bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red cell distribution width as a potential index to assess the severity of hepatitis B virus‐related liver diseases
Authors: Huang Rui , Yang Chenchen , Wu Kangkang , Cao Shufeng , Liu Yong , Su Ran , Xiong Yali , Huang Aijun , Wu Chao
Published: April 2014

Aim

To investigate the association between red cell distribution width (RDW) and the severity of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related liver diseases.

Methods

Sixty‐nine patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 61 patients with HBV‐related liver cirrhosis were enrolled in the present study. Forty‐one healthy individuals were included as controls. Hematological parameters, hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) status, HBV DNA levels and liver biochemistry were analyzed. Child–Pugh scores and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores of the patients with HBV‐related liver cirrhosis were calculated.

Results

The RDW was significantly higher in patients with HBV‐related liver cirrhosis as compared with CHB patients and healthy controls. RDW was slightly higher in CHB patients as compared with healthy controls. An increasing correlation of RDW with Child–Pugh grades was found. RDW was positively correlated with Child–Pugh scores and MELD scores. In patients with HBV‐related liver cirrhosis, RDW was also positively correlated with total bilirubin and negatively correlated with hemoglobin and serum albumin concentration. However, no significant difference was found between HBeAg positive and negative patients and no significant correlation between RDW and HBV DNA levels was found.

Conclusion

The RDW was elevated in CHB patients and patients with HBV‐related liver cirrhosis and was positively correlated with the severity of HBV‐related liver cirrhosis. RDW is a potential index to assess the severity of HBV‐related liver diseases.
Effect of Praseodymium Oxide on Thermal and Optical Properties in Raw Transparent glaze
Authors: Ke Shanjun , Cheng Xiaosu , Wang Yanmin , Pan Zhidong , Wang Qianghong
Published: April 2014

The light green transparent glaze was prepared by introducing praseodymium oxide as a colorant used in raw glaze. The effect of Pr6O11 on the thermal and color properties of the transparent glaze was investigated by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis and reflection spectra, respectively. The introduction of Pr6O11 could not form new crystalline phases in the transparent glaze. The glass transition temperature and melting temperature of the transparent glaze decreased with the increasing Pr6O11, which is due to the high field strength of Pr ion. In addition, the mechanism of color formation in the glaze containing Pr6O11 was also discussed.
Assessment of seasonality of influenza in swine using field submissions to a diagnostic laboratory in Ontario between 2007 and 2012
Authors: Poljak Zvonimir , Carman Susy , McEwen Beverly
Published: April 2014

Background

Seasonality of any infectious disease is important for its control and monitoring. While influenza seasonality in people has been evaluated extensively, this question has not been studied well in swine populations.

Objective

The goal of this study was to investigate seasonality of influenza in swine, using diagnostic submissions to a diagnostic laboratory.

Methods

Two thousand seven hundred and eleven virological tests within 685 submissions and 5471 serological tests within 193 submissions in Ontario swine between 2007 and 2012 were included in the study and converted to total monthly number of virological and serological submissions, and the number of positive submissions. Data were analyzed by time‐series decomposition, fixed‐effect Poisson, random‐effect Poisson regression with month as uncorrelated and correlated random effects.

Results

All approaches identified seasonality in virological submissions (P < 0·02) with peak in January and April, and a trough in July, but were not able to detect seasonality of influenza‐positive virological submissions (P > 0·13). Seasonality of positive serological submissions was identified only if independence between months was assumed (P < 0·03). Almost 50% of serological submissions had evidence of exposure to H3N2 and H1N1.

Conclusions

Thus, this study identified evidence of seasonality in influenza‐like disease in swine herds, but not in circulation of influenza virus. Evidence of seasonality in exposure to influenza was dependent on assumptions of between‐month correlation. High exposure to H3N2 and H1N1 subtypes warrants more detailed investigation of within‐herd influenza virus circulation. The study provides initial insight into seasonality of influenza in swine and should be followed with herd‐level studies.
Prevalence of psychiatric disorders among heroin users who received methadone maintenance therapy in Taiwan
Authors: Fan Chiung‐Yueh , Tan Happy Kuy‐Lok , Chien I‐Chia , Chou Sun‐Yuan
Published: April 2014

Background

Many patients under methadone maintenance treatment are present with comorbid psychiatric symptoms.

Objective

We wish to examine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among heroin users who received methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in Taiwan.

Methods

By combining the National Health Insurance Research database and Center for Disease Control database, 18,271 heroin users who received MMT were defined as the subject group and after matching age and sex, 73,084 patients were randomly selected as the control group.

Results

The 1 year prevalence of any psychiatric disorder, any psychotic disorder, neurotic and other nonpsychotic disorder among MMT patients and control group were 13.14% versus 2.50% (OR 5.89, CI 5.53–6.27), 4.21% versus 1.29% (OR 3.38, CI 3.07–3.72), and 9.89% versus 1.31% (OR 8.25, CI 7.62–8.94), respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of any co‐morbid psychiatric disorder among MMT patients is almost six times higher than the control group.

Scientific Significance

A thorough psychiatric screening and appropriate aggressive intervention should be incorporated into an effective methadone treatment program. (Am J Addict 2014;23:249–256)
Predictors of drinking and functional outcomes for men and women following inpatient alcohol treatment
Authors: Sugarman Dawn E. , Kaufman Julia S. , Trucco Elisa M. , Brown Jodi C. , Greenfield Shelly F.
Published: April 2014

Background and Objectives

This prospective study uses path analytic models to examine baseline characteristics associated with both functioning and drinking outcomes 12 months after inpatient alcohol treatment.

Methods

Alcohol‐dependent participants (N = 101) were recruited during inpatient alcohol treatment and assessed monthly 1 year after discharge.

Results

Alcohol severity was negatively associated with education and self‐efficacy; marital status was positively associated with self‐efficacy; and education and self‐efficacy were negatively associated with drinking outcomes. Low alcohol severity, not having a depression diagnosis, and being married were associated with less social support impairment, which was in turn associated with better drinking outcomes. Having a history of sexual abuse did not influence drinking outcomes. However, having a history of sexual abuse was negatively associated with global functioning.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Drinking outcomes were associated with education, self‐efficacy, social support, and diagnosis of depression at baseline; however, global functioning 1 year following treatment was primarily and negatively associated with sexual abuse history. Future treatment research should include measures of both functioning and drinking behavior outcomes. (Am J Addict 2014;23:226–233)
Pharmacogenetics of naltrexone and disulfiram in alcohol dependent, dually diagnosed veterans
Authors: Arias Albert J. , Gelernter Joel , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Ralevski Elizabeth , Petrakis Ismene L.
Published: April 2014

Background

Disulfiram and naltrexone were evaluated in treatment of individuals with co‐occurring alcohol dependence and other Axis I disorders (e.g., Major Depression). We explored pharmacogenetic interactions in genotyped subjects.

Methods

Alcohol dependent (AD) subjects received naltrexone alone, placebo alone, disulfiram with placebo or disulfiram with naltrexone. They were genotyped for OPRM1 rs1799971 (Asn40Asp), and DBH rs1611115 (C‐1021T). N = 107 male European‐American subjects were included.

Results

There were no significant interactions with OPRM1. DBH interacted with naltrexone on the primary outcome of abstinence from heavy drinking (χ2(1) = 5.23, p = .02). “T” allele carriers on naltrexone had more abstinence compared to “CC” subjects on naltrexone (FET, p = .01). “T” allele carriers on naltrexone had the highest overall rates of abstinence from heavy drinking (>90%). Also, DBH genotype interacted with disulfram (F(1,17) = 7.52, p = .01) on drinks per drinking day with less drinking for subjects with the “CC” genotype than for T allele carriers on disulfiram.

Conclusions

DBH*rs1611115*T associated with better response to naltrexone, while for those on disulfiram that drank, “CC” subjects drank less than T carriers. For rs1799971*G, we did not replicate findings from previous studies showing a more favorable response to NTX, possibly due to the small available sample.

Scientific Significance

Genotyping rs1611115 may be useful in understanding inter‐individual differences in AD treatment response.

Future Directions

Further study of rs1611115 pharmacogenetics is warranted. (Am J Addict 2014;23:288–293)
High‐Density Epicardial Activation Mapping to Optimize the Site for Video‐Thoracoscopic Left Ventricular Lead Implant
Authors: POLASEK ROSTISLAV , SKALSKY IVO , WICHTERLE DAN , MARTINCA TOMAS , HANULIAKOVA JANA , ROUBICEK TOMAS , BAHNIK JAN , JANSOVA HELENA , PIRK JAN , KAUTZNER JOSEF
Published: April 2014

Optimization of Left Ventricular Lead Position

Background

The left ventricular (LV) lead local electrogram (EGM) delay from the beginning of the QRS complex (QLV) is considered a strong predictor of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy. We have developed a method for fast epicardial QLV mapping during video‐thoracoscopic surgery to guide LV lead placement.

Methods

A three‐port, video‐thoracoscopic approach was used for LV free wall epicardial mapping and lead implantation. A decapolar electrophysiological catheter was introduced through one port and systematically attached to multiple accessible LV sites. The pacing lead was targeted to the site with maximum QLV. The LV free wall activation pattern was analyzed in 16 pre‐specified anatomical segments.

Results

We implanted LV leads in 13 patients with LBBB or IVCD. The procedural and mapping times were 142 ± 39 minutes and 20 ± 9 minutes, respectively. A total of 15.0 ± 2.2 LV segments were mappable with variable spatial distribution of QLV‐optimum. The QLV ratio (QLV/QRSd) at the optimum segment was significantly higher (by 0.17 ± 0.08, p < 0.00001) as compared to an empirical midventricular lateral segment. The LV lead was implanted at the optimum segment in 11 patients (at an adjacent segment in 2 patients) achieving a QLV ratio of 0.82 ± 0.09 (range 0.63–0.93) and 99.5 ± 0.6% match with intraprocedural mapping.

Conclusion

Video‐thoracoscopic LV lead implantation can be effectively and safely guided by epicardial QLV mapping. This strategy was highly successful in targeting the selected LV segment and resulted in significantly higher QLV ratios compared to an empirical midventricular lateral segment.
Dietary Sodium and Potassium Intake Is Not Associated With Elevated Blood Pressure in US Adults With No Prior History of Hypertension
Authors: Sharma Shailendra , McFann Kim , Chonchol Michel , Kendrick Jessica
Published: April 2014

The relationship between dietary sodium and potassium intake with elevated blood pressure (BP) levels is unclear. The authors examined the association between dietary sodium and potassium intake and BP levels in 6985 adults aged 18 years and older with no prior history of hypertension who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2006). After adjustment for age, sex, race, body mass index, diabetes, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, there was no association between higher quartiles of sodium or potassium intake with the risk of a BP >140/90 mm Hg or >130/80 mm Hg. There was also no relationship between dietary sodium and potassium intake with BP when systolic and diastolic BP were measured as continuous outcomes (P=.68 and P=.74, respectively). Furthermore, no association was found between combinations of sodium and potassium intake with elevated BP. In the US adult population without hypertension, increased dietary sodium or low potassium intake was not associated with elevated BP levels.
Comprehensive characterization of immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: René Céline , Prat Nathalie , Thuizat Audrey , Broctawik Mélanie , Avinens Odile , Eliaou Jean‐François
Published: April 2014

Previous studies have suggested a geographical pattern of immunoglobulin rearrangement in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), which could be as a result of a genetic background or an environmental antigen. However, the characteristics of Ig rearrangements in the population from the South of France have not yet been established. Here, we studied CLL B‐cell repertoire and mutational pattern in a Southern French cohort of patients using an in‐house protocol for whole sequencing of the rearranged immunoglobulin heavy‐chain genes. Described biased usage of variable, diversity and joining genes between the mutated and unmutated groups was found in our population. However, variable gene frequencies are more in accordance with those observed in the Mediterranean patients. We found that the third complementary‐determining region (CDR) length was higher in unmutated sequences, because of bias in the diversity and joining genes usage and not due to the N diversity. Mutations found in CLL followed the features of canonical somatic hypermutation mechanism: preference of targeting for activation‐induced cytidine deaminase and polymerase motifs, base change bias for transitions and more replacement mutations occurring in CDRs than in framework regions. Surprisingly, localization of activation‐induced cytidine deaminase motifs onto the variable gene showed a preference for framework regions. The study of the characteristics at the age of diagnosis showed no difference in clinical outcome, but suggested a tendency of increased replacement and transition‐over‐transversion mutations and a longer third CDR length in older patients.
Growth/differentiation factor‐5: pre‐clinical and clinical evaluations of periodontal regeneration and alveolar augmentation – review
Authors: Lee Jaebum , Wikesjö Ulf M.E.
Published: April 2014

Aim:

Growth/differentiation factor‐5 (GDF‐5) plays critical roles in mesenchymal cell differentiation and stimulates human periodontal ligament cell proliferation. Potentially, GDF‐5 may also play roles in wound healing including periodontal regeneration and alveolar augmentation. The objective of this review was to provide up‐to‐date information from pre‐clinical/clinical studies evaluating GDF‐5 for these indications.

Methods:

A comprehensive search using PubMed and Google search engines was conducted to identify reports on GDF‐5 applied to periodontal and alveolar indications. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts from a total of 479 reports. Full‐length articles of 17 pre‐clinical and four clinical studies were selected and reviewed.

Results:

Canine‐, porcine‐ and non‐human primate‐based models as well as human clinical trials were used in the evaluation of GDF‐5 in support of periodontal regeneration and alveolar augmentation. An absorbable collagen sponge (ACS), β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and a poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) were evaluated as candidate carriers for GDF‐5 using various dose and healing intervals demonstrating significantly enhanced periodontal regeneration/alveolar augmentation including cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone with limited, if any, adverse effects.

Conclusion:

Growth/differentiation factor‐5 supports periodontal regeneration/alveolar augmentation without aberrant healing events documented in qualified pre‐clinical models and clinical pilot studies. In perspective, GDF‐5 appears a promising technology for periodontal regeneration/alveolar augmentation.
Fitness landscapes emerging from pharmacodynamic functions in the evolution of multidrug resistance
Authors: Engelstädter J.
Published: April 2014

Adaptive evolution often involves beneficial mutations at more than one locus. In this case, the trajectory and rate of adaptation is determined by the underlying fitness landscape, that is, the fitness values and mutational connectivity of all genotypes under consideration. Drug resistance, especially resistance to multiple drugs simultaneously, is also often conferred by mutations at several loci so that the concept of fitness landscapes becomes important. However, fitness landscapes underlying drug resistance are not static but dependent on drug concentrations, which means they are influenced by the pharmacodynamics of the drugs administered. Here, I present a mathematical framework for fitness landscapes of multidrug resistance based on Hill functions describing how drug concentrations affect fitness. I demonstrate that these ‘pharmacodynamic fitness landscapes’ are characterized by pervasive epistasis that arises through (i) fitness costs of resistance (even when these costs are additive), (ii) nonspecificity of resistance mutations to drugs, in particular cross‐resistance, and (iii) drug interactions (both synergistic and antagonistic). In the latter case, reciprocal drug suppression may even lead to reciprocal sign epistasis, so that the doubly resistant genotype occupies a local fitness peak that may be difficult to access by evolution. Simulations exploring the evolutionary dynamics on some pharmacodynamic fitness landscapes with both constant and changing drug concentrations confirm the crucial role of epistasis in determining the rate of multidrug resistance evolution.
Assuring Civil Damages Adequately Deter: A Public Good Experiment
Authors: Eisenberg Theodore , Engel Christoph
Published: April 2014

To explore damages rules' deterrent effect we use a public good experiment to tailor punishment to rules used in civil litigation. The experimental treatments are analogous to: (1) damages limited to harm to an individual, (2) damages limited to harm to a group, such as in class actions, and (3) treble damages. For (1) and (2) we also manipulate the probability of a player being entitled to claim damages. The treatments with damages limited to harm to an individual do not prevent deterioration in cooperation over time but deterioration is slower. In the class action treatment, cooperation is stable over time if the probability of having to pay damages is sufficiently high. The same holds for the treble damages treatment. The results persist in variations of (1) and (2) in which the player imposing damages may have them forfeited with no benefit to her. We can therefore rule out that the beneficial effect of sanctions hinges on the participants knowing that the player imposing sanctions cannot intend to enrich herself.
Serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D concentrations are more deficient/insufficient in peritoneal dialysis than haemodialysis patients in a sunny climate
Authors: Hanna K. , Fassett R. G. , Gill E. , Healy H. , Kimlin M. , Ross L. , Ash S.
Published: April 2014

Background

Research has identified associations between serum 25(OH)D and a range of clinical outcomes in chronic kidney disease and wider populations. The present study aimed to investigate vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in dialysis patients and the relationship with vitamin D intake and sun exposure.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was used. Participants included 30 peritoneal dialysis (PD) (43.3% male; 56.87 ± 16.16 years) and 26 haemodialysis (HD) (80.8% male; 63.58 ± 15.09 years) patients attending a department of renal medicine. Explanatory variables were usual vitamin D intake from diet/supplements (IU day−1) and sun exposure (min day−1). Vitamin D intake, sun exposure and ethnic background were assessed by questionnaire. Weight, malnutrition status and routine biochemistry were also assessed. Data were collected during usual department visits. The main outcome measure was serum 25(OH)D (nm).

Results

Prevalence of inadequate/insufficient vitamin D intake differed between dialysis modality, with 31% and 43% found to be insufficient (<50 nm) and 4% and 33% found to be deficient (<25 nm) in HD and PD patients, respectively (P < 0.001). In HD patients, there was a correlation between diet and supplemental vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D (ρ = 0.84, P < 0.001) and average sun exposure and 25(OH)D (ρ = 0.50, P < 0.02). There were no associations in PD patients. The results remained significant for vitamin D intake after multiple regression, adjusting for age, gender and sun exposure.

Conclusions

The results highlight a strong association between vitamin D intake and 25(OH)D in HD but not PD patients, with implications for replacement recommendations. The findings indicate that, even in a sunny climate, many dialysis patients are vitamin D deficient, highlighting the need for exploration of determinants and consequences.
Maximum bite force following unilateral implant‐supported prosthetic treatment: within‐subject comparison to opposite dentate side
Authors: AL‐Omiri M. K. , Sghaireen M. G. , Alhijawi M. M. , Alzoubi I. A. , Lynch C. D. , Lynch E.
Published: April 2014

Bite force is a significant component of chewing and masticatory function. The literature lacks studies that compare bite force values of implant‐supported fixed bridges to natural dentition within same subjects. The objective of the study was to assess maximum occlusal bite force (MBF) among patients with an implant‐supported fixed prosthesis and compare it to their opposite dentate side and also to determine the effect of gender, age and Body Mass Index (BMI) on maximum occlusal bite force. Forty patients (20 males and 20 females, mean age = 42·7 ± 9·6 years) with an implant‐supported fixed prosthetic rehabilitation on one side and dentate on the other side were recruited into this study. Participants' MBF were measured bilaterally at the first molar region using a digital hydraulic occlusal force gauge (GM10). The measurements were repeated three times (with 45 s intervals between times) for each side, and the highest value of the bite force (MBF) was recorded for each side. The mean MBF was 577·9 N at the implant‐supported prosthesis side and 595·1 N at the dentate side. The average MBF was higher at the dentulous side (P < 0·05). Maximum occlusal bite force was higher in males and participants with higher weight and height. However, BMI was not significantly related to MBF values. Maximum occlusal bite force values at the dentate side were slightly (3%) but significantly higher than MBF at implant‐supported prosthesis side. Males, taller patients and patients with higher weights had higher MBF values. Body mass index was not significantly related to MBF values.
Privacy and Freedom: An Economic (Re‐)Evaluation of Privacy
Authors: van Aaken Dominik , Ostermaier Andreas , Picot Arnold
Published: April 2014

Departing from the mostly skeptical view of privacy encountered in economics, we re‐evaluate privacy from the perspective of economic liberalism. We argue that freedom is fundamental to economics and conceive privacy as a specific form of freedom. We then apply the principle that freedom cannot be ‘self‐defeating’ (no one is free not to be free) to privacy. This principle requires that restrictions of freedom and, by extension, privacy be revocable. We thus develop a novel concept of privacy, which leads us to evaluate privacy favorably, and apply the revocability requirement to identify unacceptable restrictions of privacy.
Conceptualising Work in Economics: Negating a Disutility
Authors: Spencer David A.
Published: April 2014

This paper starts from the premise that economics has offered a one‐sided conception of work. Standard economic theory, specifically, has defined work as a means to income and consumption; it has failed to grasp the importance of work as an end in its own right. The aim of the paper is to develop an alternative conception of work that captures the formative impacts of work on the well‐being of workers. The paper firstly outlines and criticises the different definitions of the disutility of work found in economics. It then offers a critical assessment of happiness research on work. The idea that the effects of work on worker well‐being can be captured by job satisfaction data and that the importance of work can be reduced to a subjective feeling in the heads of individual workers – two key aspects of happiness research – are challenged. The final part of the paper develops novel ideas about how the economics of work should progress in the future. The section proposes a needs‐based conception of work and then uses this conception to make the case for collective intervention aimed at enhancing the quality of work life.
Lobbying Across Arenas: Interest Group Involvement in the Legislative Process in Denmark
Authors: Pedersen Helene Helboe , Binderkrantz Anne Skorkjær , Christiansen Peter Munk
Published: April 2014

Interest groups may approach political decision makers in two phases of the legislative process: the pre‐parliamentary, administrative phase, in which bills are prepared by bureaucrats; and the parliamentary phase, in which bills are discussed and possibly revised by parliamentary committees. The article investigates the factors that lead groups to engage in these phases based on group proceedings for 225 bills presented to the Danish parliament in the 2009/2010 session. We conclude that resourceful groups are clearly more active in both arenas, but the parliamentary arena is also a venue for voicing discontent and defending gains achieved in the administrative arena.
The contribution of preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction to childhood undernutrition in Tanzania
Authors: Sania Ayesha , Spiegelman Donna , Rich‐Edwards Janet , Hertzmark Ellen , Mwiru Ramadhani S. , Kisenge Rodrick , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: April 2014

Objectives were to examine the growth patterns of preterm and growth‐restricted infants and to evaluate the associations of prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) with risk of stunting, wasting and underweight. Data from a cohort of HIV‐negative pregnant women–infant pairs were collected prospectively in Tanzania. Small for gestational age [SGA, birthweight (BW) <10th percentile] was used as proxy for IUGR. Anthropometry was measured monthly until 18 months. Length‐for‐age (LAZ), weight‐for‐length (WLZ), and weight‐for‐age (WAZ) z‐scores were calculated using the 2006 World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards. Stunting, wasting and underweight were defined as binary outcomes using a cut‐off of <−2 SD of the respective z‐scores. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the associations between preterm and SGA to time to stunting, wasting and underweight. The study included 6664 singletons. Preterm and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants had slightly better nutritional status than term‐SGA infants and despite some catch‐up growth, preterm‐SGA infants had the poorest nutritional status. The gap in LAZ and WAZ z‐scores among the groups remained similar throughout the follow‐up. Compared with term‐AGA babies, relative risk (RR) of stunting among preterm‐AGA babies was 2.13 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.93–2.36), RR among term‐SGA was 2.21 (95% CI 2.02–2.41) and the highest risk was among the babies who were both preterm and SGA (RR = 7.58, 95% CI 5.41–10.64). Similar magnitude of RR of underweight was observed among the three groups. Preterm and SGA infants should be closely monitored for growth failure. Intervention to reduce preterm and SGA birth may lower risk of undernutrition in resource‐limited settings.
Breastfeeding attenuates the effect of low birthweight on abdominal adiposity in adolescents: the HELENA study
Authors: Labayen Idoia , Ortega Francisco B , Ruiz Jonatan R , Rodriguez Gerardo , Jiménez‐Pavón David , España‐Romero Vanesa , Widhalm Kurt , Gottrand Frédéric , Moreno Luis A
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to examine whether breastfeeding may reduce the programming effect of birthweight on abdominal adiposity. Abdominal (in three regions: R1, R2 and R3) adiposity was measured by dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry in 314 adolescents. Breastfeeding duration, birthweight, duration of gestation and maternal educational level were obtained from questionnaire. Physical activity was objectively measured. We detected significant interactions between breastfeeding and birthweight on abdominal adiposity (Ps = 0.02–0.07). We observed that birthweight was associated with abdominal adiposity in the group who had never been breastfed (β = −0.19 to −0.23; Ps < 0.05), while no association was found in adolescents who had breastfeeding for ≥3 months (β = −0.03 to −0.07). The results were independent of duration of gestation, age, sex, maternal educational level and physical activity. Breastfeeding may reduce the adverse influence conferred by low birthweight on abdominal adiposity in adolescents.
CRP represses the CRISPR/Cas system in Escherichia coli: evidence that endogenous CRISPR spacers impede phage P1 replication
Authors: Yang Chi‐Dung , Chen Yen‐Hua , Huang Hsi‐Yuan , Huang Hsien‐Da , Tseng Ching‐Ping
Published: April 2014

The CRISPR/Cas system is an important aspect in bacterial immunology. The anti‐phage activity of the CRISPR system has been established using synthetic CRISPR spacers, but in vivo studies of endogenous CRISPR spacers are relatively scarce. Here, we showed that bacteriophage P1 titre in Escherichia coli decreased in the glucose‐containing medium compared with that in the absence of glucose. This glucose effect of E. coli against phage P1 infection disappeared in cse3 deletion mutants. The effect on the susceptibility to phage P1 was associated with cAMP receptor protein (CRP)‐mediated repression of cas genes transcription and crRNA maturation. Analysis of the regulatory element in the cse1 promoter region revealed a novel CRP binding site, which overlapped with a LeuO binding site. Furthermore, the limited sequence identity between endogenous spacers and the phage P1 genome was necessary and sufficient for CRISPR‐mediated repression of phage P1 replication. Trans‐expression of the third and seventh spacers in the CRISPR I region or third and sixth spacers in the CRISPR II region effectively reduced phage P1 titres in the CRISPR deletion mutants. These results demonstrate a novel regulatory mechanism for cas repression by CRP and provide evidence that endogenous spacers can repress phage P1 replication in E. coli.
The Curse of the Smartphone: Electronic Multitasking in Negotiations
Authors: Krishnan Aparna , Kurtzberg Terri R. , Naquin Charles E.
Published: April 2014

In this study, we have explored the use of mobile phones during negotiations. Specifically, we examined the effects that multitasking — reading messages on a mobile phone while negotiating face to face — had on the outcome achieved in a negotiation, as well as on perceptions of professionalism, trustworthiness, and satisfaction. Using an experimental design in a face‐to‐face dyadic negotiation, we found that multitasking negotiators achieved lower payoffs and were perceived as less professional and less trustworthy by their partners.
In vivo assessment by Mach–Zehnder double‐beam interferometry of the invasive force exerted by the Asian soybean rust fungus (Phakopsora pachyrhizi)
Authors: Loehrer Marco , Botterweck Jens , Jahnke Joachim , Mahlmann Daniel M. , Gaetgens Jochem , Oldiges Marco , Horbach Ralf , Deising Holger , Schaffrath Ulrich
Published: April 2014

Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) causes a devastating disease in soybean (Glycine max). We tested the hypothesis that the fungus generates high turgor pressure in its hyaline appressoria to mechanically pierce epidermal cells.

Turgor pressure was determined by a microscopic technique, called transmitted light double‐beam interference Mach–Zehnder microscopy (MZM), which was developed in the 1960s as a forefront of live cell imaging. We revitalized some original microscopes and equipped them for modern image capturing. MZM data were corroborated by cytorrhysis experiments.

Incipient cytorrhysis determined the turgor pressure in appressoria of P. pachyrhizi to be equivalent to 5.13 MPa. MZM data revealed that osmotically active sugar alcohols only accounted for 75% of this value. Despite having a lower turgor pressure, hyaline rust appressoria were able to penetrate non‐biodegradable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membranes more efficiently than do melanized appressoria of the anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum graminicola or the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae.

Our findings challenge the hypotheses that force‐based penetration is a specific hallmark of fungi differentiating melanized appressoria and that this turgor‐driven process is solely caused by metabolic degradation products. The appressorial turgor pressure may explain the capability of P. pachyrhizi to forcefully invade a wide range of different plants and may pave the way to novel plant protection approaches.
Plant litter chemistry and microbial priming regulate the accrual, composition and stability of soil carbon in invaded ecosystems
Authors: Tamura Mioko , Tharayil Nishanth
Published: April 2014

Soil carbon (C) sequestration, as an ecosystem property, may be strongly influenced by invasive plants capable of depositing disproportionately high quantities of chemically distinct litter that disrupt ecosystem processes. However, a mechanistic understanding of the processes that regulate soil C storage in invaded ecosystems remains surprisingly elusive.

Here, we studied the impact of the invasion of two noxious nonnative species, Polygonum cuspidatum, which produces recalcitrant litter, and Pueraria lobata, which produces labile litter, on the quantity, molecular composition, and stability of C in the soils they invade.

Compared with an adjacent noninvaded old‐field, P. cuspidatum‐invaded soils exhibited a 26% increase in C, partially through selective preservation of plant polymers. Despite receiving a 22% higher litter input, P. lobata‐invaded Pinus stands exhibited a 28% decrease in soil C and a twofold decrease in plant biomarkers, indicating microbial priming of native soil C. The stability of C exhibited an opposite trend: the proportion of C that was resistant to oxidation was 21% lower in P. cuspidatum‐invaded soils and 50% higher in P. lobata‐invaded soils.

Our results highlight the capacity of invasive plants to feed back to climate change by destabilizing native soil C stocks and indicate that environments that promote the biochemical decomposition of plant litter would enhance the long‐term storage of soil C. Further, our study highlights the concurrent influence of dominant plant species on both selective preservation and humification of soil organic matter.
Obesity and cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Berger Nathan A.
Published: April 2014

Overweight and obesity have reached pandemic levels on a worldwide basis and are associated with increased risk and worse prognosis for many but not all malignancies. Pathophysiologic processes that affect this association are reviewed, with a focus on the relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer, lessons learned from the use of murine models to study the association, the impact of obesity on pancreatic cancer, the effects of dietary fats and cholesterol on cancer promotion, and the mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiome affects obesity and cancer.
Reading (on) the Tram
Authors: Amann Elizabeth
Published: April 2014

This article examines the representation of the experience of public transportation in Benito Pérez Galdós's ‘La novela en el tranvía’, a short story published just months after the inauguration of the first tram line in Madrid in 1871. The first half of the essay explores the different ways in which omnibus and tram travel were represented in nineteenth‐century literature and examines how Galdós draws on these conventions in representing the experience of public transportation in the story. The second part of the article examines the importance of this new space in Galdós's treatment of the narrator's quixotism: what happens when the Don Quixote plot is re‐enacted on a streetcar?
Grenzen in Land und Meer
Authors: Castelli Anna
Published: April 2014

In diesem Beitrag werden die Interaktionsformen der Figuren im literarisch dargestellten Raum untersucht, einem See‐ und Landgebiet im Indischen Ozean, das von drei Autoren der zweiten Hälfte des neunzehnten Jahrhunderts (Emilio Salgari, Karl May und Jules Verne) beschrieben wird. Die Gattung des Abenteuerromans, der die Werke dieser Schriftsteller zugeschrieben werden können, erweist sich im Vergleich mit anderen literarischen Formen beim Thema Raum als besonders sensibel. Im Spiegel vonDer Nomos der ErdeundLand und Meersetzt sich der Beitrag außerdem mit der Rolle auseinander, die Carl Schmitt der Landnahme zuschreibt, und wendet seine Begriffe vonNahme,TeilungundWeidenauf die Romane und Erzählungen der Autoren. Bei der Betrachtung, wie sie sich in diesen Kontexten widerspiegeln, wird erkennbar, welchen Einfluss das Verhältnis der Subjekte zum Raum auf Umwelt, Besitz, Körper und auch Wissen hat.
‘Le vertige de l'hyperbole’
Authors: Chao Shun‐liang
Published: April 2014

In ‘Théodore de Banville’, Baudelaire highlights hyperbole as the very marrow of modern lyric as it speaks to the very spirit of the word lyre, ‘l'ardente vitalité spirituelle’. In fact, leafing through Les fleurs du mal, one can readily find hyperboles which inspire in the reader the affective intensity of le vertige, a word that recurs in Baudelaire's poetical works. Nevertheless, whilst hyperbole occurs frequently in his poems and is central to his affective poetics, the scholarship on his poetical use of hyperbole is skimpy. The aim of this paper is therefore twofold. First, it seeks to do justice to Baudelaire's keen engagement in hyperbole. There are few Baudelaire critics who have called attention to his taste for hyperbole; moreover, in attending to the issue they show only lukewarm interest. Second, in paying sufficient attention to his fascination with hyperbole, this paper also aims to cast light on how Baudelaire impregnates his hyperboles with Longinian phantasia, ‘image‐production’, to practise the Romantic – subjective and affective – expression of beauty fully.
Epac1 increases migration of endothelial cells and melanoma cells via FGF2‐mediated paracrine signaling
Authors: Baljinnyam Erdene , Umemura Masanari , Chuang Christine , De Lorenzo Mariana S. , Iwatsubo Mizuka , Chen Suzie , Goydos James S. , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Whitelock John M. , Iwatsubo Kousaku
Published: April 2014

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) regulates endothelial and melanoma cell migration. The binding of FGF2 to its receptor requires N‐sulfated heparan sulfate (HS) glycosamine. We have previously reported that Epac1, an exchange protein activated by cAMP, increases N‐sulfation of HS in melanoma. Therefore, we examined whether Epac1 regulates FGF2‐mediated cell–cell communication. Conditioned medium (CM) of melanoma cells with abundant expression of Epac1 increased migration of human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC) and melanoma cells with poor expression of Epac1. CM‐induced increase in migration was inhibited by antagonizing FGF2, by the removal of HS and by the knockdown of Epac1. In addition, knockdown of Epac1 suppressed the binding of FGF2 to FGF receptor in HUVEC, and in vivo angiogenesis in melanoma. Furthermore, knockdown of Epac1 reduced N‐sulfation of HS chains attached to perlecan, a major secreted type of HS proteoglycan that mediates the binding of FGF2 to FGF receptor. These data suggested that Epac1 in melanoma cells regulates melanoma progression via the HS–FGF2‐mediated cell–cell communication.
Relationship status moderates avoidant attachment differences in positive emotion decoding accuracy
Authors: KAFETSIOS KONSTANTINOS , ANDRIOPOULOS PANORAIA , PAPACHIOU ASPASIA
Published: April 2014

We investigated attachment differences in the perception of facial emotion expressions. Participants completed a dimensional assessment of adult attachment and recognition accuracy tasks for positive and negative facial emotion expressions. Consistently, avoidant participants who were in romantic relationships, in comparison to singles, had lower decoding accuracy for facial expressions of positive emotions. The results were in line with the hypothesis that being in relationship functions as a naturalistic prime of avoidant persons' defensive tendency to ignore affiliative signals, facial expressions of positive emotion in this instance. The results inform emerging research on attachment and emotion perception by highlighting the role of perceivers' motivated social cognitions.
A Quantitative Microbiological Risk Assessment for Campylobacter in Petting Zoos
Authors: Evers Eric G. , Berk Petra A. , Horneman Mijke L. , van Leusden Frans M. , de Jonge Rob
Published: April 2014

The significance of petting zoos for transmission of Campylobacter to humans and the effect of interventions were estimated. A stochastic QMRA model simulating a child or adult visiting a Dutch petting zoo was built. The model describes the transmission of Campylobacter in animal feces from the various animal species, fences, and the playground to ingestion by visitors through touching these so‐called carriers and subsequently touching their lips. Extensive field and laboratory research was done to fulfill data needs. Fecal contamination on all carriers was measured by swabbing in 10 petting zoos, using Escherichia coli as an indicator. Carrier‐hand and hand‐lip touching frequencies were estimated by, in total, 13 days of observations of visitors by two observers at two petting zoos. The transmission from carrier to hand and from hand to lip by touching was measured using preapplied cow feces to which E. coli WG5 was added as an indicator. Via a Beta‐Poisson dose‐response function, the number of Campylobacter cases for the whole of the Netherlands (16 million population) in a year was estimated at 187 and 52 for children and adults, respectively, so 239 in total. This is significantly lower than previous QMRA results on chicken fillet and drinking water consumption. Scenarios of 90% reduction of the contamination (meant to mimic cleaning) of all fences and just goat fences reduces the number of cases by 82% and 75%, respectively. The model can easily be adapted for other fecally transmitted pathogens.
Sense and Avoid Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Using a Target Level of Safety Approach
Authors: Melnyk Richard , Schrage Daniel , Volovoi Vitali , Jimenez Hernando
Published: April 2014

One of the most critical challenges to full integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS) is the requirement to comply with CFR 14 Part 91.113 to “see and avoid” other aircraft. Various attempts have been made to develop systems to “sense and avoid” other aircraft so UAS can comply with the intent of the regulation. This article proposes a framework to develop effectiveness requirements for any SAA system by linking UAS characteristics and operating environments to midair collision risk quantified by a fatality rate. The framework consists of a target level of safety (TLS) approach using an event tree format. Safety has been identified as the most important consideration in the UAS integration process. While safety can be defined in many ways, the authors propose using a fatality rate metric that follows other statistics used in the industry. This metric allows for the use of a TLS approach to the development of SAA requirements for system certification. Failure to adequately link system requirements to safety could result in the implementation of SAA systems that either do not adequately mitigate the risk associated with UAS operations or are overdesigned, resulting in increased cost and complexity. This article demonstrates the use of the proposed framework to develop specific SAA effectiveness standards based on UAS weight and airspace class combinations.
Fractional Poisson—A Simple Dose‐Response Model for Human Norovirus
Authors: Messner Michael J. , Berger Philip , Nappier Sharon P.
Published: April 2014

This study utilizes old and new Norovirus (NoV) human challenge data to model the dose‐response relationship for human NoV infection. The combined data set is used to update estimates from a previously published beta‐Poisson dose‐response model that includes parameters for virus aggregation and for a beta‐distribution that describes variable susceptibility among hosts. The quality of the beta‐Poisson model is examined and a simpler model is proposed. The new model (fractional Poisson) characterizes hosts as either perfectly susceptible or perfectly immune, requiring a single parameter (the fraction of perfectly susceptible hosts) in place of the two‐parameter beta‐distribution. A second parameter is included to account for virus aggregation in the same fashion as it is added to the beta‐Poisson model. Infection probability is simply the product of the probability of nonzero exposure (at least one virus or aggregate is ingested) and the fraction of susceptible hosts. The model is computationally simple and appears to be well suited to the data from the NoV human challenge studies. The model's deviance is similar to that of the beta‐Poisson, but with one parameter, rather than two. As a result, the Akaike information criterion favors the fractional Poisson over the beta‐Poisson model. At low, environmentally relevant exposure levels (<100), estimation error is small for the fractional Poisson model; however, caution is advised because no subjects were challenged at such a low dose. New low‐dose data would be of great value to further clarify the NoV dose‐response relationship and to support improved risk assessment for environmentally relevant exposures.
Meta‐Analytic Approaches for Multistressor Dose‐Response Function Development: Strengths, Limitations, and Case Studies
Authors: Levy Jonathan I. , Fabian M. Patricia , Peters Junenette L.
Published: April 2014

For many policy analyses, including but not limited to cumulative risk assessments, it is important to characterize the individual and joint health effects of multiple stressors. With an increasing focus on psychosocial and other nonchemical stressors, this often includes epidemiological meta‐analysis. Meta‐analysis has limitations if epidemiological studies do not include all of the stressors of interest or do not provide multivariable outputs in a format necessary for risk assessment. Given these limitations, novel analytical methods are often needed to synthesize the published literature or to build upon available evidence. In this article, we discuss three recent case studies that highlight the strengths and limitations of meta‐analytic approaches and other research synthesis techniques for human health risk assessment applications. First, a literature‐based meta‐analysis within a risk assessment context informed the design of a new epidemiological investigation of the differential toxicity of fine particulate matter constituents. Second, a literature synthesis for an effects‐based cumulative risk assessment of hypertension risk factors led to a decision to develop new epidemiological associations using structural equation modeling. Third, discrete event simulation modeling was used to simulate the impact of changes in the built environment on environmental exposures and associated asthma outcomes, linking literature meta‐analyses for key associations with a simulation model to synthesize all of the model components. These case studies emphasize the importance of conducting epidemiology with a risk assessment application in mind, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the value of advanced analytical methods to synthesize epidemiological and other evidence for risk assessment applications.