bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of partial replacement of barley grain with beet pulp on performance, ruminal fermentation and plasma concentration of metabolites in transition dairy cows
Authors: Shahmoradi A. , Alikhani M. , Riasi A. , Ghorbani G. R. , Ghaffari M. H.
Published: March 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of partial replacement of barley grain with beet pulp (BP) on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal fermentation, plasma concentration of metabolites and milk yield of transition dairy cows. Twenty‐four multiparous Holstein cows [735 ± 26 kg of body weights and 3.5 ± 0.05 of body condition score (BCS)] were used in a randomized complete block design. Cows were assigned randomly on day 28 relative to expected parturition date to one of three treatments containing (i) 0% BP, (ii) 25% BP or (iii) 50% BP substituted for barley grain on a DM basis. During the pre‐partum period, DMI and energy intake were greater (P < 0.01) in cows fed the BP diet compared with cows fed the barley grain diet. During the post‐partum period, substituting BP for barley grain caused a response in DMI and energy intake, with the highest amount for the 25% BP diet and lowest for the 50% BP diet (P < 0.01). Milk yield was lowest (P < 0.01) for 50% BP diet than the other treatments. During the post‐partum period, cows fed the 50% BP diets had greater rumen pH, molar proportion of butyrate and acetate: propionate ratio (P < 0.01) in the rumen compared with cows fed the 0% BP diets. In addition, cows fed the BP diets had greater (P < 0.01) plasma β‐hydroxybutyrate and lower plasma glucose (P < 0.05) and blood urinary nitrogen (BUN) (P < 0.01) concentrations than cows fed the barley grain diets. Results showed that substituting BP for barley grain was effective in increasing DMI, but it did not have a significant effect on net energy balance during the post‐partum period. However, replacing BP for barley grain at 50% had adverse effects on DMI, milk yield and metabolic status, as indicated by key blood metabolite concentrations.
Effect of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 dosing on rumen development, volatile fatty acid production and blood β‐hydroxybutyrate in neonatal dairy calves
Authors: Muya M. C. , Nherera F. V. , Miller K. A. , Aperce C. C. , Moshidi P. M. , Erasmus L. J.
Published: March 2015

Thirty calves were randomly assigned to two treatments and fed until weaning [42 days (d) of age]. Treatments were a control group (n = 15), which did not receive Megasphaera elsdenii (Me0) and a M. elsdenii group, which received a 50‐ml oral dose of M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 (108 CFU/ml) at day 14 day of age (Me14). Calves were given colostrum for the first 3 day followed by limited whole milk feeding. A commercial calf starter was offered ad libitum starting at day 4 until the end of the study. Fresh water was available throughout the study. Feed intake and growth were measured. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture to determine β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations. Fourteen male calves (seven per group) were euthanised on day 42 and digestive tracts harvested. Reticulo‐rumen weight was determined and rumen tissue samples collected from the cranial and caudal sacs of the ventral and dorsal portions of the rumen for measurements of papillae length, papillae width and rumen wall thickness. Dosing with M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 improved starter dry matter intake (DMI), weaning body weight (BW) and tended to improve average daily gain. Calves in Me14 group had greater plasma BHBA concentration than Me0‐calves during the last 3 weeks of the trial and had at day 42 greater reticulo‐rumen weight, papillae width and papillae density compared to Me0. No differences in rumen wall thickness or papillae length were observed between the two groups. Total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate production did not differ between treatments, but butyrate production was greater in Me14 than Me0. Dosing M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 showed benefit for calves with improved feed intake and rumen development suggesting increased epithelium metabolism and improved absorption of digestive end products.
Nutritional approaches to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension in broiler chickens
Authors: Khajali F. , Wideman R. F.
Published: March 2015

This article reviews recent nutritional approaches for counteracting the development of pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS; ascites) in broiler chickens especially when they are reared at high altitudes. High altitudes impose the sustained stress of hypobaric hypoxia, which reduces the availability of atmospheric oxygen to red blood cells passing through the lungs, thereby causing systemic arterial hypoxaemia (undersaturation of haemoglobin with oxygen), pulmonary arterial hypertension and PHS/ascites in susceptible broilers. Proper nutritional strategies are needed to reduce metabolic activity and prevent the development of ascites especially when modern broilers are reared in regions where the existing altitudes limit the availability of atmospheric oxygen. This article also addresses controversies with regard to broiler nutrition in relation to PHS. For example, the catabolism of protein from feed ingredients incurs increased oxygen consumption, suggesting that feeding reduced‐protein diets to broiler chickens may result in reduced PHS incidences. However, experimental and field data indicate that feeding reduced‐protein diets to broilers subjected to hypobaric hypoxia increases the development of PHS. Controversies on the nutrition of unsaturated fat in relation to PHS are also discussed. In conclusion, hypoxia, acidosis, vasoconstriction and enhanced metabolic rate are triggers of PHS. Feeding reduced‐protein diets might promote the susceptibility of broilers to PHS by decreased dietary intake of arginine, decreased uric acid production and increased lipogenesis. Feeding high‐protein diets, dietary arginine supplementation, partial substitution of sodium bicarbonate for sodium chloride, feeding low‐fat diets and effective feed restriction programmes can be considered as nutritional approaches to prevent PHS.
Effects of different forms and origins of oilseeds on dynamics of ruminal biohydrogenation of long‐chain fatty acids in vitro
Authors: Hoffmann A. , Steingass H. , Schollenberger M. , Terry H. , Hartung K. , Weiss E. , Mosenthin R.
Published: March 2015

Dietary unsaturated fatty acids (FA) are intensively hydrogenated in the rumen, resulting in reduced amount of poly‐unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and accumulation of several biohydrogenation (BH) products. In this study, BH of PUFA originating from different oilseeds (linseed, soya beans, sunflower seed and rapeseed) present in crushed oilseeds or their free oils were assessed in vitro. The assay substrates were incubated in buffered rumen fluid for 0, 6, 12 and 24 h. After incubation, the FA pattern of the incubated samples was analysed using gas chromatography. Biohydrogenation is defined as disappearance of double bonds (DB) calculated from the contents of unsaturated FA. After 24‐h incubation, the DB contents of all oilseeds were reduced (p < 0.001) by 40–60%. The reduction was higher (p < 0.001) for the crushed form compared with the oil form. In addition, linseed and sunflower seed known as oilseeds with high contents of linolenic acid C18:3 c9,12,15 (LNA) and linoleic acid C18:2 c9,12 (LA), respectively, showed a higher (p < 0.001) accumulation of the BH intermediates conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, isomer C18:2 c9t11) and vaccenic acid (C18:1 t11) for the crushed form, when compared with the oil. These results suggest an inherent effect of the physical form of the assay oilseeds on in vitro BH. Changes in FA pattern during BH in vitro can be attributed to both source and physical form of the assay oilseeds. However, further investigations are warranted to ensure whether the observed in vitro effects on ruminal BH can be confirmed in vivo.
Nursing researchers’ modifications of Ricoeur's hermeneutic phenomenology
Authors: Singsuriya Pagorn
Published: March 2015

Paul Ricoeur's hermeneutic phenomenology has proved to be very helpful in guiding nursing researchers’ qualitative analysis of interview transcripts. Modifying Ricoeur's philosophy, a number of nursing researchers have developed their own interpretive methods and shared them, along with their experience, with research community. Major contributors who published papers directly presenting their modifications of Ricoeur's theory include Rene Geanellos (2000), Lena Wiklund, Lisbet Lindholm and Unni Å. Lindström (2002), Anders Lindseth and Astrid Norberg (2004) and Pia Sander Dreyer and Birthe D Pedersen (2009). The aim of this article was to delineate differences among these methods. Descriptive presentation of each method side by side makes clear the differences among them. In addition, Ricoeur's hermeneutic theory is portrayed and compared with the modifications. It is believed that differences that are found can stimulate further thoughts on how to apply Ricoeur's theory in qualitative research in nursing.
HIV, opiates, and enteric neuron dysfunction
Authors: Galligan J. J.
Published: March 2015

Human immune deficient virus (HIV) is an immunosuppressive virus that targets CD4+ T‐lymphocytes. HIV infections cause increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and cancer. HIV infection can also alter central nervous system (CNS) function causing cognitive impairment. HIV does not infect neurons but it does infect astrocytes and microglia in the CNS. HIV can also infect enteric glia initiating an intestinal inflammatory response which causes enteric neural injury and gut dysfunction. Part of the inflammatory response is HIV induced production of proteins including, Transactivator of transcription (Tat) which contribute to neuronal injury after release from HIV infected glial cells. A risk factor for HIV infection is intravenous drug use with contaminated needles and chronic opiate use can exacerbate neural injury in the nervous system. While most research focuses on the actions of Tat and other HIV related proteins and opiates on the brain, recent data indicate that Tat can cause intestinal inflammation and disruption of enteric neuron function, including alteration of Na+ channel activity and action potential generation. A paper published in this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility extends these findings by identifying an interaction between Tat and morphine on enteric neuron Na+ channels and on intestinal motility in vivo using a Tat expressing transgenic mouse model. These new data show that Tat protein can enhance the inhibitory actions of morphine on action potential generation and propulsive motility. These findings are important to our understanding of how HIV causes diarrhea in infected patients and for the use of opioid drugs to treat HIV‐induced diarrhea.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of long‐term treatment with prucalopride
Authors: Piessevaux H. , Corazziari E. , Rey E. , Simren M. , Wiechowska‐Kozlowska A. , Kerstens R. , Cools M. , Barrett K. , Levine A.
Published: March 2015

Background

Randomized trials have confirmed the efficacy of prucalopride for the treatment of chronic constipation up to 12 weeks. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of prucalopride over a 24‐week period (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01424228).

Methods

Adults with chronic constipation and ≤2 spontaneous complete bowel movements (SCBMs)/week were randomized to receive prucalopride 2 mg or placebo daily for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving a mean of ≥3 SCBMs/week over the treatment period, assessed using daily e‐diaries. Secondary outcomes and safety parameters were assessed throughout the study.

Key Results

Overall, 361 patients were randomized and received prucalopride or placebo. Baseline characteristics were similar in the prucalopride (N = 181) and placebo (N = 180) groups. Mean age was 48.9 years (standard deviation, 16.0) and most patients were women. The proportion of participants achieving the primary endpoint was not statistically different between the prucalopride and placebo groups (25.1% vs 20.7%; p = 0.367). There was also no statistically significant difference between groups over the first 12‐week period (prucalopride, 25.1%; placebo, 20.1%; p = 0.341). There were no statistically significant differences between groups for most secondary endpoints. No new safety concerns were identified.

Conclusions & Inferences

This trial did not show statistically significant improvements in primary or secondary outcomes with prucalopride compared with placebo over 24 or 12 weeks. This is in contrast to the results of four previous 12‐week trials, which demonstrated prucalopride to be significantly more effective than placebo. An extensive evaluation did not provide an explanation for the null efficacy results of this study.
Genome‐wide patterns of differentiation and spatially varying selection between postglacial recolonization lineages ofPopulus alba(Salicaceae), a widespread forest tree
Authors: Stölting Kai N. , Paris Margot , Meier Cécile , Heinze Berthold , Castiglione Stefano , Bartha Denes , Lexer Christian
Published: March 2015

Studying the divergence continuum in plants is relevant to fundamental and applied biology because of the potential to reveal functionally important genetic variation. In this context, whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) provides the necessary rigour for uncovering footprints of selection.

We resequenced populations of two divergent phylogeographic lineages ofPopulus alba(n = 48), thoroughly characterized by microsatellites (n = 317), and scanned their genomes for regions of unusually high allelic differentiation and reduced diversity using > 1.7 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) fromWGS. Results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

On average, 9134 high‐differentiation (≥ 4 standard deviations) outlierSNPs were uncovered between populations, 848 of which were shared by ≥ three replicate comparisons. Annotation revealed that 545 of these were located in 437 predicted genes. Twelve percent of differentiation outlier genome regions exhibited significantly reduced genetic diversity. Gene ontology (GO) searches were successful for 327 high‐differentiation genes, and these were enriched for 63GOterms.

Our results provide a snapshot of the roles of ‘hard selective sweeps’ vs divergent selection of standing genetic variation in distinct postglacial recolonization lineages ofP. alba. Thus, this study adds to our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the origin of functionally relevant variation in temperate trees.
Interspecific differences in antipredator strategies determine the strength of non‐consumptive predator effects on stream detritivores
Authors: Lagrue Clément , Besson Anne A. , Lecerf Antoine
Published: March 2015

Animal species differ considerably in their response to predation risks. Interspecific variability in prey behaviour and morphology can alter cascading effects of predators on ecosystem structure and functioning. We tested whether species‐specific morphological defenses may affect responses of leaf litter consuming invertebrate prey to sit‐and‐wait predators, the odonateCordulegaster boltoniilarvae, in aquatic food webs. Partly or completely blocking the predator mouthparts (mandibles and/or extensible labium), thus eliminating consumptive (i.e. lethal) predator effects, we created a gradient of predator‐prey interaction intensities (no predator < predator – no attack < predator – non‐lethal attacks < lethal predator). A field experiment was first used to assess both consumptive and non‐consumptive predator effects on leaf litter decomposition and prey abundances. Laboratory microcosms were then used to examine behavioural responses of armored and non‐armored prey to predation risk and their consequences on litter decomposition. Results show that armored and non‐armored prey responded to both acute (predator – non‐lethal attacks) and chronic (predator – no attack) predation risks. Acute predation risk had stronger effects on litter decomposition, prey feeding rate and prey habitat use than predator presence alone (chronic predation risk). Predator presence induced a reduction in feeding activity (i.e. resource consumption) of both prey types but a shift to predator‐free habitat patches in non‐armored detritivores only. Non‐consumptive predator effects on prey subsequently decreased litter decomposition rate. Species‐specific prey morphological defenses and behaviour should thus be considered when studying non‐consumptive predator effects on prey community structure and ecosystem functioning.
An atypical response following intraoral intralesional steroid therapy
Authors: Aboalela A. , Villa A. , Treister N.
Published: March 2015

Management of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) involves a combination of systemic and local immunomodulatory therapies. Intralesional steroid therapy (IST) can be effective in treating refractory oral ulcerations. Complications of intraoral IST have not been reported. A 61‐year‐old male was admitted on day +157 status‐post reduced intensity allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome with a new onset of erythrodermatous skin rash and oral mucosal lichenoid changes with multiple ulcerations and associated severe odynophagia. Platelet count and coagulation values were within normal limits. A diagnosis of overlap GVHD syndrome was made and treatment was initiated with methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg, extracorporeal photopheresis and budesonide oral rinses (3 mg/5 mL). Despite progressive overall improvement, there were two residual painful ulcers of the buccal mucosa bilaterally and IST was initiated in the morning of day +181. By that evening, the patient developed prominent right sided swelling and ecchymosis extending from the inferior aspect of the temporal area to the posterior and inferior borders of the mandible, and extending anteriorly to the lip, with significant dysphagia. Computed tomography scan demonstrated diffuse haemorrhage and inflammation consistent with haematoma. Improvement was noted within 3 days with gradual resolution over the next week. This case highlights that haematoma formation is an unpredictable and potentially life‐threatening complication of IST. While the precise aetiology in this case is unclear, underlying bleeding risk and immune dysregulation may be contributing factors. Clinicians should be aware that if significant swelling develops following IST, patients should be directed to an emergency department for evaluation and monitoring.
Mumps encephalitis with akinesia and mutism
Authors: Suga Kenichi , Goji Aya , Shono Miki , Matsuura Sato , Inoue Miki , Toda Eiko , Miyazaki Tatsushi , Kawahito Masami , Mori Kazuhiro
Published: March 2015

Measles‐rubella‐mumps vaccination is routine in many countries, but the mumps vaccine remains voluntary and is not covered by insurance in Japan. A 5‐year‐old Japanese boy who had not received the mumps vaccine was affected by mumps parotitis. Several days later, he presented with various neurological abnormalities, including akinesia, mutism, dysphagia, and uncontrolled respiratory disorder. Mumps encephalitis was diagnosed. Despite steroid pulse and immunoglobulin treatment, the disease progressed. Magnetic resonance imaging showed necrotic changes in bilateral basal ganglia, midbrain, and hypothalamus. At 1 year follow up, he was bedridden and required enteral feeding through a gastric fistula and tracheostomy. Mumps vaccination should be made routine as soon as possible in Japan, because mumps encephalitis carries the risk of severe sequelae.
Public Health Nursing Activities: Visible or Invisible?
Authors: Schaffer Marjorie A. , Keller Linda Olson , Reckinger Dawn
Published: March 2015

Objective

To promote visibility of public health nurses (PHNs), this study identified public health nursing activities and explored PHN perceptions of the impact of their activities on the health of the communities they serve.

Design and Sample

Two surveys with questions focusing on PHN activities were made available electronically. Following the initial survey, the second survey had more detailed questions about PHN activities, including time spent and frequency of activities as well as open‐ended questions. Sixty staff level PHNs, representing 29 states, completed the first survey; 49 completed the second survey.

Measures

Demographic variables and PHN activities were analyzed by population, setting, program, intervention, essential services, and prevention level using descriptive statistics. Themes or categories were determined through a content analysis of responses to three open‐ended questions.

Results

PHNs reported a wide variety of activities that included: (1) individual/family, community, and systems intervention levels, (2) primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, and (3) all 10 Public Health Essential Services. PHNs perceived they perform work that is essential for community health.

Conclusion

PHNs do work that is both visible and invisible. PHNs need to be proactive in promoting all their work to increase the visibility of their contributions to population health.
Explaining the Appeal of Populist Right‐Wing Parties in Times of Economic Prosperity
Authors: Mols Frank , Jetten Jolanda
Published: March 2015

The assumption that populist right‐wing parties (PRWPs) thrive when the economy slows down is remarkably pervasive. What is often neglected is evidence showing PRWPs can thrive in times of economic prosperity. To examine this, we conducted an experiment in which participants were exposed to different appraisals of the future of the national economy and were subsequently asked to evaluate an anti‐immigration speech (Study 1). Results showed stronger anti‐immigrant sentiments when the national economy was presented as prospering rather than contracting. We then analyzed speeches by PRWP leaders who secured electoral victories during economic prosperity (Study 2) and found that these leaders encourage a sense of injustice and victimhood by portraying ordinary citizens as the victim of an alliance between powerful groups (the elite) and less powerful groups (refugees, immigrants, minorities). More specifically, Study 2 showed that PRWP leaders are crafty identity entrepreneurs who are able to turn objective relative gratification into perceived relative deprivation. We conclude that it is hence problematic to treat PRWP support as evidence of “resonance” with public sentiments and urge PRWP scholars interested in supply‐side factors to engage with the social identity literature on leadership, followership, and social influence.
How Collective Participation Impacts Social Identity: A Longitudinal Study from India
Authors: Khan Sammyh S. , Hopkins Nick , Reicher Stephen , Tewari Shruti , Srinivasan Narayanan , Stevenson Clifford
Published: March 2015

A key issue for political psychology concerns the processes whereby people come to invest psychologically in socially and politically significant group identities. Since Durkheim, it has been assumed that participation in group‐relevant collective events increases one's investment in such group identities. However, little empirical research explicitly addresses this or the processes involved. We investigated these issues in a longitudinal questionnaire study conducted at one of the world's largest collective events—a month‐long Hindu festival in north India (the Magh Mela). Data gathered from pilgrims and comparable others who did not attend the event show that one month after the event, those who had participated (but not the controls) exhibited heightened social identification as a Hindu and increased frequency of prayer rituals. Data gathered from pilgrims during the festival predicted these outcomes. Specifically, perceptions of sharing a common identity with other pilgrims and of being able to enact one's social identity in this event helped predict changes in participants' identification and behavior. The wider significance of these data for political psychology is discussed.
Anxiety as a Barrier to Information Processing in the Event of a Cyberattack
Authors: Cheung‐Blunden Violet , Ju Jiarun
Published: March 2015

As postindustrial societies become more dependent on technology, they also become encumbered by greater risk. With the mounting news reports of cyberattacks, a common reaction to these technology‐based hazards is anxiety. Whether anxiety enhances or erodes information processing is a topic of debate in previous literature, and equally uncertain is whether mass anxiety facilitates or hobbles the public's ability to contemplate current events. In light of three theoretical models in the basic research of anxiety, we hypothesized that (1) anxious participants are less able to recall the information in a news report of cyberattack than their nonanxious counterparts, (2) they become increasingly inept at recalling the details as the storyline unfolds, and (3) this impairment is unique to anxiety. Participants in Study 1 (130 college students) and Study 2 (392 American adults) viewed a news story of a cyberattack and then reported their emotional states and their levels of understanding of the various parts of the report—except that the anxiety in Study 1 was naturalistic, and in Study 2, experimentally manipulated. Results from both studies showed that anxiety undermined recall performance. In addition, Study 1 found that the recall was worse towards the middle and the end of the news story and that other emotions were not significantly associated with memory deficit. Anxiety is discussed as a barrier for the public to stay informed about cyberattacks.
Contracting Out Local Services: A Tale of Technical and Social Services
Authors: Petersen Ole Helby , Houlberg Kurt , Christensen Lasse Ring
Published: March 2015

Governments face a fundamental choice between in‐house production and contracting out for the delivery of services to citizens. This article examines the importance of ideology, fiscal pressure, and size for contracting out in technical and social services. The analysis builds on a panel data set covering municipal spending on services in all 98 Danish municipalities. The authors find that contracting out is shaped by ideology in social services but not in technical services, which indicates that social services are the contemporary ideological battlefield of privatization. The analysis further reveals that economically prosperous municipalities are more likely to contract out social services, whereas contracting out of technical services is not influenced by economic affluence. Finally, larger municipalities contract out more in technical services but less in social services, demonstrating that the size effect is contingent on the transaction cost characteristics of the service.
Epidemiologic link between tuberculosis and cigarette/biomass smoke exposure: Limitations despite the vast literature
Authors: Bishwakarma Raju , Kinney William H. , Honda Jennifer R. , Mya Jenny , Strand Matthew J. , Gangavelli Avani , Bai Xiyuan , Ordway Diane J. , Iseman Michael D. , Chan Edward D.
Published: March 2015

The geographic overlap between the prevalence of cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and tuberculosis (TB) in the world is striking. In recent years, relatively large number of studies has linked cigarette or biomass fuel smoke exposure and various aspects of TB. Our goals are to summarize the significance of the known published studies, graphically represent reports that quantified the association and discuss their potential limitations. PubMed searches were performed using the key words ‘tuberculosis’ with ‘cigarette’, ‘tobacco’, ‘smoke’ or ‘biomass fuel smoke.’ The references of relevant articles were examined for additional pertinent papers. A large number of mostly case–control and cross‐sectional studies significantly associate both direct and second‐hand smoke exposure with tuberculous infection, active TB, and/or more severe and lethal TB. Fewer link biomass fuel smoke exposure and TB. While a number of studies interpreted the association with multivariate analysis, other confounders are often not accounted for in these analyses. It is also important to emphasize that these retrospective studies can only show an association and not any causal link. We further explored the possibility that even if CS exposure is a risk factor for TB, several mechanisms may be responsible. Numerous studies associate cigarette and biomass smoke exposure with TB but the mechanism(s) remains largely unknown. While the associative link of these two health maladies is well established, more definitive, mechanistic studies are needed to cement the effect of smoke exposure on TB pathogenesis and to utilize this knowledge in empowering public health policies.
Aetiology of bronchiectasis in Guangzhou, southern China
Authors: Guan Wei‐jie , Gao Yong‐hua , Xu Gang , Lin Zhi‐ya , Tang Yan , Li Hui‐min , Lin Zhi‐min , Zheng Jin‐ping , Chen Rong‐chang , Zhong Nan‐shan
Published: March 2015

Background and objective

Aetiologies of bronchiectasis in mainland China and their comparisons with those in western countries are unknown. We aimed to investigate bronchiectasis aetiologies in Guangzhou, southern China, and to determine ethnic or geographic differences with reports from western countries.

Methods

Consecutive patients with steady‐state bronchiectasis were randomly recruited. Past history was meticulously extracted. Patients underwent physical examination, saccharine test, humoral immunity assays, gastroesophageal reflux scoring and sputum culture. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy, total immunoglobin E (IgE) and Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific IgE measurement, 24‐h gastroesophageal pH monitoring and miscellaneous screening tests were performed, if indicated. This entailed comparisons on aetiologies with literature reports.

Results

We enrolled 148 patients (44.6 ± 13.8 years, 92 females), most of whom had mild to moderate bronchiectasis. Idiopathic (46.0%), post‐infectious (27.0%) and immunodeficiency (8.8%) were the most common aetiologies. Miscellaneous aetiologies consisted of asthma (5.4%), gastroesophageal reflux (4.1%), aspergillosis (2.7%), congenital lung malformation (2.0%), Kartagener syndrome (1.4%), rheumatoid arthritis (1.4%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0.7%), Young's syndrome (0.7%), yellow nail's syndrome (0.7%), eosinophilic bronchiolitis (0.7%) and foreign bodies (0.7%). No notable differences in clinical characteristics between idiopathic and known aetiologies were found. Ethnic or geographic variations of aetiologies were overall unremarkable.

Conclusions

Idiopathic, post‐infectious and immunodeficiency constitute major bronchiectasis aetiologies in Guangzhou. Clinical characteristics of patients between known aetiologies and idiopathic bronchiectasis were similar. Ethnicity and geography only account for limited differences in aetiologic spectra. These findings will offer rationales for early diagnosis and management of bronchiectasis in future studies and clinical practice in China.
Probability Updating and the Market for Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance
Authors: Fier Stephen G. , McCullough Kathleen A. , Gabel Joan T. A. , Mansfield Nancy R.
Published: March 2015

Over the past decade, much attention has been given to the topics of corporate governance and corporate risk management. One increasingly important insurance product associated with each of these issues is directors’ and officers’ (D&O) liability insurance. Given the interconnectedness that exists between D&O insurance, corporate risk management, and corporate governance, we exploit industry‐specific D&O data to explain how industries most associated with the corporate scandals of the early 2000s adjusted demand patterns during periods of certainty and uncertainty. The rich data set coupled with dramatic changes in the marketplace allows for the testing of insurance demand patterns and enables us to offer insight into the market's response to a unique type of loss shock. The results of this study suggest evidence in favor of demand‐side probability updating, whereby those industries most associated with the corporate scandals of the early 2000s adjusted the demand for D&O insurance during periods of greater uncertainty.
Feedback‐induced glutamate spillover enhances negative feedback from horizontal cells to cones
Authors: Vroman Rozan , Kamermans Maarten
Published: March 2015

Key points

In the retina, horizontal cells feed back negatively to cone photoreceptors.

Glutamate released from cones can spill over to neighbouring cones.

Here we show that cone glutamate release induced by negative feedback can also spill over to neighbouring cones.

This glutamate activates the glutamate transporter‐associated chloride current in these neighbouring cones, which leads to a change in their membrane potential and thus modulates their output.

In this way, feedback‐induced glutamate spillover enhances negative feedback from horizontal cells to cones, thus forming an additional feedback pathway.

This effect will be particularly prominent in cones that are strongly hyperpolarized by light.

Inhibition in the outer retina functions via an unusual mechanism. When horizontal cells hyperpolarize the activation potential of the Ca2+ current of cones shifts to more negative potentials. The underlying mechanism consists of an ephaptic component and a Panx1/ATP‐mediated component. Here we identified a third feedback component, which remains active outside the operating range of the Ca2+ current. We show that the glutamate transporters of cones can be activated by glutamate released from their neighbours. This pathway can be triggered by negative feedback from horizontal cells to cones, thus providing an additional feedback pathway. This additional pathway is mediated by a Cl− current, can be blocked by either removing the gradient of K+ or by adding the glutamate transporter blocker TBOA, or low concentrations of Zn2+. These features point to a glutamate transporter‐associated Cl− current. The pathway has a delay of 4.7 ± 1.7 ms. The effectiveness of this pathway in modulating the cone output depends on the equilibrium potential of Cl− (ECl) and the membrane potential of the cone. Because estimates of ECl show that it is around the dark resting membrane potential of cones, the activation of the glutamate transporter‐associated Cl− current will be most effective in changing the membrane potential during strong hyperpolarization of cones. This means that negative feedback would particularly be enhanced by this pathway when cones are hyperpolarized. Spatially, this pathway does not reach further than the direct neighbouring cones. The consequence is that this feedback pathway transmits information between cones of different spectral type.
An Occupant-Based Energy Consumption Model for User-Focused Design of Residential Buildings
Authors: Zaraket Toufic , Yannou Bernard , Leroy Yann , Minel Stéphanie , Chapotot Emilie
Published: March 2015

Occupants' behavior exerts a significant influence on the energy performance of residential buildings. Industrial energy simulation tools often account for occupants' as monolithic elements with standard averaged energy consumption profiles. Predictions yielded by these tools can thus deviate dramatically from reality. This paper proposes an activity-based model for forecasting energy and water consumption of households and discusses how such an occupant-focused model may integrate a user-focused design of residential buildings. A literature review is first presented followed by a brief recall of the proposed modeling methodology and a sample of simulation results. The possible integration of the proposed model into the design and energy management processes of residential buildings is then demonstrated through a number of use cases.
Spatially constrained incoherent motion method improves diffusion‐weighted MRI signal decay analysis in the liver and spleen
Authors: Taimouri Vahid , Afacan Onur , Perez‐Rossello Jeannette M. , Callahan Michael J. , Mulkern Robert V. , Warfield Simon K. , Freiman Moti
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of the spatially constrained incoherent motion (SCIM) method on improving the precision and robustness of fast and slow diffusion parameter estimates from diffusion‐weighted MRI in liver and spleen in comparison to the independent voxel‐wise intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model.

Methods:

We collected diffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) data of 29 subjects (5 healthy subjects and 24 patients with Crohn's disease in the ileum). We evaluated parameters estimates’ robustness against different combinations of b‐values (i.e., 4 b‐values and 7 b‐values) by comparing the variance of the estimates obtained with the SCIM and the independent voxel‐wise IVIM model. We also evaluated the improvement in the precision of parameter estimates by comparing the coefficient of variation (CV) of the SCIM parameter estimates to that of the IVIM.

Results:

The SCIM method was more robust compared to IVIM (up to 70% in liver and spleen) for different combinations of b‐values. Also, the CV values of the parameter estimations using the SCIM method were significantly lower compared to repeated acquisition and signal averaging estimated using IVIM, especially for the fast diffusion parameter in liver (CVIV IM = 46.61 ± 11.22, CVSCIM = 16.85 ± 2.160, p < 0.001) and spleen (CVIV IM = 95.15 ± 19.82, CVSCIM = 52.55 ± 1.91, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The SCIM method characterizes fast and slow diffusion more precisely compared to the independent voxel‐wise IVIM model fitting in the liver and spleen.
Improvement of registration accuracy in accelerated partial breast irradiation using the point‐based rigid‐body registration algorithm for patients with implanted fiducial markers
Authors: Inoue Minoru , Yoshimura Michio , Sato Sayaka , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Yamada Masahiro , Hirata Kimiko , Sasaki Makoto , Fujimoto Takahiro , Ogura Masakazu , Hiraoka Masahiro
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To investigate image‐registration errors when using fiducial markers with a manual method and the point‐based rigid‐body registration (PRBR) algorithm in accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) patients, with accompanying fiducial deviations.

Methods:

Twenty‐two consecutive patients were enrolled in a prospective trial examining 10‐fraction APBI. Titanium clips were implanted intraoperatively around the seroma in all patients. For image‐registration, the positions of the clips in daily kV x‐ray images were matched to those in the planning digitally reconstructed radiographs. Fiducial and gravity registration errors (FREs and GREs, respectively), representing resulting misalignments of the edge and center of the target, respectively, were compared between the manual and algorithm‐based methods.

Results:

In total, 218 fractions were evaluated. Although the mean FRE/GRE values for the manual and algorithm‐based methods were within 3 mm (2.3/1.7 and 1.3/0.4 mm, respectively), the percentages of fractions where FRE/GRE exceeded 3 mm using the manual and algorithm‐based methods were 18.8%/7.3% and 0%/0%, respectively. Manual registration resulted in 18.6% of patients with fractions of FRE/GRE exceeding 5 mm. The patients with larger clip deviation had significantly more fractions showing large FRE/GRE using manual registration.

Conclusions:

For image‐registration using fiducial markers in APBI, the manual registration results in more fractions with considerable registration error due to loss of fiducial objectivity resulting from their deviation. The authors recommend the PRBR algorithm as a safe and effective strategy for accurate, image‐guided registration and PTV margin reduction.
Fluid Replacement Attenuates Physiological Strain Resulting From Mild Hypohydration Without Impacting Cognitive Performance
Authors: Wittbrodt Matthew T. , Millard-Stafford Mindy , Sherman Ross A. , Cheatham Christopher C.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

The impact of mild hypohydration on physiological responses and cognitive performance following exercise-heat stress (EHS) were examined compared with conditions when fluids were ingested ad libitum (AL) or replaced to match sweat losses (FR).

Methods:

Twelve unacclimatized, recreationally-active men (22.2 ± 2.4 y) completed 50 min cycling (60%VO2peak) in the heat (32°C; 65% RH) under three conditions: no fluid (NF), AL, and FR. Before and after EHS, a cognitive battery was completed: Trail making, perceptual vigilance, pattern comparison, match-to-sample, and letter-digit recognition tests.

Results:

Hypohydration during NF was greater compared with AL and FR (NF: -1.5 ± 0.6; AL: -0.3 ± 0.8; FR: -0.1 ± 0.3% body mass loss) resulting in higher core temperature (by 0.4, 0.5 °C), heart rate (by 13 and 15 b·min-1), and physiological strain (by 1.3, 1.5) at the end of EHS compared with AL and FR, respectively. Cognitive performance (response time and accuracy) was not altered by fluid condition; however, mean response time improved (p < .05) for letter-digit recognition (by 56.7 ± 85.8 ms or 3.8%; p < .05) and pattern comparison (by 80.6 ± 57.4 ms or 7.1%; p < .001), but mean accuracy decreased in trail making (by 1.2 ± 1.4%; p = .01) after EHS (across all conditions).

Conclusions:

For recreational athletes, fluid intake effectively mitigated physiological strain induced by mild hypohydration; however, mild hypohydration resulting from EHS elicited no adverse changes in cognitive performance.
Manipulating Carbohydrate Availability Between Twice-Daily Sessions of High-Intensity Interval Training Over 2 Weeks Improves Time-Trial Performance
Authors: Cochran Andrew J.R. , Myslik Frank , MacInnis Martin J. , Percival Michael E. , Bishop David , Tarnopolsky Mark A. , Gibala Martin J.
Published: March 2015

Commencing some training sessions with reduced carbohydrate (CHO) availability has been shown to enhance skeletal muscle adaptations, but the effect on exercise performance is less clear. We examined whether restricting CHO intake between twice daily sessions of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) augments improvements in exercise performance and mitochondrial content. Eighteen active but not highly trained subjects (peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak] = 44 ± 9 ml/kg/min), matched for age, sex, and fitness, were randomly allocated to two groups. On each of 6 days over 2 weeks, subjects completed two training sessions, each consisting of 5 × 4-min cycling intervals (60% of peak power), interspersed by 2 min of recovery. Subjects ingested either 195 g of CHO (HI-HI group: ~2.3 g/kg) or 17 g of CHO (HI-LO group: ~0.3 g/kg) during the 3-hr period between sessions. The training-induced improvement in 250-kJ time trial performance was greater (p = .02) in the HI-LO group (211 ± 66 W to 244 ± 75 W) compared with the HI-HI group (203 ± 53 W to 219 ± 60 W); however, the increases in mitochondrial content was similar between groups, as reflected by similar increases in citrate synthase maximal activity, citrate synthase protein content and cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV protein content (p > .05 for interaction terms). This is the first study to show that a short-term “train low, compete high” intervention can improve whole-body exercise capacity. Further research is needed to determine whether this type of manipulation can also enhance performance in highly-trained subjects.
Exploiting weak interactions in DNA self-assembly
Authors: Shih William M.
Published: March 2015

Weak stacking interactions allow dynamic assembly and disassembly of DNA origami shapes

[Also see Report by

Gerling
et al.

]
Induction of Potent Adaptive Immunity by the Novel Polyion Complex Nanoparticles
Authors: Uto Tomofumi , Akagi Takami , Akashi Mitsuru , Baba Masanori
Published: March 2015

The development of effective and simple methods of vaccine preparation is desired for the prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of infectious diseases and cancers. We have created novel polyion complex (PIC) nanoparticles (NPs) composed of amphiphilic anionic biodegradable poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) and cationic polymers as a vaccine adjuvant. PIC NPs can be prepared by mixing γ-PGA-graft-l-phenylalanine ethylester (γ-PGA-Phe) polymer with cationic polymer in phosphate-buffered saline. We examined the efficacy of PIC NPs for antigen delivery and immunostimulatory activityin vitroandin vivo. PIC NPs enhanced the uptake of ovalbumin (OVA) by dendritic cells (DCs) and subsequently induced DC maturation. The immunization of mice with OVA-carrying PIC NPs induced potent and antigen-specific cellular and humoral immunity. Since PIC NPs can be created with water-soluble anionic γ-PGA-Phe and a cationic polymer by simple mixing in the absence of any organic solvents, PIC NPs may have potential as a novel candidate for an effective antigen carrier and vaccine adjuvant.
Comparative Exoproteomics and Host Inflammatory Response in Staphylococcus aureus Skin and Soft Tissue Infections, Bacteremia, and Subclinical Colonization
Authors: Liew Yun Khoon , Awang Hamat Rukman , van Belkum Alex , Chong Pei Pei , Neela Vasanthakumari
Published: March 2015

The exoproteome ofStaphylococcus aureuscontains enzymes and virulence factors that are important for host adaptation. We investigated the exoprotein profiles and cytokine/chemokine responses obtained in three differentS. aureus-host interaction scenarios by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) and two-dimensional immunoblotting (2D-IB) combined with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and cytometric bead array techniques. The scenarios includedS. aureusbacteremia, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), and healthy carriage. By the 2-DGE approach, 12 exoproteins (the chaperone protein DnaK, a phosphoglycerate kinase [Pgk], the chaperone GroEL, a multisensor hybrid histidine kinase, a 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate hydroxymethyltransferase [PanB], cysteine synthase A, anN-acetyltransferase, four isoforms of elongation factor Tu [EF-Tu], and one signature protein spot that could not be reliably identified by MS/MS) were found to be consistently present in more than 50% of the bacteremia isolates, while none of the SSTI or healthy-carrier isolates showed any of these proteins. By the 2D-IB approach, we also identified five antigens (methionine aminopeptidase [MetAPs], exotoxin 15 [Set15], a peptidoglycan hydrolase [LytM], an alkyl hydroperoxide reductase [AhpC], and a haptoglobin-binding heme uptake protein [HarA]) specific for SSTI cases. Cytokine and chemokine production varied during the course of different infection types and carriage. Monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG) was more highly stimulated in bacteremia patients than in SSTI patients and healthy carriers, especially during the acute phase of infection. MIG could therefore be further explored as a potential biomarker of bacteremia. In conclusion, 12 exoproteins from bacteremia isolates, MIG production, and five antigenic proteins identified during SSTIs should be further investigated for potential use as diagnostic markers.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Nonencapsulated Haemophilus influenzae Strains Isolated in Italy
Authors: Giufrè Maria , De Chiara Matteo , Censini Stefano , Guidotti Silvia , Torricelli Giulia , De Angelis Gabriella , Cardines Rita , Pizza Mariagrazia , Muzzi Alessandro , Cerquetti Marina , Soriani Marco
Published: March 2015

Haemophilus influenzae
is an important human pathogen involved in invasive disease. Here, we report the whole-genome sequences of 11 nonencapsulated
H. influenzae
(ncHi) strains isolated from both invasive disease and healthy carriers in Italy. This genomic information will enrich our understanding of the molecular basis of ncHi pathogenesis.
Complete Genome Sequence and Annotation of Corynebacterium singulare DSM 44357, Isolated from a Human Semen Specimen
Authors: Merten Madlen , Brinkrolf Karina , Albersmeier Andreas , Kutter Yvonne , Rückert Christian , Tauch Andreas
Published: March 2015

Corynebacterium singulare
DSM 44357 is a urease-positive microorganism isolated from human semen. The complete genome sequence of C. singulare DSM 44357 comprises 2,830,519 bp with a mean G+C content of 60.12% and 2,581 protein-coding genes. The deduced antibiotic resistance pattern of this strain includes macrolides, lincosamides, aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, and tetracyline.