bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Express Lane Eligibility on Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment among Children
Authors: Blavin Fredric , Kenney Genevieve M. , Huntress Michael
Published: January 2014

Objective

To estimate the impact of Express Lane Eligible (ELE) implementation on Medicaid/CHIP enrollment in eight states.

Data Sources/Study Setting

2007 to 2011 data from the Statistical Enrollment Data System (SEDS) on Medicaid/CHIP enrollment.

Study Design

We estimate difference‐in‐difference equations, with quarter and state fixed effects. The key independent variable is an indicator for whether the state had ELE in place in the given quarter, allowing the experience of statistically matched non‐ELE states to serve as a formal counterfactual against which to assess the changes in the eight ELE states. The model also controls for time‐varying economic and policy factors within each state.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We obtained SEDS enrollment data from CMS.

Principal Findings

Across model specifications, the ELE effects on Medicaid enrollment among children were consistently positive, ranging between 4.0 and 7.3 percent, with most estimates statistically significant at the 5 percent level. We also find that ELE increased combined Medicaid/CHIP enrollment.

Conclusions

Our results imply that ELE has been an effective way for states to increase enrollment and retention among children eligible for Medicaid/CHIP. These results also imply that ELE‐like policies could improve take‐up of subsidized coverage under the ACA.
How Frequent Financial Reporting Can Cause Managerial Short‐Termism: An Analysis of the Costs and Benefits of Increasing Reporting Frequency
Authors: GIGLER FRANK , KANODIA CHANDRA , SAPRA HARESH , VENUGOPALAN RAGHU
Published: January 2014

We develop a cost–benefit tradeoff that provides new insights into the frequency with which firms should be required to report the results of their operations to the capital market. The benefit to increasing the frequency of financial reporting is that it causes market prices to better deter investments in negative net present value projects. The cost of increased frequency is that it increases the probability of inducing managerial short‐termism. We analyze the tradeoff between these costs and benefits and develop conditions under which greater reporting frequency is desirable and conditions under which it is not.
Smallholder Demand for Maize Hybrids in Zambia: How Far do Seed Subsidies Reach?
Authors: Smale Melinda , Birol Ekin , Asare‐Marfo Dorene
Published: January 2014

We add to an emerging body of literature on input subsidies in Africa south of the Sahara. Our analysis focuses on demand for seed, characterising smallholders with a high predicted demand for hybrid seed who were not reached by the subsidy programme. We use cross‐sectional data from the 2010 agricultural season and an instrumented control function approach to test the hypothesis that the subsidy on hybrid maize seed in Zambia is selectively biased. Consistent with other literature, we find that the subsidy is a recursive determinant of seed demand, but in 2010, its recipients had more land, more assets, and lower poverty rates. Findings illustrate the social costs of the programme as currently designed and highlight the need to build alternative supply channels if poorer maize growers are to grow hybrid seed.
A Sealed‐bid Double Auction Experiment on German Milk Quota Exchanges
Authors: Loy Jens‐Peter , Glauben Thomas , Requate Till , Weiss Christoph R.
Published: January 2014

Standard double auctions perfectly mimic the neoclassical idea about the functioning of markets. The efficiency of the market outcome and speed of adjustment towards equilibrium have been studied in the literature to validate economic expectations. However, only a few real world examples outside the financial sector exist. In 2000, Germany implemented a sealed‐bid double auction mechanism for trading milk quota. The two main features of this mechanism are: (1) a sealed‐bid double auction that produces excess demands that are covered by state reserves free of charge, and (2) a variable price band that is used to exclude price bids above a certain range. To study these regulations a sealed‐bid double auction experiment is simulated and run with students. It is shown that the regulations lead to significant losses in welfare that are caused by direct effects and by an imperfect adjustment of individual bidding behaviour. Further, learning effects throughout the experiments appear to be very limited. Thus, complex auction mechanisms may need to be thoroughly tested before being introduced in the real world.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Cervaphis quercus (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae: Greenideinae)
Authors: Wang Yuan , Huang Xiao‐Lei , Qiao Ge‐Xia
Published: January 2014

The mitochondrial genome of Cervaphis quercus has been sequenced and annotated. The entire genome of 15 272 bp encodes two ribosomal RNA genes (rrnL and rrnS), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 13 protein‐coding genes and a control region. The genome has the same gene order as that found in the inferred ancestral insect. Nucleotide composition is highly A+T biased. All protein‐coding genes use standard mitochondrial initiation codons. Secondary structure models of the two ribosomal RNA genes of C. quercus are similar to those proposed for other insects. All tRNAs have the classic clover‐leaf structure, except for the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm of trnS (AGN), which forms a simple loop. The presence of structural elements in the control region is also discussed, with an emphasis on the possible regulation of replication and/or transcription. Comparison with mitochondrial genomes of other aphid species shows their gene arrangements are conserved; however, the variety of repeat regions in species from a different aphid subfamily, Aphidinae, suggests that they resulted from independent evolutionary events.
Choosing between strategies for designing surveys: autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Foster Scott D. , Hosack Geoffrey R. , Hill Nicole A. , Barrett Neville S. , Lucieer Vanessa L.
Published: January 2014

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), which collect images of marine habitats, are now an established sampling tool. The use ofAUVs is becoming more widespread as they offer a non‐destructive method to survey substantial spatial areas. The design ofAUVsurveys has historically been based on expert knowledge andAUV‐specific considerations, such as reducing geolocation error. The expert knowledge encompasses intuition, previous surveying experiences and holistic knowledge of the study region.

We investigate the statistical aspects toAUVsurvey design for estimation of percentage cover of key benthic biota. We investigate the presence of spatial autocorrelation inAUVdata using model‐based geostatistics and examine the effect of autocorrelation on survey design by examining differentdesign strategies– methods for placingAUVtransects. The design strategies are assessed by inspecting the expected bias and the expected standard deviation of model predictions, where the model depends on the choice of design.

TheAUVdata exhibited a wide range of autocorrelation, from non‐existent to substantial. The design strategies varied in their statistical performance and nearly all strategies had shortcomings. Design strategies that were consistently poor performers had (i) transects placed in parallel in a single spatial dimension and (ii) made no attempt to spread out the transects in space. The superior design types had more transect‐to‐transect separation (but not too much) and effectively spanned important covariates.

The results give guidelines to researchers designingAUVsurveys for biological mapping and for monitoring. In particular, we demonstrate that any spatial design should seek spatial balance, such as would be introduced by a systematic or stratified component within a randomized design. Knowledge of the system under study should be incorporated and, if possible, should be done so in a formal manner that is objective and repeatable.
Creating vegetation density profiles for a diverse range of ecological habitats using terrestrial laser scanning
Authors: Ashcroft Michael B. , Gollan John R. , Ramp Daniel
Published: January 2014

Vegetation structure is an important determinant of species habitats and diversity. It is often represented by simple metrics, such as canopy cover, height and leaf area index, which do not fully capture three‐dimensional variations in density. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is a technology that can better capture vegetation structure, but methods developed to process scans have been biased towards forestry applications. The aim of this study was to develop a methodology for processing TLS data to produce vegetation density profiles across a broader range of habitats.

We performed low‐resolution and medium‐resolution TLS scans using a Leica C5 Scanstation at four locations within eight sites near Wollongong, NSW, Australia (34·38–34·41°S, 150·84–150·91°E). The raw point clouds were converted to density profiles using a method that corrected for uneven ground surfaces, varying point density due to beam divergence and occlusion, the non‐vertical nature of most beams and for beams that passed through gaps in the vegetation without generating a point. Density profiles were evaluated against visual estimates from three independent observers using coarse height classes (e.g. 5–10 m).

TLS produced density profiles that captured the three‐dimensional vegetation structure. Although sites were selected to differ in structure, each was relatively homogeneous, yet we still found a high spatial variation in density profiles. There was also large variation between observers, with the RMS error of the three observers relative to the TLS varying from 16·2% to 32·1%. Part of this error appeared to be due to misjudging the height of vegetation, which caused an overestimation in one height class and an underestimation in another.

Our method for generating density profiles using TLS can capture three‐dimensional vegetation structure in a manner that is more detailed and less subjective than traditional methods. The method can be applied to a broad range of habitats – not just forests with open understoreys. However, it cannot accurately estimate near‐surface vegetation density when there are uneven surfaces or dense vegetation prevents sufficient ground returns. Nonetheless, TLS density profiles will be an important input for research on species habitats, microclimates and nutrient cycles.
Endogenous α‐calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide promotes exercise‐induced, physiological heart hypertrophy in mice
Authors: Schuler B. , Rieger G. , Gubser M. , Arras M. , Gianella M. , Vogel O. , Jirkof P. , Cesarovic N. , Klohs J. , Jakob P. , Brock M. , Gorr T. A. , Baum O. , Hoppeler H. , Samillan‐Soto V. , Gassmann M. , Fischer J. A. , Born W. , Vogel J.
Published: January 2014

Aim

It is unknown how the heart distinguishes various overloads, such as exercise or hypertension, causing either physiological or pathological hypertrophy. We hypothesize that alpha‐calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide (αCGRP), known to be released from contracting skeletal muscles, is key at this remodelling.

Methods

The hypertrophic effect of αCGRP was measured in vitro (cultured cardiac myocytes) and in vivo (magnetic resonance imaging) in mice. Exercise performance was assessed by determination of maximum oxygen consumption and time to exhaustion. Cardiac phenotype was defined by transcriptional analysis, cardiac histology and morphometry. Finally, we measured spontaneous activity, body fat content, blood volume, haemoglobin mass and skeletal muscle capillarization and fibre composition.

Results

While αCGRP exposure yielded larger cultured cardiac myocytes, exercise‐induced heart hypertrophy was completely abrogated by treatment with the peptide antagonist CGRP(8‐37). Exercise performance was attenuated in αCGRP−/− mice or CGRP(8‐37) treated wild‐type mice but improved in animals with higher density of cardiac CGRP receptors (CLR‐tg). Spontaneous activity, body fat content, blood volume, haemoglobin mass, muscle capillarization and fibre composition were unaffected, whereas heart index and ventricular myocyte volume were reduced in αCGRP−/− mice and elevated in CLR‐tg. Transcriptional changes seen in αCGRP−/− (but not CLR‐tg) hearts resembled maladaptive cardiac phenotype.

Conclusions

Alpha‐calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide released by skeletal muscles during exercise is a hitherto unrecognized effector directing the strained heart into physiological instead of pathological adaptation. Thus, αCGRP agonists might be beneficial in heart failure patients.
Dynamic expression of molecules that control limb muscle development including Fhl1 in hind limbs of different gestational age
Authors: Li‐Li Wang , Zhao‐Hong Peng , Yang Fan , Lian‐Yong Li , Di Wu , Yi Zhang , Jia‐Ning Miao , Yu‐Zuo Bai , Zheng‐Wei Yuan , Wei‐Lin Wang , Kai‐Lai Sun
Published: January 2014

Muscle abnormality could be a key reason for congenital clubfoot (CCF) deformity, which manifests itself during fetal development. FHL1 down‐regulated expression is involved in the formation of skeletal muscle abnormalities in CCF and FHL1 gene mutations contribute to the development of some kinds of myopathies. Therefore, detecting dynamic expression of Fhl1 and other molecules (Hgf, MyoD1, Myogenin, and Myh4) that control limb muscle development in hind limbs of different gestational age will provide a foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism involves in the myopathies or CCF. The dynamic gene expression levels of Fhl1, Hgf, MyoD1, Myogenin, and Myh4 in the lower limbs of E16, E17, E19, and E20 rat embryos were examined by real‐time RT‐PCR. Immunofluorescence was used to detect formation of specific muscle fibers (fast or slow fibers) in distal E17 hind limbs. The expression levels of Fhl1, Hgf, MyoD1, Myogenin, and Myh4 were varying in hind limbs of different gestational age. Real‐time PCR results showed that all the genes that control skeletal muscle development except for Fhl1 exhibited a peak in E17 lower limbs. Immunofluorescence results showed obviously positive fast‐myosin in the distal E17 lower limbs and meanwhile slow‐myosin had no apparently signals. E17 was a critical time point for terminal skeletal muscle differentiation in the lower limbs of rat embryos.
Review article: anti‐adhesion therapies for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lobatón T. , Vermeire S. , Van Assche G. , Rutgeerts P.
Published: January 2014

Background

A high proportion of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) do not achieve clinical remission with the current therapies including mesalazine (mesalamine), immunossupresants (IMS) and antibodies against tumour necrosis factor (anti‐TNF). Moreover, IMS and anti‐TNF involve a nonnegligible risk for infections and/or malignancies. The anti‐adhesion molecules are one of the most interesting new treatments because of their gut‐selectivity.

Aim

To review the physiopathology of the adhesion molecules and the current drugs targeting this mechanism.

Methods

We performed a literature review in PubMed and in clinicaltrials.gov using the terms ‘anti‐adhesion molecules’, ‘inflammatory bowel disease’, ‘natalizumab’, ‘vedolizumab’, ‘AMG181’, ‘Etrolizumab’, ‘PF‐00547659’, ‘AJM300’, ‘Alicaforsen’ and ‘CCX282‐B’ up to November 2013.

Results

A total of eight drugs were found including those targeting the α4β1, α4β7 or αEβ7 integrins as well as the ICAM‐1 and MAdCAM‐1 addressins and the chemokine receptor 9. The rationale for these drugs is the blockade of gut‐homing T lymphocytes and the ones targeting the α4β7/MAdCAM‐1 interaction presented the most promising results in luminal disease. Vedolizumab, an α4β7 antibody, has completed phase 3 trials with very positive results especially for ulcerative colitis. However, many questions remain unanswered such as the effect of these therapies in perianal disease and extraintestinal manifestations.

Conclusions

The blockade of the α4β7/MAdCAM‐1 interaction and especially vedolizumab is an effective and safe gut‐specific treatment for IBD. Further studies are needed to clarify the efficacy and safety of the other anti‐adhesion drugs and to define the specific indications of these therapies in the different scenarios of IBD.
The communication of secondary variants: interviews with parents whose children have undergone array‐CGH testing
Authors: Christenhusz G.M. , Devriendt K. , Peeters H. , Van Esch H. , Dierickx K.
Published: January 2014

Children with unexplained developmental disabilities or congenital anomalies are increasingly being referred for genetic diagnostic testing using array‐comparative genomic hybridisation (array‐CGH) and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Their parents will have to deal with the secondary variants that will inevitably arise. We conducted 16 prospective semi‐structured interviews with native Dutch‐speaking parents whose children had undergone clinical array‐CGH testing. The interviews explored the parents' experiences, expectations and opinions, specifically regarding the communication of results. Concrete examples of ‘unexpected results’ were provided to help guide the discussion, differing in severity, treatability, time of onset, level of risk, and carrier status. Data was analysed using content and narrative analysis methodologies. Parental motivations for and against the disclosure of unexpected results cluster around four main themes: actionability; knowledge; context; and characteristics of the result. Most parents wished to know all types of results. Disclosure was framed within a holistic, contextual, family‐wide view. Genetic counselling should aim to integrate explorations of the motivations of parents surrounding the disclosure of results with good clinical care.
Long‐term evaluation of analytical methods used in sirolimus therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Holt David W. , Mandelbrot Didier A. , Tortorici Michael A. , Korth‐Bradley Joan M. , Sierka Debra , Levy Daniel I. , See Tai Sandi , Horowitz Gary L.
Published: January 2014

Results of therapeutic monitoring of sirolimus blood concentrations are assay and laboratory dependent. This study compared performance over time of the IMx microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA), Architect chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA), and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (LC/MS/MS) as part of a proficiency testing scheme. Pooled samples from sirolimus‐treated patients and whole‐blood samples spiked with known quantities of sirolimus were assayed monthly between 2004 and 2012. When results of pooled patient samples were compared with LC/MS/MS, the MEIA assay showed an overall mean percent bias of −2.3% ± 11.2% that, although initially positive, became increasingly negative from 2007 through 2009. The CMIA, which replaced the MEIA assay, had a mean percent bias of 21.9% ± 12.3%, remaining stable from 2007 through 2012. Similarly, for spiked samples, the MEIA showed an increasingly negative bias over time vs. LC/MS/MS, whereas CMIA maintained a stable positive bias. Based on comparison of immunoassay measurements on individual patient samples, CMIA values were more than 25% higher than MEIA values. These results highlight the importance of continued proficiency testing and regular monitoring of sirolimus assay performance. Clinicians must be aware of the methodology used and adjust target levels accordingly to avoid potential effects on efficacy and toxicity.
Outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection in recipients of solid abdominal organ transplants
Authors: Hsu Jennifer L. , Enser James J. , McKown Trevor , Leverson Glen E. , Pirsch John D. , Hess Timothy M. , Safdar Nasia
Published: January 2014

Knowledge of outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is limited. To evaluate this population, we undertook a retrospective cohort study of all recipients of kidney and liver transplants diagnosed with CDI at a single center over 14 yr. Data pertaining to all episodes of CDI were collected. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of clinical cure. Overall, 170 patients developed 215 episodes of CDI. Among these patients, 162 episodes (75%) were cured, and in 103 episodes (48%), patients were cured within 14 d. In a multivariate analysis, lack of clinical cure at 14 d was predicted by recurrent episode (0.21, 95% CI 0.06–0.72, p = 0.0128), treatment with vancomycin (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.1–0.74, p = 0.011), vasopressor support (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.76, p = 0.0161), and CDI before the year 2004 (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.2–0.98, p = 0.0446). The latter three factors are likely markers for severity of illness. In this cohort, 13 patients (8%) died during hospitalization, and 49 patients (29%) died within one yr. No deaths were attributed to CDI. Recurrent episode was a major predictor of treatment failure, suggesting that research into development of therapeutic options for recurrent disease is needed.
The risk of acute rejection and the influence of induction agents in lower‐risk African American kidney transplant recipients receiving modern immunosuppression
Authors: Gralla Jane , Le Charles N. , Cooper James E. , Wiseman Alexander C.
Published: January 2014

Background

While kidney transplant recipients of African American (AA) descent are frequently considered at increased risk of acute rejection, the value of induction therapy is not defined in settings of lower immunologic risk and modern immunosuppression.

Methods

Using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database, we identified 23 244 primary kidney transplant recipients with panel‐reactive antibody (PRA) = 0% treated with TAC/MPA and prednisone from 2000 to 2008. We compared acute rejection, graft survival (GS), and patient survival rates among AA and non‐AA and further stratified by induction therapy (none, IL2ra, or rATG).

Results

One‐yr acute rejection was higher in AA than in non‐AA overall (14.5% vs. 9.9%, hazard ratio [HR] for acute rejection [AR] 1.43, p < 0.0001) and was higher regardless of induction agent use. Induction therapy was associated with a reduction in AR, but no benefit in GS in AA or non‐AA. In AA, rATG (adjusted relative risk [RR] 0.81, CI 0.70–0.94) and IL2ra (adjusted RR 0.80, CI 0.68–0.93) were similarly effective in reducing AR rates, but did not reach comparable outcomes as in non‐AA.

Conclusion

African Americans who are at otherwise lower immunologic risk have a higher risk of rejection despite modern immunosuppression. Depleting or non‐depleting induction therapy similarly reduces but does not entirely mitigate this increased risk, with no impact on three‐yr GS.
Diagnosing skin rejection in vascularized composite allotransplantation: advances and challenges
Authors: Sarhane Karim A. , Khalifian Saami , Ibrahim Zuhaib , Cooney Damon S. , Hautz Theresa , Lee Wei‐Ping Andrew , Schneeberger Stefan , Brandacher Gerald
Published: January 2014

Refinements in microsurgical techniques coupled with advances in immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory protocols have enabled broader clinical application of vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) with encouraging immunological, functional, and esthetic results. However, skin rejection remains a significant obstacle and a serious complication for VCA recipients. Clinical and histopathological features of rejection in VCA have been described in a number of studies, which led to the development of an international consensus on the classification guidelines of rejection in the context of VCA. Nevertheless, currently available diagnostic modalities still have several limitations and shortcomings that can pose a significant diagnostic challenge, particularly when signs of rejection are found to be equivocal. In this review, we provide a critical analysis of these advances and challenges in diagnosing skin rejection. Specifically, we highlight the gaps in understanding of rejection mechanisms, the shortfalls in correlating cellular, molecular, and clinicopathologic markers with rejection grades, deficiencies in defining chronic rejection, and antibody‐mediated rejection after VCA, as well as providing an outlook on novel concepts, such as the utilization of advanced computational analyses and cross‐disciplinary diagnostic approaches.
Go East, Young Cadre: Experiments in Inter‐Provincial Training of Party and State Managers in China
Authors: Lee Charlotte , He Xiaobin
Published: January 2014

This article situates China's local policy experimentation in the broader context of policy experiments in decentralized political systems, through a case study which represents a local state response to China's transition to a market economy. With growing regional and urban–rural inequalities evident after the initial reform period (1978–1994), local party leaders of inland provinces devised strategies for addressing these inequalities and encouraging public–private sector mobility among party officials. County and township‐level leaders pursued local policy experiments in which they selected and sent officials to find private‐sector work in China's booming coastal cities. Initiated in the 1990s and peaking in the 2000s, these policy experiments and inter‐provincial transfers demonstrate the discretion that local officials possess to conduct programmatic/policy experiments in a unitary political system and show how officials resort to extra‐institutional strategies in order to bridge perceived knowledge gaps. The ultimate demise of these programmes illuminates the challenges to extra‐institutional policy innovations in transitioning states.
A method for modelling of fatigue life for rubbers and rubber isolators
Authors: Shangguan W.‐B. , Liu T.‐K. , Wang X.‐L. , Xu C. , Yu B.
Published: January 2014

A method for modelling fatigue life of rubbers and rubber isolators is presented in this paper. Firstly, a fatigue experiment is carried out for a rubber dumbbell cylindrical specimen and a rubber isolator. Based on the finite element analysis, the damage parameters including the strain energy density, the maximum principal Green–Lagrange strain and the effective stress are calculated and discussed. Secondly, three fatigue life prediction models are established by using the three damage parameters and using the relation between the measured fatigue life of a dumbbell cylindrical specimen and the computed value of the damage parameters. Thirdly, three proposed prediction models are used to investigate which one can be best used to predicting fatigue life of rubber isolators, taking a typical powertrain rubber isolator as studying example. The fatigue lives of the rubber isolator predicted by the three models are compared with the experimental life. The results demonstrate that the predicted fatigue lives of the rubber isolator using the three fatigue models agree well with the experimental fatigue life within a factor of four, and the model using the effective stress as the damage parameter can predict the fatigue life within a factor of two, which has the best accuracy among the three models.
The role of physiological optima in shaping the geographic distribution of Spanish moss
Authors: Barve Narayani , Martin Craig , Brunsell Nathaniel A. , Peterson A. Townsend
Published: January 2014

Aim

Ecological niche modelling is being widely applied to help us understand the geographic distributions of species, despite challenges regarding the estimation of fundamental niches that limit model transferability over time and space. Mechanistic models are an alternative, but they can be difficult to implement owing to the detailed knowledge that they require about the organism for full parameterization. In this paper we explore the geographic projection of physiological measurements of optimal temperature, precipitation and relative humidity requirements, as measured under controlled conditions using a climate dataset with high temporal resolution, as a case study for Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides), and compare scaling effects with correlative niche models calibrated in Maxent.

Location

The Americas.

Methods

We used climate data with a high temporal resolution to understand how often and where populations of Spanish moss occur under optimal and suboptimal conditions with respect to different environmental variables across their geographic range. We used weather station data for the United States with higher spatial resolution to provide a finer‐grained view. We also developed an ecological niche model to show how averaged climate data can present inaccurate views of physiological thresholds for the species.

Results

Few populations of Spanish moss are located at sites that present suboptimal conditions for more than two environmental parameters. The northern distributional limit of Spanish moss is set by minimum temperature requirements, whereas maximum temperatures are less limiting. However, when the same occurrences are analysed with respect to averaged climate data, 95% of populations appear to fall within the optimal physiological intervals.

Main conclusions

Our analyses revealed that most populations of Spanish moss do not experience optimal ecophysiological conditions for all environmental variables, even over long time‐scales. Physiological data may be of limited utility in delimiting suitable areas for populations of species, but they offer unique perspectives on the causes of range limitation.
Caprice/MISP is a novel F‐actin bundling protein critical for actin‐based cytoskeletal reorganizations
Authors: Kumeta Masahiro , Gilmore Jamie L. , Umeshima Hiroki , Ishikawa Masaaki , Kitajiri Shin‐ichiro , Horigome Tsuneyoshi , Kengaku Mineko , Takeyasu Kunio
Published: January 2014

Caprice [C19orf21 actin‐bundling protein in characteristic epithelial cells, also called mitotic interactor and substrate of Plk1 (MISP)] is a novel actin‐related protein identified in the highly‐insoluble subcellular scaffold proteins. This protein contains multiple actin‐binding sites, forms characteristic mesh‐like F‐actin bundles in vitro, and exhibits capricious localization and expression patterns in vivo. Overexpression or knock‐down of Caprice resulted in a dramatic effect on cellular morphology by inducing stress fiber‐like thick filaments or filopodial formations, respectively. Caprice is expressed and localized in distinct cells and tissues with specialized actin‐based structures, such as growth cones of migrating neurons and stereocilia of inner ear hair cells. However, Caprice gene expression is varied among different cell types; especially enriched in several epithelial cells whereas relatively suppressed in a subset of epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and neuroblastoma cells at the transcriptional level. Thus, this protein is expected to be an effector for cell type‐specific actin reorganization with its direct actin‐binding properties and provides a novel model of cell morphology regulation by a non‐ubiquitous single actin‐bundling protein.
Race and Pedagogical Practices: When Race Takes Center Stage in Philosophy
Authors: Maart Rozena
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a segment of a broader research project titled “When Black Consciousness Meets White Consciousness,” which first developed out of my research work with White women in violence‐against‐women organizations. It documents an interview between a White woman and me, a Black South African philosopher. I lived and worked in Canada at the time but I traveled to the United States for conferences on a regular basis. I was presenting my work on Black consciousness, White consciousness, and Black existentialism—relying on Derridean deconstruction and psychoanalysis—when I had the exchange with a White woman, a young faculty member in the philosophy department, which had jointly hosted the talk with the women and gender studies department. This paper offers a verbatim account of this dialogue wherein the history of philosophy is unraveled and where I draw on Jacques Derrida's “White Mythology” to demonstrate how White consciousness is engraved. It is out of this intertwined analysis that my work on White consciousness emerged in the 1990s—and with which I continue—as is evidenced throughout the paper. In unpacking this dialogue, I situate the complexities that arise from the pedagogical practices within philosophy when race takes center stage within a discipline that has written itself as though race does not exist.
The C‐shaped canal molar: an Endodontic–Archaeological study of the relationships between Mayan pre‐Hispanic and contemporary population of Yucatán
Authors: Ramírez‐Salomón M. , Vega‐Lizama E. , Tiesler V. , Alvarado‐Cárdenas G. , López‐Villanueva M. , Sierra‐Sosa T. , Cucina A.
Published: January 2014

Aim

To assess the prevalence of C‐shaped canal systems in mandibular second molars, in samples of modern and pre‐Hispanic Mayan individuals in Yucatán, Mexico, and to analyse the trait through time and attempt to find new evidence of ethnical bonds between populations.

Methodology

Three hundred and forty‐one randomly selected patients were treated in the Endodontic Clinic at the Dental school of the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, and 48 mandibular second molars from pre‐Hispanic Mayan collections were macroscopically and radiographically inspected. Statistical analysis was performed with a Fisher's exact test to compare the prevalence of C‐shaped canal systems in modern and archaeological samples.

Results

In the clinical observation, 118 of 341 (35%) patients treated endodontically had C‐shaped mandibular second molars. In the radiographical evaluation, 17 of 48 (35%) archaeological molars had fused roots and pulp chamber morphology categorized as C‐shaped. There were no significant differences between the frequencies in both samples.

Conclusion

This study highlighted that a one‐rooted mandibular molar was likely to have a C‐shaped canal. The similarity between ancient and modern samples indicates that the genetic make‐up since the European conquest has not affected the expression of this trait. This study supports the theory that the Mayan population has a relationship with the Northeast Asian population.
Long Digital Extensor Tendon Mineralization and Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in a Dog
Authors: Kennedy Katie C. , Perry James A. , Duncan Colleen G. , Duerr Felix M.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To report clinical and histopathologic features of long digital extensor (LDE) tendon mineralization with concurrent cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in a dog.

Study Design

Case report.

Animal

1.5‐year‐old, male castrated, English bulldog mix weighing 31.5 kg.

Methods

Pre‐ and postoperative orthogonal radiographs, arthroscopic evaluation, arthrotomy with en bloc surgical excision, and histopathologic analysis of the excised LDE tendon.

Results

There was radiographic evidence of mineralization in the region of the proximal LDE and stifle instability suggestive of CCL rupture. Arthroscopy, and subsequent arthrotomy, showed complete tearing of the CCL and an intact but grossly thickened LDE. No evidence of avulsion or bony proliferation associated with the LDE was appreciated. Tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) and tenectomy of the LDE returned the dog to normal weight‐bearing. No evidence of ectopic mineralization in the affected limb or similar clinical signs in the contralateral limb have been observed in 12 months follow‐up.

Conclusions

LDE tenectomy followed by stabilization of the stifle by TPLO resulted in a functional outcome. Mineralization without concurrent avulsion of the LDE has not been reported in dogs; however, posterolateral tendon injury in people has been linked to knee instability and cruciate ligament rupture.
Theory and Development of a Unicompartmental Resurfacing System for Treatment of Medial Compartment Disease of the Canine Elbow
Authors: Franklin Samuel P. , Schulz Kurt S. , Karnes Josh , Cook James L.
Published: January 2014

Medial compartment disease (MCompD) of the canine elbow can be defined as clinical signs attributable to articular cartilage loss of the medial coronoid process (MCP) of the ulna and medial aspect of the humeral condyle without significant lateral compartment pathology. Whereas outcomes associated with treatment of defined cohorts of dogs with MCompD have not been published, the impressions of many surgeons are that non‐surgical management or surgical treatment of the MCP alone does not result in long term highly functional outcomes. Thus, alternative surgical options for treatment of MCompD have been developed including various osteotomies and total elbow replacement (TER) with “successful” outcomes reported in case series. Results and data on safety have been reported for relatively few of these procedures and when reported, major complication rates have been >10% and catastrophic complications have been reported. Accordingly, we sought to develop a surgical technique with the objective of obtaining higher levels of safety and efficacy in the treatment of dogs with MCompD. This report describes the rationale for, and development of, a unicompartmental resurfacing system for treatment of MCompD in the canine elbow.
Silica‐scaled chrysophytes (Chrysophyceae, Stramenopiles) of the Istrian Peninsula (Slovenia, Croatia) – species flourishing in humid subtropical climate
Authors: Němcová Yvonne
Published: January 2014

There are still blank areas on the map of distribution of silica‐scaled chrysophytes in Europe, the subtropical regions are especially understudied. Here, a survey of species from nine sampling sites from the Istrian Peninsula is provided. In total, only 17 mostly cosmopolitan or widely distributed species were recorded. A relatively low number of species per locality (3.7 on average) might be a consequence of low connectivity of freshwater bodies in the Istrian Peninsula, and higher levels of conductivity and pH, caused by carbonate and flysch bedrock. Species known to prefer or tolerate higher levels of those factors were especially prevalent in the investigated sites (e.g. Mallomonas heterospina and M. alata). Resistant silica scales make silica‐scaled chrysophytes a flagship group of organisms to study the biogeography of protists. Records of species from European humid subtropical climate regions have not been published to date, and the current paper may help to fill in the missing information.
Investigating maternal effects on production traits in Duroc pigs using animal and sire models
Authors: Dube B. , Mulugeta S.D. , Dzama K.
Published: January 2014

Variance components for production traits were estimated using different models to evaluate maternal effects. Data analysed were records from the South African pig performance testing scheme on 22 224 pigs from 18 herds, tested between 1990 and 2008. The traits analysed were backfat thickness (BFAT), test period weight gain (TPG), lifetime weight gain (LTG), test period feed conversion ratio (FCR) and age at slaughter (AGES). Data analyses were performed by REML procedures in ASREML, where random effects were successively fitted into animal and sire models to produce different models. The first animal model had one random effect, the direct genetic effects, while the additional random effects were maternal genetic and maternal permanent environmental effects. In the sire model, the random effects fitted were sire and maternal grand sire effects. The best model considered the covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects or between sire and maternal grand sire effects. Fitting maternal genetic effects into the animal model reduced total additive variance, while the total additive variance increased when maternal grand sire effects were fitted into the sire model. The correlations between direct and maternal genetic effects were all negative, indicating antagonism between these effects, hence the need to consider both effects in selection programmes. Direct genetic correlations were higher than other correlations, except for maternal genetic correlations of FCR with TPG, LTG and AGES. There has been direct genetic improvement and almost constant maternal ability in production traits as shown by trends for estimated (EBVs) and maternal breeding values (MBVs), while phenotypic trends were similar to those for EBVs. These results suggest that maternal genetic effects should be included in selection programmes for these production traits. Therefore, the animal–maternal model may be the most appropriate model to use when estimating genetic parameters for production traits in this population.
Genetic deletion or TWEAK blocking antibody administration reduce atherosclerosis and enhance plaque stability in mice
Authors: Sastre Cristina , Fernández‐Laso Valvanera , Madrigal‐Matute Julio , Muñoz‐García Begoña , Moreno Juan A. , Pastor‐Vargas Carlos , Llamas‐Granda Patricia , Burkly Linda C. , Egido Jesús , Martín‐Ventura Jose L. , Blanco‐Colio Luis M.
Published: January 2014

Clinical complications associated with atherosclerotic plaques arise from luminal obstruction due to plaque growth or destabilization leading to rupture. Tumour necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12 (TNFSF12) also known as TNF‐related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a proinflammatory cytokine that participates in atherosclerotic plaque development, but its role in plaque stability remains unclear. Using two different approaches, genetic deletion of TNFSF12 and treatment with a TWEAK blocking mAb in atherosclerosis‐prone mice, we have analysed the effect of TWEAK inhibition on atherosclerotic plaques progression and stability. Mice lacking both TNFSF12 and Apolipoprotein E (TNFSF12−/−ApoE−/−) exhibited a diminished atherosclerotic burden and lesion size in their aorta. Advanced atherosclerotic plaques of TNFSF12−/−ApoE−/− or anti‐TWEAK treated mice exhibited an increase collagen/lipid and vascular smooth muscle cell/macrophage ratios compared with TNFSF12+/+ApoE−/− control mice, reflecting a more stable plaque phenotype. These changes are related with two different mechanisms, reduction of the inflammatory response (chemokines expression and secretion and nuclear factor kappa B activation) and decrease of metalloproteinase activity in atherosclerotic plaques of TNFSF12−/−ApoE−/−. A similar phenotype was observed with anti‐TWEAK mAb treatment in TNFSF12+/+ApoE−/− mice. Brachiocephalic arteries were also examined since they exhibit additional features akin to human atherosclerotic plaques associated with instability and rupture. Features of greater plaque stability including augmented collagen/lipid ratio, reduced macrophage content, and less presence of lateral xanthomas, buried caps, medial erosion, intraplaque haemorrhage and calcium content were present in TNFSF12−/−ApoE−/− or anti‐TWEAK treatment in TNFSF12+/+ApoE−/− mice. Overall, our data indicate that anti‐TWEAK treatment has the capacity to diminish proinflamatory response associated with atherosclerotic plaque progression and to alter plaque morphology towards a stable phenotype.
Systematic review of hypertension clinical practice guidelines based on the burden of disease: a global perspective
Authors: Chen Yin , Hu Shilian , Li Youping , Yan Boxi , Shen Gan , Wang Li
Published: January 2014

Objective

To perform a systematic review for the development, geographical distribution, and subject classification of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for hypertension worldwide.

Methods

CPGs for the management of hypertension were identified through the searching of Ovid, EMbase, and Chinese electronic databases. Major guidelines websites such as NGC (National Guideline Clearinghouse), GIN (Guidelines International Network), NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) and CPGN (Clinical Practice Guideline Network), as well as Google Scholar were also screened for additional information. EndNote X3 and Excel 2007 were used for extracting and analyzing the data of included CPGs.

Results

A total of 375 hypertension CPGs were included, involving 6 continents, 33 countries, 4 regions, and 3 international organizations. The publication date ranged from the year of 1971 to 2012, with the number of CPGs increased year by year. The CPGs were mainly developed by North America, Europe, and Asia. Their subjects covered 3 categories and 11 sub‐classes, which mainly focused on the management of adult hypertension (44.53%).

Conclusion

The number of CPGs varies in regions, countries, and academic organizations, with the development process differently. The regional disparity between the number CPGs and burden of hypertension were observed. The CPGs made a point of the management of adult hypertension.
Development and characterization of two monoclonal antibodies against grouper iridovirus 55L and 97L proteins
Authors: Hu S‐L , Liou C‐J , Cheng Y‐H , Yiu J‐C , Chiou P P , Lai Y‐S
Published: January 2014

Grouper iridovirus (GIV) is one of the most important viral pathogens in grouper, particularly at the fry and fingerling stages. The study of GIV pathogenicity has been hampered by the lack of proper immunological reagents to study the expression and function of viral proteins in the infected cells. In this study, two mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against GIV 55L and 97L proteins were produced. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting were used to screen these hybridomas, resulting in the identification of two high‐affinity mAbs named GIV55L‐mAb‐2 and GIV97L‐mAb‐3, respectively. Both mAbs belong to the IgG1 isotype and were effective in detecting their respective target viral protein. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot analyses of GIV‐infected GK cells revealed that GIV 97L is an immediate early gene, whereas GIV 55L a late one. The localization of 55L and 97L in GIV‐infected cells was further characterized by immunofluorescence microscopy with the mAbs. The 55L protein mainly aggregated in the cytoplasm while 97L distributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of the infected cells. These studies demonstrate the validity of the two mAbs as immunodiagnostic and research reagents.
High‐grade localized metasomatic alteration of the granitic gneiss surrounding a clinopyroxene‐rich pegmatoid dyke: Söndrum stenhuggeriet, Halmstad, SW Sweden
Authors: Harlov D. E. , Van Den Kerkhof A. , Johansson L.
Published: January 2014

The Söndrum stone quarry (Halmstad, SW Sweden) exposes a transition from migmatized granitic gneissic country rock into a foliated clinopyroxene‐free granitic gneiss, and then a central pegmatoid dyke dominated by clinopyroxene megacrysts. This transition zone represents a fracture‐controlled, fluid‐alteration zone that developed under conditions of 650–700 °C and 790 MPa. Mineral chemical trends in F, Cl, Fe, Ti, Mn and Y are interpreted as documenting a fluid infiltration event associated with the formation of the pegmatoid dyke. Fluid inclusions from the pegmatoid dyke are CO2 dominant, whereas in the surrounding country rock they are dominated by H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2. Fluid inclusions from the intermediate foliated clinopyroxene‐free granitic gneiss are a mixture of the two types. The pegmatoid dyke appears to have originated from a high Ca activity, Fe‐Mg enriched, fluid‐rich granitic melt with a CO2 component, which was emplaced along a tectonic fracture in a regionally migmatized granitic gneiss in the lower crust. This was accompanied by limited partial melting of the surrounding granitic gneiss. The Ca activity of the melt was high enough to allow for the formation of clinopyroxene megacrysts as opposed to orthopyroxene. H2O‐enriched fluids expelled from the crystallizing pegmatoid dyke, which retained the majority of the CO2 helping to stabilize the clinopyroxene. The expelled fluids coarsened and chemically affected the surrounding country rock resulting in trends in the mineral and fluid inclusion chemistry seen today in the foliated and regional granitic gneiss.