bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of demand for and spatial flow of ecosystem services to identify priority areas
Authors: Verhagen Willem , Kukkala Aija S. , Moilanen Atte , van Teeffelen Astrid J.A. , Verburg Peter H.
Published: December 2016

Policies and research increasingly focus on the protection of ecosystem services (ESs) through priority‐area conservation. Priority areas for ESs should be identified based on ES capacity and ES demand and account for the connections between areas of ES capacity and demand (flow) resulting in areas of unique demand–supply connections (flow zones). We tested ways to account for ES demand and flow zones to identify priority areas in the European Union. We mapped the capacity and demand of a global (carbon sequestration), a regional (flood regulation), and 3 local ESs (air quality, pollination, and urban leisure). We used Zonation software to identify priority areas for ESs based on 6 tests: with and without accounting for ES demand and 4 tests that accounted for the effect of ES flow zone. There was only 37.1% overlap between the 25% of priority areas that encompassed the most ESs with and without accounting for ES demand. The level of ESs maintained in the priority areas increased from 23.2% to 57.9% after accounting for ES demand, especially for ESs with a small flow zone. Accounting for flow zone had a small effect on the location of priority areas and level of ESs maintained but resulted in fewer flow zones without ES maintained relative to ignoring flow zones. Accounting for demand and flow zones enhanced representation and distribution of ESs with local to regional flow zones without large trade‐offs relative to the global ES. We found that ignoring ES demand led to the identification of priority areas in remote regions where benefits from ES capacity to society were small. Incorporating ESs in conservation planning should therefore always account for ES demand to identify an effective priority network for ESs.
Fixism and conservation science
Authors: Robert Alexandre , Fontaine Colin , Veron Simon , Monnet Anne‐Christine , Legrand Marine , Clavel Joanne , Chantepie Stéphane , Couvet Denis , Ducarme Frédéric , Fontaine Benoît , Jiguet Frédéric , le Viol Isabelle , Rolland Jonathan , Sarrazin François , Teplitsky Céline , Mouchet Maud
Published: December 2016

The field of biodiversity conservation has recently been criticized as relying on a fixist view of the living world in which existing species constitute at the same time targets of conservation efforts and static states of reference, which is in apparent disagreement with evolutionary dynamics. We reviewed the prominent role of species as conservation units and the common benchmark approach to conservation that aims to use past biodiversity as a reference to conserve current biodiversity. We found that the species approach is justified by the discrepancy between the time scales of macroevolution and human influence and that biodiversity benchmarks are based on reference processes rather than fixed reference states. Overall, we argue that the ethical and theoretical frameworks underlying conservation research are based on macroevolutionary processes, such as extinction dynamics. Current species, phylogenetic, community, and functional conservation approaches constitute short‐term responses to short‐term human effects on these reference processes, and these approaches are consistent with evolutionary principles.
Does Talker‐Specific Information Influence Lexical Competition? Evidence From Phonological Priming
Authors: Dufour Sophie , Nguyen Noël
Published: December 2016

In this study, we examined whether the lexical competition process embraced by most models of spoken word recognition is sensitive to talker‐specific information. We used a lexical decision task and a long lag priming experiment in which primes and targets sharing all phonemes except the last one (e.g., /bagaR/“fight” vs. /bagaƷ/“luggage”) were presented in two separate blocks of stimuli. In Experiment 1, the competitor prime block was presented only once to listeners, and no modulation of the competitor priming effect as a function of a talker change between the primes and targets was observed. However, attenuation in the competitor priming effect in the case of a talker change between the primes and targets was observed in Experiment 2 in which the competitor prime block was presented five times to listeners. We discuss our findings in reference to hybrid models of spoken word recognition in which repetition of words with the same talker could be a key factor in the formation and access to talker‐dependent representations.
Pathways for plant‐mediated negative feedback to insect herbivores: accounting for non‐linear effects of larval density on plant quality and quantity
Authors: McNutt David W. , Samuelson Kathryn , Underwood Nora
Published: December 2016

Changes in plant traits induced by herbivore damage can produce a negative feedback to increasing herbivore densities. Several aspects of these plant‐mediated feedbacks are predicted to influence herbivore population dynamics, but the degree to which feedbacks are non‐linear, whether their strength varies among plant genotypes, and whether they occur via changes in the quality of plant tissue or the amount of tissue available have rarely been examined. In this study, we damaged five genotypes of the perennial weed Carolina horsenettle, Solanum carolinense L. (Solanaceae), with eight densities of the false potato beetle, Leptinotarsa juncta (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chysomelidae, Chrysomelini). To account for plant quantity available to beetles, we measured the leaf area of each plant after imposing larval density treatments. We then measured the oviposition preference of L. juncta adults for damaged vs. undamaged plants and the relative growth rate (RGR) of L. juncta larvae on each plant, as well as plant trypsin proteinase inhibitor (tryPI) expression. We found that L. juncta females strongly preferred to oviposit on undamaged S. carolinense, and that preference for a plant decreased as the density of damaging larvae increased. In addition, we found decreased larval RGR and increased production of tryPIs with greater initial larval density. Effects of larval density on insect preference, performance, and tryPI expression were linear and did not vary among plant genotypes. Larval density effects were not solely due to reduced plant quantity, as plant leaf area had no effect on oviposition preference or larval performance. This suggests that effects were most likely due to changes in the quality of plant tissue. Thus, negative feedback on increasing larval density can be mediated by the effects of induced resistance on both oviposition preference and larval performance. Published models suggest that the linear, quality‐mediated feedbacks observed in this experiment are predicted to stabilize herbivore population dynamics.
Influence of plant age, temperature, and moisture onProtaphorura fimatafeeding injury on lettuce in the Salinas Valley ofCalifornia,USA
Authors: Joseph Shimat V.
Published: December 2016

Protaphorura fimataGisin (Collembola:Onychiuridae) is a serious pest of lettuce,Lactuca sativaL. (Asteraceae), seedlings in the Salinas Valley of California,USA. Little is known about the growth stages at which lettuce seedlings are vulnerable toP. fimatafeeding, and how temperature and soil moisture affect symptoms and severity of feeding injury. To determine the most vulnerable lettuce seedling stage toP. fimatafeeding, sets of lettuce seeds were planted for six consecutive days on the soil within clear plastic cups. On the seventh day, all plants were exposed to 100P. fimatafor a week. The results indicate that the number of germinated seeds, fresh weight, and dry weight were significantly lower in 1‐day‐old seedlings than in 3‐ to 6‐day‐old seedlings. To determine effects of soil moisture onP. fimatafeeding, various amounts of distilled water (1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, or 6.5 ml) were added to 10 g of soil in containers planted with lettuce. Plants were later exposed to 100P. fimatafor a week. Results indicate that the seedlings that received 6.5 ml water had significantly lower seed germination and fresh weight, but a greater percentage of injured seedlings and more feeding punctures per germinated seed, than the seedlings that received 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, or 5.5 ml of distilled water. In the temperature assay, 100P. fimatawere exposed to lettuce seeds maintained at 5.4, 10.8, 15.5, 21.2, 29.1, or 33.0 °C for 31, 12, 8, 7, 5, and 5 days, respectively, until the first pair of leaves became fully expanded.Protaphorura fimatacaused feeding injury on the germinating lettuce seeds in all temperature ranges except at 33.0 °C. The number of seeds germinated and fresh weight of seedlings were significantly lower in the seedlings exposed toP. fimatathan unexposed seedlings at all the temperature ranges.
Physics‐based search and optimization: Inspirations from nature
Authors: Siddique Nazmul , Adeli Hojjat
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a review of recently developed physics‐based search and optimization algorithms that have been inspired by natural phenomena. They include Big Bang–Big Crunch, black hole search, galaxy‐based search, artificial physics optimization, electromagnetism optimization, charged system search, colliding bodies optimization, and particle collision algorithm.
Perceived Value of College as an Investment in Human and Social Capital: Views of Generations X and Y
Authors: Johnson Carrie L. , Gutter Michael , Xu Yilan , Cho Soo Hyun , DeVaney Sharon
Published: December 2016

This article examines the perception of college based on the investment in human or social capital. An online survey was used to collect data. After deleting the responses from older cohorts (Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation) and incomplete responses, the sample consisted of 1,000 adult participants who had student loans. Similarities and differences between generations X and Y student loan borrowers were investigated. Generation Y ranked social capital reasons for a college education higher than human capital reasons. In contrast, Generation X ranked human capital reasons for a college education higher than social capital reasons. Generation and perceived value of college were significantly associated with the satisfaction related to student loans.
Predicting Water Resource Impacts of Unconventional Gas Using Simple Analytical Equations
Authors: Cook P.G. , Miller A. , Shanafield M. , Simmons C.T.
Published: December 2016

The rapid expansion in unconventional gas development over the past two decades has led to concerns over the potential impacts on groundwater resources. Although numerical models are invaluable for assessing likelihood of impacts at particular sites, simpler analytical models are also useful because they help develop hydrological understanding. Analytical approaches are also valuable for preliminary assessments and to determine where more complex models are warranted. In this article, we present simple analytical solutions that can be used to predict: (1) the spatial extent of drawdown from horizontal wells drilled into the gas‐bearing formation, and rate of recovery after gas production ceases; (2) the potential for upward transport of contaminants from the gas‐bearing formation to shallow aquifers during hydraulic fracturing operations when pressures in the gas‐bearing formation are greatly increased; and (3) the potential downward leakage of water from shallow aquifers during depressurization of gas‐bearing formations. In particular, we show that the recovery of pressure after production ceases from gas‐bearing shale formations may take several hundred years, and we present critical hydraulic conductivity values for intervening aquitards, below which the impact on shallow aquifers will be negligible. The simplifying assumptions inherent in these solutions will limit their predictive accuracy for site‐specific assessments, compared to numerical models that incorporate knowledge of spatial variations in formation properties and which may include processes not considered in the simpler solutions.
Low dose prophylaxis in Tunisian children with haemophilia
Authors: Gouider E. , Jouini L. , Achour M. , Elmahmoudi H. , Zahra K. , Saied W. , Meddeb B.
Published: December 2016

Introduction

Low dose prophylaxis could be recommended in countries with limited resources.

Aim

We report our single centre experience in children with haemophilia.

Patients

Fifty‐five children were included in our study with a weekly median dose of 30 UI kg−1 given once, twice or thrice a week. Age of initiation of prophylaxis is 5.32 years (0.64–11.44). Outcome assessment used were number of bleeding before and after initiating prophylaxis, haemophilia joint health score (HJHS), functional independence score in haemophilia (FISH) and quality of life with the Haemo‐QoL.

Results

Reduction of number of bleeding was clear in all patients; HJHS, FISH and Haemo‐QOL were satisfactory.

Conclusion

Low dose prophylaxis is effective and better than on‐demand therapy. It should be the starting point for prophylaxis in countries with limited resources.
Safety and efficacy of daclatasvir and asunaprevir in hepatitis C virus‐infected patients with renal impairment
Authors: Suda Goki , Nagasaka Atsushi , Yamamoto Yoshiya , Furuya Ken , Kumagai Kenichi , Kudo Mineo , Terashita Katsumi , Kobayashi Tomoe , Tsunematsu Izumi , Yoshida Junichi , Meguro Takashi , Kimura Megumi , Ito Jun , Umemura Machiko , Izumi Takaaki , Tsunematsu Seiji , Sato Fumiyuki , Tsukuda Yoko , Nakai Masato , Sho Takuya , Natsuizaka Mitsuteru , Morikawa Kenichi , Ogawa Koji , Sakamoto Naoya ,   for the NORTE Study Group
Published: December 2016

Aim

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a risk factor for end‐stage renal disease, renal graft failure, and hemodialysis patient mortality. However, the efficacy of direct‐acting antiviral therapy for HCV‐infected patients with renal impairment is unclear. Additionally, the promising NS5B inhibitor sofosbuvir has not been recommended for patients with severe renal impairment. In this prospective, multicenter study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of daclatasvir and asunaprevir combination therapy, with a focus on patients with renal impairment.

Methods

The study included 322 genotype 1 HCV‐infected patients who received daclatasvir and asunaprevir combination therapy. The safety and sustained virological response was examined at 12 weeks after the end of treatment and safety was evaluated according to renal function.

Results

Of 322 patients, 5% (16/322) and 2.5% (8/322) had chronic kidney disease stage G3b (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], 30–44 mL/min/1.73 m2) and stage G4/5 (eGFR, 15–29/<15 mL/min/1.73 m2), respectively. Baseline presence of the NS5A resistance‐associated variant, previous simeprevir treatment, and HCV RNA titers, which were predictors of a sustained viral response, were similar between patients with eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 and eGFR >45 mL/min/1.73 m2. Notably, the 12‐week sustained viral response rate was comparable in patients with eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (100%, 24/24) and those with eGFR >45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (88.9%, 265/298; P = 0.07). Treatment discontinuation rates and adverse events, including alanine aminotransferase elevation, anemia, and renal disorders, were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

Daclatasvir and asunaprevir combination therapy for patients with renal dysfunction was highly effective and safe.
Activation programmes for women with a partner in Germany: Challenge or replication of traditional gender roles
Authors: Kopf Eva , Zabel Cordula
Published: December 2016

In 2005, Germany implemented major welfare benefit reforms that encourage an adult worker model of the family. In this study, we hypothesised that, despite these reforms, women's assignments to activation programmes would in practice still tend to replicate the degree of labour market attachment to which they had become accustomed relative to their partner in the past. We compared programme entries between women in former male breadwinner, dual earner, no‐earner and female breadwinner households and applied event‐history analysis to large‐scale administrative data. Our findings showed that in western Germany – but not in eastern Germany – women's assignments to activation programmes indeed replicated their prior labour market attachment relative to their partner.

Key Practitioner Message: • Among women receiving Unemployment Benefit II in Germany, women with partners participate in activation programmes less often; • This tendency applies especially to western German women with less employment experience and lower former earnings than their partners; • A framework should be devised to inquire about previously non‐employed women's interests in ALMP participation and offer them such opportunities.
Long non‐coding RNA: a versatile regulator of the nuclear factor‐κB signalling circuit
Authors: Mao Xiaohua , Su Zhenyi , Mookhtiar Adnan K.
Published: December 2016

The nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) family of transcription factors play an essential role for the regulation of inflammatory responses, immune function and malignant transformation. Aberrant activity of this signalling pathway may lead to inflammation, autoimmune diseases and oncogenesis. Over the last two decades great progress has been made in the understanding of NF‐κB activation and how the response is counteracted for maintaining tissue homeostasis. Therapeutic targeting of this pathway has largely remained ineffective due to the widespread role of this vital pathway and the lack of specificity of the therapies currently available. Besides regulatory proteins and microRNAs, long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) is emerging as another critical layer of the intricate modulatory architecture for the control of the NF‐κB signalling circuit. In this paper we focus on recent progress concerning lncRNA‐mediated modulation of the NF‐κB pathway, and evaluate the potential therapeutic uses and challenges of using lncRNAs that regulate NF‐κB activity.
Electrocardiographic Predictors of Long‐Term Cardiac Pacing Dependency Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: NAVEH SIVAN , PERLMAN GIDON Y. , ELITSUR YAIR , PLANER DAVID , GILON DAN , LEIBOWITZ DAVID , LOTAN CHAIM , DANENBERG HAIM , ALCALAI RONNY
Published: December 2016

Pacing Dependency Following TAVI

Background

Conduction disorders requiring permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation are a known complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Indications for permanent pacing in this setting are still controversial. The study aim was to characterize the natural history of conduction disorders related to TAVI, and to identify predictors for long‐term pacing dependency.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent TAVI were included in this prospective observational study. The conduction system was investigated by reviewing 12‐lead ECGs during hospitalization and up to 1‐year follow‐up and by analyzing pacemaker interrogation data. Multivariate analysis was performed in order to identify independent predictors for pacemaker dependency.

Results

Of 110 patients included in the analysis, 38 (34.5%) underwent PPM implantation. Of those, 26 (68.4%) had a long‐term pacing dependency (required PPM), while 12 (31.6%) did not (not‐required PPM). Logistic regression revealed that baseline RBBB (P = 0.01, OR = 18.0), baseline PR interval (P = 0.019, OR = 1.14), post‐TAVI PR interval and the change in PR interval from baseline (P < 0.001 for both, OR = 1.17 for each 10 milliseconds increment) were independent predictors for long‐term pacing dependency. A PR interval increment of greater than 28 milliseconds had the best accuracy in predicting pacemaker dependency.

Conclusions

Increased pre‐ and postprocedural PR intervals and pre‐existing RBBB are reliable predictors for long‐term PPM dependency, while left bundle branch block or QRS width are misleading factors. Our study suggests that the decision for implanting PPM after TAVI should be based mostly on the prolongation of the PR interval.
Where Does the Buck Stop? Explaining Public Responsibility Attributions in Complex International Institutions
Authors: Rittberger Berthold , Schwarzenbeck Helena , Zangl Bernhard
Published: December 2016

Who is held publicly responsible for the policies of international institutions? Are member states or supranational bodies held responsible or are public responsibility attributions (PRA) untargeted? We argue that in complex policy‐making systems responsibility tends to be attributed to implementing actors. When, however, a policy does not require active implementation, we expect responsibility attributions to be untargeted. To test these expectations, we analyze PRA in the European public for three EU migration policies: (1) border control policies, (2) the distribution of refugees according to the ‘Dublin’‐system, and (3) so‐called welfare migration facilitated by the ‘freedom of movement’ principle. Our analysis corroborates that PRA reflect the structure of policy implementation: (1) PRA for EU border controls target the EU; (2) PRA for the distribution of refugees target member states; (3) PRA for welfare migration are untargeted. The paper thus highlights an accountability gap for policies that do not require implementation.
INFORMATION OPACITY AND FITCH BOND RATINGS
Authors: Livingston Miles , Zhou Lei
Published: December 2016

We examine the marginal impact of Fitch ratings on the at‐issuance yields of industrial and utility bonds rated by Moody's and Standard & Poor's. We find that Fitch ratings reduce the yield premiums on information‐opaque bonds by about 30%, or 15 basis points. The finding is robust even when a Fitch rating exactly equals the two major ratings or their average. The findings suggest that Fitch ratings are not redundant but bring additional information to investors. Increased competition in the rating industry enhances the information efficiency of the bond market, and the existence of smaller rating agencies is economically justified.
U.S. BANK LENDING ACTIVITY IN THE POSTCRISIS WORLD
Authors: Cyree Ken B. , Griffiths Mark D. , Winters Drew B.
Published: December 2016

There are three main reasons banks may not be lending. First, banks could be rationing credit. We show that banks have excess reserves of more than $2 trillion, so demand exceeding supply is unlikely. Second, banks could be experiencing a capital crunch. We find no evidence of a capital crunch. Third, banks could be choosing to restrict lending, creating a credit crunch. We find that postcrisis loan growth rates are lower than crisis loan growth rates, but postcrisis loan growth is similar to precrisis growth. We find no evidence to suggest that banks are systematically restricting lending.
Objective Longitudinal Measures of Physical Activity and Bone Health in Older Japanese: the Nakanojo Study
Authors: Shephard Roy J. , Park Hyuntae , Park Sungjin , Aoyagi Yukitoshi
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To examine dose/response relationships between habitual physical activity and bone health in the elderly.

Design

Longitudinal.

Setting

Community of Nakanojo.

Participants

Community‐living Japanese aged 65 to 84 (212 men, 284 women).

Measurements

Daily 24‐h pedometer/accelerometer data were collected continuously for 5 years. A quantitative calcaneal osteosonic index (OSI) was determined annually.

Results

Year‐end OSI values were higher in those with greater daily step counts and especially a greater duration of activity >3 metabolic equivalents (METs). However, after controlling for baseline OSI, age and body mass, final OSI values were not significantly greater in the fourth than in the third activity quartile, where men and women, respectively, took means of 7,700 and 7,500 steps/day and/or exercised at an intensity >3 METs for means of 19 and 17 min/day. A multivariate‐adjusted proportional hazards model predicted that the OSI values of men and women were, respectively, 2.6 (1.4–4.4) and 3.3 (2.1–5.2) and/or 2.8 (1.5–5.6) and 3.9 (2.4–6.7) times more likely to drop below the OSI fracture threshold over 5 years in the two lowest activity quartiles (<7,000 and <6,900 steps/day and/or <18 and <17 min/day at >3 METs) than in the highest quartile (>9,100 and >8,800 steps/day and/or >30 and >25 min/day at >3 METs).

Conclusion

After adjustment for potential confounders, the calcaneal health of seniors is associated with both the daily step count and the duration of activity at an intensity >3 METs. The bone health is optimal in elderly people who take at least 7,000‐8,000 steps/day and/or spend at least 15–20 min/day at an intensity >3 METs.
Self‐Reported Physical Activity Levels of Older Cancer Survivors: Results from the 2014 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Tarasenko Yelena , Chen Chen , Schoenberg Nancy
Published: December 2016

Objectives

To examine adherence to the American College of Sports Medicine and American Cancer Society guidelines on leisure‐time aerobic and muscle‐strengthening physical activity (PA) of older cancer survivors.

Design

Cross‐sectional study based on the 2014 National Health Interview Survey.

Setting

United States.

Participants

Young‐old (65–74) (n = 627), old‐old (≥75) (n = 656), and middle‐aged (45–64) (n = 786) cancer survivors and adults without cancer (n = 18,369), stratified according to the same age groups.

Measurements

Weighted percentages were used to describe sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics of the study population. Unadjusted and adjusted predicted probabilities from generalized ordered and multinomial logistic regressions were estimated to examine levels of aerobic and muscle‐strengthening PA in the study population.

Results

Cancer survivors and those without a cancer diagnosis had similarly low rates of adherence to PA guidelines according to age group. In unadjusted analyses, the age effect was statistically significant in long‐term cancer survivors only. Adjusting for sociodemographic and health‐related characteristics, on average, 34.0% of young‐old and 35.4% of old‐old cancer survivors engaged in sufficient levels of aerobic PA, versus 44.3% of their middle‐aged counterparts (P's <.05). Approximately 10% of older cancer survivors met aerobic and muscle‐strengthening guidelines, compared with 19.1% of middle‐aged cancer survivors (P = .001).

Conclusion

Adherence to the recommended levels of leisure‐time aerobic and muscle‐strengthening PA is lower in older than middle‐aged cancer survivors in the United States. Greater efforts must be made to encourage and support PA participation in this population.
Mediating Role of Memory of Another Person's Choicein Social Influence on Preference
Authors: Nakamura Koyo , Kawabata Hideaki
Published: December 2016

We often tend to fit our subjective preference with those of others after merely being faced with what other people prefer. This is known as social conformity. However, it is still unclear how the impact of such a social influence on subjective preference is modulated by the personal characteristics of the other person (e.g., whether the person is trustworthy) and the explicit memory of those personal characteristics (e.g., remembering who evaluated the objects). To clarify explicit memory's underlying role regarding social influence, we asked participants to evaluate their preference for abstract paintings both before and after observing binary choices made by others whose behaviors could be labeled as trustworthy, neutral, or untrustworthy. The results showed the following: (a) even without explicit memory of who made a choice and which painting was chosen, the participants preferred chosen over unchosen paintings; and (b) such preference changes were modulated by the subjective trustworthiness of others only when they explicitly remembered who made a choice.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characterization of ceftiofur crystalline‐free acid following subcutaneous administration in domestic goats
Authors: Waraich G. S. , Sidhu P. K. , Daundkar P. S. , Kaur G. , Sharma S. K.
Published: December 2016

Pharmacokinetic (PK)–pharmacodynamic (PD) integration of crystalline ceftiofur‐free acid (CCFA) was established in six healthy female goats administered subcutaneously (s.c.) on the left side of the neck at a dosage of 6.6 mg/kg body weight. Serum concentrations of ceftiofur and desfuroylceftiofur (DFC) were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Mutant prevention concentration (MPC), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ceftiofur were determined forPasteurella (P.) multocida. Mean terminal half‐life and mean residence time of ceftiofur +DFCwere 48.6 h and 104 h, respectively.In vitroplasma protein binding of ceftiofur was 46.6% in goats. TheMICandMBCvalues of ceftiofur were similar in serum andMHBand a very small difference between these values confirmed bactericidal activity of drug againstP. multocida. In vitroandex vivotime–kill curves forP. multocidademonstrated a time‐dependent killing action of drug. Considering target serum concentration of 0.20 μg/mL,PK‐PDvalues forAUC24 h/MIC90and T > MIC90, respectively, were 302 h and 192 h againstP. multocida. AMPC/MICratio of 10–14 indicated that selective pressure for proliferation of resistant mutants ofP. multocidais minimal afterCCFAsingle‐dose administration. Based onMPC = 1.40 μg/mL forP. multocida, thePK‐PDindices,viz. T > MPCandAUC24/MPC, were 48 h and 43 h, respectively. The data suggested the use of single dose (6.6 mg/kg, s.c.) ofCCFAin goats to obtain clinical and bacteriological cure of pneumonia due toP. multocida.
Short‐duration treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus with daclatasvir, asunaprevir, beclabuvir and sofosbuvir (FOURward study)
Authors: Sulkowski Mark S. , Flamm Steve , Kayali Zeid , Lawitz Eric J. , Kwo Paul , McPhee Fiona , Torbeyns Anne , Hughes Eric A. , Swenson Eugene S. , Yin Philip D. , Linaberry Misti
Published: December 2016

Background & Aims

The phase 2, FOURward study (NCT02175966) investigated short‐duration therapy (4/6 weeks) with four direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) with distinct mechanisms of action in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype‐1.

Methods

Non‐cirrhotic patients were randomized 1:1 to DCV‐TRIO (fixed‐dose daclatasvir 30 mg, asunaprevir 200 mg and beclabuvir 75 mg) twice‐daily + sofosbuvir 400 mg once‐daily for 4 or 6 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at post‐treatment Week 12 (SVR12). Patients without SVR12 were offered retreatment based on the DAA resistance profile at failure; patients with resistance to ≤1 DCV‐TRIO component received DCV‐TRIO + RBV for 12 weeks.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients with HCV genotype‐1 were enrolled; 79% had genotype‐1a infection and median baseline HCV‐RNA levels were high (9 × 106 IU/mL). Most patients had undetectable HCV‐RNA at end of treatment (96% [n=27/28]); however, relapse occurred in 77% (n=10/13) and 43% (n=6/14) treated for 4 and 6 weeks, leading to SVR12 rates of 29% (n=4/14) and 57% (n=8/14) respectively. SVR12 was higher in patients with lower baseline HCV‐RNA (<2 million IU/mL, 71% [n=5/7]; ≥2 million IU/mL, 33% [n=7/21]). None of the 16 non‐SVR12 patients had NS3 or NS5B resistance‐associated substitutions (RAS) detected at failure. All 15 patients retreated with DCV‐TRIO + RBV for 12 weeks achieved SVR12. All regimens were well tolerated.

Conclusions

Short‐duration treatment with four DAAs with distinct mechanisms of action was insufficient for most patients with genotype‐1 infection and high baseline viraemia. Non‐SVR12 was not associated with emergence of NS3 or NS5B RAS and retreatment with DCV‐TRIO + RBV for 12 weeks led to SVR in all patients.
Hepatogenous diabetes: Is it time to separate it from type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Orsi Emanuela , Grancini Valeria , Menini Stefano , Aghemo Alessio , Pugliese Giuseppe
Published: December 2016

By definition, hepatogenous diabetes is directly caused by loss of liver function, implying that it develops after cirrhosis onset. Therefore, it should be distinguished from type 2 diabetes developing before cirrhosis onset, in which specific causes of liver disease play a major role, in addition to traditional risk factors. Currently, although hepatogenous diabetes shows distinct pathophysiological and clinical features, it is not considered as an autonomous entity. Recent evidence suggests that the failing liver exerts an independent “toxic” effect on pancreatic islets resulting in β‐cell dysfunction. Moreover, patients with hepatogenous diabetes usually present with normal fasting glucose and haemoglobin A1c levels and abnormal response to an oral glucose tolerance test, which is therefore required for diagnosis. This article discusses the need to separate hepatogenous diabetes from type 2 diabetes occurring in subjects with chronic liver disease and to identify individuals suffering from this condition for prognostic and therapeutic purposes.
Influence of the Po River runoff on the bacterioplankton community along trophic and salinity gradients in the Northern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Pizzetti Ilaria , Lupini Giuliano , Bernardi Aubry Fabrizio , Acri Francesco , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Fazi Stefano
Published: December 2016

The Po River runoff strongly affects the oceanographic and ecological characteristics of the Northern Adriatic Sea. Catalysed reported deposition ‐ fluorescence in situ hybridization (CARD‐FISH) analysis was employed to assess how the composition of the coastal bacterioplankton community is influenced by the river runoff in two different seasons (spring and autumn). Samples were collected from the water column along a coastal–offshore transect in the Northern Adriatic Sea at different depths. Four clone libraries were then constructed from coastal (0 m) and offshore waters (−65 m). Higher abundances of bacteria were recorded in coastal waters as compared with the offshore samples. This result was mainly due to the trophic state of the water column, and it was related to salinity. Particularly, Actinobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were affected by the riverine inputs, whereas Bacteroidetes and Alphaproteobacteria showed only minor responses. This was particularly clear in the autumn sample, in which a clear difference between the coastal and the offshore samples was found due to a strong influence of the less saline river water with high nutrient concentrations. Analysis of 205 partial length 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated a high diversity with the dominance of Alphaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Gammaproteobacteria mainly affiliated to coastal and marine bacterioplankton clades. Actinobacteria were also detected and, together with Gammaproteobacteria, strongly follow the freshwater intrusion. Overall, our results indicate that the seasonal difference in the Po River discharge greatly affects the bacterioplankton community. In spring we observed a smooth transition from coastal to open‐sea conditions owing to the more superficial freshwater plume. In autumn the deeper freshwater intrusion in the coastal site and thermal stratification offshore resulted in a marked difference between the coastal and offshore microbial communities.
Acropora coral colonies as microhabitats for sponges in Tayrona National Natural Park, Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Pineda‐Munive Eliana M. , García‐Urueña Rocío del P. , Zea Sven
Published: December 2016

Sponges are sessile organisms capable of colonizing diverse substrata. In the Caribbean, coral reefs have suffered a drastic decline, and branching corals of the genus Acropora have been widely decimated. On dead coral skeletons and around surviving tissue the settling of sessile organisms can be observed, sponges being common. In order to investigate whether or not sponges have a preference for a particular species of coral, or for specific microhabitats of the colonies, we evaluated species composition, cover, richness and diversity of sponges colonizing the dead parts of still live colonies of the branching corals Acropora palmata and Acropora cervicornis in five locations of the Tayrona National Natural Park in the Colombian Caribbean. Ten colonies of Ac. palmata were quantified in each of the five locations, and eight Ac. cervicornis colonies in each of two locations. Quantification was carried out using video taken within 0.625‐m2 photoquadrats. Seventeen sponge species were found, 13 of them associated with Ac. palmata and seven with Ac. cervicornis. Desmapsamma anchorata, Clathria venosa and Scopalina rutzleri were found to be common to all Ac. palmata locations, while De. anchorata occurred in the two Ac. cervicornis locations. On Ac. palmata, encrusting sponges dominated, while on Ac. cervicornis branched and lobed sponges predominated. Significant differences in sponge cover were not found among locations but were observed in the sponge species present. On Ac. palmata the species with highest cover were D. anchorata and Cla. venosa, while on Ac. cervicornis it was De. anchorata. The richness and diversity of sponges were low for both coral species, and their varying distribution can be attributed to the differences in available substrate for attachment, given coral colony morphology; for Ac. palmata, sponges predominated on the underside of the branches, semi‐cryptic areas and colony bases, whereas for Ac. cervicornis, they were located over the entire area of the cylindrical branches. Surviving colonies of Ac. palmata and Ac. cervicornis that are still erect offer additional microhabitats for reef sponges, some of which can be found directly interacting with live coral tissue, further threatening their recovery.
Biological limits on nitrogen use for plant photosynthesis: a quantitative revision comparing cultivated and wild species
Authors: Rotundo José L. , Cipriotti Pablo A.
Published: December 2016

The relationship between leaf photosynthesis and nitrogen is a critical production function for ecosystem functioning. Cultivated species have been studied in terms of this relationship, focusing on improving nitrogen (N) use, while wild species have been studied to evaluate leaf evolutionary patterns. A comprehensive comparison of cultivated vs wild species for this relevant function is currently lacking. We hypothesize that cultivated species show increased carbon assimilation per unit leaf N area compared with wild species as associated with artificial selection for resource‐acquisition traits.

We compiled published data on light‐saturated photosynthesis (Amax) and leaf nitrogen (LNarea) for cultivated and wild species. The relationship between Amax and LNarea was evaluated using a frontier analysis (90th percentile) to benchmark the biological limit of nitrogen use for photosynthesis.

Carbon assimilation in relation to leaf N was not consistently higher in cultivated species; out of 14 cultivated species, only wheat, rice, maize and sorghum showed higher ability to use N for photosynthesis compared with wild species.

Results indicate that cultivated species have not surpassed the biological limit on nitrogen use observed for wild species. Future increases in photosynthesis based on natural variation need to be assisted by bioengineering of key enzymes to increase crop productivity.
Pleiotropy, constraint, and modularity in the evolution of life histories: insights from genomic analyses
Authors: Hughes Kimberly A. , Leips Jeff
Published: December 2016

Multicellular organisms display an enormous range of life history (LH) strategies and present an evolutionary conundrum; despite strong natural selection, LH traits are characterized by high levels of genetic variation. To understand the evolution of life histories and maintenance of this variation, the specific phenotypic effects of segregating alleles and the genetic networks in which they act need to be elucidated. In particular, the extent to which LH evolution is constrained by the pleiotropy of alleles contributing to LH variation is generally unknown. Here, we review recent empirical results that shed light on this question, with an emphasis on studies employing genomic analyses. While genome‐scale analyses are increasingly practical and affordable, they face limitations of genetic resolution and statistical power. We describe new research approaches that we believe can produce new insights and evaluate their promise and applicability to different kinds of organisms. Two approaches seem particularly promising: experiments that manipulate selection in multiple dimensions and measure phenotypic and genomic response and analytical approaches that take into account genome‐wide associations between markers and phenotypes, rather than applying a traditional marker‐by‐marker approach.
Electrode Contact Force‐Controlled Bipolar Radiofrequency Ablation: Different Effects on Lesion Size between Dual‐ and Single‐Bath Preparations
Authors: CHINUSHI MASAOMI , SAITOH OSAMU , WATANABE JUNYA , SUGAI AYARI , SUZUKI KATSUYA , HOSAKA YUKIO , FURUSHIMA HIROSHI
Published: December 2016

Background

During bipolar (BIP) radiofrequency (RF) ablation using two catheters in humans, each catheter is placed in separate cardiac chambers or spaces. We developed a contact force‐controlled experimental preparation, and compared measurements made with two catheters placed in a single bath (SB), versus each catheter placed in separate baths, in order to assess the preparation‐dependent differences in the results of BIP‐RF ablation.

Methods

In the SB experiments, a porcine heart was placed in the center of the bath, while in the dual‐bath (DB) experiments, it was placed between two half baths communicating through windows.

Results

The initial impedance was greatest (110.5 ± 7.2 Ω) with the BIP‐DB, followed by the BIP‐SB (92.0 ± 5.6 Ω) and the unipolar (UNIP) DB (84.9 ± 4.7 Ω) configurations. During 50‐W ablation for 60 seconds at a 20‐g contact force, the root mean square voltage was 75.7 ± 2.5 V in the BIP‐DB, 68.0 ± 2.1 V in the BIP‐SB, and 66.8 ± 2.0 V in the UNIP‐DB. The mean surface lesion diameters were similar among the three configurations. However, the endocardial lesion depth was 5.60 ± 0.56 mm with the BIP‐DB, 4.71 ± 0.64 mm with the BIP‐SB, and 4.24 ± 0.58 mm with the UNIP‐DB configuration. On average, the endocardial lesions were significantly deeper than the epicardial ones.

Conclusions

BIP ablation created much deeper lesions as compared to UNIP ablation. Lesion depth could be different depending on experimental preparation, and contact force‐controlled DB preparation may be a much more appropriate model for studying the effects of BIP ablation.
Simultaneous stimulation of sedoheptulose 1,7‐bisphosphatase, fructose 1,6‐bisphophate aldolase and the photorespiratory glycine decarboxylase‐H protein increases CO2 assimilation, vegetative biomass and seed yield in Arabidopsis
Authors: Simkin Andrew J. , Lopez‐Calcagno Patricia E. , Davey Philip A. , Headland Lauren R. , Lawson Tracy , Timm Stefan , Bauwe Hermann , Raines Christine A.
Published: December 2016

In this article, we have altered the levels of three different enzymes involved in the Calvin–Benson cycle and photorespiratory pathway. We have generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants with altered combinations of sedoheptulose 1,7‐bisphosphatase (SBPase), fructose 1,6‐bisphophate aldolase (FBPA) and the glycine decarboxylase‐H protein (GDC‐H) gene identified as targets to improve photosynthesis based on previous studies. Here, we show that increasing the levels of the three corresponding proteins, either independently or in combination, significantly increases the quantum efficiency of PSII. Furthermore, photosynthetic measurements demonstrated an increase in the maximum efficiency of CO2 fixation in lines over‐expressing SBPase and FBPA. Moreover, the co‐expression of GDC‐H with SBPase and FBPA resulted in a cumulative positive impact on leaf area and biomass. Finally, further analysis of transgenic lines revealed a cumulative increase of seed yield in SFH lines grown in high light. These results demonstrate the potential of multigene stacking for improving the productivity of food and energy crops.
Genome editing of the disease susceptibility gene CsLOB1 in citrus confers resistance to citrus canker
Authors: Jia Hongge , Zhang Yunzeng , Orbović Vladimir , Xu Jin , White Frank F. , Jones Jeffrey B. , Wang Nian
Published: December 2016

Citrus is a highly valued tree crop worldwide, while, at the same time, citrus production faces many biotic challenges, including bacterial canker and Huanglongbing (HLB). Breeding for disease‐resistant varieties is the most efficient and sustainable approach to control plant diseases. Traditional breeding of citrus varieties is challenging due to multiple limitations, including polyploidy, polyembryony, extended juvenility and long crossing cycles. Targeted genome editing technology has the potential to shorten varietal development for some traits, including disease resistance. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9/sgRNA technology to modify the canker susceptibility gene CsLOB1 in Duncan grapefruit. Six independent lines, DLOB2, DLOB3, DLOB9, DLOB10, DLOB11 and DLOB12, were generated. Targeted next‐generation sequencing of the six lines showed the mutation rate was 31.58%, 23.80%, 89.36%, 88.79%, 46.91% and 51.12% for DLOB2, DLOB3, DLOB9, DLOB10, DLOB11 and DLOB12, respectively, of the cells in each line. DLOB2 and DLOB3 showed canker symptoms similar to wild‐type grapefruit, when inoculated with the pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc). No canker symptoms were observed on DLOB9, DLOB10, DLOB11 and DLOB12 at 4 days postinoculation (DPI) with Xcc. Pustules caused by Xcc were observed on DLOB9, DLOB10, DLOB11 and DLOB12 in later stages, which were much reduced compared to that on wild‐type grapefruit. The pustules on DLOB9 and DLOB10 did not develop into typical canker symptoms. No side effects and off‐target mutations were detected in the mutated plants. This study indicates that genome editing using CRISPR technology will provide a promising pathway to generate disease‐resistant citrus varieties.
Using Cultural Theory to Analyze the Metagovernance of the Nuclear Renaissance in Britain, France, and the United States
Authors: Baker Keith
Published: December 2016

The governments of Britain, France, and the United States are seeking to promote renewed investment in nuclear power through metagovernance. Metagovernance describes the way governments can leverage state power and resources to shape the behavior of networked actors to advance policy goals. To metagovern, governments use a variety of policy tools but the factors shaping the design of these policy tools remains unclear. Grid‐group cultural theory is used to show that the design of the policy tools used in metagovernance reflects both an underlying cultural bias within government and prevailing institutional circumstances. The paper demonstrates the utility of cultural theory in the study of metagovernance.