bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dose‐response relationship of a new Timothy grass pollen allergoid in comparison with a 6‐grass pollen allergoid
Authors: Pfaar O. , Hohlfeld J. M. , Al‐Kadah B. , Hauswald B. , Homey B. , Hunzelmann N. , Schliemann S. , Velling P. , Worm M. , Klimek L.
Published: July 2017

Background

Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy with grass pollen allergoids has been proven to be effective and safe in the treatment of patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Based on the extensive cross‐reactivity among Pooideae species, it has been suggested that grass pollen extracts could be prepared from a single species, rather than from a multiple species mixture.

Objective

To find the optimal dose of a Phleum pratense (P. pratense) allergoid preparation and compare its efficacy and safety to a 6‐grass pollen allergoid preparation.

Methods

In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study (EudraCT: 2011‐000674‐58), three doses of P. pratense allergoid (1800 therapeutic units (TU), standard‐dose 6000 TU and 18 000 TU) were compared with placebo and the marketed 6‐grass pollen allergoid (6000 TU). In a pre‐seasonal dosing regimen, 102 patients were randomized to five treatment groups and received nine subcutaneous injections. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in weal size (late‐phase reaction [LPR]) in response to the intracutaneous testing (ICT) before and after treatment, comparing the active allergoids to placebo. Secondary outcomes were the change in Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) assessed in the allergen exposure chamber (AEC), the changes in P. pratense‐serum‐specific IgG4 and the incidence of adverse events (AEs).

Results

All three doses of the P. pratense and the 6‐grass pollen allergoid preparations were significantly superior to placebo for the primary outcome, whereas there were no significant differences in the change in TNSS. Compared to the standard‐dose, the high‐dose of P. pratense did not produce any additional significant benefit, but showed a slight increase in AEs. Yet this increase in AEs was lower than for the 6‐grass pollen preparation.

Conclusions & Clinical relevance

The standard‐dose of the new P. pratense allergoid was comparable to the marketed 6‐grass pollen preparation at equal dose for the parameters measured.
Novel mobility test to assess functional vision in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies
Authors: Chung Daniel C , McCague Sarah , Yu Zi‐Fan , Thill Satha , DiStefano‐Pappas Julie , Bennett Jean , Cross Dominique , Marshall Kathleen , Wellman Jennifer , High Katherine A
Published: July 2017

Importance

This novel endpoint tracks functional vision changes in patients with inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) over time.

Background

The aims of the study were to determine whether a multi‐luminance mobility test (MLMT) can detect functional vision changes over time in subjects with IRDs and to assess natural history and potential effects of investigational agents.

Design

This is a prospective, observational study.

Participants

Sixty‐two subjects were enrolled. Sixty (29 normal sighted and 31 visually impaired) were eligible; 54 (28 visually impaired and 26 normal‐sighted) completed all testing visits.

Methods

Subjects navigated MLMT courses three times over 1 year. At each visit, subjects completed testing using individual eyes, and both eyes, at up to nine standardized, increasing luminance levels (range 1 to 400 lux). Accuracy and speed were evaluated and compared with visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF) and a visual function questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

Accuracy and speed of normal and visually impaired subjects on MLMT, and reliability and content validity of MLMT were the main outcome measures.

Results

MLMT distinguished normal‐sighted from visually impaired subjects. All control subjects passed all MLMT attempts at all tested light levels. Visually impaired subjects' performance varied widely; some declined over 1 year. Performance declined markedly below certain VA and VF thresholds. Concordance on performance on two baseline visits was high: correlations for accuracy were 94% and 98% for lowest common and highest common lux levels.

Conclusions and Relevance

MLMT differentiated visually impaired from control populations and, in visually impaired subjects, identified a range of performances; and tracked performance declines over time, consistent with these progressive conditions.
Australian lobbyist registers are not serving the purposes they were designed for
Authors: Robertson Narelle , Kypri Kypros , Stafford Julia , Daube Mike , Avery Michelle , Miller Peter
Published: July 2017

Introduction and Aims. There is widespread concern about the nature, extent and impacts of lobbying by industries selling unhealthy commodities, which threatens public health and undermines important democratic processes. In the last decade, all Australian jurisdictions (except the Northern Territory) have established lobbyist registers with the stated objective of increasing the capacity of government and the public to scrutinise lobbying. Our aim was to assess whether the registers are fulfilling this objective. Design and Methods. We conducted web searches of registers in Australian jurisdictions in 2014 and 2015 to determine what type of information they collected and whether data were accessible. We supplemented searches with e‐mails and phone calls to registrars to clarify policies and seek additional information. Results. We found that the data were lacking in critical details and historical information was difficult or impossible to obtain. None of the registers required in‐house lobbyists to register or to be bound by the Lobbying Codes of Conduct. None required that informal lobbying (e.g. by government relations staff within a company) be recorded, and none provided detailed information about the nature and extent of lobbying activities. Discussion and Conclusions. The registers do not meet the stated objective of making lobbying activity transparent to the Australian public. Timely access to comprehensive information is essential to help promote the rational development of policy concerning tobacco, alcohol and gambling problems. There is an urgent need to reform lobbyist registers to ensure that they are comprehensive and transparent.
Quantifying the importance of geographic replication and representativeness when estimating demographic rates, using a coastal species as a case study
Authors: Field Christopher R. , Ruskin Katharine J. , Benvenuti Bri , Borowske Alyssa C. , Cohen Jonathan B. , Garey Laura , Hodgman Thomas P. , Longenecker Rebecca A. , King Erin , Kocek Alison R. , Kovach Adrienne I. , O'Brien Kathleen M. , Olsen Brian J. , Pau Nancy , Roberts Samuel G. , Shelly Emma , Shriver W. Gregory , Walsh Jennifer , Elphick Chris S.
Published: July 2017

Demographic rates are rarely estimated over an entire species range, limiting empirical tests of ecological patterns and theories, and raising questions about the representativeness of studies that use data from a small part of a range. The uncertainty that results from using demographic rates from just a few sites is especially pervasive in population projections, which are critical for a wide range of questions in ecology and conservation. We developed a simple simulation to quantify how this lack of geographic representativeness can affect inferences about the global mean and variance of growth rates, which has implications for the robust design of a wide range of population studies. Using a coastal songbird, saltmarsh sparrow Ammodramus caudacutus, as a case study, we first estimated survival, fecundity, and population growth rates at 21 sites distributed across much of their breeding range. We then subsampled this large, representative dataset according to five sampling scenarios in order to simulate a variety of geographic biases in study design. We found spatial variation in demographic rates, but no large systematic patterns. Estimating the global mean and variance of growth rates using subsets of the data suggested that at least 10–15 sites were required for reasonably unbiased estimates, highlighting how relying on demographic data from just a few sites can lead to biased results when extrapolating across a species range. Sampling at the full 21 sites, however, offered diminishing returns, raising the possibility that for some species accepting some geographical bias in sampling can still allow for robust range‐wide inferences. The subsampling approach presented here, while conceptually simple, could be used with both new and existing data to encourage efficiency in the design of long‐term or large‐scale ecological studies.
Location of bumblebee nests is predicted by counts of nest‐searching queens
Authors: O'CONNOR STEPH , PARK KIRSTY J. , GOULSON DAVE
Published: July 2017

1. Bumblebee nests are difficult to find in sufficient numbers for well replicated studies. Counts of nest‐searching queens in spring and early summer have been used as an indication of preferred nesting habitat, but this relationship has not yet been validated; high densities of nest‐searching queens may indicate habitat with few nesting opportunities (meaning that queens have to spend longer looking for them).

2. From mid April 2010, queen bumblebees were counted along 20 transects in grassland and woodland habitats in central Scotland, U.K. The number of inflorescences of suitable forage plants were also estimated at each transect visit. The area surrounding each transect was searched for nests in the summer.

3. In total, 173 queen bumblebees were recorded on transects, and, of these, 149 were engaged in nest‐searching. Searches subsequently revealed 33 bumblebee nests.

4. The number of nest‐searching queens on transects was significantly, positively related to the number of nests subsequently found. Estimated floral abundance along the transect did not correlate with numbers of nest‐searching queens or with the number of nests found, suggesting that queens do not target their searching to areas that are locally high in spring forage.

5. The data suggest that counts of nest‐searching queens provide a useful positive indication of good nesting habitat, and hence where bumblebee nests are likely to be found later in the year.
Seasonal associations with urban light pollution for nocturnally migrating bird populations
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Fink Daniel , Buler Jeffrey J. , Farnsworth Andrew , Cabrera‐Cruz Sergio A.
Published: July 2017

The spatial extent and intensity of artificial light at night (ALAN) has increased worldwide through the growth of urban environments. There is evidence that nocturnally migrating birds are attracted to ALAN, and there is evidence that nocturnally migrating bird populations are more likely to occur in urban areas during migration, especially in the autumn. Here, we test if urban sources of ALAN are responsible, at least in part, for these observed urban associations. We use weekly estimates of diurnal occurrence and relative abundance for 40 nocturnally migrating bird species that breed in forested environments in North America to assess how associations with distance to urban areas and ALAN are defined across the annual cycle. Migratory bird populations presented stronger than expected associations with shorter distances to urban areas during migration, and stronger than expected association with higher levels of ALAN outside and especially within urban areas during migration. These patterns were more pronounced during autumn migration, especially within urban areas. Outside of the two migration periods, migratory bird populations presented stronger than expected associations with longer distances to urban areas, especially during the nonbreeding season, and weaker than expected associations with the highest levels of ALAN outside and especially within urban areas. These findings suggest that ALAN is associated with higher levels of diurnal abundance along the boundaries and within the interior of urban areas during migration, especially in the autumn when juveniles are undertaking their first migration journey. These findings support the conclusion that urban sources of ALAN can broadly effect migratory behavior, emphasizing the need to better understand the implications of ALAN for migratory bird populations.
Potential applications of low‐energy shock waves in functional urology
Authors: Wang Hung‐Jen , Cheng Jai‐Hong , Chuang Yao‐Chi
Published: July 2017

A shock wave, which carries energy and can propagate through a medium, is a type of continuous transmitted sonic wave with a frequency of 16 Hz–20 MHz. It is accompanied by processes involving rapid energy transformations. The energy associated with shock waves has been harnessed and used for various applications in medical science. High‐energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy is the most successful application of shock waves, and has been used to disintegrate urolithiasis for 30 years. At lower energy levels, however, shock waves have enhanced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, chemoattractant factors and recruitment of progenitor cells; shock waves have also improved tissue regeneration. Low‐energy shock wave therapy has been used clinically with musculoskeletal disorders, ischemic cardiovascular disorders and erectile dysfunction, through the mechanisms of neovascularization, anti‐inflammation and tissue regeneration. Furthermore, low‐energy shock waves have been proposed to temporarily increase tissue permeability and facilitate intravesical drug delivery. The present review article provides information on the basics of shock wave physics, mechanisms of action on the biological system and potential applications in functional urology.
Cancer stem cells and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in urothelial carcinoma: Possible pathways and potential therapeutic approaches
Authors: Fang Dong , Kitamura Hiroshi
Published: July 2017

There is growing evidence of the presence of cancer stem cells in urothelial carcinoma. Cancer stem cells have the ability to self‐renew and to differentiate into all cell types of the original heterogeneous tumor. A panel of diverse cancer stem cell markers might be suitable for simulation studies of urothelial cancer stem cells and for the development of optimized treatment protocols. The present review focuses on the advances in recognizing the markers of urothelial cancer stem cells and possible therapeutic targets. The commonly reported markers and pathways that were evaluated include CD44, CD133, ALDH1, SOX2 & SOX4, BMI1, EZH1, PD‐L1, MAGE‐A3, COX2/PGE2/STAT3, AR, and autophagy. Studies on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐related pathways (Shh, Wnt/β‐catenin, Notch, PI3K/Akt, TGF‐β, miRNA) are also reviewed. Most of these markers were recognized through the expression patterns of cancer stem cell‐rich side populations. Their regulative role in the development and differentiation of urothelial cancer stem cells was confirmed in vitro by functional analyses (e.g. cell migration, colony formation, sphere formation), and in vivo in xenograft experiments. Although a small number of these pathways are targeted by currently available drugs or drugs that are the currently being tested in clinical trials, a clear treatment approach has not been developed for most pathways. A greater understanding of the mechanisms that control the proliferation and differentiation of cancer stem cells is expected to lead to improvements in targeted therapy.
Delays in presentation and diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis: a retrospective study of a tertiary health service in Western Melbourne, 2011–2014
Authors: Williams Eloise , Cheng Allen C. , Lane Garry P. , Guy Stephen D.
Published: July 2017

Background

Effective tuberculosis (TB) control relies on early diagnosis and prompt treatment commencement.

Aim

To investigate delays in presentation and diagnosis of pulmonary TB (PTB) in a low incidence setting in Western Melbourne.

Methods

A single‐centred retrospective observational cohort study of symptomatic patients ≥ 18 years newly diagnosed with PTB that were commenced on treatment between 1 December 2011 and 1 December 2014 at a tertiary teaching hospital in Western Melbourne. Main outcome measures included median duration of patient, health system and total delays to diagnosis of PTB and clinical factors associated with prolonged patient (>35 days) and health system (>21 days) delay.

Results

A total of 133 patients were included. The median (range) duration of patient, health system and total delay to diagnosis were 28 (0–610), 18 (0–357) and 89 (1–730) days respectively. Prolonged patient delay was associated with being from a country with an annual TB incidence of <50/100 000 (odds ratio (OR) 5.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19, 29.98) and diabetes mellitus (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.04, 8.78) in multivariate analysis. Being Australian‐born or a resident of Australia ≥6 years (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.12, 0.74; OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.00, 0.033 respectively) was associated with reduced patient delay.

Conclusions

In this low‐incidence, high‐resource setting, patient delays contribute most to total delay in PTB diagnosis. Strategies addressing this aspect of the TB diagnosis pathway, such as health literacy and promotion programmes for new migrants and raised primary healthcare awareness, could have the largest impact on reducing total PTB diagnosis delays.
Absence of clinical disease and contact transmission of HPAI H5NX clade 2.3.4.4 from North America in experimentally infected pigs
Authors: Kaplan Bryan S. , Torchetti Mia K. , Lager Kelly M. , Webby Richard J. , Vincent Amy L.
Published: July 2017

Background

In the fall of 2014, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4 was introduced into North America by migrating waterfowl from Asia where, through reassortment, novel HPAI H5N2 and H5N1 viruses emerged.

Objectives

Assess the susceptibility of pigs to HPAI H5N1, H5N2, and H5N8 clade 2.3.3.3 from North America.

Methods

Pigs and trachea explants were inoculated with a representative panel of H5NX clade 2.3.4.4 HPAI viruses from North America. Nasal swabs, BALF, and sera were collected to assess replication and transmission in challenged and direct contact pigs by RRT‐PCR, virus isolation, hemagglutination inhibition, and ELISA.

Results

Limited virus replication was restricted to the lower respiratory tract of challenged pigs, though absent in the nasal passages and trachea cultures, as determined by RRT‐PCR in all samples. Seroconversion of inoculated pigs was detected by NP ELISA but was not reliably detected by antigen‐specific hemagglutination inhibition. Boost with adjuvanted virus was required for the production of neutralizing antibodies to assess cross‐reactivity between wild‐type avian strains. All RRT‐PCR and serology tests were negative for contact animals indicating a failure of transmission from primary inoculated pigs.

Conclusions

H5NX clade 2.3.4.4 strains can replicate in the lower respiratory tract of swine upon high titer inoculation, though appear to be incapable of replication in swine nasal epithelium in vivo or ex vivo in trachea explants in culture. Infected pigs did not produce high levels of serum antibodies following infection. Collectively, our data show HPAI H5NX clade 2.3.4.4 viruses to be poorly adapted for replication and transmission in swine.
Elemental characterization of the exoskeleton in the whipscorpions Mastigoproctus giganteus and Typopeltis dalyi (Arachnida: Thelyphonida)
Authors: Gallant James , Hochberg Rick
Published: July 2017

The arthropod cuticle is a structurally diverse secretion that is largely composed of lipids, proteins, and α‐chitin that function together in protection, prey capture, and as a skeletal framework for efficient and diverse means of locomotion. Aquatic, aerial, and terrestrial arthropods are well known to enrich their cuticles with trace elements that are proposed to strengthen or otherwise enhance specific regions of the exoskeleton. In this study, we provide evidence that whipscorpions (vinegaroons) enrich their exoskeleton with up to 14 trace elements. We use energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) to provide the first comparisons of trace element composition in two species of Thelyphonida: Mastigoproctus giganteus (female) and Typopeltis dalyi (female and male). We analyzed the chemical composition of eight regions that have sensory, locomotory, taxonomic, protective, and/or predatory significance: the flagellum, prosoma, tarsal claws of the walking legs, tarsi of the antenniform legs, chelicerae, and the terminal three segments of the pedipalps. Our results reveal the presence of 14 trace elements across both species (12 elements in T. dalyi, 10 elements in M. giganteus), and only four elements are present at significant levels (≥1% weight): Si, Cl, Ca, and Zn. The flagellum, antenniform leg tarsi, and prosoma keel lack these elements in both species, while the chelicerae of all species are enriched with Ca, Zn, and Cl, and the tarsal claws are enriched with Zn. Significantly, we note the presence of Si in the prosomal carapace (but not the keel) of males and females of Typopeltis only, which appears to be the first evidence of this transition metal in the arthropod exoskeleton. We discuss the significance of these chemical enrichments in whipscorpions and provide hypotheses about their functional significance.
In‐situ measurements of lattice expansion related to defect generation during flash sintering
Authors: Lebrun J.‐M. , Hellberg C. S. , Jha S. K. , Kriven W. M. , Steveson A. , Seymour K. C. , Bernstein N. , Erwin S. C. , Raj R.
Published: July 2017

We report results from in‐situ measurements of lattice expansion during flash sintering of 3 mol% yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia taken at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory. The expansion is anisotropic, with the relative expansion of the a‐lattice constant exceeding that of the c‐lattice constant. The anisotropic expansion cannot be explained by thermal expansion and is consistent with predictions from ab‐initio calculations based upon the generation of vacancy‐interstitial pairs of zirconium and oxygen.
Ferroelectric, piezoelectric and electrostrictive properties of Sn4+‐modified Ba0.7Ca0.3TiO3 lead‐free electroceramics
Authors: Baraskar Bharat G. , Kambale Rahul C. , James Ajit R. , Mahesh Manepalli L. , Ramana Chintalapalle V. , Kolekar Yessappa D.
Published: July 2017

Lead‐free Ba0.7Ca0.3Ti1−xSnxO3 (x=0.00, 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.1, abbreviated as BCST) electroceramic system was prepared by the solid‐state reaction method and its ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and electrostrictive properties were investigated. X‐ray diffraction shows that the compositions with x≤0.05 exhibit a tetragonal crystal structure having P4mm symmetry; while the compositions x=0.075 and 0.1 exhibit a mixed P4mm+Amm2 phase coexistence of tetragonal and orthorhombic and P4mm+Pmm pseudo‐cubic lattice symmetries, respectively, at room temperature. The dense microstructure having relative density ~90%‐92% and average grain size in the range ~2.36 μm to 8.56 μm was observed for BCST ceramics. Temperature‐dependent dielectric measurements support the presence of phase coexistence and show the decrease in Curie temperature (TC) with Sn4+ substitution. The dielectric loss (tan δ) values in the temperature range (−100°C to 150°C) was observed to be <4%, for all BCST ceramics. The BCST compositions exhibit typical polarization‐electric field (P‐E) hysteresis and electric field induced strain (S‐E) butterfly loop, which confirms the ferroelectric and piezoelectric character. The compositions x=0.025, 0.05 and 0.075 show the peaking behavior of displacement current density () to an applied electric field () (J‐E) which implies the saturation state of polarization. The maximum electrostrictive coefficient (Q33) value of 0.0667 m4/C2 was observed for x=0.075 and it is higher than some of the significant lead‐based electrostrictive materials. The compositions x=0.05 and 0.075 exhibit the notable electrostrictive properties that may be useful for piezoelectric Ac device applications. The observed results are discussed and correlated with the structure‐property‐composition.
Correlated response in litter size components in rabbits selected for litter size variability
Authors: Argente M.J. , Calle E.W. , García M.L. , Blasco A.
Published: July 2017

A divergent selection experiment for the environmental variability of litter size (Ve) over seven generations was carried out in rabbits at the University Miguel Hernández of Elche. The Ve was estimated as the phenotypic variance within the female, after correcting for year‐season and parity‐lactation status. The aim of this study was to analyse the correlated responses to selection in litter size components. The ovulation rate (OR) and number of implanted embryos (IE) in females were measured by laparoscopy at 12 day of the second gestation. At the end of the second gestation, the total number of kits born was measured (TB). Embryonic (ES), foetal (FS) and prenatal (PS) survival were computed as IE/OR, TB/IE and TB/OR, respectively. A total of 405 laparoscopies were performed. Data were analysed using Bayesian methodology. The correlated response to selection for litter size environmental variability in terms of the litter size components was estimated as either genetic trends, estimated by computing the average estimated breeding values for each generation and each line, or the phenotypic differences between lines. The OR was similar in both lines. However, after seven generations of selection, the homogenous line showed more IE (1.09 embryos for genetic means and 1.23 embryos for phenotypic means) and higher ES than the heterogeneous one (0.07 for genetic means and 0.08 for phenotypic means). The probability of the phenotypic differences between lines being higher than zero (p) was 1.00 and .99, respectively. A higher uterine overcrowding of embryos in the homogeneous line did not penalize FS; as a result, this line continued to show a greater TB (1.01 kits for genetic means and 1.30 kits for phenotypic means, p = .99, in the seventh generation). In conclusion, a decrease in litter size variability showed a favourable effect on ES and led to a higher litter size at birth.
The loss of dispersal on islands hypothesis revisited: Implementing phylogeography to investigate evolution of dispersal traits in Periploca (Apocynaceae)
Authors: García‐Verdugo C. , Mairal M. , Monroy P. , Sajeva M. , Caujapé‐Castells J.
Published: July 2017

Aim

The loss of dispersal on islands hypothesis (LDIH) posits that wind‐dispersed plants should exhibit reduced dispersal potential, particularly if island populations are old. In this study, we tested this hypothesis using a detailed phylogeographical framework across different geographical scales.

Location

Mainland and island areas of the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions, including Macaronesia (Canary Islands and Cape Verde) and Mediterranean islands in the strait of Sicily.

Methods

Forty‐five populations of Periploca laevigata, a wind‐dispersed shrub, were sampled. Plastid and nuclear microsatellite data were used to reconstruct spatio‐temporal patterns of island colonization, and estimates of seed terminal velocity used as a surrogate for dispersal ability under both field and common garden conditions.

Results

Our findings did not provide evidence of loss of dispersability in any island lineage. In all of the regions considered, dispersal ability was similar on island and mainland populations, or higher on islands. Contrary to LDIH expectations, lineages inferred as the oldest (western Canaries and Cape Verde) converged towards the most dispersive seed phenotype. This pattern was supported by data obtained under common garden conditions. Within the western Canarian lineage, successful dispersal was shown to be very rare among islands and extensive within islands, but dispersability did not vary significantly from older to more recent sublineages. Considering all the study islands, we found a strong, positive correlation between dispersal ability and estimates of within‐island habitat availability.

Main conclusions

This study suggests that dispersal ability can be favoured on islands, possibly because traits enhancing wind dispersal are positively selected when habitat availability is high. Our results challenge broad generalizations of the LDIH, but we discuss how overlooking species′ phylogeographical history may give rise to misleading conclusions.
Vasopressin and metabolic disorders: translation from experimental models to clinical use
Authors: Nakamura K. , Velho G. , Bouby N.
Published: July 2017

Vasopressin has many physiological actions in addition to its well‐defined role in the control of fluid homeostasis and urine concentration. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the vasopressin–hydration axis plays a role in glucose homeostasis. This review summarizes the knowledge accumulated over the last decades about the influence of vasopressin in the short‐term regulation of glycaemia. It describes the possible role of this hormone through activation of V1a and V1b receptors on liver and pancreas functions and on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Moreover, we report recent in vivo studies demonstrating the role of vasopressin in the long‐term regulation of glycaemia. Indeed, V1a‐ or double‐V1aV1b‐receptor knockout mice display significant changes in the glucose and lipid metabolism. In rats, sustained high V1aR activation increases basal glycaemia and aggravates glucose intolerance in obese rats. Finally, the translation from animal findings to human was evidenced by epidemiological and genetic studies that showed that high vasopressin level is a risk factor for hyperglycaemia, metabolic disorders and diabetes.
Inhibitory effects of sodium silicate on the fungal growth and secretion of cell wall‐degrading enzymes by Trichothecium roseum
Authors: Ge Yonghong , Chen Yanru , Li Canying , Wei Meilin , Lv Jingyi , Meng Kun
Published: July 2017

Trichothecium roseum causes decay in muskmelons, apples, tomatoes and mangoes, which leads to economic losses. In this study, we investigated the effect of sodium silicate on the growth of T. roseum and the cell wall‐degrading enzymes (CWDEs) secreted by the hyphae. The results indicated that sodium silicate significantly inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of T. roseum. The sodium silicate treatment also retarded the secretion of several CWDEs, including pectate lyase (PL), polygalacturonic acid transeliminase (PGTE), pectin methyltranseliminase (PMTE), pectin methylgalacturonase (PMG), polygalacturonase (PG), cellulase (Cx) and β‐glucosidase. These results suggest that sodium silicate exerts its effects on T. roseum through direct inhibition of its growth and secretion of CWDEs.
Comparative selective retention of particle size classes in the gastrointestinal tract of ponies and goats
Authors: Hummel J. , Scheurich F. , Ortmann S. , Crompton L. A. , Gerken M. , Clauss M.
Published: July 2017

There is a discrepancy in the literature on potential digesta separation mechanisms in horses, with both a selective retention of fine and of large particles postulated in different publications. To assess the net effect of such mechanisms, we fed ponies on a hay‐only diet a pulse dose of whole (unchopped) marked hay together with a solute marker, collected faeces on a regular basis, measured marker concentrations in whole faeces and in their large (2.0–16 mm), medium (0.5–1.0 mm) and small (0.063–0.25 mm) particle fraction, and calculated the corresponding mean retention times (MRTs). For comparison, the same experiment was performed in goats. In goats, as expected,MRTsolute(35 hr) was significantly shorter thanMRTparticle(51 hr); only a very small fraction of particle marker was excreted as large particles (2%); and theMRTof these large particles was significantly shorter than that of small particles (with a relevant difference of 8.6 hr), indicating that those few large particles that escape the rumen do so mostly soon after ingestion. In ponies,MRTsolute(24 hr) did not differ fromMRTparticle(24 hr); a higher fraction of particle marker was excreted as large particles (5%); and theMRTof these large particles was longer than that of small particles (but with a non‐relevant difference of less than 1 hr). These results indicate that no relevant net separation of digesta phases occurs in horses and that selective particle retention mechanisms in the large intestine are unlikely to represent important characteristics of the horse's digestive physiology.
Bi‐directional COS exchange in bryophytes challenges its use as a tracer for gross primary productivity
Authors: Wohlfahrt Georg
Published: July 2017

This article is a Commentary on Gimeno et al., 215: 965–976.
Short Food Supply Chains, Long Working Days: Active Work and the Construction of Professional Satisfaction in French Diversified Organic Market Gardening
Authors: Dupré Lucie , Lamine Claire , Navarrete Mireille
Published: July 2017

This article analyses professional satisfaction of farm managers of organic diversified market garden farms selling through short food supply chains, in the south of France. Faced with strong economic and agronomic constraints, the cropping arrangements on these farms result in very tense experiences, both spatially and temporally. However, our analysis shows that while diversified organic market gardening is a demanding farm work environment, it paradoxically can create high professional satisfaction as a result of the complex integration of different elements, including social support and decision latitude. Indeed, the diversity of tasks, farmers’ autonomy, their role in decision‐making, and the challenging dimensions of organic farming contribute to what Karasek and Theorell call ‘active work’. Nevertheless, our research concludes that social support appears to be necessary to reach a good level of work satisfaction. Our findings also identify future research opportunities to examine, for example, how diversification impacts the work and the professional satisfaction of hired workers in organic market gardening contexts.
HLA haplotypes in primary sclerosing cholangitis patients of admixed and non‐European ancestry
Authors: Henriksen E. K. K. , Viken M. K. , Wittig M. , Holm K. , Folseraas T. , Mucha S. , Melum E. , Hov J. R. , Lazaridis K. N. , Juran B. D. , Chazouillères O. , Färkkilä M. , Gotthardt D. N. , Invernizzi P. , Carbone M. , Hirschfield G. M. , Rushbrook S. M. , Goode E. ,   The UK‐PSC Consortium, Ponsioen C. Y. , Weersma R. K. , Eksteen B. , Yimam K. K. , Gordon S. C. , Goldberg D. , Yu L. , Bowlus C. L. , Franke A. , Lie B. A. , Karlsen T. H.
Published: July 2017

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is strongly associated with several human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes. Due to extensive linkage disequilibrium and multiple polymorphic candidate genes in the HLA complex, identifying the alleles responsible for these associations has proven difficult. We aimed to evaluate whether studying populations of admixed or non‐European descent could help in defining the causative HLA alleles. When assessing haplotypes carrying HLA‐DRB1*13:01 (hypothesized to specifically increase the susceptibility to chronic cholangitis), we observed that every haplotype in the Scandinavian PSC population carried HLA‐DQB1*06:03. In contrast, only 65% of HLA‐DRB1*13:01 haplotypes in an admixed/non‐European PSC population carried this allele, suggesting that further assessments of the PSC‐associated haplotype HLA‐DRB1*13:01‐DQA1*01:03‐DQB1*06:03 in admixed or multi‐ethnic populations could aid in identifying the causative allele.
Ecología crítica contemporánea
Authors: Montaldo Graciela
Published: July 2017

Quisiera plantear algunas preguntas sobre el contexto disciplinario e institucional en que desarrollamos nuestro trabajo. En un momento de profundo cambio en nuestra relación con los saberes, vale la pena discutir cómo configuramos nuevos objetos de estudio; cómo nos colocamos ante la nueva difusión de la escritura académica y ensayística; qué nuevos interlocutores creamos con nuestro trabajo, especialmente desde el punto de vista de las humanidades (y su transformación a partir de la experiencia digital e intermedial)
Para una hermenéutica de la enemistad: los estudios culturales latinoamericanos y el nuevo fascismo
Authors: Andermann Jens
Published: July 2017

No parece casual que el término ‘emergencia’ detente, en español y portugués, un tamaño potencial crítico, especialmente ahora que nos enfrentamos, en toda América Latina, una vez más, con formas catastróficas de cambio. El momento histórico que atestiguamos, a mi parecer, más que un mero colapso de los desarrollismos neokeynesianos impulsados por la caída en los precios de las commodities o una restauración del neoliberalismo al estilo de los noventa, asiste a la emergencia de regímenes militantemente reaccionarios, basados en novedosas articulaciones de un consumismo resentido, provocado incansablemente por oligopolios comunicacionales con agendas transnacionales y geopolíticas vinculadas al capitalismo financiero.
Production Cost–Efficiency Relation for Room Air Conditioners and Its Economic and Environmental Impact
Authors: Mokheimer Esmail M. A. , Hussain Syed , Nadeem Magd DinAli , Abdulrahman Ahmed Ali Mahmoud
Published: July 2017

A large amount of the operating costs in a building is determined by the energy requirements of its air conditioning system. The demand for more energy efficient units desired by both manufacturers and the consumers results in a dire necessity to have air conditioning units that are more energy efficient than the existing ones. In order to achieve the abovementioned features, a tool must be designed to simulate the thermal behavior of the air conditioners. In this work, a mathematical model is developed for air conditioning units and coded into a computer program to estimate the overall performance, as indicated by the unit energy efficiency ratio (EER). The main objective is to maximize the unit EER by proposing modifications or enhancements in the existing unit and to study the economics of these modifications based on the measured terms such as the energy savings and the operating cost. Finally, the effect of the proposed design modifications on the economy and environment at the national level in Saudi Arabia is estimated and presented as an example.
A Composite Robust Fault-Tolerant Control Scheme for Limited-Thrust Spacecraft Rendezvous in Near-Circular Orbits
Authors: Wan Neng , Yao Weiran , Shi Mingming
Published: July 2017

External perturbations and actuator faults are two practical and significant issues that deserve designers' considerations when synthesizing the controllers for spacecraft rendezvous. A composite robust fault-tolerant control (FTC) scheme that does not require the fault information is proposed in this paper for limited-thrust rendezvous in near-circular orbits. Within the control scheme, a reliable integral sliding mode (ISM) auxiliary controller and a modified guaranteed cost FTC are, respectively, developed to attenuate the external disturbances and to stabilize the nominal rendezvous system with actuator faults. Comparisons with previous works as well as a more practical and challenging simulation example are presented to verify the advantages of this composite control scheme.
Non-negative intensity and back-calculated non-negative intensity for analysis of directional structure-borne sound
Authors: Liu Daipei , Havránek Zdeněk , Marburg Steffen , Peters Herwig , Kessissoglou Nicole
Published: July 2017

Non-negative intensity (NNI) is an approach to identify the surface areas of a structure that contribute to sound power. NNI is evaluated in terms of the acoustic impedance matrix obtained directly at the structural surface and as such can only identify surface contributions to sound power at a far-field receiver surface that fully circumscribes the structure. In contrast, back-calculated NNI is evaluated in terms of the acoustic impedance matrix obtained at a far-field receiver surface, and hence can identify surface contributions to sound power at a far-field receiver surface that does not fully circumscribe the structure. In this work, NNI and acoustic intensity obtained numerically using the boundary element method and experimentally from near-field acoustic holography measurements are compared for different modes. Back-calculated NNI evaluated for full and partial receiver surfaces is also compared with acoustic intensity for the different modes. Results for back-calculated NNI show that different regions on the plate surface contribute sound to different receiver locations.
Response to Lieberman on “Monkey vocal tracts are speech-ready”
Authors: Fitch W. Tecumseh , de Boer Bart , Mathur Neil , Ghazanfar Asif A.
Published: July 2017

Macaques do have a speech-ready vocal tract, but lack a speech-ready brain to control it.
Hubble trouble
Authors: Sokol Joshua
Published: July 2017

How a recharged debate over the expansion of the universe could lead to new
physics.
Sea change
All the Boats on the Ocean: How Government Subsidies Led to Global Overfishing
Carmel Finley
University of Chicago Press, 2017. 219 pp.
Authors: Collins Margaret Goud
Published: July 2017

A policy-focused history probes the factors driving the decline of global fisheries
Biofilms Formed by Isolates from Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Patients Are Heterogeneous and Insensitive to Fluconazole
Authors: Sherry Leighann , Kean Ryan , McKloud Emily , O'Donnell Lindsay E. , Metcalfe Rebecca , Jones Brian L. , Ramage Gordon
Published: July 2017

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a global health problem affecting ∼75% of women at least once in their lifetime. Here we examined the epidemiology of VVC in a patient cohort to identify the causative organisms associated with VVC. Biofilm-forming capacity and antifungal sensitivity profiles were also assessed. We report a shifting prevalence of
Candida
species with heterogeneous biofilm-forming capacity, which is associated with altered antifungal drug sensitivity.
Identification of the ATPase Subunit of the Primary Maltose Transporter in the Hyperthermophilic Anaerobe Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Singh Raghuveer , White Derrick , Blum Paul
Published: July 2017

Thermotoga maritima
is a hyperthermophilic anaerobic bacterium that produces molecular hydrogen (H
2
) by fermentation. It catabolizes a broad range of carbohydrates through the action of diverse ABC transporters. However, in
T. maritima
and related species, highly similar genes with ambiguous annotation obscure a precise understanding of genome function. In
T. maritima
, three putative
malK
genes, all annotated as ATPase subunits, exhibited high identity to each other. To distinguish between these genes,
malK
disruption mutants were constructed by gene replacement, and the resulting mutant cell lines were characterized. Only a disruption of
malK3
produced a defect in maltose catabolism. To verify that the mutant phenotype arose specifically from
malK3
inactivation, the
malK3
mutation was repaired by recombination, and maltose catabolism was restored. This study demonstrates the importance of a maltose ABC-type transporter and its relationship to sugar metabolism in
T. maritima
.

IMPORTANCE
The application and further development of a genetic system was used here to investigate gene paralogs in the hyperthermophile
Thermotoga maritima
. The occurrence of three ABC transporter ATPase subunits all annotated as
malK
was evaluated using a combination of genetic and bioinformatic approaches. The results clarify the role of only one
malK
gene in maltose catabolism in a nonmodel organism noted for fermentative hydrogen production.
Shiga Toxin-Producing Serogroup O91 Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Food and Environmental Samples
Authors: Feng Peter C. H. , Delannoy Sabine , Lacher David W. , Bosilevac Joseph M. , Fach Patrick , Beutin Lothar
Published: July 2017

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains of the O91:H21 serotype have caused severe infections, including hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Strains of the O91 serogroup have been isolated from food, animals, and the environment worldwide but are not well characterized. We used a microarray and other molecular assays to examine 49 serogroup O91 strains (environmental, food, and clinical strains) for their virulence potential and phylogenetic relationships. Most of the isolates were identified to be strains of the O91:H21 and O91:H14 serotypes, with a few O91:H10 strains and one O91:H9 strain being identified. None of the strains had the
eae
gene, which codes for the intimin adherence protein, and many did not have some of the genetic markers that are common in other STEC strains. The genetic profiles of the strains within each serotype were similar but differed greatly between strains of different serotypes. The genetic profiles of the O91:H21 strains that we tested were identical or nearly identical to those of the clinical O91:H21 strains that have caused severe diseases. Multilocus sequence typing and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat analyses showed that the O91:H21 strains clustered within the STEC 1 clonal group but the other O91 serotype strains were phylogenetically diverse.

IMPORTANCE
This study showed that food and environmental O91:H21 strains have similar genotypic profiles and Shiga toxin subtypes and are phylogenetically related to the O91:H21 strains that have caused hemolytic-uremic syndrome, suggesting that these strains may also have the potential to cause severe illness.
Progress in Our Understanding of Wzx Flippase for Translocation of Bacterial Membrane Lipid-Linked Oligosaccharide
Authors: Hong Yaoqin , Liu Michael A. , Reeves Peter R.
Published: July 2017

Translocation of lipid-linked oligosaccharides is a common theme across prokaryotes and eukaryotes. For bacteria, such activity is used in cell wall construction, polysaccharide synthesis, and the relatively recently discovered protein glycosylation. To the best of our knowledge, the Gram-negative inner membrane flippase Wzx was the first protein identified as being involved in oligosaccharide translocation, and yet we still have only a limited understanding of this protein after 3 decades of research. At present, Wzx is known to be a multitransmembrane protein with enormous sequence diversity that flips oligosaccharide substrates with varied degrees of preference. In this review, we provide an overview of the major findings for this protein, with a particular focus on substrate preference.