bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An empirical assessment of tree branching networks and implications for plant allometric scaling models
Authors: Bentley Lisa Patrick , Stegen James C. , Savage Van M. , Smith Duncan D. , von Allmen Erica I. , Sperry John S. , Reich Peter B. , Enquist Brian J.
Published: June 2013

Several theories predict whole‐tree function on the basis of allometric scaling relationships assumed to emerge from traits of branching networks. To test this key assumption, and more generally, to explore patterns of external architecture within and across trees, we measure branch traits (radii/lengths) and calculate scaling exponents from five functionally divergent species. Consistent with leading theories, including metabolic scaling theory, branching is area preserving and statistically self‐similar within trees. However, differences among scaling exponents calculated at node‐ and whole‐tree levels challenge the assumption of an optimised, symmetrically branching tree. Furthermore, scaling exponents estimated for branch length change across branching orders, and exponents for scaling metabolic rate with plant size (or number of terminal tips) significantly differ from theoretical predictions. These findings, along with variability in the scaling of branch radii being less than for branch lengths, suggest extending current scaling theories to include asymmetrical branching and differential selective pressures in plant architectures.
Physicochemical, technological and sensory characteristics of a rice (Oryza sativaL.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) soup prepared by extrusion
Authors: Carvalho Ana Vânia , Bassinello Priscila Zaczuk , Mattietto Rafaella de Andrade , Rios Alessandro de Oliveira , de Lima Anna Cristina Pinheiro , Koakuzu Selma N. , Carvalho Rosângela Nunes
Published: June 2013

The aim of this work was to prepare and evaluate an instant soup formulated with broken rice and beans processed by thermoplastic extrusion using a pilot‐scale, single‐screw extruder. The final product was characterised regarding its physicochemical composition, amino acid profile, functional–technological properties and sensory performance. The extrusion parameters were set using three extrusion zone temperatures (30, 40 and 70 °C), a screw speed of 177 rpm, feed rate of 260 g min−1. and circular matrix of 3.85 mm. The final product contained considerable levels of protein (12.91 g per 100 g) and dietary fibre (8.07 g per 100 g). Amino acid profile analysis showed that only sulphur‐containing amino acids and tryptophan were limiting with the remaining present in adequate concentrations to meet children's requirements. Regarding functional and technological properties, the instant soup powder showed appropriate water solubility and water absorption indexes as expected. The soup sensory analysis indicated good acceptability, with a purchase intent index of 71%.
Pilot study of the effects of bariatric surgery and continuous positive airway pressure treatment on vascular function in obese subjects with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Bakker J. P. , Balachandran J. S. , Tecilazich F. , DeYoung P. N. , Smales E. , Veves A. , Malhotra A.
Published: June 2013

Background

The mechanisms by which obesity and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may contribute to endothelial dysfunction are unclear.

Aims

We sought to follow up a sample of obese subjects undergoing either bariatric surgery or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to treat OSA. We hypothesised improved vascular function with both therapeutic approaches, consistent with a reversible OSA effect on the circulation.

Methods

Twenty‐seven obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) subjects with OSA underwent either bariatric surgery without CPAP (n = 12, median BMI 43.7 kg/m2 IQR 9.4) or CPAP (n = 15, median BMI 33.8 kg/m2 IQR 6.6). Polysomnography and vascular testing (flow‐mediated dilation of the brachial artery measured with high‐resolution ultrasound, endothelium‐dependent change in skin blood flow measured with laser Doppler flowmetry, and arterial stiffness measured with applanation tonometry) took place at baseline and after 6 months.

Results

Both groups showed significant improvements in the apnoea–hypopnea index and overnight oxygen saturation. Endothelium‐dependent microvascular reactivity was 45.6% (IQR 37.5) at baseline in the CPAP group, which increased to 69.1% (IQR 62.3) post‐treatment (P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the surgery group, despite significant weight loss (post‐surgery BMI 32.7 kg/m2 IQR 8.6 (P < 0.01); no change in BMI was observed in the CPAP group. There were no significant changes in brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation in either group.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates that 6 months of CPAP may be sufficient to improve endothelium‐dependent microvascular reactivity, while substantial surgically induced weight loss did not result in improvements. Further research should be directed towards comparative effectiveness trials using these novel surrogate outcomes, as well as hard cardiovascular outcomes.
Heightened clinical suspicion of pulmonary embolism and disregard of the d‐dimer assay: a contemporary trend in an era of increased access to computed tomography pulmonary angiogram?
Authors: Sud R. , Langfield J. , Chu G.
Published: June 2013

Background

Prospective studies have shown that utilising qualitative D‐dimers in those with a low Wells pre‐test probability (PTP) of pulmonary embolism (PE) have significantly reduced the number of computed tomography pulmonary angiograms (CTPA) being performed. These studies have been based on a PE prevalence of approximately 6% in the low PTP group.

Aim

This study compares the diagnostic approach to PE in the study institution to well‐established guidelines. The study also re‐examines the cost‐benefit analyses of qualitative d‐dimers and CTPA in the low PTP group.

Methods

A retrospective study of 169 consecutive CTPA requested in the emergency department of a major teaching hospital during a 12‐month period.

Results

The prevalence of PE was 0% (0/65), 11.7% (9/77) and 0% (0/2) in the low, moderate and high Wells PTP groups respectively, and 6.3% (9/144) overall. PTP was documented in 10 (6.9%) cases, and the qualitative Clearview Simplify d‐dimer was only ordered in 33.8% (22/65) of low PTP subjects. The false positive d‐dimer rate was 90.2% (37/41). Cost‐benefit analysis and assay performance defines a narrow range of low PTP PE prevalence between 1% and 5% for the utilisation of the qualitative d‐dimer assay.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of PE in subjects undergoing CTPA was significantly lower compared with data in the literature. The authors recommend warranted clinical suspicion of PE should be confirmed by a senior physician prior to placing a patient in the PE work‐up pathway. In such patients, the qualitative d‐dimer assay should be utilised if PTP is low, and the exclusionary efficiency of the d‐dimer will be improved in the setting of higher PE prevalence in this subgroup. Hospitals should audit local PE prevalence, as cost‐benefit analyses raises questions about the effectiveness of d‐dimers when PE prevalence is very low in the low PTP subgroup.
Reducing the length of stay for acute hospital patients needing admission into inpatient rehabilitation: a multicentre study of process barriers
Authors: New P. W. , Andrianopoulos N. , Cameron P. A. , Olver J. H , Stoelwinder J. U.
Published: June 2013

Background

Patient flow is a major problem in hospitals. Delays in accessing inpatient rehabilitation have not been well studied.

Aims

Measure the time taken for key processes in the patient journey from acute hospital admission through to inpatient rehabilitation admission in order to identify opportunities for improvement.

Methods

Retrospective open cohort study. All patients admitted over 8‐ and 10‐month periods during 2008 into two inpatient rehabilitation units in Melbourne, Australia. Main outcome measures were the duration of the following key processes: acute hospital admission until referral for rehabilitation, referral until assessment by the rehabilitation service, assessment until deemed ready for transfer to rehabilitation, ready for transfer until rehabilitation admission.

Results

Three hundred and sixty patients were in the study sample (females = 186; 51.7%); mean age = 58.4 (standard deviation = 15.0) years. There was a median of 7 (interquartile range [IQR] 4–13) days from acute hospital admission till referral for rehabilitation, a median of 1 (IQR 0–1) day from referral till assessment, a median of 0 (IQR 0–2) days from assessment till deemed ready for transfer and a median of 1 (IQR 0–3) day from ready till admission into rehabilitation. Overall, patients spent 12.0% (804/6682) of their acute hospital admission waiting for a rehabilitation bed.

Conclusions

There are opportunities to improve the efficiency of key processes in the acute hospital journey for patients subsequently admitted to inpatient rehabilitation; in particular, reducing the time from acute hospital admission till referral for rehabilitation and from being deemed ready for transfer to rehabilitation till admission.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of venlafaxine for the treatment of depressed cocaine‐dependent patients
Authors: Raby Wilfrid Noel , Rubin Eric A. , Garawi Fatima , Cheng Wendy , Mason Ella , Sanfilippo Lisa , Lord Stephanie , Bisaga Adam , Aharonovich Efrat , Levin Frances , McDowell David , Nunes Edward V.
Published: June 2013

Objective

This study tested the hypothesis that the antidepressant venlafaxine would be an effective treatment for cocaine abusers with concurrent depressive disorders.

Methods

This was a randomized, 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of outpatients (N = 130) meeting DSM‐IIIR criteria for cocaine dependence and major depression or dysthymia (by SCID interview). Participants were treated with venlafaxine, up to 300 mg/day versus placebo. All patients received weekly individual manual‐guided relapse prevention therapy. Weekly outcome measures included Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), self‐reported cocaine use, urine toxicology and the Hamilton Depression Scale (Ham‐D).

Results

Mood response, defined as a 50% reduction in the Ham‐D between randomization and end of study, was 41% (26/64) on venlafaxine, and 33% (22/66) on placebo (p = .39). Measures of depression (Ham‐D and CGI) improved more rapidly on venlafaxine than placebo, but these differences disappeared by weeks 6–8. Cocaine outcomes did not differ between treatment groups, and the proportion of patients achieving three or more consecutive weeks of urine‐confirmed abstinence was low (venlafaxine: 16%; placebo: 15%). Reduction in cocaine use was associated with mood response.

Conclusions

Overall, venlafaxine was not superior to placebo on either mood or cocaine use outcomes. Mood improvement was associated with improvement in cocaine use. However, placebo mood response was only moderate, and the proportion of patients achieving sustained abstinence was low. This suggests that the subgroup of cocaine‐dependent patients with depressive disorders is relatively treatment resistant, and that further research is needed to improve outcomes for these patients. (Am J Addict 2014;23:68–75)
Auricular Reconstruction: Selected Single‐Stage Techniques
Authors: TEBBETTS JOHN B.
Published: June 2013

Selected single‐stage techniques for reconstruction of the auricle are reviewed, and clinical examples of some of these techniques are illustrated.
Painful Papule of the Ear: A Follicular Disorder
Authors: HURWITZ ROBERT M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The etiology of painful papule of the external ear, chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis, has been an enigma for over half a century. I reviewed 84 skin biopsy specimens from 82 patients with this histopathologic diagnosis and found evidence that the infundibular portion of the hair follicle is probably the primary cutaneous structure involved in this condition. This lesion appears to evolve from an acute, suppurative, granulomatous dermatitis into a later‐fibrosing dermatitis having the clinical and histologic features of perforating folliculitis and prurigo nodularis.
Restoration of Curved Earlobe Configuration with Scar Tissue Advancement Flap Combined with Second‐Intention Wound Healing
Authors: FIELD LAWRENCE M.
Published: June 2013

Reconstruction of earlobe curvature in a scar‐deformed and displaced earlobe was accomplished by a combination of 1) hypertrophic scar debulking, 2) partial defect closure by scar tissue flap advancement to re‐establish the cephalic extent of the neck at the infralobular crease, and 3) second‐intention healing of the noncovered lower earlobe, preserving its surgically re‐established curved configuration. Although this article specifically addresses scarring deformities of the earlobe, the same principles could be applied to congenital, noncicatricial tenting deformities.
Dissecting Folliculitis of the Scalp
Authors: BACHYNSKY THEODORE , ANTONYSHYN OLEH M. , ROSS J. BARRIE
Published: June 2013

Dissecting folliculitis of the scalp can develop into an extensive, hypertrophic scarred lesion that is unresponsive to routine treatment. In these situations, radical excision of the affected area and concurrent perioperative treatment with isotretinoin (13‐cis‐retinoic acid) may be effective. The authors describe a case, illustrating the successful clinical application of this technique.
Stents for Nasal Vestibule
Authors: WHITAKER DUANE C. , FYLER ANN , SEARS JOEL K.
Published: June 2013

A method employing vinyl polysiloxane and polyethylene chemical tubing to make nasal stents is described. Vinyl polysiloxane stents, when well molded, are comfortable and easily tolerated. The technique has been useful for maintaining patent nares and enhancing graft viability.
Retrospective analysis of safety and efficacy of insulin‐to‐liraglutide switch in Japanese type 2 diabetes: A caution against inappropriate use in patients with reduced β‐cell function
Authors: Usui Ryota , Yabe Daisuke , Kuwata Hitoshi , Fujiwara Shuichi , Watanabe Koin , Hyo Takanori , Yasuhara Akihiro , Iwasaki Masahiro , Kitatani Naomi , Kuwabara Kyoko , Yokota Kayo , Kurose Takeshi , Seino Yutaka
Published: June 2013

Aims/Introduction

The safety and efficacy of insulin‐to‐liraglutide switch in type 2 diabetes has not been studied adequately. Here, we retrospectively characterize clinical parameters that might predict insulin‐to‐liraglutide treatment switch without termination due to hyperglycemia, and examine the effects of switching the therapies on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and bodyweight in Japanese type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

Japanese type 2 diabetes patients who underwent the switch of therapy were evaluated for their clinical data including β‐cell function‐related indices, such as increment of serum C‐peptide during glucagon stimulation test (GST‐ΔCPR). HbA1c and bodyweight were analyzed in patients continuing with liraglutide after switching from insulin for 12 weeks.

Results

Of 147 patients, 28 failed in the switch due to hyperglycemia, nine failed because of other reasons and 110 continued with liraglutide for the 12‐week period. Patients failing in the switch due to hyperglycemia showed longer duration and higher daily insulin dose, as well as lower GST‐ΔCPR. Receiver–operating characteristic analysis showed that GST‐ΔCPR of 1.34 ng/mL is a cut‐off point for insulin‐to‐liraglutide switch without termination due to hyperglycemia. In patients continuing liraglutide for 12 weeks, the switch significantly reduced HbA1c and bodyweight with no severe hypoglycemia, irrespective of sulfonylurea co‐administration, body mass index, duration and total daily insulin dose. The switch also significantly reduced the percentage of body fat and visceral fat areas.

Conclusions

Insulin‐to‐liraglutide switch can improve glycemic control and reduce bodyweight in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients. However, caution must be taken with the switch in patients with reduced insulin secretory capacity as predicted by GST‐ΔCPR.
Correlation between mean platelet volume and blood glucose levels after oral glucose loading in normoglycemic and prediabetic Japanese subjects
Authors: Shimodaira Masanori , Niwa Tomohiro , Nakajima Koji , Kobayashi Mutsuhiro , Hanyu Norinao , Nakayama Tomohiro
Published: June 2013

Aims/Introduction

Mean platelet volume (MPV) reflects platelet activity, and high MPV is associated with thrombogenic activation and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Although a positive correlation between MPV and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels has been reported, the correlation between MPV and postprandial glucose levels remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the correlation between MPV and postprandial glucose levels in prediabetic and normoglycemic participants.

Materials and Methods

We evaluated 1,080 Japanese participants who underwent the 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Based on these results, the participants were divided into three groups: normal glucose tolerance group (NGT; n = 582), impaired fasting glucose group (IFG; n = 205) and impaired glucose tolerance group (IGT; n = 252). The relationship between MPV, FPG, and postchallenge glucose levels after 1 h (1 h‐PG) and 2 h (2 h‐PG) were analyzed.

Results

Bivariate correlation analyses showed a significant positive correlation between MPV and both FPG and 1 h‐PG levels in the NGT group, as well as between MPV and 2 h‐PG, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in the IGT group. In contrast, no significant correlation was observed between MPV and postchallenge glucose levels in the IFG group. Multiple correlation analyses showed that FPG levels significantly correlated with MPV in the NGT and IGT groups. In addition, 1 h‐PG and 2 h‐PG levels correlated with MPV in the NTG and IGT groups, respectively.

Conclusions

These results suggest a possible mechanism by which subjects with postprandial hyperglycemia might be at increased cardiovascular risk.
A comparison of inflammatory mediator expression between palmoplantar pustulosis and pompholyx
Authors: Kim D.Y. , Kim J.Y. , Kim T.G. , Kwon J.E. , Sohn H. , Park J. , Lim B.J. , Oh S.H.
Published: June 2013

Background

Both palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) and pompholyx are clinically characterized by acute eruptions of vesicles or pustules on the palms or soles.

Objectives

This study aims to compare the expression of certain inflammatory mediator genes and proteins between patients with PPP and pompholyx using skin tissue samples.

Methods

Skin biopsies obtained from lesional skin from patients with PPP (n = 7) and pompholyx (n = 5) were analysed by quantitative RT‐PCR to measure the mRNA levels of nine genes, including IL‐4, IL‐8, IL‐9, IL‐17, IL‐22, IFN‐γ, CCL‐20, granzyme and perforin. For immunohistochemical analysis, 34 paraffin‐embedded skin specimens (PPP, n = 22; pompholyx, n = 12) were stained with anti‐IL‐8, IL‐17A, IL‐22 and granzyme B antibodies.

Results

Of genes analysed, IL‐8 and IL‐17A mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in the PPP group than the pompholyx group (P = 0.012 in both), whereas the mRNA expression of granzyme B was significantly higher in pompholyx when compared with PPP (P = 0.004). Regarding the IL‐17A immunohistochemical staining, tissue from the PPP lesions contained significantly more IL‐17A+ cells in both the epidermis and papillary dermis when compared with pompholyx (P < 0.001 and P = 0.019 respectively). Moreover, the intensity of the IL‐8 immunoreactivity was also greater in the PPP skin lesions than the pompholyx tissue (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

IL‐8 and IL‐17A, both are increased in PPP tissue, may represent important immunologic mediators that help to differentiate this clinical entity from pompholyx. This study may provide useful clues in distinguishing PPP from pompholyx, as well as helping to understand the pathogeneses of these two diseases.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of esomeprazole injection/infusion in healthy Chinese volunteers: A five‐way crossover study
Authors: Yang Hong , Li Jingnan , Zhao Qian , Li Ji , Shen Kai , Yang Xiaoou , Jiang Ji , Hu Pei , Qian Jiaming
Published: June 2013

Background

Esomeprazole provides effective and long lasting inhibition of gastric acid secretion. However, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous esomeprazole in the Chinese population remain unclear.

Aim

To compare the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous esomeprazole (injection and infusion) and their clinical safety and tolerability in healthy Chinese subjects.

Methods

A randomized, single‐center, open‐label, five‐way crossover study was conducted in 20 healthy volunteers. CYP2C19 metabolizer genotype and Helicobacter pylori status were examined. Five dosing regimens were used: single 40 mg injection, 40 mg infusion every 12 h, 40 mg infusion followed by continuous infusion at 8 mg/h, 80 mg infusion followed by continuous infusion at 4 or 8 mg/h. Intragastric pH was recorded within 24 h. Plasma concentration‐time curve, maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), steady state concentration, and total plasma clearance were determined. Adverse events were also recorded.

Results

Continuous infusion resulted in a higher mean area under the curve and Cmax than injection. There were no significant differences among the four infusion groups in terms of percentages of time at pH > 4, > 5, > 6, > 7 within 24 h and pH > 6 within the first 3 h. There were no significant differences in pharmacokinetic or pH values among variants of CYP2C19 genotype. The pH value within 24 h was unaffected by H. pylori infection in subjects with continuous infusion.

Conclusions

Esomeprazole administrated by infusion produces better pharmacokinetic and intragastric pH profiles compared with those by injection. The optimal administration schedule for esomeprazole in Chinese subjects is infusion with 40 mg/12 h.
Outcomes of pregnancy in women who had rescue cerclage for cervical insufficiency: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Gundabattula Sirisha Rao , Marakani Lakshmi Rathna , Dasari Shashikala , Surampudi Kameswari , Pochiraju Manjula , Nirmalan Praveen Kumar
Published: June 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome of pregnancies in women with rescue cerclage for cervical insufficiency.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study of all women who underwent rescue cerclage between 2002 and 2011 at an advanced tertiary care perinatal institute in India was conducted. Data retrieved from medical records was used to explore potential associations with prolongation of pregnancy beyond 28 weeks.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) gestational age at cerclage was 21.9 (2.7) weeks for the 74 women in the study. The McDonald technique was the preferred method for rescue cerclage (91.9%). All women received antibiotics; tocolytics were used in 35.1% and progesterones in 62.2% of women. The mean prolongation of pregnancy was 7.4 weeks with 42.0% women delivering after 28 weeks and 30.4% after 34 weeks. The take‐home‐baby rate was 50.7% (95% confidence interval: 38.7–62.6%). Postoperative vaginal infection was present in 16.2% of women, preterm premature rupture of membranes in 31.1% of women and neonatal sepsis in 5.8% of neonates. Cerclage placement after 20 weeks and negative pathogenic organisms in vaginal swab culture were significantly associated with delivery beyond 28 weeks.

Conclusions

Although half of the women had successful pregnancy outcomes after rescue cerclage, pregnancy extended from previability to prematurity in most of them.
Genes, Race, and Culture in Clinical Care
Authors: Hunt Linda M. , Truesdell Nicole D. , Kreiner Meta J.
Published: June 2013

Race, although an unscientific concept, remains prominent in health research and clinical guidelines, and is routinely invoked in clinical practice. In interviews with 58 primary care clinicians we explored how they understand and apply concepts of racial difference. We found wide agreement that race is important to consider in clinical care. They explained the effect of race on health, drawing on common assumptions about the biological, class, and cultural characteristics of racial minorities. They identified specific race‐based clinical strategies for only a handful of conditions and were inconsistent in the details of what they said should be done for minority patients. We conclude that using race in clinical medicine promotes and maintains the illusion of inherent racial differences and may result in minority patients receiving care aimed at presumed racial group characteristics, rather than care selected as specifically appropriate for them as individuals.
Influence of late Quaternary climate change on present patterns of genetic variation in valley oak, Quercus lobata Née
Authors: Gugger Paul F. , Ikegami Makihiko , Sork Victoria L.
Published: June 2013

Phylogeography and ecological niche models (ENMs) suggest that late Quaternary glacial cycles have played a prominent role in shaping present population genetic structure and diversity, but have not applied quantitative methods to dissect the relative contribution of past and present climate vs. other forces. We integrate multilocus phylogeography, climate‐based ENMs and multivariate statistical approaches to infer the effects of late Quaternary climate change on contemporary genetic variation of valley oak (Quercus lobata Née). ENMs indicated that valley oak maintained a stable distribution with local migration from the last interglacial period (~120 ka) to the Last Glacial Maximum (~21 ka, LGM) to the present compared with large‐scale range shifts for an eastern North American white oak (Quercus alba L.). Coast Range and Sierra Nevada foothill populations diverged in the late Pleistocene before the LGM [104 ka (28–1622)] and have occupied somewhat distinct climate niches, according to ENMs and coalescent analyses of divergence time. In accordance with neutral expectations for stable populations, nuclear microsatellite diversity positively correlated with niche stability from the LGM to present. Most strikingly, nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite variation significantly correlated with LGM climate, even after controlling for associations with geographic location and present climate using partial redundancy analyses. Variance partitioning showed that LGM climate uniquely explains a similar proportion of genetic variance as present climate (16% vs. 11–18%), and together, past and present climate explains more than geography (19%). Climate can influence local expansion–contraction dynamics, flowering phenology and thus gene flow, and/or impose selective pressures. These results highlight the lingering effect of past climate on genetic variation in species with stable distributions.
Signals of selection in outlier loci in a widely dispersing species across an environmental mosaic
Authors: Pespeni Melissa H. , Palumbi Stephen R.
Published: June 2013

Local adaptation reflects a balance between natural selection and gene flow and is classically thought to require the retention of locally adapted alleles. However, organisms with high dispersal potential across a spatially or temporally heterogeneous landscape pose an interesting challenge to this view requiring local selection every generation or when environmental conditions change to generate adaptation in adults. Here, we test for geographical and sequence‐based signals of selection in five putatively adaptive and two putatively neutral genes identified in a previous genome scan of the highly dispersing purple sea urchin,Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Comparing six populations spanning the species’ wide latitudinal range from Canada to Baja California, Mexico, we find positive tests for selection in the putative adaptive genes and not in the putative neutral genes. Specifically, we find an excess of low‐frequency and nonsynonymous polymorphisms in two transcription factors and a transporter protein, and an excess of common amino acid polymorphisms in the two transcription factors, suggestive of spatially balancing selection. We test for a genetic correlation with temperature, a dominant environmental variable in this coastal ecosystem. We find mild clines and a stronger association of genetic variation with temperature than latitude in four of the five putative adaptive loci and a signal of local adaptation in the Southern California Bight. Overall, patterns of genetic variation match predictions based on spatially or temporally balancing selection in a heterogeneous landscape and illustrate the value of geographical and coalescent tests on candidate loci identified in a genome‐wide scan for selection.
Combined analyses of kinship and FST suggest potential drivers of chaotic genetic patchiness in high gene‐flow populations
Authors: Iacchei Matthew , Ben‐Horin Tal , Selkoe Kimberly A. , Bird Christopher E. , García‐Rodríguez Francisco J. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: June 2013

We combine kinship estimates with traditional F‐statistics to explain contemporary drivers of population genetic differentiation despite high gene flow. We investigate range‐wide population genetic structure of the California spiny (or red rock) lobster (Panulirus interruptus) and find slight, but significant global population differentiation in mtDNA (ΦST = 0.006, P = 0.001; Dest_Chao = 0.025) and seven nuclear microsatellites (FST = 0.004, P < 0.001; Dest_Chao = 0.03), despite the species’ 240‐ to 330‐day pelagic larval duration. Significant population structure does not correlate with distance between sampling locations, and pairwise FST between adjacent sites often exceeds that among geographically distant locations. This result would typically be interpreted as unexplainable, chaotic genetic patchiness. However, kinship levels differ significantly among sites (pseudo‐F16,988 = 1.39, P = 0.001), and ten of 17 sample sites have significantly greater numbers of kin than expected by chance (P < 0.05). Moreover, a higher proportion of kin within sites strongly correlates with greater genetic differentiation among sites (Dest_Chao, R2 = 0.66, P < 0.005). Sites with elevated mean kinship were geographically proximate to regions of high upwelling intensity (R2 = 0.41, P = 0.0009). These results indicate that P. interruptus does not maintain a single homogenous population, despite extreme dispersal potential. Instead, these lobsters appear to either have substantial localized recruitment or maintain planktonic larval cohesiveness whereby siblings more likely settle together than disperse across sites. More broadly, our results contribute to a growing number of studies showing that low FST and high family structure across populations can coexist, illuminating the foundations of cryptic genetic patterns and the nature of marine dispersal.
Complexity of the genetic basis of ageing in nature revealed by a clinal study of lifespan and methuselah, a gene for ageing, in Drosophila from eastern Australia
Authors: Sgrò Carla M. , van Heerwaarden Belinda , Kellermann Vanessa , Wee Choon W. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Lee Siu F.
Published: June 2013

Clinal studies are a powerful tool for understanding the genetic basis of climatic adaptation. However, while clines in quantitative traits and genetic polymorphisms have been observed within and across continents, few studies have attempted to demonstrate direct links between them. The gene methuselah in Drosophila has been shown to have a major effect on stress response and longevity phenotypes based largely on laboratory studies of induced mutations in the mth gene. Clinal patterns in the most common mth haplotype and for lifespan (both increasing with latitude) have been observed in North American populations of D. melanogaster, implicating climatic selection. While these clinal patterns have led some to suggest that mth influences ageing in natural populations, limited evidence on the association between the two has so far been collected. Here, we describe a significant cline in the mth haplotype in eastern Australian D. melanogaster populations that parallel the cline in North America. We also describe a cline in mth gene expression. These findings further support the idea that mth is itself under selection. In contrast, we show that lifespan has a strong nonlinear clinal pattern, increasing southwards from the tropics, but then decreasing again from mid‐latitudes. Furthermore, in association studies, we find no evidence for a direct link between mth haplotype and lifespan. Thus, while our data support a role for mth variation being under natural selection, we found no link to naturally occurring variation in lifespan and ageing in Australian populations of D. melanogaster. Our results indicate that the mth locus likely has genetic background and environment‐specific effects.
Differential control of Salmonella heat shock operons by structured mRNAs
Authors: Cimdins Annika , Roßmanith Johanna , Langklotz Sina , Bandow Julia E. , Narberhaus Franz
Published: June 2013

DnaK–DnaJ–GrpE and GroES–GroEL are the major chaperone machineries in bacteria. In many species, dnaKJ and groESL are encoded in bicistronic operons. Quantitative proteomics revealed that DnaK and GroEL amounts in Salmonella dominate over DnaJ and GroES respectively. An imperfect transcriptional terminator in the intergenic region of dnaKJ is known to result in higher transcript levels of the first gene. Here, we examined the groESL operon and asked how the second gene in a heat shock operon can be preferentially expressed and found that an RNA structure in the 5′untranslated region of groES is responsible. The secondary structure masks the Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequence and AUG start codon and thereby modulates translation of groES mRNA. Reporter gene assays combined with structure probing and toeprinting analysis revealed a dynamic temperature‐sensitive RNA structure. Following an increase in temperature, only the second of two RNA hairpins melts and partially liberates the SD sequence, thus facilitating translation. Translation of groEL is not temperature‐regulated leading to an excess of the chaperonin in the cell at low temperature. Discussion in a broader context shows how structured RNA segments can differentially control expression of temperature‐affected operons in various ways.
FDI Spillovers at the National and Subnational Level: The Impact on Product Innovation by Chinese Firms
Authors: Li Jing , Chen Dong , Shapiro Daniel M.
Published: June 2013

We investigate the degree to which the presence of inward foreign direct investments (FDI) influences product innovation by emerging market firms. We begin with FDI spillover effects at the national level, the common approach in the literature. We further examine spillover effects at the subnational level because knowledge spillovers have been found to be localized. We study both intra-industry and inter-industry FDI spillovers in a subnational location, based on the distinction in the cluster literature between Marshall–Arrow–Romer specialization externalities and Jacobian diversification externalities. Using information from more than 346,000 Chinese manufacturing firms from 2000 to 2006, we find that Chinese firms improve product innovation when they are located in cities with concentrated foreign innovative activities in the same industry. These intra-industry spillover benefits decrease quickly, however, as foreign presence increases and, at high levels of foreign concentration, are dominated by the crowding-out effect. We also find evidence of inter-industry spillover benefits in a city; diversity of industries with a foreign presence contributes to product innovation by Chinese firms.
Transient impact of omalizumab in pollen allergic patients undergoing specific immunotherapy
Authors: Kopp Matthias Volkmar , Hamelmann Eckard , Bendiks Meike , Zielen Stefan , Kamin Wolfgang , Bergmann Karl‐Christian , Klein Christian , Wahn Ulrich ,   The DUAL study group
Published: June 2013

Background

Recently, we showed that combination of omalizumab with specific immunotherapy (SIT) for treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and comorbid seasonal allergic asthma (SAA) is safe and reduced the symptom load in a statistically significant and clinically meaningful manner during the first pollen season.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate long‐lasting effects of an initial combination treatment with SIT+omalizumab, a monoclonal anti‐IgE antibody, in a follow‐up period with SIT treatment only in patients with SAR and comorbid SAA incompletely controlled by conventional pharmacotherapy.

Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicenter trial was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of omalizumab (Xolair®) vs. placebo in combination with SIT (depigmented allergoid vaccine, Depigoid®) during the first grass pollen season. Omalizumab or placebo therapy was started 2 wk before SIT; the whole treatment lasted 18 wk. After the first pollen season, SIT was given for two subsequent years without omalizumab. Primary end‐point was daily ‘symptom load’, the sum of daily scores for symptom severity and rescue medication use in the second and third year.

Results

A total of 140 patients (age 11–46 yr) were randomized; 130, 128, and 114 patients finished the study after 1, 2, and 3 yr, respectively. The main efficacy variable was the mean daily symptom load as assessed in the patients' diary. No systematic differences between both analysis groups were detected in the findings from symptom load, symptom severity score, or rescue medication score. Further subjective data did not show differences between both groups in the quality‐of‐life data as assessed with the ACQ, AQLQ, and the RQLQ. Investigators' assessment of treatment effectiveness in the first and second year of study extension showed more patients with favorable long‐term treatment outcome (‘excellent’ and ‘good’) in the SIT plus omalizumab group than in the SIT plus placebo group. In line with these findings, FEV1 improved at the end of both years in the group which was treated with the combination therapy in the double‐blind study compared with the Depigoid plus placebo group.

Conclusion

Eighteen weeks' treatment of omalizumab in combination with SIT in patients with SAR and comorbid SAA reduced the symptom load during the treatment period but showed no prolonged effect during treatment with SIT only. A slight increase in lung function (FEV1) in patients formerly treated with the omalizumab/SIT combination therapy should encourage further evaluation of long‐term effects of omalizumab.
Lead Time Management through Expediting in a Continuous Review Inventory System
Authors: Mamani Hamed , Moinzadeh Kamran
Published: June 2013

We consider a continuous review inventory system where delivery lead times can be managed by expediting in‐transit orders shipped from the supplier. First, we propose an ordering/expediting policy and derive expressions for evaluating the operating characteristics of such systems. Second, using extensive numerical experiments, we quantify the benefits of such an expediting policy. Third, we investigate a number of managerial issues. Specifically, we analyze the impact of the number of expediting hubs and their locations along the shipment network on the performance of such systems and offer insights into the design of the shipment network. We show (i) a single expediting hub that is optimally located in a shipment network can capture the majority of cost savings achieved by a multi‐hub system, especially when expediting cost is not low or demand variability is not high; (ii) when expediting time is proportional to the time to destination, for small‐enough or large‐enough demand variations, a single expediting hub located in the middle of the shipment network can capture the majority of cost savings of an optimally located hub; and (iii) in general, hubs close to the retailer significantly drive down costs, whereas hubs close to the supplier may not offer much cost savings.
Financial industry groups' adaptation to the post‐crisis regulatory environment: Changing approaches to the policy cycle
Authors: Young Kevin
Published: June 2013

This article explores the advocacy efforts of financial industry groups since the financial crisis. I describe key changes in the post‐crisis financial regulatory environment and argue that financial industry groups have adapted their advocacy strategies to these new conditions in innovative ways. Faced with a more challenging environment, financial industry groups have shifted their emphasis along the different stages of the policy cycle. Specifically, increased issue salience and a strained policy network have weakened financial industry groups' capacity to veto regulatory proposals at the stage of actual policy formulation. Focusing on the advocacy strategies of the global banking and derivatives industries, I show evidence that the response has been to invest in more subtle advocacy strategies which focus on other stages of the policymaking cycle. Self‐regulatory moves attempt to affect the agenda setting stage of policymaking, and a strong focus on the timing, rather than the content of new regulations, has attempted to affect the implementation stage. Such a transformation of advocacy strategies differs sharply from most depictions of financial industry groups simply “blocking” regulatory change since the global financial crisis.
Experimental Simulation of Contaminant Deposition on a Film-Cooled Turbine Vane Pressure Side With a Trench
Authors: Albert Jason E. , Bogard David G.
Published: June 2013

An important issue in the use of coal- or biomass-derived synthetic gaseous (syngas) fuels is the deposition of contaminants on film-cooled turbine surfaces, which alter cooling and aerodynamic performance and increase material degradation. The current study applied a new experimental technique that simulated the key physical aspects of contaminant deposition on a film-cooled turbine vane. The depositing contaminants were modeled in a wind tunnel facility with a spray of molten wax droplets of a size range that matched the Stokes number of the contaminant particles in engine conditions. Most experiments were performed using a vane model with a thermal conductivity selected such that the model had the same Biot number of an actual engine airfoil, resulting in a cooler surface temperature. Some experiments were performed using an approximately adiabatic model for comparison. The film cooling design consisted of three rows of showerhead cooling at the leading edge and one row of body film cooling holes on the pressure side. Two designs of pressure side body film cooling holes were considered: a standard design of straight, cylindrical holes and an advanced design of “trenched” cooling holes in which the hole exits were situated in a recessed, transverse trench. The results showed thin deposits formed in the trench, with the thickest deposits on its downstream wall between coolant jets. Adiabatic film effectiveness levels were essentially unchanged by the presence of deposits for either film configuration. Deposit formation was strongly influenced by the model surface temperature with cooler surfaces inhibiting deposition. There was evidence of a threshold surface temperature above which deposits became significantly thicker.
Surface-Mediated Bone Tissue Morphogenesis from Tunable Nanolayered Implant Coatings
Authors: Shah Nisarg J. , Hyder Md. Nasim , Moskowitz Joshua S. , Quadir Mohiuddin A. , Morton Stephen W. , Seeherman Howard J. , Padera Robert F. , Spector Myron , Hammond Paula T.
Published: June 2013

A multilayered implant coating promotes bone formation and prevents implant loosening and failure.
Health risk factors and the incidence of hypertension: 4-year prospective findings from a national cohort of 60 569 Thai Open University students
Authors: Thawornchaisit Prasutr , de Looze Ferdinandus , Reid Christopher M , Seubsman Sam-ang , Sleigh Adrian C
Published: June 2013

Objective

This study evaluates the impact of a number of demographic, biological, behavioural and lifestyle health risk factors on the incidence of hypertension in Thailand over a 4-year period.

Design

A 4-year prospective study of health risk factors and their effects on the incidence of hypertension in a national Thai Cohort Study from 2005 to 2009.

Setting

As Thailand is transitioning from a developing to a middle-income developed country, chronic diseases (particularly cardiovascular disease) have emerged as major health issues. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke and cross-sectional studies have indicated that the prevalence is increasing.

Study participants

A total of 57 558 Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University students who participated in both the 2005 and 2009 questionnaire surveys and who were normotensive in 2005 were included in the analysis.

Measures

Adjusted relative risks associating each risk factor and incidence of hypertension by sex, after controlling for confounders such as age, socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI) and underlying diseases.

Results

The overall 4-year incidence of hypertension was 3.5%, with the rate in men being remarkably higher than that in women (5.2% vs 2.1%). In both sexes, hypertension was associated with age, higher BMI and comorbidities but not with income and education. In men, hypertension was associated with physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol and fast food intake. In women, hypertension was related to having a partner.

Conclusions

In both men and women, hypertension was strongly associated with age, obesity and comorbidities while it had no association with socioeconomic factors. The cohort patterns of socioeconomy and hypertension reflect that the health risk transition in Thais is likely to be at the middle stage. Diet and lifestyle factors associate with incidence of hypertension in Thais and may be amenable targets for hypertension control programmes.
Can nutrition be promoted through agriculture-led food price policies? A systematic review
Authors: Dangour Alan D , Hawkesworth Sophie , Shankar Bhavani , Watson Louise , Srinivasan C S , Morgan Emily H , Haddad Lawrence , Waage Jeff
Published: June 2013

Objective

To systematically review the available evidence on whether national or international agricultural policies that directly affect the price of food influence the prevalence rates of undernutrition or nutrition-related chronic disease in children and adults.

Design

Systematic review.

Setting

Global.

Search strategy

We systematically searched five databases for published literature (MEDLINE, EconLit, Agricola, AgEcon Search, Scopus) and systematically browsed other databases and relevant organisational websites for unpublished literature. Reference lists of included publications were hand-searched for additional relevant studies. We included studies that evaluated or simulated the effects of national or international food-price-related agricultural policies on nutrition outcomes reporting data collected after 1990 and published in English.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Prevalence rates of undernutrition (measured with anthropometry or clinical deficiencies) and overnutrition (obesity and nutrition-related chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease and diabetes).

Results

We identified a total of four relevant reports; two ex post evaluations and two ex ante simulations. A study from India reported on the undernutrition rates in children, and the other three studies from Egypt, the Netherlands and the USA reported on the nutrition-related chronic disease outcomes in adults. Two of the studies assessed the impact of policies that subsidised the price of agricultural outputs and two focused on public food distribution policies. The limited evidence base provided some support for the notion that agricultural policies that change the prices of foods at a national level can have an effect on population-level nutrition and health outcomes.

Conclusions

A systematic review of the available literature suggests that there is a paucity of robust direct evidence on the impact of agricultural price policies on nutrition and health.