bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrimination of Voice Pitch and Vocal-Tract Length in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Gaudrain Etienne , Başkent Deniz
Published: August 2017

Objectives:

When listening to two competing speakers, normal-hearing (NH) listeners can take advantage of voice differences between the speakers. Users of cochlear implants (CIs) have difficulty in perceiving speech on speech. Previous literature has indicated sensitivity to voice pitch (related to fundamental frequency, F0) to be poor among implant users, while sensitivity to vocal-tract length (VTL; related to the height of the speaker and formant frequencies), the other principal voice characteristic, has not been directly investigated in CIs. A few recent studies evaluated F0 and VTL perception indirectly, through voice gender categorization, which relies on perception of both voice cues. These studies revealed that, contrary to prior literature, CI users seem to rely exclusively on F0 while not utilizing VTL to perform this task. The objective of the present study was to directly and systematically assess raw sensitivity to F0 and VTL differences in CI users to define the extent of the deficit in voice perception.

Design:

The just-noticeable differences (JNDs) for F0 and VTL were measured in 11 CI listeners using triplets of consonant–vowel syllables in an adaptive three-alternative forced choice method.

Results:

The results showed that while NH listeners had average JNDs of 1.95 and 1.73 semitones (st) for F0 and VTL, respectively, CI listeners showed JNDs of 9.19 and 7.19 st. These JNDs correspond to differences of 70% in F0 and 52% in VTL. For comparison to the natural range of voices in the population, the F0 JND in CIs remains smaller than the typical male–female F0 difference. However, the average VTL JND in CIs is about twice as large as the typical male–female VTL difference.

Conclusions:

These findings, thus, directly confirm that CI listeners do not seem to have sufficient access to VTL cues, likely as a result of limited spectral resolution, and, hence, that CI listeners’ voice perception deficit goes beyond poor perception of F0. These results provide a potential common explanation not only for a number of deficits observed in CI listeners, such as voice identification and gender categorization, but also for competing speech perception.
Cubitus Varus—It’s More Than Just a Crooked Arm!
Authors: Ho Christine A.
Published: August 2017

Although cubitus varus has been regarded as a purely cosmetic problem in the pediatric population, symptomatic elbow instability, and ulnar neuropathy from the mechanical axis malalignment have been reported in adults. This overview discusses the biomechanical axis disruption that leads to soft tissue and morphologic bony alterations in the elbow and offers a compelling argument for corrective osteotomy to treat pediatric cubitus varus.
Treatment of Infantile Blount Disease: An Update
Authors: Sabharwal Samir , Sabharwal Sanjeev
Published: August 2017

Although the core principles of managing infantile Blount disease generally remain unchanged, treatment modalities have evolved over the years. Consensus has yet to be reached regarding the efficacy of bracing. Children with Blount disease commonly have advanced bone age, which may impact the timing and magnitude of (over) correction of angular deformity. Techniques of growth modulation, based on the tension band principle, continue to gain popularity. Although there are limited reports in the last decade on proximal tibial osteotomy for this developmental disorder, both acute and gradual correction remain viable treatment options in the appropriate setting. In certain older children (>7 y old) with advanced stages of the disease, a medial hemiplateau elevation combined with lateral proximal tibial hemiepiphysiodesis may be needed to address the epiphyseal deformity. Given the possibility of unpredictable proximal tibial physeal activity, all children with Blount disease should be followed at regular intervals till skeletal maturity. To provide sufficient granularity for pooled analyses and help establish evidence-based clinical guidelines, standardization of reporting clinical outcomes among children with Blount disease is encouraged.
Mastectomy Flap Thickness and Complications in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: Objective Evaluation using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Frey Jordan D. , Salibian Ara A. , Choi Mihye , Karp Nolan S.
Published: August 2017

Background:

Ischemic complications after nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) have been associated with numerous variables. However, the impact of NSM flap thickness has been incompletely evaluated.

Methods:

NSM flap thickness was determined for all NSMs from 2006 to 2016 with available pre- or postoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs). Demographics and outcomes were stratified by those with and without ischemic complications.

Results:

Of 1,037 NSM reconstructions, 420 NSMs had MRI data available, which included 379 preoperative MRIs and 60 postoperative MRIs. Average total preoperative skin/subcutaneous tissue NSM flap thickness was 11.4 mm. Average total postoperative NSM flap thickness was 8.7 mm. NSMs with ischemic complications were found to have significantly thinner overall postoperative NSM flap thickness compared with those without ischemic complications (P = 0.0280). Average overall postoperative NSM flap thickness less than 8.0 mm was found to be an independent predictor of ischemic complications (odds ratio, 6.5263; P = 0.026). In NSMs with both pre- and postoperative MRIs, the overall average postoperative NSM flap thickness was 68.2% of preoperative measurements. Average overall postoperative NSM flap thickness was significantly less than average overall preoperative NSM flap thickness (P < 0.0001). NSMs with ischemic complications were found to have a significantly lower ratio of overall postoperative to preoperative flap thickness (52.0% versus 74.0%; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Ischemic complications after NSM are significantly associated with thinner postoperative NSM flap thickness. Particularly, NSM flap thickness less than 8.0 mm is a positive independent predictor of ischemic complications. The ratio of postoperative to preoperative NSM flap thickness was significantly lower in reconstructions with ischemic complications.
Critical Contact Lens Oxygen Transmissibility and Tear Lens Oxygen Tension to Preclude Corneal Neovascularization
Authors: Yeung Karen K. , Yang Helen J. , Nguyen Andrew L. , Weissman Barry A.
Published: August 2017

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to determine the peripheral oxygen transmissibility (pDk/t) and respective central oxygen transmissibility (cDk/t) in soft contact lenses (SCLs) which might preclude SCL-driven corneal neovascularization (NV) in healthy myopic SCL users.

Methods:

Twenty subjectively successful SCL-wearing patients who presented with asymptomatic but active peripheral corneal NV (not ghost vessels) were recruited as study patients. Twenty-one patients who did not have NV were similarly recruited as controls. Demographic data were collected. Corneal NV was documented and photographed. Current habitual SCLs were collected and thicknesses measured to allow for the calculation of both pDk/t and cDk/t and estimation of local tear oxygen tensions.

Results:

No statistical differences between study and control groups in patient age, refraction, or the numbers of years, days per week, or hours per day patients reported SCL wear were identified. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups for both pDk/t (P=0.006) and cDk/t (P=0.004): mean (±SD) pDk/t was 38.0±23.5 and 19.2±17.7 Fatt units for control and study corneas, respectively. Mean cDk/t were 80.0±54.4 and 36.8±33.1 Fatt units for control and study corneas, respectively. Peripheral tear oxygen tension that “protected” corneas from vascular filling was over 84 mm Hg.

Conclusion:

Maintaining a pDk/t above 30 to 40 Fatt units with daily wear SCLs should protect most normal corneas from NV as a complication of SCL wear.
Latanoprost-induced Skin Depigmentation
Authors: Lin Mark , Schmutz Mason , Mosaed Sameh
Published: August 2017

Latanoprost, and other prostaglandin analogs, have been previously associated with increased pigmentary reactions on the periocular skin. Here, we present a patient with paradoxical depigmentation of periocular skin within 1 year of latanoprost use in both eyes. This report is the first to document such an association, and clinicians should be aware of this adverse effect and monitor for signs accordingly.
Clinical Outcomes in Children With Orbital Cellulitis and Radiographic Globe Tenting
Authors: Lindsay Rebecca A. , Weiss Avery H. , Kelly John P. , Anderson Valerie C. , Lindsay Theodore H. , Cabrera Michelle T.
Published: August 2017

Purpose:

Axial displacement of the globe with tenting centered on the optic nerve-globe junction is a predictor of visual loss in adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the visual outcomes of children with orbital cellulitis and globe tenting.

Methods:

The records of 46 consecutive children with orbital cellulitis at a single tertiary children’s hospital were reviewed retrospectively. Initial and final visual acuities were available for 34 of 46 patients (74%). Globe tenting was defined by an angle of 130° or less at the optic nerve-globe junction as derived from sagittal CT or MRI. Visual acuities of 4 children with globe tenting (mean age, 10.3 ± 3.3 years) were compared with those of 30 children without globe tenting (mean age, 10.8 ± 3.5 years). Final logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuities were analyzed.

Results:

The mean posterior globe angle was 124.5° ± 8.0° in patients with globe tenting, compared with 145.6° ± 7.4° in the affected eye of the patients without globe tenting (p = 0.002). Final visual acuity was logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution = 0 following treatment in patients with globe tenting and logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution = 0.02 in patients without tenting (p = 0.70).

Discussion:

We propose that the increased elastic compliance of the optic nerve sheath and sclera in children may contribute to better visual outcomes.

Conclusions:

Pediatric orbital cellulitis with globe tenting may not lead to devastating vision loss as previously seen in adults.
Emotional awareness and expression therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and education for fibromyalgia: a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lumley Mark A. , Schubiner Howard , Lockhart Nancy A. , Kidwell Kelley M. , Harte Steven E. , Clauw Daniel J. , Williams David A.
Published: August 2017

Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) experience increased lifetime levels of psychosocial adversity, trauma, and emotional conflict. To address these risk factors, we developed emotion awareness and expression therapy (EAET) and tested its benefits against an active control condition, FM education, and the field's gold standard intervention for FM, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for symptom management. Adults with FM (N = 230) formed 40 treatment groups, which were randomized to EAET, CBT, or education and given 8, 90-minute sessions. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed at baseline, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up (primary end point). Retention of patients to follow-up was excellent (90.4%). Intent-to-treat analyses indicated that although EAET did not differ from FM education on pain severity (primary outcome), EAET had significantly better outcomes than FM education on overall symptoms, widespread pain, physical functioning, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, depression, positive affect, and life satisfaction (between-condition d's ranging from 0.29-0.45 SD) and the percentage of patients reporting being “very much/much” improved (34.8% vs 15.4%). Emotional awareness and expression therapy did not differ from CBT on the primary or most secondary outcomes, but compared to CBT, EAET led to significantly lower FM symptoms (d = 0.35) and widespread pain (d = 0.37) and a higher percentage of patients achieving 50% pain reduction (22.5% vs 8.3%). In summary, an intervention targeting emotional awareness and expression related to psychosocial adversity and conflict was well received, more effective than a basic educational intervention, and had some advantages over CBT on pain. We conclude that EAET should be considered as an additional treatment option for FM.
Comparison of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene Mutations Identified Using Pleural Effusion and Primary Tumor Tissue Samples in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Nan , Sun Rui-Ze , Du Jiang , Dong Qian-Ze , Fan Chui-Feng , Li Qing-Chang , Wang En-Hua , Liu Yang
Published: August 2017

Background:

Although the use of pleural effusion samples for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) testing in lung cancer is increasing, the accuracy rate and effectiveness of identifying EGFR mutations using these samples, rather than primary tumor tissue samples, is not established.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred ninety-two advanced, non–small cell lung cancer patients were enrolled into this study. All patients had primary tumor tissue and corresponding pleural effusion samples, and we employed the Amplification Refractory Mutation System to detect EGFR gene mutations in these samples.

Result:

The number of EGFR mutations detected in primary tumor tissue and pleural effusion samples was 119 (61.98%) and 113 (58.85%), respectively. The EGFR-mutation rate was significantly higher in female than in male patients, and in adenocarcinoma than in nonadenocarcinoma patients (P=0.000). Single mutations in exons 19 and 21 were the predominant observed mutation type, and the overall concordance rate of EGFR-mutation status between the 192 matched pleural effusion and primary tumor tissue samples was 86.98%.

Conclusions:

We observed a high concordance rate between EGFR mutations identified using primary tumor tissue and corresponding pleural effusion samples by Amplification Refractory Mutation System. Thus, it is likely that pleural effusion sampling from advanced non–small cell lung cancer patients, especially those with adenocarcinoma, may be effective in EGFR-mutation screening.
RNA In Situ Hybridization for Epstein-Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus: Comparison With In Situ Hybridization and Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Roe Catherine J. , Siddiqui Momin T. , Lawson Diane , Cohen Cynthia
Published: August 2017

The RNAscope utilizes in situ hybridization (RISH) technology to detect single RNA molecules in a variety of tissue samples, including formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are found in association with neoplastic tissues and inflammatory lesions, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) or other techniques (ISH) are utilized to identify them. We compared the RNAscope RISH to ISH and IHC in the detection of EBV and CMV respectively to determine RNAscope utility in a clinical setting. Thirty-one FFPE tissues were stained by RISH to detect EBV and 24 samples of tissue for CMV. The RISH used the RNAscope (Leica BioSystems, Buffalo Grove, IL), the Bond III autostainer (Leica), and probes V-EBV and V-CMV (Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Newark, CA) as well as negative (DapB) and positive probe (PPIB) for RNA. Results were compared with those by ISH (Leica, EBV RNA probe), and IHC (CMV Dako, 1/160), respectively. RISH and ISH were concordant in 100% of cases positive for EBV by ISH (19/19). Of the cases negative for EBV by ISH, RISH showed positivity in an additional 25% of the samples (3/12). Overall concordance was 90.3% (28/31). RISH and IHC were concordant in 100% of cases positive for CMV by IHC (8/8). Of the cases negative for CMV by IHC, RISH detected positivity in an additional 50% of the samples (8/16). Overall concordance was 66.7% (16/24). RISH demonstrates increased sensitivity in the clinical setting, especially for CMV, detecting positive cells not stained by EBV ISH and CMV IHC.
Aortic Dissection and Severe Renal Failure 6 Years After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Dujardin Amaury , Le Fur Awena , Cantarovich Diego
Published: August 2017

We report the case of a patient with long-term history of hypertension, presenting with transient neurological disorders and severe graft failure several years after kidney transplantation. Cause of end-stage renal disease was hypertensive nephrosclerosis. Chronic hemodialysis lasted for 1 year. After transplantation and throughout follow-up, serum creatinine ranged from 200 to 230 μmol/L and maintenance immunosuppression included sirolimus and low-dose steroids. Six years after transplantation, the patient presented with right hip pain radiating to the lower back, transient aphasia, confusion, and hemiparesis. Surprisingly, progressive anuria was established requiring dialysis. After numerous nonconclusive investigations including renal histology, a contrast computed tomography scan discovered a Stanford B aortic dissection from the left common carotid artery and left subclavian artery to bilateral internal and external iliac arteries, including the right femoral artery. No surgical treatment was opted and hemodialysis, tight control of blood pressure and oral anticoagulation were established. Immunosuppression was lightened to low-dose steroids alone. After 8 months, chronic dialysis was stopped, and today, 22 months after the diagnosis of aortic dissection, the patient is doing well with a still functioning graft (creatinine, 377 μmol/L; modification of diet in renal disease-glomerular filtration rate, 15 mL/min), and without any other immunosuppression than low-dose steroids.
Electroconvulsive Therapy for Depression Comorbid With Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Warren Mark B. , Elder Scott , Litchfield Norman P.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare but well-described autoimmune disease, which is sometimes comorbid with psychiatric illness. There have been several case reports describing the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of core psychopathology in the context of MG. We sought to review the available published data on ECT in MG and add another case example to the literature.

Methods

We performed a PubMed search for relevant articles or case reports in English describing ECT in MG and summarized findings.

Results

We identified 7 published cases meeting our inclusion criteria in varying detail with different psychiatric presentations and different anesthetic and ECT technique approaches. In addition, we add our own case.

Conclusions

Based on the literature and our own clinical experience, ECT seems to be a safe option for the treatment of core psychopathology with comorbid MG as long as appropriate precautions are in place, particularly when choosing an anesthetic approach.
TaxMapper: An Analysis Tool, Reference Database and Workow for Metatranscriptome Analysis of Eukaryotic Microorganisms
Authors: Beisser Daniela , Graupner Nadine , Grossmann Lars , Timm Henning , Boenigk Jens , Rahmann Sven
Published: August 2017

Background

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies are increasingly applied to analyse complex microbial ecosystems by mRNA sequencing of whole communities, also known as metatranscriptome sequencing. This approach is at the moment largely limited to prokaryotic communities and communities of few eukaryotic species with sequenced genomes. For eukaryotes the analysis is hindered mainly by a low and fragmented coverage of the reference databases to infer the community composition, but also by lack of automated workflows for the task.

Results

From the databases of the National Center for Biotechnology Information and Marine Microbial Eukaryote Transcriptome Sequencing Project, 142 references were selected in such a way that the taxa represent the main lineages within each of the seven supergroups of eukaryotes and possess predominantly complete transcriptomes or genomes. From these references, we created an annotated microeukaryotic reference database. We developed a tool called TaxMapper for a reliably mapping of sequencing reads against this database and filtering of unreliable assignments. For filtering, a classifier was trained and tested on sequences in the database, sequences of related taxa to those in the database and randomly generated sequences. Additionally, TaxMapper is part of a metatranscriptomic Snakemake workflow developed to perform quality assessment, functional and taxonomic annotation and (multivariate) statistical analysis including environmental data. The workflow is provided and described in detail to empower researchers to easily apply it for metatranscriptome analysis of any environmental sample.

Conclusions

TaxMapper shows superior performance compared to standard approaches, resulting in a higher number of true positive taxonomic assignments. Both the TaxMapper tool and the workflow are available as open-source code at Bitbucket under the MIT license:https://bitbucket.org/dbeisser/taxmapperand as a Bioconda package:https://bioconda.github.io/recipes/taxmapper/README.html.
Hfq links translation repression to stress-induced mutagenesis inE. coli
Authors: Chen Jiandong , Gottesman Susan
Published: August 2017

Mismatch repair (MMR) is a conserved mechanism exploited by cells to correct DNA replication errors both in growing cells and under nongrowing conditions. Hfq (host factor for RNA bacteriophage Qβ replication), a bacterial Lsm family RNA-binding protein, chaperones RNA–RNA interactions between regulatory small RNAs (sRNAs) and target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to alterations of mRNA translation and/or stability. Hfq has been reported to post-transcriptionally repress the DNA MMR genemutSin stationary phase, possibly limiting MMR to allow increased mutagenesis. Here we report that Hfq deploys dual mechanisms to controlmutSexpression. First, Hfq binds directly to an (AAN)3motif within themutS5′ untranslated region (UTR), repressing translation in the absence of sRNA partners both in vivo and in vitro. Second, Hfq acts in a canonical pathway, promoting base-pairing of ArcZ sRNA with themutSleader to inhibit translation. Most importantly, using pathway-specificmutSchromosomal alleles that specifically abrogate either regulatory pathway or both, we demonstrate that tight control of MutS levels in stationary phase contributes to stress-induced mutagenesis. By interacting with themutSleader, Hfq serves as a critical switch that modulates bacteria from high-fidelity DNA replication to stress-induced mutagenesis.
Confocal depth-resolved fluorescence micro-X-ray absorption spectroscopy for the study of cultural heritage materials: a new mobile endstation at the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility
Authors: Chen Guang , Chu Shengqi , Sun Tianxi , Sun Xuepeng , Zheng Lirong , An Pengfei , Zhu Jian , Wu Shurong , Du Yonghua , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2017

A confocal fluorescence endstation for depth-resolved micro-X-ray absorption spectroscopy is described. A polycapillary half-lens defines the incident beam path and a second polycapillary half-lens at 90° defines the probe sample volume. An automatic alignment program based on an evolutionary algorithm is employed to make the alignment procedure efficient. This depth-resolved system was examined on a general X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) beamline at the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Sacrificial red glaze (AD 1368–1644) china was studied to show the capability of the instrument. As a mobile endstation to be applied on multiple beamlines, the confocal system can improve the function and flexibility of general XAS beamlines, and extend their capabilities to a wider user community.
Bank adoption of mobile banking: stakeholder perspective
Authors: Mullan Jennifer , Bradley Laura , Loane Sharon
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Bank adoption of mobile banking globally remains sporadic. Factors influencing this remain under researched. The purpose of this paper is to explore drivers and barriers of bank adoption of mobile banking from a stakeholder perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using diffusion of innovation (DOI), a mixed method study was conducted. Data were collected using blogging to inform a two-round modified Delphi study. The opinion of 72 members from six stakeholder industries was sought.

Findings

The results indicate that DOI theory is still applicable within mobile environments in helping to understand the diffusion of mobile banking. Key drivers of bank adoption were global mobile phone penetration, competitive advantage, customer convenience, strategic importance, customer demand, low perceived risk/security concerns and stakeholder partnerships. Findings suggest low levels of customer demand and lack of return on investment (ROI) are key barriers for banks. The findings have strategic implications for industry players highlighting the importance of mobile banking to maintain market share and customer relations. These influences will inform successful mobile banking strategies by raising awareness of major barriers.

Originality/value

This study concentrates on a bank/stakeholder perspective. It confirms that DOI theory is still applicable within mobile environments. It extends understanding of bank adoption providing useful information for all stakeholders. It has implications for banks regarding multi-channel banking and the motivators and challenges influencing its adoption.
Singing from North to South: Latitudinal variation in timing of dawn singing under natural and artificial light conditions
Authors: Da Silva Arnaud , Kempenaers Bart
Published: August 2017

Animals breeding at northern latitudes experience drastic changes in daily light conditions during the breeding season with decreasing periods of darkness, whereas those living at lower latitudes are exposed to naturally dark nights throughout the year. Nowadays, many animals are also exposed to artificial night lighting (often referred to as light pollution).

Animals strongly rely on variation in light levels to time their daily and seasonal behaviour. Previous work on passerine birds showed that artificial night lighting leads to earlier onset of dawn song. However, these studies were carried out at intermediate latitudes with more limited seasonal changes in daylength, and we still lack an understanding of the impact of artificial night lighting in relation to variation in natural light conditions.

We investigated the influence of natural and artificial light conditions on the timing of dawn singing in five common songbird species in each of three regions in Europe that differed in natural variation in daylength (northern Finland, 65°N; southern Germany, 48°N; southern Spain, 37°N). In each region, we selected five peri‐urban forest sites with and five without street lighting, and we recorded dawn singing at the beginning of the local breeding season.

Our results show that the earliest natural singers, that is, European robins (Erithacus rubecula) and common blackbirds (Turdus merula), started dawn singing earlier along with the natural increase in night brightness in Finland, with no additional effects of artificial night lighting. In contrast, the later singers, such as, great tits (Parus major), blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) and chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs), showed similar onsets of dawn song relative to sunrise across the season and similar effects of artificial night lighting at all latitudes.

Artificial night lighting affected great tits, blue tits and chaffinches even in northern Finland where nights became very bright. Proximate factors such as differential light sensitivities may explain why early singers showed more plastic behavioural responses to naturally and artificially bright nights. The maintenance of rhythmicity in the late singers during bright northern nights and under artificial night lighting may also be an adaptive response to predation risk or costs of sleep loss.
Temperature drives abundance fluctuations, but spatial dynamics is constrained by landscape configuration: Implications for climate‐driven range shift in a butterfly
Authors: Fourcade Yoan , Ranius Thomas , Öckinger Erik
Published: August 2017

Prediction of species distributions in an altered climate requires knowledge on how global‐ and local‐scale factors interact to limit their current distributions. Such knowledge can be gained through studies of spatial population dynamics at climatic range margins.

Here, using a butterfly (Pyrgus armoricanus) as model species, we first predicted based on species distribution modelling that its climatically suitable habitats currently extend north of its realized range. Projecting the model into scenarios of future climate, we showed that the distribution of climatically suitable habitats may shift northward by an additional 400 km in the future.

Second, we used a 13‐year monitoring dataset including the majority of all habitat patches at the species northern range margin to assess the synergetic impact of temperature fluctuations and spatial distribution of habitat, microclimatic conditions and habitat quality, on abundance and colonization–extinction dynamics.

The fluctuation in abundance between years was almost entirely determined by the variation in temperature during the species larval development. In contrast, colonization and extinction dynamics were better explained by patch area, between‐patch connectivity and host plant density. This suggests that the response of the species to future climate change may be limited by future land use and how its host plants respond to climate change. It is, thus, probable that dispersal limitation will prevent P. armoricanus from reaching its potential future distribution.

We argue that models of range dynamics should consider the factors influencing metapopulation dynamics, especially at the range edges, and not only broad‐scale climate. It includes factors acting at the scale of habitat patches such as habitat quality and microclimate and landscape‐scale factors such as the spatial configuration of potentially suitable patches. Knowledge of population dynamics under various environmental conditions, and the incorporation of realistic scenarios of future land use, appears essential to provide predictions useful for actions mitigating the negative effects of climate change.
Weed suppression greatly increased by plant diversity in intensively managed grasslands: A continental‐scale experiment
Authors: Connolly John , Sebastià Maria‐Teresa , Kirwan Laura , Finn John Anthony , Llurba Rosa , Suter Matthias , Collins Rosemary P. , Porqueddu Claudio , Helgadóttir Áslaug , Baadshaug Ole H. , Bélanger Gilles , Black Alistair , Brophy Caroline , Čop Jure , Dalmannsdóttir Sigridur , Delgado Ignacio , Elgersma Anjo , Fothergill Michael , Frankow‐Lindberg Bodil E. , Ghesquiere An , Golinski Piotr , Grieu Philippe , Gustavsson Anne‐Maj , Höglind Mats , Huguenin‐Elie Olivier , Jørgensen Marit , Kadziuliene Zydre , Lunnan Tor , Nykanen‐Kurki Paivi , Ribas Angela , Taube Friedhelm , Thumm Ulrich , De Vliegher Alex , Lüscher Andreas
Published: August 2017

Grassland diversity can support sustainable intensification of grassland production through increased yields, reduced inputs and limited weed invasion. We report the effects of diversity on weed suppression from 3 years of a 31‐site continental‐scale field experiment.

At each site, 15 grassland communities comprising four monocultures and 11 four‐species mixtures based on a wide range of species' proportions were sown at two densities and managed by cutting. Forage species were selected according to two crossed functional traits, “method of nitrogen acquisition” and “pattern of temporal development”.

Across sites, years and sown densities, annual weed biomass in mixtures and monocultures was 0.5 and 2.0 t DM ha−1(7% and 33% of total biomass respectively). Over 95% of mixtures had weed biomass lower than the average of monocultures, and in two‐thirds of cases, lower than in the most suppressive monoculture (transgressive suppression). Suppression was significantly transgressive for 58% of site‐years. Transgressive suppression by mixtures was maintained across years, independent of site productivity.

Based on models, average weed biomass in mixture over the whole experiment was 52% less (95% confidence interval: 30%–75%) than in the most suppressive monoculture. Transgressive suppression of weed biomass was significant at each year across all mixtures and for each mixture.

Weed biomass was consistently low across all mixtures and years and was in some cases significantly but not largely different from that in the equiproportional mixture. The average variability (standard deviation) of annual weed biomass within a site was much lower for mixtures (0.42) than for monocultures (1.77).

Synthesis and applications. Weed invasion can be diminished through a combination of forage species selected for complementarity and persistence traits in systems designed to reduce reliance on fertiliser nitrogen. In this study, effects of diversity on weed suppression were consistently strong across mixtures varying widely in species' proportions and over time. The level of weed biomass did not vary greatly across mixtures varying widely in proportions of sown species. These diversity benefits in intensively managed grasslands are relevant for the sustainable intensification of agriculture and, importantly, are achievable through practical farm‐scale actions.
Wisdom of Crowds: Cross‐Sectional Variation in the Informativeness of Third‐Party‐Generated Product Information on Twitter
Authors: TANG VICKI WEI
Published: August 2017

This paper examines whether third‐party‐generated product information on Twitter, once aggregated at the firm level, is predictive of firm‐level sales, and if so, what factors determine the cross‐sectional variation in the predictive power. First, the predictive power of Twitter comments increases with the extent to which they fairly represent the broad customer response to products and brands. The predictive power is greater for firms whose major customers are consumers rather than businesses. Second, the word‐of‐mouth effect of Twitter comments is greater when advertising is limited. Third, a detailed analysis of the identity of the tweet handles provides the additional insights that the predictive power of the volume of Twitter comments is dominated by “the wisdom of crowds,” whereas the predictive power of the valence of Twitter comments is largely attributable to expert comments. Furthermore, Twitter comments not only reflect upcoming sales, but also capture an unexpected component of sales growth.
Resin foraging dynamics in Varroa destructor‐infested hives: a case of medication of kin?
Authors: Pusceddu Michelina , Piluzza Giannella , Theodorou Panagiotis , Buffa Franco , Ruiu Luca , Bullitta Simonetta , Floris Ignazio , Satta Alberto
Published: August 2017

Social insects have evolved colony behavioral, physiological, and organizational adaptations (social immunity) to reduce the risks of parasitization and/or disease transmission. The collection of resin from various plants and its use in the hive as propolis is a clear example of behavioral defense. For Apis mellifera, an increased propolis content in the hive may correspond to variations in the microbial load of the colony and to a downregulation of an individual bee's immune response. However, many aspects of such antimicrobial mechanism still need to be clarified. Assuming that bacterial and fungal infection mechanisms differ from the action of a parasite, we studied the resin collection dynamics in Varroa destructor‐infested honeybee colonies. Comparative experiments involving hives with different mite infestation levels were conducted in order to assess the amount of resin collected and propolis quality within the hive, over a 2‐year period (2014 and 2015). Our study demonstrates that when A. mellifera colonies are under stress because of Varroa infestation, an increase in the number of resin foragers is recorded, even if a general intensification of the foraging activity is not observed. A reduction in the total polyphenolic content in propolis produced in infested versus uninfested hives was also noticed. Considering that different propolis types show varying levels of inhibition against a variety of honey bee pathogens in vitro, it would be very important to study the effects against Varroa of two diverse types of propolis: from Varroa‐free and from Varroa‐infested hives.
Effect of Ingredients on the Quality of Gluten‐Free Sorghum Pasta
Authors: Palavecino Pablo Martín , Bustos Mariela Cecilia , Heinzmann Alabí María Belén , Nicolazzi Melani Solange , Penci María Cecilia , Ribotta Pablo Daniel
Published: August 2017

Sorghum is an underutilized cereal in human food production, despite its flour being a potential gluten‐free (GF) source in the development of several foods. Thus, the aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects and interactions of different ingredients on cooking quality and texture of GF pasta. Egg albumen (A), egg powder (E), xanthan gum (X), and pregelatinized corn starch (P) were used as ingredients, and Box‐Behnken experimental design was applied to study the effects of these ingredients on pasta cooking behavior, color, and texture attributes. Responses were fitted to a second order polynomial equation, and multivariable optimization was performed using maximization of general desirability. Next, optimal formulations were validated, compared with two commercial gluten‐free pastas by sensory evaluation, and finally, an industrial assay was carried out. Regression coefficients indicated that A and P improved cooking properties while A and E contributed the most to improving the pasta textural properties. As, X and P effects varied depending on the kind of sorghum flour used, the optimal formulations levels were different, but in both cases these models were satisfactory and capable of predicting responses. The industrial assay was carried out with white sorghum flour because it showed a higher acceptability in the sensory evaluation than brown sorghum flour pasta. This industrially made pasta resulted in slightly better cooking properties than the laboratory produced one, with the formulation adapting well to the conventional wheat pasta industrial process. Gluten‐free sorghum pasta was produced, showing good cooking and textural properties and being a suitable option for gluten‐sensitive individuals.
Physiochemical Properties and Probiotic Survivability of Symbiotic Corn‐Based Yogurt‐Like Product
Authors: Wang Cuina , Zheng Huajie , Liu Tingting , Wang Dawei , Guo Mingruo
Published: August 2017

Corn is a major grain produced in northern China. Corn‐based functional food products are very limited. In this study, a symbiotic corn‐based yogurt‐like product was developed. Corn milk was prepared through grinding, extrusion and milling, and hydration processes. Corn extrudate was prepared under the optimized conditions of corn flour particle size <180 μm, moisture content of 15% and extrusion temperature at 130 °C. The corn milk was prepared from 8% corn extrudate suspension and then milled twice with 0.1% glyceryl monostearate and 0.1% sucrose ester as emulsifiers. The corn milk was mixed with sugar (5%), glucose (2%), soy protein isolate (0.75%), inulin (1%), polymerized whey protein (0.3%) and xanthan gum (0.09%) as thickening agents. The mixture was fermented at 35 °C for 6 h using a probiotic starter culture containing L. plantarum. Chemical composition (%) of the symbiotic corn‐based yogurt‐like product was: total solids (17.13 ± 0.31), protein (1.12 ± 0.03), fat (0.30 ± 0.05), carbohydrates (15.14 ± 0.19), and ash (0.16 ± 0.02), respectively. pH value of this symbiotic product decreased from 4.50 ± 0.03 to 3.88 ± 0.13 and the population of L. plantarum declined from 7.8 ± 0.09 to 7.1 ± 0.14 log CFU/mL during storage at 4 °C. SDS‐PAGE analysis showed that there were no changes in protein profile during storage. Texture and consistency were also stable during the period of this study. It can be concluded that a set‐type corn‐based symbiotic yogurt‐like product with good texture and stability was successfully developed that would be a good alternative to the dairy yogurt.
Formulation, Characterization and Stability Assessment of a Food‐Derived Tripeptide, Leucine‐Lysine‐Proline Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: Danish Minna K. , Vozza Giuliana , Byrne Hugh J. , Frias Jesus M. , Ryan Sinéad M.
Published: August 2017

The chicken‐ or fish‐derived tripeptide, leucine‐lysine‐proline (LKP), inhibits the angiotensin converting enzyme and may be used as an alternative treatment for prehypertension. However, it has low permeation across the small intestine. The formulation of LKP into a nanoparticle (NP) has the potential to address this issue. LKP‐loaded NPs were produced using an ionotropic gelation technique, using chitosan (CL113). Following optimization of unloaded NPs, a mixture amount design was constructed using variable concentration of CL113 and tripolyphosphate at a fixed LKP concentration. Resultant particle sizes ranged from 120 to 271 nm, zeta potential values from 29 to 37 mV, and polydispersity values from 0.3 to 0.6. A ratio of 6:1 (CL113:TPP) produced the best encapsulation of approximately 65%. Accelerated studies of the loaded NPs indicated stability under normal storage conditions (room temperature). Cytotoxicity assessment showed no significant loss of cell viability and in vitro release studies indicated an initial burst followed by a slower and sustained release.
Predictors of candesartan's effect on vascular reactivity in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Lee So‐Ryoung , Chae In‐Ho , Kim Hack‐Lyoung , Kang Do‐Yoon , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Kim Hyo‐Soo
Published: August 2017

Introduction and Aims

Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness have a prognostic value on adverse long‐term outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We evaluated the efficacy on vascular reactivity of candesartan and analyzed predictors to control the candesartan's effect on vascular reactivity in CAD patients.

Method

Patients were prospectively enrolled and prescribed candesartan for 6 months. The effect on vascular reactivity was evaluated by the change in flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) and pulse wave velocity (PWV).

Results

A total of 124 patients completed the study. The better responder in FMD change (≥1.3%) showed significantly lower baseline FMD than the poor responder (P < .001). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, baseline FMD 7.5% showed optimal predictive value (sensitivity 79%, specificity 79%) for predicting better responder. The baseline endothelial dysfunction (FMD <7.5%) was the only significant predictor of the better responder to candesartan. The better responder in PWV change (≤−100 cm/s) showed greater blood pressure lowering and significantly higher baseline PWV than the poor responder (both P < .05). The poor responder in both FMD and PWV showed a higher prevalence of previous myocardial infarction (38.7% vs 17.2%, P = .013).

Conclusion

The candesartan's effect on vascular reactivity is more pronounced in patients with more severe endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Poor responders on both FMD and PWV showed higher prevalence of previous myocardial infarction.
Reduced expression of PMCA1 is associated with increased blood pressure with age which is preceded by remodelling of resistance arteries
Authors: Little Robert , Zi Min , Hammad Sally K. , Nguyen Loan , Njegic Alexandra , Kurusamy Sathishkumar , Prehar Sukhpal , Armesilla Angel L. , Neyses Ludwig , Austin Clare , Cartwright Elizabeth J.
Published: August 2017

Hypertension is a well‐established risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events, and older age is a risk factor for the development of hypertension. Genomewide association studies have linked ATP2B1, the gene for the plasma membrane calcium ATPase 1 (PMCA1), to blood pressure (BP) and hypertension. Here, we present the effects of reduction in the expression of PMCA1 on BP and small artery structure and function when combined with advancing age. Heterozygous PMCA1 null mice (PMCA1Ht) were generated and conscious BP was measured at 6 to 18 months of age. Passive and active properties of isolated small mesenteric arteries were examined by pressure myography. PMCA1Ht mice exhibited normal BP at 6 and 9 months of age but developed significantly elevated BP when compared to age‐matched wild‐type controls at ≥12 months of age. Decreased lumen diameter, increased wall thickness and increased wall:lumen ratio were observed in small mesenteric arteries from animals 9 months of age and older, indicative of eutrophic remodelling. Increases in mesenteric artery intrinsic tone and global intracellular calcium were evident in animals at both 6 and 18 months of age. Thus, decreased expression of PMCA1 is associated with increased BP when combined with advancing age. Changes in arterial structure precede the elevation of BP. Pathways involving PMCA1 may be a novel target for BP regulation in the elderly.
A national, prospective observational study of first recurrence after primary treatment for gynecological cancer in Norway
Authors: Vistad Ingvild , Bjørge Line , Solheim Olesya , Fiane Bent , Sachse Kurt , Tjugum Jostein , Skrøppa Siri , Bentzen Anne G. , Stokstad Trine , Iversen Grete A. , Salvesen Helga B. , Kristensen Gunnar B. , Dørum Anne
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Gynecological cancer patients are routinely followed up for five years after primary treatment. However, the value of such follow up has been debated, as retrospective studies indicate that first recurrence is often symptomatic and occurs within two to three years of primary treatment. We prospectively investigated time to first recurrence, symptoms at recurrence, diagnostic procedures, and recurrence treatment in gynecological cancer patients after primary curative treatment.

Material and methods

Clinicians from 21 hospitals in Norway interviewed 680 patients with first recurrence of gynecological cancer (409 ovarian, 213 uterine, and 58 cervical cancer patients) between 2012 and 2016. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on self‐reported and clinical variables.

Results

Within two years of primary treatment, 72% of ovarian, 64% of uterine, and 66% of cervical cancer patients were diagnosed with first recurrence, and 54, 67, and 72%, respectively, had symptomatic recurrence. Of symptomatic patients, 25–50% failed to make an appointment before their next scheduled follow‐up visit. Computer tomography was the most common diagnostic procedure (89% of ovarian, 76% of uterine, and 62% of cervical cancer patients), and recurrence treatment in terms of chemotherapy was most frequently planned (86% of ovarian, 46% of uterine, and 62% of cervical cancer patients).

Conclusions

A majority of patients experienced symptomatic recurrence, but many patients failed to make an appointment earlier than scheduled. Most first recurrences occurred within two years of primary treatment; the mean annual incidence rate for years 3–5 after primary treatment was <7%. New models for follow up of gynecological cancer patients could be considered.