bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Retrospective Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Longevity Protocol for Assessing the Risk of Implant Failure
Authors: Testori Tiziano , Clauser Carlo , Deflorian Matteo , Capelli Matteo , Zuffetti Francesco , Fabbro Massimo Del
Published: June 2016

Background

A new, computerized diagnostic tool, called the Longevity Protocol, was recently developed to predict implant failure. The present retrospective analysis was undertaken to assess the prognostic validity of this protocol.

Materials and Methods

A selected group of patients who had been treated with implants over the past 10 years at six dental clinics and experienced implant failure were included in the analysis. Another group of patients with similar characteristics, not experiencing implant failure, was used as control. In April of 2015, data about each of the patients was entered into the Longevity Protocol database. For each patient, the risk assessment produced by the protocol was compared to whether the implants eventually failed. The implant failure predictions and actual implant failures were compared.

Results

The Longevity Protocol analyzed the possible failure of 595 implants placed in 221 patients (323 implants placed in 138 patients classified as low risk, 180 implants placed in 55 patients classified as moderate risk, and 92 implants placed in 28 patients classified as high risk). The actual percentage of implant failure in the three groups was 10%, 15%, and 22%, respectively. The differences between the groups were statistically significant.

The sensitivity and specificity of the Longevity Protocol was 84.9% and 11.90% in the high/moderate risk group and 47.17% and 32.74% in the low risk group, respectively.

Conclusions

Statistically significant results were obtained. The Longevity Protocol reliably identified patients who risked implant failure. The protocol appears to be an important tool for prognosis assessment.
Horizontal Ridge Augmentation using GBR with a Native Collagen Membrane and 1:1 Ratio of Particulated Xenograft and Autologous Bone: A 1‐Year Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Meloni Silvio Mario , Jovanovic Sascha A , Urban Istvan , Canullo Luigi , Pisano Milena , Tallarico Marco
Published: June 2016

Aim

To clinically and radiographically evaluate bone regeneration of severe horizontal bone defects.

Materials and Methods

This study was designed as a single cohort, prospective clinical trial. Partially or fully edentulous patients, having less then 4 mm of residual horizontal bone width were selected and consecutively treated with resorbable collagen membranes and a 1:1 mixture of particulated anorganic bovine bone and autogenous bone, 7 months before implant placement. Tapered body implants were inserted and loaded 3 to 6 months later with a screw retained crown or bridge. Outcomes were: implant survival rate, any biological and prosthetic complications, horizontal alveolar bone dimensional changes measured on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) taken at baseline and at implant insertion, peri‐implant marginal bone level changes measured on periapical radiographs, plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing index (BoP).

Results

Eighteen consecutive patients (11 females, 7 males) with a mean age of 56.8 years (range 24–78) and 22 treated sites received 55 regular platform implants. No patient dropped‐out and no implants failed during the entire follow‐up, resulting in a cumulative implant survival rate of 100%. No prosthetic or biological complications were recorded. Supraimposition of pre‐ and 7‐month post‐operative CBCT scans revealed an average horizontal bone gain of 5.03 ± 2.15 mm (95% CI: 4.13–5.92 mm). One year after final prosthesis delivery, mean marginal bone loss was 1.03 ± 0.21 mm (95% CI 0.83–1.17 mm). PI was 11.1% and BoP was 5.6%.

Conclusion

Within the limitation of the present study, high implant survival rate and high average bone augmentation seem to validate the use of collagen resorbable membranes with a 1:1 mixture of particulated anorganic bovine bone and autogenous bone, for the reconstruction of severe horizontal ridge defects.
Analysis of extraembryonic mesodermal structure formation in the absence of morphological primitive streak
Authors: Jin Jiu‐Zhen , Zhu Yuanqi , Warner Dennis , Ding Jixiang
Published: June 2016

During mouse gastrulation, the primitive streak is formed on the posterior side of the embryo. Cells migrate out of the primitive streak to form the future mesoderm and endoderm. Fate mapping studies revealed a group of cell migrate through the proximal end of the primitive streak and give rise to the extraembryonic mesoderm tissues such as the yolk sac blood islands and allantois. However, it is not clear whether the formation of a morphological primitive streak is required for the development of these extraembryonic mesodermal tissues. Loss of the Cripto gene in mice dramatically reduces, but does not completely abolish, Nodal activity leading to the absence of a morphological primitive streak. However, embryonic erythrocytes are still formed and assembled into the blood islands. In addition, Cripto mutant embryos form allantoic buds. However, Drap1 mutant embryos have excessive Nodal activity in the epiblast cells before gastrulation and form an expanded primitive streak, but no yolk sac blood islands or allantoic bud formation. Lefty2 embryos also have elevated levels of Nodal activity in the primitive streak during gastrulation, and undergo normal blood island and allantois formation. We therefore speculate that low level of Nodal activity disrupts the formation of morphological primitive streak on the posterior side, but still allows the formation of primitive streak cells on the proximal side, which give rise to the extraembryonic mesodermal tissues formation. Excessive Nodal activity in the epiblast at pre‐gastrulation stage, but not in the primitive streak cells during gastrulation, disrupts extraembryonic mesoderm development.
GAP junctional communication in brain secondary organizers
Authors: Bosone Camilla , Andreu Abraham , Echevarria Diego
Published: June 2016

Gap junctions (GJs) are integral membrane proteins that enable the direct cytoplasmic exchange of ions and low molecular weight metabolites between adjacent cells. They are formed by the apposition of two connexons belonging to adjacent cells. Each connexon is formed by six proteins, named connexins (Cxs). Current evidence suggests that gap junctions play an important part in ensuring normal embryo development. Mutations in connexin genes have been linked to a variety of human diseases, although the precise role and the cell biological mechanisms of their action remain almost unknown. Among the big family of Cxs, several are expressed in nervous tissue but just a few are expressed in the anterior neural tube of vertebrates. Many efforts have been made to elucidate the molecular bases of Cxs cell biology and how they influence the morphogenetic signal activity produced by brain signaling centers. These centers, orchestrated by transcription factors and morphogenes determine the axial patterning of the mammalian brain during its specification and regionalization. The present review revisits the findings of GJ composed by Cx43 and Cx36 in neural tube patterning and discuss Cx43 putative enrollment in the control of Fgf8 signal activity coming from the well known secondary organizer, the isthmic organizer.
Mini‐MACS: development of the Manual Ability Classification System for children younger than 4 years of age with signs of cerebral palsy
Authors: Eliasson Ann‐Christin , Ullenhag Anna , Wahlström Ulla , Krumlinde‐Sundholm Lena
Published: June 2016

Aim

To develop the Mini‐Manual Ability Classification System (Mini‐MACS) and to evaluate the extent to which its ratings are valid and reliable when children younger than 4 years are rated by their parents and therapists.

Method

The Mini‐MACS was created by making adjustments to the MACS. The development involved a pilot project, consensus discussions within an expert group, and the creation of a test version of the Mini‐MACS that was evaluated for content validity and interrater reliability. A convenience sample of 61 children with signs of cerebral palsy aged 12 to 51 months (mean age 30.2mo [SD 10.1]) were classified by one parent and two occupational therapists across a total of 64 assessments. Agreement between the parents' and therapists' ratings was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the percentage of agreement.

Results

The first sentence of the five levels in the MACS was kept, but other descriptions within the Mini‐MACS were adjusted to be more relevant for the younger age group. The ICC between parents and therapists was 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79–0.92), and for the two therapists it was 0.97 (95% CI 0.78–0.92). Most parents and therapists found the descriptions in the Mini‐MACS suitable and easy to understand.

Interpretation

The Mini‐MACS seems applicable for children from 1 to 4 years of age.
Use of modified Atkins diet in glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome
Authors: Amalou Sofiane , Gras Domitille , Ilea Adina , Greneche Marie‐Odile , Francois Laurent , Bellavoine Vanina , Delanoe Catherine , Auvin Stéphane
Published: June 2016

Aim

Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1‐DS) results from impaired glucose transport into the brain, and is treated with a ketogenic diet. A few reports have suggested effectiveness of treatment using the modified Atkins diet (MAD). We aimed to assess the efficacy of MAD as a treatment for GLUT1‐DS.

Method

We evaluated the efficacy of MAD in 10 patients (four males, six females; mean age at diagnosis [SD] 6.2y [1.7], min–max: 4mo–12y) with GLUT1‐DS.

Results

MAD was started at diagnosis in eight patients, including two infants. The mean duration (SD) under MAD was 2.5 [0.6] years (range 6mo–6y). Seven patients with epilepsy started MAD at GLUT1‐DS diagnosis, and all experienced improvements in their epilepsy: five out of seven were seizure‐free at M1, and three out of six at M3 and M6. The initiation of MAD allowed symptoms to be controlled in the three patients with movement disorders but without seizures. Two patients switched from the ketogenic diet to MAD. This switch was not responsible for the recurrence of any symptoms, and led to improvements in both physical abilities and growth parameters.

Interpretation

MAD, which is a less restrictive and more palatable diet than the ketogenic diet, seems to have comparable effectiveness. Moreover, a switch from the ketogenic diet to MAD appears to be beneficial for patients with GLUT1‐DS.
Fiscal Policy and Inflation in a Monetary Union
Authors: Cardoso‐Costa José‐Miguel , Lewis Vivien
Published: June 2016

We study optimal fiscal policies in a small monetary union country. The government uses nominal non‐state‐contingent debt and distortionary labour taxes to finance exogenous spending. Price levels differ across countries due to consumption home bias; thus fiscal policy influences inflation and the terms of trade. Prices are flexible. We show that, unlike in a country with an independent monetary policy, some variability in labour taxes is optimal. With nominal public debt there is an incentive to use taxes to inflate in bad times when debt levels are high, reminiscent of the optimal monetary policy result of Chari et al. ().
Foreign banks, financial crises and macroeconomic fluctuations
Authors: Önder Zeynep , Özyıldırım Süheyla
Published: June 2016

Understanding the implications of increased foreign bank presence is especially compelling in periods of financial crisis. In this paper, we explore this issue by examining the relationship between the involvement of foreign banks in the banking systems and the volatility of key macroeconomic variables in normal and crisis periods. Using a sample of 20 Emerging European countries from 1998 to 2013, we find that an increase in the assets of foreign banks in the banking system reduces output and consumption growth volatility in general but does not significantly affect the volatility of investments. However, these banks were found to play a significant role in increasing output, consumption and investment volatility in 2009. Our findings suggest that foreign banks’ harmful impact during the global crisis was only temporary and that they seem to help Emerging European countries stabilize macroeconomic volatility in normal times and after the global crisis.
Attraction of female fungus gnats, Lycoriella ingenua, to mushroom‐growing substrates and the green mold Trichoderma aggressivum
Authors: Cloonan Kevin R. , Andreadis Stefanos S. , Baker Thomas C.
Published: June 2016

To evaluate the attractiveness of several mushroom‐growing substrates to the female mushroom fly Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour) (Diptera: Sciaridae), a pest of the cultivated white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (JE Lange) Emil J Imbach (Agaricales), we developed a two‐choice, static‐flow olfactometer. Behavioral assays using this olfactometer indicated that mushroom compost with A. bisporus mycelia growing in it was not more attractive than compost lacking growing mycelia. We also found that female flies were more attracted to compost lacking A. bisporus mycelia than to the actual commodity, the white button mushroom fruiting bodies. Flies were not, however, attracted to sterilized compost, suggesting the attraction is due to volatiles produced by microbial metabolism in the compost. We also found that female L. ingenua flies were attracted to the mycoparasitic green mold Trichoderma aggressivum Samuels & W Gams (Hypocreales). Flies preferred mushroom compost that had T. aggressivum growing in it over compost lacking T. aggressivum, providing an experimental outcome consistent with the anecdotal belief that L. ingenua flies are vectors of T. aggressivum spores that can infest mushroom‐growing houses.
Laboratory evaluation of Lactobacillus johnsonii CRL1647 metabolites for biological control of Musca domestica
Authors: Torres María Julia , Rocha Voyko Flores , Audisio Marcela Carina
Published: June 2016

The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a key problem in animal producing and rearing areas. Currently, the use and abuse of chemical pest‐control compounds has generated resistance in M. domestica and, hence, new approaches are required. In this work, the potential entomopathogenic activity of Lactobacillus johnsonii Fujisawa et al. CRL1647 was evaluated against M. domestica, under laboratory conditions. Bioassays were done for three consecutive years using bacterial cell suspensions (CS) and cell‐free supernatants (CFS) under controlled conditions (27 ± 1 °C, 57 ± 2% r.h., and L12:D12 photoperiod). Both the CS and CFS displayed high levels of larvicidal (96%) and pupicidal (97%) activities. Chemical characterization of the CFS revealed that the bioactive metabolites are acidic compounds, not affected by thermal treatment or by trypsin. Organic acids were identified and quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); only lactic acid (129.7 ± 1.0 mM), acetic acid (37.3 ± 0.8 mM), and phenyllactic acid (0.3 ± 0.1 mM) were detected. A significant decrease in fecundity of the house flies was observed in females from larvae fed on CFS; male fertility was not affected. Interestingly, only the mixture of organic acids exerted the biological effects. These results suggest that the metabolites synthesized by L. johnsonii CRL1647 can be used in a novel biocontrol strategy against house flies.
Conspecific females promote calling behavior in the noctuid moth, Pseudaletia adultera
Authors: Rehermann Guillermo , Altesor Paula , McNeil Jeremy N. , González Andrés
Published: June 2016

Changes in female calling behavior in response to the presence of conspecific pheromones (pheromone autodetection) have been demonstrated in a number of moth species. However, the observed changes vary between species, and several ecological and adaptive explanations for autodetection have been proposed. We studied the effect of conspecific females on the calling behavior of the noctuid moth Pseudaletia adultera (Schaus) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae, Hadenini), by comparing the age of first calling, as well as the onset and pattern of calling, when females were held individually or in the presence of conspecifics. Grouped females started calling at a lower age, a higher percentage of females called during the scotophase, and they called longer compared to females held in isolation. We also demonstrated that female antennae respond to each of the three main components of the sex pheromone – (Z)‐11‐hexadecen‐1‐ol, (Z)‐11‐hexadecen‐1‐yl acetate, and (Z)‐11‐hexadecenal – and that the response patterns differed from those of male antennae. By calling more and extending her calling window in presence of conspecific females, a female may increase her chances of accessing males. However, the potential benefits need to be considered within an ecological context, considering factors such as migration, oviposition, and foraging.
Present‐self, past‐self and the close‐other: neural correlates of assigning trait adjectives to oneself and others
Authors: Kotlewska Ilona , Nowicka Anna
Published: June 2016

Information regarding the past‐self may be viewed as information referring to other people. However, evidence supporting this notion at the neural level is rather sparse and it remains unclear whether the past‐self is processed like any ‘other’ or like the close‐other only. The aim of this event‐related potential study was to investigate this issue. A reflection task requiring evaluation of positive and negative trait adjectives with respect to present‐ and past‐self, a close‐other and a famous person was applied. We hypothesized that the past‐self and close‐other conditions would share their neural underpinnings. The process of reflection on the past‐self and close‐other was indeed associated with similar mean amplitudes of the late positive component (LPC), whereas in the case of the past‐self vs. famous person comparison LPC was significantly enhanced for the past‐self. Analogous effects were observed when LPC was calculated for trials with traits judged as either suitable or unsuitable to describe a person who was the target of reflection. Thus, these findings suggest that the processing of information related to the past‐self resembles processing of information related to a personally relevant other. Moreover, sex‐differences were observed in reaction times and LPC amplitudes for responses reflecting the positivity bias.
Peripheral and central alterations affecting spinal nociceptive processing and pain at adulthood in rats exposed to neonatal maternal deprivation
Authors: Juif Pierre‐Eric , Salio Chiara , Zell Vivien , Melchior Meggane , Lacaud Adrien , Petit‐Demouliere Nathalie , Ferrini Francesco , Darbon Pascal , Hanesch Ulrike , Anton Fernand , Merighi Adalberto , Lelièvre Vincent , Poisbeau Pierrick
Published: June 2016

The nociceptive system of rodents is not fully developed and functional at birth. Specifically, C fibers transmitting peripheral nociceptive information establish synaptic connections in the spinal cord already during the embryonic period that only become fully functional after birth. Here, we studied the consequences of neonatal maternal deprivation (NMD, 3 h/day, P2–P12) on the functional establishment of C fiber‐mediated neurotransmission in spinal cord and of pain‐related behavior. In vivo recording revealed that C fiber‐mediated excitation of spinal cord neurons could be observed at P14 only in control but not in NMD rats. NMD was associated with a strong alteration in the expression of growth factors controlling C nociceptor maturation as well as two‐pore domain K+ channels known to set nociceptive thresholds. In good agreement, C‐type sensory neurons from NMD animals appeared to be hypoexcitable but functionally connected to spinal neurons, especially those expressing TRPV1 receptors. In vivo and in vitro recordings of lamina II spinal neurons at P14 revealed that the NMD‐related lack of C fiber‐evoked responses resulted from an inhibitory barrage in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Eventually, C‐type sensory‐spinal processing could be recovered after a delay of about 10 days in NMD animals. However, animals remained hypersensitive to noxious stimulus up to P100 and this might be due to an excessive expression of Nav1.8 transcripts in DRG neurons. Together, our data provide evidence for a deleterious impact of perinatal stress exposure on the maturation of the sensory‐spinal nociceptive system that may contribute to the nociceptive hypersensitivity in early adulthood.
Ripples on rolandic spikes: A marker of epilepsy severity
Authors: van Klink Nicole E. C. , van ‘t Klooster Maryse A. , Leijten Frans S. S. , Jacobs Julia , Braun Kees P. J. , Zijlmans Maeike
Published: June 2016

Objective

Children with rolandic spikes may or may not have seizures, ranging from benign rolandic epilepsy to severe atypical rolandic epilepsy. We investigated whether ripples (80–250 Hz), superimposed on rolandic spikes in surface electroencephalography (EEG), can differentiate between different entities.

Methods

In this cohort study we analyzed the EEG studies of children with rolandic spikes without other EEG or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities. They were divided into the following three groups: (1) rolandic spikes but no epilepsy, (2) typical rolandic epilepsy, and (3) atypical and symptomatic rolandic epilepsy. Ripples superimposed on rolandic spikes were marked in 10 minutes of EEG, and compared to the number of seizures before the EEG. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine the predictive value of ripples and spikes for having epilepsy (groups 2 and 3) and for differentiating benign courses (groups 1 or 2) from atypical and symptomatic epilepsy (group 3). Ripples were also marked in the time frequency spectrum of averaged rolandic spikes.

Results

Ripples were found in 13 of 22 children. Children without epilepsy showed no ripples, except for a single child with only one ripple. The number of ripples showed a significant positive correlation with the number of seizures (ρ = 0.70, p = 0.001), whereas spikes had a borderline significant correlation (ρ = 0.43, p = 0.05). Presence of more than two ripples was a predictor for having seizures (area under the curve [AUC] 0.84), whereas spikes could not predict having seizures (AUC 0.53). More than five ripples predicted the difference between benign courses and atypical and symptomatic epilepsy (AUC 0.91, sensitivity 63%, specificity 100%). Ripples in the time frequency spectra appeared in all children and were not related to seizures.

Significance

Absence of ripples on top of rolandic spikes predicts a relative benign clinical entity, whereas in the presence of several ripples, the child is likely to have more seizures than classical rolandic epilepsy, and pharmacologic treatment might be needed.
Distribution and damage caused by Halyomorpha halys in Italy
Authors: Bariselli M. , Bugiani R. , Maistrello L.
Published: June 2016

Since the first occurrence of Halyomorpha halys (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in Italy in 2012, the pest has spread in the Po Valley causing severe damage in summer 2015, particularly in pear orchards. At present, populations of H. halys have been reported in the regions of Emilia‐Romagna (Modena, Reggio Emilia and Bologna provinces), Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto and Friuli. The damage caused by H. halys is typical of pentatomids and is aggravated by the pest's polyphagy and by the behaviour of adults which move continuously from plant to plant, from hedges or herbaceous crops to fruit orchards. The unpredictability of H. halys’ movements, along with the effect of the aggregating pheromone that concentrates the pest in certain areas of the orchards, therefore making chemical spraying complicated.
Increased variance in temperature and lag effects alter phenological responses to rapid warming in a subarctic plant community
Authors: Mulder Christa P. H. , Iles David T. , Rockwell Robert F.
Published: June 2016

Summer temperature on the Cape Churchill Peninsula (Manitoba, Canada) has increased rapidly over the past 75 years, and flowering phenology of the plant community is advanced in years with warmer temperatures (higher cumulative growing degree days). Despite this, there has been no overall shift in flowering phenology over this period. However, climate change has also resulted in increased interannual variation in temperature; if relationships between phenology and temperature are not linear, an increase in temperature variance may interact with an increase in the mean to alter how community phenology changes over time. In our system, the relationship between phenology and temperature was log‐linear, resulting in a steeper slope at the cold end of the temperature spectrum than at the warm end. Because below‐average temperatures had a greater impact on phenology than above‐average temperatures, the long‐term advance in phenology was reduced. In addition, flowering phenology in a given year was delayed if summer temperatures were high the previous year or 2 years earlier (lag effects), further reducing the expected advance over time. Phenology of early‐flowering plants was negatively affected only by temperatures in the previous year, and that of late‐flowering plants primarily by temperatures 2 years earlier. Subarctic plants develop leaf primordia one or more years prior to flowering (preformation); these results suggest that temperature affects the development of flower primordia during this preformation period. Together, increased variance in temperature and lag effects interacted with a changing mean to reduce the expected phenological advance by 94%, a magnitude large enough to account for our inability to detect a significant advance over time. We conclude that changes in temperature variability and lag effects can alter trends in plant responses to a warming climate and that predictions for changes in plant phenology under future warming scenarios should incorporate such effects.
Conventional intensive logging promotes loss of organic carbon from the mineral soil
Authors: Dean Christopher , Kirkpatrick James B. , Friedland Andrew J.
Published: June 2016

There are few data, but diametrically opposed opinions, about the impacts of forest logging on soil organic carbon (SOC). Reviews and research articles conclude either that there is no effect, or show contradictory effects. Given thatSOCis a substantial store of potential greenhouse gasses and forest logging and harvesting is routine, resolution is important. We review forest loggingSOCstudies and provide an overarching conceptual explanation for their findings. The literature can be separated into short‐term empirical studies, longer‐term empirical studies and long‐term modelling. All modelling that includes major aboveground and belowground biomass pools shows a long‐term (i.e. ≥300 years) decrease inSOCwhen a primary forest is logged and then subjected to harvesting cycles. The empirical longer‐term studies indicate likewise. With successive harvests the net emission accumulates but is only statistically perceptible after centuries. Short‐termSOCflux varies around zero. The long‐term drop inSOCin the mineral soil is driven by the biomass drop from the primary forest level but takes time to adjust to the new temporal average biomass. We show agreement between secondary forestSOCstocks derived purely from biomass information and stocks derived from complex forest harvest modelling. Thus, conclusions that conventional harvests do not depleteSOCin the mineral soil have been a function of their short time frames. Forest managers, climate change modellers and environmental policymakers need to assume a long‐term net transfer ofSOCfrom the mineral soil to the atmosphere when primary forests are logged and then undergo harvest cycles. However, from a greenhouse accounting perspective, forestSOCis not the entire story. Forest wood products that ultimately reach landfill, and some portion of which produces some soil‐like material there rather than in the forest, could possibly help attenuate the forestSOCemission by adding to a carbon pool in landfill.
Amphibian breeding phenology trends under climate change: predicting the past to forecast the future
Authors: Green David M.
Published: June 2016

Global climate warming is predicted to hasten the onset of spring breeding by anuran amphibians in seasonal environments. Previous data had indicated that the breeding phenology of a population of Fowler's Toads (Anaxyrus fowleri) at their northern range limit had been progressively later in spring, contrary to generally observed trends in other species. Although these animals are known to respond to environmental temperature and the lunar cycle to commence breeding, the timing of breeding should also be influenced by the onset of overwintering animals’ prior upward movement through the soil column from beneath the frost line as winter becomes spring. I used recorded weather data to identify four factors of temperature, rainfall and snowfall in late winter and early spring that correlated with the toads’ eventual date of emergence aboveground. Estimated dates of spring emergence of the toads calculated using a predictive model based on these factors, as well as the illumination of the moon, were highly correlated with observed dates of emergence over 24 consecutive years. Using the model to estimate of past dates of spring breeding (i.e. retrodiction) indicated that even three decades of data were insufficient to discern any appreciable phenological trend in these toads. However, by employing weather data dating back to 1876, I detected a significant trend over 140 years towards earlier spring emergence by the toads by less than half a day/decade, while, over the same period of time, average annual air temperature and annual precipitation had both increased. Changes in the springtime breeding phenology for late‐breeding species, such as Fowler's Toads, therefore may conform to expectations of earlier breeding under global warming. Improved understanding of the environmental cues that bring organisms out of winter dormancy will enable better interpretation of long‐term phenological trends.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with cerebral white matter changes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chou Ping‐Song , Wu Shyh‐Jong , Kao Yi‐Hui , Chou Mei‐Chuan , Tai Shu‐Yu , Yang Yuan‐Han
Published: June 2016

Aim

The presence of cerebral white matter changes (WMC) has been reported as an important predictor of the rapidity of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The association between the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and WMC in AD is yet to be elucidated. The present study aimed to examine the association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and WMC among AD patients in Taiwan.

Methods

A total of 403 patients clinically diagnosed with AD were recruited in a cross‐sectional study carried out in an area hospital in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The ACE I/D polymorphism was genotyped, and cerebral white matter rating was carried out using the visual rating scale for age‐related white matter changes.

Results

The I allele was associated with a significantly lower total age‐related white matter changes scale score compared with the D allele (4.83 vs 5.93, P = 0.013). The total age‐related white matter changes scale score was significantly lower for the I/I genotype than for the I/D (4.37 vs 5.87, P = 0.009) and I/D + D/D genotypes (4.37 vs 5.91, P = 0.006), with no differences observed between the I/I + I/D and the D/D genotypes (5.08 vs 6.09, P = 0.373), after adjustment for age and hypertension. A stratified analysis by sex demonstrated that the I/I genotype was associated with significant lower WMC than other genotypes in women, but not in men.

Conclusions

The present study supports the hypothesis that the ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with the severity of WMC in patients with AD. Patients with AD who are homozygous for the I allele might be less likely to develop WMC, especially women. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 945–950.
Doped tellurite glasses: Extending near‐infrared emission for near‐2.0‐μm amplifiers
Authors: Seshadri M. , Anjos V. , Bell M. J. V. , Barbosa Luiz C. , Bosco Giácomo B. F. , Tessler Leandro R. , Suresh Kumar J. , Graça Manuel P. F. , Soares Manuel. J. , Radha M. , Ratnakaram Y. C.
Published: June 2016

Tm3+‐singly‐doped and Tm3+‐/Ho3+‐codoped TeO2‐Bi2O3‐ZnO‐Li2O‐Nb2O5 (TBZLN) tellurite glasses were successfully prepared by the melt‐quenching technique. Emission characteristics and energy transfer mechanisms were studied upon 785‐nm laser diode excitation. A significant enhancement of emission intensity at 1.81 μm with increasing concentration of Tm3+ ions has been observed while increase in the emission intensity at 2.0 μm with increasing concentration of Ho3+ has been observed up to the equal concentration of Tm3+ (0.5 mol%) in TBZLN glasses. The stimulated emission cross section of Tm3+: 3F4→3H6 (5.20×10−21 cm2) and Ho3+: 5I7→5I8 (4.00×10−21 cm2) in 1.0 mol% Tm3+‐doped and 0.5 mol% Tm3+/1.0 mol% Ho3+‐codoped TBZLN glasses are higher compared with the reported and are found to be excellent candidates for solid‐state lasers operating at ~1.8 and 2.0 μm, respectively. The extension of near‐infrared (NIR) emission of Tm3+ with Ho3+ ions provides the possibility of using these materials for broadband NIR amplifiers.
Concordance of haemoglobin A1c, blood pressure and C‐reactive protein between children and their parents in Chinese households
Authors: Dong F. , Howard A. G. , Herring A. H. , Adair L. S. , Thompson A. L. , Popkin B. M. , Aiello A. E. , Zhang B. , Gordon‐Larsen P.
Published: June 2016

Background

China has the world's highest diabetes prevalence, which along with hypertension and inflammation continues to grow particularly among children. Little is known about the strength of the association of these cardiometabolic risk factors between parents and their children; thus, the potential of household‐based strategies to reduce risk is unknown.

Objectives

The objective of the study is to examine the parent–child association for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in a large, geographically diverse Chinese sample.

Methods

In 940 parent–child pairs (children aged 7–17 years) who participated in the 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey, we measured each individual's HbA1c and CRP using fasting blood and BP. We used sex‐specific random‐effects linear regression to examine the parent–child association for these risk factors, accounting for within‐family clustering.

Results

Child's HbA1c was positively associated with parental HbA1c. Beta coefficients ranged from 0.06 (95% CI 0.03–0.12) for father–daughter to 0.43 (95% CI 0.28–0.58) for mother–son pairs. We also detected a positive mother–daughter association for BP and positive father–child associations for CRP.

Conclusion

The statistically significant parent–child association for HbA1c, BP and CRP in Chinese families suggests that household‐based interventions could be useful for confronting the high rates of diabetes, hypertension and inflammation in China.
On the Stability of Synthetic CDO Credit Ratings
Authors: Zapata Javier , Cifuentes Arturo
Published: June 2016

Synthetic collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) performed very badly during the subprime crisis: they suffered massive rating downgrades (even at the most senior levels of the capital structure) and inflicted significant losses on investors. Using numerical simulations, this study shows that such structures are highly unstable; minor errors in the basic assumptions could manifest dramatically in the accuracy of CDO rating calculations. Regardless of the quality of the underlying assets, it is impossible to make reliable statements regarding the future performance of a synthetic CDO tranche. Moreover, this study demonstrates that single‐point credit risk estimators (in which no attempt at specifying a confidence interval is made) could be especially misleading. Finally, the study suggests that a regulatory framework based on credit ratings as they are presently defined is unlikely to be effective.
Effect of AlN Substitutions on the Oxidation Behavior of ZrB2–SiC Composites at 1600°C
Authors: Ouyang Gaoyuan , Ray Pratik K. , Kramer Matthew J. , Akinc Mufit
Published: June 2016

The oxidation behavior of ZrB2–SiC composites, with varying amounts of AlN substituting for ZrB2, was studied isothermally under static ambient air at 1600°C for up to 5 h. Small amounts of AlN substitutions (≤10 vol%) were found to result in marginal improvement in the oxidation resistance, whereas larger amounts resulted in a significant deterioration. The size of ZrO2 clusters formed on the oxidized surface was found to be a function of the AlN content. This effect was more pronounced after longer oxidation times (~1 h) as opposed to shorter durations (~5 min). It was postulated that presence of AlN results in the formation of Al2O3 during the oxidation process, subsequently resulting in a lowering of viscosity of the glassy silica scale, which facilitates the coarsening of ZrO2 clusters. This also increases oxygen permeation through the scale which adversely affects the oxidation resistance of the high AlN content composites.
The Transformative Impact of Blended Mobility Courses
Authors: Purg Peter , Širok Klemen , Brasil Daniela
Published: June 2016

Several pedagogical assets of the blended‐learning courses conducted within the ADRIART.net partnership originate from their novel site‐specific approach and intercultural value. Conducted outside school environments across Austria, Croatia, Italy and Slovenia in 2011–2014, over a dozen of these intensive Master's programme workshops mixed students and mentors from different cultural and professional backgrounds, intersecting the realms of film, new media, photography, performance, architecture and contemporary art. These short‐term academic mobility courses concluded with public exhibitions, screenings or performances, often at eminent cultural venues or in public spaces pertaining to the site‐specific character of each course. This article discusses key issues that proved beneficial for conceiving and implementing this fruitful academic collaboration format. Several curricular and organisational solutions are presented that increased the positive impact on students as well as other stakeholders in this project‐based pedagogical piloting of the Media Arts and Practices international Master's programme. Set against its curriculum‐development framework, the article examines new methodological solutions, joint mentoring models and group dynamics management, as well as some specific logistical issues. Next to developing relevant employment skills and attitudes, such production‐oriented, but process‐aware course designs offer timely academic provisions as a response to a ‘glocalised’ world. More importantly, these course designs can also foster students' engagement with the actual (social, economic, natural, political) environment and the development of life‐long learning habits.
Selective pressure modulation of synaptic voltage‐dependent calcium channels—involvement in HPNS mechanism
Authors: Aviner Ben , Gradwohl Gideon , Bliznyuk Alice , Grossman Yoram
Published: June 2016

Exposure to hyperbaric pressure (HP) exceeding 100 msw (1.1 MPa) is known to cause a constellation of motor and cognitive impairments named high‐pressure neurological syndrome (HPNS), considered to be the result of synaptic transmission alteration. Long periods of repetitive HP exposure could be an occupational risk for professional deep‐sea divers. Previous studies have indicated the modulation of presynaptic Ca2+ currents based on synaptic activity modified by HP. We have recently demonstrated that currents in genetically identified cellular voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs), CaV1.2 and CaV3.2 are selectively affected by HP. This work further elucidates the HPNS mechanism by examining HP effect on Ca2+ currents in neuronal VDCCs, CaV2.2 and CaV2.1, which are prevalent in presynaptic terminals, expressed in Xenopus oocytes. HP augmented the CaV2.2 current amplitude, much less so in a channel variation containing an additional modulatory subunit, and had almost no effect on the CaV2.1 currents. HP differentially affected the channels' kinetics. It is, therefore, suggested that HPNS signs and symptoms arise, at least in part, from pressure modulation of various VDCCs.
Clinical management of urticaria using omalizumab: the first licensed biological therapy available for chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Giménez‐Arnau A. M. , Toubi E. , Marsland A. M. , Maurer M.
Published: June 2016

This supplement reports proceedings of the second international Global Urticaria Forum, which was held in Berlin, Germany in November 2015. Omalizumab is approved for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in adult and adolescent (12 years and above) patients with inadequate response to/who remain symptomatic despite H1‐antihistamine treatment, and has demonstrated good efficacy and safety in the clinical trial setting. Real‐life clinical experience with omalizumab can be explored to address important practical questions relating to its use in CSU patients. Some experts have proposed that a consensus algorithm, covering various aspects to consider when using omalizumab in real‐life clinical practice for the management of CSU, could answer many of these questions.
British Dietetic Association systematic review and evidence‐based practice guidelines for the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome in adults (2016 update)
Authors: McKenzie Y. A. , Bowyer R. K. , Leach H. , Gulia P. , Horobin J. , O'Sullivan N. A. , Pettitt C. , Reeves L. B. , Seamark L. , Williams M. , Thompson J. , Lomer M. C. E. ,   (IBS Dietetic Guideline Review Group on behalf of Gastroenterology Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association)
Published: June 2016

Background

The first British Dietetic Association (BDA) guidelines for the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in adults were published in 2012. Subsequently, there has been a wealth of new research. The aim of this work was to systematically review the evidence for the role of diet in the management of IBS and to update the guidelines.

Methods

Twelve questions relating to diet and IBS were defined based on review of the previous guideline questions, current evidence and clinical practice. Chosen topics were on healthy eating and lifestyle (alcohol, caffeine, spicy food, elimination diets, fat and fluid intakes and dietary habits), milk and dairy, dietary fibre, fermentable carbohydrates, gluten, probiotics and elimination diets/food hypersensitivity. Data sources were CINAHL, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science up to October 2015. Studies were assessed independently in duplicate using risk of bias tools specific to each included study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria for each question. National Health and Medical Research Council grading evidence levels were used to develop evidence statements and recommendations, in accordance with Practice‐based Evidence in Nutrition Global protocol used by the BDA.

Results

Eighty‐six studies were critically appraised to generate 46 evidence statements, 15 clinical recommendations and four research recommendations. The IBS dietary algorithm was simplified to first‐line (healthy eating, provided by any healthcare professional) and second‐line [low FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) to be provided by dietitian] dietary advice.

Conclusions

These guidelines provide updated comprehensive evidence‐based details to achieve the successful dietary management of IBS in adults.
Deep brain stimulation mechanisms: the control of network activity via neurochemistry modulation
Authors: McIntyre Cameron C. , Anderson Ross W.
Published: June 2016

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has revolutionized the clinical care of late‐stage Parkinson's disease and shows promise for improving the treatment of intractable neuropsychiatric disorders. However, after over 25 years of clinical experience, numerous questions still remain on the neurophysiological basis for the therapeutic mechanisms of action. At their fundamental core, the general purpose of electrical stimulation therapies in the nervous system are to use the applied electric field to manipulate the opening and closing of voltage‐gated sodium channels on neurons, generate stimulation induced action potentials, and subsequently, control the release of neurotransmitters in targeted pathways. Historically, DBS mechanisms research has focused on characterizing the effects of stimulation on neurons and the resulting impact on neuronal network activity. However, when electrodes are placed within the central nervous system, glia are also being directly (and indirectly) influenced by the stimulation. Mounting evidence shows that non‐neuronal tissue can play an important role in modulating the neurochemistry changes induced by DBS. The goal of this review is to evaluate how DBS effects on both neuronal and non‐neuronal tissue can potentially work together to suppress oscillatory activity (and/or information transfer) between brain regions. These resulting effects of ~ 100 Hz electrical stimulation help explain how DBS can disrupt pathological network activity in the brain and generate therapeutic effects in patients.

image

Deep brain stimulation is an effective clinical technology, but detailed therapeutic mechanisms remain undefined. This review provides an overview of the leading hypotheses, which focus on stimulation‐induced disruption of network oscillations and integrates possible roles for non‐neuronal tissue in explaining the clinical response to therapeutic stimulation.

This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.
Brain Herniation into Arachnoid Granulations: Clinical and Neuroimaging Features
Authors: Liebo Greta B. , Lane John (Jack) I. , Van Gompel Jamie J. , Eckel Laurence J. , Schwartz Kara M. , Lehman Vance T.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Brain herniation into presumed arachnoid granulations (BHAG) is an increasingly recognized entity. Though it has previously been described as isointense to brain matter on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we have encountered 21 cases in our clinical practice, many of which have signal abnormality in the herniated or adjacent parenchyma. We performed a systematic analysis on these cases to further understand the clinical significance.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of cases collected from our clinical MRI practice. Each case was evaluated for location, size, lobe of origin, associated signal abnormality, symptoms, and the presence or absence of intracranial hypertension.

RESULTS

Twenty‐one cases of BHAG identified in 16 patients. Seven cases (7/21, 33%) demonstrated signal abnormality in the herniated or underlying parenchyma. On serial imaging, the size of herniation either fluctuated (2/10, 20%) or stayed the same (8/10, 80%). The associated signal abnormalities increased (1/5, 20%), decreased (1/5, 20%), or remained stable (3/5, 60%). Four patients (4/16, 25%) had signs/symptoms that could be associated with the BHAG. Ten patients (10/16, 63%) had either imaging findings or clinical signs that could be associated with intracranial hypertension.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to previously reported cases, our study demonstrates that BHAG can be associated with MRI signal abnormalities of the herniated and adjacent brain. Symptoms are typically absent, though may be present in a small subset of patients, regardless of the presence of signal change or encephalomalacia of the involved brain. Indirect evidence of intracranial hypertension is present in a majority of patients but completely lacking in others.