bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined effects of temperature and food concentration on growth and reproduction of Eodiaptomus japonicus (Copepoda: Calanoida) from Lake Biwa (Japan)
Authors: Liu Xin , Beyrend Delphine , Dur Gaël , Ban Syuhei
Published: June 2015

Life history traits of the freshwater calanoid copepod Eodiaptomus japonicus from Lake Biwa were examined in the laboratory. Four different food concentrations (FC, 103, 5 × 103, 104 and 5 × 104 cells mL−1) and two temperature conditions (15 and 25 °C) were used to clarify the combined effects of those two factors on life history traits.

A survival rate of more than 70% was observed at the two medium FCs at 15 °C, although survival was <42% at all six of the other food–temperature combinations. Post‐embryonic development times to adult stage in males and females were affected by both FC and temperature; median development times ranged from 28.7 to 37.3 and 31.4 to 35.0 days at 15 °C and 13.7 to 23.9 and 14.3 to 27.7 days at 25 °C, respectively, for males and females. An interaction between the two experimental factors was found only for females, with food shortage being most acute at 25 °C.

Clutch sizes also increased with FC at both temperatures and interaction occurred between those two factors. Egg production rates increased with increasing FC similarly at both temperatures without an interaction effect.

Adult body size increased with increasing FC at both temperatures: for example, average female prosome length increased from 0.865 mm to 0.922 mm at 15 °C and from 0.799 mm to 0.904 mm at 25 °C. Somatic and population growth rates calculated from the experimental data increased with FC, but the increase was more important at 25 °C. These responses to FC and temperature suggest that both growth and population dynamics of this copepod might be more influenced by food shortage at temperatures >15 °C.

Adult body sizes under food‐limited conditions in this study are at the lower end of the range of those observed in situ, while those predicted from in situ temperatures, assuming non‐limiting food conditions, were always larger than those of natural populations. Therefore, food shortage appears to be the most important factor affecting both growth and reproduction of E. japonicus in Lake Biwa.
Feminized Forestry: The Promises and Pitfalls of Change in a Masculine Organization
Authors: Coutinho‐Sledge Piper
Published: June 2015

The gendering of forestry as a distinctly masculine profession has led to a wide range of negative outcomes, including legal actions concerning discrimination, poor public perceptions and poor environmental records. Forestry organizations have addressed these concerns by attempting to increase the number of women in the profession. These efforts have been largely ineffective. Using the case of community‐based forestry, I argue that when we begin to consider not only women but also normatively feminine values as agents of change, our understanding of the profession of forestry may be rejuvenated.
Combining Dyslexia and Mothering: Perceived Impacts on Work
Authors: Skinner Tina , MacGill Fiona
Published: June 2015

Previous studies have provided an insight into the lives of disabled mothers, but little attention has been paid to disabled working mothers. This paper draws on interviews with women who had a formal diagnosis of dyslexia, to discuss: particular difficulties when combining work and mothering; the perceived positive impacts on work and education, of becoming a mother; unsupportive managers; what some mothers found helpful in order to maintain work; and the diversity between experiences. We conclude that for those already on a career path before having children, some of their experiences could have been seen as an amplification of what other working mothers face. However, a difference was that the added time taken up with mothering meant they became more vulnerable to ‘exposing’ their impairment at work. In contrast, for dyslexic women who were yet to attain a high status in education and work, motherhood encouraged them to initiate their career.
Organizing pneumonia components in non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP): a clinicopathological study of 33 NSIP cases
Authors: Huo Zhen , Li Ji , Li Shanqing , Zhang Haibo , Jin Zhengyu , Pang Junyi , Liu Hongrui , Shi Juhong , Feng Ruie
Published: June 2015

Aims

To review the clinical, radiological and pathological features of non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), mainly to characterize organizing pneumonia (OP) components in NSIP.

Methods and results

Lung biopsy samples from 33 NSIP patients were collected over a period of 10 years. Microscopic analysis revealed that 13 cases showed a cellular pattern and 20 showed a mixed/fibrosing pattern. OP components were detected in 26 cases (13 with a cellular pattern; 13 with a mixed/fibrosing pattern), and were found to constitute a median proportion of 9% (range, 1–40%) of the affected tissues. In nine cellular and four mixed/fibrosing NSIP cases, the OP components accounted for ≥10%. A proportion of ≥20% was found in only five cellular pattern cases. Twenty‐nine patients were followed up: 17 showed improvements, five were stabilized, and seven showed progression.

Conclusions

OP components are common basic lesions in NSIP cases, although their proportion in cellular and mixed/fibrosing pattern cases varies substantially between patients. OP components do not impact on prognosis, even when they constitute ≥20% of the affected tissue. Thus, a high level of OP components does not exclude a diagnosis of NSIP in cases that otherwise show pathological and radiological findings characteristic of NSIP.
Effects of E‐beam irradiation and vacuum packaging on biogenic amines formation in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fillets
Authors: Aflaki Fereydoon , Ghoulipour Vanik , Saemian Nader , Shiebani Shahab , Tahergorabi Reza
Published: June 2015

The effects of vacuum packaging followed by E‐beam irradiation treatment on the shelf life of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fillets were studied by measuring biogenic amines and sensory analysis. Samples were irradiated at doses of 0.10, 0.50, 1.0 and 2.0 kGy. Putrescine, cadaverine, histamine and tyramine showed very good correspondence with the irradiation dose and the time of storage. Spermine, spermidine, tryptamine and phenylethylamine did not show statistically significant changes with the time of storage. According to the sensory assessment and biogenic amines index (BAI), the shelf life of unirradiated common carp fillets was found to be approximately seven days. The 1 and 2 kGy irradiation doses extended the shelf life of samples up to 66 and 77 days, respectively. High values of correlation coefficients (r < −0.86) between BAI and sensory evaluation indicated that BAI could be considered as a quality indicator of common carp fillets.
Bread making with Saccharomyces cerevisiae CEN.PK113‐5D expressing lipase A from Bacillus subtilis: leavening characterisation and aroma enhancement
Authors: Paciello Lucia , Landi Carmine , Orilio Paola , Di Matteo Marisa , Zueco Jesus , Parascandola Palma
Published: June 2015

Lipase A from Bacillus subtilis was expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CEN.PK113‐5D strain as a cell wall‐immobilised enzyme. The recombinant yeast was used in bread making to test the effect of lipase A on the bread properties such as rheological and aromatic properties. The results were compared to the not transformed strain and the commercial baker's yeast. The recombinant strain resulted a good leavening agent comparable to the commercial baker's yeasts provided 1% sucrose was added to the dough. Whereas, during the leavening, the trend of the rheological properties (cohesivness, gumminess and rigidity) differed from the commercial and the nontransformed (NT) strains. Moreover, using of the recombinant strain enhanced total aroma which achieved in the baked product a value of 9 μg per gproduct vs the 4 and 5 μg per gproduct of the NT strain and the commercial baker's yeast, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a bacterial lipase is used in bread making.
Company information privacy orientation: a conceptual framework
Authors: Greenaway Kathleen E. , Chan Yolande E. , Crossler Robert E.
Published: June 2015

Contemporary organisations struggle to develop effective responses to the complex challenge of deploying sophisticated information technology systems in an era characterised increasingly by customer demands for privacy. In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework of Company Information Privacy Orientation that attempts to reconcile the differences between the organisation's information management objectives and its ethical and legal obligations to address customers' privacy. Control theory and justice theory are utilised to build an organisation‐level framework that is composed of a firm's ethical obligation to its customers, its customer information management strategy and its assessment of the risks to its business created by legal demands to provide customer information privacy. The four different types of company privacy orientation profiles that emerge from this conceptual framework are then discussed, along with implications for future research.
Responses to N Deficiency in Stay Green and Non‐Stay Green Argentinean Hybrids of Maize
Authors: Antonietta M. , Acciaresi H. A. , Guiamet J. J.
Published: June 2015

Breeding has developed better yielding maize hybrids for low N environments, which also have delayed leaf senescence (‘stay green’ trait, SG). Here, we studied whether the SG trait can further improve yield of modern hybrids under N‐limiting conditions. In two field experiments, four maize hybrids with different senescence behaviour were grown under three N fertilization levels, from 0 to 200 kg N ha−1 (N0, N100 and N200). After silking, hybrids differed for senescence depending on the canopy layer (P < 0.05): the SG AX878 only delayed senescence at the mid and upper canopy layers while the SG NK880 delayed senescence of all layers. Across N doses, higher yields were achieved by both SG hybrids, AX878 and NK880 (P < 0.05) but yield was not only determined by senescence behaviour. Kernel weight (KW) response to N availability was larger for SGs than for their non‐‘stay green’ counterparts. Delayed senescence in SG hybrids was not related to higher post‐silking N uptake but to higher (P < 0.05) %N in leaves and lower (P < 0.05) %N in kernels at harvest (below the critical 1.1 % under N deficiency). Across N levels, KW positively related to N content per kernel, with a steeper slope (P < 0.05) for the SG hybrids. Taken together, our results suggest that a condition where N limits kernel growth, in a scenario of saturating C availability, may be common to stay green genotypes of maize.
Differences in Health at Age 100 According to Sex: Population‐Based Cohort Study of Centenarians Using Electronic Health Records
Authors: Hazra Nisha C. , Dregan Alex , Jackson Stephen , Gulliford Martin C.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To use primary care electronic health records (EHRs) to evaluate the health of men and women at age 100.

Design

Population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Primary care database in the United Kingdom, 1990–2013.

Participants

Individuals reaching the age of 100 between 1990 and 2013 (N = 11,084, n = 8,982 women, n = 2,102 men).

Measurements

Main categories of morbidity and an index of multiple morbidities, geriatric syndromes and an index of multiple impairments, cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

The number of new female centenarians per year increased from 16 per 100,000 in 1990–94 to 25 per 100,000 in 2010–13 (P < .001) and of male centenarians from four per 100,000 to six per 100,000 (P = .06). The most prevalent morbidities at the age of 100 were musculoskeletal diseases, disorders of the senses, and digestive diseases. Women had greater multiple morbidity than men (odds ratio (OR) = 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42–1.89, P < .001). Geriatric syndromes, including falls, fractures, hearing and vision impairment, and dementia, were frequent; 30% of women and 49% of men had no recorded geriatric syndromes. Women had greater likelihood of having multiple geriatric syndromes (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.90–2.41, P < .001).

Conclusion

Fewer men than women reach the age of 100, but male centenarians have lower morbidity and fewer geriatric syndromes than women. Research using EHRs offers opportunities to understand the epidemiology of aging and improve care of the oldest old.
Development of SHIVs with circulating, transmitted HIV‐1 variants
Authors: Sharma Amit , Boyd David F. , Overbaugh Julie
Published: June 2015

SHIV/macaque model is critical for pre‐clinical HIV‐1 research. The ability of this model to predict efficacious intervention(s) in humans depends on how faithfully the model recapitulates key features of HIV‐1 transmission and pathogenesis. Here, we provide insights for rationally designing SHIVs with transmitted HIV‐1 variants for vaccine and prevention research.
Hysteroscopic treatment of Robert's uterus with laparoscopy
Authors: Li Jing , Yu Wen , Wang Ming , Feng Li‐min
Published: June 2015

Herein is described the case of a 26‐year‐old woman whose Robert's uterus was treated with hysteroscopy and who then successfully became pregnant and gave birth. The uterus anomaly was diagnosed on combined hysteroscopy and ultrasonography, which showed an asymmetric septate uterus with one blind cavity, causing menstrual retention. The surgery was uncomplicated, with satisfactory results. The patient underwent successful cesarean section delivery of a baby boy weighing 3250 g on 24 March 2014.
Case of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 apheresis in severe pre‐eclampsia developed at 15 weeks’ gestation
Authors: Nakakita Baku , Mogami Haruta , Kondoh Eiji , Tsukamoto Tatsuo , Yanagita Motoko , Konishi Ikuo
Published: June 2015

Soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt1), a circulating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 antagonist, is associated with the pathogenesis of pre‐eclampsia. Extracorporeal removal of sFlt1 (sFlt1 apheresis) is emerging as a treatment for pre‐eclampsia. We performed sFlt1 apheresis for a patient with very early onset pre‐eclampsia, beginning at 15 weeks’ gestation. She underwent sFlt1 apheresis 13 times from 19 to 23 weeks’ gestation. The series of treatments lowered circulating sFlt1, stabilized blood pressure, reduced urinary protein, and preserved renal function, which contributed to a successful prolongation of pregnancy for 4 weeks and a live birth at 23+3 weeks’ gestation. Further studies are necessary for clinical application of sFlt1 apheresis as sFlt1 might have a protective function for the placenta and fetus in pre‐eclampsia.
Pooling Morphometric Estimates: A Statistical Equivalence Approach
Authors: Pardoe Heath R. , Cutter Gary R. , Alter Rachel , Hiess Rebecca Kucharsky , Semmelroch Mira , Parker Donna , Farquharson Shawna , Jackson Graeme D. , Kuzniecky Ruben
Published: June 2015

Changes in hardware or image‐processing settings are a common issue for large multicenter studies. To pool MRI data acquired under these changed conditions, it is necessary to demonstrate that the changes do not affect MRI‐based measurements. In these circumstances, classical inference testing is inappropriate because it is designed to detect differences, not prove similarity. We used a method known as statistical equivalence testing to address this limitation. Equivalence testing was carried out on 3 datasets: (1) cortical thickness and automated hippocampal volume estimates obtained from healthy individuals imaged using different multichannel head coils; (2) manual hippocampal volumetry obtained using two readers; and (3) corpus callosum area estimates obtained using an automated method with manual cleanup carried out by two readers. Equivalence testing was carried out using the “two one‐sided tests” (TOST) approach. Power analyses of the TOST were used to estimate sample sizes required for well‐powered equivalence testing analyses. Mean and standard deviation estimates from the automated hippocampal volume dataset were used to carry out an example power analysis. Cortical thickness values were found to be equivalent over 61% of the cortex when different head coils were used (q < .05, false discovery rate correction). Automated hippocampal volume estimates obtained using the same two coils were statistically equivalent (TOST P = 4.28 × 10−15). Manual hippocampal volume estimates obtained using two readers were not statistically equivalent (TOST P = .97). The use of different readers to carry out limited correction of automated corpus callosum segmentations yielded equivalent area estimates (TOST P = 1.28 × 10−14). Power analysis of simulated and automated hippocampal volume data demonstrated that the equivalence margin affects the number of subjects required for well‐powered equivalence tests. We have presented a statistical method for determining if morphometric measures obtained under variable conditions can be pooled. The equivalence testing technique is applicable for analyses in which experimental conditions vary over the course of the study.
Investigating gender differences in the factor structure of the Gudjonsson Compliance Scale
Authors: Drake Kim E. , Egan Vincent
Published: June 2015

Purpose

The Gudjonsson Compliance Scale (GCS) remains, in terms of its psychometrics, an under‐researched instrument, in which gender differences in particular have been insufficiently examined. The aim of this research was to therefore investigate the effect of gender on the factor structure of theGCS.

Method

TheGCSwas administered to 441 females and 250 males. The data were factor‐analysed, with 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐factor solutions tested and compared. Procrustean rotation was applied to the male factor loading matrix to investigate structural equivalence across gender.

Results

Although a 3‐factor solution was the best fit to the maleGCSdata, a 4‐factor solution was the most acceptable fit to the female data. Whilst each of the factors had a high degree of determinacy, the identity coefficients indicated that these factors differ non‐trivially across gender.

Conclusion

TheGCSmay measure different aspects of compliance across males and females, which may explain the gender differences in compliance found within the literature to date. The work also allows insight into why males and females may end up complying with police requests, which might ultimately help to inform strategies, implemented by police, to manage vulnerable general population suspects and witnesses. There is a need now to further investigate the structure of compliance across ethnic groups and/or countries where theGCSis administered.
A FIRST‐ORDER BSPDE FOR SWING OPTION PRICING: CLASSICAL SOLUTIONS
Authors: Bender Christian , Dokuchaev Nikolai
Published: June 2015

In a companion paper, we studied a control problem related to swing option pricing in a general non‐Markovian setting. The main result there shows that the value process of this control problem can uniquely be characterized in terms of a first‐order backward stochastic partial differential equation (BSPDE) and a pathwise differential inclusion. In this paper, we additionally assume that the cash flow process of the swing option is left‐continuous in expectation. Under this assumption, we show that the value process is continuously differentiable in the space variable that represents the volume in which the holder of the option can still exercise until maturity. This gives rise to an existence and uniqueness result for the corresponding BSPDE in a classical sense. We also explicitly represent the space derivative of the value process in terms of a nonstandard optimal stopping problem over a subset of predictable stopping times. This representation can be applied to derive a dual minimization problem in terms of martingales.
Intestinal gas content and distribution in health and in patients with functional gut symptoms
Authors: Bendezú R. A. , Barba E. , Burri E. , Cisternas D. , Malagelada C. , Segui S. , Accarino A. , Quiroga S. , Monclus E. , Navazo I. , Malagelada J.‐R. , Azpiroz F.
Published: June 2015

Background

The precise relation of intestinal gas to symptoms, particularly abdominal bloating and distension remains incompletely elucidated. Our aim was to define the normal values of intestinal gas volume and distribution and to identify abnormalities in relation to functional‐type symptoms.

Methods

Abdominal computed tomography scans were evaluated in healthy subjects (n = 37) and in patients in three conditions: basal (when they were feeling well;n = 88), during an episode of abdominal distension (n = 82) and after a challenge diet (n = 24). Intestinal gas content and distribution were measured by an original analysis program. Identification of patients outside the normal range was performed by machine learning techniques (one‐class classifier). Results are expressed as median (IQR) or mean ± SE, as appropriate.

Key Results

In healthy subjects the gut contained 95 (71, 141) mL gas distributed along the entire lumen. No differences were detected between patients studied under asymptomatic basal conditions and healthy subjects. However, either during a spontaneous bloating episode or once challenged with a flatulogenic diet, luminal gas was found to be increased and/or abnormally distributed in about one‐fourth of the patients. These patients detected outside the normal range by the classifier exhibited a significantly greater number of abnormal features than those within the normal range (3.7 ± 0.4vs0.4 ± 0.1;p < 0.001).

Conclusions & Inferences

The analysis of a large cohort of subjects using original techniques provides unique and heretofore unavailable information on the volume and distribution of intestinal gas in normal conditions and in relation to functional gastrointestinal symptoms.
Direct molecular targets of resveratrol: identifying key interactions to unlock complex mechanisms
Authors: Britton Robert G. , Kovoor Christina , Brown Karen
Published: June 2015

To truly understand the mechanisms through which resveratrol exerts its biological effects, the key direct interactions between resveratrol and its target biomolecules must be identified. With an increasing number of biochemical tools to measure and quantify direct physical interactions between biomolecules, there have been around 20 proteins identified as having a specific affinity to resveratrol to date. Resveratrol has been described as a promiscuous molecule, and one would expect it to bind with numerous proteins, which would help explain why resveratrol appears to have so many health benefits and has been shown to act upon various different pathways related to a diverse range of conditions. The aim of this review is to present the direct protein targets of resveratrol that are currently known and highlight the consequences of direct binding and the methods used to identify the nature of these interactions.
Resveratrol, in its natural combination in whole grape, for health promotion and disease management
Authors: Singh Chandra K. , Liu Xiaoqi , Ahmad Nihal
Published: June 2015

The grape antioxidant resveratrol has been a topic of intense research for the past three decades. Resveratrol and other grape ingredients, as well as whole‐grape products, have shown considerable promise in health promotion and disease management. Phytochemically, whole grape represents a natural combination of resveratrol and other phytonutrients, as it contains several catechins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonols. Thus, whole grape products or specific combinations of grape constituents provide us with the possibility of synergistic interactions leading to improved efficacy. Recent research has suggested that whole‐grape products may help in maintaining heart health and protect against aging, aging‐associated diseases, neurodegeneration, and some cancers. On the basis of available recent literature, the grape fruit or whole‐grape products seem to be safer choices for better health and disease prevention. However, for advanced disease conditions, individual grape ingredients (such as resveratrol) or combinations of multiple ingredients, together with existing therapies, appear to be better approaches. Further clinical studies are needed to understand the benefits of grapes and their products in the prevention and management of specific diseases.
Effect of mitochondrial stress on systemic metabolism
Authors: Lee Myung‐Shik
Published: June 2015

In our studies investigating the role of autophagy in systemic metabolism, we found that mitochondrial dysfunction due to autophagy deficiency in insulin target tissues, such as skeletal muscle or liver, leads to the induction of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)21 as a mitokine and protection against obesity and insulin resistance. In the following studies, we observed that metformin, one of the most widely used antidiabetic medications, induces mitochondrial stress and induces FGF21 through a PERK–eIF2α–ATF4 pathway, which may contribute to the antidiabetic effect of metformin. Amino acid deprivation also induced ATF4 and FGF21, while the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in this condition is not yet clear. These results suggest the possibility that mitochondrial stress inducing an integrated stress response can induce a mitokine response and affect systemic metabolism in a non‐cell‐autonomous manner, in addition to the well‐recognized cell‐autonomous role of mitochondrial function in metabolism.
Pathophysiology of hypertension in obese children: a systematic review
Authors: Wirix A. J. G. , Kaspers P. J. , Nauta J. , Chinapaw M. J. M. , Kist‐van Holthe J. E.
Published: June 2015

Hypertension is increasingly common in overweight and obese children. The mechanisms behind the development of hypertension in obesity are complex, and evidence is limited. In order to effectively treat obese children for hypertension, it is important to have a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertension in obese children. The present review summarizes the main factors associated with hypertension in obese children and discusses their potential role in its pathophysiology. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed and EMBASE for articles published up to October 2014. In total, 60 relevant studies were included. The methodological quality of the included studies ranged from weak to strong. Several factors important in the development of hypertension in obese children have been suggested, including endocrine determinants, such as corticosteroids and adipokines, sympathetic nervous system activity, disturbed sodium homeostasis, as well as oxidative stress, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Understanding the pathophysiology of hypertension in overweight and obese children is important and could have implications for its screening and treatment. Based on solely cross‐sectional observational studies, it is impossible to infer causality. Longitudinal studies of high methodological quality are needed to gain more insight into the complex mechanisms behind the development of hypertension in obese children.
A methodological approach for evaluation of foveal immaturity after extremely preterm birth
Authors: Rosén Rebecka , Sjöstrand Johan , Nilsson Maria , Hellgren Kerstin
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To characterize typical microanatomical alterations of immaturity in the fovea, that remain into childhood, after extremely preterm birth before 27 weeks gestational age (GA) and to suggest a clinical methodological evaluation tool.

Methods

Subjects were consecutively recruited at age 6.5 years and organized in four groups (10 subjects in each): Group A (full‐term), Group B (GA 25–27 weeks) without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), Group B* (GA 25–27 weeks) and Group C (GA 23–24 weeks) both with ROP stage 3. Foveal microanatomy was studied using a grading system of OCT‐scans.

Results

Prematurely born children (including Group B, B* and C) had significantly reduced foveal depth (mean difference −53 μm, p < 0.001), thicker inner retinal layer (mean difference 21.6, p = 0.005) and thicker outer nuclear layer (mean difference 23.5, p < 0.001) than controls. Foveal depth and inner retinal layer thickness were significantly correlated to GA (p = 0.003 and p = 0.017 respectively) within the preterm group. Foveal depth increased with 14.1 μm per week between GA 23 and 27. The three hyper reflective bands of the outer segments as well as a central protuberance of inner and outer segment layers were present in all children.

Conclusion

Previous studies have revealed signs of immaturity affecting most retinal layers at time of birth in prematurely born children. The present study adds information to which extent these signs of underdevelopment remains to later in life. The applied method showed that premature birth before GA 27 weeks commonly leads to characteristic anatomical alterations of the foveal anatomy expressed as reduced foveal depth and incomplete extrusion of the inner retinal layers. Although deviations of the outer nuclear layers can be seen in the most extremely preterm born children, the outer part of the fovea generally develops well, independent of prematurity. The single most important determinant for the degree of foveal maturation seems to be GA.
The short‐term accommodation response to aniso‐accommodative stimuli in isometropia
Authors: Vincent Stephen J. , Collins Michael J. , Read Scott A. , Ghosh Atanu , Chen Christine , Lam Anthony , Sahota Sonya , Vo Rebecca
Published: June 2015

Purpose

There have been only a limited number of studies examining the accommodative response that occurs when the two eyes are provided with disparate accommodative stimuli, and the results from these studies to date have been equivocal. In this study, we therefore aimed to examine the capacity of the visual system to aniso‐accommodate by objectively measuring the interocular difference in the accommodation response between fellow dominant and non‐dominant eyes under controlled monocular and binocular viewing conditions during short‐term exposure to aniso‐accommodative stimuli.

Methods

The accommodative response of each eye of 16 young isometropic adults (mean age 22 ± 2 years) with normal binocular vision was measured using an open‐field autorefractor during a range of testing conditions; monocularly (accommodative demands ranging from 1.32 to 4.55 D) and binocularly while altering the accommodation demand for each eye (aniso‐accommodative stimuli ranging from 0.24 to 2.05 D).

Results

Under monocular viewing conditions, the dominant and non‐dominant eyes displayed a highly symmetric accommodative response; mean interocular difference in spherical equivalent 0.01 ± 0.06 D (relative) and 0.22 ± 0.06 D (absolute) (p > 0.05). During binocular viewing, the dominant eye displayed a greater accommodative response (0.11 ± 0.34 D relative and 0.24 ± 0.26 D absolute) irrespective of whether the demand of the dominant or non‐dominant eye was altered (p = 0.01). Astigmatic power vectors J0 and J45 did not vary between eyes or with increasing accommodation demands under monocular or binocular viewing conditions (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The dominant and non‐dominant eyes of young isometropic individuals display a similar consensual lag of accommodation under both monocular and binocular viewing conditions, with the dominant eye showing a small but significantly greater (by 0.12–0.25 D) accommodative response. Evidence of short‐term aniso‐accommodation in response to asymmetric accommodation demands was not observed.
Attitudes toward Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide Survey among Danish Cardiologists
Authors: VADMANN HENRIK , PEDERSEN SUSANNE S. , NIELSEN JENS COSEDIS , RODRIGO‐DOMINGO MARIA , PEHRSON STEEN , JOHANNESSEN ARNE , HANSEN PETER STEEN , JOHANSEN JENS BROCK , RIAHI SAM
Published: June 2015

Background

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important but expensive procedure that is the subject of some debate. Physicians’ attitudes toward catheter ablation may influence promotion and patient acceptance. This is the first study to examine the attitudes of Danish cardiologists toward catheter ablation for AF, using a nationwide survey.

Methods and Results

We developed a purpose‐designed questionnaire to evaluate attitudes toward catheter ablation for AF that was sent to all Danish cardiologists (n = 401; response n = 272 (67.8%)). There was no association between attitudes toward ablation and the experience or age of the cardiologist with respect to patients with recurrent AF episodes with a duration of <48 hours or >7 days and/or need for cardioversion. The majority (69%) expected a recurrence of AF after catheter ablation in more than 30% of the cases. For patients with persistent longstanding AF with a duration of >1 year, the attitude toward ablation for longstanding AF was more likely to be positive with increasing age (P < 0.01) and years of experience of the cardiologist (P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Danish cardiologists generally have a positive attitude toward catheter ablation for AF, maintain up‐to‐date knowledge of the procedure, and are aware what information on ablation treatment should be given to patients with AF. The cardiologists had a positive attitude toward ablation for AF in patients with AF episodes <48 hours and patients with episodes >7 days, or those who needed medical/electrical conversion, but a more negative attitude toward treating longstanding AF patients.
Evaluation of genomic approaches for marker‐based improvement of lodging tolerance in triticale
Authors: Liu Wenxin , Leiser Willmar L. , Maurer Hans Peter , Li Junhui , Weissmann Sigrid , Hahn Volker , Würschum Tobias
Published: June 2015

Lodging tolerance is an important agronomic trait as it can have a severe negative impact on grain yield and quality. Here, we used a large mapping population of 647 doubled haploid triticale lines derived from four families to dissect the genetic architecture underlying lodging tolerance and to assess different approaches for a genomics‐based improvement of the trait. The plants were evaluated for lodging in two environments and genotyped with 1710 genomewide DArT markers. We observed a large genotypic variation for lodging and transgressive segregation in all families. Employing two complementary QTL mapping approaches, we identified both main effect and epistatic QTL. Using cross‐validation, we showed that the proportion of genotypic variance explained by the detected QTL is low, thus limiting the efficiency of marker‐assisted selection to improve this trait. By contrast, the cross‐validated predictive ability of genomic prediction was approximately twice as high as that of the QTL‐based selection approaches. In conclusion, our results show that lodging tolerance is a complex trait that can be improved by classical breeding but also assisted by marker‐based approaches.
From Discontinuity to Continuity: Tertiary Education Institutions, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Sierra Leone
Authors: Lahai John Idriss
Published: June 2015

The decade‐long civil war in Sierra Leone has attracted various explanations. In the paper, the role of the education sector in the making of war and in promoting peacebuilding is presented. The paper contends that it was the inequalities within the education sector that led to the politicization of student union politics, which ultimately resulted in militant student union politics, and the reinforcement of a predatory economic system that was insensitive to the plight of the students. The inability of the political establishment to gravitate toward education reform led to riots that ultimately fed into the prowar narratives of the battle‐readied youth who took up arms to fight against a predatory political system. After the war, however, tertiary institutions, backed by propeace education and youth empowerment educational reforms, have been transformed from being “violence brewing institutions” to peace and development nation builders. The paper concludes by arguing that a public–private partnership in the management of the postconflict education reconstruction reform would further enhance the consolidation of a responsive, propeace, and people‐centric educational system in Sierra Leone, a country that is still determined to come to terms with its destructive past.
A maize ADP‐ribosylation factor ZmArf2 increases organ and seed size by promoting cell expansion in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Qilei , Xue Xiaojing , Li Yuling , Dong Yongbin , Zhang Long , Zhou Qiang , Deng Fei , Ma Zhiyan , Qiao Dahe , Hu Chunhui , Ren Yangliu
Published: June 2015

ADP‐ribosylation factors (ARFs) are small GTP‐binding proteins that regulate a wide variety of cell functions. Previously, we isolated a new ARF, ZmArf2, from maize (Zea mays). Sequence and expression characteristics indicated that ZmArf2 might play a critical role in the early stages of endosperm development. In this study, we investigated ZmArf2 function by analysis of its GTP‐binding activity and subcellular localization. We also over‐expressed ZmArf2 in Arabidopsis and measured organ and cell size and counted cell numbers. The expression levels of five organ size‐associated genes were also determined in 35S::ZmArf2 transgenic and wild‐type plants. Results showed that the recombinant ZmArf2 protein purified from Escherichia coli exhibited GTP‐binding activity. Subcellular localization revealed that ZmArf2 was localized in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane. ZmArf2 over‐expression in Arabidopsis showed that 35S::ZmArf2 transgenic plants were taller and had larger leaves and seeds compared to wild‐type plants, which resulted from cell expansions, not an increase in cell numbers. In addition, three cell expansion‐related genes, AtEXP3, AtEXP5 and AtEXP10, were upregulated in 35S::ZmArf2 transgenic lines, while the expression levels of AtGIF1 and AtGRF5, were unchanged. Collectively, our studies suggest that ZmArf2 has an active GTP‐binding function, and plays a crucial role in growth and development in Arabidopsis through cell expansion mediated by cell expansion genes.
Modeling Measles Transmission in the North American Amish and Options for Outbreak Response
Authors: Thompson Kimberly M. , Kisjes Kasper H.
Published: June 2015

Measles outbreaks in the United States continue to occur in subpopulations with sufficient numbers of undervaccinated individuals, with a 2014 outbreak in Amish communities in Ohio pushing the annual cases to the highest national number reported in the last 20 years. We adapted an individual‐based model developed to explore potential poliovirus transmission in the North American Amish to characterize a 1988 measles outbreak in the Pennsylvania Amish and the 2014 outbreak in the Ohio Amish. We explored the impact of the 2014 outbreak response compared to no or partial response. Measles can spread very rapidly in an underimmunized subpopulation like the North American Amish, with the potential for national spread within a year or so in the absence of outbreak response. Vaccination efforts significantly reduced the transmission of measles and the expected number of cases. Until global eradication, measles importations will continue to pose a threat to clusters of underimmunized individuals in the United States. Aggressive outbreak response efforts in Ohio probably prevented widespread transmission of measles within the entire North American Amish.
Revisiting the status of oral health services in adult PM&R programs: a 40‐year follow‐up survey
Authors: Katz Ralph V , Tillman Hilde H , Bloch Rina M , Stojanovic Maria , Kaira Akanksha
Published: June 2015

Purpose

This survey compared the status of oral health service access and needs for adult Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) patients over a 40‐year period.

Methods

This report compares two surveys (1974 vs. 2014) of Directors of PM&R residency programs in the United States. The same 14 survey questions used in 1974 survey were repeated in 2014, with four new questions added.

Results

The major comparative findings about oral health services were that while perceived need remained high and availability and adequacy of dental care remained low, program directors indicated a slightly lessened desirability, feasibility and overall support for the concept of integrating oral health services into their PM&R program in the 2014 survey.

Conclusion

These findings show that 40 years has not brought better access to oral health care for adult PM&R patients, only a slightly lessened enthusiasm in the program directors. Future research should explore the reasons underlying these disappointing outcomes.
Association of HLA‐DQA1 and ‐DQB1 alleles with type I diabetes in Arabs: a meta‐analyses
Authors: Hamzeh A. R. , Nair P. , Al‐Khaja N. , Al Ali M. T.
Published: June 2015

This study aimed at assessing the nature and significance of associations between various alleles of HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1, and type I diabetes (T1D) in Arab populations. Evidence from literature (published before 20 April 2015) was amassed and analysed through multiple meta‐analyses, which yielded effect summary odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for 24 alleles and 4 haplotypes. A total of 1273 cases and 1747 controls from 16 studies were analysed. High levels of significance were obtained to support higher T1D risk when harbouring DQA1*03:01. The alleles DQB1*02:01 and *03:02 and the haplotypes DR3 and DR4 were significant risk factors, albeit with high publication heterogeneity. The protective effects of DQA1*01:01, DQB1*05:03, *06:02, *06:03, and *06:04 were robustly suggested by all indicators of meta‐analyses. The haplotypes DR7 and DR11 were strongly suggested to be protective in Arabs. A relatively small number of studies have emerged from Arab countries, mostly with inadequate power on an individual basis. This study fills the gap by providing significant size effect of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and completes the continuum of global ethnic differences in this context.
Renitrosylation of banked human red blood cells improves deformability and reduces adhesivity
Authors: Riccio Daniel A. , Zhu Hongmei , Foster Matthew W. , Huang Brendan , Hofmann Christina L. , Palmer Gregory M. , McMahon Tim J.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) is a frequent health care practice. However, unfavorable consequences may occur from transfusions of stored RBCs and are associated with RBC changes during storage. Loss of S‐nitrosohemoglobin (SNO‐Hb) and other S‐nitrosothiols (SNOs) during storage is implicated as a detriment to transfusion efficacy. It was hypothesized that restoring SNOs within banked RBCs would improve RBC functions relevant to successful transfusion outcomes, namely, increased deformability and decreased adhesivity.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Stored human RBCs were incubated with nitric oxide (NO) donors PROLI/NO and DEA/NO (disodium 1‐[2‐(carboxylato)‐pyrrolidin‐1‐yl]diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate and diethylammonium (Z)‐1‐(N,N‐diethylamino)diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate) under varying experimental conditions (e.g., aerobic/anaerobic incubation, NO donor to RBC ratio). SNO restoration was evaluated in vitro and in vivo as a means to improve RBC function after storage.

RESULTS

Incubation of RBCs with the NO donors resulted in 10‐fold greater levels of SNO‐Hb versus untreated control or sham RBCs, with significantly higher Hb‐bound NO yields from an NO dose delivered by DEA/NO. RBC incubation with DEA/NO at a stoichiometry of 1:62.5 NO:Hb significantly increased RBC deformabilty and reduced adhesion to cultured endothelial cells. RBC incubation with DEA/NO also increased S‐nitrosylation of RBC cytoskeletal and membrane proteins, including the β‐spectrin chain. Renitrosylation attenuated both RBC sequestration in the lung and the mild blood oxygen saturation impairments seen with banked RBCs in a mouse model of transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

RBC renitrosylation using NO donors has promise for correcting deficient properties (e.g., adhesivity, rigidity, and SNO loss) of banked RBCs and in turn improving transfusion outcomes.
“This is What Democracy Really Looks Like!” Exploring Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Needleman Ruth
Published: June 2015

Canoas, a city in southern Brazil, is innovating radical forms of democratic government in order to involve all residents in decision‐making for the city. Their achievements are so unprecedented that the United Nations awarded them a first prize for citizenship engagement. Tackling decades of exclusion, poverty, and pollution, the Mayor Jairo Jorge of the Workers' Party has led a restructuring of city government to facilitate a redistribution of wealth and power. This article examines this “new system of government,” highlighting programs, initiatives, and priorities for a sustainable economic development based on democratic participation and decision‐making.
Assessing Faculty Attitudes toward Faculty Unions: A Survey of Four Primarily Undergraduate Universities
Authors: Butovsky Jonah , Savage Larry , Webber Michelle
Published: June 2015

This study examines the views of full‐time unionized university faculty at four primarily undergraduate universities in Ontario, Canada, on a broad range of issues related to postsecondary education, faculty associations, and the labor movement. The purpose of the study is twofold: first, to better understand the views of unionized professors regarding the role and effectiveness of their faculty unions and of labor unions more generally, and second to explore what impact such views might have on shaping the strategic orientation and political priorities of faculty associations in a context of unprecedented austerity measures and neoliberal restructuring in Ontario's postsecondary education sector. Based on the findings of a mixed‐methods survey, we found that university professors were relatively satisfied union members with a healthy degree of union—as opposed to class—consciousness, but had little appetite for engaging in political activities beyond the narrow scope of postsecondary education. This finding, we argue, reinforces the false division between the “economic” and the “political” in the realm of labor strategy, thus potentially undermining the capacity of unionized faculty associations to effectively resist neoliberal restructuring both on campus and in society more broadly.
GMctdospp: Description and validation of a CT dose calculation system
Authors: Schmidt Ralph , Wulff Jörg , Zink Klemens
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To develop a Monte Carlo (MC)‐based computed tomography (CT) dose estimation method with a graphical user interface with options to define almost arbitrary simulation scenarios, to make calculations sufficiently fast for comfortable handling, and to make the software free of charge for general availability to the scientific community.

Methods:

A framework called GMctdospp was developed to calculate phantom and patient doses with the MC method based on the EGSnrc system. A CT scanner was modeled for testing and was adapted to half‐value layer, beam‐shaping filter, z‐profile, and tube‐current modulation (TCM). To validate the implemented variance reduction techniques, depth‐dose and cross‐profile calculations of a static beam were compared against DOSXYZnrc/EGSnrc. Measurements for beam energies of 80 and 120 kVp at several positions of a CT dose‐index (CTDI) standard phantom were compared against calculations of the created CT model. Finally, the efficiency of the adapted code was benchmarked against EGSnrc defaults.

Results:

The CT scanner could be modeled accurately. The developed TCM scheme was confirmed by the dose measurement. A comparison of calculations to DOSXYZnrc showed no systematic differences. Measurements in a CTDI phantom could be reproduced within 2% average, with a maximal difference of about 6%. Efficiency improvements of about six orders of magnitude were observed for larger organ structures of a chest‐examination protocol in a voxelized phantom. In these cases, simulations took 25 s to achieve a statistical uncertainty of ∼0.5%.

Conclusions:

A fast dose‐calculation system for phantoms and patients in a CT examination was developed, successfully validated, and benchmarked. Influences of scan protocols, protection method, and other issues can be easily examined with the developed framework.