bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species–area relationships as indicators of human impacts on demersal fish communities
Authors: Novaglio Camilla , Ferretti Francesco , Smith Anthony D.M. , Frusher Stewart
Published: September 2016

Aim

The relationship between number of species and area is a well‐known macro‐ecological property that can be used as an indicator of human impact on natural communities. This relationship can be described by species–area relationships. We explored the application of species–area relationships to data sets of bottom trawl surveys to determine their ability to capture fishing‐induced changes in demersal fish communities.

Location

Australia.

Methods

We performed numerical simulations to investigate whether species–area relationship was sensitive to changes in community properties, such as richness, species abundances and spatial distribution. Then, we analysed a data set of bottom trawl surveys carried out in south‐east Australia spanning 20 years. These data provided information on demersal fish communities at different stages of fishing exploitation. We built species–area relationships along spatial and temporal gradients of community exploitation and used the rate of species accumulation to characterize community structure. Linear mixed effects (LME) models were used to quantify the effect of fishing exploitation on species accumulation rates, while controlling for environmental and sampling factors.

Results

Numerical simulations showed that species–area relationships can capture changes in community properties. Observed species accumulation rate decreased with increasing exploitation and was sensitive to environmental variation along a latitudinal and depth gradient and to changes in sampling.

Main conclusions

Species–area relationships applied to trawl survey data can capture fishing‐induced changes in the structure of demersal fish communities. We propose that species–area relationships can be used to inform on the status of demersal fish communities and aid community monitoring. If applied to data sets of bottom trawl surveys available world‐wide, species–area relationships could be used to rank demersal fish communities for their level of exploitation.
Press–pulse interactions: effects of warming, N deposition, altered winter precipitation, and fire on desert grassland community structure and dynamics
Authors: Collins Scott L. , Ladwig Laura M. , Petrie Matthew D. , Jones Sydney K. , Mulhouse John M. , Thibault James R. , Pockman William T.
Published: September 2016

Global environmental change is altering temperature, precipitation patterns, resource availability, and disturbance regimes. Theory predicts that ecological presses will interact with pulse events to alter ecosystem structure and function. In 2006, we established a long‐term, multifactor global change experiment to determine the interactive effects of nighttime warming, increased atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, and increased winter precipitation on plant community structure and aboveground net primary production (ANPP) in a northern Chihuahuan Desert grassland. In 2009, a lightning‐caused wildfire burned through the experiment. Here, we report on the interactive effects of these global change drivers on pre‐ and postfire grassland community structure and ANPP. Our nighttime warming treatment increased winter nighttime air temperatures by an average of 1.1 °C and summer nighttime air temperature by 1.5 °C. Soil N availability was 2.5 times higher in fertilized compared with control plots. Average soil volumetric water content (VWC) in winter was slightly but significantly higher (13.0% vs. 11.0%) in plots receiving added winter rain relative to controls, and VWC was slightly higher in warmed (14.5%) compared with control (13.5%) plots during the growing season even though surface soil temperatures were significantly higher in warmed plots. Despite these significant treatment effects, ANPP and plant community structure were highly resistant to these global change drivers prior to the fire. Burning reduced the cover of the dominant grasses by more than 75%. Following the fire, forb species richness and biomass increased significantly, particularly in warmed, fertilized plots that received additional winter precipitation. Thus, although unburned grassland showed little initial response to multiple ecological presses, our results demonstrate how a single pulse disturbance can interact with chronic alterations in resource availability to increase ecosystem sensitivity to multiple drivers of global environmental change.
Seasonal nitrogen effects on nutritive value in binary mixtures of tall fescue and bermudagrass
Authors: Read J. J. , Lang D. J. , Aiken G. E.
Published: September 2016

The addition of cool‐season, tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.], to warm‐season, bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], pastures can improve forage productivity and nutritive value. Effects of four binary mixtures consisting of cv. Flecha (incompletely summer dormant) and cv. Jesup (summer active) tall fescue overseeded into established stands of cv. Russell and cv. Tifton 44 bermudagrass and three seasonal N treatments were evaluated on dry‐matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP), in vitro true digestible DM (IVTDDM), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Nitrogen‐timing treatments were 168 kg N ha−1 (as ammonium nitrate) split into three applications per season with an additional 8·6 t ha−1 of broiler litter (as‐is moisture basis) split into two applications varied to favour either tall fescue (in October and January), bermudagrass (in March and May) or both grasses (in January and March). Treatment effects were determined in samples of mixed herbage harvested in April, May, July, August and September of 2009 and 2010. Regardless of bermudagrass cultivar, herbage DM yield was greater (P < 0·05) in Flecha–bermudagrass than Jesup–bermudagrass in July of both years and in August 2010. Nutritive value generally was greatest in Jesup–Tifton 44, based on high CP and IVTDDM, and low ADF and NDF. Averaged across mixtures, avoiding fertilizer N and litter applications beyond April increased (P < 0·01) DM yield in April and May and IVTDDM in July (603 vs. 629 g kg−1; 2‐year average) and August (618 vs. 660 g kg−1) compared with applications in January–July. The timing of N and broiler litter applications on tall fescue–bermudagrass to favour growth of tall fescue appeared to increase fescue cover during the cool season and nutritive value of the mixed herbage during the warm season.
“Brexit”: A Case Study in the Relationship Between Political and Financial Market Uncertainty
Authors: Smales Lee A.
Published: September 2016

This letter explores a single research question: How does political uncertainty, outside of the election cycle, influence financial market uncertainty? Using the UK (Brexit) referendum on EU membership as a novel event to examine this question, I identify a positive and well defined relationship between political and financial market uncertainty. Implied volatility in both UK and German financial markets rises as uncertainty around the polling result increases. Political uncertainty is most important for investors as the polling date draws near and in the instances when opinion polls indicate the outcome is particularly close. This result has implications for firms making financing and investment decisions, and investors making portfolio choices, around the time of important political events.
Down syndrome as risk factor for respiratory syncytial virus hospitalization: A prospective multicenter epidemiological study
Authors: Sánchez‐Luna Manuel , Medrano Constancio , Lirio Julián ,   the RISK‐21 Study Group
Published: September 2016

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in childhood, particularly in premature infants, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

To compare the hospitalization rates due to RSV infection and severity of disease between infants with and without Down syndrome (DS) born at term and without other associated risk factors for severe RSV infection.

Patients/Methods

In a prospective multicentre epidemiological study, 93 infants were included in the DS cohort and 68 matched by sex and data of birth (±1 week) and were followed up to 1 year of age and during a complete RSV season.

Results

The hospitalization rate for all acute respiratory infection was significantly higher in the DS cohort than in the non‐DS cohort (44.1% vs 7.7%, P<.0001). Hospitalizations due to RSV were significantly more frequent in the DH cohort than in the non‐DS cohort (9.7% vs 1.5%, P=.03). RSV prophylaxis was recorded in 33 (35.5%) infants with DS. The rate of hospitalization according to presence or absence of RSV immunoprophylaxis was 3.0% vs 15%, respectively.

Conclusions

Infants with DS showed a higher rate of hospitalization due to acute lower respiratory tract infection and RSV infection compared to non‐DS infants. Including DS infants in recommendations for immunoprophylaxis of RSV disease should be considered.
Dental implants in diabetic patients: retrospective cohort study reporting on implant survival and risk indicators for excessive marginal bone loss at 5 years
Authors: de Araújo Nobre M. , Maló P. , Gonçalves Y. , Sabas A. , Salvado F.
Published: September 2016

More studies evaluating the outcome of dental implant restorations in diabetics are needed. To investigate the outcome of immediate function implant rehabilitations in diabetic patients. This retrospective cohort study included 70 diabetic patients (type 1 = six patients; type 2 = 64 patients; 33 females and 37 males, mean age=59 years), rehabilitated with 352 implants. Primary outcome measure was implant survival estimated at 5 years through the Kaplan–Meier product limit estimator using the patient as unit of analysis (first implant failure as reference); secondary outcome measures were marginal bone loss and biological complications. Risk indicators associated with bone loss >2·0 mm were tested in a multivariate logistic regression model. The level of significance considered was 5%. Seven patients were lost to follow‐up (10%). Seven patients lost ten implants rendering a global implant cumulative survival rate for diabetic patients of 89·8% (type 1 = 80·0%; type 2 = 90·5%). The average (95% confidence interval) marginal bone loss at 1 and 5 years was 1·64 mm (0·00;3·32) and 2·55 mm (1·38;3·72) for type 1 diabetic patients, 0·79 mm (0·59;1·00) and 1·45 mm (1·09;1·82) for type 2 diabetic patients and 0·88 mm (0·65;1·10) and 1·56 mm (1·21;1·91) overall. Biological complications occurred in seven patients. Female gender (OR = 28·1) and smoking habits (OR = 10·3) were risk indicators for marginal bone loss >2·0 mm at 5 years when controlled for other variables of interest. Implant rehabilitations represent a valid treatment for diabetic patients, with a good risk/benefit ratio. Female gender and smoking habits were risk indicators for a higher marginal bone resorption at 5 years.
ACVIMSmall Animal Consensus Recommendations on the Treatment and Prevention of Uroliths in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Lulich J.P. , Berent A.C. , Adams L.G. , Westropp J.L. , Bartges J.W. , Osborne C.A.
Published: September 2016

In an age of advancing endoscopic and lithotripsy technologies, the management of urolithiasis poses a unique opportunity to advance compassionate veterinary care, not only for patients with urolithiasis but for those with other urinary diseases as well. The following are consensus‐derived, research and experience‐supported, patient‐centered recommendations for the treatment and prevention of uroliths in dogs and cats utilizing contemporary strategies. Ultimately, we hope that these recommendations will serve as a foundation for ongoing and future clinical research and inspiration for innovative problem solving.
Evaluation of Dietary Fishmeal Analogue with Addition of Shrimp Soluble Extract on Growth and Nonspecific Immune Response of Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Jo Hayun , Lee Seunghan , Yun Hyeonho , Hong Jeongwhui , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Bai Sungchul C. , Park Gunhyun , Chee Seokwoo , Jeon Tae‐Eun
Published: September 2016

A 12‐wk feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of the dietary fishmeal analogue (FMA) adding 2% shrimp soluble extract (SSE) on growing rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish averaging 146 ± 3.8 g (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into 500‐L aquaria as groups of 20 fish per tank. Fish were fed the experimental diets in triplicate groups to apparent satiation twice a day on a dry matter basis. Each group was fed one of the four experimental diets: control (FM100% + FMA0%), FMA0 (FM100% + FMA0% + SSE2%), FMA12 (FM88% + FMA12% + SSE2%), and FMA24 (FM76% + FMA24% + SSE2%). After the feeding trial, weight gain and specific growth rate of fish fed the FMA0 and FMA12 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the FMA24 diet (P < 0.05). Feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio values of fish fed the control, FMA0, and FMA12 diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the FMA24 diet (P < 0.05). The values of superoxide dismutase activity showed significantly higher amounts for the FMA0, FMA12, and FMA24 groups than the control group (P < 0.05). Lysozyme activity in the FMA12 group was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Therefore, according to our results, FMA with additive SSE can be used up to 12% as a substitute of fishmeal for growing rainbow trout.
Using Phage PSM‐1 to Control Shewanella marisflavi Infection in Juvenile Sea Cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Li Zhen , Song Yaxiong , Wang Xitao , Zhang Jiancheng , Wang Lili , Li Xiaoyu , Xu Yongping
Published: September 2016

Shewanella marisflavi is considered responsible for infection in juvenile sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicas. A bacteriophage specific to S. marisflavi was isolated from seafood wholesale market sewage and designated as vB_SmaM_PSM (PSM‐1). The phage was classified as a member of the Myoviridae family by negative staining transmission electronic microscopy. The stability of phage PSM‐1 was observed after treatment with different temperature gradients and pH values. The results showed that the lytic activity of phage PSM‐1 was optimum at 28 C with a pH of 7.0 and ceased at temperatures higher than 60 C. A one‐step growth curve analysis of the phage revealed eclipse and latent periods of 20 and 40 min, respectively, with a burst size of 219 plaque forming units per infected cell. The ability of phage PSM‐1 to inhibit the growth of S. marisflavi AP629 was tested in vitro using the phage with three multiplicity of infection (MOI) values of 0.1, 1, and 10. All treated cultures that produced an inhibition of the growth of S. marisflavi AP629 were compared with the untreated culture, and the treatment group with a MOI value of 10 showed the highest inhibition effect among the three doses. In an in vivo performance experiment, the sea cucumbers (15–20 g) were randomly assigned to five groups (one negative control, one antibiotic treatment group, and three phage treatment groups) in a phage injection trial as well as a phage immersion trial. All groups were infected with S. marisflavi strain AP629 (3.3 × 106 colony forming units/g, LD50 [lethal dose 50%] level) by intraperitoneal injection. After 8 d of observation, the survival rates ranged from 40 to 80% in all phage treatment groups, while 10% in the negative control group. The optimal therapeutic time points of the two trials were also determined. The results showed that using phage prior to infection could be a good choice to protect sea cucumbers. The overall results of this experiment indicate that using phage may be a feasible biological control agent to prevent S. marisflavi infection in sea cucumbers.
Transnational legal transplants and legitimacy: the example of ‘clean’ and ‘green’ development mechanisms
Authors: Penca Jerneja
Published: September 2016

The introduction of the Green Development Mechanism (GDM) as a governance tool for biodiversity conservation is presented as a legal transplant, originating in the Clean Development Mechanism from the climate regime. The case provides an instance of a transplanted legal idea not from one jurisdiction to another but between two transnational regimes. The legal transplantation approach highlights the motives for replication and factors that hinder it. In this context, the discussion reveals that while the GDM was constructed for effectiveness concerns, it was presented as a transplant in order to import to the newly established model legitimacy from the original one. Yet, a uniform acceptance of the transplant was prevented because of divergent evaluations of the original model. The existence of several, not one, ideologies and perceptions explains why transplanting is a highly unpredictable strategy for fostering acceptance of a legal idea in the transnational space, and ultimately for its implementation. Following the recognition that legitimacy cannot be inherited, the initiative employed a mixed strategy to ensure its acceptance, based on the democratic principles and effectiveness that are expected from non-state authorities, as well as the consensus-based, treaty-grounded ‘rules of the game’ of state actors. The case highlights how the universal endorsement of all states, and the appearance of alignment with international norms and intergovernmental institutions, remain significant goals of transnational initiatives.
Redox pathway sensing bile salts activates virulence gene expression in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Xue Yuanyuan , Tu Fei , Shi Mengting , Wu Chun‐qin , Ren Guoping , Wang Xiaojie , Fang Weihuan , Song Houhui , Yang Menghua
Published: September 2016

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera, has evolved signal transduction systems to control co‐ordinately the expression of virulence determinants. It was previously shown that the presence of the bile salts glycocholate and taurocholate in the small intestine causes dimerization of the transmembrane transcription factor TcpP by inducing intermolecular disulphide bonds in the TcpP periplasmic domain. In this study, they further investigated the mechanism of how taurocholate affects V. cholerae virulence determinants. In vitro assay of TcpP oxidation by VcDsbA showed that VcDsbA induced TcpP dimerization in the presence of taurocholate. Taurocholate bound to VcDsbA with a KD of 40 ± 2.5 μM, and also bound other Dsb proteins, including EcDsbA, EcDsbC and VcDsbC. Taurocholate inhibited VcDsbA reductase activity without affecting VcDsbA secondary structure or thermostability. VcDsbA and its substrates were more extensively reduced in the presence of taurocholate, as compared with their redox state in the absence of taurocholate. The data presented here not only provide new insights into the mechanism by which bile salts induce V. cholerae virulence but also suggest a means by which to develop inhibitors against DsbA.
Mutations targeting the plug‐domain of the Shewanella oneidensis proton‐driven stator allow swimming at increased viscosity and under anaerobic conditions
Authors: Brenzinger Susanne , Dewenter Lena , Delalez Nicolas J. , Leicht Oliver , Berndt Volker , Paulick Anja , Berry Richard M. , Thanbichler Martin , Armitage Judith P. , Maier Berenike , Thormann Kai M.
Published: September 2016

Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 possesses two different stator units to drive flagellar rotation, the Na+‐dependent PomAB stator and the H+‐driven MotAB stator, the latter possibly acquired by lateral gene transfer. Although either stator can independently drive swimming through liquid, MotAB‐driven motors cannot support efficient motility in structured environments or swimming under anaerobic conditions. Using ΔpomAB cells we isolated spontaneous mutants able to move through soft agar. We show that a mutation that alters the structure of the plug domain in MotB affects motor functions and allows cells to swim through media of increased viscosity and under anaerobic conditions. The number and exchange rates of the mutant stator around the rotor were not significantly different from wild‐type stators, suggesting that the number of stators engaged is not the cause of increased swimming efficiency. The swimming speeds of planktonic mutant MotAB‐driven cells was reduced, and overexpression of some of these stators caused reduced growth rates, implying that mutant stators not engaged with the rotor allow some proton leakage. The results suggest that the mutations in the MotB plug domain alter the proton interactions with the stator ion channel in a way that both increases torque output and allows swimming at decreased pmf values.
Factors influencing the decision to comply with nurse recommendations to take or avoid influenza vaccination
Authors: Bar‐Tal Yoram , Barnoy Sivia
Published: September 2016

Influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although vaccination is an efficient means of prevention, low rates of vaccination are reported periodically. The study aimed to examine factors affecting acceptance of nurses' recommendations to take or avoid influenza vaccination. Study design was quasi‐experimental with a 2 × 2 between subjects design: two variables were manipulated and two were not. The research variables were expertise (of nurses and respondents), type of recommendation (to vaccinate or not) and respondents' a‐priori intention to vaccinate. Data were collected from 374 respondents. The study was scenario based, differing in nurse expertise and type of recommendation. After each scenario, the respondents were requested to indicate their a‐priori intention to vaccinate and to complete questionnaires on epistemic authority (EA) attributed to the nurse, and of self‐epistemic authority (SEA). There is a general tendency to avoid vaccination. Intention to vaccinate correlated positively with nurse recommendations, respondent a‐priori intention and nurse expertise. A significant three‐way interaction between respondents' SEA, nurse recommendations and nurse expertise was found. The nurse's recommendation has the strongest effect when the nurse is an expert and the respondent perceives him/herself as having high self‐EA. The results highlight the importance of patients' sense of knowledge for assuring their co‐operation and compliance with medical recommendations.
Warming combined with more extreme precipitation regimes modifies the water sources used by trees
Authors: Grossiord Charlotte , Sevanto Sanna , Dawson Todd E. , Adams Henry D. , Collins Adam D. , Dickman Lee T. , Newman Brent D. , Stockton Elizabeth A. , McDowell Nate G.
Published: September 2016

The persistence of vegetation under climate change will depend on a plant's capacity to exploit water resources. We analyzed water source dynamics in piñon pine and juniper trees subjected to precipitation reduction, atmospheric warming, and to both simultaneously.

Piñon and juniper exhibited different and opposite shifts in water uptake depth in response to experimental stress and background climate over 3 yr. During a dry summer, juniper responded to warming with a shift to shallow water sources, whereas piñon pine responded to precipitation reduction with a shift to deeper sources in autumn. In normal and wet summers, both species responded to precipitation reduction, but juniper increased deep water uptake and piñon increased shallow water uptake.

Shifts in the utilization of water sources were associated with reduced stomatal conductance and photosynthesis, suggesting that belowground compensation in response to warming and water reduction did not alleviate stress impacts for gas exchange.

We have demonstrated that predicted climate change could modify water sources of trees. Warming impairs juniper uptake of deep sources during extended dry periods. Precipitation reduction alters the uptake of shallow sources following extended droughts for piñon. Shifts in water sources may not compensate for climate change impacts on tree physiology.
Thermoregulatory behaviour explains countergradient variation in the upper thermal limit of a rainforest skink
Authors: Llewelyn John , Macdonald Stewart , Hatcher Amberlee , Moritz Craig , Phillips Ben L.
Published: September 2016

The vulnerability of a terrestrial ectotherm to high environmental temperatures depends on the animal's thermal physiology and thermoregulatory behaviour. These variables – environment, physiology, and behaviour – interact with each other, complicating assessment of species vulnerability to global warming. We previously uncovered a counterintuitive pattern in rainforest sunskinks Lampropholis coggeri: a negative relationship between their critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and the temperature of their environment. Could this result be explained by a three‐way interaction between environment, physiology, and behaviour? Here we find that sunskink thermal preference is correlated positively with CTmax, but, importantly, skinks from hotter environments prefer lower temperatures than conspecifics from cooler environments. In an acclimation experiment, we find that CTmax is plastic and shifts in alignment with acclimation temperature. We also found heritable variation in this trait in a common garden study, but this variation was small relative to the plastic shifts observed in CTmax. Thus, our previous observation of a negative correlation between field CTmax and temperature is explained, at least in part, by the lizard's thermoregulatory behaviour: lizards from hot environments preferentially choose cool microenvironments, and their physiology acclimates to these cooler experienced temperatures. Our results suggest that behavioural adjustments to the environment can produce countergradient variation in physiological traits. More broadly, our work underscores the importance of interactions between environment, behaviour, and physiology in ectotherms. Understanding these interactions will be crucial in assessing vulnerability to climate change.
Effects of Pregabalin in Patients with Neuropathic Pain Previously Treated with Gabapentin: A Pooled Analysis of Parallel‐Group, Randomized, Placebo‐controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Markman John D. , Jensen Troels Staehelin , Semel David , Li Chunming , Parsons Bruce , Behar Regina , Sadosky Alesia B.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

This analysis compared the therapeutic response of pregabalin in patients with neuropathic pain (NeP) who had been previously treated with gabapentin to the therapeutic response in patients who had not received gabapentin previously.

Methods

Data were pooled from 18 randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of pregabalin in patients with NeP. Pregabalin‐mediated changes in pain and pain‐related sleep interference scores, patient global impression of change scores at endpoint, and the occurrence of adverse events were compared between patients who had received gabapentin previously (+GBN) and patients who had not received gabapentin previously (−GBN).

Results

There were no significant differences between the −GBN and +GBN cohorts with regard to the extent of pain relief and relief of pain‐related sleep interference for any dose of pregabalin (150, 300, 600, or 150 to 600 mg/day) at any time point (6, 8, or 12 weeks). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the distribution of patient global impression of change scores at study endpoint, or the occurrence of adverse events, between the −GBN and +GBN cohorts.

Discussion

The findings presented here support the idea that pregabalin may be used successfully to treat patients with NeP who may be refractory, respond inadequately, or are intolerant to gabapentin. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring treatment of NeP based on individual patient response to different treatments, including the trial of multiple agents within the same mechanistic class.
Percutaneous Cervical Nucleoplasty vs. Pulsed Radio Frequency of the Dorsal Root Ganglion in Patients with Contained Cervical Disk Herniation; A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Halim Willy , van der Weegen Walter , Lim Toine , Wullems Jorgen Antonin , Vissers Kris Christiaan
Published: September 2016

Background

Cervical neck pain is often caused by cervical disk pathology and may cause severe symptoms and disability. Surgeons and patients are increasingly aware of postsurgery‐related complications. This stimulated the clinical usage of minimally invasive treatments such as percutaneous nucleoplasty (PCN) and pulsed radio frequency (PRF). However, scientific evidence on both treatments is limited.

Objective

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of PCN compared to PRF in patients with contained cervical disk herniation.

Methods

A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted including 34 patients with radicular pain due to a single contained cervical disk herniation who were treated with either PCN or PRF. Demographic data were collected, and the Medical Outcomes Study 12‐Item Short Form (SF‐12) Health Survey, visual analog scale (VAS), and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) were completed 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment. Treatment satisfaction and complications were recorded.

Results

In the PCN group (n = 17, mean age 52.4 years, 10 female/7 male), patients were treated at C5 to C6 (8 cases) or C6 to C7 (9 cases). In the PRF group (n = 17, mean age 49.5 years, 8 female/9 male), patients were treated at C3 to C4 (1 case), C5 to C6 (10 cases), or C6 to C7 (6 cases). At 3 months, mean pain VAS improved significantly from baseline in the PCN group (mean improvement: 43.4 points) and in the PRF group (34.0 points). However, improvement in 1 group was not superior compared to the other group (P = 0.48). No serious complications were reported.

Conclusion

Within 3 months, both PCN and PRF show significant pain improvement in patients with contained cervical disk herniation, but none is superior to the other. Both treatment options appear to be effective and safe in regular clinical practice.
Contractile capability of the diaphragm assessed by ultrasonography predicts nocturnal oxygen saturation in COPD
Authors: Okura Kazuki , Kawagoshi Atsuyoshi , Iwakura Masahiro , Sugawara Keiyu , Takahashi Hitomi , Kashiwagura Takeshi , Homma Mitsunobu , Satake Masahiro , Shioya Takanobu
Published: September 2016

Background and objective

Diaphragm function might be useful to predict nocturnal oxygen desaturation in COPD. Ultrasonography has been widely used for the assessment of the diaphragm. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the contractile capability of the diaphragm assessed by ultrasonography and the nocturnal percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (NSpO2) in COPD.

Methods

Twenty‐eight male patients with COPD (age, 73 ± 7 years; forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
), 54.2 ± 17.0% predicted) were included. The thickness of the diaphragm (Tdi) was assessed by ultrasonography. We calculated the change ratio of Tdi at the end of maximal inspiration and expiration (%ΔTdi). The mean value of NSpO2
(NSpO2mean
), the percentage of total sleep time (TST) with desaturation above 4% (DA4%) and the percentage of TST with saturation below 90% (SB90%) were measured by overnight oximetry. Daytime arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2
) and maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax
) were also measured.

Results

All participants had mild or no daytime hypoxaemia (PaO2
, 77.3 ± 8.6 mm Hg). The NSpO2mean
, DA4% and SB90% were significantly correlated with %ΔTdi, PaO2
, %PImax
of the predicted value and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage. The %ΔTdi and PaO2
were predictors of NSpO2mean by multiple regression analysis.

Conclusion

This study suggested a close relationship between the NSpO2
and the contractile capability of the diaphragm assessed by ultrasonography in COPD. The %ΔTdi combined with PaO2
might predict NSpO2
in COPD patients with mild or no daytime hypoxaemia.
Osmotic Pressure in Clinical Medicine with an Emphasis on Dialysis
Authors: Raimann Jochen G. , Tzamaloukas Antonios H. , Levin Nathan W. , Ing Todd S.
Published: September 2016

Since the beginning of life of the first multicellular organisms, the preservation of a physiologic milieu for every cell in the organism has been a critical requirement. A particular range of osmolality of the body fluids is essential for the maintenance of cell volume. In humans the stability of electrolyte concentrations and their resulting osmolality in the body fluids is the consequence of complex interactions between cell membrane functions, hormonal control, thirst, and controlled kidney excretion of fluid and solutes. Knowledge of these mechanisms, of the biochemical principles of osmolality, and of the relevant situations occurring in disease is of importance to every physician. This comprehensive review summarizes the major facts on osmolality, its relation to electrolytes and other solutes, and its relevance in physiology and in disease states with a focus on dialysis‐related considerations.
Return of the Nanny: Public Policy towards In‐home Childcare in the UK, Canada and Australia
Authors: Adamson Elizabeth , Brennan Deborah
Published: September 2016

Research on early childhood education and care (ECEC) policy focuses overwhelmingly on formal, centre‐based provision and, to a lesser extent, on family day care (or childminding) provided in the homes of registered carers. Comparatively little research addresses the policy treatment of care provided in the child's home by nannies and au pairs. This article examines the position of in‐home childcare in Australia, the UK and Canada, and the varied nature and extent of public funding and regulation. Introducing a new dimension into comparative studies of ECEC, it also explores how shifts in migration policy in each country have intersected with ECEC funding and regulation to reshape the recruitment and employment of in‐home child carers. Australia, the UK and Canada are all liberal, market‐oriented countries, but there is considerable diversity in the way governments support and regulate in‐home childcare, their rationales for so doing, and in the connections between childcare and migration. We argue that connecting the analysis of in‐home childcare to migration policies raises new questions about the classification and comparison of ECEC policies.
Development and Evaluation of a Landmark‐Based Method to Estimate Displacements and Strains in Soft Tissues Imaged During an Impact Using Ultrafast Ultrasound
Authors: Le Ruyet Anicet , Beillas Philippe
Published: September 2016

Ultrafast ultrasound imaging allows observing the internal response of soft tissues subjected to impacts. However, the limited image quality and the large deformations associated with such loading make the generation of displacement and strain maps difficult. This study describes a new automatic method to estimate the 2D displacements and strains based on an existing tracking algorithm combined with filtering, regression and integration steps. The predictions were assessed using four test cases: (1) Predicted displacements were compared with expert tracking from past tests, (2) predicted displacements and strains were compared with the known field used to deform numerically an image, (3) internal strains predicted based on ultrafast ultrasound were compared with strains provided by digital image correlation on nearby external surfaces, and (4) for almost noise‐free images that contain random patterns, predicted strains were compared with results provided by a commercial digital image correlation software package. The results are promising, in particular for 2D displacements and, to some extent, for filtered strain. This suggests that the method could be useful to interpret ultrafast ultrasound data collected for application in impact biomechanics.
Temporal and spatial patterns of Cenozoic deformation across the Qaidam Basin, Northern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wei Yanyan , Xiao Ancheng , Wu Lei , Mao Liguang , Zhao Haifeng , Shen Ya , Wang Liqun
Published: September 2016

We conducted a systematic analysis of the temporal and spatial patterns of Cenozoic deformation of the northeastern (NE) and southwestern (SW) parts of the Qaidam Basin, the largest and thickest Cenozoic sedimentary basin within the Tibetan Plateau, by constructing balanced cross‐sections traversing the whole basin using high‐resolution seismic‐reflection data. We found that that these two parts deformed synchronously with similar temporal patterns involving nearly constant NE–SW contraction before c. 2.5 Ma and much more intense shortening, possibly enhanced by fierce wind erosion, since then. However, the spatial deformation patterns of these two areas differ markedly: an eastward weakening trend in the SW part is not observed in the NE part. We believe that this difference is due to their different boundary conditions. This result places new constraints on the formation mechanisms of the northern Tibetan Plateau.
Isolation and characterization of mutants corresponding to the MENA, MENB, MENC and MENE enzymatic steps of 5′‐monohydroxyphylloquinone biosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Emonds‐Alt Barbara , Coosemans Nadine , Gerards Thomas , Remacle Claire , Cardol Pierre
Published: September 2016

Phylloquinone (PhQ), or vitamin K1, is an essential electron carrier (A1) in photosystem I (PSI). In the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which is a model organism for the study of photosynthesis, a detailed characterization of the pathway is missing with only one mutant deficient for MEND having been analyzed. We took advantage of the fact that a double reduction of plastoquinone occurs in anoxia in the A1 site in the mend mutant, interrupting photosynthetic electron transfer, to isolate four new phylloquinone‐deficient mutants impaired in MENA, MENB, MENC (PHYLLO) and MENE. Compared with the wild type and complemented strains for MENB and MENE, the four men mutants grow slowly in low light and are sensitive to high light. When grown in low light they show a reduced photosynthetic electron transfer due to a specific decrease of PSI. Upon exposure to high light for a few hours, PSI becomes almost completely inactive, which leads in turn to lack of phototrophic growth. Loss of PhQ also fully prevents reactivation of photosynthesis after dark anoxia acclimation. In silico analyses allowed us to propose a PhQ biosynthesis pathway in Chlamydomonas that involves 11 enzymatic steps from chorismate located in the chloroplast and in the peroxisome.
PYK10 myrosinase reveals a functional coordination between endoplasmic reticulum bodies and glucosinolates in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Nakano Ryohei T. , Piślewska‐Bednarek Mariola , Yamada Kenji , Edger Patrick P. , Miyahara Mado , Kondo Maki , Böttcher Christoph , Mori Masashi , Nishimura Mikio , Schulze‐Lefert Paul , Hara‐Nishimura Ikuko , Bednarek Paweł
Published: September 2016

The endoplasmic reticulum body (ER body) is an organelle derived from the ER that occurs in only three families of the order Brassicales and is suggested to be involved in plant defense. ER bodies in Arabidopsis thaliana contain large amounts of β‐glucosidases, but the physiological functions of ER bodies and these enzymes remain largely unclear. Here we show that PYK10, the most abundant β‐glucosidase in A. thaliana root ER bodies, hydrolyzes indole glucosinolates (IGs) in addition to the previously reported in vitro substrate scopolin. We found a striking co‐expression between ER body‐related genes (including PYK10), glucosinolate biosynthetic genes and the genes for so‐called specifier proteins affecting the terminal products of myrosinase‐mediated glucosinolate metabolism, indicating that these systems have been integrated into a common transcriptional network. Consistent with this, comparative metabolite profiling utilizing a number of A. thaliana relatives within Brassicaceae identified a clear phylogenetic co‐occurrence between ER bodies and IGs, but not between ER bodies and scopolin. Collectively, our findings suggest a functional link between ER bodies and glucosinolate metabolism in planta. In addition, in silico three‐dimensional modeling, combined with phylogenomic analysis, suggests that PYK10 represents a clade of 16 myrosinases that arose independently from the other well‐documented class of six thioglucoside glucohydrolases. These findings provide deeper insights into how glucosinolates are metabolized in cruciferous plants and reveal variation of the myrosinase–glucosinolate system within individual plants.
Full‐length nucleotide sequence of ERMAP alleles encoding Scianna (SC) antigens
Authors: Srivastava Kshitij , Lee Eunah , Owens Eric , Rujirojindakul Pairaya , Flegel Willy A.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Scianna (SC) blood group system comprises two antithetical antigens, Sc1 and Sc2, and five additional antigens. The antigens reside on a glycoprotein encoded by the erythroblast membrane–associated protein (ERMAP) gene. For the common ERMAP alleles, we determined the full‐length nucleotide sequence that encodes the Scianna glycoprotein.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Blood donor samples from five populations were analyzed including 20 African Americans, 10 Caucasians, 10 Thai, five Asians, and five Hispanics for a total of 100 chromosomes. An assay was devised to determine the genomic sequence of the ERMAP gene in one amplicon, spanning 21.4 kb and covering Exons 2 to 12 and the intervening sequence (IVS). All alleles (confirmed haplotypes) were resolved without ambiguity.

RESULTS

Among 50 blood donors, we found 80 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including six novel SNPs, in 21,308 nucleotides covering the coding sequence of the ERMAP gene and including the introns. The noncoding sequences harbored 75 SNPs (68 in the introns and seven in the 3′‐UTR). No SNP indicative of a nonfunctional allele was detected. The nucleotide sequences for 48 ERMAP alleles (confirmed haplotypes) were determined by allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction and sequencing in 100 chromosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

We documented 48 ERMAP alleles of 21,308 nucleotides each. The two nucleotide sequences available in GenBank for ERMAP alleles of similar length have not been found in our 100 chromosomes. Alleles determined without ambiguity can be used as templates to analyze next generation sequencing data, which will enhance the reliability in clinical diagnostics.
A boundedness theorem for nearby slopes of holonomic -modules
Authors: Teyssier Jean-Baptiste
Published: September 2016

Using twisted nearby cycles, we define a new notion of slopes for complex holonomic${\mathcal{D}}$-modules. We prove a boundedness result for these slopes, study their functoriality and use them to characterize regularity. For a family of (possibly irregular) algebraic connections${\mathcal{E}}_{t}$parametrized by a smooth curve, we deduce under natural conditions an explicit bound for the usual slopes of the differential equation satisfied by the family of irregular periods of the${\mathcal{E}}_{t}$. This generalizes the regularity of the Gauss–Manin connection proved by Griffiths, Katz and Deligne.
Linear Quadratic Differential Games and Applications
Authors: Ivanov Ivan Ganchev , Imsland Lars , Kostova Snezhana
Published: September 2016

A PhD class of lectures will be jointly developed on the topic of Linear Quadratic Differential Games and Applications. The class is intended to support the learning process of the PhD students as well as to increase their competencies through acquaintance with the latest advances in the field. The total study load is planned to amount to 30 lecture hours.
Application of a Turbulent Jet Flame Flashback Propensity Model to a Commercial Gas Turbine Combustor
Authors: Kalantari Alireza , Sullivan-Lewis Elliot , McDonell Vincent
Published: September 2016

Because flashback is a key operability issue associated with low emission combustion of high hydrogen content fuels, design tools to predict flashback propensity are of interest. Such a design tool has been developed by the authors to predict boundary layer flashback using nondimensional parameters. The tool accounts for the thermal coupling between the flame and burner rim and was derived using detailed studies carried out in a test rig at elevated temperature and pressure. The present work evaluates the applicability of the model to a commercial 65 kW microturbine generator (MTG). Two sets of data are evaluated. One set is obtained using the combustor, removed from the engine, which has been configured to operate like it does in the engine but at atmospheric pressure and various preheat temperatures. The second set of data is from a combustor operated as it normally would in the commercial engine. In both configurations, studies are carried out with various amounts of hydrogen added to either natural gas or carbon monoxide. The previously developed model is able to capture the measured flashback tendencies in both configurations. In addition, the model is used to interpret flashback phenomena at high pressures and temperatures in the context of the engine conditions. An increase in pressure for a given preheat temperature and velocity reduces the equivalence ratio at which flashback occurs and increases the tip temperature due to lower quenching distance. The dependency of the flashback propensity on the injector tip temperature is enhanced with an increase in pressure. The variation of critical velocity gradient with equivalence ratio for a constant preheat temperature is more pronounced at higher pressures. In summary, the model developed using the high-pressure test rig is able to predict flashback tendencies for a commercial gas turbine engine and can thus serve as an effective design tool for identifying when flashback is likely to occur for a given geometry and condition.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Pokeweed Mosaic Virus (PkMV)-New Jersey Isolate and Its Comparison to PkMV-MD and PkMV-PA
Authors: Di Rong
Published: September 2016

Pokeweed mosaic virus (PkMV) causes systemically mosaic symptoms on pokeweed (
Phytolacca americana
L.) plants. The genome of the PkMV-NJ (New Jersey) isolate was cloned by PCR and sequenced by the Sanger sequencing method. The sequence comparison indicates that PkMV-NJ is more divergent from the other two sequenced isolates, PkMV-MD and PkMV-PA.