bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correcting the overestimate of forest biomass carbon on the national scale
Authors: Zhou Xiaolu , Lei Xiangdong , Peng Changhui , Wang Weifeng , Zhou Carl , Liu Caixia , Liu Zhenggang
Published: November 2015

For decades, researchers have thought it was difficult to remove the uncertainty from the estimates of forest carbon storage and its changes on national sales. This is not only because of stochasticity in the data but also the bias to overcome in the computations. Most studies of the estimation, however, ignore quantitative analyses for the latter uncertainty. This bias primarily results from the widely used volume‐biomass method via scaling up forest biomass from limited sample plots to large areas. This paper addresses (i) the mechanism of scaling‐up error occurrence, and (ii) the quantitative effects of the statistical factors on the error.

The error compensators were derived, and expressed by ternary functions with three variables: expectation, variance and the power in the volume‐biomass equation. This is based on analysing the effect of power‐law function convexity on scaling‐up error by solving the difference of both sides of the weighted Jensen inequality. The simulated data and the national forest inventory of China were used for algorithm testing and application, respectively.

Scaling‐up error occurrence stems primarily from an effect of the distribution heterogeneity of volume density on the total biomass amount, and secondarily from the extent of function nonlinearities. In our experiments, on average 94·2% of scaling‐up error can be reduced for the statistical populations of forest stands in a region. China's forest biomass carbon was estimated as approximately 6·0 PgC or less at the beginning of the 2010s after on average 1·1% error compensation.

The results of both the simulated data experiment and national‐scale estimation suggest that the biomass is overestimated for young forests more than others. It implies a necessity to compensate scaling‐up error, especially for the areas going through extensive afforestation and reforestation in past decades.

This study highlights the importance of understanding how both the function nonlinearity and the statistics of the variables quantitatively affect the scaling‐up error. Generally, the presented methods will help to translate fine‐scale ecological relationships to estimate coarser scale ecosystem properties by correcting aggregation errors.
Withdrawal from Chronic Alcohol Induces a Unique CCL2 mRNA Increase in Adolescent But Not Adult Brain—Relationship to Blood Alcohol Levels and Seizures
Authors: Harper Kathryn M. , Knapp Darin J. , Breese George R.
Published: November 2015

Background

The role of neuroimmune activation in withdrawal from chronic alcohol (ethanol) has been established in both adolescent and adult models, but direct comparisons across age are sparse. Studies need to elucidate age‐dependent neuroimmune effects of alcohol and to focus research attention on age‐dependent mechanisms and outcomes.

Methods

Adult and adolescent rats from 2 commonly used strains, Wistar and Sprague Dawley (SD), were maintained on continuous 7%, 5.35%, 4.5% alcohol diet (CAD) or cycled 7% w/v alcohol diet for 15 days. Cortical tissue was collected at 0, 8, 16, and 24 hours postwithdrawal followed by measurement of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 1 beta mRNA with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Both age groups and strains showed a strong cytokine mRNA response at 7% CAD. Further, a greater increase in CCL2 mRNA was observed in the cortex of adolescents at 7% CAD, which correlated with higher blood alcohol levels (BALs). Adolescents exposed to 5.35% CAD exhibited similar blood levels and cytokine responses as adults exposed to 7% CAD. Substantial variability in CCL2 mRNA responses was found only in adolescent rats exposed to 7% CAD. In this group, data could be segregated into high‐responding and low‐responding groups. Moreover, the data from the high‐responding group were associated with seizures.

Conclusions

Relative to other cytokine mRNAs, CCL2 exhibits a unique response profile during withdrawal from CAD. This profile is shown in adolescents, where CCL2 is uniquely influenced by the effects of seizures. Additionally, this profile is shown by the fact that only CCL2 expression correlated with BAL that transcended age groups. These data emphasize the importance of BALs and treatment regimen on developmental neuroimmune responses and suggest that select components of the neuroimmune system are more responsive to CAD withdrawal and that neurobiological mechanisms differentiating these responses should be further explored.
Elephant‐induced damage drives spatial isolation of the dioecious palmBorassus aethiopumMart. (Arecaceae) in the Pendjari National Park, Benin
Authors: Salako Valère K. , Azihou Akomian F. , Assogbadjo Achille E. , Houéhanou Thierry D. , Kassa Barthélémy D. , Glèlè Kakaï Romain L.
Published: November 2015

Spatial patterns (SP) of treefall by elephants is known to be clustered across landscapes as a result of food selection and group foraging. Yet, few studies have explicitly elucidated how elephant pressure (EP) altersSPand tree‐to‐tree distance of tree species especially for dioecious plant species, at stand scale. Using the pair‐correlation function and distance to the nearest neighbour on spatial data from five plots of 1–1.5 ha, this article comparedSPof damaged and undamaged individuals and tree‐to‐tree distance of the dioecious palmBorassus aethiopumMart. in stands of low versus highEPin the Pendjari National Park. We tested the hypothesis that highEPwould modifySPand results into isolated adults. NestedANOVAs were used to compare distances. The overallSPof individuals did not vary, but distance among living adults was twofold extended in stands of highEP. The Janzen–Connell escape hypothesis is supported by our data for ungrazed saplings. The study concluded that increasingEPreduces density and induces spatial isolation of adults that may increase pollination failure and threat persistence ofB. aethiopum.
Characterization of genetic variation in TLR8 in relation to allergic rhinitis
Authors: Henmyr V. , Lind‐Halldén C. , Carlberg D. , Halldén C. , Melén E. , Wickman M. , Bergström A. , Säll T. , Cardell L. O.
Published: November 2015

Background

A previous investigation of all 10 TLR genes for associations with allergic rhinitis (AR) detected a number of significant SNPs in the TLR8 locus. The associations indicated that an accumulation of rare variants could explain the signal. This study therefore searches for rare variants in the TLR8 region and also investigates the reproducibility of previous SNP associations.

Methods

The TLR8 gene was resequenced in 288 AR patients from Malmö and the data were compared with publically available data. Seven previously AR‐associated SNPs from TLR8 were analyzed for AR associations in 422 AR patients and 859 controls from the BAMSE cohort. The associations detected in present and previous studies were compared.

Results

Sequencing detected 13 polymorphisms (three promotor and 10 coding) among 288 AR patients. Four of the coding polymorphisms were rare (MAF < 1%) and three of those were novel. Two coding polymorphisms were benign missense mutations and the rest were synonymous. Comparison with 1000Genomes and Exome Aggregation Consortium data revealed no accumulation of rare variants in the AR cases. The AR association tests made using the BAMSE cohort yielded five P‐values <0.05. Tests of IgE levels yielded four significant SNP associations to birch pollen. Comparing results between different populations revealed opposing risk alleles, different gender effects, and response to different allergens in the different populations.

Conclusions

Rare variants in TLR8 are not associated with AR. Comparison of present and previous association studies reveals contradictory results for common variants. Thus, no associations exist between genetic variation in TLR8 and AR.
Intrapartum Synthetic Oxytocin and Its Effects on Maternal Well‐Being at 2 Months Postpartum
Authors: Gu Vivian , Feeley Nancy , Gold Ian , Hayton Barbara , Robins Stephanie , Mackinnon Anna , Samuel Simcha , Carter C. Sue , Zelkowitz Phyllis
Published: November 2015

Background

Synthetic oxytocin (synOT) is commonly used in labor management to induce and augment labor, and to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. However, its long‐term consequences for maternal health and behavior are largely understudied. We examined the relationship between synOT and maternal oxytocin levels, breastfeeding, and maternal mental health at 2 months postpartum.

Methods

Women were recruited during pregnancy or within 48 hours of giving birth through obstetric practices and hospitals. A total of 386 women were visited in their homes at 2 months postpartum, where they completed questionnaires assessing breastfeeding, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and somatization. Oxytocin levels were obtained from blood samples and synOT dosage information was gathered from hospital charts.

Results

Intrapartum synOT dose was positively correlated with endogenous oxytocin levels at 2 months postpartum. Women who were exclusively breastfeeding at 2 months postpartum had received significantly less synOT compared with their nonexclusively breastfeeding counterparts. Higher synOT dose was associated with greater depressive, anxious, and somatization symptoms. SynOT dose was not associated with perinatal posttraumatic stress.

Conclusions

The widespread use of synOT in managed labor warrants caution, as the influence of synOT on a new mother's well‐being is evident at 2 months postpartum.
Acculturation and Intention to Breastfeed among a Population of Predominantly Puerto Rican Women
Authors: Barcelona de Mendoza Veronica , Harville Emily , Theall Katherine , Buekens Pierre , Chasan‐Taber Lisa
Published: November 2015

Background

Latinas have high overall breastfeeding initiation rates, yet Puerto Ricans have among the lowest exclusive breastfeeding rates. This study sought to determine if acculturation was associated with intent to breastfeed in a predominantly Puerto Rican population.

Methods

A cohort of Latina women were enrolled in Proyecto Buena Salud, and provided information on infant feeding intent (n = 1,323). Acculturation was assessed via the Psychological Acculturation Scale (PAS), language preference, and generation in the United States.

Results

Increasing acculturation as measured by English language preference (aOR 0.61 [95% CI 0.42–0.88]) and second or third generation in the United States (aOR 0.70 [95% CI 0.52–0.95)] was inversely associated with odds of intending to exclusively breastfeed. Similarly, women with higher levels of acculturation as measured by the PAS (aOR 0.67 [95% CI 0.45–0.99]), English language preference (aOR 0.48 [95% CI 0.33–0.70]) and second or third generation in the United States (aOR 0.42 [95% CI 0.31–0.58]) were less likely to report intent to combination feed as compared with women with lower acculturation.

Conclusions

Acculturation was inversely associated with intent to exclusively breastfeed and intent to combination feed in this predominantly Puerto Rican sample.
How Long Is Safe? Setting the Cutoff for Uncomplicated Third Stage Length: A Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Shinar Shiri , Schwartz Anat , Maslovitz Sharon , Many Ariel
Published: November 2015

Objective

The aim of our study was to determine the optimal time for manual placental removal in an uncomplicated third stage while taking into consideration the risk for blood transfusion. Risk factors for postpartum blood transfusions were studied.

Methods

Computerized data of all vaginal deliveries at our labor and delivery unit from 2010 to 2014 were obtained. Cases of complete and spontaneous placental separation up to 60 minutes into the third stage of labor were extracted for analysis. Patient demographics, obstetrical history, delivery course, and outcome were assessed as well as blood product requirements during the postpartum period. Receiver–operating curves (ROC) for prediction of blood transfusion during the third stage were calculated and risk factors were assessed.

Results

31,226 vaginal deliveries occurred during the study period and 28,586 deliveries culminated with complete and spontaneous placental separation, 25,160 of which met inclusion criteria. Independent risk factors for blood transfusions were primiparity, longer second and third stage length, labor induction, and maternal intrapartum fever.

ROC curves showed that the optimal cutoff for the prediction of blood transfusions was 17 minutes into the third stage of labor. Waiting more than 30 minutes for placental separation increases the risk for blood transfusion more than threefold.

Conclusions

A third stage longer than 17 minutes is associated with an increased risk for blood transfusion postpartum. After more than 30 minutes, the risk for blood transfusions increases more than threefold.
Morphological, structural and biophysical properties of French and Brazilian photoaged skin
Authors: Mercurio D.G. , Jdid R. , Morizot F. , Masson P. , Maia Campos P.M.B.G.
Published: November 2015

Background

Knowledge of skin biology and its alterations in different populations is very important for the development of appropriate skincare strategies.

Objectives

To evaluate and compare morphological, structural and biophysical properties of photoaged skin in French and Brazilian populations, using biophysical and skin-imaging techniques.

Methods

Forty-one French and 41 Brazilian healthy, female volunteers aged between 40 and 65 years were enrolled. Each participant completed a questionnaire concerning habits related to cosmetic use, sun exposure and sun protection during different life periods. Skin on the face and volar forearm was evaluated using noninvasive techniques, to determine skin colour, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum water content, skin microrelief, skin viscoelasticity and dermis structure. Reflectance confocal microscopy was used to measure epidermal layer thickness and epidermal morphological and structural characteristics.

Results

Compared with Brazilian skin, French skin was more hydrated, had a lower TEWL and presented a distinct viscoelastic profile on the forearms and face. Brazilian facial skin was more wrinkled, and the dermis was less echogenic on the forearms and face. The French participants had thicker stratum corneum. Brazilian facial skin presented a higher prevalence of rete ridge effacement, low interkeratinocyte reflectance, huddled collagen and solar elastosis.

Conclusions

Morphological, structural and biophysical differences were found when assessing the skin of the Brazilian and French participants, who were exposed to different environmental factors.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Aβ42 Levels: When Physiological Become Pathological State
Authors: Martorana Alessandro , Di Lorenzo Francesco , Belli Lorena , Sancesario Giuseppe , Toniolo Sofia , Sallustio Fabrizio , Sancesario Giulia Maria , Koch Giacomo
Published: November 2015

Impaired amyloid beta (Aβ) metabolism is currently considered central to understand the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Measurements of cerebrospinal fluid Aβ levels remain the most useful marker for diagnostic purposes and to individuate people at risk for AD. Despite recent advances criticized the direct role in neurodegeneration of cortical neurons, Aβ is considered responsible for synaptopathy and impairment of neurotransmission and therefore remains the major trigger of AD and future pharmacological treatment remain Aβ oriented. However, experimental and clinical findings showed that Aβ peptides could have a wider range of action responsible for cell dysfunction and for appearance of clinico‐pathological entities different from AD. Such findings may induce misunderstanding of the real role played by Aβ in AD and therefore strengthen criticism on its centrality and need for CSF measurements. Aim of this review is to discuss the role of CSF Aβ levels in light of experimental, clinical pathologic, and electrophysiological results in AD and other pathological entities to put in a correct frame the value of Aβ changes.
Cerebral palsy after neonatal encephalopathy: do neonates with suspected asphyxia have worse outcomes?
Authors: Garfinkle Jarred , Wintermark Pia , Shevell Michael I , Oskoui Maryam ,   the Canadian Cerebral Palsy Registry
Published: November 2015

Aim

We sought to investigate how brain injury and severity, and neurological subtype of cerebral palsy (CP) differed in term‐born children with CP after neonatal encephalopathy, between those with suspected birth asphyxia and those without.

Method

Using the Canadian CP Registry, which included 1001 children, those with CP born at ≥36wks after moderate or severe neonatal encephalopathy, were dichotomized according to the presence or absence of suspected birth asphyxia. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) scores, neurological subtypes, comorbidities, and magnetic resonance imaging findings were compared.

Results

Of the 147 term‐born children with CP (82 males, 65 females; median age 37 months, interquartile range [IQR] 26–52.5) who after moderate or severe neonatal encephalopathy had the required outcome data, 61 (41%) met criteria for suspected birth asphyxia. They had a higher frequency of non‐ambulatory GMFCS status (odds ratio [OR] 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72–6.8), spastic quadriplegia (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4–5.6), non‐verbal communication skills impairment (OR 4.2, 95% CI 2.0–8.6), isolated deep grey matter injury (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.8–9.5), a lower frequency of spastic hemiplegia (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.07–0.42), focal injury (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.04–0.93), and more comorbidities (p=0.017) than those who did not meet criteria.

Interpretation

Term‐born children who develop CP after neonatal encephalopathy with suspected birth asphyxia have a greater burden of disability than those without suspected birth asphyxia.
Successful Colonization of a Novel Urban Environment is Associated with an Urban Behavioural Syndrome in a Reed‐Nesting Waterbird
Authors: Minias Piotr
Published: November 2015

Urbanization is currently considered one of the most rapid types of global environmental change. More and more wildlife species are subject to increasing anthropogenic disturbance, but only some of them adapt to become successful urban exploiters. Although a number of fixed life history characteristics may enhance population persistence in an urbanized landscape, behavioural traits are thought to be critical for colonization of a novel urban environment. Within the class of birds, behavioural responses to urban environment have been assessed mostly for passerine species. Here, I examined behavioural alterations in a recently founded urban population of a reed‐nesting rallid species, the Eurasian coot Fulica atra. I found that urban coots adapted to nest in anthropogenically transformed littoral zones with scarce or no emergent vegetation, which precluded efficient nest concealment. Despite this, urban individuals spent, on average, less time incubating due to more frequent bouts off the nest than suburban conspecifics. This pattern was likely possible due to the relaxation of predation pressure in the colonized urban environment. Urban birds were also more aggressive, approached a human intruder at the nest more closely and were more likely to actively defend their nests. Finally, they had a reduced level of physiological stress (as measured with heterophil/lymphocyte ratio) when compared with suburban individuals. In conclusion, the behaviour of coots from the recently founded urban population was consistent with behavioural syndromes found in typical urban exploiters. The results support the central role of behavioural adaptation in successful colonization of novel environments by wildlife.
Effects of Familiarity and Population Density on Competitive Interactions and Growth: An Experimental Study on a Territorial Salmonid Fish
Authors: Závorka Libor , Näslund Joacim , Aldvén David , Höjesjö Johan , Johnsson Jörgen I.
Published: November 2015

The deleterious effect of competition for space and food in animals increases with increasing population density. In contrast, familiarity towards conspecifics can relax the intensity of interference competition. Here, we hypothesized that familiarity towards conspecifics mitigates the effect of density‐dependent growth and dispersal behaviour in territorial animals. To test this, wild‐captured juvenile brown trout were subjected to two consecutive laboratory experiments. First, growth and fin erosion were measured for 40 d in a 2 × 2 factorial design manipulating density and familiarity. The density was manipulated via size of experimental tanks, while per capita food abundance and fish number was constant. All fish were subsequently exposed to an emergence test, giving them the option to leave their group and disperse to a novel unoccupied environment. The results show that familiarity increases growth and decreases the level of fin erosion (i.e. proxy of intensity of aggressive interactions). We found no significant effect of population density on growth rate. However, there was a tendency towards higher fin erosion in fish kept under high density. The growth of individuals was also affected by their size rank within the group, with the largest individuals in each group growing disproportionally faster than the rest of the group, probably due to their high social rank. However, the second and third fish in the size rank did not grow significantly faster and tended to suffer higher mortality than the rest of the group. During the emergence test, the largest individuals in the familiar groups left the shelter either as the first (six of 12 groups) or last (five of 12 groups) individual in the group, while no such pattern was observed in unfamiliar groups. Our results suggest that individuals in familiar groups receive less aggression and stress (i.e. fin damage) and grow faster than fish in unfamiliar groups. The mechanisms indicated in this laboratory study may be especially important in highly fecund organisms like fish which undergo density‐dependent bottlenecks during early life.
Case series: Persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate in eight horses
Authors: Barakzai S. Z. , Turner S. J. , Dixon P. M.
Published: November 2015

Persistent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (pDDSP) is a relatively rare equine disorder. This case series reports histories and clinical findings in 8 cases of pDDSP, and outcome after treatment of concurrent epiglottic entrapment (n = 3), laryngeal tie‐forward (n = 6) ± laser staphylectomy (n = 2), and/or sectioning of mucosa ventral to the epiglottis and thehyoepiglotticusmuscles (n = 2). Four of 6 horses that underwent tie‐forward ± laser staphylectomy had complete resolution of pDDSP and returned to their previous level of work, as did one horse that had a subepiglottic releasing incision. Correction of concurrent epiglottic entrapment in 3 horses with pDDSP did not result in resolution of pDDSP in any case. Previous laryngeal surgery including laryngoplasty and ventriculocordectomy appear to be risk factors for the development of pDDSP.
Effects of aneuploidy on gene expression: implications for cancer
Authors: Dürrbaum Milena , Storchová Zuzana
Published: November 2015

Unbalanced chromosome content, so‐called aneuploidy, is a hallmark of cancer cells. Changes in the copy numbers of chromosomes or large chromosomal regions significantly alter the expression of several hundreds of genes that are gained or lost. At the same time, aneuploidy per se affects the transcription of many genes throughout the entire genome, as several pathways are activated or inhibited in response to changes in chromosome copy number. In recent years, a large amount of quantitative genome, transcriptome and proteome data has enabled comparison of the changes in gene expression observed in aneuploid cancer cells, as well as in model aneuploid cells with defined karyotypes. Here, we summarize how aneuploidy shapes gene expression and how it may contribute to the phenotypes of cancer cells.
Effect of superfine grinding on physicochemical and antioxidant properties of pomegranate peel
Authors: Zhong Chen , Zu Yuangang , Zhao Xiuhua , Li Yong , Ge Yunlong , Wu Weiwei , Zhang Yin , Li Yuanyuan , Guo Dongjie
Published: November 2015

Pomegranate peel powders were prepared by superfine grinding, whose effects were investigated on the composition, functional and antioxidant properties of the pomegranate peel products. Fluidised bed jet milling technology was used to process superfine pomegranate peel powder. The physical–chemical properties of coarse powder A (D50 = 413.4 μm) and B (D50 = 197.1 μm), fine powder C (D50 = 142.6 μm) and D (D50 = 41.2 μm), superfine powder E (D50 = 7.68 μm) and raw material powder (RMP) (D50 = 352.2 μm) were investigated in this study. SEM images revealed the shape and surface morphology of six pomegranate peel powders. The physical determinations showed that the smaller the powder particle size was, the greater the surface area (from 0.214 to 1.597 m2 g−1) and bulk density (from 0.653 to 0.751 g mL−1) were, the smaller the angles of repose (from 51.69° to 38.74°) and slide (from 48.32° to 34.18°) were. The water holding capacity (WHC), water‐solubility index (WSI), polyphenols and flavonoids release were significantly improved as the size of pomegranate peel particle decreased. The results of FTIR and UV indicated that grinding process would not influence chemical composition of pomegranate peel. Vitamin C (VC) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were used in DPPH scavenging activity determination, and DPPH scavenging activity was A < RMP < BHT < B < C < D < E < VC.
Diversity of polyphenols in the peel of apple (Malus sp.) germplasm from different countries of origin
Authors: Guo Shaojian , Guan Le , Cao Yuegang , Li Chunfeng , Chen Jie , Li Jihu , Liu Guotian , Li Shaohua , Wu Benhong
Published: November 2015

This study investigated ten polyphenolic compounds in the peel of 145 apple cultivars grown in the same location while originated from different countries over two successive years. Despite significant year effect of individual and total polyphenol concentrations on each cultivar, both concentrations showed similar distributions in the 2 years, and genotypic correlations among them were relatively stable. Genotypic variations were considerable, with total polyphenol concentration ranging from 363.9 to 2516.9 μg g−1 FW. Cyanidin‐3‐galactoside was found only in red apple peels, at levels of 67.8–371.6 μg g−1 FW. Flavanols (epicatechin and catechin) and dihydrochalcones (mainly phloridzin) accounted for 8.8–66.1% and 8.58–61.2% of total polyphenols, respectively. Six flavonols (quercetin‐3‐galactoside, quercetin‐3‐glucoside, quercetin‐3‐rhamnoside, quercetin‐3‐xyloside, quercetin‐3‐arabinoside, and quercetin‐3‐rhamnoglucoside) were identified. The proportion of flavonols was 9.3–70.6% of total polyphenols. This wide variation could help in selecting cultivars with different polyphenol patterns in the peel. Principal component analysis showed that cultivars originated from different countries could not be distinguished in terms of polyphenol profiles.
Phenolic contents, antioxidant activities and potential bioaccessibilities of industrial pomegranate nectar processing wastes
Authors: Surek Ece , Nilufer‐Erdil Dilara
Published: November 2015

Antioxidant potential and bioaccessibility of co‐products from industrial pasteurised pomegranate nectar (PN) processing such as peel (PP), press cake (PC) and precipitate after clarification (PAC) in comparison with raw material (arils) and final products (CON and PN) were determined. Total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), anthocyanin (TAC), tannin contents (TTC) and antioxidant activity (TAA) were determined besides identifying major phenolics and investigating in vitro bioaccessibility after gastrointestinal (GI) digestion. PP showed the highest values, except for TAC. Phenolics (12.7–43.0%) were found to be more stable than anthocyanins (0.6–2.1%) after in vitro GI digestion. PAC was found to be a better source for anthocyanins than CON and also showed higher phenolic bioaccessibility (28.8%) than PN (19.6%). PC and PAC possessed as much TPC, TFC, TTC and TAA levels as CON, with some exceptions. Therefore, these results indicated that not only PP but also PC and PAC should be valorised as a good source for phenolics and anthocyanins.
The prevalence of CALR mutations in a cohort of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Grinsztejn E. , Percy M. J. , McClenaghan D. , Quintana M. , Cuthbert R. J. G. , McMullin M. F.
Published: November 2015

Introduction

To investigate the prevalence of calreticulin (CALR) mutations in JAK2‐ and MPL‐non‐mutated patients with suspected myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) from a large MPN clinic and confirm a diagnosis of MPN.

Methods

JAK2/MPL‐non‐mutated patients from the Belfast City Hospital (BCH) with either of the MPNs – ET or MF – and diagnosed between 1988 and 2014 were selected for CALR screen. All cases were validated according to the WHO 2008 classification for MPNs. Statistical analysis was performed with Minitab 16 Statistical Software package. Exon 9 of CALR was amplified by PCR using genomic DNA, and mutations were detected by fragment analysis.

Results

Of the 62 JAK2/MPL‐non‐mutated MPN patients screened, 57 had ET and 5 had MF; 34 patients (53.1%) carried CALR mutations. Three of 5 MF patients were CALR positive. Thirty‐one ET patients (54.3%) harboured CALR mutation, whereas 26 (45.7%) were classified as ‘triple negatives’.

Conclusion

Detection of CALR mutations in a cohort of JAK2/MPL‐non‐mutated patients with suspected MPN confirmed the diagnosis of MPN in around 53% of cases. This is lower than initially reported, but similar to subsequent studies. However, a sizable cohort of patients remains lacking a specific molecular marker.
Valuation and Forecasting Roles of Dividends of Indonesian Listed Firms
Authors: Hutagaol‐Martowidjojo Yanthi , Valentincic Aljosa
Published: November 2015

We study the role of dividends in valuation and in forecasting future earnings in a low‐protection environment with highly concentrated ownership that is expected to yield low earnings quality. Using a sample of 372 distinct Indonesian firms listed on the IDX during the period 1995 to 2012 we show that dividends are reliably positively priced by the capital market, violating thus the dividend displacement theorem. This result persists even after controlling for some typical factors that affect firm value (capital structure, risk) and the effect of factors not separately identified, but priced by the Indonesian capital market (other information). Dividends replace accounting earnings entirely in valuation. Dividends are positively correlated to future earnings over and above current accounting earnings and other accounting and market variables. Both findings show that dividends play a central role on the Indonesian capital market. Finally, we show evidence consistent with the view that earnings management of Indonesian firms after 2002 is contractually efficient rather than opportunistic.
Thiol/disulfide homeostasis in patients with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss assessed by a novel assay: Report of a preliminary study
Authors: Erkenekli Kudret , Sanhal Cem Yasar , Yucel Aykan , Bicer Cemile Koca , Erel Ozcan , Uygur Dilek
Published: November 2015

Aim

To evaluate the relationship between idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and oxidative stress (OS) by means of thiol/disulfide homeostasis via a novel technique.

Methods

Thirty‐nine pregnant women diagnosed with idiopathic RPL were compared with 50 healthy pregnant women without a history of abortion. Idiopathic RPL was defined as experiencing two or more consecutive miscarriages prior to 20 weeks of gestation with the presence of normal karyotypes of couple and/or abortus materials, negative maternal screening for anticardiolipin, anti β 2 glycoprotein antibodies and lupus anticoagulant, normal thyroid stimulating hormone, prolactin and hemoglobin A1C levels and normal pelvic sonography and/or hysterosalpingography. A new and fully automated method was used to measure plasma native thiol, total thiol and disulfide levels, based on the reduction of dynamic disulfide bonds to functional thiol groups by sodium borohydrate.

Results

Women with idiopathic RPL had significantly lower plasma levels of native thiol (341.89 ± 50.0 μmol/L vs. 390.84 ± 38.5 μmol/L, P < 0.001) and total thiol (386.18 ± 51.7 μmol/L vs. 435.78 ± 42.3 μmol/L, P < 0.001). Disulfide/thiol and disulfide/total thiol ratios were significantly higher in the study group. The native thiol/total thiol ratio was significantly lower in patients with idiopathic RPL. No difference was measured in disulfide, albumin and total protein plasma levels.

Conclusions

The main outcome of our study indicates a relation between idiopathic RPL and OS. More importantly, the new method used in our study proposes a promising, practical and daily applicable test for evaluating patients with idiopathic RPL. © 2015 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Association of NR3C1/Glucocorticoid Receptor gene SNP with azoospermia in Japanese men
Authors: Chihara Makoto , Yoshihara Kosuke , Ishiguro Tatsuya , Adachi Sosuke , Okada Hiroyuki , Kashima Katsunori , Sato Takaaki , Tanaka Atsushi , Tanaka Kenichi , Enomoto Takayuki
Published: November 2015

Aim

The molecular pathogenesis of non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is unclear. Our aim was to identify the genetic susceptibility for NOA in Japanese men by using a combination of transcriptome network analysis and SNP genotyping.

Material and Methods

We searched for candidate genes using RNA transcriptome network analysis of 2611 NOA‐related genes that we had previously reported. We analyzed candidate genes for disease linkage with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the genomes of 335 Japanese men with NOA and 410 healthy controls using SNP‐specific real‐time polymerase chain reaction TaqMan assays.

Results

Three candidate genes (NR3C1, YBX2, and BCL2) were identified by the transcriptome network analysis, each with three SNP. Allele frequency analysis of the nine SNP indicated a significantly higher frequency of the NR3C1 rs852977 G allele in NOA cases compared with controls (corrected P = 5.7e‐15; odds ratio = 3.20; 95% confidence interval, 2.40–4.26). The other eight candidate polymorphisms showed no significant association.

Conclusion

The NR3C1 rs852977 polymorphism is a potential marker for genetic susceptibility to NOA in Japanese men. Further studies are necessary to clarify the association between the NR3C1 polymorphism and alterations of glucocorticoid signaling pathway leading to male infertility.
Prediction of impending preterm delivery based on sonographic cervical length and different cytokine levels in cervicovaginal fluid in preterm labor
Authors: Jung Eun Young , Park Jeong Woo , Ryu Aeli , Lee Sung Youn , Cho Soo‐hyun , Park Kyo Hoon
Published: November 2015

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine whether cervicovaginal interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels, and cervical length, alone or in combination, could predict impending preterm delivery in women with preterm labor and intact membranes.

Material and Methods

Cervicovaginal swab samples for IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8 assays were taken from 136 consecutive women with preterm labor (23–34 weeks) before the transvaginal ultrasonography examination to measure cervical length. The primary outcome measurement was spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days of sampling.

Results

Spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days occurred in 28.6% (39/136) of patients. Receiver–operator characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that cervical length (P < 0.001), cervicovaginal IL‐6 (P < 0.001) and IL‐8 (P = 0.014), but not IL‐1β, could predict delivery within 7 days. According to the logistic regression analysis, high cervicovaginal IL‐8 (P = 0.008) and IL‐6 (P = 0.038) levels and short cervical length (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with delivery within 7 days, even after controlling for baseline variables. A combination of cervix length and cervicovaginal IL‐8 increased the specificity of detecting delivery within 7 days to 92.8%, which was superior to either test alone (P < 0.001), but the sensitivity was only 56.4%.

Conclusion

In women with preterm labor, among the parameters assessed, cervicovaginal IL‐6 and IL‐8 and cervical length are the most important parameters in predicting impending preterm delivery. A combination of cervix length and cervicovaginal IL‐8 appeared to be the best for predicting impending preterm delivery, but the relatively low sensitivity of this test may limit its clinical usefulness.
Sugar‐feeding status alters biting midge photoattraction
Authors: SNYDER D. , CERNICCHIARO N. , COHNSTAEDT L. W.
Published: November 2015

The biting midge Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) transmits pathogens to both livestock and wildlife. Biting midge surveillance relies heavily on light traps for collection; however, little is known about the light spectra preferences of C. sonorensis midges. A light assay arena was constructed and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) of various light spectra were used as light sources to evaluate midge photoattraction. A comparison of responses to light spectra indicated the highest proportions of C. sonorensis were attracted to ultraviolet (UV) light and that midges differentiated 10‐nm differences in wavelength. Stronger intensities of UV light resulted in greater attraction. Midges exhibited both sugar‐seeking and escape behaviours under different conditions of sugar supplementation before and during the experiment. These behaviours occurred with lights of 355 nm and 365 nm in wavelength. Based on the results of this study, the attraction of C. sonorensis to light traps can be improved through the use of bright LEDs at 355 nm or 365 nm.
Dispersal, dormancy and life‐history tradeoffs at the individual, population and species levels in southern African Asteraceae
Authors: de Waal Caroli , Anderson Bruce , Ellis Allan G.
Published: November 2015

Dispersal and dormancy are important risk‐reducing strategies in unpredictable environments. Negative covariation between these strategies is theoretically expected, but empirical evidence is limited and inconsistent. Moreover, covariation may be affected by other life‐history traits and may vary across levels of biological organization.

We assessed dispersal (vertical fall time of fruits, a proxy for wind dispersal ability) and dormancy (germination fractions measured during germination trials) in populations of 15 annual and 12 perennial wind‐dispersed species in six Asteraceae genera from South Africa.

Dormancy was higher in annuals than in perennials, whereas fall time was largely determined by evolutionary history. Controlling for phylogeny, dispersal and dormancy was negatively associated across species and life‐history categories. Negative covariation between dispersal and dormancy was not evident at either the individual level (except for seed heteromorphic species) or the population level.

Our study provides rare empirical support for the theoretical expectation of tradeoffs between dormancy and the alternative risk‐reducing strategies, perenniality and dispersal, but refutes the expectation of increased dispersability in perennials. Although negative covariation between dispersal and dormancy at the species level appears not to be a simple consequence of upscaling individual‐level mechanistic tradeoffs, our findings suggest that selection for one strategy may constrain evolution of the other.
Justified Belief from Unjustified Belief
Authors: Murphy Peter
Published: November 2015

Under what conditions is a belief inferentially justified? A partial answer is found in Justification from Justification (JFJ): a belief is inferentially justified only if all of the beliefs from which it is essentially inferred are justified. After reviewing some important features of JFJ, I offer a counterexample to it. Then I outline a positive suggestion for how to think about inferentially justified beliefs while still retaining a basing condition. I end by concluding that epistemologists need a model of inferentially justified belief that is more permissive and more complex than JFJ.
Tolerability, Safety, and Quality of Life with Tapentadol Prolonged Release (PR) Compared with Oxycodone/Naloxone PR in Patients with Severe Chronic Low Back Pain with a Neuropathic Component: A Randomized, Controlled, Open‐label, Phase 3b/4 Trial
Authors: Baron Ralf , Jansen Jan‐Peter , Binder Andreas , Pombo‐Suarez Manuel , Kennes Lieven , Müller Matthias , Falke Dietmar , Steigerwald Ilona
Published: November 2015

Objective

To evaluate tolerability, safety, and quality‐of‐life outcomes in non‐opioid‐pretreated patients with severe chronic low back pain with a neuropathic component receiving tapentadol PR vs. oxycodone/naloxone PR.

Methods

Eligible patients (average pain intensity [numerical rating scale] ≥ 6; painDETECT positive/unclear ratings) were randomized to twice‐daily tapentadol PR 50 mg or oxycodone/naloxone PR 10 mg/5 mg. After a 21‐day titration (maximum twice‐daily doses: tapentadol PR 250 mg, or oxycodone/naloxone PR 40 mg/20 mg plus oxycodone PR 10 mg), target doses were continued for 9 weeks. Change in the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms (PAC‐SYM) total score from baseline to final evaluation was a primary endpoint.

Results

For the primary tolerability‐related endpoint, the 97.5% exact repeated confidence interval for tapentadol PR minus oxycodone/naloxone PR for the PAC‐SYM total score was [−0.259, 0.121], showing noninferiority (upper limit < 0.7). Incidences of constipation and vomiting were significantly lower with tapentadol PR than oxycodone/naloxone PR (P ≤ 0.045). Confirmatory superiority based on formal noninferiority was shown for the primary effectiveness endpoint (change from baseline to final evaluation in pain intensity) for tapentadol PR vs. oxycodone/naloxone PR (presented separately). Improvements in the Short Form‐12 physical component summary and EuroQol‐5 Dimension health status index and health state assessment were significantly greater with tapentadol PR vs. oxycodone/naloxone PR (P ≤ 0.024).

Conclusions

Tapentadol PR had a minimal impact on bowel function (noninferior to oxycodone/naloxone PR) and, along with superior effectiveness (presented separately), was associated with significantly lower incidences of constipation and vomiting and significant improvements in quality‐of‐life measures vs. oxycodone/naloxone PR.
Salinity induces membrane structure and lipid changes in maize mesophyll and bundle sheath chloroplasts
Authors: Omoto Eiji , Iwasaki Yugo , Miyake Hiroshi , Taniguchi Mitsutaka
Published: November 2015

The membranes of Zea mays (maize) mesophyll cell (MC) chloroplasts are more vulnerable to salinity stress than are those of bundle sheath cell (BSC) chloroplasts. To clarify the mechanism underlying this difference in salt sensitivity, we monitored changes in the glycerolipid and fatty acid compositions of both types of chloroplast upon exposure to salinity stress. The monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) contents were higher in MC chloroplasts than in BSC chloroplasts, in both the presence and absence of salt treatment. Under salt conditions, the MGDG level in MC chloroplasts was significantly lower than under normal conditions, while it was unchanged in BSC chloroplasts. In both types of chloroplast, the contents of DGDG, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol remained at the same levels in control and salt‐treated plants, whereas sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine were significantly lower and higher, respectively, upon salt treatment. In addition, the fatty acid composition and double bond index of individual lipid classes were changed by salt treatment in both BSC and MC chloroplasts, although these factors had no effect on glycerolipid content. These findings suggest that the difference in salt sensitivity of MC and BSC chloroplast membranes is related to differences in MGDG responses to salinity. Thus, we propose that the low MGDG content and the low sensitivity of MGDG to salinity in BSC chloroplasts render them more tolerant than MC chloroplasts to salinity stress.
Global Innovation Races, Offshoring and Wage Inequality
Authors: Impullitti Giammario
Published: November 2015

In the 1970s and 1980s theUSposition as the global technological leader was increasingly challenged byJapan andEurope. In those years theUSskill premium and residual wage inequality increased substantially. This paper presents a two‐region, quality‐ladder growth model where the lagging economy progressively catches up with the leader. As the innovation gap closes, the advanced country experiences fiercer foreign technological competition that forces its firms to innovate more. Faster technical change increases the skill premium and residual inequality. Offshoring production and innovation plays a key role in shaping the link between international competition and inequality.
Early onset of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease contributes to the lethal outcome in lung transplant recipients: report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Jankovic Makek M. , Pavlisa G. , Jakopovic M. , Redzepi G. , Zmak L. , Vukic Dugac A. , Hecimovic A. , Mazuranic I. , Jaksch P. , Klepetko W. , Samarzija M.
Published: November 2015

Lung transplant (LuTx) recipients represent a population at risk of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM‐PD). Yet the risk factors, the timing of NTM‐PD after transplantation, and the association with allograft dysfunction all remain poorly defined. We report 2 cases of early‐onset NTM‐PD and review the literature, focusing on NTM‐PD in LuTx recipients not colonized with NTM prior to transplantation. In addition, we summarize the main characteristics and differences between early‐ and late‐onset disease.
Impacts of a new insurance benefit with capitated provider payment on healthcare utilization, expenditure and quality of medication prescribing in China
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhang Xiaotian , Zhang Zou , Wagner Anita K. , Ross‐Degnan Dennis , Hogerzeil Hans V.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To assess a new Chinese insurance benefit with capitated provider payment for common diseases in outpatients.

Methods

Longitudinal health insurance claims data, health administrative data and primary care facility data were used to assess trajectories in outpatient visits, inpatient admissions, expenditure per common disease outpatient (CD/OP) visit and prescribing indicators over time. We conducted segmented regression analyses of interrupted time series data to measure changes in level and trend overtime, and cross‐sectional comparisons against external standards.

Results

The number of total outpatient visits at 46 primary care facilities (on the CD/OP benefit as of July 2012) increased by 46 895 visits/month (P = 0.004, 95% CI: 15 795–77 994); the average number of CD/OP visits reached 1.84/year/enrollee in 2012; monthly inpatient admissions dropped from 6.4 (2009) to 4.3 (2012) per 1000 enrollees; the median total expenditure per CD/OP visit dropped by CNY 15.40 (P = 0.16, 95% CI: −36.95~6.15); injectable use dropped by 7.38% (P = 0.03, 95% CI: −14.08%~−0.68%); antibiotic use was not improved.

Conclusions

Zhuhai's new CD/OP benefit with capitated provider payment has expanded access to primary care, which may have led to a reduction in expensive specialist inpatient services for CD/OP benefit enrollees. Cost awareness was likely raised, and rapidly growing expenditures were contained. Although having been partially improved, inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics and injectables was still prevalent. More explicit incentives and specific quality of care targets must be incorporated into the capitated provider payment to promote scientifically sound and cost‐effective care and treatment.