bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Difference between patients’ and clinicians’ perception of pouch dysfunction and its impact on quality of life following restorative proctocolectomy
Authors: Brandsborg S. , Chen T. Y. , Nicholls R. J. , Laurberg S.
Published: March 2015

Aim

The Pouch Dysfunction Score (PDS) is a five‐item instrument that evaluates bowel function and quality of life following restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. The PDS includes items that have a significantly negative impact on quality of life from the patient's point of view. The study aimed to establish how pouch dysfunction is perceived by clinicians in relation to patients experience.

Method

Fifty‐eight leading clinicians in the field of inflammatory bowel disease were invited to complete two PDS‐based exercises. In part 1, they received a list of the 12 bowel symptoms from which the PDS had been developed and were asked to identify and rank (in order of severity) the five they thought had the most significantly negative impact on quality of life. In part 2, they were given the list of symptoms perceived by patients to be most troublesome and were then required to enter a score that they thought was appropriate for each item according to the impact on quality of life.

Results

Forty‐three clinicians responded, and each correctly identified one to three items selected by patients and included in the PDS. Severity of urgency was selected by 29 (67%) clinicians, and four (9%) rated it to be the most important. Incomplete emptying after defaecation was selected by 10 (23%). Frequency of defaecation and the use of anti‐diarrhoeal medication were selected by 14 (33%) and three (7%) clinicians, respectively. Twenty‐six (60%) did not include incomplete emptying and 25 (58%) did not include uncontrolled loss of stool in their selection.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that clinicians do not have a great understanding of the symptoms of pouch dysfunction that really matter to the patient.
Safety and effectiveness of non‐insulin glucose‐lowering agents in the treatment of people with type 2 diabetes who observe Ramadan: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gray L. J. , Dales J. , Brady E. M. , Khunti K. , Hanif W. , Davies M. J.
Published: March 2015

Aim

To determine which non‐insulin glucose‐lowering treatment regimens are most appropriate in people with type 2 diabetes who choose to fast during Ramadan.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared non‐insulin glucose‐lowering agents in people with type 2 diabetes fasting during Ramadan. Those studies which reported hypoglycaemia, weight and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change were included. Data were pooled using random effects models.

Results

A total of 16 studies were included: 9 RCTs and 7 observational studies. There was evidence that dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors led to fewer hypoglycaemic events compared with sulphonylureas. Sitagliptin significantly reduced the number of patients with ≥1 hypoglycaemic episodes during Ramadan [risk ratio (RR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36, 0.64; p > 0.0001]. This was not replicated in the RCTs of vildagliptin, but a significant reduction was found in the observational studies (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.10, 0.75; p = 0.01) with high heterogeneity (I2 = 86.7%). Significant reductions in HbA1c and weight were seen in the observational studies of vildagliptin versus sulphonylureas. The use of liraglutide led to significant weight loss (−1.81 kg, 95% CI −2.91, −0.71; p = 0.001) compared with sulphonylureas. Pioglitazone significantly increased weight compared with placebo (3.48 kg, 95% CI 2.82, 4.14; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The analysis supports the use of DPP‐4 inhibitors during Ramadan rather than sulphonylureas for reduction in hypoglycaemia without a cost to diabetes control and weight. The glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 agonist liraglutide provides clinical benefits, but more studies are required. RCTs of DPP‐4 inhibitors compared with GLP‐1 agonists and novel therapies including the sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 and α‐glucosidase inhibitors are needed to inform evidence‐based guidelines.
OVERSEAS MARKET INFORMATION AND FIRMS' EXPORT DECISIONS
Authors: Inui Tomohiko , Ito Keiko , Miyakawa Daisuke
Published: March 2015

This paper examines how firms' decision to start exporting is affected by the availability of information on export markets. Unlike existing studies that focus on information sharing among firms, we are interested in the information provided by firms' main bank. Specifically, using a unique data set containing information on both Japanese firms' export activities and the experience of their main bank (i.e., their top lender bank) in transacting with other exporting firms, we examine whether main banks act as a conduit of information on export markets. We find that information spillovers through main banks positively affect client firms' decision to start exporting (extensive margin), implying that information on foreign markets provided by banks substantially reduces the fixed entry cost of exporting. On the other hand, we do not find any evidence that information provided by banks has an effect on the export volume or on the growth rate of exports (intensive margin). Our results highlight that channels of information spillovers other than those examined in the literature so far may be of considerable importance. (JEL F10, F14, G21)
Changing fitness of a necrotrophic plant pathogen under increasing temperature
Authors: Sabburg Rosalie , Obanor Friday , Aitken Elizabeth , Chakraborty Sukumar
Published: March 2015

Warmer temperatures associated with climate change are expected to have a direct impact on plant pathogens, challenging crops and altering plant disease profiles in the future. In this study, we have investigated the effect of increasing temperature on the pathogenic fitness of Fusarium pseudograminearum, an important necrotrophic plant pathogen associated with crown rot disease of wheat in Australia. Eleven wheat lines with different levels of crown rot resistance were artificially inoculated with F. pseudograminearum and maintained at four diurnal temperatures 15/15°C, 20/15°C, 25/15°C and 28/15°C in a controlled glasshouse. To quantify the success of F. pseudograminearum three fitness measures, these being disease severity, pathogen biomass in stem base and flag leaf node, and deoxynivalenol (DON) in stem base and flag leaf node of mature plants were used. F. pseudograminearum showed superior overall fitness at 15/15°C, and this was reduced with increasing temperature. Pathogen fitness was significantly influenced by the level of crown rot resistance of wheat lines, but the influence of line declined with increasing temperature. Lines that exhibited superior crown rot resistance in the field were generally associated with reduced overall pathogen fitness. However, the relative performance of the wheat lines was dependent on the measure of pathogen fitness, and lines that were associated with one reduced measure of pathogen fitness did not always reduce another. There was a strong correlation between DON in stem base tissue and disease severity, but length of browning was not a good predictor of Fusarium biomass in the stem base. We report that a combination of host resistance and rising temperature will reduce pathogen fitness under increasing temperature, but further studies combining the effect of rising CO2 are essential for more realistic assessments.
Do Immigrants Work in Worse Jobs than U.S. Natives? Evidence from California
Authors: Zavodny Madeline
Published: March 2015

In the debate over immigration reform, a common assertion is that immigrants take jobs that U.S. natives do not want. Using data from the 2000 Census merged with O*NET data on occupation characteristics, I show that the jobs held by immigrants are more physically arduous than the jobs held by U.S. natives. However, data from the California Work and Health Survey on self‐reported physical job demands indicate that immigrants do not perceive their jobs as requiring more physical effort than U.S. natives. Immigrants thus have worse jobs than natives but do not view them as such.
Minimum Wage Channels of Adjustment
Authors: Hirsch Barry T. , Kaufman Bruce E. , Zelenska Tetyana
Published: March 2015

We analyze the effects of minimum wage increases in 2007–2009 using a sample of restaurants from Georgia and Alabama. Store‐level payroll records provide precise measures of compliance costs. We examine multiple adjustment channels. Exploiting variation in compliance costs across restaurants, we find employment and hours responses to be variable and in most cases statistically insignificant. Channels of adjustment to wage increases and to changes in nonlabor costs include prices, profits, wage compression, turnover, and performance standards.
A Video Feedback Intervention for Workforce Development: Exploring Staff Perspective Using Longitudinal Qualitative Methodology
Authors: James Deborah Michelle , Hall Alex , Lombardo Chiara , McGovern Will
Published: March 2015

Background

In this study, we explored the impact of staff training that used video feedback to help staff see the effect of their interactional work with service users. The study was based at a large organization delivering services for children and adults with autism.

Materials and Methods

A longitudinal qualitative study with semi‐structured interviews was conducted to explore changes over time in 10 staff participants who received the intervention. Five participants were interviewed twice before they received the video feedback intervention to gauge the degree to which their perspective changed as part of the natural course of their working lives.

Results

The results showed that the staff talked differently after they had the intervention. The most notable change was their talk about the service user perspective which was evident after the intervention but not before.

Conclusions

The outcomes suggest that the use of video feedback of in situ practice could help staff develop person‐centred work practices.
Delayed timing of breeding as a cost of reproduction
Authors: Low Matthew , Arlt Debora , Pärt Tomas , Öberg Meit
Published: March 2015

Timing of breeding is a trait with considerable individual variation, often closely linked to fitness because of seasonal declines in reproduction. The drivers of this variation have received much attention, but how reproductive costs may influence the timing of subsequent breeding has been largely unexplored. We examined a population of northern wheatears Oenanthe oenanthe to compare three groups of individuals that differed in their timing of breeding termination and reproductive effort to investigate how these factors may carry over to influence reproductive timing and reproductive output in the following season. Compared to females that bred successfully, females that put in less effort and terminated breeding early due to nest failure tended to arrive and breed earlier in year 2 (mean advancement = 2.2 and 3.3 d respectively). Females that spent potentially more effort and terminated breeding later due to production of a replacement clutch after nest failure, arrived later than other females in year 2. Reproductive output (number of fledglings) in year 2 differed between the three groups as a result of group‐level differences in the timing of breeding in combination with the general seasonal decline in reproductive output. Our study shows that the main cost of reproduction was apparent in the timing of arrival and breeding in this migratory species. Hence, reproductive costs can arise through altered timing of breeding since future reproductive success (including adult survival) is often dependent on the timing of breeding in seasonal systems.
Perinatally administered losartan augments renal ACE2 expression but not cardiac or renal Mas receptor in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Klimas Jan , Olvedy Michael , Ochodnicka‐Mackovicova Katarina , Kruzliak Peter , Cacanyiova Sona , Kristek Frantisek , Krenek Peter , Ochodnicky Peter
Published: March 2015

Since the identification of the alternative angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)2/Ang‐(1‐7)/Mas receptor axis, renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) is a new complex target for a pharmacological intervention. We investigated the expression of RAS components in the heart and kidney during the development of hypertension and its perinatal treatment with losartan in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Expressions of RAS genes were studied by the RT‐PCR in the left ventricle and kidney of rats: normotensive Wistar, untreated SHR, SHR treated with losartan since perinatal period until week 9 of age (20 mg/kg/day) and SHR treated with losartan only until week 4 of age and discontinued until week 9. In the hypertrophied left ventricle of SHR, cardiac expressions of Ace and Mas were decreased while those of AT1 receptor (Agtr1a) and Ace2 were unchanged. Continuous losartan administration reduced LV weight (0.43 ± 0.02; P < 0.05 versus SHR) but did not influence altered cardiac RAS expression. Increased blood pressure in SHR (149 ± 2 in SHR versus 109 ± 2 mmHg in Wistar; P < 0.05) was associated with a lower renal expressions of renin, Agtr1a and Mas and with an increase in ACE2. Continuous losartan administration lowered blood pressure to control levels (105 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.05 versus SHR), however, only renal renin and ACE2 were significantly up‐regulated (for both P < 0.05 versus SHR). Conclusively, prevention of hypertension and LV hypertrophy development by losartan was unrelated to cardiac or renal expression of Mas. Increased renal Ace2, and its further increase by losartan suggests the influence of locally generated Ang‐(1‐7) in organ response to the developing hypertension in SHRs.
Adaptive contraction of diet breadth affects sexual maturation and specific nutrient consumption in an extreme generalist omnivore
Authors: Jensen K. , Schal C. , Silverman J.
Published: March 2015

Animals balance their intake of specific nutrients, but little is known about how they do so when foraging in an environment with toxic resources and whether toxic foods promote adaptations that affect life history traits. In German cockroach (Blattella germanica) populations, glucose aversion has evolved in response to glucose‐containing insecticidal baits. We restricted newly eclosed glucose‐averse (GA) and wild‐type (WT) female cockroaches to nutritionally defined diets varying in protein‐to‐carbohydrate (P : C) ratio (3 : 1, 1 : 1, or 1 : 3) or gave them free choice of the 3 : 1 and 1 : 3 diets, with either glucose or fructose as the sole carbohydrate source. We measured consumption of each diet over 6 days and then dissected the females to measure the length of basal oocytes in their ovaries. Our results showed significantly lower consumption by GA compared to WT cockroaches when restricted to glucose‐containing diets, but also lower fructose intake by GA compared to WT cockroaches when restricted to high fructose diets or given choice of fructose‐containing diets. Protein intake was regulated tightly regardless of carbohydrate intake, except by GA cockroaches restricted to glucose‐containing diets. Oocyte growth was completely suppressed in GA females restricted to glucose‐containing diets, but also significantly slower in GA than in WT females restricted to fructose‐containing diets. Our findings suggest that GA cockroaches have adapted to reduced diet breadth through endocrine adjustments which reduce requirements for energetic fuels. Our study illustrates how an evolutionary change in the chemosensory system may affect the evolution of other traits that govern animal life histories.
Autoimmune hepatitis: East meets west
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Qixia , Bian Zhaolian , Ren Lin‐Lin , Jia Jidong , Ma Xiong
Published: March 2015

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory liver disease with diverse clinical spectrum, which predominantly affects females. This review provides detailed comparisons of epidemiology, genetic predispositions, clinical features, risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality in AIH patients between eastern and western countries. AIH prevalence and incidence are lower in Asia‐Pacific area than in Europe and America. European and American patients seem to have more severe disease, characterized with human leukocyte antigen‐DR3 haplotype, younger age, more AIH‐induced “cirrhosis” at diagnosis, higher elevated serum immunoglobulin G levels, and positive rate of antisoluble liver antigen/liver pancreatitis. The overall AIH diagnostic accuracy of revised original criteria and simplified scoring system are similar in European/American populations and Asian. Cirrhosis at presentation and non‐response to immunosuppressive therapy within 1 year are the most important predictors for poor prognosis of AIH patients.
Cognitive Ability and the Stock Reallocations of Retirees during the Great Recession
Authors: BROWNING CHRIS , FINKE MICHAEL
Published: March 2015

Retirees are increasingly responsible for managing their retirement savings. The ability to manage these assets efficiently can have an important impact on retirement well‐being. Lower levels of cognitive ability in old age can reduce an investor's ability to control emotional responses to a loss. Greater sensitivity to loss may increase preferences for safety following a market decline, resulting in allocations away from stocks that are associated with long‐term underperformance. We investigate whether cognitive ability is related to stock reallocations among retirees during the Great Recession. Using the Health and Retirement Study, we find that cognitive ability is negatively related to allocations away from stock. Compared to those with the lowest levels of cognitive ability, respondents with higher cognitive ability are 40% less likely to reduce their stock allocation by 50% or more. These results suggest that the quality of investment decisions in old age may be compromised by cognitive decline.
Documenting Portrayals of Race/Ethnicity on Primetime Television over a 20‐Year Span and Their Association with National‐Level Racial/Ethnic Attitudes
Authors: Tukachinsky Riva , Mastro Dana , Yarchi Moran
Published: March 2015

The current study content analyzes the 345 most viewed U.S. television shows within 12 separate television seasons spanning the years 1987 to 2009. Using multilevel modeling, the results from this comprehensive content analysis then are used to predict national‐level racial/ethnic perceptions (between the years 1988 and 2008) with data from the American National Election Studies (ANES). Content analysis results reveal severe underrepresentation of Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans, and a tendency to depict ethnic minorities stereotypically (e.g., overrepresentation of hyper‐sexualized Latino characters). Multilevel‐modeling analysis indicates that both the quantity and quality of ethnic media representations contributes to Whites’ racial attitudes.
Social Identity Threat in Response to Stereotypic Film Portrayals: Effects on Self‐Conscious Emotion and Implicit Ingroup Attitudes
Authors: Schmader Toni , Block Katharina , Lickel Brian
Published: March 2015

Disadvantaged ethnic groups are often portrayed stereotypically in film, but little is known about how such portrayals affect members of those groups. Two experiments examined the affective and attitudinal reactions of Mexican and European Americans to stereotypic film clips of Latinos. Results of Study 1 revealed that stereotypic films cue negative affect among Mexican Americans, regardless of the realism of the portrayals. In Study 2, both Mexican and European Americans felt more self‐conscious when another ingroup member openly laughed at negative Latino stereotypes in a comedy. Across both studies, the importance of ethnic identity exacerbated negative reactions to stereotypic clips and predicted somewhat more negative implicit group attitudes among Mexican Americans. In contrast, group pride mitigated affective costs and predicted greater enjoyment of stereotypical film clips among European Americans. The implications for the role of mass media in creating social identity threat for disadvantaged ethnic groups are discussed.
Ethnolinguistic Identification, Vitality, and Gratifications for Television Use in a Bilingual Media Environment
Authors: Harwood Jake , Vincze Laszlo
Published: March 2015

This article tests a model predicting minority language television consumption. We examine how four media gratifications (diversion, ethnolinguistic identity, surveillance, parasocial companionship) mediate the relationship between ethnolinguistic identification and choice of ingroup language television viewing. The study is performed among (minority) Hungarian speakers in Transylvania, Romania. Self‐report questionnaire data from 401 Hungarian‐speaking high school students in Csíkszereda/Miercurea Ciuc (a majority Hungarian locale) and Brassó/Brașov (a minority Hungarian locale) allowed us to compare high and low local vitality conditions. Analysis indicates that diversion (entertainment) and ethnolinguistic identity gratifications for watching ingroup language television are the strongest mediators of the influence of identification on ingroup language television use. We examined four moderators of these indirect effects (objective vitality, subjective vitality, intergroup contact, and intragroup contact). The moderators revealed a number of rather complex effects which are discussed with regard to the local intergroup context and broader issues of media and intergroup relations.
Latinos’ Perceptions of Intergroup Relations in the United States: The Cultivation of Group‐Based Attitudes and Beliefs from English‐ and Spanish‐Language Television
Authors: Ortiz Michelle , Behm‐Morawitz Elizabeth
Published: March 2015

This study utilized a social identity‐based cultivation approach to investigate the influence of English and Spanish‐language television exposure in the United States on Latinos’ perceptions of intergroup relations. Although research has examined the influence of television on Whites’ perceptions of nondominant racial and ethnic groups, little empirical research exists assessing the influence of television on nondominant group members’ (e.g., Latinos’) race‐related perceptions. To help fill this gap, a survey of Latino Americans (N = 209) was conducted. Results indicated that Latinos’ English‐language television exposure was associated with perceptions of discrimination against Latinos and perceptions of the legitimacy of such treatment. Endorsement of English‐language television portrayals and exposure to Spanish‐language television moderated these relationships.
Pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin after subcutaneous injection in North American bison (Bison bison)
Authors: Bachtold K. , Alcorn J. , Matus J. , Boison J. , Woodbury M.
Published: March 2015

Tulathromycin is approved for the treatment of respiratory disease in cattle and swine. It is intended for long‐acting, single‐dose injection therapy (Draxxin), making it particularly desirable for use in bison due to the difficulty in handling and ease of creating stress in these animals. The pharmacokinetic properties of tulathromycin in bison were investigated. Ten wood bison received a single 2.5 mg/kg subcutaneous injection of Draxxin. Serum concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) detection. Tulathromycin demonstrated early maximal serum concentrations, extensive distribution, and slow elimination characteristics. The mean maximum serum concentration (Cmax) was 195 ng/mL at 1.04 h (tmax) postinjection. The mean area under the serum concentration–time curve, extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–inf), was 9341 ng·h/mL. The mean apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) and clearance (Cls/F) was 111 L/kg and 0.4 L/h/kg, respectively, and the mean half‐life (t1/2) was 214 h (8.9 days). Compared to values for cattle, Cmax and AUC0–inf were lower in bison, while the Vd/F was larger and the t1/2 longer. Tissue distribution and clinical efficacy studies in bison are needed to confirm the purported extensive distribution of tulathromycin into lung tissue and to determine whether a 2.5 mg/kg subcutaneous dosage is adequate for bison.
Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and PK/PD relationship of cefquinome for Escherichia coli in Beagle dogs
Authors: Zhou Y. F. , Zhao D. H. , Yu Y. , Yang X. , Shi W. , Peng Y. B. , Liu Y. H.
Published: March 2015

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cefquinome in Beagle dogs were determined by intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) injection at a single dose of 2 mg/kg body weight (BW). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of cefquinome against 217 Escherichia coli isolated from dogs were also investigated. After IV injection, the plasma concentration‐time curve of cefquinome was analyzed using a two‐compartmental model, and the mean values of t1/2α (h), t1/2β (h), Vss (L/kg), ClB (L/kg/h) and AUC (μg·h/mL) were 0.12, 0.98, 0.30, 0.24 and 8.51, respectively. After IM and SC administration, the PK data were best described by a one‐compartmental model with first‐order absorption. The mean values of t1/2Kel, t1/2Ka, tmax (h), Cmax (μg/mL) and AUC (μg·h/mL) were corresponding 0.85, 0.14, 0.43, 4.83 and 8.24 for IM administration, 0.99, 0.29, 0.72, 3.88 and 9.13 for SC injection. The duration of time that drug levels exceed the MIC (%T > MIC) were calculated using the determined MIC90 (0.125 μg/mL) and the PK data obtained in this study. The results indicated that the dosage regimen of cefquinome at 2 mg/kg BW with 12‐h intervals could achieve %T > MIC above 50% that generally produced a satisfactory bactericidal effect against E. coli isolated from dogs in this study.
Igneous and shock processes affecting chassignite amphibole evaluated using chlorine/water partitioning and hydrogen isotopes
Authors: Giesting Paul A. , Schwenzer Susanne P. , Filiberto Justin , Starkey Natalie A. , Franchi Ian A. , Treiman Allan H. , Tindle Andy G. , Grady Monica M.
Published: March 2015

Amphibole in chassignite melt inclusions provides valuable information about the volatile content of the original interstitial magma, but also shock and postshock processes. We have analyzed amphibole and other phases from NWA 2737 melt inclusions, and we evaluate these data along with published values to constrain the crystallization Cl and H2O content of phases in chassignite melt inclusions and the effects of shock on these amphibole grains. Using a model for the Cl/OH exchange between amphibole and melt, we estimate primary crystallization OH contents of chassignite amphiboles. SIMS analysis shows that amphibole from NWA 2737 currently has 0.15 wt% H2O. It has lost ~0.6 wt% H2O from an initial 0.7–0.8 wt% H2O due to intense shock. Chassigny amphibole had on average 0.3–0.4 wt% H2O and suffered little net loss of H2O due to shock. NWA 2737 amphibole has δD ≈ +3700‰; it absorbed Martian atmosphere‐derived heavy H in the aftermath of shock. Chassigny amphibole, with δD ≤ +1900‰, incorporated less heavy H. Low H2O/Cl ratios are inferred for the primitive chassignite magma, which had significant effects on melting and crystallization. Volatiles released by the degassing of Martian magma were more Cl‐rich than on Earth, resulting in the high Cl content of Martian surface materials.
Role of capsular modified heptose in the virulence of Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Wong Anthony , Lange Dirk , Houle Sebastien , Arbatsky Nikolay P. , Valvano Miguel A. , Knirel Yuriy A. , Dozois Charles M. , Creuzenet Carole
Published: March 2015

The Campylobacter jejuni capsular polysaccharide is important for virulence and often contains a modified heptose. In strain ATCC 700819 (a.k.a. NCTC 11168), the modified heptose branches off from the capsular backbone and is directly exposed to the environment. We reported previously that the enzymes encoded by wcaG, mlghB and mlghC are involved in heptose modification. Here, we show that inactivation of any of these genes leads to production of capsule lacking modified heptose and alters the transcription of other capsule modification genes differentially. Inactivation of mlghB or mlghC, but not of wcaG, decreased susceptibility to bile salts and abrogated invasion of intestinal cells. All mutants showed increased sensitivity to serum killing, especially wcaG::cat, and had defects in colonization and persistence in chicken intestine, but did not show significant differences in adhesion, phagocytosis and intracellular survival in murine macrophages. Together, our findings suggest that the capsular heptose modification pathway contributes to bacterial resistance against gastrointestinal host defenses and supports bacterial persistence via its role in serum resistance and invasion of intestinal cells. Our data further suggest a dynamic regulation of expression of this pathway in the gastrointestinal tract.
Transcriptome analysis highlights preformed defences and signalling pathways controlled by the prAe1 quantitative trait locus (QTL), conferring partial resistance to Aphanomyces euteiches in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Badis Yacine , Bonhomme Maxime , Lafitte Claude , Huguet Stéphanie , Balzergue Sandrine , Dumas Bernard , Jacquet Christophe
Published: March 2015

To gain an insight into the molecular mechanisms of quantitative disease resistance in Medicago truncatula to the root‐infecting oomycete Aphanomyces euteiches, we selected two near‐isogenic lines (NILs), NR and NS, partially resistant and susceptible, respectively, differing in the allelic state of the quantitative resistance locus (QRL) prAe1 (partially resistant to A. euteiches 1). Complementary molecular and cytological phenotyping methods showed that prAe1 alone confers quantitative resistance to A. euteiches. Root and stem tissues were colonized in NS plants and 80% of NS plants died by 21 days post‐inoculation (dpi). In contrast, A. euteiches mycelium was restricted to the root cortex and the spread of symptoms was arrested in aerial parts of NR plants. A transcriptome analysis performed at 0, 1 and 6 dpi identified 1198 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NR and NS lines. More than 87% of the DEGs were significantly more expressed in NR. The highest number of DEGs was found in control conditions, with 723 genes over‐expressed in NR versus 85 in NS. Genes belonging to secondary metabolism, pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins and kinases were significantly enriched. The significant role of the flavonoid pathway in resistance was corroborated by the detection of larger amounts of flavonoids in NR roots and the inhibition of A. euteiches zoospore germination by 2′‐O‐methyl‐isoliquiritigenin, a compound synthesized by enzymes specifically induced in NR. Our study revealed that prAe1‐dependent resistance relies mainly on the constitutive expression of defence‐related pathways and signalling elements, which can be re‐amplified in later time points of the infection.
Preservation of musical memory and engagement in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cuddy Lola L. , Sikka Ritu , Vanstone Ashley
Published: March 2015

In striking contrast to the difficulties with new learning and episodic memories in aging and especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD), musical long‐term memories appear to be largely preserved. Evidence for spared musical memories in aging and AD is reviewed here. New data involve the development of a Musical Engagement Questionnaire especially designed for use with AD patients. The questionnaire assesses behavioral responses to music and is answered by the care partner. Current results show that, despite cognitive loss, persons with mild to moderate AD preserve musical engagement and music seeking. Familiar music evokes personal autobiographical memories for healthy younger and older adults as well and for those with mild to moderate AD. It is argued that music is a prime candidate for being a stimulus for cognitive stimulation because musical memories and associated emotions may be readily evoked; that is, they are strong and do not need to be repaired. Working with and through music as a resource may enhance social and communication functions.
Efficacy of musical interventions in dementia: methodological requirements of nonpharmacological trials
Authors: Samson Séverine , Clément Sylvain , Narme Pauline , Schiaratura Loris , Ehrlé Nathalie
Published: March 2015

The management of patients with Alzheimer's disease is a significant public health problem given the limited effectiveness of pharmacological therapies combined with iatrogenic effects of drug treatments in dementia. Consequently, the development of nondrug care, such as musical interventions, has become a necessity. The experimental rigor of studies in this area, however, is often lacking. It is therefore difficult to determine the impact of musical interventions on patients with dementia. As part of a series of studies, we carried out randomized controlled trials to compare the effectiveness of musical activities to other pleasant activities on various functions in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. The data obtained in these trials are discussed in light of the methodological constraints and requirements specific to these clinical studies. Although the results demonstrate the power of music on the emotional and behavioral status of patients, they also suggest that other pleasant activities (e.g., cooking) are also effective, leaving open the question about the specific benefits of music in patients with dementia. All these findings highlight the promising potential for nonpharmacological treatments to improve the well‐being of patients living in residential care and to reduce caregiver burden.
Neurological and developmental approaches to poor pitch perception and production
Authors: Loui Psyche , Demorest Steven M. , Pfordresher Peter Q. , Iyer Janani
Published: March 2015

Whereas much of research in music and neuroscience is aimed at understanding the mechanisms by which the human brain facilitates music, emerging interest in the neuromusic community aims to translate basic music research into clinical and educational applications. In the present paper, we explore the problems of poor pitch perception and production from both neurological and developmental/educational perspectives. We begin by reviewing previous and novel findings on the neural regulation of pitch perception and production. We then discuss issues in measuring singing accuracy consistently between the laboratory and educational settings. We review the Seattle Singing Accuracy Protocol—a new assessment tool that we hope can be adopted by cognitive psychologists as well as music educators—and we conclude with some suggestions that the present interdisciplinary approach might offer for future research.
Associations between motor timing, music practice, and intelligence studied in a large sample of twins
Authors: Ullén Fredrik , Mosing Miriam A. , Madison Guy
Published: March 2015

Music performance depends critically on precise processing of time. A common model behavior in studies of motor timing is isochronous serial interval production (ISIP), that is, hand/finger movements with a regular beat. ISIP accuracy is related to both music practice and intelligence. Here we present a study of these associations in a large twin cohort, demonstrating that the effects of music practice and intelligence on motor timing are additive, with no significant multiplicative (interaction) effect. Furthermore, the association between music practice and motor timing was analyzed with the use of a co‐twin control design using intrapair differences. These analyses revealed that the phenotypic association disappeared when all genetic and common environmental factors were controlled. This suggests that the observed association may not reflect a causal effect of music practice on ISIP performance but rather reflect common influences (e.g., genetic effects) on both outcomes. The relevance of these findings for models of practice and expert performance is discussed.
Rhythm and interpersonal synchrony in early social development
Authors: Trainor Laurel J. , Cirelli Laura
Published: March 2015

Adults who engage in synchronous movement to music later report liking each other better, remembering more about each other, trusting each other more, and are more likely to cooperate with each other compared to adults who engage in asynchronous movements. Although poor motor coordination limits infants’ ability to entrain to a musical beat, they perceive metrical structure in auditory rhythm patterns, their movements are affected by the tempo of music they hear, and if they are bounced by an adult to a rhythm pattern, the manner of this bouncing can affect their auditory interpretation of the meter of that pattern. In this paper, we review studies showing that by 14 months of age, infants who are bounced in synchrony with an adult subsequently show more altruistic behavior toward that adult in the form of handing back objects “accidentally” dropped by the adult compared to infants who are bounced asynchronously with the adult. Furthermore, increased helpfulness is directed at the synchronized bounce partner, but not at a neutral stranger. Interestingly, however, helpfulness does generalize to a “friend” of the synchronized bounce partner. In sum, synchronous movement between infants and adults has a powerful effect on infants’ expression of directed prosocial behavior.
Music training and inhibitory control: a multidimensional model
Authors: Moreno Sylvain , Farzan Faranak
Published: March 2015

Training programs aimed to improve cognitive skills have either yielded mixed results or remain to be validated. The limited benefits of such regimens are largely attributable to weak understanding of (1) how (and which) interventions provide the most cognitive improvements; and (2) how brain networks and neural mechanisms that underlie specific cognitive abilities can be modified selectively. Studies indicate that music training leads to robust and long‐lasting benefits to behavior. Importantly, behavioral advantages conferred by music extend beyond perceptual abilities to even nonauditory functions, such as inhibitory control (IC) and its neural correlates. Alternative forms of arts engagement or brain training do not appear to yield such enhancements, which suggests that music uniquely taps into brain networks subserving a variety of auditory as well as domain‐general mechanisms such as IC. To account for such widespread benefits of music training, we propose a framework of transfer effects characterized by three dimensions: level of processing, nature of the transfer, and involvement of executive functions. We suggest that transfer of skills is mediated through modulation of general cognitive processes, in particular IC. We believe that this model offers a viable framework to test the extent and limitations of music‐related changes.
Music and emotions: from enchantment to entrainment
Authors: Vuilleumier Patrik , Trost Wiebke
Published: March 2015

Producing and perceiving music engage a wide range of sensorimotor, cognitive, and emotional processes. Emotions are a central feature of the enjoyment of music, with a large variety of affective states consistently reported by people while listening to music. However, besides joy or sadness, music often elicits feelings of wonder, nostalgia, or tenderness, which do not correspond to emotion categories typically studied in neuroscience and whose neural substrates remain largely unknown. Here we review the similarities and differences in the neural substrates underlying these “complex” music‐evoked emotions relative to other more “basic” emotional experiences. We suggest that these emotions emerge through a combination of activation in emotional and motivational brain systems (e.g., including reward pathways) that confer its valence to music, with activation in several other areas outside emotional systems, including motor, attention, or memory‐related regions. We then discuss the neural substrates underlying the entrainment of cognitive and motor processes by music and their relation to affective experience. These effects have important implications for the potential therapeutic use of music in neurological or psychiatric diseases, particularly those associated with motor, attention, or affective disturbances.
Moving with music for stroke rehabilitation: a sonification feasibility study
Authors: Scholz Daniel S. , Rhode Sönke , Großbach Michael , Rollnik Jens , Altenmüller Eckart
Published: March 2015

Gross‐motor impairments are common after stroke, but efficacious and motivating therapies for these impairments are scarce. We present a novel musical sonification therapy especially designed to retrain gross‐motor functions. Four stroke patients were included in a clinical pre–post feasibility study and were trained with our sonification training. Patients’ upper‐extremity functions and their psychological states were assessed before and after training. The four patients were subdivided into two groups, with both groups receiving 9 days of musical sonification therapy (music group, MG) or a sham sonification training (control group, CG). The only difference between these training protocols was that, in the CG, no sound was played back. During the training the patients initially explored the acoustic effects of their arm movements, and at the end of the training the patients played simple melodies by moving their arms. The two patients in the MG improved in nearly all motor function tests after the training. They also reported in the stroke impact scale, which assesses well‐being, memory, thinking, and social participation, to be less impaired by the stroke. The two patients in the CG did benefit less from the movement training. Taken together, musical sonification may be a promising therapy for impairments after stroke.
Angiopoietin‐2: a multifaceted cytokine that functions in both angiogenesis and inflammation
Authors: Scholz Alexander , Plate Karl H. , Reiss Yvonne
Published: March 2015

Angiogenesis and inflammation are two highly linked processes. In the last decade, several factors with dual function in both of these major pathways have been identified. This review focuses on angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2), an important proangiogenic factor that has more recently been implicated in mediating inflammatory processes as well. Ang‐2 is upregulated in multiple inflammatory diseases and has been implicated in the direct control of inflammation‐related signaling pathways. As a consequence of its multiple roles, designs for therapeutic targeting of Ang‐2 should consider the dual function of this factor in regulating angiogenesis and inflammation.
Calibration of a camera–projector monochromatic system
Authors: Portalés Cristina , Ribes‐Gómez Emilio , Pastor Begoña , Gutiérrez Antonio
Published: March 2015

Camera–projector systems are increasingly being used in many different applications, including object reconstruction. In recent years, a number of approaches have been proposed to calibrate such devices; in this paper a calibration method is presented which can be used with monochromatic systems. The method is based on open‐source code, makes use of planar calibration patterns, is fully automatic, easy to use and fast. Additionally, no initial information regarding the camera interior orientation is needed, and both sensors (camera and projector) are fully calibrated during the process. The method is validated by a series of tests, where root mean square errors (RMSEs) in image space are kept below 1 pixel. Finally, the applicability of the method is demonstrated by implementing two different strategies to automatically reconstruct objects.
Embedded Ancient Greek Imperatives: A Feature Transfer Analysis
Authors: Medeiros David J.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents an analysis of data in which imperative verbs appear in nonroot clauses, namely relative and finite verbal complement clauses. Although crosslinguistically rare, such embedding is well attested in languages such as Ancient Greek and Slovenian, and it is impossible in languages such as English. An analysis is presented in which rich imperative morphology is related to the possibility of embedding imperatives inCPcontexts, which is formalized in terms of the independently motivated theory of Feature Transfer (Chomsky 2008). According to the analysis presented here, the difference between Ancient Greek and English imperatives is one of subcategorization, such that a ϕ‐complete C is able to subcategorize for imperative T in Ancient Greek but not in English. Rich imperative morphology, defined as having overt forms beyond the second person, is taken to be a necessary condition for the learner to posit that ϕ‐complete C can select imperatives, as in Ancient Greek but not in English. The analysis suggests a view of the grammar in which sentential force is encoded in the syntax, given that morphologically imperative verbs are disassociated with directive force in Ancient Greek.
Viremia levels in hepatitis C infection among Egyptian blood donors and implications for transmission risk with different screening scenarios
Authors: El Ekiaby Magdy , Moftah Faten , Goubran Heidi , van Drimmelen Harry , LaPerche Syria , Kleinman Steve , Busch Michael , Lelie Nico
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Knowledge about the viral load (VL) distributions in different stages of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is essential to compare the efficacy of serologic screening and nucleic acid testing (NAT) in preventing transfusion transmission risk. We studied HCV‐RNA levels in Egyptian blood donors in the preseroconversion window period (WP) and in later anti‐HCV–positive stages of infection.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Subsets of individual‐donation (ID)‐NAT and anti‐HCV–yield samples from a screening study among 119,756 donors were tested for VL by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Low viremia levels below the quantification limit of qPCR were determined by probit analysis using the proportion of reactive results on replicate NATs. Poisson distribution statistics were used to estimate transmission risk in different stages of HCV infection based on 50% minimum infectious doses (MID50) of 3.2 (1‐10) and 316 (100‐1000) virions in the absence and presence of anti‐HCV, respectively.

RESULTS

Rates of total HCV infections and WP‐NAT–yield donations in two Egyptian blood centers varied between 2.6% to 4.5% and 1:3100 to 1:9500, respectively. VLs ranged from 82 to 3 × 107 copies/mL in WP and from fewer than 1600 to 1.6 × 106 copies/mL in anti‐HCV–positive carrier donations. Only two (1.1%) of 175 donors with probable resolved infection had detectable RNA on replicate testing (estimated VLs of 0.5 and 1.8 copies/mL). This translates to an estimated transmission risk of 0.028% if ID‐NAT‐nonreactive, anti‐HCV–positive donations would be used for RBC transfusions.

CONCLUSION

Almost 99% of anti‐HCV–reactive donations without detectable HCV‐RNA on initial ID‐NAT screening had eradicated the virus from the circulation, while 1% had extremely low VLs and are likely not infectious. The incremental safety offered by serologic testing of ID‐NAT–screened blood seems minimal.