bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downscaled projections of Caribbean coral bleaching that can inform conservation planning
Authors: van Hooidonk Ruben , Maynard Jeffrey Allen , Liu Yanyun , Lee Sang‐Ki
Published: April 2015

Projections of climate change impacts on coral reefs produced at the coarse resolution (~1°) of Global Climate Models (GCMs) have informed debate but have not helped target local management actions. Here, projections of the onset of annual coral bleaching conditions in the Caribbean under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 are produced using an ensemble of 33 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase‐5 models and via dynamical and statistical downscaling. A high‐resolution (~11 km) regional ocean model (MOM4.1) is used for the dynamical downscaling. For statistical downscaling, sea surface temperature (SST) means and annual cycles in all the GCMs are replaced with observed data from the ~4‐km NOAA Pathfinder SST dataset. Spatial patterns in all three projections are broadly similar; the average year for the onset of annual severe bleaching is 2040–2043 for all projections. However, downscaled projections show many locations where the onset of annual severe bleaching (ASB) varies 10 or more years within a single GCM grid cell. Managers in locations where this applies (e.g., Florida, Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, among others) can identify locations that represent relative albeit temporary refugia. Both downscaled projections are different for the Bahamas compared to the GCM projections. The dynamically downscaled projections suggest an earlier onset of ASB linked to projected changes in regional currents, a feature not resolved in GCMs. This result demonstrates the value of dynamical downscaling for this application and means statistically downscaled projections have to be interpreted with caution. However, aside from west of Andros Island, the projections for the two types of downscaling are mostly aligned; projected onset of ASB is within ±10 years for 72% of the reef locations.
Spatial and species compositional networks for inferring connectivity patterns in ecological communities
Authors: Layeghifard Mehdi , Makarenkov Vladimir , Peres‐Neto Pedro R.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Multiple spatial and non‐spatial processes are involved in determining the complex patterns underlying the spatial variation of individual species and their assemblages. This complexity, and the logistical challenges involved in following dispersal for multiple species across multiple sites, make it challenging to infer the processes underlying metacommunity spatial heterogeneity. The goal of our paper is to present a robust quantitative framework for inferring spatial patterns across multiple ecological communities.

Innovation

Unlike numerous metapopulation studies that have inferred migration rates based on landscape connectivity metrics which take into account the spatial positioning of occupied and empty patches, metacommunity studies have relied on spatial predictors built without considering such information. Here, we introduce a novel method called the multi‐species spatial network (MSSN) to detect and explain spatial variability in community assemblies using a graph‐theoretical approach. The MSSN approach can be best described as a reconciliation between the spatial positioning of sites and their patterns of patch occupation.

Main conclusions

Our simulation and real data analyses showed that our MSSN approach was better at detecting spatial patterns within metacommunities than the commonly used MEM method (Moran's eigenvector maps). In addition, our proposed framework is also useful in estimating the levels of spatial connectivity for each local community. Finally, our framework is flexible enough to incorporate different types of functions, metrics and algorithms to detect complex spatial patterns.
Phylogenetic relatedness within Neotropical fern communities increases with soil fertility
Authors: Lehtonen Samuli , Jones Mirkka M. , Zuquim Gabriela , Prado Jefferson , Tuomisto Hanna
Published: April 2015

Aim

To examine the relative importance of gradients in soil fertility and rainfall for the phylogenetic structure of Neotropical forest fern communities, and to quantify how much the results are affected by phylogenetic resolution.

Location

Tropical lowland forests in Brazil (central Amazonia) and Panama (the Panama canal watershed).

Methods

We inventoried local fern communities at a total of 87 sites to model how their species richness and phylogenetic relatedness varied along gradients in soil fertility and rainfall. We produced a time‐calibrated species‐level molecular phylogeny of ferns, and quantified the phylogenetic relatedness of species within local communities using Faith's phylogenetic diversity (PD) and mean phylogenetic diversity (MPD). Calculations were compared for phylogenies resolved to the species and genus levels.

Results

(1) We found significant and consistent effects of soil nutrient status on local phylogenetic community structure in both regions. In contrast, phylogenetic structure showed only a weak or no relationship with rainfall. (2) In both regions, MPD declined with increasing soil fertility, which means that fern communities on poor soils consisted, on average, of less closely related lineages than fern communities on rich soils. (3) Different fern genera were over‐represented in different sections of the soil nutrient gradient. (4) Qualitatively similar results were obtained whether phylogenies were resolved to the species or the genus level.

Main conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of edaphic variation in structuring plant communities over evolutionary time‐scales. Within the tropical forests studied, the effects of soil variation on local phylogenetic community structure seem to outweigh those of climate. Several fern genera show strong edaphic niche conservatism to either poor or rich soils, whereas many other genera have radiated to span a rather broad edaphic range. PD‐based measures are so dominated by deep relationships that genus‐level phylogenies are sufficient to investigate these patterns in tropical fern communities.
Forest structure and species traits mediate projected recruitment declines in westernUStree species
Authors: Dobrowski Solomon Z. , Swanson Alan K. , Abatzoglou John T. , Holden Zachary A. , Safford Hugh D. , Schwartz Mike K. , Gavin Daniel G.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Determine if differences in the climatic niche between conspecific adult and juvenile trees of the westernUnitesStates vary by species traits and to assess if forest canopies moderate the sensitivity of juvenile trees to climatic variation.

Location

The westernUnitesStates.

Methods

Using data from theUSDA ForestInventory andAnalysis programme, we compare the distribution of conspecific adult and juvenile trees for 62 westernUStree species. We relate demographic niche differences to species traits including shade and drought tolerance. We model recruitment under projected climate change using generalized linear mixed models, probabilistic uncertainty accounting, forest structural data and projected changes in the climatic water balance.

Results

On average juveniles of westernUStree species occupy a climatic subset of their conspecific adults. Demographic niche differences increase as species shade and drought tolerance increase and are greatest at climatic range margins, indicating the potential for range contractions. Models calibrated solely with climate data project recruitment declines for 2080 that are 47% larger on average than models that also account for forest structure.

Main conclusions

Climate change‐driven declines in recruitment in westernUStree species may be partly offset by the moderating effect of forest canopies. The importance of this stabilizing process will depend on whether a given site is disturbed and the traits of resident species, including their ability to utilize sites that have buffered microclimates. Conversely, our results suggest that broad‐scale disturbances which result in the loss of forest canopy will amplify the effects of climate change on tree recruitment.
Phylogenetic constraints and trait correlates of flowering phenology in the angiosperm flora of China
Authors: Du Yanjun , Mao Lingfeng , Queenborough Simon A. , Freckleton Robert P. , Chen Bin , Ma Keping
Published: April 2015

Aim

The phylogenetic constraint hypothesis of flowering phenology states that closely related species flower at similar times of the year. We test this hypothesis for the Chinese angiosperm flora and assess additional effects of growth form, deciduousness, pollination mode and fruit type. We further examine whether the phylogenetic conservatism of flowering phenology tends to increase from tropical to temperate latitudes.

Location

China.

Methods

The midpoint of flowering time for 19,631 angiosperm species present in China was compiled. The phylogenetic signal for flowering time was evaluated for the whole country using the Blomberg K‐value (adjusted for circular data). We then regressed the phylogenetic signal for 28 provinces as a function of their latitude. An analysis of variance for circular data was conducted to test the differences among growth forms. Watson–Williams tests for circular flowering data were used to compare flowering dates between deciduous and evergreen species, animal‐pollinated and wind‐pollinated species, and fleshy and non‐fleshy fruits.

Results

The results support the phylogenetic constraint hypothesis. The phylogenetic signal at the whole country scale was lower than that at the province scale. Phylogenetic signal was also lower at tropical latitudes than at temperate latitudes. Flowering dates were associated with biological traits, with growth form having the largest effect.

Main conclusions

Flowering phenology was constrained by phylogeny, and so one should account for phylogeny when studying the underlying drivers of phenology. The strength of phylogenetic conservatism appears weaker at larger scales and becomes stronger towards temperate regions. Flowering phenology also varies predictably according to biological traits such as growth form, suggesting that both phylogeny and traits could be used to inform the flowering times of species for which no phenology data are available. It remains to be tested whether the phylogenetic signal for other functional traits putatively related with flowering time also increases with latitude.
Evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Watanabe Sumio , Hashimoto Etsuko , Ikejima Kenichi , Uto Hirofumi , Ono Masafumi , Sumida Yoshio , Seike Masataka , Takei Yoshiyuki , Takehara Tetsuo , Tokushige Katsutoshi , Nakajima Atsushi , Yoneda Masashi , Saibara Toshiji , Shiota Goshi , Sakaida Isao , Nakamuta Makoto , Mizuta Toshihiko , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Sugano Kentaro , Shimosegawa Tooru
Published: April 2015

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common cause of chronic liver disease in industrialized countries worldwide, and has become a serious public health issue not only in Western countries but also in many Asian countries including Japan. Within the wide spectrum of NAFLD, non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of disease, which often develops into liver cirrhosis and increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. In turn, a large proportion of NAFLD/NASH is the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome, suggesting that NAFLD/NASH plays a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic atherosclerotic diseases. Currently, a definite diagnosis of NASH requires liver biopsy, though various non‐invasive measures are under development. The mainstays of prevention and treatment of NAFLD/NASH include dietary restriction and exercise; however, pharmacological approaches are often necessary. Currently, vitamin E and thiazolidinedione derivatives are the most evidence‐based therapeutic options, although the clinical evidence for long‐term efficacy and safety is limited. This practice guideline for NAFLD/NASH, established by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology in cooperation with The Japan Society of Hepatology, covers lines of clinical evidence reported internationally in the period starting from 1983 through January 2012, and each clinical question was evaluated using the GRADE system. Based on the primary release of the full version in Japanese, this English summary provides the core essentials of this clinical practice guideline comprising the definition, diagnosis, and current therapeutic recommendations for NAFLD/NASH in Japan.
Teenage mothers of black and minority ethnic origin want access to a range of mental and physical health support: a participatory research approach
Authors: Muzik Maria , Kirk Rosalind , Alfafara Emily , Jonika Jennifer , Waddell Rachel
Published: March 2015

Background

In high risk, economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods, such as those primarily resident by black and minority ethnic groups (BME), teenage pregnancies are relatively more frequent. Such families often have limited access to and/or knowledge of services, including prenatal and post‐partum physical and mental health support.

Objective

To explore preferences held by vulnerable young mothers of BME origin and those close to them about existing and desired perinatal health services.

Design, setting and participants

Drawing on a community‐based participatory approach, a community steering committee with local knowledge and experience of teenage parenthood shaped and managed an exploratory qualitative study. In collaboration with a local agency and academic research staff, community research assistants conducted two focus groups with 19 members and 21 individual semi‐structured interviews with young mothers of BME origin and their friends or relatives. These were coded, thematically analysed, interpreted and subsequently triangulated through facilitator and participant review and discussion.

Results

Despite perceptions of a prevalent local culture of mistrust and suspicion, a number of themes and accompanying recommendations emerged. These included a lack of awareness by mothers of BME origin about current perinatal health services, as well as programme inaccessibility and inadequacy. There was a desire to engage with a continuum of comprehensive and well‐publicized, family‐focused perinatal health services. Participants wanted inclusion of maternal mental health and parenting support that addressed the whole family.

Conclusions

It is both ethical and equitable that comprehensive perinatal services are planned and developed following consultation and participation of knowledgeable community members including young mothers of BME origin, family and friends.
Macro‐creatine kinase: a neglected cause of elevated creatine kinase
Authors: Aljuani F. , Tournadre A. , Cecchetti S. , Soubrier M. , Dubost J. J.
Published: April 2015

Macro‐creatine kinase (macro‐CK) is a neglected cause of raised CK. Over a 10‐year period, we observed five cases. Three patients had macro‐CK type 1. One patient with fibromyalgia underwent several explorations to find a muscular pathology; another, who had elevated CK‐MB (muscle–brain fraction) activity, was referred to a cardiologist, and statin therapy was erroneously discontinued in two patients. Two patients had macro‐CK type 2: a man with a neuroendocrine carcinoma and a woman with rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis of type 1 obviates the need to carry out pointless and expensive investigations seeking a neuromuscular or cardiac pathology, and also, the unwarranted discontinuation of statin therapy. Type 2 must prompt investigations for a neoplasm.
Strong Effect of Oxygen Partial Pressure on Electrical Properties of 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 Thin Films
Authors: Lin Qianru , Wang Danyang , Li Sean
Published: March 2015

0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BCZT) epitaxial thin films were grown on SrRuO3 (SRO) coated (001)‐oriented SrTiO3 (STO) single crystal substrates by pulsed laser deposition under different oxygen partial pressures in the processing of deposition. The effects of oxygen partial pressure on structure, cation stoichiometry, surface morphology, leakage current behavior, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties were investigated. Both the lattice parameters and (Ba + Ca)/(Ti + Zr) cation ratio decrease with increasing oxygen partial pressure. The BCZT thin film with the ideal cation stoichiometry was obtained under 200 mTorr, giving rise to a remanent polarization Pr = 14.5 μC/cm2 and effective piezoelectric coefficient d33 = 96 ± 5 pm/V.
Community‐based livestock breeding programmes: essentials and examples
Authors: Mueller J.P. , Rischkowsky B. , Haile A. , Philipsson J. , Mwai O. , Besbes B. , Valle Zárate A. , Tibbo M. , Mirkena T. , Duguma G. , Sölkner J. , Wurzinger M.
Published: March 2015

Breeding programmes described as community‐based (CBBP) typically relate to low‐input systems with farmers having a common interest to improve and share their genetic resources. CBBPs are more frequent with keepers of small ruminants, in particular smallholders of local breeds, than with cattle, pigs or chickens with which farmers may have easier access to alternative programmes. Constraints that limit the adoption of conventional breeding technologies in low‐input systems cover a range of organizational and technical aspects. The analysis of 8 CBBPs located in countries of Latin‐America, Africa and Asia highlights the importance of bottom‐up approaches and involvement of local institutions in the planning and implementation stages. The analysis also reveals a high dependence of these programmes on organizational, technical and financial support. Completely self‐sustained CBBPs seem to be difficult to realize. There is a need to implement and document formal socio‐economic evaluations of CBBPs to provide governments and other development agencies with the information necessary for creating sustainable CBBPs at larger scales.
Some aspects of design and analysis of selection programmes in aquaculture species
Authors: Li Y. , Ponzoni R.W.
Published: March 2015

The aquaculture industry is one of the fastest growing animal food‐producing sectors in the world, largely driven by an increasing demand for high‐quality protein from developing countries. However, the majority of cultured production of aquatic species currently relies heavily on the collection of wild animals for use as broodstock. Aquatic animal domestication and genetic selection programmes in controlled environments are essential to enable the provision of a continued supply of high‐quality food for an ever‐expanding world population. Professor John James' significant contributions to the genetic improvement of conventional livestock species are well known. By contrast, his contributions to the aquaculture industry are less well known, especially in the areas of design and conduct of selective breeding programmes in aquatic animal species. In this study, we focus on a few aspects of aquaculture genetics to which Professor James made substantial contributions. His outstanding ability to comprehend, clarify and simplify complex problems with easy‐to‐understand mathematical derivations is clearly demonstrated in the areas of large‐scale strain comparisons, genotype‐by‐environment interactions (GxE), transformations and interpretation of selection response, as well as in the treatment of economic aspects of designing breeding programmes.
grain: a computer program to calculate ancestral and partial inbreeding coefficients using a gene dropping approach
Authors: Baumung R. , Farkas J. , Boichard D. , Mészáros G. , Sölkner J. , Curik I.
Published: March 2015

GRain is freely available software intended to enable and promote testing of hypotheses with respect to purging and heterogeneity of inbreeding depression. The program is based on a stochastic approach, the gene dropping method, and calculates various coefficients from large and complex pedigrees. GRain calculates, together with the ‘classical’ inbreeding coefficient, ancestral inbreeding coefficients proposed by Ballou, (1997) J. Hered., 88, 169 and Kalinowski et al., (2000) Conserv. Biol., 14, 1375 as well as an ancestral history coefficient (AHC), defined here for the first time. AHC is defined as the number that tells how many times during pedigree segregation (gene dropping) a randomly taken allele has been in IBD status. Furthermore, GRain enables testing of heterogeneity and/or purging of inbreeding depression with respect to different founders/ancestors by calculating partial coefficients for all previously obtained coefficients.
Comparison of breeding objectives across countries with application to sheep indexes in New Zealand and Ireland
Authors: Santos B.F.S. , McHugh N. , Byrne T.J. , Berry D.P. , Amer P.R.
Published: March 2015

Breeding objectives and selection indexes underpin the direction, the extent and the economic implications of selection in livestock populations under specific production systems. The objective of this study was to describe the methodology to calculate correlations between national selection indexes and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing responses in economically important traits in both the New Zealand and Irish sheep industries. Moderate to strong correlations were calculated among indexes within and between countries, with the strongest correlation (0.86) between the New Zealand and Irish maternal indexes. In both countries, responses to selection in the maternal indexes are largely driven by growth traits; each index, however, has a different balance of traits. Ewe mature weight also accounts for an important proportion of overall response and has significant emphasis in both maternal indexes. The majority of emphasis in terminal indexes of both countries is on growth and meat traits. Results from this study indicate that differences between national breeding objectives are unlikely to be a barrier to exchange of gene stocks among countries. Future research should investigate the extent to which genotype‐by‐environment (G×E) interactions exist at the level of individual traits. The methodology presented in this study is robust and represents an opportunity to inform the potential merits of international exchange of germplasm.
Genetic contributions and their optimization
Authors: Woolliams J.A. , Berg P. , Dagnachew B.S. , Meuwissen T.H.E.
Published: March 2015

Genetic contributions were first formalized in 1958 by James and McBride (Journal of Genetics, 56, 55–62) and have since been shown to provide a unifying framework for theories of gain and inbreeding. As such they have underpinned the development of methods that provide the most effective combination of maximizing gain whilst managing inbreeding and loss of genetic variation. It is shown how this optimum contribution technology can be developed from theory and adapted to provide practical selection protocols for a wide variety of situations including overlapping generations and multistage selection. The natural development of the theory to incorporate genomic selection and genomic control of inbreeding is also shown.
Late Pleistocene molecular dating of past population fragmentation and demographic changes in African rain forest tree species supports the forest refuge hypothesis
Authors: Duminil Jérôme , Mona Stefano , Mardulyn Patrick , Doumenge Charles , Walmacq Frédéric , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Hardy Olivier J.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Phylogeographical signatures of past population fragmentation and demographic change have been reported in several African rain forest trees. These signatures have usually been interpreted in the light of the Pleistocene forest refuge hypothesis, although dating these events has remained impracticable because of inadequate genetic markers. We assess the timing of interspecific and intraspecific genetic differentiation and demographic changes within two rain forest Erythrophleum tree species (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae).

Location

Tropical forests of Upper Guinea (West Africa) and Lower Guinea (Atlantic Central Africa).

Methods

Six single‐copy nuclear genes were used to characterize the phylogeographical patterns of the parapatric sister species Erythrophleum suaveolens (characteristic of semi‐deciduous or gallery forests) and Erythrophleum ivorense (characteristic of evergreen forests). The number of gene pools within each species was determined and the timings of their divergence and past demographic changes were estimated using Bayesian‐based coalescent approaches.

Results

Three geographically separated gene pools were identified within E. suaveolens, and a single gene pool was inferred in E. ivorense. All gene pools show signatures of demographic bottlenecks concomitant with the last glacial period (c. 120–12 ka). Species‐tree inferences show that the two species diverged c. 600 ka, whereas the divergence between E. suaveolens gene pools was dated to the late Pleistocene (first divergence c. 120 ka, second c. 60 ka).

Main conclusions

(1) Molecular dating of demographic changes of two African tropical forest tree species is consistent with the Pleistocene forest refuge hypothesis. (2) Tree species from Guinean evergreen tropical forests might have been less affected by past climate change than semi‐deciduous species. (3) Our phylogeographical data support a recent date (Holocene) of the last opening of the Dahomey Gap.
FIB‐SEM tomography of human skin telocytes and their extracellular vesicles
Authors: Cretoiu Dragos , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Hummel Eric , Zimmermann Hans , Simionescu Olga , Popescu Laurentiu M.
Published: March 2015

We have shown in 2012 the existence of telocytes (TCs) in human dermis. TCs were described by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as interstitial cells located in non‐epithelial spaces (stroma) of many organs (see www.telocytes.com). TCs have very long prolongations (tens to hundreds micrometers) named Telopodes (Tps). These Tps have a special conformation with dilated portions named podoms (containing mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and caveolae) and very thin segments (below resolving power of light microscopy), called podomers. To show the real 3D architecture of TC network, we used the most advanced available electron microscope technology: focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) tomography. Generally, 3D reconstruction of dermal TCs by FIB‐SEM tomography revealed the existence of Tps with various conformations: (i) long, flattened irregular veils (ribbon‐like segments) with knobs, corresponding to podoms, and (ii) tubular structures (podomers) with uneven calibre because of irregular dilations (knobs) – the podoms. FIB‐SEM tomography also showed numerous extracellular vesicles (diameter 438.6 ± 149.1 nm, n = 30) released by a human dermal TC. Our data might be useful for understanding the role(s) of TCs in intercellular signalling and communication, as well as for comprehension of pathologies like scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, etc.
Testing the interactive effects of carotenoids and polyunsaturated fatty acids on ejaculate traits in the guppy Poecilia reticulata (Pisces: Poeciliidae)
Authors: Rahman M. M. , Gasparini C. , Turchini G. M. , Evans J. P.
Published: March 2015

Using the polyandrous livebearing guppy Poecilia reticulata, this study revealed no main effects of carotenoids in the diet on ejaculate traits, but significant main effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on sperm viability and weak but significant interacting effects of both nutrients on sperm length. Collectively, these findings not only add evidence that PUFAs are critical determinants of sperm quality, but also provide tentative evidence that for some traits these effects may be moderated by carotenoid intake.
Milling of Glutinous Rice by Semidry Method to Produce Sweet Dumplings
Authors: Tong Li‐Tao , Gao Xiaoxu , Zhou Xianrong , Zhong Kui , Liu Liya , Wang Lili , Zhou Sumei
Published: April 2015

To investigate the effects of semidry milling method on the quality attributes of glutinous rice flour and sweet dumpling, the glutinous rice flour were prepared by wet, dry and semidry milling, respectively. As a result, the content of damaged starch in dry‐milled rice flour was significantly higher than that in wet‐milled rice flour (P < 0.05). When the rice was tempered to 33% moisture, the content of damaged starch of semidry‐milled glutinous rice flour was the same as that of wet milling. The wet‐milled rice flour and semidry‐milled glutinous rice flour at 33% moisture showed similar microstructures. The semidry milling at 33% moisture had properties of texture and cooking of sweet dumplings similar to wet milling. These results indicated that the semidry milling at 33% moisture showed protective effects on the characteristics of glutinous rice flour and qualities of sweet dumplings by reducing the degree of starch damage and protecting the integrity of the starch granules.

Practical Applications

The findings in the present study demonstrated the beneficial effects of semidry milling method on the qualities of glutinous rice flour and sweet dumplings. The semidry milling at 33% moisture showed better characteristics of glutinous rice flour and qualities of sweet dumplings by reducing the degree of starch damage and protecting the integrity of the starch granules. Therefore, the present study demonstrated a new milling method comparable to wet milling for standardization and large‐scale industrial production of sweet dumplings.
Pretreatment prediction of symptom response to proton pump inhibitor therapy
Authors: Nagahara Akihito , Miwa Hiroto , Asaoka Daisuke , Shimada Yuji , Sasaki Hitoshi , Matsumoto Kenshi , Osada Taro , Hojo Mariko , Watanabe Sumio
Published: April 2015

Background and Aim

This prospective pilot study investigated whether it is possible to predict the therapeutic response in both the early phase (1 week) and sustained phase (4 weeks) before starting proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for functional dyspepsia (FD) or non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD).

Methods

We administered rabeprazole 10 mg for 4 weeks to NERD/FD patients, who also answered a modified version of the Frequency Scale for Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (FSSG), which added a pain score to the FSSG. Total score (TS), reflux score (RS), dysmotility score (DS), and pain score (PS) were analyzed. Symptom improvement was defined as ≥ 50% improvement in each score.

Results

We enrolled 83 patients (age [mean ± SD] 50.8 ± 15.8 years, 29 males, 54 females), of whom 62 could be classified into four groups: achieved symptom improvement within 1 week and maintained it for 4 weeks (Early‐R, 40.3%); achieved symptom improvement within 1 week but lost it after 4 weeks (Temp‐R, 9.7%); did not achieve symptom improvement within 1 week but did after 4 weeks (Late‐R, 9.7%); and no improvement (Non‐R, 40.3%). Mean TS, RS, DS, and PS in the Non‐R group were significantly higher than in the Early‐R group (23.9, 10.5, 11.0, and 2.4 vs 14.3, 6.8, 6.4, and 1.2). However, the Temp‐R, Late‐R, and Non‐R groups could not be distinguished by TS, RS, or DS.

Conclusion

The magnitude of the pretreatment modified FSSG score seemed to be associated with the response at 1 week and 4 weeks.
Clinical features of eosinophilic esophagitis: Differences between Asian and Western populations
Authors: Ishimura Norihisa , Shimura Shino , Jiao Dijin , Mikami Hironobu , Okimoto Eiko , Uno Goichi , Aimi Masahito , Oshima Naoki , Ishihara Shunji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: April 2015

The prevalence and incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) have been rapidly increasing in Western countries. It is thought to be more common among Caucasians than other racial or ethnic groups, but epidemiological studies have not been fully evaluated in Asian populations, and its clinical manifestation is rarely documented. In this review, recent reports regarding EoE in Asian countries have been collected, and differences in the clinical features, including symptoms and endoscopic findings, between Asian and Western populations have been evaluated. In Asia, EoE is still much less prevalent than in Western countries. Baseline values for average age, male/female ratio, and personal history of allergic disease were comparable to those in Western populations. Predominant symptoms were dysphagia, and food impaction was extremely rare among Asian patients. Although the frequency of abnormal endoscopic findings varies among studies, over 90% of patients with EoE have shown abnormal findings such as linear furrow, which is the most common findings, in recent prospective studies in Asia. There are few reports regarding the treatment of EoE and no prospective studies evaluating drugs or elimination diet in patient with EoE have been reported in Asia. Overall, EoE had similar clinical characteristics in Asian populations. Because the incidence of EoE could increase in the future with the increase in allergic disorders in Asian countries, large‐scale, nationwide prospective studies should be performed to more fully understand the epidemiology and pathophysiology of EoE in Asian populations.
Social Organization as the Framework for Interpreting Demographic Measures of Urban Emigration among the Canela of South Central Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Fisher William H.
Published: March 2015

Este trabajo procura indagar en las razones por las cuales, a pesar de décadas de familiaridad, oportunidad y establecimiento de redes sociales que conectan áreas urbanas y rurales, sólo una fracción de los casi 2.000 Ramkôkamekra Canela del Maranhão, Brasil, se ha trasladado a las ciudades. La evidencia histórica y etnográfica resalta la importancia de las interacciones con vecinos regionales y con autoridades estaduales y federales para lograr la supervivencia de una tribu. La historia de estas interacciones regionales demuestran que las mitades con clases de edad y la autoridad derivada de la posición jerárquica dentro de dichos grupos continúan siendo cauces para la influencia colectiva y personal dentro del ámbito urbano. Dentro de la economía política regional, el sistema ceremonial Canela produce individuos de elevado estatus que sirven de intermediarios con la élite local no‐indígena. La organización ceremonial configura las motivaciones personales y, al mismo tiempo, las formas organizacionales que reúnen los fondos sociales distribuidos por el gobierno federal y estadual, y el dinero resultante de la venta de recursos naturales y productos de las tierras indígenas. Este trabajo analiza cómo estos factores desincentivan la migración.
The impact of depression on fatigue in patients with haemodialysis: a correlational study
Authors: Bai Yu‐Ling , Lai Liu‐Yuan , Lee Bih‐O , Chang Yong‐Yuan , Chiou Chou‐Ping
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectives

To investigate the fatigue levels and important fatigue predictors for patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Background

Fatigue is a common symptom for haemodialysis patients. With its debilitating and distressing effects, it impacts patients in terms of their quality of life while also increasing their mortality rate.

Design

A descriptive correlational study.

Methods

Convenience sampling was conducted at six chosen haemodialysis centres in Southern Taiwan. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire from 193 haemodialysis patients. The scales involved in this study were socio‐demographic details, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Fatigue Scale for haemodialysis patients. Data analysis included percentages, means, standard deviations and hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

Results

The fatigue level for haemodialysis patients was in the moderate range. Results from the hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that age, employment status, types of medications, physical activity and depression were significant. Of those variables, depression had the greatest impact on the patients' fatigue level, accounting for up to 30·6% of the explanatory power. The total explanatory power of the regression model was 64·2%.

Conclusion

This study determined that for haemodialysis patients, unemployment, increased age, taking more medications or lower exercise frequencies resulted in more severe depression, which translated in turn to higher levels of fatigue. Among all these factors, depression had the greatest impact on the patients' fatigue levels.

Relevance to clinical practice

Not only is this finding beneficial to future studies on fatigue as a source of reference, it is also helpful in our understanding of important predictors relating to fatigue in the everyday lives of haemodialysis patients. It is recommended that when caring for fatigued patients, more care should be dedicated to their psychological states, and assistance should be provided in a timely way so as to reduce the amount of fatigue suffered.
Rare case of giant cystic adenomyoma mimicking a uterine malformation, diagnosed and treated by hysteroscopy
Authors: Pontrelli Giovanni , Bounous Valentina Elisabetta , Scarperi Stefano , Minelli Luca , Di Spiezio Sardo Attilio , Florio Pasquale
Published: April 2015

We describe a case of giant cystic uterine adenomyoma that was diagnosed and treated by hysteroscopy. In a 27‐year‐old woman with menometrorrhagia, severe dysmenorrhea, and chronic pelvic pain, pelvic ultrasonography revealed an enlarged uterine cavity filled with homogeneous low echogenic fluid content. A large cornual hematometra of 8.0 cm in diameter in a bicornuate uterus was suspected, and this hypothesis was also supported by magnetic resonance imaging findings. On the contrary, hysteroscopy revealed a bilocular huge cystic lesion of the posterior uterine wall that was removed by means of monopolar loop resection. The operative finding and the histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of cystic adenomyoma of the uterus. Hysteroscopy may represent a valid tool for diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of cystic adenomyoma, including those of large volume. Its use is helpful in differential diagnosis between cystic adenomyoma and uterine malformations as a possible cause of pelvic pain.
Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Under 6 kg and Premature Infants
Authors: BASPINAR OSMAN , SAHIN DERYA AYDIN , SULU AYSE , IRDEM AHMET , GOKASLAN GOKHAN , SIVASLI ERCAN , KILINC METIN
Published: April 2015

Background

Transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has always been considered risky for infants weighing <6 kg and preterms. We present our findings regarding transcatheter closures of PDA.

Methods

The inclusion criteria were a weight of <6 kg and the presence of PDA symptoms. The study subjects were divided into two groups: <6 kg and premature infants.

Results

A total of 69 infants were included. The mean ages and weights of the <6 kg and the preterms were 5.4 ± 2.7 months and 30.3 ± 19.9 days, and 4.6 ± 0.8 and 1.7 ± 0.3 kg, respectively. Type C PDAs were most frequently observed in the premature group, and type A was in <6 kg. Sixteen of the patients were premature infants, and 81.2% of them had an extremely low birth weight. All of the premature infants had comorbidities, and had been receiving respiratory support therapy. Transcatheter closure was successfully completed in 81.2% of the premature infants and 94.3% of the <6‐kg infants. Major complications occurred in 4 patients (one death and three device embolizations). The patient's age was found to be the main risk factor. The most frequently used device was the Amplatzer duct occluder II in additional sizes (84.6%) in the preterms and the Amplatzer duct occluder I (34%) and II (34%) in the <6‐kg group.

Conclusion

The transcatheter closure of PDA is relatively safe and effective in preterms and in infants <6 kg. The selection of a suitable device based on the type of PDA is critical to the success of the procedure.
Sourcing from the Enemy: Horizontal Subcontracting in Highway Procurement
Authors: Marion Justin
Published: March 2015

I empirically consider the effect of horizontal subcontracting on firm bidding strategies in California highway construction auctions. Subcontractors are hired by prime contractors prior to the auction, and the subcontractor may also be a competitor in the primary auction. While horizontal subcontracting may improve productive efficiency, it softens the horizontal subcontractor's bid strategy, since winning the auction may entail losing subcontracting business. I find that while each additional competitor supplied by the firm is estimated to increase its bid by 1.4 per cent, the winning bid is uncorrelated with horizontal subcontracting. This points toward an efficiency motive for cross‐supply.
Choosing between Order‐of‐Entry Assumptions in Empirical Entry Models: Evidence from Competition between Burger King and McDonald's Restaurant Outlets
Authors: Gayle Philip G. , Luo Zijun
Published: March 2015

We demonstrate how a non‐nested statistical test developed by Vuong [1989] can be used to assess the suitability of alternate order‐of‐entry assumptions used for identification purposes in empirical entry models. As an example, we estimate an entry model of McDonald's and Burger King restaurant outlets in United States. The data set focuses on relatively small ‘isolated’ markets. For these markets, the non‐nested tests suggest that order‐of‐entry assumptions that give Burger King outlets a first‐mover advantage are statistically preferred. Last, a Monte Carlo experiment provides encouraging results suggesting that the Vuong‐type test yields reliable results within the entry model framework.
Recruitment patterns and potential mechanisms of community assembly in an Andean cloud forest
Authors: Ledo Alicia , Cayuela Luis , Manso Rubén , Condés Sonia
Published: April 2015

Question

What are the conditions necessary for the establishment and development of seedlings and an early stage sapling community in an old‐growth cloud forest? Cloud forests are one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world; however, recruitment patterns in these forests remain largely unknown.

Location

Cloud Forest, Northern Peruvian Andes.

Methods

We constructed a sapling community model through the unconstrained technique of non‐metric multidimensional scaling. We related the distribution of saplings of each species to the distance from conspecific adult (potential parent) trees through a point pattern analysis. We also used zero‐inflated Poisson models to investigate the relationship between sapling distributions and environmental conditions and forest structure.

Results

We found that recruitment in woody plant species tends to be widely spread throughout the forest. The distribution of some sapling species was either positively or negatively related to the position of adult conspecific trees. Several species tended to occur within particular microhabitat conditions, with some differentiation between canopy and understorey species.

Conclusions

Cloud forest species recruitment may require the cover provided by the forest canopy. Under closed canopy conditions, both dispersal assembly and niche assembly mechanisms appear to simultaneously influence sapling distribution. The different strategies of various species may result in a trade‐off between the importance of microhabitat conditions and distance mechanisms, with one prevailing over the other, depending on species and forest structure conditions.
Business Cycle Spillovers in theEuropeanUnion: What is the Message Transmitted to the Core?
Authors: Antonakakis Nikolaos , Chatziantoniou Ioannis , Filis George
Published: April 2015

We examine business cycle spillovers in the European Union over the period 1977–2014. The results of our analysis reveal that: (i) The total spillover indices are of high magnitude and very responsive to extreme economic events. (ii) The direction and magnitude of spillovers among group members (i.e. Eurozone core, Eurozone periphery, new Euro Area countries and non‐European Monetary Union countries) is changing overtime. (iii) The widening of the European debt crisis can be explained by business cycle shocks in the whole Eurozone periphery. Thus, appropriate macroprudential stabilization policies aiming to steer peripheral economies towards growth should be formulated.
Postnatal development of franciscana's (Pontoporia blainvillei) biosonar relevant structures with potential implications for function, life history, and bycatch
Authors: Frainer Guilherme , Huggenberger Stefan , Moreno Ignacio Benites
Published: April 2015

Franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) are the most endangered species of the western South Atlantic Ocean. The major cause of their vulnerability is incidental bycatch in fishery gill nets. Ontogenetic changes of biosonar relevant structures in Pontoporia were analyzed in five specimens (one female neonate, two male neonates and two male adults) using digital imaging technology (MRI, CT) and macroscopic dissections to compare structures involved in sound production and reception. These data were compared to an ontogenetic series of 69 macerated skulls of Pontoporia in order to elucidate the correlation between soft tissue structures and bones of the epicranial complex and to describe the development‐related changes in the mandible. Postnatal developmental shape changes of the posterior part of the right vestibular air sac followed bone formation and the melon with its right branch elongated, paralleling the flatter facial depression of adults. Minor postnatal developmental modifications were verified in the tympano‐periotic complex but a shape change of the mandible was visible by a ventral deviation of the posterior part of the mandible in adults. These results reveal postnatal changes in allometry and shape of biosonar relevant structures that may be one of the causes that increase bycatch of neonate and young Pontoporia individuals.
Managerial Mediation Competency: A Mixed‐Method Study
Authors: Poitras Jean , Hill Kevin , Hamel Virginie , Pelletier Francis‐Benoît
Published: April 2015

Managerial conflict resolution skills such as mediation have often been poorly defined and measured. We used a mixed‐method design to develop a managerial mediation competency scale. In our first study, we used semistructured interviews to identify managerial mediation skills and attitudes, from which we derived a framework for measuring managerial mediation competency. In our second study, we developed scale items and used a quantitative survey to test the scale's psychometric qualities and to gain insight into the theoretical structure of managerial mediation competency. Our managerial mediation competency scale can be used in research questionnaires or organizational surveys as a training, research, and theory development tool.