bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Gas Exchange, Leaf Water Status, and Carbohydrate Partitioning During the Early Vegetative Stage on Drought Tolerance in Cowpea
Authors: Verbree David A. , Singh Bir B. , Payne William A.
Published: February 2014

Two contrasting responses to water stress have been reported among drought‐tolerant cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) cultivars. In Type 1 response, growth was arrested, moisture was conserved, and the unifoliates and trifoliates desiccated at approximately the same time. In Type 2 response, the unifoliates desiccated early and leaf moisture was conserved in the trifoliates to allow growth to continue slowly for the youngest trifoliate. The objective of this study was to evaluate these contrasting responses to water stress among six previously identified tolerant and susceptible cultivars and to elucidate the physiological basis for drought tolerance in cowpea with respect to gas exchange, leaf water status, and carbohydrate partitioning. Six cultivars previously identified as differing in type and level of drought tolerance were planted in a greenhouse with drought stress initiated 11 d after planting. Gas exchange, dry weight partitioning, and water status measurements were taken on each cultivar every 3 to 5 d during water stress. Water stress reduced net photosynthesis (Anet), stomatal conductance (gsw), and transpiration, increased intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), but had no effect on leaf water content (LWC) of the trifoliates in all cowpea cultivars regardless of the type or level of drought tolerance. Results suggest that reduced Anet under water stress was likely due to end‐product inhibition rather than stomatal limitation to CO2 diffusion. This study found no evidence that the overall plant water status was improved by unifoliate senescence in certain drought‐tolerant cultivars as previously postulated. Rather, this appears to be a general stress response exhibited by certain cultivars.
Potential Involvement of Maternal Cytoplasm in the Regulation of Flowering Time via Interaction with Nuclear Genes in Maize
Authors: Tang Zaixiang , Hu Wenming , Huang Jian , Lu Xin , Yang Zefeng , Lei Shufeng , Zhang Yonghong , Xu Chenwu
Published: February 2014

Flowering time is a complex trait that controls adaptation of plants to their local environment in the outcrossing species maize (Zea mays L.). Previous studies have identified numerous quantitative trait loci (QTL) and genetic sequences associated with flowering time. However, beyond the nuclear genome, the maternal cytoplasm may also be involved in the regulation of flowering time. The objectives of this study were to locate the associated QTL based on a special mating design and to verify the hypothesis that the maternal cytoplasm may also contribute to the variation in flowering time. In the present study, a reciprocal mating design was conducted to generate F2 mapping populations comprising 120 F2 plants from the direct cross (JB × Y53) and 120 F2 plants from the reciprocal cross (Y53 × JB). F2:3 mapping populations were further generated with 91 direct F2:3 families and 120 reciprocal F2:3 families (10 plants per family). The days to tassel (DTT) and the days to pollen shed (DPS) of the above F2 and F2:3 mapping populations were evaluated in the same field and at the same experimental station in 2007 and 2008. A genetic linkage map with 154 microsatellite markers was constructed that covered 1735 cM of the maize genome with an average marker spacing of 11.3 cM. A joint analysis method incorporating the cytonuclear interaction mapping approach was proposed and performed to detect the QTL affecting DTT and DPS. As a result, eight and 11 QTL were detected for DTT and DPS, respectively. Interestingly, although the cytoplasmic effects were not significant between the direct and reciprocal populations, the interactions among the cytoplasm and the QTL were detected for both DTT and DPS. In the present study, four and eight cytonuclear epistatic QTL significantly contributed to the variation in DTT and DPS, respectively. Importantly, most of these cytonuclear epistatic QTL cannot be detected using the interval mapping method. These results suggest that the maternal cytoplasm might also be involved in the regulation of flowering time by interacting with nuclear genes in maize.
Relative Effect of Drift and Selection in Diverging Populations within a Reciprocal Recurrent Selection Program
Authors: Lamkey C. M. , Lorenz A. J.
Published: February 2014

The establishment of a solid heterotic pattern has been beneficial to maize (Zea mays L.) breeding in North America. It has been shown that genetic divergence between heterotic groups has increased over time, but the relative importance of drift versus selection for hybrid performance on the increased divergence is not known. Reciprocal recurrent selection is a systematic method of selection on hybrid performance, where two populations are selected and improved on the basis of the population‐cross performance. The University of Nebraska performed a replicated recurrent selection program (UNL‐RpRS) for eight cycles of selection. Three replicate programs were conducted in parallel for both reciprocal full‐sib selection (RFS) and S1‐progeny selection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of selection for hybrid performance on population divergence using the UNL‐RpRS as a model system. Genome‐wide divergence among the base populations increased over eight cycles of selection. Divergence was not, however, greater among base populations subjected to RFS compared with S1‐progeny selection. Moreover, Wright's fixation index (Fst) values among replicate populations within a base population and selection method were as large as Fst values between complementary populations selected for population cross performance using RFS. A small increase in divergence through RFS relative to S1‐progeny selection was observed when markers were filtered for high levels of adjacent linkage disequilibrium (LD), but the effect was consistent across replicates. We did not consistently detect effects of selection for hybrid performance on genome‐wide divergence between populations, suggesting selection was not a strong force in diverging populations in the UNL‐RpRS.
Yeast as a Biofertilizer Alters Plant Growth and Morphology
Authors: Lonhienne Thierry , Mason Michael G. , Ragan Mark A. , Hugenholtz Philip , Schmidt Susanne , Paungfoo‐Lonhienne Chanyarat
Published: February 2014

It has been previously demonstrated that dicotyledonous plants perform rhizophagy, a process in which live microbial cells are engulfed by root cells and digested to acquire the nutrients from the microbes. Here we tested the hypothesis that rhizophagy is a mechanism of nutrient acquisition that is not restricted to dicotyledonous plants. We report that the monocotyledonous species sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum x spontaneum), grown in controlled axenic conditions, incorporated yeast cells into root cells. This suggests that rhizophagy is an evolutionarily conserved trait that predates the divergence of dicot and monocot species. To explore the potential relevance and practical application of rhizophagy, we investigated brewers’ yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), a waste product of the brewing industry, for its role as biofertilizer. The addition of live or dead yeast to fertilized soil substantially increased the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content of roots and shoots of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and young sugarcane plants. Yeast addition to soil also increased the root‐to‐shoot ratio in both species and induced species‐specific morphological changes that included increased tillering in sugarcane and greater shoot biomass in tomato plants. These findings support the notion that brewers’ yeast is a cost‐effective biofertilizer that improves not only plant nutrition but also plant vigor during the early growth phase. It remains to be established which yeast‐derived substances trigger the observed plant growth effects, and how rhizophagy contributes to plant nutrient acquisition.
Multiple Resistant and Nutritionally Dense Germplasm Identified from Mini Core Collection in Peanut
Authors: Upadhyaya H.D. , Dwivedi S.L. , Vadez V. , Hamidou F. , Singh S. , Varshney R.K. , Liao B.
Published: February 2014

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is extensively grown by resource‐poor farmers in the semiarid tropics where many abiotic and biotic stresses limit the crop's productivity and seed quality. Peanut cultivars with enhanced host‐plant resistance, adaptation to abiotic stress, input‐use efficiency, and yield potential will maximize yield gains and minimize inputs to sustain production. The peanut mini core collection was evaluated for agronomic traits in multienvironment trials at Patancheru, India. The published information on 184 mini core accessions revealed 28 accessions resistant to abiotic stress, 30 resistant to biotic stress, and 18 that were agronomically desirable but susceptible to stresses, while 16 were seed nutrient dense. The mini core is part of the composite collection, which was previously genotyped using SSRs. The agronomic evaluation, stress response, and nutritional information together with genotyping data were used to identify genetically diverse germplasm with agronomically beneficial traits: ICG 12625 (resistance to drought, low temperature, late leaf spot [LLS], Aspergillus flavus Link, bacterial wilt; high oil and good oil quality) and ICG 442 (resistance to drought, salinity, P deficiency); ICG 12625 and ICG 2381 (resistance to rust, A. flavus; good oil quality); ICG 12697 (resistance to LLS, rust, A. flavus) and ICG 6022 (resistance to early leaf spot [ELS], LLS); ICG 14710 (high oil, Fe, Zn) and ICG 7963 (high protein, Fe, Zn); ICG 11426 (resistance to ELS, LLS, rust) and ICG 5221 (high Fe and Zn and good oil quality). Accessions with adaptation to rainy and/or post‐rainy environments were ICG# 434, 5745, 8285, 10036, 11088, 11651, 12625, 15042, and 15419. These accessions are ideal genetic resources that may be used to develop agronomically superior and nutritionally enhanced peanut cultivars with multiple resistances to abiotic and biotic stresses.
Influence of bile acid derivates on morphine analgesic effect in mice
Authors: Vasovic Velibor , Vukmirovic Sasa , Mikov Momir , Mikov Ivan , Budakov Zorana , Stilinovic Nebojsa , Milijasevic Boris
Published: February 2014

Background/Aim. It is known that bile acids improve the absorption,
bioavailability and pharmacodynamic characteristics of some drugs. Morphine
analgesia is produced by activation of opioid receptors within the central
nervous system (CNS) at both spinal and supraspinal levels. Since a morphine
molecule contains 3 polar groups and therefore hard to transfer through the
blood-brain barrier, the aim of the study was to examine the potential
influence of bile acids derivates, namely sodium salt of monoketocholic acid
(MKH-Na) and methyl ester of monoketocholic acid (MKH-Me), on analgesic
effect of morphine. Methods. White male mice of NMRI-Haan strain, with body
weight of 20-24 g, were used in this study. The analgesic effect of morphine
(administered by subcutaneous and intramuscular route in a dose of 2 mg/kg),
with and without pretreatment with MKH-Na (4 mg/kg) and MKH-Me (4 mg/kg) was
estimated by the hot plate method. Results. Administration of MKH-Me prior to
subcutaneous administration of morphine increased the morphine analgesic
effect but the increase was not statistically significant. At the same time
administration of MKH-Na did not affect morphine analgesic effect. The
analgesic effect of morphine increased when administered intramuscularly 20
min after MKH-Me administration. When compared with the group of animals
treated only with morphine, a statistically significant increase in analgesic
effect was detected 10, 30, 40 and 50 min after morphine administration (p <
0.05). Pretreatment with MKH-Na did not affect morphine analgesic effect.
Conclusion. According to the results of this study it can be presumed that
after intramuscular morphine administration methyl ester of monoketocholic
acid increases morphine transport into the central nervous system and
consequently the analgesic effect, as well. Further research on bile
acids-morphine interaction both in vitro and in vivo is necessary to
completely elucidate the mechanism of this interaction and increase in the
morphine analgesic effect.
A cephalometric analysis of the cranial base and frontal part of the face in patients with mandibular prognathism
Authors: Cutovic Tatjana , Jovic Nebojsa , Stojanovic Ljiljana , Radojicic Julija , Mladenovic Irena , Matijevic Stevo , Kozomara Ruzica
Published: February 2014

Bacground/Aim. The literature suggests different views on the correlation
between the cranial base morphology and size and saggital intermaxillary
relationships. The aim of this study was to investigate the cranial base
morphology, including the frontal facial part in patients with mandibular
prognathism, to clarify a certain ambiguities, in opposing viewspoints in
the literature. Methods. Cephalometric radiographies of 60 patients were
analyzed at the Dental Clinic of the Military Medical Academy, Belgrade,
Serbia. All the patients were male, aged 18-35 years, with no previous
orthodontic treatment. On the basis of dental and sceletal relations of jaws
and teeth, the patients were divided into two groups: the group P (patients
with mandibular prognathism) and the group E (the control group or eugnathic
patients). A total of 15 cephalometric parametres related to the cranial
base, frontal part of the face and sagittal intermaxillary relationships
were measured and analyzed. Results. The results show that cranial base
dimensions and the angle do not play a significant role in the development
of mandibular prognathism. Interrelationship analysis indicated a
statistically significant negative correlation between the cranial base
angle (NSAr) and the angles of maxillary (SNA) and mandibular (SNB)
prognathism, as well as a positive correlation between the angle of
inclination of the ramus to the cranial base (GoArNS) and the angle of
sagittal intermaxillary relationships (ANB). Sella turcica dimensions, its
width and depth, as well as the nasal bone length were significantly
increased in the patients with mandibular prognathism, while the other
analyzed frontal part dimensions of the face were not changed by the
malocclusion in comparison with the eugnathic patients. Conclusion. This
study shows that the impact of the cranial base and the frontal part of the
face on the development of profile in patients with mandibular prognathism
is much smaller, but certainly more complex, so that morphogenetic tests of
the maxillomandibular complex should be included in further assessment of
this impact.
Understanding and Contributing to the Enigma of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Assurance in the United States
Authors: Casey Ryan J. , Grenier Jonathan H.
Published: February 2014

This paper provides an empirical examination of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) assurance market in the United States. Various constituencies have found this market puzzling, as the level of assurance significantly lags international levels (Simnett et al. 2009; KPMG 2011). Results shed light on this enigma by demonstrating that, unlike their international counterparts, U.S. finance and utilities firms are not more likely (than firms in other industries) to obtain CSR assurance despite facing significant social and environmental risks. As these industries are highly regulated in the United States, regulatory oversight may be acting as a substitute for CSR assurance. We also find that highly leveraged firms are less likely to obtain CSR assurance, potentially due to stringent bank monitoring indirectly suppressing demand. Nonetheless, examining the capital market responses to CSR assurance makes the low demand even more puzzling. Specifically, CSR assurance is associated with lower cost of equity capital along with lower analyst forecast errors and dispersion. Furthermore, the reductions in cost-of-capital and forecast dispersion are significantly higher when CSR assurance is provided by an accounting firm. These results have implications for companies that are considering CSR assurance and accounting firms in developing and marketing their CSR assurance services.
The Impact of Strategic Relevance and Assurance of Sustainability Indicators on Investors' Decisions
Authors: Cheng Mandy M. , Green Wendy J. , Ko John Chi Wa
Published: February 2014

In this study, we report two 2 × 2 between-subjects experiments that investigate the effect of strategic relevance of reported sustainability information and its assurance on nonprofessional investors' investment decisions. The first experiment manipulates strategic relevance of reported environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indicators between “high” and “low” by varying the company strategy (sustainability-based differentiation strategy versus cost leadership strategy unrelated to sustainability). The second experiment manipulates the strategic alignment of the ESG indicators (holding strategy constant). We also manipulate the presence (absence) of assurance in both experiments. Results from both experiments document that investors perceive ESG indicators to be more important, and are more willing to invest in the company if ESG indicators have higher strategic relevance. Experiment one also provides evidence that assurance increases investors' willingness to invest to a greater extent when ESG indicators have high relevance to the company strategy. Our findings suggest that the assurance of ESG indicators has a beneficial signaling role in communicating the importance of this reported information to investors.
The Interrelationships Between Information Technology Spending, CEO Equity Incentives, and Firm Value
Authors: Masli Adi , Richardson Vernon J. , Sanchez Juan Manuel , Smith Rodney E.
Published: February 2014

We examine the interrelationships between information technology spending, CEO equity compensation incentives, and firm value. We present two related pieces of evidence. First, we find that CEO equity incentives are associated with IT spending, suggesting that CEOs with higher incentives are more likely to invest in a risky asset such as IT. Second, we find that the association between IT spending and business value is stronger for firms that grant CEOs higher equity incentives. Our study contributes to the CEO compensation and IT governance literatures.
Understanding Post-Implementation Support for Enterprise Systems: An Empirical Study of IT Personnel's Customer-Oriented Citizenship Behaviors
Authors: Deng Xuefei (Nancy) , Wang Tawei
Published: February 2014

Post-implementation support for information systems (ISs) remains an important but under-explored topic. In this study, we focus on the customer service aspect of post-implementation support for enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and examine the antecedents and performance consequences of customer-oriented organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) performed by information technology (IT) personnel. We predict that characteristics of IT support tasks influence IT personnel's customer-oriented OCBs, which in turn exert both direct and moderating effects on their task efficiency. The analysis of 300 support tickets in relation to two ERP modules (Supplier Relationship Management and HR/Payroll Management) in a large enterprise provides mixed results. Task type was found to be associated significantly with the occurrence of OCBs, but the influence of task complexity was not significant. Moreover, OCBs were found to be negatively related to task efficiency, but the degree of the negative relation was contingent on task type and task complexity. The findings enhance our understanding of IT support services and extend the OCB literature on customer orientation. Practically, the results offer insights into managing IT support and IT workforce during the post-implementation stage of information systems.
An Examination of Management's Regulatory Filing Choices Surrounding Restatements
Authors: Plumlee Marlene A. , Yohn Teri Lombardi
Published: February 2014

A restatement suggests the existence of managerial errors and internal control weaknesses within the company. Disclosures of restatements highlight ineffective management and control systems such that management might act strategically in disclosing restatement and choose less transparent options. There are, however, external forces that likely encourage management to provide more transparent restatement disclosures, despite the fact that managerial ineffectiveness will be publicized. We examine the association between company and restatement characteristics and management's restatement filing choices to provide insight into external economic forces driving the choice. We document that more transparent filing is positively associated with the materiality of the restatement, an SEC investigation, the reporting of material internal control weaknesses, and leverage, and negatively associated with a CEO change. We also find that restatements filed via 8-Ks and via 10-K/As, after the SEC rule clarification in August 2004, are associated with significantly more negative market reactions than other restatements.
Linagliptin-Mediated DPP-4 Inhibition Ameliorates Kidney Fibrosis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice by Inhibiting Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in a Therapeutic Regimen
Authors: Kanasaki Keizo , Shi Sen , Kanasaki Megumi , He Jianhua , Nagai Takako , Nakamura Yuka , Ishigaki Yasuhito , Kitada Munehiro , Srivastava Swayam Prakash , Koya Daisuke
Published: February 2014

Kidney fibrosis is the final common pathway of all progressive chronic kidney diseases, of which diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has emerged as one of the most important origins of matrix-producing fibroblasts. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have been introduced into the market as antidiabetes drugs. Here, we found that the DPP-4 inhibitor linagliptin ameliorated kidney fibrosis in diabetic mice without altering the blood glucose levels associated with the inhibition of EndMT and the restoration of microRNA 29s. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic CD-1 mice exhibited kidney fibrosis and strong immunoreactivity for DPP-4 by 24 weeks after the onset of diabetes. At 20 weeks after the onset of diabetes, mice were treated with linagliptin for 4 weeks. Linagliptin-treated diabetic mice exhibited a suppression of DPP-4 activity/protein expression and an amelioration of kidney fibrosis associated with the inhibition of EndMT. The therapeutic effects of linagliptin on diabetic kidneys were associated with the suppression of profibrotic programs, as assessed by mRNA microarray analysis. We found that the induction of DPP-4 observed in diabetic kidneys may be associated with suppressed levels of microRNA 29s in diabetic mice; linagliptin restored microRNA 29s and suppressed DPP-4 protein levels. Using cultured endothelial cells, we found that linagliptin inhibited TGF-β2–induced EndMT, and such anti-EndMT effects of linagliptin were mediated through microRNA 29 induction. These results indicate the possible novel pleiotropic action of linagliptin to restore normal kidney function in diabetic patients with renal impairment.
Elevated S-Adenosylhomocysteine Alters Adipocyte Functionality With Corresponding Changes in Gene Expression and Associated Epigenetic Marks
Authors: Ngo Sherry , Li Xiaoling , O’Neill Renelle , Bhoothpur Chandrakanth , Gluckman Peter , Sheppard Allan
Published: February 2014

Maternal deficiencies in micronutrients affecting one-carbon metabolism before and during pregnancy can influence metabolic status and the degree of insulin resistance and obesity of the progeny in adulthood. Notably, maternal and progeny plasma S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) levels are both elevated after vitamin deficiency in pregnancy. Therefore, we investigated whether this key one-carbon cycle intermediate directly affects adipocyte differentiation and function. We found that expansion and differentiation of murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in the presence of SAH impaired both basal and induced glucose uptake as well as lipolysis compared with untreated controls. SAH did not alter preadipocyte factor 1 (Dlk1) or peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ 2 (Pparγ2) but significantly reduced expression of CAAT enhancer-binding protein-α (Cebpα), Cebpβ, and retinoid x receptor-α (Rxrα) compared with untreated adipocytes. SAH increased Rxrα methylation on a CpG unit (chr2:27,521,057+, chr2:27,521,049+) and CpG residue (chr2:27,521,080+), but not Cebpβ methylation, relative to untreated adipocytes. Trimethylated histone H3-Lys27 occupancy was significantly increased on Cebpα and Rxrα promoters in SAH-treated adipocytes, consistent with the reduction in gene expression. In conclusion, SAH did not affect adipogenesis per se but altered adipocyte functionality through epigenetic mechanisms, such that they exhibited altered glucose disposal and lipolysis. Our findings implicate micronutrient imbalance in subsequent modulation of adipocyte function.
Association Between Glycemia and Mortality in Diabetic Individuals on Renal Replacement Therapy in the U.K.
Authors: Adler Amanda , Casula Anna , Steenkamp Retha , Fogarty Damian , Wilkie Martin , Tomlinson Laurie , Nitsch Dorothea , Roderick Paul , Tomson Charles R.V.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

In the U.K., one-third of patients receiving treatment with dialysis have diabetes. Guidelines from organizations representing patients with renal disease or diabetes advocate tight glycemic control in patients with end-stage renal disease, despite glucose-lowering trials having excluded these patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using national UK Renal Registry data, we tested whether glycemia as measured by hemoglobin (Hb) A1c (HbA1c) level is associated with death in adults with diabetes starting hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis between 1997 and 2006, and observed for at least 6 months. Of 7,814 patients, we excluded those who had died within 6 months; had received transplants; were lost/recovered; or lacked measures of HbA1c, ethnicity, or Hb. Categorizing HbA1c measured in the first 6 months of starting dialysis as <6.5% (<48 mmol/mol), 6.5–7.4% (48–57 mmol/mol) (reference value), 7.5–8.4% (58–68 mmol/mol), and ≥8.5% (≥69 mmol/mol), we adjusted in proportional hazards models for age, sex, ethnicity, deprivation, year, dialysis type, and Hb, and tested for interactions.

RESULTS

Of 3,157 patients observed for a median time of 2.7 years, 1,688 died. For patients ≥60 years of age, we found no association between HbA1c and death; among younger patients, relative to those with HbA1c values 6.5–7.4%, the hazard ratio for HbA1c level 7.5–8.4% was 1.2 (95% CI 0.9–1.5), and for HbA1c level >8.5% was 1.5 (1.2–1.9). The projected difference in median survival time between younger patients with a reference HbA1c value versus >8.5% was 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

In the absence of trials, and confounding notwithstanding, these observational data support improved glycemic control in younger patients prior to and during dialysis.
Heart Rate–Corrected QT Interval Is an Independent Predictor of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes Heart Study
Authors: Cox Amanda J. , Azeem Amir , Yeboah Joseph , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Aggarwal Shivani R. , Bertoni Alain G. , Carr J. Jeffrey , Freedman Barry I. , Herrington David M. , Bowden Donald W.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

Heart rate–corrected QT (QTc) interval is associated with mortality in the general population, but this association is less clear in individuals with type 2 diabetes. We assessed the association of QTc interval with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the Diabetes Heart Study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 1,020 participants with type 2 diabetes (83% European Americans; 55% women; mean age 61.4 years) who were free of atrial fibrillation, major ventricular conduction defects, and antiarrhythmic therapy at baseline. QT duration was automatically calculated from a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Following American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation recommendations, a linear scale was used to correct the QT for heart rate. Using Cox regression, risk was estimated per 1-SD increase in QTc interval as well as prolonged QTc interval (>450 ms) vs. normal QTc interval for mortality.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean (SD) QTc duration was 414.9 ms (18.1), and 3.0% of participants had prolonged QTc. After a median follow-up time of 8.5 years (maximum follow-up time 13.9 years), 204 participants were deceased. In adjusted multivariate models, a 1-SD increase in QTc interval was associated with an 18% higher risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.18 [95% CI 1.03–1.36]) and 29% increased risk for CVD mortality (1.29 [1.05–1.59]). Similar results were obtained when QTc interval was used as a categorical variable (prolonged vs. normal) (all-cause mortality 1.73 [0.95–3.15]; CVD mortality 2.86 [1.35–6.08]).

CONCLUSIONS

Heart rate QTc interval is an independent predictor of all-cause and CVD mortality in this population with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that additional prognostic information may be available from this simple ECG measure.
The Association of Basal Insulin Glargine and/or n-3 Fatty Acids With Incident Cancers in Patients With Dysglycemia
Authors: Bordeleau Louise , Yakubovich Natalia , Dagenais Gilles R. , Rosenstock Julio , Probstfield Jeffrey , Chang Yu Pan , Ryden Lars E. , Pirags Valdis , Spinas Giatgen A. , Birkeland Kare I. , Ratner Robert E. , Marin-Neto Jose A. , Keltai Matyas , Riddle Matthew C. , Bosch Jackie , Yusuf Salim , Gerstein Hertzel C. ,   for the ORIGIN Trial Investigators
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

Epidemiologic studies linking insulin glargine and glucose-lowering therapies to cancers and n-3 fatty acids to cancer prevention have not been confirmed. We aimed to assess the effect of insulin glargine and n-3 fatty acids on incident cancers within the context of the ORIGIN (Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine Intervention) trial.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The ORIGIN trial is an international, long-term, randomized two-by-two factorial study comparing insulin glargine with standard care and n-3 fatty acids with placebo (double blind) in people with dysglycemia at high risk for cardiovascular events. The primary outcome measure (cancer substudy) was the occurrence of any new or recurrent adjudicated cancer. Cancer mortality and cancer subtypes were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 12,537 people (mean age 63.5 years, SD 7.8; 4,388 females), 953 developed a cancer event during the median follow-up of 6.2 years. In the glargine and standard care groups, the incidence of cancers was 1.32 and 1.32 per 100 person-years, respectively (P = 0.97), and in the n-3 fatty acid and placebo groups, it was 1.28 and 1.36 per 100 person-years, respectively (P = 0.39). No difference in the effect of either intervention was noted within predefined subgroups (P for all interactions ≥0.17). Cancer-related mortality and cancer-specific outcomes also did not differ between groups. Postrandomization HbA1c levels, glucose-lowering therapies (including metformin), and BMI did not affect cancer outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin glargine and n-3 fatty acids have a neutral association with overall and cancer-specific outcomes, including cancer-specific mortality. Exposure to glucose-lowering therapies, including metformin, and HbA1c level during the study did not alter cancer risk.
Effects of Moderate-to-Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity on Overnight and Next-Day Hypoglycemia in Active Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Metcalf Kristen M. , Singhvi Ajay , Tsalikian Eva , Tansey Michael J. , Zimmerman M. Bridget , Esliger Dale W. , Janz Kathleen F.
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

Physical activity (PA) provides many benefits to adolescents with type 1 diabetes; however, these individuals tend to have lower fitness and PA levels than their disease-free counterparts. The purpose of this study was to examine the acute temporal associations between moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) and hypoglycemia (continuous glucose monitor [CGM] reading ≤70 mg/dL).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Nineteen participants (53% females) 14–20 years old with type 1 diabetes were recruited. Participant fitness was evaluated via indirect calorimetry using a maximal exercise test; body composition was measured using air displacement plethysmography. An accelerometer was worn continuously (3–5 days) and acceleration data used to estimate MVPA (minutes per day). Blood glucose values were simultaneously tracked using CGM. Controlling for sex, percent body fat (%BF), fitness, and concurrent MVPA, the likelihood of nighttime and next-day hypoglycemia due to MVPA was examined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Participants were of average fitness (females: 43.9 mL/kg/min; males: 49.8 mL/kg/min) and adiposity (females: 26.2%; males: 19.2%); 63.2% met the U.S. federal guideline of accumulating 60 min/day of MVPA. Hypoglycemia was 31% more likely in those who accumulated 30 min/day more MVPA in the previous afternoon than those with less (95% CI 1.05–1.63; P = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that participating in afternoon MVPA increases the risk of overnight and next-day hypoglycemia, independent of sex, %BF, fitness, and concurrent MVPA. While promoting PA as a healthy behavior, it is important to educate adolescents with type 1 diabetes on prevention of hypoglycemia following PA.
Does the Prevailing Hypothesis That Small-Fiber Dysfunction Precedes Large-Fiber Dysfunction Apply to Type 1 Diabetic Patients?
Authors: Breiner Ari , Lovblom Leif Erik , Perkins Bruce A. , Bril Vera
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

The prevailing hypothesis that early subclinical small-fiber injury precedes large-fiber damage in diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP) is based on lower intraepithelial nerve fiber density in type 2 prediabetic patients despite normal nerve conduction studies (NCSs). We aimed to confirm the same hypothesis in type 1 diabetic patients by examining whether: 1) subjects without DSP include a spectrum with both normal and abnormal small-fiber measures and 2) subjects with DSP have concurrent evidence of abnormal small-fiber measures.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A healthy control population (n = 53) was used to generate threshold values for four small-fiber tests: cooling detection thresholds (CDTs), laser Doppler imaging of heat-evoked flare (LDIflare), heart rate variability (HRV), and corneal confocal microscopy. Based on NCS results, type 1 diabetic patients (n = 131) were dichotomized according to the presence or absence of DSP.

RESULTS

Threshold values derived from healthy control subjects were 26.5°C, 1.4 cm2, 13%, and 12.9 mm/mm2 for CDT, LDIflare, HRV, and corneal nerve fiber length, respectively. Among type 1 diabetic patients, 57 of 131 had evidence of DSP, and 74 of 133 did not. Using abnormality of any small-fiber test to define small-fiber dysfunction, 55 of 57 (96.5%) DSP patients and 39 of 74 (52.7%) control subjects without DSP had concurrent small-fiber damage. The severity of small-fiber abnormalities worsened with an increasing number of NCS abnormalities (ANOVA, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings in type 1 diabetes support the prevailing hypothesis that small-fiber dysfunction occurs early in DSP. However, further research is required to determine which combination of small-fiber tests is most suitable as a surrogate marker in clinical trials.
Systolic and Diastolic Abnormalities Reduce the Cardiac Response to Exercise in Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pinto Teresa E. , Gusso Silmara , Hofman Paul L. , Derraik José G.B. , Hornung Tim S. , Cutfield Wayne S. , Baldi J. Chris
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the cardiac limitations during exercise in adolescents with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we measured left ventricular performance with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during exercise in diabetic and nondiabetic adolescents.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirteen subjects with T2DM, 27 overweight/obese nondiabetic (ObeseND) subjects, and 19 nondiabetic nonobese control subjects were recruited. Cardiac (left ventricular) MRI scans were performed at rest and during submaximal exercise.

RESULTS

V o 2 peak indexed to fat-free mass was reduced in T2DM and ObeseND subjects compared with control subjects (P < 0.0001). Indexed cardiac output increased less during exercise and was 20% lower in T2DM subjects due to reduced stroke volume. This was a consequence of reduced ventricular filling with smaller end-diastolic volume, which decreased further during exercise in T2DM subjects, but not in ObeseND or control subjects. End-systolic volume was also smaller in T2DM subjects. These changes were associated with increased resting and exercise diastolic blood pressure, and total peripheral resistance in T2DM subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Independently of obesity, T2DM impairs cardiac function during exercise in adolescents.
Pathological Findings in Feto-Maternal Hemorrhage
Authors: Carles Dominique , André Gwenaëlle , Pelluard Fanny , Martin Olivia , Sauvestre Fanny
Published: February 2014

Feto-maternal hemorrhage (FMH) is the cause of late fetal death in 1.6%–11% of cases. In spite of this high frequency, its pathological features have received little attention. The definitive diagnosis of lethal FMH requires confirmation of sufficient fetal blood volume loss. This is determined by tests such as the Kleihauer-Betke test, which may not have been obtained or not have been available before the autopsy. The pathologist may offer a tentative diagnosis of FMH from the autopsy findings. The objective of this study was to better characterize the placental and fetal autopsy findings in lethal FMH. This was a retrospective study of 17 cases of FMH proven by a positive Kleihauer-Betke test. The cases were selected from the autopsy files of the Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux. The pathological reports as well as the placental and fetal photographs and the microscopic slides of each case were systematically reviewed. The fetal autopsy findings in FMH are characterized by a eutrophic pale macerated fetus, low liver weight, absent intrathoracic petechiae, increased extramedullary hematopoiesis in the liver and kidney, and increased circulating nucleated red blood cells. The placenta shows an increased frequency of intervillous thrombi. Although nonpathognomonic, some of the pathological features are strongly suggestive of FMH. When the latter is present, a Kleihauer-Betke test should be performed, even some days after the delivery.
AVAILABILITY OF AIS BINARY DATA TRANSMISSION BASED ON DYNAMIC MEASUREMENTS PERFORMED ON THE SOUTHERN BALTIC AND THE DANISH STRAITS
Authors: Jaskólski Krzysztof
Published: February 2014

The problem of determining coordinates for the requirements of maritime navigation, considered only in terms of measurement error, seems to be solved on a global scale. In view of the above, the operational characteristics of radio navigation systems such as availability are equally important. This paper analyses the problem of AIS binary transmission availability. An attempt was made to assess the availability of the AIS service transmission channel based on dynamic measurements. For this purpose, the theory of Markov processes defined on a discrete state space was applied. The Criterion of state system availability was adopted, stochastic matrix of probabilities of transitions between the states of the availability and accessibility of states limit the probability of AIS. In this paper, the author proposed a model for the assessment of AIS Service availability. To meet the objective of the research, recorded data derived from the Southern Baltic and Danish Straits Base Stations were used.
Dehydrogenase Activity in a Litter Manipulation Experiment in Temperate Forest Soil
Authors: Veres Zsuzsa , Kotroczó Zsolt , Magyaros Kornél , Tóth János Attila , Tóthmérész Béla
Published: February 2014

Soil enzyme activities are “sensors” of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition since they integrate information about microbial status and physico-chemical condition of soils. We measured dehydrogenase enzyme activity in a deciduous temperate oak forest in Hungary under litter manipulation treatments. The Síkfőkút Detritus Input and Removal Treatments (DIRT) Project includes treatments with doubling of leaf litter and woody debris inputs as well as removal of leaf litter and trenching to prevent root inputs. We hypothesized that increased detrital inputs increase labile carbon substrates to soils and would increase enzyme activities particularly that of dehydrogenase, which has been used as an indicator of soil microbial activity. We also hypothesized that enzyme activities would decrease with detritus removal plots and decrease labile carbon inputs to soil. After ten years of treatments, litter removal had a stronger effect on soil dehydrogenase activity than did litter additions. These results showed that in this forest ecosystem the changed litter production affected soil microbial activity: reduced litter production decreased the soil dehydrogenase activity; increased litter production had no significant effect on the enzyme activity.
The Thermal Insulation Capacity of Tree Bark
Authors: Pásztory Zoltán , Ronyecz Ildikó
Published: February 2014

Nowadays increasing emphasis is placed on improving the quality of different insulation materials, and on developing such from materials of natural origin. The present research focuses on the thermal insulation capacity of the chipped bark of different broadleaved and coniferous wood species. We examined the bark of five tree species: black locust, a poplar clone, larch, spruce, and Scotch pine and compared their insulation characteristics to the traditionally used insulation materials. Results indicate that the thermal insulation capacity of chipped tree bark is comparable to that of generally used insulation materials, such as glass wool. Moisture content influences the thermal insulation capacity of chipped bark of the five examined species. Since energy requirement of producing chipped tree bark is very low, and it contributes also to storing carbon, therefore its CO2 balance is more advantageous compared to that of traditional fibrous or foamy insulation materials.
Aerial Image Classification for the Mapping of Riparian Vegetation Habitats
Authors: Kollár Szilvia , Vekerdy Zoltán , Márkus Béla
Published: February 2014

In the current study, aerial image analysis has been applied to map vegetation communities in a riparian wetland ecosystem, Szigetköz (Hungary). Remote sensing offers an objective and timeeffective method for the detection of detailed vegetation habitats with the use of high resolution aerial photos combined with ancillary botanical and silvicultural data. Three images of the same test site, acquired in three different years have been analysed by sample-based semi-automated image classification technique. Due to the heterogeneous nature of the target vegetation classes, besides using spectral features (e.g. vegetation indices) textural descriptors were also involved in the classification procedure. The most appropriate parameters have been chosen using a statistical feature selection method based on the Jeffries-Matusita distance. The accuracy assessment proved for each scene that the combined use of spectral and textural features gave the best classification results in comparison to the exclusive use of spectral or textural measures. The here-applied feature set can be applied for the analysis of similar riparian sites.
Depth and Areal Distribution of Cs-137 in the Soil of a Small Water Catchment in the Sopron Mountains
Authors: Kiss Ervin , Volford Péter
Published: February 2014

Abstract -

The study presents the depth and areal distribution of Cs-137 activity concentration in the forest soils of Farkas Trench, a small water catchment in the Sopron Mountains, in 2001 and 2010, moreover the possible reason of the alteration in activity concentration. The Cs-137 activity values were measured in 30 plots in 2001, and in 5 in 2010. In 2001, the depth distribution of Cs-137 activity concentration in the measurement plots was shaped in accordance with a decreasing exponential function. It appeared in the 2010 data that the highest Cs-137 activity concentration had shifted lower from the top layers, and the depth distribution changed along an increasing or a stagnating function until a depth of 4 to 6 cm (in function of slope inclination), then along a decreasing function. In 2001, activity concentration in the surface soil layers (0 - 2 cm) altered between 15 and 609 Bq/kg, whereas in 2010 between 26 and 72 Bq/kg. A correlation was found between activity concentration in the surface soil layer and slope inclination. It was concluded that one of the main reasons for differences in distribution of Cs-137 activity concentration was the differing extent of soil movement.
The human network revisited: responses to Brynnar Swenson’s “The human network: social media and the limit of politics”
Authors: Kalpokas Ignas , Mininger J.D. , Rusinaitė Viktorija
Published: February 2014

This article combines contributions from three authors, each of whom writes in scholarly response to Brynnar Swenson’s “The Human Network: Social Media and the Limit of Politics,” originally published in the Baltic Journal of Law & Politics 4:2 (2011): 102-124. Ignas Kalpokas reads Swenson’s theories of revolt and social change alongside a robust theory of sovereignty drawn from Carl Schmitt, while also expanding Swenson’s interpretations of the media representations of the Egyptian revolution and the 2011 riots in England by an appeal to theories drawn from Lacanian psychoanalysis. J.D. Mininger also draws from psychoanalytic discourse as he revisits a key interview given in Swenson’s account of the media interpretations of the London riots of 2011. Viktorija Rusinaitė addresses Swenson’s provocation about the limits and status of politics, turning to media theory and the concept of politics found in the work of Jacques Rancière.
BOOK REVIEWS: The Politics of Encounter: Urban Theory and Protest Under Planetary Urbanization; Elections to the European Parliament as a Challenge for Democracy; and Transformations in Central Europe Between 1989 and 2012: Geopolitical, Cultural, and Socioeconomic Shifts
Authors: Kerikmäe Tanel , Stramskas Arnoldas , Martinkus Andrius
Published: February 2014

This article contains three book reviews. The reviewed books are: The Politics of Encounter: Urban Theory and Protest under Planetary Urbanization (2013) by Andy Merrifield; Elections to the European Parliament as a Challenge for Democracy, European Integration and Democracy Series Vol. 2 (2013), Eds. Elżbieta Kużelewska and Dariusz Kloza; and, Transformations in Central Europe between 1989 and 2012: Geopolitical, Cultural, and Socioeconomic Shifts (2012) by Tomas Kavaliauskas.