bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of manikin‐based studies: an evaluation of manikin characteristics and their impact on measurements of ventilatory variables
Authors: De Luca A. , Sall F. S. , Sailley R. , Capellier G. , Khoury A.
Published: May 2015

Findings from manikin‐based studies on ventilation are commonly directly extrapolated to clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine how the use of manikins affects measurements of ventilatory variables. We connected a lung simulator to a manikin, which was then ventilated at different inspiratory flows. We defined three experimental models to compare measurements of ventilatory variables between the mechanical ventilator and the lung simulator. Even when no leakage occurred, significant tidal volume deviations were observed; from a mean (SD) of 21 (2) ml to 49 (9) ml, and from 40 (4) ml to 88 (5) ml for invasive and non‐invasive ventilation, respectively (p < 0.001). Significant peak pressure deviations from 0.7 (0.1) cmH2O to 10.6 (0.3) cmH2O were also recorded during non‐invasive ventilation (p < 0.001). Evaluation of manikin resistance and airway dead space may be essential to limit study bias. We suggest a recalibration of the recorded data if comparisons are made between different tests performed at different inspiratory flows.
Drivers of technical efficiency inMalaysian banking: a new empirical insight
Authors: Saha Asish , Ahmad Nor Hayati , Dash Umakant
Published: May 2015

Restructuring and rationalisation ofMalaysian banking in 2000 and the subsequent policy of deregulation and liberalisation adopted byBankNegaraMalaysia (BNM) have resulted in a significant transformation ofMalaysian banking.Banks are now poised to play a pivotal role in the economic transformation of the economy as envisaged in theFinancialSectorBluePrint 2011–20 ofBNM. Using the data envelopment analysis technique, the technical efficiency of 19 commercial banks (8 domestic banks and 11 foreign banks) operating inMalaysia during 2005–12 is evaluated. Then, using bootstrap‐corrected efficiency scores, the drivers of bank efficiency were estimated using the Tobit regression approach. Results clearly show that three large domestic banks are not only more efficient than their counterparts, but are also more efficient than the foreign banks.Bank size and return on assets are found to be the significant drivers of technical efficiency ofMalaysian banks. Capital adequacy and the advances to deposit ratio also have a role in driving technical efficiency. The results also indicate that banks that are more effective in managing credit risk, as reflected in a lower level of non‐performing assets as a percentage of total assets, and have lower levels of personnel expenses to total assets, are more efficient. The findings have significant implications at the individual bank level and also at the policy level.
Electricity consumption and economic development in Asia: new data and new methods
Authors: Furuoka Fumitaka
Published: May 2015

This study uses a new statistical technique, Panel Analysis of Nonstationarity in Idiosyncratic and Common Components (PANIC) analysis, to examine causal linkages between electricity consumption and economic development in 12 Asian countries over the period 1971–2011. The findings indicate that there was no long‐run equilibrium relationship between electricity consumption and economic development in the region as a whole. More importantly, the causality tests detected unidirectional causality from economic development to electricity consumption for East Asian countries and a reverse causal relationship for South Asian countries. These findings have important policy implications for sustainable energy consumption.
FDI productivity spillovers and the technology gap in Malaysia's electrical and electronic industries
Authors: Khalifah Noor Aini , Mohd Salleh Salmah , Adam Radziah
Published: May 2015

This study measures the impact of indirect technology transfer through spillovers from foreign direct investment (FDI) on Malaysia's development of a ‘high‐tech’ sector, namely the electrical and electronic (E&E) industries. We estimate the total factor productivity (TFP) of establishments as a function of foreign presence within and across industries. Both the fixed assets and wages share of foreign establishments in a five‐digit ISIC (International Standard Industrial Classification) industry are used as measures of foreign presence. The estimations provide evidence of significantly negative (or insignificant) FDI vertical spillover effects and insignificant horizontal spillover effects on the TFP of domestic establishments. The positive (negative) coefficient of the interaction term between the forward (horizontal) spillover variable and the technology gap supports the ‘catching‐up’ (technology accumulation) hypothesis. The negative impact, even absence, of FDI spillover effects on TFP and the mixed evidence on the effects of interactions between FDI spillovers and the technology gap suggest that fine‐tuning of fiscal incentive schemes for FDI to arrive at positive net benefits may prove to be a daunting task in the Malaysian E&E industries.
On the puzzling slowdown of wage and productivity growth in Taiwan: evidence from a comparison with South Korea
Authors: Bickenbach Frank , Liu Wan‐Hsin , Niehues‐Jeuffroy Hector
Published: May 2015

Since the early 2000s, the growth rate of real wages in Taiwan has been very low, even negative for high‐skilled workers. This paper sheds light on the potential causes of this puzzling development through a comparison of Taiwan's performance with that of South Korea. In many dimensions, most notably wages and labour productivity, both economies developed quite similarly between 1995 and 2001–02, but diverged thereafter. We relate the development of wages and labour productivity in the two economies to sectoral structural change and to sectoral differences in labour productivity growth, skills upgrading, and foreign trade.
Energy price shocks, monetary policy and China's economic fluctuations
Authors: Wang Yunqing , Zhu Qigui
Published: May 2015

This paper develops a New Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with energy factors to study various channels through which China's economic fluctuations are linked to energy price shocks and to search for the optimal monetary policy to cope with energy price shocks. We conclude that there are channels through which changes in energy prices will have the following cause–effect relationships. First, a rise in energy price as a negative technology shock will raise the costs of providing capital services per unit of capital, thereby reducing output. Second, a rising energy price distorts the intertemporal choices of households and firms, creating downward pressure on the expected future return on capital. Third, an energy price shock places upward pressure on the marginal costs associated with an increase in inflation. Numerical simulation results show that a positive energy price shock has a positive effect on energy technology improvements. In addition, the effects of energy price shocks can be mitigated by nominal rigidities, and interest rate rules will determine the magnitude of those effects. Using the efficient frontier method, we also show that optimal monetary policy in China should help control energy price volatility.
Person‐centred positive emotions, object‐centred negative emotions: 2‐year‐olds generalize negative but not positive emotions across individuals
Authors: Vaish Amrisha , Grossmann Tobias , Woodward Amanda
Published: May 2015

Prior work suggests that young children do not generalize others' preferences to new individuals. We hypothesized (following Vaish et al., 2008, Psychol. Bull., 134, 383–403) that this may only hold for positive emotions, which inform the child about the person's attitude towards the object but not about the positivity of the object itself. It may not hold for negative emotions, which additionally inform the child about the negativity of the object itself. Two‐year‐old children saw one individual (the emoter) emoting positively or negatively towards one and neutrally towards a second novel object. When a second individual then requested an object, children generalized the emoter's negative but not her positive emotion to the second individual. Children thus draw different inferences from others' positive versus negative emotions: Whereas they view others' positive emotions as person centred, they may view others' negative emotions as object centred and thus generalizable across people. The results are discussed with relation to the functions and implications of the negativity bias.
What can isolated skeletal muscle experiments tell us about the effects of caffeine on exercise performance?
Authors: Tallis Jason , Duncan Michael J , James Rob S
Published: May 2015

Caffeine is an increasingly popular nutritional supplement due to the legal, significant improvements in sporting performance that it has been documented to elicit, with minimal side effects. Therefore, the effects of caffeine on human performance continue to be a popular area of research as we strive to improve our understanding of this drug and make more precise recommendations for its use in sport. Although variations in exercise intensity seems to affect its ergogenic benefits, it is largely thought that caffeine can induce significant improvements in endurance, power and strength‐based activities. There are a number of limitations to testing caffeine‐induced effects on human performance that can be better controlled when investigating its effects on isolated muscles under in vitro conditions. The hydrophobic nature of caffeine results in a post‐digestion distribution to all tissues of the body making it difficult to accurately quantify its key mechanism of action. This review considers the contribution of evidence from isolated muscle studies to our understating of the direct effects of caffeine on muscle during human performance. The body of in vitro evidence presented suggests that caffeine can directly potentiate skeletal muscle force, work and power, which may be important contributors to the performance‐enhancing effects seen in humans.
The opioid receptors as targets for drug abuse medication
Authors: Noble Florence , Lenoir Magalie , Marie Nicolas
Published: May 2015

The endogenous opioid system is largely expressed in the brain, and both endogenous opioid peptides and receptors are present in areas associated with reward and motivation. It is well known that this endogenous system plays a key role in many aspects of addictive behaviours. The present review summarizes the modifications of the opioid system induced by chronic treatment with drugs of abuse reported in preclinical and clinical studies, as well as the action of opioid antagonists and agonists on the reinforcing effects of drugs of abuse, with therapeutic perspectives. We have focused on the effects of chronic psychostimulants, alcohol and nicotine exposure. Taken together, the changes in both opioid peptides and opioid receptors in different brain structures following acute or chronic exposure to these drugs of abuse clearly identify the opioid system as a potential target for the development of effective pharmacotherapy for the treatment of addiction and the prevention of relapse.
Allosteric modulation of sigma‐1 receptors elicits anti‐seizure activities
Authors: Guo Lin , Chen Yanke , Zhao Rui , Wang Guanghui , Friedman Eitan , Zhang Ao , Zhen Xuechu
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose

Application of orthosteric sigma‐1 receptor agonists as anti‐seizure drugs has been hindered by questionable efficacy and potential adverse effects. Here, we have investigated the anti‐seizure effects of the novel and potent allosteric modulator of sigma‐1 receptors, SKF83959 and its derivative SOMCL‐668 (3‐methyl‐phenyl‐2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1H‐benzo[d]azepin‐7‐ol).

Experimental Approach

The anti‐seizure effects of SKF83959 were investigated in three mouse models, maximal electroshock seizures, pentylenetetrazole‐induced convulsions and kainic acid‐induced ‘status epilepticus’. Also, in rats, the cortical epileptiform activity induced by topical application of picrotoxin was recorded in electrocorticograms. In rat hippocampal brain slices, effects of the drugs on the high potassium‐evoked epileptiform local field potentials were studied. Anti‐seizure activities of SOMCL‐668, a newly developed sigma‐1 receptor selective allosteric modulator, were also investigated.

Key Results

SKF83959 (20, 40 mg·kg−1) exhibited anti –seizure actitity in the three mouse models and reduced the cortical epileptiform activity without alteration of spontaneous motor activity and motor coordination. These effects were blocked by the sigma‐1 receptor antagonist BD1047, but not the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390. SKF83959 alone did not directly inhibit the epileptiform firing of CA3 neurons induced by high potassium in hippocampal slices, but did potentiate inhibition by the orthosteric sigma‐1 receptor agonist SKF10047. Lastly, a selective sigma‐1 receptor allosteric modulator SOMCL‐668, which does not bind to dopamine receptors, exerted similar anti‐seizure activities.

Conclusions and Implications

SKF83959 and SOMCL‐668 displayed anti‐seizure activities, indicating that allosteric modulation of sigma‐1 receptors may provide a novel approach for discovering new anti‐seizure drugs.
How Resource Challenges Can Improve Firm Innovation Performance: Identifying Coping Strategies
Authors: Rosenzweig Stav , Grinstein Amir
Published: May 2015

Researchers recently suggested that challenges in the form of adversities and constraints can actually promote individuals, teams and firms. However, it remains unclear how such challenges elicit positive innovation performance. Moreover, we still cannot distinguish between the conditions under which challenges enhance or hinder firm innovation performance. In this paper, we review the literature on coping with a specific and central type of challenge – resource challenge, such as a lack of financial or human resources – and propose an underlying mechanism through which firms can benefit from resource challenges. The paper presents an integrative conceptual framework and looks at the key constructs that explain the effects of resource challenges on firm innovation performance. Further, it proposes two key strategies for coping with resource challenges: simplification‐focus and compensation.
The effects of physical exercise in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Cerrillo‐Urbina A. J. , García‐Hermoso A. , Sánchez‐López M. , Pardo‐Guijarro M. J. , Santos Gómez J. L. , Martínez‐Vizcaíno V.
Published: May 2015

Objective

The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to examine the evidence for the effectiveness of exercise interventions on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)‐related symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, anxiety and cognitive functions in children and adolescents.

Method

Five databases covering the period up to November 2014 (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCO [E‐journal, CINAHL, SportDiscus] and The Cochrane Library) were searched. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane tool of bias. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and the heterogeneity of the studies was estimated using Cochran's Q‐statistic.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials (n = 249) satisfied the inclusion criteria. The studies were grouped according to the intervention programme: aerobic and yoga exercise.

The meta‐analysis suggests that aerobic exercise had a moderate to large effect on core symptoms such as attention (SMD = 0.84), hyperactivity (SMD = 0.56) and impulsivity (SMD = 0.56) and related symptoms such as anxiety (SMD = 0.66), executive function (SMD = 0.58) and social disorders (SMD = 0.59) in children with ADHD. Yoga exercise suggests an improvement in the core symptoms of ADHD.

Conclusions

The main cumulative evidence indicates that short‐term aerobic exercise, based on several aerobic intervention formats, seems to be effective for mitigating symptoms such as attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, anxiety, executive function and social disorders in children with ADHD.
Naturally occurring tolerance acquisition to foods in previously allergic children is characterized by antigen specificity and associated with increased subsets of regulatory T cells
Authors: Qamar N. , Fishbein A. B. , Erickson K. A. , Cai M. , Szychlinski C. , Bryce P. J. , Schleimer R. P. , Fuleihan R. L. , Singh A. M.
Published: May 2015

Background

Food allergy affects approximately 6–8% of children, and increasing in prevalence. Some children naturally outgrow their food allergy without intervention, but the mechanisms by which this occurs remain poorly understood. We sought to investigate the role of regulatory T cells in the development of naturally acquired tolerance.

Methods

Fifty‐eight children (1–18 years) with either egg or peanut allergy, recent acquisition of natural tolerance to egg or peanut, or no food allergy were studied. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from these groups were stimulated with relevant antigen for 48 h and flow cytometry performed to characterize both surface (CD3, CD4, CD25, CD14, CD19, and CD127) and intracellular markers (IL‐10, Foxp3, and IL‐5).

Results

Resting PBMC from naturally tolerant patients had significantly increased CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127loFoxp3+ cells, when compared to allergic or control patients (mean 6.36 vs. 2.37 vs. 2.62%, respectively, P < 0.05). Upon stimulation with relevant antigen, naturally tolerant patients also had increased IL‐10‐expressing CD25+CD127lo cells (6.33 vs. 1.65 vs. 0.7, P < 0.01), Foxp3+ cells (mean 12.6 vs. 5.42 vs. 3%, P < 0.01), and CD4+ cells (mean 4.48 vs. 1.59 vs. 0.87%, P < 0.01); the increase was not observed in PBMCs from allergic or control patients. Additionally, this upregulation was only seen with relevant antigen stimulation and not upon stimulation with unrelated antigen.

Conclusion

The increased CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127lo cells at baseline and upon stimulation and increased induction of IL‐10‐producing cells of several types, including Tr1 cells, from naturally tolerant patients suggests an important role for regulatory T cell subsets in the acquisition of natural tolerance.
The exaggerated inflammatory response in Behçet's syndrome: identification of dysfunctional post-transcriptional regulation of the IFN-γ/CXCL10 IP-10 pathway
Authors: Ambrose N , Khan E , Ravindran R , Lightstone L , Abraham S , Botto M , Johns M , Haskard D O
Published: May 2015

The mechanisms underlying the exaggerated inflammatory response in Behçet's syndrome (BS) remain poorly understood. We investigated the response of CD14+ blood monocytes to interferon (IFN)-γ, focusing on the chemokine CXCL10. Chemokine synthesis and release were analysed at a protein and mRNA level following stimulation with IFN-γ. Findings in BS patients were compared with 25 healthy controls (HC), 15 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 15 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease control patients. BS monocytes produced significantly more CXCL10 protein than HC monocytes from 2 h following IFN-γ stimulation, despite equivalent quantities of mRNA, suggesting more efficient translation. This was significantly more pronounced in BS with high disease activity and in those with ocular and neurological clinical manifestations. The imbalance between CXCL10 protein and mRNA expression was not observed in either RA or SLE patients, and was not seen with other chemokines studied (CXCL9, CXCL11 and CCL2). Furthermore, BS monocytes treated with an alternative stimulant (LPS) did not show abnormal tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α release. Sucrose density gradients to segregate monocyte CXCL10 mRNA into free RNA or polysome-associated RNA showed equal proportions in BS and HC samples, suggesting that the difference between BS and HC may be due to reduced negative control of CXCL10 translation in BS at a post-initiation level. We conclude that BS monocytes have dysfunctional post-transcriptional regulation of CXCL10 mRNA, resulting in over-expression of CXCL10 protein upon IFN-γ stimulation. As CXCL10 is a chemokine that recruits mononuclear cells, this abnormality may contribute to the exaggerated inflammatory responses that characterizes BS.
Factors impeding the discovery of an intervention-based treatment for type 1 diabetes
Authors: von Herrath M G , Korsgren O , Atkinson M A
Published: May 2015

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common and severe chronic diseases affecting both children and adults. The aetiology of the disease remains unknown, and thus far no ‘true’ cure for those affected is available. Indeed, exogenous insulin replacement therapy to manage glucose metabolism to the best degree possible remains the current standard of care. However, despite a recent array of truly impressive improvements designed to enhance disease management (e.g. insulin analogues, continuous glucose monitoring, insulin pumps), it is still difficult for the vast majority of patients to reach recommended target HbA1C levels (< 7·0%). As a result of suboptimal disease management, far too many patients with T1D have an increased risk for disease-associated complications such as nephropathy, neuropathy and retinopathy, as well as hypoglycaemia. New treatment modalities are therefore needed urgently to bring a ‘true’ cure (disease prevention/disease reversal) to patients with T1D. Here we consider issues that collectively pose a major stumbling block in T1D research with respect to identifying a means to prevent and/or cure the disease. We begin this Perspective by discussing new insights emanating from studies of the pancreas in human T1D; findings which may, at least in part, explain why previous interventions seeking disease prevention/reversal have yielded insufficient benefit. We then turn to suggestions that could optimise the outcome of future clinical trials. Finally, we direct attention to recommendations for the global T1D research community; messages we deem to have the potential to improve our chances of finding the elusive T1D ‘cure’.
Fragments of “Cultures of Mobility”: Everyday Movement of Parents with Children in Cagliari, Southern Italy
Authors: CUZZOCREA VALENTINA , MANDICH GIULIANA
Published: May 2015

This article develops a portrait of cultures of mobility emerging from empirical research conducted in Cagliari, southern Italy. The research focuses on the everyday mobility enacted by parents as they aim to take good care of their young children. To illuminate that mobility is more than the transport of bodies, but creates sets of different cultural meanings, we draw on Thévenot's work on “pragmatic regimes” (2001), or ways people use to engage with reality in their everyday lives (here, through mobility practices). This further interlinks with “structural stories” (Freudendal‐Pedersen 2009, this issue), redefinitions of proximity, and “motility” (Flamm and Kaufmann 2006).We argue fragments of cultures of mobility arise through these modalities and enhance understandings of mobility and the ways in which particular cities shape and are shaped by everyday experiences. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and “map‐elicitation,” a visual approach that allows participants to elucidate their preferences regarding daily routines that were not necessarily aligned with rational explanations of routines or with politically‐correct discourse.
Investigating Conversational Dynamics: Interactive Alignment, Interpersonal Synergy, and Collective Task Performance
Authors: Fusaroli Riccardo , Tylén Kristian
Published: May 2015

This study investigates interpersonal processes underlying dialog by comparing two approaches, interactive alignment and interpersonal synergy, and assesses how they predict collective performance in a joint task. While the interactive alignment approach highlights imitative patterns between interlocutors, the synergy approach points to structural organization at the level of the interaction—such as complementary patterns straddling speech turns and interlocutors. We develop a general, quantitative method to assess lexical, prosodic, and speech/pause patterns related to the two approaches and their impact on collective performance in a corpus of task‐oriented conversations. The results show statistical presence of patterns relevant for both approaches. However, synergetic aspects of dialog provide the best statistical predictors of collective performance and adding aspects of the alignment approach does not improve the model. This suggests that structural organization at the level of the interaction plays a crucial role in task‐oriented conversations, possibly constraining and integrating processes related to alignment.
Blastomeres aggregation as an efficient alternative for trophoblast culture from porcine parthenogenetic embryos
Authors: Saadeldin Islam M. , Kim Su Jin , Lee Byeong Chun
Published: May 2015

Zona pellucida free (ZPF) oocytes were cultured after electrical activation to allow blastomeres aggregation and compared to ZP intact (ZPI) oocytes. In feeder‐dependent conditions, the trophoblast attachment and primary outgrowths were significantly higher in ZPF than in ZPI groups. In feeder‐free conditions, trophoblast attachment and typical morphological trophoblast primary outgrowths were observed in ZPF group. The primary colonies derived from the ZPF embryos in both culture conditions were able to establish secondary and tertiary colonies and showed mRNA expression of CDX2, TEAD4 and KRT8 as trophoblast markers, while outgrowths from the ZPI embryos could not grow beyond primary colonies.
Mechanisms of cell height changes that mediate epithelial invagination
Authors: Kondo Takefumi , Hayashi Shigeo
Published: May 2015

Epithelial invagination is a morphogenetic process that converts flat cell sheets into tubular structures and contributes to the formation of three‐dimensional organs during development. Because the cells in tubular structures have smaller apical than basal surfaces, apical constriction is thought to be critical for the process of epithelial invagination. In addition, the invagination process is also accompanied by cell elongation, followed by cell shortening and basal expansion. While the mechanisms involved in apical constriction have been well‐characterized, recent technical advances are just beginning to unravel the mechanisms involved in cell height control, which include cytoskeletal changes, cortical tension generation, cell adhesion, and cytoplasmic flow. Furthermore, cell height changes associated with mitosis and apoptosis have recently been shown to contribute to epithelial invagination. To develop a comprehensive understanding of epithelial invagination, it is important to elucidate the mechanisms that mediate cell shape changes and facilitate their coordination. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in this field, focusing on the mechanisms that control cell height.
Using measurement error models to account for georeferencing error in species distribution models
Authors: Velásquez‐Tibatá Jorge , Graham Catherine H. , Munch Stephan B.
Published: May 2015

Georeferencing error is prevalent in datasets used to model species distributions, inducing uncertainty in covariate values associated with species occurrences that result in biased probability of occurrence estimates. Traditionally, this error has been dealt with at the data‐level by using only records with an acceptable level of error (filtering) or by summarizing covariates at sampling units by using measures of central tendency (averaging). Here we compare those previous approaches to a novel implementation of a Bayesian logistic regression with measurement error (ME), a seldom used method in species distribution modeling. We show that the ME model outperforms data‐level approaches on 1) specialist species and 2) when either sample sizes are small, the georeferencing error is large or when all georeferenced occurrences have a fixed level of error. Thus, for certain types of species and datasets the ME model is an effective method to reduce biases in probability of occurrence estimates and account for the uncertainty generated by georeferencing error. Our approach may be expanded for its use with presence‐only data as well as to include other sources of uncertainty in species distribution models.
Direct current stimulation over the human sensorimotor cortex modulates the brain's hemodynamic response to tactile stimulation
Authors: Wang Ye , Hao Ying , Zhou Junhong , Fried Peter J. , Wang Xiaoying , Zhang Jue , Fang Jing , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Manor Brad
Published: May 2015

Tactile stimuli produce afferent signals that activate specific regions of the cerebral cortex. Noninvasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effectively modulates cortical excitability. We therefore hypothesised that a single session of tDCS targeting the sensory cortices would alter the cortical response to tactile stimuli. This hypothesis was tested with a block‐design functional magnetic resonance imaging protocol designed to quantify the blood oxygen level‐dependent response to controlled sinusoidal pressure stimulation applied to the right foot sole, as compared with rest, in 16 healthy young adults. Following sham tDCS, right foot sole stimulation was associated with activation bilaterally within the precentral cortex, postcentral cortex, middle and superior frontal gyri, temporal lobe (subgyral) and cingulate gyrus. Activation was also observed in the left insula, middle temporal lobe, superior parietal lobule, supramarginal gyrus and thalamus, as well as the right inferior parietal lobule and claustrum (false discovery rate corrected, P < 0.05). To explore the regional effects of tDCS, brain regions related to somatosensory processing, and cortical areas underneath each tDCS electrode, were chosen as regions of interest. Real tDCS, as compared with sham tDCS, increased the percent signal change associated with foot stimulation relative to rest in the left posterior paracentral lobule. These results indicate that tDCS acutely modulated the cortical responsiveness to controlled foot pressure stimuli in healthy adults. Further study is warranted, in both healthy individuals and patients with sensory impairments, to link tDCS‐induced modulation of the cortical response to tactile stimuli with changes in somatosensory perception.
Effect of a single and repeated stress exposure on gene expression of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes in brainstem catecholaminergic cell groups in rats
Authors: Mravec Boris , Vargovic Peter , Filipcik Peter , Novak Michal , Kvetnansky Richard
Published: May 2015

Brainstem catecholaminergic neurons significantly participate in the regulation of neuroendocrine system activity, particularly during stressful conditions. However, so far the precise quantitative characterisation of basal and stress‐induced changes in gene expression and protein levels of catecholaminergic biosynthetic enzymes in these neurons has been missing. Using a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction method, we investigated gene expression of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes in brainstem noradrenergic and adrenergic cell groups in rats under resting conditions as well as in acutely and repeatedly stressed animals. For the first time, we described quantitative differences in basal levels of catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme mRNA in brainstem catecholaminergic ascending and descending projecting cell groups. Moreover, we found and defined some differences among catecholaminergic cell groups in the time‐course of mRNA levels of catecholaminergic enzymes following a single and especially repeated immobilisation stress. The data obtained support the assumption that brainstem catecholaminergic cell groups represent a functionally differentiated system, which is highly (but specifically) activated in rats exposed to stress. Therefore, potential interventions for the treatment of stress‐related diseases need to affect the activity of brainstem catecholaminergic neurons not uniformly but with some degree of selectivity.
Growth response of four freshwater algal species to dissolved organic nitrogen of different concentration and complexity
Authors: Fiedler Dorothea , Graeber Daniel , Badrian Maria , Köhler Jan
Published: May 2015

Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) compounds dominate the nitrogen pool of many lakes, but their importance as nitrogen sources for freshwater phytoplankton is not fully understood. Previous growth experiments demonstrated the availability of urea and amino acids but often at unnaturally high concentrations. The importance of complex DON compounds for growth of common phytoplankton species is still unknown.

This study compared changes in chlorophyll a concentrations of freshwater phytoplankton with different DON compounds of varying complexity (urea, dissolved free (DFAA) and combined amino acids (DCAA), natural organic matter (NOM)) or with nitrate as the sole nitrogen source. Monocultures of Chlamydomonas spp., Cyclotella meneghiniana, Microcystis aeruginosa and Anabaena flos‐aquae were incubated with dissolved nitrogen compounds at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.5 mg N L−1, which is within the range of concentrations that have been observed in a typical Central European shallow, eutrophic lake.

All studied species grew in all treatments, but their biomass gains decreased with increasing complexity of the N source. Urea addition caused the strongest biomass increase, only in some cases matched by nitrate.

Urea was also utilised over a longer time period than any other compound, including nitrate. The assumed delay in availability with increasing compound complexity was not supported by this experiment.

The studied species differed in their temporal response and their compound preferences. Therefore, DON composition can influence biomass and structure of phytoplankton communities.

These experiments demonstrate the importance of the main DON compounds for phytoplankton growth when no inorganic nitrogen is available. DON should in future be included in nitrogen budget calculations and management strategies, especially in relation to reducing nitrogen loading.
LPHN3 and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a susceptibility and pharmacogenetic study
Authors: Bruxel E. M. , Salatino‐Oliveira A. , Akutagava‐Martins G. C. , Tovo‐Rodrigues L. , Genro J. P. , Zeni C. P. , Polanczyk G. V. , Chazan R. , Schmitz M. , Arcos‐Burgos M. , Rohde L. A. , Hutz M. H.
Published: May 2015

Latrophilin 3 (LPHN3) is a brain‐specific member of the G‐protein coupled receptor family associated to both attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) genetic susceptibility and methylphenidate (MPH) pharmacogenetics. Interactions of LPHN3 variants with variants harbored in the 11q chromosome improve the prediction of ADHD development and medication response. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of LPHN3 variants in childhood ADHD susceptibility and treatment response in a naturalistic clinical cohort. The association between LPHN3 and ADHD was evaluated in 523 children and adolescents with ADHD and 132 controls. In the pharmacogenetic study, 172 children with ADHD were investigated. The primary outcome measure was the parent‐rated Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Scale – version IV applied at baseline, first and third months of treatment with MPH. The results reported herein suggest the CGC haplotype derived from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs6813183, rs1355368 and rs734644 as an ADHD risk haplotype (P = 0.02, OR = 1.46). Although non‐significant after multiple testing correction, its interaction with the 11q chromosome SNP rs965560 slightly increases risk (P = 0.03, OR = 1.55). Homozygous individuals for the CGC haplotype showed faster response to MPH treatment as a significant interaction effect between CGC haplotype and treatment over time was observed (P < 0.001). Homozygous individuals for the GT haplotype derived from SNPs rs6551665 and rs1947275 showed a nominally significant interaction with treatment over time (P = 0.04). Our findings replicate previous findings reporting that LPHN3 confers ADHD susceptibility, and moderates MPH treatment response in children and adolescents with ADHD.
Dominant tree species are at risk from exaggerated drought under climate change
Authors: Fensham Roderick J. , Fraser Josie , MacDermott Harry J. , Firn Jenifer
Published: May 2015

Predicting the consequences of climate change on forest systems is difficult because trees may display species‐specific responses to exaggerated droughts that may not be reflected by the climatic envelope of their geographic range. Furthermore, few studies have examined the postdrought recovery potential of drought‐susceptible tree species. This study develops a robust ranking of the drought susceptibility of 21 tree species based on their mortality after two droughts (1990s and 2000s) in the savanna of north‐eastern Australia. Drought‐induced mortality was positively related to species dominance, negatively related to the ratio of postdrought seedlings to adults and had no relationship to the magnitude of extreme drought within the species current geographic ranges. These results suggest that predicting the consequences of exaggerated drought on species’ geographic ranges is difficult, but that dominant species like Eucalyptus with relatively slow rates of population recovery and dispersal are the most susceptible. The implications for savanna ecosystems are lower tree densities and basal area.
Seed‐dispersal networks on the Canaries and the Galápagos archipelagos: interaction modules as biogeographical entities
Authors: Nogales M. , Heleno R. , Rumeu B. , González‐Castro A. , Traveset A. , Vargas P. , Olesen J. M.
Published: May 2015

Aim

Mutualistic network parameters, such as modularity and nestedness, show non‐random linkage patterns. Both increase network stability in different ways. Modularity hampers extinction cascades, whereas nestedness resists network disassembly. We explore these parameters in seed‐dispersal networks in two archipelagos and the significance of life history, habitat, geography and phylogeny as drivers of linkage patterns and the applicability of modules as biogeographical entities.

Location

Canaries (Atlantic Ocean) and Galápagos (Pacific Ocean).

Methods

We compiled data on plant–seed disperser interactions from own observations and the literature, estimated network parameters describing interaction patterns (connectance, nestedness and modularity) and constructed a backbone phylogeny for the analyses.

Results

The Canarian network was highly nested but weakly modular, whereas the Galápagos network showed the opposite characteristics. Most key network species are native and have a favourable conservation status. Modularity in the Canaries is correlated with habitats (indirectly affected by altitude and orientation), whereas in the Galápagos it mainly reflects the functional roles of species.

Main conclusions

The divergent link patterns for the archipelagos imply that the highly nested Canarian network is stable against disassembly, whereas the modular Galápagos network may show strong resistance against extinction cascades. This difference may be driven by the specific evolutionary dynamics on the archipelagos.
Diameter of main tumor feeding artery of a hepatocellular carcinoma: Measurement at the entry site into the nodule
Authors: Irie Toshiyuki , Kuramochi Masashi , Takahashi Nobuyuki
Published: May 2015

Aim

To measure the diameter of the main tumor feeding artery (TFA) of a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nodule at the entry site into the nodule.

Methods

Fifty‐seven HCC nodules in 43 patients were analyzed using a 3‐D workstation and picture archiving system (PACS). TFA was defined as an artery connected to a HCC nodule on catheter‐assisted multidetector computed tomography angiography (CAMDCTA). The entry site of the main TFA into the nodule was identified on CAMDCTA, and the corresponding portion was measured on digital angiography (DA) or digital subtracted angiography (DSA). The measuring scale of the PACS was calibrated using the platinum tip of microballoon catheters 0.68 mm in diameter. We investigated the relationship between diameters of the nodule and its main TFA.

Results

The diameters of the nodule and its main TFA ranged 7–63 mm (20.3 ± 12.7) and 0.12–1.79 mm (0.41 ± 0.32), respectively. Simple regression analysis revealed a relationship between diameters of the nodule and its main TFA (P < 0.0001). The diameter of the main TFA was less than 1 mm in 53 of 57 nodules (93.0%), and less than 0.5 mm in 42 (73.7%).

Conclusion

The diameter of main TFA was thicker in the larger nodule. The size of commercially available porous gelatin particles (1 or 2 mm in diameter) seems too large for embolization of most of HCC nodules.
Sex differences in obesity incidence: 20‐year prospective cohort in South Africa
Authors: Lundeen E. A. , Norris S. A. , Adair L. S. , Richter L. M. , Stein A. D.
Published: May 2015

Background

Prospective data spanning childhood and adolescence are needed to better understand obesity incidence among children and to identify important periods for intervention.

Objective

To describe gender differences in overweight and obesity from infancy to late adolescence in a South African cohort.

Methods

We analysed body mass index at 1–2 years, 4–8 years, 11–12 years, 13–15 years and 16–18 years among 1172 participants in the South African Birth‐to‐Twenty cohort.

Results

Among boys, overweight and obesity prevalence declined from age 1–2 years to 16–18 years. Among girls, overweight and obesity prevalence increased from 4–8 years to 16–18 years. Obesity incidence was highest from 4–8 years to 11–12 years in boys (6.8 cases per 1000 person‐years) and from 11–12 years to 13–15 years in girls (11.2 cases per 1000 person‐years). Among girls, obesity at 16–18 years was associated with overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–7.2) or obesity (OR = 8.0; 95% CI 3.7–17.6) at 1–2 years and overweight (OR = 6.8; 95% CI 3.3–13.9) or obesity (OR = 42.3; 95% CI 15.0–118.8) at 4–8 years; for boys, obesity at 16–18 years was associated with overweight at 1–2 years (OR = 5.6; 95% CI 1.7–18.0) and obesity at 4–8 years (OR = 19.7; 95% CI 5.1–75.9).

Conclusions

Among girls, overweight and obesity increased throughout childhood. Overweight and obesity were not widely prevalent among boys. Early childhood and post‐puberty may be important periods for intervention among girls.
Ethnic Composition and School Performance in the Secondary Education of Turkish Migrant Students in Seven Countries and 19 European Educational Systems
Authors: Veerman Gert-Jan Martijn , Dronkers Jaap
Published: May 2015

This article examines the effect of the ethnic composition on school performances in secondary education for Turkish students, using both cross-national and Swiss national PISA 2009 data. At the school level our results show no effect of the proportion of natives or the proportion of coethnics and a negative association between ethnic diversity (we employ a residualized score of diversity on the proportion of migrants) and math performances. Consequently, we find no evidence for social capital advantages and an indication of barriers. Finally, we find no association between social capital variables on national or educational system level and math performance.
Formation of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ and Its Transformation to SrSi6N8:Eu2+ Controlled by Temperature and Gas Pressure
Authors: Wu Shin‐Mou , Hung Hao‐En , Hsieh Chi‐Hsing , Lin Yin‐Chih , Wang Li‐Chun , Tsai Yi‐Ting , Lin Chun Che , Liu Ru‐Shi
Published: May 2015

Firing temperature and gas pressure effect of synthesizing Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ were investigated. The emission intensity is positively correlated with the firing temperature under 0.1 and 0.5 MPa gas pressure. The Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ with the highest emission intensity was found at 1700°C and 1980°C under 0.1 and 0.5 MPa gas pressure, respectively. Although the maximum emission intensity of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ obtained under 0.5 MPa gas pressure condition is higher than that under 0.1 MPa. The Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ synthesized under 0.5 MPa gas pressure in the temperature range from 1600°C to 1800°C have lower emission intensities than that synthesized under 0.1 MPa indicating that the melting of Sr3N2 is an important step for the formation of Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+. Moreover, the Sr2Si5N8:Eu2+ undergoes phase transition into SrSi6N8:Eu2+ completely after elongating the heating duration to 6 h at 1980°C under 0.5 MPa gas pressure. The same feature was observed under 0.1 MPa gas pressure after firing 8 h at 1750°C. Different heating durations led to different degrees of phase transition.
Magnetic‐Field‐Induced Dielectric Anomaly and Electric Polarization in Co4Ta2O9
Authors: Fang Yong , Yan Shiming , Zhang Lei , Han Zhida , Qian Bin , Wang Dunhui , Du Youwei
Published: May 2015

We report magnetic and electric properties of Co4Ta2O9, which is a collinear antiferromagnet with trigonal structure. At zero magnetic fields, no dielectric anomaly and electric polarization are observed in this compound. While, finite dielectric peaks and electric polarization develop under applied magnetic field, and increase with increasing field, showing magnetodielectric and magnetoelectric performance. We ascribe the magnetic‐field‐induced dielectric anomaly and electric polarization in Co4Ta2O9 to spin fluctuation and domain effect.
Synthesis and Luminescent Properties of the Li0.995−xMgxSi2−xAlxN3: Eu2+0.005 Phosphors
Authors: Ding Jianyan , Wu Quansheng , Li Yanyan , Long Qiang , Wang Chuang , Wang Yuhua
Published: May 2015

Li0.995−xMgxSi2−xAlxN3: Eu2+0.005 (LSN: xM) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) phosphors were successfully synthesized by gas‐pressed sintering. Double substitution which is partial replacement of (LiSi)5+ with (MgAl)5+ is presented as a useful way to improve luminescence properties. With an increase in the substitution concentration, the intensity of the emission band of LSN: xM was enhanced and the peak position shows blue shift due to the decreased stokes shift. Furthermore, LSN: xM (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) shows narrower full width at half maximum and higher thermal stability than Li0.995Si2N3: Eu2+0.005.