bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red Sea fishes in the Mediterranean Sea: a preliminary investigation of a biological invasion using DNA barcoding
Authors: Bariche Michel , Torres Martha , Smith Colin , Sayar Nancy , Azzurro Ernesto , Baker Ryan , Bernardi Giacomo
Published: August 2015

Aim

More than 90 marine fish species in the Mediterranean have been determined to be alien species of Red Sea origin to date and therefore it is important to prioritize research into cataloguing their distribution and impacts. The aims of this study were to establish a barcode library for alien Mediterranean fishes of probable Red Sea origin and to initiate analyses of their invasion dynamics.

Location

Mediterranean Sea.

Methods

Specimens of exotic fishes were collected directly from the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Lebanon or obtained from fish markets in Lebanon. Samples were first identified morphologically and later barcoded using the universal cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial marker. Barcodes were compared with GenBank and BOLD database entries and analysed using genetic similarity indexes and neighbour‐joining distance trees.

Results

In total, 156 specimens were collected, corresponding to 43 species. The sequence similarity between these sequences and their closest GenBank and BOLD matches ranged between 100% and 83.5%. The 2% genetic distance criterion, often used as a threshold for assigning positive species identification, was met for 31 of 43 (72%) alien species. Sequences from the remaining species (28%) matched species in the databases that were either in the same genus (congeneric) or in the same family (confamilial). In two cases, namely Plotosus lineatus and Sargocentron rubrum, barcoding revealed a possible species complex (P. lineatus) and multiple unrecognized species existing in the Mediterranean Sea (S. rubrum).

Main conclusions

Our study presents a preliminary DNA barcode library, useful for identifying correctly alien fish species of Red Sea origin in the Mediterranean Sea. The results show that most species could be identified, yet the data also uncovered some taxa with unresolved taxonomy and possible cases of unrecognized or cryptic species invasions.
Potentials of incretin‐based therapies in dementia and stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Groeneveld Onno N , Kappelle L Jaap , Biessels Geert Jan
Published: August 2015

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are at risk for accelerated cognitive decline and dementia. Furthermore, their risk of stroke is increased and their outcome after stroke is worse than in those without diabetes. Incretin‐based therapies are a class of antidiabetic agents that are of interest in relation to these cerebral complications of diabetes. Two classes of incretin‐based therapies are currently available: the glucagon‐like‐peptide‐1 agonists and the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 ‐inhibitors. Independent of their glucose‐lowering effects, incretin‐based therapies might also have direct or indirect beneficial effects on the brain. In the present review, we discuss the potential of incretin‐based therapies in relation to dementia, in particular Alzheimer's disease, and stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes. Experimental studies on Alzheimer's disease have found beneficial effects of incretin‐based therapies on cognition, synaptic plasticity and metabolism of amyloid‐β and microtubule‐associated protein tau. Preclinical studies on incretin‐based therapies in stroke have shown an improved functional outcome, a reduction of infarct volume as well as neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. Both with regard to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and with regard to prevention and treatment of stroke, randomized controlled trials in patients with or without diabetes are underway. In conclusion, experimental studies show promising results of incretin‐based therapies at improving the outcome of Alzheimer's disease and stroke through glucose‐independent pleiotropic effects on the brain. If these findings would indeed be confirmed in large clinical randomized controlled trials, this would have substantial impact.
A randomized trial comparing simultaneous vs. sequential field treatment of actinic keratosis with ingenol mebutate on two separate areas of the head and body
Authors: Pellacani G. , Peris K. , Guillen C. , Clonier F. , Larsson T. , Venkata R. , Puig S.
Published: August 2015

Background

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are precursors to invasive squamous cell carcinoma and can progress if untreated. Limited data support the use of ingenol mebutate to treat AKs on more than one area of the body simultaneously.

Objective

To investigate safety, efficacy and treatment satisfaction when treating separate areas simultaneously or sequentially with different concentrations of ingenol mebutate gel.

Methods

In this phase IIIb study (NCT01787383), patients with clinically visible, non‐hyperkeratotic AKs on two separate treatment areas (face/scalp and trunk/extremities) were randomized to simultaneous or sequential treatment with ingenol mebutate gel (0.015% and 0.05%). Endpoints included composite local skin response (LSR) score 3 days after first application, complete AK clearance and percentage reduction in AKs at week 8.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between simultaneous (n = 101) and sequential (n = 98) groups in composite LSR score (10.4 vs. 9.7), complete clearance (52.7% vs. 46.9%) or percentage reduction in AKs (83.4% vs. 79.1%). Mean composite LSR scores on face/scalp and trunk/extremities were similar for both groups. Adverse event (AE) incidence was comparable between groups, the most common treatment‐related AEs being pruritus and pain at the application site.

Conclusion

Treating AKs with ingenol mebutate simultaneously or sequentially gave similar results in terms of tolerability (LSR score, AEs) and efficacy (complete clearance). Therefore, the physician and patient can select the most convenient treatment regimen, with confidence in achieving a similar outcome.
Dermoscopy of tumours arising in naevus sebaceous: a morphological study of 58 cases
Authors: Zaballos P. , Serrano P. , Flores G. , Bañuls J. , Thomas L. , Llambrich A. , Castro E. , Lallas A. , Argenziano G. , Zalaudek I. , del Pozo L.J. , Landi C. , Malvehy J.
Published: August 2015

Background

Naevus sebaceous is a congenital hamartoma commonly associated with the development of secondary neoplasms. There are sparse data relating to the dermoscopy of tumours arising in naevus sebaceous.

Objectives

To evaluate the dermoscopic features of a large series of neoplasms arising in naevus sebaceous.

Methods

Digital dermoscopic images of 58 histopathologically confirmed cases of secondary neoplasms arising in naevus sebaceous collected from 11 hospitals in Spain, France, Italy and Austria were evaluated for the presence of dermoscopic structures and patterns.

Results

The most frequent tumours collected were: trichoblastoma (39.6%), basal cell carcinoma (20.7%) and syringocystadenoma papilliferum (15.6%). The most remarkable findings were: (i) the pattern composed of asymmetrical large blue‐grey ovoid nests was more common in basal cell carcinomas than in trichoblastoma (58.3% vs. 4.3%; P < 0.001) and the pattern composed of a symmetrical total large blue‐grey ovoid nest (a blue‐grey homogeneous area which occupies the whole lesion) was more common in trichoblastoma (82.6% vs. 16.6%; P < 0.001); (ii) the most frequent pattern associated with syringocystadenoma papilliferum was a symmetric, erythematous lesion with exophytic papillary structures, ulceration and vessels (55.5%); (iii) the most common pattern associated with apocrine hidrocystomas was a total symmetric homogeneous area and arborizing telangiectasias (60%).

Conclusions

Benign adnexal tumours associated with naevus sebaceous are dermoscopic mimickers of basal cell carcinomas. A pigmented nodule arising in a naevus sebaceous with a total blue large ovoid nest on dermoscopy could be a trichoblastoma, basal cell carcinoma, hidrocystoma or hidradenoma. Dermoscopy can be a useful diagnostic tool which generates a more accurate preoperative diagnosis.
A systematic review of non‐surgical treatments for lentigo maligna
Authors: Read T. , Noonan C. , David M. , Wagels M. , Foote M. , Schaider H. , Soyer H. P. , Smithers B. M.
Published: August 2015

Lentigo maligna (LM) is the most common melanocytic malignancy of the head and neck. If left untreated, LM can progress to lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM). Complete surgical excision is the gold standard for treatment, however, due to the location, size, and advanced age of patients, surgery is not always acceptable. As a result, there is ongoing interest in alternative, less invasive treatment modalities. The objective was to provide a structured review of key literature reporting the use of radiotherapy, imiquimod and laser therapy for the management of LM in patients where surgical resection is prohibited. An independent review was conducted following a comprehensive search of the National Library of Medicine using MEDLINE and PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Library databases. Data were presented in tabular format, and crude data pooled to calculate mean recurrence rates for each therapy. 29 studies met the inclusion criteria: radiotherapy 10; topical imiquimod 10; laser therapies 9. Radiotherapy demostrated recurrence rates of up to 31% (mean 11.5%), with follow‐up durations of 1–96 months. Topical imiquimod recurrence rates were up to 50% (mean 24.5%), with follow‐up durations of 2–49 months. Laser therapy yielded recurrence rates of up to 100% (mean 34.4%), and follow‐up durations of 8–78 months. in each of the treatment series the I2 value measuring statistical heterogeneity exceeded the accepted threshold of 50% and as such a meta‐analysis of included data were inappropriate. For non‐surgical patients with LM, radiotherapy and topical imiquimod were efficacious treatments. Radiotherapy produced superior complete response rates and fewer recurrences than imiquimod although both are promising non‐invasive modalities. There was no consistent body of evidence regarding laser therapy although response rates of up to 100% were reported in low quality studies. A prospective comparative trial is indicated and would provide accurate data on the long‐term efficacy and overall utility of these treatments.
Microsatellite evidence for obligate autogamy, but abundant genetic variation in the herbaceous monocarp Lobelia inflata (Campanulaceae)
Authors: Hughes P. W. , Simons A. M.
Published: August 2015

Although high levels of self‐fertilization (>85%) are not uncommon in nature, organisms reproducing entirely through selfing are extremely rare. Predominant selfers are expected to have low genetic diversity because genetic variation is distributed among rather than within lineages and is readily lost through genetic drift. We examined genetic diversity at 22 microsatellite loci in 105 individuals from a population of the semelparous herb Lobelia inflata L. and found (i) no evidence of heterozygosity through outcrossing, yet (ii) high rates of genetic polymorphism (2–4 alleles per locus). Furthermore, this genetic variation among lineages was associated with phenotypic traits (e.g. flower colour, size at first flower). Coupled with previous work characterizing the fitness consequences of reproductive timing, our results suggest that temporal genotype‐by‐environment interaction may maintain genetic variation and, because genetic variation occurs only among lineages, this simple system offers a unique opportunity for future tests of this mechanism.
Kinship reinforces cooperative predator inspection in a cichlid fish
Authors: Hesse Saskia , Anaya‐Rojas Jaime M. , Frommen Joachim G. , Thünken Timo
Published: August 2015

Kin selection theory predicts that cooperation is facilitated between genetic relatives, as by cooperating with kin an individual might increase its inclusive fitness. Although numerous theoretical papers support Hamilton's inclusive fitness theory, experimental evidence is still underrepresented, in particular in noncooperative breeders. Cooperative predator inspection is one of the most intriguing antipredator strategies, as it implies high costs on inspectors. During an inspection event, one or more individuals leave the safety of a group and approach a potential predator to gather information about the current predation risk. We investigated the effect of genetic relatedness on cooperative predator inspection in juveniles of the cichlid fishPelvicachromis taeniatus, a species in which juveniles live in shoals under natural conditions. We show that relatedness significantly influenced predator inspection behaviour with kin dyads being significantly more cooperative. Thus, our results indicate a higher disposition for cooperative antipredator behaviour among kin as predicted by kin selection theory.
The ecological success of a social parasite increases with manipulation of collective host behaviour
Authors: Jongepier E. , Kleeberg I. , Foitzik S.
Published: August 2015

Many parasites alter the behaviour of their host to their own advantage, yet hosts often vary in their susceptibility to manipulation. The ecological and evolutionary implications of such variation can be profound, as resistant host populations may suffer lower parasite pressures than those susceptible to manipulation. To test this prediction, we assessed parasite‐induced aggressive behaviours across 16 populations of twoTemnothoraxant species, many of which harbour the slavemaker antProtomognathus americanus. This social parasite uses its Dufour's gland secretions to manipulate its hosts into attacking nestmates, which may deter defenders away from itself during invasion. We indeed find that colonies that were manipulated into attacking their Dufour‐treated nestmates were less aggressive towards the slavemaker than those that did not show slavemaker‐induced nestmate attack. Slavemakers benefited from altering their hosts’ aggression, as both the likelihood that slavemakers survived host encounters and slavemaker prevalence in ant communities increased with slavemaker‐induced nestmate attack. Finally, we show thatTemnothorax longispinosuscolonies were more susceptible to manipulation thanTemnothorax curvispinosuscolonies. This explains whyT. curvispinosuscolonies responded with more aggression towards invading slavemakers, why they were less likely to let slavemakers escape and why they were less frequently parasitized by the slavemaker thanT. longispinosus. Our findings highlight that large‐scale geographic variation in resistance to manipulation can have important implications for the prevalence and host preference of parasites.
Evolution, ecology and physiology of amphibious killifishes (Cyprinodontiformes)
Authors: Turko A. J. , Wright P. A.
Published: August 2015

The order Cyprinodontiformes contains an exceptional diversity of amphibious taxa, including at least 34 species from six families. These cyprinodontiforms often inhabit intertidal or ephemeral habitats characterized by low dissolved oxygen or otherwise poor water quality, conditions that have been hypothesized to drive the evolution of terrestriality. Most of the amphibious species are found in the Rivulidae, Nothobranchiidae and Fundulidae. It is currently unclear whether the pattern of amphibiousness observed in the Cyprinodontiformes is the result of repeated, independent evolutions, or stems from an amphibious common ancestor. Amphibious cyprinodontiforms leave water for a variety of reasons: some species emerse only briefly, to escape predation or capture prey, while others occupy ephemeral habitats by living for months at a time out of water. Fishes able to tolerate months of emersion must maintain respiratory gas exchange, nitrogen excretion and water and salt balance, but to date knowledge of the mechanisms that facilitate homeostasis on land is largely restricted to model species. This review synthesizes the available literature describing amphibious lifestyles in cyprinodontiforms, compares the behavioural and physiological strategies used to exploit the terrestrial environment and suggests directions and ideas for future research.
Prey composition and ontogenetic shift in coastal populations of longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus
Authors: Smylie M. , Shervette V. , McDonough C.
Published: August 2015

Longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus were collected from May 2012 to July 2013 in the Charleston Harbor and Winyah Bay estuaries (SC, U.S.A.). This study examined trends in stomach fullness, described major prey components and their importance in the diet of L. osseus, compared stomach content‐based trophic level estimates with the stable‐isotope‐based proxy: δ15N and tested for the occurrence of an ontogenetic diet shift using stomach content analysis and stable C and N isotopes (δ13C and δ15N). Dominant prey families were Clupeidae, Sciaenidae, Penaeidae, Fundulidae and Mugilidae, with the highest consumption rates in autumn. Trophic levels calculated using stomach contents did not correspond to δ15N (P > 0·05). Stomach contents and stable‐isotope signatures indicate ontogenetic prey composition shifts from low trophic level benthic prey (fundulids) to higher trophic level pelagic prey (clupeids) as the fish grow between 400 and 600 mm in standard length. Due to their biomass, abundance and top predator status, L. osseus play a significant ecological role in the estuarine community composition, although this effect has often been overlooked by past researchers and should be considered in future estuarine community studies.
Automated segmentation of wood fibres in micro‐CT images of paper
Authors: SHARMA Y. , PHILLION A.B. , MARTINEZ D.M.
Published: August 2015

A novel algorithm has been developed and validated to isolate individual papermaking fibres in micro‐computed tomographic images of paper handsheets as a first step to characterize the structure of the paper. The three‐step fibre segmentation algorithm segments the papermaking fibres by (i) tracking the hollow inside the fibres via a modified connected component methodology, (ii) extracting the fibre walls using a distance transform and (iii) labelling the fibres through collapsed sections by a final refinement step. Furthermore, postprocessing algorithms have been developed to calculate the length and coarseness of the segmented fibres. The fibre segmentation algorithm is the first ever reported method for the automated segmentation of the tortuous three‐dimensional morphology of papermaking fibres within microstructural images of paper handsheets. The method is not limited to papermaking fibres, but can be applied to any material consisting of tortuous and hollow fibres.
Analysis of human soft palate morphogenesis supports regional regulation of palatal fusion
Authors: Danescu Adrian , Mattson Melanie , Dool Carly , Diewert Virginia M. , Richman Joy M.
Published: August 2015

It is essential to complete palate closure at the correct time during fetal development, otherwise a serious malformation, cleft palate, will ensue. The steps in palate formation in humans take place between the 7th and 12th week and consist of outgrowth of palatal shelves from the paired maxillary prominences, reorientation of the shelves from vertical to horizontal, apposition of the medial surfaces, formation of a bilayered seam, degradation of the seam and bridging of mesenchyme. However, in the soft palate, the mechanism of closure is unclear. In previous studies it is possible to find support for both fusion and the alternative mechanism of merging. Here we densely sample the late embryonic‐early fetal period between 54 and 74 days post‐conception to determine the timing and mechanism of soft palate closure. We found the epithelial seam extends throughout the soft palates of 57‐day specimens. Cytokeratin antibody staining detected the medial edge epithelium and distinguished clearly that cells in the midline retained their epithelial character. Compared with the hard palate, the epithelium is more rapidly degraded in the soft palate and only persists in the most posterior regions at 64 days. Our results are consistent with the soft palate following a developmentally more rapid program of fusion than the hard palate. Importantly, the two regions of the palate appear to be independently regulated and have their own internal clocks regulating the timing of seam removal. Considering data from human genetic and mouse studies, distinct anterior‐posterior signaling mechanisms are likely to be at play in the human fetal palate.
Using an evidence‐based care bundle to improve initial emergency nursing management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Damkliang Jintana , Considine Julie , Kent Bridie , Street Maryann
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectives

To test the feasibility of an evidence‐based care bundle in a Thai emergency department. The specific objective of this study was to examine the impact of the implementation of the care bundle on the initial emergency nursing management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Background

A care bundle approach is one strategy used to improve the consistency, quality and safety of emergency care for different patients groups, however, has not been tested in patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Design

A pretest/post‐test design was used. The study intervention was an evidence‐based care bundle for initial emergency nursing management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Methods

Nonparticipant observations were conducted between October 2012–June 2013 at an emergency department of a 640 bed regional hospital in Southern Thailand. The initial emergency nursing care was observed in 45 patients with severe traumatic brain injury: 20 patients in the pretest period and 25 patients in the post‐test period.

Results

There were significant improvements in clinical care of patients with severe traumatic brain injury after implementation of the care bundle: (1) use of end‐tidal carbon dioxide monitoring, (2) frequency of respiratory rate assessment, (3) frequency of pulse rate and blood pressure assessment, and (4) patient positioning.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that implementation of an evidence‐based care bundle improved specific elements of emergency nurses' clinical management of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study suggests that a care bundle approach can be used as a strategy to improve emergency nursing care of patients with severe traumatic brain injury.
Goal setting and lifestyle changes in a nurse‐led counselling programme for leg ulcer patients: an explorative analysis of nursing records
Authors: van de Glind Irene M , Heinen Maud M , Evers Andrea W , van Achterberg Theo
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectives

To describe goals set in individual nurse‐led lifestyle counselling sessions in leg ulcer patients, and to explore patient and goal characteristics in relation to health behaviour change.

Background

Goal setting is increasingly used in nurse‐led counselling programmes, but the delivery is often unknown, especially in patient groups for which only recently programmes have been developed, such as patients with venous leg ulcers.

Design

A secondary analysis of data collected in the intervention arm of a randomised clinical trial of counselling sessions in venous leg ulcer patients.

Methods

Nursing records (n = 71) were explored for the number of goals set, topic, quality and course of goals during the trajectory. Furthermore, goals and patient characteristics were compared in relation to health behaviour change.

Results

Forty‐one patients (58%) succeeded in changing their behaviour after setting a goal. Setting goals for conducting leg exercises was chosen by most patients in this study, goals for adherence with compression therapy were chosen the least. Sixty‐eight per cent of the goals met criteria for being Specific, Measurable and Time‐bound. Patients who achieved behaviour change were significantly younger compared to the patients who did not. Except for age, there were no differences in characteristics between the group that did and did not achieve behaviour change.

Conclusions

Goal setting could be improved by setting goals more Specific, Measurable and Time‐bound, and by setting goals on an essential topic for behaviour change. This explorative study did not show that goal characteristics, including the quality of goals, were related to patients' behaviour change.

Relevance to clinical practice

The delivery of goal setting in this programme, and most likely in similar programmes, could be improved. Regular quality checks in daily goal setting practice should be considered. More research is needed into how to best provide health promotion to frail and elderly people.
The efficacy of music therapy for people with dementia: A meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Chang Yu‐Shiun , Chu Hsin , Yang Chyn‐Yng , Tsai Jui‐Chen , Chung Min‐Huey , Liao Yuan‐Mei , Chi Mei‐ju , Liu Megan F. , Chou Kuei‐Ru
Published: August 2015

Aims and objectives

To (1) perform a meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials pertaining to the efficacy of music therapy on disruptive behaviours, anxiety levels, depressive moods and cognitive functioning in people with dementia; and (2) clarify which interventions, therapists and participant characteristics exerted higher and more prominent effects.

Background

Present study was the first to perform a meta‐analysis that included all the randomised controlled trials found in literature relating to music therapy for people with dementia over the past 15 years.

Design

A meta‐analysis study design.

Methods

Quantitative studies were retrieved from PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library Database, CINAHL, SCOPUS and PsycINFO. A meta‐analysis was used to calculate the overall effect sizes of music therapy on outcome indicators.

Results

Music therapy significantly improved disruptive behaviours [Hedges’ g = −0·66; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0·44 to −0·88] and anxiety levels (Hedges’ g = −0·51; 95% CI = −0·02 to −1·00) in people with dementia. Music therapy might affect depressive moods (Hedges’ g = −0·39; 95% CI = 0·01 to −0·78), and cognitive functioning (Hedges’ g = 0·19; 95% CI = 0·45 to −0·08).

Conclusion

Music therapy exerted a moderately large effect on disruptive behaviours of people with dementia, a moderate effect on anxiety levels and depressive moods, and a small effect on cognitive functioning.

Relevance to clinical practice

Individual music therapy provided once a week to patients with cognitive functioning and manual guided in music intervention construction is suggested. Group music therapy is provided several times a week to reduce their disruptive behaviours, anxiety levels and depressive moods. Music therapy is a cost‐effective, enjoyable, noninvasive therapy and could be useful for clinical nurses in creating an environment that is conducive to the well‐being of patients with dementia.
Thirty‐Day Readmission Rates Among Dual‐Eligible Beneficiaries
Authors: Bennett Kevin J. , Probst Janice C.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Dual‐eligible beneficiaries represented 19% of Medicare and 14% of Medicaid enrollment in 2009. Of Medicare discharges among dually eligible beneficiaries, 21.5% resulted in a 30‐day rehospitalization. Little has been published regarding dual‐eligible beneficiaries’ readmission rates and factors affecting readmission.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of Medicare claims, restricted to 297,084 beneficiaries with a hospitalization from February 1, 2009, through November 30, 2009.

Findings

Dual eligibles had higher hospitalization and 30‐day readmission rates than Medicare‐only beneficiaries. Multivariable regression indicated dual eligibility, younger age, and specific chronic conditions increased the likelihood of a 30‐day readmission. Rural dually eligible beneficiaries had lower readmission rates than other beneficiaries, and they had a protective effect of physician follow‐up care.

Conclusions

Having a 30‐day physician follow‐up had differential effects in urban versus rural locations, yet rural residents had a higher rate of follow‐up care. The impact of adequate follow‐up care, and how rural populations are successful, would be beneficial to understand. Substantial savings could accrue if interventions reduced readmissions among dual‐eligible beneficiaries.
Body mass relationships affect the age structure of predation across carnivore–ungulate systems: a review and synthesis
Authors: Gervasi Vincenzo , Nilsen Erlend B. , Linnell John D. C.
Published: August 2015

The size or body mass of predators relative to prey plays a key role in structuring animal communities, as the strength of predator–prey interactions is often dependent on the body mass relationship. Also, in long‐lived species, a direct functional relationship exists between adult survival and population growth rate. Therefore, any cause of mortality acting on the adult segment of the population is expected to exert a strong influence on population performance.

Despite the large amount of literature available on carnivore–ungulate predation patterns, the relationship of predator and prey body mass with the age structure of predation has not yet been synthesised within a common framework. We review the main studies conducted during the last five decades on carnivore–ungulate predation patterns, and synthesise how the body mass relationship influences the age composition of individuals killed.

For each study, we compiled the predator and prey species under study, their body mass and sex, the geographical location of the study site, the methodology used, and the resulting age composition of individuals killed, at the highest available resolution. We used generalised linear mixed effects models to assess the influence of all these variables on the proportion of individuals killed consisting of juveniles.

The proportion of individuals killed that were juvenile in a given predator–prey system was strongly dependent on prey body mass, with a positive asymptotic relationship. The asymptote value decreased for increasing predator body mass. Also, felids and canids followed different trajectories. Male predators killed more adults than female predators, and the proportion of juveniles in their diet was lower when predators were preying on solitary ungulates, than when they were preying on species living in groups or herds.

Morphological and behavioural traits of predator and prey species interact to influence the age structure of predation, with possible consequences on the potential for different carnivore species to affect their prey demography.
Comparing Inflation and Price‐Level Targeting: The Role of Forward Guidance and Transparency
Authors: Honkapohja Seppo , Mitra Kaushik
Published: August 2015

We examine global dynamics under learning inNewKeynesian models with price‐level targeting that is subject to the zero lower bound. The role of forward guidance is analyzed under transparency about the policy rule. Properties of transparent and nontransparent regimes are compared with each other and to the corresponding cases of inflation targeting. Robustness properties for different regimes are examined in terms of the domain of attraction of the targeted steady state and volatility of inflation, output and interest rate. We analyze the effect of higher inflation targets and large expectational shocks for the performance of these policy regimes.
How Did We Get to Where We Are Now? Reflections on 50 Years of Macroeconomic and Financial Econometrics
Authors: Wickens Michael
Published: August 2015

This lecture is about how best to evaluate economic theories in macroeconomics and finance, and the lessons that can be learned from the past use and misuse of evidence. It is argued that all macro/finance models are ‘false’ so should not be judged solely on the realism of their assumptions The role of theory is to explain the data. Models should be judged by their ability to do this. Data‐mining will often improve the statistical properties of a model but does not improve economic understanding. These propositions are illustrated from the last 50 years of macro and financial econometrics.
Audit of practice in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) post mortems and neuropathological findings
Authors: Thom Maria , Michalak Zuzanna , Wright Gabriella , Dawson Timothy , Hilton David , Joshi Abhijit , Diehl Beate , Koepp Matthias , Lhatoo Samden , Sander Josemir W. , Sisodiya Sanjay M.
Published: August 2015

Aims

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is one of the leading causes of death in people with epilepsy. For classification of definite SUDEP, a post mortem (PM), including anatomical and toxicological examination, is mandatory to exclude other causes of death. We audited PM practice as well as the value of brain examination in SUDEP.

Methods

We reviewed 145 PM reports in SUDEP cases from four UK neuropathology centres. Data were extracted for clinical epilepsy details, circumstances of death and neuropathological findings.

Results

Macroscopic brain abnormalities were identified in 52% of cases. Mild brain swelling was present in 28%, and microscopic pathologies relevant to cause or effect of seizures were seen in 89%. Examination based on whole fixed brains (76.6% of all PMs), and systematic regional sampling was associated with higher detection rates of underlying pathology (P < 0.01). Information was more frequently recorded regarding circumstances of death and body position/location than clinical epilepsy history and investigations.

Conclusion

Our findings support the contribution of examination of the whole fixed brain in SUDEP, with high rates of detection of relevant pathology. Availability of full clinical epilepsy‐related information at the time of PM could potentially further improve detection through targeted tissue sampling. Apart from confirmation of SUDEP, complete neuropathological examination contributes to evaluation of risk factors as well as helping to direct future research into underlying causes.
Association between sap flow‐derived and eddy covariance‐derived measurements of forest canopyCO2uptake
Authors: Klein Tamir , Rotenberg Eyal , Tatarinov Fyodor , Yakir Dan
Published: August 2015

The carbon sink intensity of the biosphere depends on the balance between gross primary productivity (GPP) of forest canopies and ecosystem respiration.GPP, however, cannot be directly measured and estimates are not well constrained. A new approach relying on canopy transpiration flux measured as sap flow, and water‐use efficiency inferred from carbon isotope analysis (GPPSF) has been proposed, but not tested against eddy covariance‐based estimates (GPPEC).

Here we take advantage of parallel measurements using the two approaches at a semi‐arid pine forest site to compare theGPPSFandGPPECestimates on diurnal to annual timescales.

GPPSFcaptured the seasonal dynamics ofGPPEC(GPPSF = 0.99 × GPPEC,r2 = 0.78,RMSE = 0.82,n = 457 d) with good agreement at the annual timescale (653 vs 670 g C m−2 yr−1). Both methods showed thatGPPranged between 1 and 8 g C m−2 d−1, and theGPPSF/GPPECratio was between 0.5 and 2.0 during 82% of the days. Carbon uptake dynamics at the individual tree scale conformed with leaf scale rates of net assimilation.

GPPSFcan produce robust estimations of tree‐ and canopy‐scale rates ofCO2uptake, providing constraints and greatly extending currentGPPECestimations.
Dopaminergic and cholinergic learning mechanisms in nicotine addiction
Authors: Subramaniyan Manivannan , Dani John A.
Published: August 2015

Nicotine addiction drives tobacco use by one billion people worldwide, causing nearly six million deaths a year. Nicotine binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors that are normally activated by the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The widespread expression of nicotinic receptors throughout the nervous system accounts for the diverse physiological effects triggered by nicotine. A crucial influence of nicotine is on the synaptic mechanisms underlying learning that contribute to the addiction process. Here, we focus on the acquisition phase of smoking addiction and review animal model studies on how nicotine modifies dopaminergic and cholinergic signaling in key nodes of the reinforcement circuitry: ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens (NAc), amygdala, and hippocampus. Capitalizing on mechanisms that subserve natural rewards, nicotine activates midbrain dopamine neurons directly and indirectly, and nicotine causes dopamine release in very broad target areas throughout the brain, including the NAc, amygdala, and hippocampus. In addition, nicotine orchestrates local changes within those target structures, alters the release of virtually all major neurotransmitters, and primes the nervous system to the influence of other addictive drugs. Hence, understanding how nicotine affects the circuitry for synaptic plasticity and learning may aid in developing reasoned therapies to treat nicotine addiction.
Lymphoid susceptibility to the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans cytolethal distending toxin is dependent upon baseline levels of the signaling lipid, phosphatidylinositol‐3,4,5‐triphosphate
Authors: Shenker B.J. , Walker L.P. , Zekavat A. , Boesze‐Battaglia K.
Published: August 2015

The Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans cytolethal distending toxin (Cdt) induces G2 arrest and apoptosis in lymphocytes and other cell types. We have shown that the active subunit, CdtB, exhibits phosphatidylinositol‐3,4,5‐triphosphate (PIP3) phosphatase activity and depletes lymphoid cells of PIP3. Hence we propose that Cdt toxicity results from depletion of this signaling lipid and perturbation of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI‐3K)/PIP3/Akt signaling. We have now focused on the relationship between cell susceptibility to CdtB and differences in the status of baseline PIP3 levels. Our studies demonstrate that the baseline level of PIP3, and likely the dependence of cells on steady‐state activity of the PI‐3K signaling pathway for growth and survival, influence cell susceptibility to the toxic effects of Cdt. Jurkat cells with known defects in both PIP3 degradative enzymes, PTEN and SHIP1, not only contain high baseline levels of PIP3, pAkt, and pGSK3β, but also exhibit high sensitivity to Cdt. In contrast, HUT78 cells, with no known defects in this pathway, contain low levels of PIP3, pAkt, and pGSK3β and likely minimal dependence on the PI‐3K signaling pathway for growth and survival, and exhibit reduced susceptibility to Cdt. These differences in susceptibility to Cdt cannot be explained by differential toxin binding or internalization of the active subunit. Indeed, we now demonstrate that Jurkat and HUT78 cells bind toxin at comparable levels and internalize relatively equal amounts of CdtB. The relevance of these observations to the mode of action of Cdt and its potential role as a virulence factor is discussed.
MITF is a critical regulator of the carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in malignant melanoma
Authors: Ullrich Nico , Löffek Stefanie , Horn Susanne , Ennen Marie , Sánchez‐del‐Campo Luis , Zhao Fang , Breitenbuecher Frank , Davidson Irwin , Singer Bernhard B. , Schadendorf Dirk , Goding Colin R. , Helfrich Iris
Published: August 2015

The multifunctional Ig‐like carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) is neo‐expressed in the majority of malignant melanoma lesions. CEACAM1 acts as a driver of tumor cell invasion, and its expression correlates with poor patient prognosis. Despite its importance in melanoma progression, how CEACAM1 expression is regulated is largely unknown. Here, we show that CEACAM1 expression in melanoma cell lines and melanoma tissue strongly correlates with that of the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF), a key regulator of melanoma proliferation and invasiveness. MITF is revealed as a direct and positive regulator for CEACAM1 expression via binding to an M‐box motif located in the CEACAM1 promoter. Taken together, our study provides novel insights into the regulation of CEACAM1 expression and suggests an MITF‐CEACAM1 axis as a potential determinant of melanoma progression.
Identification of immunodominant Leishmania major antigenic markers of the early C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice infection stages
Authors: Sassi A. , Kaak O. , Ben Ammar Elgaied A.
Published: August 2015

The C57BL/6 mouse strain is resistant to Leishmania (L.) major infection and, unlike susceptible BALB/c, develops small self‐healing cutaneous lesions. The specific antibody responses of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were previously characterized by the predominance of IgG2a (‘resistant’ isotype associated with Th1) and IgG1 (‘pathogenic’ isotype associated with Th2) antibodies, respectively. In this study, we looked for the presence of antigens able to elicit an exclusive or predominant IgG1 production during the early stages of C57BL/6 lesion development and checked whether they are recognized or not by BALB/c mice. We demonstrate first that IgG2a predominance in C57BL/6 sera occurs only late after infection, whereas in BALB/c, IgG1 antibodies dominate mostly in the early stages. Interestingly, soon after inoculation of live amastigotes, C57BL/6 displayed an exclusive IgG1 reactivity against particular L. major antigens but with MWs different from those identified in BALB/c. Furthermore, mice immunized with killed amastigotes displayed striking differences in their immunodetection profiles, particularly for the IgG1 isotype. Taken together, the observed differences in the specific antibody repertoires between infected mice resulted, at least in part, from immunological events independent from those triggered by the replicating parasite, and bring new insights into the selection of future vaccine candidates.
Decisions, Science, and Values: Crafting Regulatory Alternatives Analysis
Authors: Malloy Timothy , Blake Ann , Linkov Igor , Sinsheimer Peter
Published: August 2015

Emerging “prevention‐based” approaches to chemical regulation seek to minimize the use of toxic chemicals by mandating or directly incentivizing the adoption of viable safer alternative chemicals or processes. California and Maine are beginning to implement such programs, requiring manufacturers of consumer products containing certain chemicals of concern to identify and evaluate potential safer alternatives. In the European Union, the REACH program imposes similar obligations on manufacturers of certain substances of very high concern. Effective prevention‐based regulation requires regulatory alternatives analysis (RAA), a methodology for comparing and evaluating the regulated chemical or process and its alternatives across a range of relevant criteria. RAA has both public and private dimensions. To a significant degree, alternatives analysis is an aspect of product design; that is, the process by which private industry designs the goods it sells. Accordingly, an RAA method should reflect the attributes of well‐crafted product design tools used by businesses. But RAA adds health and environmental objectives to the mix of concerns taken into account by the product designer. Moreover, as part of a prevention‐based regulatory regime, it implicates important public values such as legitimacy, equity, public engagement, and accountability. Thus, an RAA should reflect both private standards and public values, and be evaluated against them. This article adopts that perspective, identifying an integrated set of design principles for RAA, and illustrating the application of those principles.
Risk Reduction of an Invasive Insect by Targeting Surveillance Efforts with the Assistance of a Phenology Model and International Maritime Shipping Routes and Schedules
Authors: Gray David R.
Published: August 2015

Reducing the risk of introduction to North America of the invasive Asian gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar asiatica Vnukovskij and L. d. japonica [Motschulsky]) on international maritime vessels involves two tactics: (1) vessels that wish to arrive in Canada or the United States and have visited any Asian port that is subject to regulation during designated times must obtain a predeparture inspection certificate from an approved entity; and (2) vessels with a certificate may be subjected to an additional inspection upon arrival. A decision support tool is described here with which the allocation of inspection resources at North American ports can be partitioned among multiple vessels according to estimates of the potential onboard Asian gypsy moth population and estimates of the onboard larval emergence pattern. The decision support tool assumes that port inspection is uniformly imperfect at the Asian ports and that each visit to a regulated port has potential for the vessel to be contaminated with gypsy moth egg masses. The decision support tool uses a multigenerational phenology model to estimate the potential onboard population of egg masses by calculating the temporal intersection between the dates of port visits to regulated ports and the simulated oviposition pattern in each port. The phenological development of the onboard population is simulated each day of the vessel log until the vessel arrives at the port being protected from introduction. Multiple independent simulations are used to create a probability distribution of the size and timing of larval emergence.
Trade Liberalization and Heterogeneous Technology Investments
Authors: Bas Maria , Ledezma Ivan
Published: August 2015

We propose a trade model where heterogeneous firms decide on a productivity‐enhancing technology investment. The model analyzes the impact of multilateral trade liberalization on firm‐ and industry‐level productivity. Freer trade increases the incentives to invest in technology by raising export profits. It also dampens these incentives, however, as profits stemming from domestic sales are reduced. Only exporters benefit from the former positive effect. The shape of the distribution of efficiency draws, the level of trade costs and the technology intensity of the industry are key elements removing the ambiguities regarding the net impact of trade liberalization.
HLA‐A‐B‐C‐DRB1‐DQB1 phased haplotypes in 124 Nigerian families indicate extreme HLA diversity and low linkage disequilibrium in Central‐West Africa
Authors: Testi M. , Battarra M. , Lucarelli G. , Isgro A. , Morrone A. , Akinyanju O. , Wakama T. , Nunes J. M. , Andreani M. , Sanchez‐Mazas A.
Published: August 2015

The simultaneous typing of five‐HLA loci at high resolution and the availability of pedigree data allowed us to characterize extended five‐locus phased haplotypes in 124 Nigerian families and to compare the observed frequencies with those expected by an expectation–maximization algorithm for unphased data. Despite the occurrence of some frequent alleles at each locus (e.g. B*53:01, which is assumed to protect against Plasmodium falciparum), as many as 82% of the sampled individuals carry two unique five‐locus haplotypes and only three extended haplotypes with frequency above 1% exhibit significant linkage disequilibrium. Although preliminary, these results reveal an extreme level of HLA diversity in the Nigerian population, which reflects both its multi‐ethnic composition and the very ancient demographic history of African populations.
The animal‐dependent risk factors in canine T‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Jankowska U. , Jagielski D. , Czopowicz M. , Sapierzyński R.
Published: August 2015

Malignant lymphomas are one of the most common malignancies occurring in dogs; among them T‐cell tumours are less commonly recognized. Recently, many authors have recommended cytology as a sufficient diagnostic method for canine lymphomas, especially if supported by immunocytochemistry or flow cytometry. The aim of the study was to characterize animal‐dependent risk factors in canine T‐cell lymphomas (TCLs) in Poland, including specific cytological subtypes. Determination of the type and subtype of the tumour was made based on the updated Kiel cytological classification adopted for dogs as previously described. Two breeds turned out predisposed to TCL (dog de Bordeaux and Boxer) while no predisposition to B‐cell lymphoma could be evidenced. Dogs with low‐grade lymphoma were significantly older than those with high‐grade lymphoma.