bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can contact allergy to p‐phenylenediamine explain the high rates of terpene hydroperoxide allergy? – An epidemiological study based on consecutive patch test results
Authors: Bennike Niels Højsager , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre , Johansen Jeanne D.
Published: June 2016

Background

Contact allergy to linalool hydroperoxides (Lin‐OOHs) and limonene hydroperoxides (Lim‐OOHs) is common. Similarly to what occurs with the terpene hydroperoxides, reactive intermediates formed from p‐phenylenediamine (PPD) can cause oxidative modifications of tryptophan residues on proteins in mechanistic studies.

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that patients sensitized to PPD are at increased risk of concomitant reactivity to either of the terpene hydroperoxides, owing to a ‘common pathway’ of skin protein oxidation.

Methods

A database study of consecutively patch tested eczema patients (n = 3843) from 2012 to 2015, tested concomitantly with PPD, Lim‐OOHs and Lin‐OOHs, was performed. Associations were examined by level of concordance and odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for age, sex, and contact allergy to fragrance mix I and fragrance mix II.

Results

Concomitant reactions to PPD were seen in 2.2% of Lim‐OOH‐positive patients and in 4.9% of Lin‐OOH‐positive patients. Neither proportion was higher than expected by chance. No association existed between PPD and Lim‐OOH patch test reactivity. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, PPD allergy was associated with an insignificantly increased risk (OR 2.11, 95%CI:0.92–4.80) of a positive patch test reaction to Lin‐OOHs.

Conclusions

PPD sensitization cannot explain the high rates of sensitization to Lin‐OOHs and/or Lim‐OOHs. Contact allergy to oxidized linalool is more strongly associated with fragrance allergy than with PPD allergy.
Association between fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) cutoff values (25 ppb) and risk factors of cough
Authors: Qian Ling , Pan Shiying , Shi Jingdong , Du Yong , Huang Qihui , Jie Zhijun
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Cough is among the most common symptoms for patients to seek medical attention.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) cutoff values (25 ppb) and risk factors related to cough, hoping to evaluate the feasibility of the FeNO cut point values (25 ppb) for clinical prediction of cough in etiology.

Methods

In 107 adult patients with acute, subacute, or chronic cough, the FeNO, forced expiratory volume for 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), blood routine (white blood cell and neutrophil), immunoglobulin E (IgE), lymphocyte eosinophils, and hemoglobin were measured. The Student's t‐test was used to test the differences of FeNO levels compared with FEV1/FVC, lymphocyte, and hemoglobin level. For evaluating the correlation of FeNO levels with IgE, eosinophil, blood routine, pulmonary infection, and smoking status, the chi‐square test was performed.

Results

FeNO cutoff value (25 ppb) significantly correlated with serum IgE (P < .0001) between ≥200 IU/mL and <200 IU/mL level, eosinophil (P = .039) between ≥5% and <5% level, lymphocyte percentage (P = .032) and the ratio of FEV1/FVC (P = .032), while weakly correlated with pulmonary infection, blood routine (white blood cell and neutrophil), hemoglobin, and smoking.

Conclusion

The cutoff values of FeNO (≥25 ppb or <25 ppb) are useful for etiological detection of cough with high sensitivity.
Disparities in adversity among children with autism spectrum disorder: a population‐based study
Authors: Berg Kristin L , Shiu Cheng‐Shi , Acharya Kruti , Stolbach Bradley C , Msall Michael E
Published: June 2016

Aim

People with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) experience disparities in health. An important but overlooked risk factor for health disparities in the ASD population is adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of ACEs among families of children with and without ASD, using a population‐based sample.

Method

Data from the 2011 to 2012 National Survey of Child Health were analyzed to estimate prevalence of ACEs among families of children with and without ASD, age 3 to 17 years (ASD=1611; estimated population=1 165 34). The child's ASD status was obtained from parent report; ACEs were assessed with the modified Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale. Bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses were utilized to investigate the relationship between ACEs and childhood ASD status.

Results

ASD status among children was significantly and independently associated with higher probability of reporting one to three ACEs (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] 1.53; 95% CI: 1.16–2.0; p<0.010) and four or more ACEs (aRRR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.35–2.91; p<0.010).

Interpretation

Children with ASD may experience a greater number of family and neighborhood adversities, potentially compromising their chances for optimal physical and behavioral health outcomes. Assessment and reduction of ACEs among families of young people with ASD could potentially contribute to the reduction of population health disparities.
The ecology of sex explains patterns of helping in arthropod societies
Authors: Davies Nicholas G. , Ross Laura , Gardner Andy
Published: June 2016

Across arthropod societies, sib‐rearing (e.g. nursing or nest defence) may be provided by females, by males or by both sexes. According to Hamilton's ‘haplodiploidy hypothesis’, this diversity reflects the relatedness consequences of diploid vs. haplodiploid inheritance. However, an alternative ‘preadaptation hypothesis’ instead emphasises an interplay of ecology and the co‐option of ancestral, sexually dimorphic traits for sib‐rearing. The preadaptation hypothesis has recently received empirical support, but remains to be formalised. Here, we mathematically model the coevolution of sex‐specific helping and sex allocation, contrasting these hypotheses. We find that ploidyper sehas little effect. Rather, the ecology of sex shapes patterns of helping: sex‐specific preadaptation strongly influences who helps; a freely adjustable sex ratio magnifies sex biases and promotes helping; and sib‐mating, promiscuity, and reproductive autonomy also modulate the sex and abundance of helpers. An empirical survey reveals that patterns of sex‐specific helping in arthropod taxa are consistent with the preadaptation hypothesis.
Association of ideal cardiovascular health metrics and cognitive functioning: the APAC study
Authors: Zhang N. , Yang Y. , Wang A. , Cao Y. , Li J. , Yang Y. , Zhang K. , Zhang W. , Wu S. , Wang Z. , Zhu M. , Zhang Y. , Wu S. , Wang C. , Zhao X.
Published: June 2016

Background and purpose

Previous studies have demonstrated that the components of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics are related to dementia. This study aimed to investigate the overall effects of ideal CVH metrics on cognitive functioning.

Methods

Information was collected on the seven ideal CVH metrics (smoking, body mass index, dietary intake, physical activity, blood pressure, total cholesterol and fasting blood glucose) from the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study, and cognitive functioning was assessed by the score of the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Multivariate logistic regression and linear regression models were used to assess the relationships between ideal CVH metrics and cognitive functioning.

Results

A total of 3260 (56.7% men) patients were included in this study. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the associations between the number or score of ideal CVH metrics and cognitive impairment remained significant [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval) 0.773 (0.664–0.928) and 0.904 (0.831–0.983), respectively]. In addition, there were significant linear relationships between the number or score of CVH metrics and the score of the MMSE (β = 0.211 and 0.134 respectively, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A clear inverse association was observed between the number or score of ideal CVH metrics and cognitive impairment in a Chinese population, supporting the importance of ideal CVH metrics in prevention of dementia.
Conflicting Pathways to Participation in the FL Classroom: L2 Speech Production vs. L2 Thought Processes
Authors: Bernales Carolina
Published: June 2016

Previous research on foreign language classroom participation has shown that oral production has a privileged status compared to less salient forms of participation, such as mental involvement and engagement in class activities. This mixed‐methods study presents an alternative look at classroom participation by investigating the relationship between second language (L2) thoughts and L2 speech in German as a foreign language learners in a language program in the United States. At four points during an academic semester, 16 students answered an in‐class survey that aimed at recording students' estimations of how much of their thoughts had been formulated in the L2 and how much of their speech had been articulated in the L2. A small subset of these students participated in individual stimulated recall interviews to gather their own reflections on their thought processes and L2 speech production. Results show that students' L2 speech production is conditioned by a complex interplay of variables, which results in a mismatch between self‐reported L2 thoughts and L2 speech. Several explanations derived from interview data are offered to account for this divergence, such as motivational tendencies, misperceptions of L2 use, the production of rehearsed speech, metalinguistic thoughts in the first language, and conceptions of silence as a valid form of participation. Pedagogical implications are discussed.
Temperature affects the partitioning of absorbed light energy in freshwater phytoplankton
Authors: Fanesi Andrea , Wagner Heiko , Becker Annette , Wilhelm Christian
Published: June 2016

Temperature affects phytoplankton growth by altering the balance between light energy absorption and consumption. However, the way absorbed light energy (Qphar) is partitioned as a function of temperature has never been compared among phytoplankton groups. Accordingly, light‐energy partitioning in seven freshwater phytoplankton species acclimated to eight temperatures (7–35 °C) was quantified by photosynthetic and bio‐optical measurements.

At low temperature, cyanobacteria and green algae received an excess of energy due to a decreased C‐fixation capacity. Consequently, Qphar partitioning was mainly directed towards dissipation mechanisms, such as non‐photochemical quenching and alternative electron pathways. The same photo‐protective mechanisms were stimulated in diatoms, but their ability to maintain stable C‐fixation capacities over the entire temperature range prevented the cells from experiencing excessive excitation pressure.

At high temperatures, Qphar was preferentially invested in growth, showing a taxon‐specific positive correlation with growth rate. The cyanobacteria and a diatom required the lowest amount of energy to sustain their growth rate. The higher efficiency of these taxa in using light for growth is therefore a cellular trait that favours their dominance during summer.

Our results are in line with literature reports showing temporal changes in species composition that can be attributed to temperature, and may help to explain the seasonal succession of species observed in nature.
Environmental performance of gasified willow from different lands including land‐use changes
Authors: Saez de Bikuña Koldo , Hauschild Michael Zwicky , Pilegaard Kim , Ibrom Andreas
Published: June 2016

A life‐cycle assessment (LCA) of a low‐input, short rotation coppice (SRC) willow grown on different Danish lands was performed. Woodchips are gasified, producer gas is used for cogeneration of heat and power (CHP), and the ash–char output is applied as soil amendment in the field. A hybrid model was developed for the estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from indirect land‐use changes (iLUC) induced by willow cropping on arable land (iLUCfood). For this, area expansion results from a general equilibrium economic model were combined with global LUC trends to differentiate between land transformation (as additional agricultural expansion, in areas with historical deforestation) and occupation (as delayed relaxation, DR, in areas with historical land abandonment) impacts. A biophysical approach was followed to determine the iLUCfeed emissions factor from marginal grassland. Land transformation impacts were derived from latest world deforestation statistics, while a commercial feed mix of equivalent nutritive value was assumed to substitute the displaced grass as fodder. Intensification effects were included in both iLUC factors as additional N‐fertilizer consumption. Finally, DR impacts were considered for abandoned farmland, as a relative C stock loss compared to natural regeneration. ILUC results show that area related GHG emissions are dominant (93% of iLUCfood and 80% of iLUCfeed), transformation being more important (82% of iLUCfood) than occupation (11%) impacts. LCA results show that CHP from willow emits 4047 kg CO2‐eq (or 0.8 gCO2‐eq MJ−1) when grown on arable land, while sequestering 43 745 kg CO2‐eq (or −10.4 gCO2‐eq MJ−1) when planted on marginal pastureland, and 134 296 kg CO2‐eq (or −31.8 gCO2‐eq MJ−1) when marginal abandoned land is cultivated. Increasing the bioenergy potential without undesirable iLUC effects, especially relevant regarding biodiversity impacts, requires that part of the marginally used extensive grasslands are released from their current use or energy cropping on abandoned farmland incentivized.
A comprehensive review of hydrocarbons and genetic model of the sandstone‐hosted Dongsheng uranium deposit, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Cao B. F. , Bai G. P. , Zhang K. X. , Zhang L. K. , He B.
Published: June 2016

The Dongsheng uranium deposit, the largest in situ leach uranium mine in the Ordos Basin, geometrically forms a roll‐front type deposit that is hosted in the Middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation. The genesis of the mineralization, however, has long been a topic of great debate. Regional faults, epigenetic alterations in surface outcrops, natural oil seeps, and experimental findings support a reducing microenvironment during ore genesis. The bulk of the mineralization is coffinite. Based on thin‐section petrography, some of the coffinite is intimately intergrown with authigenic pyrite (ore‐stage pyrite) and is commonly juxtaposed with some late diagenetic sparry calcite (ore‐stage calcite) in primary pores, suggesting simultaneous precipitation. Measured homogenization temperatures of greater than 100°C from fluid inclusions indicate circulation of low‐temperature hydrothermal fluids in the ore zone. The carbon isotopic compositions of late calcite cement (δ13CVPDB = −31.0 to −1.4‰) suggest that they were partly derived from sedimentary organic carbon, possibly from deep‐seated petroleum fluids emanating from nearby faults. Hydrogen and oxygen isotope data from kaolinite cement (δD = −133 to −116‰ and δ18OSMOW = 12.6–13.8‰) indicate that the mineralizing fluids differed from magmatic and metamorphic fluids and were more depleted in D (2H) than modern regional meteoric waters. Such a strongly negative hydrogen isotopic signature suggests that there has been selective modification of δD by CH4±H2S±H2 fluids. Ore‐stage pyrite lies within a very wide range of δ34S (−39.2 to 26.9‰), suggesting that the pyrite has a complex origin and that bacterially mediated sulfate reduction cannot be precluded. Hydrocarbon migration and its role in uranium reduction and precipitation have here been unequivocally defined. Thus, a unifying model for uranium mineralization can be established: Early coupled bacterial uranium mineralization and hydrocarbon oxidation were followed by later recrystallization of ore phases in association with low‐temperature hydrothermal solutions under hydrocarbon‐induced reducing conditions.
Genetic analysis of seed‐related traits in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) under well‐watered and water‐stressed conditions
Authors: Majidi M. M. , Bahrami S. , Abtahi M. , Mirlohi A. , Araghi B.
Published: June 2016

In forage grasses, knowledge about the genetic basis of seed production and its association with related traits under water stress is very limited. Half‐sib families derived from the polycross of twenty five smooth bromegrass genotypes were evaluated in the field in well‐watered and water‐stressed environments during 2012 and 2013. Results showed that drought stress had a negative effect on seed yield and reduced phenotypic variation for seed yield and agro‐morphological traits. High genotypic variation was observed among families for seed yield and its components. Narrow‐sense heritabilities (h2) ranged from 0·22 (flag leaf weight) to 0·81 (days to anthesis). These moderate‐to‐high heritability estimates for seed yield and its components indicate that phenotypic selection can be successful to achieve genetic progress for these traits. Seed yield had a positive correlation with 1000‐seed weight, number of ears per plant, number of seeds per panicle, seed weight per panicle and panicle length.
Usefulness and limitations of balloon‐occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using miriplatin for patients with four or fewer hepatocellular carcinoma nodules
Authors: Kawamura Yusuke , Ikeda Kenji , Fujiyama Shunichiro , Hosaka Tetsuya , Kobayashi Masahiro , Saitoh Satoshi , Sezaki Hitomi , Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Arase Yasuji , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: June 2016

Aim

The aim of this study is to clarify the usefulness and limitations of balloon‐occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (B‐TACE) using miriplatin for patients with four or fewer hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodules.

Methods

We studied 47 nodules in 30 consecutive patients who received miriplatin by B‐TACE to treat HCC with four or fewer nodules per patient. The treatment effect was evaluated using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Cancer of the Liver.

Results

Nodules were divided according to the presence or absence of portal vein visualization during B‐TACE. In the presence group, dynamic computed tomography at 3 months post‐therapy showed Response Evaluation Criteria in Cancer of the Liver treatment effect (TE) 4 in 88% (14/16), TE3 in 0% (0/16), TE2 in 0% (0/16), TE1 in 12% (2/16), and objective response in 88% of nodules. In the absence group, the results were TE4 in 35% (11/31), TE3 in 13% (4/31), TE2 in 26% (8/31), TE1 in 26% (8/31), and objective response decreased to 48% of nodules. In addition to typical hypervascular nodules, we treated three nodules with irregular ring enhancement that predicted poorly differentiated HCC and four nodules that included a hypoenhancement area that predicted well to moderately differentiated HCC. All irregular ring enhancement nodules achieved TE4. Other nodules that were predicted to be well to moderately differentiated HCC did not have portal vein visualization during B‐TACE and could not achieve TE4.

Conclusion

Balloon‐occluded transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is a useful technique for treatment of classical hypervascular HCC, and portal vein visualization during the B‐TACE procedure may provide more favorable local control.
Sex, Services, and Surveillance: The Cleveland Street Scandal Revisited
Authors: Hindmarch‐Watson Katie
Published: June 2016

The 1889 “Cleveland Street Scandal” in London, which exposed a male brothel offering telegraph boys to elite men for sexual services, has long been recognized and evaluated as a window into late Victorian homoerotic subcultures and regulatory legislation. By focusing on the telegraph boys' contribution to the scandal, particularly their roles as information service providers in relation to the broader ideologies associated with telecommunications work in this period, the scandal takes on new meanings for queer history. It reveals the relationship between queer urban encounters and the growth of clandestine communications surveillance in Britain and opens up possibilities for re‐prioritizing service labor in historical accounts of queer interactions and subjectivities.
The diagnostic and prognostic value of SALL4 in hepatoblastoma
Authors: Zhou Shengmei , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Gomulia Ellen , Shillingford Nick , Wang Larry
Published: June 2016

Aims

To investigate the expression of spalt‐like transcription factor 4 (SALL4), a regulator of embryonal development, in three epithelial components of hepatoblastoma (HB) and the relationship between SALL4 expression levels and patients’ clinicopathological features.

Methods and results

A total of 115 specimens from 79 patients with HB were selected for immunostaining of SALL4. Nuclear staining was semi‐quantified using the immunoreactive score (IS; range: 0–12). SALL4 expression was seen in all embryonal components (mean IS = 8.58) and in 41% of fetal components (mean IS = 0.78). No SALL4 expression was seen in either small cell undifferentiated or mesenchymal components of HB. Neither chemotherapy nor metastasis altered SALL4 expression significantly. High SALL4 expression levels were associated significantly with decreased overall survival (OS) (P = 0.004), event‐free survival (EFS) (P = 0.003) and the presence of metastasis (P = 0.049) on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis identified SALL4 as an independent prognostic predictor for OS (P = 0.029).

Conclusions

SALL4 is useful for subtyping HB, and high SALL4 expression is associated with decreased survival in HB.
On star and biclique edge‐colorings
Authors: Dantas Simone , Groshaus Marina , Guedes André , Machado Raphael C. S. , Ries Bernard , Sasaki Diana
Published: June 2016

A biclique of G is a maximal set of vertices that induces a complete bipartite subgraph of G with at least one edge, and a star of a graph G is a maximal set of vertices that induces a complete bipartite graph . A biclique (resp. star) edge‐coloring is a coloring of the edges of a graph with no monochromatic bicliques (resp. stars). We prove that the problem of determining whether a graph G has a biclique (resp. star) edge‐coloring using two colors is NP‐hard. Furthermore, we describe polynomial time algorithms for the problem in restricted classes: K3‐free graphs, chordal bipartite graphs, powers of paths, and powers of cycles.
Parallel variable neighborhood search for the min–max order batching problem
Authors: Menéndez Borja , Pardo Eduardo G. , Sánchez‐Oro Jesús , Duarte Abraham
Published: June 2016

Warehousing is a key part of supply chain management. It primarily focuses on controlling the movement and storage of materials within a warehouse and processing the associated transactions, including shipping, receiving, and picking. From the tactical point of view, the main decision is the storage policy, that is, to decide where each product should be located. Every day a warehouse receives several orders from its customers. Each order consists of a list of one or more items that have to be retrieved from the warehouse and shipped to a specific customer. Thus, items must be collected by a warehouse operator. We focus on situations in which several orders are put together into batches, satisfying a fixed capacity constraint. Then, each batch is assigned to an operator, who retrieves all the items included in those orders grouped into the corresponding batch in a single tour. The objective is then to minimize the maximum retrieving time for any batch. In this paper, we propose a parallel variable neighborhood search algorithm to tackle the so‐called min–max order batching problem. We additionally compare this parallel procedure with the best previous approach. Computational results show the superiority of our proposal, confirmed with statistical tests.
Preparation and Performances of Hierarchical Structured HZSM‐5 Washcoating on Stainless‐Steel Substrates
Authors: Cao Yanhong , Qiu Yuan , Wang Li , Zhang Xiangwen , Liu Guozhu
Published: June 2016

The washcoats of the hierarchical HZSM‐5 zeolite (through desilication) were prepared on the inner surface of SS304 stainless‐steel tubes. The properties of slurries and coatings were characterized by analysis of particle size, measurements of rheological property, loading, adhesion, and finally the catalytic cracking test. It was found that introducing mesoporosity on the zeolite crystals was beneficial for reducing the particle size during ball milling for slurries preparation, which was helpful for improving loading due to a significant change in the rheological property. As the interaction between the particles with different sizes was enhanced after ball milling, the adhesion of the prepared coatings was improved. The catalytic activity and stability of the hierarchical HZSM‐5 coatings for the catalytic cracking of n‐dodecane were 56% and 75% higher than that of the conventional one, respectively. This probably resulted from the enhanced diffusion rate of reactant and products in the crystals and the coatings.
An evaluation of alternative selection indexes for a non‐linear profit trait approaching its economic optimum
Authors: Martin‐Collado D. , Byrne T.J. , Visser B. , Amer P.R.
Published: June 2016

This study used simulation to evaluate the performance of alternative selection index configurations in the context of a breeding programme where a trait with a non‐linear economic value is approaching an economic optimum. The simulation used a simple population structure that approximately mimics selection in dual purpose sheep flocks in New Zealand (NZ). In the NZ dual purpose sheep population, number of lambs born is a genetic trait that is approaching an economic optimum, while genetically correlated growth traits have linear economic values and are not approaching any optimum. The predominant view among theoretical livestock geneticists is that the optimal approach to select for nonlinear profit traits is to use a linear selection index and to update it regularly. However, there are some nonlinear index approaches that have not been evaluated. This study assessed the efficiency of the following four alternative selection index approaches in terms of genetic progress relative to each other: (i) a linear index, (ii) a linear index updated regularly, (iii) a nonlinear (quadratic) index, and (iv) a NLF index (nonlinear index below the optimum and then flat). The NLF approach does not reward or penalize animals for additional genetic merit beyond the trait optimum. It was found to be at least comparable in efficiency to the approach of regularly updating the linear index with short (15 year) and long (30 year) time frames. The relative efficiency of this approach was slightly reduced when the current average value of the nonlinear trait was close to the optimum. Finally, practical issues of industry application of indexes are considered and some potential practical benefits of efficient deployment of a NLF index in highly heterogeneous industries (breeds, flocks and production environments) such as in the NZ dual purpose sheep population are discussed.
A Comparison of Linking Methods for Estimating National Trends in International Comparative Large‐Scale Assessments in the Presence of Cross‐National DIF
Authors: Sachse Karoline A. , Roppelt Alexander , Haag Nicole
Published: June 2016

Trend estimation in international comparative large‐scale assessments relies on measurement invariance between countries. However, cross‐national differential item functioning (DIF) has been repeatedly documented. We ran a simulation study using national item parameters, which required trends to be computed separately for each country, to compare trend estimation performances to two linking methods employing international item parameters across several conditions. The trend estimates based on the national item parameters were more accurate than the trend estimates based on the international item parameters when cross‐national DIF was present. Moreover, the use of fixed common item parameter calibrations led to biased trend estimates. The detection and elimination of DIF can reduce this bias but is also likely to increase the total error.
Using Networks to Visualize and Analyze Process Data for Educational Assessment
Authors: Zhu Mengxiao , Shu Zhan , von Davier Alina A.
Published: June 2016

New technology enables interactive and adaptive scenario‐based tasks (SBTs) to be adopted in educational measurement. At the same time, it is a challenging problem to build appropriate psychometric models to analyze data collected from these tasks, due to the complexity of the data. This study focuses on process data collected from SBTs. We explore the potential of using concepts and methods from social network analysis to represent and analyze process data. Empirical data were collected from the assessment of Technology and Engineering Literacy, conducted as part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress. For the activity sequences in the process data, we created a transition network using weighted directed networks, with nodes representing actions and directed links connecting two actions only if the first action is followed by the second action in the sequence. This study shows how visualization of the transition networks represents process data and provides insights for item design. This study also explores how network measures are related to existing scoring rubrics and how detailed network measures can be used to make intergroup comparisons.
Before–after environmental impact assessment of an artificial channel opening on a south‐western Atlantic choked lagoon system
Authors: Prestrelo L. , Monteiro‐Neto C.
Published: June 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the human induced impact of a channel opening in a choked lagoon and attempted to establish the cause‐effect links for the observed changes. The same lagoon system was sampled before and after the channel opening event, and the differences in fish and crustacean assemblages and environmental variables between these periods analysed. The opening of the artificial channel resulted in salinity increases, leading to a shift in species composition, favouring marine species and reducing abundance and diversity of previously dominant freshwater species. Furthermore, saltwater entrance into the choked lagoon caused an unexpected decrease in species richness and biomass, plus deterioration of ecosystem processes, reducing fishing capacity. The effects of salinity on the ecosystem vary depending on the ecosystem's composition and capacity to overcome salinity changes, thus specific monitoring projects are important strategies for developing coastal lagoon conservation management.
Fatigued, but Not Frail: Perceived Fatigability as a Marker of Impending Decline in Mobility‐Intact Older Adults
Authors: Simonsick Eleanor M. , Glynn Nancy W. , Jerome Gerald J. , Shardell Michelle , Schrack Jennifer A. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To evaluate perceived fatigability as a predictor of meaningful functional decline in non‐mobility‐limited older adults.

Design

Longitudinal analysis of data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA).

Setting

National Institute on Aging, Clinical Research Unit, Baltimore, Maryland.

Participants

Men and women aged 60 to 89 participating in the BLSA with concurrent perceived fatigability and functional assessments and follow‐up functional assessment within 1 to 3 years (N = 540).

Measurements

Perceived fatigability was ascertained using the Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after 5 minutes of treadmill walking at 1.5 miles per hour. Functional assessments included usual and fast gait speed, the Health, Aging and Body Composition physical performance battery (HABC PPB) and reported walking ability. Reported tiredness and energy level were examined as complementary predictors. Covariates included age, age squared, race, follow‐up time, and baseline function. Meaningful decline was defined as 0.05 m/s per year for usual gait speed, 0.07 m/s per year for fast gait speed, 0.12 points/year for HABC PPB, and 1 point for walking ability index.

Results

Over a mean 2.1 years, 20–31% of participants declined across functional assessments. Fatigability was associated with a 13–19% greater likelihood of meaningful decline in all measures (P = .002– .02) per 1‐unit RPE increase. After considering tiredness and energy level separately, findings were essentially unchanged, and neither was associated with gait speed or physical performance decline. In contrast, each separately predicted decline in reported walking ability independent of fatigability (P = .03 and P < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

Routine assessment of fatigability may help identify older persons vulnerable to greater‐than‐expected functional decline.
Cognitive Tests and Determining Fitness to Drive in Dementia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bennett Joanne M. , Chekaluk Eugene , Batchelor Jennifer
Published: June 2016

Evidence has shown that although all individuals with dementia will eventually need to stop driving, most can continue to drive safely early in the disease. Fitness to drive needs to be monitored, and the use of cognitive testing to determine driver safety has been suggested. This review is the first to examine cognitive test results pertaining only to individuals with dementia. The aim was to examine the relationship between cognitive tests and driving to determine whether a cognitive assessment can be implemented as a tool to examine driver safety. A systematic review of 28 studies investigating the relationship between cognitive functioning and driving in individuals with dementia was conducted. The results of this review demonstrated a lack of consistency in the findings, with some studies showing a relationship between cognitive testing and driving performance for individuals with dementia, whereas others did not. Results relating to individual cognitive tests and measures confined to a single cognitive domain were variable and not consistently associated with driving performance. Studies consistently found that composite batteries predicted driving performance. The findings from this review support the use of composite batteries comprising multiple individual tests from different cognitive domains in predicting driving performance for individuals with dementia. Scores on individual tests or tests of a single cognitive domain did not predict driver safety. The composite batteries that researchers have examined are not clinically usable because they lack the ability to discriminate sufficiently between safe and unsafe drivers. Researchers need to develop a reliable, valid composite battery that can correctly determine driver safety in individuals with dementia.
Development and exploratory testing of a school‐based educational program for healthy life behaviors among fifth grade children in South Korea
Authors: Kim Shin‐Jeong , Baek Seong‐Sook , Kang Kyung‐Ah
Published: June 2016

Aim

The purpose of this study was to develop an educational program to promote healthy life behaviors and to evaluate its potential effects on the health practices of fifth grade elementary school children.

Methods

The program, which consisted of six categories (daily life and health, disease prevention and management, prevention of drug misuse and overuse, sexuality and health, mental health, and injury prevention and first aid), was developed based on the ADDIE model. A pretest–post‐test, one‐group, quasi‐experimental design was used with 85 elementary school students who voluntarily participated in the program.

Results

A school‐based educational program, called the “Six Kid Keys,” referring to the six categories of healthy life behaviors, was developed. Significant pre–post differences in two of the six healthy life behavior categories (disease prevention and management, injury prevention and first aid) were found.

Conclusion

A school‐based intervention that was aimed at changing habits related to healthy life behaviors could be effective for elementary school children.
The Real Effects of Credit Ratings: The Sovereign Ceiling Channel
Authors: ALMEIDA HEITOR , CUNHA IGOR , FERREIRA MIGUEL A. , RESTREPO FELIPE
Published: June 2016

We show that sovereign debt impairments can have a significant effect on financial markets and real economies through a credit ratings channel. Specifically, we find that firms reduce their investment and reliance on credit markets due to a rising cost of debt capital following a sovereign rating downgrade. We identify these effects by exploiting exogenous variation in corporate ratings due to rating agencies' sovereign ceiling policies, which require that firms' ratings remain at or below the sovereign rating of their country of domicile.
Clinical leishmaniasis in dogs living in the UK
Authors: Silvestrini P. , Batchelor D. , Allenspach K. , Maunder C. , Seth M. , Mas A. , Hill T. , Serrano G. , Roura X. , Planellas M. , German A. J. , Pastor J.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prevalence of leishmaniasis in dogs in the UK and to describe clinical presentation, clinicopathological abnormalities, therapeutic protocols and outcome in this non‐endemic country.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of dogs diagnosed with leishmaniasis at seven referral centres in the UK were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The prevalence was between 0·007 and 0·04% with a higher number of cases in southern England. All dogs had a history of travel to or from an endemic country. Lethargy, dermatological disease, decreased appetite and lameness were the most common reasons for presentation. Allopurinol was used alone for treatment in the majority of cases.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Although rare, leishmaniasis should be considered in dogs in the UK if they have compatible clinical signs and history of travel to or from endemic areas.
Early pathology in sleep studies of patients with familial Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Givaty Gili , Maggio Nicola , Cohen Oren S. , Blatt Ilan , Chapman Joab
Published: June 2016

In this study, we aimed to assess sleep function in patients with recent‐onset familial Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (fCJD). The largest cluster of fCJD patients is found in Jews of Libyan origin, linked to the prion protein gene (PRNP) E200K mutation. The high index of suspicion in these patients often leads to early diagnosis, with complaints of insomnia being a very common presenting symptom of the disease. The study included 10 fCJD patients diagnosed by clinical manifestations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain, elevated tau protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and positive PRNP E200K mutation. Standard polysomnography was performed after a brief interview confirming the presence of sleep disturbances. All patients showed a pathological sleep pattern according to all scoring evaluation settings. The sleep stages were characterized by (i) disappearance of sleep spindles; (ii) outbursts of periodic sharp waves and shallowing of sleep consisting in increased Stage 2 and wake periods during the night, as well as decrease of slow‐wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Recordings of respiratory functions reported irregular breathing with central and obstructive apnea and hypopnea. The typical hypotonia occurring during the night and atonia during REM sleep were replaced by hyperactive sleep consisting of multiple jerks, movements and parasomnia (mainly talking) throughout the night. In conclusion, we report unique pathological sleep patterns in early fCJD associated with the E200K mutation. Specific respiratory disturbances and lack of atonia could possibly serve as new, early diagnostic tools in the disease.
Development of nap neurophysiology: preliminary insights into sleep regulation in early childhood
Authors: Kurth Salome , Lassonde Jonathan M. , Pierpoint Lauren A. , Rusterholz Thomas , Jenni Oskar G. , McClain Ian J. , Achermann Peter , LeBourgeois Monique K.
Published: June 2016

Although all young children nap, the neurophysiological features and associated developmental trajectories of daytime sleep remain largely unknown. Longitudinal studies of napping physiology are fundamental to understanding sleep regulation during early childhood, a sensitive period in brain and behaviour development and a time when children transition from a biphasic to a monophasic sleep–wakefulness pattern. We investigated daytime sleep in eight healthy children with sleep electroencephalography (EEG) assessments at three longitudinal points: 2 years (2.5–3.0 years), 3 years (3.5–4.0 years) and 5 years (5.5–6.0 years). At each age, we measured nap EEG during three randomized conditions: after 4 h (morning nap), 7 h (afternoon nap) and 10 h (evening nap) duration of prior wakefulness. Developmental changes in sleep were most prevalent in the afternoon nap (e.g. decrease in sleep duration by 30 min from 2 to 3 years and by 20 min from 3 to 5 years). In contrast, nap sleep architecture (% of sleep stages) remained unchanged across age. Maturational changes in non‐rapid eye movement sleep EEG power were pronounced in the slow wave activity (SWA, 0.75–4.5 Hz), theta (4.75–7.75 Hz) and sigma (10–15 Hz) frequency ranges. These findings indicate that the primary marker of sleep depth, SWA, is less apparent in daytime naps as children mature. Moreover, our fundamental data provide insight into associations between sleep regulation and functional modifications in the central nervous system during early childhood.
Downregulation ofCXCR4 Expression and Functionality After Zoledronate Exposure in Canine Osteosarcoma
Authors: Byrum M.L. , Pondenis H.C. , Fredrickson R.L. , Wycislo K.L. , Fan T.M.
Published: June 2016

Background

The establishment and progression of metastases remains the life‐limiting factor for dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma (OS). The pattern of metastases is likely regulated through interactions between chemokine receptors and chemokines, and perturbations in these signaling cascades responsible for cytoskeletal organization and directional migration have the potential to alter metastatic cell trafficking behaviors.

Hypothesis

Zoledronate will impair directional migration ofOScells through downregulation of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) expression and functionality.

Samples

Nineteen archived tumor specimens and plasma from 20 dogs withOS.

Methods

Prospectively, the expressions ofCXCR4 were studied inOScell lines and spontaneous tumor samples. The effect of zoledronate onCXCR4 expression and functionality was investigated by characterizing responses in 3OScell lines. In 19OSspecimens and 20 dogs withOS, changes inCXCR4 expression and circulatingCXCR4 concentrations were characterized in response to zoledronate therapy respectively.

Results

All canineOScells expressCXCR4, and zoledronate reducesCXCR4 expression and functionality by 27.7% (P< .0001), through augmented proteasome degradation and reduced prenylation of heterotrimeric G‐proteins in 33% of tumor cell lines evaluated. InOS‐bearing dogs, zoledronate reducesCXCR4 expressions by 40% within the primary tumor compared to untreated controls (P= .03) and also decreases the circulating concentrations ofCXCR4 in 18 of 20 dogs withOS.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Zoledronate can alterCXCR4 expression and functionality inOScells, and consequent perturbations inCXCR4 intracellular signaling cascades might influence patterns of metastases.
Diachronic Developments in the Domain of Negation
Authors: Zeijlstra Hedde
Published: June 2016

This overview article discusses several important diachronic developments in the domain of negation. Every natural language has some device at its disposal to express that the truth‐value of the propositional contents of a sentence is reversed. Languages vary not only synchronically with respect to the way they express negation but also diachronically. However, languages do not undergo arbitrary changes in the domain of negation but rather follow particular diachronic pathways that leave little room for language‐specific variation. Consequently, the study of these diachronic developments may shed more light on the nature of negation in natural language than synchronic studies already do. Why is it that negation may only change along particular pathways and what does this tell us about the (special) status of negation as a functional category? This article aims to pave the way for everybody interested in the answers to these questions. I provide a brief overview of the major diachronic developments in the domain of negation that have been discovered thus far and the explanations that have been provided for these patterns. I also discuss some of the consequences of the existence of these attested patterns.
The LysR‐type transcriptional regulator, CidR, regulates stationary phase cell death in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chaudhari Sujata S. , Thomas Vinai C. , Sadykov Marat R. , Bose Jeffrey L. , Ahn Daniel J. , Zimmerman Matthew C. , Bayles Kenneth W.
Published: June 2016

The Staphylococcus aureus LysR‐type transcriptional regulator, CidR, activates the expression of two operons including cidABC and alsSD that display pro‐ and anti‐death functions, respectively. Although several investigations have focused on the functions of different genes associated with these operons, the collective role of the CidR regulon in staphylococcal physiology is not clearly understood. Here we reveal that the primary role of this regulon is to limit acetate‐dependent potentiation of cell death in staphylococcal populations. Although both CidB and CidC promote acetate generation and cell death, the CidR‐dependent co‐activation of CidA and AlsSD counters the effects of CidBC by redirecting intracellular carbon flux towards acetoin formation. From a mechanistic standpoint, we demonstrate that CidB is necessary for full activation of CidC, whereas CidA limits the abundance of CidC in the cell.
The stripe rust fungal effector PEC6 suppresses pattern‐triggered immunity in a host species‐independent manner and interacts with adenosine kinases
Authors: Liu Changhai , Pedersen Carsten , Schultz‐Larsen Torsten , Aguilar Geziel B. , Madriz‐Ordeñana Kenneth , Hovmøller Mogens S. , Thordal‐Christensen Hans
Published: June 2016

We identified a wheat stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis) effector candidate (PEC6) with pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) suppression function and its corresponding host target.

PEC6 compromised PTI host species‐independently. In Nicotiana benthamiana, it hampers reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and callose deposition induced by Pseudomonas fluorescens. In Arabidopsis, plants expressing PEC6 were more susceptible to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000 ΔAvrPto/ΔAvrPtoB. In wheat, PEC6‐suppression of P. fluorescens‐elicited PTI was revealed by the fact that it allowed activation of effector‐triggered immunity by Pto DC3000. Knocking down of PEC6 expression by virus‐mediated host‐induced gene silencing decreased the number of rust pustules, uncovering PEC6 as an important pathogenicity factor.

PEC6, overexpressed in plant cells without its signal peptide, was localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm. A yeast two‐hybrid assay showed that PEC6 interacts with both wheat and Arabidopsis adenosine kinases (ADKs). Knocking down wheat ADK expression by virus‐induced gene silencing reduced leaf growth and enhanced the number of rust pustules, indicating that ADK is important in plant development and defence.

ADK plays essential roles in regulating metabolism, cytokinin interconversion and methyl transfer reactions, and our data propose a model where PEC6 may affect one of these processes by targeting ADK to favour fungal growth.