bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An optimal production/maintenance strategy under lease contract with warranty periods
Authors: Hajej Zied , Rezg Nidhal , ali Gharbi
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the optimal production policy and maintenance strategy for leased equipment under a lease contract with warranty periods. In order to have steady revenue, the lessor (owner) of the equipment may provide guaranty periods to encourage the lessee to sign a lease contract with a longer lease period.

Design/methodology/approach

– Under this production/maintenance scheme, the mathematical model of the expected total cost is developed and the optimal production planning and the corresponding optimal maintenance policy are derived by choosing the optimal warranty periods for the lessee in order to minimize the total cost.

Findings

– The influence of the production rates variation in the equipment degradation is considered by an increased failure rate according to both time and production rates. The impact of warranty periods on optimal maintenance planning will be studied thereafter. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the analytical study and the effects of the warranty periods variation during the lease periods on the maintenance policy and consequently on the total cost.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes a new idea of production and maintenance coupling in the leasing aspect. This study shows that it has a novelty and originality relative to this type of problem which considers and proposes a new maintenance strategy for leasing contract. This originality characterized by the influence of two factors on the equipment maintenance strategy. First factor is the influence of the production variation production rates on the machine degradation degree that is new in the literature charactering by analytical equation that shows the evolution of the machine failure rate according to its use (which is in our case the production rate for each period) respecting in the same time the continuity of the equipment reliability for a period to another.
Open innovation: an analysis of twelve years of research
Authors: Hossain Mokter , Anees-ur-Rehman Muhammad
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore patterns and developments in the open innovation literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– A bibliometric analysis was performed by classifying 411 articles in a range of key attributes.

Findings

– Europe (61 per cent) as a region of data source was higher than all other regions together. As a unit of analysis, firm level (65 per cent) was more than all other levels together. Qualitative studies were mostly case-based, and quantitative studies were largely based on survey and panel data. Regression was a widely used analytical technique.

Originality/value

– The authors identified avenues to address overlooked research topics, increase cross-continental collaboration, diversity of research methods beyond case study and survey, etc. Based on findings, the authors outlined some future research directions.
Parasite infection alters nitrogen cycling at the ecosystem scale
Authors: Mischler John , Johnson Pieter T.J. , McKenzie Valerie J. , Townsend Alan R.
Published: February 2016

Despite growing evidence that parasites often alter nutrient flows through their hosts and can comprise a substantial amount of biomass in many systems, whether endemic parasites influence ecosystem nutrient cycling, and which nutrient pathways may be important, remains conjectural.

A framework to evaluate how endemic parasites alter nutrient cycling across varied ecosystems requires an understanding of the following: (i) parasite effects on host nutrient excretion; (ii) ecosystem nutrient limitation; (iii) effects of parasite abundance, host density, host functional role and host excretion rate on nutrient flows; and (iv) how this infection‐induced nutrient flux compares to other pools and fluxes. Pathogens that significantly increase the availability of a limiting nutrient within an ecosystem should produce a measurable ecosystem‐scale response.

Here, we combined field‐derived estimates of trematode parasite infections in aquatic snails with measurements of snail excretion and tissue stoichiometry to show that parasites are capable of altering nutrient excretion in their intermediate host snails (dominant grazers). We integrated laboratory measurements of host nitrogen excretion with field‐based estimates of infection in an ecosystem model and compared these fluxes to other pools and fluxes of nitrogen as measured in the field. Eighteen nitrogen‐limited ponds were examined to determine whether infection had a measurable effect on ecosystem‐scale nitrogen cycling.

Because of their low nitrogen content and high demand for host carbon, parasites accelerated the rate at which infected hosts excreted nitrogen to the water column in a dose–response manner, thereby shifting nutrient stoichiometry and availability at the ecosystem scale. Infection‐enhanced fluxes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen were similar to other commonly important environmental sources of bioavailable nitrogen to the system. Additional field measurements within nitrogen‐limited ponds indicated that nitrogen flux rates from the periphyton to the water column in high‐snail density/high‐infection ponds were up to 50% higher than low‐infection ponds.

By altering host nutrient assimilation/excretion flexibility, parasites could play a widespread, but currently unrecognized, role in ecosystem nutrient cycling, especially when parasite and host abundances are high and hosts play a central role in ecosystem nutrient cycling.
Detection of human pathogenicFusariumspecies in hospital and communal sink biofilms by using a highly specific monoclonal antibody
Authors: Al‐Maqtoofi Marwan , Thornton Christopher R.
Published: February 2016

The fungusFusariumis well known as a plant pathogen, but has recently emerged as an opportunistic pathogen of humans. Habitats providing direct human exposure to infectious propagules are largely unknown, but there is growing evidence that plumbing systems are sources of human pathogenic strains in theFusarium solanispecies complex (FSSC) andFusarium oxysporumspecies complex (FOSC), the most common groups infecting humans. Here, a newly developed Fusarium‐specific monoclonal antibody (mAb ED7) was used to track FSSC and FOSC strains in sink drain biofilms by detecting its target antigen, an extracellular 200 kDa carbohydrate, in saline swabs. The antigen was detectable in 52% of swab samples collected from sinks across a University campus and a tertiary care hospital. The mAb was 100% accurate in detecting FSSC, FOSC, andF. dimerumspecies complex (FDSC) strains that were present, as mixed fungal communities, in 83% of sink drain biofilms. Specificity of the ELISA was confirmed by sequencing of the internally transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1)‐5.8S‐ITS2 rRNA‐encoding regions of culturable yeasts and molds that were recovered using mycological culture, while translation elongation factor (TEF)‐1αanalysis ofFusariumisolates included FSSC 1‐a, FOSC 33, and FDSC ET‐gr, the most common clinical pathotypes in each group.
Diffusible signal factor family signals provide a fitness advantage to Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris in interspecies competition
Authors: Deng Yinyue , Wu Jien , Yin Wenfang , Li Peng , Zhou Jianuan , Chen Shaohua , He Fei , Cai Jun , Zhang Lian‐Hui
Published: February 2016

Diffusible signal factor (DSF) represents a new class of widely conserved quorum sensing signals, which regulates various biological functions through intra‐ or interspecies signaling. The previous studies identified that there is an antagonistic interaction between Xanthomonas and Bacillus species bacteria in natural ecosystem, but the detailed molecular mechanism of interspecies competition is not clear. This study showed that Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) interfered with morphological transition and sporulation of Bacillus thuringiensis in mixed cultures, whereas abrogation of the DSF synthase RpfF reduced the interference. DSF inhibited B. thuringiensis cell division and sporulation through modulation of ftsZ, which encodes an important cell division protein in bacterial cells. In addition, RpfF is essential for production of six DSF‐family signals in Xcc, which employ the same signaling pathways to regulate biological functions in Xcc and play similar effects on reduction of cell division, sporulation and antibiotic resistance of B. thuringiensis. Furthermore, abrogation of RpfF decreased the competitive capability of Xcc against B. thuringiensis on the surface of Chinese cabbage leaves. Our findings provide new insights into the role of DSF‐family signals in interspecies competition and depict molecular mechanisms with which Xcc competes with B. thuringiensis.
Phenotype and toxicity of the recently discovered exlA‐positive Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains collected worldwide
Authors: Reboud Emeline , Elsen Sylvie , Bouillot Stéphanie , Golovkine Guillaume , Basso Pauline , Jeannot Katy , Attrée Ina , Huber Philippe
Published: February 2016

We recently identified a hypervirulent strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, differing significantly from the classical strains in that it lacks the type 3 secretion system (T3SS), a major determinant of P. aeruginosa virulence. This new strain secretes a novel toxin, called ExlA, which induces plasma membrane rupture in host cells. For this study, we collected 18 other exlA‐positive T3SS‐negative strains, analyzed their main virulence factors and tested their toxicity in various models. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two groups. The strains were isolated on five continents from patients with various pathologies or in the environment. Their proteolytic activity and their motion abilities were highly different, as well as their capacity to infect epithelial, endothelial, fibroblastic and immune cells, which correlated directly with ExlA secretion levels. In contrast, their toxicity towards human erythrocytes was limited. Some strains were hypervirulent in a mouse pneumonia model and others on chicory leaves. We conclude that (i) exlA‐positive strains can colonize different habitats and may induce various infection types, (ii) the strains secreting significant amounts of ExlA are cytotoxic for most cell types but are poorly hemolytic, (iii) toxicity in planta does not correlate with ExlA secretion.
Regulation as Country‐Specific (Dis‐)Advantage: Smoking Bans and the Location of Foreign Direct Investment in the Tobacco Industry
Authors: Crotty Jo , Driffield Nigel , Jones Chris
Published: February 2016

This paper seeks to examine the relationship between smoking bans and the propensity of tobacco firms to engage in foreign direct investment (FDI). Using international business theory based on the firm‐specific advantage/country‐specific advantage (FSA/CSA) matrix, the authors show that, contrary to what one may expect, smoking bans at home are an important institutional intervention, reducing the propensity for firms to engage in FDI, even to countries without a ban themselves.
Beyond breadth: the contributions of vocabulary depth to reading comprehension among skilled readers
Authors: Binder Katherine S. , Cote Nicole Gilbert , Lee Cheryl , Bessette Emily , Vu Huong
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the relationships among vocabulary breadth, vocabulary depth, reading comprehension, and reading rate among college‐aged students. While the relationships of some of these variables have been explored in previous research, the current study's focus on the role of vocabulary depth on the literacy measures within a sample of skilled readers is new and produced several interesting findings. First, consistent with the hypotheses, both vocabulary breadth and depth were significantly correlated with reading comprehension and reading rate. Second, while both types of vocabulary knowledge explained unique variance in reading comprehension, only vocabulary breadth explained unique variance in reading rate. Finally, although vocabulary breadth was significantly correlated with both of the vocabulary depth measures, the two depth measures were not significantly correlated with each other. This work implies that a strong depth of vocabulary affects reading comprehension, in addition to the well‐established relationship between vocabulary breadth and comprehension.
Whose Responsibility? The Role of Bouncers in Policing the Public Spaces of Nightlife Districts
Authors: Liempt Van , Aalst Van
Published: February 2016

This article, based on interviews with bouncers and on ethnographic observations in two nightlife districts in the centre of two Dutch cities, Utrecht and Rotterdam, shows that public–private collaboration reveals ways of controlling public space that differ from traditional ways of policing. It demonstrates that plural policing does not automatically imply greater responsibility of private actors towards public (nightlife) spaces. A history of mistrust of private security, bouncers' increasingly ambiguous working conditions and the high levels of surveillance bouncers are subject to result in bouncers rather focusing on protecting the nightclub for which they are responsible and guaranteeing their own safety within the surveillance network, than on venturing out into public spaces to ‘protect and assure visitors' safety', as is assumed in Safe Nightlife Policies.
Mechanisms of Lethal Cerebrovascular Accidents in Turner Syndrome
Authors: Byard Roger W.
Published: February 2016

A case of intracerebral hemorrhage in Turner syndrome is reported with an analysis of possible causes of cerebrovascular accidents in this condition. A 42‐year‐old woman with known Turner syndrome died soon after hospital admission having been found unconscious at her home address. At autopsy, she showed typical features of Turner syndrome with short stature, webbing of the neck, underdeveloped breasts, and an increased carrying angle of the arm. Death was due to a large left‐sided intracerebral hemorrhage extending from the left basal ganglia into the white matter of the frontal lobe and lateral ventricle. Cases of unexpected death in Turner syndrome may arise from occult cerebrovascular accidents which may be hemorrhagic or nonhemorrhagic. Associated features include hypertension, vascular malformations, accelerated atherogenesis, cystic medial necrosis, and moyamoya syndrome. The possibility of Turner syndrome should be considered in cases where there has been a lethal cerebrovascular event in a younger woman.
Applying the technique of image classification to climate science: the case of Andalusia (Spain)
Authors: Gómez‐Zotano José , Alcántara‐Manzanares Jorge , Martínez‐Ibarra Emilio , Olmedo‐Cobo José Antonio
Published: February 2016

This paper proposes an empirical climate classification method based on the application of multivariate statistics. In this method, the technique of supervised and unsupervised image classification is used to classify the data and define climatic units.envisoftware is used to perform the image classification, specifically, the Iterative Self‐Organizing Data Analysis Technique algorithm. Supervised classification is also applied based on reference variables, fundamental parameters and a classifier. The obtained results display greater objectivity, reliability, operability, accessibility and reproducibility than previous climate classifications devised for the region of Andalusia (Spain), taking into account that these previous classifications were not based on quantitative criteria.
Effect of Pleurotus eryngii Mushroom β‐Glucan on Quality Characteristics of Common Wheat Pasta
Authors: Kim SunHee , Lee Jo‐Won , Heo Yena , Moon BoKyung
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of β‐glucan‐rich fractions (BGRFs) from Pleurotus eryngii mushroom powder on the quality, textural properties, and sensory evaluation of common wheat pasta. Pasta was prepared from semolina flour and common wheat flour by replacing common wheat flour at 2%, 4%, and 6% with BGRFs. Semolina flour showed significantly higher viscosities than common wheat flour samples. However, all viscosities, except the breakdown viscosity, were reduced with increasing percentages of BGRFs. Replacement of the common wheat flour with BGRFs resulted in a reddish brown colored pasta with a lower L* value and a higher a* value. The common wheat pastas containing up to 4% BGRFs were not significantly different from semolina pasta with regard to cooking loss. Addition of up to 2% BGRFs had no significant impact on swelling index and water absorption. The addition of BGRFs in common wheat flour had a positive effect on the quality of common wheat pasta and resulted in hardness values similar to those of semolina pasta. In a sensory evaluation, cooked pasta with 2% BGRFs had the highest overall acceptability score. In summary, the results showed that common wheat flour containing 4% BGRFs could be used to produce pasta with an improved quality and texture properties similar to semolina pasta.
Association between clinical and sonographic synovitis in patients with painful knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Abbasi Bita , Pezeshki‐Rad Masoud , Akhavan Reza , Sahebari Maryam
Published: February 2016

Aim and Objective

To evaluate the association between ultrasonographic findings of inflammation (effusion, synovitis) and clinical findings in patients with primary painful knee osteoarthritis.

Method

This cross‐sectional study was performed on 142 patients with primary painful knee osteoarthritis (American College of Rheumatology criteria) in whom the visual analogue scale of pain was 30 or more. Clinical parameters were evaluated by a rheumatologist using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score while the ultrasonographic examination was performed by a musculoskeletal radiologist in our center. Knee joint synovitis and effusion were defined as synovial thickness ≥ 4 mm and depth of fluid in the suprapatellar recess ≥ 4 mm, respectively.

Results

Sixty‐eight (47.9%) patients demonstrated neither synovitis nor effusion, 37 (26.1%) had only effusion, 11 (7.7%) had only synovitis and 26 (18.3%) had both effusion and synovitis in the ultrasonographic examination. There was significant association between ultrasonographic knee arthritis (defined as presence of synovitis or effusion) and WOMAC pain sub‐score, WOMAC physical function sub‐score and WOMAC total score. No significant association was noted between sonographic signs of arthritis and WOMAC joint stiffness sub‐score. We also found significant correlation between ultrasonographic synovitis and WOMAC pain sub‐score (P < 0.001), WOMAC physical function sub‐score (P < 0.001) and total WOMAC score (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study revealed a positive correlation between ultrasonographic synovitis and total WOMAC score, WOMAC pain and physical function sub‐score. There was no association between sonographic signs of arthritis and WOMAC joint stiffness sub‐score.
Inequality and the Tails: the Palma Proposition and Ratio
Authors: Cobham Alex , Schlögl Lukas , Sumner Andy
Published: February 2016

The Palma Proposition is that changes in income or consumption inequality are (almost) exclusively due to changes in the share of the richest 10 per cent and poorest 40 per cent because the ‘middle’ group between the richest and poorest tend to capture approximately 50 per cent of gross national income (GNI). The Palma Ratio is a measure of income or consumption concentration based on the above‐mentioned proposition and calculated as the GNI capture of the richest 10 per cent divided by that of the poorest 40 per cent. In this paper we revisit the empirical basis of the Palma Proposition (the relative stability of the ‘middle’) with a new and expanded data set across and within developing and developed countries. We find the data reaffirms the Palma Proposition and that the proposition is getting stronger over time.
Exploration of optimal time for initiating adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical resection: A retrospective study in Chinese patients with stage IIIA non‐small cell lung cancer in a single center
Authors: Zhu Yixiang , Zhai Xiaoyu , Chen Sipeng , Wang Ziping
Published: February 2016

Background

Adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) can reduce the risk of recurrence and improve survival after surgical resection in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We explore the optimal time from surgery to initiation of ACT in Chinese patients with stage IIIA NSCLC.

Methods

Patients pathologically diagnosed with IIIA NSCLC who underwent radical surgery were included in this study. The cut‐off point of time to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy (TTAC) was determined by maximally selected log‐rank statistics. Patients were divided into two groups according to the TTAC cut‐off point. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to eliminate confounding variables, and Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to analyze the impact of TTAC on disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

The cut‐off time was 46 days from surgery to the first ACT. Prior to PSM, baseline characteristic variables were balanced with no statistical difference between the groups, except for pathologic subtype and smoking history. No difference in DFS was found between the two groups prior to PSM (P = 0.529); after PSM, the median DFS was consistent between the two (P = 0.822). N2 lymph node station involvement was an independent factor associated with poor survival compared with patients with N0 lymph node involvement. Moderate differentiation and postoperative radiotherapy could improve survival; however, TTAC was not significantly correlated with DFS. Subgroup analyses showed no significant correlation between DFS and different TTAC programs.

Conclusion

No survival difference was obtained as to when ACT was initiated for patients with stage IIIA NSCLC.
Sesame genotype influences growth and phenology of Phelipanche aegyptiaca
Authors: Teimouri Jervekani M. , Karimmojeni H. , Brainard D.C. , Jafari M.
Published: February 2016

Egyptian broomrape (Phelipanche aegyptiaca) is a parasitic weed causing major yield loss in many field and vegetable crops. Recent observations in Iran suggest that sesame (Sesamum indicum) may serve either as a trap crop or as a host for broomrape, depending on genotype. The central objective of this research was to identify sesame genotypes that could act either as potential trap crops, or sources of genetic material for development of broomrape resistant cultivars. Seeds of 11 Iranian sesame genotypes (Ardestan, Esfarayen, Oltan, Ahvaz, Borazjan, Darab‐14, Ferdous, Kalat, Naz Tak Shakhe, Varamin and Yekta) and 10 foreign genotypes (S16, S21, S23, S25, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9) were planted with broomrape seeds in pots. At the flowering stage of sesame, tubercle number and dry weight, shoot number and dry weight and shoot height of broomrape were determined. Shoot dry weight, root dry weight and seed yield of sesame were determined at the physiological maturity. The results showed that broomrape growth varied with sesame genotype. Egyptian broomrape dry weight measured from 1.6% (S23) to 35.4% (Kalat) of the dry weight of the sesame on which it grew. Broomrape total dry weight had positive and highly correlation with the root dry weight of the sesame genotype on which it grew. When broomrape planted with the S7, S8, S9, S21 and S23 genotypes produced tubercles, but no shoots on these genotypes. Such genotypes could be used as both trap crops and as breeding‐sources for development of resistant sesame genotypes.
Relationship of Physician‐identified Patient Race and Ethnicity to Use of Computed Tomography in Pediatric Blunt Torso Trauma
Authors: Natale JoAnne E. , Joseph Jill G. , Rogers Alexander J. , Tunik Michael , Monroe David , Kerrey Benjamin , Bonsu Bema K. , Cook Lawrence J. , Page Kent , Adelgais Kathleen , Quayle Kimberly , Kuppermann Nathan , Holmes James F.
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The objective was to determine whether a child's race or ethnicity as determined by the treating physician is independently associated with receiving abdominal computed tomography (CT) after blunt torso trauma.

Methods

We performed a planned secondary analysis of a prospective observational cohort of children < 18 years old presenting within 24 hours of blunt torso trauma to 20 North American emergency departments (EDs) participating in a pediatric research network, 2007–2010. Treating physicians documented race/ethnicity as white non‐Hispanic, black non‐Hispanic, or Hispanic. Using a previously derived clinical prediction rule, we classified each child's risk for having an intra‐abdominal injury undergoing acute intervention to define injury severity. We performed multivariable analyses using generalized estimating equations to control for confounding and for clustering of children within hospitals.

Results

Among 12,044 enrolled patients, treating physicians documented race/ethnicity as white non‐Hispanic (n = 5,847, 54.0%), black non‐Hispanic (n = 3,687, 34.1%), or Hispanic of any race (n = 1,291, 11.9%). Overall, 51.8% of white non‐Hispanic, 32.7% of black non‐Hispanic, and 44.2% of Hispanic children underwent abdominal CT imaging. After age, sex, abdominal ultrasound use, risk for intra‐abdominal injury undergoing acute intervention, and hospital clustering were adjusted for, the likelihood of receiving an abdominal CT was lower (odds ratio [OR] = 0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.7 to 0.9) for black non‐Hispanic than for white non‐Hispanic children. For Hispanic children, the likelihood of receiving an abdominal CT did not differ from that observed in white non‐Hispanic children (OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.8 to 1.1).

Conclusions

After blunt torso trauma, pediatric patients identified by the treating physicians as black non‐Hispanic were less likely to receive abdominal CT imaging than those identified as white non‐Hispanic. This suggests that nonclinical factors influence clinician decision‐making regarding use of abdominal CT in children. Further studies should focus on explaining how patient race can affect provider choices regarding ED radiographic imaging.
Navigating conflicts of interest in a rapidly changing research landscape
Authors: Munafò Marcus R.
Published: February 2016

Commentary to: Should academic journals publish e‐cigarette research linked to tobacco companies?
Phylogeography of a Patagonian lizard and frog: Congruent signature of southern glacial refuges
Authors: Vidal Marcela A. , Ibáñez Soledad , Moreno Patricio I. , Poulin Elie
Published: February 2016

Pleistocene glaciations produced significant increases in continental ice cover in polar and mid‐latitude temperate areas, sea‐level declines and shifts and reshuffling of biomes, all of which promote either isolation, coalescence or fragmentation in the distribution of land biota. If populations of several taxa have been co‐distributed for a prolonged time, and if the periods between perturbation or vicariance processes have been more or less stable, it is expected that divergence patterns of closely related and ecologically similar species will be congruent because of their similar biological and demographic characteristics. Based on this premise, we analysed the phylogeographic structure (cytochrome b) ofLiolaemus pictusandBatrachyla leptopus, two widely co‐distributed lizard and frog species, respectively, in the Chiloé Archipelago of southern Chile, to decipher their genetic structure in response to a common climatic and environmental history. Haplotype network analysis and Bayesian inference suggest an evolutionary pattern of genetic diversity for the two species that is consistent with the Quaternary glacial history of southern Chile, and suggests a complex phylogeographic history in theLiolaemusandBatrachylaspecies. High‐divergence levels among haplotypes in some island populations of the archipelago also suggest genetic connectivity between putative refuges from Chiloé Island and the mainland along the exposed continental shelf during sea level minima associated with the most recent Quaternary glaciations. Our results are consistent with our hypothesis that two species have responded to parallel historical events in which the historical process during the last glacial maximum (approximately 41°S) has been sufficient to influence their phylogeographic structure.
Temporal fluctuation in shrub species preferences of two native rodents: The effect of infection status on habitat use
Authors: Donoso M. Isabel , Fonturbel Francisco E. , Cares Rocío A. , Oda Esteban , Ramirez Patricia A. , Botto‐Mahan Carezza
Published: February 2016

Small mammals use plant species for gathering food resources and for shelter. Preferences for certain plant species are related to nutritional restrictions and behavioural patterns, which could be altered in the presence of an infectious disease. Several native small mammals are part of the wild cycle of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, responsible for Chagas disease in humans. This is a vector‐borne disease transmitted by insects of the subfamily Triatominae. We examined the effect of T. cruzi infection status on the use and preference patterns of shrub species by two native rodent species: Octodon degus and Phyllotis darwini. This study was conducted during four sampling years (2010–2013) in a hyper‐endemic zone of Chagas disease located in a semiarid Mediterranean ecosystem. We captured individuals of 599 O. degus and 575 P. darwini (89% of the total captures), which were related to nine shrub species and examined for T. cruzi infection. In a community‐level analysis, infected and non‐infected O. degus used individual shrub species within the shrub community significantly non‐randomly relative to their availability; the same pattern was detected for non‐infected P. darwini individuals, whereas infected individuals used the shrub community according to the abundance of each shrub species. Examining individual preferences, both rodents showed a strong preference for Flourensia thurifera and Colliguaja odorifera regardless of their infection status. Preferences for specific shrub species were variable among years, showing a ‘core’ of preferred shrub species and variable levels of use of the remaining ones. Our results show that T. cruzi infection in wild small mammals can modify habitat use patterns and preferences for certain shrub species, probably affecting processes acting at community level.
Interactions between fire and introduced deer herbivory on coastal heath vegetation
Authors: Crowther Mathew S. , Ortac Geetha , Pedersen Simen , McArthur Clare
Published: February 2016

The coastal heathlands of the Royal National Park are impacted by both fire and herbivory by introduced deer, and to date these two factors have been dealt with independently in the management of natural areas. In recent years, there has been increasing recognition for a more integrated approach to manage these two disturbance agents. Fire and its role in Australian heathlands are well known, while impacts from introduced deer and the combined effects of fire and introduced deer are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of fire and Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) on both vegetation cover and floristics. The percentage cover of plants at different height layers and the presence/absence of individual species were recorded at sites representing two different burn histories (1993/1994 and 2000/2001) and deer presence or absence. Fire significantly reduced vegetation cover at low (<50 cm) and intermediate heights (50–100 cm), while deer presence affected grasses and sedges, and low vegetation at more recently burnt sites. Rusa deer also affected composition of the plant species assemblages, but no such effect was found for fire. Understanding the influence of each disturbance factor independently and together in the heathlands will be critical for implementing a more robust framework for future management.
The Politics of Judicial Procedures: The Role of Public Oral Hearings in the German Constitutional Court
Authors: Krehbiel Jay N.
Published: February 2016

Modern liberal democracies typically depend on courts with the power of constitutional review to ensure that elected officials do not breach their constitutional obligations. The efficacy of this review, however, can depend on the public observing such breaches. One resource available to many of the world's constitutional courts to influence the public's ability to do so is public oral hearings. Drawing on the comparative judicial literature on separation of powers, public awareness, and noncompliance, I develop a formal model of public oral hearings. The model provides empirical implications for when a court will hold public oral hearings and how hearings correspond to a court's willingness to rule against elected officials. An empirical analysis of hearings at the German Constitutional Court supports the model's prediction that courts use hearings as a resource to address potential noncompliance.
Oleuropein induces mitochondrial biogenesis and decreases reactive oxygen species generation in cultured avian muscle cells, possibly via an up‐regulation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α
Authors: Kikusato Motoi , Muroi Hikaru , Uwabe Yuichiro , Furukawa Kyohei , Toyomizu Masaaki
Published: February 2016

It has been shown that oleuropein, a phenolic compound in the fruit and leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea) induces mammalian uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression via an increased secretion of noradrenaline and adrenaline. This study investigated the effects of oleuropein on avian UCP (avUCP) expression as well as genes related to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and biogenesis in cultured avian muscle cells, together with reactive oxygen species generation. Oleuropein induced avUCP as well as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1α (PGC‐1α), nuclear respiratory factor‐1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and ATP5a1 (a component of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthase) gene expression and cytochrome c oxidase activity, indicating the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis. Sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) gene expression was also up‐regulated by this compound, which could contribute to an increase in PGC‐1α activity. Oleuropein suppressed the level of superoxide generation per mitochondrion, possibly via the up‐regulation of avUCP and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression. Based on these findings, this study is the first to show that oleuropein may induce avUCP expression in avian muscle cells independent of the catecholamines, in which PGC‐1α may be involved.
Conventional bone plate fixation of distal radius and ulna fractures in toy breed dogs
Authors: Ramírez JM , Macías C
Published: February 2016

Objective

To describe the outcome of bone plate fixation of distal radius and ulna fractures in toy breed dogs treated with conventional bone plates.

Methods

Records of 15 toy breed dogs with distal radius and ulna fractures were retrospectively reviewed for signalment, method of fixation, complications and clinical and radiographic assessments. A telephone‐based owner questionnaire was conducted to determine long‐term function and client satisfaction.

Results

Age ranged from 4 months to 6 years. Body weight ranged from 1 to 4 kg. Dynamic compression plates were used in 13 dogs and veterinary cuttable plates were used in 2 dogs as the means of fixation. Full radiographic and clinical follow‐up data were available for 10 dogs and follow‐up was performed between 6 and 8 weeks postoperatively. At that time, all fractures had healed and return to function was considered excellent in all 10 dogs. Five dogs did not return for hospital evaluation because they were judged by their owners to be free of lameness. In two cases, owners could not be contacted by telephone, but the referring veterinarians reported the dogs to be asymptomatic. No major complications occurred.

Clinical significance

Conventional bone plates are suitable choices for stabilisation of distal radius and ulna fractures in toy breed dogs and are not necessarily correlated with high rates of complication.
A Novel Random Effect Model for GWAS Meta-Analysis and Its Application to Trans-Ethnic Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shi Jingchunzi , Lee Seunggeun
Published: February 2016

Meta-analysis of trans-ethnic genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has proven to be a practical and profitable approach for identifying loci that contribute to the risk of complex diseases. However, the expected genetic effect heterogeneity cannot easily be accommodated through existing fixed-effects and random-effects methods. In response, we propose a novel random effect model for trans-ethnic meta-analysis with flexible modeling of the expected genetic effect heterogeneity across diverse populations. Specifically, we adopt a modified random effect model from the kernel regression framework, in which genetic effect coefficients are random variables whose correlation structure reflects the genetic distances across ancestry groups. In addition, we use the adaptive variance component test to achieve robust power regardless of the degree of genetic effect heterogeneity. Simulation studies show that our proposed method has well-calibrated type I error rates at very stringent significance levels and can improve power over the traditional meta-analysis methods. We reanalyzed the published type 2 diabetes GWAS meta-analysis (Consortium et al., 2014) and successfully identified one additional SNP that clearly exhibits genetic effect heterogeneity across different ancestry groups. Furthermore, our proposed method provides scalable computing time for genome-wide datasets, in which an analysis of one million SNPs would require less than 3 hours.
A New Flexible Dependence Measure for Semi-Competing Risks
Authors: Yang Jing , Peng Limin
Published: February 2016

Semi-competing risks data are often encountered in chronic disease follow-up studies that record both nonterminal events (e.g., disease landmark events) and terminal events (e.g., death). Studying the relationship between the nonterminal event and the terminal event can provide insightful information on disease progression. In this article, we propose a new sensible dependence measure tailored to addressing such an interest. We develop a nonparametric estimator, which is general enough to handle both independent right censoring and left truncation. Our strategy of connecting the new dependence measure with quantile regression enables a natural extension to adjust for covariates with minor additional assumptions imposed. We establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators and develop inferences accordingly. Simulation studies suggest good finite-sample performance of the proposed methods. Our proposals are illustrated via an application to Denmark diabetes registry data.
Preschool children's learning proclivities: When the ritual stance trumps the instrumental stance
Authors: Wilks Matti , Kapitány Rohan , Nielsen Mark
Published: February 2016

Previous research has demonstrated an efficiency bias in social learning whereby young children preferentially imitate the functional actions of a successful individual over an unsuccessful group member. Our aim in the current research was to examine whether this bias remains when actions are presented as conventional rather than instrumental. Preschool children watched videos of an individual and a group member. The individual always demonstrated a successful instrumental action and the group member an unsuccessful action that was either causally transparent or opaque. Highlighting the selective nature of social learning, children copied the group at higher rates when the demonstrated actions were causally opaque than when they were causally transparent. This research draws attention to the influence of conventional/ritual‐like actions on young children's learning choices and emphasizes the role of this orientation in the development of human‐specific cumulative culture.
Early childhood profiles of sleep problems and self‐regulation predict later school adjustment
Authors: Williams Kate E. , Nicholson Jan M. , Walker Sue , Berthelsen Donna
Published: February 2016

Background

Children's sleep problems and self‐regulation problems have been independently associated with poorer adjustment to school, but there has been limited exploration of longitudinal early childhood profiles that include both indicators.

Aims

This study explores the normative developmental pathway for sleep problems and self‐regulation across early childhood and investigates whether departure from the normative pathway is associated with later social–emotional adjustment to school.

Sample

This study involved 2,880 children participating in the Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) – Infant Cohort from Wave 1 (0–1 years) to Wave 4 (6–7 years).

Method

Mothers reported on children's sleep problems, emotional, and attentional self‐regulation at three time points from birth to 5 years. Teachers reported on children's social–emotional adjustment to school at 6–7 years. Latent profile analysis was used to establish person‐centred longitudinal profiles.

Results

Three profiles were found. The normative profile (69%) had consistently average or higher emotional and attentional regulation scores and sleep problems that steadily reduced from birth to 5 years. The remaining 31% of children were members of two non‐normative self‐regulation profiles, both characterized by escalating sleep problems across early childhood and below mean self‐regulation. Non‐normative group membership was associated with higher teacher‐reported hyperactivity and emotional problems, and poorer classroom self‐regulation and prosocial skills.

Conclusion

Early childhood profiles of self‐regulation that include sleep problems offer a way to identify children at risk of poor school adjustment. Children with escalating early childhood sleep problems should be considered an important target group for school transition interventions.
Genes encoding members of the JAK‐STAT pathway or epigenetic regulators are recurrently mutated in T‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: López Cristina , Bergmann Anke K. , Paul Ulrike , Murga Penas Eva M. , Nagel Inga , Betts Matthew J. , Johansson Patricia , Ritgen Matthias , Baumann Tycho , Aymerich Marta , Jayne Sandrine , Russell Robert B. , Campo Elias , Dyer Martin JS , Dürig Jan , Siebert Reiner
Published: February 2016

T‐cell prolymphocytic leukaemia (T‐PLL) is an aggressive leukaemia. The primary genetic alteration in T‐PLL are the inv(14)(q11q32)/t(14;14)(q11;q32) leading to TRD/TRA‐TCL1A fusion, or the t(X;14)(q28;q11) associated with TRD/TRA‐MTCP1 fusion. However, additional cooperating abnormalities are necessary for emergence of the full neoplastic phenotype. Though the pattern of secondary chromosomal aberrations is remarkably conserved, targets of the changes are largely unknown. We analysed a cohort of 43 well‐characterized T‐PLL for hotspot mutations in the genes JAK3, STAT5B and RHOA. Additionally, we selected a subset of 23 T‐PLL cases for mutational screening of 54 genes known to be recurrently mutated in T‐cell and other haematological neoplasms. Activating mutations in the investigated regions of the JAK3 and STAT5B genes were detected in 30% (13/43) and 21% (8/39) of the cases, respectively, and were mutually exclusive. Further, we identified mutations in the genes encoding the epigenetic regulators EZH2 in 13% (3/23), TET2 in 17% (4/23) and BCOR in 9% (2/23) of the cases. We confirmed that the JAK‐STAT pathway is a major mutational target, and identified epigenetic regulators recurrently mutated in T‐PLL. These findings complement the mutational spectrum of secondary aberrations in T‐PLL and underscore the potential therapeutical relevance of epigenetic regulators in T‐PLL.
Effect of mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibition on T cell function: potential role in graft‐versus‐host disease control
Authors: Herrero‐Sánchez Ma Carmen , Rodríguez‐Serrano Concepción , Almeida Julia , San‐Segundo Laura , Inogés Susana , Santos‐Briz Ángel , García‐Briñón Jesús , SanMiguel Jesús F. , Del Cañizo Consuelo , Blanco Belén
Published: February 2016

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for the activation and function of T cells, which play an essential role in the development of graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD). Despite its partial ability to block mTOR pathway, the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin has shown encouraging results in the control of GvHD. Therefore, we considered that simultaneous targeting of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes could exert a more potent inhibition of T cell activation and, thus, could have utility in GvHD control. To assess this assumption, we have used the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitors CC214‐1 and CC214‐2. In vitro studies confirmed the superior ability of CC214‐1 versus rapamycin to block mTORC1 and mTORC2 activity and to reduce T cell proliferation. Both drugs induced a similar decrease in Th1/Th2 cytokine secretion, but CC214‐1 was more efficient in inhibiting naïve T cell activation and the expression of T‐cell activation markers. In addition, CC214‐1 induced specific tolerance against alloantigens, while preserving anti‐cytomegalovirus response. Finally, in a mouse model of GvHD, the administration of CC214‐2 significantly improved mice survival and decreased GvHD‐induced damages. In conclusion, the current study shows, for the first time, the immunosuppressive ability of CC214‐1 on T lymphocytes and illustrates the role of CC214‐2 in the allogeneic transplantation setting as a possible GvHD prophylaxis agent.
Outcomes for paediatric Burkitt lymphoma treated with anthracycline‐based therapy in Malawi
Authors: Stanley Christopher C. , Westmoreland Kate D. , Heimlich Brett J. , El‐Mallawany Nader K. , Wasswa Peter , Mtete Idah , Butia Mercy , Itimu Salama , Chasela Mary , Mtunda Mary , Chikasema Mary , Makwakwa Victor , Kaimila Bongani , Kasonkanji Edwards , Chimzimu Fred , Kampani Coxcilly , Dhungel Bal M. , Krysiak Robert , Montgomery Nathan D. , Fedoriw Yuri , Rosenberg Nora E. , Liomba N. George , Gopal Satish
Published: February 2016

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is the most common paediatric cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Anthracyline‐based treatment is standard in resource‐rich settings, but has not been described in SSA. Children ≤18 years of age with newly diagnosed BL were prospectively enrolled from June 2013 to May 2015 in Malawi. Staging and supportive care were standardized, as was treatment with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) for six cycles. Among 73 children with BL, median age was 9·2 years (interquartile range 7·7–11·8), 48 (66%) were male and two were positive for human immunodeficiency virus. Twelve (16%) had stage I/II disease, 36 (49%) stage III and 25 (34%) stage IV. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 17 (25%), and grade 3/4 anaemia in 29 (42%) of 69 evaluable children. Eighteen‐month overall survival was 29% (95% confidence interval [CI] 18–41%) overall. Mortality was associated with age >9 years [hazard ratio [HR] 2·13, 95% CI 1·15–3·94], female gender (HR 2·12, 95% CI 1·12–4·03), stage (HR 1·52 per unit, 95% CI 1·07–2·17), lactate dehydrogenase (HR 1·03 per 100 iu/l, 95% CI 1·01–1·05), albumin (HR 0·96 per g/l, 95% CI 0·93–0·99) and performance status (HR 0·78 per 10‐point increase, 95% CI 0·69–0·89). CHOP did not improve outcomes in paediatric BL compared to less intensive regimens in Malawi.