activate single mechanoreceptors, and afferent impulses were recorded from whole spinal nerves. 2. The mechanoreceptors of the skin are rapidly adapting. When random spots on the skin were tested, the stimulus strength needed to evoke an impulse varied from one location to another. The histogram of percentage occurrence of these critical stimuli in a given skin has the same form whether the sampled spots are 50 mum apart and are all included in a small area, or whether the spots are sampled as much as 1 mm apart across the entire limb. The histogram is skewed, with the highest‐percentage occurrence in the low‐threshold range. 3. One interpretation of the findings is that there is a single population of mechanoreceptors, of uniform threshold, spaced far enough apart for a stimulator of small diameter to be situated between them. By locating a low‐threshold spot, and then determining the increase in stimulus required to excite it at a known distance away, it was possible to estimate the relationship between the strength of the stimulus and the receptive field size of such a population of receptors; we were then able to infer the average receptor spacing and receptive field size. The values are approximately 250 and 75 mum respectively. 4. From appropriate maps of detailed systematic surveys of the skin sensitivity to touch it was possible to define discrete low‐threshold areas. These areas had approximate radii in the range 50‐75 mum, and their centres were about 200‐250 mum apart; these values are consistant with those predicted above. We conclude that the experimentally determined sensitive areas represent the receptive fields (at threshold) of individual mechanosensory endings. There are approximately twenty to thirty of them per square millimetre. 5. Receptive fields of single mechanosensory axons (i.e. of sensory 'units') were measured by an occlusion technique using two prodders. These fields vary from 0‐05 to 2‐5 mm2, and are generally organized as discrete areas with only a little overlap among them. Individual axons supply from five to seventy‐five mechanoreceptors. 6. The findings provide a basis for quantitative studies of plasticity involving the mechanosensory system of the salamander skin.
The transfer of free fatty acids across the rabbit placenta.
Authors: Elphick M C , Hull D
Published: January 2015

1. The passage of fatty acids across the placenta was studied in 28 day pregnant rabbits (i) by comparing the fatty acid distribution in plasma free fatty acids (FFA) of umbilical cord artery and vein with that in maternal plasma and (ii) by infusing the doe at a constant rate with labelled palmitic, linoleic or arachidonic acids. During the infusion maternal and foetal plasma FFA specific activities were measured. 2. The mean levels of all the fatty acids studied (from twelve to twenty carbon atoms) were similar in both the umbilical vein plasma and maternal arterial plasma FFA, except for arachidonic acid, which was higher in foetal blood. The relative distribution of the fatty acids in umbilical arterial plasma similar to that in the vein, but at lower concentrations. The mean cord venous‐arterial difference for each fatty acid correlated positively with the mean maternal arterial levels, with the exception of arachidonic acid. 3. During the constant infusion experiments the specific activities of the fatty acids in the maternal and foetal circulating FFA pools rose rapidly during the first 4 min then rose only slowly. Palmitic and linoleic acids were cleared from the maternal circulation in a similar manner and crossed the placenta at similar rates. 4. The average foetal specific activity in plasma FFA reached 15% of the maternal level for both palmitate and linoleate. The figure for arachidonic acid was half that for palmitic acid infused at the same time. 5. It is concluded that (i) all the major fatty acids present in foetal adipose tissue cross the placenta, (ii) the net transport of each fatty acid depends in part on maternal concentrations, (iii) the rate of metabolism of palmitic and linoleic acids is the same and both cross the placenta at the same rate. Proportionately less foetal arachidonic acid is derived from maternal FFA, and (iv) the results suggest a second placental source of arachidonic acid and possibly also of otherfatty acids.
Differentiation between the calcium‐dependent effects of cholecystokinin‐pancreaozymin and the bicarbonate‐dependent effects of secretin in exocrine secretion of the rat pancreas.
Authors: Kanno T , Yamamoto M
Published: January 2015

1. Differentiation between the secretory effects of pure natural cholecystokinin‐pancreozymin (CCK‐PZ) and those of synthetic secretin was studied in the isolated pancreas of the rat perfused with a standard solution containing both Ca2+ and HCO2‐, a Ca2+ deficient solution, or a HCO3‐deficient solution. 2. Secretin induced a dose‐dependent increase in the flow of pancreatic juice and a slight but definite increase in amylase output which was also dependent upon the dose of secretin. 3. The increase in the flow of pancreatic juice, induced by continuous stimulation with secretin (5 Ivy dog m‐u./ml.), was completely abolished during perfusion with a CHO3‐ deficient solution, but was only slightly suppressed during perfusion with a Ca2+‐deficient solution. 4. The increase in flow, induced by continuous stimulation with CCK‐PZ (5 Ivy dog m‐u./ml.), was partly affected by the deprivation of HCO3‐, but was strongly inhibited by the deprivation of Ca2+. The CCK‐PZ‐induced amylase output was not affected by the deprivation of HCO3‐, but was significantly inhibited by the deprivation of Ca2+. 5. The present results favour the view that CCK‐PZ acts on the acinar cells to increase both amylase output and juice flow, whereas secretin acts on centro‐acinar and terminal duct cells to increase mainly juice flow.
Secretion of fluid and amylase in the perfused rat pancreas.
Authors: Petersen O H , Ueda N
Published: January 2015

1. The isolated rat pancreas was perfused with physiological salt solutions of varying composition. Flow of pancreatic juice and output of amylase during rest and after stimulation with pure secretin, pure cholecystokinin‐pancreozymin (CCK‐PZ), caerulein or acetylcholine (ACh) were measured. 2. Basal fluid secretion was abolished replacing perfusion fluid NA+ or Cl‐ by Tris+ or SO42‐ respectively. Readmission of Na+ or Cl‐ caused a transient increase above the normal control level of both fluid and amylase output. Exposure to K+‐free solution severely reduced fluid output and K+ readmission resulted in a transient increase in secretory rate. 3. Maximal stimulation with ACh (10(‐7) M), CCK‐PZ (1‐5 X 10(‐10) M) or caerulein (10(‐10) M) caused marked sustained fluid and amylase secretion. Maximal secretin stimulation (5‐7 X 10(‐9) M) caused marked sustained fluid but only a small sustained amylase secretion following an initial transient. 4. Under continuous secretin stimulation, replacement of the CO2/HCO3‐buffered control fluid by a CO2/HCO3‐free Tris buffered solution caused a sharp decrease in pancreatic juice flow. In the absence of extracellular CO2/HCO3‐secretin did not evoke fluid or enzyme secretion. In contrast the effects of ACh, CCK‐PZ or caerulein were independent on CO2/HCO3‐. Monobutyryl cyclic AMP (10(‐3) M) caused marked sustained fluid secretion and transient enzyme secretion. The effect was entirely dependent on the presence of CO2/HCO3‐in the perfusion fluid. 5. Ouabain (10(‐4)‐10(‐3) M) markedly inhibited both secretin‐ and caerulein‐evoked fluid secretion while caerulein‐evoked amylase secretion was hardly affected. Similar findings were made with K+‐free solution. 6. The effect of maximal secretin stimulation on amylase secretion was greatly augmented in the presence of a maximally stimulating concentration of caerulein. The effects on fluid secretion of secretin and caerulein were simply additive. The effects of secretin on both amylase and fluid secretion, in the presence of caerulein, were entirely dependent on the presence of CO2/HCO3‐ in the perfusion fluid. 7. We conclude that two different fluid secretion processes occur in the rat exocrine pancreas. One stimulated by ACh and CCK‐PZ, that is independent of extracellular CO2/HCO3‐ and another stimulated by secretin involving H+ or HCO3‐transport. Only the effects of secretin seem to be mediated by intracellular cyclic AMP.
Frog muscle spindles with unbranched myelinated afferent axons: the response to stretch and the length of the first myelinated segment.
Authors: Ito F , Komatsu Y
Published: January 2015

1. Twenty‐five muscle spindles innervated by unbranched myelinated axons in the capsule were isolated from sartorius muscle in young frogs (2‐2‐‐9‐5 g in weight, 28‐47 mm in rostro‐caudal length). 2. The lengths and the diameters of the first myelinated segments varied from 30 to 170 mum and from 9 to 20 mum respectively. There was no relationship between the lengths and the diameters. 3. Dynamic and static components were analysed from discharge rates of the muscle spindles during ramp‐and‐hold stretches of 0‐8 mm from different initial lengths. The values of the dynamic components to a certain stretch stimulation increased with shortening in the length of the first myelinated segment. The values of the static components were independent in length. 4. The amplitudes of action potentials recorded from the spindle terminal decreased during the dynamic phase of the stretch. The ratio of amplitude decrease at the end of the dynamic phase versus the initial length depended upon the length of the first myelinated segment. 5. These results suggest that the discharges during stretch may arise at the first node, though the spontaneous discharges may be generated at the terminal.
Voltage‐clamp analysis of a self‐inhibitory synaptic potential in the buccal ganglia of Aplysia.
Authors: Gardner D
Published: January 2015

1. In cholinergic neurones BL4, BL5, BR4, and BR5 of Aplysia buccal ganglia, each action potential is followed, in the same cell, by a curare‐ and high‐Mg‐sensitive hyperpolarizing after‐potential which is enhanced by Ca. 2. In voltage‐clamped neurons, substracting currents recorded in curare from currents recorded in sea water reveals that this potential is due to curare‐sensitive currents which rise to a peak, then decay exponentially with an apparently voltage‐independent time constant of 43 msec. Currents are produced by a voltage‐independent, Ca‐enhanced, conductance change with a 0‐26 mumho peak and a ‐64 mV reversal potential. The curare‐sensitive conductance is also sensitive to high Mg. 3. Both after‐potential and curare‐ or Mg‐sensitive current follow each action potential without failures, even in threshold‐raising 80 mM‐Ca‐144‐mM‐Mg solutions. 4. Both after‐potential and current decrease with repetitive firing or short inter‐spike interval, possibly due to receptor desensitization. 5. The Mg‐ and curare‐sensitive conductance is also blocked by 1 mM‐ACh. 6. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that the hyperpolarization following action potentials in each of these four neurones is produced by a self‐inhibitory synaptic mechanism.