bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating chytrid fungal parasites into plankton ecology: research gaps and needs
Authors: Frenken Thijs , Alacid Elisabet , Berger Stella A. , Bourne Elizabeth C. , Gerphagnon Mélanie , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Gsell Alena S. , Ibelings Bas W. , Kagami Maiko , Küpper Frithjof C. , Letcher Peter M. , Loyau Adeline , Miki Takeshi , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Rasconi Serena , Reñé Albert , Rohrlack Thomas , Rojas‐Jimenez Keilor , Schmeller Dirk S. , Scholz Bettina , Seto Kensuke , Sime‐Ngando Télesphore , Sukenik Assaf , Van de Waal Dedmer B. , Van den Wyngaert Silke , Van Donk Ellen , Wolinska Justyna , Wurzbacher Christian , Agha Ramsy
Published: June 2017

Chytridiomycota, often referred to as chytrids, can be virulent parasites with the potential to inflict mass mortalities on hosts, causing e.g. changes in phytoplankton size distributions and succession, and the delay or suppression of bloom events. Molecular environmental surveys have revealed an unexpectedly large diversity of chytrids across a wide range of aquatic ecosystems worldwide. As a result, scientific interest towards fungal parasites of phytoplankton has been gaining momentum in the past few years. Yet, we still know little about the ecology of chytrids, their life cycles, phylogeny, host specificity and range. Information on the contribution of chytrids to trophic interactions, as well as co‐evolutionary feedbacks of fungal parasitism on host populations is also limited. This paper synthesizes ideas stressing the multifaceted biological relevance of phytoplankton chytridiomycosis, resulting from discussions among an international team of chytrid researchers. It presents our view on the most pressing research needs for promoting the integration of chytrid fungi into aquatic ecology.
A Socio‐Technical Perspective To The Right To The City: Regularizing Electricity Access in Rio de Janeiro's Favelas
Authors: Pilo' Francesca
Published: June 2017

This article takes the contemporary transformation in electricity access in Rio de Janeiro's favelas as a starting point for a broader review of the relationship between the right to the city in informal settlements and the neoliberalization of the electricity service (introduction of full cost recovery and ‘the user pays' principle). It examines the socio‐technical process through which contractual customer relationships have been established or restored through regularization of the electricity service in two favelas, namely, the installation of meters and networks. I suggest that applying a science and technology study perspective to the right to the city helps explore both the materiality and the spatial dimension of power and politics and, in so doing, provides an insight into some of the forms of mediation that help reshape recognition, urban practices and the favela dwellers' position within such an essential service. Our analysis shows how the means of recognizing these city dwellers ‘by the network' are materially and symbolically reshaped by commercial processes. The question then is whether this right to the city, which is being reshaped by commercial processes, will be the source of new inequalities or new politicizations.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of School Funding and Targeting Different Measures of Student Disadvantage: Evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Clark Jeremy , Das Susmita Roy , Menclova Andrea
Published: June 2017

Many education funding policies seek to lessen the effect of economic disparities outside schools on the disparity of student outcomes within them. A national program for New Zealand schools provides an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of government funding in raising graduation rates, and of targeting alternative disadvantage measures. New Zealand targets five deprivation measures: low income, lack of education, low skill employment, crowding, and receiving welfare. Using school fixed effects, we do not find evidence that government funds raise graduation rates for schools, including those serving the most disadvantaged students. We also find no robust evidence that targeting some disadvantage measures is more effective than others. Single parent and rural/urban status are also found to co‐vary significantly with graduation rates.
Measuring Farm and Market Level Economic Impacts of Improved Maize Production Technologies in Ethiopia: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Kassie Menale , Marenya Paswel , Tessema Yohannis , Jaleta Moti , Zeng Di , Erenstein Olaf , Rahut Dil
Published: June 2017

While it is often recognised that agricultural technology adoption decisions are intertwined and best characterised by multivariate models, typical approaches to examining adoption and impacts of agricultural technology have focused on single technology adoption choice and ignored interdependence among technologies. We examine farm‐ and market‐level impacts of multiple technology adoption choices using comprehensive household survey data collected in 2010/11 and 2012/13 in Ethiopia. Economic surplus analysis combined with panel data switching endogenous regression models are used to compute the supply shift parameter (K‐shift parameter), while at the same time controlling for the endogeneity inherent in agricultural technology adoption among farmers. We find that our improved technology set choices have significant impacts on farm‐level maize yield and maize production costs, where the greatest effect appears to be generated when various technologies are combined. The change in maize yield and production costs results in an average 26.4% cost reduction per kilogram of maize output (the K‐shift parameter). This increases the producer and consumer surpluses by US$ 140 and US$ 105 million per annum, respectively. These changes in economic surplus help to reduce the number of poor people by an estimated 788 thousand per year. We conclude that deliberate extension efforts and other policies that encourage integration of technologies are important for maize technologies to yield their full potential at both farm and market levels.
Is Passive Farming A Problem for Agriculture in the EU?
Authors: Brady Mark V. , Hristov Jordan , Sahrbacher Christoph , Söderberg Torben , Wilhelmsson Fredrik
Published: June 2017

We address a new agricultural policy concern following the decoupling of CAP direct payments in 2005: passive farming, whereby landowners maintain their agricultural area to collect payments without producing commodities. It is claimed that passive farming is hindering agricultural development by ‘blocking’ access to farmland for expanding farmers. We evaluate the links between the EU's Single Payment Scheme (SPS), passive farming, land use and agricultural development. Following identification of the rational landowners’ optimal land‐use choice, we evaluate the effects of the SPS using a spatial, agent‐based model that simulates farmers’ competition for land in a case‐study region of Sweden. We show that passive farming does not constrain land from being used in production; on the contrary more land is used than would be the case without the SPS. We conclude that passive farming is not a problem for agriculture, but provides public goods that would otherwise be under provided: preservation of marginal farmland and future food security. However SPS payments on highly productive land inflate land values (capitalisation) and slow structural change, which hinder agricultural development. Consequently CAP goals could be better served by targeting payments on marginal land and phasing out payments to highly productive land.
Novel reductive dehalogenases from the marine sponge associated bacterium Desulfoluna spongiiphila
Authors: Liu Jie , Lopez Nora , Ahn Youngbeom , Goldberg Tatyana , Bromberg Yana , Kerkhof Lee J. , Häggblom Max M.
Published: June 2017

Desulfoluna spongiiphila strain AA1 is an organohalide respiring bacterium, isolated from the marine sponge Aplysina aerophoba, that can use brominated and iodinated phenols, in addition to sulfate and thiosulfate as terminal electron acceptors. The genome of Desulfoluna spongiiphila strain AA1 is approximately 6.5 Mb. Three putative reductive dehalogenase (rdhA) genes involved in respiratory metabolism of organohalides were identified within the sequence. Conserved motifs found in respiratory reductive dehalogenases (a twin arginine translocation signal sequence and two iron‐sulfur clusters) were present in all three putative AA1 rdhA genes. Transcription of one of the three rdhA genes was significantly upregulated during respiration of 2,6‐dibromophenol and sponge extracts. Strain AA1 appears to have the ability to synthesize cobalamin, the key cofactor of most characterized reductive dehalogenase enzymes. The genome contains genes involved in cobalamin synthesis and uptake and can grow without cobalamin supplementation. Identification of this target gene associated with debromination lays the foundation for understanding how dehalogenating bacteria control the fate of organohalide compounds in sponges and their role in a symbiotic organobromine cycle. In the sponge environment, D. spongiiphila strain AA1 may thus take advantage of both brominated compounds and sulfate as electron acceptors for respiration.
Bacterial weathering of fossil organic matter and organic carbon mobilization from subterrestrial Kupferschiefer black shale: long‐term laboratory studies
Authors: Stasiuk Robert , Włodarczyk Agnieszka , Karcz Przemysław , Janas Marcin , Skłodowska Aleksandra , Matlakowska Renata
Published: June 2017

A large part of the organic carbon present in the lithosphere is trapped in fossil organic matter deposited in sedimentary rocks. Only specialized microorganisms are able to degrade it contributing to the return of the carbon to the global cycle. The role of bacteria in this process is not yet completely understood. In the present laboratory studies, subterrestrial organic‐rich ∼256‐million‐year‐old Kupferschiefer black shale was exposed to the activity of an indigenous consortium of lithobiontic bacteria for 365 days under aerobic conditions. An interdisciplinary research approach was applied, consisting of a detailed comparison of the chemical composition of extractable bitumens as well as resistant to extraction kerogen of the unweathered black shale to that of the bioweathered and chemically weathered, identification of mobilized organic compounds and spectrometry‐based determination of proteomic composition of the bacterial biofilm. The oxidative bioweathering of bitumens and kerogen was confirmed. The mobilization of organic carbon in the form of oxidized organic compounds, such as monohydroxy and dihydroxy alcohols, aldehydes, monocarboxylic and dicarboxylic acids and esters due to the microbial activity, was documented. The enzymes crucial for the aerobic metabolism of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons such as monooxygenases and dehydrogenases were identified in the epilithic biofilm inhabiting the black shale.
Incremental analysis of vertebral centra can reconstruct the stable isotope chronology of teleost fishes
Authors: Matsubayashi Jun , Saitoh Yu , Osada Yutaka , Uehara Yoshitoshi , Habu Junko , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Tayasu Ichiro
Published: June 2017

Isotope analysis has high potential for understanding fish ecology and food‐web structure in aquatic ecosystems. The utility of isotope analysis will be greatly improved if we can reconstruct the chronology of several isotopes at multiple growth stages of individual fish. However, no practical methods exist for reconstructing the chronology of light‐element isotopes (e.g. δ13C, δ15N, δ34S, and Δ14C) in teleost fishes. Here, we present and test a new analytical approach for reconstructing the isotopic ratios of light isotopes at multiple life‐stages in teleost fishes.

We sampled an anadromous salmon species, masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou (n = 3), along with water from its natal stream and from the ocean. We subdivided the vertebral centra of the salmon equally into 10 sections and extracted bone collagen from each sample. We then measured the stable sulphur isotope ratios of each vertebral section and compared them with δ34S values of the river water and sea water. We also measured the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of otoliths as a reference indicator of salmon migration between fresh water and the ocean.

In all samples, the bone section closest to the centre of the centrum had the lowest δ34S values, which were similar to those of fresh water. The δ34S values gradually increased from the centre to marginal sections, finally reaching constant values similar to those of seawater. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of sagittal otolith sections had significant inter‐individual differences and were consistent with the patterns of variation of the δ34S values of the vertebral sections.

Our results show that the vertebral centra of teleost fishes record isotopic information from juvenile to adult life stages. We suggest that our method can provide reproducible isotopic chronology, even in teleost fishes smaller than 50 cm. This method can be used in isoscape studies and in studies of the ecology of marine teleost fishes.
Distinguishing distribution dynamics from temporary emigration using dynamic occupancy models
Authors: Valente Jonathon J. , Hutchinson Rebecca A. , Betts Matthew G.
Published: June 2017

Dynamic occupancy models are popular for estimating dynamic distribution rates (colonization and extinction) from repeated presence/absence surveys of unmarked animals. This approach assumes closure among repeated samples within primary periods, allowing estimation of dynamic rates between these periods. However, the impact of temporary emigration (TE; reversible changes in sampling availability) on dynamic rate estimates has not been tested.

Using simulated data, we investigated the degree to which TE could mislead researchers interested in quantifying dynamics. We then compared results from three avian point count datasets to evaluate the likelihood that TE confounds estimates of dynamics for 19 species under a popular sampling protocol.

Simulated experiments indicated that when secondary periods were open to TE, presence of dynamics was correctly identified ≥95.1% of the time, and dynamic rate estimates were accurate. However, dynamic rate estimates were biased when secondary periods were closed to TE. In empirical datasets, dynamic occupancy models had greater support than closed models for all species when secondary sampling periods occurred in immediate succession (i.e. 3 samples within 10 min); however, our results suggest that this is because dynamic estimates were heavily influenced by TE. When counts within a primary period were separated by 24–48 hr, we found evidence of dynamics for less than half of these species. We recommend an alternative sampling approach that allows accurate estimation of dynamic rates when TE is of no interest, and introduce a novel model for estimating both processes simultaneously in rare cases where they are both of biological interest.

Concern for violating the occupancy modelling closure assumption has led to widespread recommendations that samples within primary periods be conducted extremely close in time. However, this may not be the best approach when interest is in quantifying dynamic rates. While dynamic occupancy models provide estimates of “colonization” and “extinction,” these values do not inherently represent dynamics unless TE has been explicitly modelled or accounted for with sampling design. Naiveté to this fact can result in incorrect conclusions about biological processes.
The role of domestication and maternal effects on seed traits of crop–wild sunflower hybrids (Helianthus annuus)
Authors: Hernández F. , Lindström L.I. , Parodi E. , Poverene M. , Presotto A.
Published: June 2017

Hybridisation between crops and their wild relatives may promote the evolution of weeds. Seed germination and dormancy are the earliest life‐history traits and are highly influenced by the maternal parent. However, the ecological role of the maternal effect on seed traits in the evolution of crop–wild hybrids has received little attention. In this study, we test the relative importance of maternal and hybridisation effects on seed traits of the first generation of crop–wild sunflower hybrids (Helianthus annuus). Seed germination was tested in two wild populations with contrasting dormancy, two cultivated materials and their reciprocal crosses at four different times after harvest and three different temperatures. Seed germination at each of the four times, after ripening response and secondary dormancy were recorded along with four morphological traits. Additionally, the pericarp anatomy was analysed with light and scanning electron microscopy. We observed strong maternal effects on all seed traits. Seed germination, morphology and pericarp anatomy differed largely between the crop and wild seeds and these traits in the crop–wild hybrids resembled their female parent. Slight but significant hybridisation effects were observed in germination, mainly in seeds produced on wild plants. Crop hybridisation changed seed germination, the after ripening response and secondary dormancy in the crop direction. Morphological and anatomical traits associated with domestication strongly correlated with the observed differences in seed germination and dormancy in crop–wild sunflower hybrids. The large maternal effects along with the evolutionary divergence in seed traits were responsible for the large phenotypic differences observed in crop–wild hybrids with the same genetic composition. Wild‐like seed traits of hybrids suggest that there are no barriers to crop gene introgression at the seed level whereas crop‐like seed traits could be strongly selected against, conditioning the selection of traits expressed later in the life cycle and in the next generations.
Executive Functions, Memory, and Social Cognitive Deficits and Recovery in Chronic Alcoholism: A Critical Review to Inform Future Research
Authors: Le Berre Anne‐Pascale , Fama Rosemary , Sullivan Edith V.
Published: June 2017

Alcoholism is a complex and dynamic disease, punctuated by periods of abstinence and relapse, and influenced by a multitude of vulnerability factors. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption is associated with cognitive deficits, ranging from mild to severe, in executive functions, memory, and metacognitive abilities, with associated impairment in emotional processes and social cognition. These deficits can compromise efforts in initiating and sustaining abstinence by hampering efficacy of clinical treatment and can obstruct efforts in enabling good decision making success in interpersonal/social interactions, and awareness of cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions. Despite evidence for differences in recovery levels of selective cognitive processes, certain deficits can persist even with prolonged sobriety. Herein is presented a review of alcohol‐related cognitive impairments affecting component processes of executive functioning, memory, and the recently investigated cognitive domains of metamemory, social cognition, and emotional processing; also considered are trajectories of cognitive recovery with abstinence. Finally, in the spirit of critical review, limitations of current knowledge are noted and avenues for new research efforts are proposed that focus on (i) the interaction among emotion–cognition processes and identification of vulnerability factors contributing to the development of emotional and social processing deficits and (ii) the time line of cognitive recovery by tracking alcoholism's dynamic course of sobriety and relapse. Knowledge about the heterochronicity of cognitive recovery in alcoholism has the potential of indicating at which points during recovery intervention may be most beneficial.
Wind‐modulated landscape effects on colonization of Brussels sprouts by insect pests and their syrphid antagonists
Authors: Ludwig Martin , Schlinkert Hella , Meyhöfer Rainer
Published: June 2017

Most crop fields are annually cleared, including arthropod populations. Recolonization depends on the source habitat presence in the landscape and often is affected by weather conditions.

The present study identified source habitats and the effects of temperature and prevailing wind direction on colonization of Brussels sprouts by pests and their natural enemies. We sampled arthropods on standardized monitoring plants in 18 landscapes with different areas of potential source habitats.

Most abundant pests and antagonists were Aleyrodes proletella, Brevicoryne brassicae, Plutella xylostella and syrphid larvae. Variation in A. proletella colonization was best explained by the upwind area of oilseed rape (positive effect) and temperature (negative effect). Variation in B. brassicae colonization was best explained by the downwind area of oilseed rape (positive effect), whereas no effects on P. xylostella were found. Syrphid colonization was affected by prey abundance only (positive effect).

The results of the present study suggest that A. proletella was transported downwind, whereas B. brassicae located host plants during an upwind flight for approximately 1 km. This is remarkable for aphids with often limited upwind flight ability. Consideration of prevailing wind directions improves forecasting of the colonization intensity by pests from important source habitats.
ECG‐derived Cheyne‐Stokes respiration and periodic breathing in healthy and hospitalized populations
Authors: Tinoco Adelita , Drew Barbara J. , Hu Xiao , Mortara David , Cooper Bruce A. , Pelter Michele M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Cheyne‐Stokes respiration (CSR) has been investigated primarily in outpatients with heart failure. In this study we compare CSR and periodic breathing (PB) between healthy and cardiac groups.

Methods

We compared CSR and PB, measured during 24 hr of continuous 12‐lead electrocardiographic (ECG) Holter recording, in a group of 90 hospitalized patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) to a group of 100 healthy ambulatory participants. We also examined CSR and PB in the 90 patients presenting with ACS symptoms, divided into a group of 39 (43%) with confirmed ACS, and 51 (57%) with a cardiac diagnosis but non‐ACS. SuperECG software was used to derive respiration and then calculate CSR and PB episodes from the ECG Holter data. Regression analyses were used to analyze the data. We hypothesized SuperECG software would differentiate between the groups by detecting less CSR and PB in the healthy group than the group of patients presenting to the emergency department with ACS symptoms.

Results

Hospitalized patients with suspected ACS had 7.3 times more CSR episodes and 1.6 times more PB episodes than healthy ambulatory participants. Patients with confirmed ACS had 6.0 times more CSR episodes and 1.3 times more PB episodes than cardiac non‐ACS patients.

Conclusion

Continuous 12‐lead ECG derived CSR and PB appear to differentiate between healthy participants and hospitalized patients.
High‐resolution transbulbar ultrasonography helping differentiate intracranial hypertension in bilateral optic disc oedema patients
Authors: Chen Qian , Chen Weimin , Wang Min , Sun Xinghuai , Sha Yan , Li Zhenxin , Tian Guohong
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The enlargement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) has been proven to be related with raised intracranial pressure (ICP). No prospective study has been focused on utilizing retrobulbar ultrasonography in optic disc oedema patient presented to ophthalmologist.

Methods

High‐resolution transbulbar ultrasonography was performed in a cohort of patient presented with bilateral optic disc oedema. The subarachnoid space of optic nerve (SAS), ONSD and optic nerve diameter (OND) was measured prior to other ancillaries including lumbar puncture. Subjects were classified into increased intracranial pressure (IIP) and normal intracranial pressure (NIP) group according to the open cerebrospinal fluid pressure more than 200 mm H20. The SAS, ONSD and OND were compared between groups and with normal control. The sensitivity of SAS or ONSD change for predicating intracranial hypertension was assessed.

Results

A total of 20 IIP, 25 NIP patients and 25 normal controls were evaluated. The mean SAS and ONSD measured in idiopathic intracranial hypertension group was significantly increased than that of NIP and controls (p < 0.001), whereas the OND showed no statistic difference between each group. The sensitivities using the SAS and ONSD for differentiating increased ICP in optic disc oedema patients were 0.99 and 0.97, respectively.

Conclusions

The enlarged SAS and ONSD measured by high‐resolution transbulbar sonography are very sensitive parameters to predicate increased ICP in bilateral optic disc oedema patients.
Trading faces: The ‘Korean Look’ and medical nationalism in South Korean cosmetic surgery tourism
Authors: Holliday Ruth , Cheung Olive , Cho Ji Hyun , Bell David
Published: June 2017

This paper addresses the growing phenomenon of cosmetic surgery tourism through a focus on the development of this industry in South Korea. Unlike many discussions of this topic, the paper decentres dominant narratives based on west‐goes‐east or north‐goes‐south journeys. Instead, we look at regional flows by exploring the experiences of Chinese patients travelling to South Korea in search of facial cosmetic surgery – procedures often referred to as the ‘Korean Look’ and associated with exported Korean popular culture. We focus on the contested understandings of the motives for and outcomes of this surgery between Korean surgeons and Chinese patients, documenting one example of the cultural investments and (mis)understandings that can impact on the experiences of medical tourists as they travel across national borders in search of treatment. We situate the development of cosmetic surgery tourism in Korea in the context of a discourse we call ‘medical nationalism’, showing how surgeons in particular reproduce this discourse in terms of pride in their contribution to the economic and reputational success of South Korea on a world stage. However, we demonstrate finally that, as a privatised, feminised and trivialised form of medicine, cosmetic surgery will always fail to deliver in this respect.
Isoacteoside, a dihydroxyphenylethyl glycoside, exhibits anti‐inflammatory effects through blocking toll‐like receptor 4 dimerization
Authors: Gao Hongwei , Cui Yankun , Kang Naixin , Liu Xin , Liu Yanli , Zou Yue , Zhang Ziyu , Li Xiaoran , Yang Shilin , Li Ji , Wang Chunming , Xu Qiong‐ming , Chen Xiuping
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose

Isoacteoside (is a phenylethanoid isolated from Monochasma savatieri Franch. ex Maxim., which is an anti‐inflammatory herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the exact mechanism of the anti‐inflammatory activity of isoacteoside is not completely understood. In this study, its anti‐inflammatory mechanism was elucidated in mouse macrophages.

Experimental Approach

The expression of the NF‐κB pathway, MAPK pathway, iNOS, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β was evaluated using Western blotting, quantitative real‐time PCR or ELISA. TLR4 dimerization was determined by transfecting HEK293T cells with TLR4 plasmids. The in vivo anti‐inflammatory effect of isoacteoside was determined using mouse models of xylene‐induced ear oedema, LPS‐induced endotoxic shock and LPS‐induced endotoxaemia‐associated acute kidney injury (AKI).

Key Results

Isoacteoside suppressed COX‐2, iNOS, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β expression. Furthermore, isoacteoside attenuated the LPS‐induced transcriptional activity of NF‐κB by decreasing the levels of phosphorylated IκB‐α and IKK and NF‐κB/p65 nuclear translocation. In addition, isoacteoside inhibited LPS‐induced transcriptional activity of AP‐1 by reducing the levels of phosphorylated JNK1/2 and p38MAPK. Isoacteoside blocked LPS‐induced TLR4 dimerization, resulting in a reduction in the recruitment of MyD88 and TIR‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β (TRIF) and the phosphorylation of TGF‐β‐activated kinase‐1 (TAK1). Pretreatment of mice with isoacteoside effectively inhibited xylene‐induced ear oedema and LPS‐induced endotoxic death and protected against LPS‐induced AKI.

Conclusions and Implications

Isoacteoside blocked TLR4 dimerization, which activates the MyD88–TAK1–NF‐κB/MAPK signalling cascades and TRIF pathway. Our data indicate that isoacteoside is a potential lead compound for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Contrasting effects of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate on cloned TMEM16A and TMEM16B channels
Authors: Ta Chau M , Acheson Kathryn E , Rorsman Nils J G , Jongkind Remco C , Tammaro Paolo
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose

Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels (CaCCs) are gated open by a rise in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), typically provoked by activation of Gq‐protein coupled receptors (GqPCR). GqPCR activation initiates depletion of plasmalemmal phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2). Here, we determined whether PIP2 acts as a signalling lipid for CaCCs coded by the TMEM16A and TMEM16B genes.

Experimental Approach

Patch‐clamp electrophysiology, in conjunction with genetically encoded systems to control cellular PIP2 content, was used to define the mechanism of action of PIP2 on TMEM16A and TMEM16B channels.

Key Results

A water‐soluble PIP2 analogue (diC8‐PIP2) activated TMEM16A channels by up to fivefold and inhibited TMEM16B by ~0.2‐fold. The effects of diC8‐PIP2 on TMEM16A currents were especially pronounced at low [Ca2+]i. In contrast, diC8‐PIP2 modulation of TMEM16B channels did not vary over a broad [Ca2+]i range but was only detectable at highly depolarized membrane potentials. Modulation of TMEM16A and TMEM16B currents was due to changes in channel gating, while single channel conductance was unaltered. Co‐expression of TMEM16A or TMEM16B with a Danio rerio voltage‐sensitive phosphatase (DrVSP), which degrades PIP2, led to reduction and enhancement of TMEM16A and TMEM16B currents respectively. These effects were abolished by an inactivating mutation in DrVSP and antagonized by simultaneous co‐expression of a phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate 5‐kinase that catalyses PIP2 formation.

Conclusions and Implications

PIP2 acts as a modifier of TMEM16A and TMEM16B channel gating. Drugs interacting with PIP2 signalling may affect TMEM16A and TMEM16B channel gating and have potential uses in basic science and implications for therapy.
Twenty‐first century remote sensing technologies are revolutionizing the study of tropical forests
Authors: Sanchez‐Azofeifa Arturo , Antonio Guzmán Jose , Campos Carlos A. , Castro Saulo , Garcia‐Millan Virginia , Nightingale Joanne , Rankine Cassidy
Published: June 2017

The fields of tropical biology and conservation face significant transformations due to rapid technological developments in remote sensing. Other fields (e.g. Archeology) are experiencing this momentous change even more rapidly. In this article, we review some of the challenges that the fields of tropical biology and conservation face during the first quarter of the twenty‐first century from the perspective of various remote sensing technologies, and discuss the transformations that they may bring to these disciplines. In addition, we review two emerging technologies driving paradigm changes in the nexus of ecology, remote sensing, and analytics: near‐surface remote sensing and Wireless Sensor Networks. These two technologies, arising from the eScience paradigm, offer unique opportunities to integrate field observations at hyper‐temporal and spatial resolutions that were not possible as recently as 5 years ago.
Heterogeneity in Perceptions of Parenting Among Arab Refugee Adolescents in Jordan
Authors: Smetana Judith G. , Ahmad Ikhlas
Published: June 2017

Heterogeneity in parenting was examined in 883 Arab refugee adolescents in Jordan (Mage = 15.01 years, SD = 1.60). Latent profile analyses of five parenting dimensions rated separately for mothers and fathers yielded authoritative, authoritarian, indifferent, punitive, and for mothers, permissive profiles, with most mothers (60%) and fathers (66%) classified as authoritative. Parenting was more often authoritative for women than men and punitive (for fathers) or permissive (for mothers) of boys than girls. Authoritative fathers and authoritarian mothers were better educated than punitive parents, whose offspring reported more norm breaking and internalizing symptoms and lower academic achievement than other youth. Adjustment was better when adolescents had at least one authoritative parent than when parents were either consistent or discrepant but nonauthoritative.
Getting to No: Pragmatic and Semantic Factors in Two‐ and Three‐Year‐Olds' Understanding of Negation
Authors: Reuter Tracy , Feiman Roman , Snedeker Jesse
Published: June 2017

Although infants say “no” early, older children have difficulty understanding its truth‐functional meaning. Two experiments investigate whether this difficulty stems from the infelicity of negative sentences out of the blue. In Experiment 1, given supportive discourse, 3‐year‐olds (N = 16) understood both affirmative and negative sentences. However, with sentence types randomized, 2‐year‐olds (N = 28) still failed. In Experiment 2, affirmative and negative sentences were blocked. Two‐year‐olds (N = 28) now succeeded, but only when affirmatives were presented first. Thus, although discourse felicity seems the primary bottleneck for 3‐year‐olds' understanding of negation, 2‐year‐olds struggle with its semantic processing. Contrary to accounts where negatives are understood via affirmatives, both sentence types were processed equally quickly, suggesting previously reported asymmetries are due to pragmatic accommodation, not semantic processing.
Resilience in Context: A Brief and Culturally Grounded Measure for Syrian Refugee and Jordanian Host‐Community Adolescents
Authors: Panter‐Brick Catherine , Hadfield Kristin , Dajani Rana , Eggerman Mark , Ager Alastair , Ungar Michael
Published: June 2017

Validated measures are needed for assessing resilience in conflict settings. An Arabic version of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM) was developed and tested in Jordan. Following qualitative work, surveys were implemented with male/female, refugee/nonrefugee samples (N = 603, 11–18 years). Confirmatory factor analyses tested three‐factor structures for 28‐ and 12‐item CYRMs and measurement equivalence across groups. CYRM‐12 showed measurement reliability and face, content, construct (comparative fit index = .92–.98), and convergent validity. Gender‐differentiated item loadings reflected resource access and social responsibilities. Resilience scores were inversely associated with mental health symptoms, and for Syrian refugees were unrelated to lifetime trauma exposure. In assessing individual, family, and community‐level dimensions of resilience, the CYRM is a useful measure for research and practice with refugee and host‐community youth.
Road map for the clinical application of the basophil activation test in food allergy
Authors: Santos A. F. , Shreffler W. G.
Published: June 2017

The diagnosis of IgE‐mediated food allergy based solely on the clinical history and the documentation of specific IgE to whole allergen extract or single allergens is often ambiguous, requiring oral food challenges (OFCs), with the attendant risk and inconvenience to the patient, to confirm the diagnosis of food allergy. This is a considerable proportion of patients assessed in allergy clinics. The basophil activation test (BAT) has emerged as having superior specificity and comparable sensitivity to diagnose food allergy, when compared with skin prick test and specific IgE. BAT, therefore, may reduce the number of OFC required for accurate diagnosis, particularly positive OFC. BAT can also be used to monitor resolution of food allergy and the clinical response to immunomodulatory treatments. Given the practicalities involved in the performance of BAT, we propose that it can be applied for selected cases where the history, skin prick test and/or specific IgE are not definitive for the diagnosis of food allergy. In the cases that the BAT is positive, food allergy is sufficiently confirmed without OFC; in the cases that BAT is negative or the patient has non‐responder basophils, OFC may still be indicated. However, broad clinical application of BAT demands further standardization of the laboratory procedure and of the flow cytometry data analyses, as well as clinical validation of BAT as a diagnostic test for multiple target allergens and confirmation of its feasibility and cost‐effectiveness in multiple settings.
A Comprehensive Survey on Sampling‐Based Image Matting
Authors: Yao Guilin , Zhao Zhijie , Liu Shaohui
Published: June 2017

Sampling‐based image matting is currently playing a significant role and showing great further development potentials in image matting. However, the consequent survey articles and detailed classifications are still rare in the field of corresponding research. Furthermore, besides sampling strategies, most of the sampling‐based matting algorithms apply additional operations which actually conceal their real sampling performances. To inspire further improvements and new work, this paper makes a comprehensive survey on sampling‐based matting in the following five aspects: (i) Only the sampling step is initially preserved in the matting process to generate the final alpha results and make comparisons. (ii) Four basic categories including eight detailed classes for sampling‐based matting are presented, which are combined to generate the common sampling‐based matting algorithms. (iii) Each category including two classes is analysed and experimented independently on their advantages and disadvantages. (iv) Additional operations, including sampling weight, settling manner, complement and pre‐ and post‐processing, are sequentially analysed and added into sampling. Besides, the result and effect of each operation are also presented. (v) A pure sampling comparison framework is strongly recommended in future work.
Vocal palsy increases the risk of lower respiratory tract infection in low‐risk, low‐morbidity patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign disease: A big data analysis
Authors: Nouraei S.A.R. , Allen J. , Kaddour H. , Middleton S.E. , Aylin P. , Darzi A. , Tolley N.S.
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Thyroidectomy is the commonest operation that places normally functioning laryngeal nerves at risk of injury. Vocal palsy is a major risk factor for dysphonia, dysphagia, and less commonly, airway obstruction. We investigated the association between post‐thyroidectomy vocal palsy and long‐term risks of pneumonia and laryngeal failure.

Design

An N=near‐all analysis of the English administrative dataset using a previously validated informatics algorithm to identify young and otherwise low‐risk patients undergoing first‐time elective thyroidectomy for benign disease. Information about age, sex, morbidities, social deprivation and post‐operative and late complications were derived.

Main outcome measures

Between 2004 and 2012, 43 515 patients between the ages of 20 and 69 who had no history of cancer, neurological, or respiratory disease underwent elective total or hemithyroidectomy without concomitant or late neck dissection, parathyroidectomy or laryngotracheal surgery for benign thyroid disease for the first and only time. Information about age, sex, morbidities and in‐hospital and late complications was recorded.

Results

Mean age at surgery was 46±12. There was a strong female preponderance (85%), and most patients (89%) had no recorded Charlson comorbidities Most patients (65%) underwent hemithyroidectomy. Late vocal palsy was recorded in 449 (1.03%) patients, and its occurrence was an independent risk factor for emergency hospital readmission (n=7113; Hazard Ratio 1.52; 95% confidence interval 1.21‐1.91), hospitalisation for lower respiratory tract infection (n=944; HR 2.04; 95% CI 1.07‐3.75), dysphagia (n=564; HR 3.47; 95% CI 1.57‐7.65) and gastrostomy/tracheostomy placement (n=80; HR 20.8; 95% CI 2.5‐171.2). Independent risk factors for late vocal palsy were age, burden of morbidities, total thyroidectomy, post operative bleeding, male sex, and annual surgeon volume <30.

Conclusions

There is a significant association between post‐thyroidectomy vocal palsy and long‐term risks of hospital readmission, dysphagia, hospitalisation for lower respiratory tract infection, and gastrostomy/tracheostomy tube placement. This adds weight to the need, from a thyroid surgical perspective, to undertake universal post‐thyroidectomy laryngeal surveillance as a minimum standard of care, with a focus on post‐operative dysphagia and aspiration, and from a medical/respiratory perspective, to initiate investigations to identify occult vocal palsy in patients who present with pneumonia, who have a history of thyroid surgery.
Relation between upper‐limb muscle strength with exercise capacity, quality of life and dyspnea in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kaymaz Dicle , Candemir İpek Çaylı , Ergün Pınar , Demir Neşe , Taşdemir Filiz , Demir Pervin
Published: June 2017

Introduction

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), skeletal muscle weakness is characterized by reduced muscle strength, reduced muscle endurance and the presence of muscle fatigue especially in lower limbs. There has been little research into the upper limb skeletal muscles.

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relation of upper limb muscle strength with pulmonary function, exercise capacity, quality of life (QoL) and dyspnea sensation.

Methods

Eigthy‐eight patients (89.8% male; age: 64.2 ± 8.7 years) with COPD (FEV1 = 34.2% ± 15.2%) were evaluated. Tests included hand grip strength and actual 1‐repetition maximum (1RM) test for upper limb strength. Dyspnea sensation was assessed with medical research council (MRC) scale. St. George Respiratory Questionary (SGRQ) was used to evaluate patients health related QoL. Exercise capacity was evaluated with incremental shuttle walk test and endurance shuttle walk test.

Results

Upper limb muscle strength correlated with exercise capacity but no correlations were found with pulmonary functions.There were negative correlations with all the domains of SGRQ both actual 1RM and handgrip strength. MRC scores revealed a negative correlation with upper limb muscle strength.

Conclusion

In our study, we showed that upper limb muscle strength correlated with exercise capacity, QoL, dyspnea sensation. Identifying patients who have greater reductions in strength will allow early interventions with a multidisciplinary manner.
Neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio and a dosimetric factor for predicting symptomatic radiation pneumonitis in non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Lee Yun Hee , Choi Hoon‐Sik , Jeong Hojin , Kang Ki Mun , Song Jin Ho , Lee Won Sup , Lee Gyeong‐Won , Song Haa‐Na , Kim Hoon‐Gu , Kang Myoung Hee , Rhee Dong Yoon , Jeong Bae Kwon
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To identify the factors that predict the progression of radiological radiation pneumonitis (RP) to symptomatic RP, and to evaluate the usefulness of the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a marker of RP severity and prognosis in stage III non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 61 patients treated between January 2010 and December 2015. Patients' demographic characteristics, clinical data, laboratory findings and treatment parameters were analyzed to determine the predictive factors associated with progression from radiological RP to symptomatic RP.

Results

Forty‐seven patients (77%) exhibited radiological RP at a median of 78 days after radiation therapy (RT) completion, and 15 (32%) of these patients developed symptomatic RP. The interval between RT completion and radiological RP presentation was shorter in patients who progressed to symptomatic RP (P = .001); progression was highly probable if this latency period was ≤2 months (P = .002). Stage and RT technique correlated with symptomatic RP development (P = .046 and P = .046, respectively). Among dosimetric factors, a V20 (defined as the lung volume receiving ≥20 Gy) of >30% was the most significant predictor of symptomatic RP (P = .001). The NLR and C‐reactive protein level at radiological RP were higher in patients who developed symptomatic RP (P = .067 and P = .012, respectively). On multivariate analysis, a V20 >30% and an NLR at radiological RP >6 were associated with symptomatic RP development.

Conclusion

The NLR at radiological RP is a useful biomarker for predicting symptomatic RP development after CCRT in stage III NSCLC patients.
A Proton Pump Inhibitor in the Reformulation Setting: Bioequivalence and Potential Implications for Long‐Term Safety
Authors: Dubcenco E , Beers‐Block PM , Kim LP , Schotland P , Levine JG , McCloskey CA , Bashaw ED
Published: June 2017

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become known for both their therapeutic effect and good safety profile. An application was submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration for approval of a reformulated PPI product that failed bioequivalence testing, but was submitted on the basis of the long history of PPI use as a “surrogate” for equivalence. This review evaluates the safety data for PPIs, discuss variability of pharmacokinetic parameters of PPIs in the reformulation setting, and potential implications of those changes for long‐term safety.
What factors are associated with abstinence amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers? A cross‐sectional survey of use of cessation aids and quitting approach
Authors: Twyman Laura , Bonevski Billie , Paul Christine , Bryant Jamie , West Robert , Siahpush Mohammad , D'este Catherine , Oldmeadow Christopher , Palazzi Kerrin
Published: June 2017

Introduction and Aims

This study aimed to compare current and ex‐smokers' sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, use of cessation aids and abrupt versus gradual quitting approaches.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of financially disadvantaged adults attending a community service organisation was conducted in New South Wales, Australia, between February 2012 and December 2013. Sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, use of cessation aids and gradual versus abrupt quit approach were assessed. χ2tests and logistic regression compared characteristics of current and ex‐smokers.

Results

Of 905 individuals who completed the survey, 639 (71%) were current smokers and 107 (12%) were ex‐smokers. Ex‐smokers were older [odds ratio (OR) = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01, 1.05], had higher odds of being female (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.06, 2.65), lower odds of being financially stressed (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.76, 0.99), lower odds of anxiety and depression symptoms (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.84, 0.98) and lower odds of having friends and family who were smokers (ORs ranged from 0.30–0.43). Ex‐smokers had lower odds of using cessation aids and higher odds of reporting abrupt quitting during their last quit attempt (OR = 4.48, 95% CI = 2.66, 7.54).

Conclusions

Lower levels of disadvantage, less smoking in social networks, less use of cessation aids and abrupt (vs. gradual) quitting approaches were associated with being an ex‐smoker. Lower use of evidence based methods to quit by disadvantaged ex‐smokers requires further exploration. [Twyman L, Bonevski B, Paul C, Bryant J, West R, Siahpush M, D'este C, Oldmeadow C, Palazzi K. What factors are associated with abstinence amongst socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers? A cross‐sectional survey of use of cessation aids and quitting approach.Drug Alcohol Rev2017;00:000‐000]