bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tropical montane vegetation dynamics near the upper cloud belt strongly associated with a shifting ITCZ and fire
Authors: Crausbay Shelley D. , Martin Patrick H. , Kelly Eugene F.
Published: April 2015

Tropical montane forests house unusual and diverse biota and are considered highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly near the trade wind inversion (TWI) – the upper end of the cloud belt that defines tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF). The upper cloud belt has two possible futures: one hypothesis postulates a ‘lifting cloud base’, raising both the upper and lower ends of the cloud belt; the other expects the upper end of the cloud belt will change independently, with a ‘shifting TWI’.

We used a ˜5900‐year‐long palaeorecord of vegetation and fire from a small forest hollow at 2455 m in the Cordillera Central, Dominican Republic. The site sits near the upper limit of TMCF taxa and the TWI and allows us to evaluate the relationship between vegetation dynamics and two potential drivers of TWI elevation – the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

Vegetation changed from cloud forest (˜5900–5500 cal. years BP) to alpine grassland (˜4300–1300 cal. years BP), to pine savanna (˜1300–600 cal. years BP) and finally to closed pine forest (after ˜600 cal. years BP). Habitat distribution models for TMCF and pine forest taxa show that these state changes were strongly associated with position of the ITCZ (cloud forest xR2 = 0.63; pine forest xR2 = 0.53), providing support for the shifting TWI hypothesis.

We find a negative relationship between fire and TMCF and a hump‐shaped relationship between fire activity and pine.

Synthesis. Shifts up‐ and downslope of the upper limit of the cloud belt over the last 5900 years produced major vegetation changes. Fire also played a significant role, in particular when pine occupied the site after ˜1300 years ago and from 1965 AD when fire suppression led to a rapid return of cloud forest taxa. Our results strongly suggest that latitudinal shifts in the ITCZ position have controlled the upper limit of cloud forest in the Caribbean and understanding how the ITCZ will respond to climate change will be critical for tropical montane conservation strategies.
Prokaryotic genes in eukaryotic genome sequences: when to infer horizontal gene transfer and when to suspect an actual microbe
Authors: Artamonova Irena I. , Lappi Tanya , Zudina Liudmila , Mushegian Arcady R.
Published: April 2015

Assessment of phylogenetic positions of predicted gene and protein sequences is a routine step in any genome project, useful for validating the species' taxonomic position and for evaluating hypotheses about genome evolution and function. Several recent eukaryotic genome projects have reported multiple gene sequences that were much more similar to homologues in bacteria than to any eukaryotic sequence. In the spirit of the times, horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to eukaryotes has been invoked in some of these cases. Here, we show, using comparative sequence analysis, that some of those bacteria‐like genes indeed appear likely to have been horizontally transferred from bacteria to eukaryotes. In other cases, however, the evidence strongly indicates that the eukaryotic DNA sequenced in the genome project contains a sample of non‐integrated DNA from the actual bacteria, possibly providing a window into the host microbiome. Recent literature suggests also that common reagents, kits and laboratory equipment may be systematically contaminated with bacterial DNA, which appears to be sampled by metagenome projects non‐specifically. We review several bioinformatic criteria that help to distinguish putative horizontal gene transfers from the admixture of genes from autonomously replicating bacteria in their hosts' genome databases or from the reagent contamination.
Role of communication technologies in broadacre agriculture in Australia: an empirical analysis using panel data
Authors: Salim Ruhul , Mamun Shamsul Arifeen Khan , Hassan Kamrul
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the role of communication technologies (CTs) in Australian broadacre agricultural production using data over the period of 1990–2013. Allowing for cross‐sectional independence in the data, the pooled mean group and augmented mean group techniques are applied to estimate dynamic relationships among variables. The empirical results demonstrate that CTs affect agricultural output positively in the long run. The estimated elasticity is 0.237. This result suggests that government policies that lift investment in telecommunication facilities are shown to contribute to an increase of output in Australia's broadacre agriculture in the long run.
Social Media Foreign Policy: Examining the Political Use of Social Media by Ethnic Identity Groups in the United States
Authors: Rubenzer Trevor
Published: April 2015

Several scholars have noted intergenerational differences between members of diasporic communities in the United States as a potential source of weakening strength among identity-based interest groups. For example, changing attitudes amongst the children and grandchildren of Cuban exiles in the US have been cited as sources of some recent changes in American foreign policy toward Cuba. One way for existing elites within diasporic interest groups to reach out to new generations of potential activists is through the use of social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. Scholars, to this point, have largely ignored the use of social networking by ethnic identity interests in the US. This article examines the use of social media by ethnic identity interest groups as an important new tool in this regard. Specifically, it attempts for the first time to measure the level of involvement in social media advocacy in a systematic matter. Results indicate that the most powerful ethnic identity groups in the US are also the most likely to have an active social media presence. In addition, groups that are ‘generationally challenged’ do not appear to be using social media to address this issue.
Communicating China to the World: Confucius Institutes and China's Strategic Narratives
Authors: Hartig Falk
Published: April 2015

This article analyses the strategies, goals and impact of the Confucius Institutes (CIs). It examines CIs as an important tool in China's public diplomacy, employed by its government to communicate specific strategic narratives about China to foreign publics, and, in so doing, increase China's soft power. Based on empirical data from CIs in different parts of the world, the article demonstrates that the impact of CIs is hampered both by political/ideological concerns and by a number of practical issues. It is argued that CIs do not present the ‘real’ China to the world, but rather a ‘correct version’ of it, which in turn limits their ability to project China's strategic narratives effectively and increase its soft power.
Russia and China Respond to Soft Power: Interpretation and Readaptation of a Western Construct
Authors: Wilson Jeanne L.
Published: April 2015

This article examines the Russian and Chinese perspective of soft power. It argues that Russia and China are not simply authoritarian states; rather they are authoritarian states of a specialised sub-category that share a joint legacy of adherence to a Communist experience which significantly informs their behaviour and sense of national identity. As a consequence, both the Kremlin and Beijing consider that the soft power methods of the West present nothing less than an existential threat, and conceive of a soft power policy as the outcome of state initiatives rather than the product of an autonomous civil society.
Building National Cohesion and Domestic Legitimacy: A Regime Security Approach to Soft Power in China
Authors: Edney Kingsley
Published: April 2015

Studies of Chinese soft power have emphasized its potential to ameliorate the security dilemma and help China achieve a ‘peaceful rise’. While this perspective is useful, it overlooks an important alternative Chinese interpretation of soft power as a response to domestic security challenges. In order to address this omission, this article uses a regime security approach to examine soft power in the Chinese context. Through an investigation of the Chinese concept of ‘cultural security’ the article reveals that Chinese analysts view soft power as having the potential to help the Chinese Communist Party solve an internal security predicament by enhancing regime legitimacy and national cohesion.
Conspiracy Theories as a Russian Public Diplomacy Tool: The Case of Russia Today (RT)
Authors: Yablokov Ilya
Published: April 2015

This article explores the use of conspiracy theories by the Russian international television channel Russia Today ( RT). Based on Mark Fenster's definition of conspiracy theory as a populist theory of power, the article studies the process of how various conspiratorial notions in programmes broadcast by RT legitimise Russian domestic and foreign policies and, in turn, delegitimise policies of the American government. It argues that the conspiratorial component of RT's broadcasting appears as a political instrument in the context of the post-Cold War world and is applied to attract various global audiences with different political views.
Lukes Reloaded: An Actor-Centred Three-Dimensional Power Framework
Authors: Hathaway Terry
Published: April 2015

This article develops an empirically-oriented actor-centred power framework. Building on work of Lukes and Gaventa, the article outlines how visible, hidden and invisible power can be understood and operationalised. The article considers how actors can realise their interests through decision making and the control of resources (visible power); backdoor machinations and institutional organisation (hidden); and the structural-discursive empowerment of the actor and the creation and use of discourse (invisible). Furthermore, a regime evolution approach is sketched that facilitates understanding the dialectical interplay between society and the formal political arena, and that focuses the measurement of power on societal outcomes – not political outputs.
Estimating the Market Risk Premium Using Data from Multiple Markets
Authors: Lally Martin , Randal John
Published: April 2015

This paper develops an estimator for a country's market risk premium that involves optimally combining an estimator based upon only local data and the cross‐country average of these estimators. The analysis suggests that the usual practice of invoking only local data to estimate a country's market risk premium is significantly inferior to the use of a cross‐country average or a combined estimator with high weighting on the cross‐country average.
Can Ethno‐Linguistic Diversity Explain Cross‐Country Differences in Social Capital?: A Global Perspective
Authors: Wang Cong , Steiner Bodo
Published: April 2015

Motivated by the inconclusiveness of empirical studies on the relationship between ethno‐linguistic diversity and social capital (SC) at various levels of regional aggregation, this paper provides new evidence on the relationship between the two variables at a global scale. A cross‐sectional analysis of 68 developed and developing countries applying two‐stage least squares estimations suggests not only that the cognitive dimension of SC (shared codes and languages) is highly important for SC formation across regional origin, but also that countries with a greater degree of linguistic fractionalisation have a lower SC stock. In particular, countries with fractionalized ethnic and linguistic groups, as captured by number of languages and measures of linguistic diversity, tend to have lower levels of social trust, fewer memberships in social organisations, and deteriorated social norms and structures. The negative ethnic fractionalisation effect on SC is also found weaker in higher‐income and in non‐African countries.
Characterization of the Supermolecular Structure of Polydatin/6‐O‐α‐Maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex
Authors: Liu Benguo , Li Yun , Xiao Huizhi , Liu Yonglan , Mo Haizhen , Ma Hanjun , Liang Guizhao
Published: April 2015

Polydatin is the main bioactive ingredient in many medicinal plants, such as Hu‐zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum), with many bioactivities. However, its poor aqueous solubility restricts its application in functional food. In this work, 6‐O‐α‐Maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (Malt‐β‐CD), a new kind of β‐CD derivative was used to enhance the aqueous solubility and stability of polydatin by forming the inclusion complex. The phase solubility study showed that polydatin and Malt‐β‐CD could form the complex with the stoichiometric ratio of 1:1. The supermolecular structure of the polydatin/Malt‐β‐CD complex was characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy. The changes of the characteristic spectral and thermal properties of polydatin suggested that polydatin could entrap inside the cavity of Malt‐β‐CD. Furthermore, to reasonably understand the complexation mode, the supermolecular structure of polydatin/Malt‐β‐CD inclusion complex was postulated by a molecular docking method based on Autodock 4.2.3. It was clearly observed that the ring B of polydatin oriented toward the narrow rim of Malt‐β‐CD with ring A and glucosyl group practically exposed to the wide rim by hydrogen bonding, which was in a good agreement with the spectral data.
Effect of Infrared Blanching on Enzyme Activity and Retention of β‐Carotene and Vitamin C in Dried Mango
Authors: Guiamba Isabel R.F. , Svanberg Ulf , Ahrné Lilia
Published: April 2015

The objectives of this work were to evaluate infrared (IR) dry blanching in comparison with conventional water blanching prior to hot air drying of mango to inactivate polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) enzymes, and to study its effect on color change and retention of vitamin C and β‐carotene. Mango cylinders were blanched under similar temperature–time conditions either by IR heating or by immersion in a water bath during 2 min at 90 °C (high‐temperature‐short‐time—HTST) or for 10 min at 65 °C (low‐temperature‐long‐time—LTLT). After blanching mango was hot air dried at 70 °C. PPO was completely inactivated during the blanching treatments, but AAO had a moderate remaining activity after LTLT treatment (∼30%) and a low remaining activity after HTST treatment (9% to 15%). A higher retention of vitamin C was observed in mango subjected to IR dry blanching, 88.3 ± 1.0% (HTST) and 69.2 ± 2.9% (LTLT), compared with water blanching, 61.4 ± 5.3% (HTST) and 50.7 ± 9.6% (LTLT). All‐trans‐β‐carotene retention was significantly higher in water blanched dried mango, 93.2 ± 5.2% (LTLT) and 91.4 ± 5.1% (HTST), compared with IR dry blanched, 73.6 ± 3.6% (LTLT) and 76.9 ± 2.9% (HTST). Increased levels of 13‐cis‐β‐carotene isomer were detected only in IR dry blanched mango, and the corresponding dried mango also had a slightly darker color. IR blanching of mango prior to drying can improve the retention of vitamin C, but not the retention of carotenoids, which showed to be more dependent on the temperature than the blanching process. A reduction of drying time was observed in LTLT IR‐blanching mango.
Macronutrients, Phytochemicals, and Antioxidant Activity of Soybean Sprout Germinated with or without Light Exposure
Authors: Chen Yeming , Chang Sam K.C.
Published: April 2015

This study examined the macronutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities of yellow soybean sprout (YSS) and green soybean sprout (GSS) with different germination days. YSS and GSS were obtained by sprouting soybean in darkness or with light exposure at 21 °C. Lipid, protein, carbohydrate, and ash contents were analyzed before and after soybean germination. Phytochemicals (total phenolic compounds, saponin, and isoflavone) were also determined. DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were determined to examine the antioxidant activities of soybean sprout. Results showed YSS had a higher yield than GSS. Based on dry mass composition, 7‐d germination of GSS decreased 14% protein, 37% lipid, 22% carbohydrate, and 16% ash, whereas 7‐d germination of YSS decreased 6% protein and 47% lipid. Carbohydrate did not change and ash significantly increased for the 7‐d germinated YSS. Lipid was greatly metabolized in germination, which explained why the protein relative percentage in dried soybean sprout was higher than that in the corresponding soybean. Total phenolic compounds and saponin (mg/g soybean sprout, dry basis) had the same accumulation trend in soybean sprout with the increases in germination days. Aglycone isoflavones (genistein, glycitein, and daidzein) and daidzin showed an increased trend, whereas malonylgenistin and malonylglycitin showed a decreased trend with germination days for both GSS and YSS. The change in other isoflavones did not show definite trends. GSS had 20% more antioxidant activities than YSS (7‐d germinated soybean sprout). The increases in ORAC antioxidant activity suggest eating GSS may be more beneficial than GSS for promoting human health.
Control of Histamine‐Producing Bacteria and Histamine Formation in Fish Muscle by Trisodium Phosphate
Authors: Bjornsdottir‐Butler Kristin , Green David P. , Bolton Greg E. , McClellan‐Green Patricia D.
Published: April 2015

Scombrotoxin fish poisoning remains the primary cause of seafood poisoning outbreaks despite preventive guidelines. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of pH for the control of growth and histamine formation by histamine‐producing bacteria in fish muscle. We examined pH effects on growth and histamine formation in tuna fish infusion broth and in inoculated tuna and mahi‐mahi fish muscle. Histamine production was significantly less for all bacterial strains at pH 8.5 compared to pH 5.5 in tuna fish infusion broth with no significant difference in growth. Elevated pH due to phosphate treatment of fish muscle tissues significantly reduced histamine formation with no effect on the growth of histamine‐producing bacteria. This study revealed that phosphate treatment of mahi‐mahi and tuna fish muscle resulted in significantly lower histamine production over 4 d of storage at 10 °C. Phosphate treatment of fish muscle may serve as a secondary barrier in addition to FDA recommended time and temperature controls for reducing public health concerns of scombrotoxin fish poisoning.
Apple Aminoacid Profile and Yeast Strains in the Formation of Fusel Alcohols and Esters in Cider Production
Authors: Eleutério dos Santos Caroline Mongruel , Pietrowski Giovana de Arruda Moura , Braga Cíntia Maia , Rossi Márcio José , Ninow Jorge , Machado dos Santos Tâmisa Pires , Wosiacki Gilvan , Jorge Regina Maria Matos , Nogueira Alessandro
Published: April 2015

The amino acid profile in dessert apple must and its effect on the synthesis of fusel alcohols and esters in cider were established by instrumental analysis. The amino acid profile was performed in nine apple musts. Two apple musts with high (>150 mg/L) and low (<75 mg/L) nitrogen content, and four enological yeast strains, were used in cider fermentation. The aspartic acid, asparagine and glutamic acid amino acids were the majority in all the apple juices, representing 57.10% to 81.95%. These three amino acids provided a high consumption (>90%) during fermentation in all the ciders. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 81.42% of data variability and the separation of three groups for the analyzed samples was verified. The ciders manufactured with low nitrogen content showed sluggish fermentation and around 50% less content of volatile compounds (independent of the yeast strain used), which were mainly 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol (isoamyl alcohol) and esters. However, in the presence of amino acids (asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and alanine) there was a greater differentiation between the yeasts in the production of fusel alcohols and ethyl esters. High contents of these aminoacids in dessert apple musts are essential for the production of fusel alcohols and most of esters by aromatic yeasts during cider fermentation.
Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in Cold Smoked Salmon with the Antimicrobial Peptide Salmine
Authors: Cheng Christopher , Arritt Fletcher , Stevenson Clinton
Published: April 2015

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is a major safety concern for smoked salmon producers, as it can survive both the brining and smoking process in cold smoked salmon production. Salmine is a cationic antimicrobial peptide derived from the milt of salmon that has been shown to inhibit the growth of LM in vitro. Commercialization of this peptide would add value to a waste product produced when raising salmon. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti‐listeria activity of salmine in smoked salmon by measuring the viable counts of LM over time. Cold smoked salmon was treated with a salmine solution or coated with agar or k‐carrageenan films incorporating salmine to maintain a high surface concentration of the antimicrobial. Samples were then inoculated with approximately 1.0 × 103 cells of LM. The viable counts were then enumerated throughout 4 wk at 4 °C storage. It was found that 5 mg/g salmine delayed the growth of LM on smoked salmon. These samples had significantly (P < 0.05) lower LM counts than on the untreated samples on days 13 and 22. Edible films did not significantly (P > 0.05) improve the antimicrobial efficacy of salmine. The peptide combined with biopolymers also had lower antimicrobial activity in vitro when compared to salmine alone. These results suggest there is potential for salmine to be used as a natural hurdle to inhibit growth of LM due to post process contamination; however, future investigations for extending this effect throughout the shelf life of smoked salmon products are warranted.
The impact of herd composition and foraging area on livestock predation by big cats in the Pantanal of Brazil
Authors: Tortato F. R. , Layme V. M. G. , Crawshaw P. G. , Izzo T. J.
Published: April 2015

The conflict caused by large carnivore attacks on livestock constitutes a major threat to the conservation of carnivore species worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine what factors influence jaguar Panthera onca and puma Puma concolor attacks on cattle at a ranch in the Brazilian Pantanal. Cattle herds were monitored for 57 months, and data were collected for each recorded mortality event. The economic impact of predation was calculated. We parameterize a generalized linear model with negative binomial error distribution to model the influence of water levels of the Paraguay River, size of cattle herd and the age structure of the herd on the monthly number of cattle killed by big cats. Over half of all recorded herd mortality events were caused by large cat predation, resulting in a maximum 2.83% of the average annual herd size and representing an annual financial loss of US$22 400.00. A positive relationship was found between the frequency of monthly attacks and the water level of the Paraguay River, whereas a negative relationship was found between monthly attacks and proportion of adult cattle in the herd. Juveniles were taken more frequently than adults. Increased water levels caused the herd to concentrate on higher ground usually near forested areas, suggesting an increase in cattle vulnerability to predation. A greater proportion of adults in the herd may also increase the possibility for defensive behavior, likely resulting in greater protection of younger cattle. Understanding the factors that predispose cattle to predation by big cats contributes to the establishment of management strategies that may reduce losses and, ultimately, conflict.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D increases with NB‐UVB and UVA/UVB phototherapy in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in Western Australia
Authors: Le Patricia , Tu Jenny , Gebauer Kurt , Brown Suzanne
Published: April 2015

Background/Objective

The benefit of NB‐UVB phototherapy on serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in patients with inflammatory skin conditions has been reported in the northern hemisphere. Vitamin D status is known to differ between geographical latitudes. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of NB‐UVB and UVA/UVB phototherapy on the 25(OH)D serum levels in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in Western Australia.

Methods

A total of 35 patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis requiring phototherapy thrice weekly for a minimum of 4 weeks were enrolled. Of these, 20 patients completed the study. Serum vitamin D levels were measured at baseline and at approximately 6 weeks into phototherapy. Data were adjusted for season, patients' age, sex, skin condition and Fitzpatrick skin phototype.

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in serum 25(OH)D from pre‐ to post‐NB‐UVB and UVA/UVB phototherapy (P < 0.0001), with a mean raw increase of 34.6 (25) nmol/L; or 45.1 (7.5) nmol/L when adjusted for covariates. This was also true for patients receiving NB‐UVB phototherapy with a baseline vitamin D of <80 nmol/L (P < 0.05) and >80 nmol/L (P < 0.004).

Conclusions

NB‐UVB and UVA/UVB phototherapy significantly increased 25(OH)D serum level in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in Western Australia. Our study cohort had a higher baseline vitamin D level and a lower percentage increase of serum 25(OH)D post‐phototherapy than the increases reported in the literature from cohorts in the northern hemisphere.
Priming with DNA Enhances Considerably the Immunogenicity of hCG β‐LTB Vaccine
Authors: Nand Kripa N. , Gupta Jagdish C. , Panda Amulya K. , Jain Swatantra K. , Talwar Gursaran P.
Published: April 2015

Problem

Necessity to elicit antibody response above the protective threshold titres by sexually active women immunized to prevent pregnancy.

Method of study

Recombinant hCGβ‐LTB vaccine expressed as both DNA and protein. Balb C mice employed for testing immunogenicity.

Results

Necessity to give three primary injections of the vaccine to elicit proper antibody response. Immunization twice with DNA form of the vaccine at fortnightly interval followed by the protein elicits a distinctly higher antibody response than proteinic vaccine alone. Antibodies generated are bio‐effective against hCG.

Conclusion

Immunization with the DNA form of the recombinant hCGβ‐LTB vaccine twice at fortnightly interval followed by the proteinic form of the vaccine induces distinctly higher antibody response.
Does Regression Produce Representative Estimates of Causal Effects?
Authors: Aronow Peter M. , Samii Cyrus
Published: April 2015

With an unrepresentative sample, the estimate of a causal effect may fail to characterize how effects operate in the population of interest. What is less well understood is that conventional estimation practices for observational studies may produce the same problem even with a representative sample. Causal effects estimated via multiple regression differentially weight each unit's contribution. The “effective sample” that regression uses to generate the estimate may bear little resemblance to the population of interest, and the results may be nonrepresentative in a manner similar to what quasi‐experimental methods or experiments with convenience samples produce. There is no general external validity basis for preferring multiple regression on representative samples over quasi‐experimental or experimental methods. We show how to estimate the “multiple regression weights” that allow one to study the effective sample. We discuss alternative approaches that, under certain conditions, recover representative average causal effects. The requisite conditions cannot always be met.
A Microcontroller Platform for the Rapid Prototyping of Functional Electrical Stimulation‐Based Gait Neuroprostheses
Authors: Luzio de Melo Paulo , da Silva Miguel Tavares , Martins Jorge , Newman Dava
Published: April 2015

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) has been used over the last decades as a method to rehabilitate lost motor functions of individuals with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, and post‐stroke hemiparesis. Within this field, researchers in need of developing FES‐based control solutions for specific disabilities often have to choose between either the acquisition and integration of high‐performance industry‐level systems, which are rather expensive and hardly portable, or develop custom‐made portable solutions, which despite their lower cost, usually require expert‐level electronic skills. Here, a flexible low‐cost microcontroller‐based platform for rapid prototyping of FES neuroprostheses is presented, designed for reduced execution complexity, development time, and production cost. For this reason, the Arduino open‐source microcontroller platform was used, together with off‐the‐shelf components whenever possible. The developed system enables the rapid deployment of portable FES‐based gait neuroprostheses, being flexible enough to allow simple open‐loop strategies but also more complex closed‐loop solutions. The system is based on a modular architecture that allows the development of optimized solutions depending on the desired FES applications, even though the design and testing of the platform were focused toward drop foot correction. The flexibility of the system was demonstrated using two algorithms targeting drop foot condition within different experimental setups. Successful bench testing of the device in healthy subjects demonstrated these neuroprosthesis platform capabilities to correct drop foot.
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide in the joint: contributions to pain and inflammation
Authors: Walsh David A. , Mapp Paul I. , Kelly Sara
Published: April 2015

Arthritis is the commonest cause of disabling chronic pain, and both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain major burdens on both individuals and society. Peripheral release of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) contributes to the vasodilation of acute neurogenic inflammation. Contributions of CGRP to the pain and inflammation of chronic arthritis, however, are only recently being elucidated. Animal models of arthritis are revealing the molecular and pathophysiological events that accompany and lead to progression of both arthritis and pain. Peripheral actions of CGRP in the joint might contribute to both inflammation and joint afferent sensitization. CGRP and its specific receptors are expressed in joint afferents and up‐regulated following arthritis induction. Peripheral CGRP release results in activation of synovial vascular cells, through which acute vasodilatation is followed by endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis, key features of chronic inflammation. Local administration of CGRP to the knee also increases mechanosensitivity of joint afferents, mimicking peripheral sensitization seen in arthritic joints. Increased mechanosensitivity in OA knees and pain behaviour can be reduced by peripherally acting CGRP receptor antagonists. Effects of CGRP pathway blockade on arthritic joint afferents, but not in normal joints, suggest contributions to sensitization rather than normal joint nociception. CGRP therefore might make key contributions to the transition from normal to persistent synovitis, and the progression from nociception to sensitization. Targeting CGRP or its receptors within joint tissues to prevent these undesirable transitions during early arthritis, or suppress them in established disease, might prevent persistent inflammation and relieve arthritis pain.
Identity appropriateness and the structure of the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Case Philippa , Sparks Paul , Pavey Louisa
Published: April 2015

In contrast to the cost‐benefit, utility‐based approach to decision‐making implicit in models such as the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the logic of appropriateness (March, 1994. A Primer on Decision Making: How decisions happen. New York, NY: The Free Press) describes decision‐making in terms of heuristic decision rules that involve matching identities to situations. This research is the first to apply the logic of appropriateness in conjunction with the theoretical structure of the TPB and assessed whether a measure of identity appropriateness might independently predict adults' intentions to engage in binge drinking. In Study 1, participants (N = 197) completed questionnaires assessing attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, past behaviour, and identity appropriateness in relation to binge drinking. Path analysis revealed an independent predictive effect of identity appropriateness on intentions in addition to an indirect effect via attitudes. In Study 2 (N = 179), a prospective measure of behaviour was included in a similar study: Identity appropriateness again predicted intentions independently of the extended TPB predictors. It was again also found to be a strong predictor of attitudes. We suggest that the notion of identity appropriateness may assist in explaining the capacity of measures of self‐identity to predict people's behavioural intentions.
Tectonic heritage in drainage pattern and dynamics: the case of the French South Alpine Foreland Basin (ca. 45–20 Ma)
Authors: Grosjean Anne‐Sabine , Pittet Bernard , Gardien Véronique , Leloup Philippe‐Hervé , Mahéo Gweltaz , Barraza Garcia Jackeline
Published: April 2015

The spatial and temporal organization of depositional environments in drainage networks of foreland basins reflect the tectonic and erosional dynamics associated with the development of mountain belts. We provide field evidences for the initiation and evolution of a complex drainage system in the French South Alpine Foreland Basin related to Western Alps exhumation. Sedimentological and structural analyses of the Eocene–Early Miocene succession were investigated in the (1) Argens/Peyresq, (2) Barrême/Blieux/Taulanne and (3) Montmaur/St‐Disdier sectors. Combined with the existing structural data set, we propose a new model that integrates the regional tectonic activity, the palaeovalley orientation and their dynamics through time. The Eocene–Miocene deposits clearly show the existence of N–S‐oriented palaeovalleys. The systematic presence of early NE–SW‐ to N–S‐oriented strike‐slip and extensional faults in the palaeovalleys suggests that these tectonic structures were responsible for the formation of the initial N–S‐oriented basin‐floor topographies. The vertical offset of the strike‐slip faults induced sufficient accommodation space for the Cenozoic sedimentation since the Middle Eocene. It implies the creation of N–S‐oriented palaeovalleys during the northward Pyrenean‐Provençal phase, pre‐dating westward Alpine compression. Later, the Oligocene Alpine tectonic phase induced drainage expansion toward the orogenic wedge and the erosion of the exhumed internal massifs by transverse streams. The establishment of new connections between the old topographic lows formed a longitudinal drainage pattern that remains the locus of deposition in a regional sedimentary routing system. In this model, former strike‐slip faults correspond to weakness zones overprinted by the westward Alpine shortening that allowed the formation of the modern piggyback basin structure of the foreland and the long‐time preservation of the palaeovalley geometry.
Jaw Bone Samples From Bisphosphonate‐Treated Patients: A Pilot Cohort Study
Authors: Cardemil Carina , Thomsen Peter , Larsson Wexell Cecilia
Published: April 2015

Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a severe complication of bisphosphonate treatment.

Purpose

A detailed characterization of sampled peri‐necrotic jawbone from bisphosphonate‐treated patients was performed at tissue and cellular level (histological analyses and gene expression).

Materials and Methods

Alveolar bone samples were collected from patients with (n = 5) and without ONJ (n = 5). Healthy patients served as controls (n = 10).

Results

The histological analysis demonstrated low to moderate inflammation, displaying areas of inflammatory infiltrate in the bone marrow. Multinuclear giant cells and osteoclasts were found in both groups. Markers of bone formation (alkaline phosphatase, Col1a1, and osteocalcin), bone resorption (receptor activator of NF‐kappaB ligand [RANKL], osteoprotegerin [OPG], tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, and cathepsin K), inflammation (tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin [IL]‐1β, and IL‐6), angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor A), and apoptosis (Casp3, Casp8, p53, and Smac) were evaluated. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to identify differences between the groups. In patients with ONJ, the expression level of the proinflammatory marker IL‐1β was strongly up‐regulated compared with controls (p = .040).

Conclusions

A down‐regulated expression of Casp8 compared with controls was observed (p = .014) in patients treated with bisphosphonates. The RANKL/OPG ratios were similar in the three groups. The results indicate a need to further investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the course of ONJ related to antiresorptive treatment.
Factors affecting discharge destination following lung transplantation
Authors: Tang Min , Mawji Nadir , Chung Samantha , Brijlal Ryan , Lim Sze How Jonathan Ken , Wickerson Lisa , Rozenberg Dmitry , Singer Lianne G. , Mathur Sunita , Janaudis‐Ferreira Tania
Published: April 2015

Background

Lung transplant (LT) recipients requiring additional care may be referred to inpatient rehabilitation prior to discharge home. This study seeks to describe discharge destinations following LT, compare the characteristics of patients discharged to different destinations, and identify the predictors of discharge destination.

Methods

Retrospective study of 243 LT recipients who survived to hospital discharge between 2006 and 2009. LT recipients were compared based on discharge destination on data pertaining to demographics, clinical characteristics, and healthcare utilization.

Results

Of the 243 recipients, 197 (81%) were discharged home, 42 (17%) to inpatient rehabilitation, and 4 (2%) to other medical facilities. Age, pulmonary diagnosis, most recent six‐minute walk distance (6MWD) prior to transplant, pre‐transplant mechanical ventilation, priority listing status, pre‐ and post‐transplant intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS), post‐transplant LOS, total LOS, and participation in pre‐transplant rehabilitation were statistically different between patients that were discharged home versus inpatient rehabilitation. Age, most recent 6MWD prior to transplant, pre‐transplant mechanical ventilation, and total LOS were found to be independent predictors of discharge destination.

Conclusion

Clinical factors can help identify patients more likely to require inpatient rehabilitation. Identification of these factors has the potential to facilitate early discharge planning and optimize continuity of care.
Endoscopic clips for the closure of acute iatrogenic perforations: Where do we stand?
Authors: Yılmaz Bulent , Unlu Ozan , Roach Emir Charles , Can Guray , Efe Cumali , Korkmaz Ugur , Kurt Mevlut
Published: April 2015

Background and Aim

Iatrogenic perforation of the gut during endoscopy remains an uncommon but critical complication with significant morbidity and probable mortality than usual surgical treatment. Some authors have adopted a non‐surgical closure method in chosen cases and, since 1993, endoclips have been used to close perforation in the stomach. The endoscopic practice of endoclips has been commonly used in the gut for hemostasis. Currently, the use of endoscopic techniques is increasing for the closure of endoscopic submucosal dissection or endoscopic mucosal resection. Endoscopic perforations that improved with endoscopic closure in the literature prior to 2008 have been previously described. In the present article, we present a descriptive review of cases with iatrogenic perforation in the gut treated with endoclips between 2008 and 2014.

Methods

Comprehensive literature screening and a systematic review using PubMed and Medline was done for all reports published between January 2008 and December 2014 using the endoclip technique in the closure of iatrogenic perforations.

Results

A total of 47 studies published between 2008 and 2014 using endoclips for the closure of iatrogenic perforations of the gut (nine esophagus, 11 stomach, 15 duodenum, 12 colon and rectum) were found. All studies were explained briefly and summarized in a table.

Conclusions

There is strong evidence to show the efficacy of endoclips in the management of iatrogenic perforations, especially when recognized early. Limitations of endoclipping such as inefficiency against large perforations may be overcome by improving novel techniques in the future.
OLGA‐ and OLGIM‐based staging of gastritis using narrow‐band imaging magnifying endoscopy
Authors: Saka Akiko , Yagi Kazuyoshi , Nimura Satoshi
Published: April 2015

Background and Aim

As atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia as a result of Helicobacter pylori are considered risk factors for gastric cancer, it is important to assess their severity. In the West, the operative link for gastritis assessment (OLGA) and operative link for gastric intestinal metaplasia assessment (OLGIM) staging systems based on biopsy have been widely adopted. In Japan, however, narrow‐band imaging (NBI)‐magnifying endoscopic diagnosis of gastric mucosal inflammation, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia has been reported to be fairly accurate. Therefore, we investigated the practicality of NBI‐magnifying endoscopy (NBI‐ME) for gastritis staging.

Methods

We enrolled 55 patients, in whom NBI‐ME was used to score the lesser curvature of the antrum (antrum) and the lesser curvature of the lower body (corpus). The NBI‐ME score classification was established from images obtained beforehand, and then biopsy specimens taken from the observed areas were scored according to histological findings. The NBI‐ME and histology scores were then compared. Furthermore, we assessed the NBI‐ME and histology stages using a combination of scores for the antrum and corpus, and divided the stages into two risk groups: low and high. The degree to which the stage assessed by NBI‐ME approximated that assessed by histology was then ascertained.

Results

Degree of correspondence between the NBI‐ME and histology scores was 69.1% for the antrum and 72.7% for the corpus, and that between the high‐ and low‐risk groups was 89.1%.

Conclusion

Staging of gastritis using NBI‐ME approximates that based on histology, and would be a practical alternative to the latter.
On the test score gap between Roma and non‐Roma students in Hungary and its potential causes
Authors: Kertesi Gábor , Kézdi Gábor
Published: April 2015

Using unique data from Hungary, the gap in reading and mathematics test scores between Roma and non‐Roma 8th grade students is assessed and a substantial gap between them revealed. Standardized test scores as well as the fraction of students with competences considered inadequate are examined. Regardless of measurement and subject area, the bulk of the gap is explained by social differences in income, wealth and parental education. Using reduced‐form regressions, two major mediating mechanisms are identified: first, on average the home environment of Roma children is less favourable for cognitive development; second, the educational environment of the average Roma student is different from the average non‐Roma student. Comparing students with similar home environments from the same school and class, the ethnic gap in test scores is found to be insignificant. Ethnic differences in the home environment are explained by social disparity, and ethnicity seems to play no additional role in that regard. The unequal distribution of Roma students in schools and classes is found to be explained predominantly by social difference, too, with a significant residual portion, indicating the effect of ethnic segregation.
Diffusion tensor imaging abnormalities in photosensitive juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: von Podewils F. , Runge U. , Krüger S. , Geithner J. , Wang Z. I. , Khaw A. V. , Angermaier A. , Gaida B. , Domin M. , Kessler C. , Langner S.
Published: April 2015

Background and purpose

Multiple structural white matter abnormalities have been described in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). In the present study, the question of whether microstructural variations exist between the two subgroups ofJME, with and without photoparoxysmal responses (PPRpositive and negative), was addressed using diffusion tensor imaging.

Methods

A selection of 18 patients (eightPPRpositive) from a tertiary epilepsy center diagnosed withJMEand 27 healthy controls was studied. The following regions of interest were investigated: the ascending reticular activating system, lateral geniculate nucleus, genu of the internal capsule, ventromedial thalamus and inferior cerebellar peduncle.

Results

Widespread white matter microstructural abnormalities inJMEand in particular inPPRpositive cases were identified.PPRpositive patients demonstrated increased fractional anisotropy in the ascending reticular activating system and ventromedial thalamus compared toPPRnegative patients and healthy controls. Reduced fractional anisotropy of the lateral geniculate nucleus was observed in the entireJMEgroup compared to healthy controls.

Conclusions

Several microstructural variations betweenPPRpositive and negativeJMEpatients have been identified. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of the thalamus in the pathophysiology of primary generalized seizures and suggest that thalamo‐premotor connections are both an essential part of epileptic networks and important in the pathogenesis of photosensitivity.
Determination of vertebral range of motion using inertial measurement units in 27 Franches‐Montagnes stallions and comparison between conditions and with a mixed population
Authors: Heim C. , Pfau T. , Gerber V. , Schweizer C. , Doherr M. , Schüpbach‐Regula G. , Witte S.
Published: April 2015

Reasons for performing study

The diagnosis of equine back disorders is challenging. Objectively determining movement of the vertebral column may therefore be of value in a clinical setting.

Objectives

To establish whether surface‐mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) can be used to establish normal values for range of motion (ROM) of the vertebral column in a uniform population of horses trotting under different conditions.

Study design

VertebralROMwas established in Franches‐Montagnes stallions and a general population of horses and the variability in measurements compared between the two groups. Repeatability and the influence of specific exercise condition (onROM) were assessed. Finally, attempts were made to explain the findings of the study through the evaluation of factors that might influenceROM.

Methods

Dorsoventral (DV) and mediolateral (ML) vertebralROMwas measured at a trot under different exercise conditions in 27 Franches‐Montagnes stallions and six general population horses usingIMUs distributed over the vertebral column.

Results

Variability in theROMmeasurements was significantly higher for general population horses than for Franches‐Montagnes stallions (bothDVandML ROM). Repeatability was strong to very strong forDVmeasurements and moderate forMLmeasurements. Trotting under saddle significantly reduced theROM, with sitting trot resulting in a significantly lowerROMthan rising trot. Age is unlikely to explain the low variability in vertebralROMrecorded in the Franches‐Montagnes horses, while this may be associated with conformational factors.

Conclusions

It was possible to establish a normal vertebralROMfor a group of Franches‐Montagnes stallions. While within‐breed variation was low in this population, further studies are necessary to determine variation in vertebralROMfor other breeds and to assess their utility for diagnosis of equine back disorders.