bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiplying Diversity: Family Unification and the Regional Origins of Late-Age US Immigrants
Authors: Tienda Marta
Published: December 2015

We use administrative data about new legal permanent residents to show how family unification chain migration changed both the age and regional origin of US immigrants. Between 1981 and 1995, every 100 initiating immigrants from Asia sponsored between 220 and 255 relatives, but from 1996 through 2000, each 100 initiating immigrants from Asia sponsored nearly 400 relatives, with one-in-four ages 50 and above. The family migration multiplier for Latin Americans was boosted by the legalization program: from 1996 to 2000, each of the 100 initiating migrants from Latin America sponsored between 420 and 531 family members, of which 18–21 percent were ages 50 and over.
A Novel Temperature Stable Microwave Dielectric Ceramic with Garnet Structure: Sr2NaMg2V3O12
Authors: Xiang Huaicheng , Fang Liang , Jiang Xuewen , Tang Ying , Li Chunchun
Published: December 2015

A garnet vanadate ceramic Sr2NaMg2V3O12 was prepared by the conventional solid‐state route, and the sinterability, microwave dielectric properties, and its chemical compatibility with Ag electrodes were investigated. Sr2NaMg2V3O12 sample could be well sintered at 900°C for 4 h with a relative density of 96.1%. X‐ray diffraction data showed that Sr2NaMg2V3O12 ceramics crystallized into a cubic garnet structure with a space group Ia‐3d over the sintering temperature range (830°C–930°C). The Sr2NaMg2V3O12 ceramic sintered at 900°C obtained the optimum microwave dielectric properties with a relative permittivity of 11.7, a Q×f of 37 950 GHz (at 11.0 GHz), and a almost zero τf value of −2.9 ppm/°C. Chemical compatibility experiments showed no reaction between Sr2NaMg2V3O12 ceramics and Ag electrodes.
Assortative mating but no evidence of genetic divergence in a species characterized by a trophic polymorphism
Authors: Colborne S. F. , Garner S. R. , Longstaffe F. J. , Neff B. D.
Published: December 2015

Disruptive selection is a process that can result in multiple subgroups within a population, which is referred to as diversification. Foraging‐related diversification has been described in many taxa, but many questions remain about the contribution of such diversification to reproductive isolation and potentially sympatric speciation. Here, we use stable isotope analysis of diet and morphological analysis of body shape to examine phenotypic divergence between littoral and pelagic foraging ecomorphs in a population of pumpkinseed sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus). We then examine reproductive isolation between ecomorphs by comparing the isotopic compositions of nesting males to eggs from their nests (a proxy for maternal diet) and use nine microsatellite loci to examine genetic divergence between ecomorphs. Our data support the presence of distinct foraging ecomorphs in this population and indicate that there is significant positive assortative mating based on diet. We did not find evidence of genetic divergence between ecomorphs, however, indicating that isolation is either relatively recent or is not strong enough to result in genetic divergence at the microsatellite loci. Based on our findings, pumpkinseed sunfish represent a system in which to further explore the mechanisms by which natural and sexual selection contribute to diversification, prior to the occurrence of sympatric speciation.
Characterization of a Strain ofFukuyoa paulensis(Dinophyceae) from the Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Laza‐Martínez Aitor , David Helena , Riobó Pilar , Miguel Irati , Orive Emma
Published: December 2015

A single cell of the dinoflagellate genusFukuyoawas isolated from the island of Formentera (Balearic Islands, west Mediterranean Sea), cultured, and characterized by morphological and molecular methods and toxin analyses. This is the first report of theGambierdiscuslineage (generaFukuyoaandGambierdiscus) from the western Mediterranean Sea, which is cooler than its eastern basin. Molecular analyses revealed that the Mediterranean strain belongs toF. paulensisand that it bears LSU rDNA sequences identical to New Zealand, Australian, and Brazilian strains. It also shared an identical sequence of the more variable ITS‐rDNA with the Brazilian strain. Toxin analyses showed the presence of maitotoxin, 54‐deoxyCTX1B, and gambieric acid A. This is the first observation of the two latter compounds in aFukuyoastrain. Therefore, bothGambierdiscusandFukuyoashould be considered when as contributing to ciguatera fish poisoning. Different strains ofFukuyoaform a complex of morphologically cryptic lineages whereF. paulensisstands as the most distantly related nominal species. The comparison of the ITS2 secondary structures revealed the absence of CBCs among strains. The study of the morphological and molecular traits depicted an unresolved taxonomic scenario impacted by the low strains sampling.
Spatial and temporal distribution patterns of the silver mojarra Eucinostomus argenteus (Perciformes: Gerreidae) in a tropical semi‐enclosed bay
Authors: Corrêa B. , Vianna M.
Published: December 2015

This study determined the spatial and temporal distributions of the silver mojarra Eucinostomus argenteus (Perciformes: Gerreidae), one of the most abundant teleost species in bays and estuaries. Sampling was conducted from July 2005 to June 2007. The species was captured on all sampling dates and at six of the seven sampling stations. Approximately 80% of the individuals were below the size of first sexual maturity (12·0 cm total length, LT). Although the spatial distribution of juveniles and adults differed throughout the study period, the environmental variables measured explained only a small part of their distribution. The recruitment period occurred during the first part of each year. Despite the high pollution levels in Guanabara Bay, this coastal system plays an important role as a nursery ground and for the growth of E. argenteus.
Nanoscopic voltage distribution of operating cascade laser devices in cryogenic temperature
Authors: DHAR R.S. , BAN D.
Published: December 2015

A nanoscopic exploratory measurement technique to measure voltage distribution across an operating semiconductor device in cryogenic temperature has been developed and established. The cross‐section surface of the terahertz (THz) quantum cascade laser (QCL) has been measured that resolves the voltage distribution at nanometer scales. The electric field dissemination across the active region of the device has been attained under the device's lasing conditions at cryogenic temperature of 77 K.
Combining Cadherin Expression with Molecular Markers Discriminates Invasiveness in Growth Hormone and Prolactin Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Chauvet N. , Romanò N. , Meunier A.‐C. , Galibert E. , Fontanaud P. , Mathieu M.‐N. , Osterstock G. , Osterstock P. , Baccino E. , Rigau V. , Loiseau H. , Bouillot‐Eimer S. , Barlier A. , Mollard P. , Coutry N.
Published: December 2015

Although growth hormone (GH)‐ and prolactin (PRL)‐secreting pituitary adenomas are considered benign, in many patients, tumour growth and/or invasion constitute a particular challenge. In other tumours, progression relies in part on dysfunction of intercellular adhesion mediated by the large family of cadherins. In the present study, we have explored the contribution of cadherins in GH and PRL adenoma pathogenesis, and evaluated whether this class of adherence molecules was related to tumour invasiveness. We have first established, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, the expression profile of classical cadherins in the normal human pituitary gland. We show that the cadherin repertoire is restricted and cell‐type specific. Somatotrophs and lactotrophs express mainly E‐cadherin and cadherin 18, whereas N‐cadherin is present in the other endocrine cell types. This repertoire undergoes major differential modification in GH and PRL tumours: E‐cadherin is significantly reduced in invasive GH adenomas, and this loss is associated with a cytoplasmic relocalisation of cadherin 18 and catenins. In invasive prolactinomas, E‐cadherin distribution is altered and is accompanied by a mislocalisation of cadherin 18, β‐catenin and p120 catenin. Strikingly, de novo expression of N‐cadherin is present in a subset of adenomas and cells exhibit a mesenchymal phenotype exclusively in invasive tumours. Binary tree analysis, performed by combining the cadherin repertoire with the expression of a subset of known molecular markers, shows that cadherin/catenin complexes play a significant role in discrimination of tumour invasion.
Financial Literacy Skills for the 21st Century: Evidence from PISA
Authors: Lusardi Annamaria
Published: December 2015

I am delighted to be asked to give the Colston Warne Lecture at the American Council on Consumer Interests annual conference. What I want to cover in this lecture is what I consider to be one of the most important topics for consumers: financial literacy. This topic is particularly important for the young, and in this lecture, I will describe the findings from the first international survey on financial literacy among high school students: the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). I am honored to chair the financial literacy expert group that designed the financial literacy assessment in PISA. Our journey to design that assessment included meetings in many countries and lasted for several years. It is one of the works I have enjoyed the most. I hope the findings from PISA will be a catalyst for changes in education policies, including adding financial literacy to school curricula.
Transabdominal Insonation of Fetal Basilar Artery: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Miran Muhammad Shah , Degenhardt Jan , Axt‐Fliedner Roland , Kohl Thomas
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Fetal anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries have been studied using transabdominal Doppler ultrasound. We performed a feasibility study to determine whether basilar artery can be identified and blood flow velocities measured using transabdominal fetal Doppler ultrasound.

METHODS

The basilar artery was identified in sagittal plane behind the clivus bone using directional color Doppler with 6‐2 and 7‐4 MHz curved array probes. The clivus was identified by hyperechoic linear signal anterior to junction of vertebral processes and occipital bone and superior to first vertebral body. The flow direction was away from the probe in the basilar artery consistent with caudo cephalic orientation. The Doppler ultrasound probe was placed at insonation angles of less than 30° at the visualized segment of the basilar artery. Peak systolic and end diastolic velocities were measured.

RESULTS

We attempted insonation of the basilar artery in 20 fetuses. The basilar artery was adequately insonated in 18 fetuses with a mean gestational age of 27 weeks (range 19 to 38 weeks). The mean value (±SD) of peak systolic velocity of the basilar artery was 22.1 ± 8.5 cm/second (range 10.4‐36.7 cm/second). The mean value (±SD) of end diastolic velocity was 6.8 ± 2.8 cm/second (range 3.5‐13.5 cm/second). There was an increase in peak systolic velocity values according to gestational age of fetus.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the feasibility of fetal basilar artery insonation using directional color Doppler ultrasound via transabdominal approach.
Dental implants in patients with oral mucosal diseases – a systematic review
Authors: Reichart P. A. , Schmidt‐Westhausen A. M. , Khongkhunthian P. , Strietzel F. P.
Published: December 2015

To reveal dental implants survival rates in patients with oral mucosal diseases: oral lichen planus (OLP), Sjögren's syndrome (SjS), epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). A systematic literature search using PubMed/Medline and Embase databases, utilising MeSH and search term combinations identified publications on clinical use implant‐prosthetic rehabilitation in patients with OLP, SjS, EB, SSc reporting on study design, number, gender and age of patients, follow‐up period exceeding 12 months, implant survival rate, published in English between 1980 and May 2015. After a mean observation period (mOP) of 53·9 months (standard deviation [SD] ±18·3), 191 implants in 57 patients with OLP showed a survival rate (SR) of 95·3% (SD ±21·2). For 17 patients with SjS (121 implants, mOP 48·6 ± 28·7 months), 28 patients with EB (165 implants, mOP 38·3 ± 16·9 months) and five patients with SSc (38 implants, mOP 38·3 ± 16·9 months), the respective SR was 91·7 ± 5·97% (SjS), 98·5 ± 2·7% (EB) and 97·4 ± 4·8% (SSc). Heterogeneity of data structure and quality of reporting outcomes did not allow for further comparative data analysis. For implant‐prosthetic rehabilitation of patients suffering from OLP, SjS, EB and SSc, no evidence‐based treatment guidelines are presently available. However, no strict contraindication for the placement of implants seems to be justified in patients with OLP, SjS, EB nor SSc. Implant survival rates are comparable to those of patients without oral mucosal diseases. Treatment guidelines as for dental implantation in patients with healthy oral mucosa should be followed.
Neophobic Tendencies and Dietary Behavior in A Cohort of Female College Students from Southern India
Authors: Chitra Uma , Adhikari Koushik , Radhika M.S. , Balakrishna N.
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of female adolescents’ neophobic tendencies with their general dietary patterns/behaviors. The study was performed at a girl's college in Secunderabad in Southern India. A survey was administered to 1,446 girls, aged 15–19 years to collect information on food neophobia and dietary practices. The results show that the nonvegetarian group was the least neophobic group out of the three diet groups, while the vegetarian group was the most neophobic. Overall there was no difference in neophobic tendencies between the two age groups (15–17 and 18–19 years).Participants who indicated that they consumed high‐fat/junk foods regularly were less neophobic. Lower food neophobia scores was a significant indicator of greater consumption of meals outside the home or take‐out meals. These results could help shape successful interventions against obesogenic behavior in adolescents.

Practical Applications

This study is particularly interesting because the neophobic tendencies of people living in the Indian subcontinent have been relatively undocumented. The findings from this study demonstrate that the vegetarians and the ovo‐vegetarians were more neophobic than the nonvegetarians. The nonvegetarian group had less neophobic tendencies and was more open to trying new/novel foods and cuisines than the vegetarian and ovo‐vegetarian groups. The study of food neophobia is of particular importance because food neophobia can impact food preferences. Understanding the factors influencing food preferences is essential for the implementation and promotion of positive changes in the food habits of any society, especially with the prevalence of obesity, which is becoming a growing concern in both developing and developed countries. Nutritional intake during adolescence is important for growth and the development of lifelong eating behaviors, and may have long‐term health implications. The findings from this study suggest that if programs to improve adolescent nutrition are to be effective, they need to address a broad range of factors including environmental factors.
Pharmacist-patient communication barriers in dispensing practice: a descriptive study in Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama City, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia
Authors: Wado Teshale Etiso , Gunasekaran Thirumurugan , Dhanaraju Magharla Dasaratha
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Drug dispensers should provide appropriate, understandable and relevant information to patient about their medication. But poor communication between patient and pharmacist carries potential adverse clinical consequences. Patients with inadequate literacy and/or health literacy skills are the most likely to have difficulties in understanding proper drug use. Our study is intended to assess the extent of pharmacist–patient communication barriers in dispensing.

Methods

This study was conducted in Adama Hospital Medical College, Adama City, Ethiopia, from March 2014 to May 2014. The survey data were collected both from pharmacists and patients through questionnaire and interview, respectively, and analysed manually by a data master sheet.

Key findings

A total of 345 outpatients who were collecting their medication from the Outpatient Department pharmacy and nine pharmacists were included in the study. 11.11% pharmacists utilised pictorial aid to their oral counselling. 77.78% of pharmacists can communicate in three languages (Amharic, Oromiffa and English). 20.87% of patients were geriatrics, 30.73% were illiterate and 34.20% were in low literacy. Misunderstanding of drug dose and frequency among illiterate and low literacy geriatric patients was 46.88%. 22.22% of geriatrics revisited the hospital for re-treatment of the same condition.

Conclusions

Counselling on dispensing is a fundamental step to enhance the patients’ rational use of medicine. When patients’ health is concerned, pharmacists should try their best to enhance the patient's understanding about medication use.
Interpersonal processes and self‐injury: a qualitative study using Bricolage
Authors: Rayner G. , Warne T.
Published: December 2015

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Personal experiences of self‐injury and staff reactions have been published.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

There is an absence of a detailed account of the interpersonal processes surrounding self‐injury within a specific helping relationship.

This paper is the first to explore the in‐depth relationship between self‐injury and shame.

What are the implications for practice?

This research identifies a cycle of shame in which people come to expect negative responses from others, which further reinforce their negative beliefs and supports a continuing cycle of harm.

Mental Health Nurses may work with clients to understand the interpersonal processes and consequences of their self‐injury in the helping relationship.

Introduction

Literature on self‐injury has recognized the impact on the relationship between clients and staff.

Rationale

There is an absence of a detailed account of interpersonal processes surrounding self‐injury.

Aim

A Bricolage qualitative research approach was carried out in the United Kingdom that explored the interpersonal processes surrounding self‐injury.

Method

Three pairs of clients and staff were interviewed about an incident of self‐injury. The interviews were thematically analysed and then synthesized producing a deeper exploration of the relationship between the client and staff.

Findings

An interpersonal trigger followed by anger and shame, resulted in self‐injury to ‘numb’ these experiences.

Discussion

Self‐injury is conceptualized as a safety behaviour to avoid shame and anger and then as a maintenance cycle that traps the client in a reinforcing and rejecting relationship. Staff interviewed were able to reflect with the clients and help them reframe these experiences.

Implications for practice

Mental Health Nurses can work with clients to understand their own interpersonal cycles of self‐injury. They can then reflect on their own roles in this process and avoid reinforcing the clients’ negative beliefs.

What the study adds to international evidence

This is the first international paper to explore the interconnection between the client and a professional helper in their lived experiences of self‐injury.
Sexually Transmitted Infections and First Sexual Intercourse Age in Adolescents: The Nationwide Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Seo Yoon , Lee Hyo Jung , Kim Tae Kyoung , Lee Sang Gyu , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major causes of medical and psychological problems globally, while adolescents in South Korea have recently shown rapid changes in sexual behaviors.

Aims

We aimed to examine the association between the age of first sexual intercourse and the experience of STIs among adolescents. Additionally, in which specific time period would more likely to get infected from sexual intercourse.

Methods

We used data from the 2007–2013 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Only adolescents with sexual intercourse experience (N = 22,381) were included, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed.

Main Outcome Measures

One dichotomized measure and one continuous measure were assessed: (i) STIs experience (defined as having had STIs); and (ii) association between STIs experience and absolute age gap (defined as temporal differences between secondary sexual character emergence age and first sexual intercourse age).

Results

Approximately 7.4% of boys and 7.5% of girls reported had STI. For both boys and girls, the chance of experiencing STIs increased as the age of first sexual intercourse decreased (boys: before elementary school [age 7 or under]: odds ratio [OR] = 10.81, first grade [age 7 or 8]: OR = 4.44, second grade [age 8 or 9]: OR = 8.90, fourth grade [age 10 or 11]: OR = 7.20, ninth grade [age 15 or 16]: OR = 2.31; girls: before elementary school: OR = 18.09, first grade: OR = 7.26, second grade: OR = 7.12, fourth grade: OR = 8.93, ninth grade: OR = 2.74). The association between the absolute age gap and STI experience was examined additionally (boys: OR = 0.93, girls: OR = 0.87).

Conclusions

This study shows that earlier initiation of sexual intercourse increases the odds of experiencing STIs. Also as the age gap gets shorter, the odds of experiencing STIs increase. Our study suggests that it is important to consider the time period of first sexual intercourse and to reinforce a monitoring system along with the development of other preventive strategies.
Plasma concentrations and sedative effects of a dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and butorphanol combination after transnasal administration in healthy rabbits
Authors: Santangelo B. , Micieli F. , Marino F. , Reynaud F. , Cassandro P. , Carfora A. , Petrella R. , Borriello R. , Cataldi M. , Vesce G.
Published: December 2015

Plasma concentrations of dexmedetomidine (D = 0.1 mg/kg), midazolam (M = 2 mg/kg), and butorphanol (B = 0.4 mg/kg) were analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) after their simultaneous (DMB) transnasal (TN) administration to healthy rabbits. Time‐dependent changes in sedation and antinociception were evaluated by measuring a sedation score based on rabbit's posture, loss of the righting, palpebral and pedal withdrawal reflexes and by instrumental monitoring of rectal temperature, heart rate, arterial blood pressure, pulse‐oximetry, and capnometry. The peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of each drug was reached within 5 min (Tmax) from DMB‐TN administration along with deep sedation and analgesia. Such effects subsided after 45 min into a moderate sedation and analgesia lasting for additional 15 min. All rabbits awakened spontaneously and uneventfully 90 min after DMB‐TN administration. During the anesthetic procedure, arterial blood pressure markedly decreased and respiratory depression ensued requiring oxygen supplementation. The results of this study show that all three molecules of the DMB combination were absorbed through the TN route, inducing deep sedation and analgesia suitable for minor surgical procedures. Such combination should be used with caution in rabbits bearing cardiovascular or respiratory diseases because of its ability to induce hypotension and respiratory depression.
Use of tri‐axial accelerometers to assess terrestrial mammal behaviour in the wild
Authors: Lush L. , Ellwood S. , Markham A. , Ward A. I. , Wheeler P.
Published: December 2015

Tri‐axial accelerometer tags provide quantitative data on body movement that can be used to characterize behaviour and understand species ecology in ways that would otherwise be impossible. Using tags on wild terrestrial mammals, especially smaller species, in natural settings has been limited. Poor battery power also reduced the amount of data collected, which limits what can be derived about animal behaviour. Another challenge using wild animals, is acquiring observations of actual behaviours with which to compare tag data and create an adequate training set to reliably identify behavioural states. Brown hares were fitted with accelerometers for 5 weeks to evaluate their use in collecting detailed behaviour data and activity levels. Collared hares were filmed to associate actual behaviours with tag data. Observed behaviours were classified using Random Forests (ensemble learning method) to create a supervised model and then used to classify hare behaviour from the tags. Increased tag longevity allowed acquisition of large quantities of data from each individual and direct observation of tagged hare's behaviour. Random Forests accurately classified observed behaviours from tag data with an 11% error rate. Individual accuracy of behaviours varied with running (100% accuracy), feeding (94.7%) and vigilance (98.3%) having the highest classification accuracy. Hares spent 46% of their time being vigilant and 25% feeding when active. The combination of our tags and Random Forests facilitated large amounts of behavioural data to be collected on animals where observational studies could be limited, or impossible. The same method could be used on a range of terrestrial mammals to create models to investigate behaviour from tag data, to learn more about their behaviour and be used to answer many ecological questions. However, further development of methods for analysing tag data is needed to make the process quicker, simpler and more accurate.
An Approach for the Automatic Classification of Work Descriptions in Construction Projects
Authors: Martínez‐Rojas María , Marín Nicolás , Vila M. Amparo
Published: December 2015

Project success is directly related to reliable access to accurate project data. During the construction project life cycle, an enormous amount of documents with largely interesting information are exchanged, which makes the decision‐making process very complex to project managers. One of the most important documents in this context is the Bill of Quantities (BoQ), which is a collection of Work Descriptions describing the nature of the different works needed to be done to achieve the project goal. As BoQs are differently built, practitioners have trouble when trying to insert them in a common database storage system, because both the linguistic descriptions and the structure of each BoQ document may be defined in a different way. In this article, we focus on this problem and present an approach to automatically extract the information from the work descriptions and to appropriately place it in a predefined hierarchical structure, independently of its original format. Our approach is based on a multicriteria aggregation process based on the use of learned information and expert knowledge. The methodology has been validated with a broad set of work descriptions. Results show that the proposal is able to classify them with success.
A Modified Sliding Mode Fault Tolerant Control for Large‐Scale Civil Infrastructure
Authors: Yeganeh Fallah Arash , Taghikhany Touraj
Published: December 2015

Adaptable active control strategies besides advance sensors and actuators technologies lead to higher performance of vibrational control in civil infrastructures under severe ground motions. These resilience control systems are robust against model uncertainties as well as being online recoverable from the malfunctioning of sensors and actuators. In this study, resilient control system based on sliding mode (SM) fault detection observer and SM fault tolerant control is improved for actuator fault in large‐scale systems. The SM fault detection observer is modified for eliminating the excessive chattering in estimating states and actuators’ fault, and the reconfigurable SM fault tolerant control is improved to minimizing input forces in control framework under seismic action. Design of observer and controller is performed using linear matrix inequalities. Numerical simulations on the cable‐stayed bridge benchmark demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault‐tolerant system. Despite the high order of this large‐scale structure, the proposed fault detection and diagnosis method can effectively find the location and size of faults in actuators without performance degradation and computational costs. The fault‐tolerant controller maintains the performance of the structure at an acceptable level in the post‐fault case by redistribution of control signal to actuators.
Highly conserved nucleotide phosphatase essential for membrane lipid homeostasis in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Kuipers Kirsten , Gallay Clement , Martínek Václav , Rohde Manfred , Martínková Markéta , van der Beek Samantha L. , Jong Wouter S. P. , Venselaar Hanka , Zomer Aldert , Bootsma Hester , Veening Jan‐Willem , de Jonge Marien I.
Published: December 2015

Proteins belonging to the DHH family, a member of the phosphoesterase superfamily, are produced by most bacterial species. While some of these proteins are well studied in Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, their functions in Streptococcus pneumoniae remain unclear. Recently, the highly conserved DHH subfamily 1 protein PapP (SP1298) has been reported to play an important role in virulence. Here, we provide a plausible explanation for the attenuated virulence of the papP mutant. Recombinant PapP specifically hydrolyzed nucleotides 3′‐phosphoadenosine‐5′‐phosphate (pAp) and 5′‐phosphoadenylyl‐(3′−>5′)‐adenosine (pApA). Deletion of papP, potentially leading to pAp/pApA accumulation, resulted in morphological defects and mis‐localization of several cell division proteins. Incubation with both polar solvent and detergent led to robust killing of the papP mutant, indicating that membrane integrity is strongly affected. This is in line with previous studies showing that pAp inhibits the ACP synthase, an essential enzyme involved in lipid precursor production. Remarkably, partial inactivation of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, by inhibition of FabF or depletion of FabH, phenocopied the papP mutant. We conclude that pAp and pApA phosphatase activity of PapP is required for maintenance of membrane lipid homeostasis providing an explanation how inactivation of this protein may attenuate pneumococcal virulence.
Transketolase activity modulates glycerol‐3‐phosphate levels in Escherichia coli
Authors: Vimala A. , Harinarayanan R.
Published: December 2015

Transketolase activity provides an important link between the metabolic pathways of glycolysis and pentose phosphate shunt and catalyzes inter‐conversions between pentose phosphates and glycolytic intermediates. It is widely conserved in life forms. A genetic screen for suppression of the growth defect of Escherichia coli tktA tktB mutant in LB medium revealed two mutations, one that rendered the glpK expression constitutive and another that inactivated deoB. Characterizing these mutations aided in uncovering the role of ribose‐5‐P (a transketolase substrate) as an inhibitor of glycerol assimilation and de novo glycerol‐3‐P synthesis. Using lacZ fusions, we show that ribose‐5‐P enhances GlpR–mediated repression of the glpFKX operon and inhibits glycerol assimilation. Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA) showed ribose‐5‐P made the DNA‐GlpR complex less sensitive to the inducer glycerol‐3‐P. In addition to inhibition of glycerol assimilation, obstruction of ribose‐5‐P metabolism retards growth from glycerol‐3‐P limitation. Glucose helps to overcome this limitation through a mechanism involving catabolite repression. To our knowledge, this report is the first to show ribose‐5‐P can modulate glycerol‐3‐P concentration in the cell by regulation of glycerol assimilation as well as its de novo synthesis. This regulation could be prevalent in other organisms.
The zebrafish mutant lessen: an experimental model for congenital enteric neuropathies
Authors: Uyttebroek L. , Shepherd I. T. , Vanden Berghe P. , Hubens G. , Timmermans J.‐P. , Van Nassauw L.
Published: December 2015

Background

Congenital enteric neuropathies of the distal intestine (CEN) are characterized by the partial or complete absence of enteric neurons. Over the last decade, zebrafish has emerged as a leading model organism in experimental research. Our aim was to demonstrate that the mutant zebrafish, lessen, expressing CEN characteristics, is an equally valuable animal model alongside mammalian models for CEN, by studying its enteric phenotype.

Methods

The effect of the lessen mutation on the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and intestinal motility in each intestinal region of mutant and wild‐type (wt) zebrafish embryos at 3–6 dpf, was analyzed by immunofluorescent detection of neurochemical markers and motility assays.

Key Results

Development of intestinal motility in the mutant was delayed and the majority of the observed contractions were disturbed. A significant disturbance in ENS development resulted in a distal intestine that was almost free of neuronal elements, in reduced neuronal density in the proximal and mid‐intestine, and in a defect in the expression of neurochemical markers. Furthermore, markedly disturbed development of ICC gave rise to a less dense network of ICC.

Conclusions & Inferences

The observed alterations in intestinal motility, intrinsic innervation and ICC network of the mutant in comparison with the wt zebrafish, are similar to those seen in the oligo‐ and aganglionic regions of the intestine of CEN patients. It is concluded that the zebrafish mutant lessen is an appropriate animal model to investigate CEN.
Patterns of esophageal pressure responses to a rapid drink challenge test in patients with esophageal motility disorders
Authors: Marin I. , Serra J.
Published: December 2015

Background

Multiple rapid swallow has been proposed as a challenge test that can help diagnosis and management of patients with esophageal motility disorders. Our aim was to characterize specific pressure patterns in response to a rapid drink challenge test in patients with esophageal motility disorders, and to determine the potential of these patterns in the diagnosis of patients with esophageal symptoms but normal single swallow manometry.

Methods

Pressure responses to a rapid drink challenge test (rapid swallow of 200 mL water) were prospectively analyzed in 30 healthy controls and 285 patients with esophageal symptoms: 33 achalasia, 68 hypocontractile motility, 27 hypercontractile motility and 160 patients with normal manometry.

Key Results

Three different patterns of responses were characterized: (i) hypopressive or normal pattern that was shared by healthy subjects and patients with hypocontractile peristalsis, and discriminated patients with non‐obstructive hypercontractile motility or achalasia (p < 0.001; sensitivity 80% and specificity 93%), (ii) brief hyperpressive pattern observed in patients with non‐obstructive hypercontractile disorders (distal spasm and hypercontractile esophagus), and (iii) prolonged hyperpressive pattern, that discriminated achalasia from patients with non‐obstructive hypercontractile disorders (p < 0.001; sensitivity 70% and specificity 85%). Seventeen percent of patients with esophageal symptoms but normal single swallow manometry had abnormal responses to the drink challenge test: 14% a brief hyperpressive pattern, and 3% a prolonged hyperpressive pattern.

Conclusions & Inferences

Specific patterns of responses to a rapid drink challenge test could help identification of motility disorders in patients with esophageal symptoms but unclear or normal esophageal manometry.
THE BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EXPERIMENTAL CO‐PRODUCTION: THE CASE OF URBAN REDESIGN IN VIENNA
Authors: BARTENBERGER MARTIN , SZEŚCIŁO DAWID
Published: December 2015

Building on the literature on co‐production and the (pragmatist) literature on experimentalist policy‐making we introduce and evaluate a novel form of co‐production: experimental co‐production. We propose a model of this specific form including a list of not only potential benefits but also possible risks and costs. We illustrate and examine this model of experimental co‐production by drawing on the case study of a major urban planning initiative in Vienna, Austria that included an experimental co‐testing phase. We find that while the expected benefits of experimental co‐production were partly realized for the citizens involved, the city government faced major political costs.
Agents' self‐esteem moderates the effectiveness of negative‐direct partner regulation strategies
Authors: JAYAMAHA SHANUKI D. , OVERALL NICKOLA C.
Published: December 2015

Prior research suggests that trying to change partner's attitudes and behaviors in hostile and demanding ways can successfully produce desired changes in targeted partners. The current research investigated whether the effectiveness of negative‐direct partner regulation strategies depends on the self‐esteem of regulation agents. Two longitudinal studies, involving individuals (N = 156) and couples (N = 174) in ongoing relationships, assessed agents' partner regulation attempts, the regulation strategies agents enacted, and the success of regulation attempts across time. Regulation agents who were low in self‐esteem and engaged in negative‐direct regulation strategies experienced lower regulation success over time. Lower regulation success in turn predicted decreases in relationship quality. These results indicate that negative‐direct regulation strategies are not beneficial when engaged by agents low in self‐esteem.
Food allergies developing after solid organ transplant
Authors: Needham J. M. , Nicholas S. K. , Davis C. M.
Published: December 2015

The development of food allergy is an increasingly recognized form of morbidity after solid organ transplant. It occurs more commonly in liver transplant recipients, although it has also been reported in heart, lung, kidney, and intestinal transplants. Pediatric transplant recipients are more likely to develop symptoms compared to adults, and reports of frequency vary widely from 5% to 38% in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed in the literature, although no single mechanism can yet account for all reported observations. As food allergy can have at worst potentially fatal consequences, and at best require lifestyle adjustment through food avoidance, it is important for recipients to be aware of the donor's food allergies and particularly in pediatrics, the possibility of completely de novo allergies. This review explores the recent reports surrounding food allergy after solid organ transplant, including epidemiology, proposed mechanisms, and implications for practice.
Alzheimer's disease or Alzheimer's syndrome?: a longitudinal computed tomography neuroradiological follow‐up study of 56 cases diagnosed clinically as Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fujisawa Kohshiro , Tsunoda Sadaharu , Hino Hiroaki , Shibuya Katsuhiko , Takeda Ayako , Aoki Naoya
Published: December 2015

Background

Some 200 patients, including those with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, stay year‐round in Yokohama – Houyuu Hospital. They undergo computed tomography (CT) neuroradiological examination at least once or twice a year. For this study, the accumulative data, including clinical and neuroradiological, were analyzed.

Methods

Differential diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease were performed in accordance with the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria. The 56 patients (15 men, 41 women) included in this study underwent in‐hospital observation on average for 4.4 years (range: 1–10 years). The patients were classified into four groups according to the age of disease onset. The CT findings were summarized for each group and then compared among the groups to determine if there were any differences related to age of onset and, if so, to identify and analyze them.

Results

(1) The duration of deceased cases' total clinical course (in years) compared among the four groups. In general, the degree of dementia was more severe among those with earlier disease onset. (2) In cases admitted within 2 years from onset (n =14), the suspected initiating focus of cortical atrophy occurred in the frontal lobe (n = 6), the temporal lobe (n = 6), or the fronto‐temporal lobes (n = 2). (3) Although CT findings generally showed that the more severe cases had earlier onset, serial CT examinations in each case showed widely different pathologies in degree, nature and manner of progression, regardless of group classification. (4) The earliest sites of brain atrophy, sites of its severest involvement within the brain, and neuroradiological development of the cerebral cortex pathology in combination with hemispheric white matter, lateral ventricles, and third ventricles varied among the four groups and between case within each group. Alzheimer's disease could not be subclassified simply by the age of clinical onset.

Conclusion

Cases of so‐called Alzheimer's disease, as observed through continued clinical follow‐up and serial CT examinations, appear so diverse in symptomatology and radiological pathomorphology that it is difficult to consider them a single nosological entity. The pathology of Alzheimer's disease has to be reconsidered in accordance with the variety observed in the sequential development of neuroradiological findings. The pathology must be reconstructed in terms of topographical dimensions and chronological developments. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease appears to be not so simple based on any conventional diagnostic operational standards.
Pride and Moral Responsibility
Authors: Fischer Jeremy
Published: December 2015

Having the emotion of pride requires taking oneself to stand in some special relation to the object of pride. According to agency accounts of this pride relation, the self and the object of pride are suitably related just in case one is morally responsible for the existence or excellence of the object of one's pride. I argue that agency accounts fail. This argument provides a strong prima facie defence of an alternate account of pride, according to which the self and the object of pride are suitably related just in case one's relation to the object of pride indicates that one's life accords with some of one's personal ideals. I conclude that the pride relation, though distinct from the relation of moral responsibility, is nonetheless a relation of philosophical interest that merits further attention.

… the objects which excite these passions [pride and humility], are very numerous, and seemingly very different from each other. Pride or self‐esteem may arise from the qualities of the mind; wit, good‐sense, learning, courage, integrity: from those of the body; beauty, strength, agility, good mien, address in dancing, riding, fencing: from external advantages; country, family, children, relations, riches, houses, gardens, horses, dogs, cloaths. [I] afterwards proceed to find out that common circumstance, in which all these objects agree, and which causes them to operate on the passions.

—David Hume
BMPR2 gene delivery reduces mutation‐related PAH and counteracts TGF‐β‐mediated pulmonary cell signalling
Authors: Feng Feng , Harper Rebecca L , Reynolds Paul N
Published: December 2015

Background and objective

Idiopathic, familial and secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are associated with reduced bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2) expression, and in some contexts, TGF‐β upregulation. Our aims were to assess BMPR2 gene therapy in a PAH mouse model and to assess the impact on TGF‐β signalling.

Methods

Using a targeted in vivo gene delivery approach, we assessed the impact of BMPR2 gene delivery in a transgenic mouse model in which PAH was first induced by doxycycline driven expression of a dominant negative BMPR2 mutant (R899X). We also assessed the impact of BMPR2 gene delivery on TGF‐β‐induced changes in cell signalling in human pulmonary vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

Results

In the mouse model, changes in TGF‐β levels were not detected, but BMPR2 gene delivery reversed the increase in right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP) and Fulton Index (FI), associated with a trend to increased pulmonary endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression. In vitro, BMPR2 gene transfer reduced TGF‐β effects on Smad2, Smad1/5/8 and Erk1/2 phosphorylation in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (HPASMC). BMPR2 was also found to upregulate nitric oxide (NO) production in lung derived human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC‐L).

Conclusion

This study provides further evidence that BMPR2 modulation may have therapeutic potential.

See Editorial, page 406
Prevalence of xerostomia in an adolescent inpatient psychiatric clinic: a preliminary study
Authors: Kaur Manvir , Himadi Elaine , Chi Donald L.
Published: December 2015

Objective

Adolescents with psychiatric conditions may be at risk for xerostomia. In this preliminary study, we estimated xerostomia prevalence in adolescents ages 9 to 17 years from an inpatient psychiatric clinic (N = 25) and examined whether: (1) gender and age were associated with xerostomia and (2) xerostomia was associated with self‐reported cavities.

Methods

We used a modified 11‐item Xerostomia Index to identify xerostomia (no/yes) and asked if adolescents ever had or currently have cavities (no/yes).

Results

The mean age was 14 years (SD = 2.3) and 72% were male. Sixty percent reported xerostomia (SD = 50). There were no significant associations between xerostomia and gender (p = 0.99) or age (p = 0.66), or between xerostomia and past (p = 0.26) or current cavities (p = 0.11). Larger proportions of adolescents with xerostomia reported previous and current cavities.

Conclusions

Sixty percent of adolescents from an inpatient psychiatric clinic reported having xerostomia, which may lead to increased caries risk over time. Additional research should examine the prevalence and consequences of xerostomia in high‐risk adolescents.
The effect of overhead target on the lower limb biomechanics during a vertical drop jump test in elite female athletes
Authors: Mok K‐M. , Bahr R. , Krosshaug T.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of an overhead target on the jump height and lower limb biomechanics in all three planes of motion in a vertical drop jump (VDJ) task among elite female handball and football (soccer) players. The hypothesis was that adding an overhead target to the VDJ task improves jump height, increases joint loading, and decreases frontal plane knee control. Five hundred and twenty‐three female handball and football players (mean ± SD: 21 ± 4 years, 168 ± 6 cm, 65 ± 8 kg) completed the test. The overhead target increased jumping height by 5.8%. Furthermore, the overhead target led to statistically significant changes in many of the lower limb biomechanical variables examined. However, all the changes in kinematics and kinetics were clinically insignificant, as indicated by the small effect sizes. Strong to moderate positive Spearman's rank correlations were found between the two conditions. Therefore, an overhead target is unlikely to increase the range of responses in biomechanical variables in elite female handball and football athletes.
Identification of a new HLA‐A*24 allele, A*24:309, in an Italian bone marrow donor
Authors: Sciarrino R. , Putignano A. L. , Biagini C. , Rombolà G. , Curcio M.
Published: December 2015

A novel class I human leukocyte antigen allele HLA‐A*24:309 is described.
Genomic sequence of HLA‐B*41:43, a new HLA‐B allele generated by an intralocus recombination mechanism
Authors: Santos S. , Azkarate M. , Eguizabal C. , Balas A. , Vicario J. L.
Published: December 2015

HLA‐B*41:43 has been generated by an intralocus recombination comprising B*41:02:01 and a B*14, 38, or 67 allele.