bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Oak Powdery Mildew Severity be Explained by Indirect Effects of Climate on the Composition of the Erysiphe Pathogenic Complex?
Authors: Marçais Benoit , Piou Dominique , Dezette Damien , Desprez-Loustau Marie-Laure
Published: December 2016

Coinfection by several pathogens is increasingly recognized as an important feature in the epidemiology and evolution of plant fungal pathogens. Oak mildew is induced by two closely related Erysiphe invasive species (Erysiphe alphitoides and E. quercicola) which differ in their mode of overwintering. We investigated how climate influences the co-occurrence of the two species in oak young stands and whether this is important for the disease epidemiology. We studied the frequency of flag-shoots (i.e., shoots developing from infected buds, usually associated with E. quercicola) in 95 oak regenerations over a 6-year period. Additionally, in 2012 and 2013, the oak mildew severity and the two Erysiphe spp. relative frequencies were determined in both spring and autumn in 51 regenerations and 43 1-year-old plantations of oaks. Both the frequency of flag-shoots and the proportion of Erysiphe lesions with E. quercicola presence were related to climate. We showed that survival of E. quercicola was improved after mild winters, with increase of both the flag-shoot frequency and the proportion of Erysiphe lesions with E. quercicola presence in spring. However, disease severity was not related to any complementarity effect between the two Erysiphe spp. causing oak powdery mildew. By contrast, increased E. alphitoides prevalence in spring was associated with higher oak mildew severity in autumn. Our results point out the critical role of between-season transmission and primary inoculum to explain disease dynamics which could be significant in a climate-warming context.
Dynamic recrystallization during deformation of polycrystalline ice: insights from numerical simulations
Authors: Llorens Maria-Gema , Griera Albert , Steinbach Florian , Bons Paul D. , Gomez-Rivas Enrique , Jansen Daniela , Roessiger Jens , Lebensohn Ricardo A. , Weikusat Ilka
Published: December 2016

The flow of glaciers and polar ice sheets is controlled by the highly anisotropic rheology of ice crystals that have hexagonal symmetry (ice lh). To improve our knowledge of ice sheet dynamics, it is necessary to understand how dynamic recrystallization (DRX) controls ice microstructures and rheology at different boundary conditions that range from pure shear flattening at the top to simple shear near the base of the sheets. We present a series of two-dimensional numerical simulations that couple ice deformation with DRX of various intensities, paying special attention to the effect of boundary conditions. The simulations show how similar orientations of
c
-axis maxima with respect to the finite deformation direction develop regardless of the amount of DRX and applied boundary conditions. In pure shear this direction is parallel to the maximum compressional stress, while it rotates towards the shear direction in simple shear. This leads to strain hardening and increased activity of non-basal slip systems in pure shear and to strain softening in simple shear. Therefore, it is expected that ice is effectively weaker in the lower parts of the ice sheets than in the upper parts. Strain-rate localization occurs in all simulations, especially in simple shear cases. Recrystallization suppresses localization, which necessitates the activation of hard, non-basal slip systems.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Microdynamics of ice’.
Physical analysis of an Antarctic ice core—towards an integration of micro- and macrodynamics of polar ice
Authors: Weikusat Ilka , Jansen Daniela , Binder Tobias , Eichler Jan , Faria Sérgio H. , Wilhelms Frank , Kipfstuhl Sepp , Sheldon Simon , Miller Heinrich , Dahl-Jensen Dorthe , Kleiner Thomas
Published: December 2016

Microstructures from deep ice cores reflect the dynamic conditions of the drill location as well as the thermodynamic history of the drill site and catchment area in great detail. Ice core parameters (crystal lattice-preferred orientation (LPO), grain size, grain shape), mesostructures (visual stratigraphy) as well as borehole deformation were measured in a deep ice core drilled at Kohnen Station, Dronning Maud Land (DML), Antarctica. These observations are used to characterize the local dynamic setting and its rheological as well as microstructural effects at the EDML ice core drilling site (European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica in DML). The results suggest a division of the core into five distinct sections, interpreted as the effects of changing deformation boundary conditions from triaxial deformation with horizontal extension to bedrock-parallel shear. Region 1 (uppermost approx. 450 m depth) with still small macroscopic strain is dominated by compression of bubbles and strong strain and recrystallization localization. Region 2 (approx. 450–1700 m depth) shows a girdle-type LPO with the girdle plane being perpendicular to grain elongations, which indicates triaxial deformation with dominating horizontal extension. In this region (approx. 1000 m depth), the first subtle traces of shear deformation are observed in the shape-preferred orientation (SPO) by inclination of the grain elongation. Region 3 (approx. 1700–2030 m depth) represents a transitional regime between triaxial deformation and dominance of shear, which becomes apparent in the progression of the girdle to a single maximum LPO and increasing obliqueness of grain elongations. The fully developed single maximum LPO in region 4 (approx. 2030–2385 m depth) is an indicator of shear dominance. Region 5 (below approx. 2385 m depth) is marked by signs of strong shear, such as strong SPO values of grain elongation and strong kink folding of visual layers. The details of structural observations are compared with results from a numerical ice sheet model (PISM, isotropic) for comparison of strain rate trends predicted from the large-scale geometry of the ice sheet and borehole logging data. This comparison confirms the segmentation into these depth regions and in turn provides a wider view of the ice sheet.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Microdynamics of ice’.
The influence of closed brine pockets and permeable brine channels on the thermo-elastic properties of saline ice
Authors: Marchenko Aleksey , Lishman Ben
Published: December 2016

A model of the thermo-elastic behaviour of saline ice is formulated, and model solutions describing thermo-elastic waves (TEW) propagating into a half-space of the ice are investigated. The model is based on a proposal that saline ice is a matrix, which encompasses both closed brine pockets and permeable channels filled with brine. Experiments on the thermal expansion of saline ice samples, and on TEW in saline ice, have been performed in the cold laboratories of the University Centre in Svalbard and in University College London. The experimental data are compared with theoretical conclusions. The experimental data support our hypothesis that the brine in saline ice is divided between closed pockets and open, permeable channels.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Microdynamics of ice’.
CART neuropeptide modulates the extended amygdalar CeA-vBNST circuit to gate expression of innate fear
Authors: Rale Abhishek , Shendye Ninad , Bodas Devika S , Subhedar Nishikant , Ghose Aurnab
Published: December 2016

Innate fear is critical for the survival of animals and is under tight homeostatic control. Deregulation of innate fear processing is thought to underlie pathological phenotypes including, phobias and panic disorders. Although central processing of conditioned fear has been extensively studied, the circuitry and regulatory mechanisms subserving innate fear remain relatively poorly defined.

In this study, we identify cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neuropeptide signaling in the central amygdala (CeA) - ventral bed nucleus of stria terminalis (vBNST) axis as a key modulator of innate fear expression. 2,4,5-trimethyl-3-thiazoline (TMT), a component of fox faeces, induces a freezing response whose intensity is regulated by the extent of CART-signaling in the CeA neurons. Abrogation of CART activity in the CeA attenuates the freezing response and reduces activation of vBNST neurons. Conversely, ectopically elevated CART signaling in the CeA potentiates the fear response concomitant with enhanced vBNST activation. We show that local levels of CART signaling modulate the activation of CeA neurons by NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic inputs, in turn, regulating activity in the vBNST.

This study identifies the extended amygdalar CeA-vBNST circuit as a CART modulated axis encoding innate fear. CART signaling regulates the glutamatergic excitatory drive in the CeA-vBNST circuit, in turn, gating the expression of the freezing response to TMT.
A highly parallel strategy for storage of digital information in living cells
Authors: Akhmetov Azat , Ellington Andrew D. , Marcotte Edward M.
Published: December 2016

Encoding arbitrary digital information in DNA has attracted attention as a potential avenue for large scale and long term data storage. However, in order to enable DNA data storage technologies there needs to be improvements in data storage fidelity (tolerance to mutation), the facility of writing and reading the data (biases and systematic error arising from synthesis and sequencing), and overall scalability. To this end, we have developed and implemented an encoding scheme that is suitable for detecting and correcting errors that may arise during storage, writing, and reading, such as those arising from nucleotide substitutions, insertions, and deletions. We propose a scheme for parallelized long term storage of encoded sequences that relies on overlaps rather than the address blocks found in previously published work. Using computer simulations, we illustrate the encoding, sequencing, decoding, and recovery of encoded information, ultimately demonstrating the possibility of a successful round-trip read/write. These demonstrations show that in theory a precise control over error tolerance is possible. Even after simulated degradation of DNA, recovery of original data is possible owing to the error correction capabilities built into the encoding strategy. A secondary advantage of our method is that the statistical characteristics (such as repetitiveness and GC-composition) of encoded sequences can also be tailored without sacrificing the overall ability to store large amounts of data. Finally, the combination of the overlap-based partitioning of data with the LZMA compression that is integral to encoding means that the entire sequence must be present for successful decoding. This feature enables inordinately strong encryptions. As a potential application, an encrypted pathogen genome could be could be distributed and carried by cells without danger of being expressed, and could not even be read out in the absence of the entire DNA consortium.
The effect of stolon fragmentation on the colonization of clonal invasive Carpobrotus edulis in a coastal dune system: a field test
Authors: Roiloa Sergio R. , Abalde Sandra , Xu Cheng‐Yuan , López Lúa
Published: December 2016

Disturbances usually initiate processes of fragmentation in clonal plants, with the consequent division into portions of different size. The ability of these portions to survive and regrow after fragmentation plays an important role in the maintenance of populations and the colonization of new environments. In this field experiment we aim to determine the importance of stolons as reserve organs in the colonization of a coastal sand dune by a clonal invader. We simulated an event of fragmentation of clones of an aggressive invader into portions with short and long stolon sizes. Our results showed a reduction of biomass allocation to roots in the long stolon treatment that was balanced by an increase in the above‐ground growth; consequently, the area colonized by the invader was greater. We report evidence that stolons can contribute to buffering stressful conditions and allow expansion of the invader into a natural coastal sand dune.
Development of nuclear microsatellite markers for the threatened wetland plant Geranium soboliferum var. kiusianum (Geraniaceae)
Authors: Kurata Seikan , Sakaguchi Shota , Ito Motomi
Published: December 2016

Nuclear microsatellite markers were developed for the threatened plant Geranium soboliferum var. kiusianum, which has decreased its population size as a result of loss of its wetland habitat in Kyushu, Japan. Utilizing RNA‐seq data obtained by next‐generation sequencing techniques, 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers with 3–16 alleles in a nuclear genome were developed and characterized. Two to 15 alleles were observed in G. soboliferum. These markers will be used to investigate the genetic circumstance of remnant populations of G. soboliferum var. kiusianum and their phylogenetic relationship with G. soboliferum.
The poetics of wisdom divination: renewing the moral imagination
Authors: Werbner Richard
Published: December 2016

This article makes a critical contribution to interpretive anthropology by recovering its interest in the moral imagination, while linking this to the poetics of wisdom divination, primarily among Tswapong of Botswana and more widely across a vast part of Southern Africa. This mode of divination appeals to imaginative moral reflection and ethical deliberation along with practical wisdom in the quest for well‐being. The esoteric oral literature in wisdom divination is rich in cross‐cultural understandings, transmitted over considerable barriers, and re‐created over centuries. Its evocative praise poetry, having no known author, is archived in the memories of experts, the diviners, and is recited and interpreted selectively during diagnostic séances. Yet anthropologists and literary scholars have not paid serious attention to the oral poetry and its remarkable wide‐ranging archive. Against that, this article documents the acrobatic stylistics of the divinatory poetry and shows how it appeals artfully for reflexivity, for heightened consciousness, and for unmasking the hidden in everyday life. The main analysis carries forward an anthropology of ethics that overcomes the usual division of labour between the study of ethics and aesthetics.
The development of stress sensitivity and its contribution to word reading in school‐aged children
Authors: Lin Candise Y. , Wang Min , Newman Rochelle S. , Li Chuchu
Published: December 2016

Background

This study examined the development of stress sensitivity and its relationship with word reading. Previous research has rarely measured phoneme and stress sensitivity in the same task, making a direct comparison of the contribution between the two in reading development difficult.

Methods

Participants were native English‐speaking adults and children at ages of 6, 8, and 10 years (N = 24, 22, 22, and 24, respectively). A lexical decision task was used to measure both stress and phoneme sensitivity. Oral vocabulary, phoneme awareness, and word reading were assessed.

Results

Stress sensitivity accounted for unique variance in reading over and above vocabulary and phoneme awareness in 6‐year‐olds. Both adults and children had better phoneme sensitivity than stress sensitivity.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the unique contribution of stress sensitivity in reading development. The current study made a novel contribution to studying the relationship between prosody and literacy by utilising a task that is able to assess children's stress and phoneme sensitivity simultaneously.

What is already known about this topic

Prosody plays an important role in literacy acquisition across a variety of languages with word stress.

Phoneme awareness as measured by the phoneme deletion task is one of the strongest predictors of reading development in English.

Stress sensitivity may contribute to reading via vocabulary development, rime awareness, phoneme awareness, and morphological awareness.

What this paper adds

Stress sensitivity made a unique contribution to word reading over and above oral vocabulary and phoneme awareness for 6‐year‐old children.

Both stress and phoneme sensitivity was measured within the same task using the same set of materials.

Both children and adults showed better phoneme sensitivity compared to stress sensitivity.

Implications for theory, policy, or practice

Models delineating the relationship between prosody and literacy should consider unique variance explained by stress sensitivity in reading development.

Children learning to read in English may need longer literacy exposure to develop better stress sensitivity because of the lack of regularity in English stress.

Stress sensitivity may contribute to word reading given that it may help children understand stress assignment and learn unfamiliar stress representation as well as orthographic stress regularities.
Modeling Health Care Spending Growth of Older Adults
Authors: Hatfield Laura A. , Favreault Melissa M. , McGuire Thomas G. , Chernew Michael E.
Published: December 2016

Objective

To forecast out‐of‐pocket health care spending among older adults. Long‐term forecasts allow policy makers to explore potential impacts of policy scenarios, but existing microsimulations do not incorporate details of supplemental insurance coverage and income effects on health care spending.

Data Sources

Dynamic microsimulation calibrated to survey and administrative data.

Study Design

We augment Urban Institute's Dynamic Simulation of Income Model (DYNASIM) with modules that incorporate demand responses and economic equilibria, with dynamics driven by exogenous technological change. A lengthy technical appendix provides details of the microsimulation model and economic assumptions for readers interested in applying these techniques.

Principal Findings

The model projects total out‐of‐pocket spending (point of care plus premiums) as a share of income for adults aged 65 and older. People with lower incomes and poor health fare worse, despite protections of Medicaid. Spending rises 40 percent from 2012 to 2035 (from 10 to 14 percent of income) for the median beneficiary, but it increases from 5 to 25 percent of income for low‐income beneficiaries and from 23 to 29 percent for the near poor who are in fair/poor health.

Conclusions

Despite Medicare coverage, near‐poor seniors will face out‐of‐pocket spending that would render them, in practical terms, underinsured.
Deciphering Tax Avoidance: Evidence from Credit Rating Disagreements
Authors: Bonsall Samuel B. , Koharki Kevin , Watson Luke
Published: December 2016

This study investigates the role of tax avoidance in the credit‐rating process and whether differences exist in how rating agencies account for the risk relevance of tax avoidance. Using a sample of initial credit ratings assigned to public debt issuances during 1994–2013, our evidence is consistent with Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's assessing the costs and benefits associated with tax avoidance differently from one another, resulting in more frequent and pronounced rating agency disagreement. Rating agency disagreement over tax avoidance is most evident when it is accompanied by relatively high levels of uncertain tax positions, foreign activities, research and development activities, or tax footnote opacity. We also find evidence that decreases (increases) in tax avoidance or tax footnote disclosure opacity are positively (negatively) associated with the convergence of split ratings. This suggests that firms can exacerbate or mitigate rating agency disagreement subsequent to bond issuance. Our study complements prior research by examining why sophisticated information intermediaries disagree about the risk relevance of tax avoidance. It also sheds light on how firms can influence rating agencies’ understanding of tax avoidance.
Analyst Coverage and the Likelihood of Meeting or Beating Analyst Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Huang Shawn X. , Pereira Raynolde , Wang Changjiang
Published: December 2016

This paper examines the relation between analyst coverage and whether firms meet or beat analyst earnings forecasts. We distinguish between whether a firm's reported quarterly earnings meet (i.e., equal or exceed by one cent) or beat (i.e., exceed by more than one cent) its consensus analyst earnings forecasts. We find a positive relation between analyst coverage and whether a firm meets or beats analyst forecasts. However, the more pronounced relation is that between analyst coverage and meeting analyst forecasts. Also, when we consider exogenous shocks to analyst coverage due to brokerage mergers or closures and conglomerate spinoffs, we continue to find a robust positive relation only between analyst coverage and meeting analyst forecasts. To shed light on the causal relation involved, we examine and find that greater analyst coverage is associated with a significantly larger market reaction to negative earnings surprises. We also document that firms with greater analyst coverage are more likely to guide analyst earnings forecasts downwards. Taken together, our evidence suggests that greater analyst coverage raises the pressure on managers to meet analyst earnings forecasts.
Erosion mitigation in the Waikato District, New Zealand: economic implications for agriculture
Authors: Fernandez Mario Andres , Daigneault Adam
Published: December 2016

Soil erosion, in its various forms, is caused or aggravated by agricultural activities. Mitigation of surface erosion comprises the construction of shelterbelts, fencing, riparian buffering, and stock reduction. Mitigation of mass‐movement erosion, in turn, takes the form of spaced planting of trees to maintain a persistent, healthy, and complete ground cover. In this article, we assess the economic implications to agriculture of the adoption of mitigation alternatives for erosion control in the Waikato District, New Zealand. The Waikato District presents a spatial pattern of erosion that affects profitability of dairy, and sheep and beef enterprises. We use the Universal Soil Loss Equation and the New Zealand Empirical Erosion Model to estimate erosion figures that are then fed into an economic‐focused, nonlinear, partial equilibrium mathematical programming model of New Zealand land use. Different scenarios are constructed for surface and mass‐movement soil erosion targets ranging from 0% to 50% below baseline levels. We find that achieving surface erosion targets is more expensive than mass‐movement targets, and results in different responses in regional‐level costs, land use, enterprise net revenue, and adoption of mitigation alternatives.
Shellfish allergens: tropomyosin and beyond
Authors: Faber M. A. , Pascal M. , El Kharbouchi O. , Sabato V. , Hagendorens M. M. , Decuyper I. I. , Bridts C. H. , Ebo D. G.
Published: December 2016

IgE‐mediated shellfish allergy constitutes an important cause of food‐related adverse reactions. Shellfish are classified into mollusks and crustaceans, the latter belonging to the class of arthropoda. Among crustaceans, shrimps are the most predominant cause of allergic reactions and thus more extensively studied. Several major and minor allergens have been identified and cloned. Among them, invertebrate tropomyosin, arginine kinase, myosin light chain, sarcoplasmic calcium‐binding protein, and hemocyanin are the most relevant. This review summarizes our current knowledge about these allergens.
One‐to‐one mobile technology in high school physics classrooms: Understanding its use and outcome
Authors: Zhai Xiaoming , Zhang Meilan , Li Min
Published: December 2016

This study examined ways in which high school students used mobile devices in physics classrooms and after school, and the impact of in‐class and after‐school mobile technology use on their physics learning performance and interest. We collected data from 803 high school freshmen in China after they had used mobile devices for over five months. A fixed‐effects model was employed to control the undetected variances. Results indicated that the students frequently used their mobile devices for physics learning in class and after school. Students also perceived the mobile devices as very useful for their physics learning, and their perception of usefulness was positively correlated with their frequency of use. Both the in‐class and after‐school duration and frequency of mobile technology use positively influenced students' physics learning achievement and interest. However, we also found that mobile technology was mainly used to augment rather than to transform instructional practices in physics classrooms. The paper concludes with a discussion of implications and limitations of these results for research and practice.
Housing Choices as School Choices: Subsidized Renters’ Agency in an Uncertain Policy Context
Authors: Bender Annah , Metzger Molly , Murugan Vithya , Ravindranath Divya
Published: December 2016

Previous scholarship on the federal Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program has found that HCV renters are less likely than other households living below the poverty line to live in neighborhoods with high–performing schools. These findings are troubling because HCV renters have some choice about where they live, yet aggregate data linking HCV renters’ neighborhoods with school performance shows that renters tend to be concentrated in impoverished areas with poor schools. To better understand whether and how schools factor into HCV renters’ neighborhood preferences when searching for a home, semistructured interviews with 17 HCV heads–of–household in the St. Louis region were conducted. Findings from this project reveal that some HCV renters prioritize school choice when deciding to move, sending their children to schools that may or may not be located within their neighborhood. A minority of families in this study actually enrolled their children in the school district indicated by their address. Three families had intentionally moved to unaccredited districts to take advantage of a transfer law that allowed students in unaccredited school districts to attend an out–of–district school. Although not a direct counterpoint to previous scholarship, these findings lend some balance to the idea that HCV renters are compelled to live in districts with lower property values and thus lower performing schools than other households receiving government assistance. HCV renters encounter many constraints on their choice of housing and neighborhood, and legacies of racism, housing discrimination, and predatory landlords may indeed limit renters to poor neighborhoods with underperforming school districts, but as interviews with 17 participants with school–age children demonstrate, their children may not be attending their neighborhood schools after all. These findings help contextualize HCV renter concentration in low–income neighborhoods, while further research is needed to address the education and housing policy ramifications of this work on a national scale.
Pathways to Participation: Class Disparities in Youth Civic Engagement
Authors: Boyd Melody L. , Martin Jason , Edin Kathryn
Published: December 2016

Recent research finds that there is a growing class gap in levels of civic engagement among young whites in the United States. Much of the literature on civic engagement focuses on individual– and family–level factors related to civic engagement. Our evidence suggests that it is critically important to consider variation and change in community–level factors as well, and that such factors may play a key role in facilitating or inhibiting civic engagement. To explore the puzzle of the growing class gap among young whites in civic engagement, we conducted two–generation in–depth qualitative interviews in white working class neighborhoods in Philadelphia and its inner suburbs, with companion interviews among Philadelphia–area youth living in middle class communities. We complement these interviews with quantitative measures of institutional and demographic changes in these neighborhoods over time. Our evidence suggests that a withdrawal of institutional investments in working class neighborhoods (and relative to middle class neighborhoods), along with an increase in population turnover and racial and ethnic heterogeneity, which has disproportionately impacted working class neighborhoods as well, may be important factors in understanding the growing class gap in civic engagement among white youth.
Deciduoid mesothelioma of the thorax: A comprehensive review of the scientific literature
Authors: Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Putzu Carlo , Ginesu Giorgio Carlo , Cossu Maria Laura , Feo Claudio Francesco , Attene Federico , Scognamillo Fabrizio , Nonnis Rita , Cossu Antonio , Palmieri Giuseppe , Pirina Pietro , Fois Alessandro
Published: December 2016

Objective

Deciduoid mesothelioma is a rare variant of malignant epithelioid mesothelioma. It often involves the peritoneum, but also thoracic cases have been reported. The aim of the present review is to describe the demographic, clinical, radiological, and pathological features of such a rare variant of thoracic mesothelioma, and the state of the art regarding the therapeutic approaches currently available.

Data source

English‐language articles published from 1985 to June 2016, and related to thoracic deciduoid mesothelioma cases were retrieved using the Pubmed database.

Study selection

The search terms were “mesothelioma,” “thoracic mesothelioma,” “epithelial mesothelioma,” “pleural mesothelioma,” and “deciduoid mesothelioma.”

Results

Forty‐four cases included in 16 articles, published in the period under investigation, were analyzed in detail.

Conclusions

The mean age of the patients was 63 years, and the male to female ratio 1.7:1. Approximately 58% had exposure to asbestos, and 73% had a smoking history; familiarity was rarely reported. The most common anatomical site of origin was the right pleura, and the most frequent clinical manifestations were chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and weight loss. Thoracic X‐ray and computed tomography were the imaging techniques most employed for diagnosis and surgical planning. The pathological diagnosis was obtained by examination of surgical or biopsy specimens in most cases. The best treatment strategy of deciduoid mesothelioma is a matter of debate; nevertheless a multidisciplinary approach is currently the best option for the choice of the adequate therapeutic scheme.
Mounier‐Kuhn syndrome (tracheobronchomegaly): An analysis of eleven cases
Authors: Akgedik Recep , Karamanli Harun , Kizilirmak Deniz , Kurt Ali Bekir , Öztürk Hasan , Yildirim Berna Botan , Çakir Lütfullah
Published: December 2016

Background and Aim

Mounier‐Kuhn syndrome (MKS) is a congenital disorder characterized by tracheobronchomegaly resulting from the absence of elastic fibers in the trachea and main bronchi or atrophy and thinning of the smooth muscle layer. In this syndrome, dead space associated with tracheobronchomegaly increases and discharge of secretions decreases because of ineffective coughing. The most common complications are recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and bronchiectasis. We examined the clinical characteristics, radiological features, and related complications of patients with MKS.

Methods

The cases were obtained between September 2007 and November 2015. Computed tomography scans of the chest were used to diagnose tracheobronchomegaly.

Results

All cases (a total of 11) were males with a mean age of 63 ± 13 (range, 38‐80) years. The mean diameter of the trachea was 31.53 ± 2.99 mm; the mean transverse diameter was 31.69 ± 3.10 mm and the mean sagittal diameter was 31.36 ± 3.01 mm. Complaints at the time of presentation included chronic cough, purulent sputum, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. There were recurrent pulmonary infections in seven cases, bronchiectasis in six, and tracheal diverticulum in four at the time of diagnosis.

Conclusions

In this article, 11 cases with various rarely seen complications are presented and evaluated in the light of current literature. We recommend that if chronic cough, recurrent pulmonary infections, and bronchiectasis seen in a patient, MKS should be kept in mind.
Bench evaluation of commercially available and newly developed interfaces for mouthpiece ventilation
Authors: Ogna Adam , Prigent Helene , Falaize Line , Leroux Karl , Santos Dante , Vaugier Isabelle , Orlikowski David , Lofaso Frederic
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Mouthpiece ventilation represents a valuable treatment for patients needing daytime non‐invasive ventilation. This modality is however underused, in part because of limitations in the available equipment.

Objective

To develop a new flexible and moldable mouthpiece, aiming to address some of the issues of the currently available interfaces.

Methods

We compared two commercially available and the newly developed mouthpieces in a bench test using four life‐support home ventilators and three settings per ventilator.

Results

The three interfaces showed marked differences in their resistive characteristics. In the volume‐controlled setting (VC‐CMV) with 500 mL tidal volume (VT), the delivered VT, ranged between 459 ± 7 mL (−8%) and 501 ± 4 mL (+0.2%), according to the used ventilator. In the VC‐CMV setting with VT 1000 mL, one of the ventilators did not assure the set VT with the new mouthpiece, because of the high‐pressure limitation. In the pressure‐controlled setting (PC‐CMV at 20 cmH2O), the effective pressure differed between the tested interfaces according to their resistance, resulting in a decrease in the delivered VT.

Conclusions

They found measurable differences in the ventilation's performances comparing the interfaces for mouthpiece ventilation, which seem to have a minor clinical relevance in the most settings, but should be systematically checked. They validated in‐vitro the newly developed mouthpiece with respect to the ventilation performances; a clinical study is needed to investigate the potential advantages we expect from the new mouthpiece.
Differentiating regressed melanoma from regressed lichenoid keratosis
Authors: Chan Aegean H. , Shulman Kenneth J. , Lee Bonnie A.
Published: December 2016

Background

Distinguishing regressed lichen planus‐like keratosis (LPLK) from regressed melanoma can be difficult on histopathologic examination, potentially resulting in mismanagement of patients.

Objective

We aimed to identify histopathologic features by which regressed melanoma can be differentiated from regressed LPLK.

Methods

Twenty actively inflamed LPLK, 12 LPLK with regression and 15 melanomas with regression were compared and evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as Melan‐A, microphthalmia transcription factor (MiTF) and cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) immunostaining.

Results

(1) A total of 40% of regressed melanomas showed complete or near complete loss of melanocytes within the epidermis with Melan‐A and MiTF immunostaining, while 8% of regressed LPLK exhibited this finding. (2) Necrotic keratinocytes were seen in the epidermis in 33% regressed melanomas as opposed to all of the regressed LPLK. (3) A dense infiltrate of melanophages in the papillary dermis was seen in 40% of regressed melanomas, a feature not seen in regressed LPLK.

Conclusions

In summary, our findings suggest that a complete or near complete loss of melanocytes within the epidermis strongly favors a regressed melanoma over a regressed LPLK. In addition, necrotic epidermal keratinocytes and the presence of a dense band‐like distribution of dermal melanophages can be helpful in differentiating these lesions.
An anomalous abundance of megakaryocytes in thyroid fine needle aspirates: two immunocytochemically confirmed cases
Authors: Mizutori‐Sasai Y. , Maeda T. , Suzuki A. , Hirokawa M.
Published: December 2016

Cells were identified in these thyroid aspirates that were morphologically consistent with megakaryocytes. Neither erythroid nor myeloid precursor cells were identified.
Managing glycaemia in older people with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective, primary care‐based cohort study, with economic assessment of patient outcomes
Authors: Gordon Jason , McEwan Phil , Evans Marc , Puelles Jorge , Sinclair Alan
Published: December 2016

Aims

To describe the relative health and economic outcomes associated with different second‐line therapeutic approaches to manage glycaemia in older type 2 diabetes patients requiring escalation from metformin monotherapy.

Materials and methods

The Clinical Practice Research Datalink database was used to inform a retrospective observational cohort study of patients with type 2 diabetes treated with metformin monotherapy requiring escalation (addition or switch) to a second‐line oral regimen from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2014. Primary outcomes included time to first event (any event, myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, or composite of MI/stroke [major adverse cardiovascular event; MACE]) and total event rate. The health economic consequences associated with the choice of second‐line treatment in older patients were assessed using the CORE Diabetes Model.

Results

A total of 10 484 patients were included; the majority escalated to second‐line treatment with metformin + sulphonylurea (SU; 42%) or switched to SU monotherapy (28%). In multivariate adjusted analyses, total event rates for MACE with metformin + dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitor were significantly lower than with metformin + SU (0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39‐0.98), driven by a lower MI rate in the metformin + DPP‐4 inhibitor group (0.52, 95% CI 0.27‐0.99). Economic analyses estimated that metformin + DPP‐4 inhibitor treatment was associated with the largest gain in health benefit, and cost‐effectiveness ratios were favourable (<£30 000 per quality‐adjusted life‐year) for all second‐line treatment scenarios.

Conclusions

With respect to treatment choice, data from the present study support the notion of prescribing beyond metformin + SU, as alternative regimens have been shown to be associated with reduced outcomes risk and value for money.
Effects of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami on two kelp bed communities on the Sanriku coast
Authors: Muraoka Daisuke , Tamaki Hitoshi , Takami Hideki , Kurita Yutaka , Kawamura Tomohiko
Published: December 2016

To determine the effects of the tsunami on kelp bed communities, we examined two kelp beds that had been surveyed before 2011 on the Pacific coast of Honshu Island, Japan. One survey was conducted in Tomarihama on the Oshika Peninsula, which is dominated by the large perennial brown alga Eisenia bicyclis, and the other survey was conducted in Nagane in Otsuchi Bay, where the large annual brown alga Saccharina japonica var. religiosa dominates. In Tomarihama, the tsunami was associated with a limited loss of E. bicyclis individuals. In contrast, the population of sea urchins, the primary herbivore occurring at high densities, drastically decreased after the earthquake, and a large occurrence of juvenile E. bicyclis was then observed over a broader depth range owing to the decrease in grazing pressure. Some of these juveniles survived to adulthood, and with survival over this extended depth range, the E. bicyclis bed expanded to deeper areas. In Nagane, the biomass of S. japonica var. religiosa displayed no significant change before and after the earthquake. A definite reduction in sea urchins was not observed after the earthquake. Thus, the impact of the earthquake and tsunami widely differed between Tomarihama and Nagane.
Efficacy and safety of a VWF/FVIII concentrate (wilate®) in inherited von Willebrand disease patients undergoing surgical procedures
Authors: Srivastava A. , Serban M. , Werner S. , Schwartz B. A. , Kessler C. M. ,   the Wonders Study Investigators
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Surgical procedures in von Willebrand disease (VWD) patients may require prophylactic treatment with exogenous von Willebrand factor (VWF) and coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) to prevent excessive bleeding. Wilate® is a plasma‐derived, double virus‐inactivated, highly purified, freeze‐dried VWF/FVIII concentrate, containing both factors in a physiological activity ratio of 1:1.

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of wilate® in maintaining haemostasis in VWD patients undergoing surgical procedures.

Methods

This prospective, open‐label multinational clinical study documents 28 individuals who underwent 30 surgical procedures managed with wilate®. Twenty‐one patients had VWD Type 3, and 21 surgeries were major. Efficacy was assessed intra‐ and postoperatively by the surgeon and investigator, respectively, and adjudicated by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee, using an objective scale based on blood loss, transfusion requirements and postoperative bleeding and oozing. Treatment success (primary endpoint) was determined using a composite assessment algorithm and was formally assessed.

Results

Surgical prophylaxis with wilate® was successful in 29 of 30 procedures. The overall rate of success was 96.7% (98.75% CI: 0.784, 1.000). All 21 surgeries in patients with VWD Type 3 were managed successfully. There was no accumulation of VWF or FVIII after multiple dosing, and no thromboembolic events or inhibitors to VWF or FVIII were observed.

Conclusions

Wilate® demonstrated effective prevention and treatment of bleeding in inherited VWD patients undergoing surgery, with no clinically significant safety concerns.
Antioxidant and anti‐acetylcholinesterase activities of anchovy (Coilia mystus) protein hydrolysates and their memory‐improving effects on scopolamine‐induced amnesia mice
Authors: Zhao Tiantian , Xu Jucai , Zhao Hongwei , Jiang Weiwen , Guo Xiaolei , Zhao Mouming , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Zhao Qiangzhong , Su Guowan
Published: December 2016

Anchovy protein hydrolysates (APHs) were prepared through hydrolysis for 2, 4 or 8 h (APH‐2, APH‐4 and APH‐8, respectively). The chemical analyses, in vitro assessments [antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory activity] and in vivo mice tests were evaluated. Results revealed that APH‐8 exhibited the strongest reducing power and AchE inhibitory capacity (IC50 = 159.76 ± 0.03 mg mL−1), which may be due to its specific amino acid composition and newly formed peptides. In addition, AchE inhibitory kinetics of amino acids suggested that lysine was featured of both competitive and noncompetitive inhibitors. Furthermore, the results of in vivo study showed that all APHs exhibited memory‐improving action on scopolamine‐induced amnesia mice especially, APH‐8, indicating that anchovy protein is a potential source for health‐promoting peptides.
Techno‐functional properties of wheat flour‐resistant starch mixtures applied to breadmaking
Authors: Arp Carlos Gabriel , Correa María Jimena , Zuleta Ángela , Ferrero Cristina
Published: December 2016

Resistant starch can be used to reduce the availability of carbohydrates in baked products. In this study, the effect of type 4 resistant wheat starch (RS4) on wheat flour dough and breads was evaluated. Wheat flour was substituted by RS4 at 10%, 20% and 30% w/w (RS10, RS20 and RS30, respectively). Rheological and thermal behaviours of dough were evaluated. Besides, bread quality, starch digestibility and bread staling were analysed. All substituted dough exhibited viscoelastic behaviour but lower elastic and viscous moduli. Regarding to bread quality, specific volume and crumb texture were negatively affected in samples with RS4. However, all samples were technologically acceptable. During storage, crumb hardening was observed in breads without and with RS4 but amylopectin retrogradation was not particularly affected. The in vitro digestibility of bread with RS showed a lower release of reducing sugars and a lower estimated glycaemic index, suggesting a healthier profile for these breads.
Digestion and bioavailability of bioactive phytochemicals
Authors: Karaś Monika , Jakubczyk Anna , Szymanowska Urszula , Złotek Urszula , Zielińska Ewelina
Published: December 2016

There are many scientific reports on determination of the content and biological activity of compounds found in food. However, these analyses are not sufficient to determine their effect on the human body. During digestion of food ingredients, many changes can modify their structure and this may affect their absorption and bioactivity. Many phenolic aglycones are hydrophilic and can be absorbed through biological membranes by diffusion. However, most polyphenols occur in the glycosidic form, which undoubtedly affects their absorption in the intestine. Oligopeptides are also absorbable via secondary active transport but based on the hydrogen ion gradient or with transporter PepT1. The bioavailability of phytochemicals is determined by their molecular weight or chemical structure and the food matrix. Accordingly, the aim of this work was to present the novel scientific reports related to the influence the many factors on digestibility, bioaccessibility and activity of selected bioactive compounds of plant origin.
The adiposity of children is associated with their lifestyle behaviours: a cluster analysis of school‐aged children from 12 nations
Authors: Dumuid Dorothea , Olds T. , Lewis L. K. , Martin‐Fernández J. A. , Barreira T. , Broyles S. , Chaput J.‐P. , Fogelholm M. , Hu G. , Kuriyan R. , Kurpad A. , Lambert E. V. , Maia J. , Matsudo V. , Onywera V. O. , Sarmiento O. L. , Standage M. , Tremblay M. S. , Tudor‐Locke C. , Zhao P. , Katzmarzyk P. , Gillison F. , Maher C. ,   for the ISCOLE research group
Published: December 2016

Background

The relationship between children's adiposity and lifestyle behaviour patterns is an area of growing interest.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to identify clusters of children based on lifestyle behaviours and compare children's adiposity among clusters.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from the International Study of Childhood Obesity, Lifestyle and the Environment were used. Participants: the participants were children (9–11 years) from 12 nations (n = 5710). Measures: 24‐h accelerometry and self‐reported diet and screen time were clustering input variables. Objectively measured adiposity indicators were waist‐to‐height ratio, percent body fat and body mass index z‐scores. Analysis: sex‐stratified analyses were performed on the global sample and repeated on a site‐wise basis. Cluster analysis (using isometric log ratios for compositional data) was used to identify common lifestyle behaviour patterns. Site representation and adiposity were compared across clusters using linear models.

Results

Four clusters emerged: (1) Junk Food Screenies, (2) Actives, (3) Sitters and (4) All‐Rounders. Countries were represented differently among clusters. Chinese children were over‐represented in Sitters and Colombian children in Actives. Adiposity varied across clusters, being highest in Sitters and lowest in Actives.

Conclusions

Children from different sites clustered into groups of similar lifestyle behaviours. Cluster membership was linked with differing adiposity. Findings support the implementation of activity interventions in all countries, targeting both physical activity and sedentary time.
Linking positive affect and motivation to transfer within training: a multilevel study
Authors: Paulsen Hilko Frederik Klaas , Kauffeld Simone
Published: December 2016

Motivation to transfer is a critical element for successful training transfer. Whereas recent research has shown that training‐related factors such as training design are related to motivation to transfer, participants’ affective experiences have been neglected. Based on the broaden‐and‐build theory of positive emotions, we conducted a multilevel study to investigate the relationship between positive affect and motivation to transfer at the individual and at the group level of analysis. A total of 867 training participants drawn from 78 three‐day training programmes were surveyed on the first day (T1) and the last day (T2) of the training. As expected, positive affect was found to be related to motivation to transfer at both T1 and T2. Furthermore, the relationship between positive affect at T1 and motivation to transfer at T2 was mediated by motivation to transfer at the individual and the group level at T1 and by positive affect at the individual level at T2.