bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodiversity in marine invertebrate responses to acute warming revealed by a comparative multi‐omics approach
Authors: Clark Melody S. , Sommer Ulf , Sihra Jaspreet K. , Thorne Michael A. S. , Morley Simon A. , King Michelle , Viant Mark R. , Peck Lloyd S.
Published: June 2016

Understanding species' responses to environmental change underpins our abilities to make predictions on future biodiversity under any range of scenarios. In spite of the huge biodiversity in most ecosystems, a model species approach is often taken in environmental studies. To date, we still do not know how many species we need to study to input into models and inform on ecosystem‐level responses to change. In this study, we tested current paradigms on factors setting thermal limits by investigating the acute warming response of six Antarctic marine invertebrates: a crustaceanParaceradocus miersi, a brachiopodLiothyrella uva, two bivalve molluscs,Laternula elliptica,Aequiyoldia eightsii, a gastropod molluscMarseniopsis mollisand an echinodermCucumaria georgiana. Each species was warmed at the rate of 1 °C h−1and taken to the same physiological end point (just prior to heat coma). Their molecular responses were evaluated using complementary metabolomics and transcriptomics approaches with the aim of discovering the underlying mechanisms of their resilience or sensitivity to warming. The responses were species‐specific; only two showed accumulation of anaerobic end products and three exhibited the classical heat shock response with expression ofHSP70 transcripts. These diverse cellular measures did not directly correlate with resilience to heat stress and suggested that each species may have a different critical point of failure. Thus, one unifying molecular mechanism underpinning response to warming could not be assigned, and no overarching paradigm was supported. This biodiversity in response makes future ecosystems predictions extremely challenging, as we clearly need to develop a macrophysiology‐type approach to cellular evaluations of the environmental stress response, studying a range of well‐rationalized members from different community levels and of different phylogenetic origins rather than extrapolating from one or two arbitrary model species.
Estimating Tortuosity Coefficients Based on Hydraulic Conductivity
Authors: Carey Grant R. , McBean Edward A. , Feenstra Stan
Published: June 2016

While the tortuosity coefficient is commonly estimated using an expression based on total porosity, this relationship is demonstrated to not be applicable (and thus is often misapplied) over a broad range of soil textures. The fundamental basis for a correlation between the apparent diffusion tortuosity coefficient and hydraulic conductivity is demonstrated, although such a relationship is not typically considered. An empirical regression for estimating the tortuosity coefficient based on hydraulic conductivity for saturated, unconsolidated soil is derived based on results from 14 previously reported diffusion experiments performed with a broad range of soil textures. Analyses of these experimental results confirm that total porosity is a poor predictor for the tortuosity coefficient over a large range of soil textures. The apparent diffusion tortuosity coefficient is more reliably estimated based on hydraulic conductivity.
Attitudes to participating in a birth cohort study, views from a multiethnic population: a qualitative study using focus groups
Authors: Garg Neeru , Round Thomas P. , Daker‐White Gavin , Bower Peter , Griffiths Chris J.
Published: June 2016

Background

Recruitment to birth cohort studies is a challenge. Few studies have addressed the attitudes of women about taking part in birth cohort studies particularly those from ethnic minority groups.

Objective

To seek the views of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds about participation in a proposed birth cohort examining the impact of infections.

Design and setting

Eight focus groups of pregnant women and mothers of young children took place in GP surgeries and community centres in an ethnically diverse area of east London. Purposeful sampling and language support ensured representation of people from ethnic minority groups. Audio recordings were taken and transcripts were analysed using the Framework approach.

Main outcome measures

The views of participants about taking part in the proposed birth cohort study, in particular concerning incentives to taking part, disincentives and attitudes to consenting children.

Results

There was more convergence of opinion than divergence across groups. Altruism, perceived health gains of participating and financial rewards were motivating factors for most women. Worries about causing harm to their child, inconvenience, time pressure and blood sample taking as well as a perceived lack of health gains were disincentives to most. Mistrust of researchers did not appear to be a significant barrier. The study indicates that ethnicity and other demographic factors influence attitudes to participation.

Conclusions

To recruit better, birth cohort studies should incorporate financial and health gains as rewards for participation, promote the altruistic goals of research, give assurances regarding the safety of the participating children and sensitive data, avoid discomfort and maximize convenience. Ethnicity influences attitudes to participation in many ways, and researchers should explore these factors in their target population.
Re‐imagining Divine Simplicity in Trinitarian Theology
Authors: Ip Pui Him
Published: June 2016

This article reconsiders the relationship between divine simplicity and trinitarian theology based on historical and systematic grounds. I first show that in its early emergence, simplicity was not understood as posing intuitive incompatibilities with the development of trinitarian language. This provides good reason to question the assumption that incompatibility of this kind exists between simplicity and Trinity. I then argue that simplicity deeply enriches the doxological dimension of trinitarian theology. Divine simplicity forces us into the habit of questioning our understanding of the Trinity based on concepts that we are familiar with. As a result, it magnifies our sense of the Trinity's ‘super‐abundant richness’. I conclude that trinitarian theology will lose a great deal of its doxological potential if we give up the doctrine of divine simplicity.
Le salaire vital: synthèse théorique et pistes pour la recherche appliquée
Authors: CARR Stuart C. , PARKER Jane , ARROWSMITH James , WATTERS Paul A.
Published: June 2016

Tout salaire vital doit assurer, au‐delà de la simple subsistance, une certaine qualité de vie, y compris au travail, et une participation véritable à la sphère sociale et organisationnelle, soit la jouissance de potentialités ou «capacités». Toutefois, les liens entre revenu et capacités sont encore mal connus, et les salaires vitaux souvent fixés arbitrairement. En empruntant à la psychologie, aux théories du développement ou encore à la réflexion sur la gestion d'entreprise et les relations professionnelles, les auteurs proposent un outil d'analyse universel mais axé sur le contexte et formulent plusieurs propositions appelées à servir de base aux travaux empiriques nécessaires pour vérifier sa validité.
Institutions et formation des salaires dans la zone euro: une analyse à partir de techniques de coïntégration sur données de panel
Authors: CAMARERO Mariam , D'ADAMO Gaetano , TAMARIT Cecilio
Published: June 2016

Les auteurs proposent une équation de salaire d'équilibre pour la zone euro en 1995–2011 à partir de techniques de coïntégration en panel autorisant la dépendance interindividuelle et les ruptures structurelles. Comme escompté, les salaires affichent une corrélation positive avec la productivité et négative avec le chômage. L'introduction de variables institutionnelles montre que la flexibilité du marché du travail peut cohabiter avec la modération salariale. Il apparaît aussi que la concurrence internationale renforce le lien entre salaires et productivité à partir de 2004, et que l'appréciation du taux de change réel contracte les salaires, modérés également par l'intervention étatique et la concertation salariale.
Réforme des régimes de propriété des entreprises et inégalités salariales dans la Chine urbaine
Authors: WHALLEY John , XING Chunbing
Published: June 2016

En Chine, l'impact des inégalités de revenu urbaines sur les inégalités d'ensemble s'accroît. En utilisant des enquêtes auprès des ménages réalisées en 1995, 2002 et 2007, les auteurs analysent l'effet de la réforme du régime de propriété des entreprises – trait marquant de la transition économique chinoise – sur les inégalités salariales des urbains. Ils constatent que, entre 1995 et 2007, la dispersion des salaires est inférieure dans les entreprises d'État, où elle s'accroît plus vite cependant, en raison, pour près de 50 pour cent, d'un transfert de travailleurs vers le secteur privé. Si ce redéploiement se poursuit, les inégalités salariales entre urbains pourraient continuer de se creuser.
Privatización y desigualdad salarial en la China urbana
Authors: WHALLEY John , XING Chunbing
Published: June 2016

La desigualdad de ingresos en las ciudades representa un porcentaje creciente de la desigualdad total en China. Con datos de la encuesta de hogares urbanos de 1995, 2002 y 2007, los autores examinan la influencia en la desigualdad salarial urbana del proceso de privatización empresarial, característica primordial de la transición económica china. La dispersión salarial fue mayor en el sector privado en 1995–2007, pero aumentó más rápido en el público. Sin embargo, más del 50 por ciento del aumento de la desigualdad urbana está asociado a la transferencia de trabajadores del sector público al privado. De continuar esta tendencia, la desigualdad salarial urbana seguirá creciendo.
Distribución factorial del ingreso y regímenes de crecimiento en América Latina, 1950–2012
Authors: ALARCO Germán
Published: June 2016

Tras una revisión bibliográfica exhaustiva sobre los regímenes de crecimiento económico, se desarrolla un modelo econométrico para determinar el régimen de crecimiento de 16 economías de América Latina entre 1950–2012 a partir de datos estadísticos sobre la participación de la masa salarial y de las ganancias en el PIB. Se analiza la evolución de la distribución factorial del ingreso respecto al crecimiento económico durante el periodo y se concluye que la mayor parte de las economías de la región tienen regímenes basados en salarios, por lo que las políticas redistributivas a favor de la masa salarial son positivas para el crecimiento económico.
Impactos distributivos del salario mínimo en América Latina. Los casos de la Argentina, Brasil, Chile y Uruguay
Authors: MAURIZIO Roxana , VÁZQUEZ Gustavo
Published: June 2016

A lo largo de la década de 2000 se observa una recuperación del valor real del salario mínimo en América Latina. Este estudio analiza, de manera comparativa, los impactos distributivos del fortalecimiento de esta institución en cuatro países de la región, Argentina, Brasil, Chile y Uruguay. A partir de técnicas semiparamétricas que permiten estimar funciones de densidad contrafactuales se comprueba que, con excepción de Chile, en los otros tres países dichos cambios han sido igualadores, pues explican una porción significativa de la caída de la desigualdad. A su vez, esta reducción ha estado originada en la compresión de la parte inferior de la distribución salarial.
T.S. Papola y el desarrollo de la economía laboral en la India
Authors: RODGERS Gerry
Published: June 2016

T.S. Papola, fallecido en noviembre de 2015, fue uno de los miembros fundadores del Consejo Editorial de la Revista Internacional del Trabajo, creado en 2007, pero ante todo fue una figura pionera de la economía laboral en la India, cuya labor, de gran influencia, goza hoy de reconocimiento mundial. El autor de este breve artículo se apoya en sus contactos personales y sus colaboraciones con el profesor Papola para poner de relieve algunas de sus más importantes contribuciones.
Generation and characterization of CD1d‐specific single‐domain antibodies with distinct functional features
Authors: Lameris Roeland , de Bruin Renée C. G. , van Bergen en Henegouwen Paul M. P. , Verheul Henk M. , Zweegman Sonja , de Gruijl Tanja D. , van der Vliet Hans J.
Published: June 2016

Ligation of the CD1d antigen‐presenting molecule by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can trigger important biological functions. For therapeutic purposes camelid‐derived variable domain of heavy‐chain‐only antibodies (VHH) have multiple advantages over mAbs because they are small, stable and have low immunogenicity. Here, we generated 21 human CD1d‐specific VHH by immunizing Lama glama and subsequent phage display. Two clones induced maturation of dendritic cells, one clone induced early apoptosis in CD1d‐expressing B lymphoblasts and multiple myeloma cells, and another clone blocked recognition of glycolipid‐loaded CD1d by CD1d‐restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. In contrast to reported CD1d‐specific mAbs, these CD1d‐specific VHH have the unique characteristic that they induce specific and well‐defined biological effects. This feature, combined with the above‐indicated general advantages of VHH, make the CD1d‐specific VHH generated here unique and useful tools to exploit both CD1d ligation as well as disruption of CD1d–iNKT interactions in the treatment of cancer or inflammatory disorders.
A Simplified Quadrature Approach for Computing Bermudan Option Prices
Authors: Simonato Jean‐Guy
Published: June 2016

We examine a simple quadrature approach to compute the prices of Bermudan options when the value of the corresponding European claim can be computed in closed form, one period before maturity. Using a constant grid of stock prices at early exercise time points, the known value of the European option is used as a smoothing device to enable efficient numerical integ ration with quadrature approaches. Examples with the geometric Brownian motion context and the lognormal jump‐diffusion context are provided.
Isolated Roux‐en‐Y pancreaticojejunostomy versus conventional pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Deng Li Hui , Xiong Jun Jie , Xia Qing
Published: June 2016

Objective

To investigate the advantage between isolated Roux loop pancreaticojejunostomy (IPJ) and conventional pancreaticojejunostomy (CPJ) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

Comparative studies on this topic published between January 1976 and April 2015 in PubMed, EMbase, EBSCO, Science Citation Index Expanded and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library were searched, and selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Perioperative outcomes such as postoperative pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion, postoperative bleeding, intra‐abdominal abscess, bile leakage, wound infection, morbidity and mortality were compared. Pooled odds ratios (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using either fixed‐ or random‐effects model.

Results

Six studies were included with two randomized controlled and four nonrandomized trials. A total of 712 patients (359 patients from the IPJ group and 353 patients from the CPJ group) were analyzed. The pooled results revealed that IPJ had longer operation time (WMD = 36.55, 95% CI 6.98 to 66.11, P = 0.02). However, there were no significant differences between both groups in postoperative pancreatic fistula, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion, delayed gastric emptying, postoperative bleeding, intra‐abdominal abscess, bile leakage, wound infection, morbidity, mortality and postoperative hospital stay.

Conclusions

PD with IPJ was comparable to CPJ in intraoperative outcomes and postoperative complications. However, further randomized controlled trials should be undertaken to ascertain these findings.
CEREC Chairside System to Register and Design the Occlusion in Restorative Dentistry: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Bohner Lauren Oliveira Lima , Neto Pedro Tortamano , Ahmed Ahad Shahid , Mori Matsuyoshi , Laganá Dalva Cruz , Sesma Newton
Published: June 2016

Objective

The aim of this review was to update the literature with regard to the digital methods available by CEREC Chairside system to register and design the occlusion, to report their efficacy and technical innovations in the field of Restorative Dentistry. A search strategy was performed using the key‐words: “virtual articulator,” or “CAD‐CAM and occlusal recording,” or “CAD‐CAM and occlusion register,” or “CAD‐CAM and occlusal contacts,” or “CAD‐CAM and prosthesis.”

Material and Methods

Inclusion criteria comprised studies evaluating the use of digital methods available by CEREC System for occlusal registration and design during prosthodontics treatment. PubMed and Cochrane library and reference lists were searched up to January 2016.

Results

The search resulted in 280 articles after removing duplicates. Subsequently, 233 records were excluded and 49 studies were selected for reading in full. Eleven articles were considered eligible for the systematic review (4 in vitro and 7 clinical studies).

Conclusion

Scientific evidence suggests that digital methods were accurate to register and design the occlusion of dental prostheses. Nevertheless, further clinical studies are required to establish a conclusion with regard to its accuracy in prosthodontics treatment.

Clinical Significance

Digital technologies allow the design of occlusal surfaces of CAD‐CAM fabricated prostheses using innovative approaches. This systematic review aimed to update the literature to help dentists determine the most appropriate digital method to register and design the occlusal surface of CAD‐CAM crowns. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:208–220, 2016)
Fish biodiversity and conservation in South America
Authors: Reis R. E. , Albert J. S. , Di Dario F. , Mincarone M. M. , Petry P. , Rocha L. A.
Published: June 2016

The freshwater and marine fish faunas of South America are the most diverse on Earth, with current species richness estimates standing above 9100 species. In addition, over the last decade at least 100 species were described every year. There are currently about 5160 freshwater fish species, and the estimate for the freshwater fish fauna alone points to a final diversity between 8000 and 9000 species. South America also hasc.4000 species of marine fishes. The mega‐diverse fish faunas of South America evolved over a period of >100 million years, with most lineages tracing origins to Gondwana and the adjacent Tethys Sea. This high diversity was in part maintained by escaping the mass extinctions and biotic turnovers associated with Cenozoic climate cooling, the formation of boreal and temperate zones at high latitudes and aridification in many places at equatorial latitudes. The fresh waters of the continent are divided into 13 basin complexes, large basins consolidated as a single unit plus historically connected adjacent coastal drainages, and smaller coastal basins grouped together on the basis of biogeographic criteria. Species diversity, endemism, noteworthy groups and state of knowledge of each basin complex are described. Marine habitats around South America, both coastal and oceanic, are also described in terms of fish diversity, endemism and state of knowledge. Because of extensive land use changes, hydroelectric damming, water divergence for irrigation, urbanization, sedimentation and overfishing 4–10% of all fish species in South America face some degree of extinction risk, mainly due to habitat loss and degradation. These figures suggest that the conservation status of South American freshwater fish faunas is better than in most other regions of the world, but the marine fishes are as threatened as elsewhere. Conserving the remarkable aquatic habitats and fishes of South America is a growing challenge in face of the rapid anthropogenic changes of the 21st century, and deserves attention from conservationists and policy makers.
Influence of the artificial saliva storage on 3‐D surface texture characteristics of contemporary dental nanocomposites
Authors: ŢĂLU ŞTEFAN , BRAMOWICZ MIROSLAW , KULESZA SLAWOMIR , LAINOVIĆ TIJANA , VILOTIĆ MARKO , BLAŽIĆ LARISA
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of the artificial saliva on a three‐dimensional (3‐D) surface texture of contemporary dental composites. The representatives of four composites types were tested: nanofilled (Filtek Ultimate Body, FUB), nanohybrid (Filtek Z550, FZ550), microfilled (Gradia Direct, GD) and microhybrid (Filtek Z250, FZ250). The specimens were polymerised and polished by the multistep protocol (SuperSnap, Shofu). Their surface was examined, before and after 3 weeks’ exposure to artificial saliva storage. The surface texture was analysed using the atomic force microscope (AFM). The obtained images were processed to calculate the areal autocorrelation function (AACF), anisotropy ratio Str (texture aspect ratio), and structure function (SF). The log–log plots of SF were used to calculate fractal properties, such as fractal dimension D, and pseudo‐topothesy K. The analysis showed changes in surface anisotropy ratio Str values, which became higher, whereas the Sq roughness (root‐mean‐square) reduced after the artificial saliva storage. All the samples exhibited bifractal structure before the saliva treatment, but only half of them remained bifractal afterwards (GD, FZ250), whereas the other half turned into a monofractal (FUB, FZ550). The cube‐count fractal dimension Dcc was found to be material‐ and treatment‐insensitive.
Is Peasantry Dead? Neoliberal Reforms, the State and Agrarian Change in Bangladesh
Authors: Misra Manoj
Published: June 2016

This paper focuses on three decades of agrarian reform policies and the resulting peculiarity of the development trajectory in Bangladesh. I interrogate the ways in which the reforms have led to a paradoxical situation consisting of partial protelarianization in attempting to promote a market‐based economy. I contend that the particular positioning of the state is central to understanding this dialectic between proletarianization and the persistence of small peasants amid a huge rush towards the formation of a capitalist market economy. I conclude that the partial nature of agrarian transformation that we now experience in Bangladesh may not be resolved in favour of a complete proletarianization of small peasants in the foreseeable future.
Improvement of Word Problem Solving and Basic Mathematics Competencies in Students with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Mathematical Learning Difficulties
Authors: González‐Castro Paloma , Cueli Marisol , Areces Débora , Rodríguez Celestino , Sideridis Georgios
Published: June 2016

Problem solving represents a salient deficit in students with mathematical learning difficulties (MLD) primarily caused by difficulties with informal and formal mathematical competencies. This study proposes a computerized intervention tool, the integrated dynamic representation (IDR), for enhancing the early learning of basic mathematical competencies and word problem solving skills. The goal was to compare and contrast the effects of IDR on the acquisition of informal and formal mathematical competencies in students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and MLD. Participants were 216 students (6–9 years), who were classified into three groups: ADHD (n = 72), MLD (n = 82), ADHD and MLD (n = 62). They completed the Test of Early Mathematics Ability (Third Edition). The results showed that all three diagnosed groups improved significantly postintervention in all mathematical competencies, with the MLD‐only group benefiting the most at posttest.
Fiscal and Monetary Policy Rules in an Unstable Economy
Authors: Ryoo Soon , Skott Peter
Published: June 2016

This paper examines the implications of different monetary and fiscal policy rules in an economy characterized by Harrodian instability. We show that (1) a monetary rule along Taylor lines can be stabilizing for low debt ratios but becomes de‐stabilizing if the debt ratio exceeds a certain threshold, (2) a ‘Keynesian’ fiscal policy rule can stabilize the economy at full employment, (3) a fiscal ‘austerity’ rule that links fiscal parameters to deviations from a target debt ratio fails to adjust the ‘warranted’ to the ‘natural’ growth rate and destabilizes the warranted path and (4) instability may arise from a combination of fiscal and monetary policy rules which separately would stabilize the system.
Identification of the first transcriptional activator of an archaellum operon in a euryarchaeon
Authors: Ding Yan , Nash John , Berezuk Alison , Khursigara Cezar M. , Langelaan David N. , Smith Steven P. , Jarrell Ken F.
Published: June 2016

The archaellum is the swimming organelle of the third domain, the Archaea. In the euryarchaeon Methanococcus maripaludis, genes involved in archaella formation, including the three archaellins flaB1, flaB2 and flaB3, are mainly located in the fla operon. Previous studies have shown that transcription of fla genes and expression of Fla proteins are regulated under different growth conditions. In this study, we identify MMP1718 as the first transcriptional activator that directly regulates the fla operon in M. maripaludis. Mutants carrying an in‐frame deletion in mmp1718 did not express FlaB2 detected by western blotting. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis of purified RNA from the Δmmp1718 mutant showed that transcription of flaB2 was negligible compared to wildtype cells. In addition, no archaella were observed on the cell surface of the Δmmp1718 mutant. FlaB2 expression and archaellation were restored when the Δmmp1718 mutant was complemented with mmp1718 in trans. Electrophoretic motility shift assay and isothermal titration calorimetry results demonstrated the specific binding of purified MMP1718 to DNA fragments upstream of the fla promoter. Four 6 bp consensus sequences were found immediately upstream of the fla promoter and are considered the putative MMP1718‐binding sites. Herein, we designate MMP1718 as EarA, the first euryarchaeal archaellum regulator.
Hyperchloremic acidosis is associated with acute kidney injury after abdominal surgery
Authors: Toyonaga Yosuke , Kikura Mutsuhito
Published: June 2016

Aim

Hyperchloremic acidosis may have an important role as a precursor of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the hyperchloremic environment induced by chloride‐rich fluids, but this remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that hyperchloremic acidosis assessed by the Stewart approach is associated with postoperative AKI.

Methods

A historical cohort study was conducted in adult patients who had normal renal function preoperatively and required admission to the intensive care unit after elective abdominal surgery. The Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, End stage kidney disease (RIFLE) classification was used for definition of AKI.

Results

Of 206 patients (144 male, 69.9%) included in the study, 42 (20.4%) had postoperative AKI (AKI group) and 164 (79.6%) did not (non‐AKI group). Base excess‐chloride (BE‐Cl) and strong ion difference (SID, approximated as Na‐Cl) decreased, and the chloride level on postoperative day 1 increased compared with preoperative values in both groups (P < 0.05). In the AKI group, BE‐Cl and SID were lower, and chloride was higher than in the non‐AKI group (P < 0.05). The intraoperative load of chloride ions in fluids increased the risk of postoperative AKI (P < 0.01). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, postoperative BE‐Cl < −7 mEq/L (i.e. SID <31 mEq/L) was an independent risk factor for AKI (odds ratio; 2.8, 95% CI; 1.2–6.4, P = 0.01). In the AKI group, stays in the intensive care unit and in hospital were longer than those in the non‐AKI group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hyperchloremic acidosis is associated with postoperative AKI, and this may be attenuated by reducing the intraoperative chloride load.
Evaluation of esophageal distensibility in eosinophilic esophagitis: an update and comparison of functional lumen imaging probe analytic methods
Authors: Carlson D. A. , Lin Z. , Hirano I. , Gonsalves N. , Zalewski A. , Pandolfino J. E.
Published: June 2016

Background

Distensibility evaluation of the esophageal body using the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) offers an objective measure to characterize patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), though this analysis may be limited by unrecognized catheter movement and esophageal contractility. The aims of this study were to report novel FLIP analytic methods of esophageal distensibility measurement in EoE and to assess the effect of contractility.

Methods

Nine healthy controls (six female; ages 20–49) and 20 EoE patients (four female; ages 19–64; grouped by degree of distension‐mediated contractility identified on FLIP) were evaluated with a 16‐cm FLIP device during step‐wise balloon distension during upper endoscopy. A distensibility plateau (DP) was generated using multiple methods to identify the narrowest esophageal body diameter: (i) wavelet decomposition (WD), (ii) maximal diameter (MD), and (iii) FLIP Analytics software.

Key Results

Distensibility was reduced in EoE patients compared with controls using the WD (p = 0.002) and MD (p = 0.001) methods; a trend was detected using the FLIP Analytics method (p = 0.055). Significant intra‐subject differences were detected between methods among both patients and controls (p‐values <0.001 to 0.025); the difference was more pronounced among subjects with a greater degree of contractility. DP was <19 mm among 7/9 controls with FLIP Analytics, 6/9 controls with WD, and 0/9 controls using the MD method.

Conclusions & Inferences

Distension‐mediated contractility affects distensibility measurement with the FLIP. Using software‐based algorithms, particularly with a method that identifies the maximal‐achieved diameters (MD), may improve objective distensibility measurement for clinical research and practice.
Comparison of Quality Measures for Building Outline Extraction
Authors: Potůčková Markéta , Hofman Petr
Published: June 2016

To date, numerous automatic building detection methods using lidar data have been developed. However, in most cases the parameters used for the evaluation of the results are not specified, accuracy assessment results cannot be readily compared or no result evaluation is performed at all. In this study, accuracy assessment aspects have been analysed in order to find a generally applicable approach for the comparison of building outline extraction methods. An area‐based evaluation of accuracy has been selected as the most suitable due to its robustness, predictability and comparability between datasets. This assessment can be further supplemented with both object‐ and area‐based evaluations, procured solely with those buildings that were classified as true positives, in order to interpret the extraction results in more detail. In cases where a reference dataset of superior quality (such as low‐altitude aerial imagery) is available, an absolute accuracy evaluation is also relevant.
A multi‐scale plane‐detection method based on the Hough transform and region growing
Authors: Leng Xiaoxu , Xiao Jun , Wang Ying
Published: June 2016

The detection of planes from 3D point clouds plays an important role in fields such as 3D modelling, rock mechanics, registration and robotics. A multi‐scale plane‐detection method is proposed, based on extracting growth units using the Hough transform and subsequent region growing into actual plane boundaries. Because the approximate geometric features of the original plane area can be obtained from the growth units, discriminant conditions for adaptive plane growing could be provided for the growing stage. In order to detect physical planes at different scales, a strategy of multi‐scale normal estimation is introduced. Simulated icosahedron point clouds, together with actual engineering point clouds, were used to test the performance of the proposed method. Experimental results show that planar point clouds could be detected effectively, especially with rock‐mass engineering applications.
Monitoring of a Laboratory‐Scale Inland‐Delta Formation using a Structured‐Light System
Authors: Akca Devrim , Seybold Hansjörg
Published: June 2016

A reduced complexity model, which simulates the process of fluvial inland‐delta formation, has been developed in a previous study. The results have been compared and validated with a laboratory experiment. This work elaborates the laboratory investigation in which an experimental inland delta is generated and its eroding topography is measured using a structured‐light 3D scanner. The least squares 3D (LS3D) co‐registration and comparison method is used for alignment as well as for comparing data epochs both spatially and temporally. A spatial precision value of around ±50 μm (1/20 000) is achieved. A series of high‐quality digital elevation models (DEMs) are generated and the space‐time evolution of the inland delta is monitored and analysed, in terms of slope and topography dynamics, in the consecutive DEM layers. The combination of high‐resolution scanning together with high‐precision co‐registration techniques allows investigation of the details of the space‐time variability of the sedimentation‐deposition patterns to be used for geomorphological analysis.
Vaccines for bovine neosporosis: current status and key aspects for development
Authors: Horcajo P. , Regidor‐Cerrillo J. , Aguado‐Martínez A. , Hemphill A. , Ortega‐Mora L. M.
Published: June 2016

Bovine neosporosis is a worldwide concern due to its global distribution and great economic impact. Reproductive failure in cattle due to abortion leads to major economic losses associated with the disease. Currently, there is no treatment or vaccine available against abortion or transmission caused byNeospora caninuminfection in cattle. However, vaccination is considered the best measure of control against bovine neosporosis. Several host and parasite factors can influence the dynamics of the infection in bovines. Moreover, the availability of well‐defined infection models is a key factor for the evaluation of vaccine candidates. However, working with cattle is not easy due to difficult handling, facilities and costs, and therefore, ‘more affordable’ models could be used for screening of promising vaccines to establish proof of concept. So far, live‐attenuated vaccines have shown good efficacy against exogenous transplacental transmission; however, they have relevant disadvantages and associated risks, which render inactivated or subunit vaccines the best way forward. The identification of novel potential targets and vaccines, and the application of innovative vaccine technologies in harmonized experimental animal models, will accelerate the development of an effective vaccine against bovine neosporosis.
Effects of continuous and intermittent exercise on executive function in children aged 8–10 years
Authors: Lambrick Danielle , Stoner Lee , Grigg Rebecca , Faulkner James
Published: June 2016

Understanding the effects of acute exercise on executive function in prepubescent children may be important for the enhancement of school performance. This study assessed the effect of an acute bout of continuous (CONT) or intermittent (INT), moderate‐intensity treadmill exercise on executive function in young children. Twenty healthy children, mean (SD); age: 8.8 (0.8) years; height: 140 (9) cm; weight: 36 (11) kg; boys: n = 9, performed a graded‐exercise test to determine maximal oxygen uptake, and two 15‐min submaximal bouts of treadmill exercise; protocols were either CONT or INT. During CONT, participants ran at 90% of gas exchange threshold. During INT, participants performed six consecutive 2.5 min blocks of exercise, which were designed to reflect children's typical activity patterns, comprising 45 s at a heavy intensity, 33 s at a moderate intensity, 10 s at a severe intensity, and 62 s at a low intensity. Participants performed the Stroop task before the submaximal exercise bouts and after, at 1‐, 15‐, and 30‐min intervals. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measured cerebral perfusion and oxygenation. Regardless of condition, Stroop performance was improved at 1 min after compared to before, 54.9 (9.8) s versus 57.9 (11) s, respectively, p < .01, and improvements were maintained until 30 min after. NIRS (oxyhemoglobin, total hemoglobin) explained a significant amount of variance in the change in Stroop performance for INT only (49%, p < .05). An acute bout of exercise, of either an intermittent or continuous nature, improves executive function in children, and effects are maintained for ≤ 30 min following exercise cessation. Accordingly, it is recommended that children should engage in physical activity during periods of school recess.
Testing the Core‐competency Model of Multi‐product Exporters
Authors: Eckel Carsten , Iacovone Leonardo , Javorcik Beata , Neary J. Peter
Published: June 2016

We review the implications of the “core‐competence” model of multi‐product firms, including the “market‐size puzzle”: for most countries, the world market is much larger than the home market, while the costs of accessing foreign markets are relatively low; hence the model predicts that most domestic firms should export more of their core products than they sell domestically; yet, in practice, we do not observe this. Extending the model to allow for investment in export market penetration resolves the puzzle and Mexican data confirm its predictions: in particular, only the largest firms exhibit the dominance of exports over home sales.
Access to dental care for people with bleeding disorders: survey results of hemophilia treatment centers in the U.S.
Authors: Schaffer Rebecca , Duong Mai‐Ly , Wachter Benjamin , Arana Erika , Frances Denise
Published: June 2016

Aim

The goal of this project was to gather data and identify factors affecting access to dental care for people with bleeding disorders in the U.S.

Methods

The Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health and the National Hemophilia Foundation conducted a joint survey. The survey was completed by 102 of the 147 hemophilia treatment centers (HTCs) in the U.S. This represents 69% of the HTCs in the country. Each HTC provided specific information concerning the dental services and education provided for patients.

Results

Survey results revealed inconsistent levels of oral health services available to patients. Major factors limiting access to care include finances, patient anxiety with respect to dental treatment and a lack of providers with the skills to treat this population.

Conclusion

Improvement in oral health for persons with bleeding disorders requires appropriate education for providers, patients and families. Additionally, both public and private health funding must be re‐evaluated as it relates to people with bleeding disorders.
Siglec‐7 Defines a Highly Functional Natural Killer Cell Subset and Inhibits Cell‐Mediated Activities
Authors: Shao J.‐Y. , Yin W.‐W. , Zhang Q.‐F. , Liu Q. , Peng M.‐L. , Hu H.‐D. , Hu P. , Ren H. , Zhang D.‐Z.
Published: June 2016

Sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin‐7 (Siglec‐7) is an inhibitory receptor expressed on natural killer (NK) cells. In this study, we investigated the relationship between Siglec‐7 expression and NK cell functions. Siglec‐7 was highly expressed on NK cells and was preferentially expressed by mature NK cells from peripheral blood of healthy adults. Siglec‐7+ NK cells displayed higher levels of activating receptors CD38, CD16, DNAM1, NKp30 and NKp46, but lower levels of inhibitory receptors such as NKG2A and CD158b, compared with Siglec‐7– NK cells. Functional tests showed that Siglec‐7+ NK cells displayed more CD107a degranulation and IFN‐γ production than Siglec‐7– NK cells. Siglec‐7 inhibited NK cell functions when interacting with specific antibodies. These data suggest that Siglec‐7 defines a highly functional NK cell subset and suppresses NK cell‐mediated functions when cross‐linked with specific antibodies.
Evaluation of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of naturally occurring dermatophytosis in cats
Authors: Dong Charli , Angus John , Scarampella Fabia , Neradilek Moni
Published: June 2016

Background

A rapid, accurate screening test for dermatophytosis in cats is desirable in clinical and shelter medicine. In human dermatology, dermoscopy is used to identify dermatophyte‐infected hairs by their characteristic comma hair appearance. Similar “comma‐like” hairs have been observed in infected cats.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of dermoscopy for the diagnosis of naturally occurring dermatophytosis compared to fungal culture.

Animals

A total of 67 cats were enrolled.

Methods

This was a descriptive field study. All cats were evaluated by dermoscopy and fungal culture. Dermoscopy was performed with a hand held nonpolarized light dermoscope.

Results

Three dermatophyte pathogens were isolated via fungal cultures in 36 cats: Microsporum canis (n = 31), Microsporum gypseum (n = 3) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (n = 2). Dermoscopy was positive in 21 of 36 cats with culture‐confirmed dermatophytosis.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Dermoscopy may be a useful point‐of care‐test to identify infected hairs to sample for dermatophyte cultures, but a definitive diagnosis for dermatophytosis should be based on clinical signs and the results of multiple diagnostic tests.
Gold/silver core-shell 20 nm nanoparticles extracted from citrate solution examined by XPS
Authors: Engelhard Mark H. , Smith Jordan N. , Baer Donald R.
Published: June 2016

Silver nanoparticles of many types are widely used in consumer and medical products. The surface chemistry of particles and the coatings that form during synthesis or use in many types of media can significantly impact the behaviors of particles including dissolution, transformation and biological or environmental impact. Consequently it is useful to be able to extract information about the thickness of surface coatings and other attributes of nanoparticles produced in a variety of ways. It has been demonstrated that X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) can be reliably used to determine the thickness of coatings and shells. However, care is required to produce reliable and consistent information. Here we report XPS spectra from gold/silver core-shell nanoparticles of nominal size 20 nm removed from a citrate saturated solution after one washing cycle. The Simulation of Electron Spectra for Surface Analysis (SESSA) program has been used to model peak amplitudes to obtain information on citrate coatings that remain after washing and demonstrate the presence of the gold core. This data is provided in digital form so that others can compare use of SESSA or other modeling approaches to quantify the nature of coatings to those already published and to explore the impacts particle non-uniformities on XPS signals from core-shell nanoparticles.
XPS examination of the native oxide layer on Kovar using aluminium, magnesium and silver x-ray sources
Authors: Mallinson Christopher F. , Yates Paul M. , Mack Paul , Watts John F.
Published: June 2016

Kovar, a common glass-to-metal sealing alloy, has been analysed by XPS. Monochromatic aluminium and silver sources as well as an achromatic magnesiumx-ray source have been utilised to demonstrate the increased clarity of spectra that can be obtained through the use of each x-ray source in the analysis of a transition metal rich alloy.
High-Quality Draft Genome Sequences of Pantoea agglomerans Isolates Exhibiting Antagonistic Interactions with Wheat Seed-Associated Fungi
Authors: Town Jennifer , Links Matt , Dumonceaux Tim J.
Published: June 2016

Pantoea agglomerans
isolates 3 and 4 were retrieved from the bacterial community associated with wheat seeds. These isolates differ in their pattern of growth antagonism toward
Alternaria
species. A comparison of the genome sequences of these two isolates revealed a high sequence identity with previously sequenced strains of
P. agglomerans
.
Genome Sequences of Four Strains of Mycobacterium avium subsp.
hominissuis,
Isolated from Swine and Humans, Differing in Virulence in a Murine Intranasal Infection Model
Authors: Bruffaerts N. , Vluggen C. , Duytschaever L. , Mathys V. , Saegerman C. , Chapeira O. , Huygen K.
Published: June 2016

This paper announces the genome sequences of four strains of
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
hominissuis
, isolated from cases of lymphadenopathy in swine and humans, differing in virulence in a murine intranasal infection model.
Genome Sequence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Double-Stranded RNA Virus L-A-28
Authors: Konovalovas Aleksandras , Serviené Elena , Serva Saulius
Published: June 2016

We cloned and sequenced the complete genome of the L-A-28 virus from the
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
K28 killer strain. This sequence completes the set of currently identified L-A helper viruses required for expression of double-stranded RNA-originated killer phenotypes in baking yeast.
Draft Genome Sequence of Moraxella catarrhalis Type Strain CCUG 353
T
Authors: Jakobsson Hedvig E. , Salvà-Serra Francisco , Thorell Kaisa , Gonzales-Siles Lucia , Boulund Fredrik , Karlsson Roger , Sikora Per , Engstrand Lars , Kristiansson Erik , Moore Edward R. B.
Published: June 2016

Moraxella catarrhalis
is a Gram-negative commensal and pathogenic bacterium found in the human respiratory tract. It is associated with otitis media and respiratory tract infections. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
M. catarrhalis
type strain CCUG 353
T
, composed of 18 contigs and a total size of 1.89 Mb.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. Strain HM58-2, Which Hydrolyzes Acylhydrazides
Authors: Akiyama Tomonori , Ishige Taichiro , Kanesaki Yu , Ito Shinsaku , Oinuma Ken-Ichi , Takaya Naoki , Sasaki Yasuyuki , Yajima Shunsuke
Published: June 2016

We report the draft genome sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. strain HM58-2, which produces hydrazidase, an enzyme hydrolyzing acylhydrazides. The estimated genome size is 3.9 Mb. Genome sequence information of this strain will help to identify an assimilating mechanism of nonnatural compounds in this strain and to develop ecological applications.
Draft Whole-Genome Sequences of Three Lactobacillus plantarum Food Isolates
Authors: Fernández Ramírez Mónica D. , Boekhorst Jos , de Jong Anne , Kuipers Oscar P. , Abee Tjakko , Nierop Groot Masja N.
Published: June 2016

Lactobacillus plantarum
is a widespread member of the
Lactobacillus
genus and frequently isolated from spoiled acidified food products. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of three
L. plantarum
food isolates.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus mesonae FJAT-13985
T
(=DSM 25968
T
) for Setting Up Phylogenomics in Genomic Taxonomy of the
Bacillus
-Like Bacteria
Authors: Liu Guo-hong , Liu Bo , Zhu Yu-jing , Wang Jie-ping , Che Jian-mei , Chen Qian-qian , Chen Zheng
Published: June 2016

Bacillus mesonae
FJAT-13985
T
is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, and aerobic bacterium. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
B. mesonae
FJAT-13985
T
with 5,807,726 bp, which will provide useful information for setting up phylogenomics in the genomic taxonomy of the
Bacillus
-like bacteria, as well as for the functional gene mining and application of
B. mesonae
FJAT-13985
T
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Enterovirus D68 Detected in Classroom Air and on Environmental Surfaces
Authors: Lednicky John A. , Bonny Tania S. , Morris J. Glenn , Loeb Julia C.
Published: June 2016

We amplified and sequenced the complete genome of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) that had been collected from classroom air using a filter-based air sampling method and by swab sampling of environmental surfaces. Relatively high levels of EV-D68 genome equivalents were found per cubic meter of air by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR).