bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of genetic variants and expression levels of porcine FABP4 and FABP5 genes
Authors: Ballester M. , Puig‐Oliveras A. , Castelló A. , Revilla M. , Fernández A. I. , Folch J. M.
Published: October 2017

The FABP4 and FABP5 genes, coding for fatty acid transport proteins, have long been studied as positional candidate genes for SSC4 QTL affecting fat deposition and composition traits in pigs. Polymorphisms in these genes, FABP4:g.2634_2635insC and FABP5:g.3000T>G, have previously been associated with fatness traits in an Iberian by Landrace cross (IBMAP). The aim of the present work was to evaluate the functional implication of these genetic variants. For this purpose, FABP4 and FABP5 mRNA expression levels in 114 BC1_LD animals (25% Iberian × 75% Landrace) were analyzed using real‐time quantitative PCR in backfat and muscle. FABP4 gene expression in backfat, but not in muscle, was associated with FABP4:g.2634_2635insC. In contrast, FABP5:g.3000T>G was not associated with gene expression levels. An expression‐based genome‐wide association study highlighted the FABP4:g.2634_2635insC polymorphism as the polymorphism most associated with FABP4 gene expression in backfat. Furthermore, other genomic regions associated in trans with the mRNA expression of FABP4 in backfat and FABP5 in muscle were also identified. Finally, two putative transcription binding sites for PPARG and NR4A2 may be affected by the FABP4:g.2634_2635insC polymorphism, modifying FABP4 gene expression. Our results reinforce FABP4 as a candidate gene for fatness traits on SSC4.
New Technology Mimics Physiologic Pulsatile Flow During Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Sunagawa Gengo , Karimov Jamshid H. , Dessoffy Raymond , Byram Nicole , Grady Patrick , Sinkewich Martin , Naber Jeffrey P. , Vincent Douglas , Okano Shinji , Stewart Robert D. , Sale Shiva M. , Moazami Nader , Fukamachi Kiyotaka
Published: October 2017

The VentriFlo True Pulse Pump (Design Mentor, Inc., Pelham, NH, USA) is the first blood pump designed to mimic human arterial waveforms in a standard oxygenation circuit. Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of this pump in preparation for future studies to determine possible clinical advantages. We studied four piglets (41.4–46.2 kg): three with an implanted VentriFlo pulsatile pump and one with the nonpulsatile ROTAFLOW pump (MAQUET Holding B.V. & Co. KG, Rastatt, Germany) as a control. Hemodynamics was monitored during 6‐h cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) support and for 2 h after weaning off CPB. The VentriFlo demonstrated physiologic arterial waveforms with arterial pulse pressure of 24.6 ± 5.7 mm Hg. Pump flows (2.0 ± 0.1 L/min in ROTAFLOW; 1.9 ± 0.1 L/min in VentriFlo) and plasma free hemoglobin levels (27.9 ± 12.5 mg/dL in ROTAFLOW; 28.5 ± 14.2 mg/dL in VentriFlo) were also comparable, but systemic O2 extraction (as measured by arterial minus venous O2 saturation) registered slightly higher with the VentriFlo (63.2 ± 6.9%) than the ROTAFLOW (55.4 ± 6.5%). Histological findings showed no evidence of ischemic changes or thromboembolism. This pilot study demonstrated that the VentriFlo system generated pulsatile flow and maintained adequate perfusion of all organs during prolonged CPB.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease – histological scoring systems: a large cohort single‐center, evaluation study
Authors: Rastogi Archana , Shasthry Saggere Muralikrishna , Agarwal Ayushi , Bihari Chhagan , Jain Priyanka , Jindal Ankur , Sarin Shiv
Published: October 2017

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly common cause of chronic liver disease. Till date, liver biopsy remains the gold standard for identification and quantification of the wide histological spectra of NAFLD. Histological scorings are very useful and widely applied for the diagnosis and management in clinical trials and follow‐up studies of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, in view of scarce published literature, there is a need to evaluate them in large cohort of NAFLD. This study was aimed to evaluate the two histological scoring systems (NAS‐CRN, SAF) in the diagnosis of NAFLD and to assess the role of histological characteristics as injury markers in NAFLD. Retrospective histological study of liver biopsies of 1000 patients diagnosed as NAFLD, between 2010 and 2016, was conducted. Histopathologic evaluation and semiquantiative scoring based on NAS‐CRN and SAF algorithm and their correlation with serum aminotransferase and fibrosis were performed. Liver biopsies were classified according to the NAS‐CRN scoring, as NAS <3 (not NASH) in 72 (7.2%), NAS 3–4 (borderline NASH) in 310 (31%), and NAS ≥5 (definite NASH) in 618 (61.8%), and SAF classified 117 (11.7%) not NASH and 883 (88.3%) definite NASH. There was excellent concordance for definite NASH and not NASH; however, 88.06% of borderline NASH was classified as NASH by SAF. 76.39% by NAS and 78.63% by SAF algorithm who were diagnosed as not NASH showed the presence of fibrosis; however, higher stages of fibrosis were significantly more prevalent in definite NASH, excluding burnt‐out cirrhosis. Serum ALT was significantly associated with increasing stages of fibrosis (p < 0.001) and the three categories (not NASH, borderline NASH, and definite NASH) when classified as with/without fibrosis (p < 0.001). Steatosis of higher grades, more ballooned cells, and more foci of Lobular Inflammation were found in significantly higher proportion of patients with NASH (p < 0.001), with higher fibrosis stages (p < 0.001) and higher serum ALT levels (p < 0.001). NAFLD classifications based on histological scoring NAS‐CRN and SAF algorithm are concordant for the category of definite NASH and not NASH, while borderline NASH shows discrepant interpretation. There was highly significant correlation between the NAS and SAF categories with high grades of histological characteristics, with serum ALT and with higher stages of fibrosis. Exclusion of fibrosis is a limitation with both scores.
Metastatic mineralisation caused by vitamin D intoxication in hand‐raised short‐beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus)
Authors: Scheelings TF , Slocombe RF , Bayley C
Published: October 2017

Case report

Two cases of metastatic mineralisation caused by dietary excess of vitamin D are reported in hand‐raised short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) puggles at the Australian Wildlife Health Centre. Oversupplementation was attributed to excessive levels of vitamin D in Wombaroo Echidna Milk Replacer fed to the puggles. No information exists regarding the naturally occurring vitamin D levels in echidna milk, but, given the low serum levels that have been observed in free‐ranging animals, it is likely to be low.

Conclusion

The vitamin D concentration in Wombaroo Echidna Milk Replacer has been reduced.
The cost‐effectiveness of immediate treatment or watch and wait with deferred chemotherapy for advanced asymptomatic follicular lymphoma
Authors: Prettyjohns Matthew , Hoskin Peter , McNamara Christopher , Linch David ,   the NICE non‐Hodgkin Lymphoma Clinical Guideline Committee
Published: October 2017

Recent evidence has shown that immediate treatment with rituximab induction, with and without maintenance, substantially reduces the need for further treatment in patients with advanced asymptomatic follicular lymphoma. This analysis estimates the cost‐effectiveness of immediate treatment approaches in comparison to a watch and wait approach from the perspective of the UK National Health Service. A Markov decision model was developed to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of treatment strategies in patients with asymptomatic follicular lymphoma. The model was populated using effectiveness data from a systematic literature review with the key clinical data sourced from a randomised trial, in which the treatment strategies were compared. Costs were estimated using UK national sources. In comparison to watchful waiting, both rituximab strategies were found to be more effective and cost saving. In comparison to rituximab induction, the addition of rituximab maintenance marginally increased effectiveness but substantially increased costs, resulting in an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of £69 406 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY). In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, rituximab induction was found to have a 68% probability of being cost‐effective at a threshold of £20 000 per QALY. In conclusion, active treatment with rituximab induction is a cost‐effective strategy to adopt in patients with asymptomatic follicular lymphoma.
Occupational hand eczema and/or contact urticaria: factors associated with change of profession or not remaining in the workforce
Authors: Carøe Tanja K. , Ebbehøj Niels E. , Bonde Jens P. , Agner Tove
Published: October 2017

Background

Occupational hand eczema and/or contact urticaria may have social consequences such as change of profession or not remaining in the workforce.

Objectives

To identify factors associated with job change in a cohort of participants with recognised occupational hand eczema/contact urticaria

Methods

A registry‐based study including 2703 employees with recognised occupational hand eczema/contact urticaria in Denmark in 2010/2011. Four to five years later the participants received a follow‐up questionnaire, comprising questions on current job situation (response rate 58.0%).

Results

At follow‐up, 51.3% of the participants were no longer in the same profession. 32.5% had changed profession and 18.8% were no longer in employment. Change of profession was associated with young age, positive patch test, low educational level and severity of hand eczema/contact urticaria. With regard to specific professions, cleaning personnel changed profession significantly more often than other workers [71.4% (OR = 2.26)], health care workers significantly less often than other workers [34.0% (OR = 0.36)].

Conclusion

Job change occurs frequently during the first years after recognition of occupational hand eczema/contact urticaria and more often among patients with positive patch test reactions, with severe hand eczema/contact urticaria. Whether job changes improve the prognosis of occupational hand eczema/contact urticaria remains to be established.
Right ventricular speckle tracking assessment for differentiation of pressure‐ versus volume‐overloaded right ventricle
Authors: Werther Evaldsson Anna , Ingvarsson Annika , Waktare Johan , Smith Gustav J. , Thilén Ulf , Stagmo Martin , Roijer Anders , Rådegran Goran , Meurling Carl
Published: October 2017

Background

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction may be caused by either pressure or volume overload. RV function is conventionally assessed with echocardiography using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity (S′) and RV index of myocardial performance (RIMP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether RV global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) and RV‐free wall strain (RV‐free) could add additional information to differentiate these two causes of RV overload.

Methods and results

The study enrolled 89 patients with an echocardiographic trans‐tricuspid gradient >30 mmHg. Forty‐five patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (pressure overload) were compared with 44 patients with an atrial septum defect (volume overload). RV size was larger in the volume group (P<0·05). TAPSE and S′ were lower in the pressure group (P<0·05, P<0·01). RVFAC was lower in the pressure group (P<0·001) as well as RVGLS (−12·1 ± 3·3% versus −20·2 ± 3·4%, P<0·001) and RV‐free (−12·9 ± 3·3% versus −19·4 ± 3·4%, P<0·001).

Conclusion

In this study, RVGLS and RV‐free could more accurately discriminate RV pressure from volume overload than conventional measures. The reason could be that TAPSE and S′ are unable to differentiate active deformation from passive entrainment caused by the left ventricle. The pressure group had evidence of marked RV hypertrophy despite standard functional parameters (TAPSE and S) within normal range. This would enhance the value of strain to more sensitively detect abnormal function. A cut‐off value of below −16% for RVGLS and RV‐free predicts RV pressure overload with high accuracy.
Human milk cortisol concentration predicts experimentally induced infant fear reactivity: moderation by infant sex
Authors: Nolvi Saara , Uusitupa Henna‐Maria , Bridgett David J. , Pesonen Henri , Aatsinki Anna‐Katariina , Kataja Eeva‐Leena , Korja Riikka , Karlsson Hasse , Karlsson Linnea
Published: October 2017

Little consideration has been given to the possibility of human infant development being shaped via lactocrine programming, and by breast milk cortisol levels specifically. Despite animal models indicating that glucocorticoid (GC) exposure via lactation might modify brain development and behavior, only one study has reported that milk cortisol levels were positively associated with infant negative affectivity, especially fearfulness and sadness—early emerging risk factors for internalizing difficulties such as anxiety. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether human milk cortisol is associated with mother‐reported fearfulness and experimentally induced infant fear reactivity. Mother‐infant dyads (n = 65) enrolled in the FinnBrain Cohort Study participated. Breast milk samples were obtained 2.5 months postpartum, and milk cortisol concentrations were ascertained using validated luminescence immunoassay methodology. Infant fear reactivity was assessed using maternal reports 6 months postpartum and in a laboratory 8 months postpartum. There was a significant interaction between infant sex and milk cortisol such that higher milk cortisol was related to higher infant fear reactivity in a laboratory setting in girls (β = 0.36, p = .04) but not in boys (β = −0.15, p = .40). Milk cortisol was not associated with mother‐reported infant fearfulness. Results suggest that higher human milk cortisol concentrations are associated with elevated experimentally induced fear in infancy. Findings support lactocrine programming, and suggest that mothers may “communicate” vital information about stressful environments via cortisol contained in breast milk, shaping girls' early emotional reactivity.
DOES DELEGATION INCREASE WORKER TRAINING?
Authors: Bilanakos Christos , Heywood John S. , Sessions John G. , Theodoropoulos Nikolaos
Published: October 2017

We model a principal‐firm offering training to its agent‐worker under two alternative organizational structures: integration, where the principal retains authority to overrule the investment project recommended by the worker; and delegation, where the principal cannot overrule the worker's preferred investment project. We assume that training reduces the worker's effort cost of assembling information about alternative projects' payoffs and identify the conditions under which delegation increases the profit‐maximizing intensity of training. Empirical estimates from matched employer–employee data show that workplaces delegating authority do provide more worker training. This result persists in two cross sections, in panel fixed‐effect estimates and, critically, in an instrumental variable exercise that also controls for establishment fixed effects. (JEL D21, D22, D23, M53, M54)
Online parenting guidelines to prevent adolescent depression and anxiety: Evaluating user characteristics and usefulness
Authors: Yap Marie B. H. , Martin Peter D. , Jorm Anthony F.
Published: October 2017

Aim

The aims of this study were to evaluate user characteristics and the perceived usefulness of a set of online parenting guidelines to prevent adolescent depression and anxiety.

Methods

Upon downloading the online guidelines, users were invited to complete a brief demographic survey assessing user characteristics (Survey 1). Consenting respondents were emailed an evaluation survey 1 month later, which assessed perceived usefulness of the guidelines (Survey 2).

Results

Over 22 months, 2631 users completed Survey 1 and 233 completed Survey 2. Most users endorsed the usefulness of the guidelines, and most parent users reported at least a little improvement on their parenting. Users were favourable towards a web‐based parenting program as one way to improve the guidelines.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the online guidelines may be a useful and sustainable universal prevention strategy for parents of adolescents.
Sexuality and sexual health among female youth with borderline personality disorder pathology
Authors: Thompson Katherine N. , Betts Jennifer , Jovev Martina , Nyathi Yolanda , McDougall Emma , Chanen Andrew M.
Published: October 2017

Aim

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder that is characterized by unstable relationships, impulsive behaviours and identity disturbance. BPD usually has its onset between puberty and young adulthood and presents disproportionately among females in clinical settings. Taken together, this makes young women with BPD a particularly vulnerable group with regard to healthy psychosexual development. It was hypothesized that female youth with BPD pathology would be more likely to score worse on measures of sexual health and safety, and to show greater uncertainty in sexual identity formation.

Methods

Fifty 15 to 24 yr‐old females with 3 or more Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐IV) BPD criteria were compared with 204 females from a nationally representative sample. Both groups were interviewed using a comprehensive interview for sexual health and relationships. The patient group completed a structured diagnostic interview.

Results

Young women with borderline personality pathology engaged in sexual relationships at a younger age, with more sexual partners in the previous year, in more casual relationships. They were more likely to practice unsafe sex for their first sexual experience, to be coerced into unwanted sexual activity, to be unclear about their sexual identity or their sexual attraction, and to report worse overall health status.

Conclusions

BPD pathology in youth is associated with poor sexual health and safety, and uncertainty in sexual identity formation. These findings support the need for assessment of the sexuality and sexual health of youth with BPD, along with the need for routine screening in sexual health services for BPD features among high‐risk youth.
Discrepancy analysis between crystallized and fluid intelligence tests: a novel method to detect mild cognitive impairment in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Takaiwa A. , Kuwayama N. , Akioka N. , Kashiwazaki D. , Kuroda S.
Published: October 2017

Background and purpose

The present study was conducted to accurately determine the presence of mild cognitive impairment, which is often difficult to evaluate using only simple tests. Our approach focused on discrepancy analysis of fluid intelligence relative to crystallized intelligence using internationally recognized neuropsychological tests.

Methods

One‐hundred and five patients diagnosed with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis were assessed. The neuropsychological tests included the two subtests (information and picture completion) of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Revised (WAIS‐R‐two‐subtests): crystallized intelligence tests and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) (immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional, language, attention, delayed memory and total score) as fluid intelligence tests. Discrepancy analysis was used to assess cognitive impairment. The score for RBANS was subtracted from the score for WAIS‐R‐two‐subtests, and if the score difference was greater than the 5% confidence limit for statistical significance, it was defined as a decline in cognitive function.

Results

The WAIS‐R‐two‐subsets was within normal limits when compared with the standardized values. However, all RBANS domains showed significant declines. Frequencies of decline in each RBANS domain were as follows: 69 patients (66%) in immediate memory, 26 (25%) in visuospatial/constructional, 54 (51%) in language, 63 (60%) in attention, 54 (51%) in delayed memory and 78 (74%) in the total score. Moreover, 99 patients (94%) showed decline in at least one RBANS domain.

Conclusions

Cognitive function is only preserved in a few patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Mild cognitive impairment can be precisely detected by performing the discrepancy analysis between crystallized and fluid intelligence tests.
Movement activity and habitat use ofCarabus ullrichii(Coleoptera: Carabidae): The forest edge as a mating site?
Authors: Růžičková Jana , Veselý Milan
Published: October 2017

Some carabid species are not restricted to a single habitat only, but use various types of habitats. In these species, relatively little is known about the utilization of occupied habitats and factors affecting their movement within these habitats. In this study, we focus on the movement activity of ubiquitousCarabus ullrichiiduring its reproductive period at the border of two types of habitats, a meadow and a forest. We tracked 21 adult individuals using radio telemetry and recorded in total 1,687 position fixes. Movement activity was associated with the type of habitat and specific environmental conditions such as time of the day and air temperature. Both sexes activated preferably at dusk and during the night, although males were most active at temperatures around 15°C, while females showed no preference for temperature. Males were able to walk as fast as females, but they were more associated with forest edge. We assume that the inner edge of the forest could be used as a mating site and after mating males stay there and wait for new females with which to mate, while fertilized females disperse into the surroundings. They moved further into the closed forest where they were likely looking for oviposition sites and food resources to support reproduction. Exclusively females were recorded to visit the meadow at a greater distance from the forest edge and their movements there were almost always direct.
Automated email answering by text‐pattern matching: Performance and error analysis
Authors: Sneiders Eriks , Sjöbergh Jonas , Alfalahi Alyaa
Published: October 2017

Automated answering of frequent email inquiries can be implemented as a text categorization task with narrow text categories, where all messages in 1 text category have the same answer. Such email categorization should be optimized for high precision and at least acceptable recall. One such high‐precision email categorization method is matching of surface text patterns to incoming email messages. In order to assess the upper performance limits of text‐pattern matching, we conducted extensive tests with almost 10,000 messages. Our results show that automated email answering with precision around 90% and recall 50–75% is feasible. In order to achieve this, however, the system must work with multiword expressions rather than stand‐alone words. Furthermore, we argue that the system has to distinguish the context of an email inquiry from the actual need that created the inquiry—a question, request, or complaint. We have discovered and analysed 12 reasons why text‐pattern matching may fail.
Effect of calcium ions on structure and stability of the C1q‐like domain of otolin‐1 from human and zebrafish
Authors: Hołubowicz Rafał , Wojtas Magdalena , Taube Michał , Kozak Maciej , Ożyhar Andrzej , Dobryszycki Piotr
Published: October 2017

Otolin‐1 is a collagen‐like protein expressed in the inner ear of vertebrates. It provides an organic scaffold for otoliths in fish and otoconia in land vertebrates. In this study, the expression and purification procedure of C1q‐like domain of otolin‐1 from human and zebrafish was developed. The structure and stability of the proteins were investigated. The results of sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation and small‐angle X‐ray scattering indicated that the C1q‐like domain of otolin‐1 forms stable trimers in solution in the presence of calcium ions. It was also observed that calcium ions influenced the secondary structure of the proteins. C1q‐like domains were stabilized by the calcium ions. The human variant was especially affected by the calcium ions. The results indicate the importance of the C1q‐like domain for the assembly of the organic matrix of otoliths and otoconia.
Beyond the natural flow regime? Broadening the hydro‐ecological foundation to meet environmental flows challenges in a non‐stationary world
Authors: Poff N. LeRoy
Published: October 2017

The natural flow regime concept has contributed significantly to environmental flows (e‐flows) science and applications over the last 20 years. Natural flow regimes reflect long‐term, historical patterns of flow variability that have shaped riverine species’ adaptations and continue to shape community and ecosystem structure and function. This scientific perspective, however, carries with it important assumptions about climatic and ecological stationarity in terms of “reference” conditions that provide a basis for comparing success or outcomes of e‐flow interventions.

Non‐stationarity in climate and other environmental conditions (temperature, sediment, nutrients) and in ecological features (non‐native species spread) presents important challenges for environmental flows science. Reliance on the assumption of restoration to reference conditions for either hydrologic or ecological conditions is no longer tenable, and an expanded e‐flows science foundation is needed to meet several challenges facing future e‐flows implementations.

Currently recognised limitations of e‐flows science contribute to the emergence of research frontiers that need further development. These are (1) shifting from static, regime‐based flow metrics to dynamic, time‐varying flow characterisations; (2) expanding the ecological metrics (and space–time scales) used in e‐flows from primary reliance on ecosystem states to include process (population) rates and species traits; (3) incorporating other “non‐flow” environmental features (e.g. temperature, sediment) to guide prioritisation of e‐flows applications with a likelihood of success; and (4) broadening the ecological foundation of e‐flows to incorporate more ecological theory that will contribute to a more predictive science.

The natural flow regime perspective of managing for historical variability will remain important to understand ecological response to hydrologic alterations and to inform e‐flows management. However, under shifting hydro‐climatic and ecological conditions, a new imperative of managing for resilience is emerging, that is, identifying and prescribing e‐flows to sustain robust, persistent and socially valued ecological characteristics in a flexible and adaptive management framework.
Nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics in a large river estimated by an in situ Lagrangian tracking approach
Authors: Kobayashi Yuta , Iwata Tomoya
Published: October 2017

Streams and rivers transport and process land‐derived nutrients to coastal ecosystems, but few empirical studies quantify in‐stream processing of nutrients in large rivers due to methodological constraints.

Here we suggest a novel Lagrangian method to estimate the net nutrient dynamics of a large river (sixth‐order Fuji River, discharge 20–48 m3/s) by concurrently tracking a specific water parcel along the river course and measuring the longitudinal profiles of inorganic nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) concentrations.

Our method revealed exceedingly high net nutrient removal rates (Unet) for both NH4 and PO4. Moreover, net release of both NO2 and NO3 were observed, likely from benthic nitrification, indicating the considerable contribution of biotic and abiotic in‐stream processing to fluvial nutrient dynamics in a large river.

In the Fuji River, net uptake velocity (vf‐net) and net uptake length (Snet) were lower and longer, respectively, for NH4 and PO4 than would be expected from high net nutrient removal (Unet), because of the high nutrient concentration and fast water velocity.

The results suggest that in high‐relief mountainous areas, anthropogenic nutrients loaded in large rivers are influential on distant downstream ecosystems despite high nutrient processing rates in river ecosystems.
Ecological controls of mammalian diversification vary with phylogenetic scale
Authors: Machac Antonin , Graham Catherine H. , Storch David
Published: October 2017

Aim

Diversity dynamics remain controversial. Here, we examine these dynamics, together with the ecological factors governing them, across mammalian clades of different ages and sizes, representing different phylogenetic scales. Specifically, we investigate whether the dynamics are bounded or unbounded, biotically or abiotically regulated, stochastic or ecologically deterministic.

Location

Worldwide.

Time period

150 Myr.

Major taxa studied

Mammals.

Methods

Integrating the newest phylogenetic and distributional data by means of several distinct methods, we study the ecology of mammalian diversification within a predictive framework, inspired by classic theory. Specifically, we evaluate the effects of several classes of factors, including climate, topography, geographical area, rates of climatic‐niche evolution, and regional coexistence between related and unrelated species. Next, we determine whether the relative effects of these factors change systematically across clades representing different phylogenetic scales.

Results

We find that young clades diversify at approximately constant rates, medium‐sized clades show diversification slowdowns, and large clades are mostly saturated, suggesting that diversification dynamics change as clades grow and accumulate species. We further find that diversification slowdowns intensify with the degree of regional coexistence between related species, presumably because increased competition for regional resources suppresses the diversification process. The richness at which clades eventually saturate depends on climate; clades residing in tropical climates saturate at low richness, implying that niches become progressively densely packed towards the tropics.

Main conclusions

The diversification process is influenced by a variety of ecological factors, whose relative effects change across phylogenetic scales, producing scale‐dependent dynamics. Different segments of the same phylogeny might therefore support seemingly conflicting results (bounded or unbounded, biotically or abiotically regulated, stochastic or ecologically deterministic diversification), which might have contributed to several outstanding controversies in the field. These conflicts can be reconciled, however, when accounting for phylogenetic scale, which might, in turn, produce a more integrated understanding of global diversity dynamics.
Highlights of progress in silage conservation and future perspectives
Authors: Wilkinson J. M. , Rinne M.
Published: October 2017

Highlights of progress in the production of silage over the past 50 years include the introduction of improved hybrids of maize (Zea mays L.), the forage harvester, the big baler, polyethylene covering for horizontal silos, stretch‐wrap film for bales and novel additives designed to improve the fermentation and aerobic stability of silage. The key biochemical pathways in the silage fermentation have been described together with the effects of microbial and chemical additives on fermentation and aerobic stability during the feed‐out phase. The significance of oxygen and water in silage fermentation has been quantified and efficacy of covering silos has been established, with recent progress in the development of oxygen barrier film. Future perspectives include improving food safety and animal health by increasing the hygienic quality of silage, reducing the environmental impact of silage by decreasing loss of nitrogen to soil and atmosphere, reducing methanogenesis in the rumen and increasing methane yield from silage as biofuel, and the use of silages as feedstocks for multiple end uses in biorefineries.
A Properly Developed Consensus from a Proficiency Test is, for All Practical Purposes, Interchangeable with a Certified Value for a Matrix Reference Material Derived from an Interlaboratory Comparison
Authors: Thompson Michael
Published: October 2017

A properly developed consensus from a proficiency test is, for all practical purposes, interchangeable with a certified value derived from an interlaboratory comparison. But some scientists have doubts about the metrological status of such values. In particular, the materials are not regarded as equivalent to certified reference materials (CRM) because of a lack of traceability of the consensus value. However, the detailed considerations in this study show that such a distinction is without foundation. The following issues are addressed. (a) Misgivings about the traceability of an interlaboratory consensus are found to be insubstantial because chemical measurements are hardly ever fully traceable. (b) Reproducibility (i.e., interlaboratory) conditions account for all sources of variation in results other than long‐term stability, so lead to a valid estimate of uncertainty. (c) Certification of a reference material according to ISO procedures is homologous with a proficiency test and no more secure against bias in the characterised value and its standard error. In particular, residual (common) bias cannot be fully addressed in either approach. (d) A consensus in itself attests to a valid outcome. (e) Proficiency test providers have access to a powerful method of monitoring long‐term stability that is denied to CRM producers.
Being a Foreigner in Philosophy: A Taxonomy
Authors: Erlenbusch Verena
Published: October 2017

The question of diversity, both with regard to the demographic profile of philosophers as well as the content of philosophical inquiry, has received much attention in recent years. One figure that has gone relatively unnoticed is that of the foreigner. To the extent that philosophers have taken the foreigner as their object of inquiry, they have focused largely on challenges nonnative speakers of English face in a profession conducted predominantly in English. Yet an understanding of the foreigner in terms of the nonnative speaker does not exhaust the conceptual space of the foreigner. This article provides a more nuanced conceptual apparatus that allows for a more precise identification and discussion of other ways in which one can be a foreigner in philosophy. I develop a taxonomy of different conceptions of the foreigner, namely the linguistic, material, cultural, and epistemic foreigner; I discuss the different and specific challenges they face; and I show how foreigners enrich philosophical practice.
Dermoscopy in vitiligo: diagnosis and beyond
Authors: Kumar Jha Abhijeet , Sonthalia Sidharth , Lallas Aimilios , Chaudhary R K P
Published: October 2017

Background

Vitiligo is essentially a clinical diagnosis, and dermoscopy may aid in noninvasive confirmation of diagnosis by excluding other clinically simulating hypopigmentary conditions. More importantly, dermoscopy is rapidly gaining ground as an important adjunct tool to evaluate disease activity.

Aim

To study the dermoscopic features of vitiligo and ascertain their correlation with disease activity.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of dermoscopy of 60 cases suffering from vitiligo was undertaken. Dermoscopy was performed using Dermlite II hybrid m dermatoscope at 10× magnification in polarized mode, and photographs were captured by Apple iphone 6. Variables assessed in the dermoscopic evaluation included perifollicular changes, perilesional changes, altered pigmentary network, and presence of specific features such as the starburst appearance, comet tail appearance, leukotrichia, telangiectasia, and any new findings.

Results

Sixty patients with stable, progressive, or repigmenting vitiligo were retrospectively studied. While perifollicular depigmentation (PFD) was predictive of stable vitiligo, perifollicular pigmentation (PFP) was characteristic of active disease. Starburst appearance, altered pigment network, and comet tail appearance, were also noted, and these were typical of progressive vitiligo. A new dermoscopic feature, the ‘tapioca sago’ appearance (sabudana), was observed in the skin adjacent to the vitiligo lesion only in patients with progressive vitiligo.

Conclusion

Dermoscopy is useful in assessing the stage of evolution and the status of disease activity in vitiligo. The most useful dermoscopic clues are observed in the perifollicular region, since progressive lesions display perifollicular pigmentation and stable/remitting lesions display perifolliclar depigmentation.
The association of HLA B*15:02 allele and Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis induced by aromatic anticonvulsant drugs in a South Indian population
Authors: Devi Keerankulangara
Published: October 2017

Background

The presence of HLA‐B*15:02 allele is considered a risk factor for development of Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) in patients taking aromatic anticonvulsant drugs like carbamazepine and phenytoin. The genetic association is ethnicity specific. Testing for HLA‐B*15:02 allele is suggested as a prerequisite before starting carbamazepine in certain ethnic groups. There are only a few/no studies from south India on HLA association of SJS/TEN.

Aims

To identify any association between HLA‐B*15:02 allele and SJS/TEN induced by carbamazepine/phenytoin among native population.

Methods (including settings, design, and statistical analysis used)

A case–control study done in a tertiary care center at Kottayam in Kerala state of south India. Cases were 12 native patients who developed SJS/TEN owing to aromatic anticonvulsant drugs (phenytoin – 8; carbamazepine – 4), and controls were 11 persons tolerant to these drugs from unrelated families of the same ethnic group. HLA‐B typing was done by PCR SSP method.

Results

There was only one HLA‐B*15:02 carrier among cases and controls. He/she had SJS/TEN induced by carbamazepine.

Conclusions

Association of HLA‐B*15:02 with phenytoin‐induced SJS/TEN is rare in the population studied. The one limitation of the study was the small sample size.
Teaching children about good health? Halo effects in child‐directed advertisements for unhealthy food
Authors: Harris J. L. , Haraghey K. S. , Lodolce M. , Semenza N. L.
Published: October 2017

Background

Food companies often use healthy lifestyle messages in child‐directed advertising, raising public health concerns about health halo effects for nutrient‐poor food/drinks.

Objective

Examine effects of health messages promoting nutrient‐poor foods in child‐directed advertising.

Methods

Randomized controlled experiment (N = 138). Children (7–11 years) viewed three child‐friendly commercials in one of three conditions: (1) health halo (unfamiliar nutrient‐poor food/drink ads with healthy messages); (2) nutrient‐poor food/drink ads with other messages and (3) healthy food/drink ads. They rated the commercials and advertised products, provided attitudes about exercise and nutrition and consumed and rated healthy and unhealthy snack foods.

Results

Children in the health halo condition rated the advertised nutrient‐poor products as significantly healthier compared with children in other conditions (p = .003), but the other commercials did not affect children's attitudes about other advertised products (p's > .50). Child age, gender or TV viewing habits did not significantly predict their ratings (p's > .18). There was no evidence that healthy lifestyle messages and/or healthy food commercials improved children's attitudes about nutrition, exercise or healthy snack consumption.

Conclusion

Promoting healthy lifestyle messages in child‐directed commercials for nutrient‐poor food/drinks likely benefits brands by increasing products' perceived healthfulness, but these ads are unlikely to positively affect children's attitudes about health and nutrition.
Intergenerational income mobility and inequality in South Korea
Authors: Nam Jaehyun
Published: October 2017

Using data from the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study (KLIPS), recent trends in intergenerational income mobility were explored, examining the relationship between income mobility and income inequality in South Korea. The study found that the intergenerational elasticity of income is about 0.2 and there is no clear‐cut trend in intergenerational income mobility. In addition, this study showed that there is no systematic relation between rising income inequality and intergenerational income mobility in contemporary Korea. Overall, the results indicate that intergenerational income mobility is irresponsive to the income inequality the respondents experienced growing up. It is assumed that education and welfare transfer programs might offset the consequences of income inequality by leading to upward mobility for children from low‐income households.
Size effects of electrocaloric cooling in ferroelectric nanowires
Authors: Huang Houbing , Zhang Guangzu , Ma Xingqiao , Liang Deshan , Wang Jianjun , Liu Yang , Wang Qing , Chen Long‐Qing
Published: October 2017

Considering finite size effect, ferroelectric nanowires may show novel phenomena compared to ferroelectric thin film and bulk. Here we investigated the effect of width and surface compressive stress on electrocaloric cooling in ferroelectric nanowire by using thermodynamic calculations and phase‐field simulations. It was found that the isothermal entropy change and adiabatic temperature change in nanowire are 50% larger than that in thin film due to different mechanical boundary conditions of nanowire and thin film. The largest electrocaloric temperature changes were shown to increase significantly either with the decrease in nanowire width or the increase with the surface compressive stress. It was also revealed that the largest intrinsic entropy changes are almost the same for different nanowires with different widths and various stresses. The present study therefore contributes to the understanding of size effects of electrocaloric cooling and provides guidance for experiments to design high‐efficiency cooling devices using ferroelectric nanosystems.
Ferroelectric‐quasiferroelectric‐ergodic relaxor transition and multifunctional electrical properties in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Zhou Changrong , Li Qingning , Xu Jiwen , Yang Ling , Zeng Weidong , Yuan Changlai , Chen Guohua
Published: October 2017

A‐site substituted 0.88(Bi0.5Na0.5)1−x(Li0.5Nd0.5)xTiO3–0.12BaTiO3 (BNTLNx–BT12) ceramics were synthesized using a conventional solid‐state reaction route. The structural transformation and miscellaneous electrical properties were systematically investigated. The A‐site modification induced two sequence transitions from ferroelectric tetragonal (T) to quasi‐ferroelectric pseudocubic (PC) phase, followed closely by the second transition from non‐ergodic to ergodic relaxor (NR‐ER), and finally to dynamic polar nanoregions (PNRs). The significant enhancement in piezoelectric activity, strain response, broad plateau‐like maximum dielectric permittivity over a large temperature range and energy‐storage level at different compositions may be attributed to the compositionally‐induced T‐PC to NR‐ER transition and the alignment of dynamically‐fluctuating PNRs, respectively. The evolution of multifunctional electrical properties, associated with the variations in structure/microstructure, might provide a new insight to investigate the underlying mechanism of structure‐electrical properties relationship in ferroelectric solid solutions.
Determination of crystal size distributions in alumina ceramics by a novel X‐ray diffraction procedure
Authors: Neher Sigmund H. , Klein Helmut , Kuhs Werner F.
Published: October 2017

A novel X‐ray diffraction based method is presented, capable of determining volume‐based crystal size distribution (CSD) of polycrystalline materials and crystalline powders with unprecedented sampling statistics; the method is named fast X‐ray diffraction crystal size distribution analysis (FXD‐CSD).FXD‐CSDcan be performed with standard laboratory X‐ray diffractometers equipped with a position sensitive detector and uses a software package written in Python for the data analysis.FXD‐CSDis a destruction‐free and generally applicable method to establishCSDs of polycrystalline materials as well as powders for sizes well below 1 μm up to about 100 μm; it even allows for studies of samples enclosed in complex environments, e.g., for in situ measurements in a furnace or in a pressure cell. To show the capability of the method the microstructural evolution of four alumina substrates with different time‐spans of sintering (4, 8, 16, and 24 hour at 1600°C) is investigated viaFXD‐CSDandSEMimaging. The correspondingCSDs and average grain sizes are determined, results obtained byFXD‐CSDand the line‐intersection methods are compared and clear evidence for the presence of abnormal grain growth (AGG) during sintering is shown. From three tested probability density functions (PDF) describing theCSDs a log‐normalPDFfits best to the volume basedCSDs; the method provides size distributions with unprecedented precision opening the way to a systematic and meaningful comparison between theoretically predicted and observedCSDs.
Patient and public involvement in the design of clinical trials: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Price Amy , Albarqouni Loai , Kirkpatrick Jo , Clarke Mike , Liew Su May , Roberts Nia , Burls Amanda
Published: October 2017

Background

Funders encourage lay‐volunteer inclusion in research. There are controversy and resistance, given concerns of role confusion, exploratory methods, and limited evidence about what value lay‐volunteers bring to research. This overview explores these areas.

Methods

Eleven databases were searched without date or language restrictions for systematic reviews of public and patient involvement (PPI) in clinical trials design. This systematic overview of PPI included 27 reviews from which areas of good and bad practice were identified. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of PPI were explored through use of meta‐narrative analysis.

Results

Inclusion criteria were met by 27 reviews ranging in quality from high (n = 7), medium (n = 14) to low (n = 6) reviews. Reviews were assessed using CERQUAL NICE, CASP for qualitative research and CASP for systematic reviews. Four reviews report risk of bias. Public involvement roles were primarily in agenda setting, steering committees, ethical review, protocol development, and piloting. Research summaries, follow‐up, and dissemination contained PPI, with lesser involvement in data collection, analysis, or manuscript authoring. Trialists report difficulty in finding, retaining, and reimbursing volunteers. Respectful inclusion, role recognition, mutual flexibility, advance planning, and sound methods were reported as facilitating public involvement in research. Public involvement was reported to have increased the quantity and quality of patient relevant priorities and outcomes, enrollment, funding, design, implementation, and dissemination. Challenges identified include lack of clarity within common language, roles, and research boundaries, while logistical needs include extra time, training, and funding. Researchers report struggling to report involvement and avoid tokenism.

Conclusions

Involving patients and the public in clinical trials design can be beneficial but requires resources, preparation, training, flexibility, and time. Issues to address include reporting deficits for risk of bias, study quality, and conflicts of interests. We need to address these tensions and improve dissemination strategies to increase PPI and health literacy.
Invasive rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss preying on the endangered naked characin Gymnocharacinus bergii at its thermal limits
Authors: Quiroga S. , Kacoliris F. , García I. , Povedano H. , Velasco M. , Zalba S.
Published: October 2017

The expansion of the invasive rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss into the thermal headwaters of Valcheta Stream (Patagonia, Argentina) and new predation records on the endangered endemic naked characin Gymnocharacinus bergii are presented here. These findings are discussed in relation to the contemporary evolution and thermal refuges hypothesis. This study has immediate implications for the conservation of G. bergii.