bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of cannibalism in equal‐aged cohorts of Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: ANDOW DAVID A. , FARIAS JULIANO R. , HORIKOSHI RENATO J. , BERNARDI DANIEL , NASCIMENTO ANTONIO R. B. , OMOTO CELSO
Published: February 2015

1. Antagonistic interactions in herbivorous insects are often density‐dependent, so rates are predicted to vary dynamically over time as density changes. Fatal intraspecific interactions, especially cannibalism, occur between equal‐aged larvae in young first‐ and second‐instar Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith).

2. A cannibalism experiment was conducted, starting with seven different densities of neonate S. frugiperda larvae, each replicated 50 times. Larvae were examined daily for the duration of the first and second instars (7 days). Seven‐day mortality was density‐dependent.

3. A stochastic mathematical model was developed in which per‐capita mortality from antagonistic interactions among equal‐aged larvae varies dynamically as density changes. A maximum likelihood method was developed to estimate the conditional per‐capita mortality rate from antagonistic interactions given an intraspecific encounter. An alternative model with mean‐mortality from antagonistic interactions that depends only on the initial larval density was also developed.

4. The models were fitted to the experimental data, and compared using log‐likelihood. The dynamic model fitted the cannibalism data significantly better than the time‐averaged mortality model for all starting densities for the experimental data, implying that density‐dependent mortality varied dynamically over time even within short 7‐day periods.

5. The conditional per‐capita mortality rate from antagonistic interactions was also density‐dependent, possibly because encounters became more aggregated at higher density, or because the probability that a larva died from the interaction was higher at higher density, or both.
New ischaemic brain lesions in cervical artery dissection stratified to antiplatelets or anticoagulants
Authors: Gensicke H. , Ahlhelm F. , Jung S. , von Hessling A. , Traenka C. , Goeggel Simonetti B. , Peters N. , Bonati L. H. , Fischer U. , Broeg‐Morvay A. , Seiffge D. J. , Gralla J. , Stippich C. , Baumgartner R. W. , Lyrer P. A. , Arnold M. , Engelter S. T.
Published: February 2015

Background and purpose

To determine the frequency of new ischaemic or hemorrhagic brain lesions on early follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cervical artery dissection (CAD) and to investigate the relationship with antithrombotic treatment.

Methods

This prospective observational study included consecutive CAD patients with ischaemic or non‐ischaemic symptoms within the preceding 4 weeks. All patients had baseline brain MRI scans at the time of CAD diagnosis and follow‐up MRI scans within 30 days thereafter. Ischaemic lesions were detected by diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), intracerebral bleeds (ICBs) by paramagnetic‐susceptible sequences. Outcome measures were any new DWI lesions or ICBs on follow‐up MRI scans. Kaplan–Meier statistics and calculated odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used for lesion occurrence, baseline characteristics and type of antithrombotic treatment (antiplatelet versus anticoagulant).

Results

Sixty‐eight of 74 (92%) CAD patients were eligible for analysis. Median (interquartile range) time interval between baseline and follow‐up MRI scans was 5 (3–10) days. New DWI lesions occurred in 17 (25%) patients with a cumulative 30‐day incidence of 41.3% (standard error 8.6%). Occurrence of new DWI lesions was associated with stroke or transient ischaemic attack at presentation [7.86 (2.01–30.93)], occlusion of the dissected vessel [4.09 (1.24–13.55)] and presence of DWI lesions on baseline MRI [6.67 (1.70–26.13)]. The type of antithrombotic treatment had no impact either on occurrence of new DWI lesions [1.00 (0.32–3.15)] or on functional 6‐month outcome [1.27 (0.41–3.94)]. No new ICBs were observed.

Conclusion

New ischaemic brain lesions occurred in a quarter of CAD patients, independently of the type of antithrombotic treatment. MRI findings could potentially serve as surrogate outcomes in pilot treatment trials.
Current frontiers in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis
Authors: Ciechomska Marzena , van Laar Jacob , O'Reilly Steven
Published: February 2015

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterised by vascular dysfunction, impaired angiogenesis, inflammation and fibrosis. There is no currently accepted disease‐modifying treatment with only autologous stem cell transplant showing clinically meaningful benefit. The lack of treatment options reflects our lack of understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms occurring in the disease. Recent investigations have begun to decipher the molecular pathways underpinning the different aspects of the disease and may provide a rational clinical target(s). Uncovering the molecular mechanisms of the disease is important in understanding systemic sclerosis treatment. The aim of this review was to examine the current thinking in SSc pathogenesis and will offer novel areas for research which may yield novel therapeutics.
A comparison of isoprene and monoterpene emission rates from the perennial bioenergy crops short‐rotation coppice willow and Miscanthus and the annual arable crops wheat and oilseed rape
Authors: Morrison Eilidh C. , Drewer Julia , Heal Mathew R.
Published: February 2015

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) emissions from bioenergy crops may differ from those of conventional crops. We compared emission rates of isoprene and a number of monoterpenes from the lignocellulosic bioenergy crops short‐rotation coppice (SRC) willow and Miscanthus, with the conventional crops wheat and oilseed rape. BVOC emission rates were measured via dynamic vegetation enclosure and GC‐MS analysis approximately monthly between April 2010 and August 2012 at a location in England and from SRC willow at two locations in Scotland. The largest BVOC emission rates were measured from willow in England and varied between years. Isoprene emission rates varied between <lod and 1960 μg g−1 h−1. Of the monoterpenes detected from willow, α‐pinene emission rates were highest (<lod to 803 μg g−1 h−1), followed by <lod to 268 μg g−1 h−1 for δ‐3‐carene, <lod to 125 μg g−1 h−1 for β‐pinene and <lod to 80.4 μg g−1 h−1 for limonene. BVOC emission rates measured in Scotland were much lower. Low emission rates of isoprene and α‐pinene were measured from Miscanthus in 2010 (<lod to 6.42 μg g−1 h−1 and <lod to 20.8 μg g−1 h−1, respectively) but were not detected in subsequent years. Emission rates from wheat of isoprene were negligible but relatively high for monoterpenes (<lod to 422 μg g−1 h−1 and <lod to 104 μg g−1 h−1 for α‐pinene and limonene, respectively). No significant emission rates of BVOCs were measured from oilseed rape. The measured emission rates followed a clear seasonal trend. Crude extrapolations based solely on data gathered here indicate that isoprene emissions from willow could correspond to 0.004–0.03% (UK) and 0.76–5.5% (Europe) of current global isoprene if 50% of all land potentially available for bioenergy crops is planted with willow.
Usefulness of an in vitro cellular expression model for haemophilia A carrier diagnosis: illustration with five novel mutations in the F8 gene in women with isolated factor VIII:C deficiency
Authors: Roualdes O. , Nougier C. , Fretigny M. , Talagrand E. , Durand B. , Negrier C. , Vinciguerra C.
Published: February 2015

This study aims to determine the way to predict the haemophilia A (HA) carrier status and the potential severity in six females with low FVIII:C levels (<0.50 IU mL−1), F8 gene variations and without family history of HA. Except p.Ser577Tyr, F8 gene variations that we reported have never been described (p.Leu107His, p.Pro521Leu, p.Val682Leu, p.Leu2032Pro, p.Ala315dup). Prediction of their potential causal impact was studied by two strategies: bioinformatics approaches and site‐directed mutagenesis followed by FVIII cellular expression into COS‐1 cell. FVIII clotting assay (FVIII:C) and antigen (FVIII:Ag) were assayed in vitro. In silico analysis showed the probably damaging effect of all substitutions and the full conservation of the residues across mammalian species, except for p.Leu2032Pro. The in vitro variant expression model showed abnormal intra and/or extracellular FVIII:C and FVIII:Ag levels for five mutations, which suggest their causality in HA and provide informations about the involved mechanism. We suspect a defect in synthesis and secretion for p.Leu107His, p.Ala315dup and p.Pro521Leu. The mutation p.Val682Leu only affects the FVIII function while p.Ser577Tyr alters function and synthesis. The variant p.Leu2032Pro is probably a polymorphism because no alteration of the FVIII protein expression was observed in vitro. In vitro results suggest that mutations p.Ser577Tyr and p.Ala315dup could led to a severe HA in men. This study demonstrates the ability of this in vitro cellular expression model to contribute to the diagnosis strategy for female suspected of being HA carrier, without HA family history and with a novel F8 gene variation and to provide new criteria for the genetic counselling.
Effects of B‐site Substitution on Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ba6−3xNd8+2x [Ti1−z (Ni1/3Nb2/3)z] 18O54 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Hetuo , Tang Bin , Guo Xia , Duan Shuxin , Long Yin , Li Yingxiang , Zhang Shuren
Published: February 2015

According to the solid‐state reaction, microwave dielectric ceramics of Ba6−3xNd8+2x[Ti1−z(Ni1/3Nb2/3)z]18O54 (x = 0.75, 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.2) were fabricated. Microwave dielectric properties, including relative dielectric constant (εr), quality factor (Qf ), and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf), were investigated as a function of substitution content. As z increasing from 0 to 0.2, dielectric constant was decreased from 87.3 to 80.4, Qf value declined from 9700 to 1200 GHz, and τf dropped from +60.0 to −27.0 ppm/°C. Appropriate substitution conducted excellent microwave dielectric properties with z = 0.05 sintered at 1375°C for 2 h in air: εr = 82.25, Qf = 6100 GHz, and τf = +18 ppm/°C.
Leveraging fairness and reactance theories to deter reactive computer abuse following enhanced organisational information security policies: an empirical study of the influence of counterfactual reasoning and organisational trust
Authors: Lowry Paul Benjamin , Posey Clay , Bennett Rebecca (Becky) J. , Roberts Tom L.
Published: February 2015

Research shows that organisational efforts to protect their information assets from employee security threats do not always reach their full potential and may actually encourage the behaviours they attempt to thwart, such as reactive computer abuse (CA). To better understand this dilemma, we use fairness theory (FT) and reactance theory (RT) to explain why employees may blame organisations for and retaliate against enhanced information security policies (ISPs). We tested our model with 553 working professionals and found support for most of it. Our results show that organisational trust can decrease reactive CA. FT suggests that explanation adequacy (EA) is an important factor that builds trust after an event. Our results also suggest that trust both fully mediates the relationship between EA and CA and partially mediates the relationship between perceived freedom restrictions related to enhanced ISPs and reactive CA. EA also had a strong negative relationship with freedom restrictions. Moreover, organisational security education, training and awareness (SETA) initiatives decreased the perceptions of external control and freedom restrictions and increased EA, and advance notification of changes increased EA. We also included 14 control variables and rival explanations to determine with more confidence what drove reactive CA in our context. Notably, the deterrence theory (DT)‐based constructs of sanction severity, certainty and celerity had no significant influence on reactive CA. We provide support for the importance of respectful communication efforts and SETA programmes, coupled with maximising employee rights and promoting trust and fairness to decrease reactive CA. These efforts can protect organisations from falling victim to their own organisational security efforts.
Experiences of dealing with flash floods using an ensemble hydrological nowcasting chain: implications of communication, accessibility and distribution of the results
Authors: Silvestro F. , Rebora N. , Cummings G. , Ferraris L.
Published: February 2015

The forecast of flash floods is sometimes impossible. In the last two decades, Numerical Weather Prediction Systems have become increasingly reliable with significant improvements in terms of quantitative precipitation forecasts. However, despite the application of modern probabilistic hydrometeorological chains, some significant flood events remain unpredicted. This was also the case with an event that occurred on the 8th and 9th of June, 2011 in the eastern part of the Liguria Region, Italy. This event affected in particular the Entella basin, a small watershed that flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The application of a hydrological nowcasting chain as a tool for predicting flash floods in small basins with an anticipation time of a few hours (2–5) is presented here. This work investigated the ‘behaviour’ of the chain in the cited event as well as in other verification cases and showed how the chain could be exploited for operational purposes. The results were encouraging. However, the analysis provided evidence that the difficulties in using operational hydrometeorological tools are not always and only dependent on the performance of such systems, but also on the way the results are made available to forecasters and on the efficiency of communication with the civil protection officials.
The EU floods directive in Sweden: opportunities for integrated and participatory flood risk planning
Authors: Hedelin B.
Published: February 2015

This study analyses the implementation of the EU Floods Directive in Sweden. The question here centres on the possibilities promoted by the directive for sustainable flood risk management, with an emphasis on integrated and participatory management forms. Key persons are interviewed, using a set of criteria for sustainable river basin management as a theoretical framework. The study shows that work in this area is guided by a wide array of values, and that the involved experts provide a broad knowledge basis for this work. The need for better coordination between authorities, pieces of legislation and policy fields however remains critical while the merits of participatory planning approaches are not yet sufficiently utilised. One of the primary tasks here is to develop a shared understanding of the formal context and roles of the process while also developing forms for effective collaboration both within the new administration and between the administration and other key actors, most importantly the municipalities. The case of Sweden can provide useful insights into this process for other member states.
Gender disparity in chronic hepatitis B: Mechanisms of sex hormones
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Han , Chen Pei‐Jer , Yeh Shiou‐Hwei
Published: February 2015

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a common human pathogen transmitted worldwide, and its chronic infection is a well‐known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The sex disparity of HBV‐related liver diseases has been noticed for a long time, which could be attributed to sex hormone effects, other than gender behaviors or environmental impact. This difference is experimentally confirmed in HBV transgenic mice, as well as in immunocompetent mice receiving hydrodynamic delivery of HBV. Androgen and estrogen pathways were identified to play opposite regulations of HBV transcription by targeting viral enhancer I at molecular level. In addition to the direct effects on HBV life cycle, sex hormones may be also involved in the immune response to HBV infection and the progression of associated liver diseases, although the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. Besides, several unaddressed issues such as HBV entry, microRNA profiles, viral integration, and adaptability in which androgen and estrogen axes might be involved are warranted to be delineated. The comprehensive understanding of the sex disparity in HBV virology and pathogenesis will be helpful to provide newly biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and develop novel drugs to manage HBV‐related HCC patients.
Prediction of prevalent but not incident non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease by levels of serum testosterone
Authors: Seo Nam Kyoung , Koo Hyung suk , Haam Ji‐hee , Kim Hyung Yuk , Kim Moon Jong , Park Kyung‐Chae , Park Kye‐Seon , Kim Young‐Sang
Published: February 2015

Background and Aims

The association between testosterone level and development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is not well known. We examined the relationship of total testosterone level with development and regression of NAFLD.

Methods

Among the men who had undergone repeated liver ultrasonography in 2 years or more at a health promotion center, subjects with available serum testosterone level at baseline were included in the study. Alcohol consumers (> 20 g/day) were excluded from the study.

Results

Among the 1944 men, 44.3% of subjects were diagnosed with NAFLD. Higher level of testosterone significantly lowered the prevalence of fatty liver (odds ratios per SD increase, 0.686 and 0.795 at baseline and follow‐up, respectively). During the median 4.2 years follow‐up, 22.4% of subjects in the normal group developed fatty liver, and 21.0% of subjects in the NAFLD group recovered at the follow‐up. In longitudinal analyses, higher level of testosterone was significantly associated with the development or regression of fatty liver, before adjustment for obesity and metabolic parameters. However, in the full‐adjusted model, testosterone level did not influence the development or regression of fatty liver.

Conclusions

Although testosterone level was significantly low in the subjects with NAFLD in cross‐sectional analyses, baseline testosterone level did not independently influence the development or regression of fatty liver at the median 4.2 years follow‐up. Obesity and metabolic parameters may play key roles in the link between testosterone level and NAFLD.
Isolated Intracardiac Echogenic Focus on Routine Ultrasound: Implications for Practice
Authors: Murphy Heather , Phillippi Julia C.
Published: February 2015

Ultrasound is widely used as a screening tool for fetal anomalies. An intracardiac echogenic focus (ICEF) is associated with fetal aneuploidy, particularly trisomy 21, when found with other minor abnormalities known as soft markers. However, when found in isolation, intracardiac echogenic foci are morphologic variations with little or no pathologic significance for the fetus. Ambiguity about the significance of ICEF and other soft markers and the lack of preparation prior to ultrasound can result in unnecessary worry for women and their partners. A variety of tools exist that providers can use to help pregnant women and their partners make informed decisions about ultrasound and fetal screening.
Midwife‐Attended Births in the United States, 1990–2012: Results from Revised Birth Certificate Data
Authors: Declercq Eugene
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Data on attendance at birth by midwives in the United States have been available on the national level since 1989, allowing for the documentation of long‐term trends. New items on payer source and prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) from a 2003 revision of the birth certificate provide an opportunity to examine additional aspects of US midwifery practice.

Methods

The data in this report are based on records on birth attendant gathered as part of the US National Standard Certificate of Live Birth from a public use Web site, Vital Stats (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/VitalStats.htm), which allows users to create and download specialized tables. Analysis of new items on prepregnancy BMI and birth payer source are limited to the 38 states (86% of US births) that adopted the revised birth certificate by 2012.

Results

Between 1989 and 2012, the proportion of all births attended by certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) increased from 3.3% to 7.9%. The proportion of vaginal births attended by CNMs reached an all‐time high of 11.9%. Births attended by “other midwives” (typically certified professional midwives) rose to a peak of 28,343, or 0.7% of all US births. The distribution of payer source for CNM‐attended births (44% Medicaid; 44% private insurance; 6% self‐pay) is very similar to the national distribution, whereas the majority (53%) of births attended by other midwives are self‐pay. Women whose births are attended by other midwives are less likely (13%) to have a prepregnancy BMI in the obese range than women attended by CNMs (19%) or overall (24%).

Discussion

The total number of births attended by CNMs and other midwives has remained steady or grown at a time when total US births have declined, resulting in the largest proportions of midwife‐attended births in the quarter century that such data have been collected.
“Shell as Hard as Steel” (Or, “Iron Cage”): What Exactly Did That Imagery Mean for Weber?
Authors: Douglass R. Bruce
Published: February 2015

Max Weber did not invent the image of the iron cage; it was Talcott Parsons who created that image in preparing the first translation of The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism into English to be published. But that has not prevented it from catching on and even acquiring the status of a popular symbol of Weber's entire view of modern life. Despite its popularity, however, the image does not have a commonly accepted meaning. In part this is because of the creative uses to which it has been put by other scholars, but it is also a result of the fact that Weber himself used the German terms that were the source of Parsons’ translation in a variety of different ways over the course of his scholarly career. The purpose of this paper is to examine those uses to determine whether the meanings they convey add up to something coherent, and if so, what exactly that meaning was.
Estimation of Truncated Data Samples in Operational Risk Modeling
Authors: Ergashev Bakhodir , Pavlikov Konstantin , Uryasev Stan , Sekeris Evangelos
Published: February 2015

This article addresses challenges of estimating operational risk regulatory capital when a loss sample is truncated from below at a data collection threshold. Recent operational risk literature reports that the attempts to estimate loss distributions by the maximum likelihood method are not always successful under the truncation approach that accounts for the existence of censored losses—the likelihood surface is sometimes ascending with no global solution. The literature offers an alternative called the shifting approach, which estimates the loss distribution without taking into account censored losses. We present a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of the global solution to the likelihood maximization problem under the truncation approach when the true loss distribution is lognormal, and derive a practically explicit expression for the global solution. We show by a simulation study that, as the sample size increases, the capital bias by the truncation approach declines while the bias by the shifting approach does not.
Information and Insurer Financial Strength Ratings: Do Short Sellers Anticipate Ratings Changes?
Authors: Wade Chip , Liebenberg Andre , Blau Benjamin M.
Published: February 2015

Ratings of financial institutions have been shown to provide informational value as stock prices generally decrease in response to ratings downgrades. Moreover, insurer's stock prices have been observed to decrease 2 days prior to downgrades, suggesting that informed trading occurs during the predowngrade period. This study examines the trading activity of short sellers surrounding insurer financial strength ratings. We show that short selling is abnormally high during the predowngrade period—indicating that short sellers can predict rating downgrades. Interestingly, we find that predowngrade short selling is driven by stocks of insurers with the most transparent balance sheets. This result suggests that while short sellers can predict rating downgrades generally, the opaqueness of an insurer's assets and liabilities can inhibit informed trading during the predowngrade period.
Assessing the Risks of Insuring Reputation Risk
Authors: Gatzert Nadine , Schmit Joan T. , Kolb Andreas
Published: February 2015

Reputation risk is becoming increasingly important, especially with the rapidly growing influence of social media, heightened scrutiny on reputation risk by banking and insurance regulators, and reputation's impact on organizational value. Insurers have responded to this development only recently by offering new reputation risk insurance solutions. The aim of this article is to present the first detailed academic analysis of these new insurance policies, including examination of the risks insurers face in offering such coverage. We also offer a conceptualization of reputation risk in an insurance and risk management context with focus on exposures, perils, and hazards. Our analysis indicates that loss identification and measurement generate the greatest challenges to insurers in providing reputation risk coverage. Lack of experience as well as the complexity of the chain of reputation risk events related to reputation insurance coverage present insurers with significant challenges in making this a viable line of business.
Melatonin induces class A1 heat‐shock factors (HSFA1s) and their possible involvement of thermotolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shi Haitao , Tan Dun‐Xian , Reiter Russel J. , Ye Tiantian , Yang Fan , Chan Zhulong
Published: February 2015

Melatonin (N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine) serves as an important signal molecule during plant developmental processes and multiple abiotic stress responses. However, the involvement of melatonin in thermotolerance and the underlying molecular mechanism in Arabidopsis were largely unknown. In this study, we found that the endogenous melatonin level in Arabidopsis leaves was significantly induced by heat stress treatment, and exogenous melatonin treatment conferred improved thermotolerance in Arabidopsis. The transcript levels of class A1 heat‐shock factors (HSFA1s), which serve as the master regulators of heat stress responses, were significantly upregulated by heat stress and exogenous melatonin treatment in Arabidopsis. Notably, exogenous melatonin‐enhanced thermotolerance was largely alleviated in HSFA1s quadruple knockout (QK) mutants, and HSFA1s‐activated transcripts of heat‐responsive genes (HSFA2, heat stress‐associated 32 (HSA32), heat‐shock protein 90 (HSP90), and 101 (HSP101)) might be contributed to melatonin‐mediated thermotolerance. Taken together, this study provided direct link between melatonin and thermotolerance and indicated the involvement of HSFA1s‐activated heat‐responsive genes in melatonin‐mediated thermotolerance in Arabidopsis.
Emergency Department Use in the US‐Mexico Border Region and Violence in Mexico: Is There a Relationship?
Authors: Geissler Kimberley H. , Holmes George M.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

This study assessed the association between homicide rates in northern Mexico and potentially avoidable use of emergency departments (ED) in the US‐Mexico border region. The border region is largely rural and underserved, making the identification and correction of potential barriers to access crucial.

Methods

We used secondary data from state inpatient and ED discharge databases for California and Arizona for 2005‐2010. A retrospective observational analysis using generalized linear models was used to determine whether the probability that an ED encounter was potentially avoidable was associated with homicide rates in the nearest Mexican municipality. To conduct the analysis, the location of ED encounters were identified and matched with homicide rates in the nearest Mexican municipality and regional characteristics. The probability that an ED encounter was potentially avoidable was calculated using the Billings ED algorithm.

Findings

We found that 77% of ED encounters were potentially avoidable, with a higher percentage in border counties. There was no statistically significant relationship between homicide rates and the probability that an ED encounter was for a potentially avoidable condition for the full analytic sample (n = 24,859,273) and the uninsured and underinsured in the sample (n = 11,700,123).

Conclusion

A substantial majority of ED encounters in the US‐Mexico border region were potentially avoidable. However, there was not a strong relationship between homicide rates in northern Mexico and the distribution of ED discharges in Arizona and California. Given the large percentage of potentially avoidable ED encounters and the ongoing violence in Mexico, continuing to monitor this relationship is important.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition of meloxicam in beef calves after repeated oral administration
Authors: Coetzee J. F. , Mosher R. A. , Griffith G. R. , Gehring R. , Anderson D. E. , KuKanich B. , Miesner M.
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue disposition of meloxicam after repeated oral administration in calves. Thirteen male British × Continental beef calves aged 4 to 6 months and weighing 297–392 kg received 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam per os once daily for 4 days. Plasma meloxicam concentrations were determined in 8 calves over 6 days after first treatment. Calves were randomly assigned to be euthanized at 5, 10, 15 (n = 3/timepoint), and 19 days (n = 4) after final administration. Meloxicam concentrations were determined in plasma (LOQ= 0.025 μg/mL) and muscle, liver, kidney, and fat samples (LOQ = 2 ng/g) after extraction using validated LC–MS–MS methods. The mean (± SD) Cmax, Cmin, and Caverage plasma meloxicam concentrations were 4.52 ± 0.87 μg/mL, 2.95 ± 0.77 μg/mL, and 3.84 ± 0.81 μg/mL, respectively. Mean (± SD) tissue meloxicam concentrations were highest in liver (226.67 ± 118.16 ng/g) and kidney samples (52.73 ± 39.01 ng/g) at 5 days after final treatment. Meloxicam concentrations were below the LOQ in all tissues at 15 days after treatment. These findings suggest that tissue from meloxicam‐treated calves will have low residue concentrations by 21 days after repeated oral administration.
Disaster, Displacement, and Casework: Uncertainty and Assistance after Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Sterett Susan M.
Published: February 2015

Casework in the United States in social welfare programs has been limited in what caseworkers can do, as what they do has been tightly structured by rules. Recently, scholars have argued that episodic assistance in disaster brings sympathy in public policy more than restriction. The sympathy after disaster brings new money, and individual assistance is in turn the subject of casework. This article relies upon interviews, observations, and government documents to assess how casework served displaced people after Hurricane Katrina. The article finds that caseworkers after Katrina were caught in a program that would end at some uncertain time, and with new and unclear rules that changed frequently, making the sympathy difficult to enact for many of the poorest people. Casework after disaster is episodic and convened by nonprofits and, after Katrina, paid for by a large grant and then written into statute. Assistance for displaced people is likely to continue, given the expectation of more disasters and rising sea levels. The question of how it is like or unlike other forms of assistance and what sympathy in policy means in helping displaced people is therefore likely to continue to matter.
Stochastic Tension‐Stiffening Approach for the Solution of Serviceability Problems in Reinforced Concrete: Constitutive Modeling
Authors: Gribniak Viktor , Mang Herbert Anton , Kupliauskas Rimantas , Kaklauskas Gintaris
Published: February 2015

A number of studies have indicated that the tension‐stiffening law is an important input parameter in a numerical analysis of serviceability (deformations and cracking) problems of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The stochastic nature of concrete cracking, which results in a large scatter of experimental results, renders the constitutive modeling a very difficult task. Even data obtained from short‐term tests are to some degree uncertain due to time‐dependent processes occurring in concrete, such as shrinkage and creep relaxation. This article provides statistical analysis tools that can be readily applied to engineering practice. Stochastic principles are applied to modeling of tension‐stiffening for the purpose of predicting not only the average deformation response of RC elements, but also bounds of these predictions that are of vital importance for practical problems. Unlike common practice, shrinkage of concrete is taken into account in the short‐term numerical simulation.
Tackling the bottleneck in bacterial signal transduction research: high‐throughput identification of signal molecules
Authors: Krell Tino
Published: February 2015

Signal transduction processes are typically initiated by the interaction of signal molecules with sensor domains. The current lack of information on the signal molecules that feed into regulatory circuits forms a major bottleneck that hampers the understanding of regulatory processes. McKellar et al. report a high‐throughput approach for the identification of signal molecules, which is based on thermal shift assays of recombinant sensor domains in the absence and presence of compounds from commercially available ligand collections. Initial binding studies with the sensor domain of the PctA chemoreceptor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed a close match between thermal shift assay results and microcalorimetric studies reported previously. Using thermal shift assays the authors then identify signals that bind to three chemoreceptors of the kiwifruit pathogen P. syringae pv. Actinidiae NZ‐V13. Microcalorimetric binding studies and chemotaxis assays have validated the relevance of these ligands. The power of this technique lies in the combination of a high‐throughput analytical tool with commercially available compound collections. The approach reported is universal since it can be employed to identify signal molecules to any type of sensor domain. There is no doubt that this technique will facilitate the identification of many signal molecules in future years.
Degradation of the benzoxazolinone class of phytoalexins is important for virulence of Fusarium pseudograminearum towards wheat
Authors: Kettle Andrew J. , Batley Jacqueline , Benfield Aurelie H. , Manners John M. , Kazan Kemal , Gardiner Donald M.
Published: February 2015

Wheat, maize, rye and certain other agriculturally important species in the Poaceae family produce the benzoxazolinone class of phytoalexins on pest and pathogen attack. Benzoxazolinones can inhibit the growth of pathogens. However, certain fungi can actively detoxify these compounds. Despite this, a clear link between the ability to detoxify benzoxazolinones and pathogen virulence has not been shown. Here, through comparative genome analysis of several Fusarium species, we have identified a conserved genomic region around the FDB2 gene encoding an N‐malonyltransferase enzyme known to be involved in benzoxazolinone degradation in the maize pathogen Fusarium verticillioides. Expression analyses demonstrated that a cluster of nine genes was responsive to exogenous benzoxazolinone in the important wheat pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum. The analysis of independent F. pseudograminearum FDB2 knockouts and complementation of the knockout with FDB2 homologues from F. graminearum and F. verticillioides confirmed that the N‐malonyltransferase enzyme encoded by this gene is central to the detoxification of benzoxazolinones, and that Fdb2 contributes quantitatively to virulence towards wheat in head blight inoculation assays. This contrasts with previous observations in F. verticillioides, where no effect of FDB2 mutations on pathogen virulence towards maize was observed. Overall, our results demonstrate that the detoxification of benzoxazolinones is a strategy adopted by wheat‐infecting F. pseudograminearum to overcome host‐derived chemical defences.
Ocean acidification decreases the light‐use efficiency in an Antarctic diatom under dynamic but not constant light
Authors: Hoppe Clara J. M. , Holtz Lena‐Maria , Trimborn Scarlett , Rost Björn
Published: February 2015

There is increasing evidence that different light intensities strongly modulate the effects of ocean acidification (OA) on marine phytoplankton. The aim of the present study was to investigate interactive effects of OA and dynamic light, mimicking natural mixing regimes.

The Antarctic diatom Chaetoceros debilis was grown under two pCO2 (390 and 1000 μatm) and light conditions (constant and dynamic), the latter yielding the same integrated irradiance over the day. To characterize interactive effects between treatments, growth, elemental composition, primary production and photophysiology were investigated.

Dynamic light reduced growth and strongly altered the effects of OA on primary production, being unaffected by elevated pCO2 under constant light, yet significantly reduced under dynamic light. Interactive effects between OA and light were also observed for Chl production and particulate organic carbon quotas.

Response patterns can be explained by changes in the cellular energetic balance. While the energy transfer efficiency from photochemistry to biomass production (Φe,C) was not affected by OA under constant light, it was drastically reduced under dynamic light. Contrasting responses under different light conditions need to be considered when making predictions regarding a more stratified and acidified future ocean.
Anatomy, Definition, and Treatment of the “Terrible Triad of the Elbow” and Contemplation of the Rationality of this Designation
Authors: Xiao Ke , Zhang Jia , Li Tao , Dong Yu‐lei , Weng Xi‐sheng
Published: February 2015

In the realm of orthopaedics, the terrible triad of the elbow is infamous, not simply because the prognosis is poor for most patients, but also, maybe to a greater extent, because the unique name of this malady attracts considerable attention and interest in both doctors and patients. The adjective terrible is bestowed on an elbow triad that comprises three coexisting complicated traumas; namely, radial head and ulnar coronoid process fractures and posterior dislocation of the elbow joint. In this review, the classification, treatment principles and prognosis for different forms of management of the radial head and ulnar coronoid process fractures and the ligaments lesions are introduced sequentially and various surgical procedures and their efficacy are discussed. This triad has long given orthopedic surgeons headaches. Nonetheless, in recent years a series of anatomical mechanical studies on the elbow joint have been published and there have been several breakthroughs in surgical techniques for managing this elbow triad. This review examines some memorable millstones and unveils trends in the current clinical norm for this triad. The accomplishments achieved recently have reportedly resulted in enhanced prognoses in the last two or three years compared with previous years. It is therefore high time to revise our thoughts about the justice and accuracy of defining this triad of the elbow as terrible. Lastly, we may safely conclude that the terrible triad of the elbow is much less terrible than previously, provided the commonly approved clinical approaches are undertaken.
Cementless Revision for Infected Hip Arthroplasty: an 8.6 Years Follow‐up
Authors: Li Peng , Hou Ming , Zhu Zhi‐qi , Shi Zhan‐jun
Published: February 2015

Objective

To investigate cementless revision for postoperative infection after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

From November 1997 to December 2009, 10 patients (10 hips; four males, six females) of mean age 58 years (36–73 years) with infection after THA were treated. Six of the 10 hips underwent revision total hip arthroplasty, two only received new acetabular components and two underwent stem revision. One‐stage revision was performed in six cases and two‐stage revision in four. Consecutive radiographs were compared to evaluate component conditions. Harris hip scores were determined before surgery and at final follow‐up. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein were assessed.

Results

All patients were followed up for a mean duration of 8.6 years (6.5–15.6 years). The mean Harris hip score improved from 35 (18–63) points preoperatively to 89 (60–99) points at final follow‐up. No re‐infection occurred. Femoral component exsertion was occurred in one asymptomatic patient. Hip joint pain resolved in seven cases; three patients had mild pain when walking long distances. At final follow‐up, six patients still had slight limps. Heterotopic ossification developed in two hips. Mean polyethylene liner wear was 0.08 mm per year at final follow‐up. Deep vein phlebothrombosis and nerve injury did not occur.

Conclusion

One‐ or two‐stage revisions using cementless prosthesis can produce satisfactory clinical outcomes in patients with infection after THA. Whether the original prosthesis can be partially retained when attached tightly to the femur or acetabular bone needs further investigation.
Sanders II Type Calcaneal Fractures: a Retrospective Trial of Percutaneous versus Operative Treatment
Authors: Wang Ye‐ming , Wei Wan‐fu
Published: February 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of percutaneous reduction and Steinman pin fixation for Sanders II calcaneal fractures with those of operative management through an extensile lateral approach.

Methods

Fifty‐three patients treated with standard open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF group) and 54 patients who had undergone percutaneous reduction and Steinman pin fixation (CRIF group) were retrospectively reviewed. There were no differences between the groups regarding sex, age or fracture classification. Pain and functional outcome were evaluated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores. Wound complications and radiological results were compared.

Results

At a mean follow‐up of 40.4 months (24 to 56 months), there were no differences between the two groups in mean AOFAS score, VAS score or radiologically determined variables. Two cases of deep infection and six of poor wound healing occurred in the ORIF group and none in the CRIF group. Subtalar and ankle motion was found to be better in the CRIF group.

Conclusions

Percutaneous reduction and Steinman pin fixation minimizes complications and achieves functional outcomes comparable to those of the open techniques in patients with Sanders II calcaneal fractures.
Extended implementation of educational programs for atopic dermatitis in childhood
Authors: Ahrens Birgit , Staab Doris
Published: February 2015

Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) suffer from chronic relapsing inflammatory skin lesions accompanied by insatiable itching, dryness, excoriated skin, or even (super‐)infections. This burden impairs the quality of life of affected children and their families. Due particularly to the recurrent course of the disease, patients often lose confidence in treatment and fear side effects of steroids. Family education programs for AD have been established in the last decades to provide appropriate education and psychosocial support. However, the need for long‐lasting strategies in treatment and prevention has even increased. Recent findings not only underline the importance of an intact skin barrier in regard to acute therapy but also suggest that an impairment of skin barrier integrity promotes the development of subsequent atopic diseases in the course of the atopic march. Moreover, in addition to the psychosocial burden due to stigmatized appearance or sleep disturbance, new observations document an increased presence of psychosomatic comorbidities in patients with AD. We reviewed recent educational interventions regarding the theoretical background and here will discuss the heterogeneous approaches of existing programs in childhood. Despite high variations of educational strategies, an overriding aim should be the broader integration of supporting programs in the treatment of children with AD to empower the affected child and its caregiver's to obtain the best possible care, quality of life, and to promote (secondary) prevention.
Tacrolimus vs. cyclosporine eyedrops in severe cyclosporine‐resistant vernal keratoconjunctivitis: A randomized, comparative, double‐blind, crossover study
Authors: Pucci Neri , Caputo Roberto , di Grande Laura , de Libero Cinzia , Mori Francesca , Barni Simona , di Simone Lorena , Calvani Annamaria , Rusconi Franca , Novembre Elio
Published: February 2015

Background

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a chronic sight‐threatening ocular disease. Topical cyclosporine A (Cyc) has been widely administered as a steroid‐sparing drug, although in about 7–10% of cases, it has been ineffective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 0.1% topical tacrolimus (Tcr) in patients with severe VKC who failed to respond to 1% Cyc eyedrops.

Methods

Consecutive patients with severe, Cyc‐resistant VKC were enrolled in a double‐blind, comparative, crossover (DBCO) trial; all patients were treated with 1% Cyc in one eye and 0.1% Tcr in the other eye for 3 wk. After a washout period of 7 days, patients were instructed to cross over the medications for three additional weeks. Objective ocular score, subjective score, and quality‐of‐life questionnaires (QoLQ) were collected during the trial. Blood samples were drawn to assess several safety parameters.

Results

Thirty patients have been enrolled (mean age 9.05 ± 2.12 yr). In each of the two phases of the DBCO trial, a significant improvement in objective and subjective scores was observed in the eyes treated with 0.1% Tcr (p < 0.001). Likewise, the quality of life significantly improved despite only half the eyes being successfully treated. Serum creatinine and blood parameters were constantly within the normal range, and both blood Cyc and Tcr concentrations remained below the lowest detectable levels.

Conclusions

Topical Tcr is very effective and safe in the short term for patients suffering from severe VKC resistant to topical Cyc.
Results of central pathology review of prostatic biopsies in a contemporary series from a phase III, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (SHIP0804)
Authors: Sasaki Hiroshi , Kido Masahito , Miki Kenta , Aoki Manabu , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Dokiya Takushi , Yamanaka Hidetoshi , Fukushima Masanori , Egawa Shin
Published: February 2015

To investigate contemporary rates of variation in the biopsy Gleason grading in prostate cancer, between local and central pathologists, based on central review of the pathological slides from Seed and Hormone for Intermediate‐risk Prostate Cancer (SHIP) 0804, a phase III, multicenter, randomized, controlled study. From April 2008 to May 2011, 18 Japanese institutions participated. All H&E slides were reviewed independently, without clinical information, and a tumor grade was assigned according to the modified Gleason grading system proposed by the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP). Prostate biopsy specimens of 642 cases were available for evaluation. An exact concordance rate of Gleason score (GS) between local and central pathologists was determined to be 65.3%; with the under‐grading and over‐grading of grades to be 14.6% and 20.1%, respectively. The central review resulted in numbers of tumor‐bearing cores reassigned in 99 of 616 cases in which such information by the local pathologists was available (16.1%). Discordance in biopsy Gleason grading was still found in one third of the cases in the SHIP0804 study. This information is valuable in extrapolating the diagnostic error range in contemporary clinical studies conducted without central pathological review.