bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Australian Contribution to International Trade Theory: The Dependent Economy Model
Authors: Metaxas Phillip Edmund , Weber Ernst Juerg
Published: June 2016

The dependent economy model is also known as the ‘Australian model’ and the ‘Salter–Swan–Corden–Dornbusch model’ but neither title adequately conveys the scope and sequence of contributions that were instrumental to its development. In this paper attention is given to indispensable contributions made by the Australian public servant Roland Wilson and the British economist James Meade. The model's development is placed in the broader context of the evolution of balance of payments theory, and the paper highlights a vital Australian contribution to international trade theory, namely, the identification of the real exchange rate as the critical relative price in balance of payments adjustment.
On the Problem of Constructing Rational Preferences
Authors: Markey‐Towler Brendan
Published: June 2016

In standard models it is typically taken for granted that preferences are given and defined over the alternatives alone, and the possibility of making a rational choice is a matter of assumption. I generalise this aspect of the economic model so that preferences over alternatives are constructed from given preferences defined over various characteristics of the alternatives under consideration. I characterise the decision problem before investigating what conditions a procedure for aggregating preferences over attributes into preferences over alternatives must satisfy in order for the latter to be rational. I then consider what the implications of these conditions for the procedural rationality of the aggregation process.
Commercial Milk Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Kit Reactivities to Purified Milk Proteins and Milk‐Derived Ingredients
Authors: Ivens Katherine O. , Baumert Joseph L. , Taylor Steve L.
Published: June 2016

Numerous commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits exist to quantitatively detect bovine milk residues in foods. Milk contains many proteins that can serve as ELISA targets including caseins (α‐, β‐, or κ‐casein) and whey proteins (α‐lactalbumin or β‐lactoglobulin). Nine commercially‐available milk ELISA kits were selected to compare the specificity and sensitivity with 5 purified milk proteins and 3 milk‐derived ingredients. All of the milk kits were capable of quantifying nonfat dry milk (NFDM), but did not necessarily detect all individual protein fractions. While milk‐derived ingredients were detected by the kits, their quantitation may be inaccurate due to the use of different calibrators, reference materials, and antibodies in kit development. The establishment of a standard reference material for the calibration of milk ELISA kits is increasingly important. The appropriate selection and understanding of milk ELISA kits for food analysis is critical to accurate quantification of milk residues and informed risk management decisions.
Salvianolic acid A improves intestinal motility in diabetic rats through antioxidant capacity and upregulation of nNOS
Authors: Yu Xiao Yan , Zhang Li , Yang Xiu Ying , Li Xiao Ting , Du Guan Hua
Published: June 2016

Objective

This study aimed to detect the effect of a new herbal extract salvianolic acid A (SalA) on gastrointestinal complications in diabetic rats.

Methods

Altogether 80 rats were divided randomly into five groups, including normal control (NC) group, high‐fat (HF) diet group, diabetes mellitus (DM) control group, and DM treated with SalA (0.1 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg) groups, respectively. DM was induced by feeding the rats with HF diet and the administration of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg). Four weeks after the establishment of the DM model, the rats received SalA or double distilled water for 8 weeks. After the evaluation of intestinal motility, the animals were sacrificed and their intestines were isolated and collected. The levels of advanced glycation end‐products (AGE) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected. Protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expressions in the intestine were also detected.

Results

Compared with the NC and HF rats, the DM control rats showed significantly increased blood glucose level and decreased weight. Compared with the DM control group, SalA did not influence their weight and blood glucose level, but significantly reduced the levels of AGE and MDA. Intestinal transit was promoted by SalA in diabetic rats, and the expressions of PGP9.5 and nNOS in the intestine were both upregulated.

Conclusion

The effect of SalA on the intestinal motility of diabetic rats might be due to its antioxidant capacity and restoring nNOS expression.
Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Upala Sikarin , Jaruvongvanich Veeravich , Riangwiwat Tanawan , Jaruvongvanich Suthinee , Sanguankeo Anawin
Published: June 2016

Objective

To systematically review and quantify the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and metabolic parameters in individuals with H. pylori infection.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed. Inclusion criteria were observational studies assessing the association between H. pylori infection and MS in adult participants. We calculated the pooled effect estimate of MS with 95% confidence interval (CI) between patients infected with H. pylori and those without by using a random‐effects model. The secondary outcomes were the differences between groups in homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Results

Altogether 18 trials with 27 544 participants met the inclusion criteria. Six trials were included in the analysis of MS. There was a statistically significant association between H. pylori and MS with a pooled odds ratio of 1.34 (95% CI 1.17–1.53, I2 = 39%, Pheterogeneity < 0.01). Between the infected and non‐infected groups there were significant differences in FBG, HDL‐C, BMI, triglyceride, HOMA‐IR and SBP (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

H. pylori infection is positively associated with MS. Infection with H. pylori is also associated with higher triglyceride, FBG, BMI, HOMA‐IR, SBP and lower HDL‐C.
Ecology of aspergillosis: insights into the pathogenic potency of Aspergillus fumigatus and some other Aspergillus species
Authors: Paulussen Caroline , Hallsworth John E. , Álvarez‐Pérez Sergio , Nierman William C. , Hamill Philip G. , Blain David , Rediers Hans , Lievens Bart
Published: June 2016

Fungi of the genus Aspergillus are widespread in the environment. Some Aspergillus species, most commonly Aspergillus fumigatus, may lead to a variety of allergic reactions and life‐threatening systemic infections in humans. Invasive aspergillosis occurs primarily in patients with severe immunodeficiency, and has dramatically increased in recent years. There are several factors at play that contribute to aspergillosis, including both fungus and host‐related factors such as strain virulence and host pulmonary structure/immune status, respectively. The environmental tenacity of Aspergilllus, its dominance in diverse microbial communities/habitats, and its ability to navigate the ecophysiological and biophysical challenges of host infection are attributable, in large part, to a robust stress‐tolerance biology and exceptional capacity to generate cell‐available energy. Aspects of its stress metabolism, ecology, interactions with diverse animal hosts, clinical presentations and treatment regimens have been well‐studied over the past years. Here, we synthesize these findings in relation to the way in which some Aspergillus species have become successful opportunistic pathogens of human‐ and other animal hosts. We focus on the biophysical capabilities of Aspergillus pathogens, key aspects of their ecophysiology and the flexibility to undergo a sexual cycle or form cryptic species. Additionally, recent advances in diagnosis of the disease are discussed as well as implications in relation to questions that have yet to be resolved.
Repetitive flanking sequences challenge microsatellite marker development: a case study in the lepidopteran Melanargia galathea
Authors: Schmid Max , Csencsics Daniela , Gugerli Felix
Published: June 2016

Microsatellite DNA families (MDF) are stretches of DNA that share similar or identical sequences beside nuclear simple‐sequence repeat (nSSR) motifs, potentially causing problems during nSSR marker development. Primers positioned within MDFs can bind several times within the genome and might result in multiple banding patterns. It is therefore common practice to exclude MDF loci in the course of marker development. Here, we propose an approach to deal with multiple primer‐binding sites by purposefully positioning primers within the detected repetitive element. We developed a new protocol to determine the family type and the primer position in relation to MDFs using the software packages repark and repeatmasker together with an in‐house R script. We re‐evaluated newly developed nSSR markers for the lepidopteran Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) and explored the implications of our results with regard to published data sets of the butterfly Euphydryas aurinia, the grasshopper Stethophyma grossum, the conifer Pinus cembra and the crucifer Arabis alpina. For M. galathea, we show that it is not only possible to develop reliable nSSR markers for MDF loci, but even to benefit from their presence in some cases: We used one unlabelled primer, successfully binding within an MDF, for two different loci in a multiplex PCR, combining this family primer with uniquely binding and fluorescently labelled primers outside of MDFs, respectively. As MDFs are abundant in many taxa, we propose to consider these during nSSR marker development in taxa concerned. Our new approach might help in reducing the number of tested primers during nSSR marker development.
Testing specialization hypothesis on a stress gradient
Authors: Fazlioglu Fatih , Wan Justin S. H. , Bonser Stephen P.
Published: June 2016

Specialization can allow plants to perform well in their home environments at the expense of poor performance in other habitats. A great difference in performance across habitats is observed as high phenotypic plasticity in performance traits and a by‐product of selection. However, phenotypic plasticity (particularly adaptive plasticity) can be an active response to the selection by allowing the maintenance of performance. Therefore, specialization and adaptive plasticity delineate two opposing strategies. The specialization hypothesis presents a non‐adaptive interpretation of plasticity and predicts that phenotypic plasticity of performance traits is greater in specialization to good habitats, whereas bad habitat specialists express low plasticity in performance traits. We tested the specialization hypothesis using plants adapted to extremely stressful mine‐site habitats (sites with highly acidic soil and heavy metal contamination). Seeds of five herbaceous species were collected from high stress (mine site) and low stress habitats. We established a glasshouse experiment where seedlings from high and low stress habitats were grown under near neutral pH and acid soil treatments. We compared performance trait plasticity (e.g. biomass) from high stress and low stress populations and found that there was no significant difference in performance traits between high and low stress populations across treatments. The overall result did not support the specialization hypothesis. Moreover, our results suggest that the species invaded the mine sites are either extreme generalists or the surrounding populations retain some stress tolerant genotypes that are capable of invading the mine sites.
Familial frontal fibrosing alopecia treated with dutasteride, minoxidil and artificial hair transplantation
Authors: Cranwell William C , Sinclair Rodney
Published: June 2016

A 46‐year‐old premenopausal woman presented with familial frontal fibrosis alopecia affecting the temples bilaterally. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Her past history included rheumatoid arthritis treated with hydroxychloroquine 400 mg daily and methotrexate 20 mg weekly. Serial intralesional injections of triamcinolone did not limit the progression of hair loss. Treatment with dutasteride 0.1 mg daily and minoxidil 1 mg daily stabilised hair loss and artificial fibre hair transplantation initially led to a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. Unfortunately, the patient developed implant folliculitis uncontrolled by antibiotics, necessitating the removal of the fibres 12 months post‐transplantation.
Children with cancer share their views: tell the truth but leave room for hope
Authors: Jalmsell Li , Lövgren Malin , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Henter Jan‐Inge , Frost Britt‐Marie
Published: June 2016

Aim

One in five children diagnosed with cancer will die from the disease. The aim of the study was to explore how children with cancer want to receive bad news about their disease, such as when no more treatment options are available.

Methods

We conducted individual interviews with ten children with cancer, aged seven to 17 years, at a single paediatric oncology unit in central Sweden. Interviews were audio‐taped and analysed with systematic text condensation. Bad news was defined as information about a potentially fatal outcome, such as a disease relapse, or information that the treatment administered was no longer working and that there was no more treatment possible.

Results

All children expressed that they wanted truthful information and they did not want to be excluded from bad news regarding their illness. They wanted to be informed as positively as possible, allowing them to maintain hope, and in words that they could understand. They also wanted to receive any bad news at the same time as their parents.

Conclusion

Children with cancer want to be fully informed about their disease, but they also wanted it to be relayed as positively as possible so that they could stay hopeful.
Therapeutic potential of NADPH oxidase 1/4 inhibitors
Authors: Teixeira G , Szyndralewiez C , Molango S , Carnesecchi S , Heitz F , Wiesel P , Wood J M
Published: June 2016

The NADPH oxidase (NOX) family of enzymes produces ROS as their sole function and is becoming recognized as key modulators of signal transduction pathways with a physiological role under acute stress and a pathological role after excessive activation under chronic stress. The seven isoforms differ in their regulation, tissue and subcellular localization and ROS products. The most studied are NOX1, 2 and 4. Genetic deletion of NOX1 and 4, in contrast to NOX2, has revealed no significant spontaneous pathologies and a pathogenic relevance of both NOX1 and 4 across multiple organs in a wide range of diseases and in particular inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. This has stimulated interest in NOX inhibitors for therapeutic application. GKT136901 and GKT137831 are two structurally related compounds demonstrating a preferential inhibition of NOX1 and 4 that have suitable properties for in vivo studies and have consequently been evaluated across a range of disease models and compared with gene deletion. In contrast to gene deletion, these inhibitors do not completely suppress ROS production, maintaining some basal level of ROS. Despite this and consistent with most gene deletion studies, these inhibitors are well tolerated and slow or prevent disease progression in a range of models of chronic inflammatory and fibrotic diseases by modulating common signal transduction pathways. Clinical trials in patients with GKT137831 have demonstrated excellent tolerability and reduction of various markers of chronic inflammation. NOX1/4 inhibition may provide a safe and effective therapeutic strategy for a range of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc
Effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of a brief school‐based group programme for parents of children at risk of ADHD: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sayal K. , Taylor J. A. , Valentine A. , Guo B. , Sampson C. J. , Sellman E. , James M. , Hollis C. , Daley D.
Published: June 2016

Background

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend a stepped care approach for the identification and management of children with, or at risk of, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated the effectiveness, cost‐effectiveness and acceptability of a group parenting intervention programme (+/− a teacher session) for children at risk of ADHD.

Methods

In a three‐arm cluster randomised controlled trial, 12 primary schools were randomly assigned to control, parent‐only and combined (parent + teacher) intervention arms. Eligible children had high levels of parent‐rated hyperactivity/inattention (n = 199). At 6 month follow‐up, the primary outcome measure was the parent‐completed Conners' Rating Scale – Revised (ADHD index). Secondary outcomes included the Conners' sub‐scales (hyperactivity, cognitive problems/inattention and oppositional behaviour), the teacher‐completed Conners' Rating Scale – Revised, child health‐related quality of life, parental burden and parental mental health. The cost‐effectiveness analyses reflected a health and personal social services perspective. Trial Registration: ISRCTN87634685.

Results

Follow‐up data were obtained from 76 parents and 169 teachers. There was no effect of the parent‐only (mean difference = −1.1, 95% CI −5.1,2.9;p = 0.57) or combined interventions (mean difference = −2.1, 95% CI −6.4,2.1;p = 0.31) on the ADHD index. The combined intervention was associated with reduced parent‐reported hyperactivity symptoms (mean difference = −5.3; 95% CI −10.5,−0.01;p = 0.05) and the parent‐only intervention with improved parental mental health (mean difference = −1.9; 95% CI −3.2,−0.5;p = 0.009). The incremental costs of the parent‐only and the combined interventions were £73 and £123, respectively. Above a willingness‐to‐pay of £31 per one‐point improvement in the ADHD index, the parent‐only programme had the highest probability of cost‐effectiveness. Participants found the interventions acceptable.

Conclusions

For children at risk of ADHD, this school‐based parenting programme was not associated with improvement in core ADHD symptoms. Secondary analyses suggested a possible reduction in parent‐reported hyperactivity and parental mental health problems. Future research should compare targeted interventions against watchful waiting and specialist referral.
Associations between parents' perception of neighbourhood environments and safety with physical activity of primary school children in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Tung S. E. H. , Ng X. H. , Chin Y. S. , Mohd Taib M. N.
Published: June 2016

Background

This study aimed to evaluate parental perception of neighbourhood environments and safety in association with children's physical activity among primary school children in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia.

Methods

A total of 250 children (9–12 years of age) and their parents participated in this cross‐sectional study. Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children and Neighbourhood Environmental Walkability Scale as well as questions on constrained behaviours (avoidance and defensive behaviours) were used to assess the children's physical activity and parental perception of neighbourhood environment and safety, respectively.

Results

More than one‐third (36.0%) of the children were physically inactive compared with only a small percentage (4.8%) who were physically active, with boys achieving higher physical activity levels than girls (t = 2.564, P = 0.011). For the environmental scale, parents' perception of land‐use mix (access) (r = 0.173, P = 0.006), traffic hazards (r = −0.152, P = 0.016) and defensive behaviour (r = −0.024, P = 0.143) correlated significantly with children's physical activity. In multiple linear regression analysis, child's gender (β = −0.226; P = 0.003), parent's education (β = 0.140; P = 0.001), household income (β = 0.151; P = 0.024), land‐use mix (access) (β = 0.134; P = 0.011) and defensive behaviour (β = −0.017; P = 0.038) were significantly associated with physical activity in children (R = 0.349, F = 6.760; P < 0.001), contributing 12.2% of the variances in physical activity of the children.

Conclusion

Results highlight the links between parental perception of neighbourhood environments, safety and constrained behaviours with their children's participation in active play. Interventions aimed to increase actual and perceived safety and reduce perceptions of risk by parents in safe neighbourhoods can be targeted to increase children's physical activity in their local neighbourhoods.
Children referred for evaluation for ADHD: comorbidity profiles and characteristics associated with a positive diagnosis
Authors: Efron D. , Bryson H. , Lycett K. , Sciberras E.
Published: June 2016

Background

The symptoms of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are non‐specific, and a range of possible causes and comorbidities need to be considered in children referred for assessment.

Objective

To examine the factors associated with ADHD diagnosis following multidisciplinary assessment.

Methods

Children underwent multidisciplinary evaluation including parent and teacher questionnaires; semi‐structured interview to screen for internalizing and externalizing diagnoses; paediatric, psychology and special education assessments; and case conference. Predictors of ADHD diagnosis were examined in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Data from 190 assessments (82% male, mean age 6.8 years) were included. ADHD was diagnosed in 132 (70%) cases, of which 77% had one or more comorbidities. In children not diagnosed with ADHD, 60% had one or more alternate diagnosis made. Teacher‐reported ADHD symptom severity and learning difficulties were the strongest predictors of ADHD diagnosis. The pattern of comorbid/alternative diagnoses was similar between those diagnosed with ADHD and those not diagnosed with ADHD.

Conclusions

Direct report from teachers is the most critical element of the clinical dataset for the evaluation for ADHD. These findings emphasize the importance of cross‐situational impairment to ADHD diagnosis. The frequency and similarity of diagnoses in both groups highlight the overlapping nature of childhood developmental disorders, and the importance of evaluating for comorbid disorders regardless of the primary diagnosis.
Cleidocranial dysplasia and RUNX2‐clinical phenotype–genotype correlation
Authors: Jaruga A. , Hordyjewska E. , Kandzierski G. , Tylzanowski P.
Published: June 2016

Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2/Cbfa1) is the main regulatory gene controlling skeletal development and morphogenesis in vertebrates. It is located on chromosome 6p21 and has two functional isoforms (type I and type II) under control of two alternate promoters (P1 and P2). Mutations within RUNX2 are linked to Cleidocranial dysplasia syndrome (CCD) in humans. CCD is an autosomal skeletal disorder characterized by several features such as delayed closure of fontanels, dental abnormalities and hypoplastic clavicles. Here, we summarize recent knowledge about RUNX2 function, mutations and their phenotypic consequences in patients.
Brain mesenchymal stem cells: physiology and pathological implications
Authors: Pombero Ana , Garcia‐Lopez Raquel , Martinez Salvador
Published: June 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are defined as progenitor cells that give rise to a number of unique, differentiated mesenchymal cell types. This concept has progressively evolved towards an all‐encompassing concept including multipotent perivascular cells of almost any tissue. In central nervous system, pericytes are involved in blood–brain barrier, and angiogenesis and vascular tone regulation. They form the neurovascular unit (NVU) together with endothelial cells, astrocytes and neurons. This functional structure provides an optimal microenvironment for neural proliferation in the adult brain. Neurovascular niche include both diffusible signals and direct contact with endothelial and pericytes, which are a source of diffusible neurotrophic signals that affect neural precursors. Therefore, MSCs/pericyte properties such as differentiation capability, as well as immunoregulatory and paracrine effects make them a potential resource in regenerative medicine.
Massacre of the innocents in Cardiocondyla thoracica: Manipulation by adult ant males incites workers to kill their immature rivals
Authors: Heinze Jürgen , Seifert Bernhard , Zieschank Verena
Published: June 2016

Wingless males of the ant genus Cardiocondyla exhibit a remarkable range of intrasexual competition, from mutual tolerance among males in the colonies of some species to regular lethal fighting in the nests of others. Here, we describe male–male antagonism in Cardiocondyla thoracica (Smith, 1859) from Northern Australia. Males appear to widely ignore adult competitors, but grab defenseless, young rivals during or immediately after emergence and daub them with hindgut secretion. This fluid elicits fatal worker aggression against the besmeared individual. Besmearing and subsequent worker aggression is known from other species of Cardiocondyla but is usually directed towards adult contenders, whereas males kill freshly eclosing males by biting or dismembering. The behavior of C. thoracica males thus constitutes a novel nuance of rival elimination.
Gingival Toll‐like receptor and cytokine messenger RNA levels in equine periodontitis and oral health
Authors: Kennedy R. , Lappin D. F. , Dixon P. M. , Bennett D. , Riggio M. P.
Published: June 2016

Reasons for performing study

Equine periodontitis is a common and painful condition. However, the disease often goes unnoticed by owners and is thus a major welfare concern. The aetiopathogenesis of the condition remains poorly understood and has been investigated in few studies. The innate immune system is known to play an important role in human periodontitis, but its role in equine periodontitis has not been examined.

Objectives

To quantify the messenger (m)RNA levels of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and cytokines in gingival tissue from orally healthy horses and those affected by periodontitis.

Study design

Observational study.

Methods

Gingival tissue samples were taken post‐mortem from 13 horses with no clinical signs of oral disease and 20 horses with periodontitis. mRNA levels of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 and cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐17 and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) were determined using quantitative real‐time PCR. The statistical significance of results was assessed using appropriate t tests.

Results

mRNA levels of all TLRs and cytokines were upregulated in equine periodontitis. Significant increases in mRNA levels of TLR2, TLR9, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐12 (P≤0.05) and IFN‐γ (P≤0.01) were observed for both unweighted and age‐weighted analyses of diseased gingival tissue samples compared with healthy gingival samples. In comparisons of samples of periodontitis lesions with healthy gingival control samples from the same horse, significant increases in mRNA levels of TLR4, TLR9, IL‐10, IFN‐γ (P≤0.05), TLR2, IL‐1β and IL‐12p35 (P≤0.01) were observed.

Conclusions

This study has provided an initial insight into the involvement of the immune system in equine periodontitis. Increased mRNA levels of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 indicate substantial microbial challenge in diseased gingival tissue. A mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine response is produced in equine periodontitis. Further studies are required to more fully characterise the role of the innate immune system in this disease.
Toward a predictive macrosystems framework for migration ecology
Authors: Kelly Jeffrey F. , Horton Kyle G.
Published: June 2016

Concern about the sustainability of intercontinental‐scale migration systems grows apace with global change. Traditional organism‐centred approaches to this problem have provided insights at the population level, but not at the systems level. We are sceptical that an accumulation of data from a species‐by‐species approach will yield an understanding of these systems in the near term. As an alternative, we advocate a new research programme that grows from an explicitly system‐based framework that leverages existing Earth observation infrastructure to make inferences directly at the macrosystem level. We illustrate how this approach can be used to generate and test system‐level predictions, using NEXRAD radar data as an example. We urge organismal ecologists to recognize that some of the most urgent migration questions are at the macrosystem scale and that tackling these questions requires an interdisciplinary approach if we are to make progress at a pace that exceeds that of climate change.
Do biological traits drive geographical patterns in European amphibians?
Authors: Trakimas Giedrius , Whittaker Robert J. , Borregaard Michael K.
Published: June 2016

Aims

The present‐day biogeography of European amphibians has been hypothesized to have arisen from range expansion and recolonization of the northern part of the continent from southern late Pleistocene refugia, such that northern species generally possess large ranges while southerly species are mostly small‐ranged. Here we test the hypothesis that these patterns are likely to be underpinned by biological traits associated with dispersal ability. We do this by analysing data for anurans and urodeles, the two main groups of European amphibians.

Location

Europe.

Methods

We built a database of biological traits (body size, fecundity, life span, habitat specialization) of European amphibians, excluding island endemics. We mapped the basic macroecological patterns of range size and position, and analysed the causal pathways for range size using structural equation models (SEMs).

Results

Amphibian species with a small range size are largely restricted to areas in southern Europe associated with putative Pleistocene refugia. Those present in northern Europe are exclusively large‐ranged species whose distributions extend all the way from southern Europe. SEMs explained 54% of range size variation for anurans, with long life span and high fecundity being influential explanatory variables, and explained 61% of range size variation within urodeles, with measures of species fecundity being influential.

Main conclusions

Species that have successfully recolonized the north following deglaciation have the largest ranges for both groups of amphibians. These large‐ranged species generally possess traits that indicate the potential for rapid range expansion, with differences apparent in the balance of traits between anurans and urodeles. The traits linked to northern distributions (and large range size) appear to be a mix of r and K traits, indicating that intermediate life‐history strategies have proved to be optimal for range expansion into northern regions. These results integrate species biology with geographical history in explaining present‐day patterns of species distribution, range size and diversity.
Pain Paroxysms With Coronal Radiation: Case Series and Proposal of a New Variant of Epicrania Fugax
Authors: Casas‐Limón Javier , Cuadrado María L. , Ruiz Marina , Martínez Elena , Gutiérrez‐Viedma Álvaro , Ordás Carlos M. , Guerrero Ángel L.
Published: June 2016

Objective

We aim to report 4 patients with brief pain paroxysms whose clinical features remind of typical epicrania fugax (EF), except for the direction along a transverse trajectory.

Background

EF has been defined as a brief paroxysmal head pain, with stabbing quality, describing a linear or zig‐zag trajectory across the surface of one hemicranium.

Methods

We considered all patients attending the headache outpatient office at 3 tertiary hospitals from March 2008 to December 2015. We identified a total of 4 cases with dynamic pain paroxysms moving in coronal direction.

Results

The mean age at onset was 49 years (range 34–75). All the patients suffered a dynamic pain from parietal or temporal areas to the contralateral ones, crossing the midline in a linear or zig zag trajectory, the entire sequence lasting 2–3 seconds. No triggers were identified. One patient noticed mild interictal tenderness at the stemming point. The frequency of the attacks varied from 2 per week to 1 every 2 months. No underlying disorders were identified by physical and neurological exams and neuroimaging and laboratory tests.

Conclusions

Our patients presented with a paroxysmal head pain that might correspond to a transverse variant of EF. These observations may not only expand the EF phenotype but also reinforce the distinction between EF and pericranial neuralgias.
A cross‐national validation of a new retail customer equity model
Authors: Yoon Sungjoon , Oh Jong‐Chul
Published: June 2016

This study aims to examine retail customers of China and Korea with a view to understanding the differences in the effects of customer equity on perceived store loyalty. We built a modified model of retail customer equity incorporating three drivers of retail customer equity (experience equity, brand equity and relationship equity), and further substantiate the relationships among the three equity drivers. For this purpose, we measured the customer equity of large scale discount stores located in China and Korea.

The result shows that experience equity and brand equity significantly influence customer loyalty, whereas relationship equity does not. The relationships among the three drivers of customer equity revealed that experience equity significantly affects both brand and relationship equities, but relationship equity does not significantly affect brand equity. Based on country level analysis, on Korean side the experience equity influences relationship equity, brand equity and store loyalty, whereas on Chinese side, experience equity influences relationship equity and brand equity,
Dynamics of Inequality
Authors: Adamou Alexander , Peters Ole
Published: June 2016

Publication of the Panama Papers helped shine a light on the hidden wealth of some of the world's most powerful individuals, putting rising inequality back on the political agenda. But we should not be surprised when inequality increases, say Alexander Adamou and Ole Peters. Meanwhile, on page 36, Danny Dorling offers a response
The Promises and Pitfalls of Benford's Law
Authors: Goodman William
Published: June 2016

If a data set deviates from Benford's law, is that evidence that the figures within are fraudulent? Perhaps not, says William Goodman. To those hoping for an automatic fraud detector, he argues that important statistical requirements are not necessarily being met
Coping, adapting or self‐managing – what is the difference? A concept review based on the neurological literature
Authors: Audulv Åsa , Packer Tanya , Hutchinson Susan , Roger Kerstin S. , Kephart George
Published: June 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to report: (1) an analysis of the concepts of coping, adaptation and self‐management in the context of managing a neurological condition; and (2) the overlap between the concepts.

Background

The three concepts are often confused or used interchangeably. Understanding similarities and differences between concepts will avoid misunderstandings in care. The varied and often unpredictable symptoms and degenerative nature of neurological conditions make this an ideal population in which to examine the concepts.

Design

Concept analysis.

Data sources

Articles were extracted from a large literature review about living with a neurological condition. The original searches were conducted using SCOPUS, EMBASE, CINAHL and Psych INFO. Seventy‐seven articles met the inclusion criteria of: (1) original article concerning coping, adaptation or self‐management of a neurological condition; (2) written in English; and (3) published between 1999–2011.

Methods

The concepts were examined according to Morse's concept analysis method; structural elements were then compared.

Results

Coping and adaptation to a neurological condition showed statistically significant overlap with a common focus on internal management. In contrast, self‐management appears to focus on disease‐controlling and health‐related management strategies. Coping appears to be the most mature concept, whereas self‐management is least coherent in definition and application.

Conclusion

All three concepts are relevant for people with neurological conditions. Healthcare teams need to be cautious when using these terms to avoid miscommunication and to ensure clients have access to all needed interventions. Viewing the three concepts as a complex whole may be more aligned with client experience.
The role of environment and core‐margin effects on range‐wide phenotypic variation in a montane grasshopper
Authors: Noguerales V. , García‐Navas V. , Cordero P. J. , Ortego J.
Published: June 2016

The integration of genetic information with ecological and phenotypic data constitutes an effective approach to gain insight into the mechanisms determining interpopulation variability and the evolutionary processes underlying local adaptation and incipient speciation. Here, we use the Pyrenean Morales grasshopper (Chorthippus saulcyi moralesi) as study system to (i) analyse the relative role of genetic drift and selection in range‐wide patterns of phenotypic differentiation and (ii) identify the potential selective agents (environment, elevation) responsible for variation. We also test the hypothesis that (iii) the development of dispersal‐related traits is associated with different parameters related to population persistence/turnover, including habitat suitability stability over the last 120 000 years, distance to the species distribution core and population genetic variability. Our results indicate that selection shaped phenotypic differentiation across all the studied morphological traits (body size, forewing length and shape). Subsequent analyses revealed that among‐population differentiation in forewing length was significantly explained by a temperature gradient, suggesting an adaptive response to thermoregulation or flight performance under contrasting temperature regimes. We found support for our hypothesis predicting a positive association between the distance to the species distribution core and the development of dispersal‐related morphology, which suggests an increased dispersal capability in populations located at range edges that, in turn, exhibit lower levels of genetic variability. Overall, our results indicate that range‐wide patterns of phenotypic variation are partially explained by adaptation in response to local environmental conditions and differences in habitat persistence between core and peripheral populations.
Quality Preservation of Air‐Dried Sliced Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) by Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia Mill.) Essential Oil
Authors: Farokhian Forough , Jafarpour Mehrdad , Goli Mohammad , Askari‐Khorasgani Omid
Published: June 2016

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of chitosan (2%), ascorbic acid (40 g/L), citric acid (40 g/L), lavender oil (70%), cinnamon oil (50%) and heat treatment to enhance the quality and shelf‐life of sliced dried button mushroom (Agaricus bisporous) stored at 4°C for 19 days. Based on a completely randomized design, the experiment included seven treatments and four replications. Mushroom weight loss, soluble solids content (SSC), firmness, browning index (BI), vitamin C, pH, overall acceptability, and shelf‐life were measured. Lavender oil treatment was found to result in comparatively the most favorable effects in terms of BI, overall acceptability, marketability, weight loss, longevity and firmness of mushrooms. The study recommends lavender oil treatment as an economical processing strategy for preserving the quality and extending the storage life of ready‐to‐use air‐dried sliced mushrooms.

Practical Applications

Unfortunately, mushrooms are highly perishable and tend to lose their quality during 3 days at room temperature and 8 days under refrigeration conditions in the fresh form, because they have no cuticle to protect them from physical damage, microbial attack and water loss as well as their high respiration rate. Their high respiration rate and high water content make them prone to microbial spoilage and enzymatic browning. Due to the lack of knowledge about an appropriate treatment for preserving the quality of sliced mushrooms, particularly air‐dried mushrooms and because most of studies have focused on only a few number of qualitative traits of mushrooms this study was conducted to develop an efficient cost‐effective procedure applicable for improving most of the postharvest qualitative traits of ready‐to‐use air‐dried mushrooms with safe natural compounds.
Detecting Sources of Staphylococcus aureus in One Small‐Scale Cheese Plant in Northwestern Mexico
Authors: Castañeda‐Ruelas Gloria Marisol , Soto‐Beltrán Marcela , Chaidez Cristóbal
Published: June 2016

The study aimed to identify the sources involved in the transference of Staphylococcus aureus along the chain production of pasteurized Queso‐Fresco (QF) in one cheese‐processing plant (CPP) in Northwestern Mexico. Eighty‐six samples were collected in the CPP from QF, worker's hands, raw milk, dairy‐products and utensils. The Bacteriological Analytical Manual was used to detect and enumerate S. aureus, and the Pulsed‐Field‐Gel Electrophoresis to genetically relate the strains. S. aureus was found in 18.6% (16/86) of the samples; raw milk (20%), utensils (13.6%) and hands (10.5%) were identified as bacterial sources reflecting its high prevalence (55.6%) and levels in QF samples, which differs from the Mexican legislation (<3.0 Logcfu/g). The genotypic analyses showed nine SmaI‐patterns; one of them represented a predominant clone in QF samples, and the remaining profiles suggested the existence of multiple contamination sources at the CPP. Food handlers were the main carriers of bacterium causing final QF contamination.

Practical Applications

The number of small‐scale cheese‐processing plants in Northwestern Mexico has increased during the past decade. Combining traditional cheese making and good hygiene practices is a challenge, since several human pathogens pose hazard in the product. S. aureus is an important food poisoning pathogen that can be transmitted via raw milk and/or via hands to cheese. Mexican population regularly consumes handcrafted cheeses, and there is a lack of information on health issues. Surveillance safety programs complemented by the use of molecular tools allow tracing bacterial contamination, and might aid to correct the cheese‐processing plants, also improve the design of adequate hygienic and manufacturing practices to accredit the Queso‐Fresco safety and health regulation.
Microbiological and Physicochemical Quality of Salted Bluespot Mullet (Valamugil seheli) Stored at Different Temperature
Authors: Al‐Asous Abdulmohsen I. , Al‐Harbi Ahmed H.
Published: June 2016

Changes in the microbiological and physicochemical quality of salted wild mullet (Valamugil seheli) stored at ambient temperature (22 ± 1°C) and refrigerator (4 ± 1°C) for 180 days were investigated. The total mesophilic viable counts in salted fish stored at ambient temperature and at refrigerator ranged from 2.04 ± 0.08 to 4.15 ± 0.06 log cfu/g−1
and from 3.62 ± 0.39 to 4.52 ± 0.50 log cfu/g−1, respectively. Populations of psychrotrophic viable bacteria in salted fish stored at ambient temperature and at refrigerator ranged from 2.51 ± 0.13 to 4.08 ± 0.04 log cfu/g−1, and from 3.43 ± 0.34 to 4.49 ± 0.52 log cfu/g−1, respectively. The total mesophilic and psychrotrophic viable counts in salted fish stored at ambient temperature and at refrigerator were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) gradually throughout the storage period. Moreover, none of the salted mullet samples harbored coliform including Escherichia coli.The salt, pH, water activity (Aw) moisture, protein, lipid and ash values of salted fish stored at ambient temperature ranged from 20.3 to 23.2%, 5.6 to 6.2, 0.283 to 0.755, 10.3 to 44.5, 23.1 to 56.1, 4.5 to 17.0 and 19.0 to 23.9, respectively, whereas the corresponding values of salted fish stored at refrigerator ranged from 18.0 to 23.2%, 5.1 to 6.5, 0.730 to 0.755, 33.0 to 44.5, 23.1 to 40.1, 4.5 to 5.8 and 19.0 to 21.9, respectively.The total volatile basic nitrogen value of salted fish stored at ambient temperature and at refrigerator ranged from 34.5 to 57.4 and 34.5 to 51.8 mg/100 g, respectively.The histamine value of salted fish stored at ambient temperature and at refrigerator ranged from 16.0 to 18.0 and from 16.0 to 18.6 mg/100 g, respectively.

Practical Applications

Salting is one of the oldest and most common methods that have been used worldwide for fish preservation. This study aimed to determine the microbiological and physicochemical quality of salted bluespot mullet (Valamugil seheli) during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1°C) and at ambient temperature (22 ± 1°C). The results obtained from this study demonstrated that the salted mullet had high levels of total volatile basic nitrogen and histamine. Therefore, the results of this study would be useful for the scientific community and can be utilized by researches in future studies as well as by manufacturers to develop better processing and preservation strategy for salted fish.
Detection of Salmonella Serotypes by Overnight Incubation of Entire Broiler Carcass
Authors: Berrang M. E. , Cox N. A. , Cosby D. E. , Frye J. G. , Jackson C. R.
Published: June 2016

There are multiple ways to sample broiler chicken carcasses for the prevalence of Salmonella. A common method in the USA is a whole carcass rinse and culture of an aliquot of the rinse. The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity of the rinse aliquot method to overnight enrichment of the entire carcass in the rinse liquid. Fourteen replicate samplings of eight carcasses each were done at two commercial broiler processing plants. Carcasses were subjected to a whole carcass rinse in buffered peptone from which 30 mL was removed and added to 30 mL fresh buffered peptone (rinse aliquot sample). The aliquot sample and the carcass, in the remaining buffered peptone, were incubated overnight prior to standard selective enrichment and plating for Salmonella detection. Salmonella was detected in 15% of rinse aliquot samples and 59% of whole carcass enrichment samples. When detected by both methods, for the most part, the same serotypes were found on individual carcasses. Whole carcass enrichment was shown to be more sensitive than rinse aliquot method, and likely detects Salmonellae even when tightly bound to the carcass or present in very low numbers. As such, whole carcass enrichment is a useful research tool to determine Salmonella prevalence.

Practical Applications

Whole broiler carcass enrichment is a more sensitive method for detection of Salmonella than whole carcass rinse and aliquot incubation. Logistical requirements, however, make it impractical for routine or large scale investigations. Whole carcass enrichment has utility for research purposes to determine relative sensitivity of other methods or for testing of broiler processing microbial interventions.