bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recession, austerity and gender: A comparison of eight European labour markets
Authors: PÉRIVIER Hélène
Published: September 2016

The collapse in GDP brought about by the global economic crisis in 2008 affected female employment less than male employment, whereas austerity has been particularly harsh on women, a gendered impact described in the literature as “he‐cession to sh(e)‐austerity”. This article analyses gendered trends in the labour markets of eight European countries, decomposing quarterly changes in labour participation of women and men and in employment by sector. The “he‐cession to sh(e)‐austerity” scenario is not observed in all countries. Other channels through which austerity policies can jeopardize gender equality and women's rights are identified with reference to a typology of such policies.
Improving occupational health and safety risk evaluation through decision analysis
Authors: Oliveira Mónica D. , Lopes Diana F. , Bana e Costa Carlos A.
Published: September 2016

Risk matrices (RMs) are extensively used for risk management, namely in occupational health and safety (OHS) settings, despite suffering from well‐known methodological problems. The IRIS approach (improving RMs) proposes to overcome those problems throughout the construction of value RMs (VRMs) that shift the basis of risk analysis from probability versus impact to probability versus “impact value.” This article describes the real‐world participatory process of building a VRM for an OHS unit. The complexity of the case required the enhancement of IRIS with soft mapping tools to structure the risk impact dimensions, the MACBETH‐Choquet (where MACBETH is measuring attractiveness by a categorical based evaluation technique) procedure to model interdependent impacts, and a system of rules to risk probability assessment. A discussion on the model‐building process is presented, namely addressing the cognitive burden imposed on the participants by different value elicitation procedures, which informed the design of a decision support system to assist the managers of the OHS unit in using the VRM.
A compositional turnover zone of biogeographical magnitude within lowland Amazonia
Authors: Tuomisto Hanna , Moulatlet Gabriel M. , Balslev Henrik , Emilio Thaise , Figueiredo Fernando O. G. , Pedersen Dennis , Ruokolainen Kalle
Published: September 2016

Aim

To assess the relative roles of geologically defined terrain types (environmental heterogeneity) and a major river (physical dispersal barrier) as predictors of ecological structuring and biogeographical differentiation within Amazonian forests.

Location

Western Brazilian Amazonia, where the Juruá river and its terraces cross a 1000‐km‐long boundary between two geological formations (the Solimões and Içá Formations).

Methods

We sampled a 500‐km stretch of the Juruá with 71 transects (5 m by 500 m) that spanned both the river and the geological boundary. All transects were inventoried for pteridophytes (ferns and lycophytes) and Melastomataceae, and a subset of 39 transects also for palms and Zingiberales. Three surface soil samples were collected from each transect. The data were analysed using ordinations, regression trees, indicator species analyses and Mantel tests.

Results

All plant groups showed congruent species turnover between geologically defined terrain types, but little evidence of isolation by the river or geographical distance. Soil cation concentration differed between the Solimões Formation and other terrain types and emerged as the main explanatory factor for species turnover. A large proportion of the plant species were significant indicators for specific parts of the soil cation concentration gradient, and these edaphic associations were congruent with those found in other parts of Amazonia. Pteridophytes had a larger proportion of species in the cation‐rich soils than the other plant groups did, and palms had a higher proportion of generalists.

Main conclusions

The geological boundary between the Solimões and Içá formations is confirmed as significant floristic turnover zone. As it runs in a north–south orientation for more than 1000 km, the edaphic differences associated with this boundary have wide‐ranging implications for speciation and biogeographical patterns in Amazonia.
Necroptosis is a key mediator of enterocytes loss in intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Wen Shihong , Ling Yihong , Yang Wenjing , Shen Jiantong , Li Cai , Deng Wentao , Liu Weifeng , Liu Kexuan
Published: September 2016

Cell death is an important biological process that is believed to have a central role in intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. While the apoptosis inhibition is pivotal in preventing intestinal I/R, how necrotic cell death is regulated remains unknown. Necroptosis represents a newly discovered form of programmed cell death that combines the features of both apoptosis and necrosis, and it has been implicated in the development of a range of inflammatory diseases. Here, we show that receptor‐interacting protein 1/3 (RIP1/3) kinase and mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein recruitment mediates necroptosis in a rat model of ischaemic intestinal injury in vivo. Furthermore, necroptosis was specifically blocked by the RIP1 kinase inhibitor necrostatin‐1. In addition, the combined treatment of necrostatin‐1 and the pan‐caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD acted synergistically to protect against intestinal I/R injury, and these two pathways can be converted to one another when one is inhibited. In vitro, necrostatin‐1 pre‐treatment reduced the necroptotic death of oxygen‐glucose deprivation challenged intestinal epithelial cell‐6 cells, which in turn dampened the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β), and suppressed high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1) translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and the subsequent release of HMGB1 into the supernatant, thus decreasing the activation of Toll‐like receptor 4 and the receptor for advanced glycation end products. Collectively, our study reveals a robust RIP1/RIP3‐dependent necroptosis pathway in intestinal I/R‐induced intestinal injury in vivo and in vitro and suggests that the HMGB1 signalling is highly involved in this process, making it a novel therapeutic target for acute ischaemic intestinal injury.
Peripheral blood neutrophil extracellular trap production and degradation in chronic periodontitis
Authors: White Phillipa , Sakellari Dimitra , Roberts Helen , Risafi Idyli , Ling Martin , Cooper Paul , Milward Mike , Chapple Iain
Published: September 2016

Aims

To investigate ex vivo peripheral neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) production and their subsequent degradation by plasma in chronic periodontitis patients, and periodontally and systemically healthy‐matched controls.

Materials and Methods

Chronic periodontitis patient and control (n = 40 pairs) peripheral blood neutrophils (PBN) were stimulated for NET quantification. A subset of patients received non‐surgical periodontal therapy (n = 19) and NETs were quantified 3 months later alongside controls. Blood plasma was collected from patients and controls to quantify plasma‐induced NET degradation (n = 19 pairs). Subsequent experiments quantified plasma concentrations of DNase‐1, immunoglobulin G (IgG), free light chains (FLCs), and cystatin C.

Results

No differences were observed in NET production between patients and controls. However, NET production decreased significantly in patients post‐treatment. Plasma NET degradation was significantly lower in patients than controls, which may be due to significantly reduced DNase‐1 levels as demonstrated, or potentially due to elevated IgG/FLC concentrations in patients. NET degradation post‐periodontal treatment was comparable between patients and controls.

Conclusions

NET production was comparable between patients and controls; however, non‐surgical therapy causes attenuated NETs. NET degradation by plasma is impaired in untreated chronic periodontitis, potentially increasing the chronic NET burden, which may enhance antimicrobial function, or conversely, increase the risk of autoimmune/inflammatory responses.
Complex PTSD as proposed for ICD‐11: validation of a new disorder in children and adolescents and their response to Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Authors: Sachser Cedric , Keller Ferdinand , Goldbeck Lutz
Published: September 2016

Background

To evaluate whether the symptoms of children and adolescents with clinically significant posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) form classes consistent with the diagnostic criteria of complex PTSD (CPTSD) as proposed for the ICD‐11, and to relate the emerging classes with treatment outcome of Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF‐CBT).

Methods

Latent classes analysis (LCA) was used to explore the symptom profiles of the clinical baseline assessment of N = 155 children and adolescents participating in a randomized controlled trial of TF‐CBT. The treatment outcomes of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and of patients with CPTSD were compared by a t‐test for depended samples and a repeated‐measures ANOVA.

Results

The LCA revealed two distinct classes: a PTSD class characterized by elevated core symptoms of PTSD (n = 62) and low symptoms of disturbances in self‐organization versus a complex PTSD class with elevated PTSD core symptoms and elevated symptoms of disturbances in self‐organization (n = 93). The Group × Time interaction regarding posttraumatic stress symptoms was not significant. Pre–post effect sizes regarding posttraumatic stress symptoms were large for both groups (PTSD: d = 2.81; CPTSD: d = 1.37). For disturbances in self‐organization in the CPTSD class, we found medium to large effect sizes (d = 0.40–1.16) after treatment with TF‐CBT.

Conclusions

The results provide empirical evidence of the ICD‐11 CPTSD and PTSD distinction in a clinical sample of children and adolescents. In terms of relative improvement from their respective baseline posttraumatic stress symptoms, patients with PTSD and CPTSD responded equally to TF‐CBT; however, those with CPTSD ended treatment with clinically and statistically greater symptoms than those with PTSD.
Children with ADHD symptoms show decreased activity in ventral striatum during the anticipation of reward, irrespective of ADHD diagnosis
Authors: van Hulst Branko M. , de Zeeuw Patrick , Bos Dienke J. , Rijks Yvonne , Neggers Sebastiaan F. W. , Durston Sarah
Published: September 2016

Background

Changes in reward processing are thought to be involved in the etiology of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as other developmental disorders. In addition, different forms of therapy for ADHD rely on reinforcement principles. As such, improved understanding of reward processing in ADHD could eventually lead to more effective treatment options. However, differences in reward processing may not be specific to ADHD, but may be a trans‐diagnostic feature of disorders that involve ADHD‐like symptoms.

Methods

In this event‐related fMRI study, we used a child‐friendly version of the monetary incentive delay task to assess performance and brain activity during reward anticipation. Also, we collected questionnaire data to assess reward sensitivity in daily life. For final analyses, data were available for 27 typically developing children, 24 children with ADHD, and 25 children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD symptoms.

Results

We found decreased activity in ventral striatum during anticipation of reward in children with ADHD symptoms, both for children with ADHD as their primary diagnosis and in children with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD symptoms. We found that higher parent‐rated sensitivity to reward was associated with greater anticipatory activity in ventral striatum for children with ADHD symptoms. In contrast, there was no relationship between the degree of ADHD symptoms and activity in ventral striatum.

Conclusions

We provide evidence of biological and behavioral differences in reward sensitivity in children with ADHD symptoms, regardless of their primary diagnosis. Ultimately, a dimensional brain‐behavior model of reward sensitivity in children with symptoms of ADHD may be useful to refine treatment options dependent on reward processing.
Firm‐Driven Management of Longevity Risk: Analysis of Lump‐Sum Forward Payments in Japanese Nursing Homes
Authors: Sugawara Shinya
Published: September 2016

This study analyzes a unique economic circumstance of longevity risk management in the Japanese private nursing home market. This circumstance takes the form of a lump‐sum forward payment of lifetime rent by residents, which leaves most longevity risk to be covered by homes. To analyze this circumstance, I construct a structural econometric model of industrial organization for this market. For the underlying structure of longevity risk, I assume that both individual consumers and nursing homes utilize the subjective evaluation. My empirical analysis detects excess payments that can be compensated for only by an unrealistically long stay in nursing homes. This finding implies the existence of the exaggerated evaluation of longevity by economic agents. Thus, appropriate government intervention to help hedge longevity risk might improve social welfare.
Assessment of BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression and BRAF gene mutation status in codon 600 in benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms
Authors: Bodnar Magdalena , Burduk Paweł , Antosik Paulina , Jarmuz‐Szymczak Małgorzata , Wierzbicka Malgorzata , Marszalek Andrzej
Published: September 2016

Background

The role of BRAF mutations in cancerogenesis has been demonstrated in several solid tumor types. However, in salivary gland tumors, this genetic alteration is very uncommon, and its role still remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression with BRAF mutation status in codon 600, in malignant and benign salivary gland tumors.

Methods

Studies were performed on archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue sections derived from 95 patients who underwent surgery for tumors of the salivary gland. Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) on tissue microarray slides was performed for evaluation of BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression, and the automatic molecular diagnostics platform was used for the evaluation of mutations in codon 600 of BRAF gene.

Results

IHC cytoplasmic expression of BRAF V600E (VE1) protein was found in two of 95 cases: one case of adenocarcinoma NOS (one of three; 33%) and one case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (one of five; 20%). Although, in IHC studies, nuclear BRAF V600E (VE1) protein expression was found in 14 (15%) of the analyzed cases: nine of 28 (32%) cases of pleomorphic adenoma, three of five (60%) cases of ductal carcinoma, one of nine (11%) case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and in one of five (20%) case of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma. All cases were negative for polymerase chain reaction PCR‐based analyses of BRAF mutations in codon 600.

Conclusions

In studied salivary gland cancers, no PCR‐based prove mutations of BRAF V600 were detected. Further molecular analyses are necessary to rapid molecular arrays for the identification of specific mutations, optimal for individualized targeted therapies.
Rare copy number alterations and copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity revealed in ameloblastomas by high‐density whole‐genome microarray analysis
Authors: Diniz Marina Gonçalves , Duarte Alessandra Pires , Villacis Rolando A. , Guimarães Bruna V. A. , Duarte Luiz Cláudio Pires , Rogatto Sílvia R. , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Gomes Carolina Cavaliéri
Published: September 2016

Background

Ameloblastoma (unicystic, UA, or multicystic, MA) is a rare tumor associated with bone destruction and facial deformity. Its malignant counterpart is the ameloblastic carcinoma (AC). The BRAFV600E mutation is highly prevalent in all these tumors subtypes and cannot account for their different clinical behaviors.

Methods

We assessed copy number alterations (CNAs) and copy‐neutral loss of heterozygosity (cnLOH) in UA (n = 2), MA (n = 3), and AC (n = 1) using the CytoScan HD Array (Affymetrix) and the BRAFV600E status. RT‐qPCR was applied in four selected genes (B4GALT1, BAG1, PKD1L2, and PPP2R5A) covered by rare alterations, also including three MA and four normal oral tissues.

Results

Fifty‐seven CNAs and cnLOH were observed in the ameloblastomas and six CNAs in the AC. Seven of the CNAs were rare (six in UA and one in MA), four of them encompassing genes (gains of 7q11.21, 1q32.3, and 9p21.1 and loss of 16q23.2). We found positive correlation between rare CNA gene dosage and the expression of B4GALT1, BAG1, PKD1L2, and PPP2R5A. The AC and 1 UA were BRAF wild‐type; however, this UA showed rare genomic alterations encompassing genes associated with RAF/MAPK activation.

Conclusion

Ameloblastomas show rare CNAs and cnLOH, presenting a specific genomic profile with no overlapping of the rare alterations among UA, MA, and AC. These genomic changes might play a role in tumor evolution and in BRAFV600E‐negative tumors.
β‐defensin CNV is not associated with susceptibility to Candida albicans infections in Sardinian APS I patients
Authors: Incani Federica , Cossu Carla , Meloni Alessandra , Faà Valeria , Serra Maria Luisa , Dettori Federico , Meloni Antonella , Rosatelli Maria Cristina
Published: September 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a variation in the genomic copy number (CNV) of the β‐defensin cluster could be associated with the pre‐disposition to chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) in Sardinian APECED patients.

Subjects and Methods

The β‐defensin copy number variation was determined by MLPA analysis in 18 Sardinian APECED patients with CMC and in 21 Sardinian controls. Statistical analyses were performed with one‐way ANOVA test.

Results

No statistically significant results were observed between the patients and controls groups.

Conclusions

According to the results we have obtained, it appears that either β‐defensin genomic CNV is not a modifier locus for CMC susceptibility in APECED patients, or any effect is too small for it to be detected using such sample size. An extensive study on APECED patients from different geographical areas might reveal the real implication of the β‐defensin CNV in the susceptibility to Candida albicans infections.
HARRIS AND WILSON (1978) MODEL REVISITED: THE SPATIAL PERIOD‐DOUBLING CASCADE IN AN URBAN RETAIL MODEL
Authors: Osawa Minoru , Akamatsu Takashi , Takayama Yuki
Published: September 2016

Harris and Wilson (1978)'s retail location model is a pioneering work that utilizes the combination of the “fast” and “slow” dynamics to describe the space economy. This paper elucidates the model's previously unknown comparative static (bifurcation) properties in a many‐location setting beyond two. We show that the spatial structure's evolutionary path in line with decreasing transport costs exhibits a remarkable property, namely, a “spatial period‐doubling cascade.” Furthermore, we reveal strong linkages between the model and “new economic geography” models in terms of their model structures and bifurcation properties, offering a new theoretical perspective for understanding agglomeration behaviors in multilocation settings.
Current State of Child Health in Rural America: How Context Shapes Children's Health
Authors: Probst Janice C. , Barker Judith C. , Enders Alexandra , Gardiner Paula
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Children's health is influenced by the context in which they live. We provide a descriptive essay on the status of children in rural America to highlight features of the rural environment that may affect health.

Description

We compiled information concerning components of the rural environment that may contribute to health outcomes. Areas addressed include the economic characteristics, provider availability, uniquely rural health risks, health services use, and health outcomes among rural children.

Assessment

Nearly 12 million children live in the rural United States. Rural counties are economically disadvantaged, leading to higher rates of poverty among rural versus urban children. Rural and urban children are approximately equally likely to be insured, but Medicaid insures a higher proportion of children in rural areas. While generally similar in health, rural children are more likely to be overweight or obese than urban children. Rural parents are less likely to report that their children received preventive medical or oral health visits than urban parents. Rural children are more likely to die than their urban peers, largely due to unintentional injury.

Conclusion

Improving rural children's health will require both increased public health surveillance and research that creates solutions appropriate for rural environments, where health care professionals may be in short supply. Most importantly, solutions must be multisectoral, engaging education, economic development, and other community perspectives as well as health care.
Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study—A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Boswood A. , Häggström J. , Gordon S.G. , Wess G. , Stepien R.L. , Oyama M.A. , Keene B.W. , Bonagura J. , MacDonald K.A. , Patteson M. , Smith S. , Fox P.R. , Sanderson K. , Woolley R. , Szatmári V. , Menaut P. , Church W.M. , O'Sullivan M. L. , Jaudon J.‐P. , Kresken J.‐G. , Rush J. , Barrett K.A. , Rosenthal S.L. , Saunders A.B. , Ljungvall I. , Deinert M. , Bomassi E. , Estrada A.H. , Fernandez Del Palacio M.J. , Moise N.S. , Abbott J.A. , Fujii Y. , Spier A. , Luethy M.W. , Santilli R.A. , Uechi M. , Tidholm A. , Watson P.
Published: September 2016

Background

Pimobendan is effective in treatment of dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Its effect on dogs before the onset of CHF is unknown.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Administration of pimobendan (0.4–0.6 mg/kg/d in divided doses) to dogs with increased heart size secondary to preclinical MMVD, not receiving other cardiovascular medications, will delay the onset of signs of CHF, cardiac‐related death, or euthanasia.

Animals

360 client‐owned dogs with MMVD with left atrial‐to‐aortic ratio ≥1.6, normalized left ventricular internal diameter in diastole ≥1.7, and vertebral heart sum >10.5.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, blinded, multicenter clinical trial. Primary outcome variable was time to a composite of the onset of CHF, cardiac‐related death, or euthanasia.

Results

Median time to primary endpoint was 1228 days (95% CI: 856–NA) in the pimobendan group and 766 days (95% CI: 667–875) in the placebo group (P = .0038). Hazard ratio for the pimobendan group was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.47–0.87) compared with the placebo group. The benefit persisted after adjustment for other variables. Adverse events were not different between treatment groups. Dogs in the pimobendan group lived longer (median survival time was 1059 days (95% CI: 952–NA) in the pimobendan group and 902 days (95% CI: 747–1061) in the placebo group) (P = .012).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Administration of pimobendan to dogs with MMVD and echocardiographic and radiographic evidence of cardiomegaly results in prolongation of preclinical period and is safe and well tolerated. Prolongation of preclinical period by approximately 15 months represents substantial clinical benefit.
Biochemical Characterization and Comparison of Pancreatic Lipases from the Pacific Bluefin Tuna, Thunnus orientalis; Totoaba, Totoaba macdonaldi; and Striped Bass, Morone saxatilis
Authors: Rueda‐López Servando , Martínez‐Montaño Emmanuel , Viana María Teresa
Published: September 2016

Lipolytic activity from pancreatic crude extracts from the Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT), Thunnus orientalis; totoaba, Totoaba macdonaldi; and striped bass, Morone saxatilis, were biochemically characterized to detect possible differences in the digestive capacity of each fish. The maximum activity was at temperatures ranging from 35 to 45 C and at pH 8.0; the activity decreased significantly at a pH lower than 7.0. Lipases from PBT and totoaba showed an increase in activity with the presence of sodium taurocholate (NaTC; 6 mM). However, no increase in activity could be observed when a mixture of bile salts or natural bile extracts was used in the reaction mixture, which was observed in the presence of NaTC. In contrast, the lipase activity from striped bass increased accordingly when NaCl was added at different levels (0–1.5 M). Calcium was not required in the reaction mixture for any of the fish species tested. We concluded that all three lipases have different physicochemical properties and ionic strength and emulsifier requirements to obtain their maximum activity. Striped bass was far too sensitive to NaCl, while totoaba and PBT were sensitive to NaTC. The differences in activity shown here suggest the possibility of studying the use of different additives on feed formulations to maximize lipase efficiency.
Differential Overeducation in East and West Germany: Extending Frank's Theory on Economic Returns Changes the Picture of Disadvantaged Women
Authors: Boll Christina , Leppin Julian Sebastian
Published: September 2016

We test the theory of differential overeducation which predicts that women and particularly partnered women are more affected by overeducation than men. OurOLSandFEestimations based on GermanSOEPdata confirm that women indeed exhibit more years of excess education in both regions. Women's higher educational mismatch accounts for 5 pp of the West German pay gap. However, women suffer lower wage penalties from overeducation than men in both regions and, for partnered people, higher female wage penalties vanish in theFEestimations. Hence, women are more rationed than men concerning overeducation magnitude, confirming Frank's theory, but rather less disadvantaged with respect to economic returns.
Skin glucose metabolism and microvascular blood flow during local insulin delivery and after an oral glucose load
Authors: Iredahl Fredrik , Högstedt Alexandra , Henricson Joakim , Sjöberg Folke , Tesselaar Erik , Farnebo Simon
Published: September 2016

Objective

Insulin causes capillary recruitment in muscle and adipose tissue, but the metabolic and microvascular effects of insulin in the skin have not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to measure glucose metabolism and microvascular blood flow in the skin during local insulin delivery and after an oral glucose load.

Methods

Microdialysis catheters were inserted intracutanously in human subjects. In eight subjects two microdialysis catheters were inserted, one perfused with insulin and one with control solution. First the local effects of insulin was studied, followed by a systemic provocation by an oral glucose load. Additionally, as control experiment, six subjects did not recieve local delivery of insulin or the oral glucose load. During microdialysis the local blood flow was measured by urea clearance and by laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI).

Results

Within 15 minutes of local insulin delivery, microvascular blood flow in the skin increased (urea clearance: P=.047, LSCI: P=.002) paralleled by increases in pyruvate (P=.01) and lactate (P=.04), indicating an increase in glucose uptake. An oral glucose load increased urea clearance from the catheters, indicating an increase in skin perfusion, although no perfusion changes were detected with LSCI. The concentration of glucose, pyruvate and lactate increased in the skin after the oral glucose load.

Conclusion

Insulin has metabolic and vasodilatory effects in the skin both when given locally and after systemic delivery through an oral glucose load.
Botryosphaeria dothidea: a latent pathogen of global importance to woody plant health
Authors: Marsberg Angelica , Kemler Martin , Jami Fahimeh , Nagel Jan H. , Postma‐Smidt Alisa , Naidoo Sanushka , Wingfield Michael J. , Crous Pedro W. , Spatafora Joseph W. , Hesse Cedar N. , Robbertse Barbara , Slippers Bernard
Published: September 2016

Botryosphaeria dothidea is the type species of Botryosphaeria (Botryosphaeriaceae, Botryosphaeriales). Fungi residing in this order are amongst the most widespread and important canker and dieback pathogens of trees worldwide, with B. dothidea one of the most common species on a large number of hosts. Its taxonomic circumscription has undergone substantial change in the past decade, making it difficult to interpret the large volume of literature linked to the name B. dothidea. This pathogen profile synthesizes the current understanding of B. dothidea pertaining to its distribution, host associations and role as a pathogen in managed and natural woody environments. The prolonged latent infection or endophytic phase is of particular importance, as it implies that the fungus can easily pass undetected by quarantine systems in traded living plants, fruits and other plant parts. Infections typically become obvious only under conditions of host stress, when disease symptoms develop. This study also considers the knowledge emerging from the recently sequenced B. dothidea genome, elucidating previously unknown aspects of the species, including mating and host infection strategies. Despite more than 150 years of research on B. dothidea, there is clearly much to be learned regarding this global tree pathogen. This is increasingly important given the stresses imposed on various woody hosts as a result of climate change.

Taxonomy

Botryosphaeria dothidea (Moug. ex Fr) Ces. & De Not, 1863. Kingdom Fungi, Phylum Ascomycota, Class Dothideomycetes, Order Botryosphaeriales, Family Botryosphaeriaceae, Genus Botryosphaeria, Species dothidea.

Host range

Confirmed on more than 24 host genera, including woody plants, such as Acacia (= Vachellia), Eucalyptus, Vitis and Pistachio.

Disease symptoms

Associated with twig, branch and stem cankers, tip and branch dieback, fruit rot, blue stain and plant death.

Useful websites

The Botryosphaeria site for detailed morphological descriptions (http://www.crem.fct.unl.pt/botryosphaeria_site/);

Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory Fungal Database for all literature and associated hosts (https://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/);

TreeBASE link for the combined ITS and TEF‐1α tree (http://purl.org/phylo/treebase/phylows/study/TB2:S18906);

DOE Joint Genome Institute, JGI Mycocosm for the Botryosphaeria dothidea genome (http://genome.jgi.doe.gov/Botdo1_1/Botdo1_1.home.html).
Novel insights into esophageal diagnostic procedures
Authors: Savarino Edoardo , Ottonello Andrea , Tolone Salvatore , Bartolo Ottavia , Baeg Myong Ki , Farjah Farhood , Kuribayashi Shiko , Shetler Katerina P. , Lottrup Christian , Stein Ellen
Published: September 2016

The 21st century offers new advances in diagnostic procedures and protocols in the management of esophageal diseases. This review highlights the most recent advances in esophageal diagnostic technologies, including clinical applications of novel endoscopic devices, such as ultrathin endoscopy and confocal laser endomicroscopy for diagnosis and management of Barrett's esophagus; novel parameters and protocols in high‐resolution esophageal manometry for the identification and better classification of motility abnormalities; innovative connections between esophageal motility disorder diagnosis and detection of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); impedance–pH testing for detecting the various GERD phenotypes; performance of distensibility testing for better pathophysiological knowledge of the esophagus and other gastrointestinal abnormalities; and a modern view of positron emission tomography scanning in metastatic disease detection in the era of accountability as a model for examining other new technologies. We now have better tools than ever for the detection of esophageal diseases and disorders, and emerging data are helping to define how well these tools change management and provide value to clinicians. This review features novel insights from multidisciplinary perspectives, including both surgical and medical perspectives, into these new tools, and it offers guidance on the use of novel technologies in clinical practice and future directions for research.
Genome privacy: challenges, technical approaches to mitigate risk, and ethical considerations in the United States
Authors: Wang Shuang , Jiang Xiaoqian , Singh Siddharth , Marmor Rebecca , Bonomi Luca , Fox Dov , Dow Michelle , Ohno‐Machado Lucila
Published: September 2016

Accessing and integrating human genomic data with phenotypes are important for biomedical research. Making genomic data accessible for research purposes, however, must be handled carefully to avoid leakage of sensitive individual information to unauthorized parties and improper use of data. In this article, we focus on data sharing within the scope of data accessibility for research. Current common practices to gain biomedical data access are strictly rule based, without a clear and quantitative measurement of the risk of privacy breaches. In addition, several types of studies require privacy‐preserving linkage of genotype and phenotype information across different locations (e.g., genotypes stored in a sequencing facility and phenotypes stored in an electronic health record) to accelerate discoveries. The computer science community has developed a spectrum of techniques for data privacy and confidentiality protection, many of which have yet to be tested on real‐world problems. In this article, we discuss clinical, technical, and ethical aspects of genome data privacy and confidentiality in the United States, as well as potential solutions for privacy‐preserving genotype–phenotype linkage in biomedical research.
A rare case of aggressive osteoblastoma in maxilla
Authors: Pamuk A.E. , Yeşilırmak A. , Kuşcu O. , Kösemehmetoğlu K.
Published: September 2016

Osteoblastoma is a benign osteogenic bone tumour. Despite having a benign character, a small subgroup referred to as aggressive or epithelioid osteoblastoma can exhibit locally aggressive behaviour. Herein, we report a 45‐year‐old man who presented with a rapidly growing palatal and maxillary mass that resulted in difficulty with respiration and oral feeding. Following radiological evaluation and incisional biopsy based on the prediagnosis of aggressive osteoblastoma, total maxillectomy was performed. Histopathological examination revealed an expansile bone‐forming tumour without any atypical mitosis, necrosis, pleomorphism or hyperchromasia and it was interpreted as aggressive osteoblastoma. The differential diagnosis includes low‐grade osteoblastoma‐like osteosarcoma, and there is an ongoing debate about the proper classification and diagnosis. Proper treatment should include surgical excision of the lesion, reconstruction of the surgical site and close follow‐up for possible recurrence. This case is a well‐demonstrated example of multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment of a rare and challenging phenomenon.
Early survival of Quercus ilex subspecies from different populations after infections and co‐infections by multiple Phytophthora species
Authors: Corcobado T. , Miranda‐Torres J. J. , Martín‐García J. , Jung T. , Solla A.
Published: September 2016

Forests in Europe are threatened by increased diversity of Phytophthora species, but effects on trees of simultaneous infections by Phytophthora and ecological consequences of their coexistence are unknown. This study explored variation in early survival of Quercus ilex to Phytophthora infections and assessed interactions between Phytophthora species when trees were co‐infected. Three Phytophthora species (P. cinnamomi, P. gonapodyides and P. quercina), seeds from 16 populations of Q. ilex (ballota and ilex subspecies) and two infection times were used as sources of variation in two experiments. The influence of Phytophthora species, Q. ilex subspecies and populations on plant germination and survival were analysed using generalized linear mixed models and survival analysis techniques. Germination rates were not influenced by Phytophthora spp. (P = 0.194) but by the subspecies and populations of Q. ilex (P < 0.001). In Phytophthora‐infested soils, Q. ilex subsp. ilex germinated at higher rates than Q. ilex subsp. ballota. Plant survival was strongly influenced by Phytophthora species (P < 0.001), not by the subspecies and populations of Q. ilex. Seedling mortality was reduced and delayed if a less virulent Phytophthora species infected plants prior to infection by a more virulent Phytophthora species. The results help to explain oak decline syndrome and the lack of natural and artificial regeneration of Q. ilex forests. Lack of interspecific variability of early survival to Phytophthora spp. discourages direct sowing for artificial reforestation programmes. Large, thick seeds, giving plants rapid growth, are advantageous traits when soils are infested with Phytophthora spp.
Similarities and differences between East and West in COPD
Authors: Nishimura Masaharu
Published: September 2016

See article, page 1397
Migration and Discrimination in Urban China: A Decomposition Approach
Authors: Pakrashi Debayan , Frijters Paul
Published: September 2016

Currently, about 150 million migrant workers reside in the major Chinese cities, where they are treated like second‐class citizens by the local city governments and denied access to government jobs and welfare entitlements, with large differences existing in their treatment across the cities. In this paper, we use a new and unique dataset of urban natives and rural to urban migrants from 15 different cities in China to document this differential treatment. We apply a relatively new non‐parametric technique, Nopo decomposition, which takes into account differences in the distribution of observable characteristics to decompose the wage gap that exists between the two groups and estimate the extent of discrimination faced by the migrants. Rural‐to‐urban migrants are found to be discriminated in the urban labour market, but to a lesser extent than has been argued in the literature. We also find that a large gap exists between the national legislation on the treatment of migrants on one hand and the implementation and enforcement by city governments on the other, and that this differential treatment helps explain part of the level of discrimination.
On the Limitations of Some Current Usages of the Gini Index
Authors: Osberg Lars
Published: September 2016

This note constructs a simple two class example in which the Gini index is held constant while the size of the rich and poor populations change, in order to illustrate how very different societies can have the same Gini index and produce very similar estimates of standard inequality averse Social Welfare Functions. The rich/poor income ratio can vary by a factor of over 12, and the income share of the top one per cent can vary by a factor of over 16, with exactly the same Gini index. Focussing solely on the Gini index can thus obscure perceptions—e.g. of important market income trends or large changes in the redistributive impact of the tax and transfer system. Hence, analysts should supplement the use of an aggregate summary index of inequality with direct examination of the segments of the income distribution which they think are of greatest importance.
Buttonhole Cannulation of the AV Fistula: A Critical Analysis of the Technique
Authors: Di Nicolò Pierpaolo , Cornacchiari Marina , Mereghetti Marco , Mudoni Anna
Published: September 2016

As a consequence of the central role of the arteriovenous fistula for dialysis (AVF) in the clinical management of the dialysis patient the necessity to limit the puncture‐related complications to extend as much as possible the life of the vascular access. Accordingly, the AVF needling technique has gained growing attention. Alongside the traditional rope ladder (RL) puncture method, the buttonhole technique (BH) is increasingly popular; this technique employs the same cannulation sites of AVF in every dialysis associated with the use of dull needles to minimize vessels damage. The BH technique, utilized only for native AVF, is considered an appropriate alternative to the RL and is now recommended by several scientific societies for its reported benefits such as: AVF greater ease of cannulation, less pain, faster hemostasis and less tendency to the creation of aneurysms and hematomas.

The use of BH is especially recommended in cases in which the RL is problematic with short or winding venous sections and in home dialysis in which the patient performs the needling. However recent evidence in literature, countering these theoretical advantages, indicates that the BH technique appears to be closely related to an increased risk of local and systemic infections. Furthermore, the purported benefits of BH have not held up under closer examination.
Identification of a novel HLA allele, HLA‐B*08:163, in a platelet donor
Authors: Proust B. , Masson D. , Proust B. P. , Baudron M. , Dehaut F.
Published: September 2016

The novel HLA‐B*08:163 allele differs from HLA‐B*08:01:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution at codon 105.
Tunable Wave Propagation in Granular Crystals by Altering Lattice Network Topology
Authors: Kumar Pal Raj , Waymel Robert F. , Geubelle Philippe H. , Lambros John
Published: September 2016

We develop a framework for wave tailoring by altering the lattice network topology of a granular crystal consisting of spherical granules in contact. The lattice topology can alternate between two stable configurations, with the spherical granules of the lattice held in stable equilibrium in each configuration by gravity. Under impact, the first configuration results in a wave with rapidly decaying amplitude as it propagates along a primary chain, while the second configuration results in a solitary wave propagating along the primary chain with no decay. The mechanism to achieve such tunability is by having energy diverted to the granules adjacent to the primary chain in the first case but not the second. The tunable design of the proposed network is validated using both numerical simulations and experiments. In terms of potential applications, the proposed bistable lattice network can be viewed either as a wave attenuator or as a device that allows higher amplitude wave propagation in one direction than in the opposite direction. The lattice is analogous to a crystal phase transformation due to the change in atomic configurations, leading to the change in properties at the macroscale.
Long-term musical experience and auditory and visual perceptual abilities under adverse conditions
Authors: Anaya Esperanza M. , Pisoni David B. , Kronenberger William G.
Published: September 2016

Musicians have been shown to have enhanced speech perception in noise skills. It is unclear whether these improvements are limited to the auditory modality, as no research has examined musicians' visual perceptual abilities under degraded conditions. The current study examined associations between long-term musical experience and visual perception under noisy or degraded conditions. The performance of 11 musicians and 11 age-matched nonmusicians was compared on several auditory and visual perceptions in noise measures. Auditory perception tests included speech-in-noise tests and an environmental sound in noise test. Visual perception tasks included a fragmented sentences task, an object recognition task, and a lip-reading measure. Participants' vocabulary knowledge and nonverbal reasoning abilities were also assessed. Musicians outperformed nonmusicians on the speech perception in noise measures as well as the visual fragmented sentences task. Musicians also displayed better vocabulary knowledge in comparison to nonmusicians. Associations were found between perception of speech and visually degraded text. The findings show that long-term musical experience is associated with modality-general improvements in perceptual abilities. Possible systems supporting musicians' perceptual abilities are discussed.
Navigating the map of human cognition
Authors: Peñagarikano Olga
Published: September 2016

Coordinated brain gray matter structural changes are associated with behavioral cognitive control.
Cancer catch and sugar release cue immune attack
Authors: Thomas Susan Napier
Published: September 2016

Glycocalyx-modifying antibody-enzyme conjugates increase antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against HER2-positive breast cancer cells.
Spontaneous renal calyceal and ureteric rupture secondary to intravenous contrast during computed tomography intravenous pyelogram
Authors: Nzenza Tatenda Calvin , Hennessey Derek Barry , Dunshea Tim , Lawrentschuk Nathan
Published: September 2016

Upper urinary tract rupture in the absence of trauma is typically related to ureteric calculi causing obstructive nephropathy. Spontaneous extravasation of contrast during CT intravenous pyelography (CT IVP) is infrequently reported. Two cases, who underwent CT IVP to further investigate positive urine cytology and microscopic haematuria, respectively, are described here. In both cases, there was spontaneous extravasation of contrast seen in the postcontrast scans in the absence of ureteric calculi or hydronephrosis which is very unusual.
XIAP deficiency and MEFV variants resulting in an autoinflammatory lymphoproliferative syndrome
Authors: Christiansen Mette , Ammann Sandra , Speckmann Carsten , Mogensen Trine Hyrup
Published: September 2016

A 16-year-old boy of Caucasian ethnicity was evaluated for recurrent febrile episodes occurring during most of his life without establishment of any microbial aetiology. During febrile episodes he developed extensive splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, anaemia, severe abdominal pain and general malaise. Lymph node biopsies demonstrated inflammation and sinus histiocytosis but no malignancy or granuloma. The patient underwent seroconversion for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection during the hospitalisation. Genetic testing identified a hemizygous frameshift mutation in the X linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)-gene as well as variants in the MEFV gene indicating Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). XIAP expression was markedly reduced in the patient, while a functional assay assessing tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α production of monocytes in response to NOD2 stimulation displayed reduced activity. We suggest that the heterozygous MEFV variants and the hemizygous XIAP variant in combination triggered the prolonged and pathological inflammatory response to EBV infection.