bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental logging alters the abundance and community composition of ovipositing mosquitoes in the southern Appalachians
Authors: Hopkins M. Camille , Thomason Courtney A. , Brown Bryan L. , Kirkpatrick Laila T. , Paulson Sally L. , Hawley Dana M.
Published: March 2018

1. The loss of intact forest via logging can influence vector‐borne disease dynamics in part by altering the abundance or diversity of mosquito species. Using an experimental field approach, we characterised how two types of logging (clearcut and repeat‐entry shelterwood) affected temperate forest mosquito abundance and diversity in southwestern Virginia.

2.From May to September in 2008–2010, infusion‐baited gravid traps were used to collect ovipositing female mosquitoes across experimental forest plots that varied in logging treatment. Of the 29 680 collected adult female mosquitoes, the three dominant taxa captured wereAedes triseriatus(55%),Aedes japonicus(21%), andCulex pipiens/restuans(20%).

3. Logging treatment had a significant effect on the overall number of female mosquitoes caught per trap night, with lower average abundance of females on both logged treatments relative to two types of unlogged, control plots. When the three most abundant mosquito species were examined separately, logging treatment significantly influenced the abundance of bothAedesspecies, but did not significantly affectC. pipiens/restuansabundance.

4. Logging treatment did not influence the richness or diversity of mosquito species captured in gravid traps. However, logging treatment significantly altered the multivariate community composition of captured mosquitoes, an effect probably mediated by differential species‐specific impacts of logging on abundance.

5. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that the risk of arboviruses transmitted by container‐breedingAedesspecies may be lower following a logging event in Appalachian forests because of reducedA. japonicusandA. triseriatusabundance with logging.
Molecular and morphological identification of the mealybug, Phenacoccus solani Ferris (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): first report in Egypt
Authors: Dewer Y. , Abdel‐Fattah R. S. , Schneider S. A.
Published: March 2018

During the summer and autumn of 2016, pumpkins, Cucurbita spp. (Cucurbitaceae), were observed to be infested by mealybug species. Populations were collected on various pumpkin fruits from Rosetta, a port city at the North‐Western Nile River delta, Lower Egypt. This study aimed to identify the principle mealybug species infesting the major pumpkin‐producing regions in Egypt, by molecular and morphological characterization. DNA from 15 specimens and morphological data from 22 specimens were used to confirm the identity of the mealybug species. The species present were identified as Phenacoccus solani Ferris, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, and Planococcus citri (Risso). This is the first record of Phenacoccus solani Ferris (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Egypt.
Balearic lizards use chemical cues from a complex deceptive mimicry to capture attracted pollinators
Authors: Pérez‐Cembranos Ana , Pérez‐Mellado Valentín , Cooper William E.
Published: March 2018

Deceptive flowers from several plant species emit odors that mimic oviposition cues and attract female insects seeking for a laying site. Helicodiceros muscivorus is a species that emits an odor mimicking the foul smell of rotting meat and thereby attracts blowflies that usually oviposit on carcasses but are deceived into pollinating the plant. Thus, H. muscivorus is a striking case of pollination by brood‐site deception. The Balearic lizard, Podarcis lilfordi, exhibits remarkable interactions with dead horse arum. Balearic lizards, which sometimes forage on carcasses, are attracted to blooming dead horse arum. We showed experimentally that P. lilfordi can detect chemical cues from carcasses on cotton swabs and exhibits elevated tongue‐flick rates to carcass chemical cues compared to control stimuli. Lizards also detected and located hidden carcasses using only airborne chemical cues. The responses of lizards to chemical cues from the spadix of blooming dead horse arum were qualitatively and quantitatively similar to those to carcass odors. Therefore, the decay‐like odor that attracts blowflies for the plant's benefit also attracts lizards. This attraction may initially have been somewhat favorable for lizards that eat blowflies, but slightly unfavorable for plants because the lizards ate some pollinators. We suggest that lizards attracted by odor may have learned later to use the plant for thermoregulation and then consume its fruits, making the association more positive for lizards and benefitted arum by seed dispersal.
Different colour morphs of the poison frog Andinobates bombetes (Dendrobatidae) are similarly effective visual predator deterrents
Authors: Casas‐Cardona Santiago , Márquez Roberto , Vargas‐Salinas Fernando
Published: March 2018

Aposematism is the use of warning signals to advertise unpleasant or dangerous defences to potential predators. As the effectiveness of this strategy depends on predator learning, little variation is expected in aposematic warning signals, as similar signals facilitate predator learning. However, warning signals are frequently variable in aposematic species. Such variability could arise as a result of geographic variation in the interpretation that local predators give warning signals. We tested this divergent learning hypothesis in the polytypic poison frog Andinobates bombetes (Anura: Dendrobatidae), focusing on visual predators. Our study was conducted in two populations of this species located in the Western Andes of Colombia, where individuals at some localities exhibit red dorsolateral stripes, while those in others exhibit yellow dorsolateral stripes. We deployed paraffin models imitating both forms of A. bombetes in size and colouration, as well as dull‐coloured controls, at sites inhabited by either red‐striped or yellow‐striped frogs. Red and yellow models were attacked at similar rates at both sites, and brown models were attacked more frequently at one of the sites. These results suggest that red and yellow colourations function as similarly effective aposematic signals for primarily visual predators, regardless of the form previously experienced by these predators. Therefore, our results do not support the hypothesis of divergent predator learning as a driver of the polytypism present in this species. Finally, we discuss other mechanisms that may be involved in the evolution and maintenance of this polytypism.
Who is in the neighborhood? Conspecific and heterospecific responses to perceived density for breeding habitat selection
Authors: Kelly Janice K. , Chiavacci Scott J. , Benson Thomas J. , Ward Michael P.
Published: March 2018

Theoretical models of habitat selection often incorporate negative density dependence. Despite strong negative density‐dependent effects on habitat selection, more recent studies indicate that animals settle near members of their own (conspecific) and other species (heterospecific) when selecting habitat with social cues. Social cue use for habitat selection is particularly common among songbirds, but few studies have investigated if songbirds use social cues to assess conspecific or heterospecific density (as opposed to just presence/absence) when making settlement decisions. We conducted a playback experiment to evaluate if yellow warblers (Setophaga petechia) and willow flycatchers (Empidonax traillii), two potential competitors for breeding habitat, use social cues to assess density (conspecific for warblers and heterospecific for flycatchers) when selecting breeding locations at two spatial scales. We simulated yellow warbler density to be high or low at multiple treatment plots (3.14 ha) with song playback and then evaluated settlement decisions by comparing yellow warbler and willow flycatcher abundances across plots (broad‐scale habitat selection) and individual space use within plots (fine‐scale territory establishment). Yellow warbler density treatments did not affect habitat selection by yellow warblers at the broad scale, but caused individuals to cluster territories at high‐density treatments. Willow flycatchers were most abundant at high‐density treatment plots, but yellow warbler density treatments did not affect territory locations. The results indicate that perceived density affects the habitat selection process for both conspecifics and heterospecifics.
Predatory risk increased due to egg‐brooding in Armadillidium vulgare (Isopoda: Oniscidea)
Authors: Suzuki Seizi , Futami Kyoko
Published: March 2018

Cost of reproduction is associated with a reduction in subsequent survival or future breeding success. A decrease in survival rate of parents during or after reproduction reduces the probability of their future reproduction. However, few studies have demonstrated such survival costs to parents. Females of Armadillidium vulgare hold their eggs in a marsupium and brood these until the young hatch. Caring for eggs in a marsupium seems to place a large burden on brooding females, and it restricts their predator avoidance behaviour. As such, costs of care may increase the mortality rates of brooding females. To reveal the costs of parental care, we examined the effects of egg brooding on behaviour and predation risk. Egg‐brooding females decreased speed of locomotion and rolling duration, and were killed by predators at a higher rate. Our results indicate that egg brooding in A. vulgare has costs in the form of predation risk.
Foraging plasticity in obligate corallivorous Melon butterflyfish across three recently bleached reefs
Authors: Zambre Amod M. , Arthur Rohan
Published: March 2018

Because obligate corallivorous butterflyfish feed exclusively on coral polyps, they are particularly sensitive to changes in coral cover and its spatial distribution. To understand how such differences in coral cover influence obligate corallivores, we examined the densities and foraging behavior of Melon butterflyfish Chaetodon trifasciatus across three reefs in the Lakshadweep archipelago. These reefs suffered differential bleaching mortality after the 2010 El Niño Southern Oscillation, resulting in wide variation in coral cover and community composition. Despite these differences, C. trifasciatus were able to persist at similar densities across reefs. However, our analysis of high‐resolution video recordings of multiple focal fish revealed that time budgets, bite rates, and diet selectivity differed significantly. Fish in resource‐poor reefs spent more time moving between coral patches and less time foraging than ones in relatively resource‐rich reefs. We also found that fish in resource‐poor reefs had higher bite rates and were less selective in their foraging. Our results provide novel insights into how obligate corallivores cope with even large differences in resource availability. At a time when we are rapidly losing corals to repeated climate‐induced bleaching events, this flexibility may represent a critical mechanism that enables persistence of obligate corallivores in resource‐poor reefs, even if it does not guarantee longer‐term survival.
Multi‐trophic response to invasive silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in a large floodplain river
Authors: DeBoer Jason A. , Anderson Alison M. , Casper Andrew F.
Published: March 2018

Invasive species can produce complex and unpredictable effects across multiple trophic levels through a combination of direct and indirect pathways. Invasive silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) exert substantial pressure on the link between primary production and intermediate trophic levels in large rivers of the Midwestern USA. The goal of our manuscript was to describe the silver carp population invasion in the Illinois River (Illinois, USA) and explore the potential effects of silver carp on the native biota.

We obtained 22 years of data from three long‐term monitoring programmes for phytoplankton, zooplankton, and age‐0 and adult native fishes. To determine when silver carp started affecting native biota, we used nonlinear regression to estimate the change point in silver carp biomass. We then used piecewise linear regression to separately model the response of phytoplankton and age‐0 and adult native fishes, using the model‐estimated change point in silver carp biomass. We tested for differences in taxon‐specific zooplankton density and biomass between pre‐ and post‐establishment periods using generalised linear models. To explore associations between native biota, silver carp and other potential drivers, we used single‐factor linear‐regression models in an information theoretic‐based approach.

Our analysis showed individual silver carp condition decreased while their population numbers and biomass increased during their establishment in the Illinois River. Concurrently, analysis of 22 years of producer and consumer abundance and biomass data shows phytoplankton density and macrozooplankton density and biomass decreased—zooplankton by over 90%—during the same period, though the responses of age‐0 native fish biomass and adult native fish biomass were more nuanced.

Our study provides compelling evidence of multiple trophic‐level effects from the silver carp invasion in North America and highlights the importance of long‐term data collection and monitoring. Our research shows managers that zooplankton and perhaps phytoplankton are quickly and negatively affected by silver carp, which may eventually cascade into higher trophic levels over longer timescales.
Alpine glacial relict species losing out to climate change: The case of the fragmented mountain hare population (Lepus timidus) in the Alps
Authors: Rehnus Maik , Bollmann Kurt , Schmatz Dirk R. , Hackländer Klaus , Braunisch Veronika
Published: March 2018

Alpine and Arctic species are considered to be particularly vulnerable to climate change, which is expected to cause habitat loss, fragmentation and—ultimately—extinction of cold‐adapted species. However, the impact of climate change on glacial relict populations is not well understood, and specific recommendations for adaptive conservation management are lacking. We focused on the mountain hare (Lepus timidus) as a model species and modelled species distribution in combination with patch and landscape‐based connectivity metrics. They were derived from graph‐theory models to quantify changes in species distribution and to estimate the current and future importance of habitat patches for overall population connectivity. Models were calibrated based on 1,046 locations of species presence distributed across three biogeographic regions in the Swiss Alps and extrapolated according to two IPCC scenarios of climate change (RCP 4.5 & 8.5), each represented by three downscaled global climate models. The models predicted an average habitat loss of 35% (22%–55%) by 2100, mainly due to an increase in temperature during the reproductive season. An increase in habitat fragmentation was reflected in a 43% decrease in patch size, a 17% increase in the number of habitat patches and a 34% increase in inter‐patch distance. However, the predicted changes in habitat availability and connectivity varied considerably between biogeographic regions: Whereas the greatest habitat losses with an increase in inter‐patch distance were predicted at the southern and northern edges of the species’ Alpine distribution, the greatest increase in patch number and decrease in patch size is expected in the central Swiss Alps. Finally, both the number of isolated habitat patches and the number of patches crucial for maintaining the habitat network increased under the different variants of climate change. Focusing conservation action on the central Swiss Alps may help mitigate the predicted effects of climate change on population connectivity.
Should Forecasters Use Real-Time Data to Evaluate Leading Indicator Models for GDP Prediction? German Evidence
Authors: Heinisch Katja , Scheufele Rolf
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we investigate whether differences exist among forecasts using real-time or latest-available data to predict gross domestic product (GDP). We employ mixed-frequency models and real-time data to reassess the role of surveys and financial data relative to industrial production and orders in Germany. Although we find evidence that forecast characteristics based on real-time and final data releases differ, we also observe minimal impacts on the relative forecasting performance of indicator models. However, when obtaining the optimal combination of soft and hard data, the use of final release data may understate the role of survey information.
Hyperactivation of Nrf2 leads to hypoplasia of bone in vivo
Authors: Yoshida Eiki , Suzuki Takafumi , Morita Masanobu , Taguchi Keiko , Tsuchida Kohei , Motohashi Hozumi , Doita Minoru , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: March 2018

Keap1 is a negative regulator of Nrf2, a master transcription factor that regulates cytoprotection against oxidative and electrophilic stresses. Although several studies have suggested that the Keap1‐Nrf2 system contributes to bone formation besides the maintenance of redox homeostasis, how Nrf2 hyperactivation by Keap1 deficiency affects the bone formation remains to be explored, as the Keap1‐null mice are juvenile lethal. To overcome this problem, we used viable Keap1‐deficient mice that we have generated by deleting the esophageal Nrf2 in Keap1‐null mice (NEKO mice). We found that the NEKO mice exhibit small body size and low bone density. Although nephrogenic diabetes insipidus has been observed in both the NEKO mice and renal‐specific Keap1‐deficient mice, the skeletal phenotypes are not recapitulated in the renal‐specific Keap1‐deficient mice, suggesting that the skeletal phenotype by Nrf2 hyperactivation is not related to the renal phenotype. Experiments with primary culture cells derived from Keap1‐null mice showed that differentiation of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts was attenuated, showing that impaired differentiation of osteoblasts rather than osteoclasts is responsible for bone hypoplasia caused by Nrf2 hyperactivation. Thus, we propose that the appropriate control of Nrf2 activity by Keap1 is essential for maintaining bone homeostasis.
Individualized PK‐based prophylaxis in severe haemophilia
Authors: Dargaud Y. , Delavenne X. , Hart D.P. , Meunier S. , Mismetti P.
Published: March 2018

Over the past decades, haemophilia management has continually evolved, with prophylaxis now considered the treatment of choice. Prophylaxis primarily seeks to prevent bleeding and haemarthrosis episodes from occurring and avert the otherwise inevitable haemophilic arthropathy. Yet, numerous unanswered issues remain. These concern dose levels, dosing intervals, ways of integrating variability in bleeding phenotype, patient age, joint status, lifestyle, physical activity, treatment adherence and individual responses toFVIIIorFIXconcentrates. Individualized prophylaxis may thus be paramount. One crucial tool that may allow more accurate prophylaxis regimens to be implemented is the individual pharmacokinetic (PK) study. Therefore, physicians in charge of managing those living with haemophilia must be comfortable withPKprofiling in order to be in a position to tailor patients’ treatment, taking into accountPKdata, while minimizing patients’ inconvenience, discomfort, as well as, possibly, treatment costs. For optimization of prophylaxis, recent development of recombinant molecules with more attractivePKproperties, such as prolonged elimination half‐life, increases the choice of dosing regimens, enabling decreased frequency of dosing for some, if deemed appropriate. For each patient,PKparameters can be determined, including trough levels,AUC, and time spent under a predefined threshold, with additional pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters possibly established by means of a global coagulation test like the thrombin generation test. Most importantly, targetPK/PDparameters will need to consider clinical variables like patient age, body weight, joint status, treatment adherence, number of bleeding episodes, activity index or lifestyle.
In vitro characterization of MOD‐5014, a novel long‐acting carboxy‐terminal peptide (CTP)‐modified activated FVII
Authors: Bar‐Ilan A. , Livnat T. , Hoffmann M. , Binder L. , Zakar M. , Guy R. , Felikman Y. , Moschcovich L. , Shenkman B. , Monroe D. , Hershkovitz O. , Kenet G. , Hart G.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Recombinant FVIIa (rFVIIa) is an effective treatment for haemophilia through frequent administration. However, the short half‐life of rFVIIa decreases its prophylactic ability to reduce bleeding. Carboxy‐terminal peptide (CTP)‐modified FVIIa (MOD‐5014) is a long‐acting rFVIIa developed for on‐demand treatment of haemophilia using either an intravenous or subcutaneous injection with the aim of less frequent administrations, as well as for prophylactic use.

Aim

The comprehensive evaluation of the activity MOD‐5014 vs commercially available rhFVIIa, as well as their interaction with cofactors and inhibitors.

Methods

The in vitro characterization included clotting activity, affinity by surface plasmon resonance, cleavage of synthetic substrates, thrombin generation (TG) and rotation thromboelastometry.

Results

Reduced specific activity was obtained for MOD‐5014 compared to rhFVIIa, while both compounds demonstrated comparable affinity to tissue factor (TF). MOD‐5014 showed reduced TG when spiked at a similar concentration as rhFVIIa, suggesting that an increased concentration might be needed in a clinical setting to provide initial haemostatic effect. MOD‐5014 demonstrated a slightly lower affinity for binding to activated platelets and slightly lower proteolytic activity on the platelet surface, possibly as the fusion of CTP has the potential to sterically hinder binding to both the platelet membrane and to protein substrates. Both compounds showed a similar dose‐dependent stimulatory effect on clot formation, and both showed a similar deactivation pattern following incubation with TF pathway inhibitor (TFPI), antithrombin and heparin.

Conclusion

The comparable in vitro activity of MOD‐5014 and rhFVIIa paves the way for in vivo pharmacology evaluations of MOD‐5014 in preparation for clinical studies.
High birthweight is associated with increased prevalence of dental caries in Japanese children
Authors: Hisano K , Tanaka K , Nagata C , Arakawa M , Miyake Y
Published: March 2018

Objective

We determined the prevalence of dental caries in 3‐year‐old Japanese children in a cross‐sectional study and analysed its associations with birthweight, gestational age and birthweight for gestational age among the study subjects.

Methods

Study subjects were 6327 children. Their parents or guardians completed our study questionnaire with information on birth conditions and oral examinations taken from their Maternal and Child Health Handbooks, as documented by medical personnel at the hospital, clinic or public health centre. Children with one or more primary teeth that had either decayed or been filled were categorized as having caries.

Results

The prevalence of dental caries was 14.7%. We found a significant association between high birthweight (≥4000 g) and a higher prevalence of caries, compared with normal birthweight (2500‐3999 g). Low birthweight (<2500 g) was not associated with dental caries prevalence. In addition, no measurable associations between gestational age or birthweight for gestational age and caries prevalence were observed.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that high birthweight might increase the likelihood of dental caries in children.
Effective association between audit committees and the internal audit function and its impact on financial reporting quality: Empirical evidence from Omani listed firms
Authors: Gebrayel Elias , Jarrar Hajer , Salloum Charbel , Lefebvre Quentin
Published: March 2018

The role of the audit committee in oversight of the internal control and internal audit function has grown in the last decades as corporate governance mechanisms after the dramatic scandals and failures. This paper examines the impact of the audit committee and the presence of internal audit function on a company's financial reporting quality. Moreover, this study focus on the association between the audit committee and internal audit function and company's financial reporting quality measured as accruals quality and absolute discretionary accruals. It is hypothesized that the financial reporting quality is related to the strength of internal corporate governance mechanisms, including audit committee and internal audit and its association. Different mechanisms are being examined: audit committee size and independence, frequency of meeting, financial literacy, existence of internal audit function and its meeting independently. To test our hypothesis, we employ panel data analysis for 71 nonfinancial firms through 139 observations listed on the Muscat Securities Market during the period of 2013 and 2014. The data used in the analysis were collected from the companies' annual reports published by the Muscat Securities Market. Ordinary least squares is used to regress financial reporting quality linear variables on audit committee and internal audit. The findings suggest that audit committee meetings frequency and the presence of internal audit function positively affect a company's financial reporting quality. Hence, an audit committee that meets more frequently provides effective monitoring of financial reporting and increases the likelihood of discussing and following up any problems and findings in the financial statements and audit reports. Thus, frequent audit committee meetings provide better oversight of the annual accounts. Likewise, the internal audit function is considered an important corporate governance mechanism to safeguard the quality of financial reporting by monitoring organizational risks, assessing internal controls and detecting possible manipulation because the internal auditor evaluates financial procedures. However, results suggest that the relationship between other corporate governance mechanisms and financial reporting quality is not significant.
Caring for a patient with delirium in an acute hospital: The lived experience of cardiology, elderly care, renal, and respiratory nurses
Authors: Brooke Joanne , Manneh Claire
Published: March 2018

Aims

To explore the lived experience of caring for a patient during an acute episode of delirium by nurses working in cardiology, elderly care, renal, or respiratory specialities.

Background

A missed or delayed diagnosis of delirium in an acute hospital setting adversely impacts on patient outcomes. Nurses are the best placed health care professionals to identify a change in patient's cognitive status but struggle to do so.

Design

Inductive interpretative phenomenology.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with nurses working in an acute hospital in England between November 2016 and March 2017 (n = 23). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Three themes were identified: (i) “sometimes delirium is confusing”, difficultly in differentiating between delirium and dementia; (ii) “everyone in the ward was looking after him”, a need for collaborative working to provide harm free care; and (iii) “he was aggressive with us, but after treatment he was a gentleman”, acceptance and tolerance of aggression.

Conclusion

The need for education across specialities, with a combination of classroom and simulation teaching. Alongside, the development of structures to support the development of nursing teamwork and reporting of near miss incidents that occur with patients during an episode of delirium.
How Do Workers’ Remittances Respond to Lending Rates?
Authors: Hassan Gazi M. , Holmes Mark J.
Published: March 2018

The literature on migrants’ motivation to remit ranges from self‐interest to altruism where studies analyse the impact from home country interest rates or interest differentials between home and host countries. We reinterpret the interest rate elasticity of remittances as a form of debt‐repayment responsiveness rather than based on opportunistic motivation. Modelling altruistic transfer and debt‐repayment, we find that, for a panel of countries, the long‐run responsiveness of remittances to changes in real lending rates is negative. This suggests that an expansionary (contractionary) monetary policy is most likely to lead to an increase (reduction) in remittances in the long‐run. In contrast to this, the short‐run impact of interest rate changes on remittances is positive.
US Fiscal Policy and Asset Prices: The Role of Partisan Conflict
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Lau Chi Keung Marco , Miller Stephen M. , Wohar Mark E.
Published: March 2018

Fiscal policy shocks exert wide‐reaching effects, including movements in asset markets. US politics have been characterized historically by a high degree of partisan conflict. The combination of increasing polarization and divided government leads not only to significant Congressional gridlock, but also to spells of high fiscal policy uncertainty. This paper adds to the literature on the relationships between fiscal policy and asset prices in the US economy conditional on the degree of partisan conflict. We analyze whether a higher degree of partisan conflict (legislative gridlock) reduces the efficacy of the effect and response of fiscal policy on and to asset price movements, respectively. We find that partisan conflict does not significantly affect the relationships between the fiscal surplus to gross domestic product (GDP) and housing and equity returns. Rather, if important, partisan conflict affects the actual implementation of fiscal policy actions.
Enabling openness of valuable information resources: Curbing data subtractability and exclusion
Authors: Vassilakopoulou Polyxeni , Skorve Espen , Aanestad Margunn
Published: March 2018

In this paper we investigate how data openness can be made possible in communal settings. We adopt a utility perspective that foregrounds the use value of data, conceptualizing them as “goods.” On the basis of this conceptualization we explore 2 key goods' attributes: subtractability and exclusion. Our theoretical basis is built upon concepts from the theory of the commons, power theorizing, and notions related to data and information. Empirically, we investigate openness in the genetics domain through a longitudinal study of the evolving communal infrastructure for data related to 2 genes influencing women's susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2). We follow the continuously shifting “topology” of the BRCA information infrastructure and trace the multiple repositories that are put in place and the different arrangements for data collection, curation/quality assurance, access, and control that are tried out. In our analysis, we illustrate the actors' strategies for curbing the subtractability and exclusion attributes of data. We then propose a theoretically informed and empirically grounded framework that can guide understanding and action taking to enable data openness.
Fabrication and properties of Cf/ZrC‐SiC‐based composites by an improved reactive melt infiltration
Authors: Ni De‐Wei , Wang Jing‐Xiao , Dong Shao‐Ming , Chen Xiao‐Wu , Kan Yan‐Mei , Zhou Hai‐Jun , Gao Le , Zhang Xiang‐Yu
Published: March 2018

Cf/ZrC‐SiC composites with a density of 2.52 g/cm3 and a porosity of 1.68% were fabricated via reactive melt infiltration (RMI) of Si into nano‐porous Cf/ZrC‐C preforms. The nano‐porous Cf/ZrC‐C preforms were prepared through a colloid process, with a ZrC “protective coating” formed surrounding the carbon fibers. Consequently, highly dense Cf/ZrC‐SiC composites without evident fiber/interphase degradation were obtained. Moreover, abundant needle‐shaped ZrSi2 grains were formed in the composites. Benefiting from this unique microstructure, flexural strength, and elastic modulus of the composites are as high as 380 MPa and 61 GPa, respectively, which are much higher than Cf/ZrC‐SiC composites prepared by conventional RMI.
Nanostructural characterization of Al(OH)3 formed during the hydration of calcium sulfoaluminate cement
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Chang Jun , Zhao Jiuye , Fang Yanfeng
Published: March 2018

Ye'elimite (Ca4Al6SO16) is a main mineral in calcium sulfoaluminate cements. Aluminum hydroxide is one of the products formed by hydration of ye'elimite. To characterize this phase, various aluminum hydroxides were synthesized from their chemical constituents using sol‐gel processing and compared with the aluminum hydroxide formed during the hydration of ye'elimite. The nanostructure of aluminum hydroxide formed during the hydration of ye'elimite was investigated in detail using X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, and 27Al magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. No evidence was observed that indicated the existence of amorphous aluminum hydroxide in the hydration of ye'elimite. The pH values, thermogravimetric analysis, particle morphology, and Al‐O coordination indicated that the aluminum hydroxide from the hydration of ye'elimite had a crystal‐like structure. The X‐ray diffraction analysis, particle sizes, and ion activity product showed that the aluminum hydroxide from the hydration of ye'elimite had a microcrystalline structure.
Fine‐scale genetic structure in an eastern Alpine black grouse Tetrao tetrix metapopulation
Authors: Sittenthaler Marcia , Kunz Florian , Szymusik Aneta , Grünschachner‐Berger Veronika , Krumböck Susanne , Stauffer Christian , Nopp‐Mayr Ursula
Published: March 2018

Understanding genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation is crucial for the management and conservation of wildlife populations, especially in case of species sensitive to environmental changes and landscape alteration. In central Europe, the Alps are the core area of black grouse Tetrao tetrix distribution. There, black grouse dispersal is limited by high altitude mountain ridges and recent black grouse habitats are known to show some degree of natural fragmentation. Additionally, substantial anthropogenic fragmentation has occurred within the past ninety years. Facing losses of peripheral subpopulations and ongoing range contractions, we explored genetic variability and the fine‐scale genetic structure of the Alpine black grouse metapopulation at the easternmost fringe of the species’ Alpine range. Two hundred and fifty tissue samples and non‐invasive faecal and feather samples of eleven a priori defined subpopulations were used for genetic analysis based on nine microsatellite loci. Overall, eastern Alpine black grouse show similar amounts of genetic variation (HO = 0.65, HE = 0.66) to those found in more continuous populations like in Scandinavia. Despite of naturally and anthropogenically fragmented landscapes, genetic structuring was weak (global FST < 0.05), suggesting that the actual intensity of habitat fragmentation does not completely hamper dispersal, but probably restricts it to some extent. The most peripheral subpopulations at the edge of the species range show signs of genetic differentiation. The present study gives new insights into the population genetic structure of black grouse in the eastern Alps and provides a more fine‐scale view of genetic structure than previously available. Our findings will contribute to monitor the current and future status of the population under human pressures and to support supra‐regional land use planning as well as decision making processes in responsibilities of public administration.
Differences in proliferation rate between CADASIL and control vascular smooth muscle cells are related to increased TGFβ expression
Authors: Panahi Mahmod , Yousefi Mesri Naeimeh , Samuelsson Eva‐Britt , Coupland Kirsten G. , Forsell Charlotte , Graff Caroline , Tikka Saara , Winblad Bengt , Viitanen Matti , Karlström Helena , Sundström Erik , Behbahani Homira
Published: March 2018

Cerebral autosomal‐dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a familial fatal progressive degenerative disorder. One of the pathological hallmarks of CADASIL is a dramatic reduction of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in cerebral arteries. Using VSMCs from the vasculature of the human umbilical cord, placenta and cerebrum of CADASIL patients, we found that CADASIL VSMCs had a lower proliferation rate compared to control VSMCs. Exposure of control VSMCs and endothelial cells (ECs) to media derived from CADASIL VSMCs lowered the proliferation rate of all cells examined. By quantitative RT‐PCR analysis, we observed increased Transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) gene expression in CADASIL VSMCs. Adding TGFβ‐neutralizing antibody restored the proliferation rate of CADASIL VSMCs. We assessed proliferation differences in the presence or absence of TGFβ‐neutralizing antibody in ECs co‐cultured with VSMCs. ECs co‐cultured with CADASIL VSMCs exhibited a lower proliferation rate than those co‐cultured with control VSMCs, and neutralization of TGFβ normalized the proliferation rate of ECs co‐cultured with CADASIL VSMCs. We suggest that increased TGFβ expression in CADASIL VSMCs is involved in the reduced VSMC proliferation in CADASIL and may play a role in situ in altered proliferation of neighbouring cells in the vasculature.
Host association influences variation at salivary protein genes in the bat ectoparasite Cimex adjunctus
Authors: Talbot Benoit , Vonhof Maarten J. , Broders Hugh G. , Fenton Brock , Keyghobadi Nusha
Published: March 2018

Parasite–host relationships create strong selection pressures that can lead to adaptation and increasing specialization of parasites to their hosts. Even in relatively loose host–parasite relationships, such as between generalist ectoparasites and their hosts, we may observe some degree of specialization of parasite populations to one of the multiple potential hosts. Salivary proteins are used by blood‐feeding ectoparasites to prevent hemostasis in the host and maximize energy intake. We investigated the influence of association with specific host species on allele frequencies of salivary protein genes in Cimex adjunctus, a generalist blood‐feeding ectoparasite of bats in North America. We analysed two salivary protein genes: an apyrase, which hydrolyses ATP at the feeding site and thus inhibits platelet aggregation, and a nitrophorin, which brings nitrous oxide to the feeding site, inhibiting platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction. We observed more variation at both salivary protein genes among parasite populations associated with different host species than among populations from different spatial locations associated with the same host species. The variation in salivary protein genes among populations on different host species was also greater than expected under a neutral scenario of genetic drift and gene flow. Finally, host species was an important predictor of allelic divergence in genotypes of individual C. adjunctus at both salivary protein genes. Our results suggest differing selection pressures on these two salivary protein genes in C. adjunctus depending on the host species.
Drug safety and big clinical data: Detection of drug‐induced anaphylactic shock events
Authors: Bouzillé Guillaume , Osmont Marie‐Noëlle , Triquet Louise , Grabar Natalia , Rochefort‐Morel Cécile , Chazard Emmanuel , Polard Elisabeth , Cuggia Marc
Published: March 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The spontaneous reporting system currently used in pharmacovigilance is not sufficiently exhaustive to detect all adverse drug reactions (ADRs). With the widespread use of electronic health records, biomedical data collected during the clinical care process can be reused and analysed to better detect ADRs. The aim of this study was to assess whether querying a Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW) could increase the detection of drug‐induced anaphylaxis.

Methods

All known cases of drug‐induced anaphylaxis that occurred or required hospitalization at Rennes Academic Hospital in 2011 (n = 19) were retrieved from the French pharmacovigilance database, which contains all reported ADR events. Then, from the Rennes Academic Hospital CDW, a training set (all patients hospitalized in 2011) and a test set (all patients hospitalized in 2012) were extracted. The training set was used to define an optimized query, by building a set of keywords (based on the known cases) and exclusion criteria to search structured and unstructured data within the CDW in order to identify at least all known cases of drug‐induced anaphylaxis for 2011. Then, the real performance of the optimized query was tested in the test set.

Results

Using the optimized query, 59 cases of drug‐induced anaphylaxis were identified among the 253 patient records extracted from the test set as possible anaphylaxis cases. Specifically, the optimal query identified 41 drug‐induced anaphylaxis cases that were not detected by searching the French pharmacovigilance database but missed 7 cases detected only by spontaneous reporting.

Discussion

We proposed an information retrieval‐based method for detecting drug‐induced anaphylaxis, by querying structured and unstructured data in a CDW. CDW queries are less specific than spontaneous reporting and Diagnosis‐related Groups queries, although their sensitivity is much higher. CDW queries can facilitate monitoring by pharmacovigilance experts. Our method could be easily incorporated in the routine practice.
Flavobacteria colonizing the early life stages of hatchery‐incubated Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum 1792) are markedly diverse
Authors: Loch T P , Faisal M
Published: March 2018

Flavobacterial diseases are significant impediments to hatchery‐based fishery conservation and aquaculture productivity worldwide. Recent studies revealed a multitude of novel flavobacteria within the reproductive fluids and unfertilized eggs of feral Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha broodstock, some of which were associated with systemic disease. Herein, embryonated eggs/fry from these broodstock were assayed for flavobacteria while in incubator stacks in three hatcheries over 2 years, as was the water entering hatchery incubators. Overall, >65% of sampled eggs and 38% of fry were colonized by flavobacteria. One hundred and ninety‐one egg and fry‐associated flavobacterial isolates were characterized phenotypically and via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, revealing that the majority fell into 22 clades (i.e., 15 Flavobacterium spp. groups and seven Chryseobacterium spp. groups) that varied in presence by facility. Although some matched previously described fish‐pathogenic species, the majority were distinct from all described flavobacteria and likely represent novel species. Of concern, iodophor disinfection at the commonly utilized dose/duration for egg‐surface disinfection did not eliminate flavobacteria. Results also implicated maternal routes of infection and source water for some flavobacteria. In total, study findings underscore the complexity of flavobacterial ecology within hatchery environments and highlight the need for improved hatchery biosecurity practices.
Insights into Roseburia intestinalis which alleviates experimental colitis pathology by inducing anti‐inflammatory responses
Authors: Shen Zhaohua , Zhu Changxin , Quan Yongsheng , Yang Jinming , Yuan Wei , Yang Zhenyu , Wu Shuai , Luo Weiwei , Tan Bei , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: March 2018

Background and Aim

The study aims to elucidate the anti‐inflammatory effect and mechanism of Roseburia intestinalis (R. intestinalis) in Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods

16S‐rRNA genome sequencing technique is used to detect the characteristics of intestinal microbiota in untreated CD patients and healthy controls. Then the study investigates the effects of R. intestinalis on disease activity index score, intestinal pathology, the differentiation of Treg cells, and the expressions of Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), TGF‐β and IL‐10 by using TNBS colitis models. At the cellular level, the study uses LPS to stimulate Caco‐2 cells to conduct inflammation models and then co‐culture with R. intestinalis and detect changes of TSLP and TGF‐β. The study then uses R. intestinalis to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and the change of Treg cells was detected.

Results

Genome sequencing of fecal samples from untreated CD patients (n = 10) revealed decreases in the abundance and diversity of intestinal microbiota, including R. intestinalis. Moreover, R. intestinalis reduced disease activity index scores, colon shortening, intestinal mucosal epithelial injury, and mucosal lymphocyte infiltration in a colitis mice model. It suppressed intestinal inflammation by increasing Treg cell numbers and expression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokines TSLP, TGF‐β, and interleukin‐10 (P < 0.05). R. intestinalis also increased secretion of TSLP and TGF‐β in lipopolysaccharide‐treated Caco‐2 cells.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that R. intestinalis suppresses CD pathogenesis by inducing anti‐inflammatory responses.
Backlighting the European Indium Recycling Potentials
Authors: Ciacci Luca , Werner Tim T. , Vassura Ivano , Passarini Fabrizio
Published: March 2018

With increased understanding of the effects of human activities on the environment and added awareness of the increasing societal value of natural resources, researchers have begun to focus on the characterization of elemental cycles. Indium has captured significant attention due to the potential for supply shortages and nonexistent recycling at end of life. Such a combination of potentially critical features is magnified for countries that depend on imports of indium, notably many European countries. With the aims of analyzing the dynamics of material flows and of estimating the magnitude of secondary indium sources available for recycling, the anthropogenic indium cycle in Europe has been investigated by material flow analysis. The results showed that the region is a major consumer of finished goods containing indium, and the cumulative addition of indium in urban mines was estimated at about 500 tonnes of indium. We discuss these results from the perspective of closing the metal cycle in the region. Securing access to critical raw materials is a priority for Europe, but the preference for recycling metal urban mines risks to remain only theoretical for indium unless innovations in waste collection and processing unlock the development of technologies that are economically feasible and environmentally sustainable.
Product/Service‐Systems for a Circular Economy: The Route to Decoupling Economic Growth from Resource Consumption?
Authors: Kjaer Louise Laumann , Pigosso Daniela C. A. , Niero Monia , Bech Nynne Marie , McAloone Tim C.
Published: March 2018

Product/service‐systems (PSS) that focus on selling service and performance instead of products are often mentioned as means to realize a circular economy (CE), in which economic growth is decoupled from resource consumption. However, a PSS is no implicit guarantee for a CE, and CE strategies do not necessarily lead to decoupling economic growth from resource consumption in absolute terms. Absolute resource decoupling only occurs when the resource use declines, irrespective of the growth rate of the economic driver. In this forum paper, we propose a two‐step framework that aims to support analyses of PSS and their potential to lead to absolute resource decoupling. In the first step, we present four PSS enablers of relative resource reduction that qualify as CE strategies. In the second step, three subsequent requirements need to be met, in order to successfully achieve absolute resource decoupling. Conditions and limitations for this accomplishment are discussed. Danish textile cases are used to exemplify the framework elements and its application. We expect that the framework will challenge the debate on the necessary conditions for CE strategies to ensure absolute resource decoupling.