bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional traits of tropical trees and lianas explain spatial structure across multiple scales
Authors: Clark Adam Thomas , Detto Matteo , Muller‐Landau Helene C. , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Wright S. Joseph , Condit Richard , Hubbell Stephen P.
Published: May 2017

Dispersal and density dependence are major determinants of spatial structure, population dynamics and coexistence for tropical forest plants. However, because these two processes can jointly influence spatial structure at similar scales, analysing spatial patterns to separate and quantify them is often difficult.

Species functional traits can be useful indicators of dispersal and density dependence. However, few methods exist for linking functional traits to quantitative estimates of these processes that can be compared across multiple species.

We analysed static spatial patterns of woody plant populations in the 50 ha Forest Dynamics Plot on Barro Colorado Island, Panama with methods that distinguished scale‐specific differences in species aggregation. We then tested how these differences related to seven functional traits: growth form, dispersal syndrome, tree canopy layer, adult stature, seed mass, wood density and shade tolerance. Next, we fit analytically tractable spatial moment models to the observed spatial structure of species characterized by similar trait values, which allowed us to estimate relationships of functional traits with the spatial scale of dispersal, and the spatial scale and intensity of negative density dependence.

Our results confirm that lianas are more aggregated than trees, and exhibit increased aggregation within canopy gaps. For trees, increased seed mass, wood density and shade tolerance were associated with less intense negative density dependence, while higher canopy layers and increased stature were associated with decreased aggregation and better dispersal. Spatial structure for trees was also strongly determined by dispersal syndrome. Averaged across all spatial scales, zoochory was more effective than wind dispersal, which was more effective than explosive dispersal. However, at intermediate scales, zoochory was associated with more aggregation than wind dispersal, potentially because of differences in short‐distance dispersal and the intensity of negative density dependence.

Synthesis. We develop new tools for identifying significant associations between functional traits and spatial structure, and for linking these associations to quantitative estimates of dispersal scale and the strength and scale of density dependence. Our results help clarify how these processes influence woody plant species on Barro Colorado, and demonstrate how these tools can be applied to other sites and systems.
Neighbourhood effects determine plant–herbivore interactions below‐ground
Authors: Huang Wei , Zwimpfer Elias , Hervé Maxime R. , Bont Zoe , Erb Matthias
Published: May 2017

Plant neighbours can strongly influence the interactions between herbivores and focal plants, for instance by providing food of different quality (consumptive effects) or by changing the behaviour and metabolism of the herbivore and the focal plant without being consumed (non‐consumptive effects). Determining the species‐specific contributions of consumptive and non‐consumptive effects is important to understand the ecophysiological mechanisms which underlie neighbourhood effects.

We quantified the impact of nine different grassland plant species on the interaction between Taraxacum officinale and the root‐feeding insect Melolontha melolontha. We investigated the contribution of consumptive and non‐consumptive effects to the observed patterns, and evaluated the impact of neighbouring plants on the growth and physiology of T. officinale upon M. melolontha attack.

Melolontha melolontha growth was strongly affected by the presence of different neighbouring species. The three grass species increased larval growth when growing with T. officinale, with Poa pratensis having a synergistic effect in the mixture compared to both monocultures. The forb Centaurea stoebe reduced larval growth when growing with T. officinale or alone. The other five species had no measurable impact on larval performance. Based on these results, P. pratensis and C. stoebe were selected for further experiments.

Diet‐mixing experiments showed that P. pratensis increased M. melolontha growth when offered together with T. officinale, while C. stoebe suppressed it. When feeding was restricted to artificial diet, larval growth was not changed by the presence of P. pratensis or C. stoebe. However, when feeding was restricted to T. officinale, larval growth was increased by both heterospecific neighbours. Biomass and primary metabolism of T. officinale under attack by M. melolontha was also altered by the presence of C. stoebe and P. pratensis. Together, these results show that consumptive and non‐consumptive effects can explain the positive effect of P. pratensis. In contrast, the negative effect of C. stoebe is likely driven exclusively by intoxication.

Synthesis. The performed experiments suggest that different combinations of consumptive and non‐consumptive effects are likely to contribute to the diversity of neighbourhood effects in nature. Furthermore, they show that neighbourhood effects are important factors in below‐ground plant–insect interactions.
Enabling Social Identity Interaction: Bulgarian Migrant Entrepreneurs Building Embeddedness into a Transnational Network
Authors: Stoyanov Stoyan
Published: May 2017

Bulgarian migrant entrepreneurs (MEs) approaching diaspora networks (i.e. ethnic spaces in host countries) provides a unique context for exploring the processes by which peripheral actors achieve embeddedness. The study considers how in‐group social norms and expectations influence out‐group candidates’ network standing. The integration of the social identity perspective with embeddedness research allows the identification of the sequence of intergroup actions and the circulation of identity signals between groups. Traditionally, the social identity perspective focuses on the act of constructing identity through positively stereotyping in‐groups and negatively stereotyping out‐groups. Nevertheless, an empirical study of 12 cases of Bulgarian MEs indicates that the circulation of identity signals that facilitate inter‐group comparison can result in complementarity and brokerage. The study suggests the existence of a novel strategy (i.e. social circulation), to add to already known social identity strategies (i.e. social mobility, social creativity and social change). In contrast to previous constructs, the new one does not occur at the expense of either in‐groups’ or out‐groups’ identity. Thus, it adopts an integrative logic, currently missing from the social identity perspective.
Solution Blow Spinning of Food‐Grade Gelatin Nanofibers
Authors: Liu Fei , Avena‐Bustillos Roberto J. , Bilbao‐Sainz Cristina , Woods Rachelle , Chiou Bor‐Sen , Wood Delilah , Williams Tina , Yokoyama Wallace , Glenn Gregory M. , McHugh Tara H. , Zhong Fang
Published: May 2017

The primary advantage of nanofibers over larger diameter fibers is the larger surface area to volume ratio. This study evaluated solution blow spinning (SBS) processing conditions for obtaining food‐grade gelatin nanofibers from mammalian and fishery byproducts, such as pork skin gelatins (PGs) and high molecular weight fish skin gelatin (HMWFG). HMWFG had a highest intact collagen structure compared to PGs. PGs with different Bloom values, solution viscosities, and surface tensions were compared with HMWFG for their ability to produce nanofibers through SBS. Only HMWFG fibers were obtained irrespective of processing conditions, which looked like fluffy cotton candy. HMWFG nanofibers had round morphologies with a narrower diameter distribution and lower average fiber diameter (AFD) under medium gelatin concentrations, medium air pressures, and medium feed rates. The highest glass transition temperature (Tg) values were obtained at medium concentrations, medium air pressure, and either high or low feed rate. The thinnest HMWFG nanofibers with an AFD of 80.1 nm and the highest Tg value of 59.0 °C could be formed by combining a concentration of 17.6% (w/v), an air pressure of 0.379 MPa, and a feed rate of 0.06 mL/min from the response surface analysis. HMWFG Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller surface area increased from 221 to 237 m2/g, indicating their potential applicability for active compound carrier.
Oil Bodies Extracted from High‐Fat and Low‐Fat Soybeans: Stability and Composition During Storage
Authors: Wang Qiu Ling , Li Cui Chun , Jiang Lian Zhou , Liu Yue , Liang Xin Ting , Hou Jun Cai
Published: May 2017

Soybeans contain oil bodies (OBs) that encapsulate triacylglycerols (TAGs) with a phospholipid monolayer carrying scattered proteins. In nature, soybean OBs can form natural emulsions in aqueous media and may serve as natural, minimally processed, stable, and pre‐emulsified oil for addition into appropriate food systems. In this study, OBs were obtained by aqueous extraction from the mature seeds of 2 soybean crop cultivars, high‐fat soybean and low‐fat soybeans. The compositions of the extracted OBs were analyzed during storage at room temperature up to 14 d (pH = 7). The oxidative stability of these OBs, stored at 60 °C, was evaluated by measuring the presence of primary (lipid hydroperoxides) and secondary lipid oxidation products (malondialdehyde) by determining the standard peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) value. During storage, the contents of unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, and tocopherols declined in both OBs, while their mean particle diameters (d32) and ζ‐potentials increased. The changes in PV and TBARS values exhibited a similar trend for both OBs, but the OBs from low‐fat soybeans had significantly lower PV and higher TBARS values than the OBs from high‐fat soybean cultivars (P < 0.05). Overall, the OBs from both soybean cultivars had good stability during storage.
Contribution of High‐Pressure‐Induced Protein Modifications to the Microenvironment and Functional Properties of Rabbit Meat Sausages
Authors: Xue Siwen , Yu Xiaobo , Yang Huijuan , Xu Xinglian , Ma Hanjun , Zhou Guanghong
Published: May 2017

Rabbit meat batters were subjected to high pressure (HP, 100 to 300 MPa for 3, 9, or 15 min) to elucidate their effects on proteins structures, the microenvironment, and the resulting functionalities of the subsequently heated products. To determine these effects, we investigated structural and microenvironmental changes using Raman spectroscopy and also expressible moisture content, textural characteristics, and dynamic rheological properties of batters during heating (20 to 80 °C). Untreated samples served as controls. Analysis of specific Raman spectral regions demonstrated that applications of HP to rabbit meat batters tended to induce the transformation of the all‐gauche S‐S conformation to gauche‐gauche‐trans in the batter system. HP treatment higher than 100 MPa for 9 min promoted secondary structural rearrangements, and molecular polarity enhancement in the proteins prior to cooking. Also, increases of O–H stretching intensities of rabbit meat sausages were obtained by HP treatment, denoting the strengthening of water‐holding capacity. These HP‐induced alterations resulted in improved texture and, perhaps, improved juiciness of rabbit meat sausages (P < 0.05), however they had relatively poorer rheological properties than the controls. Nevertheless, HP treatment, especially 200 MPa for 9 or 15 min, was an effective technique for improving the functionalities of gel‐type products through modification of meat proteins.
The Ungrateful Muse: Jonathan Swift's ‘A Panegyrick on the Dean’ and Other Poems
Authors: Cook Daniel
Published: May 2017

An indiscriminately allusive, aggressively intertextual poem, ‘A Panegyrick on the Dean, in the Person of a Lady in the North’, is both an audacious celebration of Swift's public life in writing and a mock‐panegyric that quietly, condescendingly, queries his own continued relevance as a political commentator during his retreat from Dublin. In foolhardily attempting to prolong his career by indoctrinating his ‘grateful’ young disciple, a confessed hater of books, in building an unseemly outhouse to mark his diminished value in Ireland and in refusing to be bettered by rival satirists, Swift ironically commemorates himself as a mere writer of libels.
A generalized definition of reactivity for ecological systems and the problem of transient species dynamics
Authors: Mari Lorenzo , Casagrandi Renato , Rinaldo Andrea , Gatto Marino
Published: May 2017

Perturbations to an ecosystem's steady state can trigger transient responses of great ecological relevance. Asymptotic stability determines whether a generic perturbation will fade out in the long run, but falls short of characterizing the dynamics immediately after an equilibrium has been perturbed. Reactivity, traditionally defined as the maximum instantaneous growth rate of small perturbations to a stable steady state, is a simple yet powerful measure of the short‐term instability of a system as a whole. In many ecological applications, however, it could be important to focus on the reactivity properties of just some specific, problem‐dependent state variables, such as the abundance of a focal species engaged in interspecific competition, either predators or preys in a trophic community, or infectious individuals in disease transmission.

We propose a generalized definition of reactivity (g‐reactivity) that allows to evaluate the differential contribution of the state space components to the transient behaviour of an ecological system following a perturbation. Our definition is based on the dynamic analysis of a system output, corresponding to an ecologically motivated linear transformation of the relevant state variables. We demonstrate that the g‐reactivity properties of an equilibrium are determined by the dominant eigenvalue of a Hermitian matrix that can be easily obtained from the Jacobian associated with the equilibrium and the system output transformation.

As a testbed for our methodological framework, we analyse the g‐reactivity properties of simple spatially implicit metapopulation models of some prototypical ecological interactions, namely competition, predation and transmission of an infectious disease. We identify conditions for the temporary coexistence of an invader with a (possibly competitively superior) resident species, for transitory invasion of either prey or predator in otherwise predator‐ or prey‐dominated ecosystems, and for transient epidemic outbreaks.

Through suitable examples, we show that characterizing the transient dynamics associated with an ecosystem's steady state can be, in some cases, as important as determining its asymptotic behaviour, from both theoretical and management perspective. Because g‐reactivity analysis can be performed for systems of any complexity in a relatively straightforward way, we conclude that it may represent a useful addition to the toolbox of quantitative ecologists.
Influence of scanning area on choroidal vascularity index measurement using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Agrawal Rupesh , Wei Xin , Goud Abhilash , Vupparaboina Kiran Kumar , Jana Soumya , Chhablani Jay
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Recently, choroidal vascularity index (CVI) is proposed as a novel tool to evaluate the choroidal vasculature. In this study, we investigate the impact of scanning area on CVI measurement using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT).

Methods

Spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) using enhanced depth imaging mode was performed in 30 eyes from 15 normal subjects. Three scanning areas were compared: dingle foveal scan; central macular scans [scan passing through central 1000 microns circle on Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid, inner circle]; and total macular cube scans. Binarization of OCT B‐scans and segmentation of the binarized choroid layer were achieved using a previously reported validated automated software. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) percentage was calculated. Degree of agreement among foveal, central macular and total macular CVI was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and was plotted using Bland–Altman plot.

Results

The mean CVI in subfoveal, central macular and total macular scans was 49.95 ± 4.84%, 50.00 ± 4.68% and 51.10 ± 4.63%, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was more than 0.8 for all three comparisons [subfoveal versus central macular CVI, ICC = 0.92 (95% CI: 0.84–0.96); central macular versus total macular CVI, ICC = 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82–0.96); subfoveal versus total macular CVI, ICC = 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85–0.95)]. No significant differences in variance (all p > 0.05) were noted among CVI measured from the three scanning areas.

Conclusion

Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) measurements were highly reproducible using subfoveal, central and total macular scans in healthy individuals. Single foveal scan choroidal vascularity represents total macular choroidal vascularity in healthy population.
Body mass index and vigorous physical activity in children and adolescents: an international cross‐sectional study
Authors: Braithwaite Irene E. , Stewart Alistair W. , Hancox Robert J. , Murphy Rinki , Wall Clare R. , Beasley Richard , Mitchell Edwin A. ,   the ISAAC Phase Three Study Group
Published: May 2017

Aim

To examine the relationship between reported vigorous physical activity (VPA) and body mass index (BMI) in children (6–7 years) and adolescents (13–14 years).

Methods

In the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase Three, 75 895 children's parents and 199 502 adolescents answered questions relating to VPA, height and weight. The association between VPA and BMI was analysed using general linear models, adjusting for country gross national index.

Results

Compared to children who undertook no VPA, those in the infrequent group (once or twice per week) and those in the frequent group (three or more times per week) had mean (95% CI) BMI values 0.07 kg/m2 (0.03–0.11) and 0.09 kg/m2 (0.03–0.15) greater, respectively (p = 0.001). Compared to adolescents reporting no VPA, those in the infrequent group had a BMI 0.19 kg/m2 (0.15–0.23) greater while those in the frequent group had a BMI 0.01 kg/m2 (−0.03–0.05) greater (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Reported VPA is not associated with lower BMI among children and adolescents. Investigation of VPA and BMI may be best undertaken in conjunction with other variables in the energy expenditure equation. A focus on VPA alone may be an inefficient way to manage BMI.
Serum level of C‐reactive protein on postoperative day 3 is a predictive indicator of postoperative pancreatic fistula after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Saito Hiroaki , Murakami Yuki , Kuroda Hirohiko , Fukumoto Yoji , Osaki Tomohiro
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a serious complication after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. It is vitally important to detect signs of POPF in the early postoperative period and perform adequate management to avoid patient death. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive indicators of POPF after laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

The current study included 197 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with adenocarcinoma and underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy between January 2010 and December 2014 in our hospital.

Result

Nine patients (5.6%) developed POPF of grade III or higher according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. There was no statistical difference between POPF and various clinicopathological indicators, including age, gender, BMI, extent of lymph node dissection, and operative procedure. With respect to postoperative laboratory data, however, the serum level of C‐reactive protein on postoperative day 3 was significantly related to the development of POPF. Receiver–operating characteristic analysis indicated that optimal cut‐off value of the serum level of C‐reactive protein on postoperative day 3 was 17.0 mg/dL, with a sensitivity of 74.0, specificity of 88.0, positive predictive value of 0.14, and negative predictive value of 0.99.

Conclusion

An elevated C‐reactive protein level on postoperative day 3 can help physicians predict the likelihood of POPF and facilitate decision making regarding prompt clinical evaluation and therapeutic approaches for POPF.
Impact of irritability: a 2‐year observational study of outpatients with bipolar I or schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Berk Lesley , Hallam Karen T , Venugopal Kamalesh , Lewis Andrew James , Austin David W , Kulkarni Jayashri , Dodd Seetal , de Castella Anthony , Fitzgerald Paul B , Berk Michael
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Many people experience irritability when manic, hypomanic, or depressed, yet its impact on illness severity and quality of life in bipolar and schizoaffective disorders is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the relationship between irritability and symptom burden, functioning, quality of life, social support, suicidality, and overall illness severity in a naturalistic cohort of people with bipolar I or schizoaffective disorder.

Methods

We used data from 239 adult outpatients with bipolar I or schizoaffective disorder in the Bipolar Comprehensive Outcomes Study (BCOS) – a non‐interventional observational study with a 2‐year follow‐up period. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of participants with and without irritability were compared. A mixed‐model repeated measures analysis was conducted to examine the longitudinal effect of irritability on clinical and quality‐of‐life variables over follow‐up using significant baseline variables.

Results

At baseline, 54% of participants were irritable. Baseline irritability was associated with illness severity, mania, depression, psychotic symptoms, suicidality, poor functioning, and quality of life, but not diagnosis (schizoaffective/bipolar disorder). Participants with irritability were less likely to have a partner and perceived less adequate social support. On average, over follow‐up, those with irritability reported more symptoms, functional impairment, and suicidality. Furthermore, the effects of irritability could not be fully explained by illness severity.

Conclusions

Irritability was associated with more negative symptomatic, functional, and quality‐of‐life outcomes and suicidality. The identification, monitoring, and targeted treatment of irritability may be worth considering, to enhance health and wellbeing outcomes for adults with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders.
Longitudinal differences in white matter integrity in youth at high familial risk for bipolar disorder
Authors: Ganzola Rossana , Nickson Thomas , Bastin Mark E , Giles Stephen , Macdonald Alix , Sussmann Jessika , McIntosh Andrew M , Whalley Heather C , Duchesne Simon
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Previous neuroimaging studies have reported abnormalities in white matter (WM) pathways in subjects at high familial risk of mood disorders. In the current study, we examined the trajectory of these abnormalities during the early stages of illness development using longitudinal diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data.

Methods

Subjects (16−28 years old) were recruited in the Scottish Bipolar Family Study, a prospective longitudinal study that has examined individuals at familial risk of mood disorder on three occasions, 2 years apart. The current study concerns imaging data from the first and second assessments. We analysed DTI data for 43 controls and 69 high‐risk individuals who were further subdivided into a group of 53 high‐risk subjects who remained well (high‐risk well) and 16 who met diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (high‐risk MDD) at follow‐up. Longitudinal differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) between groups based on diagnostic status were investigated using the tract‐based spatial statistics technique (TBSS).

Results

We found a significant reduction in FA (Pcorr<.05) across widespread brain regions over 2 years in all three groups. The trajectory of FA reduction did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

These results suggest that there are similar trajectories of FA reductions for controls and high‐risk young adults, despite high‐risk individuals being at a disadvantaged starting point considering their reduced WM integrity detected at baseline in previous studies. Difference in WM integrity between high‐risk individuals and controls could therefore occur in earlier childhood and be a necessary but not sufficient condition to develop future mood disorders.
Mast cells mediate early neutrophil recruitment and exhibit anti‐inflammatory properties via the formyl peptide receptor 2/lipoxin A4 receptor
Authors: Hughes Ellen L , Becker Felix , Flower Roderick J , Buckingham Julia C , Gavins Felicity N E
Published: May 2017

Background and Purpose

In recent years, studies have focused on the resolution of inflammation, which can be achieved by endogenous anti‐inflammatory agonists such as Annexin A1 (AnxA1). Here, we investigated the effects of mast cells (MCs) on early LPS‐induced neutrophil recruitment and the involvement of the AnxA1‐formyl peptide receptor 2/ALX (FPR2/ALX or lipoxin A4 receptor) pathway.

Experimental Approach

Intravital microscopy (IVM) was used to visualize and quantify the effects of LPS (10 μg per mouse i.p.) on murine mesenteric cellular interactions. Furthermore, the role that MCs play in these inflammatory responses was determined in vivo and in vitro, and effects of AnxA1 mimetic peptide Ac2‐26 were assessed.

Key Results

LPS increased both neutrophil endothelial cell interactions within the mesenteric microcirculation and MC activation (determined by IVM and ruthenium red dye uptake), which in turn lead to the early stages of neutrophil recruitment. MC recruitment of neutrophils could be blocked by preventing the pro‐inflammatory activation (using cromolyn sodium) or enhancing an anti‐inflammatory phenotype (using Ac2‐26) in MCs. Furthermore, MCs induced neutrophil migration in vitro, and MC stabilization enhanced the release of AnxA1 from neutrophils. Pharmacological approaches (such as the administration of FPR pan‐antagonist Boc2, or the FPR2/ALX antagonist WRW4) revealed neutrophil FPR2/ALX to be important in this process.

Conclusions and Implications

Data presented here provide evidence for a role of MCs, which are ideally positioned in close proximity to the vasculature, to act as sentinel cells in neutrophil extravasation and resolution of inflammation via the AnxA1‐FPR2/ALX pathway.
Airway epithelial cells enhance the immunogenicity of human myeloid dendritic cells under steady state
Authors: Agrawal S , Srivastava R , Rahmatpanah F , Madiraju C , BenMohamed L , Agrawal A
Published: May 2017

Dendritic cells (DCs) and airway epithelial cells (AECs) are in close proximity, and AECs secrete factors such as retinoic acid which induce tolerance in DCs at homeostasis. However, the question remains as to how DCs in the lung are able to respond to pathogens in the immunosuppressive environment. Using an in vitro human myeloid DC (mDC)-AEC co-culture system, we demonstrate that AECs induced several gene changes in the mDCs cultured with AECs compared to the mDCs not cultured with AECs. Analysis revealed that several chemokine genes were altered. These chemokine genes could serve to attract neutrophils, natural killer (NK) T as well as T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 cells to the airways. Genes priming lipid and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen presentation were also up-regulated, along with certain anti-microbial protein genes. In addition, the expression and function of pathogen-sensing Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as well as Nod-like receptors (NLRs) and their downstream signalling molecules were up-regulated in mDCs cultured with AECs. Moreover, murine mucosal DCs from the lung expressed significantly higher levels of TLRs and NLRs compared to peripheral DCs from the spleen. These results indicate that AECs prime mDCs to enhance their immunogenicity, which could be one of the mechanisms that compensates for the immunosuppressive mucosal environment.
Parenting and child experiences in shelter: A qualitative study exploring the effect of homelessness on the parent–child relationship
Authors: Anthony Elizabeth R. , Vincent Aviva , Shin Yoonkyung
Published: May 2017

Depending on the data source, between half a million and 2.48 million children in families experience homelessness each year in the United States. Recent data suggest that approximately half of all homeless children are under the age of 6. A considerable body of quantitative research has documented the occurrence of poor outcomes associated with childhood homelessness in the domains of social–emotional development, physical and behavioral health, academic achievement, and family stability. This qualitative study presents results from 19 interviewers with formerly homeless parents reflecting upon how the experience of being homeless affected their young children and their ability to parent. Findings are contextualized within an attachment perspective. Parental reported effects included confusion, sadness, anxiety or depression, withdrawal, lack of appetite, aggression, and disregard for authority. Parents also talked about the disempowering experience of parenting while in shelter. Unexpectedly, parents of infants said their children were not affected by homelessness, and few parents identified the need for mental health services for their children. The experiences of parents with whom we spoke provide invaluable insight into what shelter staff, social service agencies, philanthropy, policymakers, and researchers can do to support and respect the parent–child relationship in families who are experiencing homelessness.
Real‐Time Solar Exposure Simulation in Complex Cities
Authors: Muñoz‐Pandiella I. , Bosch C. , Mérillou N. , Pueyo X. , Mérillou S.
Published: May 2017

In urban design, estimating solar exposure on complex city models is crucial but existing solutions typically focus on simplified building models and are too demanding in terms of memory and computational time. In this paper, we propose an interactive technique that estimates solar exposure on detailed urban scenes. Given a directional exposure map computed over a given time period, we estimate the sky visibility factor that serves to evaluate the final exposure at each visible point. This is done using a screen‐space method based on a two‐scale approach, which is geometry independent and has low storage costs. Our method performs at interactive rates and is designer‐oriented. The proposed technique is relevant in architecture and sustainable building design as it provides tools to estimate the energy performance of buildings as well as weathering effects in urban environments.
A logic approach to modelling nomenclatural change
Authors: Franz Nico M. , Zhang Chao , Lee Joohyung
Published: May 2017

We utilize an Answer Set Programming (ASP) approach to show that the principles of nomenclature are tractable in computational logic. To this end we design a hypothetical, 20 nomenclatural taxon use case, with starting conditions that embody several overarching principles of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, including Binomial Nomenclature, Priority, Coordination, Homonymy, Typification and the structural requirement of Gender Agreement. The use case ending conditions are triggered by the reinterpretation of the diagnostic features of one of 12 type specimens anchoring the corresponding species‐level epithets. Permutations of this child‐to‐parent reassignment action lead to 36 alternative scenarios, where each scenario requires a set of 1–14 logically contingent nomenclatural emendations. We show that an ASP transition system approach can correctly infer the Code‐mandated changes for each scenario, and visually output the ending conditions. The results provide a foundation for further developing logic‐based nomenclatural change optimization and validation services, which could be applied in global nomenclatural registries. More generally, logic explorations of nomenclatural and taxonomic change scenarios provide a novel means of assessing design biases inherent in the principles of nomenclature, and can therefore inform the design of future, big data‐compatible identifier systems that recognize and mitigate these constraints.
Double‐blind randomized controlled trial of collagen mesh for the prevention of abdominal incisional hernia in patients having a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneus flap during surgery for advanced pelvic malignancy
Authors: Mortensen A. R. , Grossmann I. , Rosenkilde M. , Wara P. , Laurberg S. , Christensen P.
Published: May 2017

Aim

The study investigated the effect of collagen mesh‐assisted closure at the donor site in preventing the formation of incisional hernia following construction of a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneus (VRAM) flap as part of pelvic surgery for recurrent colorectal cancer.

Method

The study was a double‐blinded randomized controlled superiority trial that was designed and performed according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement. Eligible patients undergoing surgery that included a VRAM flap for advanced colorectal pelvic malignancy were prospectively randomized to conventional abdominal wound closure or collagen mesh‐assisted closure. The primary end‐point was incisional herniation at 1 year confirmed by CT. Secondary end‐points were CT‐verified incisional herniation at 3 and 36 months, clinically recognizable incisional herniation, donor‐site and reconstructive‐site complications, surgical mortality, postoperative morbidity, postoperative recovery and survival.

Results

In total, 58 (29 conventional closure; 29 mesh‐assisted closure) patients were included. At 1 year, incisional herniation on the CT scan was found in 12 (50%) of 24 patients in the conventional closure group, and in 8 (33%) of 24 in the mesh‐assisted closure group (P = 0.38). No significant difference between the groups was found in surgical mortality, early or late complications or survival. Donor‐site morbidity was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

No preventative effect of collagen mesh‐assisted closure was observed following VRAM flap reconstruction.
A New Framework to Assess Relative Ecosystem Vulnerability to Climate Change
Authors: Lee Calvin Ka Fai , Duncan Clare , Owen Harry Jon Foord , Pettorelli Nathalie
Published: May 2017

Climate change poses a growing risk to global biodiversity. To prioritize conservation efforts, identification of the species and ecosystems most at risk from further changes in climatic conditions is critically needed. Although frameworks are available to assess species vulnerability to climate change, we still lack an easily implementable, ecosystem‐level perspective to inform landscape management. Here, we introduce a novel, spatially explicit vulnerability framework able to generate assessments at the ecosystem scale and apply it to Mozambican forest mangroves, which are under growing pressures from climate change. Results show that most of these ecosystems are currently highly vulnerable to sea level rise, while mangroves in the Zambezia and Nampula districts are highly vulnerable to both sea level rise and tropical storms. Altogether, we believe the introduced assessment framework has clear potential to inform conservation planning and management at various spatial scales, and help achieve adaptive management in the face of climatic uncertainties.
The association of donor age and survival is independent of ischemic time following deceased donor lung transplantation
Authors: Mulvihill Michael S. , Gulack Brian C. , Ganapathi Asvin M. , Speicher Paul J. , Englum Brian R. , Hirji Sameer A. , Snyder Laurie D. , Davis R. Duane , Hartwig Matthew G.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Early research suggests prolonged ischemic time in older donor lungs is associated with decreased survival following lung transplantation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether this association holds in the post‐lung allocation score era.

Methods

We analyzed the United Network for Organ Sharing database 2005‐2013 for adult recipients of cadaveric lung transplants. Cox proportional hazards modeling was utilized to determine the association of donor age, ischemic time, and the interaction of donor age and ischemic time with transplant‐free survival.

Results

Eleven thousand eight hundred thirty‐five patients met criteria. Median donor age was 32 years, and median ischemic time was 4.9 hours. Cox modeling demonstrated that donor age 50‐60 (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.11) and ≥60 (adjusted HR: 1.42) were associated with reduced overall survival. Neither ischemic time nor interaction of ischemic time and donor age were significantly associated with overall survival. Subanalysis demonstrated that this finding held true for patients undergoing either single or bilateral lung transplantation.

Conclusions

Prolonged ischemic time is not associated with decreased overall survival in patients undergoing lung transplantation regardless of the donor's age. However, donor age >50 is independently associated with decreased survival. The lack of an association between ischemic time and survival should encourage broader geographic allocation of pulmonary allografts.
Semantic richness and word learning in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Gladfelter Allison , Goffman Lisa
Published: May 2017

Semantically rich learning contexts facilitate semantic, phonological, and articulatory aspects of word learning in children with typical development (TD). However, because children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show differences at each of these processing levels, it is unclear whether they will benefit from semantic cues in the same manner as their typical peers. The goal of this study was to track how the inclusion of rich, sparse, or no semantic cues influences semantic, phonological, and articulatory aspects of word learning in children with ASD and TD over time. Twenty‐four school‐aged children (12 in each group), matched on expressive vocabulary, participated in an extended word learning paradigm. Performance on five measures of learning (referent identification, confrontation naming, defining, phonetic accuracy, and speech motor stability) were tracked across three sessions approximately one week apart to assess the influence of semantic richness on extended learning. Results indicate that children with ASD benefit from semantically rich learning contexts similarly to their peers with TD; however, one key difference between the two groups emerged – the children with ASD showed heightened shifts in speech motor stability. These findings offer insights into common learning mechanisms in children with ASD and TD, as well as pointing to a potentially distinct speech motor learning trajectory in children with ASD, providing a window into the emergence of stereotypic vocalizations in these children.
Mapping research ethics committees in Africa: Evidence of the growth of ethics review of health research in Africa
Authors: Mokgatla Boitumelo , IJsselmuiden Carel , Wassenaar Doug , Kasule Mary
Published: May 2017

Health research initiatives worldwide are growing in scope and complexity, particularly as they move into the developing world. Expanding health research activity in low‐ and middle‐income countries has resulted in a commensurate rise in the need for sound ethical review structures and functions in the form of Research Ethics Committees (RECs).

The urgent need for continued capacity development in Africa has necessitated research initiatives to identify existing capacity. This discussion paper describes the mapping of RECs in Africa through MARC (Mapping African Research Ethics Capacity) project, second phase (2012 to date) and discusses the findings. MARC provides a platform and tool on COHRED's Health Research HRWeb, which can be used by RECs and key stakeholders in health research in Africa to identify capacity, constraints and development needs.
Ethics of community engagement in field trials of genetically modified mosquitoes
Authors: Resnik David B.
Published: May 2017

Effective community engagement is an important legal, ethical, and practical prerequisite for conducting field trials of genetically modified mosquitoes, because these studies can substantially impact communities and it is usually not possible to obtain informed consent from each community member. Researchers who are planning to conduct field trials should develop a robust community engagement strategy that meets widely recognized standards for seeking approval from the affected population, such as timeliness, consent, information sharing, transparency, understanding, responsiveness, mutual understanding, inclusiveness, and respectfulness. Additional research is needed on the effectiveness of different methods of engaging communities in field trials of genetically modified mosquitoes and how to respond to public opposition to genetically modified organisms. For research programs involving the genetic modification of disease vectors to move forward, they must have public acceptance and support, which cannot be achieved without effective community engagement.
Evolutionary mechanisms that generate morphology and neural‐circuit diversity of the cerebellum
Authors: Hibi Masahiko , Matsuda Koji , Takeuchi Miki , Shimizu Takashi , Murakami Yasunori
Published: May 2017

The cerebellum is derived from the dorsal part of the anterior‐most hindbrain. The vertebrate cerebellum contains glutamatergic granule cells (GCs) and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic Purkinje cells (PCs). These cerebellar neurons are generated from neuronal progenitors or neural stem cells by mechanisms that are conserved among vertebrates. However, vertebrate cerebella are widely diverse with respect to their gross morphology and neural circuits. The cerebellum of cyclostomes, the basal vertebrates, has a negligible structure. Cartilaginous fishes have a cerebellum containing GCs, PCs, and deep cerebellar nuclei (DCNs), which include projection neurons. Ray‐finned fish lack DCNs but have projection neurons termed eurydendroid cells (ECs) in the vicinity of the PCs. Among ray‐finned fishes, the cerebellum of teleost zebrafish has a simple lobular structure, whereas that of weakly electric mormyrid fish is large and foliated. Amniotes, which include mammals, independently evolved a large, foliated cerebellum, which contains massive numbers of GCs and has functional connections with the dorsal telencephalon (neocortex). Recent studies of cyclostomes and cartilaginous fish suggest that the genetic program for cerebellum development was already encoded in the genome of ancestral vertebrates. In this review, we discuss how alterations of the genetic and cellular programs generated diversity of the cerebellum during evolution.
CD38‐negative relapse in multiple myeloma after daratumumab‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Minarik Jiri , Novak Martin , Flodr Patrik , Balcarkova Jana , Mlynarcikova Miroslava , Krhovska Petra , Pika Tomas , Pikalova Zuzana , Bacovsky Jaroslav , Scudla Vlastimil
Published: May 2017

We present a case report of a patient relapsing after anti‐CD38 treatment (daratumumab). The phenotype of the disease changed during this treatment, and the myeloma clone became CD38 negative and daratumumab refractory. We expected clonal shift, however, based on immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and arrayCGH; the clone was identical as before daratumumab‐based treatment with the exception of CD38 negativity. We suggest that the downregulation or loss of CD38 might be an epigenetic “escape mechanism” of malignant plasma cells from antibody‐based treatment. The aim of our study was to point out the pitfalls of immunophenotyping and cytogenetics in both assessing the minimal residual disease and clone detection after monoclonal antibody‐based therapy.
Conceptual Analysis and Analytical Definitions in Frege
Authors: Bar‐Elli Gilead
Published: May 2017

Logical (or conceptual) analysis is in Frege primarily not an analysis of a concept but of its sense. Five Fregean philosophical principles are presented as constituting a framework for a theory of logical or conceptual analysis, which I call analytical explication. These principles, scattered and sometime latent in his writings are operative in Frege's critique of other views and in his constructive development of his own view. The proposed conception of analytical explication is partially rooted in Frege's notion of analytical definition. It may also be the basis of what is required of a reduction of one domain to another, if it is to have the philosophical significance many reductions allegedly have.
Reduced steroidogenesis in patients with PCDH19‐female limited epilepsy
Authors: Trivisano Marina , Lucchi Chiara , Rustichelli Cecilia , Terracciano Alessandra , Cusmai Raffaella , Ubertini Grazia Maria , Giannone Germana , Bertini Enrico Silvio , Vigevano Federico , Gecz Jozef , Biagini Giuseppe , Specchio Nicola
Published: May 2017

Patients affected by protocadherin 19 (PCDH19)–female limited epilepsy (PCDH19‐FE) present a remarkable reduction in allopregnanolone blood levels. However, no information is available on other neuroactive steroids and the steroidogenic response to hormonal stimulation. For this reason, we evaluated allopregnanolone, pregnanolone, and pregnenolone sulfate by liquid chromatographic procedures coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry in 12 unrelated patients and 15 age‐matched controls. We also tested cortisol, estradiol, progesterone, and 17OH‐progesterone using standard immunoassays. Apart from estradiol and progesterone, all the considered hormones were evaluated in basal condition and after stimulation with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). A generalized decrease in blood levels of almost all measured neuroactive steroids was found. When considering sexual development, cortisol and pregnenolone sulfate basal levels were significantly reduced in postpubertal girls affected by PCDH19‐FE. Of interest, ACTH administration did not recover pregnenolone sulfate serum levels but restored cortisol to control levels. In prepubertal girls with PCDH19‐FE, by challenging adrenal function with ACTH we disclosed defects in the production of cortisol, pregnenolone sulfate, and 17OH‐progesterone, which were not apparent in basal condition. These findings point to multiple defects in peripheral steroidogenesis associated with and potentially relevant to PCDH19‐FE. Some of these defects could be addressed by stimulating adrenocortical activity.
A case of idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia in a Quarter Horse gelding
Authors: Trimble A. C. , Beard L. A. , Davis E. G.
Published: May 2017

A 16‐year‐old Quarter Horse gelding was presented to the Kansas State Veterinary Health Center for acute onset of diffuse, nonpruritic, generalised and coalescing urticaria. A single dose of dexamethasone resulted in resolution of the urticaria within 24 h; however, 48 h after discharge, he presented with mild colic. The patient was febrile and thoracic ultrasound was abnormal, evidenced by bilateral pleural echogenic irregularities, mild pulmonary consolidation and slight unilateral pleural effusion. Thoracic radiographs also revealed caudoventral soft tissue opacity in the same region of the ultrasonographic abnormalities. Transtracheal wash was performed and broad spectrum antimicrobials initiated. Poor clinical response to therapy and marked peripheral eosinophilia resulted in the necessity for bronchoalveolar lavage, which revealed a predominance of pulmonary eosinophils. A diagnosis of acute idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia was made. Treatment included a tapering dose of dexamethasone over 4 weeks. Due to incomplete disease resolution, the patient was moved to an alternate environment which resulted in disease resolution.