bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retinal vessel diameters decrease with macular ganglion cell layer thickness in autosomal dominant optic atrophy and in healthy subjects
Authors: Rönnbäck Cecilia , Grønskov Karen , Larsen Michael
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To investigate retinal trunk vessel diameters in subjects with autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) and mutation‐free healthy relatives.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 52 ADOA patients with the optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) exon 28 (c.2826_2836delinsGGATGCTCCA) mutation (age 8.6–83.5 years) (best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 8–94 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters) and 55 mutation‐free first‐degree healthy relatives (age 8.9–68.7 years, BCVA 80–99). Analysis of fundus photographs provided integrated magnification‐corrected measures of retinal vessel diameters (central retinal artery equivalent, CRAE, and central retinal vein equivalent, CRVE). Statistical analysis was corrected for age, gender, spherical equivalent refraction, axial length and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) in a mixed model analysis.

Results

Retinal arteries and veins were thinner in ADOA than in healthy controls (CRAE (mean ± 2 standard deviations (SD)) 153.9 ± 41.0 μm and CRVE 236.1 ± 42.0 μm in ADOA, CRAE 172.5 ± 25.0 μm (p = 0.0004) and CRVE 254.2 ± 37.6 μm (p = 0.0019) in healthy controls). MABP was comparable in the two groups (p = 0.18), and in both groups, CRAE decreased with increasing MABP (p = 0.01 and p < 0.0001, respectively). In ADOA, CRAE and CRVE decreased with age (p = 0.011 and p = 0.020, respectively) and CRAE decreased with decreasing BCVA (p = 0.011). In patients with ADOA and in healthy controls, CRAE decreased with decreasing average macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GC‐IPL) thickness (p = 0.0017 and p = 0.0057, respectively).

Conclusion

Narrow retinal arteries and veins were associated not only with the severity of ADOA but with ganglion cell volume in patients with ADOA and in healthy subjects. This suggests that narrow vessels are a consequence rather than the cause of inner retinal hypoplasia or atrophy, although longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Quantification of turbate microstructures through a subglacial till: dimensions and characteristics
Authors: Lea James M. , Palmer Adrian
Published: March 2014

Despite extensive study and debate regarding the significance of turbate (also known as ‘rotational’) microstructures in glacially deformed sediments, characteristics regarding the dimensions of these features remain unresolved. This study presents the first explicitly quantitative measurement and analysis of turbate microstructure dimensions, and their relation to till texture through thin section analysis. Samples were taken from coarse‐resolution horizontal and vertical transects of a macroscopically homogenous subglacial till, with subset areas of each thin section (30 mm2) analysed. The frequency and apparent a‐axes and b‐axes of both coreless and cored turbate structures (and their corestones) were measured, and simple univariate statistical methods used to establish the (in‐)variability of these dimensions through the till profile. Summarizing findings, (i) the dimensions of both cored and coreless turbate populations display log‐normal distributions when all measurements are analysed together, although not all individual sample populations possess these same distributions; (ii) turbate dimension populations are inconsistent within a sample block, precluding evaluation of turbate variability through a profile from single thin sections; (iii) analysis of turbate morphology and variability provisionally indicate that the three‐dimensional structure of turbates are likely to be cylindrical or flared, while weak relationships are also observed amongst till texture, turbate dimensions and frequency.
Bad guys turned nice? A critical assessment ofWolbachiamutualisms in arthropod hosts
Authors: Zug Roman , Hammerstein Peter
Published: March 2014

Wolbachiaare the most abundant bacterial endosymbionts among arthropods. Although maternally inherited, they do not conform to the widespread view that vertical transmission inevitably selects for beneficial symbionts. Instead,Wolbachiaare notorious for their reproductive parasitism which, although lowering host fitness, ensures their spread. However, even for reproductive parasites it can pay to enhance host fitness. Indeed, there is a recent upsurge of reports onWolbachia‐associated fitness benefits. Therefore, the question arises how such instances of mutualism are related to the phenotypes of reproductive parasitism. Here, we review the evidence ofWolbachiamutualisms in arthropods, including both facultative and obligate relationships, and critically assess their biological relevance. Although many studies report anti‐pathogenic effects ofWolbachia, few actually prove these effects to be relevant to field conditions. We further show thatWolbachiafrequently have beneficial and detrimental effects at the same time, and that reproductive manipulations and obligate mutualisms may share common mechanisms. These findings undermine the idea of a clear‐cut distinction betweenWolbachiamutualism and parasitism. In general, both facultative and obligate mutualisms can have a strong, and sometimes unforeseen, impact on the ecology and evolution ofWolbachiaand their arthropod hosts. Acknowledging this mutualistic potential might be the key to a better understanding of some unresolved issues in the study ofWolbachia–host interactions.
Proteomic Analysis of Proteins Engaged in α‐Methylene‐δ‐Lactone Cytotoxic Effects in Hormone‐Independent Breast Cancer MDA‐MB‐231 Cells
Authors: Wyrebska Anna , Pawlowska Zofia , Gach Katarzyna , Komorowski Piotr , Protas Anna , Walkowiak Bogdan , Janecka Anna
Published: March 2014

A simple synthetic α‐methylene‐δ‐lactone, 1‐isopropyl‐2‐methylene‐1,2‐dihydrobenzochromen‐3‐one, designated DL‐3, was shown previously to induce apoptosis and significantly suppress cell metastatic potential in MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. The mechanisms through which DL‐3 exerts its effects are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protein expression profiles in MDA‐MB‐231 cells exposed to the DL‐3 treatment. Using 2D differential gel electrophoresis, a set of eight differentially expressed proteins (spot intensities which showed ≥1.25‐fold change and statistical significance, p < 0.05, between the control and DL‐3‐treated group) were found and successfully identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/MS). The proteomic results revealed that the presence of DL‐3 in MDA‐MB‐231 cells led to the differential regulation of some proteins that are involved in the cell cycle progression, apoptosis, cytokinesis, modulation of transcription, cellular signaling, and vesicular trafficking. The function of other identified proteins is still unknown. Therefore, our data indicate new directions for the further studies of the pathways engaged in the anticancer action exerted by α‐methylene‐δ‐lactones in cancer cells.
Taking Stock of Two Decades of Attachment Transmission Gap: Broadening the Assessment of Maternal Behavior
Authors: Bernier Annie , Matte‐Gagné Célia , Bélanger Marie‐Ève , Whipple Natasha
Published: March 2014

This report aimed to investigate the capacity of maternal behaviors tailored to children's attachment and exploration systems to jointly explain the well‐known mother–child transmission of attachment. Four home visits were conducted between ages 7 months and 2 years with 130 mother–child dyads to assess maternal attachment state of mind, sensitivity, autonomy support, and mother–child attachment security. Results showed that together, maternal sensitivity and autonomy support fully accounted for the relation between maternal and child attachment, that they each accounted for a unique portion of this relation, and that the magnitude of these mediated pathways was equivalent. These results suggest that the attachment transmission gap can be narrowed by the use of a theory‐driven multidimensional approach to maternal behavior.
Enhanced formation and impaired degradation of neutrophil extracellular traps in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: a potential contributor to interstitial lung disease complications
Authors: Zhang S , Shu X , Tian X , Chen F , Lu X , Wang G
Published: March 2014

Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyosits (PM) are systemic autoimmune diseases whose pathogeneses remain unclear. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are reputed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This study tests the hypothesis that NETs may be pathogenic in DM/PM. Plasma samples from 97 DM/PM patients (72 DM, 25 PM) and 54 healthy controls were tested for the capacities to induce and degrade NETs. Plasma DNase I activity was tested to further explore possible reasons for the incomplete degradation of NETs. Results from 35 DM patients and seven PM patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) were compared with results from DM/PM patients without ILD. Compared with control subjects, DM/PM patients exhibited a significantly enhanced capacity for inducing NETs, which was supported by elevated levels of plasma LL-37 and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in DM/PM. NETs degradation and DNase I activity were also decreased significantly in DM/PM patients and were correlated positively. Moreover, DM/PM patients with ILD exhibited the lowest NETs degradation in vitro due to the decrease in DNase I activity. DNase I activity in patients with anti-Jo-1 antibodies was significantly lower than in patients without. Glucocorticoid therapy seems to improve DNase I activity. Our findings demonstrate that excessively formed NETs cannot be degraded completely because of decreased DNase I activity in DM/PM patients, especially in patients with ILD, suggesting that abnormal regulation of NETs may be involved in the pathogenesis of DM/PM and could be one of the factors that initiate and aggravate ILD.
Fire Management, Managed Relocation, and Land Conservation Options for Long‐Lived Obligate Seeding Plants under Global Changes in Climate, Urbanization, and Fire Regime
Authors: BONEBRAKE TIMOTHY C. , SYPHARD ALEXANDRA D. , FRANKLIN JANET , ANDERSON KURT E. , AKÇAKAYA H. RESIT , MIZEREK TONI , WINCHELL CLARK , REGAN HELEN M.
Published: March 2014

Most species face multiple anthropogenic disruptions. Few studies have quantified the cumulative influence of multiple threats on species of conservation concern, and far fewer have quantified the potential relative value of multiple conservation interventions in light of these threats. We linked spatial distribution and population viability models to explore conservation interventions under projected climate change, urbanization, and changes in fire regime on a long‐lived obligate seeding plant species sensitive to high fire frequencies, a dominant plant functional type in many fire‐prone ecosystems, including the biodiversity hotspots of Mediterranean‐type ecosystems. First, we investigated the relative risk of population decline for plant populations in landscapes with and without land protection under an existing habitat conservation plan. Second, we modeled the effectiveness of relocating both seedlings and seeds from a large patch with predicted declines in habitat area to 2 unoccupied recipient patches with increasing habitat area under 2 projected climate change scenarios. Finally, we modeled 8 fire return intervals (FRIs) approximating the outcomes of different management strategies that effectively control fire frequency. Invariably, long‐lived obligate seeding populations remained viable only when FRIs were maintained at or above a minimum level. Land conservation and seedling relocation efforts lessened the impact of climate change and land‐use change on obligate seeding populations to differing degrees depending on the climate change scenario, but neither of these efforts was as generally effective as frequent translocation of seeds. While none of the modeled strategies fully compensated for the effects of land‐use and climate change, an integrative approach managing multiple threats may diminish population declines for species in complex landscapes. Conservation plans designed to mitigate the impacts of a single threat are likely to fail if additional threats are ignored.

Manejo de Incendios, Reubicación Administrada y Opciones de Conservación de Suelo para Plantas de Vida Larga con Sembrado Obligado bajo los Cambios Globales en el Clima, la Urbanización y el Régimen de Incendios
Direct Effects of Cattle on Grassland Birds in Canada
Authors: BLEHO BARBARA I. , KOPER NICOLA , MACHTANS CRAIG S.
Published: March 2014

Effects of grazing on grassland birds are generally thought to be indirect, through alteration of vegetation structure; however, livestock can also affect nest survival directly through trampling and other disturbances (e.g., livestock‐induced abandonment). We extracted data on nest fates from 18 grazing studies conducted in Canada. We used these data to assess rates of nest destruction by cattle among 9 ecoregions and between seasonal and rotational grazing systems. Overall, few nests were destroyed by cattle (average 1.5% of 9132 nests). Nest destruction was positively correlated with grazing pressure (i.e., stocking rate or grazing intensity), but nest survival was higher in more heavily grazed areas for some species. Because rates of destruction of grassland bird nests by cattle are low in Canada, management efforts to reduce such destruction may not be of ecological or economic value in Canada.

Efectos Directos del Ganado sobre las Aves de Pastizales en Canadá
Development of a Natural Practice to Adapt Conservation Goals to Global Change
Authors: HELLER NICOLE E. , HOBBS RICHARD J.
Published: March 2014

Conservation goals at the start of the 21st century reflect a combination of contrasting ideas. Ideal nature is something that is historically intact but also futuristically flexible. Ideal nature is independent from humans, but also, because of the pervasiveness of human impacts, only able to reach expression through human management. These tensions emerge in current management rationales because scientists and managers are struggling to accommodate old and new scientific and cultural thinking, while also maintaining legal mandates from the past and commitments to preservation of individual species in particular places under the stresses of global change. Common management goals (such as integrity, wilderness, resilience), whether they are forward looking and focused on sustainability and change, or backward looking and focused on the persistence and restoration of historic states, tend to create essentialisms about how ecosystems should be. These essentialisms limit the options of managers to accommodate the dynamic, and often novel, response of ecosystems to global change. Essentialisms emerge because there is a tight conceptual coupling of place and historical species composition as an indicator of naturalness (e.g., normal, healthy, independent from humans). Given that change is increasingly the norm and ecosystems evolve in response, the focus on idealized ecosystem states is increasingly unwise and unattainable. To provide more open‐ended goals, we propose greater attention be paid to the characteristics of management intervention. We suggest that the way we interact with other species in management and the extent to which those interactions reflect the interactions among other biotic organisms, and also reflect our conservation virtues (e.g., humility, respect), influences our ability to cultivate naturalness on the landscape. We call this goal a natural practice (NP) and propose it as a framework for prioritizing and formulating how, when, and where to intervene in this period of rapid change.

Desarrollo de una Práctica Natural para Adaptar Objetivos de Conservación al Cambio Global
Function of the nuclear receptor FTZ‐F1 during the pupal stage in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sultan Abdel‐Rahman S. , Oish Yasuhiro , Ueda Hitoshi
Published: March 2014

The nuclear receptor βFTZ‐F1 is expressed in most cells in a temporally specific manner, and its expression is induced immediately after decline in ecdysteroid levels. This factor plays important roles during embryogenesis, larval ecdysis, and early metamorphic stages. However, little is known about the expression pattern, regulation and function of this receptor during the pupal stage. We analyzed the expression pattern and regulation of ftz‐f1 during the pupal period, as well as the phenotypes of RNAi knockdown or mutant animals, to elucidate its function during this stage. Western blotting revealed that βFTZ‐F1 is expressed at a high level during the late pupal stage, and this expression is dependent on decreasing ecdysteroid levels. By immunohistological analysis of the late pupal stage, FTZ‐F1 was detected in the nuclei of most cells, but cytoplasmic localization was observed only in the oogonia and follicle cells of the ovary. Both the ftz‐f1 genetic mutant and temporally specific ftz‐f1 knockdown using RNAi during the pupal stage showed defects in eclosion and in the eye, the antennal segment, the wing and the leg, including bristle color and sclerosis. These results suggest that βFTZ‐F1 is expressed in most cells at the late pupal stage, under the control of ecdysteroids and plays important roles during pupal development.
Individualizing HbA1c targets for patients with diabetes: impact of an automated algorithm within a primary care network
Authors: Berkowitz S. A. , Atlas S. J. , Grant R. W. , Wexler D. J.
Published: March 2014

Aims

To develop glycaemic goal individualization algorithms and assess potential impact on a healthcare system and different segments of the population with diabetes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study of patients with diabetes in a primary care network age > 18 years with an HbA1c measured between 1 January and 31 December 2011. We applied diabetes guidelines to create targeted algorithms 1 and 2, which assigned HbA1c goals based on age, duration of diabetes (< 15 years or < 10 years), diabetes complications and Charlson co‐morbidity score (< 6 or < 4) [targeted algorithm 2 was designed to assign more patients a goal < 64 mmol/mol (8.0%) than targeted algorithm 1]. Each patient's HbA1c was compared with these targeted goals and to the ‘standard’ goal < 53 mmol/mol (7.0%). Agreement was tested using McNemar's test.

Results

Overall, 55.7% of 12 199 patients would be considered controlled under the ‘standard’ approach, 61.2% under targeted algorithm 1 and 67.5% under targeted algorithm 2. Targeted algorithm 1 reclassified 1213 (23.6%) patients considered uncontrolled under the standard approach to controlled, P < 0.001. Targeted algorithm 2 reclassified 1844 (35.2%) patients, P < 0.001. Compared with those controlled under the standard goal, there was no significant difference in the proportion of those controlled using targeted goals who had Medicaid, had less than a high school diploma or received primary care in a federally qualified health centre.

Conclusions

Two automated targeted algorithms would reclassify one quarter to one third of patients from uncontrolled to controlled within a primary care network without differentially affecting vulnerable patient subgroups.
Smoking and lipid‐related indices in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wakabayashi I.
Published: March 2014

Aims

Lipid‐related indices, including the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, the ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol and lipid accumulation product, are known to be good discriminators for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationships between smoking and the lipid indices in patients with diabetes.

Methods

Subjects were those who had been diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus at annual health check‐ups at their places of work (n = 2563). The subjects were divided into three groups of non‐smokers, light smokers (≤ 20 cigarettes/day) and heavy smokers (> 20 cigarettes/day). The relationships between smoking and the lipid indices were investigated.

Results

Both in all subjects and in the subjects without a habit of alcohol drinking, the LDL cholesterol:HDL cholesterol ratio and the log‐transformed triglyerides:HDL cholesterol ratio tended to be higher with an increase in the amount of smoking, and the log‐transformed lipid accumulation product was significantly higher in heavy smokers than in non‐smokers. In the non‐alcohol drinking subjects, the odds ratios of heavy smokers vs. non‐smokers for high LDL cholesterol:HDL cholesterol ratio [2.32 (95% CI 1.40–3.84)], for high triglycerides:HDL cholesterol ratio [1.69 (95% CI 1.06–2.69)] and for high lipid accumulation product [1.65 (95% CI 1.02–2.67)] were significantly higher than a reference level of 1.00. The associations between smoking and the lipid indices were weaker in alcohol drinkers than in non‐drinkers.

Conclusions

In patients with diabetes, the levels of lipid‐related indices were higher in smokers than in non‐smokers, and cardiometabolic disorders, reflected by high lipid indices, are thought to be involved in the proneness of smokers to develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
EphA4 is associated with multiple cell types in the marmoset primary visual cortex throughout the lifespan
Authors: Goldshmit Yona , Homman‐Ludiye Jihane , Bourne James A.
Published: March 2014

Ephs form the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases. They interact with the membrane‐bound ligands – ephrins – to control crucial aspects of brain development. EphA4 is the most prominent member of the family in terms of versatility and ability to bind most ephrin ligands. EphA4 regulates brain development by modulating neuronal migration and connectivity. In the present study, we address the involvement of EphA4 in patterning the primary visual cortex (V1) of the marmoset monkey by characterizing the cellular expression profile of EphA4 from late embryonic stages to adulthood. We identified continuous expression on neurons in the cortical plate and mature neocortical layers, similar to that described in the mouse, excluding a role for EphA4 in the formation of borders between visual areas in the marmoset neocortex. In addition to neurons, we also report expression of EphA4 on glial populations, including radial glia and astrocytes. In contrast to what is seen in the mouse, EphA4 expression on astrocytes persists in the adult marmoset V1, including around blood vessels and in the white matter. Robust expression by glial populations, which retain neurogenic properties in the postnatal marmoset, indicates that EphA4 may have acquired additional roles during evolution, with important implications for the benefits of EphA4‐blocking therapies following brain injury.
Treg‐enriched CD4+ T cells attenuate collagen synthesis in keloid fibroblasts
Authors: Murao Naoki , Seino Ken‐ichiro , Hayashi Toshihiko , Ikeda Masaki , Funayama Emi , Furukawa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Yuhei , Oyama Akihiko
Published: March 2014

Keloid is an inflammatory and fibrotic disease with an unknown pathogenesis. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) of CD4+ lineage can suppress other effector CD4+ T cells and modulate the immune response. A relative decrease in the number of Tregs may be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. We therefore investigated the number of Tregs in keloids using immunohistochemistry and examined the interaction between Tregs and keloid fibroblasts (KFs) using a coculture system. It was found that the ratio of Tregs/CD4+ T cells was lower compared with that in other common inflammatory skin conditions. In addition, Treg‐enriched CD4+ T cells reduced collagen synthesis by KFs. Our findings suggest that a local imbalance of Tregs contributes to the development of keloids and that correction of this imbalance might represent a novel therapeutic approach to keloid fibrosis.
T helper 17 and Tregs: a novel proposed mechanism for NB‐UVB in vitiligo
Authors: Hegazy Rehab A. , Fawzy Marwa M. , Gawdat Heba I. , Samir Nesrin , Rashed Laila A.
Published: March 2014

Narrowband ultraviolet (NB‐UV)B is accepted as corner stone therapy for vitiligo. Its influence on the expression of IL‐17, IL‐ 22 and FoxP3 as markers for the Th17 and Tregs lineages has not been studied before in the context of non‐segmental vitiligo (NSV). The study included 20 active NSV patients who received 36 NB‐UVB sessions and 20 controls. Clinical evaluation Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and determination of tissue expression of IL‐17, IL‐22 and FoxP3 by qRT‐PCR (lesional, perilesional) were carried out before and after therapy. Baseline levels of IL‐17 and IL‐22 were significantly higher in patients, whereas FoxP3 was significantly lower. After therapy, IL‐17 and IL‐22 significantly dropped, whereas FoxP3 significantly increased (lesional, perilesional). Baseline and post‐treatment VASI showed significant positive correlations with IL‐17 and IL‐22 and significant negative correlation with FoxP3 expression. Restoration of the balance between Th17 and Tregs might represent a novel pathway for the improvement that NB‐UVB exerts in vitiligo patients.
Regulation of exosome release by glycosphingolipids and flotillins
Authors: Phuyal Santosh , Hessvik Nina P. , Skotland Tore , Sandvig Kirsten , Llorente Alicia
Published: March 2014

Exosomes are released by cells after fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. The molecular mechanism of this process is still unclear. We investigated the role of sphingolipids and flotillins, which constitute a raft‐associated family of proteins, in the release of exosomes. Interestingly, our results show that dl‐threo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐decanoylamino‐3‐morpholino‐1‐propanol, an inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase, seemed to affect the composition of exosomes released from PC‐3 cells. However, the inhibition of ceramide formation from the de novo pathway by fumonisin B1 did not affect exosome secretion. Moreover, in contrast to findings obtained with other cell lines published so far, inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase 2, an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of ceramide from sphingomyelin, did not inhibit the secretion of exosomes in PC‐3 cells. Finally, small interfering RNA‐mediated downregulation of flotillin‐1 and flotillin‐2 did not significantly change the levels of released exosomes as such, but seemed to affect the composition of exosomes. In conclusion, our results reveal the involvement of glycosphingolipids and flotillins in the release of exosomes from PC‐3 cells, and indicate that the role of ceramide in exosome formation may be cell‐dependent.
Sustainable limits to crop residue harvest for bioenergy: maintaining soil carbon in Australia's agricultural lands
Authors: Zhao Gang , Bryan Brett A. , King Darran , Luo Zhongkui , Wang Enli , Yu Qiang
Published: March 2014

The use of crop residues for bioenergy production needs to be carefully assessed because of the potential negative impact on the level of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. The impact varies with environmental conditions and crop management practices and needs to be considered when harvesting the residue for bioenergy productions. Here, we defined the sustainable harvest limits as the maximum rates that do not diminish SOC and quantified sustainable harvest limits for wheat residue across Australia's agricultural lands. We divided the study area into 9432 climate‐soil (CS) units and simulated the dynamics of SOC in a continuous wheat cropping system over 122 years (1889 – 2010) using the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM). We simulated management practices including six fertilization rates (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 200 kg N ha−1) and five residue harvest rates (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). We mapped the sustainable limits for each fertilization rate and assessed the effects of fertilization and three key environmental variables – initial SOC, temperature, and precipitation – on sustainable residue harvest rates. We found that, with up to 75 kg N ha−1 fertilization, up to 75% and 50% of crop residue could be sustainably harvested in south‐western and south‐eastern Australia, respectively. Higher fertilization rates achieved little further increase in sustainable residue harvest rates. Sustainable residue harvest rates were principally determined by climate and soil conditions, especially the initial SOC content and temperature. We conclude that environmental conditions and management practices should be considered to guide the harvest of crop residue for bioenergy production and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the life cycle of bioenergy production.
Short‐term CO2‐C emissions from soil prior to sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) replanting in southern Brazil
Authors: de Figueiredo Eduardo B. , Panosso Alan R. , Reicosky Donald C. , La Scala Newton
Published: March 2014

New management strategies should be identified to increase the potential of bioenergy crops to minimize climate change. This study quantified the impact of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) harvest systems, straw and soil management on carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes prior to crop replanting carried out on February 2010 in southern Brazil. The soil studied was classified as Haplustult (USDA Soil Taxonomy). Three sugarcane harvest systems were considered: burned (BH) and green harvest with straw maintained on (GH SM) or removed from (GH SR) the soil surface. Our hypothesis is that intensive tillage and the management of sugarcane crop straw could lead to higher CO2 emissions from soil. We measured CO2 emissions in no‐till (NT) conditions and after conventional tillage (CT), and with or without dolomite and agricultural gypsum applications. Soil CO2 emissions were measured with a Li Cor chamber (Model Li‐8100). Water content of soil and soil temperature readings were first taken 24 h after tillage, over the next 25 days after tillage with 18 measurement days. The removal of sugarcane straw from the soil surface resulted in the rapid reduction of water content of soil (6% in volume) followed by a 64% increase in soil CO2‐C emissions, supporting our hypothesis. Additional soil CO2‐C emissions caused by removal of crop straw were 253 kg CO2‐C ha−1, which is as high as CO2‐C losses induced by tillage. Dolomite and agricultural gypsum applications did not always increase CO2 emissions, especially when applied on soil surface with crop straw and tilled. The conversion from burned to green harvest systems can improve the soil C sequestration rate in sugarcane crops when combined with reduced tillage and straw maintenance on soil surface. The effect of straw removal and related CO2 emission for electricity generation should be considered in further studies from sugarcane areas.
Nitrogen fertilizer and landscape position impacts on CO2 and CH4 fluxes from a landscape seeded to switchgrass
Authors: Mbonimpa Eric G. , Hong Chang O. , Owens Vance N. , Lehman R. Michael , Osborne Shannon L. , Schumacher Thomas E. , Clay David E. , Kumar Sandeep
Published: March 2014

This study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of N fertilizer and landscape position on carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes from a US Northern Great Plains landscape seeded to switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). The experimental design included three N levels (low, 0 kg N ha−1; medium, 56 kg N ha−1; and high, 112 kg N ha−1) replicated four times. The experiment was repeated at shoulder and footslope positions. Soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes were monitored once every 2 weeks from May 2010 to October 2012. The CO2 fluxes were 40% higher at the footslope than the shoulder landscape position, and CH4 fluxes were similar in both landscape positions. Soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes averaged over the sampling dates were not impacted by N rates. Seasonal variations showed highest CO2 release and CH4 uptake in summer and fall, likely due to warmer and moist soil conditions. Higher CH4 release was observed in winter possibly due to increased anaerobic conditions. However, year to year (2010–2012) variations in soil CO2 and CH4 fluxes were more pronounced than the variations due to the impact of landscape positions and N rates. Drought conditions reported in 2012, with higher annual temperature and lower soil moisture than long‐term average, resulted in higher summer and fall CO2 fluxes (between 1.3 and 3 times) than in 2011 and 2010. These conditions also promoted a net CH4 uptake in 2012 in comparison to 2010 when there was net CH4 release. Results from this study conclude that landscape positions, air temperature, and soil moisture content strongly influenced soil CO2 fluxes, whereas soil moisture impacted the direction of CH4 fluxes (uptake or release). However, a comprehensive life cycle analysis would be appropriate to evaluate environmental impacts associated with switchgrass production under local environmental conditions.
Determination of the Mechanical Axis and Joint Orientation Lines in the Canine Humerus: A Radiographic Cadaveric Study
Authors: Wood Mirae C. , Fox Derek B. , Tomlinson James L.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To describe a radiographic method for determination of the mechanical axes and joint orientation lines in orthogonal planes for the canine humerus and establish a range of normal joint orientation angles in a population of large breed dogs.

Study Design

Radiographic study.

Sample Population

Humeri (n = 50) of skeletally mature, nonchondrodystrophic canine cadavers, weighing 20–40 kg with no evidence of orthopedic disease.

Methods

Mediolateral and craniocaudal digital radiographs were used to establish anatomic landmarks for determination of the mechanical axis in both frontal and sagittal planes, the joint orientation lines of both shoulder and elbow and measurement of the resulting mechanical lateral distal humeral angle (mLDHA) in the frontal plane, and the mechanical caudal proximal humeral angle (mCaPHA), and mechanical cranial distal humeral angle (mCrDHA) in the sagittal plane.

Results

Means (±SD) for the joint orientation angles were: mLDHA, 86.92 ± 1.24°, mCaPHA, 43.28 ± 5.44°, and mCrDHA, 71.86 ± 3.97°. The 95% CI ranges for the joint orientation angles were mLDHA, 86.58–87.86°, mCaPHA, 41.77–44.79°, and mCrDHA, 70.76°–72.96°.

Conclusion

A method for measurement of the mechanical axis and associated joint angles of the normal canine humerus in the frontal and sagittal planes was established and reference intervals reported. In the frontal plane, it was determined that the canine humerus is not perpendicular to the elbow joint; therefore, elbow mechanical axis deviation is normal and requires further assessment.
Non‐Matrix‐Matched Calibration for the Multi‐Element Analysis of Geological and Environmental Samples Using 200 nm Femtosecond LA‐ICP‐MS: A Comparison with Nanosecond Lasers
Authors: Jochum Klaus Peter , Stoll Brigitte , Weis Ulrike , Jacob Dorrit E. , Mertz‐Kraus Regina , Andreae Meinrat O.
Published: March 2014

LA‐ICP‐MS is one of the most promising techniques for in situ analysis of geological and environmental samples. However, there are some limitations with respect to measurement accuracy, in particular for volatile and siderophile/chalcophile elements, when using non‐matrix‐matched calibration. We therefore investigated matrix‐related effects with a new 200 nm femtosecond (fs) laser ablation system (NWRFemto200) using reference materials with different matrices and spot sizes from 10 to 55 μm. We also performed similar experiments with two nanosecond (ns) lasers, a 193 nm excimer (ESI NWR 193) and a 213 nm Nd:YAG (NWR UP‐213) laser. The ion intensity of the 200 nm fs laser ablation was much lower than that of the 213 nm Nd:YAG laser, because the ablation rate was a factor of about 30 lower. Our experiments did not show significant matrix dependency with the 200 nm fs laser. Therefore, a non‐matrix‐matched calibration for the multi‐element analysis of quite different matrices could be performed. This is demonstrated with analytical results from twenty‐two international synthetic silicate glass, geological glass, mineral, phosphate and carbonate reference materials. Calibration was performed with the certified NIST SRM 610 glass, exclusively. Within overall analytical uncertainties, the 200 nm fs LA‐ICP‐MS data agreed with available reference values.
Comparison of carotid and lower limb atherosclerotic lesions in both previously known and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Li Lian‐Xi , Wu Xing , Lu Jun‐Xi , Tu Yin‐Fang , Yu Li‐Bo , Li Mei‐Fang , Zhang Wei‐Xing , Zhu Jia‐An , Yuan Guo‐Yue , Bao Yu‐Qian , Jia Wei‐Ping
Published: March 2014

Aims/Introduction

To compare carotid and lower limb atherosclerotic lesions, and examine if carotid atherosclerotic lesions are in line with lower limb atherosclerotic lesions, and can reflect generalized atherosclerosis in inpatients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This was an observational study carried out in 867 Chinese inpatients with type 2 diabetes, including 573 previously known and 294 newly diagnosed patients. Ultrasonographic assessments of intima‐media thickness (IMT), plaques, and stenosis in the carotid and lower limb arteries were evaluated. Atherosclerotic lesions between the carotid and lower limb arteries were compared in both previously known and newly diagnosed diabetes, respectively.

Results

In both the known (77.3% vs 49.4%, P < 0.001) and the newly diagnosed diabetes (55.4% vs 29.9%, P < 0.001), the prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques was significantly higher in the lower limb arteries than in the carotid arteries. Likewise, the prevalence of stenosis was also significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the lower limb arteries (16.9%) than in the carotid arteries (4.2%) in the established diabetes patients. However, there was no significant difference in the mean IMT between common carotid and common femoral arteries in both the previously known (0.90 ± 0.24 mm vs 0.89 ± 0.20 mm, P = 0.675) and the newly diagnosed diabetes patients (0.86 ± 0.22 mm vs 0.85 ± 0.16 mm, P = 0.436).

Conclusions

Carotid plaques might underestimate generalized plaques in inpatients with type 2 diabetes, as shown by its significantly lower prevalence compared with that of the lower extremity arteries. A combined carotid and lower limb ultrasound examination can improve the detection of atherosclerotic lesions in inpatients with type 2 diabetes.
Efficacy, patient‐reported outcomes and safety profile of ATX‐101 (deoxycholic acid), an injectable drug for the reduction of unwanted submental fat: results from a phase III, randomized, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ascher B. , Hoffmann K. , Walker P. , Lippert S. , Wollina U. , Havlickova B.
Published: March 2014

Background

Unwanted submental fat (SMF) may result in an unattractive chin profile and dissatisfaction with appearance. An approved and rigorously tested non‐surgical method for SMF reduction is lacking.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ATX‐101 for the pharmacological reduction of unwanted SMF in a phase III randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.

Methods

Patients (n = 360) with moderate or severe SMF were randomized to receive ATX‐101 1 or 2 mg/cm2 or placebo injected into their SMF for up to four treatments ~28 days apart, with a 12‐week follow‐up. Coprimary efficacy endpoints were the proportions of treatment responders, defined as a ≥1‐point reduction in SMF on the Clinician‐Reported Submental Fat Rating Scale (CR‐SMFRS), and those satisfied with their appearance in association with their face and chin after treatment on the Subject Self‐Rating Scale (SSRS score ≥4). Secondary efficacy endpoints included a ≥1‐point improvement in SMF on the Patient‐Reported Submental Fat Rating Scale (PR‐SMFRS) and changes in the Patient‐Reported Submental Fat Impact Scale (PR‐SMFIS). Additional patient‐reported outcomes and changes in the Skin Laxity Rating Scale were recorded. Adverse events (AEs) and laboratory test results were monitored.

Results

Compared with placebo, a greater proportion of patients treated with ATX‐101 1 and 2 mg/cm2 showed a ≥1‐point improvement in CR‐SMFRS (58.3% and 62.3%, respectively, vs. 34.5% with placebo; P < 0.001) and patient satisfaction (SSRS score ≥4) with the appearance of their face and chin (68.3% and 64.8%, respectively, vs. 29.3%; P < 0.001). Patient‐reported secondary efficacy endpoints showed significant improvements in SMF severity (PR‐SMFRS; P = 0.009 for ATX‐101 1 mg/cm2, P < 0.001 for ATX‐101 2 mg/cm2 vs. placebo) and emotions and perceived self‐image (PR‐SMFIS; P < 0.001). No overall worsening of skin laxity was observed. AEs were mostly transient, mild to moderate in intensity and localized to the treatment area.

Conclusion

ATX‐101 was effective and well tolerated, and may be an alternative to surgery for patients desiring improvement of their submental profile.
FRAX without Bone Mineral Density Versus Osteoporosis Self‐Assessment Screening Tool as Predictors of Osteoporosis in Primary Screening of Individuals Aged 70 and Older
Authors: Pang Wee Yang , Inderjeeth Charles A.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To compare two well‐validated tools—the FRAX without bone mineral density (BMD) and the Osteoporosis Self‐Assessment Screening Tool (OST)—in predicting osteoporosis and to define thresholds above and below which it would be reasonable to recommend omitting BMD testing.

Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

General practices in Western Australia.

Participants

Individuals aged 70 and older responding to a prospective audit of osteoporosis investigation and management for whom dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan results and clinical risk factor data were available (N = 626).

Measurements

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were compared, upper and lower thresholds for omission of screening BMD were proposed, and the statistical performance measures for the tests are reported.

Results

The areas under the ROC curves for the OST (0.76–0.82) were slightly better than for FRAX without BMD 10‐year major osteoporotic fracture risk (0.64–0.76) in predicting osteoporosis at the defined sites. At defined lower thresholds, the tests were comparable in identifying a group with low osteoporosis risk (sensitivity 89.6–92.2%, specificity 35.0–39.9%), translating into 33.5% to 36.1% of tests saved at a cost of missing 7.8% to 10.4% of individuals with osteoporosis on BMD criteria. It was not possible to identify a useful upper threshold.

Conclusion

At the defined thresholds, the OST is as good as FRAX without BMD in identifying a low‐risk population subgroup for whom screening BMD can reasonably be omitted. This could reduce costs and improve access to treatment.
Correlates of 1‐Year Incidence of Urinary Incontinence in Older Latino Adults Enrolled in a Community‐Based Physical Activity Trial
Authors: Morrisroe Shelby N. , Rodriguez Larissa V. , Wang Pin‐Chieh , Smith Ariana L. , Trejo Laura , Sarkisian Catherine A.
Published: March 2014

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) among older urban Latinos is high. Insight into etiologies of and contributing factors to the development of this condition is needed. This longitudinal cohort study identified correlates of 1‐year incidence of UI in older community‐dwelling Latino adults participating in a senior center–based physical activity trial in Los Angeles, California. Three hundred twenty‐eight Latinos aged 60 to 93 participating in Caminemos, a randomized trial to increase walking, were studied. Participants completed an in‐person survey and physical performance measures at baseline and 1 year. UI was measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence item: “How often do you leak urine?” Potential correlates of 1‐year incidence of UI included sociodemographic, behavioral, medical, physical, and psychosocial characteristics. The overall incidence of UI at 1 year was 17.4%. Incident UI was associated with age, baseline activity of daily living impairment, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), mean steps per day, and depressive symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that improvement in physical performance score (odds ratio (OR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.50–0.95) and high baseline physical (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.40–0.89) and mental (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43–0.91) HRQoL were independently associated with lower rates of 1‐year incident UI. An increase in depressive symptoms at 1 year (OR = 4.48, 95% CI = 1.02–19.68) was independently associated with a higher rate of incident UI. One‐year UI incidence in this population of older urban Latino adults participating in a walking trial was high but was lower in those who improved their physical performance. Interventions aimed at improving physical performance may help prevent UI in older Latino adults.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification of single pollen grains
Authors: Bektaş Ali , Chapela Ignacio
Published: March 2014

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been a reliable and fruitful method for many applications in ecology. Nevertheless, unavoidable technical and instrumental requirements of PCR have limited its widespread application in field situations. The recent development of isothermal DNA amplification methods provides an alternative to PCR, which circumvents key limitations of PCR for direct amplification in the field. Being able to analyze DNA in the pollen cloud of an ecosystem would provide very useful ecological information, yet would require a field‐enabled, high‐throughput method for this potential to be realized. Here, we demonstrate the applicability of the loop‐mediated DNA amplification method (LAMP), an isothermal DNA amplification technique, to be used in pollen analysis. We demonstrate that LAMP can provide a reliable method to identify species from the pollen cloud, and that it can amplify successfully with sensitivity down to single pollen grains, thus opening the possibility of field‐based, high‐throughput analysis.
Factor validity and reliability of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist‐Community (ABC‐C) in an Indian population with intellectual disability
Authors: Lehotkay R. , Saraswathi Devi T. , Raju M. V. R. , Bada P. K. , Nuti S. , Kempf N. , Carminati G. Galli
Published: March 2014

Background

In this study realised in collaboration with the department of psychology and parapsychology of Andhra University, validation of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist‐Community (ABC‐C) in Telugu, the official language of Andhra Pradesh, one of India's 28 states, was carried out.

Methods

To assess the factor validity and reliability of this Telugu version, 120 participants with moderate to profound intellectual disability (94 men and 26 women, mean age 25.2, SD 7.1) were rated by the staff of the Lebenshilfe Institution for Mentally Handicapped in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Rating data were analysed with a confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency was estimated by Cronbach's alpha. To confirm the test–retest reliability, 50 participants were rated twice with an interval of 4 weeks, and 50 were rated by pairs of raters to assess inter‐rater reliability.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was equal to 0.06, the comparative fit index (CFI) was equal to 0.77, and the Tucker Lewis index (TLI) was equal to 0.77, which indicated that the model with five correlated factors had a good fit. Coefficient alpha ranged from 0.85 to 0.92 across the five subscales. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients for inter‐rater reliability tests ranged from 0.65 to 0.75, and the correlations for test–retest reliability ranged from 0.58 to 0.76. All reliability coefficients were statistically significant (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The factor validity and reliability of Telugu version of the ABC‐C evidenced factor validity and reliability comparable to the original English version and appears to be useful for assessing behaviour disorders in Indian people with intellectual disabilities.