bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambiguity and nonidentifiability in the statistical analysis of neural codes
Authors: Amarasingham Asohan , Geman Stuart , Harrison Matthew T.
Published: May 2015

Significance

Among the most important open questions in neurophysiology are those regarding the nature of the code that neurons use to transmit information. Experimental approaches to such questions are challenging because the spike outputs of a neuronal subpopulation are influenced by a vast array of factors, ranging from microscopic to macroscopic scales, but only a small fraction of these is measured. Inevitably, there is variability from trial to trial in the recorded data. We show that a prominent conceptual approach to modeling spike-train variability can be ill-posed, confusing the interpretation of results bearing on neural codes. We argue for more careful definitions and more explicit statements of physiological assumptions.
ALMA observations of 99 GHz free–free and H40α line emission from star formation in the centre of NGC 253
Authors: Bendo G. J. , Beswick R. J. , D'Cruze M. J. , Dickinson C. , Fuller G. A. , Muxlow T. W. B.
Published: May 2015

We present Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array observations of 99.02 GHz free–free and H40α emission from the centre of the nearby starburst galaxy NGC 253. We calculate electron temperatures of 3700–4500 K for the photoionized gas, which agrees with previous measurements. We measure a photoionizing photon production rate of (3.2 ± 0.2) × 1053 s−1 and a star formation rate of 1.73 ± 0.12 M⊙ yr−1 within the central 20 × 10 arcsec, which fall within the broad range of measurements from previous millimetre and radio observations but which are better constrained. We also demonstrate that the dust opacities are ∼3 dex higher than inferred from previous near-infrared data, which illustrates the benefits of using millimetre star formation tracers in very dusty sources.
Distinguishing types of compact-object binaries using the gravitational-wave signatures of their mergers
Authors: Mandel Ilya , Haster Carl-Johan , Dominik Michal , Belczynski Krzysztof
Published: May 2015

We analyse the distinguishability of populations of coalescing binary neutron stars, neutron-star black hole binaries, and binary black holes, whose gravitational-wave signatures are expected to be observed by the advanced network of ground-based interferometers LIGO and Virgo. We consider population-synthesis predictions for plausible merging binary distributions in mass space, along with measurement accuracy estimates from the main gravitational-wave parameter-estimation pipeline. We find that for our model compact-object binary mass distribution, we can always distinguish binary neutron stars and black hole–neutron-star binaries, but not necessarily black hole–neutron-star binaries and binary black holes; however, with a few tens of detections, we can accurately identify the three subpopulations and measure their respective rates.
Incidence and Etiology of Postharvest Fungal Diseases of Persimmon (Diospyros kakiThunb. cv. Rojo Brillante) in Spain
Authors: Palou Lluís , Montesinos-Herrero Clara , Tarazona Ignacio , Besada Cristina , Taberner Verónica
Published: May 2015

‘Rojo Brillante’ is currently the most important persimmon cultivar in Spain. The incidence and etiology of postharvest diseases affecting this cultivar were determined under local conditions. Latent and wound pathogens were assessed for two consecutive seasons on commercially grown persimmons from two orchards. Healthy persimmons were either surface-disinfested or artificially wounded on the rind and placed in humid chambers at 20 or 25°C for up to 9 weeks. Additionally, decay was assessed on commercially handled persimmons stored at 1°C for up to 20 weeks. In all cases, the most frequent disease was alternaria black spot (ABS) caused by Alternaria alternata and an ABS severity index specific for ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmons was established. Other minor pathogens causing latent infections, mostly stem-end rots, included Botrytis cinerea, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Neofusicoccum spp., Pestalotiopsis clavispora, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Penicillium expansum and, to much a lesser extent, Cladosporium cladosporioides were other pathogens causing wound infections. These two fungi and A. alternata and B. cinerea were also isolated from cold-stored fruit. Common isolates were identified by macroscopic and microscopic morphology and/or DNA amplification and sequencing. Pathogenicity of selected isolates was demonstrated by fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Disease development at 20 and 5°C was characterized on artificially inoculated persimmons.
A Network Meta-analysis of Outcomes of 7 Surgical Treatments for Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Xu Guang-Yue , Qiu Yong , Mao Hai-Jun
Published: May 2015

To determinate the optimal treatment for distal radius fractures (DRF) by comparing the pin-track infection (PTI) rates in patients treated with 7 surgical techniques [bridging external fixation (EF), nonbridging EF, K-wire fixation, plaster fixation, dorsal plating, dorsal and volar plating, and volar plating]. After an exhaustive search of electronic databases for relevant published studies, high-quality randomized controlled trails were selected for the present network meta-analysis based on predefined selection criteria. Statistical analyses of the extracted data were conducted using Stata 12.0 software. After careful selection, 19 randomized controlled trails were included in our network meta-analysis and contained a combined total of 1805 subjects who underwent various surgical procedures. The network meta-analysis results showed that compared with bridging EF for treating DRF, the nonbridging EF, plaster fixation, volar plating, and dorsal and volar plating showed statistically significant differences in PTI rates. Importantly, the surface under the cumulative ranking curve values of the surgical interventions revealed that the PTI rates of plaster fixation and of dorsal and volar plating were the lowest, suggesting that these 2 surgical techniques are optimal for DRFs treatment, compared with the other methods. Our results suggest that plaster fixation and dorsal and volar plating are the best surgical treatments for DRFs compared with 5 other most common techniques. Thus, plaster fixation and dorsal and volar plating emerge as the most effective and credible treatments in consideration of PTI rates.
Role of Coping With Symptoms in Depression and Disability
Authors: van Tilburg Miranda A.L. , Claar Robyn L. , Romano Joan M. , Langer Shelby L. , Walker Lynn S. , Whitehead William E. , Abdullah Bisher , Christie Dennis L. , Levy Rona L.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and abdominal pain of functional origin (AP) are common gastrointestinal disorders in children, which are associated with increased risk for depression and disability. Both symptom severity and coping with symptoms may contribute to these outcomes. We hypothesized that children with AP use different coping strategies compared with those with IBD for a number of reasons, including the fact that fewer treatment options are available to them. We also examined whether coping was related to depression and functional disability beyond the contributions of symptom severity.

Methods:

The study method included secondary data analysis of 2 existing data sets including 200 children with AP (73% girls, mean age 11.2 years) and 189 children with IBD (49% girls, mean age 13.8 years).

Results:

Compared with patients with IBD, patients with AP reported more use of coping strategies of self‐isolation, behavioral disengagement, and catastrophizing, as well as problem solving and seeking social support. Multivariate analyses revealed that, in both samples, ≥1 coping strategies were associated with depression and functional disability, independent of symptom severity, and controlling for age and sex. In IBD, symptoms were not a significant predictor of depression but coping was. Catastrophizing predicted depression and disability in both samples.

Conclusions:

Patients with AP report more frequent use of several of the coping strategies we measured compared with patients with IBD. Certain types of coping, particularly catastrophizing, were associated with greater depression and functional disability in both groups. Clinicians should be aware of maladaptive coping, which may be a risk factor for poor psychosocial and functional outcomes in both patient groups.
Plummer‐Vinson Syndrome in Children
Authors: Butori Mathilde , Mahmoudi Sana , Dugelay‐Ecochard Emmanuelle , Belarbi Nadia , Bellaïche Marc , Hugot Jean‐Pierre , Viala Jérôme
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

Plummer‐Vinson syndrome (PVS), also called Kelly‐Paterson syndrome, is a rare cause of dysphagia in children. This syndrome associates single or multiple webs in the upper esophagus with frequent iron deficiency.

Methods:

We reported 3 pediatric cases of PVS before analyzing all of the cases of PVS in children reported in the PubMed and EMBASE databases.

Results:

Among 17 reported PVS cases in children, all of the patients experienced iron‐deficiency anemia, and no immunological disease was reported. The male/female ratio was 1/1.9, and most cases were observed in adolescents. Conversely to adults, endoscopic dilation was often necessary because dysphagia resisted iron supplementation. A single dilation was usually sufficient. One case of pediatric PVS experienced esophageal cancer in adulthood.

Conclusions:

In the case of dysphagia in children, a swallow barium exploration with lateral incidence should look for PVS. Conversely to adults, an endoscopic dilation is frequently necessary to control dysphagia in children.
Pythium kandovanense sp. nov., a fungus-like eukaryotic micro-organism (Stramenopila, Pythiales) isolated from snow-covered ryegrass leaves
Authors: Chenari Bouket Ali , Arzanlou Mahdi , Tojo Motoaki , Babai-Ahari Asadollah
Published: May 2015

Pythium
kandovanense sp. nov. (ex-type culture CCTU 1813T = OPU 1626T = CBS 139567T) is a novel oomycete species isolated from Lolium perenne with snow rot symptoms in a natural grassland in East-Azarbaijan province, Iran. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequence data from internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-rDNA, coxI and coxII mitochondrial genes clustered our isolates in Pythium group E as a unique, well supported clade. Pythium kandovanense sp. nov. is phylogenetically and morphologically distinct from the other closely related species in this clade, namely Pythium rostratifingens and Pythium rostratum. Pythium kandovanense sp. nov. can be distinguished from these two species by its cylindrical sporangia and lower temperatures for optimum and maximum growth rate. The development of zoospores released through a shorter discharge tube is an additional morphological feature which can be used to differentiate Pythium kandovanense sp. nov. from Pythium rostratifingens. Laboratory inoculation tests demonstrated the pathogenicity of Pythium kandovanense sp. nov. to L. perenne under wet cold (0–3 °C) conditions.
Emticicia sediminis sp. nov. isolated from sediment of a shallow stream
Authors: Park Si-Eun , Lee Siwon , Kim Haneul , Ahn Tae-Young
Published: May 2015

A novel bacterial strain, designated JBR12T, was isolated from sediment of a shallow stream in Cheonan, Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain JBR12T belongs to the genus Emticicia, and indicated that its closest relatives are Emticicia oligotrophica DSM 17448T (97.8  % sequence similarity) and E. ginsengisoli Gsoil 085T (94.3  %). A DNA–DNA hybridization experiment revealed < 70  % genomic relatedness between strain JBR12T and E. oligotrophica DSM 17448T. The major fatty acids (>5  % of the total) were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The DNA G+C content of strain JBR12T was 37.7 mol%. According to data from the present polyphasic taxonomic study, strain JBR12T represents a novel species of the genus Emticicia, for which the name Emticicia sediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JBR12T ( = KACC 17466T = JCM 19321T).
Thermoproteus thermophilus sp. nov., a hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon isolated from solfataric soil
Authors: June Yim Kyung , Seon Song Hye , Choi Jong-Soon , Woon Roh Seong
Published: May 2015

A hyperthermophilic crenarchaeon, designated strain CBA1502T, was isolated from volcanic soil in the Mayon volcano in the Philippines. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain CBA1502T was most closely related to that of Thermoproteus uzoniensis DSM 5263T (99.2 % similarity) and Thermoproteus tenax Kra 1T (99.0 %). The organism grew at 75–90 °C and pH 4.0–6.0 and in the presence of 0–0.5 % (w/v) NaCl, with optimal growth at 85 °C and pH 5.0. Strain CBA1502T utilized d-arabinose, beef extract, Casamino acids, formate, fumarate, peptone, pyruvate, trimethylamine and yeast extract as energy substrates, and d-arabinose, formate, pyruvate and yeast extract as carbon sources. Fumarate, sulfate, sulfur and thiosulfate functioned as electron acceptors, but not ferric chloride, nitrate, malate or oxidized glutathione. DNA–DNA hybridization studies showed that there was less than 46.1 % relatedness between strain CBA1502T and other members of the genus Thermoproteus. The DNA G+C content of strain CBA1502T was 62.0 mol%. We conclude that, according to its phylogenetic, phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain CBA1502T represents a novel species of the genus Thermoproteus, and propose the name Thermoproteus thermophilus sp. nov., with the type strain CBA1502T ( = ATCC BAA-2416T = JCM 17229T).
Porphyromonas pasteri sp. nov., isolated from human saliva
Authors: Sakamoto Mitsuo , Li Dan , Shibata Yukie , Takeshita Toru , Yamashita Yoshihisa , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: May 2015

A bacterial strain, designated KUFDS01T, isolated from human saliva was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach that included analysis of physiological and biochemical features, cellular fatty acid profiles and phylogenetic position based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Cells of the strain were obligately anaerobic, non-pigmented, non-spore-forming, non-motile, Gram-stain-negative rods. Growth of the strain was inhibited on medium containing 20 % bile. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the strain was a member of the genusPorphyromonas. Strain KUFDS01Twas closely related toPorphyromonas catoniaeJCM 13863T(96.6 % sequence similarity). Anhsp60gene sequence analysis indicated that strain KUFDS01Twas different fromP. catoniaeJCM 13863T, with a sequence similarity value of 87.8 %. The major cellular fatty acids of strain KUFDS01Twere C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, C18 : 2ω6, 9cand C18 : 1ω9c. The DNA G+C content of strain KUFDS01Twas 57.7 ± 0.66 mol%. On the basis of these data, strain KUFDS01Trepresents a novel species of the genusPorphyromonas, for which the namePorphyromonas pasterisp. nov. is proposed. The type strain ofP. pasteriis KUFDS01T( = JCM 30531T = CCUG 66735T).
Inferring species interactions from co-occurrence data with Markov networks
Authors: Harris David J.
Published: May 2015

Inferring species interactions from co-occurrence data is one of the most controversial tasks in community ecology. One difficulty is that a single pairwise interaction can ripple through an ecological network and produce surprising indirect consequences. For example, the negative correlation between two competing species can be reversed in the presence of a third species that is capable of outcompeting both of them. Here, I apply models from statistical physics, called Markov networks or Markov random fields, that can predict the direct and indirect consequences of any possible species interaction matrix. Interactions in these models can also be estimated from observed co-occurrence rates via maximum likelihood, controlling for indirect effects. Using simulated landscapes with known pairwise interaction strengths, I evaluated Markov networks and six existing approaches. The Markov networks consistently outperformed other methods, correctly isolating direct interactions between species pairs even when indirect interactions or abiotic factors largely overpowered them. Two computationally efficient approximations, based on controlling for indirect effects with linear or generalized linear models, also performed well. Indirect effects reliably caused a common null modeling approach to produce incorrect inferences, however.
Impacts of grazing by different large herbivores in grassland depend on plant species diversity
Authors: Liu Jun , Feng Chao , Wang Deli , Wang Ling , Wilsey Brian J. , Zhong Zhiwei
Published: May 2015

It is well documented that large herbivores have pronounced effects on plant communities in grassland ecosystems, and the extent and course of their effects can largely depend on both plant and herbivore characteristics. Previous studies highlighted the importance of plant productivity in predicting the impact of herbivores on grasslands. Yet, there has been little consideration of how different herbivores affect plant communities that, in turn, differ in plant diversity.

In a 2‐year grazing experiment, we tested the effects of large herbivores (cattle or sheep, or both together) on plant communities under high and low plant diversity levels in eastern Eurasian steppe.

We found that, for high plant diversity grassland, mixed grazing by cattle and sheep significantly increases plant diversity, but we found no effect of grazing by cattle or sheep alone. Grazing by cattle or sheep alone or mixed grazing by cattle and sheep did not significantly affect plant biomass in the high diversity grassland. However, for low plant diversity grassland, grazing by cattle alone and mixed grazing by cattle and sheep significantly increased plant diversity, but significantly decreased plant biomass. There was no significant impact on both plant diversity and biomass from sheep grazing.

Synthesis and applications. We conclude that the effects of grazing in grassland strongly depend on herbivore assemblages and pre‐grazing plant diversity. Herbivore grazing might contribute more to the maintenance of grassland structure and ecosystem functioning under high plant diversity compared with low plant diversity. Furthermore, our data suggest that multiple‐species mixed grazing regimes in grassland systems with high plant diversity could represent the optimal protocol for grazing management. This study emphasizes the importance of maintaining both plant and herbivore diversity to optimize ecosystem functioning.
Organic farming enhances parasitoid diversity at the local and landscape scales
Authors: Inclán Diego J. , Cerretti Pierfilippo , Gabriel Doreen , Benton Tim G. , Sait Steven M. , Kunin William E. , Gillespie Mark A. K. , Marini Lorenzo
Published: May 2015

The magnitude of the benefits derived from organic farming within contrasting managed landscapes remains unclear and, in particular, the potential scale‐dependent response of insect parasitoids is relatively unexplored. Identifying the scale at which parasitoids are affected by organic farming will be an important step to enhance their conservation.

We sampled tachinid parasitoids at the centre and margin of arable and grassland fields on paired organic and conventional farms located in landscapes with different proportions of organic land. A total of 192 fields were sampled in two biogeographical regions of the UK.

We found that the positive effect of organic farming on tachinid parasitoid diversity can be observed at multiple spatial scales. At the local scale, we found higher abundance and species richness of tachinid parasitoids on organic than on conventional farms and on field margins than on field centres. At the landscape scale, the diversity of tachinids was higher in landscapes with higher proportions of organic land. At both scales, the positive effect of organic farming was clear for arable fields, while it was almost neutral for grasslands.

Synthesis and applications. Any attempt to enhance parasitoid diversity in agricultural landscapes needs to consider the local management in relation to the habitat type, location within the field and agricultural management in the surrounding landscape. To restore parasitoid diversity, the promotion of organic agriculture should aim to increase both the total extent of organic farming and the connectivity of individual farms. As the benefits of organic farming to biodiversity clearly spread beyond individual farm boundaries, any assessment of organic farming should consider these positive externalities.
REVIEW: Identifying, preventing and mitigating ecological traps to improve the management of urban aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Hale Robin , Coleman Rhys , Pettigrove Vincent , Swearer Stephen E.
Published: May 2015

Urbanization alters the environmental characteristics of aquatic ecosystems, often reducing the availability and quality of habitats for animals. Improving the condition of urban waterbodies is increasingly important, but management activities could have unintended outcomes that increase the extinction risk for animals.

A mismatch can exist between human perceptions of habitat quality, and what represents functional habitats for animals. This can lead to animals not responding to management activities, if presumed high‐quality habitats are unsuitable. More seriously, the fitness of animals could be compromised by management activities, especially if animals prefer threatening habitats resulting in an ecological trap.

Ecological traps can drive populations to extinction and may arise directly from management activities. However, there has been limited work on how to best manage traps despite their important implications for the conservation and management of animal populations.

We illustrate how urban management activities could cause ecological traps, and potential ways that traps could be managed. We outline a decision framework to identify, prevent and mitigate ecological traps, and illustrate this framework using stormwater wetlands as a case study. Stormwater wetlands have many features of natural wetlands but accumulate pollutants as part of the stormwater treatment process and there is a high likelihood some are traps. If so, this will be an important environmental issue, given the rate at which these wetlands are being created around many cities.

Synthesis and application. Ecological traps that arise as unintended outcomes of management activities could represent a serious but currently underappreciated environmental problem. Our study will help minimize the risk that management activities inadvertently decouple habitat selection cues from habitat quality, and mitigate the potential consequences for animals when this does occur. This is an important step to ensure that management activities achieve desired ecological outcomes and do not result in unintentional environmental degradation.
Cost‐effective assessment of extinction risk with limited information
Authors: Bland Lucie M. , Orme C. David L. , Bielby Jon , Collen Ben , Nicholson Emily , McCarthy Michael A.
Published: May 2015

Cost‐effective reduction of uncertainty in global biodiversity indicators is a central goal of conservation. Comprising a sixth of the 74 000+ species currently on the IUCN Red List, Data Deficient species contribute to considerable uncertainty in estimates of extinction risk. Estimating levels of risk in Data Deficient species will require large resources given the costs of surveys and Red List assessments. Predicting extinction risk from species traits and geographical information could provide a cheaper approach for determining the proportion of Data Deficient species at risk of extinction.

We use double sampling theory to compare the cost‐effectiveness of predictive models and IUCN Red List assessments for estimating risk levels in Data Deficient terrestrial mammals, amphibians, reptiles and crayfish. For each group, we calibrate machine learning models of extinction risk on species of known conservation status and assess their cost and reliability relative to field surveys followed by Red List assessments.

We show that regardless of model type used or species group examined, it is always more cost‐effective to determine the conservation status of all species with models and assess a small proportion of species with IUCN criteria (double sampling), rather than spend the same resources on field surveys and Red List assessments alone (single sampling).

We estimate that surveying and re‐assessing all Data Deficient species currently listed on the IUCN Red List (12 206 species) with IUCN criteria would cost a minimum of US $323 million. Double sampling reduces the cost of determining the proportion of Data Deficient species at risk of extinction by up to 68%, because <6% of Data Deficient species would need to be surveyed and assessed with IUCN criteria.

Synthesis and applications. Double sampling with models cost‐effectively estimates extinction risk levels in poorly known species and can be used to reduce the impact of uncertainty in the Red List and Red List Index. We provide recommendations for uptake by managers and a sampling planner spreadsheet. Double sampling could be applied more widely in ecology and conservation to formally compare the cost‐effectiveness of sampling methods differing in cost and reliability.
The Future of Social Policy in Scotland: Will Further Devolved Powers Lead to Better Social Policies for Disabled People?
Authors: Rummery Kirstein , McAngus Craig
Published: May 2015

Scotland has laid claim to being ‘different’ from the rest of the UK with regards to disability policy. This article examines the evidence for that with regard to long‐term and social care, and discusses the possibilities opened up by the devolution of disability benefits. It asks whether Scotland will demonstrate policy divergence from the rest of the UK, and whether that is likely to be beneficial for disabled people. It argues that Scotland has the potential to create better social policies for disabled people, but faces significant challenges in doing so.
letsR: a new R package for data handling and analysis in macroecology
Authors: Vilela Bruno , Villalobos Fabricio
Published: May 2015

The current availability of large ecological data sets and the computational capacity to handle them have fostered the testing and development of theory at broad spatial and temporal scales. Macroecology has particularly benefited from this era of big data, but tools are still required to help transforming this data into information and knowledge.

Here, we present ‘letsR’, a package for the R statistical computing environment, designed to handle and analyse macroecological data such as species’ geographic distributions (polygons in shapefile format and point occurrences) and environmental variables (in raster format). The package also includes functions to obtain data on species’ habitat use, description year and current as well as temporal trends in conservation status as provided by the IUCN RedList online data base.

‘letsR’ main functionalities are based on the presence–absence matrices that can be created with the package's functions and from which other functions can be applied to generate, for example species richness rasters, geographic mid‐points of species and species‐ and site‐based attributes.

We exemplify the package's functionality by describing and evaluating the geographic pattern of species’ description year in tailless amphibians. All data preparation and most analyses were made using the ‘letsR’ functions. Our example illustrates the package's capability for conducting macroecological analyses under a single computer platform, potentially helping researchers to save time and effort in this endeavour.
Valid auto‐models for spatially autocorrelated occupancy and abundance data
Authors: Bardos David C. , Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Wintle Brendan A.
Published: May 2015

Spatially autocorrelated species abundance or distribution data sets typically generate spatially autocorrelated residuals in generalized linear models; a broader modelling framework is therefore required. Auto‐logistic and related auto‐models, implemented approximately as autocovariate regression, provide simple and direct modelling of spatial population processes. The auto‐logistic model has been widely applied in ecology since Augustin, Mugglestone and Buckland (Journal of Applied Ecology, 1996, 33, 339) analysed red deer census data using a hybrid estimation approach, combining maximum pseudo‐likelihood estimation with Gibbs sampling of missing data. However, Dormann (Ecological Modelling, 2007, 207, 234) questioned the validity of auto‐logistic regression even for fully observed data, giving examples of apparent underestimation of covariate parameters in analysis of simulated ‘snouter’ data. Dormann et al. (Ecography, 2007, 30, 609) extended this critique to auto‐Poisson and certain auto‐normal models, finding again that autocovariate‐regression estimates for covariate parameters bore little resemblance to values employed to generate ‘snouter’ data.

We note that all the above studies employ neighbourhood weighting schemes inconsistent with auto‐model definitions; in the auto‐Poisson case, a further inconsistency was the failure to exclude cooperative interactions. We investigate the impact of these implementation errors on auto‐model estimation using both empirical and simulated data sets.

We show that when ‘snouter’ data are reanalysed using valid weightings, very different estimates are obtained for covariate parameters. For auto‐logistic and auto‐normal models, the new estimates agree closely with values used to generate the ‘snouter’ simulations. Re‐analysis of the red deer data shows that invalid neighbourhood weightings generate only small estimation errors for the full data set, but larger errors occur on geographic subsamples. A substantial fraction of papers employing auto‐logistic regression use these invalid neighbourhood weightings, which were embedded as default options in the widely used ‘spdep’ spatial dependence package for R.

Auto‐logistic analyses conducted using invalid neighbourhood weightings will be erroneous to an extent that can vary widely. These analyses can easily be corrected by using valid neighbourhood weightings available in ‘spdep’. The hybrid estimation approach for missing data is readily adapted for valid neighbourhood weighting schemes and is implemented here in R for application to sparse presence–absence data.
Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in a South African City with a Predominantly Black African Population
Authors: Urban Michael F. , Olivier Leana , Viljoen Denis , Lombard Chanelle , Louw Jacobus G. , Drotsky Lian‐Marie , Temmerman Marleen , Chersich Matthew F.
Published: May 2015

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) are common in some South African populations, notably those of mixed ancestry descent in rural areas and small towns. Little is known about FAS/FASD prevalence in the majority of South Africans: city dwellers of Black African ethnicity. This study describes the prevalence of FAS in a South African city, comparing 2 suburbs with predominantly mixed ancestry (Roodepan) and Black African (Galeshewe) populations that house over 60% of the city population.

Methods

We conducted a tiered, active case ascertainment study for the prevalence of FAS and also detected some less clinically specific FASD cases. All first‐grade learners in the 2 suburbs were eligible for anthropometric screening, and screen‐positive learners were assessed for dysmorphic features of FAS. Those with suggestive clinical features received neurocognitive assessment, and maternal or collateral interview. Final diagnosis was made following a case conference.

Results

Complete ascertainment of FAS status was made in 1,503 (94.7%) of 1,587 eligible learners (435 in Roodepan and 1,152 in Galeshewe). Overall, FAS was diagnosed in 83 (5.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.4 to 6.8) learners and FASD in 96 (6.4%, 95% CI = 5.2 to 7.7). Levels of FAS were high in both areas: 26 (6.3%, 95% CI = 4.2 to 9.2) learners from Roodepan, compared to 57 (5.2%, 95% CI = 4.0 to 6.7) from Galeshewe (p = 0.39). No cases were previously diagnosed. The mortality rate for mothers of FASD children from Galeshewe was 19 of 65 (29%), compared to 3 of 31 (9.7%; p = 0.03) for Roodepan. Interviewed mothers in Galeshewe were older and had higher body mass index.

Conclusions

Prevalence of FAS is high in both Galeshewe and Roodepan, and the lack of prior diagnoses indicates that awareness remains low. The maternal mortality rate was especially high in Galeshewe. The unexpectedly high burden of FAS in an urban area with predominantly Black African population mandates extension of surveillance and intervention measures in southern Africa.
Severe Vitamin D Deficiency May be an Additional Cofactor for the Occurrence of Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Anty Rodolphe , Canivet Clémence M. , Patouraux Stéphanie , Ferrari‐Panaia Patricia , Saint‐Paul Marie Christine , Huet Pierre‐Michel , Lebeaupin Cynthia , Iannelli Antonio , Gual Philippe , Tran Albert
Published: May 2015

Background

Among its pleiotropic effects, vitamin D may protect the liver from fibrosis and/or inflammation. However, the impact of vitamin D on liver pathology in hepatitis C remains unclear, and very few studies including alcoholic patients with liver pathologies have been performed. Here we compared the levels of 25‐OH vitamin D in the blood of alcoholic patients with the occurrence of alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) or bridging fibrosis.

Methods

One hundred and one alcoholic patients were included. All the patients received a liver biopsy, and the levels of 25‐OH vitamin D were evaluated with the Liaison 25‐OH vitamin D assay. Logistic regression analyses were performed to obtain predictive factors of liver histology.

Results

Among alcoholic patients, 40.6% presented ASH and 39.6% presented bridging fibrosis. A severe deficiency in 25‐OH vitamin D (<10 ng/ml) was seen in 60.4% of patients. This deficiency was frequent in patients with ASH (85.4%) and in those with bridging fibrosis (80%) but was independently associated only with ASH (odds ratio = 8.46 [95% confidence interval 2.05 to 34.89], p = 0.003).

Conclusions

In alcoholic patients, a severe deficiency in 25‐OH vitamin D was independently associated with the occurrence of ASH.
Adolescent Alcohol Use Before and After the High School Transition
Authors: Burdzovic Andreas Jasmina , Jackson Kristina M.
Published: May 2015

Background

An important question is whether the high school (HS) entry is a critical developmental event associated with escalation of alcohol use. This study examined trajectories of adolescent alcohol use as a function of a normative developmental event—the HS entry. In addition, given that at‐risk youth may be particularly vulnerable to the stress associated with this transition, we examined how these alcohol use trajectories may be shaped by a measure of early behavioral risk, early adolescent delinquency.

Methods

Participants included 891 twelve‐year‐olds from the prospective National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 for whom relevant longitudinal school data were available (51.2% boys; 61.4% White).

Results

Alcohol use after HS entry increased at a significantly greater rate than did use during the middle school years, even after accounting for students' age at transition. In addition, early delinquency emerged as a risk factor such that differences in alcohol use existed prior to the transition. That is, children with early delinquency characteristics displayed more rapid progression in alcohol use, but this effect was evident only during middle school.

Conclusions

HS entry appears to be a critical developmental event associated with increased social risk for greater alcohol use that goes beyond the simple maturational (i.e., aging) factors. Youth with behavioral problems appears to be at greater risk in middle school, in contrast to lower risk youth for whom HS entry may be a more critical event, in part because HS may be a less restrictive environment and/or because alcohol use becomes more normative at that time. Adolescent substance use may be described as a series of distinct developmental stages that closely correspond to school transitions and suggest a critical period for targeted intervention that may differ as a function of preexisting risk.
Validation of the ASSIST for Detecting Unhealthy Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorders in Urgent Care Patients
Authors: Johnson J. Aaron , Bembry Whitney , Peterson Justin , Lee Anna , Seale J. Paul
Published: May 2015

Background

Screening and brief intervention (SBI) is effective in reducing alcohol use, particularly among moderate risk patients. Results of SBI are inconsistent among patients with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is used as a screening tool in many existing SBI programs. ASSIST validation studies have identified risk level cutoff scores using criteria for AUD and have not included a criterion measure for at‐risk drinking (ARD), the group for whom SBI is most effective. This study examines the ability of the ASSIST to identify unhealthy alcohol use (ARD or AUD) and AUD in patients presenting to urgent care.

Methods

Data were obtained from interviews with 442 adult drinkers presenting to 1 of 3 urgent care clinics. Subjects completed the ASSIST, a 90‐day timeline follow‐back interview to detect ARD, and a modified Diagnostic Interview Schedule to identify AUD. Validity measures compared the specificity and sensitivity of cutoff scores for the ASSIST in detecting unhealthy alcohol use and AUDs.

Results

The optimal ASSIST score for detecting unhealthy alcohol use is 6+ for males (sensitivity and specificity 68 and 66%, respectively) and 5+ for females (62%/70%). Sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic values were lower than those previously reported for the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). For AUD, the optimal ASSIST cutoff scores are 10+ for males (63%/85%) and 9+ for females (63%/85%). While higher scores provided increased specificity, thereby reducing the percentage of false positives, sensitivity dropped sharply as scores increased.

Conclusions

Optimal ASSIST cutoff scores for unhealthy alcohol use are lower than those commonly used in many SBI programs. Use of lower ASSIST cutoff scores may increase detection of unhealthy alcohol use and increase the numbers served by SBI programs.
MoCA as a Screening Tool of Neuropsychological Deficits in Alcohol‐Dependent Patients
Authors: Alarcon Régis , Nalpas Bertrand , Pelletier Stéphanie , Perney Pascal
Published: May 2015

Background

Alcoholism is known to be associated with cognitive deficits mainly concerning visuospatial capacity, executive function, memory, and attention. These impairments may affect treatment efficacy which should therefore be adapted. We evaluated the potential utility of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to evaluate cognitive impairment in a large series of alcoholic patients hospitalized for withdrawal and rehabilitation.

Methods

Consecutive recruitment during a time period of patients admitted to an addiction treatment unit of a teaching hospital. Administration of the MoCA test on admission by trained staff members.

Results

A total of 166 patients aged 49.9 ± 9.2 years were included. Mean duration of administration was 20 minutes. The mean MoCA score was 23.5 ± 3.5 and 68.1% had an impaired value (<26). Age was negatively and education was positively associated with the MoCA score. Significant cognitive deficits concerned visuospatial capacity, attention, fluency, abstraction, and delayed recall. Neither age nor sex was significantly related to the MoCA score, while having a high education level (>12 years) significantly increased the likelihood of having a high MoCA score.

Conclusions

Owing to their severity and frequency, screening for cognitive deficits is necessary in alcoholics during rehabilitation. MoCA is an appropriate tool for this purpose.
Association Between Three Different Cognitive Behavioral Alcohol Treatment Programs and Recidivism Rates Among Male Offenders: Findings from the United Kingdom
Authors: Needham Marie , Gummerum Michaela , Mandeville‐Norden Rebecca , Rakestrow‐Dickens Janine , Mewse Avril , Barnes Andrew , Hanoch Yaniv
Published: May 2015

Background

Cognitive behavioral therapy‐based alcohol treatment programs have been widely used to break the link between alcohol and crime. While evidence exists on the connection between alcohol and crime, there is little data that demonstrate the effectiveness of different alcohol treatment programs in reducing criminal behavior. We tested whether male offenders who participate in alcohol treatment programs show lower rates of recidivism than a matched offender group who did not participate in an alcohol prevention program.

Methods

This is an observational matched case–control study. Participants were 564 male offenders with an alcohol problem related to offending. Participants were assigned by the courts to 1 of 3 alcohol treatment programs (141 offenders per treatment): Low Intensity Alcohol Program (LIAP), Alcohol Specified Activity Requirement, and Addressing Substance‐Related Offending. A fourth matched group (n = 141) was not assigned to a program and served as a control group. Survival analysis was used to calculate participants' charged and reconviction rates over 4 time periods (0 to 3, 4 to 6, 7 to 9, and 10 to 12 months after completion of program or order).

Results

Offenders who did not participate in a program were more than twice as likely to be charged compared to offenders who participated in a program. Furthermore, offenders who did not participate in a program were over 2.5 times more likely to be reconvicted. Among the 3 alcohol treatment programs evaluated, the LIAP was the most cost‐effective.

Conclusions

Offenders enrolled in an alcohol treatment program showed a significant reduction in being charged with or reconvicted of a crime. With costs of keeping offenders in prison per year reaching close to £40,000 per offender per year (Mulheirn et al., 2010, www.smf.co.uk), assigning offenders to alcohol preventive programs—such as LIAP—are a promising way to reduce recidivism and reduce cost.
Pollen‐derived adenosine is a necessary cofactor for ragweed allergy
Authors: Wimmer M. , Alessandrini F. , Gilles S. , Frank U. , Oeder S. , Hauser M. , Ring J. , Ferreira F. , Ernst D. , Winkler J. B. , Schmitt‐Kopplin P. , Ohnmacht C. , Behrendt H. , Schmidt‐Weber C. , Traidl‐Hoffmann C. , Gutermuth J.
Published: May 2015

Background

Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is a strong elicitor of allergic airway inflammation with worldwide increasing prevalence. Various components of ragweed pollen are thought to play a role in the development of allergic responses. The aim of this study was to identify critical factors for allergenicity of ragweed pollen in a physiological model of allergic airway inflammation.

Methods

Aqueous ragweed pollen extract, the low molecular weight fraction or the major allergen Amb a 1 was instilled intranasally on 1–11 consecutive days, and allergic airway inflammation was evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage, lung histology, serology, gene expression in lung tissue, and measurement of lung function. Pollen‐derived adenosine was removed from the extract enzymatically to analyze its role in ragweed‐induced allergy. Migration of human neutrophils and eosinophils toward supernatants of ragweed‐stimulated bronchial epithelial cells was analyzed.

Results

Instillation of ragweed pollen extract, but not of the major allergen or the low molecular weight fraction, induced specific IgG1, pulmonary infiltration with inflammatory cells, a Th2‐associated cytokine signature in pulmonary tissue, and impaired lung function. Adenosine aggravated ragweed‐induced allergic lung inflammation. In vitro, human neutrophils and eosinophils migrated toward supernatants of bronchial epithelial cells stimulated with ragweed extract only if adenosine was present.

Conclusions

Pollen‐derived adenosine is a critical factor in ragweed‐pollen‐induced allergic airway inflammation. Future studies aim at therapeutic strategies to control these allergen‐independent pathways.
Psychological wellbeing in 20‐year‐old adults receiving repeated lifestyle counselling since infancy
Authors: Kaseva Kaisa , Pulkki‐Råback Laura , Elovainio Marko , Pahkala Katja , Keltikangas‐Järvinen Liisa , Hintsanen Mirka , Hakulinen Christian , Lagström Hanna , Jula Antti , Niinikoski Harri , Rönnemaa Tapani , Viikari Jorma , Simell Olli , Raitakari Olli
Published: May 2015

Aim

This study examined whether there was an association between a repeated dietary and lifestyle intervention that began in infancy and participants' psychological wellbeing at the age of 20.

Methods

We examined the psychological wellbeing of 457 young adults participating in the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP), a randomised controlled trial conducted in Finland between 1989 and 2011. We assessed potential differences in psychological wellbeing between the intervention and control groups by examining participants' satisfaction with life, how they rated their health, their experiences of stress and the consequences of experiencing stress and symptoms of depression at the age of 20. We also assessed socio‐economic status during childhood as a potential confounding factor.

Results

We found no association between the long‐term dietary and lifestyle intervention and participants' psychological wellbeing in adulthood. Adjusting for sex and childhood socio‐economic status did not affect the results and socio‐economic status did not moderate the association between the intervention and psychological wellbeing.

Conclusion

Our findings showed no association between intensive dietary and lifestyle counselling that was initiated in infancy with psychological wellbeing in adulthood and the initiative did not appear to pose any psychological risks.
Interindividual epigenetic variation in ABCB1 promoter and its relationship with ABCB1 expression and function in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Wu Lan‐Xiang , Wen Chun‐Jie , Li Ying , Zhang Xue , Shao Ying‐Ying , Yang Zhu , Zhou Hong‐Hao
Published: May 2015

Aim

Interindividual epigenetic variation is likely to be an important mechanism contributing to the interindividual variability in the expression and function of ATP‐binding cassette, sub‐family B, member 1 (ABCB1). The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of interindividual epigenetic variability in the ABCB1 promoter on ABCB1 expression and function in healthy Chinese subjects.

Methods

Using bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, the DNA methylation and histone acetylation status of the ABCB1 promoter in stool DNA and exfoliated colonic epithelial cells of 157 healthy Chinese male volunteers was analysed. ABCB1 mRNA levels in colonic epithelial cells were detected by real‐time PCR. The digoxin pharmacokinetics in subjects with different epigenetic profiles was investigated after a single oral administration of digoxin (0.5 mg).

Results

The methylation levels of ABCB1 promoter in stool DNA showed a significant interindividual variation, from 0.84% to 18.05%. A high methylation level of the ABCB1 promoter was closely related to the low levels of acetylated histone H3 and ABCB1 mRNA expression. In the high methylation group, the area under the concentration–time curves (AUC(0–4 h) and AUC(0–10 h)) of digoxin was increased by 19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 10%, 31%; P = 0.024] and 13% (95% CI 8%, 26%; P = 0.026), respectively, and the peak concentration (Cmax) of digoxin was increased by 30% (95% CI 12%, 41%; P = 0.021) compared with the low methylation group.

Conclusions

The epigenetic modifications of the ABCB1 promoter show high interindividual variability in healthy Chinese subjects, and are closely related to the interindividual variation in ABCB1 mRNA expression and digoxin 0–4 h plasma concentrations in vivo.