bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary evaluation on digestibility and the relation to morphology and water content of Brachiaria spp. and their heritability
Authors: Thaikua Sarayut , Ebina Masumi , Kouki Kaori , Inafuku Masahito , Akamine Hikaru , Shimoda Katsuhisa , Suenaga Kazuhiro , Kawamoto Yasuhiro
Published: February 2015

In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) is one of the most important traits for grass quality improvement. Analysis of IVDMD in laboratory with a large number of breeding populations is very laborious. The objectives of this study were to evaluate IVDMD of brachiariagrass germplasm as material in breeding program, and also to determine the appropriate selection criteria for high digestibility. IVDMD (pepsin‐cellulase method), morphology traits and water content of 17 genotypes of Brachiaria spp. (B. brizantha, B. decumbens, B. ruziziensis and Brachiaria hybrid) were evaluated at two harvesting times, winter and early summer seasons. The correlations among traits were determined, and their heritability were also estimated. IVDMD ranged from 48.9 to 59.0% in winter, and 42.9 to 54.4% in early summer. Among morphological traits, leaf‐stem index (ratio of leaf width/stem diameter) showed the highest correlation with whole plant IVDMD (r = 0.74) followed by leaf‐shape ratio (leaf width/leaf length; r = 0.72), and leaf water content also highly correlated with whole plant IVDMD (r = 0.79). The broad sense heritability of IVDMD and the related traits of two harvests combination were high with the range of 0.75–0.93. The results demonstrate that leaf‐stem index, leaf‐shape ratio and water content could be the useful selection criteria for the breeding of brachiariagrass for high digestibility.
Outcomes of a 1‐year randomized controlled trial to evaluate a behavioral ‘stepped‐down’ weight loss intervention for adolescent patients with obesity
Authors: Norman G. , Huang J. , Davila E. P. , Kolodziejczyk J. K. , Carlson J. , Covin J. R. , Gootschalk M. , Patrick K.
Published: February 2015

Background

Stepped‐care approaches to weight loss have shown some success among adults. A ‘stepped‐down’ version of the stepped‐care approach to adolescent weight loss has never been evaluated.

Objectives

We conducted a one‐year randomized controlled trial to compare a stepped‐down weight loss intervention versus enhanced usual care (EUC).

Methods

Study participants were obese adolescents age 11–13 (N = 106, 51% girls, and 82% Hispanic) recruited from primary care clinics in San Diego, California. The stepped‐down intervention was delivered through clinician and health educator counseling (in‐person and by phone) and mailed content. The intervention consisted of four‐month ‘steps’ beginning with the most intensive contact followed by reduced contact if treatment goals were met. The EUC group received an initial physician visit, one session with a health counselor, and monthly mailed materials. Body mass index (BMI kg/m2) was measured at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 months. Mixed‐model regression analyses were stratified by sex.

Results

Results indicated a clinically significant treatment effect for boys on BMI (p < 0.001) but not girls. No between group differences were found for adiposity and biometric outcomes. Only 13% of intervention participants succeeded in stepping down from step 1 to step 2 or step 3.

Conclusions

A stepped‐down approach to weight loss showed some evidence of efficacy for weight loss in boys but not girls. The findings suggest the program as designed was not intensive enough to result in weight loss in this population segment.
Acquired immunodeficiencies and tuberculosis: focus on HIV/AIDS and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ronacher Katharina , Joosten Simone A. , van Crevel Reinout , Dockrell Hazel M. , Walzl Gerhard , Ottenhoff Tom H. M.
Published: February 2015

The spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection within Africa led to marked increases in numbers of cases of tuberculosis (TB), and although the epidemic peaked in 2006, there were still 1.8 million new cases in 2013, with 29.2 million prevalent cases. Half of all TB cases in Africa are in those with HIV co‐infection. A brief review of the well‐documented main immunological mechanisms of HIV‐associated increased susceptibility to TB is presented. However, a new threat is facing TB control, which presents itself in the form of a rapid increase in the number of people living with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in areas that are already hardest hit by the TB epidemic. T2DM increases susceptibility to TB threefold, and the TB burden attributable to T2DM is 15%. This review addresses the much smaller body of research information available on T2DM‐TB, compared to HIV‐TB comorbidity. We discuss the altered clinical presentation of TB in the context of T2DM comorbidity, changes in innate and adaptive immune responses, including lymphocyte subsets and T‐cell phenotypes, the effect of treatment of the different comorbidities, changes in biomarker expression and genetic predisposition to the respective morbidities, and other factors affecting the comorbidity. Although significant gains have been made in improving our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of T2DM‐associated increased susceptibility, knowledge gaps still exist that require urgent attention.
Immunology studies in non‐human primate models of tuberculosis
Authors: Flynn JoAnne L. , Gideon Hannah P. , Mattila Joshua T. , Lin Philana Ling
Published: February 2015

Non‐human primates, primarily macaques, have been used to study tuberculosis for decades. However, in the last 15 years, this model has been refined substantially to allow careful investigations of the immune response and host‐pathogen interactions in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Low‐dose challenge with fully virulent strains in cynomolgus macaques result in the full clinical spectrum seen in humans, including latent and active infection. Reagents from humans are usually cross‐reactive with macaques, further facilitating the use of this model system to study tuberculosis. Finally, macaques develop the spectrum of granuloma types seen in humans, providing a unique opportunity to investigate bacterial and host factors at the local (lung and lymph node) level. Here, we review the past decade of immunology and pathology studies in macaque models of tuberculosis.
The onset of adaptive immunity in the mouse model of tuberculosis and the factors that compromise its expression
Authors: Robinson Richard T. , Orme Ian M. , Cooper Andrea M.
Published: February 2015

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has been evolving with its human host for over 50 000 years and is an exquisite manipulator of the human immune response. It induces both a strong inflammatory and a strong acquired immune response, and Mtb then actively regulates these responses to create an infectious lesion in the lung while maintaining a relatively ambulatory host. The CD4+ T cell plays a critical yet contradictory role in this process by both controlling disseminated disease while promoting the development of the lesion in the lung that mediates transmission. In light of this manipulative relationship between Mtb and the human immune response, it is not surprising that our ability to vaccinate against tuberculosis (TB) has not been totally successful. To overcome the current impasse in vaccine development, we need to define the phenotype of CD4+ T cells that mediate protection and to determine those bacterial and host factors that regulate the effective function of these cells. In this review, we describe the initiation and expression of T cells during TB as well as the fulminant inflammatory response that can compromise T‐cell function and survival.
Mycobacteria, metals, and the macrophage
Authors: Neyrolles Olivier , Wolschendorf Frank , Mitra Avishek , Niederweis Michael
Published: February 2015

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a facultative intracellular pathogen that thrives inside host macrophages. A key trait of M. tuberculosis is to exploit and manipulate metal cation trafficking inside infected macrophages to ensure survival and replication inside the phagosome. Here, we describe the recent fascinating discoveries that the mammalian immune system responds to infections with M. tuberculosis by overloading the phagosome with copper and zinc, two metals which are essential nutrients in small quantities but are toxic in excess. M. tuberculosis has developed multi‐faceted resistance mechanisms to protect itself from metal toxicity including control of uptake, sequestration inside the cell, oxidation, and efflux. The host response to infections combines this metal poisoning strategy with nutritional immunity mechanisms that deprive M. tuberculosis from metals such as iron and manganese to prevent bacterial replication. Both immune mechanisms rely on the translocation of metal transporter proteins to the phagosomal membrane during the maturation process of the phagosome. This review summarizes these recent findings and discusses how metal‐targeted approaches might complement existing TB chemotherapeutic regimens with novel anti‐infective therapies.
B cells and antibodies in the defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Authors: Achkar Jacqueline M. , Chan John , Casadevall Arturo
Published: February 2015

Better understanding of the immunological components and their interactions necessary to prevent or control Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection in humans is critical for tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development strategies. Although the contributory role of humoral immunity in the protection against Mtb infection and disease is less defined than the role of T cells, it has been well‐established for many other intracellular pathogens. Here we update and discuss the increasing evidence and the mechanisms of B cells and antibodies in the defense against Mtb infection. We posit that B cells and antibodies have a variety of potential protective roles at each stage of Mtb infection and postulate that such roles should be considered in the development strategies for TB vaccines and other immune‐based interventions.
A personal appreciation
Authors: Monks Lord John
Published: February 2015

As a senior official of the TUC and then the General Secretary, the author worked with Bill McCarthy from the late 1970s and was able to observe Bill's creativity and agility as a mediator in industrial disputes. In this appreciation, he tells some stories of Bill's career which evoke the memories of an era when industrial disputes were front page news and Bill was often asked to help resolve them.
A qualitative study of older and middle‐aged adults' perception and attitudes towards dementia and dementia risk reduction
Authors: Kim Sarang , Sargent‐Cox Kerry A. , Anstey Kaarin J.
Published: February 2015

Aim

To investigate perceptions of dementia and dementia risk reduction held by people without dementia.

Background

Dementia does not only affect individuals with dementia, but also has an impact on family and friends, society and healthcare professionals. Recent research has identified modifiable risk and protective factors for dementia. However, it is unclear what knowledge people without dementia have about these risk factors and their attitudes towards addressing these risk factors to achieve dementia risk reduction are not known.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study using focus group methodology.

Method

A focus group study was conducted in February 2011 with 34 older adults aged between 52‐90 years. The long‐table approach was used to identify themes and categorize data on dementia knowledge, risk and attitudes.

Findings

Participants correctly identified dementia risk factors as a group. Participants' responses about their perceived likelihood of developing dementia could be classified into three distinctive themes; fear, rational and cynical perceptions. Both fear of developing dementia and the need to improve dementia knowledge were considered major motivators towards adopting healthier lifestyle and health behaviours. Lack of knowledge on risk factors for dementia was identified as a major barrier for behavioural and lifestyle change.

Conclusion

These findings can be used to develop effective and personalized interventions that increase motivators and reduce barriers by tailoring interventions to individual's dementia risk reduction literacy and motivations to change behaviours. Greater public‐health promotion and education about risk and protective factors for dementia are also necessary to increase dementia health literacy and to reduce overall dementia prevalence.
Genetic conditions of joint Nordic genetic evaluations of lifetime competition performance in warmblood sport horses
Authors: Viklund Å. , Furre S. , Eriksson S. , Vangen O. , Philipsson J.
Published: February 2015

Breeding programmes for warmblood sport horses are similar in the Nordic countries Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway, and stallions of same origin are used. The aim was to investigate whether a joint Nordic genetic evaluation based on lifetime competition performance is feasible and beneficial for breeding competitive sport horses in the Nordic countries. Results for almost 45 000 horses in show jumping and 30 000 horses in dressage were available. The larger populations in Sweden and Denmark contributed with 85% of the results. Heritabilities and genetic correlations between performances in the different countries were estimated, and comparisons of accuracies of estimated breeding values (EBVs) and number of stallions with EBVs based on national or joint data were studied. The heritabilities ranged between 0.25 and 0.42 for show jumping and between 0.14 and 0.55 for dressage. The genetic correlations between competition performances in the Nordic countries were estimated to 0.63–1.00. EBVs based on joint data increased accuracies for EBVs for stallions by 38–81% and increased the number of available stallions with EBVs by 40–288%, compared to EBVs based on national data only. A joint Nordic genetic evaluation for sport horses is recommended.
A Novel Toolkit to Improve Percutaneous Subxiphoid Needle Access to the Healthy Pericardial Sac
Authors: LUDWIG DANIEL R. , MENON PRAHLAD G. , FILL BRIAN , GARTNER MARK , SCHWARTZMAN DAVID
Published: February 2015

Pericardial Access Toolkit

Introduction

The current practice of percutaneous subxiphoid needle access to the “healthy” pericardial sac has significant limitations. We sought to examine the feasibility of a novel toolkit designed to improve this procedure.

Methods and Results

The toolkit included a pericardial access needle and a virtual imaging platform. The needle had a 0.036 inch outer diameter, abbreviated 25° bevel, and was electrically insulated except for two small surfaces recessed from the tip. Radiofrequency energy was delivered via these surfaces to facilitate pericardial perforation. The virtual imaging system demonstrated the needle in real time and in its entirety within the thoracic anatomy of the individual animal, which was reconstructed from computed tomographic images obtained preoperatively and registered to the operative field. In five large (40–60 kg) healthy pigs, percutaneous subxiphoid access to the sac using both anterior and posterior approaches was performed. Spatial inaccuracy was measured as the distance between the pericardial puncture site and the anterior or posterior descending coronary artery, the pericardium contiguous to which had been targeted by the needle. In each animal, pericardial access was gained at 4 discrete sites (2 anterior, 2 posterior). Inaccuracy was 4.2 ± 2.2 millimeters (range 0–8 millimeters) and did not differ significantly between anterior and posterior approaches. No damage to the epicardium or coronary arteries was observed.

Conclusions

Percutaneous subxiphoid access to the pericardial sac utilizing this toolkit was feasible, including safety and reasonable accuracy.
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry imaging of metals in experimental and clinical Wilson's disease
Authors: Boaru Sorina Georgiana , Merle Uta , Uerlings Ricarda , Zimmermann Astrid , Flechtenmacher Christa , Willheim Claudia , Eder Elisabeth , Ferenci Peter , Stremmel Wolfgang , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: February 2015

Wilson's disease is an autosomal recessive disorder in which the liver does not properly release copper into bile, resulting in prominent copper accumulation in various tissues. Affected patients suffer from hepatic disorders and severe neurological defects. Experimental studies in mutant mice in which the copper‐transporting ATPase gene (Atp7b) is disrupted revealed a drastic, time‐dependent accumulation of hepatic copper that is accompanied by formation of regenerative nodes resembling cirrhosis. Therefore, these mice represent an excellent exploratory model for Wilson's disease. However, the precise time course in hepatic copper accumulation and its impact on other trace metals within the liver is yet poorly understood. We have recently established novel laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry protocols allowing quantitative metal imaging in human and murine liver tissue with high sensitivity, spatial resolution, specificity and quantification ability. By use of these techniques, we here aimed to comparatively analyse hepatic metal content in wild‐type and Atp7b deficient mice during ageing. We demonstrate that the age‐dependent accumulation of hepatic copper is strictly associated with a simultaneous increase in iron and zinc, while the intrahepatic concentration and distribution of other metals or metalloids is not affected. The same findings were obtained in well‐defined human liver samples that were obtained from patients suffering from Wilson's disease. We conclude that in Wilson's disease the imbalances of hepatic copper during ageing are closely correlated with alterations in intrahepatic iron and zinc content.
Aurantiamide acetate suppresses the growth of malignant gliomas in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting autophagic flux
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhang Li‐hui , Yang Bing‐xian , Tian Jin‐kui , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2015

We aim to investigate the effect of aurantiamide acetate isolated from the aerial parts of Clematis terniflora DC against gliomas. Human malignant glioma U87 and U251 cells were incubated with different concentrations (0–100 μM) of aurantiamide acetate. Aurantiamide acetate greatly decreased the cell viability in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. It induced moderate mitochondrial fragmentation and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. No significant difference was found in the alternation of other intracellular organelles, although F‐actin structure was slightly disturbed. Apparent ultrastructure alternation with increased autophagosome and autolysosome accumulation was observed in aurantiamide acetate‐treated cells. The expression of LC3‐II was greatly up‐regulated in cells exposed to aurantiamide acetate (P < 0.05 compared with control). The cytoplasmic accumulation of autophagosomes and autolysosomes induced by aurantiamide acetate treatment was confirmed by fluorescent reporter protein labelling. Administration of chloroquine (CQ), which inhibits the fusion step of autophagosomes, further increased the accumulation of autophagosomes in the cytoplasm of U87 cells. Autophagy inhibition by 3‐methyladenine, Bafilomycin A1 or CQ had no influence on aurantiamide acetate‐induced cytotoxicity, whereas autophagy stimulator rapamycin significantly suppressed aurantiamide acetate‐induced cell death. The anti‐tumour effects of aurantiamide acetate were further evaluated in tumour‐bearing nude mice. Intratumoural injection of aurantiamide acetate obviously suppressed tumour growth, and increased number of autophagic vacuoles was observed in tumour tissues of animals receiving aurantiamide acetate. Our findings suggest that aurantiamide acetate may suppress the growth of malignant gliomas by blocking autophagic flux.
Synthesis, development, characterization and effectiveness of bovine pure platelet gel‐collagen‐polydioxanone bioactive graft on tendon healing
Authors: Moshiri Ali , Oryan Ahmad , Meimandi‐Parizi Abdolhamid
Published: February 2015

Bovine platelet gel (BPG) is an accessible and cost‐effective source of growth factors which may have a value in tendon regenerative medicine. We produced a collagen implant (CI) as a tendon proper, covered it with polydioxanone (PDS) sheath to simulate paratenon and finally embedded the BPG as an active source of growth factor within the bioimplant to test whether BPG would be able to accelerate and enhance tendon regeneration and repair. After in vitro characterization of the bioactive grafts, the grafts were implanted in rabbit large tendon defect model. Untreated tendons and tendons treated with either CI or CI‐PDS were served as controls for the CI‐PDS‐BPG. The animals were investigated clinically, ultrasonographically and haematologically for 120 days. After euthanasia, dry matter content, water uptake and delivery characteristics and also gross morphological, histopathological and scanning electron microscopic features of the healing tendons were assessed. In vitro, the activated platelets in the scaffold, released their growth factors significantly more than the controls. BPG also increased cell viability, and enhanced cellular differentiation, maturation and proliferation inside the CI‐PDS compared with the controls. In vivo, the BPG modulated inflammation, increased quality and rate of fibroplasia and produced a remodelled tendon that had significantly higher collagen content and superior collagen fibril and fibre differentiation than controls. Treatment also significantly improved tendon water uptake and delivery characteristics, animals’ serum PDGF level, CI‐PDS biocompatibility and biodegradability and reduced peritendinous adhesions, muscle fibrosis and atrophy. BPG was effective on tendon healing and CI‐PDS‐BPG may be a valuable bioscaffold in tendon reconstructive surgery.
Lipocalin‐2 released in response to cerebral ischaemia mediates reperfusion injury in mice
Authors: Wang Guona , Weng Yi‐Chinn , Han Xiqian , Whaley James D. , McCrae Keith R. , Chou Wen‐Hai
Published: February 2015

Thrombolysis remains the only effective therapy to reverse acute ischaemic stroke. However, delayed treatment may cause serious complications including hemorrhagic transformation and reperfusion injury. The level of lipocalin‐2 (LCN2) is elevated in the plasma of ischaemic stroke patients, but its role in stroke is unknown. Here, we show that LCN2 was acutely induced in mice after ischaemic stroke and is an important mediator of reperfusion injury. Increased levels of LCN2 were observed in mouse serum as early as 1 hr after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), reaching peak levels at 23 hrs. LCN2 was also detected in neutrophils infiltrating into the ipsilateral hemisphere, as well as a subset of astrocytes after tMCAO, but not in neurons and microglia. Stroke injury, neurological deficits and infiltration of immune cells were markedly diminished in LCN2 null mice after tMCAO, but not after permanent MCAO (pMCAO). In vitro, recombinant LCN2 protein induced apoptosis in primary cultured neurons in a dose‐dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that LCN2 is a neurotoxic factor secreted rapidly in response to cerebral ischaemia, suggesting its potential usage as an early stroke biomarker and a novel therapeutic target to reduce stroke‐reperfusion injury.
Environmental Performance Analysis of Eco‐Industrial Parks in China: A Data Envelopment Analysis Approach
Authors: Liu Wei , Tian Jinping , Chen Lujun , Lu Wanying , Gao Yang
Published: February 2015

In pursuit of more sustainable development of industry, China has been actively developing eco‐industrial parks (EIPs) for more than a decade. However, the environmental value of these EIPs remains largely unverified. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental performance of national EIPs in China using data envelopment analysis. Eco‐efficiency and environmental performance indices were used to represent the static and dynamic environmental performance of EIPs, respectively. An environmental performance index was formed by combining measures of eco‐efficiency in a dynamic setting with the sequential Malmquist index approach. We obtained three main empirical findings. First, 34 national EIPs exhibited a cumulative environmental performance improvement of 89.4% from 2007 to 2010, which is primarily the result of eco‐efficiency change rather than environmental technical change. Second, compared with the trial EIPs, the demonstration EIPs had a higher average eco‐efficiency (0.611 vs. 0.446 in 2010) and experienced greater average environmental performance improvement (129% vs. 60%). Third, the EIPs retrofitted from high‐tech industrial development zones exhibited much higher average eco‐efficiency (0.798 vs. 0.440 in 2010) than those retrofitted from economic and technical development zones. The key measures supporting the performance improvement and policy implications for the development of EIPs are also discussed.
Imaging of Primary Brain Tumors and Metastases with Fast Quantitative 3‐Dimensional Magnetization Transfer
Authors: Garcia Meritxell , Gloor Monika , Bieri Oliver , Radue Ernst‐Wilhelm , Lieb Johanna M. , Cordier Dominik , Stippich Christoph
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study assesses whether magnetization transfer (MT) imaging provides additive information to conventional MRI in brain tumors.

METHODS

MT data of 26 patients with neoplastic and metastatic brain tumors were analyzed at 1.5 T. For the 3 largest tumor groups investigated in this study—glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), meningiomas, and metastases—statistical comparisons were performed. Analyzed MT parameters included the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and 4 quantitative MT parameters (qMT): Relaxation times (T1, T2), exchange rate (kf), and macromolecular content (F). Total imaging time of high‐resolution whole brain MTR and qMT imaging with balanced steady‐state free precession required 9 minutes. Five ROIs were chosen: Contrast‐enhancing (T1W‐CE), noncontrast‐enhancing (T1W‐non‐CE), proximal hyperintensity (T2W‐pSI), distal hyperintensity (T2W‐dSI), and a reference (ref).

RESULTS

Pathologies showed significant (P < .05) MT changes (MTR and qMT) compared to the reference. The T1W‐CE, T1W‐non‐CE, and T2W‐pSI ROIs of GBMs, meningiomas, and metastases showed significant differences in MTR and qMT estimates. Similar MTR with significant different qMT values were observed in several ROIs among different lesions. MT maps (MTR and qMT) indicated changes in tissue appearing unaffected on MRI in most glial tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

MTR and qMT imaging enables a better differentiation between brain tumors and provides additive information to MRI.
Early Blood Brain Barrier Changes in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Sequential MRI Study
Authors: Giraud Marc , Cho Tae‐Hee , Nighoghossian Norbert , Maucort‐Boulch Delphine , Deiana Gianluca , Østergaard Leif , Baron Jean‐Claude , Fiehler Jens , Pedraza Salvador , Derex Laurent , Berthezène Yves
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We sought to identify MRI factors associated with BBB changes at the acute stage of ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We analyzed BBB changes on admission and within 3 hours after the first scan. BBB changes was defined as the presence of leptomeningeal and parenchymal contrast enhancement on T1‐weighted imaging. Tmax, CBV, and DWI lesion volume were assessed on baseline MRI. Clinical and MRI factors associated with BBB changes were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regressions analyses.

RESULTS

Forty‐four patients were included. BBB changes on baseline MRI was observed in 2 of 44 patients (3%). BBB disruption on H3‐MRI was present in 19 of 44 patients (43%). Hemodynamic status and baseline ischemic core size were not different between patients with or without BBB changes. BBB alteration on H3 MRI was strongly associated with FLAIR MRI sequence positivity, 16/19 patients (83%) P = .001.

CONCLUSION

BBB changes are exceptional during the first 3 hours after stroke onset. Delayed BBB alteration was associated with FLAIR positivity mainly reflecting vasogenic edema.
Variations of ITSS‐Morphology and their Relationship to Location and Tumor Volume in Patients with Glioblastoma
Authors: Fahrendorf Delia , Hesselmann Volker , Schwindt Wolfram , Wölfer Johannes , Jeibmann Astrid , Kooijman Hendrik , Kugel Harald , Heindel Walter , Bink Andrea
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Susceptibility weighted imaging and assessment of intratumoral susceptibility signal (ITSS) morphology is used to identify high‐grade glioma (HGG) in patients with suspected brain neoplasm.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to outline variations in ITSS‐morphology and their relationship to location as well as volume of the lesion in patients with glioblastoma (GB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Contrast‐enhanced SWI (CE‐SWI) images of 40 patients with histologically confirmed GB were analyzed retrospectively with particular attention to ITSS‐morphology dividing all lesions into two groups. Considering the location of the lesion within brain parenchyma, lesions with and without involvement of the subventricular zone (SVZ+/SVZ−) were discerned. Additionally, the contrast‐enhancing tumor volume was evaluated. Statistical analysis was based on a classification analysis resulting in a classification rule (tree) as well as Mann‐Whitney‐U test.

RESULTS

The distribution of ITSS‐scores showed differences between the SVZ+ and SVZ− groups. While SVZ‐GB showed only fine‐linear or dot‐like ITSS, in SVZ+ GB the ITSS‐morphology changed with the tumor volume, that is, in larger tumors dense and conglomerated ITSS were the predominant finding.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that ITSS‐morphology is not a random phenomenon. Location of GB, as well as tumor volume, appear to be factors contributing to ITSS morphology.
What Counts as a Developmental Sequence? Exemplar‐Based L2 Learning of English Questions
Authors: Eskildsen Søren W.
Published: February 2015

Drawing on usage‐based linguistics and its exemplar‐based path of language learning, from recurring multiword expressions to increasingly abstract, schematized constructions, this article examines evidence for the exemplar‐based developmental sequences for yes/no interrogatives and WH interrogatives in English as a second language (L2). The empirical point of departure is an audio‐visual corpus of American English L2 classroom interaction. The longitudinal data come from two Spanish‐speaking students from Mexico and show that they learned yes/no interrogatives and WH interrogatives pattern by pattern. The degree of schematization was found to differ between them. In both cases, however, their resources for asking questions were not found to emerge at once on the basis of acquired syntactic rules (e.g., inversion) to be deployed across diverse linguistic patterns in a broad‐sweeping manner, but emerged as lexically specific, exemplar‐based patterns at different points in time.
Discussion: How Different Can Perspectives on L2 Development Be?
Authors: Hulstijn Jan H.
Published: February 2015

In this article I discuss the contributions to this Special Issue of Language Learning on orders and sequences in second language (L2) development. Using a list of questions, I attempt to characterize what I see as the strengths, limitations, and unresolved issues in the approaches to L2 development represented in this Special Issue. I include short commentaries I solicited from the authors of the contributions, cited as personal communications. I conclude by arguing that, while it is completely legitimate to focus research and theory construction on the first few behavioral signs of acquisition of target structures (called emergence), there should also be room for research that looks at the entire developmental trajectory for a given set of related structures, from emergence to full mastery, to be examined in relevant target populations (differing in first language, differing in explicit knowledge), using several elicitation tasks, to be administered many times over the period that it takes to reach full mastery of all structures under investigation. Arguably, if such studies are to yield nontrivial findings, second language acquisition researchers should do their best to construct theories explaining these findings.
Fiscal Policy, Institutional Quality and Central Bank Transparency
Authors: Dai Meixing , Sidiropoulos Moïse , Spyromitros Eleftherios
Published: February 2015

This paper examines monetary and fiscal interactions in a framework where the government as Stackelberg leader worries about political costs of corruption and central bank opacity acts as a fiscal disciplinary device. Opacity could reduce (increase) inflation expectations, inflation (the output gap) and the responses of these variables to supply shocks, and would improve social welfare. Under the least favourable assumptions on the effect of corruption, i.e. ‘sanding‐the‐wheels’ or weak ‘greasing‐the‐wheels’ effect, opacity has a fiscal disciplining effect that could be reinforced by grand corruption. Intransparency increases corruption only if the ‘greasing‐the‐wheels’ effect is relatively large.
The spectrum of Malassezia species isolated from students with pityriasis vesicolor in Nigeria
Authors: Ibekwe P. U. , Ogunbiyi A. O. , Besch R. , Ruzicka T. , Sárdy M.
Published: February 2015

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by Malassezia. Initially M. furfur was suggested as its main aetiological agent; however, more recent studies suggest M. globosa as the dominant species. The possibility of a variance in predominant species based on geographical basis has not been fully evaluated. The objective of this study was to identify the Malassezia species on affected and non‐affected skin of students with PV who reside in a tropical environment (Abuja, Nigeria) and correlate them to clinical characteristics. In this study, the literature on prevalence of Malassezia genus in PV was also reviewed. Samples were taken from 304 PV lesions and 110 normal appearing skin. Microscopy, culture and identification of Malassezia species utilising polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis were performed. Three Malassezia species were detected in PV with the major species being M. furfur. On normal appearing skin, M. furfur (77.6%) and M. restricta (10.4%) were both detected. No case of M. globosa was identified in this study. There was no significant difference between species identified and clinical features of PV. M. furfur is probably still the most predominant species causing PV in the tropical environment.
Chemical and morphological filters in a specialized floral mimicry system
Authors: Martos Florent , Cariou Marie‐Louise , Pailler Thierry , Fournel Jacques , Bytebier Benny , Johnson Steven D.
Published: February 2015

Many plant species attract insect pollinators through chemical mimicry of their oviposition sites, often detaining them in a trap chamber that ensures pollen transfer. These plant mimics are considered to be unspecialized at the pollinator species level, yet field observations of a mycoheterotrophic rainforest orchid (Gastrodia similis), which emits an odour reminiscent of rotting fruit, indicate that it is pollinated by a single drosophilid fly species (Scaptodrosophila bangi).

We investigated the roles of floral volatiles and the dimensions of the trap chamber in enforcing this specialization, using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analyses, bioassays and scanning electron microscopy.

We showed thatG. similisflowers predominantly emit three fatty‐acid esters (ethyl acetate, ethyl isobutyrate and methyl isobutyrate) that were shown in experiments to attract onlyScaptodrosophilaflies. We additionally showed that the trap chamber, which flies enter into via a touch‐sensitive ‘trapdoor’, closely matches the body size of the pollinator speciesS. bangiand plays a key role in pollen transfer.

Our study demonstrates that specialization in oviposition site mimicry is due primarily to volatile chemistry and is reflected in the dimensions of the trapping apparatus. It also indicates that mycoheterotrophic plants can be specialized both on mycorrhizal fungi and insect pollinators.
Does Pay‐for‐Performance Strain the Employment Relationship? The Effect of Manager Bonus Eligibility on Nonmanagement Employee Turnover
Authors: Pohler Dionne , Schmidt Joseph A.
Published: February 2015

We tested the organization‐level effects of manager pay‐for‐performance practices on nonmanagement employee turnover within the context of agency theory and equity theory—two frameworks commonly applied to understand compensation policy and practice. We also propose an alternative theoretical perspective that predicts that managerial pay‐for‐performance policies may strain the employment relationship and increase nonmanagement employee turnover, unless there are HR practices that train and incentivize managers to treat employees well. We compare these alternative models to establish how well each framework explains the observed effects. Agency theory and equity theory receive limited empirical support in our lagged panel data set of organizations, whereas broader empirical support is established for the strain effect of manager pay‐for‐performance on the employment relationship. We discuss the implications of our findings for compensation theory, research, and practice.
The Cycle of Violence: Understanding Individual Participation in Collective Violence
Authors: Littman Rebecca , Paluck Elizabeth Levy
Published: February 2015

Why do “ordinary” people engage in collective violence, harming others on behalf of their group? In this article, we argue that the violent group itself, and the identity it bestows on participating members, is an often overlooked and yet fundamental source of motivation for an individual's participation in collective violence. Reviewing insights from social and moral psychology, military history, and public health, we outline how the psychology of individual violent behavior presents a puzzle. For an ordinary person, participation in violence is often an aversive and distressing experience, and yet violent behavior leads to more violence in the future. A better understanding of the dynamics of collective violence allows us to make sense of this paradox. Violent groups can promote violent behavior among members by increasing members' motivation to engage in violence, particularly through group identification and deliberate strategies, and by removing psychological obstacles to violence (i.e., by making violence less aversive). Our synthesis of the literature points to a cycle of individuals' participation in collective violence, in which group identification motivates violent behavior and violent behavior increases identification with violent groups.
The Conditions Ripe for Racial Spillover Effects
Authors: Tesler Michael
Published: February 2015

A growing body of research shows that Barack Obama's rise to prominence has further polarized mass politics by racial attitudes and race—a phenomenon we have described elsewhere as the spillover of racialization. There is still much that remains unknown about source‐cue spillover effects in general and the spillover of racialization in particular. This study helps fill that void by drawing on prior research in political psychology and several new empirical examples to address lingering questions that have not been adequately answered. Those new empirical analyses suggest that issues that are already strongly influenced by racial attitudes, issues that the public has strong opinions about, and issues where Obama cross‐pressures Americans with racially conservative positions are all less likely to racialize in response to the president's visible positions. I also show that low‐information Americans and Democrats are most susceptible to racial spillover effects. Finally, the extant evidence suggests that the source‐cue spillover effects can have lasting impacts on public opinion and that the races, religions, and genders of other prominent elite sources can also activate group‐based considerations in mass opinion formation.
A functional XopAG homologue in Xanthomonas fuscans pv. aurantifolii strain C limits host range
Authors: Gochez A. M. , Minsavage G. V. , Potnis N. , Canteros B. I. , Stall R. E. , Jones J. B.
Published: February 2015

Citrus canker is caused by two Xanthomonas species, Xanthomonas citri, which has become the primary pathogen where citrus canker occurs (type A citrus canker, Xc‐A), and X. fuscans pv. aurantifolii (Xfa), which consists of strains B and C. The B strain is less pathogenic than the A strain, but produces symptoms in all citrus species. The C‐type cankers only infect Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) and produce a hypersensitive reaction (HR) in grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) leaves. An avirulence gene, avrGf2, was identified in a C strain that was responsible for the HR in grapefruit. AvrGf2 is a member of XopAG effector family and shares 45% identity at amino acid level with another member of the same family, AvrGf1 from strain Xc‐Aw, which was previously shown to elicit an HR in grapefruit. AvrGf2 shares sequence identity with other XopAG effectors present in Xanthomonas vasculorum, Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Mutagenesis of avrGf2 in C strain resulted in a compatible reaction in grapefruit. There was no observable effect on virulence when Xc‐A transconjugants containing either avirulence gene were inoculated on Key lime. Expression of avrGf1 or avrGf2 in Xc‐A resulted in a similar phenotype following infiltration into grapefruit leaves, although the avrGf2 transconjugant elicited a faster HR and lower populations than the transconjugant containing avrGf1. Also, it was shown that all Xfa‐B strains tested contain a transposon in avrGf2 that helps to explain the differences in host range between B and C strains.
What Actually Matters? Understanding Attitudes toward Immigration in Switzerland
Authors: Ackermann Maya , Freitag Markus
Published: February 2015

On 9 February 2014, the Swiss people accepted the popular initiative “against mass immigration” launched by the national‐conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP). This voting outcome has triggered wide‐ranging debates about both the policy on immigrants as well as the future of Switzerland within the European context. Against this background, we evaluate attitudes toward immigration in Switzerland. Using hitherto unexplored survey data of MOSAiCH, our empirical analyses show that already in the year 2013, before the debate about the initiative on mass immigration was in full swing, roughly 53 percent of the 1011 interviewed Swiss citizens stated that immigration should be reduced. Moreover, our estimations indicate that the threats and fears induced by immigration and the will to maintain sovereignty and autonomy are particularly relevant for attitudes toward immigration. By contrast, education and national or personal economic conditions are only weakly related to the immigration issue.
A case of successful renal transplantation for hydatid disease after surgical treatment of disseminated cysts
Authors: Özdemir M. , Ringe K.I. , Schrem H. , Kleine M. , Meyer zu Vilsendorf A. , Klempnauer J. , Lehner F. , Jäger M. , Bektas H.
Published: February 2015

Hydatid disease is a systemic disorder affecting especially the liver and lungs. Although it is not endemic in Europe, it can be seen sporadically, particularly because of travel and immigration. Severe, multiple organ involvement is quite rare. A 39‐year‐old Kurdish male patient presented with the previous diagnosis of hydatid disease and disseminated cysts in the liver, lung, and left kidney, leading to renal failure and the need for hemodialysis. Following multiple operations, complete eradication of infectious cysts was achieved, and kidney transplantation was performed. After 4 years of follow‐up, the patient is in good condition, especially with normal renal function and no sign of recurrent hydatid disease.
Contemporary and emerging strategies for eliminating human African trypanosomiasis due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense: review
Authors: Steinmann Peter , Stone Christopher M. , Sutherland C. Simone , Tanner Marcel , Tediosi Fabrizio
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To review current and emerging tools for Gambiense HAT control and elimination, and propose strategies that integrate these tools with epidemiological evidence.

Methods

We reviewed the scientific literature to identify contemporary and emerging tools and strategies for controlling and eliminating Gambiense HAT. Through an iterative process involving key stakeholders, we then developed comprehensive scenarios leading to elimination, considering both established and new tools for diagnosis, case treatment and vector control.

Results

Core components of all scenarios include detecting and treating cases with established or emerging techniques. Relatively more intensive scenarios incorporate vector control. New tools considered include tiny targets for tsetse fly control, use of rapid diagnostic tests and oral treatment with fexinidazole or oxaboroles. Scenarios consider the time when critical new tools are expected to become ready for deployment by national control programmes. Based on a review of the latest epidemiological data, we estimate the various interventions to cover 1380 600 km2 and 56 986 000 people.

Conclusions

A number of new tools will fill critical gaps in the current armamentarium for diagnosing and treating Gambiense HAT. Deploying these tools in endemic areas will facilitate the comprehensive and sustainable control of the disease considerably and contribute to the ultimate goal of elimination.
The diversion of 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol‐2,4‐cyclodiphosphate from the 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol 4‐phosphate pathway to hemiterpene glycosides mediates stress responses in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: González‐Cabanelas Diego , Wright Louwrance P. , Paetz Christian , Onkokesung Nawaporn , Gershenzon Jonathan , Rodríguez‐Concepción Manuel , Phillips Michael A.
Published: February 2015

2‐C‐Methyl‐d‐erythritol‐2,4‐cyclodiphosphate (MEcDP) is an intermediate of the plastid‐localized 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol‐4‐phosphate (MEP) pathway which supplies isoprenoid precursors for photosynthetic pigments, redox co‐factor side chains, plant volatiles, and phytohormones. The Arabidopsis hds‐3 mutant, defective in the 1‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐2‐(E)‐butenyl‐4‐diphosphate synthase step of the MEP pathway, accumulates its substrate MEcDP as well as the free tetraol 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol (ME) and glucosylated ME metabolites, a metabolic diversion also occurring in wild type plants. MEcDP dephosphorylation to the free tetraol precedes glucosylation, a process which likely takes place in the cytosol. Other MEP pathway intermediates were not affected in hds‐3. Isotopic labeling, dark treatment, and inhibitor studies indicate that a second pool of MEcDP metabolically isolated from the main pathway is the source of a signal which activates salicylic acid induced defense responses before its conversion to hemiterpene glycosides. The hds‐3 mutant also showed enhanced resistance to the phloem‐feeding aphid Brevicoryne brassicae due to its constitutively activated defense response. However, this MEcDP‐mediated defense response is developmentally dependent and is repressed in emerging seedlings. MEcDP and ME exogenously applied to adult leaves mimics many of the gene induction effects seen in the hds‐3 mutant. In conclusion, we have identified a metabolic shunt from the central MEP pathway that diverts MEcDP to hemiterpene glycosides via ME, a process linked to balancing plant responses to biotic stress.