bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty and Expectation in Sentence Processing: Evidence From Subcategorization Distributions
Authors: Linzen Tal , Jaeger T. Florian
Published: August 2015

There is now considerable evidence that human sentence processing is expectation based: As people read a sentence, they use their statistical experience with their language to generate predictions about upcoming syntactic structure. This study examines how sentence processing is affected by readers' uncertainty about those expectations. In a self‐paced reading study, we use lexical subcategorization distributions to factorially manipulate both the strength of expectations and the uncertainty about them. We compare two types of uncertainty: uncertainty about the verb's complement, reflecting the next prediction step; and uncertainty about the full sentence, reflecting an unbounded number of prediction steps. We find that uncertainty about the full structure, but not about the next step, was a significant predictor of processing difficulty: Greater reduction in uncertainty was correlated with increased reading times (RTs). We additionally replicated previously observed effects of expectation violation (surprisal), orthogonal to the effect of uncertainty. This suggests that both surprisal and uncertainty affect human RTs. We discuss the consequences for theories of sentence comprehension.
Global patterns of agricultural land‐use intensity and vertebrate diversity
Authors: Kehoe Laura , Kuemmerle Tobias , Meyer Carsten , Levers Christian , Václavík Tomáš , Kreft Holger
Published: August 2015

Aim

Land‐use change is the single biggest cause of biodiversity loss. With a rising demand for resources, understanding how and where agriculture threatens biodiversity is of increasing importance. Agricultural expansion has received much attention, but where high agricultural land‐use intensity (LUI) threatens biodiversity remains unclear. We address this knowledge gap with two main research questions: (1) Where do global patterns of LUI coincide with the spatial distribution of biodiversity? (2) Where are regions of potential conflict between different aspects of high LUI and high biodiversity?

Location

Global.

Methods

We overlaid thirteen LUI metrics with endemism richness, a range size‐weighted species richness indicator, for mammals, birds and amphibians. We then used local indicators of spatial association to delineate statistically significant (P < 0.05) areas of high and low LUI associated with biodiversity.

Results

Patterns of LUI are heterogeneously distributed in areas of high endemism richness, thus discouraging the use of a single metric to represent LUI. Many regions where high LUI and high endemism richness coincide, for example in South America, China and Eastern Africa, are not within currently recognized biodiversity hotspots. Regions of currently low LUI and high endemism richness, found in many parts of Mesoamerica, Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia, may be at risk as intensification accelerates.

Main conclusions

We provide a global view of the geographic patterns of LUI and its concordance with endemism richness, shedding light on regions where highly intensive agriculture and unique biodiversity coincide. Past assessments of land‐use impacts on biodiversity have either disregarded LUI or included a single metric to measure it. This study demonstrates that such omission can substantially underestimate biodiversity threat. A wider spectrum of relevant LUI metrics needs to be considered when balancing agricultural production and biodiversity.
National survey of the management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in the UK in 2014
Authors: Dhatariya K. K. , Nunney I. , Higgins K. , Sampson M. J. , Iceton G.
Published: August 2015

Aim

To examine, in a national survey, the outcomes of adult patients presenting with DKA in 2014, mapped against accepted UK national guidance.

Methods

Data were collected in a standardized form covering clinical and biochemical outcomes, risk and discharge planning. The form was sent to all UK diabetes specialist teams (n = 220). Anonymized data were collected on five consecutive patients admitted with DKA between 1 May 2014 and 30 November 2014.

Results

A total of 283 forms were received (n = 281 patients) from 72 hospitals, of which 71.4% used the national guidelines. The results showed that 7.8% of cases occurred in existing inpatients, 6.1% of admissions were newly diagnosed diabetes and 33.7% of patients had had at least one episode of DKA in the preceding year. The median times to starting 0.9% sodium chloride and intravenous insulin were 41.5 and 60 min, respectively. The median time to resolution was 18.7 h and the median length of hospital stay was 2.6 days. Significant adverse biochemical outcomes occurred, with 27.6% of patients developing hypoglycaemia and 55% reported as having hypokalaemia. There were also significant issues with care processes. Initial nurse‐led observations were carried out well, but subsequent patient monitoring remained suboptimal. Most patients were not seen by a member of the diabetes specialist team during the first 6 h, but 95% were seen before discharge. A significant minority of discharge letters to primary care did not contain necessary information.

Conclusion

Despite widespread adoption of national guidance, several areas of management of DKA are suboptimal, being associated with avoidable biochemical and clinical risk.
Persistent alterations in active and passive electrical membrane properties of regenerated nerve fibers of man and mice
Authors: Moldovan Mihai , Alvarez Susana , Rosberg Mette R. , Krarup Christian
Published: August 2015

Excitability of regenerated fibers remains impaired due to changes in both passive cable properties and alterations in the voltage‐dependent membrane function. These abnormalities were studied by mathematical modeling in human regenerated nerves and experimental studies in mice. In three adult male patients with surgically repaired complete injuries of peripheral nerves of the arm 22 months–26 years prior to investigation, deviation of excitability measures was explained by a hyperpolarizing shift in the resting membrane potential and an increase in the passive ‘Barrett and Barrett’ conductance (GBB) bridging the nodal and internodal compartments. These changes were associated with an increase in the ‘fast’ K+ conductance and the inward rectifier conductance (GH). Similar changes were found in regenerated mouse tibial motor axons at 1 month after a sciatic crush lesion. During the first 5 months of regeneration, GH showed partial recovery, which paralleled that in GBB. The internodal length remained one‐third of normal. Excitability abnormalities could be reversed by the energy‐dependent Na+/K+ pump blocker ouabain resulting in membrane depolarization. Stressing the Na+ pumping system during a strenuous activity protocol triggered partial Wallerian degeneration in regenerated nerves but not in control nerves from age‐matched mice. The current data suggest that the nodal voltage‐gated ion channel machinery is restored in regenerated axons, although the electrical separation from the internodal compartment remains compromised. Due to the persistent increase in number of nodes, the increased activity‐dependent Na+ influx could lead to hyperactivity of the Na+/K+ pump resulting in membrane hyperpolarization and neurotoxic energy insufficiency during strenuous activity.
Predictive formula for acute liver failure is useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure
Authors: Kakisaka Keisuke , Kataoka Kojiro , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Takikawa Yasuhiro
Published: August 2015

Aim

The prognosis of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is extremely poor in comparison to acute liver failure (ALF). We aimed to establish methods for the early diagnosis of ACLF and its severity to identify the patients with a poor prognosis.

Methods

The laboratory data at admission of 30 ACLF and 46 ALF patients were compared. Three established prognosis prediction models (Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease [MELD]; MELD modified by serum sodium concentration, [MELD‐Na]; and the Japan hepatic encephalopathy prediction model [J‐HEPM]) were assessed using area under the receiver–operator curve (AUROC) values.

Results

No significant difference was found in the laboratory data of the two patient groups. J‐HEPM was able to predict the outcome of the ACLF subjects (AUROC = 0.93).

Conclusion

Although ACLF could not be differentially diagnosed from ALF at admission from the laboratory data alone, the J‐HEPM effectively predicted the prognosis of liver failure in patients with ACLF. These findings indicate that ACLF patients with high J‐HEPM scores require earlier and more intensive care than ALF patients.
An Exploration of the Readiness, Challenges and Expected Support for Their Overseas Study of Chinese Business and Management Programme Students
Authors: Wang Chengbo , Li Xiaomei , Ou Xuan , O'Kane James , Mao Zhaofang , Zhang Wenquan
Published: August 2015

Chinese students are the largest international student cohort in the higher education institutions of English‐speaking developed countries. The paper explores strategies to enhance the Chinese students' learning efficacy in overseas institutions. This research differs from other research focusing on international students already in English‐speaking institutions; it explores the readiness of potential Chinese international students before departure from China, their anticipated challenges for study abroad and expected support from host institutions and staff. Besides the insights of anticipated challenges and expected support, the key findings include: the majority of the sample students are financially ready for overseas study, however they are not fully ready on English language; students from the public institute in the study have a higher level of readiness for subject knowledge than their private institute's peers. The findings offer a guide, to both the English‐speaking institutions and their Chinese partners, on facilitating, teaching and preparing the Chinese students for a fruitful learning experience abroad and enhanced academic performance.
A test for repertoire matching in eastern song sparrows
Authors: DuBois Adrienne L. , Nowicki Stephen , Searcy William A.
Published: August 2015

Repertoire matching occurs when one songbird replies to another with a song type that the two birds share. Repertoire matching has previously been demonstrated to occur at well above chance levels in a western population of song sparrows, where it is hypothesized to serve as a low level threat in a hierarchy of aggressive signals. Here we test for repertoire matching in an eastern population of song sparrows. Previous work indicates that this eastern population differs from the western one in having lower levels of song sharing between neighboring males and in showing no association between song sharing and territory tenure. Here we confirm that males in this eastern population on average share few whole songs with their neighbors. The eastern males are familiar with their neighbors’ repertoires, as evidenced by a stronger singing response to stranger song than to neighbor song. Males in the eastern population did not repertoire match: when played an unshared song type from a specific neighbor, they did not reply with a song type shared with that neighbor more often than expected by chance or more often than in response to playback of a control song (an unshared stranger song). The results thus demonstrate a qualitative difference in vocal signaling strategies between two populations of the same species.
Horizontal stability of connective tissue grafts at the buccal aspect of single implants: a 1‐year prospective case series
Authors: De Bruyckere Thomas , Eghbali Aryan , Younes Faris , De Bruyn Hugo , Cosyn Jan
Published: August 2015

Aim

To clinically evaluate the horizontal stability of a connective tissue graft (CTG) at the buccal aspect of single implants (1); to compare actual gingival thickness between thin and thick gingival biotype (2).

Materials and Methods

Periodontally healthy non‐smoking patients with a single implant in the anterior maxilla (15–25) were selected for a prospective case series. All demonstrated a horizontal alveolar defect and were in need of contour augmentation by means of CTG for aesthetic reasons. Patients were enrolled 3 months after implant surgery and had been provided with a provisional screw‐retained crown. CTG was inserted in the buccal mucosa via the envelope technique using one intrasulcular incision. An ultrasonic device was used to evaluate mucosal thickness (MT) at the buccal aspect. MT was assessed at t0 (before CTG), t1 (immediately after CTG), t2 (2 weeks after CTG = suture removal), t3 (3 months after CTG = permanent crown installation) and t4 (1 year after implant placement). The gingival biotype was categorized as thin or thick based on the transparency of a periodontal probe through the soft tissues while probing the buccal sulcus of the contra‐lateral tooth. Gingival thickness (GT) was measured at the contra‐lateral tooth using the same ultrasonic device.

Results

Thirty‐seven patients (19 men, 18 women; mean age 38) met the selection criteria and consented to the treatment. Mean soft tissue gain immediately after CTG was on average 1.07 mm (SD 0.49). What remained of this tissue gain after 1 year was on average 0.97 mm (SD 0.48; 90.5%). Hence, mean soft tissue loss amounted to 0.10 mm (SD 0.23; 9.5%; p = 0.015) with no significant difference between patients with a thin or thick biotype (p ≥ 0.290). Patients with a thin biotype had a mean GT of 1.02 mm (SD 0.21), whereas GT was on average 1.32 mm (SD 0.31) in subjects with a thick biotype (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Connective tissue graft substantially thickens the peri‐implant mucosa with acceptable stability over a 1‐year period.
Attention problems in very preterm children from childhood to adulthood: the Bavarian Longitudinal Study
Authors: Breeman Linda D. , Jaekel Julia , Baumann Nicole , Bartmann Peter , Wolke Dieter
Published: August 2015

Background

Very preterm (VP; gestational age <32 weeks) and very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 grams) is related to attention problems in childhood and adulthood. The stability of these problems into adulthood is not known.

Methods

The Bavarian Longitudinal Study is a prospective cohort study that followed 260 VP/VLBW and 229 term‐born individuals from birth to adulthood. Data on attention were collected at 6, 8, and 26 years of age, using parent reports, expert behavior observations, and clinical ADHD diagnoses.

Results

At each assessment, VP/VLBW individuals had significantly more attention problems, shorter attention span, and were more frequently diagnosed with ADHD than term‐born comparisons. In both VP/VLBW and term‐born individuals, overall, attention span increased and attention problems decreased from childhood to adulthood. Attention problems and attention span were more stable over time for VP/VLBW than term‐born individuals. Similarly, ADHD diagnoses showed moderate stability from childhood to adulthood in VP/VLBW, but not in term‐born individuals. However, when those with severe disabilities were excluded, differences between VP/VLBW and term‐born individuals reduced.

Conclusions

Despite improvement in attention regulation from childhood to adulthood, children born very preterm remained at increased risk for attention problems in adulthood. In contrast, term‐born children with clinical attention problems outgrew these by adulthood. As inattentive behavior of VP/VLBW children may be overlooked by teachers, it may be necessary to raise awareness for school intervention programs that reduce attention problems in VP/VLBW children.
The Impact of Sustainability Information on Consumer Decision Making
Authors: O'Rourke Dara , Ringer Abraham
Published: August 2015

This article presents an empirical analysis of the impact of sustainability information on consumer purchase intentions and how this influence varies by issue (health, environment, and social responsibility), product category, type of consumer, and type of information. We assess over 40,000 online purchase interactions on the website GoodGuide.com and find a significant impact of certain types of sustainability information on purchase intentions, varying across different types of consumers, issues, and product categories. Health ratings in particular showed the strongest effects. Direct users—those who intentionally sought out sustainability information—were most strongly influenced by sustainability information, with an average purchase intention rate increase of 1.15 percentage points for each point increase in overall product score, reported on a zero to ten scale. However, sustainability information had, on average, no impact on nondirect users, demonstrating that simply providing more or better information on sustainability issues will likely have limited impact on changing mainstream consumer behavior unless it is designed to connect into existing decision‐making processes.
Modifiable Lifestyle Behaviors Are Associated With Metabolic Syndrome in a Taiwanese Population
Authors: Lin Kuei‐Man , Chiou Jeng‐Yuan , Ko Shu‐Hua , Tan Jung‐Ying , Huang Chien‐Ning , Liao Wen‐Chun
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To explore associations between metabolic syndrome and modifiable lifestyle behaviors among the adult population in Taiwan.

Design

This cross‐sectional study analyzed data from a nationally representative sample that participated in the 2005–2008 Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan. The sample (2,337 participants older than 19 years) provided data on demographic characteristics, modifiable lifestyle behaviors, anthropometric measurements, and blood chemistry panel.

Methods

These data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, univariate logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression to determine factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

Findings

Metabolic syndrome had a prevalence of 25.2%, and this prevalence increased with age. In univariate regression analysis, metabolic syndrome was associated with age, living with family members, educational level, and modifiable lifestyle behaviors (smoking, drinking, betel quid chewing, and physical activity). Individuals with a smoking history and currently chewing betel quid had the highest risk for metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

The risk for metabolic syndrome might be reduced by public health campaigns to encourage people to quit smoking cigarettes and chewing betel quid. Implementing more modifiable lifestyle behaviors in daily life will decrease metabolic syndrome in Taiwan.

Clinical Relevance

Considering that betel quid chewing and tobacco smoking interact to adversely affect metabolic syndrome risk, public health campaigns against both behaviors seem to be a cost‐effective and efficient health promotion strategy to reduce the prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome.
Wear Potential of Dental Ceramics and its Relationship with Microhardness and Coefficient of Friction
Authors: Freddo Rafael Augusto , Kapczinski Myriam Pereira , Kinast Eder Julio , de Souza Junior Oswaldo Baptista , Rivaldo Elken Gomes , da Fontoura Frasca Luis Carlos
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To evaluate, by means of pin‐on‐disk testing, the wear potential of different dental ceramic systems as it relates to friction parameters, surface finish, and microhardness.

Materials and methods

Three groups of different ceramic systems (Noritake EX3, Eris, Empress II) with 20 disks each (10 glazed, 10 polished) were used. Vickers microhardness (Hv) was determined with a 200‐g load for 30 seconds. Friction coefficients (μ) were determined by pin‐on‐disk testing (5 N load, 600 seconds, and 120 rpm). Wear patterns were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results were analyzed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test, with the significance level set at α = 0.05.

Results

The coefficients of friction were as follows: Noritake EX3 0.28 ± 0.12 (polished), 0.33 ± 0.08 (glazed); Empress II 0.38 ± 0.08 (polished), 0.45 ± 0.05 (glazed); Eris 0.49 ± 0.05 (polished), 0.49 ± 0.06 (glazed). Microhardness measurements were as follows: Noritake EX3 530.7 ± 8.7 (polished), 525.9 ± 6.2 (glazed); Empress II 534.1 ± 8 (polished), 534.7 ± 4.5 (glazed); Eris, 511.7 ± 6.5 (polished), 519.5 ± 4.1 (glazed). The polished and glazed Noritake EX3 and polished and glazed Eris specimens showed statistically different friction coefficients. SEM image analysis revealed more surface changes, such as small cracks and grains peeling off, in glazed ceramics.

Conclusions

Wear potential may be related to the coefficient of friction in Noritake ceramics, which had a lower coefficient than Eris ceramics. Within‐group analysis showed no differences in polished or glazed specimens. The differences observed were not associated with microhardness.
Updates on the Construction of an Eyeglass‐Supported Nasal Prosthesis Using Computer‐Aided Design and Rapid Prototyping Technology
Authors: Ciocca Leonardo , Tarsitano Achille , Marchetti Claudio , Scotti Roberto
Published: August 2015

This study was undertaken to design an updated connection system for an eyeglass‐supported nasal prosthesis using rapid prototyping techniques. The substructure was developed with two main endpoints in mind: the connection to the silicone and the connection to the eyeglasses. The mold design was also updated; the mold was composed of various parts, each carefully designed to allow for easy release after silicone processing and to facilitate extraction of the prosthesis without any strain. The approach used in this study enabled perfect transfer of the reciprocal position of the prosthesis with respect to the eyeglasses, from the virtual to the clinical environment. Moreover, the reduction in thickness improved the flexibility of the prosthesis and promoted adaptation to the contours of the skin, even during functional movements. The method described here is a simplified and viable alternative to standard construction techniques for nasal prostheses and offers improved esthetic and functional results when no bone is available for implant‐supported prostheses.
A 30‐Year Follow‐Up of Partial Removable Dental Prostheses in a University Dental School Setting
Authors: Singh Balendra Pratap , Gauthier Gilles , Rompre Pierre , De Grandmont Pierre , Emami Elham
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To describe the pattern of partial removable dental prosthesis (PRDP) designs over a 30‐year period in a cohort of patients from the Université de Montréal, Faculty of Dentistry and to examine the effect of this design in PRDP complaints and the required treatment in a subsample of the patients’ cohort.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective descriptive study, 1380 PRDP laboratory prescriptions (1980‐2009) and 131 PRDP clinical complaint forms (2006‐2008) from the archives of the undergraduate prosthodontics clinic of Université de Montréal were selected. Data on type of PRDPs, design, PRDP‐related complaints, and the need for treatment were collected. Descriptive statistics and bivariate statistical analyses were conducted.

Results

U‐shaped (54%) and lingual plate (94%) were the most common major connectors used in the maxillary and mandibular arch, respectively. In 95% of laboratory prescriptions, circumferential clasp was the design for the retainers. Fracture of PRDP components was the most common (41%) complaint. Most of the complaints (68%) were made by PRDP wearers having natural teeth in the opposing arch. There was a significant relationship between fracture of PRDP components and having opposing natural teeth (p = 0.002). Seventy‐three percent of PRDP‐related complaints were manageable only by minor treatments such as repair, readjustments, and oral hygiene instructions.

Conclusion

Changes in the design of PRDPs were noticeable at the Université de Montréal since 1980, but there has been little change in the last 20 years. Biomechanical concepts and optimum hygiene were the basic elements in the design of RDPs in this university‐based dental school setting. The majority of the complaints were treated by minor treatments.
Predicting and Understanding Long‐Term Consumer Liking of Standard Versus Novel Chocolate: A Repeated Exposure Study
Authors: Soerensen John G. , Waehrens Sandra S. , Byrne Derek V.
Published: August 2015

Repeated exposure was investigated for predicting long‐term liking of five chocolates products; three novel products, added cinnamon/cardamom, commercial beet flavor or a homemade beet‐flavor and two existing products: 70% chocolate and chocolate added liquorice. Ninety‐five Danish consumers were exposed daily to one of the five chocolate types during a two‐week period, interrupted twice with exposure to odd samples (day 3 and 10). Liking, arousal and complexity were rated. Arousal and perceived complexity ratings for the chocolates with added Liquorice and cinnamon/cardamom dropped significantly during the exposures, but in both cases was followed by an increase towards the end of the study resulting in the recording of no significant difference between pre and post test. None of the groups showed any significant changes in pre‐post exposure liking. Ratings of arousal and complexity did not provide further understanding of the mechanisms affecting long‐term liking.

Practical Applications

The high failure rate of newly developed food products is continuingly a huge issue in the food industry. Product launches failing to meet long‐term consumer liking, can often imply major losses related to development, production, distribution and marketing. The present study investigated the relevance of a repeated exposure test design, when predicting long‐term liking of five chocolate products. Perceived complexity and arousal were also measured, aiming at providing further insight into the recorded liking. No pre‐post exposure changes were found for liking, perceived arousal and complexity, thus a repeated exposure test design was not found relevant to predict long‐term liking of chocolates. The stable liking responses observed in the present study is suggested to be related to the rewarding properties of the chocolate. The extra costs, associated with a repeated exposure test, may however still be feasible, when predicting long‐term liking of other food products with the potential risk of failure.
Modal abundances of pyroxene, olivine, and mesostasis in nakhlites: Heterogeneity, variation, and implications for nakhlite emplacement
Authors: Corrigan Catherine M. , Velbel Michael A. , Vicenzi Edward P.
Published: August 2015

Nakhlites, clinopyroxenite meteorites from Mars, share common crystallization and ejection ages, suggesting that they might have been ejected from the same place on Mars by the same ejection event (impact) and are different samples of the same thick volcanic flow unit or shallow sill. Mean modal abundances and abundance ranges of pyroxene, olivine, and mesostasis vary widely among different thin‐sections of an individual nakhlite. Lithologic heterogeneity is the main factor contributing to the observed modal‐abundance variations measured in thin‐sections prepared from different fragments of the same stone. Two groups of nakhlites are distinguished from one another by which major constituent varies the least and the abundance of that constituent. The group consisting of Nakhla, Lafayette, Governador Valadares, and the Yamato nakhlite pairing group is characterized by low modal mesostasis and pyroxene‐olivine covariance, whereas the group consisting of the Miller Range nakhlite pairing group and Northwest Africa 5790 is characterized by low modal olivine and pyroxene‐mesostasis covariance. These two groups sample the slowest‐cooled interior portion and the chilled margin, respectively, of the nakhlite emplacement body as presently understood, and appear to be also related to recently proposed nakhlite groups independently established using compositional rather than petrographic observations. Phenocryst modal abundances vary with inferred depth in the nakhlite igneous body in a manner consistent with solidification of the nakhlite stack from dynamically sorted phenocryst‐rich magmatic crystal‐liquid mush.
Disentangling the ‘brown world’ faecal–detritus interaction web: dung beetle effects on soil microbial properties
Authors: Slade Eleanor M. , Roslin Tomas , Santalahti Minna , Bell Thomas
Published: August 2015

Many ecosystem services are sustained by the combined action of microscopic and macroscopic organisms, and shaped by interactions between the two. However, studies tend to focus on only one of these two components. We combined the two by investigating the impact of macrofauna on microbial community composition and functioning in the context of a major ecosystem process: the decomposition of dung. We compared bacterial communities of pasture soil and experimental dung pats inhabited by one (Aphodius), two (Aphodius and Geotrupes), or no dung beetle genera. Overall, we found distinct microbial communities in soil and dung samples, and that the communities converged over the course of the experiment. Characterising the soil microbial communities underlying the dung pats revealed a significant interactive effect between the microflora and macrofauna, where the diversity and composition of microbial communities was significantly affected by the presence or absence of dung beetles. The specific identity of the beetles had no detectable impact, but the microbial evenness was lower in the presence of both Aphodius and Geotrupes than in the presence of Aphodius alone. Differences in microbial community composition were associated with differences in substrate usage as measured by Ecoplates. Moreover, microbial communities with similar compositions showed more similar substrate usage. Our study suggests that the presence of macrofauna (dung beetles) will modify the microflora (bacteria) of both dung pats and pasture soil, including community diversity and functioning. In particular, the presence of dung beetles promotes the transfer of bacteria across the soil–dung interface, resulting in increased similarity in community structure and functioning. The results demonstrate that to understand how microbes contribute to the ecosystem process of dung decomposition, there is a need to understand their interactions with larger co‐occurring fauna.
Risk factors for keratoconus in Israel: a case–control study
Authors: Gordon‐Shaag Ariela , Millodot Michel , Kaiserman Igor , Sela Tzahi , Barnett Itzhaki Guy , Zerbib Yaffa , Matityahu Efrat , Shkedi Shira , Miroshnichenko Svetlana , Shneor Einat
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive corneal thinning disorder with an uncertain aetiology. Environmental and genetic factors, including consanguinity, eye rubbing and possibly sun exposure, play a role in the aetiology of KC. Here we test for risk factors for KC in an Israeli population with particular emphasis on sun exposure.

Methods

This case–control study included KC patients who were diagnosed at Care Laser Medical Group, a refractive surgery clinic with branches throughout Israel. The control group included age, sex and ethnicity matched individuals who were randomly selected from patients presenting at the clinic for refractive surgery, but without KC. Study subjects were asked to fill out a self‐administered questionnaire that included demographic and geographic details, questions on ocular and general health and sun exposure. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyse univariable and multivariable data to identify risk factors for KC.

Results

Seventy‐three KC patients and 146 controls participated in the study. Univariable analyses demonstrated that eye rubbing [odds ratio (OR) = 3.76], positive family history of KC (OR = 6.10) and parents' education (<12 years, OR = 0.27, 0.23 for father's and mother's education respectively) were significant risk factors for KC. Univariable analyses of sun exposure behaviour during teenage years proved equivocal with some behaviours emerging as protective for KC (wearing a hat outdoors, OR = 3.13) or as risk factors (spending time in the shade, OR = 0.45), while others showed no association [limiting time in the sun (p = 0.51), and wearing sunglasses (p = 0.20)]. Most of the factors that were significant in the univariable analyses, also emerged as statistically significant in the multivariable model (OR = 3.37, 9.68, 0.35, 5.51 for eye rubbing, family history, parental education, wearing a hat outdoors, with the exception of spending time in the shade (p = 0.88).

Conclusions

Eye rubbing, parents' education (as a measure of socio‐economic status) and having family members with KC emerged as significant risk factors for KC. The role of sun exposure in KC remains equivocal and warrants further research.
Food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome caused by fish and/or shellfish in Italy
Authors: Miceli Sopo Stefano , Monaco Serena , Badina Laura , Barni Simona , Longo Giorgio , Novembre Elio , Viola Serena , Monti Giovanna
Published: August 2015

Background

The study describes the demographic features, culprit foods, clinical features and outcomes for children presenting with acute fish and/or shellfish food protein‐induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) in four Italian paediatric allergy centres.

Methods

A retrospective/prospective study was undertaken. All children diagnosed with fish or shellfish FPIES were enrolled. The diagnosis of FPIES was based on Sicherer's or Miceli Sopo clinical criteria. Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed in all patients, at the time of diagnosis and prior to OFC.

Results

Seventy children were enrolled. Mean age at first episode was 14 months (range 6–46 months); mean age at diagnosis was 34 months (range 6–164 months). Sole and cod were the fish most commonly implicated. Fifty‐seven of 70 (81%) children had FPIES exclusively to fish, 37 of 57 (65%) children had single‐fish FPIES, 20 of 57 (35%) multiple‐fish FPIES, nine of 70 (13%) presented adverse reactions exclusively to shellfish, and four of 70 (6%) presented adverse reactions to both fish and shellfish. Only four (5.7%) children presented episodes of acute FPIES with different foods (2 to cow's milk, 1 to egg, 1 to beef); in all cases, onset was prior to that of fish or shellfish FPIES. Fifteen of 70 (21%) children tolerated fish other than the offending fish. Twenty‐four of 70 (34%) children achieved tolerance (age range 24–102 months).

Conclusions

The chief peculiarities of acute fish and shellfish FPIES, compared to more frequent cow's milk or soy FPIES, are (i) later age of onset, (ii) longer persistence and (iii) possibility of tolerating fish other than the offending fish. Adverse reactions with shellfish are possible.
The oldest known bryozoan: Prophyllodictya (Cryptostomata) from the lower Tremadocian (Lower Ordovician) of Liujiachang, south‐western Hubei, central China
Authors: Ma Junye , Taylor Paul D. , Xia Fengsheng , Zhan Renbin
Published: August 2015

A new cryptostome bryozoan, Prophyllodictya simplex sp. nov., is described from the Nantzinkuan Formation (Lower Ordovician, lower Tremadoc) of Liujiachang, central China. This antedates the previously oldest known bryozoan by several million years. Colony morphology and the phylogenetic position of Prophyllodictya within Cryptostomata are explored. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that Cryptostomata (except Prophyllodictya) can be divided into two major groups, and that Prophyllodictya occupies a basal position in the cryptostome tree, which accords with its simple morphology and antiquity. A close relationship is evident between bryozoans from the South China palaeoplate and those from Baltica.
Activity, Passivity, and Normative Avowal
Authors: McAninch Andrew
Published: August 2015

The idea that agents can be active with respect to some of their actions, and passive with respect to others, is a widely held assumption within moral philosophy. But exactly how to characterize these notions is controversial. I argue that an agent is active just in case (A) her action is one whose motive she can truly avow as reason‐giving,or(B) her action is one whose motive she can disavow, provided her disavowal effects appropriate modifications in her future motives. This view maintains a link between activity, reason‐responsiveness, and answerability, while avoiding commitments to an implausible theory of motivation.
How is Self‐Forgiveness Possible?
Authors: Milam Per‐Erik
Published: August 2015

The idea of self‐forgiveness poses a serious challenge to any philosopher interested in giving a general account of forgiveness. On the one hand, it is an uncontroversial part of our common psychological and moral discourse. On the other, any account of self‐forgiveness is inconsistent with any general account of forgiveness which implies that only the victim of an offense can forgive. To avoid this conclusion, one must either challenge the particular claims that preclude self‐forgiveness or offer an independently plausible account of self‐forgiveness. I deploy both strategies in this article, explaining what self‐forgiveness is and how it is possible.
Is Understanding Epistemic in Nature?
Authors: Rattan Gurpreet , Wikforss Åsa
Published: August 2015

Is understanding epistemic in nature? Does a correct account of what constitutes understanding of a concept mention epistemological notions such as knowledge, justification or epistemic rationality? We defend the view that understanding is epistemic in nature – we defend epistemological conceptions of understanding. We focus our discussion with a critical evaluation of Tim Williamson's challenges to epistemological conceptions of understanding in The Philosophy of Philosophy. Against Williamson, we distinguish three kinds of epistemological conceptions and argue that Williamson's arguments succeed against only the most heavily committed kind, and leave the less heavily committed kinds untouched. Further, we argue that Williamson's elaboration of lessons from his arguments point in a direction opposite of his own conclusions and give vivid articulation and support to epistemological conceptions. We suggest also that skepticism about Williamson's larger metaphilosophical conclusions – according to which understanding plays no special role in the epistemology of philosophy – may be in order.
New ATP‐binding cassette A3 mutation causing surfactant metabolism dysfunction pulmonary type 3
Authors: Piersigilli Fiammetta , Peca Donatella , Campi Francesca , Corsello Mirta , Landolfo Francesca , Boldrini Renata , Danhaive Olivier , Dotta Andrea
Published: August 2015

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) may occur in term and near‐term infants because of mutations in surfactant‐related genes. ATP‐binding cassette A3 (ABCA3), a phospholipid carrier specifically expressed in the alveolar epithelium, is the most frequently involved protein. We report the case of a couple of late‐preterm fraternal twin infants of opposite sex carrying the same compound heterozygous ABCA3 mutations, one of which has never been previously reported, with different disease severity, suggesting variable penetrance or sex‐related differences. ABCA3 deficiency should be considered in term or near‐term babies who develop unexplained RDS.
Familial cleidocranial dysplasia misdiagnosed as rickets over three generations
Authors: Franceschi Roberto , Maines Evelina , Fedrizzi Michela , Piemontese Maria Rosaria , De Bonis Patrizia , Agarwal Nivedita , Bellizzi Maria , Di Palma Annunziata
Published: August 2015

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia characterized by hypoplastic clavicles, late closure of the fontanels, dental problems and other skeletal features. CCD is caused by mutations, deletions or duplications in runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), which encodes for a protein essential for osteoblast differentiation and chondrocyte maturation. We describe three familial cases of CCD, misdiagnosed as rickets over three generations. No mutations were detected on standard DNA sequencing of RUNX2, but a novel deletion was identified on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and multiple ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA). The present cases indicate that CCD could be misdiagnosed as rickets, leading to inappropriate treatment, and confirm that mutations in RUNX2 are not able to be identified on standard DNA sequencing in all CCD patients, but can be identified on qPCR and MLPA.
Effect of LED Blue Light on Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum Strains
Authors: Lafuente María T. , Alférez Fernando
Published: August 2015

Studies on the antimicrobial properties of light have considerably increased due in part to the development of resistance to actual control methods. This study investigates the potential of light‐emitting diodes (LED) blue light for controlling Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum. These fungi are the most devastating postharvest pathogens of citrus fruit and cause important losses due to contaminations and the development of resistant strains against fungicides. The effect of different periods and quantum fluxes, delaying light application on the growth and morphology of P. digitatum strains resistant and sensitive to fungicides, and P. italicum cultured at 20°C was examined. Results showed that blue light controls the growth of all strains and that its efficacy increases with the quantum flux. Spore germination was always avoided by exposing the cultures to high quantum flux (700 μmol m−2 s−1) for 18 h. Continuous light had an important impact on the fungus morphology and a fungicidal effect when applied at a lower quantum flux (120 μmol m−2 s−1) to a growing fungus. Sensitivity to light increased with mycelium age. Results show that blue light may be a tool for P. digitatum and P. italicum infection prevention during handling of citrus fruits.
Root‐related rhodochrosite and concretionary siderite formation in oxygen‐deficient conditions induced by a ground‐water table rise
Authors: Bojanowski Maciej J. , Jaroszewicz Elżbieta , Košir Adrijan , Łoziński Maciej , Marynowski Leszek , Wysocka Anna , Derkowski Arkadiusz
Published: August 2015

Sedimentological, mineralogical, stable carbon and oxygen isotope determinations and biomarker analyses were performed on siderite concretions occurring in terrestrial silts to understand their formation and to characterize the sedimentary and diagenetic conditions favouring their growth. High δ13C values (6·4‰ on average) indicate that siderite precipitated in an anoxic environment where bacterial methanogenesis operated. The development of anoxic conditions during shallow burial was induced by a change in sedimentary environment from flood plain to swamp, related to a rise of the ground‐water table. Large amounts of decaying plant debris led to efficient oxygen consumption within the pore‐water in the peat. Oxygen depletion, in combination with a decrease in sedimentation rate, promoted anoxic diagenetic conditions under the swamp and favoured abundant siderite precipitation. This shows how a change in sedimentary conditions can have a profound impact on the early‐diagenetic environment and carbonate authigenesis. The concretions contain numerous rhizoliths; they are cemented with calcium‐rhodochrosite, a feature which has not been reported before. The rhodochrosite cement has negative δ13C values (−16·5‰ on average) and precipitated in suboxic conditions due to microbial degradation of roots coupled to manganese reduction. The exceptional preservation of the epidermis/exodermis and xylem vessels of former root tissues indicates that the rhodochrosite formed shortly after the death of a root in water‐logged sediments. Rhodochrosite precipitated during the initial stages of concretionary growth in suboxic microenvironments within roots, while siderite cementation occurred simultaneously around them in anoxic conditions. These suboxic microenvironments developed because oxygen was transported from the overlying oxygenated soil into sediments saturated with anoxic water via roots acting as permeable conduits. This model explains how separate generations of carbonate cements having different mineralogy and isotopic compositions, which would conventionally be regarded as cements precipitated sequentially in different diagenetic zones during gradual burial, can form simultaneously in shallow burial settings where strong redox gradients exist around vertically oriented permeable root structures.
Tissue Distribution Dynamics of Human NK Cells Inferred from Peripheral Blood Depletion Kinetics after Sphingosine‐1‐Phosphate Receptor Blockade
Authors: Mehling M. , Burgener A.‐V. , Brinkmann V. , Bantug G. R. , Dimeloe S. , Hoenger G. , Kappos L. , Hess C.
Published: August 2015

Human natural killer (NK) cell subsets differentially distribute throughout the organism. While CD56dim and CD56bright NK cell subsets similarly reside in the bone marrow (BM), the CD56dim population predominantly accumulates in non‐lymphoid tissues and the CD56bright counterpart in lymphoid tissue (LT). The dynamics with which these NK cell subsets redistribute to tissues remains unexplored. Here, we studied individuals newly exposed to fingolimod, a drug that efficiently blocks sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P)‐directed lymphocyte – including NK cell – egress from tissue to blood. During an observation period of 6h peripheral blood depletion of CD56bright NK cells was observed 3 h after first dose of fingolimod, with 40–50% depletion after 6 h, while a decrease of the numbers of CD56dim NK cells did not reach the level of statistical significance. In vitro, CD56bright and CD56dim NK cells responded comparably to the BM‐homing chemokine CXCL12, while CD56bright NK cells migrated more efficiently in gradients of the LT‐homing chemokines CCL19 and CCL21. In conjuncture with these in vitro studies, the indirectly observed subset‐specific depletion kinetics from blood are compatible with preferential and more rapid redistribution of CD56bright NK cells from blood to peripheral tissue such as LT and possibly also the inflamed central nervous system. These data shed light on an unexplored level at which access of NK cells to LT, and thus, for example antigen‐presenting cells, is regulated.