bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When people with dementia are perceived as witches. Consequences for patients and nurse education in South Africa
Authors: Mkhonto Flora , Hanssen Ingrid
Published: May 2017

Aims and Objectives

To explore and describe the link between culture and dementia care with the focus on the influence of the belief in dementia as witchcraft and people with dementia as witches.

Background

In South Africa, especially in townships and rural areas, dementia is often perceived as connected to witchcraft rather than to disease. Persons labelled as witches—mostly older women—may be bullied, ostracised, beaten, stoned, burned, even killed.

Method

One strand of findings from a larger international study is presented with in‐depth qualitative interviews of one close family member and seven nurses caring for patients with severe dementia in nursing homes in Tshwane in South Africa. A hermeneutic analytic approach was used.

Results

Two main themes are found, namely “Belief in witchcraft causing fear of persons with dementia” and “Need of knowledge and education.” Fear of and violence towards people with dementia are based on the belief that they are witches. Some of the nurses had also held this belief until they started working with patients with dementia. There is a great need for education both among healthcare workers and the populace.

Discussion

The “witch” belief prevents seeking professional help. As nursing homes tend to be private and expensive, professional dementia care is virtually unattainable for the poor. Dementia needs a more prominent place in nursing curricula. Nurses as educators need to know the local culture and language to be accepted in the various communities. They need to visit families affected by dementia, give awareness talks in churches, schools and clinics and facilitate support groups for carers of people with dementia in the local language.

Conclusion

Improved nurses’ education in gerontology and geriatric care is needed. Trained specialist nurses may work as mediators and help eradicate the witchcraft beliefs connected to severe dementia.
MIGRATION AND INSTITUTIONS: EXIT AND VOICE (FROM ABROAD)?
Authors: Baudassé Thierry , Bazillier Rémi , Issifou Ismaël
Published: May 2017

A rapidly growing body of research examines the relationship between migration and institutions. Three strands of studies can be distinguished. Some studies focused on the role of domestic and foreign institutions in the decision to migrate. Others were interested by the impact of migration on institutional reforms in migrants' countries of origin. Recent studies focus on how migrants affect social and informal institutions in the destination countries. This survey puts together these three strands of literature with three purposes. First, we offer a short definition and synthetic typology of institutions, which provide a guide to understand several studies we have critically reviewed. Second, our analysis is presented following the analytic framework exit, voice, and loyalty of Hirschman in order to highlight the brain gain phenomenon for developing countries, from an institutional point of view. Third, we review the limited existing work on the very timely topic, whether migrants are harmful or not to institutions in the host countries.
Clinical feasibility of pre‐operative neurodevelopmental assessment of infants undergoing open heart surgery
Authors: Campbell Miranda , Rabbidge Bridgette , Ziviani Jenny , Sakzewski Leanne
Published: May 2017

Aim

Assessing the neurodevelopmental status of infants with congenital heart disease before surgery provides a means of identifying those at heightened risk of developmental delay. This study aimed to investigate factors impacting clinical feasibility of pre‐operative neurodevelopmental assessment of infants undergoing early open heart surgery.

Methods

Infants who underwent open heart surgery prior to 4 months of age participated in this cross‐sectional study. The Test of Infant Motor Performance and Prechtl's Assessment of General Movements were undertaken on infants pre‐operatively. When assessments could not be undertaken, reasons were ascribed to either infant or environmental circumstances. Demographic data and Aristotle scores were compared between groups of infants who did or did not undergo assessment. Binary logistic regression was used to explore associations.

Results

A total of 60 infants participated in the study. Median gestational age was 38.78 weeks (interquartile range: 36.93–39.72). Of these infants, 37 (62%) were unable to undergo pre‐operative assessment. Twenty‐four (40%) could not complete assessment due to infant‐related factors and 13 (22%) due to environmental‐related factors. For every point increase in the Aristotle Patient‐Adjusted Complexity score, the infants likelihood of being unable to undergo assessment increased by 35% (odds ratio: 0.35; 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.77, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Over half of the infants undergoing open heart surgery were unable to complete pre‐operative neurodevelopmental assessment. The primary reason for this was infant‐related medical instability. Findings suggest further research is warranted to investigate whether the Aristotle Patient‐Adjusted Complexity score might serve as an indicator to inform developmental surveillance with this medically fragile cohort.
The big, the bad, and the beautiful: Biology of the world's largest flowers
Authors: Nikolov Lachezar A. , Davis Charles C.
Published: May 2017

Rafflesiaceae, crowned “the greatest prodigy of the vegetable world”, produce the largest flowers in angiosperms. They are also holoparasites residing inside their vine hosts, and emerge only during flowering. The floral gigantism and obligate parasitism of Rafflesiaceae have rendered their structure unrecognizable to most plant biologists. The vegetative body is composed of highly reduced strands of cells embedded in the host tissue, and does not differentiate into leaves, stems, or roots. The flowers look and smell like decaying animal flesh and exhibit numerous features unknown in the vast majority of flowering plants. This unusual combination of characters, alongside their generally elevated rates of molecular evolution among commonly used phylogenetic markers and propensity for host‐to‐parasite horizontal gene transfer, has obscured the phylogenetic affinities of Rafflesiaceae since their discovery two centuries ago. Here, we review the phylogenetic placement of Rafflesiaceae and how it has informed a deeper understanding of the pattern and magnitude of horizontal gene transfer in parasitic plants. We also examine the vegetative and reproductive morphology of Rafflesiaceae to provide insight into how these unusual plants are constructed, and offer clues on their evolution from tiny flowered ancestors to floral giants.
Prevalence of Vector‐Borne Pathogens in Southern California Dogs With Clinical and Laboratory Abnormalities Consistent With Immune‐Mediated Disease
Authors: Kidd L. , Qurollo B. , Lappin M. , Richter K. , Hart J.R. , Hill S. , Osmond C. , Breitschwerdt E.B.
Published: May 2017

Background

Studies investigating the prevalence of vector‐borne pathogens in southern California dogs are limited. Occult infections might be misdiagnosed as idiopathic immune‐mediated disease.

Hypothesis/Objectives

(1) To determine the prevalence of vector‐borne pathogens in southern California dogs with compatible clinical findings using PCR and serologic panels and (2) to determine whether testing convalescent samples and repeating PCR on acute samples using the same and different gene targets enhance detection.

Animals

Forty‐two client‐owned dogs with clinical signs of vector‐borne disease presenting to specialty practices in San Diego County.

Methods

Combined prospective and retrospective observational study. Forty‐two acute and 27 convalescent samples were collected. Acute samples were prospectively tested for antibodies toRickettsia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, Babesia, Borrelia, and Anaplasma species. PCR targetingEhrlichia,Babesia,Anaplasma, hemotropicMycoplasma,andBartonellaspecies was also performed. Retrospectively, convalescent samples were tested for the same organisms using serology, and forEhrlichia,Babesia,Anaplasma, andBartonellaspecies using PCR. Acute samples were retested using PCR targetingEhrlichiaandBabesiaspecies.

Results

Evidence of exposure to or infection with a vector‐borne pathogen was detected in 33% (14/42) of dogs.EhrlichiaandBabesiaspecies were most common; each was identified in 5 dogs. Convalescent serologic testing, repeating PCR, and using novel PCR gene targets increased detection by 30%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Repeated testing using serology and PCR enhances detection of infection by vector‐borne pathogens in dogs with clinical signs of immune‐mediated disease. Larger prevalence studies of emerging vector‐borne pathogens in southern California dogs are warranted.
Clinical Trials in Veterinary Medicine: A New Era Brings New Challenges
Authors: Oyama M.A. , Ellenberg S.S. , Shaw P.A.
Published: May 2017

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are among the most rigorous ways to determine the causal relationship between an intervention and important clinical outcome. Their use in veterinary medicine has become increasingly common, and as is often the case, with progress comes new challenges. Randomized clinical trials yield important answers, but results from these studies can be unhelpful or even misleading unless the study design and reporting are carried out with care. Herein, we offer some perspective on several emerging challenges associated with RCTs, including use of composite endpoints, the reporting of different forms of risk, analysis in the presence of missing data, and issues of reporting and safety assessment. These topics are explored in the context of previously reported veterinary internal medicine studies as well as through illustrative examples with hypothetical data sets. Moreover, many insights germane to RCTs in veterinary internal medicine can be drawn from the wealth of experience with RCTs in the human medical field. A better understanding of the issues presented here can help improve the design, interpretation, and reporting of veterinary RCTs.
Classification of Involuntary Movements in Dogs: Myoclonus and Myotonia
Authors: Lowrie M. , Garosi L.
Published: May 2017

Myoclonus is a sudden brief, involuntary muscle jerk. Of all the movement disorders, myoclonus is the most difficult to encapsulate into any simple framework. On the one hand, a classification system is required that is clinically useful to aid in guiding diagnosis and treatment. On the other hand, there is need for a system that organizes current knowledge regarding biological mechanisms to guide scientific research. These 2 needs are distinct, making it challenging to develop a robust classification system suitable for all purposes. We attempt to classify myoclonus as “epileptic” and “nonepileptic” based on its association with epileptic seizures. Myotonia in people may be divided into 2 clinically and molecularly defined forms: (1) nondystrophic myotonias and (2) myotonic dystrophies. The former are a group of skeletal muscle channelopathies characterized by delayed skeletal muscle relaxation. Many distinct clinical phenotypes are recognized in people, the majority relating to mutations in skeletal muscle voltage‐gated chloride (CLCN1) and sodium channel (SCN4A) genes. In dogs, myotonia is associated with mutations in CLCN1. The myotonic dystrophies are considered a multisystem clinical syndrome in people encompassing 2 clinically and molecularly defined forms designated myotonic dystrophy types 1 and 2. No mutation has been linked to veterinary muscular dystrophies. We detail veterinary examples of myotonia and attempt classification according to guidelines used in humans. This more precise categorization of myoclonus and myotonia aims to promote the search for molecular markers contributing to the phenotypic spectrum of disease. Our work aimed to assist recognition for these 2 enigmatic conditions.
Variations in Bacterial Community of Rearing Water and Gut of Common Dentex, Dentex dentex (Linnaeus 1758), Larvae Using Three Microalgae Management Approaches
Authors: Giménez Papiol Gemma , Roque Ana , Estévez Alicia
Published: May 2017

Microorganisms present in the rearing water colonize the gut of first feeding larvae and represent the first barrier against opportunistic pathogens. The aim of the experiments presented herein was to standardize a protocol for the management of rearing water and microalgae suitable for the larval rearing of common dentex. In Experiment 1, bacteria–algae interactions were tested using a monospecific microalgal community, Tetraselmis chuii, suitable for nutritional experiments and with known antibacterial activity. In Experiment 2, the evolution of the bacterial community and larval performance (growth and survival) were monitored daily, in three conditions: (1) mature water: T. chuii was added 5 d before the rearing of common dentex larvae, (2) green water: T. chuii was added 1 d before, and (3) clear water: no T. chuii addition. The results show the influence of the presence of T. chuii on the evolution of the bacterial communities, both in terms of bacterial density and morphology, and indicate green water is the most suitable water treatment for management of larval rearing for common dentex.
Ideological Congruence: Illusion or Imperfection?
Authors: Powell G. Bingham
Published: May 2017

Paul Warwick () argues that much of the research on ideological congruence leaves the erroneous impression that a close match of median left‐right voter opinions and government ideological positions usually emerges from elections. I propose further clarifications. I offer a “natural metric” based on the average distances from the median voter of the most distant and the closest parties competing in all these countries’ elections. I suggest that by these standards average ideological congruence in the Western liberal democracies in the last 20 years has been fairly successful, but not as successful as it could be.
The Stubenberg meteorite—An LL6 chondrite fragmental breccia recovered soon after precise prediction of the strewn field
Authors: Bischoff Addi , Barrat Jean‐Alix , Bauer Kerstin , Burkhardt Christoph , Busemann Henner , Ebert Samuel , Gonsior Michael , Hakenmüller Janina , Haloda Jakub , Harries Dennis , Heinlein Dieter , Hiesinger Harald , Hochleitner Rupert , Hoffmann Viktor , Kaliwoda Melanie , Laubenstein Matthias , Maden Colin , Meier Matthias M. M. , Morlok Andreas , Pack Andreas , Ruf Alexander , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Schönbächler Maria , Steele Robert C. J. , Spurný Pavel , Wimmer Karl
Published: May 2017

On March 6, 2016 at 21:36:51 UT, extended areas of Upper Austria, Bavaria (Germany) and the southwestern part of the Czech Republic were illuminated by a very bright bolide. This bolide was recorded by instruments in the Czech part of the European Fireball Network and it enabled complex and precise description of this event including prediction of the impact area. So far six meteorites totaling 1473 g have been found in the predicted area. The first pieces were recovered on March 12, 2016 on a field close to the village of Stubenberg (Bavaria). Stubenberg is a weakly shocked (S3) fragmental breccia consisting of abundant highly recrystallized rock fragments embedded in a clastic matrix. The texture, the large grain size of plagioclase, and the homogeneous compositions of olivine (Fa31.4) and pyroxene (Fs25.4) clearly indicate that Stubenberg is an LL6 chondrite breccia. This is consistent with the data on O, Ti, and Cr isotopes. Stubenberg does not contain solar wind‐implanted noble gases. Data on the bulk chemistry, IR spectroscopy, cosmogenic nuclides, and organic components also indicate similarities to other metamorphosed LL chondrites. Noble gas studies reveal that the meteorite has a cosmic ray exposure (CRE) age of 36 ± 3 Ma and that most of the cosmogenic gases were produced in a meteoroid with a radius of at least 35 cm. This is larger than the size of the meteoroid which entered the Earth's atmosphere, which is constrained to <20 cm from short‐lived radionuclide data. In combination, this might suggest a complex exposure history for Stubenberg.
To reproduce or work? Insect castes emerge from socially induced changes in nutrition‐related genes
Authors: Toth Amy L.
Published: May 2017

In social species, there is a fundamental trade‐off between ‘me’ and ‘we’; that is, should I reproduce, or should I work to help others to reproduce? In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Okada et al. () delve into the evolution and genetic mechanisms of this core question, focusing on social caste formation in insects. The authors take advantage of a unique ant in the genus Diacamma, which has secondarily lost the classic, highly different queens and workers found in many other ants, bees and wasps. Instead, Diacamma ant castes are decided via aggressive dominance interactions among adult females, similar to dominance hierarchies seen in primitively social insects and many social vertebrates. But how does being dominated translate into reproductive shutdown and thus, the creation of a worker caste? The authors use transcriptomics to address this question, and discover that the key may lie in very rapid (within one day) changes in the regulation of nutrient signalling genes, and other genes related to nutrient storage and reproduction. In other words, being aggressed turns on or off genes that tell the ant's brain and physiology to go into ‘sterile mode’, whereas winning a fight stimulates other genes that ramp up reproductive traits. These results add weight to the idea that caste differences rely on a ‘toolkit’ of deeply conserved genes involved in core nutritional, reproductive and metabolic functions. In addition, these results emphasize the exquisite and rapid social environmental sensitivity of core toolkit genes during the production of distinct phenotypes.
Functional assignment of multiple ESCRT‐III homologs in cell division and budding in Sulfolobus islandicus
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Gao Renxia , Li Chengtao , Ni Jinfeng , Yang Zhaojie , Zhang Qi , Chen Haining , Shen Yulong
Published: May 2017

The archaea Sulfolobus utilizes the ESCRT‐III‐based machinery for cell division. This machinery comprises three proteins: CdvA, Eukaryotic‐like ESCRT‐III and Vps4. In addition to ESCRT‐III, Sulfolobus cells also encode three other ESCRT‐III homologs termed ESCRT‐III‐1, −2 and −3. Herein, we show that ESCRT‐III‐1 and −2 in S. islandicus REY15A are localized at midcell between segregating chromosomes, indicating that both are involved in cell division. Genetic analysis reveals that escrt‐III‐2 is indispensable for cell viability and cells with reduced overall level of ESCRT‐III‐1 exhibit growth retardation and cytokinesis defect with chain‐like cell morphology. In contrast, escrt‐III‐3 is dispensable for cell division. We show that S. islandicus REY15A cells generate buds when infected with S. tengchongensis spindle shaped‐virus 2 (STSV2) or when ESCRT‐III‐3 is over‐expressed. Interestingly, Δescrt‐III‐3 cells infected with STSV2 do not produce buds. These results suggest that ESCRT‐III‐3 plays an important role in budding. In addition, cells over‐expressing the C‐terminal truncated mutants of ESCRT‐III, ESCRT‐III‐1 and ESCRT‐III‐2 are maintained predominantly at the early, late, and membrane abscission stages of cell division respectively, suggesting a crucial role of the ESCRTs at different stages of membrane ingression. Intriguingly, intercellular bridge and midbody‐like structures are observed in cells over‐expressing MIM2‐truncated mutant of ESCRT‐III‐2.
Cell wall peptidolipids of Mycobacterium avium: from genetic prediction to exact structure of a nonribosomal peptide
Authors: Bannantine John P. , Etienne Gilles , Laval Françoise , Stabel Judith R. , Lemassu Anne , Daffé Mamadou , Bayles Darrell O. , Ganneau Christelle , Bonhomme Frédéric , Branger Maxime , Cochard Thierry , Bay Sylvie , Biet Franck
Published: May 2017

Mycobacteria have a complex cell wall structure that includes many lipids; however, even within a single subspecies of Mycobacterium avium these lipids can differ. Total lipids from an M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) ovine strain (S‐type) contained no identifiable glycopeptidolipids or lipopentapeptide (L5P), yet both lipids are present in other M. avium subspecies. We determined the genetic and phenotypic basis for this difference using sequence analysis as well as biochemical and physico‐chemical approaches. This strategy showed that a nonribosomal peptide synthase, encoded by mps1, contains three amino acid specifying modules in ovine strains, compared to five modules in bovine strains (C‐type). Sequence analysis predicted these modules would produce the tripeptide Phe‐N‐Methyl‐Val‐Ala with a lipid moiety, termed lipotripeptide (L3P). Comprehensive physico‐chemical analysis of Map S397 extracts confirmed the structural formula of the native L3P as D‐Phe‐N‐Methyl‐L‐Val‐L‐Ala‐OMe attached in N‐ter to a 20‐carbon fatty acid chain. These data demonstrate that S‐type strains, which are more adapted in sheep, produce a unique lipid. There is a dose‐dependent effect observed for L3P on upregulation of CD25+ CD8 T cells from infected cows, while L5P effects were static. In contrast, L5P demonstrated a significantly stronger induction of CD25+ B cells from infected animals compared to L3P.
The role of intrinsically disordered C‐terminal region of FliK in substrate specificity switching of the bacterial flagellar type III export apparatus
Authors: Kinoshita Miki , Aizawa Shin‐Ichi , Inoue Yumi , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru
Published: May 2017

The bacterial flagellar export switching machinery consists of a ruler protein, FliK, and an export switch protein, FlhB and switches substrate specificity of the flagellar type III export apparatus upon completion of hook assembly. An interaction between the C‐terminal domain of FliK (FliKC) and the C‐terminal cytoplasmic domain of FlhB (FlhBC) is postulated to be responsible for this switch. FliKC has a compactly folded domain termed FliKT3S4 (residues 268–352) and an intrinsically disordered region composed of the last 53 residues, FliKCT (residues 353–405). Residues 301–350 of FliKT3S4 and the last five residues of FliKCT are critical for the switching function of FliK. FliKCT is postulated to regulate the interaction of FliKT3S4 with FlhBC, but it remains unknown how. Here we report the role of FliKCT in the export switching mechanism. Systematic deletion analyses of FliKCT revealed that residues of 351–370 are responsible for efficient switching of substrate specificity of the export apparatus. Suppressor mutant analyses showed that FliKCT coordinates FliKT3S4 action with the switching. Site‐directed photo‐cross‐linking experiments showed that Val‐302 and Ile‐304 in the hydrophobic core of FliKT3S4 bind to FlhBC. We propose that FliKCT may induce conformational rearrangements of FliKT3S4 to bind to FlhBC.
Novel compounds targeting the enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli type three secretion system reveal insights into mechanisms of secretion inhibition
Authors: Zambelloni Riccardo , Connolly James P.R. , Huerta Uribe Alejandro , Burgess Karl , Marquez Rodolfo , Roe Andrew J.
Published: May 2017

Anti‐virulence (AV) compounds are a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics for fighting bacterial infections. The Type Three Secretion System (T3SS) is a well‐studied and attractive AV target, given that it is widespread in more than 25 species of Gram‐negative bacteria, including enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), and as it is essential for host colonization by many pathogens. In this work, we designed, synthesized and tested a new series of compounds that block the functionality of the T3SS of EHEC. Affinity chromatography experiments identified the primary target of the compounds as the T3SS needle pore protein EspD, which is essential for effector protein translocation into host cells. These data were supported by mechanistic studies that determined the coiled‐coil domain 1 of EspD as a key compound‐binding site, thereby preventing correct assembly of the T3SS complex on the cell surface. However, binding of inhibitors to EspD or deletion of EspD itself did not result in transcriptional down‐regulation of effector proteins. Instead, we found the compounds to exhibit dual‐functionality by also down‐regulating transcription of the entire chromosomal locus encoding the T3SS, further demonstrating their desirability and effectiveness.
Unravelling the complexity and redundancy of carbon catabolic repression in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25
Authors: Liu Yunhao , Gokhale Chaitanya S. , Rainey Paul B. , Zhang Xue‐Xian
Published: May 2017

The two‐component system CbrAB is the principal regulator for cellular metabolic balance in Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 and is necessary for growth on many substrates including xylose. To understand the regulatory linkage between CbrAB and genes for xylose utilization (xut), we performed transposon mutagenesis of ΔcbrB to select for Xut+ suppressors. This led to identification of crc and hfq. Subsequent genetic and biochemical analysis showed that Crc and Hfq are key mediators of succinate‐provoked carbon catabolite repression (CCR). Specifically, Crc/Hfq sequentially bind to mRNAs of both the transcriptional activator and structural genes involved in xylose catabolism. However, in the absence of succinate, repression is relieved through competitive binding by two ncRNAs, CrcY and CrcZ, whose expression is activated by CbrAB. These findings provoke a model for CCR in which it is assumed that crc and hfq are functionally complementary, whereas crcY and crcZ are genetically redundant. Inactivation of either crcY or crcZ produced no effects on bacterial fitness in laboratory media, however, results of mathematical modelling predict that the co‐existence of crcY and crcZ requires separate functional identity. Finally, we provide empirical evidence that CCR is advantageous in nutrient‐complex environments where preferred carbon sources are present at high concentrations but fluctuate in their availability.
The buffering capacity of stems: genetic architecture of nonstructural carbohydrates in cultivated Asian rice, Oryza sativa
Authors: Wang Diane R. , Han Rongkui , Wolfrum Edward J. , McCouch Susan R.
Published: May 2017

Harnessing stem carbohydrate dynamics in grasses offers an opportunity to help meet future demands for plant‐based food, fiber and fuel production, but requires a greater understanding of the genetic controls that govern the synthesis, interconversion and transport of such energy reserves.

We map out a blueprint of the genetic architecture of rice (Oryza sativa) stem nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) at two critical developmental time‐points using a subpopulation‐specific genome‐wide association approach on two diverse germplasm panels followed by quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in a biparental population.

Overall, 26 QTL are identified; three are detected in multiple panels and are associated with starch‐at‐maturity, sucrose‐at‐maturity and NSC‐at‐heading. They tag OsHXK6 (rice hexokinase), ISA2 (rice isoamylase) and a tandem array of sugar transporters.

This study provides the foundation for more in‐depth molecular investigation to validate candidate genes underlying rice stem NSC and informs future comparative studies in other agronomically vital grass species.
Testing plant use of mobile vs immobile soil water sources using stable isotope experiments
Authors: Vargas Ana I. , Schaffer Bruce , Yuhong Li , Sternberg Leonel da Silveira Lobo
Published: May 2017

We tested for isotope exchange between bound (immobile) and mobile soil water, and whether there is isotope fractionation during plant water uptake. These are critical assumptions to the formulation of the ‘two water worlds’ hypothesis based on isotope profiles of soil water.

In two different soil types, soil‐bound water in two sets of 19‐l pots, each with a 2‐yr‐old avocado plant (Persea americana), were identically labeled with tap water. After which, one set received isotopically enriched water whereas the other set received tap water as the mobile phase water. After a dry down period, we analyzed plant stem water as a proxy for soil‐bound water as well as total soil water by cryogenic distillation.

Seventy‐five to 95% of the bound water isotopically exchanged with the mobile water phase. In addition, plants discriminated against 18O and 2H during water uptake, and this discrimination is a function of the soil water loss and soil type.

The present experiment shows that the assumptions for the ‘two water worlds’ hypothesis are not supported. We propose a novel explanation for the discrepancy between isotope ratios of the soil water profile and other water compartments in the hydrological cycle.
Internally generated hippocampal sequences as a vantage point to probe future‐oriented cognition
Authors: Pezzulo Giovanni , Kemere Caleb , van der Meer Matthijs A.A.
Published: May 2017

Information processing in the rodent hippocampus is fundamentally shaped by internally generated sequences (IGSs), expressed during two different network states: theta sequences, which repeat and reset at the ∼8 Hz theta rhythm associated with active behavior, and punctate sharp wave‐ripple (SWR) sequences associated with wakeful rest or slow‐wave sleep. A potpourri of diverse functional roles has been proposed for these IGSs, resulting in a fragmented conceptual landscape. Here, we advance a unitary view of IGSs, proposing that they reflect an inferential process that samples a policy from the animal's generative model, supported by hippocampus‐specific priors. The same inference affords different cognitive functions when the animal is in distinct dynamical modes, associated with specific functional networks. Theta sequences arise when inference is coupled to the animal's action–perception cycle, supporting online spatial decisions, predictive processing, and episode encoding. SWR sequences arise when the animal is decoupled from the action–perception cycle and may support offline cognitive processing, such as memory consolidation, the prospective simulation of spatial trajectories, and imagination. We discuss the empirical bases of this proposal in relation to rodent studies and highlight how the proposed computational principles can shed light on the mechanisms of future‐oriented cognition in humans.
Neurocognitive mechanisms of real‐world autobiographical memory retrieval: insights from studies using wearable camera technology
Authors: Chow Tiffany E. , Rissman Jesse
Published: May 2017

In recent years, investigation into the cognitive and neural mechanisms of autobiographical memory has been aided by the use of experimental paradigms incorporating wearable camera technology. By effortlessly capturing first‐person images of one's life events, these cameras provide a rich set of naturalistic stimuli that can later be used to trigger the recall of specific episodes. Here, we chronicle the development and progression of such studies in behavioral and neuroimaging examinations of both clinical and nonclinical adult populations. Experiments examining the effects of periodic review of first‐person images of life events have documented enhancements of autobiographical memory retrieval. Such benefits are most pronounced in patients with memory impairments, but there is mounting evidence that cognitively healthy individuals may benefit as well. Findings from functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments using wearable camera stimuli as retrieval probes have produced results that, although largely consistent with the broader episodic memory literature, have significantly extended prior findings concerning the underlying mnemonic processes and the neural representation of autobiographical information. Taken together, wearable camera technology provides a unique opportunity for studies of autobiographical memory to more closely approximate real‐world conditions, thus offering enhanced ecological validity and opening up new avenues for experimental work.
Effector‐based attention systems
Authors: Perry Carolyn J. , Fallah Mazyar
Published: May 2017

Visual processing is known to be enhanced at the end point of eye movements. Feedback within the oculomotor system has been shown to drive these alterations in visual processing. However, we do not simply view the world; we also reach out and interact using our hands. Consequently, it is not surprising that visual processing has also been shown to be altered in near‐hand space. A growing body of work documents a myriad of alterations in near‐hand visual processing, with little consensus on the neural underpinnings of the effect of the hand. Since movement of the eyes and hands is governed by parallel frontoparietal networks and since within the oculomotor system feedback from these motor control regions has been shown to drive enhanced visual processing at saccade end points, it is plausible that a similar feedback mechanism is at play in near‐hand improvements in visual processing. Here, we compare and contrast oculomotor‐driven and hand‐driven changes in visual processing and provide support for the hypothesis that feedback within the reaching and grasping systems enhances visual processing near the hand in a novel way.
Extended calorie restriction suppresses overall and specific food cravings: a systematic review and a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kahathuduwa C. N. , Binks M. , Martin C. K. , Dawson J. A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Multiple studies have concluded that calorie restriction for at least 12 weeks is associated with reduced food cravings, while others have shown that calorie restriction may increase food cravings. We addressed this ambiguity in a systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

We searched for studies conducted on subjects with obesity, implemented calorie restriction for at least 12 weeks and measured food cravings pre‐intervention and post‐intervention. Our final eight studies mostly used the Food Craving Inventory. Other comparable methods were converted to a similar scale. We used the duration ≥12 weeks, but closest to 16 weeks for studies with multiple follow‐ups and performed DerSimonian–Laird random‐effects meta‐analyses using the ‘metafor’ package in r software.

Results

Despite heterogeneity across studies, we observed reductions in pooled effects for overall food cravings (−0.246 [−0.490, −0.001]) as well as cravings for sweet (−0.410 [−0.626, −0.194]), high‐fat (−0.190 [−0.343, −0.037]), starchy (−0.288 [−0.517, −0.058]) and fast food (−0.340 [−0.633, −0.048]) in the meta‐analysis. Baseline body weight, type of intervention, duration, sample size and percentage of female subjects explained the heterogeneity.

Conclusions

Calorie restriction is associated with reduced food cravings supporting a de‐conditioning model of craving reductions. Our findings should ease the minds of clinicians concerned about increased cravings in patients undergoing calorie restriction interventions.
Correlation of Cup Inclination Angle with Liner Wear for Metal‐on‐polyethylene in Hip Primary Arthroplasty
Authors: Tian Jia‐liang , Sun Li , Hu Rui‐yin , Han Wei , Tian Xiao‐bin
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The relationship between cup inclination angle and liner wear is controversial. Most authors in the published literature agree that the ideal cup inclination is associated with lower inner wear; however, some disagree. All previous studies did not control for femoral head diameter and inclination, so it is difficult to assess the relative or synergistic effects of cup angle on outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 154 patients (171 hips) with primary total hip arthroplasties performed from 2001 to 2004. All surgeries had been performed by the same physician team. A posterior approach was applied in all patients. All prostheses were non‐cemented cups with a 28‐mm metal head. Inclusion criteria included that the radiographic material was not completed or lost for primary or last follow up. Patients were divided into four groups according to different cup inclination angle. There were 108 hips with inclination angles below 50°; 35 hips with angles between 50° and 55°; 17 hips with angles between 55° and 60°; and 11 hips with angles greater than 60°. An immediate postoperative radiograph was compared with a follow‐up radiograph. Clinical and radiographic data were collected on standardized hip evaluation forms preoperatively, 6 months after surgery and at yearly follow‐up visits. Radiographs were digitized and enlarged 100%. After the radiographs were digitized, polyethylene wear rates and acetabular cup abduction were measured on all patients with Cavas 15.0 software. The results were analyzed using Student's two‐tailed paired t‐test with SPSS 11.5.

Results

The preoperative mean Harris hip score improved from 45.36 to 93.5 points 10 years after surgery. No acetabular component was revised for aseptic loosening. Three patients (three hips) had to undergo bone grafting and a lined arthroplasty for severe osteolysis around the acetabular component. The rate of implant survival at 10 years with respect to loosening was 100%. The mean liner wear rate was 0.135 mm/year in cups with inclination angles below 50°, 0.144 mm/year between 50° and 55°, 0.260 mm/year between 55° and 60°, and 0.403 mm/year when the angle was greater than 60°. Liner wear increased when the cup angle was larger than 55° (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

For metal‐on‐polyethylene prostheses, liner wear correlates with cup inclination angle larger than 55°. The ideal abduction angle for metal‐on‐polyethylene prostheses is less than 55°.
Incidence and predictors of massive bleeding in children undergoing liver transplantation: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Kloesel Benjamin , Kovatsis Pete G. , Faraoni David , Young Vanessa , Kim Heung Bae , Vakili Khashayar , Goobie Susan M.
Published: May 2017

Background

Liver transplantation represents a major surgery involving a highly vascular organ. Reports defining the scope of bleeding in pediatric liver transplants are few.

Aims

We conducted a retrospective analysis of liver transplants performed at our pediatric tertiary care center to quantify blood loss, blood product utilization, and to determine predictors for massive intraoperative bleeding.

Methods

Pediatric patients who underwent isolated liver transplantation at Boston Children's Hospital between 2011 and 2016 were included. The amount of blood product transfused in the perioperative period and the incidence of postoperative complications were reported. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine predictors for massive bleeding, defined as estimated blood loss exceeding one circulating blood volume within 24 hours.

Results

Sixty‐eight children underwent liver transplantation during the study period and were included in the analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the following independent predictors of massive bleeding: preoperative hemoglobin level <8.5 g/dL (OR 11.09, 95% CI 1.87‐65.76), INR >1.5 (OR 11.62, 95% CI 2.36‐57.26), platelet count <100 109/L (OR 7.92, 95% CI 1.46‐43.05), and surgery duration >600 minutes (OR 6.97, 95% CI 0.99‐48.92).

Conclusions

Pediatric liver transplantation is associated with substantial blood loss and a significant blood product transfusion burden. A 43% incidence of massive bleeding is reported. Further efforts are needed to improve bleeding management in this high‐risk population.
Epidermal bladder cells confer salinity stress tolerance in the halophyte quinoa and Atriplex species
Authors: Kiani‐Pouya Ali , Roessner Ute , Jayasinghe Nirupama S. , Lutz Adrian , Rupasinghe Thusitha , Bazihizina Nadia , Bohm Jennifer , Alharbi Sulaiman , Hedrich Rainer , Shabala Sergey
Published: May 2017

Epidermal bladder cells (EBCs) have been postulated to assist halophytes in coping with saline environments. However, little direct supporting evidence is available. Here, Chenopodium quinoa plants were grown under saline conditions for 5 weeks. One day prior to salinity treatment, EBCs from all leaves and petioles were gently removed by using a soft cosmetic brush and physiological, ionic and metabolic changes in brushed and non‐brushed leaves were compared. Gentle removal of EBC neither initiated wound metabolism nor affected the physiology and biochemistry of control‐grown plants but did have a pronounced effect on salt‐grown plants, resulting in a salt‐sensitive phenotype. Of 91 detected metabolites, more than half were significantly affected by salinity. Removal of EBC dramatically modified these metabolic changes, with the biggest differences reported for gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), proline, sucrose and inositol, affecting ion transport across cellular membranes (as shown in electrophysiological experiments). This work provides the first direct evidence for a role of EBC in salt tolerance in halophytes and attributes this to (1) a key role of EBC as a salt dump for external sequestration of sodium; (2) improved K+ retention in leaf mesophyll and (3) EBC as a storage space for several metabolites known to modulate plant ionic relations.
Strigolactones, karrikins and beyond
Authors: De Cuyper Carolien , Struk Sylwia , Braem Lukas , Gevaert Kris , De Jaeger Geert , Goormachtig Sofie
Published: May 2017

The plant hormones strigolactones are synthesized from carotenoids and signal via the α/β hydrolase DWARF 14 (D14) and the F‐box protein MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 2 (MAX2). Karrikins, molecules produced upon fire, share MAX2 for signalling, but depend on the D14 paralog KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE 2 (KAI2) for perception with strong evidence that the MAX2–KAI2 protein complex might also recognize so far unknown plant‐made karrikin‐like molecules. Thus, the phenotypes of the max2 mutants are the complex consequence of a loss of both D14‐dependent and KAI2‐dependent signalling, hence, the reason why some biological roles, attributed to strigolactones based on max2 phenotypes, could never be observed in d14 or in the strigolactone‐deficient max3 and max4 mutants. Moreover, the broadly used synthetic strigolactone analog rac‐GR24 has been shown to mimic strigolactone as well as karrikin(‐like) signals, providing an extra level of complexity in the distinction of the unique and common roles of both molecules in plant biology. Here, a critical overview is provided of the diverse biological processes regulated by strigolactones and/or karrikins. These two growth regulators are considered beyond their boundaries, and the importance of the yet unknown karrikin‐like molecules is discussed as well.
Diet quality of children post‐liver transplantation does not differ from healthy children
Authors: Alzaben Abeer S. , MacDonald Krista , Robert Cheri , Haqq Andrea , Gilmour Susan M. , Yap Jason , Mager Diana R.
Published: May 2017

Little has been studied regarding the diets of children following LTX. The study aim was to assess and compare dietary intake and DQ of healthy children and children post‐LTX. Children and adolescents (2‐18 years) post‐LTX (n=27) and healthy children (n=28) were studied. Anthropometric and demographic data and two 24‐hour recalls (one weekend; one weekday) were collected. Intake of added sugar, HFCS, fructose, GI, and GL was calculated. DQ was measured using three validated DQ indices: the HEI‐C, the DGI‐CA, and the DQI‐I. Although no differences in weight‐for‐age z‐scores were observed between groups, children post‐LTX had lower height‐for‐age z‐scores than healthy children (P<.01). With the exception of vitamin B12, no significant differences in energy and macronutrient (protein, carbohydrate, and fat), added sugar, HFCS, fructose, GI, GL, and micronutrient intakes and DQ indices (HEI‐C, DGI‐CA, and DQI‐I) between groups were observed (P>.05). The majority of children in both groups (>40%) had low DQ scores. No significant interrelationships between dietary intake, anthropometric, and demographic were found (P>.05). Both healthy and children post‐LTX consume diets with poor DQ. This has implications for risk of obesity and metabolic dysregulation, particularly in transplant populations on immunosuppressive therapies.
On the Wiener–Hopf Method for Surface Plasmons: Diffraction from Semiinfinite Metamaterial Sheet
Authors: Margetis Dionisios , Maier Matthias , Luskin Mitchell
Published: May 2017

By formally invoking the Wiener–Hopf method, we explicitly solve a one‐dimensional, singular integral equation for the excitation of a slowly decaying electromagnetic wave, called surface plasmon‐polariton (SPP), of small wavelength on a semiinfinite, flat conducting sheet irradiated by a plane wave in two spatial dimensions. This setting is germane to wave diffraction by edges of large sheets of single‐layer graphene. Our analytical approach includes (i) formulation of a functional equation in the Fourier domain; (ii) evaluation of a split function, which is expressed by a contour integral and is a key ingredient of the Wiener–Hopf factorization; and (iii) extraction of the SPP as a simple‐pole residue of a Fourier integral. Our analytical solution is in good agreement with a finite‐element numerical computation.
Quantitative assessment of wound healing using high‐frequency ultrasound image analysis
Authors: Mohafez H. , Ahmad S. A. , Hadizadeh M. , Moghimi S. , Roohi S. A. , Marhaban M. H. , Saripan M. I. , Rampal S.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

We aimed to develop a method for quantitative assessment of wound healing in ulcerated diabetic feet.

Methods

High‐frequency ultrasound (HFU) images of 30 wounds were acquired in a controlled environment on post‐debridement days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Meaningful features portraying changes in structure and intensity of echoes during healing were extracted from the images, their relevance and discriminatory power being verified by analysis of variance. Relative analysis of tissue healing was conducted by developing a features‐based healing function, optimised using the pattern‐search method. Its performance was investigated through leave‐one‐out cross‐validation technique and reconfirmed using principal component analysis.

Results

The constructed healing function could depict tissue changes during healing with 87.8% accuracy. The first principal component derived from the extracted features demonstrated similar pattern to the constructed healing function, accounting for 86.3% of the data variance.

Conclusion

The developed wound analysis technique could be a viable tool in quantitative assessment of diabetic foot ulcers during healing.
An Exploration of a Quantitative Reasoning Instructional Approach to Linear Equations in Two Variables With Community College Students
Authors: Belue Paul T. , Overman Cavey Laurie , Kinzel Margaret T.
Published: May 2017

In this exploratory study, we examined the effects of a quantitative reasoning instructional approach to linear equations in two variables on community college students’ conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and reasoning ability. This was done in comparison to the use of a traditional procedural approach for instruction on the same topic. Data were gathered from a common unit assessment that included procedural and conceptual questions. Results demonstrate that small changes in instruction focused on quantitative reasoning can lead to significant differences in students’ ability to demonstrate conceptual understanding compared to a procedural approach. The results also indicate that a quantitative reasoning approach does not appear to diminish students’ procedural skills, but that additional work is needed to understand how to best support students’ understanding of linear relationships.