bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Foreclosure Delays on Borrowers' Default Behavior
Authors: ZHU SHUANG , PACE R. KELLEY
Published: August 2015

This paper conducts loan‐level analysis to investigate the influence of expected foreclosure delay on a borrower's default propensity. We include the actual foreclosure times in the analysis to capture the dynamic nature of foreclosure duration. Consistent with theoretical predictions, we find a statistically and economically significant impact of foreclosure delay on borrower default behavior. In the current market condition where many borrowers have negative equity, the increase in delay may make default an optimal choice for more borrowers. The negative effect of increased foreclosure delay may need to be considered when devising policies to aid troubled borrowers.
The Impact of Uncertainty Shocks under Measurement Error: A Proxy SVAR Approach
Authors: CARRIERO ANDREA , MUMTAZ HAROON , THEODORIDIS KONSTANTINOS , THEOPHILOPOULOU ANGELIKI
Published: August 2015

A growing literature considers the impact of uncertainty using SVAR models that include proxies for uncertainty shocks as endogenous variables. In this paper, we consider the impact of measurement error in these proxies on the estimated impulse responses. We show via a Monte Carlo experiment that measurement error can result in attenuation bias in impulse responses. In contrast, the proxy SVAR that uses the uncertainty shock proxy as an instrument does not suffer from this bias. Applying this latter method to the Bloom (2009) data set results in impulse responses to uncertainty shocks that are larger in magnitude and more persistent than those obtained from a recursive SVAR.
Facial rejuvenation starts in the midface: three‐dimensional volumetric facial rejuvenation has beneficial effects on nontreated neighboring esthetic units
Authors: Wollina Uwe
Published: August 2015

Facial aging is a major indication for minimal invasive esthetic procedures. Dermal fillers are a cornerstone in the approach for facial sculpturing. But where to start? Our concept is midfacial volume restoration in first place. This will result in a healthy and youthful appearance creating a facial V‐shape. But midfacial filler injection does not only improve the malar area. It has also beneficial effects on neighboring esthetic units. We report on such improvements in periocular and nasolabial region, upper lips and perioral tissue, and the jaw line and discuss anatomical background. We hypothesize that midfacial deep filler injections also may activate subdermal white adipose tissue stem cells contributing to longer lasting rejuvenation.
Foreign body reactions may not influence the keloid recurrence
Authors: Park Tae Hwan , Lee Boram , Park Ji Hae , Rah Dong Kyun
Published: August 2015

Purpose

The foreign body reactions are comprised of macrophages and foreign body giant cells and are considered possible risk factors for recurrence in several conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pathologically proven foreign body reactions on the recurrence of the auricular keloids.

Methods

This study was carried out in 76 cases in 70 patients reaching the pathologic diagnosis of auricular keloids from March 2006 to February 2012. Patients with auricular keloids were included in the study according to the following criteria: The keloid scar was caused by ear piercing and confirmed pathologically; surgical excision with primary closure was performed; and female patients who have not underwent any previous treatments. To compare any differences of recurrence rate between categorical variables (the presence/absence of foreign body reactions), Fisher's exact tests were used. All patients completed the treatment protocol with a follow‐up interval of 18 months.

Results

Of these patients, 90.9% (69 keloids) had successful irradication of their auricular keloids, whereas 9.2% (seven keloids) had recurrences. Of the seven recurrent cases, two exhibited foreign body reactions at pathology, while five revealed no foreign body reactions (28.6% vs. 71.4%, P = 0.092).

Conclusions

Detection of foreign body reactions in keloid tissue may not predict recurrence in auricular keloids.
LAND BANK 2.0: AN EMPIRICAL EVALUATION
Authors: Whitaker Stephan , Fitzpatrick Thomas J.
Published: August 2015

In 2009, Cuyahoga County, Ohio (Cleveland and 58 suburbs), established a land bank to acquire low‐value properties, mitigate blighted housing, and slow the decline of property values. This empirical study evaluates the effectiveness of the land bank by estimating spatially corrected hedonic price models using sales near the land‐bank homes. The land bank reduces the negative externalities of the properties it acquires. Its largest impact is the preservation of equity in unsold homes. We also estimate the recovered value for homes sold during the study period and the property tax revenue that may have been forgone, absent the land bank.
Trauma in children due to wheeled recreational devices
Authors: Kaddis Mina , Stockton Kellie , Kimble Roy
Published: August 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe trauma in children secondary to the use of wheeled recreational devices (WRDs).

Methods

This study retrospectively described trauma secondary to use of WRDs sustained by children 16 years or younger over a period of 12 months at two tertiary paediatric hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland. Data were analysed from the Paediatric Trauma Registry at these two facilities. Data were also retrieved from The Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian to provide information regarding deaths in Queensland from the use of WRDs for the period January 2004 to September 2013. Outcome measures included age, gender, types of injuries, Injury Severity Scores, admission to Intensive Care, and length of hospital stay for all hospital admissions greater than 24 h.

Results

A total number of 45 children were admitted with trauma relating to WRDs during the 12 months, representing 5.3% of all trauma admissions of greater than 24 h during this time period. Of these, 34 were male with a median age of 11.0 years (IQR = 9–13). Limbs accounted for the majority (54.5%) of injuries, with other common injuries being spine/cranial fractures (14.5%), lacerations (12.7%), internal organ injuries (9.1%), and intracranial bleeds (9.1%). There were six admissions to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit and one death.

Conclusions

WRDs contribute significantly to injuries sustained by children. A large proportion of these injuries may be preventable, suggesting that mandating the use of protective equipment in Queensland may be of great benefit.
Understanding decisions made about hepatitis C treatment by couples who inject drugs
Authors: Treloar C. , Rance J. , Bryant J. , Fraser S.
Published: August 2015

Efforts to increase the number of people having hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment require understanding how to best deliver services to meet consumers' needs. The general health literature has examined the role that partners can play in supporting health outcomes. This study examines the experiences of couples who inject drugs in relation to knowledge of, decisions about and management of HCV treatment. This is a qualitative interview study of people who inject drugs in couples. Participants were recruited from harm reduction services in two major Australian cities. Couples were interviewed separately. Data were examined using the couple as the unit of analysis and to identify patterns of experience related to the HCV serostatus of couples. Knowledge of HCV and HCV treatment was low and variable but showed some relationship to serostatus. Decisions about HCV treatment were deeply informed by concerns regarding treatment side effects. Positive concordant couples considered ‘staging’ treatment to ensure that each partner could (in turn) care for the other. People with HCV in serodiscordant relationships may need specific support regarding HCV treatment information. Within positive concordant partnerships, our data indicated the need to support the HCV‐positive ‘carer’ during their partner's treatment. Changing treatment regimens, and their anticipated lower side effect profiles, will need to be actively promoted to ensure that couples understand how these changes affect their treatment options.
The Hedgehog and the Fox: From DSGE to Macro‐Pru
Authors: Miller Marcus , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2015

Prior to the financial crisis of 2008/9, DSGE models‐without‐money set a new standard in applied macroeconomics; and they were widely adopted by Central Banks to help achieve their inflation targets. Controlling inflation did not deliver financial stability, however: far from it. The appeal of macro‐models based on ‘efficient financial markets’ surely contributed to over‐confidence before the crisis. But what about externalities? We examine, in particular, how steps to mitigate microeconomic principal/agent problems can create macroeconomic externalities—‘financial accelerators’ that affect balance sheets in pro‐cyclical fashion. Now is the time, we argue, to embrace such a wider perspective.
Phenotypic heterogeneity and temporal expression of the capsular polysaccharide in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: George Shilpa E. , Nguyen Tran , Geiger Tobias , Weidenmaier Christopher , Lee Jean C. , Liese Jan , Wolz Christiane
Published: August 2015

Bacteria respond to ever‐changing environments through several adaptive strategies. This includes mechanisms leading to a high degree of phenotypic variability within a genetically homogeneous population. In Staphylococcus aureus, the capsular polysaccharide (CP) protects against phagocytosis, but also impedes adherence to endothelial cells and/or matrix proteins. We analysed the regulation of core biosynthesis genes (capA‐P) necessary for CP synthesis using single‐cell assays (immunofluorescence and promoter‐activity). In persistent human carriers, we found a distinct subpopulation of nasal S. aureus to be CP positive. In vitro, cap expression is also heterogeneous and strongly growth‐phase dependent. We asked whether this peculiar expression pattern (earlyOff/lateHeterogen) is orchestrated by the quorum system Agr. We show that the Agr‐driven effector molecule RNAIII promotes cap expression largely via inactivation of the repressor Rot. High NaCl, deletion of CodY or Sae also resulted in higher cap expression but did not change the earlyOFF/lateHeterogen expression pattern. Activity of the quorum system itself is largely homogenous and does not account for the observed heterogeneity of cap expression or the strictly growth phase dependent expression. Our findings are in contrast to the prevailing view that quorum sensing is the main driving force for virulence gene expression when bacterial cell densities increase.
A repeat sequence domain of the ring‐exported protein‐1 of Plasmodium falciparum controls export machinery architecture and virulence protein trafficking
Authors: McHugh Emma , Batinovic Steven , Hanssen Eric , McMillan Paul J. , Kenny Shannon , Griffin Michael D. W. , Crawford Simon , Trenholme Katharine R. , Gardiner Donald L. , Dixon Matthew W. A. , Tilley Leann
Published: August 2015

The malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum dramatically remodels its host red blood cell to enhance its own survival, using a secretory membrane system that it establishes outside its own cell. Cisternal organelles, called Maurer's clefts, act as a staging point for the forward trafficking of virulence proteins to the red blood cell (RBC) membrane. The Ring‐EXported Protein‐1 (REX1) is a Maurer's cleft resident protein. We show that inducible knockdown of REX1 causes stacking of Maurer's cleft cisternae without disrupting the organization of the knob‐associated histidine‐rich protein at the RBC membrane. Genetic dissection of the REX1 sequence shows that loss of a repeat sequence domain results in the formation of giant Maurer's cleft stacks. The stacked Maurer's clefts are decorated with tether‐like structures and retain the ability to dock onto the RBC membrane skeleton. The REX1 mutant parasites show deficient export of the major virulence protein, PfEMP1, to the red blood cell surface and markedly reduced binding to the endothelial cell receptor, CD36. REX1 is predicted to form a largely α‐helical structure, with a repetitive charge pattern in the repeat sequence domain, providing potential insights into the role of REX1 in Maurer's cleft sculpting.
Oligogenic inheritance of optineurin (OPTN) and C9ORF72 mutations in ALS highlights localisation of OPTN in the TDP‐43‐negative inclusions of C9ORF72‐ALS
Authors: Bury Joanna J. , Highley J. Robin , Cooper‐Knock Johnathan , Goodall Emily F. , Higginbottom Adrian , McDermott Christopher J. , Ince Paul G. , Shaw Pamela J. , Kirby Janine
Published: August 2015

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by motor neurone loss resulting in muscle weakness, spasticity and ultimately death. 5‐10% are caused by inherited mutations, most commonly C9ORF72, SOD1, TARDBP and FUS. Rarer genetic causes of ALS include mutation of optineurin (mt OPTN). Furthermore, optineurin protein has been localized to the ubiquitylated aggregates in several neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. This study: (i) investigated the frequency of mt OPTN in ALS patients in England; (ii) characterized the clinical and neuropathological features of ALS associated with a mt OPTN; and (iii) investigated optineurin neuropathology in C9ORF72‐related ALS (C9ORF72‐ALS). We identified a heterozygous p.E322K missense mutation in exon 10 of OPTN in one familial ALS patient who additionally had a C9ORF72 mutation. This patient had bulbar, limb and respiratory disease without cognitive problems. Neuropathology revealed motor neurone loss, trans‐activation response DNA protein 43 (TDP‐43)‐positive neuronal and glial cytoplasmic inclusions together with TDP‐43‐negative neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in extra motor regions that are characteristic of C9ORF72‐ALS. We have demonstrated that both TDP‐43‐positive and negative inclusion types had positive staining for optineurin by immunohistochemistry. We went on to show that optineurin was present in TDP‐43‐negative cytoplasmic extra motor inclusions in C9ORF72‐ALS cases that do not carry mt OPTN. We conclude that: (i) OPTN mutations are associated with ALS; (ii) optineurin protein is present in a subset of the extramotor inclusions of C9ORF72‐ALS; (iii) It is not uncommon for multiple ALS‐causing mutations to occur in the same patient; and (iv) studies of optineurin are likely to provide useful dataregarding the pathophysiology of ALS and neurodegeneration.
Assessment of colon and bladder crosstalk in an experimental colitis model using contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Towner R. A. , Smith N. , Saunders D. , Van Gordon S. B. , Tyler K. R. , Wisniewski A. B. , Greenwood‐Van Meerveld B. , Hurst R. E.
Published: August 2015

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consists of two chronic remitting‐relapsing inflammatory disorders in the colon referred to as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (CD). Inflammatory bowel disease affects about 1.4 million Americans. 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)‐induced colitis is a widely used model of experimental intestinal inflammation with characteristic transmural and segmental lesions that are similar to CD.

Methods

Here, we report on the use of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE‐MRI) to monitor in vivo bladder permeability changes resulting from bladder crosstalk following colon TNBS exposure, and TNBS‐induced colitis. Changes in MRI signal intensities and histology were evaluated for both colon and bladder regions.

Key Results

Uptake of contrast agent in the colon demonstrated a significant increase in signal intensity (SI) for TNBS‐exposed rats (p < 0.01) compared to controls. In addition, a significant increase in bladder SI for colon TNBS‐exposed rats (p < 0.001) was observed compared to saline controls. Histological damage within the colon was observed, however, bladder histology indicated a normal urothelium in rats with TNBS‐induced colitis, despite increased permeability seen by CE‐MRI.

Conclusions & Inferences

Contrast‐enhanced MRI was able to quantitatively measure inflammation associated with TNBS‐induced colitis, and assess bladder crosstalk measured as an increase in urothelial permeability. Although CE‐MRI is routinely used to assess inflammation with IBD, currently there is no diagnostic test to assess bladder crosstalk with this disease, and our developed method may be useful in providing crosstalk information between organ and tissue systems in IBD patients, in addition to colitis.
Effect of schistosomiasis on CX3CR1‐expressing mononuclear phagocytes in the ileum and mesenteric lymph nodes of the mouse
Authors: Alpaerts K. , Buckinx R. , Cools N. , Heylen M. , Nullens S. , Berneman Z. , De Winter B. , Adriaensen D. , Van Nassauw L. , Timmermans J.‐P.
Published: August 2015

Background

Intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) maintain immune homeostasis, only initiating an active immune response against invading pathogens. However, little information is available on the reaction of mononuclear phagocytes (MNP) to intestinal trematode infection, a reaction equally important in helminth‐based therapies. The CD11c+ CX3CR1+ F4/80− DCs in the ileal lamina propria (LP) of the mouse were proven to migrate to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). We analyzed all MNP subsets present in the mouse LP and MLNs, under steady‐state conditions and during acute Schistosoma mansoni‐induced inflammation. Furthermore, we studied the uptake of schistosomal antigens by MNP in vivo in the LP and MLNs.

Methods

Using a combination of immunohistochemistry and multiparametric flow cytometry, we investigated distributional changes of the MNP during acute intestinal schistosomiasis. Next, S. mansoni‐derived products, i.e., S. mansoni soluble worm proteins (SmSWP) and S. mansoni soluble egg antigens (SmSEA) were intraperitoneally injected into CX3CR1+/GFP C57BL/6 mice and antigen uptake was analyzed using confocal microscopy.

Key Results

The CD11c+ CX3CR1+ F4/80− DCs significantly increased during intestinal schistosomiasis in the LP and MLNs. Only CX3CR1‐expressing DC and MФ subsets, but not other LP DCs, are involved in both SmSWP and SmSEA antigen uptake and processing.

Conclusions & inferences

The significant upregulation of CD11c+ CX3CR1+ F4/80− DCs during intestinal schistosomiasis and the restriction of phagocytosis of parasitic antigens to CX3CR1‐expresssing MNP indicate a crucial role for this immune cell niche in response to trematodiasis. These findings add insight into the functional specialization of LP immune cells and add to the understanding of cellular mechanisms behind helminth‐based therapies.
Changes in the response to excitatory antagonists, agonists, and spasmolytic agents in circular colonic smooth muscle strips from patients with diverticulosis
Authors: Alvarez‐Berdugo D. , Espín F. , Arenas C. , López I. , Clavé P. , Gallego D.
Published: August 2015

Background

Colonic samples from asymptomatic diverticulosis (DS) patients presented enhanced electrical field stimulation (EFS)‐contractions, in an earlier study of ours, suggesting increased endogenous responses. The aim of this study was to explore changes in excitatory neuromuscular transmission and to assess the pharmacodynamics of spasmolytic agents in DS.

Methods

Circular muscle strips from sigmoid colon of DS patients (n = 30; 69.5 ± 14.8 years) and controls (n = 32; 64.7 ± 16.2 years) were studied using organ baths to evaluate the direct effect of excitatory agonists (carbachol, neurokinin A [NKA] and substance P [SP]), and the effect of antagonists (atropine and NK2 antagonist GR94800) and spasmolytic drugs (otilonium bromide [OB] and N‐butyl‐hyoscine) on the contractions induced by EFS‐stimulation of excitatory motorneurons. qRT‐PCR was also performed to compare mRNA expression of M2, M3, NK2 receptors and L‐type calcium channels.

Key Results

Contractions to carbachol (Emax: 663.7 ± 305.6% control vs 2698.0 ± 439.5% DS; p < 0.0005) and NKA (Emax: 387.8 ± 35.6% vs 1102.0 ± 190.1%; p < 0.0005) were higher in DS group, without differences for SP. Higher potency for DS patients was observed in the concentration‐response curves for atropine (pIC50 = 8.56 ± 0.15 control vs pIC50 = 9.95 ± 0.18 DS group; p < 0.005) and slightly higher for GR94800 (pIC50 = 7.21 ± 0.18 control vs pIC50 = 7.97 ± 0.32 group; p < 0.0001). Lower efficacy (Emax) and potency (pIC50) was observed for spasmolytic drugs in DS, whereas no differences were found regarding the relative expression of the receptors evaluated between groups.

Conclusions & Inferences

The greater response to cholinergic and tachykinergic agonists and greater potency for muscarinic and NK2 antagonists observed in DS might play a role in the spasticity found in diverticular disease.
Alternate current biosusceptometry for the assessment of gastric motility after proximal gastrectomy in rats: a feasibility study
Authors: Calabresi M. F. F. , Quini C. C. , Matos J. F. , Moretto G. M. , Americo M. F. , Graça J. R. V. , Santos A. A. , Oliveira R. B. , Pina D. R. , Miranda J. R. A.
Published: August 2015

Background

This study proposes an experimental model to assess the consequences of gastric surgeries on gastric motility. We investigated the effects of proximal gastrectomy (PG) using a non‐invasive technique (alternate current biosusceptometry [ACB]) on gastric contractility (GC), gastric emptying (GE), and orocecal transit (OCT) after the ingestion of liquids and solids in rats.

Methods

Twenty‐four male rats were subjected to gastric motility assessment before and after the PG procedure. The GE and OCT results are expressed as the mean time of gastric emptying (MGET) and cecum arrival (MCAT). The GC recordings are presented as the frequency and amplitude of contractions.

Key Results

Mean time of gastric emptying after solid meals were significantly different (p < 0.001) between control and PG (113 ± 5 to 99 ± 6 min). Mean time of cecum arrival ranged from 265 ± 9 to 223 ± 11 min (p < 0.001) and 164 ± 9 to 136 ± 17 min (p < 0.050) for solid and liquid meals, respectively. The assessment of GC showed that surgery decreased the phasic frequency (4.4 ± 0.4 to 3.0 ± 1.1 cpm, p < 0.050) and increased the amplitude of contractions (3.6 ± 2.7 to 7.2 ± 3.0 V/s, p < 0.050). No significant difference was found in tonic frequency.

Conclusions & Inferences

The ACB system was able to assess GE, OCT, and GC in gastrectomized rats. Overall, PG accelerated GE and gastrointestinal transit, likely due to the increase in both intragastric pressure and amplitude contraction. Our data presented an efficient model to investigate functional consequences from gastric surgeries that will allow further studies involving different procedures.
Esophageal morphometric and biomechanical changes during aging in rats
Authors: Zhao J. , Gregersen H.
Published: August 2015

Background

Human studies have demonstrated aging‐related changes in esophagus which may contribute to the increased rate of gastro‐esophageal reflux in elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate esophageal morphometric and biomechanical remodeling in aging rats to obtain detailed information about aging‐related changes.

Methods

Twenty‐four male Wistar rats, aged from 6 to 22 months, were studied. Morphometric data were obtained by measuring the wall thickness and cross‐sectional area. The esophageal diameter and length were obtained from digitized images of the segments at preselected luminal pressure levels and at no‐load and zero‐stress states. Circumferential and longitudinal stresses (force per area) and strains (deformation) were computed from the length, diameter and pressure data, and from the zero‐stress state geometry.

Key Results

The esophageal parameters such as the weight per unit length, the wall thickness and the wall cross‐sectional area increased slightly from 6 to 22 months (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The opening angle gradually decreased during aging (p < 0.05). The interface between the mucosa–submucosa and muscle layers slightly moved outwards and the neutral axis moved inwards during aging. The stress–strain data showed that the esophageal wall became stiffer circumferentially and longitudinally during aging (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). However, the circumferential wall stiffness showed no further change after 12 months.

Conclusions & Inferences

A pronounced morphometric and biomechanical remodeling occurred in the rat esophagus during aging.
Accumulative effect of food residues on intestinal gas production
Authors: Mego M. , Accarino A. , Malagelada J.‐R. , Guarner F. , Azpiroz F.
Published: August 2015

Background

As mean transit time in the colon is longer than the interval between meals, several consecutive meal loads accumulate, and contribute to colonic biomass. Our aim was to determine the summation effect of fermentable food residues on intestinal gas production.

Methods

In eight healthy subjects, the volume of endogenous intestinal gas produced in the intestine over a 4‐h period was measured by means of a wash‐out technique, using an exogenous gas infusion into the jejunum (24 mL/min) and collection of the effluent via a rectal Foley catheter. The exogenous gas infused was labeled (5% SF6) to calculate the proportion of endogenous intestinal gas evacuated. In each subject, four experiments were performed ≥1 week apart combining a 1‐day high‐ or low‐flatulogenic diet with a test meal or fast.

Key Results

Basal conditions: on the low‐flatulogenic diet, intestinal gas production during fasting over the 4‐h study period was 609 ± 63 mL. Effect of diet: during fasting, intestinal gas production on the high‐flatulogenic diet was 370 ± 146 mL greater than on the low‐flatulogenic diet (p = 0.040). Effect of test meal: on the low‐flatulogenic diet, intestinal gas production after the test meal was 681 ± 114 mL greater than during fasting (p = 0.001); a similar effect was observed on the high‐flatulogenic diet (599 ± 174 mL more intestinal gas production after the test meal than during fasting; p = 0.021).

Conclusions & Inferences

Our data demonstrate temporal summation effects of food residues on intestinal gas production. Hence, intestinal gas production depends on pre‐existing and on recent colonic loads of fermentable foodstuffs.
The map‐based genome sequence of Spirodela polyrhiza aligned with its chromosomes, a reference for karyotype evolution
Authors: Cao Hieu Xuan , Vu Giang Thi Ha , Wang Wenqin , Appenroth Klaus J. , Messing Joachim , Schubert Ingo
Published: August 2015

Duckweeds are aquatic monocotyledonous plants of potential economic interest with fast vegetative propagation, comprising 37 species with variable genome sizes (0.158–1.88 Gbp). The genomic sequence of Spirodela polyrhiza, the smallest and the most ancient duckweed genome, needs to be aligned to its chromosomes as a reference and prerequisite to study the genome and karyotype evolution of other duckweed species.

We selected physically mapped bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) containing Spirodela DNA inserts with little or no repetitive elements as probes for multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mcFISH), using an optimized BAC pooling strategy, to validate its physical map and correlate it with its chromosome complement.

By consecutive mcFISH analyses, we assigned the originally assembled 32 pseudomolecules (supercontigs) of the genomic sequences to the 20 chromosomes of S. polyrhiza. A Spirodela cytogenetic map containing 96 BAC markers with an average distance of 0.89 Mbp was constructed. Using a cocktail of 41 BACs in three colors, all chromosome pairs could be individualized simultaneously.

Seven ancestral blocks emerged from duplicated chromosome segments of 19 Spirodela chromosomes. The chromosomally integrated genome of S. polyrhiza and the established prerequisites for comparative chromosome painting enable future studies on the chromosome homoeology and karyotype evolution of duckweed species.
A PREDICTIVE MODEL TO INFORM ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT OF DOUBLE‐CRESTED CORMORANTS AND FISHERIES IN MICHIGAN
Authors: TSEHAYE IYOB , JONES MICHAEL L. , IRWIN BRIAN J. , FIELDER DAVID G. , BRECK JAMES E. , LUUKKONEN DAVID R.
Published: August 2015

The proliferation of double‐crested cormorants (DCCOs;Phalacrocorax auritus) in North America has raised concerns over their potential negative impacts on game, cultured and forage fishes, island and terrestrial resources, and other colonial water birds, leading to increased public demands to reduce their abundance. By combining fish surplus production and bird functional feeding response models, we developed a deterministic predictive model representing bird–fish interactions to inform an adaptive management process for the control of DCCOs in multiple colonies in Michigan. Comparisons of model predictions with observations of changes in DCCO numbers under management measures implemented from 2004 to 2012 suggested that our relatively simple model was able to accurately reconstruct past DCCO population dynamics. These comparisons helped discriminate among alternative parameterizations of demographic processes that were poorly known, especially site fidelity. Using sensitivity analysis, we also identified remaining critical uncertainties (mainly in the spatial distributions of fish vs. DCCO feeding areas) that can be used to prioritize future research and monitoring needs. Model forecasts suggested that continuation of existing control efforts would be sufficient to achieve long‐term DCCO control targets in Michigan and that DCCO control may be necessary to achieve management goals for some DCCO‐impacted fisheries in the state. Finally, our model can be extended by accounting for parametric or ecological uncertainty and including more complex assumptions on DCCO–fish interactions as part of the adaptive management process.
Canagliflozin: a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Rosenthal Norm , Meininger Gary , Ways Kirk , Polidori David , Desai Mehul , Qiu Rong , Alba Maria , Vercruysse Frank , Balis Dainius , Shaw Wayne , Edwards Robert , Bull Scott , Di Prospero Nicholas , Sha Sue , Rothenberg Paul , Canovatchel William , Demarest Keith
Published: August 2015

The sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor canagliflozin is a novel treatment option for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In patients with hyperglycemia, SGLT2 inhibition lowers plasma glucose levels by reducing the renal threshold for glucose (RTG) and increasing urinary glucose excretion (UGE). Increased UGE is also associated with a mild osmotic diuresis and net caloric loss, which can lead to reductions in body weight and blood pressure (BP). After promising results from preclinical and phase I/II studies, the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin was evaluated in a comprehensive phase III development program in over 10,000 patients with T2DM on various background therapies. Canagliflozin improved glycemic control and provided reductions in body weight and BP versus placebo and active comparators in studies of up to 2 years’ duration. Canagliflozin was generally well tolerated, with higher incidences of adverse events (AEs) related to the mechanism of action, including genital mycotic infections and AEs related to osmotic diuresis. Results from the preclinical and clinical studies led canagliflozin to be the first‐in‐class SGLT2 inhibitor approved in the United States, and support canagliflozin as a safe and effective therapeutic option across a broad range of patients with T2DM.
Development and validation of a new Chinese reading chart for children
Authors: Cheung Josephine P. Y. , Liu Dilys S. K. , Lam Catherine C. C. , Cheong Allen M. Y.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

This study aimed to develop and validate a new Chinese reading chart for children. The characteristics of reading profiles among Hong Kong children were also investigated.

Methods

A new reading chart was developed using the design principles of the MNREAD chart. Children (N = 169) aged seven to 11 years with normal vision and no developmental or reading difficulties were recruited from four local Hong Kong primary schools located in four different districts. Reading performance was measured using three versions of the new Chinese reading chart for children as well as six short passages. Repeated reading measures were conducted for 79 participants 4–8 weeks later. A linear mixed‐model analysis was performed for the reading measures to identify the contribution of each source of variation (individual participant, among‐charts within‐session and between‐sessions, and error) to the total variance.

Results

Three reading parameters were derived from the Chinese reading chart for children – maximum reading speed (MRS), critical print size (CPS) and reading acuity (RA). Results from the linear mixed‐model and Bland and Altman analyses revealed that all three versions of the chart were reproducible, with little variability among‐charts and between‐sessions (p < 0.001). The coefficient of repeatability for the MRS, CPS and RA was 0.08 logWPM, 0.16 logMAR and 0.14 logMAR respectively. The strong correlation between reading speed measured by the chart and ordinary children's reading passages confirmed the usefulness of the chart for assessing children's reading performance (Rc = 0.67, 95% CI of 0.60–0.73).

Conclusions

We developed and validated a new Chinese reading chart for children for quantifying reading performance in Chinese children with normal reading ability. This standardised clinical test can be reliably used to measure the MRS, CPS and RA in Chinese‐speaking children. Further research is needed to evaluate the validity of this chart for assessing reading performance in Chinese children with reading difficulties, dyslexia or low vision.
Association of refractive error with optic nerve hypoplasia
Authors: Pang Yi , Frantz Kelly A. , Roberts Daniel K.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the association of refractive error with optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH).

Methods

A total of 30 ONH subjects were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye exams. Refractive error data from this group was compared to data from a group of 3232 non‐ONH subjects from the same facility. Spherical equivalent was calculated to assess refractive error. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between ONH and refractive error while controlling for age, race, and gender.

Results

The prevalence of hyperopia (≥+1.00 D), myopia (<−0.75 D), and anisometropia (≥1.00 D) was higher in ONH subjects than in controls. ONH subjects were 9.1 times more likely to be hyperopic than emmetropic (OR = 9.1, 95% CI = 2.9–28.4, p < 0.001) and 3.8 times more likely to be myopic than emmetropic (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.2–11.5, p = 0.02). Unilateral ONH subjects were 10.0 times more likely to have anisometropia than controls (OR = 10.0, 95% CI = 3.9–25.6, p < 0.0001). Bilateral ONH subjects were 3.8 times more likely to have anisometropia than controls (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.1–12.7, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Optic nerve hypoplasia subjects were more likely than control subjects to exhibit significant refractive errors, particularly hyperopia. Anisometropia tended to be more likely to occur in subjects with unilateral ONH than in bilateral ONH. Based on our findings, we recommend that clinicians perform a comprehensive eye examination on all patients with ONH and prescribe for existing refractive error when visual acuity or general visual function can realistically be improved.
Effectiveness of suicide prevention gatekeeper‐training for university administrative staff in Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Naoki , Suzuki Yuriko , Kato Takahiro A. , Fujisawa Daisuke , Sato Ryoko , Aoyama‐Uehara Kumi , Fukasawa Maiko , Asakura Satoshi , Kusumi Ichiro , Otsuka Kotaro
Published: August 2015

Aims

Suicide is a leading cause of death among Japanese college and university students. Gatekeeper‐training programs have been shown to improve detection and referral of individuals who are at risk of suicide by training non‐mental‐health professional persons. However, no studies have investigated the effectiveness of such programs in university settings in Japan. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the gatekeeper‐training program for administrative staff in Japanese universities.

Methods

We developed a 2.5‐h gatekeeper‐training program based on the Mental Health First Aid program, which was originally developed for the general public. Seventy‐six administrative staff at Hokkaido University participated in the program. Competence and confidence in managing suicide intervention, behavioral intention as a gatekeeper and attitude while handling suicidal students were measured by a self‐reported questionnaire before, immediately after and a month after the program.

Results

We found a significant improvement in competence in the management of suicidal students. We also found improvements in confidence in management of suicidal students and behavioral intention as a gatekeeper after training, though questionnaires for those secondary outcomes were not validated. These improvements continued for a month. About 95% of the participants rated the program as useful or very useful and one‐third of the participants had one or more chances to utilize their skills within a month.

Conclusions

The current results suggest the positive effects of the training program in university settings in Japan. Future evaluation that includes comparison with standard didactic trainings and an assessment of long‐term effectiveness are warranted.
Public Deliberation with Climate Change: Opening up or Closing down Policy Options?
Authors: Blue Gwendolyn
Published: August 2015

The principle of public participation is increasingly recognized as central for effective climate governance, although underpinning assumptions about what constitutes participation are not always clearly articulated. This article inquires into the challenges faced when lay citizens are asked to engage in deliberative ‘mini‐publics’ geared towards providing input into climate policy. While advocates claim that these innovative forums improve collective decision making by creating the conditions for a socially diverse constituency to learn about and deliberate on salient public issues, critics caution that the democratic potential of deliberative initiatives can be compromised from the outset by a deeper set of assumptions that position public meanings as the domain of expert institutions. Rather than opening up public issues to diverse meanings, mini‐publics can inadvertently close down public debate where only expert issue framings are considered valid, reasonable and credible. The admirable objective to include lay publics in climate policy can be limited in practice by a tendency to frame climate change as an inherently expert‐based issue. Defining the discussions as the exclusive preserve of experts can implicitly preclude wider public involvement, in turn limiting the knowledge and perspectives available for policy makers.
Effects of resistance training with moderate vs heavy loads on muscle mass and strength in the elderly: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Csapo R. , Alegre L. M.
Published: August 2015

The purpose of the present study was to perform a meta‐analysis to compare the efficacy of heavy (∼80% of one repetition maximum, 1RM) vs light‐moderate load (∼45% 1RM) resistance training (RT) programs in inducing strength gains and skeletal muscle hypertrophy in elderly people. To assess the role of training volumes, studies in which training protocols were matched for mechanical work were independently analyzed. In all 15 studies included (448 subjects, age 67.8 years), when comparing heavy with light‐moderate loads, strength gains tended to be larger following RT with higher intensities of load, with the resulting total population effect being μ = 0.430 (P = 0.060). Effect sizes were substantially smaller in “work‐matched” studies (μ = 0.297, P = 0.003). Training with higher loads also provoked marginally larger gains in muscle size, although the degree of training‐induced muscle hypertrophy was generally small (0.056 < μ < 0.136). To conclude, provided a sufficient number of repetitions is performed, RT at lower than traditionally recommended intensities of load may suffice to induce substantial gains in muscle strength in elderly cohorts.
Rules Trump Desires in Preschoolers’ Predictions of Group Behavior
Authors: Bernard Stéphane , Clément Fabrice , Kaufmann Laurence
Published: August 2015

The objective of this article is to investigate the way children weigh conventional rules against desires when considering how a group will behave. To do so, two experiments involving a prediction task in which desires were pitted against conventional rules were presented to three‐ to five‐year‐old children. In Experiment 1, four scenarios were established as classroom scenes in which either one protagonist or three protagonists had a desire that went against an explicit conventional rule. In the individual control condition, the choices linked to the rules were at chance whereas, in the group condition, the participants predicted that all the protagonists would end up following the rule. Given that both conditions in Experiment 1 implied four rule followers in the design, Experiment 2 staged not three but seven potential rule transgressors to see whether the desire of the majority might undermine the rule. Results showed no majority effect: participants expected protagonists to act counter to their desire and to follow the rule. Such results suggest that children as young as three‐year‐old favor rules over desires when they have to predict the behavior of a group, whether it be the majority or not. Possible implications of these intriguing findings are discussed.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B*40 allele, HLA‐B*40:229, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Yang J. H. , Jiang Y. Q. , Sun Y. , Zheng J. W. , Tang Q. J. , Xie J. H. , Xiang D.
Published: August 2015

The novel HLA‐B*40:229 allele shows one nucleotide difference from B*40:02:01 in exon 2 at nucleotide position 97 (C → T).
Identification of a novel HLA‐C*15 allele, HLA‐C*15:96Q
Authors: Huo M.‐R. , Xi B. , Yu Y. , Li D.
Published: August 2015

HLA‐C*15:96Q differs from C*15:02:01:01 by a single‐nucleotide substitution at position 164 of exon 3.
Agricultural Policies and Trade Paths in Turkey
Authors: Larson Donald , Martin Will , Sahin Sebnem , Tsigas Marinos
Published: August 2015

In 1959, shortly after the European Economic Community was founded under the 1957 Treaty of Rome, Turkey applied for Associate Membership of the then six‐member common market. By 1963, a path for integrating the economies of Turkey and the eventual European Union had been mapped. As with many trade agreements, agriculture posed difficult political hurdles, which were never fully cleared, even as trade barriers to other sectors were eventually removed and a Customs Union formed. In this paper, we trace the influences the Turkey‐EU economic institutions have had on agricultural policies and the agricultural sector. Using an applied general equilibrium framework we provide estimates of what including agriculture under the Customs Union would mean for the sector and the economy. We also discuss the implications of fully aligning Turkey's agricultural policies with the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, as would be required under full membership.
Hyperelliptic modular curves and isogenies of elliptic curves over quadratic fields
Authors: Bruin Peter , Najman Filip
Published: August 2015

We study elliptic curves over quadratic fields with isogenies of certain degrees. Let $n$ be a positive integer such that the modular curve $X_{0}(n)$ is hyperelliptic of genus ${\geqslant}2$ and such that its Jacobian has rank $0$ over $\mathbb{Q}$. We determine all points of $X_{0}(n)$ defined over quadratic fields, and we give a moduli interpretation of these points. We show that, with a finite number of exceptions up to $\overline{\mathbb{Q}}$-isomorphism, every elliptic curve over a quadratic field $K$ admitting an $n$-isogeny is $d$-isogenous, for some $d\mid n$, to the twist of its Galois conjugate by a quadratic extension $L$ of $K$. We determine $d$ and $L$ explicitly, and we list all exceptions. As a consequence, again with a finite number of exceptions up to $\overline{\mathbb{Q}}$-isomorphism, all elliptic curves with $n$-isogenies over quadratic fields are in fact $\mathbb{Q}$-curves.
Computing functions on Jacobians and their quotients
Authors: Couveignes Jean-Marc , Ezome Tony
Published: August 2015

We show how to efficiently evaluate functions on Jacobian varieties and their quotients. We deduce an algorithm to compute$(l,l)$isogenies between Jacobians of genus two curves in quasi-linear time in the degree$l^{2}$.
Integrated Weld Quality Concept—A Holistic Design Approach for Steam Turbine Rotor Weld Joints
Authors: Borgmann C. , Dumstorff P. , Kern T.-U. , Almstedt H. , Niepold K.
Published: August 2015

The today's energy market requires highly efficient power plants under flexible operating conditions. Especially, the fluctuating availability of renewables demands higher cycling of fossil fired power plants. The need for highly efficient steam turbines is driven by CO2 reduction programs and depletion of fossil resources. Increased efficiency requires higher steam temperatures up to 630 °C in today's units or even more for future steam power plants. The gap between material properties in the hot and cold running parts of a steam turbine rotor is widened by increased live steam temperatures and the increased demand for flexibility. These technical challenges are accompanied by economic aspects, i.e., the market requirements have to be met at reasonable costs. The welding of steam turbine rotors is one measure to balance required material properties and economical solutions. The rotor is a core component of the steam turbine and its long-term integrity is a key factor for reliable and safe operation of the power plant. An important aspect of weld quality is the determination of permissible size of weld imperfections assessed by fracture mechanics methods. The integrity of rotor weld joints is assured by ultrasonic inspection after the final post weld heat treatment with respect to fracture mechanics allowable flaw sizes. This procedure usually does not take credit from the quality measures applied during monitoring of the welding process. This paper provides an overview of a holistic design approach for steam turbine rotor weld joints comprising the welding process and its improved online monitoring, nondestructive evaluation, material technology, and its fracture mechanics assessment. The corresponding quality measures and their interaction with fracture mechanics design of the weld joint are described. The application of this concept allows to exploit the potentials of weld joints and to assure a safe turbine operation over life time.