bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic structure of genetic and phenotypic variation in the hybrid zone betweenQuercus affinisandQ. laurinainMexico
Authors: Ramos‐Ortiz S. , Oyama K. , Rodríguez‐Correa H. , González‐Rodríguez A.
Published: October 2015

Analyzing the structure of hybrid zones is important for inferring their origin, dynamics and evolutionary significance. We examined the geographic structure of phenotypic and genetic variation in the contact zone between two Mexican red oaks,Quercus affinisandQ. laurina. A total of 105 individuals from seven populations were sampled along a 600‐km latitudinal gradient representing the distribution area of the two species and their contact zone. Individuals were genotyped for nine nuclear and four chloroplastDNAmicrosatellite loci (ncSSRand cpSSR, respectively), and characterized for several leaf and acorn traits. The cpSSR data revealed extensive haplotype sharing among populations of the two species, while a Bayesian assignment analysis based on ncSSRs identified two main genetic groups, each corresponding to one of the species, and two populations in the contact zone showing evidence of admixture. The proportion of genetic ancestry in the populations was strongly associated with latitude and showed a pattern of variation with the shape of a narrow sigmoidal cline. The variation in three of the seven phenotypic traits was partially congruent with molecular variation, while the other traits did not conform to a geographic cline but instead were correlated with environmental variables. In conclusion, the hybrid zone between the two oak species has some of the characteristics of a tension zone, but heterogeneous variation across traits suggests differential introgression and the action of extrinsic selection.
Multilayered word structure model for assessing spelling of Finnish children in shallow orthography
Authors: Kulju Pirjo , Mäkinen Marita
Published: October 2015

This study explores Finnish children's word‐level spelling by applying a linguistically based multilayered word structure model for assessing spelling performance. The model contributes to the analytical qualitative assessment approach in order to identify children's spelling performance for enhancing writing skills. The children (N = 105) participated in two dictation assessments at the end of their first and second grades. The results indicate that long consonants and consonant sequences are the most problematic structures in both the first and second grades. The less‐advanced spellers were significantly weaker than others also in coding the overall syllable number, heavy unstressed syllables and long vowels in the first grade. In the second grade, they still had more difficulties in spelling heavy unstressed syllables and long quantities of vowels and consonants. The multilayered word structure model seems to give more information about the quality of spelling than error‐based holistic analyses. The model is applicable for other shallow orthographies as well.
Disease‐Specific Trends of Comorbidity Coding and Implications for Risk Adjustment in Hospital Administrative Data
Authors: Nimptsch Ulrike
Published: October 2015

Objective

To investigate changes in comorbidity coding after the introduction of diagnosis related groups (DRGs) based prospective payment and whether trends differ regarding specific comorbidities.

Data Sources

Nationwide administrative data (DRG statistics) from German acute care hospitals from 2005 to 2012.

Study Design

Observational study to analyze trends in comorbidity coding in patients hospitalized for common primary diseases and the effects on comorbidity‐related risk of in‐hospital death.

Extraction Methods

Comorbidity coding was operationalized by Elixhauser diagnosis groups. The analyses focused on adult patients hospitalized for the primary diseases of heart failure, stroke, and pneumonia, as well as hip fracture.

Principal Findings

When focusing the total frequency of diagnosis groups per record, an increase in depth of coding was observed. Between‐hospital variations in depth of coding were present throughout the observation period. Specific comorbidity increases were observed in 15 of the 31 diagnosis groups, and decreases in comorbidity were observed for 11 groups. In patients hospitalized for heart failure, shifts of comorbidity‐related risk of in‐hospital death occurred in nine diagnosis groups, in which eight groups were directed toward the null.

Conclusions

Comorbidity‐adjusted outcomes in longitudinal administrative data analyses may be biased by nonconstant risk over time, changes in completeness of coding, and between‐hospital variations in coding. Accounting for such issues is important when the respective observation period coincides with changes in the reimbursement system or other conditions that are likely to alter clinical coding practice.
Microbial and Sensory Effects of Combined High Hydrostatic Pressure and Dense Phase Carbon Dioxide Process on Feijoa Puree
Authors: Duong Trang , Balaban Murat , Perera Conrad , Bi Xiufang
Published: October 2015

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is used for microbial inactivation in foods. Addition of carbon dioxide (CO2) to HHP can improve microbial and enzyme inactivation. This study investigated microbial effects of combined HHP and CO2 on Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and evaluated sensory attributes of treated feijoa fruit puree (pH 3.2).

Microorganisms in their growth media and feijoa puree were treated with HHP alone (HHP), or saturated with CO2 at 1 atm (HHPcarb), or 0.4%w/w of CO2 was injected into the package (HHPcarb+CO2). Microbial samples were processed at 200 to 400 MPa, 25 °C, 2 to 6 min. Feijoa samples were processed at 600 MPa, 20 °C, 5 min, then served with and without added sucrose (10%w/w). Treated samples were analyzed for microbial viability and sensory evaluation.

Addition of CO2 enhanced microbial inactivation of HHP from 1.7‐log to 4.3‐log reduction in E. coli at 400 MPa, 4 min, and reduction of >6.5 logs in B. subtilis (vegetative cells) starting at 200 MPa, 2 min. For yeast, HHPcarb+CO2 increased the inactivation of HHP from 4.7‐log to 6.2‐log reduction at 250 MPa, 4 min. The synergistic effect of CO2 with HHP increased with increasing time and pressure. HHPcarb+CO2 treatment did not alter the appearance and color, while affecting the texture and flavor of unsweetened feijoa samples. There were no differences in sensory attributes and preferences between HHPcarb+CO2 and fresh sweetened products. Addition of CO2 in HHP treatment can reduce process pressure and time, and better preserve product quality.
Inhibition of Bacterial Pathogens in Medium and on Spinach Leaf Surfaces using Plant‐Derived Antimicrobials Loaded in Surfactant Micelles
Authors: Ruengvisesh Songsirin , Loquercio Andre , Castell‐Perez Elena , Taylor T. Matthew
Published: October 2015

Encapsulation of hydrophobic plant essential oil components (EOC) into surfactant micelles can assist the decontamination of fresh produce surfaces from bacterial pathogens during postharvest washing. Loading of eugenol and carvacrol into surfactant micelles of polysorbate 20 (Tween 20), Surfynol® 485W, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and CytoGuard® LA 20 (CG20) was determined by identification of the EOC/surfactant‐specific maximum additive concentration (MAC). Rheological behavior of dilute EOC‐containing micelles was then tested to determine micelle tolerance to shearing. Antimicrobial efficacy of EOC micelles against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serotype Saintpaul was first evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Pathogen‐inoculated spinach was treated with eugenol‐containing micelles applied via spraying or immersion methods. SDS micelles produced the highest MACs for EOCs, while Tween 20 loaded the lowest amount of EOCs. Micelles demonstrated Newtonian behavior in response to shearing. SDS and CG20‐derived micelles containing EOCs produced the lowest MICs and MBCs for pathogens. E. coli O157:H7 and S. Saintpaul were reduced on spinach surfaces by application of eugenol micelles, though no differences in numbers of surviving pathogens were observed when methods of antimicrobial micelle application (spraying, immersion) was compared (P ≥ 0.05). Data suggest eugenol in SDS and CG20 micelles may be useful for produce surface decontamination from bacterial pathogens during postharvest washing.
Growth Potential of Listeria Monocytogenes and Staphylococcus Aureus on Fresh‐Cut Tropical Fruits
Authors: Feng Ke , Hu Wenzhong , Jiang Aili , Xu Yongping , Sarengaowa  , Li Xiaobo , Bai Xue
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fate of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and natural microbiota on fresh‐cut tropical fruits (pitaya, mango, papaya and pineapple) with commercial PVC film at different storage temperature (5, 13, and 25 °C). The results showed that S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, and natural microbiota increased significantly on fresh‐cut tropical fruits at 25 °C. Both pathogen and natural microbiota were able to grow on fresh‐cut tropical fruits at 13 °C. The maximum population of L. monocytogenes was higher than that of S. aureus on fresh‐cut tropical fruits. L. monocytogenes and S. aureus could survive without growth on fresh‐cut pitaya, mango, and papaya at 5 °C. The population of L. monocytogenes declined significantly on fresh‐cut pineapple at all temperature, indicating composition of fresh‐cut pineapple could inhibit growth of L. monocytogenes. However, S. aureus was still able to grow on fresh‐cut pineapple at storage temperature. Thus, this study suggests that 4 kinds of fresh‐cut tropical fruits (pitaya, mango, papaya, and pineapple) should be stored at low temperature to extend shelf life as well as to ensure the safety of fresh‐cut fruits.
Effects of Combined High Hydrostatic Pressure and Dense Phase Carbon Dioxide on the Activity, Structure and Size of Polyphenoloxidase
Authors: Duong Trang , Balaban Murat , Perera Conrad
Published: October 2015

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) may activate undesirable enzymes such as polyphenoloxidase (PPO). Carbon dioxide (CO2) addition to HHP could increase enzyme inactivation. We investigated the inactivation of combined HHP and dense phase carbon dioxide process on activity, secondary conformation and size of pure PPO from mushroom. Solutions (2.35μM, in phosphate buffer pH 6.8) were treated with HHP alone (HHP), or 3.6% w/w of CO2 was injected into the package (HHP+CO2). Treatment conditions were 600 MPa, 20 °C, for 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 min. HHP+CO2 treatment significantly decreased residual enzyme activity (REA) to 30% to 12% after 1 to 9 min, respectively, whereas only HHP had no significant effect. Both HHP and HHP+CO2 treatments caused changes in secondary conformations, however HHP+CO2 changes were more extensive. Alpha‐helix fractions were reduced by 32% and 41%, while β sheet, turn and unordered increased by 63% and 213%, 100% and 71%, and 118% and 82% for HHP and HHP+CO2, respectively after 9 min. The protein size in HHP+CO2 samples was 5‐ to 6‐fold larger than that of Control and HHP treatment, and this increase was inversely correlated with REA. The best inactivation kinetics of HHP+CO2 model was the 2‐fractional model with 2 simultaneous 1st‐order steps, contributing 70% and 30% to original enzyme activity, with klabile = 12.15 min−1 and kstable = 0.07 min−1, respectively. No recovery in activity, secondary conformation and size in all samples were observed after 1‐mo storage. Addition of CO2 in HHP treatment can improve enzyme inactivation, and therefore product shelf‐life and quality.
CRISPR‐Based Technologies and the Future of Food Science
Authors: Selle Kurt , Barrangou Rodolphe
Published: October 2015

The on‐going CRISPR craze is focused on the use of Cas9‐based technologies for genome editing applications in eukaryotes, with high potential for translational medicine and next‐generation gene therapy. Nevertheless, CRISPR‐Cas systems actually provide adaptive immunity in bacteria, and have much promise for various applications in food bacteria that include high‐resolution typing of pathogens, vaccination of starter cultures against phages, and the genesis of programmable and specific antibiotics that can selectively modulate bacterial population composition. Indeed, the molecular machinery from these DNA‐encoded, RNA‐mediated, DNA‐targeting systems can be harnessed in native hosts, or repurposed in engineered systems for a plethora of applications that can be implemented in all organisms relevant to the food chain, including agricultural crops trait‐enhancement, livestock breeding, and fermentation‐based manufacturing, and for the genesis of next‐generation food products with enhanced quality and health‐promoting functionalities. CRISPR‐based applications are now poised to revolutionize many fields within food science, from farm to fork. In this review, we describe CRISPR‐Cas systems and highlight their potential for the development of enhanced foods.
Retrospective analysis of 95 patients with large vessel vasculitis: a single center experience
Authors: Yoshida Masaaki , Watanabe Ryu , Ishii Tomonori , Machiyama Tomoaki , Akita Kanae , Fujita Yoko , Shirota Yuko , Sugimura Koichiro , Fujii Hiroshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki , Harigae Hideo
Published: October 2015

Aim

Although Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) have been considered as distinct disease entities, similarities of these diseases have been recently reported. However, little data is available regarding this issue in Japanese patients with TAK and GCA. In addition, the classification criteria for TAK established in 1990 by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) have been criticized due to the age restriction for disease onset (≤ 40 years). Thus, we aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of Japanese patients with TAK and those with GCA and to clarify whether clinical differences existed between patients with early‐onset (≤ 40 years) and late‐onset (> 40 years) TAK.

Methods

We enrolled 86 patients with TAK and nine with GCA who visited our department from 1990 to 2014. The diagnoses of TAK and GCA were based on the criteria of the Japanese Circulation Society and the ACR, respectively.

Results

Mean ages at onset for TAK and GCA were 36.4 and 71.0 years, respectively. Patients with TAK had significantly higher incidences of aortic regurgitation and carotid and subclavian arterial involvement, lower frequencies of polymyalgia rheumatica, and better prognoses than those with GCA. In contrast, the clinical characteristics, distribution of arterial lesions, treatments administered, and prognoses of patients with early‐ and late‐onset TAK were comparable.

Conclusions

These results suggested that TAK and GCA differed substantially, and that the age restriction (≤ 40 years) may not be necessary for the diagnosis of TAK.
Resistance to Temptation: The Interaction of External and Internal Control on Alcohol Use During Residential Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Soravia Leila M. , Schläfli Katrin , Stutz Sonja , Rösner Susanne , Moggi Franz
Published: October 2015

Background

There is evidence that drinking during residential treatment is related to various factors, such as patients' general control beliefs and self‐efficacy, as well as to external control of alcohol use by program's staff and situations where there is temptation to drink. As alcohol use during treatment has been shown to be associated with the resumption of alcohol use after discharge from residential treatment, we aimed to investigate how these variables are related to alcohol use during abstinence‐oriented residential treatment programs for alcohol use disorders (AUD).

Methods

In total, 509 patients who entered 1 of 2 residential abstinence‐oriented treatment programs for AUD were included in the study. After detoxification, patients completed a standardized diagnostic procedure including interviews and questionnaires. Drinking was assessed by patients' self‐report of at least 1 standard drink or by positive breathalyzer testing. The 2 residential programs were categorized as high or low control according to the average number of tests per patient.

Results

Regression analysis revealed a significant interaction effect between internal and external control suggesting that patients with high internal locus of control and high frequency of control by staff demonstrated the least alcohol use during treatment (16.7%) while patients with low internal locus of control in programs with low external control were more likely to use alcohol during treatment (45.9%). No effects were found for self‐efficacy and temptation.

Conclusions

As alcohol use during treatment is most likely associated with poor treatment outcomes, external control may improve treatment outcomes and particularly support patients with low internal locus of control, who show the highest risk for alcohol use during treatment. High external control may complement high internal control to improve alcohol use prevention while in treatment.
Ethanol Produces Corticotropin‐Releasing Factor Receptor‐Dependent Enhancement of Spontaneous Glutamatergic Transmission in the Mouse Central Amygdala
Authors: Silberman Yuval , Fetterly Tracy L. , Awad Elias K. , Milano Elana J. , Usdin Ted B. , Winder Danny G.
Published: October 2015

Background

Ethanol (EtOH) modulation of central amygdala (CeA) neurocircuitry plays a key role in the development of alcoholism via activation of the corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) receptor (CRFR) system. Previous work has predominantly focused on EtOH × CRF interactions on the CeA GABA circuitry; however, our laboratory recently showed that CRF enhances CeA glutamatergic transmission. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether EtOH modulates CeA glutamate transmission via activation of CRF signaling.

Methods

The effects of EtOH on spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) and basal resting membrane potentials were examined via standard electrophysiology methods in adult male C57BL/6J mice. Local ablation of CeA CRF neurons (CRFCeAhDTR) was achieved by targeting the human diphtheria toxin receptor (hDTR) to CeA CRF neurons with an adeno‐associated virus. Ablation was quantified post hoc with confocal microscopy. Genetic targeting of the diphtheria toxin active subunit to CRF neurons (CRFDTA mice) ablated CRF neurons throughout the central nervous system, as assessed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction quantification of CRF mRNA.

Results

Acute bath application of EtOH significantly increased sEPSC frequency in a concentration‐dependent manner in CeA neurons, and this effect was blocked by pretreatment of co‐applied CRFR1 and CRFR2 antagonists. In experiments utilizing a CRF‐tomato reporter mouse, EtOH did not significantly alter the basal membrane potential of CeA CRF neurons. The ability of EtOH to enhance CeA sEPSC frequency was not altered in CRFCeAhDTR mice despite a ~78% reduction in CeA CRF cell counts. The ability of EtOH to enhance CeA sEPSC frequency was also not altered in the CRFDTA mice despite a 3‐fold reduction in CRF mRNA levels.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that EtOH enhances spontaneous glutamatergic transmission in the CeA via a CRFR‐dependent mechanism. Surprisingly, our data suggest that this action may not require endogenous CRF.
Recombinant Mal d 1 facilitates sublingual challenge tests of birch pollen‐allergic patients with apple allergy
Authors: Kinaciyan T. , Nagl B. , Faustmann S. , Kopp S. , Wolkersdorfer M. , Bohle B.
Published: October 2015

It is still unclear whether allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) with birch pollen improves birch pollen‐related food allergy. One reason for this may be the lack of standardized tests to assess clinical reactions to birch pollen‐related foods, for example apple. We tested the applicability of recombinant (r) Mal d 1, the Bet v 1‐homolog in apple, for oral challenge tests. Increasing concentrations of rMal d 1 in 0.9% NaCl were sublingually administered to 72 birch pollen‐allergic patients with apple allergy. The dose of 1.6 μg induced oral allergy syndromes in 26.4%, 3.2 μg in 15.3%, 6.3 μg in 27.8%, 12.5 μg in 8.3%, 25 μg in 11.1%, and 50 μg in 4.2% of the patients. No severe reactions occurred. None of the patients reacted to 0.9% NaCl alone. Sublingual administration of 50 μg of rMal d 1 induced no reactions in three nonallergic individuals. Our approach allows straight forward, dose‐defined sublingual challenge tests in a high number of birch pollen‐allergic patients that inter alia can be applied to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of birch pollen AIT on birch pollen‐related food allergy.
Clinical roles and applications of progesterone in reproductive medicine: an overview
Authors: Filicori Marco
Published: October 2015

The physiologic and clinical value of progesterone is undisputed and a cornerstone of human reproduction. Better understanding of the exact dynamics and effects of endogenous progesterone secretion, as well as its therapeutic actions, is critical to ensure optimal clinical results in artificial reproduction technology, and to enhance chances of successfully completing pregnancy. Novel progesterone‐based drugs and administration regimens will provide clinicians with greater options to make the management and treatment of infertile couples less burdensome and more successful.
Pediatric Targeted Therapy: Clinical Feasibility of Personalized Diagnostics in Children with Relapsed and Progressive Tumors
Authors: Selt Florian , Deiß Alica , Korshunov Andrey , Capper David , Witt Hendrik , van Tilburg Cornelis M. , Jones David T. W. , Witt Ruth , Sahm Felix , Reuss David , Kölsche Christian , Ecker Jonas , Oehme Ina , Hielscher Thomas , von Deimling Andreas , Kulozik Andreas E. , Pfister Stefan M. , Witt Olaf , Milde Till
Published: October 2015

The “pediatric targeted therapy” (PTT) program aims to identify the presence and activity of druggable targets and evaluate the clinical benefit of a personalized treatment approach in relapsed or progressive tumors on an individual basis. 10 markers (HDAC2, HR23B, p‐AKT, p‐ERK, p‐S6, p‐EGFR, PDGFR‐alpha/beta, p53 and BRAFV600E) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Pediatric patients with tumors independent of the histological diagnosis, with relapse or progression after treatment according to standard protocols were included. N = 61/145 (42%) cases were eligible for analysis between 2009 and 2013, the most common entities being brain tumors. Immunohistochemical stainings were evaluated by the H‐Score (0–300). In 93% of the cases potentially actionable targets were identified. The expressed or activated pathways were histone deacetylase (HDACs; 83.0% of cases positive), EGFR (87.2%), PDGFR (75.9%), p53 (50.0%), MAPK/ERK (43.3%) and PI3K/mTOR (36.1%). Follow‐up revealed partial or full implementation of PTT results in treatment decision‐making in 41% of the cases. Prolonged disease stabilization responses in single cases were noticed, however, response rates did not differ from cases treated with other modalities. Further studies evaluating the feasibility and clinical benefit of personalized diagnostic approaches using paraffin material are warranted.
Lava Flows and Moraines as Corridors for Early Plant Colonization of Glacier Forefronts on Tropical Volcanoes
Authors: Suárez Esteban , Orndahl Katie , Goodwin Katie
Published: October 2015

Plant colonization in areas recently exposed by retreating glaciers in Tropical Andean volcanoes seems to be facilitated by moraines or lava flows. As a consequence, upward rearrangement of plant communities under climate change scenarios could be strongly influenced by the availability of protected substrates for plant colonization in these mountains.
Changes in Species Richness, Abundance, and Composition of Arboreal Twig‐nesting Ants Along an Elevational Gradient in Coffee Landscapes
Authors: Gillette Penelope N. , Ennis Katherine K. , Domínguez Martínez Gabriel , Philpott Stacy M.
Published: October 2015

The distribution, diversity, and assembly of tropical insects have long intrigued ecologists, and for tropical ants, can be affected by competitive interactions, microhabitat requirements, dispersal, and availability and diversity of nesting sites. Arboreal twig‐nesting ants are limited by the number of hollow twigs available, especially in intensive agricultural systems. Ant diversity and abundance may shift along elevation gradients, but no studies have examined if the proportion of occupied twigs or richness of arboreal twig‐nesting ants vary with elevation. In coffee agroecosystems, there are over 40 species of arboreal twig‐nesting ants. We examined communities of twig‐nesting ants in coffee plants along an elevational gradient to answer the following questions: (1) Do species richness and colony abundance decline with elevation or show a mid‐elevation peak? (2) Does community composition change with elevation? (3) Is elevation an important predictor of change in ant abundance, richness, and relative abundance of common species? We surveyed 42 10 × 10 m plots in 2013 from 450 to1550 m elevation across a coffee landscape in Chiapas, Mexico. We sampled a total of 2211 hollow coffee twigs, 77.1 percent of which were occupied by one of 28 species of ants.Pseudomyrmex simplexwas more abundant in lower elevations, whereasPseudomyrmex ejectusdominated in high elevations. Species richness and the percent of occupied hollow twigs both peaked at mid‐elevations (800–1050 m). In sum, we found that species richness, abundance, and composition of arboreal twig‐nesting ants shift with elevation. These findings may provide important insights for understanding ant communities in coffee agroecosystems.
Phenology of Predation on Insects in a Tropical Forest: Temporal Variation in Attack Rate on Dummy Caterpillars
Authors: Molleman Freerk , Remmel Triinu , Sam Katerina
Published: October 2015

In communities of tropical insects, adult abundance tends to fluctuate widely, perhaps in part owing to predator–prey dynamics. Yet, temporal patterns of attack rates in tropical forest habitats have not been studied systematically; the identity of predators of insects in tropical forests is poorly known; and their responses to temporal variation in prey abundance have rarely been explored. We recorded incidence and shape of marks of attacks on dummy caterpillars (proxy of predation rate) in a sub‐montane tropical forest in Uganda during a yearlong experiment, and explored correlations with inferred caterpillar abundance. Applying the highest and lowest observed daily attack rates on clay dummies over a realistic duration of the larval stage of butterflies, indicates that the temporal variation in attack rate could cause more than 10‐fold temporal variation in caterpillar survival. Inferred predators were almost exclusively invertebrates, and beak marks of birds were very scarce. Attack rates by wasps varied more over time than those of ants. Attack rates on dummies peaked during the two wet seasons, and appeared congruent with inferred peaks in caterpillar density. This suggests (1) a functional response (predators shifting to more abundant resource) or adaptive timed phenology (predators timing activity or breeding to coincide with seasonal peaks in prey abundance) of predators, rather than a numerical response (predator populations increasing following peaks in prey abundance); and (2) that predation would dampen abundance fluctuations of tropical Lepidoptera communities.
Dietary Dependence of Predatory Arthropods on Volant Aquatic Insects in Tropical Stream Riparia
Authors: Yuen Elaine Y. L. , Dudgeon David
Published: October 2015

The dietary dependence on volant aquatic insects of eight species of predatory arthropods from three different orders was determined by stable isotope analyses in combination with three‐source, two‐isotope (C and N) Bayesian mixing models. The predators were collected from riparian zones along three streams in tropical Hong Kong during both the wet and dry seasons. Dietary importance of aquatic insects varied according to predator hunting modes, and showed a consistent pattern across all sites during the wet season. The web‐building tetragnathid spider (Orsinome diporusa) had the greatest reliance (~40–55%) on this water‐to‐land subsidy, followed by two species of damselflies (40–50%), three cursorial spiders (Lycosidae, Pisauridae, and Sparassidae: 32–51%) and two neustic gerrids (17–36%). Such reliance also varied according to the microhabitat preferences of different cursorial spiders. Four species of predators (gerrids and cursorial spiders) that were active year‐round showed generally consistent reliance on aquatic insects between seasons, which probably reflected the observed lack of seasonal variability in the relative proportions of aquatic and terrestrial prey. There was a marked overlap in isotopic signatures of aquatic and terrestrial prey at all sites which, combined with the absence of data on the extent to which isotopic fractionations may vary among individual species of prey and predators, contributes some uncertainty to the estimates of dietary compositions derived by mixing models. The findings of the present study are thus likely to be indicative rather than definitive.
Pairwise Registration by Local Orientation Cues
Authors: Petrelli Alioscia , Di Stefano Luigi
Published: October 2015

Inspired by recent work on robust and fast computation of 3D Local Reference Frames (LRFs), we propose a novel pipeline for coarse registration of 3D point clouds. Key to the method are: (i) the observation that any two corresponding points endowed with an LRF provide a hypothesis on the rigid motion between two views, (ii) the intuition that feature points can be matched based solely on cues directly derived from the computation of the LRF, (iii) a feature detection approach relying on a saliency criterion which captures the ability to establish an LRF repeatably. Unlike related work in literature, we also propose a comprehensive experimental evaluation based on diverse kinds of data (such as those acquired by laser scanners, Kinect and stereo cameras) as well as on quantitative comparison with respect to other methods. We also address the issue of setting the many parameters that characterize coarse registration pipelines fairly and realistically. The experimental evaluation vouches that our method can handle effectively data acquired by different sensors and is remarkably fast.
Risk Management for Grain Processors and “Copulas”
Authors: Chen Songjiao , Wilson William , Larsen Ryan , Dahl Bruce
Published: October 2015

The importance of calibrating hedging strategies for processors has escalated primarily due to the sharply increased volatility of futures, product, and by‐product prices. The purpose of this paper is to analyze price risk‐management strategies for wheat flour milling using copula distributions. While the application is for flour milling, it has similarities with other processing industries which confront one or more ingredients, one or more outputs, and futures for one of the commodities and/or products. The paper develops utility maximizing models encompassing expected return and risk. Alternative scenarios are evaluated. First, the models were used to derive optimal hedge ratios, as well as various measures of risk and return under alternative scenarios, and hedge durations. The results indicated hedge ratios are typically less than 1. The hedge ratios for the Mean‐value‐at‐risk (M‐VaR)‐Copula model increased with greater durations. Second, the VaR for the M‐VaR‐Copula was in most cases less than the noncopula specifications. Thus, noncopula models may over state risk as represented by VaR.
Consumers’ Valuation for a Reduced Salt Product: A Nonhypothetical Choice Experiment
Authors: Lee Sang Hyeon , Han Doo Bong , Caputo Vincenzina , Nayga Rodolfo M.
Published: October 2015

Reducing intakes of salt can help decrease a person's risk of heart‐related chronic diseases. This study utilized a nonhypothetical choice experiment (with some hypothetical product options) to examine consumers’ valuation for “Reduced Salt” canned ham in Korea. This study analyzed different sources of heterogeneity, such as correlation across utilities, income effects, and risk preferences, by estimating four different specifications of the random parameters logit model. Results suggest that the range of discount needed for consumers to switch from “Reduced Salt” canned ham to standard canned ham is 274 KRW ($USD 0.24) to 313 KRW ($USD 0.28) per can, which is approximately 7.8–8.9% of the average price of a canned ham. The results also suggest that consumers prefer the canned ham using domestic pork to the canned ham using imported pork. Moreover, respondents who are highly risk averse were more likely to purchase products with domestic ingredients.

Une diminution de l'apport en sodium peut contribuer à réduire le risque de maladies cardiaques chroniques. Dans la présente étude, nous avons utilisé une méthode des choix discrets non hypothétiques (comprenant quelques options de produits hypothétiques) pour examiner l’évaluation des consommateurs coréens concernant le jambon en conserve « réduit en sodium ». Nous avons analysé diverses sources d'hétérogénéité, telles que la corrélation des fonctions d'utilité, l'effet de revenu et les préférences quant au risque, en estimant quatre spécifications du modèle logit à paramètres aléatoires. Les résultats de notre étude indiquent que la fourchette d'escompte nécessaire pour inciter les consommateurs à passer du jambon en conserve « réduit en sodium » au jambon en conserve ordinaire varie de 274 KRW (0,24 $ US) à 313 KRW (0,28 $ US) par conserve, soit environ 7,8 à 8,9 % du prix moyen du jambon en conserve. Les résultats indiquent également que les consommateurs préfèrent le jambon en conserve provenant de porcs élevés en Corée plutôt que porcs importés. De plus, les répondants qui avaient une forte aversion pour le risque étaient plus susceptibles d'acheter des produits contenant des ingrédients provenant de la Corée.
Environmental Stewardship and Technical Efficiency in Canadian Prairie Canola Production
Authors: Cagdas Ali D. , Jeffrey Scott R. , Smith Elwin G. , Boxall Peter C.
Published: October 2015

This study examines beneficial management practice (BMP) adoption and technical efficiency for canola producers in the Canadian Prairie Provinces. A Just‐Pope stochastic frontier production function is estimated using data from a survey of canola producers. Yield is modeled as a function of nutrients and precipitation. A linear inefficiency function includes farm specific variables and a set of binary variables representing BMP adoption. BMP variables for nutrient management planning and precision farming are positively related to technical efficiency while results for the other BMP indicators are mixed. Model estimates appear to be significantly influenced by moisture problems that occurred through the Prairie region during the 2011 cropping year. The study results suggest that for Western Canadian canola producers, there is potential complementarity for some BMPs in terms of improving technical efficiency while simultaneously advancing environmental stewardship.
Effect of strength training with blood flow restriction on muscle power and submaximal strength in eumenorrheic women
Authors: Gil Ana L. S. , Neto Gabriel R. , Sousa Maria S. C. , Dias Ingrid , Vianna Jeferson , Nunes Rodolfo A. M. , Novaes Jefferson S.
Published: October 2015

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training stimulates muscle size and strength by increasing muscle activation, accumulation of metabolites and muscle swelling. This method has been used in different populations, but no studies have evaluated the effects of training on muscle power and submaximal strength (SS) in accounted for the menstrual cycle. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of strength training (ST) with BFR on the muscle power and SS of upper and lower limbs in eumenorrheic women. Forty untrained women (18–40 years) were divided randomly and proportionally into four groups: (i) high‐intensity ST at 80% of 1RM (HI), (ii) low‐intensity ST at 20% of 1RM combined with partial blood flow restriction (LI + BFR), (iii) low‐intensity ST at 20% of 1RM (LI) and d) control group (CG). Each training group performed eight training sessions. Tests with a medicine ball (MB), horizontal jump (HJ), vertical jump (VJ), biceps curls (BC) and knee extension (KE) were performed during the 1st day follicular phase (FP), 14th day (ovulatory phase) and 26–28th days (luteal phase) of the menstrual cycle. There was no significant difference among groups in terms of the MB, HJ, VJ or BC results at any time point (P>0·05). SS in the KE exercise was significantly greater in the LI + BFR group compared to the CG group (P = 0·014) during the LP. Therefore, ST with BFR does not appear to improve the power of upper and lower limbs and may be an alternative to improve the SS of lower limbs of eumenorrheic women.
Determinants of ventricular arrhythmias in human explanted hearts with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Parajuli Nirmal , Valtuille Lucas , Basu Ratnadeep , Famulski Konrad S. , Halloran Philip F. , Sergi Consolato , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: October 2015

Background

The molecular and cellular determinants of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with nonischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) remain poorly defined.

Materials and methods

We examined 20 NIDCM hearts where VT was reported in 10 cases and VT was absent in 10 cases, using a double‐blinded case–control study design, and assessed the molecular and cellular features of the adverse myocardial remodelling.

Results

Explanted hearts from patients with VT showed greater hypertrophic changes based on cardiomyocyte cross‐sectional area and expression of disease markers, and increased myocardial fibrosis which extended into the left ventricular and right ventricular outflow tract regions. The VT group also showed increased oxidative stress with reduction in reduced glutathione levels. Connexin 43 levels in the intercalated discs showed increased levels in the VT group with reduced phosphorylation. Microarray mRNA analysis of gene expression in the left ventricle (LV) free wall revealed several families of genes which were differentially upregulated or downregulated in hearts with documented VT compared to hearts without VT. Notably, we identified reduced expression of the Ca2+‐activated K+ channel (KCNN2) and increased expression of the transient receptor potential cation channel 7 (TRPM7) and intracellular chloride channel 3. Western blot analysis on LV membrane fractions showed reduced KCNN2 and increased TRPM7 levels in hearts with VT.

Conclusions

In explanted human hearts with NIDCM, VT is associated with greater hypertrophy, oxidative stress and myocardial fibrosis, differential gene expression, and altered ion channel levels indicative of a distinctive adverse myocardial remodelling process associated with clinically significant VT.
Assessment of clonality and serotypes of Streptococcus mutans among children by multilocus sequence typing
Authors: Momeni Stephanie S. , Whiddon Jennifer , Cheon Kyounga , Moser Stephen A. , Childers Noel K.
Published: October 2015

Studies using multilocus sequence typing (MLST) have demonstrated that Streptococcus mutans isolates are genetically diverse. Our laboratory previously demonstrated clonality of S. mutans using MLST but could not discount the possibility of sampling bias. In this study, the clonality of randomly selected S. mutans plaque isolates from African‐American children was examined using MLST. Serotype and the presence of collagen‐binding proteins (CBPs) encoded by cnm/cbm were also assessed. One‐hundred S. mutans isolates were randomly selected for MLST analysis. Sequence analysis was performed and phylogenetic trees were generated using start2 and mega. Thirty‐four sequence types were identified, of which 27 were unique to this population. Seventy‐five per cent of the isolates clustered into 16 clonal groups. The serotypes observed were c (n = 84), e (n = 3), and k (n = 11). The prevalence of S. mutans isolates of serotype k was notably high, at 17.5%. All isolates were cnm/cbm negative. The clonality of S. mutans demonstrated in this study illustrates the importance of localized population studies and are consistent with transmission. The prevalence of serotype k, a recently proposed systemic pathogen, observed in this study, is higher than reported in most populations and is the first report of S. mutans serotype k in a United States population.
Normal mast cell numbers in the tissues of AhR‐deficient mice
Authors: Pilz Caroline , Feyerabend Thorsten , Sonner Jana , Redaelli Chiara , Peter Katharina , Kunze Anja , Haas Katharina , Esser Charlotte , Schäkel Knut , Wick Wolfgang , Rodewald Hans‐Reimer , Lanz Tobias V. , Platten Michael
Published: October 2015

The transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) acts as an immunomodulatory molecule in several immune cell lineages. Recently, it has been implicated in development and maintenance of immune cells in barrier tissues such as skin and mucosa. To investigate its role on mast cell development and maintenance in skin, peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) and lymph nodes, we studied in depth their phenotype in AhR‐deficient mice. Our findings do not provide any evidence for a suspected role of the AhR in mast cell homeostasis.
Vesicular trafficking mechanisms in endothelial cells as modulators of the tumor vasculature and targets of antiangiogenic therapies
Authors: Maes Hannelore , Olmeda David , Soengas María S. , Agostinis Patrizia
Published: October 2015

A common feature of solid tumors is their ability to incite the formation of new blood and lymph vessels trough the processes of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, respectively, to support tumor growth and favor metastatic dissemination. As a result of the lack of feedback regulatory control mechanisms or due to the exacerbated presence of pro‐angiogenic signals within the tumor microenvironment, the tumor endothelium receives continuous signals to sprout and develop, generating vessels that are structurally and functionally abnormal. An emerging mechanism playing a central role in shaping the tumor vasculature is the endothelial‐vesicular network that regulates trafficking/export and degradation of key signaling proteins and membrane receptors, including the vascular endothelial growth‐factor receptor‐2/3 and members of the Notch pathway. Here we will discuss recent evidence highlighting how vesicular trafficking mechanisms in endothelial cells contribute to pathological angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis and can provide novel and exploitable targets in antiangiogenic therapies.
Local deformation at micro‐notches and crack initiation in an intermetallic γ‐TiAl‐alloy
Authors: Bode B. , Wessel W. , Brueckner‐Foit A. , Mildner J. , Wollenhaupt M. , Baumert T.
Published: October 2015

The relation is studied between crack initiation from micro‐notches in a fully lamellar intermetallic γ‐TiAl alloy and the local strain field. These micro‐notches were introduced using femtosecond‐laser ablation and had dimensions below the average colony size. The specimen under investigation was then subjected to fatigue loading. Continuous monitoring using a travelling optical microscope allowed detecting microcracks at an early stage. Prior to fatigue loading, a sustained load was applied and the local strain field was determined using digital image correlation. This was supplemented by a Finite Element analysis of the notches and their neighbourhood. It was found that a crack was initiated from a notch causing high normal strains in lamella direction, whereas no crack was initiated from notches with high shear strains.
Large‐Scale Social Protest: A Business Risk and a Bureaucratic Opportunity
Authors: Gilad Sharon , Alon‐Barkat Saar , Braverman Alexandr
Published: October 2015

The public versus private nature of organizations influences their goals, processes, and employee values. However, existing studies have not analyzed whether and how the public nature of organizations shapes their responses to concrete social pressures. This article takes a first step toward addressing this gap by comparing the communication strategies of public organizations and businesses in response to large‐scale social protests. Specifically, we conceptualize, theorize, and empirically analyze the communication strategies of 100 organizations in response to large‐scale social protests that took place in Israel during 2011. We find that in response to these protests, public organizations tended to employ a “positive‐visibility” strategy, whereas businesses were inclined to keep a “low public profile.” We associate these different communication strategies with the relatively benign consequences of large‐scale social protests for public organizations compared with their high costs for businesses.
Interaction of human mitochondrial transcription factor A in mitochondria: its involvement in the dynamics of mitochondrial DNA nucleoids
Authors: Kasashima Katsumi , Endo Hitoshi
Published: October 2015

Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is a key regulator of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). TFAM interacts with itself and forms dimers; however, the precise interaction domain in vivo has not yet been determined. We herein showed that human TFAM formed oligomers in mitochondria by in situ chemical cross‐linking. We used the separated fluorescent protein, monomeric Kusabira‐Green, as a reporter to monitor their self‐association in mitochondria. This reporter successfully detected the TFAM–TFAM interaction in cells as fluorescent signals on mitochondria. We also found that the N‐terminal high‐mobility group box domain was sufficient for this interaction. The expression of the dimer‐defective mutant induced enlarged mtDNA nucleoids, suggesting the importance of dimerization in the distribution of mtDNA. The reporter system also supported the association and mixture between independent nucleoids through TFAM by a cell fusion assay using hemagglutinating virus of Japan. We here, for the first time, visualized the interaction of TFAM molecules in mitochondria and proposed its implications for the dynamics of mtDNA nucleoids.
Risk factors and outcomes of hepatitis B virus reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen negative patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Han Ji Won , Yang Hyun , Lee Hae Lim , Bae Si Hyun , Choi Jong Young , Lee Jong‐Wook , Kim Hee Je , Lee Seok , Cho Seok Goo , Min Chang Ki , Kim Dong Wook , Yoon Seung Kew
Published: October 2015

Aim

Current guidelines recommend all patients scheduled to receive chemotherapy should be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis B virus core antigen (anti‐HBc) status. However, still, more research is needed to identify the risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. We retrospectively investigated the incidence, risk factors and outcome of HBV reactivation in HBsAg negative patients with hematological malignancies.

Methods

Seven hundred and thirty‐eight HBsAg negative patients with hematological malignancies were included in the study. HBV reactivation was defined as reverse seroconversion of HBsAg (HBsAg reappearance). Risk factors, cumulative incidence and overall survival of HBV reactivation were analyzed.

Results

Reactivation occurred in 23 of the 738 (3.1%) enrolled patients. As expected, the reactivation rate of the anti‐HBc positive group was significantly higher than that of the anti‐HBc negative group (5.4% vs 0.8%). Multivariate analysis indicated that loss of antibody to the hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs) was an independent risk factor. Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and multiple myeloma showed significantly higher reactivation rate than those with other diseases. The cumulative incidence of HBV reactivation after starting chemotherapy in the anti‐HBc positive subgroup was 0.3% at 1 year, 1.7% at 2 years and 10.5% at 3 years.

Conclusion

Close monitoring of HBV markers, including anti‐HBs, should be performed for longer than 24 months. Further study is needed to establish a strategy to prevent HBV reactivation after chemotherapy in HBsAg negative patients with hematological malignancies.