bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial, seasonal and individual variation in the diet of White‐tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla assessed using stable isotope ratios
Authors: Nadjafzadeh Mirjam , Voigt Christian C. , Krone Oliver
Published: September 2015

Many raptor species are considered to be generalists, taking a range of prey species. However, longitudinal dietary records are often scarce, although necessary for characterizing niche width of species at population and individual levels. Quantifying raptor diets at large spatio‐temporal scales is often necessary for refining conservation efforts, although it can be particularly difficult and may involve a great effort by conventional means. Therefore, we adopted the analysis of stable isotopes in tissues of predators and their potential food sources as a complementary methodology for assessing animals' diet. We examined the isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N) of White‐tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla from Germany, Finland and Greenland to detect patterns of dietary variation and quantify diet composition. The isotopic analysis included liver and muscle samples from Eagles of the three populations together with 16 potential food sources in the German population. Our results suggested dietary differences between German and Greenlandic Eagles, in accordance with the availability of freshwater and marine habitats in each population. Within the German population, we found seasonal shifts in isotopic ratios, suggesting the birds responded to temporal changes in food availabilities, and age‐related isotopic differences, indicating different diets in adults and juveniles. Isotopic values of liver and muscle tissues collected from the same animal showed intra‐individual short‐term changes in the German and Finnish but not Greenlandic population. This suggests that local feeding niches of this generalist predator may vary with local food supplies, which determines the niche width (from generalist to specialist) at the individual level. Our results also revealed that game mammal carcasses constitute an important food source (29.5% of diet) for the German Eagle population during the winter half‐year corresponding to the hunting season. This result is of relevance to management and conservation because the White‐tailed Eagle and other raptor species are affected by the ingestion of lead ammunition from shot mammalian carcasses.
Oral cancer screening: knowledge is not enough
Authors: Tax CL , Haslam S Kim , Brillant MGS , Doucette HJ , Cameron JE , Wade SE
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate whether dental hygienists are transferring their knowledge of oral cancer screening into practice. This study also wanted to gain insight into the barriers that might prevent dental hygienists from performing these screenings.

Methods

A 27‐item survey instrument was constructed to study the oral cancer screening practices of licensed dental hygienists in Nova Scotia. A total of 623 practicing dental hygienists received the survey. The response rate was 34% (n = 212) yielding a maximum margin of error of 5.47 at a 95% confidence level. Descriptive statistics were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics v21 software (Armonk, NY:IBM Corp). Qualitative thematic analysis was performed on any open‐ended responses.

Results

This study revealed that while dental hygienists perceived themselves as being knowledgeable about oral cancer screening, they were not transferring this knowledge to actual practice. Only a small percentage (13%) of respondents were performing a comprehensive extra‐oral examination, and 7% were performing a comprehensive intra‐oral examination. The respondents identified several barriers that prevented them from completing a comprehensive oral cancer screening.

Conclusions

Early detection of oral cancer reduces mortality rates so there is a professional responsibility to ensure that comprehensive oral cancer screenings are being performed on patients. Dental hygienists may not have the authority in a dental practice to overcome all of the barriers that are preventing them from performing these screenings. Public awareness about oral cancer screenings could increase the demand for screenings and thereby play a role in changing practice norms.
Mechanical Properties of Photomultiplier Tube Glasses for Neutrino Detection
Authors: Dongol Ruhil , Chambliss Kameron , Sundaram Shanmugavelayutham K. , Diwan Milind V.
Published: September 2015

Photomultiplier tubes (PMT) are one of the primary components of water Cherenkov neutrino detection for the Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE). Thousands of 10‐ to 12‐inch diameter PMT bulbs are placed in the inner wall of a detection tank or a reservoir (e.g., deep mine) filled with 10,000 gallons of high purity water with a resistivity of 11–18.24 MΩ‐cm. Long‐term service of PMTs is vital to the success of neutrino detection projects. We report our results of our investigation on mechanical properties of PMT glasses from two vendors and the effect of ion exchange on their mechanical strength. Vickers indentation, four‐point bend test, and ring‐on‐ring biaxial flexural strength test were used for evaluation of the mechanical strength. Chemical (potassium–sodium ion exchange) strengthening results show increased strength of 46% in one vendor glass and a 57% increase in the other, with no significant reduction in optical transmission in the ultraviolet‐visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum that is critical to neutrino detection. Our results also show narrowing of the distribution of strength calculated using Weibull statistics with chemical strengthening for comparable exchange depths of 22–28 μm.
Glass and Rare‐Earth Elements: A Personal Perspective
Authors: Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: September 2015

Light‐based technologies are strongly supported by various glass materials in general. This article focuses on glasses containing rare‐earth elements, doped fibers, as well as their photonic functions such as optical amplifications in fiber telecommunication. Scientific progress and applications of rare‐earth spectroscopy and technologies of doped glasses and fibers in recent 60 years have been more than dramatic. Development of various laser diodes has been strongly linked with realization of novel devices of rare‐earth‐doped glasses. In addition to many milestones listed in the resolution of International Year of Light, we should notice that 2015 is also the 50th anniversary of the erbium‐doped glass laser, which is later transformed into the optical fiber amplifier, the enabler of today's information society.
Socio‐demographic basic factors of German customers as predictors for sustainable consumerism regarding foodstuffs and meat products
Authors: Mohr Manuel , Schlich Michaela
Published: September 2015

An important step in promoting sustainable purchase behaviour is to explore the understanding of responsible consumerism from the consumers’ point of view. For this purpose, a study among 1040 German consumers was carried out using a two‐pronged approach. First, open‐ended questions were used to explore the characteristics of sustainable food consumption in general as well as the willingness and meaningfulness of a low‐meat diet from the consumers’ point of view. After that the interactive structure behind the term was studied using a quantitative empirical method. As standard of evaluation the four underlying socio‐demographic factors gender, age, wealth and education are used. Apart from the consumers’ financial situation, the applied statistics show significant correlations of the propensity for sustainable consumerism to each of the above factors. Women, middle‐aged and well‐educated consumers show a greater tendency to purchase environmentally and socially sustainable products. Accordingly, the suitability of socio‐demographic factors is confirmed in this study. The open‐ended questions fathom what attributes consumers connect with sustainable food consumption, in particularly with regard to the consumption of meat. It is clear that attributes that affect consumers directly and attributes which can be directly influenced by their actions are better perceived by the consumer. Altruistic factors or abstract aspects of food consumption (e.g. climate protection) are generally of less significance. Conversely, factors which concern the value added chain, like for example, origin and processing, have priority. To conclude, the findings enable the identification of the variables determining the sustainability construct. This allows policy makers to develop customized incentive systems. Similarly, private sector stakeholders are enabled to adapt marketing activities and their product mix to consumer demands.
Fermented beverage emulsion based on donkey milk with sunflower oil
Authors: Tidona Flavio , Charfi Ichrak , Povolo Milena , Pelizzola Valeria , Carminati Domenico , Contarini Giovanna , Giraffa Giorgio
Published: September 2015

Sunflower oil was added to donkey milk to increase the low energetic intake and improve both texture and healthy characteristics. This milk‐based emulsion was fermented using a binary association of two strains of Streptococcus thermophilus showing distinctive abilities. One strain (St 907) produced ropy exopolysaccharide (EPS), whereas the other strain (St 563) produced folic acid. Fermentation was stopped at pH 5.0 to prevent whey separation. The refrigerated product was stable at least for 20 days and showed improved viscoelastic properties due to the EPS combined with the oil droplets. The volatile profile was constituted of ketones, aldehydes, alcohols and fatty acids, mainly originated from microbial fermentation, whereas few other compounds suggested the presence of oxidative processes. The folic acid content in the fermented beverage was increased by more than 10 times (2.03 ± 0.17 μg/100 mL) with respect to that found in donkey milk (0.16 ± 0.03 μg/100 mL).
Effects of cofermentation and sequential inoculation of Saccharomyces bayanus and Torulaspora delbruckii on durian wine composition
Authors: Lu Yuyun , Huang Dejian , Lee Pin‐Rou , Liu Shao‐Quan
Published: September 2015

This work investigated the effects of cofermentation and sequential inoculation of Torulaspora delbrueckiiBiodiva and Saccharomyces bayanusEC‐1118 on chemical and volatile components of durian wines. Cofermentation and sequential inoculation resulted in higher production of ethanol (6.2% and 7.7% v/v, respectively) relative to the control (5.3% for S. bayanus and 5.8% for T. delbrueckii). Further, cofermentation and sequential inoculation produced higher amounts of acetyl esters and higher alcohols especially isoamyl alcohol and 2‐phenylethyl alcohol than monoculture fermentation. Most endogenous sulphur volatiles, especially disulphides that impart a character‐impact durian odour, declined to trace levels, but new ones such as thioesters were formed. Sulphur volatiles in the durian wines fermented by cofermentation and sequential inoculation accounted for 0.03% and 0.05% of total peak area. The study suggests that the use of S. bayanus in conjunction with non‐Saccharomyces such as T. delbrueckii may improve the aromatic intensity and complexity of durian wine.
Comparison of white blood cell counts by WNR, WDF, and WPC channels in Sysmex XN hematology analyzer
Authors: Kim H. , Hur M. , Choi S.‐G. , Oh K.‐M. , Moon H.‐W. , Yun Y.‐M.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

The Sysmex XN modular system (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan) uses a novel technology for white blood cell (WBC) count and differential, using separate channels: white cell nucleated (WNR), WBC differential (WDF), and white progenitor cell (WPC) channels. We questioned how concordant WBC counts would be between them.

Methods

In a total of 6327 consecutive specimens, WBC counts were compared between WNR and WDF channels. They were also compared in three groups of WBC counts and two groups of chemotherapy status. In 508 specimens from the 4361 specimens that were run on the XN‐20 module, the WPC channel was used for reflex test. Data were compared using Pearson's correlation, absolute difference, and percent difference (%D).

Results

WBC counts between WNR and WDF channels showed very high correlations in total specimens (r = 0.9976) and in the groups of WBC counts and chemotherapy. As WBC count increased, absolute difference increased, while %D decreased (P < 0.0001, both). Percent difference was 1.55% in total specimens and showed the highest value in the severe leukopenia group (<1.0 × 109/L, 6.18%).

Conclusions

This is the first large‐scale study on novel channel technology for WBC counts in the Sysmex XN. WBC counts by WNR, WDF, and WPC channels are highly correlated, and they are overall interchangeable and reliable.
Sirtuin/Uncoupling Protein Gene Variants and Carotid Plaque Area and Morphology
Authors: Dong Chuanhui , Della-Morte David , Cabral Digna , Wang Liyong , Blanton Susan H. , Seemant Chaturvedi , Sacco Ralph L. , Rundek Tatjana
Published: September 2015

Background

Sirtuins and uncoupling proteins have been implicated in cardiovascular diseases by controlling oxidative stress.

Aims

We sought to investigate the association of sirtuins and uncoupling proteins single nucleotide polymorphisms with total carotid plaque area and morphology measured by ultrasonographic gray scale median.

Methods

We analyzed 1356 stroke-free subjects (60% women, mean age = 68 ± 9 years) from the Northern Manhattan Study. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the association of 85 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 11 sirtuins/uncoupling protein genes with total plaque area and gray scale median after controlling for demographics, vascular risk factors (RFs), and population stratification. We investigated effect modifications of these relationship by gender and RFs and performed stratified analysis if the interaction effect had P < 0·005.

Results

Among individuals with present plaque (55%), the mean total plaque area was 20·3 ± 20·8 mm2 and gray scale median 90 ± 29. After adjustment, SIRT6 rs107251 was significantly associated with total plaque area ( β = 0·30 per copy of T allele increase, Bonferroni-corrected P = 0·005). T allele carriers of rs1430583 in UCP1 showed a decreased gray scale median in women but not in men. The minor allele carriers of rs4980329 and rs12363280 in SIRT3 had higher gray scale median in men but not in women. Variants in UCP3 gene were significantly associated with higher mean gray scale median in individuals with dyslipidemia.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in SIRT6/UCP1 genes may be important for increased carotid plaque burden and echodensity, but translation of these findings to an individual risk of cerebrovascular events needs further investigation. Significant associations of rs1430583 in women, rs12363280 in men, and rs1685354 in those with dyslipidemia also deserve further investigations.
Differentiation of welfare regimes: The case of Italy
Authors: Bertin Giovanni , Carradore Marco
Published: September 2015

The different welfare system classifications mainly address systems on the national level, while the local levels have not been considered in any great detail. The welfare reform measures adopted in some countries have led to more autonomy on the local level. Consequently, local authorities have adopted different social policies and developed diverse welfare services. This article addresses the case of Italy and shows that classifying a welfare regime by considering only the national level can lead to important local features being missed that are indeed relevant for its classification. The units of analysis are the 20 administrative regions of Italy. The results demonstrate that the Italian welfare system is far from being a homogeneous system and that the resources available on the local level have a considerable effect on the level of the welfare services provided. These results show that more attention needs to be directed at the local level.
Clinicopathological characteristics and oncological outcomes in patients with renal cell carcinoma registered in 2007: The first large‐scale multicenter study from the Cancer Registration Committee of the Japanese Urological Association
Authors: Kanayama Hiro‐omi , Fukumori Tomoharu , Fujimoto Hiroyuki , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Ohyama Chikara , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Eto Masatoshi , Miki Tsuneharu , Kamoi Kazumi , Kubota Yoshinobu , Takahashi Satoru , Homma Yukio , Naito Seiji
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To describe the clinicopathological features and oncological outcomes of renal cell carcinoma diagnosed in Japan in 2007, the results of the large‐scale renal cell carcinoma registration study carried out by the Japanese Urological Association are reported.

Methods

The renal cell carcinoma survey was carried out by the Japanese Urological Association in 2012 to register newly diagnosed renal cell carcinoma cases in 2007 from 340 institutions nationwide. The survey included clinicopathological details, such as sex, age, family history, past history, smoking history, body mass index, reason for diagnosis, TNM classification, stage, histopathology, treatment and clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 3663 cases diagnosed in 2007 were registered in this renal cell carcinoma registry program from 340 institutions. A total of 15 patients with a final diagnosis of oncocytoma were excluded, and 3648 cases of renal cell carcinoma were analyzed to evaluate oncological outcomes. The patients’ median age was 63.9 years (range 5.9–95.1 years). Clear cell renal cell carcinoma was the most common histological subtype (77.2%), followed by papillary (5.0%) and chromophobe (3.2%) renal cell carcinoma. The most common initial treatment was radical nephrectomy (72.6%), and the most common secondary treatment was cytokine therapy (13.1%). Five‐year overall survival rates in stages I, II, III, and IV were 94.8%, 90.2%, 78.8% and 39.6%, respectively. The 5‐year overall survival rates for clear cell, papillary and chromophobe renal cell carcinomas, and carcinoma of the collecting ducts of Bellini were 88.6%, 79.8%, 93.0% and 40.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

The present report is the first nationwide large‐scale study to describe the clinicopathological characteristics and oncological outcomes of patients with renal cell carcinoma in Japan. Oncological outcomes depend on the clinical stage and histological subtype. Further investigations will be required to show improved oncological outcomes in the molecular targeted therapy era using the results of the present study as a baseline.
Thalidomide in angiodysplasia‐related bleeding
Authors: Boey J. P. , Hahn U. , Sagheer S. , McRae S. J.
Published: September 2015

Gastrointestinal haemorrhage from angiodysplastic lesions is not only difficult to identify, but often refractory to endoscopic intervention. Patients often require substantial transfusion support. Thalidomide has emerged as a promising medical strategy in angiodysplasia‐related bleeding. We present our experience and report the findings from a review of the literature. Despite its side‐effect profile, thalidomide remains the therapeutic modality with the best evidence in this difficult clinical scenario.
Risk of suicide in Australian adults with diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis W. A. , Starkstein S. E. , Bruce D. G. , Davis T. M. E.
Published: September 2015

Type 1 diabetes is associated with increased suicide risk. Data for older diabetic individuals are inconsistent. In longitudinal data from 1413 adults recruited to the Fremantle Diabetes Study from 1993–1996 and 5660 matched non‐diabetic residents, followed to end‐2012, the age and sex‐adjusted sub‐hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for suicide in diabetic versus non‐diabetic individuals was 1.16 (0.38–3.51). Older Australians with diabetes are not at increased suicide risk.
Building a sustainable clinical academic workforce to meet the future healthcare needs of Australia and New Zealand: report from the first summit meeting
Authors: Windsor J. , Searle J. , Hanney R. , Chapman A. , Grigg M. , Choong P. , Mackay A. , Smithers B. M. , Churchill J. A. , Carney S. , Smith J. A. , Wainer Z. , Talley N. J. , Gladman M. A.
Published: September 2015

The delivery of healthcare that meets the requirements for quality, safety and cost‐effectiveness relies on a well‐trained medical workforce, including clinical academics whose career includes a specific commitment to research, education and/or leadership. In 2011, the Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand published a review on the clinical academic workforce and recommended the development of an integrated training pathway for clinical academics. A bi‐national Summit on Clinical Academic Training was recently convened to bring together all relevant stakeholders to determine how best to do this. An important part understood the lessons learnt from the UK experience after 10 years since the introduction of an integrated training pathway. The outcome of the summit was to endorse strongly the recommendations of the medical deans. A steering committee has been established to identify further stakeholders, solicit more information from stakeholder organisations, convene a follow‐up summit meeting in late 2015, recruit pilot host institutions and engage the government and future funders.
CD73‐mediated adenosine production promotes stem cell‐like properties in mouse Tc17 cells
Authors: Flores‐Santibáñez Felipe , Fernández Dominique , Meza Daniel , Tejón Gabriela , Vargas Leonardo , Varela‐Nallar Lorena , Arredondo Sebastián , Guixé Victoria , Rosemblatt Mario , Bono María Rosa , Sauma Daniela
Published: September 2015

The CD73 ectonucleotidase catalyses the hydrolysis of AMP to adenosine, an immunosuppressive molecule. Recent evidence has demonstrated that this ectonucleotidase is up‐regulated in T helper type 17 cells when generated in the presence of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and hence CD73 expression is related to the acquisition of immunosuppressive potential by these cells. TGF‐β is also able to induce CD73 expression in CD8+ T cells but the function of this ectonucleotidase in CD8+ T cells is still unknown. Here, we show that Tc17 cells present high levels of the CD73 ectonucleotidase and produce adenosine; however, they do not suppress the proliferation of CD4+ T cells. Interestingly, we report that adenosine signalling through A2A receptor favours interleukin‐17 production and the expression of stem cell‐associated transcription factors such as tcf‐7 and lef‐1 but restrains the acquisition of Tc1‐related effector molecules such as interferon‐γ and Granzyme B by Tc17 cells. Within the tumour microenvironment, CD73 is highly expressed in CD62L+ CD127+ CD8+ T cells (memory T cells) and is down‐regulated in GZMB+ KLRG1+ CD8+ T cells (terminally differentiated T cells), demonstrating that CD73 is expressed in memory/naive cells and is down‐regulated during differentiation. These data reveal a novel function of CD73 ectonucleotidase in arresting CD8+ T‐cell differentiation and support the idea that CD73‐driven adenosine production by Tc17 cells may promote stem cell‐like properties in Tc17 cells.
Bimodal Grain Size Distribution of Nanostructured Ferritic ODS Fe–Cr Alloys
Authors: Hilger Isabell , Bergner Frank , Weißgärber Thomas
Published: September 2015

Oxide dispersion strengthened Fe–Cr alloys produced by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering were found to form different heterogeneous hardness distribution and microstructures depending on the milling parameters. Microstructure investigations by means of electron‐diffraction techniques and atom probe tomography revealed the presence of large particle‐free zones in one material, which is, together with the inhomogeneous deformation at short milling times, considered the main reason for the formation of a heterogeneous microstructure. The inhomogeneous temperature distribution in the sample volume during the sintering process is also expected to contribute to the formation of a heterogeneous grain size distribution in the final material.
A Novel Highly Sensitive Humidity Sensor Based on ZnO/SBA‐15 Hybrid Nanocomposite
Authors: Tomer Vijay K. , Duhan Surender , Malik Ritu , Nehra Satya P. , Devi Sunita
Published: September 2015

This work deals with the study of hydrothermally synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) loaded mesoporous SBA‐15 hybrid nanocomposite for relative humidity sensing (RH) at room temperature. The sensor exhibits an excellent ~5 orders impedance change along with excellent linearity, quick response time (17 s), rapid recovery time (18 s), negligible hysteresis (1.2%), good repeatability, and stability (1.8%) in 11%–98% RH range. In addition, complex impedance spectra of the sensor at different RHs were analyzed to understand the humidity sensing mechanism. Our study can open a new way for realizing ZnO/SBA‐15 hybrid nanocomposite for fabrication of high‐performance RH sensors.
Cerium Titanate (Ce2Ti2O7): A Ferroelectric Ceramic with Perovskite‐Like Layered Structure (PLS)
Authors: Gao Zhipeng , Liu Lixin , Han Xu , Meng Xiangfu , Cao Linhong , Ma Guohua , Liu Yusheng , Yang Jia , Xie Qinghai , He Hongliang
Published: September 2015

A perovskite‐like layer‐structured compound, Ce2Ti2O7, was prepared in the argon atmosphere using solid reaction process. Single phase and dense Ce2Ti2O7 ceramic was fabricated by high‐pressure sintering at 4 GPa and 1100°C. This compound is unstable in oxygen/air when temperature is above 400°C, but it is stable under argon/vacuum. Differential scanning calorimetry result shown Ce2Ti2O7 has a phase transition at 1073°C, which might be the Curie point. The ferroelectricity of Ce2Ti2O7 was confirmed by the piezoelectric activity after poling (d33 = 0.4 ± 0.2 pC/N) for the first time.
Project SEARCH UK – Evaluating Its Employment Outcomes
Authors: Kaehne Axel
Published: September 2015

Background

The study reports the findings of an evaluation of Project SEARCH UK. The programme develops internships for young people with intellectual disabilities who are about to leave school or college. The aim of the evaluation was to investigate at what rate Project SEARCH provided employment opportunities to participants.

Methods

The evaluation obtained data from all sites operational in the UK at the time of evaluation (n = 17) and analysed employment outcomes.

Results

Data were available for 315 young people (n = 315) in the programme and pay and other employment related data were available for a subsample. The results of the analysis suggest that Project SEARCH achieves on average employment rates of around 50 per cent.

Conclusion

Project SEARCH UK represents a valuable addition to the supported employment provision in the UK. Its unique model should inform discussions around best practice in supported employment. Implications for other supported employment programmes are discussed.
Breaking out of biogeographical modules: range expansion and taxon cycles in the hyperdiverse ant genus Pheidole
Authors: Economo Evan P. , Sarnat Eli M. , Janda Milan , Clouse Ronald , Klimov Pavel B. , Fischer Georg , Blanchard Benjamin D. , Ramirez Lizette N. , Andersen Alan N. , Berman Maia , Guénard Benoit , Lucky Andrea , Rabeling Christian , Wilson Edward O. , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: September 2015

Aim

We sought to reconstruct the biogeographical structure and dynamics of a hyperdiverse ant genus, Pheidole, and to test several predictions of the taxon cycle hypothesis. Using large datasets on Pheidole geographical distributions and phylogeny, we (1) inferred patterns of biogeographical modularity (clusters of areas with similar faunal composition), (2) tested whether species in open habitats are more likely to be expanding their range beyond module boundaries, and (3) tested whether there is a bias of lineage flow from high‐ to low‐diversity areas.

Location

The Old World.

Methods

We compiled and jointly analysed a comprehensive database of Pheidole geographical distributions, the ecological affinities of different species, and a multilocus phylogeny of the Old World radiation. We used network modularity methods to infer biogeographical structure in the genus and comparative methods to evaluate the hypotheses.

Results

The network analysis identified eight biogeographical modules, and a suite of species with anomalous ranges that are statistically more likely to occur in open habitat, supporting the hypothesis that open habitats promote range expansion. Phylogenetic analysis shows evidence for a cascade pattern of colonization from Asia to New Guinea to the Pacific, but no ‘upstream’ colonization in the reverse direction.

Main conclusions

The distributions of Pheidole lineages in the Old World are highly modular, with modules generally corresponding to biogeographical regions inferred in other groups of organisms. However, some lineages have expanded their ranges across module boundaries, and these species are more likely to be adapted to open habitats rather than interior forest. In addition, there is a cascade pattern of dispersal from higher to lower diversity areas during these range expansions. Our findings are consistent with the taxon cycle hypothesis, although they do not rule out alternative interpretations.
Long‐Term Results of Radiofrequency Hot Balloon Ablation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Safety and Rhythm Outcomes
Authors: YAMAGUCHI YOSHIO , SOHARA HIROSHI , TAKEDA HIROSHI , NAKAMURA YOSHINORI , IHARA MINORU , HIGUCHI SATOSHI , SATAKE SHUTARO
Published: September 2015

Long‐Term Outcomes Following Hot Balloon Ablation

Introduction

Isolation of pulmonary veins (PVs) and the posterior left atrium (LA) can be safely performed by radiofrequency hot balloon (RHB)‐based box isolation. However, data on long‐term effects for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) by the use of this method remain limited.

Methods and Results

We treated 238 patients with paroxysmal AF (194 male; age. 62.6 ± 9.4 years) by RHB ablation. During 6.2‐year (75 months) follow‐up, 154 (64.7%) patients were free from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs) without antiarrhythmic‐drugs (AADs). We performed re‐ablation in 69 of 84 patients with ATA recurrence (average 1.3 ± 0.6; median 1, total 91 procedures) using a 3D‐mapping system and a conventional catheter. The sites of reconnection were observed at the PV in 61 of 69 (88.4%) patients and at the posterior LA in 58 of 69 (84.1%) patients. Finally, during mean follow‐up of 4.6 ± 1.6 years, no‐ATA episodes were detected in 201 (84.5%) patients without AADs. Independent predictors of ATA recurrence following a single procedure were heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HR: 2.67, 95%CI: 1.40–5.10, P = 0.003) and low estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR: 1.81, 95%CI: 1.11–2.93, P = 0.03; cut‐off of 62.0 mL/min/1.73 m2). During the follow‐up period, there were 4 (1.7%) patients with PV stenosis (>70% reduction in PV diameter); however, none of these cases required intervention. Phrenic nerve palsy was detected in 8 patients (3.4%), but resolved during 3 months in all cases.

Conclusion

RHB ablation can be effective during a long‐term follow‐up for patients with paroxysmal AF. Safety outcomes were within an acceptable range.
The Role of the Atrial Electromechanical Delay in Predicting Atrial Fibrillation in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Patients
Authors: RUSSO VINCENZO , RAGO ANNA , CIARDIELLO CARMINE , RUSSO MARIA GIOVANNA , CALABRÒ PAOLO , POLITANO LUISA , NIGRO GERARDO
Published: September 2015

Myotonic Dystrophy and Atrial Fibrillation

Background

Paroxysmal atrial tachyarrhythmias frequently occur in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the atrial electromechanical‐delay (AEMD) in a DM1‐population with normal cardiac function and its relationship to atrial fibrillation (AF) onset.

Methods and Results

Fifty DM1 patients (28 male; mean age 34.2 ± 11.4 years) and 50 healthy subjects used as controls, matched for age and gender, were studied for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation during a 4‐year follow‐up, through 30‐day external loop recorder (ELR) monitoring performed every 6 months. Intra‐AEMD and inter‐AEMD of both atrium were measured through tissue‐Doppler echocardiography. Compared to the healthy control group, the DM1 group showed a statistically significant increase in inter‐AEMD and intraleft‐AEMD. Dividing the DM1‐group into 2 subgroups (patients with or without AF), the inter‐AEMD and intraleft‐AEMD were significantly higher in the subgroup with AF compared to the subgroup without AF. A cut off value of 39.2 milliseconds for intraleft‐AEMD had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 90% in identifying DM1 patients with AF risk. A cut off value of 57.7 milliseconds for inter‐AEMD had a sensitivity of 84.2% and a specificity of 93.5% in identifying this category of patients.

Conclusion

Our results showed that the echocardiographic atrial electromechanical delay indices (intraleft and inter‐AEMD) were significantly increased in DM1 subjects with normal cardiac function. Intraleft and inter‐AEMD represent noninvasive, inexpensive, useful and simple parameters to assess the AF risk in DM1 patients.
The Selective Cardiac Late Sodium Current Inhibitor GS‐458967 Suppresses Autonomically Triggered Atrial Fibrillation in an Intact Porcine Model
Authors: CARNEIRO JULIANA SARAN , BENTO AFONSO S. ALVES , BACIC DANILO , NEARING BRUCE D. , RAJAMANI SRIDHARAN , BELARDINELLI LUIZ , VERRIER RICHARD L.
Published: September 2015

GS‐967 Suppresses AF

Introduction

The anti‐atrial fibrillation (AF) effects of GS‐458967 (GS‐967), a selective, potent inhibitor of cardiac late Na+ current (INa), were evaluated in a novel model of AF induction that does not require electrical stimuli.

Methods and Results

In 6 closed‐chest anesthetized pigs, AF was induced by intrapericardial acetylcholine (1 mL of 100 mM solution) followed within 1 minute by epinephrine (20 μg/kg, i.v., bolus over 1 min). Effects of GS‐967 (0.4 mg/kg, i.v., infused over 30 min) on inducibility and duration of AF were analyzed. Administration of acetylcholine followed by epinephrine elicited spontaneous AF that persisted for 12.03 ± 1.22 minutes (mean ± SEM) in all 6 pigs. Following GS‐967, AF did not occur in 5 of 6 pigs when plasma concentration was 383 ± 150 nM. In the single animal in which AF could still be induced, the arrhythmia lasted 6.3 minutes. Partial return of AF inducibility occurred in 2 of 6 animals at 90 minutes, when plasma concentration of GS‐967 was 228 ± 35 nM. GS‐967 reduced the QT interval (P = 0.004), consistent with cardiac late INa inhibition, but did not affect heart rate, mean arterial pressure, QRS duration, or PR interval. Epinephrine infusion alone, tested in a separate group (N = 6), did not provoke AF.

Conclusion

Selective cardiac late INa inhibition with GS‐967 suppresses spontaneous induction of AF in a novel model that does not require provocative electrical stimuli. Because this mode of action has only a mild on effect on contractility, it offers an advantage over contemporary anti‐AF agents, which can have negative inotropic actions.
Treatment Failure With Rhythm and Rate Control Strategies in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Congestive Heart Failure: An AF‐CHF Substudy
Authors: DYRDA KATIA , ROY DENIS , LEDUC HUGUES , TALAJIC MARIO , STEVENSON LYNNE WARNER , GUERRA PETER G. , ANDRADE JASON , DUBUC MARC , MACLE LAURENT , THIBAULT BERNARD , RIVARD LENA , KHAIRY PAUL
Published: September 2015

Treatment Failures in AF‐CHF

Introduction

Rate and rhythm control strategies for atrial fibrillation (AF) are not always effective or well tolerated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). We assessed reasons for treatment failure, associated characteristics, and effects on survival.

Methods and Results

A total of 1,376 patients enrolled in the AF‐CHF trial were followed for 37  ±  19 months, 206 (15.0%) of whom failed initial therapy leading to crossover. Rhythm control was abandoned more frequently than rate control (21.0% vs. 9.1%, P < 0.0001). Crossovers from rhythm to rate control were driven by inefficacy, whereas worsening heart failure was the most common reason to crossover from rate to rhythm control. In multivariate analyses, failure of rhythm control was associated with female sex, higher serum creatinine, functional class III or IV symptoms, lack of digoxin, and oral anticoagulation. Factors independently associated with failure of rate control were paroxysmal (vs. persistent) AF, statin therapy, and presence of an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator. Crossovers were not associated with cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.11 from rhythm to rate control; 95% confidence interval [95% CI, 0.73–1.73]; P = 0.6069; HR 1.29 from rate to rhythm control; 95% CI, 0.73–2.25; P = 0.3793) or all‐cause mortality (HR 1.16 from rhythm to rate control, 95% CI [0.79–1.72], P = 0.4444; HR 1.15 from rate to rhythm control, 95% [0.69, 1.91], P = 0.5873).

Conclusions

Rhythm control is abandoned more frequently than rate control in patients with AF and CHF. The most common reasons for treatment failure are inefficacy for rhythm control and worsening heart failure for rate control. Changing strategies does not impact survival.
Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ipragliflozin in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycemic control with metformin: Results of a phase 3 randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, multicenter trial
Authors: Lu Chieh‐Hsiang , Min Kyung Wan , Chuang Lee‐Ming , Kokubo Satoshi , Yoshida Satoshi , Cha Bong‐Soo
Published: September 2015

Aims/Introduction

To determine the efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin in combination with metformin in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

This phase 3, multicenter, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, parallel‐group study was carried out at 18 sites in Korea and 12 sites in Taiwan. After an 8‐week washout period for patients using drugs other than metformin and a 2‐week run‐in period, patients were randomized to either 50 mg ipragliflozin or a placebo for 24 weeks while continuing metformin. Efficacy outcomes included the changes in hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and bodyweight from baseline to the end of treatment (with last observation carried forward). Safety outcomes included treatment‐emergent adverse events.

Results

Between November 2011 and January 2013, 171 patients were randomized to and administered ipragliflozin (n = 87) or a placebo (n = 83). The mean changes (standard deviation) in hemoglobin A1c were −0.94% (0.75%) and −0.47% (0.81%) in the ipragliflozin and placebo groups, respectively (between‐group difference −0.46%, P < 0.001). The changes in fasting plasma glucose and bodyweight were also significantly greater in the ipragliflozin group, with between‐group differences of −14.1 mg/dL and −1.24 kg, respectively (both P < 0.001). The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events (ipragliflozin vs placebo) were upper respiratory tract infection (9.2% vs 12.0%) and urinary tract infection (6.9% vs 2.4%).

Conclusions

These results show that ipragliflozin is effective and well tolerated when used in combination with metformin in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Seasonal patterns and individual differences in the calls of male haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus
Authors: Casaretto L. , Picciulin M. , Hawkins A. D.
Published: September 2015

Haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus males observed in captivity proved to be vocally active throughout the whole year, although the highest levels of vocal activity were reached in the spawning season between February and April. During this season, the most common type of sound consisted of sequences of regularly repeated, almost identical, double‐pulsed knocks (KN). These sequences were mostly associated with a particular behaviour pattern, the patrolling display, which has previously been shown to play a key role in territoriality and spawning. Differences in the double‐pulsed KNs produced by three individual males were demonstrated by two different statistical methods and it is suggested that these differences may allow individual males to be discriminated by other fish, perhaps conveying fitness‐related information on the sender. Some aspects of the calls changed seasonally, perhaps reflecting observed variations in the mass of the drumming muscles. When using passive listening to locate M. aeglefinus spawning grounds, the physical characteristics of the sounds may indicate how close the individual males are to spawning.
Geographical variability in life‐history traits of a midslope dogfish: the brier shark Deania calcea
Authors: Rochowski B. E. A. , Walker T. I. , Day R. W.
Published: September 2015

Deania calcea (n = 420) were collected from the catch of deep‐water trawlers in the southern and eastern scalefish and shark fishery in southern Australia during the years 2008–2011. The total length (LT) range varied between sexes, females being larger (n = 264; 280–1530 mm) than males (n = 156; 310–921 mm). The reproductive cycle in this population is non‐continuous and asynchronous. The estimated LT at which 50% of males are mature is 807 mm and is 914 mm for females. Populations of D. calcea in higher latitudes appear to mature at a larger size than conspecifics in lower latitudes, in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Litters ranged from three to 10 embryos with a 1:1 sex ratio, but litter size does not increase with maternal LT. Deania calcea shows geographical variability in its biological parameters and gathering information on life‐history traits of populations is vital to understand the trade‐offs made by this species in response to environmental conditions and to predict intraspecific spatial differences. Such information is a basis for specific spatial management to protect populations from excessive fishing.
The role of the hydrological cycle on the distribution patterns of fish assemblages in an Andean stream
Authors: Ríos‐Pulgarín M. I. , Barletta M. , Mancera‐Rodríguez N. J.
Published: September 2015

The seasonal and interannual changes of the fish assemblage in the main channel and littoral zone of the Guarinó River, a torrential system located in the Colombian Andean foothills, were examined in relation to the physical and chemical environmental changes associated with the hydrological cycle and the El Niño–La Niña–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) between 2007 and 2010. Four samplings per year (in dry season and high water) were performed. Environmental variables (temperature, pH, conductivity, turbidity, oxygen, total nitrogen, orthophosphate, depth and flow rate) were contrasted with ANOVAs and a discriminant analysis to establish temporal patterns. Biological descriptors (richness, density and biomass) were contrasted with ANCOVAs. The temporal patterns of the taxonomic and functional composition and the density of the fish assemblages were examined with respect to environmental variables through canonical discriminant analysis per habitat. Interannual differences were significant with regard to density and richness for the main channel habitat; while in the littoral zone, the differences were significant between both the year and seasons. Discriminant analysis showed variations in species composition and relative abundance between the main channel and the littoral zone under contrasting hydrological conditions of El Niño–La Niña. High flows from 2008 to 2009 (La Niña) favoured resident species (e.g. Creagrutus magdalenae) and small benthic Siluriformes (e.g. Chaetostoma spp.), but was limited to migratory species (e.g. Prochilodus magdalenae). From 2009 to 2010 (El Niño), the most common species were reduced and rare species increased. River flow, temperature and oxygen were the variables that had the largest influences on the seasonal and interannual differences in the fish assemblage structure of the Guarinó River. The results suggested that the presence and abundance of species and functional groups in different habitats were regulated by stochastic conditions, such as droughts, floods and drag events associated with the Southern Oscillation phenomenon (ENSO), acting as a hydrological disturbance on the habitats and generating different responses according to the adaptive characteristics of the species.
Loss Due to Death and its Association with Mental Disorders in Juvenile Detainees
Authors: Harnisher Julie Laken , Abram Karen , Washburn Jason , Stokes Marquita , Azores‐Gococo Nicole , Teplin Linda
Published: September 2015

This study investigated the prevalence of loss due to death and its association with mental disorders in a random sample of 898 newly detained adolescents in Chicago, Illinois. Nearly 90% of youth experienced the loss of an important person; most had also experienced a “high‐risk” loss (e.g., loss due to violence, sudden loss). Minority youth were at particular risk. Youth with any loss or multiple losses were more likely to have mood disorders and ADHD/behavioral disorders, respectively, than youth who had no such losses. Interventions focusing on modifiable protective factors following loss may increase positive outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Variation in the hyphal growth rate and the virulence of two genotypes of the crayfish plague organism Aphanomyces astaci
Authors: Viljamaa‐Dirks S , Heinikainen S , Virtala A‐M K , Torssonen H , Pelkonen S
Published: September 2015

Crayfish plague, a devastating disease of freshwater crayfish, is caused by an oomycete organism, Aphanomyces astaci. Currently five genotypes of A. astaci are known, but variable features between the strains or genotypes have not been studied extensively. This study analysed 28 isolates of the As genotype and 25 isolates of the Ps1 genotype and reveals that the radial growth rate is significantly (P < 0.001) different between these two genotypes, although highly variable inside the genotype As. Two Ps1 genotype isolates and two As genotype isolates with different radial growth rates were tested in an infection trial. Clear differences were detected in the development of mortality in the test groups. The representatives of the Ps1 genotype caused total mortality within a short time span. The As genotype isolates were much less virulent. The slow‐growing As isolate showed higher virulence than the As isolate with a high growth capacity. Although slow growth could be one survival strategy of the pathogen, several other mechanisms are involved in the pathogenicity and warrant further studies.
Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Cooked Ham: Effect of Tumbling Time and Modifications during Storage
Authors: Pancrazio Gaston , Cunha Sara C. , De Pinho Paula Guedes , Loureiro Mónica , Ferreira Isabel M.P.L.V.O. , Pinho Olívia
Published: September 2015

The influence of tumbling time and storage on the physical and chemical characteristics of cooked ham was evaluated. The effect of tumbling time on the physical characteristics, namely color and texture, was significant, whereas the chemical characteristics were less affected since proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins, free amino acid (FAA) and volatile profile was similar in ham with 9 and 18 h of tumbling. The effect of storage was most relevant on chemical characteristics, increased the proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins and the relative percentage of some volatiles, mainly aldehydes, whereas FAA decreased, except histidine that increased. Reduced tumbling time can be used, maintaining the quality of cooked ham during its storage.

Practical Applications

Cooked ham is a brine‐treated product obtained after tumbling and cooking/cooling treatments. Its shelf life is around 90 days. Data concerning the effect of tumbling time and storage on quality attributes, proteolysis and volatiles of cooked ham are scarce. This characterization is of major relevance for cooked ham industry since the use of reduced tumbling maintains the product quality and storage reduces production costs. A reduction of 50% of the usual tumbling time influenced mainly the physical parameters, whereas the storage was similar and the most relevant impact was on the chemical characteristics. The practical results from this work can be extended to cooked ham industry.