bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information barriers and social stratification in higher education: evidence from a field experiment
Authors: Abbiati Giovanni , Argentin Gianluca , Barone Carlo , Schizzerotto Antonio
Published: November 2017

Our contribution assesses the role of information barriers for patterns of participation in Higher Education (HE) and the related social inequalities. For this purpose, we developed a large‐scale clustered randomised experiment involving over 9,000 high school seniors from 62 Italian schools. We designed a counseling intervention to correct student misperceptions of the profitability of HE, that is, the costs, economic returns and chances of success of investments in different tertiary programs. We employed a longitudinal survey to test whether treated students' educational trajectories evolved differently relative to a control group. We find that, overall, treated students enrolled less often in less remunerative fields of study in favour of postsecondary vocational programmes. Most importantly, this effect varied substantially by parental social class and level of education. The shift towards vocational programmes was mainly due to the offspring of low‐educated parents; in contrast, children of tertiary graduates increased their participation in more rewarding university fields. Similarly, the redistribution from weak fields to vocational programmes mainly involved the children of the petty bourgeoisie and the working class, while upper class students invested in more rewarding university fields. We argue that the status‐maintenance model proposed by Breen and Goldthorpe can explain these socially differentiated treatment effects. Overall, our results challenge the claim that student misperceptions contribute to horizontal inequalities in access to HE.
The Role of Dietary Phenolic Compounds in Protein Digestion and Processing Technologies to Improve Their Antinutritive Properties
Authors: Cirkovic Velickovic Tanja D. , Stanic‐Vucinic Dragana J.
Published: November 2017

Digestion is the key step for delivering nutrients and bioactive substances to the body. The way different food components interact with each other and with digestive enzymes can modify the digestion process and affect human health. Understanding how food components interact during digestion is essential for the rational design of functional food products. Plant polyphenols have gained much attention for the bioactive roles they play in the human body. However, their strong beneficial effects on human health have also been associated with a negative impact on the digestion process. Due to the generally low absorption of phenolic compounds after food intake, most of the consumed polyphenols remain in the gastrointestinal tract, where they then can exert inhibitory effects on enzymes involved in the degradation of saccharides, lipids, and proteins. While the inhibitory effects of phenolics on the digestion of energy‐rich food components (saccharides and lipids) may be regarded as beneficial, primarily in weight‐control diets, their inhibitory effects on the digestion of proteins are not desirable for the reason of reduced utilization of amino acids. The effect of polyphenols on protein digestion is reviewed in this article, with an emphasis on food processing methods to improve the antinutritive properties of polyphenols.
Syphilis—Cardiovascular Manifestations of the Great Imitator
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: November 2017

Rates of syphilis are beginning to once again increase, with the World Health Organization estimating that in recent years there were 12 million new cases of syphilis each year; in 2002, syphilis was responsible for 0.3% of deaths globally. At‐risk groups include young males (20–29 years), prisoners, and sex workers. Increased rates in young females have elevated the numbers of congenital cases. Review of the University of Adelaide Pathology Archive revealed four cases with significant pathology, which included cardiac gummas and aortic arch aneurysms. These cases demonstrate the cardiovascular characteristics of untreated syphilis in the tertiary stage. Cases with such advanced pathology will only occur where diagnoses have not been made, and/or standard antibiotic therapy has not been implemented in the early stage of disease.
Sublethal effects of subzero temperatures on the light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana: fitness costs in response to partial freezing
Authors: Morey Amy C. , Venette Robert C. , Hutchison William D.
Published: November 2017

Population responses to environmental extremes often dictate the bounds to species’ distributions. However, population dynamics at, or near, those range limits may also be affected by sublethal effects. We exposed late instars and pupae of an invasive leafroller, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), to cold temperatures and measured the effects of exposure on subsequent survivorship, development, and reproduction. Cold temperature was applied as acute exposure to –10 °C (a low, but not immediately lethal temperature for this species) or the onset of freezing (the peak of the supercooling point exotherm). Survival was defined as the ability to successfully eclose as an adult. We measured immature development times, pupal mass, and adult longevity as proxies of fitness in survivors. Additionally, surviving insects were mated with individuals that had not been exposed to cold to measure fertility. There was no difference between the proportion of larvae or pupae that survived acute exposure to –10 °C and those exposed to the control temperature. Approximately 17% of larvae and 8% of pupae survived brief periods with internal ice formation and continued development to become reproductively viable adults. Importantly, surviving the onset of freezing came with significant fitness costs but not to exposure to –10 °C; most insects that survived partial freezing had lower fertility and shorter adult lifespans than either the –10 °C or control group. These results are discussed within the context of forecasting invasive insect distributions.
The Flexitarian Flip™: Testing the Modalities of Flavor as Sensory Strategies to Accomplish the Shift from Meat‐Centered to Vegetable‐Forward Mixed Dishes
Authors: Spencer Molly , Guinard Jean‐Xavier
Published: November 2017

The American diet is lacking in plant‐based foods and vegetables, higher in protein than necessary, and too centered on meat and poultry. Two major dietary shifts recommended by the 2015‐2020 U.S. Dietary Guidelines are to increase vegetable intake and to increase the variety of protein food sources. One suggested strategy for doing this is to partially replace meat and poultry with vegetables and plant‐based ingredients in mixed dishes. This research tested the potential of flavor modalities (taste, aroma, trigeminal, and their combination) as strategies to increase the sensory appeal of plant‐forward dishes. Consumer testing (n = 141) was conducted in a cross‐sectional design in a laboratory setting on 24 recipe variations. Three factors were tested: cuisine (Latin American, Mediterranean, and Asian), meat proportion (high‐meat/low‐vegetable versus low‐meat/high‐vegetable), and flavor strategy (taste, aroma, trigeminal, and a reduced‐intensity trimodal combination). Statistical analysis was performed in R and XLSTAT‐Sensory® 2017. Four consumer preference segments were uncovered. The low‐meat dishes achieved parity or higher in consumer acceptance across all recipes and flavor strategies. The taste and trigeminal strategies both had higher overall acceptability scores than the aroma strategy, and the differences were significant (P < 0.05) in some consumer preference segments. The consumers successfully characterized the samples using a Check‐All‐That‐Apply task, verifying the flavor strategy design. This research provides insight into consumer preferences regarding flavor strategies to partially replace meat with vegetables in mixed dishes. The trigeminal and trimodal combination strategies were found to be the most promising flavor modalities to use to implement this shift.

Practical Application

There is little knowledge of American consumer preferences regarding vegetables in mixed dishes. Mixed dishes are a strategy recommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines to increase vegetable consumption and variety of protein sources. This research explores various flavor and culinary strategies with which to carry out the mixed dish meat‐vegetable swap and to test the potential of the Flexitarian Flip™ (the shift from meat‐centric to plant‐centric diets). This research shows that individuals have different preferences regarding the type of flavor they prefer in mixed dishes (for example, some consumers prefer salty and some prefer spicy), so if the dietitian can recommend recipes that cater to that client's food and flavor preferences, the client will be more likely to adhere to their diet.
Exposure to Alcohol Content in Movies and Initiation of Early Drinking Milestones
Authors: Jackson Kristina M. , Janssen Tim , Barnett Nancy P. , Rogers Michelle L. , Hayes Kerri L. , Sargent James
Published: November 2017

Background

Exposure to alcohol content in movies has been shown to be associated with adolescent use of alcohol, including earlier onset. This study examined the influence of movie alcohol exposure on subsequent alcohol onset, considering the social context (whether the movie was viewed with a friend or parent). We examined whether media's influence holds across a spectrum of early drinking milestones: sipping (but not consuming a full drink of) alcohol, consuming a full drink of alcohol, and engaging in heavy episodic drinking (HED).

Methods

Data were taken from a sample of 882 middle school youth (52% female; 24% non‐White) enrolled in an ongoing study on alcohol initiation and progression. Exposure to alcohol content in films was measured using a method that combines content analysis and random assignment of movie titles to youth surveys. The hazard of initiating alcohol use (sip, full drink, HED) as a function of exposure was estimated using survival analysis. Associations were adjusted for demographic, personality, and social influence factors known to be associated with both movie exposure and alcohol use.

Results

Exposure to alcohol content was common. Hours of exposure prospectively predicted earlier onset of alcohol involvement across all outcomes. Viewing movies with friends appeared to augment the media exposure effect, in contrast to viewing movies with parents, which was not a significant predictor of initiation.

Conclusions

Exposure to alcohol in films is involved in the entry into early stages of alcohol involvement. Findings support further investigation into the role of the media in underage drinking, especially in the context of consuming media with friends and peers. Limiting media exposure and/or stronger Federal Trade Commission oversight of movie ratings should be a priority for preventing underage drinking.
E‐cigarette price sensitivity among middle‐ and high‐school students: evidence from monitoring the future
Authors: Pesko Michael F. , Huang Jidong , Johnston Lloyd D. , Chaloupka Frank J.
Published: November 2017

Aims

We estimated associations between e‐cigarette prices (both disposable and refill) and e‐cigarette use among middle and high‐school students in the United States. We also estimated associations between cigarette prices and e‐cigarette use.

Design

We used regression models to estimate the associations between e‐cigarette and cigarette prices and e‐cigarette use. In our regression models, we exploited changes in e‐cigarette and cigarette prices across four periods of time and across 50 markets. We report the associations as price elasticities. In our primary model, we controlled for socio‐demographic characteristics, cigarette prices, tobacco control policies, market fixed effects and year‐quarter fixed effects.

Setting

United States of America.

Participants

A total of 24 370 middle‐ and high‐school students participating in the Monitoring the Future Survey in years 2014 and 2015.

Measurements

Self‐reported e‐cigarette use over the last 30 days. Average quarterly cigarette prices, e‐cigarette disposable prices and e‐cigarette refill prices were constructed from Nielsen retail data (inclusive of excise taxes) for 50 US markets.

Findings

In a model with market fixed effects, we estimated that a 10% increase in e‐cigarette disposable prices is associated with a reduction in the number of days vaping among e‐cigarette users by approximately 9.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) = −17.7 to 1.8%; P = 0.02] and is associated with a reduction in the number of days vaping by the full sample by approximately 17.9% (95% CI = −31.5 to −4.2%; P = 0.01). Refill e‐cigarette prices were not statistically significant predictors of vaping. Cigarette prices were not associated significantly with e‐cigarette use regardless of the e‐cigarette price used. However, in a model without market fixed effects, cigarette prices were a statistically significant positive predictor of total e‐cigarette use.

Conclusions

Higher e‐cigarette disposable prices appear to be associated with reduced e‐cigarette use among adolescents in the US.
Species traits and abundance influence the organization of liana–tree antagonistic interaction
Authors: Sfair Julia C. , Weiser Veridiana de L. , Martins Fernando R. , Vidal Mariana M. , Guimarães Paulo R.
Published: November 2017

The interaction among species can be influenced by neutral processes, in which more abundant species have high effect on the structure of interaction, or can be influenced by trait matching. Despite both variables (abundance and species traits) influencing the interaction of species in mutualistic networks, few studies showed their importance in antagonistic networks. Here, we posed the question: what are the main predictors of the liana–tree interactions: species abundance, biological traits or both? In a savanna woodland fragment in south‐eastern Brazil, we sampled lianas and trees in 1 ha, where we recorded the abundance, maximum height and bark roughness of tree species, as well as abundance, maximum diameter and climbing system of liana species. For each species, we calculated their contribution to nestedness (ni), which is a measure of network structure, and performed simple linear regressions between ni and abundance and species traits. Abundant species contribute more to ni than rare species, indicating that neutral processes affect interactions between lianas and trees, probably because lianas are opportunistic and climb trees in their neighbourhood. The only trait related to ni was tree height, which can indicate that light availability can have a considerable role on network structure between both growth forms. Therefore, the importance of species abundance and tree height can be related to opportunism of lianas on climbing the most suitable tree in their neighbourhood.
The $15 Wage Movement Moves South: Politics of Region in Labor Union Campaigns
Authors: Brown Megan
Published: November 2017

The North American labor movement continues to wrestle with the challenges of organizing workers in the US South. This article explores the contradictory position of the South in the contemporary labor movement, using the circulation of the $15 minimum wage to ground the analysis. By problematizing the place of the South in US labor, this article contributes to efforts to complicate the geographic imaginaries of the South and to our understanding of the contemporary labor movement's expansionary projects. Drawing on qualitative interviews and participant observation in Greensboro and Durham, North Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia, I trace the abstract circulation of organizational resources, strategies, and tactics of the $15 wage movement into, throughout, and back out of the South.
Trends in readmission rate by route of hysterectomy – a single‐center experience
Authors: Kreuninger Jennifer A. , Cohen Sarah L. , Meurs Elsemieke A.I.M. , Cox Mary , Vitonis Allison , Jansen Frank W. , Einarsson Jon I.
Published: November 2017

Introduction

The aim of this study was to assess the 60‐day readmission rates after hysterectomy according to route of surgery and analyze risk factors for postoperative readmission.

Material and methods

This retrospective study included all women who underwent hysterectomy due to benign conditions from 2009 to 2015 at a large academic center in Boston. Readmission rates were compared among the following four types of hysterectomies: abdominal, laparoscopic, robotic and vaginal.

Results

There were 3981 hysterectomy cases over the study period (628 abdominal hysterectomy, 2500 laparoscopic hysterectomy, 155 robotic hysterectomy and 698 vaginal hysterectomy). Intraoperative complications occurred more frequently in women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy (4.8%), followed by robotic hysterectomy (3.9%), vaginal hysterectomy (1.9%) and laparoscopic hysterectomy (1.6%) (p < 0.0001). Readmission rates were not significantly different among the groups; women receiving abdominal hysterectomy had an overall readmission rate of 3.5%, compared with 3.2% after robotic hysterectomy, 2.9% after vaginal hysterectomy and 1.9% after laparoscopic hysterectomy (p = 0.06). When stratifying for relevant variables, women who had an laparoscopic hysterectomy had a twofold reduction of readmission compared with abdominal hysterectomy (odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.31–0.87;p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in readmission when robotic hysterectomy or vaginal hysterectomy were compared individually with abdominal hysterectomy. Regarding risk factors related to readmission it was observed that perioperative complications were the largest driver of readmissions (odds ratio 667, 95% confidence interval 158–99;p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The laparoscopic approach to hysterectomy was associated with fewer hospital readmissions compared with the abdominal route; vaginal, robotic and abdominal approaches had a similar risk of readmission. Perioperative complications represent the main driver of readmissions. After adjusting for perioperative factors such as surgeon type and complications, no difference in readmissions between the different routes of hysterectomy were found.
A randomised trial of enteral glutamine supplementation for very preterm children showed no beneficial or adverse long‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: Twilhaar E. Sabrina , de Kieviet Jorrit F. , Oosterlaan Jaap , van Elburg Ruurd M.
Published: November 2017

Aim

This study evaluated the long‐term effects of enteral glutamine supplementation on neurodevelopmental outcomes of a Dutch cohort of very preterm children at 13 years of age.

Methods

The cohort was enrolled in a randomised placebo‐controlled trial between 2001 and 2003 in which infants received glutamine‐ or alanine‐supplemented enteral nutrition during the first month of life. Participants were invited for follow‐up at a mean age of 13.30 years. Motor, neurocognitive, academic and behavioural outcomes were assessed in 61 children.

Results

No differences were found between the groups regarding motor, intellectual, academic and behavioural functioning. Forward span visuospatial working memory performance was better in the controls (crude/adjusted model: d = 0.67/0.64, p = 0.02/0.02), but no difference was found for backward span. After the data were adjusted for confounders, the groups differed regarding parent‐rated attention (crude/adjusted model: d = 0.47/0.73, p = 0.07/0.003), but both groups scored within the normal range.

Conclusion

This was the first study on the long‐term effects of enteral glutamine supplementation on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of very preterm children. Our study provided no evidence that enteral glutamine supplementation had any beneficial or adverse effects on the children's motor, neurocognitive, academic and behavioural outcomes at 13 years of age.
Reader Reaction on the Fast Small-Sample Kernel Independence Test for Microbiome Community-Level Association Analysis
Authors: Guo Bin , Wu Baolin
Published: November 2017

Zhan et al. (2017) presented a kernel RV coefficient (KRV) test to evaluate the overall association between host gene expression and microbiome composition, and showed its competitive performance compared to existing methods. In this article, we clarify the close relation of KRV to the existing generalized RV (GRV) coefficient, and show that KRV and GRV have very similar performance. Although the KRV test could control the type I error rate well at 1% and 5% levels, we show that it could largely underestimate p-values at small significance levels leading to significantly inflated type I errors. As a partial remedy, we propose an alternative p-value calculation, which is efficient and more accurate than KRV p-value at small significance levels. We recommend that small KRV test p-values should always be accompanied and verified by the permutation p-value in practice. In addition, we analytically show that KRV can be written as a form of correlation coefficient, which can dramatically expedite its computation and make permutation p-value calculation more efficient.
Obesity negatively impacts outcome in elderly female patients with aggressive B‐cell lymphomas treated with R‐CHOP: results from prospective trials of the German high grade non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma trial group
Authors: Hohloch K. , Altmann B. , Pfreundschuh M. , Loeffler M. , Schmitz N. , Zettl F. , Ziepert M. , Trümper L.
Published: November 2017

To study if obesity is a risk factor in elderly patients (>60 years) with aggressive B‐cell lymphoma, the outcomes of 576 elderly patients treated with rituximab in the RICOVER‐60 trial were analysed in a retrospective study with regard to body mass index (BMI) and gender. Of the 576 patients, 1% had low body weight (BMI < 18·5), 38% were normal weight (18·5 ≤ BMI < 25), 42% were overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30) and 19% were obese (BMI ≥ 30). Event‐free (EFS), progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) according to BMI showed no significant differences for all and for male patients. EFS (P = 0·041), PFS (P = 0·038) and OS (P = 0·031) were significantly better for female non‐obese patients. A multivariate analysis adjusted for International Prognostic Index risk factors confirmed these results, with the following hazard ratios (HR) for obesity (BMI ≥ 30) for EFS/PFS/OS: all patients – 1·4/1·4/1·4 (not significant); male patients – 1·2/1·2/1·0 (not significant) and female patients – 1·7 (P = 0·032)/1·9 (P = 0·022)/2·0 (P = 0·017). In conclusion, obesity is a risk factor that influences treatment outcome in elderly female patients with aggressive B‐cell lymphoma treated with R‐CHOP (rituximab + cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone). The inferior outcomes in obese female patients may be due to faster rituximab clearance in obese females.
Refining stratigraphy and tectonic history using detrital zircon maximum depositional age: an example from the Cerro Fortaleza Formation, Austral Basin, southern Patagonia
Authors: Sickmann Zachary T. , Schwartz Theresa M. , Graham Stephan A.
Published: November 2017

The north–south trending, Late Cretaceous to modern Magallanes–Austral foreland basin of southernmost Patagonia lacks a unified, radiometric, age‐controlled stratigraphic framework. By simplifying the sedimentary fill of the basin to deep‐marine, shallow‐marine and terrestrial deposits, and combining 13 new U‐Pb detrital zircon maximum depositional ages (DZ MDAs) with published DZ MDAs and U‐Pb ash ages, we provide the first attempt at a unified, longitudinal stratigraphic framework constrained by radiometric age controls. We divide the foreland basin history into two phases, including (1) an initial Late Cretaceous shoaling upward phase and (2) a Cenozoic phase that overlies a Palaeogene unconformity. New DZ samples from the shallow‐marine La Anita Formation, the terrestrial Cerro Fortaleza Formation and several previously unrecognized Cenozoic units provide necessary radiometric age controls for the end of the Late Cretaceous foreland phase and the magnitude of the Palaeogene unconformity in the Austral sector of the basin. These samples show that the La Anita and Cerro Fortaleza Formations have Campanian DZ MDAs, and that overlying Cenozoic strata have Eocene to Miocene DZ MDAs. By filling this data gap, we are able to provide a first attempt at constructing a basinwide, age‐controlled stratigraphic framework for the Magallanes–Austral foreland basin. Results show southward progradation of shallow marine and terrestrial environments from the Santonian through the Maastrichtian, as well as a northward increase in the magnitude of the Palaeogene unconformity. Furthermore, our new age data significantly impact the chronology of fossil flora and dinosaur faunas in Patagonia.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic features in the diagnosis of Clark's nevi
Authors: Valdebran Manuel , Bandino Justin , Elbendary Amira , Gad Abdallah , Arudra Krishna C. , de Feraudy Sébastien , Elston Dirk M.
Published: November 2017

Background

Interpretation of Clark's nevi has generated debate over the years; although criteria have been proposed for grading morphological features of melanocytes, there is still confusion and variability in the assessment of these lesions.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study conducted on 100 Clark's nevi and 84 melanomas. A single expert dermatopathologist evaluated all blinded and randomized photomicrographs of both the Clark's nevi and melanomas for the presence of 14 cytologic features. Subsequently, a multivariate model was used to obtain sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Clark's nevi showed a significantly higher frequency of absent‐or‐inconspicuous nucleoli over melanoma, whereas mitotic figures, pleomorphism, notching, multiple nucleoli, peppered moth nuclear pattern, flattened adjacent nuclei, prominent nucleoli and vesicular nucleus with rounded nucleoli were found significantly higher in frequency in melanomas.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that nuclear alterations are of value in the differentiation of atypical nevi from melanoma.
Outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided pancreatic FNAC diagnosis for solid and cystic lesions at Manchester Royal Infirmary based upon the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology pancreaticobiliary terminology classification scheme
Authors: Wright P. K. , Shelton D. A. , Holbrook M. R. , Thiryayi S. A. , Narine N. , Slater D. , Rana D. N.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To compare endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐FNAC diagnosis of pancreatic lesions with patient outcome based upon the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology pancreaticobiliary terminology classification scheme diagnostic categories: Panc 1 (non‐diagnostic); Panc 2 (negative for malignancy/neoplasia); Panc 3 (atypical); Panc 4B (neoplastic, benign); Panc 4O (neoplastic, other); Panc 5 (suspicious of malignancy); and Panc 6 (positive/malignant).

Methods

All EUS‐FNA pancreas specimens taken at Manchester Royal Infirmary in 2015 were prospectively classified according to the above scheme at the time of cytology reporting and data recorded prospectively. Subsequently, outcomes based on clinical follow‐up or histopathology diagnosis were compared with the cytology diagnosis.

Results

120 EUS‐FNA pancreas specimens from 111 patients were received, of which 112 (93.3%) specimens had follow‐up data. There were 79 and 41 EUS‐FNA pancreas specimens from solid and cystic lesions, respectively. Based on the cytology diagnosis the specimens were classified as Panc 1 (7.5%), Panc 2 (33.3%), Panc 3 (2.5%), Panc 4B (2.5%), Panc 4O (15.0%), Panc 5 (3.3%) and Panc 6 (35.9%). The performance indicators for diagnosis of malignancy or neoplasia with malignant potential, included sensitivity (95.4%), specificity (100%), positive predictive value (100%), negative predictive value (92.3%), false positive rate (0%) and false negative rate (4.6%).

Conclusions

The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology pancreaticobiliary terminology classification scheme is a logical system that can easily be introduced in a diagnostic cytopathology service. This classification scheme acts as an aid to diagnostic reporting, clear communication of significant results including risk of neoplasia/malignancy to clinicians, clinical audit and comparison of results with other centres.
Age‐related changes in the dynamics of fear‐related regulation in early childhood
Authors: Morales Santiago , Ram Nilam , Buss Kristin A. , Cole Pamela M. , Helm Jonathan L. , Chow Sy‐Miin
Published: November 2017

Self‐regulation is a dynamic process wherein executive processes (EP) delay, minimize or desist prepotent responses (PR) that arise in situations that threaten well‐being. It is generally assumed that, over the course of early childhood, children expand and more effectively deploy their repertoire ofEP‐related strategies to regulatePR. However, longitudinal tests of these assumptions are scarce in part because self‐regulation has been mostly studied as a static construct. This study engages dynamic systems modeling to examine developmental changes in self‐regulation between ages 2 and 5 years. Second‐by‐second time‐series data derived from behavioral observations of 112 children (63 boys) faced with novel laboratory‐based situations designed to elicit wariness, hesitation, and fear were modeled using differential equation models designed to capture age‐related changes in the intrinsic dynamics and bidirectional coupling ofPR(fear/wariness) andEP(strategy use). Results revealed that dynamic models allow for the conceptualization and measurement of fear regulation as intrinsic processes as well as direct and indirect coupling betweenPRandEP. Several patterns of age‐related changes were in line with developmental theory suggesting thatPRweakened and was regulated more quickly and efficiently byEPat age 5 than at age 2. However, most findings were in the intrinsic dynamics and moderating influences betweenPRandEPrather than direct influences. The findings illustrate the precision with which specific aspects of self‐regulation can be articulated using dynamic systems models, and how such models can be used to describe the development of self‐regulation in nuanced and theoretically meaningful ways.
Analysis of tea plant resistance to tea green leafhopper, Empoasca onukii, by detecting stylet‐probing behavior with DC electropenetrography
Authors: Yorozuya Hiroshi
Published: November 2017

The tea green leafhopper, Empoasca onukiiMatsuda (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae), is a serious pest of tea plants in East Asia. Previous work has shown that two tea germplasms, Cd19 and Cd289, sustain less hopperburn damage by E. onukii than does Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze cv. ‘Yabukita’ (Theaceae), and E. onukii excretes less honeydew on these germplasms than on the susceptible Yabukita. This study investigated the feeding behavior of E. onukii with a direct current electropenetrograph (DC EPG) to compare feeding behaviors, including ingestion, on resistant tea germplasms and Yabukita. Feeding behaviors on the resistant germplasms were significantly restricted, with few bouts of active ingestion of short duration and long periods of non‐probing, whereas E. onukii engaged in active ingestion of long duration many times on the susceptible cv. Yabukita. The tea germplasms, Cd19 and Cd289, therefore showed strong resistance to E. onukii. Furthermore, the shape of puncture holes left after probing was compared between the susceptible Yabukita and the resistant germplasms. The puncture holes on Cd19 and Cd289 were indistinct in shape and closed compared with those on Yabukita.
Taste input from tarsal sensilla is related to egg‐laying behavior in Papilio hospiton
Authors: Sollai Giorgia , Biolchini Maurizio , Loy Francesco , Solari Paolo , Crnjar Roberto
Published: November 2017

In herbivorous insects, host selection involves various sensory modalities (sight, smell, taste), but the contact chemoreceptors capable of detecting stimuli both from host and non‐host plants play an important role in the final steps of oviposition behavior. Female butterflies scratch and drum the leaf surface and taste the compounds present in plant saps with their tarsal chemosensilla. We assumed that tarsal taste sensitivity may be related to the breadth of host selection in ovipositing females of Papilio hospitonGéné (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). The spike activity of tarsal taste basiconic sensilla was recorded in response to stimulation with NaCl, bitter compounds, and carbohydrates, with the aim of characterizing the gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) and of comparing the response patterns in the light of differences in acceptability of host plants. Then we studied the sensitivity of GRNs to saps of the host plants Ferula communis L., Peucedanum paniculatumLoisel, Pastinaca latifolia (Duby) DC. (all Apiaceae), and Ruta lamarmorae Bacch., Brullo et Giusso (Rutaceae), and evaluated the relationship between taste sensitivity and oviposition preference. The results indicate that (1) each sensillum houses sugar‐, bitter‐, and salt‐sensitive cells; (2) the spike activity of the gustatory neurons in response to plant saps produces a different response pattern across all active GRNs; and (3) the number of eggs laid on each plant is highest on F. communis and lowest on R. lamarmorae. These results suggest that the varying activity of the tarsal GRNs may affect host plant acceptability and that ovipositing females of P. hospiton seem to be able to discriminate between host plants.
Rhabdomyolysis and fluctuating asymptomatic hyperCKemia associated with CACNA1S variant
Authors: Anandan C. , Cipriani M. A. , Laughlin R. S. , Niu Z. , Milone M.
Published: November 2017

Background and purpose

CACNA1S encodes Cav1.1, a voltage sensor for muscle excitation−contraction coupling, which activates the ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1) leading to calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. CACNA1S mutations cause hypokalemic periodic paralysis, malignant hyperthermia and congenital myopathy. RYR1 mutations result in congenital myopathy, malignant hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis.

Methods

The aim was to describe a novel phenotype associated with a CACNA1S variant at a site previously linked to hypokalemic periodic paralysis.

Results

The patient presented with fluctuating asymptomatic creatine kinase elevation after an episode of rhabdomyolysis but has no history of periodic paralysis. His muscle biopsy showed core‐like structures occurring mainly in type 2 fibers. He carries a novel Cav1.1 variant (p.Arg528Leu) affecting a highly conserved amino acid. Different mutations at the same location cause hypokalemic periodic paralysis.

Conclusion

This case underscores the similarity between the phenotypes caused by mutations in two functionally linked proteins, RYR1 and Cav1.1.
Microphytobenthos and chironomid larvae attenuate nutrient recycling in shallow‐water sediments
Authors: Benelli Sara , Bartoli Marco , Zilius Mindaugas , Vybernaite‐Lubiene Irma , Ruginis Tomas , Petkuviene Jolita , Fano Elisa Anna
Published: November 2017

In shallow‐water sediments, the combined action of microphytobenthos and bioturbating fauna may differentially affect benthic nutrient fluxes and exert a bottom‐up control of pelagic primary production. In many cases, the effects of microphytobenthos and macrofauna on nutrient cycling were studied separately, ignoring potential synergistic effects.

We measured the combined effects of microphytobenthos and chironomid larvae on sediment–water fluxes of gas (O2, TCO2 and N2) and nutrients (NH4+, NO3−, NO2−, and SiO2) in shallow‐water sediments of a hypertrophic freshwater lagoon. Fluxes were measured in the light and in the dark in reconstructed sediments with low (L = 600 ind/m2), high (H = 1,800 ind/m2) and no (C) addition of chironomid larvae, after 3 weeks of pre‐incubation under light/dark regime to allow for microalgal growth. Besides flux measurements, pore water nutrient (NH4+, and SiO2) and dissolved metal concentrations (Fe2+ and Mn2+) were analysed and diffusive fluxes were calculated.

Chironomid larvae increased sediment heterotrophy, by augmenting benthic O2 demand and TCO2 and N2 dark production. However, on a daily basis, treatments C and L were net O2 producing and N2 sinks while treatment H was net O2 consuming and N2 producing. All treatments were net C sink regardless of chironomid density.

Microphytobenthos always affected benthic nutrient exchange, as significantly higher uptake or lower efflux was measured in the light compared with dark incubations. Theoretical inorganic N, P and Si demand by benthic microalgae largely exceeded both dark effluxes of NH4+, and SiO2 and their net uptake in the light, suggesting the relevance of N‐fixation, water column NO3− and solid‐phase associated P and Si as nutrient sources to benthic algae.

Chironomid larvae had a minor effect on inorganic N and P fluxes while they significantly stimulated inorganic Si regeneration. Their bioturbation activity significantly altered pore water chemistry, with a major reduction in nutrient (highest for NH4+ and lowest for SiO2) and metal concentration. Underlying mechanisms are combinations of burrow ventilation and bioirrigation with stimulation of element‐specific processes as coupled nitrification–denitrification, co‐precipitation and inhibition of anaerobic paths such as Fe3+ or Mn4+ reduction or re‐oxidation of their end products.

The combined activity of benthic algae and chironomid larvae may significantly attenuate internal nutrient recycling in shallow eutrophic ecosystems, and contribute to the control of pelagic primary production.
Genetic loss of diazepam binding inhibitor in mice impairs social interest
Authors: Ujjainwala A. L. , Courtney C. D. , Rhoads S. G. , Rhodes J. S. , Christian C. A.
Published: November 2017

Neuropsychiatric disorders in which reduced social interest is a common symptom, such as autism, depression, and anxiety, are frequently associated with genetic mutations affecting γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic transmission. Benzodiazepine treatment, acting via GABA type‐A receptors, improves social interaction in male mouse models with autism‐like features. The protein diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI) can act as an endogenous benzodiazepine, but a role for DBI in social behavior has not been described. Here, we investigated the role of DBI in the social interest and recognition behavior of mice. The responses of DBI wild‐type and knockout male and female mice to ovariectomized female wild‐type mice (a neutral social stimulus) were evaluated in a habituation/dishabituation task. Both male and female knockout mice exhibited reduced social interest, and DBI knockout mice lacked the sex difference in social interest levels observed in wild‐type mice, in which males showed higher social interest levels than females. The ability to discriminate between familiar and novel stimulus mice (social recognition) was not impaired in DBI‐deficient mice of either sex. DBI knockouts could learn a rotarod motor task, and could discriminate between social and nonsocial odors. Both sexes of DBI knockout mice showed increased repetitive grooming behavior, but not in a manner that would account for the decrease in social investigation time. Genetic loss of DBI did not alter seminal vesicle weight, indicating that the social interest phenotype of males lacking DBI is not due to reduced circulating testosterone. Together, these studies show a novel role of DBI in driving social interest and motivation.
Physiological significance of multipolar cells generated from neural stem cells and progenitors for the establishment of neocortical cytoarchitecture
Authors: Mizutani Ken‐ichi
Published: November 2017

Neurogenesis encompasses an entire set of events that leads to the generation of newborn neurons from neural stem cells and more committed progenitor cells, including cell division, the production of migratory precursors and their progeny, differentiation and integration into circuits. In particular, the precise control of neuronal migration and morphological changes is essential for the development of the neocortex. Postmitotic cells within the intermediate zone have been found to transiently assume a characteristic “multipolar” morphology, after which a multipolar‐to‐bipolar transition occurs before the cells enter the cortical plate; however, the importance of this multipolar phase in the establishment of mature cortical cytoarchitecture and the precise genetic control of this phase remains largely unknown. Thus, this review article focuses on the multipolar phase in the developing neocortex. It begins by summarizing the molecular mechanism that underlies multipolar migration for the regulation of each step in multipolar phase in intermediate zone. The physiological significance of this multipolar phase in the establishment of mature cortical lamination and neurodevelopmental disorders associated with migration defects is then described.
ON STRATEGY‐PROOFNESS AND THE SALIENCE OF SINGLE‐PEAKEDNESS
Authors: Chatterji Shurojit , Massó Jordi
Published: November 2017

We consider strategy‐proof rules operating on a rich domain of preference profiles. We show that if the rule satisfies in addition tops‐onlyness, anonymity, and unanimity, then the preferences in the domain have to satisfy a variant of single‐peakedness (referred to as semilattice single‐peakedness). We do so by deriving from the rule an endogenous partial order (a semilattice) from which the concept of a semilattice single‐peaked preference can be defined. We also provide a converse of this main finding. Finally, we show how well‐known restricted domains under which nontrivial strategy‐proof rules are admissible are semilattice single‐peaked domains.
UNIFIED CHINA AND DIVIDED EUROPE
Authors: Ko Chiu Yu , Koyama Mark , Sng Tuan‐Hwee
Published: November 2017

This article studies the causes and consequences of political centralization and fragmentation in China and Europe. We argue that a severe and unidirectional threat of external invasion fostered centralization in China, whereas Europe faced a wider variety of smaller external threats and remained fragmented. Political centralization in China led to lower taxation and hence faster population growth during peacetime compared to Europe. But it also meant that China was more vulnerable to occasional negative population shocks. Our results are consistent with historical evidence of warfare, capital city location, tax levels, and population growth in both China and Europe.
Delayed diagnosis of atrial fibrillation after first‐ever stroke increases recurrent stroke risk: a 5‐year nationwide follow‐up study
Authors: Chou Ping‐Song , Ho Bo‐Lin , Chan Yi‐Hsin , Wu Min‐Hsien , Hu Han‐Hwa , Chao A‐Ching
Published: November 2017

Background

Delayed detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with stroke. However, it is not well known whether delayed identification of AF in patients with stroke affects the prognosis of patients.

Aims

To evaluate the association between the timing of AF diagnosis after stroke and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We identified a cohort of all patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of first‐ever ischaemic stroke, which was categorised into three groups, namely, non‐AF, AF presenting with stroke and delayed AF diagnosis groups. The study patients were individually followed for 5 years to evaluate the occurrence of recurrent stroke and death.

Results

In total, 17 399 patients were hospitalised with first‐ever ischemic stroke, of whom 16 261 constituted the non‐AF group, 907 the AF presenting with stroke group and 231 the delayed AF diagnosis group. During the 5‐year follow up, 2773 (17.1%), 175 (19.3%) and 68 (29.4%) patients in the non‐AF, AF presenting with stroke and delayed AF diagnosis groups, respectively, were hospitalised for recurrent stroke. The delayed AF diagnosis group exhibited a 1.57‐times higher risk of recurrent stroke than the AF presenting with stroke group, after adjustment for the CHA2DS2‐VASc scores (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19–2.08; P = 0.002). In addition, delayed diagnosis of AF significantly increased the risk of recurrent stroke in men, but not in women, after adjustment for the CHA2DS2‐VASc scores.

Conclusion

Delayed diagnosis of AF after stroke increased the risk of recurrent stroke, particularly in men.
Incidence and risk factors for deep surgical site infection after open reduction and internal fixation of closed tibial plateau fractures in adults
Authors: Ma Qiang , Aierxiding Abulaiti , Wang Guosheng , Wang Chengwei , Yu Lijuan , Shen Zhimin
Published: November 2017

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of deep surgical site infection (DSSI) during hospitalisation after closed tibial plateau fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). We performed this retrospective study at a university‐affiliated hospital with an advanced trauma centre. The data of adult patients with closed tibial plateau fractures treated with ORIF from January 2012 to February 2017 were extracted from the electronic medical records. Demographics, injury‐related and surgery‐related variables of DSSI and non‐DSSI groups were compared by univariate test. Multivariate logistic analysis models were used to investigate the independent risk factors. In total, 676 patients with complete data met the inclusion criteria and were included, and of them, 17 developed DSSI (2.51%) during hospitalisation. Approximately 60% (9/17) of DSSI was caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Compared to the non‐DSSI group, DSSI patients had a significantly longer stay in hospital (25.8 vs 15.2 days). Independent risk factors of DSSI identified by multivariate analysis were higher BMI (>26.0) (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.27; P = 0.032), prolonged surgical duration (>138 min) (OR, 4.26; 95% CI, 1.54 to 11.19; P = 0.005) and current smoking (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.47 to 8.62; P = 0.01). A relatively low incidence rate of DSSI (2.51%) was found in this study, and several significant risk factors were identified. Smoking cessation programmes should be implemented immediately after hospitalisation, especially for obesity and morbid obesity patients. Detailed and comprehensive preoperative assessment and a considerate operative plan should be guaranteed to reduce surgical duration.
Endogenous hormone 2‐methoxyestradiol suppresses venous hypertension‐induced angiogenesis through up‐ and down‐regulating p53 and id‐1
Authors: Zou Xiang , Zhang Li , Yuan Jie , Yang Chunjie , Wu Zehan , Song Jianping , Zhu Wei , Mao Ying , Chen Liang
Published: November 2017

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) which associate with angiogenesis due to local hypertension, chronic cerebral ischaemia and tissue hypoxia usually lead to haemorrhage, however, the therapeutic medicine for the disease is still lacking. 2‐methoxyestradiol (2‐ME) has been shown effective in the anti‐angiogenic treatment. This study was conducted to examine whether and how 2‐ME could improve the vascular malformations. Intracranial venous hypertension (VH) model produced in adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats and culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) at the anoxia condition were used to induce in vivo and in vitro angiogenesis, respectively. Lentiviral vectors of ID‐1 and p53 genes and of their siRNA were intracranially injected into rats and transfected into HUVECs to overexpress and down‐regulate these molecules. 2‐ME treatment not only reduced the in vivo progression of brain tissue angiogenesis in the intracranial VH rats and the in vitro increases in microvasculature formation, cellular migration and HIF‐1α expression induced by anoxia in HUVECs but also reversed the up‐regulation of ID‐1 and down‐regulation of p53 in both the in vivo and in vitro angiogenesis models. All of the anti‐angiogenesis effects of 2‐ME observed in VH rats and anoxic HUVECs were abrogated by ID‐1 overexpression and p53 knockdown. Our data collectively suggest that 2‐ME treatment inhibits hypoxia/anoxia‐induced angiogenesis dependently on ID‐1 down‐regulation and p53 up‐regulation, providing a potential alternative medical treatment for un‐ruptured AVM patients.