bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ecophysiological perspective on likely giant panda habitat responses to climate change
Authors: Zhang Yuke , Mathewson Paul D. , Zhang Qiongyue , Porter Warren P. , Ran Jianghong
Published: December 2017

Threatened and endangered species are more vulnerable to climate change due to small population and specific geographical distribution. Therefore, identifying and incorporating the biological processes underlying a species’ adaptation to its environment are important for determining whether they can persist in situ. Correlative models are widely used to predict species’ distribution changes, but generally fail to capture the buffering capacity of organisms. Giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) live in topographically complex mountains and are known to avoid heat stress. Although many studies have found that climate change will lead to severe habitat loss and threaten previous conservation efforts, the mechanisms underlying panda's responses to climate change have not been explored. Here, we present a case study in Daxiangling Mountains, one of the six Mountain Systems that giant panda distributes. We used a mechanistic model, Niche Mapper, to explore what are likely panda habitat response to climate change taking physiological, behavioral and ecological responses into account, through which we map panda's climatic suitable activity area (SAA) for the first time. We combined SAA with bamboo forest distribution to yield highly suitable habitat (HSH) and seasonal suitable habitat (SSH), and their temporal dynamics under climate change were predicted. In general, SAA in the hottest month (July) would reduce 11.7%–52.2% by 2070, which is more moderate than predicted bamboo habitat loss (45.6%–86.9%). Limited by the availability of bamboo and forest, panda's suitable habitat loss increases, and only 15.5%–68.8% of current HSH would remain in 2070. Our method of mechanistic modeling can help to distinguish whether habitat loss is caused by thermal environmental deterioration or food loss under climate change. Furthermore, mechanistic models can produce robust predictions by incorporating ecophysiological feedbacks and minimizing extrapolation into novel environments. We suggest that a mechanistic approach should be incorporated into distribution predictions and conservation planning.
Challenging a 15‐year‐old claim: The North Atlantic Oscillation index as a predictor of spring migration phenology of birds
Authors: Haest Birgen , Hüppop Ommo , Bairlein Franz
Published: December 2017

Many migrant bird species that breed in the Northern Hemisphere show advancement in spring arrival dates. The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index is one of the climatic variables that have been most often investigated and shown to be correlated with these changes in spring arrival. Although the NAO is often claimed to be a good predictor or even to have a marked effect on interannual changes in spring migration phenology of Northern Hemisphere breeding birds, the results on relations between spring migration phenology and NAO show a large variety, ranging from no, over weak, to a strong association. Several factors, such as geographic location, migration phase, and the NAO index time window, have been suggested to partly explain these observed differences in association. A combination of a literature meta‐analysis, and a meta‐analysis and sliding time window analysis of a dataset of 23 short‐ and long‐distance migrants from the constant‐effort trapping garden at Helgoland, Germany, however, paints a completely different picture. We found a statistically significant overall effect size of the NAO on spring migration phenology (coefficient = −0.14, SE = 0.054), but this on average only explains 0%–6% of the variance in spring migration phenology across all species. As such, the value and biological meaning of the NAO as a general predictor or explanatory variable for climate change effects on migration phenology of birds, seems highly questionable. We found little to no definite support for previously suggested factors, such as geographic location, migration phenology phase, or the NAO time window, to explain the heterogeneity in correlation differences. We, however, did find compelling evidence that the lack of accounting for trends in both time series has led to strongly inflated (spurious) correlations in many studies (coefficient = −0.13, SE = 0.019).
Climate change as a driver of biotic homogenization of woody plants in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Zwiener Victor P. , Lira‐Noriega Andrés , Grady Charles J. , Padial André A. , Vitule Jean R. S.
Published: December 2017

Aim

The importance of anthropogenic activities in reshaping biodiversity is increasing fast. Interactive effects of climate change, biological invasions and species replacement are poorly understood, particularly at large scales and in megadiverse biomes. We aimed to assess the effects of climate change as a driver of spatio‐temporal biodiversity patterns and homogenization of woody plants at multiple scales, in a hyperdiverse species assemblage.

Location

The Atlantic Forest, Brazil.

Time period

Present, future projections.

Major taxa studied

Woody plants.

Methods

We used ecological niche modeling to estimate geographic distributions of 2,255 plant species under present and future climates. Range‐diversity plots based on species presence‐absence matrices and null models were used to explore changes in alpha and beta diversity, range size and covariance in species composition across ecoregions, climatic scenarios and within protected areas. We also partitioned dissimilarity into turnover and nestedness components and explored expansions and retractions of species’ ranges to infer invasive potential and implications for conservation in the future.

Results

Despite a general increase in local richness, beta diversity decreased with time. Similarity among sites was accentuated in severe climate change scenarios enhancing biotic homogenization at large scales. Changes were not constant or homogeneous across ecoregions and at smaller scales, but a consistent pattern was the reduction of beta diversity accompanied by increments in the mean range size of widespread species. Likewise, subsets of assemblages within protected areas presented higher similarity, increased mean range size and invariability of richness through time, indicating potential compositional turnover promoted by the expansion of widespread species.

Main conclusions

Expansion of current generalist and disturbance‐tolerant species rather than extinction or retraction of local endemics may lead to woody plant homogenization in the tropics. The woody plant assemblage in the Atlantic Forest is prone to a structural reorganization due to climate change, threatening conservation of biodiversity and potentially leading to severe large‐scale biotic homogenization in the near future.
The legacy of water deficit on populations having experienced negative hydraulic safety margin
Authors: Benito Garzón Marta , González Muñoz Noelia , Wigneron Jean‐Pierre , Moisy Christophe , Fernández‐Manjarrés Juan , Delzon Sylvain
Published: December 2017

Aim

The aim was to examine whether recent mortality can be explained by hydraulic failure linked to water deficit.

Location

Western Europe.

Time period

1986–2014.

Major taxa studied

Forty‐four tree species.

Methods

We modelled the hydraulic safety margin (HSM) across the ranges of 44 tree species at their driest margin (n = 193,261 plots), defined as the difference between the estimated minimal soil water potential of each plot and the species water stress threshold, which corresponds to the hydraulic failure of the vascular system. Soil water potential was estimated by applying Campbell's equations on the minimal and maximal soil water contents estimated from 1979 to 2010 in the top 289 cm of soil and five soil textures across the species ranges. For each species, we modelled the amount of average mortality derived from plots of the Spanish and French National Forest Inventories to the variation in modelled hydraulic safety margin and environmental drivers across the species ranges using hurdle models.

Results

We did not identify any global convergence of modelled HSM within the species distribution ranges, finding instead a rather large variability in modelled HSM for most of the studied species. Fifteen species, out of 25 for which the models were practicable, showed significantly higher mortality in populations with negative HSM in comparison to those showing positive HSM, with positive and negative interaction along the aridity index.

Main conclusions

The combination of competition, average climate and modelled HSM explained average tree mortality. Most of the species presented at least one population that had already experienced a negative HSM and many other populations a positive but narrow HSM, suggesting that climate change is likely to push some populations towards a higher risk of hydraulic failure in the drier conditions projected for Western Europe.
Forest fragmentation may endanger a plant‐insect interaction: the case of the highly specialist native aphid Neuquenaphis staryi in Chile
Authors: Figueroa Christian C. , Niemeyer Hermann M. , Cabrera‐Brandt Marco , Briones Lucía M. , Lavandero Blas , Zúñiga‐Reinoso Alvaro , Ramírez Claudio C.
Published: December 2017

The diversity and distribution of the genetic variation in forest phytophagous insect populations can be highly sensitive to forest fragmentation. This should be particularly evident for monophagous insects living on endangered host plants.

The aphid Neuquenaphis staryi uses the tree Nothofagus alessandrii, commonly named Ruil, exclusively as a host. Nothofagus alessandrii is an endemic and endangered species whose distribution is highly fragmented in the unique Maulino temperate forests of the coastal range of Central Chile.

Here, we provide proof of the specialist status of N. staryi and provide evidence on the genetic diversity and structure of their populations sampled on distinct remnant fragments of the Ruil forest. A sample representing 480 individuals collected from five fragments of Ruil forests revealed 147 distinct multilocus genotypes at six microsatellite loci. Clonal diversity and other genetic parameters were consistent with aphids reproducing by cyclic parthenogenesis and showed few signs of diversity loss.

The genetic differentiation among populations was significant as evidenced by the presence of at least three genetic clusters, which are mostly explained by low migration due to geographic barriers that restrict aphid dispersion.

Our results suggest that forest fragmentation imposes genetic discontinuities on a highly specialised phytophagous insect, which may have important implications for the conservation status of this ancient aphid‐plant interaction.
Critical involvement of atypical chemokine receptor CXCR7 in allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Chang Hung‐Chih , Huang Po‐Han , Syu Fu‐Sheng , Hsieh Chia‐Hung , Chang Sunny Li‐Yun , Lu Jean , Chen Hui‐Chen
Published: December 2017

Trafficking and recruitment of immune cells to the site of inflammation with spatial and temporal synchronization is crucial for the development of allergic airway inflammation. Particularly, chemokines are known to be key players in these processes. Previous studies revealed that the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis plays an important role in regulating allergic airway inflammation. However, the role of CXCR7, a recently discovered second receptor for CXCL12, in regulating airway inflammation has not been explored. Initially, CXCR7 was considered as a decoy receptor; however, numerous subsequent studies revealed that engagement of CXCR7 triggered its own signalling or modulated CXCR4‐mediated signalling. In the present study, we detected the expression of CXCR7 in airway epithelial cells. Use of a lentiviral delivery system to knock down the expression of CXCR7 in the lung of sensitized mice abrogated the cardinal features of asthma, indicating that CXCR7 plays a role in regulating allergic airway inflammation. The activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase and Akt signalling in response to CXCL12 in the mouse epithelial cell line MLE‐12 was reduced when CXCR7 expression was knocked down. However, either knockdown or overexpression of CXCR7 in MLE‐12 did not affect CXCL12‐mediated calcium influx, indicating that CXCR7 does not modulate CXCR4‐mediated signalling, and that it functions as a signalling receptor rather than a decoy receptor. Finally, we found that the expression of chemokine CCL2 is regulated by CXCR7/CXCL12‐mediated signalling through β‐arrestin in airway epithelial cells. Hence, regulating the expression of CCL2 in airway epithelial cells may be one mechanism by which CXCR7 participates in regulating allergic airway inflammation.
The NLRC4 Inflammasome
Authors: Duncan Joseph A. , Canna Scott W.
Published: December 2017

15 years ago, the fundamental biology of an inflammatory signaling complex eventually dubbed “the inflammasome” began to unravel in chronologic parallel with the discovery that many inflammatory diseases were associated with its hyperactivity. Though the genetic origins of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF, caused my mutations in MEFV) were discovered first, it would take nearly two decades before the mechanistic connections to a PYRIN inflammasome were made. In the interim, the intensive study of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and the diseases associated with its hyperactivation, have largely dictated the paradigm of inflammasome composition and function. Despite impressive gains, focusing on NLRP3 left gaps in our understanding of inflammasome biology. Foremost among these gaps were how inflammasomes become activated and the connections between inflammasome structure and function. Fortunately, work in another inflammasome inducer, NLRC4, grew to fill those gaps. The current understanding of the NLRC4 inflammasome is perhaps the most comprehensive illustration of the inflammasome paradigm: trigger (e.g. cytosolic flagellin), sensor (NAIP), nucleator (NLRC4), adaptor (ASC), and effector (CASP1). Detailed work has also identified observations that challenge this paradigm. Simultaneously, the features unique to each inflammasome offer a lesson in contrast, providing perspectives on inflammasome activation, regulation, and function. In this review, we endeavor to highlight recent breakthroughs related to NLRC4 inflammasome structure and activation, important in vivo work in infection and systemic inflammation, and the characterization of a spectrum of human NLRC4‐associated autoinflammatory diseases.
Tuning inflammation and immunity by the negative regulators IL‐1R2 and IL‐1R8
Authors: Molgora Martina , Supino Domenico , Mantovani Alberto , Garlanda Cecilia
Published: December 2017

Interleukin‐1 receptor family members (ILRs) and Toll‐Like Receptors (TLRs) are key players in immunity and inflammation and are tightly regulated at different levels. Most cell types, including cells of the innate and adaptive immune system express ILRs and TLRs. In addition, IL‐1 family members are emerging as key players in the differentiation and function of innate and adaptive lymphoid cells. IL‐1R2 and IL‐1R8 (also known as TIR8 or SIGIRR) are members of the ILR family acting as negative regulators of the IL‐1 system. IL‐1R2 binds IL‐1 and the accessory protein IL‐1RAcP without activating signaling and can be released as a soluble form (sIL‐1R2), thus modulating IL‐1 availability for the signaling receptor. IL‐1R8 dampens ILR‐ and TLR‐mediated cell activation and it is a component of the receptor recognizing human IL‐37. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the structure and function of IL‐1R2 and IL‐1R8, focusing on their role in different pathological conditions, ranging from infectious and sterile inflammation, to autoimmunity and cancer‐related inflammation. We also address the emerging evidence regarding the role of IL‐1R8 as a crucial checkpoint molecule in NK cells in anti‐cancer and antiviral activity and the potential therapeutic implications of IL‐1R8 blockade in specific pathological contexts.
Regulation and function of interleukin‐36 cytokines
Authors: Bassoy Esen Yonca , Towne Jennifer E , Gabay Cem
Published: December 2017

The interleukin (IL)‐36 cytokines include 3 agonists, IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ that bind to a common receptor composed of IL‐36R and IL‐1RAcP to stimulate inflammatory responses. IL‐36Ra is a natural antagonist that binds to IL‐36R, but does not recruit the co‐receptor IL‐1RAcP and does not stimulate any intracellular responses. The IL‐36 cytokines are expressed predominantly by epithelial cells and act on a number of cells including immune cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. Processing of the N‐terminus is required for full agonist or antagonist activity for all IL‐36 members. The role of IL‐36 has been extensively demonstrated in the skin where it can act on keratinocytes and immune cells to induce a robust inflammatory response that has been implicated in psoriatic disorders. Emerging data also suggest a role for this cytokine family in pulmonary and intestinal physiology and pathology.
Biology of IL‐38 and its role in disease
Authors: van de Veerdonk Frank L. , de Graaf Dennis M. , Joosten Leo AB , Dinarello Charles A.
Published: December 2017

IL‐38 belongs to the IL‐36 cytokines, which in turn are part of the IL‐1 family. The first biological function of IL‐38 described was blocking the activation of the IL‐36R signaling similar to IL‐36Ra. Since IL‐36 cytokines require processing in order to become fully active, it is likely that IL‐38 also must be processed to become maximally active. However, the protease(s) responsible for this is currently not known. In addition of IL‐38 binding IL‐36R, it has been proposed it can also interact with the co‐receptor TIGIRR2. IL‐38 is expressed in several tissues including tonsils, placenta, heart and brain, and IL‐38 has been implicated in a wide variety of diseases including cardiovascular and autoimmune disease. Here, we discuss the discovery and biological function of IL‐38, and its role in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of diseases.
Intimate Counter‐Spaces of Migrant Domestic Workers in Lebanon1
Authors: Pande Amrita
Published: December 2017

This article examines new nodes of migrants' desire to disrupt the heteronormative focus on married mothers in the literature on migration and gender and the reification of normative notions of both gender and sexuality. It demonstrates that in the presence of intense raced and gendered surveillance of both private and public spaces in Lebanon, migrant domestic workers (MDWs) use public “counter‐spaces” to forge intimate and sexual ties. It offers the frame of intimate counter‐spaces to understand the wider politics of resistance mobilized by MDWs in their everyday lives. Intimate counter‐spaces complicate debates around public/private, sacred/sexual, and confront state restrictions on migrant workers' sexuality. Despite their subversive power, such spaces can also reinforce the hypersexualization of the female migrant and highlight the paradoxical effects of everyday subversive practices used by migrant workers, not just in Middle East and Asia, but also across the world.
U.S. Free Trade Agreements and Enforcement of Labor Law in Latin America
Authors: Dewan Sabina , Ronconi Lucas
Published: December 2017

The paper provides difference‐in‐differences estimates suggesting that Latin American countries that signed a free trade agreement with the United States experienced an increase in the number of labor inspectors and inspections. We also find large heterogeneity across signers and no evidence that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) had a positive impact on Mexico. We conclude by suggesting that the stringency of content of the accord and the resources devoted by the U.S. government to increase enforcement make a difference.
Analyzing the Labor Market Outcomes of Occupational Licensing
Authors: Gittleman Maury , Klee Mark A. , Kleiner Morris M.
Published: December 2017

Recent assessments of occupational licensing have shown varying effects of the institution on labor‐market outcomes. This study revisits the relationship between occupational licensing and labor‐market outcomes by analyzing a new topical module to the Survey of Income and Program Participation. Relative to previously available data, the topical module offers more detailed information on occupational licensing attainment, with larger sample sizes and access to richer sets of person‐level characteristics. We find that those with a license earn higher pay, are more likely to be employed, and have a higher probability of employer‐sponsored health insurance offers.
How Capitalism Endogenously Creates Rising Income Inequality and Economic Crisis: The Macro Political Economy Model of Early Industrial Relations
Authors: Kaufman Bruce E.
Published: December 2017

A major economic issue today is the causes and consequences of wage stagnation and rising income inequality. This paper uncovers, describes, and formalizes the macro political economy model developed by pre–New Deal institutional/industrial relations economists to explain these issues. The model is formalized in a three‐part diagram and used to explain the role of inequality and wage stagnation in causing the Great Depression and World Financial Crisis and the appropriate policy responses.
Matching and Inverse Propensity Weighting Estimates of the Union Wage Premium: Evidence from Canada, 1997–2014
Authors: Campolieti Michele
Published: December 2017

I estimate the union wage premium for private‐sector workers using Canadian data from Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey from 1997 to 2014, examining the trend and gender differences in the premium. I obtain my estimates using matching and inverse propensity weighting estimators, which form counterfactuals for union workers. These estimators create better covariate balance and can also be used to address the bias that arises from the log transformation of wages.
Identifying risk factors associated with infection in patients with chronic leg ulcers
Authors: Bui Ut T , Edwards Helen , Finlayson Kathleen
Published: December 2017

Leg ulcers are hard to heal. Infection causes delayed healing, negatively impacting patients’ quality of life, the healthcare system, and society. Early recognition of patients at high risk of infection is essential to prevent complications and reduce negative impacts. However, at present, factors associated with infection in this population are not yet clearly understood.

The study aimed to identify factors that were significantly associated with infection in chronic leg ulcers. A sample of 561 patients with chronic leg ulcers, who were previously recruited at outpatient clinics and community settings within Australia between 2008 and 2015, were selected for the current analysis. The prevalence of infection in the sample at study recruitment was 7.8%.

A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with infection. The study identified 7 factors that were significantly independently associated with infection, including depression, chronic pulmonary disease, anti‐coagulant use, calf ankle circumference ratio < 1.3, ulcer area ≥ 10 cm2, slough in the wound bed tissue, and ulcers with heavy exudate.

These findings could assist clinicians in the early recognition of patients at risk of infection and individualise treatment for these patients, thereby promoting wound healing.
Subepidermal moisture detection of heel pressure injury: The pressure ulcer detection study outcomes
Authors: Bates‐Jensen Barbara M , McCreath Heather E , Nakagami Gojiro , Patlan Anabel
Published: December 2017

We examined subepidermal moisture (SEM) and visual skin assessment of heel pressure injury (PrI) among 417 nursing home residents in 19 facilities over 16 weeks. Participants were older (mean age 77 years), 58% were female, over half were ethnic minorities (29% African American, 12% Asian American, 21% Hispanic), and at risk for PrI (mean Braden Scale Risk score = 15.6). Blinded concurrent visual assessments and SEM measurements were obtained at heels weekly. Visual skin damage was categorised as normal, erythema, stage 1 PrI, deep tissue injury (DTI) or stage 2 or greater PrI. PrI incidence was 76%. Off‐loading occurred with pillows (76% of residents) rather than heel boots (21%) and often for those with DTI (91%). Subepidermal moisture was measured with a device where higher readings indicate greater moisture (range: 0‐70 tissue dielectric constant), with normal skin values significantly different from values in the presence of skin damage. Subepidermal moisture was associated with concurrent damage and damage 1 week later in generalised multinomial logistic models adjusting for age, diabetes and function. Subepidermal moisture detected DTI and differentiated those that resolved, remained and deteriorated over 16 weeks. Subepidermal moisture may be an objective method for detecting PrI.
Handing Off the Older Patient: Improved Documentation of Geriatric Assessment in Transitions of Care
Authors: Blomberg Ben A. , Mulligan Rebekah C. , Staub Stephen J. , Hanson Laura C. , Drickamer Margaret A. , Dale Maureen C.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To improve assessment and documentation of function, cognition, and advance care planning (ACP) in admission and discharge notes on an Acute Care of the Elderly (ACE) unit.

Design

Continuous quality improvement intervention with episodic data review.

Setting

ACE unit of an 866‐bed academic tertiary hospital.

Participants

Housestaff physicians rotating on the ACE unit (N = 31).

Intervention

Introduction of templated notes, housestaff education, leadership outreach, and posted reminders.

Measurements

Documentation of function, cognition, and ACP were assessed through chart review of a weekly sample of the ACE unit census and scored using predefined criteria.

Results

Medical records (N = 172) were reviewed. At baseline, 0% of admission and discharge notes met minimum documentation criteria for all 3 domains (function, cognition, ACP). Documentation of function and cognition was completely absent at baseline. After the intervention, there was marked improvement in all measures, with 64% of admission notes and 94% of discharge notes meeting minimum documentation criteria or better in all 3 domains.

Conclusion

A quality improvement intervention using geriatric‐specific note templates, housestaff training, and reminders increased documentation of function, cognition and ACP for postacute care.
Mechanisms of neuroprotection against ischemic insult by stress‐inducible phosphoprotein‐1/prion protein complex
Authors: Beraldo Flavio H. , Ostapchenko Valeriy G. , Xu Jason Z. , Di Guglielmo Gianni M. , Fan Jue , Nicholls Peter J. , Caron Marc G. , Prado Vania F. , Prado Marco A. M.
Published: December 2017

Stress‐inducible phosphoprotein 1 (STI1) acts as a neuroprotective factor in the ischemic brain and its levels are increased following ischemia. Previous work has suggested that some of these STI1 actions in a stroke model depend on the recruitment of bone marrow‐derived stem cells to improve outcomes after ischemic insult. However, STI1 can directly increase neuroprotective signaling in neurons by engaging with the cellular prion protein (PrPC) and activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR). Given that α7nAChR activation has also been involved in neuroprotection in stroke, it is possible that STI1 can have direct actions on neurons to prevent deleterious consequences of ischemic insults. Here, we tested this hypothesis by exposing primary neuronal cultures to 1‐h oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) and reperfusion and assessing signaling pathways activated by STI1/PrPC. Our results demonstrated that STI1 treatment significantly decreased apoptosis and cell death in mouse neurons submitted to OGD in a manner that was dependent on PrPC and α7nAChR, but also on the activin A receptor 1 (ALK2), which has emerged as a signaling partner of STI1. Interestingly, pharmacological inhibition of the ALK2 receptor prevented neuroprotection by STI1, while activation of ALK2 receptors by bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) either before or after OGD was effective in decreasing neuronal death induced by ischemia. We conclude that PrPC/STI1 engagement and its subsequent downstream signaling cascades involving α7nAChR as well as the ALK2 receptor may be activated in neurons by increased levels of STI1. This signaling pathway protects neurons from ischemic insults.

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Complications of botulinum toxin injection for masseter hypertrophy: Incidence rate from 2036 treatments and summary of causes and preventions
Authors: Peng Hsien‐Li Peter , Peng Jui‐Hui
Published: December 2017

Background

Masseter hypertrophy is a common, prominent feature in many Asian patients, and correction procedures are often requested for esthetic reasons. Toxin masseter injections have a high efficacy and safety profile, but the risks of a variety of side effects or complications remain.

Objectives

The categorization of various complications was based on etiology, with a presentation of the author's own incidence rates for consideration and comparison.

Methods

Six hundred and eighty patients received a total of 2036 sessions of toxin injection for masseter hypertrophy from 2011 to 2016, and complications or complaints were recorded through follow‐up on a by‐treatment basis. Complications were grouped together based on etiology and discussed.

Results

Of 2036 sessions, temporary mastication force decrease was reported after 611 (30%), bruising after 51 (2.5%), headaches after 12 (0.58%), smile limitation after 3 (0.15%), paradoxical bulging after 10 (0.49%), sunken cheeks (subzygomatic volume loss) after 9 (0.44%), and sagging after 4 (0.20%).

Conclusions

Masseter injections remain very safe. To further decrease the incidence rate, injections should only be inside the recommended safety zone, a quadrilateral within the muscle that avoids most important local structures. Keeping injections inside the safe zone, and ideally in 3‐4 different locations at least 1 cm from any border, is crucial for the prevention of complications.
Bank Capital and Lending Relationships
Authors: SCHWERT MICHAEL
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates the mechanisms behind the matching of banks and firms in the loan market and the implications of this matching for lending relationships, bank capital, and credit provision. I find that bank‐dependent firms borrow from well‐capitalized banks, while firms with access to the bond market borrow from banks with less capital. This matching of bank‐dependent firms with stable banks smooths cyclicality in aggregate credit provision and mitigates the effects of bank shocks on the real economy.
Effect of organic acids or probiotics alone or in combination on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, enzyme activities, intestinal morphology and gut microflora in broiler chickens
Authors: Rodjan P. , Soisuwan K. , Thongprajukaew K. , Theapparat Y. , Khongthong S. , Jeenkeawpieam J. , Salaeharae T.
Published: December 2017

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of organic acids or probiotics alone or in combination on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, enzyme activity, intestinal morphology and gut microflora in broiler chickens (Ross308). A completely randomized design was used, with 1,440 broiler chicks across four treatments and five replications of 72 chicks each. The chicks in the control treatment were fed on a control diet (CD), whereas for the other treatment groups, the CD was supplemented with 0.2 g/kg organic acids (CDOA), probiotics (CDP) or a combination of organic acids and probiotics (CDOAP). All the chicks were fed ad libitum during the feeding trial throughout 35 days. A total of 20 chicks were randomly allotted to individual metabolic cages to measure the nutrient digestibility (35–42 days) and the digestive enzyme activities (42 days). The intestinal morphology and gut microflora of 80 chicks were examined at the end of experiment. There were no significant (p > .05) differences in the feed intake, body weight gain or feed conversion ratio of the chicks across the four dietary treatments. The crude fibre digestibility was significantly increased in chicks fed on CDOA or CDOAP relative to CD (p < .05). Nutrient utilization, in terms of digestive enzyme activities and excreta thermal property, was unchanged by any supplementation. The chicks fed on the CDOAP had significantly higher duodenal villi height and crypt depth than the chicks fed on CDOA (p < .05). This dietary treatment dramatically improved gut microflora by decreasing the population of Escherichia coli and increasing the Lactobacillus spp.:E. coli ratio. Based on our investigations, supplementation of organic acids and probiotics in chick diets can increase the ability to digest crude fibre and villus height and decrease intestinal E. coli without impairing growth performance.
Spiritual Struggles and Health: Assessing the Influence of Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Krause Neal , Pargament Kenneth I. , Ironson Gail
Published: December 2017

Growing evidence suggests that spiritual struggles may play a major role in explaining the relationship between religion and health. Even so, there are significant gaps in the literature. More specifically, researchers do not know enough about how spiritual struggles arise in the first place. This study has two major goals. The first is to see whether socioeconomic status is associated with spiritual struggles. The second is to see whether spiritual struggles are associated with physical health. A conceptual model is tested that contains the following core hypotheses: (1) individuals with lower levels of educational attainment are more likely to encounter chronic economic difficulties; (2) people who experience ongoing financial strain are more likely to live in rundown neighborhoods; (3) people who live in dilapidated neighborhoods will be more angry than their well‐to‐do counterparts; (4) people who are more angry will, in turn, be more likely to experience spiritual struggles; and (5) greater spiritual struggles will be associated with more symptoms of physical illness. Data from a recent nationwide survey (N = 2,146) provide empirical support for each hypothesis.
Rapid legacy‐dependent succession of lichen assemblages after forest fires: Insights from two boreal regions
Authors: Lõhmus Piret , Lõhmus Asko , Hämäläinen Aino
Published: December 2017

Questions

(i) What is the impact of legacy structures on lichen assemblage development up to two decades post‐fire? (ii) How does that impact vary among ecological groups? (iii) Are charcoal‐inhabiting lichen assemblages regionally distinct?

Location

Hemiboreal pine forests, Estonia, and middle‐boreal pine forests, eastern Finland.

Methods

We performed standard lichen surveys (4 hr effort per 2 ha plot; on all substrates 0–2 m from the forest floor) and measured forest structure in 18 burned sites (nine in Finland and nine in Estonia). The sites included both old (15–21 years) and recent (9 years) fires, and half of the latter had been harvested for timber. We analysed lichen assemblages (full assemblages and different ecological groups) in relation to site factors (GLM for species richness; multivariate techniques for assemblage composition).

Results

Lichen assemblages on burned sites (altogether 187 species recorded) were regionally distinct and, additionally, significantly affected by the large variation in legacy and regeneration abundance among sites. Species richness was negatively related to abundance of fallen trees 9 years after fire but the relationship was positive 15–21 years post‐fire; this pattern indicated a change from the initial damage effect to a substrate‐providing effect of the fire. Microlichens and vegetatively dispersing lichens appeared more sensitive to disturbance (including harvesting), whereas macrolichens were more responsive to substrate provision. The main structural influences on lichens inhabiting charred substrates (67 species recorded in total) were similar to the factors affecting the composition of full lichen assemblages.

Conclusions

Within 10 years post‐fire, initial disturbance‐related damage to forest lichen assemblages was replaced by the dominance of substrate‐providing factors (legacies, regeneration). These damage and recovery phases differ among lichen groups, but are consistent between hemi‐ and middle‐boreal regions. The availability of post‐fire legacies, including charred surfaces, is of critical importance for the management of burned areas in modern landscapes.
Gene–Environment Interplay and Individual Differences in Behavior
Authors: Anreiter Ina , Sokolowski H. Moriah , Sokolowski Marla B.
Published: December 2017

Individuals of the same species display remarkable variation in behavior, even in identical contexts. Increasing complexity in behavioral phenotypes brings with it an increase in individual variation in the manifestation of those phenotypes, and human behavior undoubtedly stands at the pinnacle of complexity. In this article, we discuss current knowledge of gene–environment interplay and how the complex interactions of genes, experiences, epigenetics, and developmental timing give rise to individual differences in behavior.
Intractable epilepsy due to a rosette‐forming glioneuronal tumor with a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial background
Authors: Sumitomo Noriko , Ishiyama Akihiko , Shibuya Makoto , Nakagawa Eiji , Kaneko Yu , Takahashi Akio , Otsuki Taisuke , Kakita Akiyoshi , Saito Yuko , Sato Noriko , Sugai Kenji , Sasaki Masayuki
Published: December 2017

A rosette‐forming glioneuronal tumor (RGNT) was initially reported as an infratentorial tumor that comprised both small neurocytic rosettes and astrocytic components. However, a few studies have reported supratentorial RGNTs arising in the cerebral hemispheres. Here, we report an unusual case involving a 9‐year‐old boy with a supratentorial RGNT who presented with intractable epilepsy and behavioral changes. Brain MRI revealed a well‐circumscribed space‐occupying lesion with septae in the right inferomedial parietal lobe. Electroencephalography showed multifocal spikes over the right frontal, temporal and parietal regions. The seizure frequency decreased dramatically after tumorectomy. Histopathological examination revealed prominent neurocytic rosette formation appearing with the specific glioneuronal element of a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT). Although the pathogenesis has not been elucidated, a supratentorial RGNT presenting with epilepsy may exhibit a rosette component, which is the major feature of this tumor, against the background of a specific glioneuronal element mimicking DNT. However, RGNT arising in regions other than the fourth ventricle is rare, and the pathogenesis of epilepsy due to RGNT has not been fully elucidated. Further clinical and histological studies are required to understand the pathology underlying epilepsy caused by RGNT.
Small bowel fed response as measured by wireless motility capsule: Comparative analysis in healthy, gastroparetic, and constipated subjects
Authors: Surjanhata B. , Brun R. , Wilding G. , Semler J. , Kuo B.
Published: December 2017

Background

Small bowel fed response is an increased contractile activity pattern following the ingestion of a meal. Postprandial motility is traditionally evaluated using small bowel manometry. Wireless motility capsule (WMC) is an ingestible wireless capsule that measures pH, temperature, and intraluminal pressure. The primary aim of the study was to assess small bowel fed response captured with the non‐invasive WMC. The secondary aim was to compare the fed response patterns between healthy subjects and patients with motility disorders of gastroparesis and constipation.

Methods

All subjects had 250 cc Ensure® meal 6 hours after WMC ingestion. Frequency of contractions (Ct), area under the curve (AUC), and motility index (MI) were analyzed during 30 minutes of pre‐prandial baseline and 60 minutes postprandially in 20‐minute windows.

Key Results

One hundred and eighty‐eight subjects (107 healthy, 23 gastroparetics, 58 constipated) were analyzed. Healthy: Ct, AUC, and MI all increased significantly immediately after meal ingestion (P < .01). Motility parameters peak at 20‐40 minutes postmeal. The motor activity decreased at the end of postprandial hour, but was still significantly higher than the fasting baseline (P < .01). Gastroparetics: All motility parameters failed to increase significantly compared to the baseline throughout the entire postprandial hour. Constipated: The fed response was similar to healthy subjects.

Conclusions and Inferences

The small bowel fed response was readily observed in healthy and chronic constipation subjects with WMC but is blunted in gastroparetics. A blunted small bowel fed response suggests neuropathic changes outside the stomach and may contribute to postprandial symptoms.
Percutaneous endoscopic colostomy for adults with chronic constipation: Retrospective case series of 12 patients
Authors: Strijbos D. , Keszthelyi D. , Masclee A. A. M. , Gilissen L. P. L.
Published: December 2017

Background

Percutaneous endoscopic colostomy (PEC) is a technique derived from percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. When conservative treatment of chronic obstipation fails, colon irrigation via PEC seems less invasive than surgical interventions. However, previous studies have noted high complication rates of PEC, mostly related to infections. Our aim was to report our experiences with PEC in patients with chronic refractory constipation.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent PEC for refractory constipation in our secondary referral hospital between 2009 and 2016.

Key Results

Twelve patients received a PEC for chronic, refractory constipation. Short‐term efficacy for relief of constipation symptoms was good in 8 patients and moderate in 4 patients. Two patients had the PEC removed because of spontaneous improvement of constipation. Three patients, who initially noticed a positive effect, preferred an ileostomy over PEC after 1‐5 years. One PEC was removed because of an abscess. Long‐term efficacy is 50%: 6 patients still use their PEC after 3.3 years of follow‐up. No mortality occurred.

Conclusions and Interferences

PEC offers a technically easily feasible and safe treatment option for patients with chronic constipation not responding to conventional therapy. Long‐term efficacy of PEC in our patients is 50%.
Plant–microbe interactions: organelles and the cytoskeleton in action
Authors: Park Eunsook , Nedo Alexander , Caplan Jeffrey L. , Dinesh‐Kumar Savithramma P.
Published: December 2017

Contents

Summary
1012

I.
Introduction
1012

II.
The endomembrane system in plant–microbe interactions
1013

III.
The cytoskeleton in plant–microbe interactions
1017

IV.
Organelles in plant–microbe interactions
1019

V.
Inter‐organellar communication in plant–microbe interactions
1022

VI.
Conclusions and prospects
1023

Acknowledgements
1024

References
1024

Plants have evolved a multilayered immune system with well‐orchestrated defense strategies against pathogen attack. Multiple immune signaling pathways, coordinated by several subcellular compartments and interactions between these compartments, play important roles in a successful immune response. Pathogens use various strategies to either directly attack the plant's immune system or to indirectly manipulate the physiological status of the plant to inhibit an immune response. Microscopy‐based approaches have allowed the direct visualization of membrane trafficking events, cytoskeleton reorganization, subcellular dynamics and inter‐organellar communication during the immune response. Here, we discuss the contributions of organelles and the cytoskeleton to the plant's defense response against microbial pathogens, as well as the mechanisms used by pathogens to target these compartments to overcome the plant's defense barrier.
Brain responses to stimuli mimicking dental treatment among non‐phobic individuals: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yeung AWK , Goto TK , Leung WK
Published: December 2017

Numerous neuroimaging studies have attempted to identify how the brain responds to stimuli mimicking dental treatment in normal non‐phobic individuals. However, results were sometimes inconsistent due to small sample sizes and methodological variations. This meta‐analysis employs standardized procedures to summarize data from previous studies to identify brain regions that were consistently activated across studies, elicited by stimuli such as pictures, sounds, or audiovisual footage mimicking those encountered during dental treatments. A systematic literature search was carried out using PubMed and Scopus. The meta‐analysis analyzed data from 120 healthy subjects from seven neuroimaging studies. We assessed the risk of bias among the included studies with the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Nonrandomized Studies. One study appeared to have a high risk of selection bias, whereas the others were considered to have a low risk of bias. Results revealed three clusters of activation with cluster sizes ranging from 768 mm3 to 1,424 mm3. Stimuli mimicking dental treatment consistently activated the bilateral anterior insula; right dorsal anterior cingulate, putamen, and medial prefrontal cortex; and left claustrum. This study confirmed that audio and/or visual stimuli mimicking dental treatment consistently activated the fear‐related brain regions among healthy subjects, mostly consistent with activations from general anxiety but without the involvement of the amygdala.
Management of intracranial hemorrhage in severe factor V deficiency and definitive treatment with liver transplantation
Authors: DesPain Angelica W. , Kshetrapal Anisha , Kousa Youssef A. , Guelcher Christine , Yazigi Nada A. , Gonzalez Corina E. , Nguyen Vinh , Kroemer Alexander , Kaufman Stuart S. , Guerrera Michael F.
Published: December 2017

FV is primarily produced in the liver, and congenital FV deficiency is a disorder with an incidence of one in 1 million. Standard care is to treat severe bleeding phenotypes with FFP as there is no recombinant or plasma‐derived FV concentrate. We present a case of a neonate with known severe FV deficiency diagnosed after prolonged bleeding after circumcision who represented at age 2 months with a large left intraparenchymal hemorrhage. His bleed was treated with FFP, platelet transfusion, recombinant VIIa, and emergent evacuation. He was maintained on plasma infusions but was unable to space his infusions beyond 48 hours. Liver transplantation was considered as a definitive treatment for this condition. While awaiting a suitable liver, his FV trough levels occasionally dropped below 5%, and he suffered from a second acute intracranial bleed. He received an orthotopic liver transplant at age 5 months, resulting in correction of his FV levels. He has not required any plasma infusions post‐transplantation and has had no further bleeding episodes. Liver transplantation should be considered as definitive treatment early in the course for patients with severe FV deficiency and first time life‐threatening bleed.