bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrocardiographic Diagnosis of Atrial Tachycardia: Classification, P‐Wave Morphology, and Differential Diagnosis with Other Supraventricular Tachycardias
Authors: Buttà Carmelo , Tuttolomondo Antonino , Giarrusso Lucia , Pinto Antonio
Published: December 2014

Atrial tachycardia is defined as a regular atrial activation from atrial areas with centrifugal spread, caused by enhanced automaticity, triggered activity or microreentry. New ECG classification differentiates between focal and macroreentrant atrial tachycardia. Macroreentrant atrial tachycardias include typical atrial flutter and other well characterized macroreentrant circuits in right and left atrium. Typical atrial flutter has been described as counterclockwise reentry within right atrial and it presents a characteristic ECG “sawtooth” pattern on the inferior leads. The foci responsible for focal atrial tachycardia do not occur randomly throughout the atria but tend to cluster at characteristic anatomical locations. The surface ECG is a very helpful tool in directing mapping to particular areas of interest. Atrial tachycardia should be differentiated from other supraventricular tachycardias. We propose a diagnostic algorithm in order to help the physician to discriminate among those. Holter analysis could offer further details to differentiate between atrial tachycardia and another supraventricular tachycardia. However, if the diagnosis is uncertain, it is possible to utilize vagal maneuvers or adenosine administration. In conclusion, in spite of well–known limits, a good interpretation of ECG is very important and it could help the physician to manage and to treat correctly patients with atrial tachycardia.
Sex‐dependent differences in renal angiotensinogen as an early marker of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: de Alencar Franco Costa D. , Todiras M. , Campos L. A. , Cipolla‐Neto J. , Bader M. , Baltatu O. C.
Published: December 2014

Aim

The renal renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to investigate sex differences in renal renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and the roles of androgens in diabetes‐associated renal injury.

Methods

Renal injury and fibrosis were studied in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats by albuminuria and by gene expression of collagen I and fibronectin. RAS was investigated by analysing the plasma angiotensinogen (AOGEN) and renin activity (PRA) and their renal gene expression. Also, a group of diabetic rats was treated with the anti‐androgen flutamide.

Results

Albuminuria was significantly lower in diabetic females than in males (1.2 [0.8–1.5] versus 4.4 [2.2–6.1] mg/24 h, data are median [IQR] values, P < 0.05). Renal AOGEN mRNA levels were increased by diabetes in males (8.1 ± 0.8% in diabetes versus 0.8 ± 0.2% in control, P < 0.001) but not in females (1.0 ± 0.1% in diabetes versus 0.8 ± 0.1% in control, P > 0.05), as were collagen I and fibronectin mRNAs. Furthermore, AOGEN mRNA levels were strongly correlated with albuminuria (Spearman r = 0.64, 95% [CI] 0.36–0.81, P < 0.0001). Diabetes decreased PRA, renal renin mRNA and plasma AOGEN in both females and males. Anti‐androgen treatment decreased albuminuria only in diabetic males without affecting the endocrine or renal RAS.

Conclusions

These data indicate that renal but not hepatic AOGEN or renin is positively associated with diabetic albuminuria and contribute to the sex‐dependent differences in renal injury. Androgens may contribute to albuminuria in male independently of the RAS.
Age‐associated alterations in corpus callosum white matter integrity in bipolar disorder assessed using probabilistic tractography
Authors: Toteja Nitin , Guvenek‐Cokol Perihan , Ikuta Toshikazu , Kafantaris Vivian , Peters Bart D , Burdick Katherine E , John Majnu , Malhotra Anil K , Szeszko Philip R
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Atypical age‐associated changes in white matter integrity may play a role in the neurobiology of bipolar disorder, but no studies have examined the major white matter tracts using nonlinear statistical modeling across a wide age range in this disorder. The goal of this study was to identify possible deviations in the typical pattern of age‐associated changes in white matter integrity in patients with bipolar disorder across the age range of 9–62 years.

Methods

Diffusion tensor imaging was performed in 57 (20 male and 37 female) patients with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and 57 (20 male and 37 female) age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers. Mean diffusivity and fractional anisotropy were computed for the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum, two projection tracts, and five association tracts using probabilistic tractography.

Results

Overall, patients had lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity compared to healthy volunteers across all tracts (while controlling for the effects of age and age2). In addition, there were greater age‐associated increases in mean diffusivity in patients compared to healthy volunteers within the genu and splenium of the corpus callosum beginning in the second and third decades of life.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence for alterations in the typical pattern of white matter development in patients with bipolar disorder compared to healthy volunteers. Changes in white matter development within the corpus callosum may lead to altered inter‐hemispheric communication that is considered integral to the neurobiology of the disorder.
Big Data and analytics in higher education: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Daniel Ben
Published: December 2014

Institutions of higher education are operating in an increasingly complex and competitive environment. This paper identifies contemporary challenges facing institutions of higher education worldwide and explores the potential of Big Data in addressing these challenges. The paper then outlines a number of opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of Big Data in the context of higher education. The paper concludes by outlining future directions relating to the development and implementation of an institutional project on Big Data.
The development and evaluation of listening and speaking diagnosis and remedial teaching system
Authors: Hsiao Hsien‐Sheng , Chang Cheng‐Sian , Lin Chiou‐Yan , Chen Berlin , Wu Chia‐Hou , Lin Chien‐Yu
Published: December 2014

In this study, a system was developed to offer adaptive remedial instruction materials to learners of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL). The Chinese Listening and Speaking Diagnosis and Remedial Instruction (CLSDRI) system integrated computerized diagnostic tests and remedial instruction materials to diagnose errors made in listening comprehension and speaking. To test the CLSDRI system, 65 CFL students were recruited from the Mandarin Training Center at National Taiwan Normal University to participate in an experiment. The results indicated that the CLSDRI system made a greater positive impact on the experimental group (EG) participants' listening comprehension and oral language proficiency compared with the control group's (CG) use of computerized diagnostic tests combined with paper‐based remedial instruction materials. Moreover, the experiment revealed two interesting findings related to the effectiveness of the CLSDRI system: (1) immediate and adaptive remedial instruction materials improved the EG participants' proficiency in listening comprehension and speaking and (2) there were fewer differences in listening comprehension and speaking abilities between the Sinosphere participants who resided in a Chinese population and were influenced by Chinese culture and the non‐Sinosphere participants. These findings support the effectiveness of computer‐assisted language learning.
Development and evaluation of a web map mind tool environment with the theory of spatial thinking and project‐based learning strategy
Authors: Hou Huei‐Tse , Yu Tsai‐Fang , Wu Yi‐Xuan , Sung Yao‐Ting , Chang Kuo‐En
Published: December 2014

The theory of spatial thinking is relevant to the learning and teaching of many academic domains. One promising method to facilitate learners' higher‐order thinking is to utilize a web map mind tool to assist learners in applying spatial thinking to cooperative problem solving. In this study, an environment is designed based on the theory of spatial thinking and developed to help learners engage in project‐based learning that utilizes the proposed web map mind tool for tour planning. The participants were 66 college students, and a quasi‐experimental research design was employed. This study examined the differences in the learning performance and project performance between participants using the web map mind tool (the experimental group) and ordinary Internet search engines (the control group). The results indicate the experimental group performed significantly better than the control group in terms of both learning performance and project performance. In addition, we found that the students in the two groups held a positive learning attitude toward the project activity of tour planning. In terms of students' attitude toward the use of a mind tool, this study only conducted a survey for the experimental group. The results indicated that learners in the experimental group held a positive attitude toward the use of the web map mind tool.
A clinician's guide to double hit lymphomas
Authors: Cheah Chan Yoon , Oki Yasuhiro , Westin Jason R. , Turturro Francesco
Published: December 2014

Double hit lymphomas (DHL) represent a subset of highly aggressive B‐cell malignancies characterized by the presence of recurrent cytogenetic rearrangements affecting MYC and either BCL2 and/or BCL6. Recent studies have expanded the concept to include MYC/BCL2 protein co‐expressing lymphomas. Around 5–10% of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas are ‘double hit’ using the cytogenetic definition, whilst around 30–40% are MYC/BCL2 protein co‐expressing. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of this condition written with the practicing clinician in mind, covering the definition and classification, when DHL should be suspected and how to make the diagnosis, the prognostic factors and a detailed discussion of recent evidence regarding optimal therapy. In particular, we discuss choice of induction regimen, the role of central nervous system‐directed prophylaxis, stem cell transplantation and relapsing or refractory disease and provide our opinions based on the currently available evidence. Finally, we highlight some of the more exciting therapies currently in development for this highly aggressive disease.
White Matter Changes in Dementia: Role of Impaired Drainage of Interstitial Fluid
Authors: Weller Roy O. , Hawkes Cheryl A. , Kalaria Raj N. , Werring David J. , Carare Roxana O.
Published: December 2014

White matter abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with dementia and include white matter hyperintensities (WMH; also termed leukoaraiosis) and visible perivascular spaces (PVS). We review the potential role of impaired drainage of interstitial fluid in the pathogenesis of WMH and PVS. Whereas the volume of extracellular space in the grey matter is tightly controlled, fluid accumulates and expands the extracellular spaces of the white matter in acute hydrocephalus, vasogenic edema and WMH. Although there are no conventional lymphatic vessels in the brain, there is very effective lymphatic drainage for fluid and solutes along restricted pathways in the basement membranes of cerebral capillaries and arteries in young individuals. Lymphatic drainage of the brain is impaired with age and in association with apolipoprotein E ε4, risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Deposition of proteins in the lymphatic drainage pathways in the walls of cerebral arteries with age is recognized as protein elimination failure angiopathy (PEFA), as in CAA and cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Facilitating perivascular lymphatic drainage from the aging brain may play a significant role in the prevention of CAA, WMH and Alzheimer's disease and may enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease.
White Matter Hypoperfusion and Damage in Dementia: Post‐Mortem Assessment
Authors: Love Seth , Miners J Scott
Published: December 2014

Neuroimaging has revealed a range of white matter abnormalities that are common in dementia, some that predict cognitive decline. The abnormalities may result from structural diseases of the cerebral vasculature, such as arteriolosclerosis and amyloid angiopathy, but can also be caused by nonstructural vascular abnormalities (eg, of vascular contractility or permeability), neurovascular instability or extracranial cardiac or vascular disease. Conventional histopathological assessment of the white matter has tended to conflate morphological vascular abnormalities with changes that reflect altered interstitial fluid dynamics or white matter ischemic damage, even though the latter may be of extracranial or nonstructural etiology. However, histopathology is being supplemented by biochemical approaches, including the measurement of proteins involved in the molecular responses to brain ischemia, myelin proteins differentially susceptible to ischemic damage, vessel‐associated proteins that allow rapid measurement of microvessel density, markers of blood–brain barrier dysfunction and axonal injury, and mediators of white matter damage. By combining neuroimaging with histopathology and biochemical analysis, we can provide reproducible, quantitative data on the severity of white matter damage, and information on its etiology and pathogenesis. Together these have the potential to inform and improve treatment, particularly in forms of dementia to which white matter hypoperfusion makes a significant contribution.
Changing trends in prognostic factors for patients with multiple myeloma after autologous stem cell transplantation during the immunomodulator drug/proteasome inhibitor era
Authors: Takamatsu Hiroyuki , Honda Sumihisa , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Yokoyama Kenji , Hagiwara Shotaro , Ito Toshiro , Tomita Naoto , Iida Shinsuke , Iwasaki Toshihiro , Sakamaki Hisashi , Suzuki Ritsuro , Sunami Kazutaka
Published: December 2014

We evaluated the clinical significance of prognostic factors including the International Staging System (ISS) and modified European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation response criteria in 1650 Japanese patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who underwent upfront single autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We categorized patients into two treatment cohorts: pre‐novel agent era (1995–2006) and novel agent era (2008–2011). The combined percentage of pre‐ASCT complete response and very good partial response cases (463 of 988, 47%) significantly increased during the novel agent era compared with the pre‐novel agent era (164 of 527, 31%; P < 0.0001). The 2‐year overall survival (OS) rate of 87% during the novel agent era was a significant improvement relative to that of 82% during the pre‐novel agent era (P = 0.019). Although significant differences in OS were found among ISS stages during the pre‐novel agent era, no significant difference was observed between ISS I and II (P = 0.107) during the novel agent era. The factors independently associated with a superior OS were female gender (P = 0.002), a good performance status (P = 0.024), lower ISS (P < 0.001), pre‐ASCT response at least partial response (P < 0.001) and ASCT during the novel agent era (P = 0.017). These results indicate that the response rate and OS were significantly improved, and the ISS could not clearly stratify the prognoses of Japanese patients with MM who underwent upfront single ASCT during the novel agent era.
Mechanism of multiple sclerosis based on the clinical trial results of molecular targeted therapy
Authors: Ochi Hirofumi
Published: December 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex immune mediated disease of the central nervous system. It is characterized by inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes that result in neuroaxonal damage. Its etiology is still unknown, and its pathogenesis is only partly understood. There have been major advances in the treatment of MS in the past two decades, and a wide range of immunomodulagtory and immunosuppressive therapies have been used for the management of MS. More recently, there has been a growing interest in immunotherapeutic strategies with selective actions that target biological molecules involved in MS pathogenesis. Thus, better understanding of the immunopathogenesis of MS is believed to result in the development of more efficacious treatment. However, in contrast to the successful introduced therapies, such as natalizumab and alemtuzumab, there have been a remarkable number of therapeutic failures as well. Despite the convincing immunological concepts and promising results from animal models of MS, some drugs showed no clinical efficacy or even worsened the disease. Clinical trial results of molecular targeted therapy that shed light on the improving understanding of the immunopathogenesis of MS are discussed in the present review. These trials include monoclonal antibodies against leukocyte differentiation molecules (anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD4 antibodies), tumor necrosis factor‐α neutralization, targeting the interleukin (IL)‐12/IL‐23 pathways, immune cell‐depleting ant‐CD52 monoclonal antibody and targeting IL‐2 receptor signaling.
Non‐Local Image Inpainting Using Low‐Rank Matrix Completion
Authors: Li Wei , Zhao Lei , Lin Zhijie , Xu Duanqing , Lu Dongming
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we propose a highly accurate inpainting algorithm which reconstructs an image from a fraction of its pixels. Our algorithm is inspired by the recent progress of non‐local image processing techniques following the idea of ‘grouping and collaborative filtering’. In our framework, we first match and group similar patches in the input image, and then convert the problem of estimating missing values for the stack of matched patches to the problem of low‐rank matrix completion, and finally obtain the result by synthesizing all the restored patches. In our algorithm, how to accurately perform patch matching process and solve the low‐rank matrix completion problem are key points. For the first problem, we propose a robust patch matching approach, and for the second task, the alternating direction method of multipliers is employed. Experiments show that our algorithm has superior advantages over existing inpainting techniques. Besides, our algorithm can be easily extended to handle practical applications including rendering acceleration, photo restoration and object removal.
Impact of implant support on mandibular free‐end base removable partial denture: theoretical study
Authors: Oh Won‐suk , Oh Tae‐Ju , Park Ju‐mi
Published: December 2014

Objectives

This study investigated the impact of implant support on the development of shear force and bending moment in mandibular free‐end base removable partial dentures (RPDs).

Material and methods

Three theoretical test models of unilateral mandibular free‐end base RPDs were constructed to represent the base of tooth replacement, as follows: Model 1: first and second molars (M1 and M2); Model 2: second premolar (P2), M1, and M2; and Model 3: first premolar (P1), P2, M1, and M2. The implant support located either at M1 or M2 sites. The occlusal loading was concentrated at each replacement tooth to calculate the stress resultants developed in the RPD models using the free‐body diagrams of shear force and bending moment.

Results

There was a trend of reduction in the peak shear force and bending moment when the base was supported by implant. However, the degree of reduction varied with the location of implant support. The moment reduced by 76% in Model 1, 58% in Model 2, and 42% in Model 3, when the implant location shifted from M1 to M2 sites.

Conclusions

The shear forces and bending moments subjected to mandibular free‐end base RPDs were found to decrease with the addition of implant support. However, the impact of implant support varied with the location of implant in this theoretical study.
Autoimmune epilepsy: the search for a definition
Authors: Wright Sukhvir , Lim Ming
Published: December 2014

This commentary is on the review by Suleiman and Dale on pages 431–440 of this issue.
Bisphenol A as epigenetic modulator: setting the stage for carcinogenesis?
Authors: Ferreira Luciana L. , Couto Renata , Oliveira Paulo J.
Published: December 2014

Background

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely produced chemicals worldwide and is often used in the production of food and beverage containers. As a result of BPA contact with food, drink and toiletries, its ingestion and absorption by humans has been growing. The industrialization and modern lifestyles brought a constant exposure to several health‐disturbing compounds and ushered a new era of chronic diseases. The endocrine disruptor potential of BPA is well known, but the research around its epigenotoxic effects raised further concerns whether chronic exposure to BPA can contribute to chronic human illness, including cancer in hormone‐sensitive organs.

Materials and methods

Focusing on computerized databases, we reviewed original and review articles which elucidate and link some of the information already available about BPA and related epigenetic alterations.

Results

A number of studies indicate that short‐term administration of low or high‐doses of BPA may be associated with an increased risk of epigenetic modifications, increasing the risk for carcinogenesis. However, it is clear that more studies considering real daily exposures are essential to define a real tolerable daily intake and to tighten\xA0up\xA0manufactory regulations.

Conclusion

In this review, we highlight some evidences suggesting a relationship between BPA exposure, genotoxic activity and epigenetic modifications, which may prime for carcinogenesis.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells, a role in neoplastic prevention and progression
Authors: Lombardi Vincent C. , Khaiboullina Svetlana F. , Rizvanov Albert A.
Published: December 2014

Background

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are multifunctional bone‐marrow‐derived immune cells that are key players in bridging the innate and adaptive immune systems. Activation of pDCs through toll‐like receptor agonists has proven to be an effective treatment for some neoplastic disorders.

Materials and methods

In this mini‐review, we will explore the fascinating contribution of pDCs to neoplastic pathology and discuss their potential utilization in cancer immunotherapy.

Results

Current research suggests that pDCs have cytotoxic potential and can effectively induce apoptosis of tumour‐derived cells lines. They are also reported to display tolerogenic function with the ability to suppress T‐cell proliferation, analogous to regulatory T cells. In this capacity, they are critical in the suppression of autoimmunity but can be exploited by tumour cells to circumvent the expansion of tumour‐specific T cells, thereby allowing tumours to persist.

Conclusion

Several forms of skin cancer are successfully treated with the topical drug Imiquimod, which activates pDCs through toll‐like receptor 7 engagement. Additionally, pDC‐based anticancer vaccines have shown encouraging results for the treatment of melanoma in early trials. Future studies regarding the contributions of pDCs to malignancy will likely afford many opportunities for immunotherapy strategies.
The interplay between p66Shc, reactive oxygen species and cancer cell metabolism
Authors: Lebiedzinska‐Arciszewska Magdalena , Oparka Monika , Vega‐Naredo Ignacio , Karkucinska‐Wieckowska Agnieszka , Pinton Paolo , Duszynski Jerzy , Wieckowski Mariusz R.
Published: December 2014

The adaptor protein p66Shc links membrane receptors to intracellular signalling pathways and has the potential to respond to energy status changes and regulate mitogenic signalling. Initially reported to mediate growth signals in normal and cancer cells, p66Shc has also been recognized as a pro‐apoptotic protein involved in the cellular response to oxidative stress. Moreover, it is a key element in processes such as cancer cell proliferation, tumor progression, metastasis and metabolic reprogramming. Recent findings on the role of p66Shc in the above‐mentioned processes have been obtained through the use of various tumor cell types, including prostate, breast, ovarian, lung, colon, skin and thyroid cancer cells. Interestingly, the impact of p66Shc on the proliferation rate was mainly observed in prostate tumors, while its impact on metastasis was mainly found in breast cancers. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the possible roles of p66Shc in different cancers.
Services liberalization and productivity of manufacturing firms
Authors: Shepotylo Oleksandr , Vakhitov Volodymyr
Published: December 2014

Employing a unique database of Ukrainian firms in 2001–07, we use the external push for liberalization in the services sector as a source of exogenous variation to identify the effect of services liberalization on total factor productivity (TFP) of manufacturing firms. The results indicate that a standard deviation increase in services liberalization within a firm is associated with a 9.2 percent increase in TFP. The effect is stronger for firms with high productivity, bringing about a reallocation of resources within an industry. Industry‐level results show that the effect of reallocation on industry productivity is almost as strong as the within‐firm effect. The dynamic interaction of services liberalization and TFP through the investment channel reinforces the effect. The effect is robust to different estimation methods and to different sub‐samples of the data. In particular, it is more pronounced for domestic and small firms.
Disease progression in plantations of Acacia mangium affected by red root rot (Ganoderma philippii)
Authors: Francis A. , Beadle C. , Puspitasari D. , Irianto R. , Agustini L. , Rimbawanto A. , Gafur A. , Hardiyanto E. , Junarto   , Hidyati N. , Tjahjono B. , Mardai U. , Glen M. , Mohammed C.
Published: December 2014

The rapid emergence of Acacia mangium as the key industrial plantation species in Indonesia has been followed by the equally rapid emergence of red root rot (Ganoderma philippii) as its potential nemesis. As a consequence, and on severely affected mineral soils in equatorial tropical environments in particular, A. mangium may no longer be capable of producing commercial yields after three rotations. In this experiment, 100‐tree plots were established in commercial plantings of A. mangium at five sites which represented the range of growing conditions used for plantation establishment in Indonesia. Repeated monitoring at approximately 6‐month intervals of above‐ and below‐ground variables was used to explore relationships between measures of tree health and root rot. Crown colour and density were poor predictors of either the presence or severity of infections. Tree mortality increased more or less linearly with time and led to the progressive coalescence of initially discrete disease gaps. The average rate of disease development was about 0.3% per month, and average time from infection to tree death was conservatively estimated at around 1 year. Trees with more than four dead/missing neighbours had a >50% chance of being dead by the following monitoring. By the end of the monitoring period >40% of trees were classified as dead/missing, although this value varied from 20 to 70% depending on site, tree age and rotation. Canonical discriminant analysis correctly allocated >90% trees into their correct group on the first monitoring and similarly classified whether trees would be dead or missing in the following monitoring.
Ganoderma steyaertanum as a root‐rot pathogen of forest trees
Authors: Hidayati N. , Glen M. , Nurrohmah S. H. , Rimbawanto A. , Mohammed C. L.
Published: December 2014

Two Acacia seed orchards, one each of A. mangium and A. auriculiformis, in Central Java have suffered high losses from root rot associated with a species of Ganoderma that is distinct from G. philippii, which causes extensive losses in A. mangium plantations in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Ganoderma steyaertanum was consistently isolated from roots of affected trees in the Javanese orchards and pathogenicity was confirmed by satisfying Koch's postulates. The mode of spread of the pathogen was examined by analysing the distribution of tree deaths in the A. mangium seed orchard and conducting somatic incompatibility tests among G. steyaertanum isolates from diseased trees. Spatial analyses indicate that, after an initially random disease distribution, the pattern of tree deaths was clustered. This is consistent with spore colonisation of thinned stumps followed by vegetative spread through root‐to‐root contact, as has been observed for other root pathogens such as Heterobasidion annosum. Somatic incompatibility tests demonstrated high genetic variability of the pathogen with root‐to‐root spread also confirmed.
In vitro interaction between Phlebiopsis sp. and Ganoderma philippii isolates
Authors: Agustini L. , Wahyuno D. , Indrayadi H. , Glen M.
Published: December 2014

Ganoderma philippii causes root‐rot disease in a wide range of commercial perennial woody crops such as rubber and tropical acacias. In terms of productivity loss, the disease is considered as the most economically damaging disease of Acacia mangium. Many strategies to manage root rot have been developed and applied, including application of biological control which has focused on species and strains of the ascomycete genus Trichoderma. This research aimed to test the potential of a wood‐rotting basidiomycete as a biocontrol agent for root rot caused by Ganoderma philippii. This basidiomycete was isolated from a Eucalyptus pellita stump in a coppicing trial in Riau province, central Sumatra. DNA sequence analysis indicated that this isolate is most likely a Phlebiopsis sp. In vitro tests and microscopic morphological description of mycelial interactions between the Phlebiopsis and G. philippii isolates showed a mycoparasitic reaction. This result offered an alternative potential fungal isolate for root‐rot management in Indonesia as Phlebiopsis gigantea is already successfully used as a biocontrol agent for managing root rot caused by Heterobasidion annosum throughout pine forests in Europe and North America.
Identification of basidiomycete fungi in Indonesian hardwood plantations by DNA barcoding
Authors: Glen M. , Yuskianti V. , Puspitasari D. , Francis A. , Agustini L. , Rimbawanto A. , Indrayadi H. , Gafur A. , Mohammed C. L.
Published: December 2014

An investigation of root rot in Acacia mangium plantations in Indonesia generated over 1000 fungal isolates from field surveys at six locations. The majority of isolates were identified as Ganoderma philippii or Ganoderma mastoporum by species‐specific PCR, but this still left 274 isolates to be identified. As barcoding initiatives for fungi are still in the early stages, to assist identification of these isolates in this way we developed a database of sequences based on identified sporocarps and also searched public DNA sequence databases for sequences with high similarity. The database of sequences from sporocarp collections is more limited than public DNA databases. This resulted in more reliance on public DNA databases for a high proportion of taxa. Several pathogenic species were identified, with Phellinus noxius occurring at several locations and on both A. mangium and Eucalyptus pellita. Ganoderma steyaertanum was isolated from A. mangium roots and Rigidoporus microporus from E. pellita roots, each at a single location only. Potential pitfalls of using public DNA databases for fungal identification are discussed and methods to avoid these and increase confidence in the identification are presented.
The role of global trade and transport network topology in the human‐mediated dispersal of alien species
Authors: Banks Natalie Clare , Paini Dean Ronald , Bayliss Kirsty Louise , Hodda Michael
Published: December 2014

More people and goods are moving further and more frequently via many different trade and transport networks under current trends of globalisation. These networks can play a major role in the unintended introduction of exotic species to new locations. With the continuing rise in global trade, more research attention is being focused on the role of networks in the spread of invasive species. This represents an emerging field of research in invasion science and the substantial knowledge being generated within other disciplines can provide ecologists with new tools with which to study invasions. For the first time, we synthesise studies from several perspectives, approaches and disciplines to derive the fundamental characteristics of network topology determining the likelihood of spread of organisms via trade and transport networks. These characteristics can be used to identify critical points of vulnerability within these networks and enable the development of more effective strategies to prevent invasions.
Substantia nigra neuromelanin magnetic resonance imaging in de novo Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Reimão S. , Pita Lobo P. , Neutel D. , Correia Guedes L. , Coelho M. , Rosa M. M. , Ferreira J. , Abreu D. , Gonçalves N. , Morgado C. , Nunes R. G. , Campos J. , Ferreira J. J.
Published: December 2014

Background

Depigmentation of the substantia nigra (SN) and locus coeruleus (LC) is a conspicuous pathological feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) and is related to the loss of neuromelanin, whose paramagnetic properties result in high signal on specific T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recent studies have suggested that neuromelanin decrease in the SN and LC of PD patients may emerge as a possible diagnostic biomarker. The SN neuromelanin signal in de novo and early stage PD patients was studied to assess its diagnostic accuracy. This is the first study based on a semi‐automated MRI analysis of the neuromelanin signal in de novo PD patients.

Methods

The inclusion criteria were untreated de novo PD and a 2–5 year disease duration; in addition, age matched healthy controls were enrolled. These were studied with a high‐resolution T1‐weighted MRI sequence at 3 T to visualize neuromelanin. The primary outcome was SN high signal area, length and neuromelanin/midbrain ratio obtained with semi‐automated methods.

Results

A total of 12 de novo PD patients and 10 PD patients with a 2–5 year disease duration were evaluated. The area, length of the SN T1 high signal and the SN neuromelanin/midbrain ratio were markedly decreased in the PD groups compared with age‐matched controls, with a substantial overlap between the two PD groups.

Conclusions

Neuromelanin‐sensitive MRI techniques can discriminate PD patients from healthy individuals with high sensitivity and specificity. Our findings are consistent with recent findings showing that PD neuromelanin changes remain stable during the course of the disease.
High prevalence of inclusion body myositis in Norway; a population‐based clinical epidemiology study
Authors: Dobloug G. C. , Antal E. A. , Sveberg L. , Garen T. , Bitter H. , Stjärne J. , Grøvle L. , Gran J. T. , Molberg Ø.
Published: December 2014

Background and purpose

Knowledge about the occurrence of sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) in the general population is limited. Here, our aim was to identify and characterize every sIBM patient living in southeast Norway (population 2.64 million) from 2003 to 2012.

Method

Two sIBM case finding strategies were applied. First, all hospital databases in southeast Norway were screened to identify cases with sIBM‐compatible International Classification of Diseases 10 (ICD‐10) codes. These cases were then manually chart reviewed. Secondly, all muscle histology reports encoded with inflammation were independently reviewed. Finally, cases were classified according to the 1997 and the 2011 European Neuro‐Muscular Centre (ENMC) Research Diagnostic Criteria for sIBM.

Results

The combined case finding strategy identified 3160 patients with sIBM compatible ICD‐10 codes, and a largely overlapping cohort of 500 patients having muscle biopsies encoded with inflammation. Detailed retrospective review of chart and histology data showed that 95 patients met the 2011 ENMC sIBM criteria and 92 met the 1997 criteria. Estimated point prevalence of sIBM was 33/1 000 000, equal with both criteria sets. Mean age at diagnosis was 66.9 years and mean diagnostic delay was 5.6 years. Chart review revealed higher frequencies of dysphagia (94% vs. 65%) and anti‐Sjøgren syndrome A antibodies (39% vs. 12%) in female sIBM patients (n = 40) than in males. Coexisting rheumatic diseases were present in 25% of sIBM cases, with Sjøgren's syndrome in 10%.

Conclusion

An estimated point prevalence of sIBM seven times higher than previously observed in Europe is reported. Our data show considerable diagnostic delay, a major challenge with new sIBM treatments in the pipeline.
Lipoid proteinosis: phenotypic heterogeneity in Iranian families with c.507delT mutation in ECM1
Authors: Youssefian Leila , Vahidnezhad Hassan , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Abdollahzadeh Sina , Talari Hamidreza , Khoshnevisan Alireza , Chams‐Davatchi Cheyda , Mobasher Roozbeh , Li Qiaoli , Uitto Jouni , Akhondzadeh Shahin , Tabrizi Mina
Published: December 2014

Lipoid proteinosis (LP) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the ECM1 gene, and previous studies have noted phenotypic variability. In this study, we examined 12 patients representing three Iranian families for clinical manifestations and genotyped them for mutations in ECM1. LP was diagnosed with characteristic mucocutaneous and neurologic manifestations. Five patients were also subjected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/computed tomography (CT) scan of the central nervous system. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood from patients and their clinically unaffected relatives, and mutations in ECM1 were sought by PCR‐based amplification of all exons and flanking intronic sequences, followed by bidirectional Sanger sequencing. Significant phenotypic variability in this multisystem disorder, including presence of convulsions and epilepsy in about half of the patients was noted. In most cases, this was associated with calcifications in the brain detected by MRI/CT scans. Genotyping of the affected individuals in three families from the central region of Iran revealed presence of homozygous c.507delT mutation in ECM1, reflecting the observed consanguinity in these families. This large cohort revealed extensive phenotypic variability in individuals with the same mutation in ECM1. This observation suggests a role for genetic and epigenetic as well as environmental modulation of the phenotype. Identification of mutations allows screening of unaffected individuals for presence or absence of this mutation in extended LP families, with implications for genetic counseling.
Peer Mentoring Second Language Teachers: A Mutually Beneficial Experience?
Authors: Kissau Scott P. , King Elena Tosky
Published: December 2014

Studies have shown that there are not enough qualified foreign language and English as a second language teachers in this country. To increase the number of new second language teachers who remain in the profession, and to promote their use of best teaching practices, the ACTFL has identified mentoring as a national research priority. The importance of mentoring is further reflected in the new national standards established by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for teacher education programs. To address CAEP standards for advanced licensure programs and meet the needs of new second language teachers, a peer mentoring project was initiated. Using a mixed methodology, the researchers investigated the perceived benefits of a partnership between 27 mentors in an advanced licensure second language teaching program and 27 mentees, many of whom were practicing “lateral entry” second language teachers who had not yet completed second language teacher training. The results suggested that, when both parties shared content area expertise and worked together in a nonjudgmental, supportive manner, the partnership was mutually beneficial. The results also suggested that the relationship can be facilitated when both partners share certain commonalities, including age and amount of previous teaching experience.
Macroecological trends in nestedness and modularity of seed‐dispersal networks: human impact matters
Authors: Sebastián‐González Esther , Dalsgaard Bo , Sandel Brody , Guimarães Paulo R.
Published: December 2014

Aim

We aim to characterize the macroecological patterns in the structure of mutualistic seed‐dispersal networks. Tropical areas hold more species than temperate ones. This difference in species number may favour ecological processes that minimize interspecific competition in species‐rich areas. There is theoretical evidence that both modularity (i.e. the presence of semi‐independent groups of highly interacting species) and nestedness (i.e. specialists interact with a subset of the species interacting with generalists) reduce the effects of competition. Thus, we expect high degrees of modularity or nestedness at low latitudes in seed‐dispersal networks. Moreover, we test whether climate, topography and human impact influence network structure.

Location

Thirty‐four qualitative and 21 weighted seed‐dispersal interaction networks located world‐wide.

Methods

We related the degree of modularity and nestedness of seed‐dispersal interaction networks with latitude. To disentangle the macroecological drivers of network structure, we also associated modularity/nestedness with species richness, altitudinal range, human impact and an array of climate predictors: precipitation, temperature, precipitation/temperature seasonality and historical climate‐change velocity and anomaly.

Results

Binary networks showed stronger macroecological patterns than weighted networks. Latitude was unrelated to the structure of seed‐dispersal networks, but more nested assemblages were species rich and were located in areas with a high degree of human impact, high temperature seasonality, low precipitation, and, especially on the mainland, high stability in precipitation. Modular networks were species rich and found in areas with low human impact. For both nestedness and modularity, the effects of species richness and human impact were especially strong and consistent.

Main conclusions

As for previous macroecological studies of mutualistic networks, we found that the structure of seed‐dispersal assemblages was related to current and historical climate. The largest influences on nestedness and modularity, however, were the number of competing species and the degree of human impact. This suggests that human disturbance, not just climate, is an important factor determining the structure of a seed‐dispersal network.
The colour of the human skin: fruitful science, unsuitable wordings
Authors: Saint‐Léger D.
Published: December 2014

Synopsis

A review of the various facets of the colour of human skin is proposed. It aims first at illustrating the paradoxical association of the remarkable recent scientific advances that characterize changes in the skin colour, with some totally inappropriate or outdated phrasings used in its communication. As a second objective, it aims at proposing an alternative to these wordings. The latter would combine six shade types, defined by Individual Type Angle (ITA) values, a coloured reference chart and associated colour adjectives, highly corresponding to the six Phototypes previously defined by Fitzpatrick. Such alternative would overcome most references to both ethnic‐ and ethical‐related issues.
The effectiveness of a rehabilitation programme for Chinese cancer survivors: A pilot study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhou Yuqiu , Cui Yuxia , Yang Jinwei
Published: December 2014

Cancer survivors have experienced high stress which impairs psychological functioning and decreases quality of life (QOL). This study aims to assess the mediating effect of self‐efficacy on mood disturbance and QOL, and determine the effectiveness of a 12 week rehabilitation programme to improve self‐efficacy as well as improve mood disturbance and QOL in Chinese cancer survivors. A total of 47 cancer patients were randomly assigned into the experimental (n = 24) and control (n = 23) groups. The participants in the experimental group received cancer‐related education, progressive muscle relaxation and emotional support. Self‐reported questionnaires, including General Self‐efficacy Scale (GSES), Profile of Mood States Scale–Short Form (POMS‐SF) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30) were collected in pre‐ and post‐intervention. Findings from this study indicated that self‐efficacy was a complete mediator between mood disturbance and QOL, and the 12 week rehabilitation programme had a positive effect on self‐efficacy, mood disturbance and QOL for Chinese cancer survivors.
Differential expression of candidate salivary effector proteins in field collections of Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor
Authors: Johnson A. J. , Shukle R. H. , Chen M.‐S. , Srivastava S. , Subramanyam S. , Schemerhorn B. J. , Weintraub P. G. , Abdel Moniem H. E. M. , Flanders K. L. , Buntin G. D. , Williams C. E.
Published: December 2014

Evidence is emerging that some proteins secreted by gall‐forming parasites of plants act as effectors responsible for systemic changes in the host plant, such as galling and nutrient tissue formation. A large number of secreted salivary gland proteins (SSGPs) that are the putative effectors responsible for the physiological changes elicited in susceptible seedling wheat by Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), larvae have been documented. However, how the genes encoding these candidate effectors might respond under field conditions is unknown. The goal of this study was to use microarray analysis to investigate variation in SSGP transcript abundance amongst field collections from different geographical regions (southeastern USA, central USA, and the Middle East). Results revealed significant variation in SSGP transcript abundance amongst the field collections studied. The field collections separated into three distinct groups that corresponded to the wheat classes grown in the different geographical regions as well as to recently described Hessian fly populations. These data support previous reports correlating Hessian fly population structure with micropopulation differences owing to agro‐ecosystem parameters such as cultivation of regionally adapted wheat varieties, deployment of resistance genes and variation in climatic conditions.
Meta‐Analysis of the Effects of Sexual Orientation on Earnings
Authors: Klawitter Marieka
Published: December 2014

Most studies show that gay men earn less and lesbians earn more than their heterosexual counterparts, but the size of estimated sexual orientation differences varies greatly across studies. Using studies published between 1995 and 2012, a meta‐regression shows that the gay sample size, sexual orientation measure, and controls for work intensity explain variation in estimates for men. For women, there are few conclusive influences although controlling for work intensity seems to be most important.
The Sexual Orientation Wage Gap for Racial Minorities
Authors: Douglas Jamie H. , Steinberger Michael D.
Published: December 2014

We explore the sexual orientation wage gap across four race and ethnic groups in the 2000 U.S.

Census: Asian, black, Hispanic, and white. Using decomposition analysis, we explore if racial minority groups experience the same pattern of sexual orientation wage differences as their white counterparts, and how racial and sexual orientation wage differences interact over the distribution of wages. For men, we show a combined unexplained penalty greater than the sum of their individual unexplained race and sexual‐orientation differentials. Racial minority lesbians, however, earn higher wages than what the sum of their racial and sexual‐orientation analyses would suggest.