bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salient cues improve prospective remembering in Korsakoff's syndrome
Authors: Altgassen Mareike , Ariese Laura , Wester Arie J. , Kessels Roy P. C.
Published: November 2015

Objective

Korsakoff's syndrome is characterized by deficits in episodic memory and executive functions. Both cognitive functions are needed to remember to execute delayed intentions (prospective memory, PM), an ability that is crucial for independent living in everyday life. So far, PM has only been targeted by one study in Korsakoff's syndrome. This study explored the effects of executive control demands on PM to shed further light on a possible interdependence of memory and executive functions in Korsakoff's syndrome,

Method

Twenty‐five individuals with Korsakoff's syndrome and 23 chronic alcoholics (without amnesia) performed a categorization task into which a PM task was embedded that put either high or low demands on executive control processes (using low vs. high salient cues).

Results

Overall, Korsakoff patients had fewer PM hits than alcoholic controls. Across groups, participants had fewer PM hits when cues were low salient as compared to high salient. Korsakoff patients performed better on PM when highly salient cues were presented than cues of low salience, while there were no differential effects for alcoholic controls.

Conclusions

While overall Korsakoff patients' showed a global PM deficit, the extent of this deficit was moderated by the executive control demands of the task applied. This indicated further support for an interrelation of executive functions and memory performance in Korsakoff.

Practitioner points

Positive clinical implications of the work

Prospective memory (PM) performance in Korsakoff's syndrome is related to executive control load.

Increasing cues' salience improves PM performance in Korsakoff's syndrome.

Salient visual aids may be used in everyday life to improve Korsakoff individuals' planning and organization skills.

Cautions or limitations of the study

Results were obtained in a structured laboratory setting and need to be replicated in a more naturalistic setting to assess their transferability to everyday life.

Given the relatively small sample size, individual predictors of PM performance should be determined in larger samples.
An analytical method for measuring competence in project management
Authors: González‐Marcos Ana , Alba‐Elías Fernando , Ordieres‐Meré Joaquín
Published: November 2015

The goal of this paper is to present a competence assessment method in project management that is based on participants' performance and value creation. It seeks to close an existing gap in competence assessment in higher education. The proposed method relies on information and communication technology (ICT) tools and combines Project Management Information System (PMIS) tools with a survey system. This permits it to be implemented in an Internet‐based simulation game. The system enforces the assessment of individual competences by a set of performance indicators and value stream analyses. A specific case study is presented as a way to validate the principles on which the proposed method is based. It has been proven to be helpful in a complex learning environment that involves two different universities and levels of degrees (undergraduate and master). When the method has been implemented, it is possible to collect detailed information regarding competence at a process for each participant. This increases the transparency of the work carried out, as well as enabling the specific design of educational programs for specific competence learning paths. Based on the experience that has been acquired, a specific recommendation is made concerning the feedback value provided for practitioners, students and teachers.
Monitoring EGFR T790M with plasma DNA from lung cancer patients in a prospective observational study
Authors: Sueoka‐Aragane Naoko , Katakami Nobuyuki , Satouchi Miyako , Yokota Soichiro , Aoe Keisuke , Iwanaga Kentaro , Otsuka Kojiro , Morita Satoshi , Kimura Shinya , Negoro Shunichi ,   Hanshin‐Saga Collaborative Cancer Study Group
Published: November 2015

Use of plasma DNA to detect mutations has spread widely as a form of liquid biopsy. EGFR T790M has been observed in half of lung cancer patients who have acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKI). Effectiveness of monitoring T790M via plasma DNA during treatment with EGFR‐TKI has not been established as an alternative to re‐biopsy. This was a prospective multicenter observational study involving non‐small cell lung cancer patients carrying EGFR L858R or exon 19 deletions, treated with EGFR‐TKI. The primary objective was to determine whether T790M could be detected using plasma DNA in patients with progressive disease (PD). T790M was examined using the mutation‐biased PCR and quenching probe (MBP‐QP) method, a sensitive, fully‐automated system developed in our laboratory. Eighty‐nine non‐small cell lung cancer patients were enrolled from seven hospitals in Japan. Sequential examinations revealed T790M in plasma DNA among 40% of patients who developed PD. Activating mutations, such as L858R and exon 19 deletions, were detected in 40% of patients using plasma DNA, and either T790M or activating mutations were observed in 62%. Dividing into four periods (before PD, at PD, at discontinuation of EGFR‐TKI and subsequently), T790M was detected in 10, 19, 24 and 27% of patients, respectively. Smokers, males, patients having exon 19 deletions and patients who developed new lesions evidenced significantly frequent presence of T790M in plasma DNA. Monitoring T790M with plasma DNA using MBP‐QP reflects the clinical course of lung cancer patients treated with EGFR‐TKI. Detection of T790M with plasma DNA was correlated with EGFR mutation type, exon 19 deletions and tumor progression. Re‐biopsy could be performed only in 14% of PD cases, suggesting difficulty in obtaining re‐biopsy specimens in practice. Monitoring T790M with plasma DNA reflects the clinical course, and is potentially useful in designing strategies for subsequent treatment.
Digital Fabrication Techniques for Cultural Heritage: A Survey
Authors: Scopigno R. , Cignoni P. , Pietroni N. , Callieri M. , Dellepiane M.
Published: November 2015

Digital fabrication devices exploit basic technologies in order to create tangible reproductions of 3D digital models. Although current 3D printing pipelines still suffer from several restrictions, accuracy in reproduction has reached an excellent level. The manufacturing industry has been the main domain of 3D printing applications over the last decade. Digital fabrication techniques have also been demonstrated to be effective in many other contexts, including the consumer domain. The Cultural Heritage is one of the new application contexts and is an ideal domain to test the flexibility and quality of this new technology. This survey overviews the various fabrication technologies, discussing their strengths, limitations and costs. Various successful uses of 3D printing in the Cultural Heritage are analysed, which should also be useful for other application contexts. We review works that have attempted to extend fabrication technologies in order to deal with the specific issues in the use of digital fabrication in the Cultural Heritage. Finally, we also propose areas for future research.
Coal, Cumulative Impacts, and the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Grech A. , Pressey R.L. , Day J.C.
Published: November 2015

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Australia, covers over 348,000 km2 of tropical marine ecosystems of global significance. In July 2015, the World Heritage Committee called attention to the cumulative impacts of climate change, poor water quality, and coastal development on the region's outstanding universal value, but stopped short of inscribing the Great Barrier Reef on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Restoring the region's values is hindered by an environmental decision‐making process that fails to incorporate cumulative impacts, including the climate change impacts of greenhouse gas emissions sourced from one of Australia's largest exports, thermal coal. We identify policy and processes that enable a more comprehensive consideration of the cumulative effects of coal mining by environmental decision‐makers. Implementing cumulative impact assessment requires a collaborative and transparent program of planning and monitoring independent of Government and mine proponents that evaluates local, regional, and global impacts. The future of the Great Barrier Reef depends on transformational change in the cumulative assessment of Australian coal mines.
An interactive tool for rapid biventricular analysis of congenital heart disease
Authors: Gilbert K. , Lam H.‐I. , Pontré B. , Cowan B. R. , Occleshaw C. J. , Liu J. Y. , Young A. A.
Published: November 2015

Cardiac malformations are the most common birth defect. Better interventions in early life have improved mortality for children with congenital heart disease, but heart failure is a significant problem in adulthood. These patients require regular imaging and analysis of biventricular (left and right ventricular) function. In this study, we describe a rapid method to analyse left and right ventricular shape and function from cardiac MRI examinations. A 4D (3D+time) finite element model template is interactively customized to the anatomy and motion of the biventricular unit. The method was validated in 17 patients and 10 ex‐vivo hearts. Interactive model updates were achieved through preconditioned conjugate gradient optimization on a multithread system, and by precomputing points predicted from a coarse mesh optimization.
Barriers to the long‐term recovery of individuals with disabilities following a disaster
Authors: Stough Laura M. , Sharp Amy N. , Resch J. Aaron , Decker Curt , Wilker Nachama
Published: November 2015

This study examines how pre‐existing disabling conditions influenced the recovery process of survivors of Hurricane Katrina. It focuses specifically on the barriers that hindered the recovery process in these individuals. Focus groups were convened in four Gulf Coast states with 31 individuals with disabilities who lived in or around New Orleans, Louisiana, prior to Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Qualitative data were analysed using grounded theory methodology. Five themes emerged as the most significant barriers to recovery: housing; transportation; employment; physical and mental health; and accessing recovery services. While these barriers to recovery were probably common to most survivors of the disaster, the research results suggest that disability status enhanced the challenges that participants experienced in negotiating the recovery process and in acquiring resources that accommodated their disabilities. The findings indicate that, when disaster recovery services and resources did not accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities, recovery was hindered. Recovery efforts should include building accessible infrastructure and services that will allow for participation by all.
Adaptation of lodgepole pine and interior spruce to climate: implications for reforestation in a warming world
Authors: Liepe Katharina J. , Hamann Andreas , Smets Pia , Fitzpatrick Connor R. , Aitken Sally N.
Published: November 2015

We investigated adaptation to climate in populations of two widespread tree species across a range of contrasting environments in western Canada. In a series of common garden experiments, bud phenology, cold hardiness, and seedling growth traits were assessed for 254 populations in the interior spruce complex (Picea glauca, P. engelmannii, and their hybrids) and for 281 populations of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Complex multitrait adaptations to different ecological regions such as boreal, montane, coastal, and arid environments accounted for 15–20% of the total variance. This population differentiation could be directly linked to climate variables through multivariate regression tree analysis. Our results suggest that adaptation to climate does not always correspond linearly to temperature gradients. For example, opposite trait values (e.g., early versus late budbreak) may be found in response to apparently similar cold environments (e.g., boreal and montane). Climate change adaptation strategies may therefore not always be possible through a simple shift of seed sources along environmental gradients. For the two species in this study, we identified a relatively small number of uniquely adapted populations (11 for interior spruce and nine for lodgepole pine) that may be used to manage adaptive variation under current and expected future climates.
Is spawning stock biomass a robust proxy for reproductive potential?
Authors: Kell Laurence T , Nash Richard D M , Dickey‐Collas Mark , Mosqueira Iago , Szuwalski Cody
Published: November 2015

Reference points based on fishing mortality (F) and spawning stock biomass (SSB) are a requirement of many fisheries management frameworks. SSB is assumed to be a proxy for stock reproductive potential (SRP). Limit reference points based on SSB are used to indicate the level of biomass below which productivity is affected. SSB fails to account for changes in fecundity, egg viability and sex ratio, and it has been argued that total egg production (TEP) provides a better reflection of SRP. We explore how accounting for TEP impacts limit reference points and evidence for a relationship between stock and recruit. Time series of SSB and TEP are compared for three North Sea stocks: cod (Gadus morhua), herring (Clupea harengus) and plaice (Pleuronectes platessa). Dynamics based on TEP are different from those based on SSB for cod and plaice, but the stock–recruit relationships were not ‘improved’ using TEP. Shifts in productivity (spawner per recruit) occur in all three time series and SSB underestimated uncertainty. Yet again, it was shown that assumptions of stationarity about fish population productivity are incorrect. We argue that the use of TEP does improve the realism in our understanding of stock dynamics, and demographically, more complex management strategy evaluation is required to develop management procedures that are robust to uncertainty and integrate F and the demographic health of a stock. Empirical feedback control systems based on fisheries independent indices including surveys of eggs, larvae, recruits, juveniles or spawning adults should be evaluated and compared to traditional approaches.
ElevatedCO2promotes long‐term nitrogen accumulation only in combination with nitrogen addition
Authors: Pastore Melissa A. , Megonigal J. Patrick , Langley J. Adam
Published: November 2015

Biogeochemical models that incorporate nitrogen (N) limitation indicate that N availability will control the magnitude of ecosystem carbon uptake in response to risingCO2. Some models, however, suggest that elevatedCO2may promote ecosystem N accumulation, a feedback that in the long term could circumvent N limitation of theCO2response while mitigating N pollution. We tested this prediction using a nine‐yearCO2xN experiment in a tidal marsh. Although the effects ofCO2are similar between uplands and wetlands in many respects, this experiment offers a greater likelihood of detectingCO2effects on N retention on a decadal timescale because tidal marshes have a relatively open N cycle and can accrue soil organic matter rapidly. To determine how elevatedCO2affects N dynamics, we assessed the three primary fates of N in a tidal marsh: (1) retention in plants and soil, (2) denitrification to the atmosphere, and (3) tidal export. We assessed changes in N pools and tracked the fate of a15N tracer added to each plot in 2006 to quantify the fraction of added N retained in vegetation and soil, and to estimate lateral N movement. ElevatedCO2alone did not increase plant N mass, soil N mass, or15N label retention. Unexpectedly,CO2and N interacted such that the combined N+CO2treatment increased ecosystem N accumulation despite the stimulation in N losses indicated by reduced15N label retention. These findings suggest that in N‐limited ecosystems, elevatedCO2is unlikely to increase long‐term N accumulation and circumvent progressive N limitation without additional N inputs, which may relieve plant–microbe competition and allow for increased plant N uptake.
Rapid skeletal muscle wasting predicts worse survival in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Hanai Tatsunori , Shiraki Makoto , Ohnishi Sachiyo , Miyazaki Tsuneyuki , Ideta Takayasu , Kochi Takahiro , Imai Kenji , Suetsugu Atsushi , Takai Koji , Moriwaki Hisataka , Shimizu Masahito
Published: November 2015

Aim

Sarcopenia impairs the outcome of patients with liver cirrhosis independently of liver function reserves. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the rate of skeletal muscle wasting predicts mortality in cirrhotic patients.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 149 cirrhotic patients who visited our hospital between March 2004 and September 2012. The skeletal muscle cross‐sectional area at the level of the third lumbar vertebra was measured by computed tomography, from which the skeletal muscle index was obtained for diagnosis of sarcopenia. The relative change in skeletal muscle area per year (ΔSMA/y) was calculated in each patient. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors for mortality.

Results

Of the 149 cirrhotic patients, 94 (63%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. The median of ΔSMA/y in all patients was –2.2%. For patients in Child–Pugh class A, B and C, ΔSMA/y was –1.3%, –3.5% and –6.1%, respectively. During a median follow‐up period of 39 months (range, 1–110), 45 patients (30%) died. The optimal cut‐off value of ΔSMA/y for predicting mortality was –3.1%; the survival rate in patients with ΔSMA/y of –3.1% or less was significantly lower than in patients with ΔSMA/y of more than –3.1% (P < 0.0001). The multivariate Cox proportional hazards model found ΔSMA/y of –3.1% or less to be significantly associated with mortality in cirrhotic patients (hazard ratio = 2.73, 95% confidence interval = 1.43–5.44, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

ΔSMA/y is useful for predicting mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. Management of skeletal muscle may contribute toward improving the outcome of cirrhotic patients.
Prediction of periapical status and tooth extraction
Authors: Kirkevang L. –L. , Ørstavik D. , Bahrami G. , Wenzel A. , Væth M.
Published: November 2015

Aim

To describe and analyse risk factors associated with prediction of periapical status, assessed using the full‐scale Periapical Index (PAI) supplemented with extraction as outcome variable.

Methodology

In 1997–1998, 616 randomly selected individuals from Aarhus County, Denmark, underwent a full‐mouth radiographic survey. All 616 were re‐invited in 2003–2004 and in 2008–2009, when 473 and 363 persons, respectively, consented and attended a new radiographic examination. The study population of the present investigation included 330 persons who had participated in all three examinations, and 143 persons who had participated in the first and second examination only. Using the full‐mouth radiographic survey and interview information, the following variables were assessed: on person level – age, gender, smoking habits and number of teeth; on tooth level – presence of tooth, PAI, root filling, caries, marginal bone level, restoration, jaw and tooth group. The outcome variable was the 5 score PAI supplemented with extraction. The observation period was 5 years. Ordered logistic regression analyses were carried out for root filled and non‐root filled teeth separately. The Regional Committee of Ethics approved the study.

Results

For both root filled teeth and non‐root filled teeth, the baseline PAI score was the most important predictive factor of periapical status and extraction (P < 0.0001). Non‐root filled teeth had in general a better outcome than root filled teeth. However, in non‐root filled teeth, several other factors had a significant influence on the outcome, and the risk estimates were larger and showed a more pronounced variation between the different categories of predictive factors. For root filled teeth few variables, other than baseline PAI score, influenced the outcome significantly.

Conclusion

The full‐scale PAI was the strongest predictive factor of periapical status or extraction even when adjusted for additional factors, such as marginal bone level. A high baseline PAI score increased the risk for an impaired outcome. The large difference in risk estimates for non‐root filled compared to root filled teeth documents the importance of separate analyses/studies for identification and quantification of predictive factors associated with periapical status and extraction of a tooth.
Weighted sum of maximum regrets in an interval MOLP problem
Authors: Rivaz S. , Yaghoobi M.A.
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a multiobjective linear programming problem with interval objective function coefficients. Considering the concept of maximum regret, the weighted sum problem of maximum regrets is introduced and its properties are investigated. It is proved that an optimal solution of the weighted sum problem of maximum regrets is at least possibly weakly efficient. Further, the circumstances under which the optimal solution is necessarily efficient (necessarily weakly efficient or possibly efficient) are discussed. Moreover, using a relaxation procedure, an algorithm is proposed, which for a given set of weights finds one feasible solution that minimizes the weighted sum of maximum regrets. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the proposed algorithm.
Intended Use of Proceeds, Underwriter Quality and the Long‐run Performance of SEOs in the UK
Authors: Silva André , Bilinski Pawel
Published: November 2015

We document that prospectus disclosure of (i) the motives for a seasoned equity offering, and (ii) the choice of underwriter explain the long‐run performance of equity issuers in the UK. Firms citing investment needs show no abnormal performance after the offering and have higher investment rates post‐issue compared to the period before the offering. Issuers that state general corporate purposes and recapitalisation motives underperform, have similar investment rates pre‐ and post‐issue, and their leverage tends to increase after the offering. Further, consistent with the certifying role of underwriters, equity issues underwritten by high‐quality brokers show no evidence of post‐issue abnormal returns, but offerings taken public by low‐quality underwriters exhibit negative abnormal performance. Together, our results document the significant role that prospectus information on the intended use of offering proceeds and on the underwriter play in predicting issuers post‐offering performance in the UK.
Correlation between endogenous polyamines in human cardiac tissues and clinical parameters in patients with heart failure
Authors: Meana Clara , Rubín José Manuel , Bordallo Carmen , Suárez Lorena , Bordallo Javier , Sánchez Manuel
Published: November 2015

Polyamines contribute to several physiological and pathological processes, including cardiac hypertrophy in experimental animals. This involves an increase in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and intracellular polyamines associated with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) increases. The aim of the study was to establish the role of these in the human heart in living patients. For this, polyamines (by high performance liquid chromatography) and the activity ofODCand N1‐acetylpolyamine oxidases (APAO) were determined in the right atrial appendage of 17 patients undergoing extracorporeal circulation to correlate with clinical parameters. There existed enzymatic activity associated with the homeostasis of polyamines. Left atria size was positively associated withODC(r= 0.661,P= 0.027) and negatively withAPAO‐N1‐acetylspermine (r= −0.769,P= 0.026), suggesting that increased levels of polyamines are associated with left atrial hemodynamic overload. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart rate were positively associated with spermidine (r= 0.690,P= 0.003;r= 0.590,P= 0.021) and negatively with N1‐acetylspermidine (r= −0.554,P= 0.032;r= −0.644,P= 0.018).LVEFwas negatively correlated withcAMPlevels (r= −0.835,P= 0.001) and withcAMP/ODC(r= −0.794,P= 0.011),cAMP/spermidine (r= −0.813,P= 0.001) andcAMP/spermine (r= −0.747,P= 0.003) ratios. AbnormalLVEFpatients showed decreasedODCactivity and spermidine, and increased N1‐acetylspermidine, andcAMP. Spermine decreased in congestive heart failure patients. The trace amine isoamylamine negatively correlated with septal wall thickness (r= −0.634,P= 0.008) and was increased in cardiac heart failure. The results indicated that modifications in polyamine homeostasis might be associated with cardiac function and remodelling. IncreasedcAMPmight have a deleterious effect on function. Further studies should confirm these findings and the involvement of polyamines in different stages of heart failure.
Species turnover regulates leaf‐cutter ant densities in environmental gradients across the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Costa A. N. , Vieira‐Neto E. H. M.
Published: November 2015

Environmental changes resulting from Atta leaf‐cutter ant activities characterize them as ecosystem engineers of ecological and economic importance in multiple habitats. Although Atta effects depend strongly on colony density, there has been limited and inconsistent information available on their abundance and interspecific dominance in natural areas and across environmental gradients in the Brazilian Cerrado. Our study bridges this gap by testing the hypothesis that Atta nest density at genus level is high and relatively constant across locations regardless of vegetation type due to strong effects of dominant species turnover. To do so, we conducted a natural experiment surveying Atta nest abundance in five different vegetation types representing the environmental gradient from forest to savannah habitats found in the Cerrado. Our linear transect surveys covered 48.9 km in four well‐preserved areas across two Brazilian states in which we recorded 124 colonies. Of these, 84 nests belonged to A. laevigata and 40 to A. sexdens, the two dominant Atta species in the region. We also found no nests in 30% of the sampled area, which when combined with strong variation in density measured per transect indicates colonies tend to be aggregated in the landscape. Furthermore, we observed a strong dominant species turnover from forest habitats where 90% of nests belonged to A. sexdens to savannah habitats where 92% of nests were A. laevigata. Turnover effect was reflected in the absence of a significant difference in density between locations and vegetation types, indicating that density at genus level remains high and relatively constant regardless of nest aggregation. Our findings allow larger scale inferences about Atta effects and reveal new insights of their dynamics into natural areas that could affect plant species distribution and contribute to spatial heterogeneity of vegetation, having important implications for Cerrado conservation.
From autochthonous to allochthonous resources: seasonal shifts in food use by stream‐dwellingYOYArctic charrSalvelinus alpinusthrough the ice‐free season
Authors: Sánchez‐Hernández J. , Gabler H.‐M. , Amundsen P.‐A.
Published: November 2015

Substantial seasonal changes in resource use associated with enhanced water‐column use were revealed in stream‐livingYOYArctic charrSalvelinus alpinusduring the ice‐free season. In July,YOYindividuals showed a diet dominated by aquatic invertebrates (mainly Chironomidae larvae), but despite the small size of the fish, the abundance of terrestrial insects in their diet increased markedly from July to September (from 1·9 to 62·8%). Similarly, the frequency of surface drifting foragers,i.e.individuals feeding on allochthonous resources, increased from July to September (from 20·6 to 80%); allochthonous resources thus constituting an important energy subsidy forYOYS. alpinusduring the late sub‐Arctic summer.
Exchange Rate Pass‐Through, Domestic Competition, and Inflation: Evidence from the 2005–08 Revaluation of the Renminbi
Authors: AUER RAPHAEL A.
Published: November 2015

Import competition from China is pervasive in the sense that for many good categories, the competitive environment that U.S. firms face in these markets is strongly driven by the prices of Chinese imports, and so is their pricing decision. This paper quantifies the effect of the government‐controlled appreciation of the Chinese renminbi vis‐à‐vis the USD from 2005 to 2008 on the prices charged by U.S. domestic producers. In a panel spanning the period from 1994 to 2010 and including up to 519 manufacturing sectors, import price changes of Chinese goods pass into U.S. producer prices at an average rate of 0.7, while import price changes that can be traced back to exchange rate movements of other trade partners only have mild effects on U.S. prices. Further analysis points to the importance of trade integration, variable markups, and demand complementarities on the one side, and to the importance of imported intermediate goods on the other side as drivers of these patterns. Simulations incorporating these microeconomic findings reveal that a substantial revaluation of the renminbi would result in a pronounced increase in aggregate U.S. producer price inflation.
TrkB activation by 7, 8‐dihydroxyflavone increases synapse AMPA subunits and ameliorates spatial memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gao Lei , Tian Mi , Zhao Hong‐Yun , Xu Qian‐Qian , Huang Yu‐Ming , Si Qun‐Cao , Tian Qing , Wu Qing‐Ming , Hu Xia‐Min , Sun Li‐Bo , McClintock Shawn M. , Zeng Yan
Published: November 2015

We recently demonstrated that activation of tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) by 7, 8‐dihydroxyflavone (7, 8‐DHF), the selective TrkB agonist, increased surface alpha‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionic acid (AMPA) receptors (AMPARs) AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 (GluA1) subunit expression at the synapses of Fragile X Syndrome mutant mice. This present study investigated the effects of 7, 8‐DHF on both memory function and synapse structure in relation to the synapse protein level of AMPARs in the Tg2576 Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model. The study found that chronic oral administration of 7, 8‐DHF significantly improved spatial memory and minimized dendrite loss in the hippocampus of Tg2576 mice. A key feature of 7, 8‐DHF action was the increased expression of both GluA1 and GluA2 at synapses. Interestingly, 7, 8‐DHF had no effect on the attenuation of amyloid precursor protein or Aβ exhibiting in the Tg2576 AD brains, yet it activated the phosphorylation of TrkB receptors and its downstream signals including CaMKII, Akt, Erk1/2, and cAMP‐response element‐binding protein. Importantly, cyclotraxin B (a TrkB inhibitor), U0126 (a Ras‐ERK pathway inhibitor), Wortmannin (an Akt phosphorylation inhibitor), and KN‐93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) counteracted the enhanced expression and phosphorylation of AMPAR subunits induced by 7, 8‐DHF. Collectively, our results demonstrated that 7, 8‐DHF acted on TrkB and resolved learning and memory impairments in the absence of reduced amyloid in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice partially through improved synaptic structure and enhanced synaptic AMPARs. The findings suggest that the application of 7, 8‐DHF may be a promising new approach to improve cognitive abilities in AD.

image

We provided extensive data demonstrating that 7, 8‐dihydroflavone, the TrkB agonist, improved Tg2576 mice spatial memory. This improvement is correlated with a reversion to normal values of GluA1 and GluA2 AMPA receptor subunits and dendritic spines in CA1. This work suggests that 7, 8‐DHF is a suitable drug to potentiate in vivo Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling in the Alzheimer's disease mice model.
The Skin Safety Model: Reconceptualizing Skin Vulnerability in Older Patients
Authors: Campbell Jill L. , Coyer Fiona M. , Osborne Sonya R.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To develop a unique skin safety model (SSM) that offers a new and unified perspective on the diverse yet interconnected antecedents that contribute to a spectrum of potential iatrogenic skin injuries in older hospitalized adults.

Organizing Construct

Discussion paper.

Methods

A literature search of electronic databases was conducted for published articles written in English addressing skin integrity and iatrogenic skin injury in elderly hospital patients between 1960 and 2014.

Findings

There is a multiplicity of literature outlining the etiology, prevention, and management of specific iatrogenic skin injuries. Complex and interrelated factors contribute to iatrogenic skin injury in the older adult, including multiple comorbidities, factors influencing healthcare delivery, and acute situational stressors. A range of injuries can result when these factors are complicated by skin irritants, pressure, shear, or friction; however, despite skin injuries sharing multiple antecedents, no unified overarching skin safety conceptual model has been published.

Conclusions

The SSM presented in this article offers a new, unified framework that encompasses the spectrum of antecedents to skin vulnerability as well as the spectrum of iatrogenic skin injuries that may be sustained by older acute care patients. Current skin integrity frameworks address prevention and management of specific skin injuries. In contrast, the SSM recognizes the complex interplay of patient and system factors that may result in a range of iatrogenic skin injuries. Skin safety is reconceptualized into a single model that has the potential for application at the individual patient level, as well as healthcare systems and governance levels.

Clinical Relevance

Skin safety is concerned with keeping skin safe from any iatrogenic skin injury, and remains an ongoing challenge for healthcare providers. A conceptual framework that encompasses all of the factors that may contribute to a range of iatrogenic skin injuries is essential, and guides the clinician in maintaining skin integrity in the vulnerable older patient.
Foreign Aid and the Failure of State Building in Haiti from 1957 to 2015
Authors: Buss Terry F.
Published: November 2015

After receiving at least U.S.$38 billion in aid for reconstruction and development over the past 60 years, Haiti remains a fragile state, one of the worst globally. The reasons for aid failure are legion but mostly relate to highly dysfunctional Haitian regimes, at times destructive U.S. foreign policy and aid policy, and ongoing issues about how to deliver aid, all in the context of devastating natural disasters. The overriding cause of aid failure has been the social, cultural, and historical context that has led to domination by economic and political elites who have little interest in advancing Haiti and who are totally self‐interested—Haiti's fatal flaw. Donors can go far to improve aid effectiveness, but Haiti will languish until its leaders and people find common ground and compromise in managing their country.
Detecting spatial genetic signatures of local adaptation in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Forester Brenna R. , Jones Matthew R. , Joost Stéphane , Landguth Erin L. , Lasky Jesse R.
Published: November 2015

The spatial structure of the environment (e.g. the configuration of habitat patches) may play an important role in determining the strength of local adaptation. However, previous studies of habitat heterogeneity and local adaptation have largely been limited to simple landscapes, which poorly represent the multiscale habitat structure common in nature. Here, we use simulations to pursue two goals: (i) we explore how landscape heterogeneity, dispersal ability and selection affect the strength of local adaptation, and (ii) we evaluate the performance of several genotype–environment association (GEA) methods for detecting loci involved in local adaptation. We found that the strength of local adaptation increased in spatially aggregated selection regimes, but remained strong in patchy landscapes when selection was moderate to strong. Weak selection resulted in weak local adaptation that was relatively unaffected by landscape heterogeneity. In general, the power of detection methods closely reflected levels of local adaptation. False‐positive rates (FPRs), however, showed distinct differences across GEA methods based on levels of population structure. The univariate GEA approach had high FPRs (up to 55%) under limited dispersal scenarios, due to strong isolation by distance. By contrast, multivariate, ordination‐based methods had uniformly low FPRs (0–2%), suggesting these approaches can effectively control for population structure. Specifically, constrained ordinations had the best balance of high detection and low FPRs and will be a useful addition to the GEA toolkit. Our results provide both theoretical and practical insights into the conditions that shape local adaptation and how these conditions impact our ability to detect selection.
Inferring the age of a fixed beneficial allele
Authors: Ormond Louise , Foll Matthieu , Ewing Gregory B. , Pfeifer Susanne P. , Jensen Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2015

Estimating the age and strength of beneficial alleles is central to understanding how adaptation proceeds in response to changing environmental conditions. Several haplotype‐based estimators exist for inferring the age of segregating beneficial mutations. Here, we develop an approximate Bayesian‐based approach that rather estimates these parameters for fixed beneficial mutations in single populations. We integrate a range of existing diversity, site frequency spectrum, haplotype‐ and linkage disequilibrium‐based summary statistics. We show that for strong selective sweeps on de novo mutations the method can estimate allele age and selection strength even in nonequilibrium demographic scenarios. We extend our approach to models of selection on standing variation, and co‐infer the frequency at which selection began to act upon the mutation. Finally, we apply our method to estimate the age and selection strength of a previously identified mutation underpinning cryptic colour adaptation in a wild deer mouse population, and compare our findings with previously published estimates as well as with geological data pertaining to the presumed shift in selective pressure.
Convergence Towards the Normal Rate of Capacity Utilization in Neo‐Kaleckian Models: The Role of Non‐Capacity Creating Autonomous Expenditures
Authors: Lavoie Marc
Published: November 2015

Neo‐Kaleckian models of growth and distribution have been highly popular among heterodox economists. Two drawbacks of these models have, however, been underlined in the literature: first, the models do not usually converge to their normal rate of capacity utilization; second, the models do not include the Harrodian principle of dynamic instability. Some Sraffian economists have long been arguing that the presence of non‐capacity creating autonomous expenditures provides a mechanism that brings back the model to normal rates of capacity utilization, while safeguarding the main Keynesian message and without going back to classical conclusions. The present article provides a very simple proof of this, showing within a neo‐Kaleckian model that the Harrodian principle of dynamic instability gets tamed by the presence of autonomous consumer expenditures.
Molecular identification of Histoplasma capsulatum using rolling circle amplification
Authors: Furuie Jason L. , Sun Jiufeng , do Nascimento Mariana M. F. , Gomes Renata R. , Waculicz‐Andrade Caroline E. , Sessegolo Gisele C. , Rodrigues Anderson M. , Galvão‐Dias Maria A. , de Camargo Zoilo P. , Queiroz‐Telles Flávio , Najafzadeh Mohammad J. , de Hoog Sybren G. , Vicente Vania A.
Published: November 2015

Histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal disease that occurs worldwide, causing symptomatic infection mostly in immunocompromised hosts. Etiological agent is the dimorphic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, which occurs in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Major limitation in recognition of H. capsulatum infections is the low awareness, since other diseases may have similar symptomatology. The molecular methods have gained importance because of unambiguous diagnostic ability and efficiency. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a padlock probe in view of rolling circle amplification (RCA) detection method which targets ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) rDNA of H. capsulatum enabling rapid and specific detection of the fungus in clinical samples. Two padlock probes were designed and one of these (HcPL2) allowed specific amplification of H. capsulatum DNA while no cross‐reactivity was observed with fungi used as negative controls. This method proved to be effective for H. capsulatum specific identification and demonstrated to be faster than the traditional method of microbiological identification.
1,3‐ß‐D‐glucan concentrations in blood products predict false positive post‐transfusion results
Authors: Liss B. , Cornely O. A. , Hoffmann D. , Dimitriou V. , Wisplinghoff H.
Published: November 2015

1,3‐ß‐D‐glucan (BDG) is increasingly used to diagnose invasive fungal infections (IFI), although false positive results are a concern. To evaluate the potential interaction of blood products with the BDG assay, human albumin (HA), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), undiluted platelet transfusion (UPT) and packed red blood cells (PRBC) were tested for their BDG content using two different b‐D‐glucan tests. UPTs tested negative, FFP, PBRC and HA tested positive for BDG. In serial dilution, BDG concentration correlated with blood product concentration. To investigate the clinical impact of blood product transfusions, we measured BDG levels before and after the transfusion in three patients (2 PRBC, 1 HA). In the patients receiving PRBC transfusions, BDG values increased from 13 and 17 pg ml−1 to 183 and 361 pg ml−1, the HA transfusion increased the serum level from 42 to 58 pg ml−1. BDG concentrations measured in blood products can be used to predict false positive BDG results.
The role of dipeptide‐repeat protein pathology in C9orf72 mutation cases
Authors: Mackenzie I. R. A.
Published: November 2015

Repeat‐associated non‐ATG initiated (RAN) translation leads to the generation and intracellular accumulation of five different dipeptides in cases of C9orf72 mutation. Understanding the potential toxicity of these dipeptides is a focus of active investigation.
The phylogeny of Alyssum (Brassicaceae) inferred from molecular data
Authors: Li Yan , Feng Ying , Lv Guanghui , Liu Bin , Qi Aladaer
Published: November 2015

Previous molecular phylogenetic studies have contributed greatly to our knowledge about the phylogenetic position and infra‐generic relationships of the genus Alyssum. Nevertheless, due to limited sampling and incongruences between the different markers used, the phylogenetic relationships within the genus are still unresolved. In this study, the phylogenetic relationships within Alyssum were studied using nrDNA ITS and plastid trnL‐F sequences from 171 accessions representing 112 species from five sections of the genus. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed the paraphyly and recognition of two main clades in the genus. The first clade included the sections Alyssum, Gamosepalum and most species from sect. Psilonema. Alyssum lanigerum from sect. Odontarrhena was inferred to be nested in this clade only by the ITS dataset. The other clade contained the sections Meniocus, Odontarrhena and the genus Clypeola. The monophyly of the five sections defined by morphology was not well supported by molecular data. Species of the sections Gamosepalum and Psilonema (apart from A. homalocarpum) were intermixed with species of sect. Alyssum, and the monophyly of sect. Meniocus and the genus Clypeola were supported only by the trnL‐F dataset. Neither sect. Odontarrhena nor that of its three subsections, subsect. Inflata, Compressa and Samarifera, were recovered as monophyletic. The incongruence between morphology and molecular data indicates that the current taxonomic circumscription of the genus and sections need to be revised.
To What Extent Does the Interest Burden Affect Firm Survival? Evidence from a Panel of UK Firms during the Recent Financial Crisis
Authors: Guariglia Alessandra , Spaliara Marina‐Eliza , Tsoukas Serafeim
Published: November 2015

Using a panel of mainly unquoted UK firms over the period 2000–09, we document a significant effect of changes in the interest burden from debt‐servicing on firm survival. The effect is found to be stronger during the recent financial crisis compared with more tranquil periods. Furthermore, the survival chances of bank‐dependent, younger, and non‐exporting firms are most affected by changes in the interest burden, especially during the crisis. Our results are robust to using different estimation methods and different interest burden measures They suggest that one way for policymakers to mitigate the effects of financial crises by limiting firm failures would be to prevent financing costs from rising, especially for those firms more likely to face liquidity constraints.
Anxiety reduction on atomoxetine and methylphenidate medication in children with ADHD
Authors: Snircova Eva , Marcincakova‐Husarova Veronika , Hrtanek Igor , Kulhan Tomas , Ondrejka Igor , Nosalova Gabriela
Published: November 2015

Background

Atomoxetine and methylphenidate are widely used to treat attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with similar effectiveness after 8 weeks of treatment, when atomoxetine has reached its a full effect. Both drugs have also been shown to have an effect on comorbid anxiety. To the best of our knowledge, no study has compared their effect on the dynamics of anxiety symptom reduction. The aim of this study was to compare the medication effect on core and comorbid anxiety symptom dynamics in children with ADHD.

Methods

Sixty‐nine patients participated in the study: 36 patients were taking atomoxetine and 33 patients, methylphenidate. Therapeutic effect on core symptoms of ADHD was measured on the ADHD‐rating scale IV, and symptoms of anxiety were measured using the Conners Parent Rating Scale (CPRS). Symptoms were measured prior to and every 2 weeks during 8 weeks of treatment.

Results

There was a significant decrease in CPRS anxiety subscale score in both medication groups. Anxiety subscale score was significantly lower in the atomoxetine group in the fourth week, and lasted through to 8 weeks of medication.

Conclusion

Both atomoxetine and methylphenidate reduced the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Atomoxetine was more effective in anxiety symptom reduction from the fourth week of treatment.
The genetic diversity of Epstein–Barr virus in the setting of transplantation relative to non‐transplant settings: A feasibility study
Authors: Allen Upton D. , Hu Pingzhao , Pereira Sergio L. , Robinson Joan L. , Paton Tara A. , Beyene Joseph , Khodai‐Booran Nasser , Dipchand Anne , Hébert Diane , Ng Vicky , Nalpathamkalam Thomas , Read Stanley
Published: November 2015

This study examines EBV strains from transplant patients and patients with IM by sequencing major EBV genes. We also used NGS to detect EBV DNA within total genomic DNA, and to evaluate its genetic variation. Sanger sequencing of major EBV genes was used to compare SNVs from samples taken from transplant patients vs. patients with IM. We sequenced EBV DNA from a healthy EBV‐seropositive individual on a HiSeq 2000 instrument. Data were mapped to the EBV reference genomes (AG876 and B95‐8). The number of EBNA2 SNVs was higher than for EBNA1 and the other genes sequenced within comparable reference coordinates. For EBNA2, there was a median of 15 SNV among transplant samples compared with 10 among IM samples (p = 0.036). EBNA1 showed little variation between samples. For NGS, we identified 640 and 892 variants at an unadjusted p value of 5 × 10−8 for AG876 and B95‐8 genomes, respectively. We used complementary sequence strategies to examine EBV genetic diversity and its application to transplantation. The results provide the framework for further characterization of EBV strains and related outcomes after organ transplantation.