bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of the sequence of intersecting lines using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Kim Jiye , Kim MinJung , An JinWook , Kim Yunje
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to verify that the combination of focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscope/energy‐dispersive X‐ray (SEM/EDX) could be applied to determine the sequence of line crossings. The samples were transferred into FIB/SEM for FIB milling and an imaging operation. EDX was able to explore the chemical components and the corresponding elemental distribution in the intersection. The technique was successful in determining the sequence of heterogeneous line intersections produced using gel pens and red sealing ink with highest success rate (100% correctness). These observations show that the FIB/SEM was the appropriate instrument for an overall examination of document.
Counterfeit Adderall Containing Aceclofenac from Internet Pharmacies
Authors: Gaudiano Maria Cristina , Borioni Anna , Antoniella Eleonora , Valvo Luisa
Published: April 2016

A nontargeted approach based on liquid chromatography equipped with a quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass detector (LC‐MS Q‐TOF) joined to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis allowed rapid identification and quantification of the anti‐inflammatory drug aceclofenac in illegal Adderall tablets. The largest chromatographic peak had m/z = 354.030 and m/z = 376.012 matching, respectively, the ionic structures (M + H)+ and (M + Na)+ of a molecule M. The accurate mass data generated the molecular formula C16H13Cl2NO4. A screening of the pharmaceutical active substances having that molecular formula together with the MS/MS fragmentation pattern suggested aceclofenac. Aceclofenac structure was unambiguously confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR experiments. The aceclofenac content was 90 mg/tablet (RSD 2%) as detected by quantitative NMR. Information on the identity and content of illegal drugs is required for legal purposes; it supports in evaluating the effective impact on users safety, and it is useful for control laboratories using a targeted approach in their analytical activities.
Double Filtration Plasmapheresis in Treatment of Patients With Co‐Infection of Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Mednikov Roman V. , Rabinovich Vladislav I. , Kizlo Svetlana N. , Belyakov Nikolai A. , Sokolov Alexey A.
Published: April 2016

One of the main causes of mortality of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients are complications of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Combining drug therapy for HCV with double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) has significantly increased the effectiveness of treatment for these patients. However, there are no data on the use of this method for the treatment of patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV. We demonstrated that positive clinical effect in the treatment of HCV patients by DFPP (previously demonstrated) is also achieved in the treatment of HIV infected patients, co‐infected with HCV. The obtained efficiency of 62.5% is almost two times higher than the predicted treatment efficiency. We can conclude that the complex therapy of hepatitis C, including DFPP and medication by PEG‐IFN + RBV is an effective and safe approach for the treatment of HCV in patients co‐infected with HCV and HIV.
Switch From Epoetin Beta to Darbepoetin Alfa Treatment of Anemia in Taiwanese Hemodialysis Patients: Dose Equivalence by Hemoglobin Stratification
Authors: Liao Shang‐Chih , Hung Cheng‐Chieh , Lee Chien‐Te , Lee Chih‐Hsiung , Lee Chin‐Chan , Lin Chun‐Liang , Sun Chiao‐Yin , Cheng Ben‐Chung , Yang Chih‐Chao , Wu Chien‐Hsing , Chen Jin‐Bor
Published: April 2016

This multicenter study was designed to assess the hemoglobin (Hb) stability and conversion ratio of the switch from epoetin beta to darbepoetin alfa in Taiwanese hemodialysis (HD) patients. A total of 135 HD patients were enrolled and randomized with intravenous darbepoetin alfa or epoetin beta. The study duration was 24 weeks. Equivalent doses and conversion ratios were assessed with respect to Hb stratification: low Hb (≥8.0 g/dL to ≤10.0 g/dL) and high Hb (>10.0 g/dL to ≤11.0 g/dL). The results showed stable Hb levels in the study period. At week 24, the conversion ratio was higher for high Hb than low Hb (296.4 IU/dose epoetin beta: 1 µg/dose darbepoetin alfa. vs. 277.2 IU/dose epoetin beta: 1 µg/dose darbepoetin alfa). In conclusion, the conversion ratio in the present study was higher than 1 µg: 200 IU for darbepoetin alfa: epoetin for treating anemia in Taiwanese HD patients.
DEBT PROBLEMS AND CRIME*
Authors: AALTONEN MIKKO , OKSANEN ATTE , KIVIVUORI JANNE
Published: April 2016

The few existing studies on the association between debt problems and crime have suggested that the two are correlated, but the causal nature and direction of this association has been unclear. By using longitudinal register data (N = 20,696) from Finland on young adults’ debt default and crime, we examine the potentially reciprocal association between debt problems and crime with both cross‐sectional and longitudinal models. Debt problems and crime have a strong association in the data, which persists after controlling for several measures of socioeconomic status. The longitudinal analyses using fixed‐effects regression models show that levels of crime are higher during periods of debt enforcement, ruling out stable between‐person heterogeneity as the sole cause. The final analysis examining the exact timing of new debt defaults and crime shows signs of a mutually reinforcing association; the rate of newly enforced debt increases in the months preceding the first crime leading to a conviction and continues to increase afterward mostly because of criminal monetary sanctions left unpaid. The conclusion of the analysis is that debt problems have a dynamic association with criminal offending. We discuss the difficult barrier that unpaid debts pose to offenders seeking to desist from criminal activity in the current Finnish context.
A THEORY OF CRIME RESISTANCE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY*
Authors: AGNEW ROBERT
Published: April 2016

The “causes of crime” research has up to this point focused on those events and conditions that push or pressure individuals into crime (strains), that pull or attract individuals to crime (social learning for crime), and that restrain individuals from responding to pressures and attractions with crime (controls). Work in several areas, however, has suggested that the response to the pressures for and attractions to crime is not simply a function of controls. It is also a function of the individual's resistance or susceptibility to the events and conditions described by strain and social learning theories. Those high in resistance are less likely to experience these criminogenic events and conditions as pressures for or attractions to crime, whereas those high in susceptibility are more likely. Resistance and susceptibility are a function of factors that influence the perception and interpretation of criminogenic events and conditions, the emotional reaction to them, and the behavioral inclinations prompted by them. These factors include negativity, pleasure and sensation seeking, conventional efficacy and perceived social support, and general sensitivity to the environment. With certain notable exceptions, these factors have been neglected in mainstream crime research, but they have the potential to improve the explanation and prediction of crime substantially.
Temporal and spatial differentiation in microhabitat use: Implications for reproductive isolation and ecological niche specification
Authors: BORZÉE Amaël , KIM Jun Young , DA CUNHA Marina Andrade Martins , Lee Donggeun , SIN Eunchong , OH Sunmin , YI Yoonjung , JANG Yikweon
Published: April 2016

Niche differentiation enables ecologically similar species to coexist by lessening competition over food and/or shelters and may be critical for reproductive isolation between closely related species in close proximity. Because no extra traits need to evolve, spatial and temporal differentiation may readily take place to complement other isolating mechanisms. Two closely related treefrog species occur together in Korea: the endangered Hyla suweonensis and the widespread Hyla japonica. Advertisement calls are differentiated, but it is unclear whether call difference is sufficient for reproductive isolation. We tracked individuals of both species to study fine‐scale differentiation in microhabitat use in the diel cycle of the breeding season using a harmonic direction finder. tracking male movement patterns of both species revealed spatial and temporal differentiation in microhabitat use for calling and resting during the breeding season. Males of both H. suweonensis and H. japonica occurred in all 5 microhabitats identified in this study: rice paddy, ground, buried, grass and bush. Both treefrog species showed general similarities in calling from rice paddies and resting in grass and bush. However, H. suweonensis moved into rice paddies and produced advertisement calls 3 h earlier than H. japonica. These differences likely minimize contact between the species and provide an additional isolating mechanism. In addition, the activity of H. suweonensis may be contributing to the decline of this species, as resting in grass would increase dangers from predatory birds and habitat disturbance.
Female reproductive success in a species with an age‐inversed hierarchy
Authors: DE VRIES Dorien , KOENIG Andreas , BORRIES Carola
Published: April 2016

In most group‐living mammals, reproductive success declines with increasing age and increases with increasing rank. Such effects have mainly been studied in matrilineal and in “age positive” hierarchies, which are stable and in which high ranking females often outperform low ranking ones. These relationships are less well‐understood in age‐inversed dominance hierarchies, in which a female's rank changes over time. We analyzed demographic data of 2 wild, unprovisioned groups of gray langurs (Semnopithecus schistaceus) near Ramnagar, Nepal covering periods of 5 years each. Female rank was unstable and age‐inversed. We measured reproductive success via birth rates (57 births), infant survival (proportion of infants surviving to 2 years) and number of offspring surviving to 2 years of age (successful births) for 3 age and 3 rank classes. We found that old females performed significantly worse than expected (birth rate P = 0.04; successful births P = 0.03). The same was true for low ranking females (P = 0.04, and P < 0.01, respectively). Infant survival was highest for young and middle‐aged as well as for high and middle ranking females. Overall, the results for these unstable hierarchies were rather similar to those for stable hierarchies of other mammals, particularly several nonhuman primates. Compared to a provisioned population of a closely related species, the wild and unprovisioned population examined (i) showed stronger age effects, while (ii) female reproductive success was equally affected by rank. Future comparative studies are needed to examine whether captive or provisioned populations deviate predictably from wild populations.
Sodium Chloride Diffusion in Low‐Acid Foods during Thermal Processing and Storage
Authors: Bornhorst Ellen R. , Tang Juming , Sablani Shyam S.
Published: April 2016

This study aimed at modeling sodium chloride (NaCl) diffusion in foods during thermal processing using analytical and numerical solutions and at investigating the changes in NaCl concentrations during storage after processing. Potato, radish, and salmon samples in 1% or 3% NaCl solutions were heated at 90, 105, or 121 °C for 5 to 240 min to simulate pasteurization and sterilization. Selected samples were stored at 4 or 22 °C for up to 28 d. Radish had the largest equilibrium NaCl concentrations and equilibrium distribution coefficients, but smallest effective diffusion coefficients, indicating that a greater amount of NaCl diffused into the radish at a slower rate. Effective diffusion coefficients determined using the analytical solution ranged from 0.2 × 10–8 to 2.6 × 10−8 m²/s. Numerical and analytical solutions showed good agreement with experimental data, with average coefficients of determination for samples in 1% NaCl at 121 °C of 0.98 and 0.95, respectively. During storage, food samples equilibrated to a similar NaCl concentration regardless of the thermal processing severity. The results suggest that sensory evaluation of multiphase (solid and liquid) products should occur at least 14 d after processing to allow enough time for the salt to equilibrate within the product.
Synergistic Effects of Potentilla fruticosa L. Leaves Combined with Green Tea Polyphenols in a Variety of Oxidation Systems
Authors: Liu Zehua , Luo Ziwen , Jia Caixia , Wang Dongmei , Li Dengwu
Published: April 2016

Potentilla fruticosa L. leaves are widely used as tea in China, with many commercial “Jinlaomei” teas available in markets. It has been confirmed to possess significant antioxidant activity than that of butylated hydroxytoluene. In this study, the synergistic effects of P. fruticosa leaves extracts (PFE) combined with green tea polyphenols (GTP) were studied to elucidate their use in combination and find specific combinations with least concentrations that enhance the antioxidant activity. Isobolographic analysis indicated that the combination of PFE and GTP demonstrated extensive synergism (22/28 of the tests showed significant synergy) with 3:1 (PFE:GTP) exhibiting the best synergistic effect. Chemical compositions and content of 7 phenolic compounds in PFE, GTP, and their mixtures were evaluated by reverse‐phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography. While chemical composition did not seem to change after the combination, as no new peaks appeared in the chromatogram, and no existing peaks disappeared. However, the content of (+)‐catechin, (–)‐epigallocatechin (EGC), and , (–)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) changed. Besides, antioxidant interactions of extracts and compounds were evaluated, EGC with hyperoside exhibited the greatest synergistic effect and the combination of 3:1 exhibited the strongest synergism (DPPH γ = 0.86, ABTS γ = 1.12, FRAP γ = 1.16). Therefore, interaction of phytochemicals may be one reason for the synergistic effects in PFE + GTP, with EGC + hyperoside likely playing an important role. This report provides a theoretical basis for the concomitant use of P. fruticosa blended with GTP, which can be effectively used as a compounded tea, dietary supplements, and substituent of synthetic antioxidant.
Correlation between circulating miR‐122 and prognosis of chronic HBV‐related liver failure
Authors: Wang Wei Jing , Lai Rong Tao , Lu Jie , Xiang Xiao Gang , Zhao Gang De , Tang Wei Liang , Cai Wei , Wang Hui , Zhou Hui Juan , Xie Qing
Published: April 2016

Objective

To assess the correlation between circulating microRNA (miR)‐122 level and the prognosis of chronic hepatitis B‐related liver failure (CHBLF).

Methods

Serum miR‐122 from CHBLF patients (n = 6) and healthy controls (n = 6) was quantified using an Exiqon locked nucleic acid microarray. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to determine serum miR‐122 expression in 102 patients with different liver diseases [CHBLF (n = 58), acute hepatitis B (n = 10), chronic hepatitis B (n = 22) and hepatitis B‐related cirrhosis (n = 12)] and 23 healthy controls. The correlations between miR‐122 and disease stages based on prothrombin activity (PTA) and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores were further analyzed.

Results

Microarray showed that miR‐122 was significantly upregulated among 148 significantly modified miRNAs in CHBLF patients. Serum level of miR‐122 in CHBLF patients was significantly upregulated at early stage based on PTA or stages I–II based on MELD score. Interestingly, there was a significant correlation between the MELD score and circulating miR‐122 level in patients with an MELD score of <30 (r = 0.521, P = 0.001). Moreover, serum level of miR‐122 was significantly decreased at discharge compared with that at admission as shown in the same group of CHBLF patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Serum level of miR‐122 is correlated with the severity of liver injury at an early stage. miR‐122 may be a potential biomarker for both the diagnosis at an early stage of CHBLF and the prognosis for recovery.
Irrigation Water Allocation Using an Inexact Two‐Stage Quadratic Programming with Fuzzy Input under Climate Change
Authors: Li Mo , Guo Ping , Singh Vijay P. , Zhao Jie
Published: April 2016

Agricultural irrigation accounts for nearly 70% of the total water use around the world. Uncertainties and climate change together exacerbate the complexity of optimal allocation of water resources for irrigation. An interval‐fuzzy two‐stage stochastic quadratic programming model is developed for determining the plans for water allocation for irrigation with maximum benefits. The model is shown to be applicable when inputs are expressed as discrete, fuzzy or random. In order to reflect the effect of marginal utility on benefit and cost, the model can also deal with nonlinearities in the objective function. Results from applying the model to a case study in the middle reaches of the Heihe River basin, China, show schemes for water allocation for irrigation of different crops in every month of the crop growth period under various flow levels are effective for achieving high economic benefits. Different climate change scenarios are used to analyze the impact of changing water requirement and water availability on irrigation water allocation. The proposed model can aid the decision maker in formulating desired irrigation water management policies in the wake of uncertainties and changing environment.
An Analysis of Water Data Systems to Inform the Open Water Data Initiative
Authors: Blodgett David , Read Emily , Lucido Jessica , Slawecki Tad , Young Dwane
Published: April 2016

Improving access to data and fostering open exchange of water information is foundational to solving water resources issues. In this vein, the Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary for Water and Science put forward the charge to undertake an Open Water Data Initiative (OWDI) that would prioritize and accelerate work toward better water data infrastructure. The goal of the OWDI is to build out the Open Water Web (OWW). We therefore considered the OWW in terms of four conceptual functions: water data cataloging, water data as a service, enriching water data, and community for water data. To describe the current state of the OWW and identify areas needing improvement, we conducted an analysis of existing systems using a standard model for describing distributed systems and their business requirements. Our analysis considered three OWDI‐focused use cases—flooding, drought, and contaminant transport—and then examined the landscape of other existing applications that support the Open Water Web. The analysis, which includes a discussion of observed successful practices of cataloging, serving, enriching, and building community around water resources data, demonstrates that we have made significant progress toward the needed infrastructure, although challenges remain. The further development of the OWW can be greatly informed by the interpretation and findings of our analysis.
Results of the Australasian (Trans‐Tasman Oncology Group) radiotherapy benchmarking exercise in preparation for participation in the PORTEC‐3 trial
Authors: Jameson Michael G , McNamara Jo , Bailey Michael , Metcalfe Peter E , Holloway Lois C , Foo Kerwyn , Do Viet , Mileshkin Linda , Creutzberg Carien L , Khaw Pearly
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Protocol deviations in Randomised Controlled Trials have been found to result in a significant decrease in survival and local control. In some cases, the magnitude of the detrimental effect can be larger than the anticipated benefits of the interventions involved. The implementation of appropriate quality assurance of radiotherapy measures for clinical trials has been found to result in fewer deviations from protocol. This paper reports on a benchmarking study conducted in preparation for the PORTEC‐3 trial in Australasia.

Methods

A benchmarking CT dataset was sent to each of the Australasian investigators, it was requested they contour and plan the case according to trial protocol using local treatment planning systems. These data was then sent back to Trans‐Tasman Oncology Group for collation and analysis.

Results

Thirty three investigators from eighteen institutions across Australia and New Zealand took part in the study. The mean clinical target volume (CTV) volume was 383.4 (228.5–497.8) cm3 and the mean dose to a reference gold standard CTV was 48.8 (46.4–50.3) Gy.

Conclusions

Although there were some large differences in the contouring of the CTV and its constituent parts, these did not translate into large variations in dosimetry. Where individual investigators had deviations from the trial contouring protocol, feedback was provided. The results of this study will be used to compare with the international study QA for the PORTEC‐3 trial.
The role of radiology in the quantification of digital ulnar deviation in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Taylor‐Gjevre Regina M , Mitchell Allison , Street Michelle , Leswick David A , Stewart Samuel Alan , Obaid Haron
Published: April 2016

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory polyarthritis, which causes functional digital ulnar deviation (UD). Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of the hands is essential in RA, but its role in the quantification of UD remains unclear.

Purpose

To compare UD measurements in RA patients between clinical goniometric assessments versus standardized radiographs and MRI.

Methods

Fifteen RA patients with clinically apparent UD and 11 RA patients without UD underwent a rheumatological examination prior to recruitment to this study. Goniometric measurements for UD at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints were performed by an occupational therapist (OT). Standardized hand radiographs, and MRI studies of the dominant hand using 3T MRI scanner with 16 channel hand/wrist coil were evaluated. Angulation measurements for radiographs and MRI were performed independently by two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists who were blinded to the rheumatologist's, occupational therapist's and each other's assessments.

Results

Inter‐observer correlation between radiologists was >0.97 for both radiographic and MRI measurements. Correlation between OT goniometric measurements and the imaging‐based measurements was limited at 0.496 for radiographs and 0.317 for MRI. Correlation between imaging modalities was 0.513. Compared to OT measurements, radiographic and MRI study measurements significantly underestimate the angulation in RA patients with UD (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrated discordance between radiological and goniometric measurements of digital ulnar angulation at the MCP joints in RA patients. Although imaging plays a key role in understanding structural damage and disease activity in RA, it should be emphasized that radiological measurements underrate joint malalignment.
Impact of Breast Reader Assessment Strategy on mammographic radiologists' test reading performance
Authors: Suleiman Wasfi I , Rawashdeh Mohammad A , Lewis Sarah J , McEntee Mark F , Lee Warwick , Tapia Kriscia , Brennan Patrick C
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The detection of breast cancer is somewhat limited by human factors, and thus there is a need to improve reader performance. This study assesses whether radiologists who regularly undertake the education in the form of the Breast Reader Assessment Strategy (BREAST) demonstrate any changes in mammography interpretation performance over time.

Methods

In 2011, 2012 and 2013, 14 radiologists independently assessed a year‐specific BREAST mammographic test‐set. Radiologists read a different single test‐set once each year, with each comprising 60 digital mammogram cases. Radiologists marked the location of suspected lesions without computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) and assigned a confidence rating of 2 for benign and 3–5 for malignant lesions. The mean sensitivity, specificity, location sensitivity, JAFROC FOM and ROC AUC were calculated. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the readings for the 14 radiologists across the 3 years. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to assess comparison between pairs of years. Relationships between changes in performance and radiologist characteristics were examined using a Spearman's test.

Results

Significant increases were noted in mean sensitivity (P = 0.01), specificity (P = 0.01), location sensitivity (P = 0.001) and JAFROC FOM (P = 0.001) between 2011 and 2012. Between 2012 and 2013, significant improvements were noted in mean sensitivity (P = 0.003), specificity (P = 0.002), location sensitivity (P = 0.02), JAFROC FOM (P = 0.005) and ROC AUC (P = 0.008). No statistically significant correlations were shown between the levels of improvement and radiologists' characteristics.

Conclusion

Radiologists' who undertake the BREAST programme demonstrate significant improvements in test‐set performance during a 3‐year period, highlighting the value of ongoing education through the use of test‐set.
Emerging infections due to filamentous fungi in humans and animals: only the tip of the iceberg?
Authors: Debourgogne Anne , Dorin Joséphine , Machouart Marie
Published: April 2016

Over the last few decades, the number of patients susceptible to invasive filamentous fungal infections has steadily increased, especially in populations suffering from hematological diseases. The pathogens responsible for such mycoses are now quite well characterized, such as Aspergillus spp. – the most commonly isolated mold –, Mucorales, Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp. or melanized fungi. An increase in the incidence of this category of ‘emerging’ fungi has been recently highlighted, evoking a shift in fungal ecology. Starting from these medical findings, taking a step back and adopt a wider perspective offers possible explanations of this phenomenon on an even larger scale than previously reported. In this review, we illustrate the link between emerging fungi in medicine and changes in ecology or human behaviours, and we encourage integrative approaches to apprehend the adverse effects of progress and develop preventive measures in vast domains, such as agriculture or medicine.
Body mass index and long‐term risk of death from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Shao‐Ming , Fan Jin‐Hu , Jia Meng‐Meng , Yang Zhao , Zhang Yu‐Qing , Qiao You‐Lin , Taylor Philip R.
Published: April 2016

Background

Studies based on Western populations have found that body mass index (BMI) is positively related to the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma but inversely associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Little reliable evidence exists of an association between BMI and ESCCin China, where ESCC incidence is high but BMI is low.

Methods

We evaluated the BMI‐ESCC association in a population‐based prospective study of 29 446 Chinese aged 40–69 with 27 years of follow‐up. China‐specific BMI cut‐offs (underweight < 18.5, healthy ≥ 18.5 to <24, overweight ≥ 24 to <28, and obese ≥ 28) and quartile categories were used to define BMI subgroups. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for death from ESCC by BMI subgroups were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

During a median follow‐up duration of 21.2 years (555 439 person‐years), 2436 ESCC deaths were identified. BMI was protective for death from ESCC with an HR of 0.97 (95% CI 0.95–0.99) for each unit increase in BMI. Relative to healthy weight, HRs for BMI were 1.21 (95% CI 1.02–1.43) for the underweight group and 0.87 (95% CI 0.78–0.98) for the overweight. Categorical quartile analyses found people with BMIs in the Q3 and Q4 groups had 16% and 13% reductions in the risk of ESCC, respectively. Gender‐specific analyses found that clear effects were evident in women only.

Conclusions

Higher BMI was associated with a reduced risk of ESCC in aChinese population.
The minimum founding population in dispersing organisms subject to strong Allee effects
Authors: Goodsman Devin W. , Lewis Mark A.
Published: April 2016

Dispersal can push population density below strong Allee thresholds ensuring the demise of small founding populations. As a result, for isolated populations of dispersing organisms, the minimum founding population size that enables establishment can be quite different from the Allee threshold.

We derive an expression for the minimum founding population size for a general integrodifference equation model of a dispersing population with a strong Allee effect. We demonstrate the utility of the general model by using it to approximate minimum founding populations for the mountain pine beetle.

The minimum founding population of the general model increases linearly with the mean squared displacement of the dispersing organism. Transient dynamics of the general model suggest that population density at the point of introduction will often decrease before increasing, even when the minimum founding population size is exceeded.

Calculation of minimum founding population sizes may prove useful for predicting invasion success based on propagule size and for maximizing the success of species reintroductions when strong Allee effects exist.
Tree‐centric mapping of forest carbon density from airborne laser scanning and hyperspectral data
Authors: Dalponte Michele , Coomes David A.
Published: April 2016

Forests are a major component of the global carbon cycle, and accurate estimation of forest carbon stocks and fluxes is important in the context of anthropogenic global change. Airborne laser scanning (ALS) data sets are increasingly recognized as outstanding data sources for high‐fidelity mapping of carbon stocks at regional scales.

We develop a tree‐centric approach to carbon mapping, based on identifying individual tree crowns (ITCs) and species from airborne remote sensing data, from which individual tree carbon stocks are calculated. We identify ITCs from the laser scanning point cloud using a region‐growing algorithm and identifying species from airborne hyperspectral data by machine learning. For each detected tree, we predict stem diameter from its height and crown‐width estimate. From that point on, we use well‐established approaches developed for field‐based inventories: above‐ground biomasses of trees are estimated using published allometries and summed within plots to estimate carbon density.

We show this approach is highly reliable: tests in the Italian Alps demonstrated a close relationship between field‐ and ALS‐based estimates of carbon stocks (r2 = 0·98). Small trees are invisible from the air, and a correction factor is required to accommodate this effect.

An advantage of the tree‐centric approach over existing area‐based methods is that it can produce maps at any scale and is fundamentally based on field‐based inventory methods, making it intuitive and transparent. Airborne laser scanning, hyperspectral sensing and computational power are all advancing rapidly, making it increasingly feasible to use ITC approaches for effective mapping of forest carbon density also inside wider carbon mapping programs like REDD++.
Tuning Geometric Morphometrics: anrtool to reduce information loss caused by surface smoothing
Authors: Profico Antonio , Veneziano Alessio , Lanteri Alessandro , Piras Paolo , Sansalone Gabriele , Manzi Giorgio
Published: April 2016

The application of Geometric Morphometrics has remarkably increased since 3D imaging techniques have become widespread, such as high‐resolution computerised tomography, laser scanning and photogrammetry. Acquisition, 3D rendering and simplification of virtual objects produce faceting and topological artefacts, which can be counteracted by applying decimation and smoothing algorithms. Nevertheless, smoothing algorithms can have detrimental effects. This work aims at developing a method to assess the amount of information loss or recovery after the application of 3D surface smoothing.

The method presented here is conceived to optimise the smoothing procedure for 3D surfaces used in Geometric Morphometrics. We implemented the method in a tool running in therstatistical environment.

The tool requires one surface, one landmark set and one surface semilandmark set to estimate the best smoothing settings, including algorithm type, iteration and scale factor value. Additional parameters can be tuned by the user. We describe the method in detail, reporting the tool usage, including its main settable parameters. One example is provided as a further explanation of the method.

Our method reduces the chances of losing information in Geometric Morphometrics applications and is a unique attempt of standardising a widespread, potentially damaging procedure. The tool represents an advance in the application of Geometric Morphometrics.
Oviposition and feeding on red pine by jack pine budworm at a previously unrecorded scale
Authors: Fahrner Samuel J. , Albers Jana S. , Albers Michael A. , Lanigan Todd , Murphy Robert , Raffa Kenneth F. , Aukema Brian H.
Published: April 2016

The jack pine budwormChoristoneura pinus pinusis a defoliator distributed throughout the range of jack pinePinus banksianainNorthAmerica. Jack pine budworm feeds primarily on jack pine. More than 2400 hectares of defoliation of red pinePinus resinosawere noted during an outbreak ofC. pinus pinusfrom 2004–2008 inMinnesota andWisconsin,U.S.A.

Defoliation of red pine across thousands of hectares, detectable during aerial surveys, is a significant deviation from historical records.

Fifty‐six study plots were established across 15 counties ofMinnesota andWisconsin to quantify densities and impacts of jack pine budworm in locations showing defoliation of both red pine and jack pine.

Populations of jack pine budworm on red pine behaved similarly to those on jack pine, consuming pollen cones and vegetative shoots. The mean number of egg masses per branch and per site was greater on red pine than on jack pine at study sites inMinnesota andWisconsin, respectively.

It is not known what led to the outbreak of jack pine budworm on red pine, nor is it clear whether landscape‐scale defoliation of this magnitude represents an isolated incident or a shift in relative host use. Hypotheses regarding the mechanisms behind this alternative host use by jack pine budworm are discussed.
Ant attendance of the cotton aphid is beneficial for okra plants: deciphering multitrophic interactions
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Zytynska Sharon E. , Hanna Rachid , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: April 2016

Aphids are pest species of many crops and biocontrol methods are often ineffective. Ant–aphid associations can be mutualistic or antagonistic, with ants increasing or reducing aphid numbers. Within‐species plant variation or other herbivores may further influence these ant–aphid interactions.

Okra is an economically important crop inCameroon. Several okra varieties are grown here and attacked by the facultatively ant‐tended cotton aphidAphis gossypii. We conducted field and screenhouse experiments where plant variety, ant presence and predator access were manipulated to investigate the multitrophic interactions on okra and their effects on okra yield.

In the field, ants did not protect aphids from their natural enemies and syrphid larvae reduced aphids by 42%. Additionally, aphid recruitment of ants reduced chewing herbivore damage by 11% and indirectly increased okra fruit set. We also found aphid numbers, aphid predation by syrphids and chewing herbivory to vary across okra varieties. Finally, in the screenhouse, we recorded a 24% reduction in aphid numbers on plants with ant presence.

The present study highlights the importance of direct and indirect biotic interactions for pest biocontrol. Tropical agricultural systems are complex and understanding such interactions can help in designing pest control measures in sustainable agriculture.
The capitalization of coupled and decoupled CAP payments into land rental rates
Authors: O'Neill Stephen , Hanrahan Kevin
Published: April 2016

This article explores the extent to which payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are capitalized into land rents in Ireland with implications for the transfer efficiency of such payments, since subsidies may not benefit targeted recipients if they are capitalized into input prices. Capitalization in the years preceding and following the "decoupling" of agricultural support payments from agricultural production is explored. In the period prior to decoupling, direct support (Pillar 1) payments were highly capitalized into Irish agricultural rents (67–90 cents per euro of subsidies), while in the post‐decoupling period capitalization appears to have declined somewhat.
The Effect of Nicotine on HPA Axis Activity in Females is Modulated by the FKBP5 Genotype
Authors: Koopmann Anne , Bez Jennifer , Lemenager Tagrid , Hermann Derik , Dinter Christina , Reinhard Iris , Schuster Rilana , Wiedemann Klaus , Winterer Georg , Kiefer Falk
Published: April 2016

Tobacco smoking modulates activity in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and is used to cope with stress, especially by females. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1360780, linked to FK506‐binding protein 51 (FKBP5), has been shown to affect HPA axis functioning, and has thus been suggested as a promising candidate for indicating vulnerability to stress‐related disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between nicotine consumption and rs1360780 on cortisol plasma levels in females. A total of 296 female smokers (assessed by the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence; FTND) were genotyped for the SNP rs1360780. We measured participants’ cortisol plasma concentration in blood plasma collected 3 h after standardized tobacco smoking exposure. In the 36 TT‐homozygotes, we found a significant negative correlation between the FTND sum score and cortisol plasma concentrations. Using linear regression analysis, we found that the FTND sum score accounted for 12.4% of the variance of cortisol plasma levels. This association was not detected in C‐allele carriers. Our results suggest that nicotine is an important confounder in the modulation of HPA axis activity by FKBP5. In light of these findings, future studies on FKBP5 should seek to include data on nicotine consumption as a covariate.
Intuitive Ethics and Political Orientations: Testing Moral Foundations as a Theory of Political Ideology
Authors: Smith Kevin B. , Alford John R. , Hibbing John R. , Martin Nicholas G. , Hatemi Peter K.
Published: April 2016

Originally developed to explain cultural variation in moral judgments, moral foundations theory (MFT) has become widely adopted as a theory of political ideology. MFT posits that political attitudes are rooted in instinctual evaluations generated by innate psychological modules evolved to solve social dilemmas. If this is correct, moral foundations must be relatively stable dispositional traits, changes in moral foundations should systematically predict consequent changes in political orientations, and, at least in part, moral foundations must be heritable. We test these hypotheses and find substantial variability in individual‐level moral foundations across time, and little evidence that these changes account for changes in political attitudes. We also find little evidence that moral foundations are heritable. These findings raise questions about the future of MFT as a theory of ideology.
Serum IL‐5 and IL‐13 consistently serve as the best predictors for the blood eosinophilia phenotype in adult asthmatics
Authors: Agache I. , Strasser D. S. , Klenk A. , Agache C. , Farine H. , Ciobanu C. , Groenen P. M. A. , Akdis C. A.
Published: April 2016

Background

Molecular biomarkers that identify the phenotype of blood eosinophilia were evaluated in adult asthmatics, and their relationship with clinically significant asthma outcomes was assessed. Patients were clustered based on their molecular fingerprint.

Methods

At inclusion, 64 patients were evaluated for phenotypic traits, sputum and blood eosinophilia, exhaled NO, serum cytokines and chemokines, total serum IgE, lung function (LF), and airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR). Within‐patient changes were evaluated in 44 patients 6 weeks later.

Results

Lung function, asthma control, and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) were identified as the most important distinguisher and blood eosinophilia as second most important identifier in principal component analysis. A robust relationship was observed between blood eosinophilia and IL‐5, IL‐13, and eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN), which stayed consistent after 6 weeks. Serum IL‐5 and IL‐13 were the two best, followed by EDN as separators of high vs low blood eosinophilia. Periostin did not identify blood or sputum eosinophilia, even after stratification for total IgE, and did not correlate with IL‐5, IL‐13, eotaxin, or EDN. IL‐5 and IL‐13 showed strong correlations with AHR and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 with asthma severity and fast LF decline. The presence of high or low expression of MCP‐1, eotaxin, and IL‐8 identified two separate blood eosinophilia patient clusters linked to asthma severity.

Conclusion

Serum IL‐5 and IL‐13 are reliable biomarkers for the blood eosinophilia asthma phenotype. High or low expression of MCP‐1, eotaxin, and IL‐8 discriminates between eosinophilic asthma severity clusters.
Self‐medication of anaphylactic reactions due to Hymenoptera stings—an EAACI Task Force Consensus Statement
Authors: Bilò M. B. , Cichocka‐Jarosz E. , Pumphrey R. , Oude‐Elberink J. N. , Lange J. , Jakob T. , Bonadonna P. , Fernandez J. , Kosnik M. , Helbling A. , Mosbech H. , Gawlik R. , Niedoszytko M. , Patella V. , Pravettoni V. , Rodrigues‐Alves R. , Sturm G. J. , Rueff F.
Published: April 2016

An anaphylactic reaction due to a Hymenoptera sting is a clinical emergency, and patients, their caregivers as well as all healthcare professionals should be familiar with its recognition and acute management. This consensus report has been prepared by a European expert panel of the EAACI Interest Group of Insect Venom Hypersensitivity. It is targeted at allergists, clinical immunologists, internal medicine specialists, pediatricians, general practitioners, emergency department doctors, and any other healthcare professional involved. The aim was to report the scientific evidence on self‐medication of anaphylactic reactions due to Hymenoptera stings, to inform healthcare staff about appropriate patient self‐management of sting reactions, to propose indications for the prescription of an adrenaline auto‐injector (AAI), and to discuss other forms of medication. First‐line treatment for Hymenoptera sting anaphylaxis is intramuscular adrenaline. Prescription of AAIs is mandatory in the case of venom‐allergic patients who suffer from mast cell diseases or with an elevated baseline serum tryptase level and in untreated patients with a history of a systemic reaction involving at least two different organ systems. AAI prescription should also be considered in other specific situations before, during, and after stopping venom immunotherapy.
Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and infancy reduces aeroallergen sensitization: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Grant C. C. , Crane J. , Mitchell E. A. , Sinclair J. , Stewart A. , Milne T. , Knight J. , Gilchrist C. , Camargo C. A.
Published: April 2016

Background

Vitamin D has immune‐modulating effects. We determined whether vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and infancy prevents aeroallergen sensitization and primary care respiratory illness presentations.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled parallel‐group trial. We assigned pregnant women, from 27‐week gestation to birth, and then their infants, from birth to 6 months, to placebo or one of two dosages of daily oral vitamin D. Woman/infant pairs were randomized to: placebo/placebo, 1000 IU/400 IU or 2000 IU/800 IU. When the children were 18 months old, we measured serum‐specific IgE antibodies and identified acute primary care visits described by the doctor to be due to a cold, otitis media, an upper respiratory infection, croup, asthma, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, a wheezy lower respiratory infection or fever and cough.

Results

Specific IgE was measured on 185 of 260 (71%) enrolled children. The proportion of children sensitized differed by study group for four mite antigens: Dermatophagoides farinae (Der‐f1, Der‐f2) and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der‐p1, Der‐p2). With results presented for placebo, lower dose, and higher dose vitamin D, respectively (all P < 0.05): Der‐f1 (18%, 10%, 2%), Der‐f2 (14%, 3%, 2%), Der‐p1 (19%, 14%, 3%) and Der‐p2 (12%, 2%, 3%). There were study group differences in the proportion of children with primary care visits described by the doctor as being for asthma (11%, 0%, 4%, P = 0.002), but not for the other respiratory diagnoses.

Conclusions

Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and infancy reduces the proportion of children sensitized to mites at age 18 months. Preliminary data indicate a possible effect on primary care visits where asthma is diagnosed.
Predictive values of egg‐specific IgE by two commonly used assay systems for the diagnosis of egg allergy in young children: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Furuya K. , Nagao M. , Sato Y. , Ito S. , Fujisawa T. ,   IPAD3g investigators
Published: April 2016

Background

Specific IgE (sIgE) is often used to predict oral food challenge (OFC) outcomes in food allergy, but interpretation of the results may vary depending on the assay method employed and the patient population tested. The aim of this study was to use two commercial assay systems to determine egg‐sIgE values predictive of allergy within the most common populations treated at pediatric clinics.

Methods

In a multicenter prospective study, 433 children with suspected or confirmed egg allergy underwent oral challenge (OFC) using cooked egg (CE) and raw egg (RE) powders to diagnose either true allergy in 1‐year‐old (group A, n = 220) or tolerance in 2‐ to 6‐year‐old (group B, n = 213). Egg white (EW)‐ and ovomucoid (OM)‐sIgE values were measured using the ImmunoCAP® sIgE (ImmunoCAP) and the IMMULITE® 2000 3 gAllergy™ (3gAllergy) systems. Children were recruited from six primary care clinics and 18 hospitals in Japan.

Results

Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis yielded similar areas under the curve (AUC) for the two assays (0.7–0.8). The optimal cutoff values and the probability curves (PCs) of the sIgE by the two assays to predict CE and RE OFC outcomes were determined for both groups. Values for 3gAllergy were higher than for ImmunoCAP; however, correlation of sIgE and predicted probability calculated by PCs were strong between the two methods.

Conclusions

Cutoff values and PCs for egg‐sIgE established using both ImmunoCAP and 3gAllergy may be useful for predicting egg allergy in early childhood patient populations.