bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of tumour‐infiltrating eosinophils, mast cells and macrophages in Classical and Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma in children
Authors: Englund Annika , Molin Daniel , Enblad Gunilla , Karlén Jonas , Glimelius Ingrid , Ljungman Gustaf , Amini Rose‐Marie
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To study Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) microenvironment in a Swedish paediatric population and its relation to clinical parameters.

Methods

Tumour tissue from classical HL (cHL) (n = 87) and nodular lymphocyte predominant HL (NLPHL) (n = 11) was investigated for Epstein‐Barr Virus (EBV) and analysed for eosinophils, mast cells and macrophages.

Results

In cHL, EBV positivity was more common in low age (P < 0.001) and in mixed cellularity (MC) (P < 0.001). Higher mast cell infiltration was seen in stage III‐IV (P < 0.001), and with presence of B‐symptoms (P = 0.01). Cases with high mast cell counts displayed higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lower haemoglobin and albumin levels. Higher macrophage infiltration was seen in stage III‐IV (P = 0.02) and there was elevated ESR and neutrophil count. All NLPHL cases were EBV negative, had lower rates of inflammatory cells and lower degree of inflammatory reaction in laboratory parameters. There was no difference in survival estimates with regard to infiltration of inflammatory cells.

Conclusions

Higher levels of mast cells and macrophages in cHL tumours reflected the clinical presentation in laboratory parameters, B‐symptoms and more advanced stages. NLPHL differs from cHL in numbers of inflammatory cells in the tumour, and in laboratory parameters.
Epilepsy in young Tsc1+/− mice exhibits age‐dependent expression that mimics that of human tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Gataullina Svetlana , Lemaire Eric , Wendling Fabrice , Kaminska Anna , Watrin Françoise , Riquet Audrey , Ville Dorothée , Moutard Marie‐Laure , de Saint Martin Anne , Napuri Silvia , Pedespan Jean‐Michel , Eisermann Monika , Bahi‐Buisson Nadia , Nabbout Rima , Chiron Catherine , Dulac Olivier , Huberfeld Gilles
Published: February 2016

Objective

To describe the epileptic phenotype of Tsc1+/− mice pups in comparison with age‐related seizures in human tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Methods

Tsc1+/− and control mice underwent intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) recording at postnatal ages (P)8 to P33, with linear silicon probe implanted in the somatosensory cortex of one or both hemispheres for 8–24 h. Ictal events were classified visually by independent analyzers; distinct EEG patterns were related to age and analyzed to quantify field potential characteristics and signal dynamics between hemispheres. We collected retrospectively 20 infants with prenatally diagnosed TSC and EEG before seizure onset, and analyzed the electroclinical course of epilepsy, taking into account a first‐line treatment by vigabatrin.

Results

Spontaneous seizures were disclosed in 55% of Tsc1+/− mice at P9–18. Three ictal patterns were identified: from P9 to P12 “spike clusters” consisted of recurring large spikes without clinical correlate; “spasm‐like” discharges dominated from P13 to P16 consisting of high amplitude large field potential superimposed with or followed by fast activity repeated every 2–10 s for at least 20 s, accompanied by rhythmic limb contractions; from P14 to P18 a “tonic–clonic like” pattern comprised rhythmic spikes of increasing amplitude with tonic–clonic movements. Early onset “spike clusters” were mainly unilateral, whereas “spasm‐like” and “tonic–clonic like” patterns were bilateral. Interhemispheric propagation was significantly faster for “tonic–clonic like” than for “spasm‐like” events. In infants diagnosed prenatally with TSC, clusters of sharp waves or spikes preceded the first seizure, and vigabatrin prevented the development of seizures. Patients treated after seizure onset developed spasms or focal seizures that were pharmacoresistant in 66.7% of cases.

Significance

Tsc1+/− mice pups exhibit an age‐dependent seizure pattern sequence mimicking early human TSC epilepsy features. Spike clusters before seizure onset in TSC should be considered as a first stage of epilepsy reinforcing the concept of preventive antiepileptic therapy.
Physiological responses of Arundo donax ecotypes to drought: a common garden study
Authors: Haworth Matthew , Cosentino Salvatore Luciano , Marino Giovanni , Brunetti Cecilia , Scordia Danilo , Testa Giorgio , Riggi Ezio , Avola Giovanni , Loreto Francesco , Centritto Mauro
Published: February 2016

Genetic analyses have suggested that the clonal reproduction of Arundo donax has resulted in low genetic diversity. However, an earlier common garden phenotyping experiment identified specimens of A. donax with contrasting biomass yields (ecotypes 6 and 20). We utilized the same well‐established stands to investigate the photosynthetic and stress physiology of the A. donax ecotypes under irrigated and drought conditions. Ecotype 6 produced the largest yields in both treatments. The A. donax ecotypes exhibited identical high leaf‐level rates of photosynthesis (PN) and stomatal conductance (Gs) in the well‐watered treatment. Soil drying induced reductions in PN and Gs, decreased use of light energy for photochemistry, impaired function of photosystem II and increased heat dissipation similarly in the two ecotypes. Levels of biologically active free‐abscisic acid (ABA) and fixed glycosylated‐ABA increased earlier in response to the onset of water deficit in ecotype 6; however, as drought progressed, the ecotypes showed similar increases in both forms of ABA. This may suggest that because of the low genetic variability in A. donax the genes responding to drought might have been activated similarly in the two ecotypes, resulting in identical physiological responses to water deficit. Despite the lack of physiological ecotypic differences that could be associated with yield, A. donax retained a high degree of PN and biomass gain under water deficit stress conditions. This may enable utilization of A. donax as a fast growing biomass crop in rain‐fed marginal lands in hot drought prone climates.
Diagnostic value of telecytology in tertiary teledermatological consultation: a retrospective analysis of 75 cases
Authors: Durdu Murat , Harman Mehmet
Published: February 2016

Background

The addition of dermatoscopic images to clinical images is reported to increase the diagnostic value of teledermatology. No study has investigated the contribution of telecytology to teledermatology. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of telecytology in tertiary teledermatological evaluation.

Methods

The study included 75 patients for whom no diagnosis could be established at face‐to‐face clinical examinations and cytological evaluations, who therefore consulted with a dermatologist experienced in cytology through the store‐and‐forward method. Telecytological diagnosis was then compared with the final diagnosis, and diagnostic accuracy was calculated.

Results

In the past 2 years, 75 patients (38 [50.7%] female, 37 [49.3%] male) were evaluated by telecytology. According to definitive diagnoses, 31 patients (41.3%) had erosive–vesiculobullous, 25 (33.3%) had tumoral, and 19 (15.8%) had granulomatous disease. Diagnostic accuracy of telecytology was 90.7%.

Limitations

Our study was a retrospective study, and cytological images were evaluated by one dermatologist only; therefore, no reliability analysis could be performed.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the cytological images should be used in tertiary teledermatological evaluation. Further studies should therefore be carried out to investigate the diagnostic value of different telecytological methods.
Building a global teledermatology collaboration
Authors: Bobbs Melanie , Bayer Michelle , Frazer Tifany , Humphrey Stephen , Wilson Barbara , Olasz Edit , Holland Kristen , Kuzminski Jacquelyn
Published: February 2016

Skin disease is common in low‐resource countries and is associated with significant morbidity. The disease burden is often heightened by lack of access to adequate diagnosis and treatment. Teledermatology is a growing healthcare delivery modality that allows access to subspecialty care at a distance. This article describes how a low‐cost teledermatology program was launched through collaboration between the Medical College of Wisconsin and Hillside Healthcare International. Several factors are required for a teledermatology program to be successful, beginning with a partnership between two entities that targets a locally identified need and is mutually beneficial to invested partners. The program should utilize the expertise of each partner, be based on an agreed upon process with clearly defined objectives, and protect patient privacy. After a program is implemented, adaptation to address challenges and best meet the needs of all parties involved will allow for continued success and sustainability. This process can serve as a model for other programs desiring to establish similar teledermatology partnerships in an academic setting.
Lenalidomide treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus: the Mayo Clinic experience
Authors: Kindle Scott A. , Wetter David A. , Davis Mark D. P. , Pittelkow Mark R. , Sciallis Gabriel F.
Published: February 2016

Background

Published case series describe lenalidomide as an effective treatment of refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE).

Objectives

The present study aimed to further characterize lenalidomide use in the treatment of CLE.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients treated with lenalidomide for CLE from January 1, 2000, to December 17, 2014, was conducted.

Results

Eight of the nine patients (89%) were women. Their median age at initiation of lenalidomide was 62 years (range: 41–86 years). Subtypes of CLE included discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) (n = 6), lupus panniculitis (n = 2), and subacute CLE (n = 1). Before the initiation of lenalidomide, all patients had been previously treated unsuccessfully or were intolerant to at least one antimalarial and one immunosuppressive agent. With lenalidomide, five patients achieved a complete response (CR), two a partial response, and two had no response (lupus panniculitis). Time to initial response (dose range: 2.5–10.0 mg/d) varied from 2 weeks to 3 months; the median time to CR in five patients was 3 months (range: 3–6 months). The median duration of lenalidomide therapy was 12 months (range: 2–67 months). The median duration of follow‐up was 48 months (range: 20–103 months). Adverse effects included mild leukopenia; one patient had deep vein thrombosis of unclear etiology during a hospitalization. No patients developed or showed progression of systemic LE while receiving lenalidomide.

Conclusions

Lenalidomide was effective for the treatment of CLE (particularly DLE) but not for the treatment of lupus panniculitis in this series.
Lichen planus and dyslipidemia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Lai Yi C. , Yew Yik W. , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: February 2016

Background

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that has been shown to be positively associated with dyslipidemia. However, the magnitude and types of the underlying lipid abnormalities have not been investigated. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the qualitative and quantitative association between LP and dyslipidemia.

Methods

A systematic search of studies published from inception to April 1, 2015, was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases. Meta‐analyses of observational studies with both categorical and continuous outcome were performed. DerSimonian and Lard random effects models were utilized to calculate the pooled odds ratio and weighted mean difference (WMD). Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot and Egger's test.

Results

Seven studies with 5242 subjects were included in this meta‐analysis. Patients with LP were significantly more likely to have dyslipidemia, with a pooled odds ratio of 1.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–2.54, P = 0.004). LP was associated with higher levels of triglycerides (WMD 83.37 mg/dl, 95% CI 0.62–166.12, P = 0.048), low‐density lipoprotein (18.75 mg/dl, 95% CI −17.21 to 54.72, P = 0.307), total cholesterol (19.22 mg/dl, 95% CI −8.80 to 47.25, P = 0.179), and lower levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (−8.96 mg/dl, 95% CI −21.22 to 3.30, P = 0.152).

Conclusions

Despite considerable heterogeneity, this study demonstrated that LP was significantly associated with an increased risk of dyslipidemia and higher triglyceride levels. For patients presenting with LP, physicians should be cognizant of this association and consider screening them for dyslipidemia.
Is timolol an effective treatment for pyogenic granuloma?
Authors: Gupta Divya , Singh Nidhi , Thappa Devinder Mohan
Published: February 2016

Background

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign vascular tumor that can be treated by cautery (chemical or thermal), laser, excision, curettage, sclerotherapy, and cryotherapy. Topical timolol is emerging as a non‐invasive modality for the treatment of PGs.

Methods

We recruited a series of 10 patients with PG, who received treatment with 0.5% timolol maleate ophthalmic solution applied 4 times a day, 2 drops per dose. No other medication, topical or systemic, was given. Pulse rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose were monitored at baseline and weekly thereafter for the duration of treatment. ECG was done at baseline. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by considering a complete response, a partial response, and no response.

Results

Of 10 patients, four showed complete response within 3–24 days, with no recurrence at 3‐month follow‐up. Three patients each showed partial or no response. No local or systemic side effects were reported in any of the patients.

Conclusions

The response of PGs to β blockers seems to be variable. Although topical timolol has the advantage of minimal adverse events, ease of administration, and better cosmetic outcomes, it's efficacy in PG may not be universal unlike in infantile hemangiomas. Topical timolol may be a treatment option in young children, incapacitated elderly, and over delicate areas like face, nails, and gums where invasive modalities are not desirable.
Horticultural mineral oil influences Plum pox virus transmission by Myzus persicae
Authors: Samara R. , Lowery D. T. , Stobbs L. W. , Vickers P. M. , Bittner L. A.
Published: February 2016

The residual activity of horticultural mineral oil (HMO) on the ability of green peach aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), (GPA) to transmit Plum pox virus (PPV) to peach was measured by infection rates of detached leaves from plants sprayed with either HMO or water as a control that were inoculated using transfer of 25 viruliferous aphids per leaf at 0, 2, 4, 7, 9, 11 and 14 days after treatment (DAT). Persistent effects of HMO residue on the probing and feeding behaviours of GPA were also monitored with the electrical penetration graph (EPG) system. For glasshouse‐grown peach seedlings, the residual activity of HMO reduced PPV infection rates by more than 58% for up to 4 DAT following an initial reduction of approximately 81%. EPG recordings of GPA feeding behaviour showed that HMO significantly delayed first feeding probes and first intracellular punctures by more than 50 min without changing the ensuing stylet penetration behaviour. Applying HMO reduced virus infection rates for up to a week depending on the environmental conditions. EPG monitoring of aphid probing showed that HMO reduced the mean duration and mean number of potential drop (PD) phase feeding occurrences, compared with the water control. A reduction in the PD that has been shown to be related to the transmission of non‐persistently transmitted viruses may partly explain the reduction in PPV infection rates.
Effect of host plants on the infectivity of nucleopolyhedrovirus to Spodoptera exigua larvae
Authors: Wan N.‐F. , Jiang J.‐X. , Li B.
Published: February 2016

Previous studies have shown that the infectivity of baculovirus to herbivores is affected by phytochemicals ingested during the acquisition of viral inoculum on the foliage of host plants. Here, we measured the effects of 14 host plant species on the infectivity of Spodoptera exigua nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeNPV) to its larvae. The order of the LD50 values of SeNPV among the host plants was Ipomoea aquatica > Brassica oleracea > Raphanus sativus > Amaranthus tricolor > Spinacia oleracea > Vigna unguiculata > Solanum melongena > Capsicum annuum > Apium graveolens > Allium fistulosum > Lactuca sativa > Brassica chinensis > Zea mays > Glycine max, with 940.1 ± 2.26, 424.0 ± 0.60, 295.2 ± 1.13, 147.3 ± 0.63, 138.6 ± 0.22, 119.9 ± 0.07, 119.8 ± 0.02, 109.2 ± 0.18, 104.8 ± 0.62, 102.1 ± 0.66, 97.9 ± 0.22, 89.9 ± 0.32, 79.0 ± 0.13 and 64.0 ± 0.38 OBs per larva, respectively, and the values of mean time to death of virus‐infected larvae were 6.21 ± 0.11, 7.12 ± 0.10, 7.33 ± 0.21, 6.97 ± 0.02, 7.06 ± 0.01, 7.29 ± 0.03, 7.32 ± 0.05, 7.07 ± 0.08, 7.24 ± 0.11, 7.09 ± 0.13, 7.50 ± 0.06, 7.23 ± 0.01, 7.30 ± 0.02 and 7.19 ± 0.07 days, respectively. The mean time to death of larvae decreased with increasing viral dose, and corrected mortality decreased as the larval mean time to death increased. These findings have significance for understanding the effects of host plants on the infectivity of baculovirus to noctuids.
Plant penetration activities by the flatid planthopper Metcalfa pruinosa (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea): an electrical penetration graph‐histology analysis
Authors: Seo B. Y. , Jung J. K. , Park C.‐G. , Lee S.‐G. , Park Y.‐L.
Published: February 2016

The citrus flatid planthopper, Metcalfa pruinosa Say (Hemiptera: Flatidae), is a very polyphagous native insect in North America and currently a serious pest in Europe and South Korea. To understand the feeding behaviour of M. pruinosa, stylet penetration behaviour of M. pruinosa was investigated with an electrical penetration graph (EPG) system. This study reports seven EPG waveforms related to M. pruinosa feeding behaviour: np (no stylet penetration), Mp1 (initiation of stylet penetration), Mp2 (stylet movement and salivation), Mp4 (phloem feeding), Mp4‐H (honeydew excretion), Mp5 (xylem feeding) and Mp6 (unknown). To determine respective feeding behaviour related to the Mp4 and Mp5 waveforms, stylets were cut with a laser beam, and the location of the stylet tip within plant tissue was examined. We found plant sap was exuded from the severed stylets only when the Mp4 waveform was observed, suggesting phloem sap ingestion. The stylet tip was located in the xylem region, indicating xylem‐feeding activity, when the Mp5 waveform was observed. The analysis of 24 different EPG parameters suggests that M. pruinosa stylets reached the vascular bundle of a plant within ca. 5 min and spend ca. 70% of the time feeding on xylem and phloem feeding. This is the first study that reports seven distinctive EPG waveforms with respect to the feeding behaviour of M. pruinosa which could help determine host specificity and host plant susceptibility.
Deep 16S rRNA gene sequencing of anterior foregut microbiota from the blue‐green sharpshooter (Graphocephala atropunctata)
Authors: Rogers E. E.
Published: February 2016

Graphocephala atropunctata or the blue‐green sharpshooter (BGSS) has been long recognized as the principal native vector of Xylella fastidiosa in coastal, wine‐grape‐growing areas of California. X. fastidiosa is the causative agent of Pierce's disease of grapevine and of numerous other leaf‐scorching diseases of agronomically important plants. X. fastidiosa has been shown to colonize the cibarium and precibarium (anterior foregut) of sharpshooters, where it may encounter other naturally occurring bacterial species. Here, deep 16S rRNA sequencing was used to survey the microbiota associated with the BGSS anterior foregut. DNA was extracted from dissected cibaria and precibaria; a portion of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq technology. An average of approximately 32 000 sequence reads per insect was obtained. Agrobacterium was the most common genus detected; additional sequencing of the full‐length 16S rRNA gene further identified this as Agrobacterium tumefaciens or A. fabrum. A number of additional plant‐associated bacterial genera were also detected (Pseudomonas and Ensifer), along with genera known to be associated with insects (Baumannia), and soil (Stenotrophomonas, Caulobacter, Delftia, Achromobacter, Acinetobacter and Novosphingobium). Approximately half of the genera reported here have been previously reported to be prevalent in the cibarium and precibarium of glassy‐winged sharpshooter (GWSS; Homalodisca vitripennis). Many of these cibarium‐ and precibarium‐associated genera likely interact with X. fastidiosa.
Efficacy of pheromonal control of peachtree borer (Synanthedon exitiosa (Say)) in small‐scale orchards
Authors: Grasswitz T. R. , Yao S.
Published: February 2016

The efficacy of pheromone‐based mating disruption for control of the peachtree borer Synanthedon exitiosa (Say) in small‐scale peach orchards (<0.1 ha) was evaluated in a total of six blocks at two locations in New Mexico, USA, from 2010 to 2015. In treated orchards, commercial pheromone dispensers were deployed at rates of approximately 500 or 600 per ha. Pheromone‐based monitoring traps were installed in each block (treated and untreated), and catches of male moths were recorded throughout each growing season to assess the effectiveness of pheromone treatments and to determine the pest's seasonal flight activity. Levels of larval trunk infestation were assessed twice yearly by inspecting all trees at and below soil level. Infestation levels in an unreplicated block of mature peaches at one site (Los Lunas) declined from 57.5% to 8.4% while under pheromone treatment (2010–2011). Pheromone treatments in this block were discontinued in 2012, and infestation levels subsequently increased to 16.9% by spring 2015. In a replicated study in four other peach blocks at the same site, annual application of pheromones from 2012 to 2014 resulted in a significant difference in larval infestations in treated blocks compared to untreated blocks. In addition, when a single block of infested peaches at a second site (Alcalde) was treated with pheromone dispensers for three consecutive years, trunk infestation levels declined significantly, but were not completely eliminated. These results indicate that mating disruption can help protect even very small orchards from damage by S. exitiosa. However, the technique is likely to be more effective where such orchards are relatively isolated and/or where the surrounding pest pressure is moderate or low.
Kin Discrimination in Protists: From Many Cells to Single Cells and Backwards
Authors: Paz‐y‐Miño‐C Guillermo , Espinosa Avelina
Published: February 2016

During four decades (1960–1990s), the conceptualization and experimental design of studies in kin recognition relied on work with multicellular eukaryotes, particularly Unikonta (including invertebrates and vertebrates) and some Bikonta (including plants). This pioneering research had an animal behavior approach. During the 2000s, work on taxa‐, clone‐ and kin‐discrimination and recognition in protists produced genetic and molecular evidence that unicellular organisms (e.g. Saccharomyces, Dictyostelium, Polysphondylium, Tetrahymena, Entamoeba and Plasmodium) could distinguish between same (self or clone) and different (diverse clones), as well as among conspecifics of close or distant genetic relatedness. Here, we discuss some of the research on the genetics of kin discrimination/recognition and highlight the scientific progress made by switching emphasis from investigating multicellular to unicellular systems (and backwards). We document how studies with protists are helping us to understand the microscopic, cellular origins and evolution of the mechanisms of kin discrimination/recognition and their significance for the advent of multicellularity. We emphasize that because protists are among the most ancient organisms on Earth, belong to multiple taxonomic groups and occupy all environments, they can be central to reexamining traditional hypotheses in the field of kin recognition, reformulating concepts, and generating new knowledge.
When Stakeholder Representation Leads to Faultlines. A Study of Board Service Performance in Social Enterprises
Authors: Crucke Saskia , Knockaert Mirjam
Published: February 2016

Following the growing interest in sustainability and ethics, organizations are increasingly attentive to accountability toward stakeholders. Stakeholder representation, obtained by appointing board members representing different stakeholder groups, is suggested to be a good ethical practice. However, such representation may also have nefarious implications for board functioning. Particularly, it may result in strong faultline emergence, subsequently mitigating board performance. Our study aims at understanding the process through which faultlines affect board performance, and particularly the board service role through which the board is involved in providing counsel and strategic decision‐making. We study the relationship between faultlines and board service performance in the particularly relevant context of social enterprises. We find that faultline strength is negatively related to board service performance and that this relationship is mediated by board task conflict. Furthermore, our study reveals the importance of clear and shared organizational goals in attenuating the negative effects of faultlines.
Observer presence may alter the behaviour of reef fishes associated with coral colonies
Authors: Pereira Pedro Henrique Cipresso , Leal Isabela Carolina Silva , de Araújo Maria Elisabeth
Published: February 2016

Although underwater visual census (UVC) is the most frequently used technique for quantifying reef fish assemblages, remote video analysis has been gaining attention as a potential alternative. In the South Atlantic Ocean, Millepora spp. (class Hydrozoa) are the only branching coral species; however, little is known about the ecological role that they play for reef fish communities. We compared these two observation methods (remote video and UVC) to estimate reef fish abundance and species richness associated with colonies of the fire‐coral Millepora alcicornis at Tamandaré Reefs, Northeast Brazil. Additionally, the two different techniques were used to compare species behaviour in association with fire‐corals in order to examine the biases associated with each technique and provide useful information for behavioural ecologists studying fish–coral associations. There were no differences in reef fish abundance or species richness sampled by remote video or UVC. However, a significant difference in the behaviour of associated fish was recorded between the two methods. In the presence of a diver carrying out a UVC, fish were observed spending more time sheltered amongst the coral branches compared with passively swimming on coral colonies with the remote video technique. Specifically, on the remote video recordings agonistic interactions between fish and passive swimming accounted for 33.3% and 22.2% of the census time, respectively. By comparison, when observed by a diver fish spent 34.8% of their time sheltering amongst the coral branches. We demonstrate that both techniques are similarly effective for recording fish abundance and species richness associated with fire‐corals. However, differences were observed in the ability of each method to detect the behaviour of coral‐associated fishes. Our findings show that behavioural ecologists studying complex fish–coral associations need to ensure that their aims are clearly defined and that they choose the most appropriate technique for their study in order to minimize methodological biases.
CO2 release due to impact devolatilization of carbonate: Results of shock experiments
Authors: Bell Mary Sue
Published: February 2016

A study of pure, single crystal calcite shocked to pressures from 9.0 to 60.8 GPa was conducted to address contradictory data for carbonate shock behavior. The recovered materials were analyzed optically and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as by thermogravimetry (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman‐spectroscopy. In thin section, progressive comminution of calcite is observed although grains remain birefringent to at least 60.8 GPa. TGA analysis reveals a positive correlation between percent of mass loss due to shock and increasing shock pressure (R = 0.77) and suggests that shock loading leads to the modest removal of structural volatiles in this pressure range. XRD patterns of shocked Iceland spar samples produce peaks that are qualitatively and quantitatively less intense, more diffuse, and shift to lower o2θ. However, the regularity observed in these shocked powder patterns suggests that structures with very uniform unit cell separations persist to shock pressures as high as 60.8 GPa. Raman spectral analyses indicate no band asymmetry and no systematic peak shifting or broadening. TEM micrographs display progressively diminishing crystallite domain sizes. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns reveal no signatures of amorphous material. These data show that essentially intact calcite is recovered at shock pressures up to 60.8 GPa with only slight mass loss (~7%). This work suggests that the amount of CO2 gas derived from shock devolatilization of carbonate by large meteorite impacts into carbonate targets has been (substantially) overestimated.
Do Good Institutions Promote Countercyclical Macroeconomic Policies?
Authors: Calderón César , Duncan Roberto , Schmidt‐Hebbel Klaus
Published: February 2016

The literature has argued that developing countries are unable to adopt countercyclical monetary and fiscal policies due to financial imperfections and unfavourable political‐economy conditions. Using a world sample of up to 112 industrial and developing countries for 1984–2008, we find that the level of institutional quality plays a key role in countries’ ability and willingness to implement countercyclical macroeconomic policies. Countries with strong (weak) institutions adopt countercyclical (procyclical) macroeconomic policies, reflected in extended monetary policy and fiscal policy rules. The threshold levels of institutional quality at which policies are acyclical are found to be similar for monetary and fiscal policy.
The control of sclerotinia stem rot on oilseed rape (Brassica napus): current practices and future opportunities
Authors: Derbyshire M. C. , Denton‐Giles M.
Published: February 2016

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a major disease of oilseed rape (Brassica napus). During infection, large, white/grey lesions form on the stems of the host plant, perturbing seed development and decreasing yield. Due to its ability to produce long‐term storage structures called sclerotia, S. sclerotiorum inoculum can persist for long periods in the soil. Current SSR control relies heavily on cultural practices and fungicide treatments. Cultural control practices aim to reduce the number of sclerotia in the soil or create conditions that are unfavourable for disease development. These methods of control are under increased pressure in some regions, as rotations tighten and inoculum levels increase. Despite their ability to efficiently kill S. sclerotiorum, preventative fungicides remain an expensive gamble for SSR control, as their effectiveness is highly dependent on the ability to predict the establishment of microscopic infections in the crop. Failure to correctly time fungicide applications can result in a substantial cost to the grower. This review describes the scientific literature pertaining to current SSR control practices. Furthermore, it details recent advances in alternative SSR control methods including the generation of resistant varieties through genetic modification and traditional breeding, and biocontrol. The review concludes with a future directive for SSR control on oilseed rape.
Meta‐analysis approach to the effects of live prey on the growth of Octopus vulgaris paralarvae under culture conditions
Authors: Garrido Diego , Martín M. Virginia , Rodríguez Covadonga , Iglesias José , Navarro Juan C. , Estévez Alicia , Hontoria Francisco , Becerro Mikel , Otero Juan J. , Pérez Josu , Varó Inmaculada , Reis Diana B. , Riera Rodrigo , Sykes António V. , Almansa Eduardo
Published: February 2016

The common octopus (Octopus vulgaris, Cuvier 1797) is a promising species for aquaculture diversification, but the massive mortality during the first life stage is the main bottleneck for its commercial production. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of different live preys (Artemia and crustacean zoeae) and/or Artemia enrichment protocols in the paralarval growth by using a meta‐analysis approach. A total of 26 independent assays were used, including data from the bibliography and from experiments carried out by our group. Three comparisons were established: (i) crustacean zoeae vs. Artemia, (ii) different crustacean zoeae species and (iii) Artemia enriched with marine lecithin (rich in polar lipids‐PL and docosahexaenoic acid‐DHA) vs. previously used Artemia enrichments. The meta‐analysis approach allowed a quantitative review of independent studies with reliable conclusions, avoiding the subjectivity inherent to classical reviews. The outputs provided statistical confirmation of the better suitability of crustacean zoeae with respect to Artemia. However, not all crustacean species showed the same results, given that the high variability on Grapsus zoeae hampered finding significant differences with respect to the control treatment (Artemia). Nutrient composition and biometry of the different types of prey are discussed as possible causes of the differences arising from the meta‐analysis. Finally, the present results suggest that marine lecithin has a beneficial effect on paralarval growth with respect to previously used enrichments, which could be related to the increase in DHA and PL in Artemia, given the essential role of these lipid components in octopus paralarval physiology.
Androgen actions in mouse wound healing: Minimal in vivo effects of local antiandrogen delivery
Authors: Wang Yiwei , Simanainen Ulla , Cheer Kenny , Suarez Francia G. , Gao Yan Ru , Li Zhe , Handelsman David , Maitz Peter
Published: February 2016

The aims of this work were to define the role of androgens in female wound healing and to develop and characterize a novel wound dressing with antiandrogens. Androgens retard wound healing in males, but their role in female wound healing has not been established. To understand androgen receptor (AR)‐mediated androgen actions in male and female wound healing, we utilized the global AR knockout (ARKO) mouse model, with a mutated AR deleting the second zinc finger to disrupt DNA binding and transcriptional activation. AR inactivation enhanced wound healing rate in males by increasing re‐epithelialization and collagen deposition even when wound contraction was eliminated. Cell proliferation and migration in ARKO male fibroblasts was significantly increased compared with wild‐type (WT) fibroblasts. However, ARKO females showed a similar healing rate compared to WT females. To exploit local antiandrogen effects in wound healing, while minimizing off‐target systemic effects, we developed a novel electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold wound dressing material for sustained local antiandrogen delivery. Using the antiandrogen hydroxyl flutamide (HF) at 1, 5, and 10 mg/mL in PCL scaffolds, controlled HF delivery over 21 days significantly enhanced in vitro cell proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts and human keratinocytes. HF‐PCL scaffolds also promoted in vivo wound healing in mice compared with open wounds but not to PCL scaffolds.
Healthy human second‐trimester fetal skin is deficient in leukocytes and associated homing chemokines
Authors: Walraven Mariëlle , Talhout Wendy , Beelen Robert H.J. , van Egmond Marjolein , Ulrich Magda M.W.
Published: February 2016

The lack of immune cells in mid‐gestational fetal skin is often mentioned as a key factor underlying scarless healing. However, the scarless healing ability is conserved until long after the immune system in the fetus is fully developed. Therefore, we studied human second‐trimester fetal skin and compared the numbers of immune cells and chemokine levels from fetal skin with adult skin. By using immunohistochemistry, we show that healthy fetal skin contains significant lower numbers of CD68+‐macrophages, Tryptase+‐mast cells, Langerin+‐Langerhans cells, CD1a+‐dendritic cells, and CD3+‐T cells compared to adult skin. Staining with an early lineage leukocyte marker, i.e., CD45, verified that the number of CD45+‐immune cells was indeed significantly lower in fetal skin but that sufficient numbers of immune cells were present in the fetal lymph node. No differences in the vascular network were observed between fetal and adult skin. Moreover, significant lower levels of lymphocyte chemokines CCL17, CCL21, and CCL27 were observed in fetal skin. However, levels of inflammatory interleukins such as IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 were undetectable and levels of CCL2 were similar in healthy fetal and adult skin. In conclusion, this study shows that second‐trimester fetal skin contains low levels of immune cells and leukocyte chemokines compared to adult skin. This immune cell deficiency includes CD45+ leukocytes, despite the abundant presence of these cells in the lymph node. The immune deficiency in healthy second‐trimester fetal skin may result in reduced inflammation during wound healing, and could underlie the scarless healing capacities of the fetal skin.
Exercise: the lifelong supplement for healthy ageing and slowing down the onset of frailty
Authors: Viña Jose , Rodriguez‐Mañas Leocadio , Salvador‐Pascual Andrea , Tarazona‐Santabalbina Francisco José , Gomez‐Cabrera Mari Carmen
Published: February 2016

The beneficial effects of exercise have been well recognized for over half a century. Dr Jeremy Morris's pioneering studies in the fifties showed a striking difference in cardiovascular disease between the drivers and conductors on the double‐decker buses in London. These studies sparked off a vast amount of research on the effects of exercise in health, and the general consensus is that exercise contributes to improved outcomes and treatment for several diseases including osteoporosis, diabetes, depression and atherosclerosis. Evidence of the beneficial effects of exercise is reviewed here. One way of highlighting the impact of exercise on disease is to consider it from the perspective of good practice. However, the intensity, duration, frequency (dosage) and counter indications of the exercise should be taken into consideration to individually tailor the exercise programme. An important case of the beneficial effect of exercise is that of ageing. Ageing is characterized by a loss of homeostatic mechanisms, on many occasions leading to the development of frailty, and hence frailty is one of the major geriatric syndromes and exercise is very useful to mitigate, or at least delay, it. Since exercise is so effective in reducing frailty, we would like to propose that exercise be considered as a supplement to other treatments. People all over the world have been taking nutritional supplements in the hopes of improving their health. We would like to think of exercise as a physiological supplement not only for treating diseases, but also for improving healthy ageing.

image
Improved Embeddability for Polymeric Bearing Overlays
Authors: Latham David , Laing Ian , Brock Ronald
Published: February 2016

Recent engine developments toward higher loads (down-sizing) and thinner oil films have increased the severity of plain bearing operating conditions [1]. These factors, combined with lower viscosity oils, have resulted in a greater sensitivity of bearings to damage by foreign debris particles. Traditional highly embeddable materials, such as lead, are being progressively phased out. This lead-free trend observed in the passenger car market is likely to spread to the truck market in the future. As a result, it is becoming increasingly challenging to balance the conflicting hard and soft requirements of bearing materials. Although new generations of bearing materials, particularly polymeric overlays, have shown excellent fatigue and wear capabilities [2], they would benefit from enhanced embeddability properties. This demand has led MAHLE to take a new approach with the development of a polymeric overlay material that has both hard and soft characteristics. This newly developed soft-phase copolymer resin has been synthesized from monomers selected to give the desired properties. Conventional polyamide-imide (PAI) monomers have been combined with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) macromonomers. PDMS was selected to improve embeddability as it is softer and offers more flexibility than PAI. Via a polymerization reaction, chains of hard, fatigue resistant PAI are alternately combined with short chains of PDMS. This produces a polymer matrix which has a very fine distribution of soft phase due to the microphase segregation created as the soft and hard segments of neighboring polymer chains preferentially align with each other [3,4]. The relative lengths of the hard and soft sections can be “tuned” to produce domains of differing size and therefore adjust the balance of properties. Experiments have been carried out varying the overall percentage of PDMS and also with the molecular weight of the PDMS segments. Initial embeddability testing has shown an improvement in embedment over current polymer products and further work is ongoing to optimize this new resin system.
A Hybrid Coordinates Component Mode Synthesis Method for Dynamic Analysis of Structures With Localized Nonlinearities
Authors: He Huan , Wang Tao , Chen Guoping
Published: February 2016

This paper reports on the development of the component mode synthesis (CMS) method using hybrid coordinates for a localized nonlinear dynamic system. As is well known, the CMS method is effective in reducing the degrees-of-freedom (DOF) of the system. In contrast to most existing CMS methods, which are usually developed for linear systems, a new CMS method using hybrid coordinates for nonlinear dynamic analysis has been developed in this paper. Generally, the system is divided into two parts, namely, a linear component and a nonlinear component. The equations of the linear component can be transformed into the modal coordinates using its linear vibration modes. To improve the accuracy, the equivalent higher-order matrix of the system is developed to capture the effects of the neglected higher-order modes. Quite different from early works, the flexibility attachment matrix can be obtained without using the inverse of the stiffness matrix by using an equivalent higher-order matrix, thus making it easier to deal with those components that have rigid-body freedom when formulating the residual flexibility attachment matrix. By introducing the residual flexibility attachment matrix and the retained lower-order modes, the dynamic governing equations of the linear component can be converted into the modal space and expressed by a few modal coordinates. To adopt the entire set of nonlinear terms into the final equations, the equations of the nonlinear component are kept in their original form. Compatibility conditions at the interface are used to combine the nonlinear component and the linear component to form the synthesis equations, which are expressed in hybrid coordinates. Finally, the computational efficiency and accuracy of the presented method is demonstrated using numerical examples.
Limit-Cycle Analysis of Three-Dimensional Flexible Shaft/Rigid Rotor/Autobalancer System With Symmetric Rigid Supports
Authors: Jung DaeYi , DeSmidt H. A.
Published: February 2016

In recent years, there has been much interest in the use of automatic balancing devices (ABD) in rotating machinery. Autobalancers consist of several freely moving eccentric balancing masses mounted on the rotor, which, at certain operating speeds, act to cancel rotor imbalance. This “automatic balancing” phenomenon occurs as a result of nonlinear dynamic interactions between the balancer and rotor wherein the balancer masses naturally synchronize with the rotor with appropriate phase to cancel the imbalance. However, due to inherent nonlinearity of the autobalancer, the potential for other undesirable nonsynchronous limit-cycle behavior exists. In such situations, the balancer masses do not reach their desired synchronous balanced positions resulting in increased rotor vibration. To explore this nonsynchronous behavior of ABD, the unstable limit-cycle analysis of three-dimensional (3D) flexible shaft/rigid rotor/ABD/rigid supports described by the modal coordinates has been investigated here. Essentially, this paper presents an approximate harmonic analytical solution to describe the limit-cycle behavior of ABD–rotor system interacting with flexible shaft, which has not been fully considered by ABD researchers. The modal shape of flexible shaft is determined by using well-known fixed–fixed boundary condition due to symmetric rigid supports. Here, the whirl speed of the ABD balancer masses is determined via the solution of a nonlinear characteristic equation. Also, based upon the analytical limit-cycle solutions, the limit-cycle stability of three primary design parameters for ABD is assessed via a perturbation and Floquet analysis: the size of ABD balancer mass, the ABD viscous damping, and the relative axial location of ABD to the imbalance rotor along the shaft. The coexistence of the stable balanced synchronous condition and undesirable nonsynchronous limit-cycle is also studied. It is found that for certain combinations of ABD parameters and rotor speeds, the nonsynchronous limit-cycle can be made unstable, thus guaranteeing asymptotic stability of the synchronous balanced condition at the supercritical shaft speeds between each flexible mode. Finally, the analysis is validated through numerical simulation. The findings in this paper yield important insights for researchers wishing to utilize ABD in flexible shaft/rigid rotor systems and limit-cycle mitigation.
A Noncontacting Approach for Full-Field Strain Monitoring of Rotating Structures
Authors: Baqersad Javad , Poozesh Peyman , Niezrecki Christopher , Avitabile Peter
Published: February 2016

The three-dimensional point-tracking (3DPT) measurement approach is used in conjunction with finite element (FE) method and modal expansion technique to predict full-field dynamic response on a rotating structure. A rotating three-bladed wind turbine rotor was subjected to different loading scenarios, and the displacement of optical targets located on the blades was measured using 3DPT. The out-of-plane measured displacement of the targets was expanded and applied to the FE model of the turbine to extract full-field strain on the turbine. The sensitivity of the proposed approach to the number of optical targets was also studied in this paper. The results show that the dynamic strain on a structure can be extracted with a very limited set of measurement points (optical targets) placed on appropriate locations on the blades. It was shown that the proposed technique is able to extract dynamic strain all over the entire structure, even inside the structure beyond the line of sight of the measurement system. Because the method is based on a noncontacting measurement approach, it can be readily applied to a variety of structures having different boundary conditions.