bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating long non‐coding HOX transcript antisense intergenic ribonucleic acid in plasma as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Kaijiong , Luo Zhenglian , Liu Lian , Wu Lichun , Liu Jinbo
Published: August 2016

Background

It is well known that HOX transcript antisense intergenic ribonucleic acid (HOTAIR) plays an important role in breast cancer (BC). However, whether circulating HOTAIR in plasma could be used for BC diagnosis and dynamic monitoring are unclear.

Methods

We tested the expression levels of HOTAIR in 30 pairs of tissue samples and 148 plasma samples from BC patients by quantitative real time‐polymerase chain reaction, and the correlation between plasma HOTAIR levels and clinical features were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to assess the diagnostic power of plasma HOTAIR for BC. Furthermore, we explored the monitoring values of plasma HOTAIR for BC and analyzed the correlation of HOTAIR levels between plasma and corresponding tissues of the same patients.

Results

The expression levels of HOTAIR were significantly higher in BC tissues and plasma than in the control (
P
 < 0.05). The expression levels of plasma HOTAIR were correlated with lymph node metastasis (
P
 = 0.018), estrogen receptor (ER) (
P
 = 0.012), c‐erbB‐2 (P = 0.006) and triple positive (
P
 = 0.015). The area under the ROC curve of plasma HOTAIR was 0.80 (sensitivity 69.2%; specificity 93.3%), which was higher than the carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 15‐3 values obtained. Moreover, plasma HOTAIR expression levels in postoperative patients were lower than those in preoperative patients (
P
 = 0.029) and were moderately correlated with the corresponding tissue levels of the same patients (r = 0.68,
P
 < 0.0001).

Conclusion

These results indicated that HOTAIR may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of BC.
Disentangling the Role of Astrocytes in Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Adermark Louise , Bowers M. Scott
Published: August 2016

Several laboratories recently identified that astrocytes are critical regulators of addiction machinery. It is now known that astrocyte pathology is a common feature of ethanol (EtOH) exposure in both humans and animal models, as even brief EtOH exposure is sufficient to elicit long‐lasting perturbations in astrocyte gene expression, activity, and proliferation. Astrocytes were also recently shown to modulate the motivational properties of EtOH and other strongly reinforcing stimuli. Given the role of astrocytes in regulating glutamate homeostasis, a crucial component of alcohol use disorder (AUD), astrocytes might be an important target for the development of next‐generation alcoholism treatments. This review will outline some of the more prominent features displayed by astrocytes, how these properties are influenced by acute and long‐term EtOH exposure, and future directions that may help to disentangle astrocytic from neuronal functions in the etiology of AUD.
Absorptive Capacity, International Business Knowledge Transfer, and Local Adaptation: Establishing Discount Department Stores in Australia
Authors: Bailey Matthew
Published: August 2016

This article examines the ways that Australia's largest retail firms accessed and adapted external knowledge flows, largely from the USA, to develop discount department store chains from the late‐1960s onwards. In doing so, it extends work on retail internationalisation by focusing on the importation, rather than the exportation of business models. The three firms – Coles, Myer and Woolworths – exhibited differing degrees of absorptive capacity in identifying and commercialising knowledge flows. This was reflected in fluctuating levels of success, the scope of store networks and relative positioning in the Australian market. Further, the role played by informal associations between managers in non‐competing firms in different markets during the development of discount department stores in Australia advances the case for socialising analyses of business knowledge transfer more broadly.
Inhibition of T‐cell activation attenuates hypertension,TNFα,IL‐17, and blood–brain barrier permeability in pregnant rats with angiogenic imbalance
Authors: Bean Cynthia , Spencer Shauna‐Kay , Bowles Teylor , Kyle Patrick B. , Williams Jan M. , Gibbens Jacob , Wallace Kedra
Published: August 2016

Problem

Angiogenic imbalance during pregnancy is associated with immune activation, hypertension, increased T cell infiltration, and neurological insults.

Method of Study

On gestational day (GD) 12, timed‐pregnant rats were infused with anti‐angiogenic factorssFlt‐1 andsEndoglin (4.7 and 7 μg/kg) to createHELLPsyndrome via mini‐osmotic pumps for 8 days, with a subset of these rats having Orencia (2 mg/kg) infused onGD13. OnGD19, blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability was evaluated via Evan's Blue infusion, blood was collected for T‐cell measurements, inflammatory cytokine secretion. Brain tissues were also collected to examine inflammatory cytokine infiltration.

Results

T‐cell attenuation with Orencia decreased circulatingCD4+andCD8+T cells, circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) andIL‐17,BBBpermeability and significantly decreased biochemical evidence ofHELLPcompared to untreatedHELLPrats.

Conclusions

These data support the hypothesis that T cells have a critical role in contributing to the pathophysiology that is seen in angiogenic imbalance during pregnancy.
Effect of heat stress on age at first calving of Japanese Black cows in Okinawa
Authors: Oikawa Takuro
Published: August 2016

Calving records from birth certificates of cows were analyzed to investigate the effect of heat stress on age at first calving (AFC) of Japanese Black cows. The data set covered 20 years (1990–2009) of calving records. Total number of records was 9279. Daily weather information from weather stations in the vicinity of the farms was used. Temperature‐humidity index (THI) fitted to a linear model covered 30 days pre‐insemination to 61 days post‐insemination. Statistical analysis was conducted with procedures of SAS/STAT. Preliminary analysis showed that THI of the lowest temperature and humidity was most conducive to AFC. Covariance analysis, including main effect of sire, farm and year of insemination and covariates of THI on days showed that regression coefficients of THI on day ‐7, day ‐2 and day +31 were statistically significant. The estimated piecewise regression line showed different responses of AFC to THI on days: roof‐shasped downward trend on day ‐7, hockey‐stick shaped upward trend on day ‐2 and day +31. The difference among the estimated regression lines may be caused by direct and indirect factors on reproduction: indirect effect of reduced feed intake, failure of conception at previous insemination, direct effect of heat stress on oocyte and embryo development.
Comparison of robot‐assisted and open partial nephrectomy for completely endophytic renal tumours: a single centre experience
Authors: Kara Onder , Maurice Matthew J. , Malkoc Ercan , Ramirez Daniel , Nelson Ryan J. , Caputo Peter A. , Stein Robert J. , Kaouk Jihad H.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To compare outcomes between robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) and open PN (OPN) for completely endophytic renal tumours.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 1 230 consecutive cases, consisting of 823 RAPNs and 407 OPNs, performed for renal mass at a single academic tertiary centre between 2011 and 2016. Of these, data on 87 RAPN and 56 OPN cases for completely endophytic renal tumours were analysed. Patient and tumour characteristics, operative, postoperative, functional, and oncological outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

Apart from a higher prevalence of solitary kidney among OPN cases (RAPN, 5.7% vs OPN, 21.4%; P = 0.005), demographic characteristics were similar between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences in tumour size (P = 0.07), tumour stage (P = 0.3), margin status (P = 0.48), malignant tumour subtypes (P = 0.51), and grades (P = 0.61) between the groups. Also, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups for warm ischaemia time (P = 0.15), cold ischaemia time (P = 0.28), and intraoperative (P = 0.75) or postoperative (Clavien–Dindo Grade I–V, P = 0.08; Clavien–Dindo Grade III–V, P = 0.85) complication rates. The patients in the RAPN group had a shorter length of stay (P < 0.001), less estimated blood loss (P < 0.001), and lower intraoperative transfusion rates (0% vs 7.1%, P = 0.02). No local recurrences occurred during a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 15.2 (7–27.2) and 18.1 (8.2–30.9) months in the RAPN and OPN groups, respectively. There was no difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation rates between groups for the early (P = 0.26) and latest (P = 0.22) functional follow‐up.

Conclusion

For completely endophytic renal tumours, both OPN and RAPN have excellent outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons at a high‐volume centre. For skilled robotic surgeons, RAPN is a safe and effective alternative to OPN with the advantages of shorter length of stay and less blood loss.
Psychometric assessment of the short‐form Child Perceptions Questionnaire: an international collaborative study
Authors: Thomson W.M. , Foster Page L.A. , Robinson P.G. , Do L.G. , Traebert J. , Mohamed A.R. , Turton B.J. , McGrath C. , Bekes K. , Hirsch C. , del Carmen Aguilar‐Diaz F. , Marshman Z. , Benson P.E. , Baker S.R.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To examine the factor structure and other psychometric characteristics of the most commonly used child oral‐health‐related quality‐of‐life (OHRQoL) measure (the 16‐item short‐form CPQ11‐14) in a large number of children (N = 5804) from different settings and who had a range of caries experience and associated impacts.

Methods

Secondary data analyses used subnational epidemiological samples of 11‐ to 14‐year‐olds in Australia (N = 372), New Zealand (three samples: 352, 202, 429), Brunei (423), Cambodia (244), Hong Kong (542), Malaysia (439), Thailand (220, 325), England (88, 374), Germany (1055), Mexico (335) and Brazil (404). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structure of the CPQ11‐14 across the combined sample and within four regions (Australia/NZ, Asia, UK/Europe and Latin America). Item impact and internal reliability analysis were also conducted.

Results

Caries experience varied, with mean DMFT scores ranging from 0.5 in the Malaysian sample to 3.4 in one New Zealand sample. Even more variation was noted in the proportion reporting only fair or poor oral health; this was highest in the Cambodian and Mexican samples and lowest in the German sample and one New Zealand sample. One in 10 reported that their oral health had a marked impact on their life overall. The CFA across all samples revealed two factors with eigenvalues greater than 1. The first involved all items in the oral symptoms and functional limitations subscales; the second involved all emotional well‐being and social well‐being items. The first was designated the ‘symptoms/function’ subscale, and the second was designated the ‘well‐being’ subscale. Cronbach's alpha scores were 0.72 and 0.84, respectively. The symptoms/function subscale contained more of the items with greater impact, with the item ‘Food stuck in between your teeth’ having greatest impact; in the well‐being subscale, the ‘Felt shy or embarrassed’ item had the greatest impact. Repeating the analyses by world region gave similar findings.

Conclusion

The CPQ11‐14 performed well cross‐sectionally in the largest analysis of the scale in the literature to date, with robust and mostly consistent psychometric characteristics, albeit with two underlying factors (rather than the originally hypothesized four‐factor structure). It appears to be a sound, robust measure which should be useful for research, practice and policy.
Combining geodiversity with climate and topography to account for threatened species richness
Authors: Tukiainen Helena , Bailey Joseph J. , Field Richard , Kangas Katja , Hjort Jan
Published: August 2016

Understanding threatened species diversity is important for long‐term conservation planning. Geodiversity—the diversity of Earth surface materials, forms, and processes—may be a useful biodiversity surrogate for conservation and have conservation value itself. Geodiversity and species richness relationships have been demonstrated; establishing whether geodiversity relates to threatened species’ diversity and distribution pattern is a logical next step for conservation. We used 4 geodiversity variables (rock‐type and soil‐type richness, geomorphological diversity, and hydrological feature diversity) and 4 climatic and topographic variables to model threatened species diversity across 31 of Finland's national parks. We also analyzed rarity‐weighted richness (a measure of site complementarity) of threatened vascular plants, fungi, bryophytes, and all species combined. Our 1‐km2 resolution data set included 271 threatened species from 16 major taxa. We modeled threatened species richness (raw and rarity weighted) with boosted regression trees. Climatic variables, especially the annual temperature sum above 5 °C, dominated our models, which is consistent with the critical role of temperature in this boreal environment. Geodiversity added significant explanatory power. High geodiversity values were consistently associated with high threatened species richness across taxa. The combined effect of geodiversity variables was even more pronounced in the rarity‐weighted richness analyses (except for fungi) than in those for species richness. Geodiversity measures correlated most strongly with species richness (raw and rarity weighted) of threatened vascular plants and bryophytes and were weakest for molluscs, lichens, and mammals. Although simple measures of topography improve biodiversity modeling, our results suggest that geodiversity data relating to geology, landforms, and hydrology are also worth including. This reinforces recent arguments that conserving nature's stage is an important principle in conservation.
Quantitative analysis of COH fluids synthesized at HP–HT conditions: an optimized methodology to measure volatiles in experimental capsules
Authors: Tiraboschi C. , Tumiati S. , Recchia S. , Miozzi F. , Poli S.
Published: August 2016

The quantitative assessment of COH fluids is crucial in modeling geological processes. The composition of fluids, and in particular their H2O/CO2 ratio, can influence the melting temperatures, the location of hydration or carbonation reactions, and the solute transport capability in several rock systems. In the scientific literature, COH fluids speciation has been generally assumed on the basis of thermodynamic calculations using equations of state of simple H2O–nonpolar gas systems (e.g., H2O–CO2–CH4). Only few authors dealt with the experimental determination of high‐pressure COH fluid species at different conditions, using diverse experimental and analytical approaches (e.g., piston cylinder + capsule piercing + gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; cold seal + silica glass capsules + Raman). In this contribution, we present a new methodology for the synthesis and the analysis of COH fluids in experimental capsules, which allows the quantitative determination of volatiles in the fluid by means of a capsule‐piercing device connected to a quadrupole mass spectrometer. COH fluids are synthesized starting from oxalic acid dihydrate at P = amb and T = 250°C in single capsules heated in a furnace, and at P = 1 GPa and T = 800°C using a piston‐cylinder apparatus and the double‐capsule technique to control the redox conditions employing the rhenium–rhenium oxide oxygen buffer. A quantitative analysis of H2O, CO2, CH4, CO, H2, O2, and N2 along with associated statistical errors is obtained by linear regression of the m/z data of the sample and of standard gas mixtures of known composition. The estimated uncertainties are typically <1% for H2O and CO2, and <5% for CO. Our results suggest that the COH fluid speciation is preserved during and after quench, as the experimental data closely mimic the thermodynamic model both in terms of bulk composition and fluid speciation.
Seeking the Passionate Career: First‐in‐Family Enabling Students and the Idea of the Australian University
Authors: May Josephine , Delahunty Janine , O'Shea Sarah , Stone Cathy
Published: August 2016

This paper examines the idea of the university from the first‐in‐family enabling students’ perspective. It provides an overview of the current crisis of meaning in scholarly commentary that points to a spectrum of meanings about the university. This spectrum ranges from the ancient imaginary of the monastic university as ‘ivory tower’ to the instrumental idea of the entrepreneurial university. The analysis then reports on the idea of the university in over 40 interviews and surveys of first‐in‐family enabling students who attended two large regional Australian universities in 2014. Their metaphorical understandings of the university constitute a powerful imaginary about what a university is and can do for individuals and the wider society. For many, the resolution of the individualistic passion for knowledge of ‘ivory tower’ studies and the commitment to the social and economic usefulness of the fully engaged entrepreneurial university can be found in the pursuit of the passionate career.
Conversion of Indigenous People in the Peruvian Andes: Politics and Historical Understanding
Authors: Ramos Gabriela
Published: August 2016

Historical and anthropological approaches to conversion in the Andes have often been influenced by political attitudes toward the effects of Spanish colonialism, both in the Andean past and in contemporary society. The importance of religious conversion in the colonization of the Andean region and the crucial place religion has in its culture explained the continued interest in the subject.

However, conversion has not been explicitly considered as a conceptual problem. The absence of a discussion, though, does not mean that scholars have pursued their research without prior ideas of what conversion is. Some implicit notion is present, even in the most descriptive of accounts. Yet in reviewing the literature, it is difficult to identify proper debates.

This essay studies changing understandings of conversion in Andean historiography. The review of the literature goes as far back as the time when conversion was seen as a civilizing endeavor. The essay then discusses the widely accepted ideas of syncretism and resistance to investigate conversion and then moves on to the study of conversion as a crucial theme in Andean cultural history. A related viewpoint is the approach that sees conversion as world building. Throughout, the essay examines how politics appear to define different approaches to this phenomenon.
Adverse bone health and abnormal bone turnover among perinatally HIV‐infected Asian adolescents with virological suppression
Authors: Sudjaritruk T , Bunupuradah T , Aurpibul L , Kosalaraksa P , Kurniati N , Prasitsuebsai W , Sophonphan J , Sohn AH , Ananworanich J , Puthanakit T ,   the Bone‐D Study Group
Published: August 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low bone mass and assess its relationship with abnormal bone turnover among HIV‐infected Asian adolescents.

Methods

A multicentre, cross‐sectional study was conducted at four paediatric HIV centres in Thailand and Indonesia. Perinatally HIV‐infected adolescents aged 10–18 years receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) with virological suppression (HIV RNA < 400 copies/mL) were enrolled. Study assessments included lumbar spine (L2−L4) dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and measurement of bone turnover markers. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) Z‐scores were calculated based on Thai normative age‐ and sex‐matched references. Low bone mass was defined as BMD or BMAD Z‐scores ≤ −2.

Results

Of 396 participants, 57% were female. The median age was 15.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 13.3–16.9] years, and 73% were in Tanner stage 3−5. At enrolment, the median CD4 T‐cell count was 734 (IQR 581–907) cells/μL, and 37% were on protease inhibitor (PI)‐based regimens. The overall prevalence of lumbar spine BMD and BMAD Z‐scores ≤ −2 were 16.4% and 8.3%, respectively. Z‐scores were lower with older age, female sex, body mass index (BMI) <5th percentile, boosted PI exposure and CD4 T‐cell percentage < 15% before ART initiation. Increased bone turnover markers were inversely associated with BMD and BMAD Z‐scores.

Conclusions

Low bone mass was linked to older age, female sex, low BMI, boosted PI exposure, and poor immunological status before ART commencement in our cohort of perinatally HIV‐infected Asian adolescents. Dysregulation of bone turnover was associated with bone demineralization. Screening for low bone mass should be implemented to identify individuals who might benefit from interventions to preserve bone health.
Occupational segregation by hours of work in Europe
Authors: SPARREBOOM Theo
Published: August 2016

This article quantifies the levels of occupational segregation between part‐time and full‐time work using data from the European Labour Force Survey for 15 European countries. It also attempts to identify some of the determinants of segregation through regression analysis using three groups of indicators (quantity of employment, quality of employment and institutional factors). Occupational segregation by hours of work is generally higher for males than for females and is also higher for young workers versus adult workers. It is also found that segregation for men is correlated with the quantity of employment, while variables from all three groups of indicators are important for adult women and young workers.
Candida albicans colonisation, continence status and incontinence‐associated dermatitis in the acute care setting: a pilot study
Authors: Campbell Jill L , Coyer Fiona M , Mudge Alison M , Robertson Ivan M , Osborne Sonya R
Published: August 2016

Candida albicans is the most prevalent human fungal commensal organism and is reported to be the most frequent aetiological organism responsible for infection associated with incontinence‐associated dermatitis. However, it remains unclear whether incontinence predisposes a patient to increased Candida colonisation or whether incontinence acts as a trigger for Candida infection in those already colonised. The purpose of this observational cross‐sectional study was to estimate colonisation rates of C. albicans in continent, compared to incontinent patients, and patients with incontinence‐associated dermatitis. Data were collected on 81 inpatients of a major Australian hospital and included a pelvic skin inspection and microbiological specimens to detect C. Albicans at hospital admission. The mean age of the sample was 76 years (SD = 12.22) with 53% being male. Incontinent participants (n = 53) had a non‐significant trend towards greater Candida colonisation rates at the perianal site (43% versus 28%) χ2(1, N = 81) = 4·453, p = ·638 and the inguinal site (24% versus 14%) χ2(1, N = 81) = 6·868, p = ·258 compared to continent patients (n = 28). The incontinent subgroup with incontinence‐associated dermatitis (n = 22) showed no difference in colonisation rates compared to those without incontinence‐associated dermatitis. Understanding the epidemiology of colonisation may have implications for the prevention of Candida infection in these patients.
Brexit: Surname Diversity and Voting Patterns
Authors: Borja Mario Cortina , Stander Julian , Valle Luciana Dalla
Published: August 2016

Mario Cortina Borja, Julian Stander and Luciana Dalla Valle examine associations between the results of the EU referendum and the prevalence of unique surnames across the UK

Mario Cortina Borja, Julian Stander and Luciana Dalla Valle examine associations between the results of the EU referendum and surname diversity
Breast Cancer Screenings: Does the Evidence Support the Recommendations?
Authors: Skorupski William P. , Wainer Howard
Published: August 2016

In October 2015, the American Cancer Society announced changes in its recommendations for breast cancer screening. William P. Skorupski and Howard Wainer discuss the evidentiary support for the changes that were made, and the new focus on patient preference
The Analytics of Getting Sacked: Coach Firings in the National Football League
Authors: Chase Harrison W. , Glickman Mark E.
Published: August 2016

Black Monday is a day full of uncertainty for NFL coaches, as they wait to hear whether they will be fired or not. Harrison W. Chase and Mark E. Glickman build a model to predict which teams are likely to wield the axe
Treatment of periodontal intrabony defects using autologous platelet‐rich fibrin and titanium platelet‐rich fibrin: a randomized, clinical, comparative study
Authors: Chatterjee Anirban , Pradeep Avani R. , Garg Vibhuti , Yajamanya Shravanthi , Ali Mohammed M. , Priya V. Sneha
Published: August 2016

Aim

The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of open flap debridement (OFD) alone and OFD with either autologous platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) or titanium PRF (TPRF) in the treatment of intrabony defects (IBD).

Methods

The study was conducted on patients reporting to the Department of Periodontics, The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, India. Thirty‐eight patients with 90 periodontal IBD of moderate–severe periodontitis were selected and assigned to the OFD alone group (group I), the OFD with autologous PRF group (group II), or the OFD with TPRF group (group III). In each patient, a minimum number of two sextants were present, with probing pocket depths (PPD) ≥5 mm in at least three teeth.

Results

At 9 months’ postoperatively, upon comparing the PPD reduction, defect depth reduction, and clinical attachment level gains, it was noted that groups II and III showed statistically‐significant improvements compared with group I, but no statistically‐significant difference was noted between groups II and III.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that marked improvements in the clinical parameters and radiographic outcomes were noted with both autologous PRF and TPRF in the treatment of IBD.
Influence of Fixture Thread Exposure on Marginal Bone Level Around Different Implant Systems: A Preliminary Study in Dogs
Authors: Choi Bohm , Yoon Hyun‐Joong , Ha Won‐Suk , Park Young‐Min
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of implant neck structures on marginal bone loss around intentionally exposed implant fixtures by histomorphometric analysis.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐four implants representing 3 implant systems were placed in three dogs; an implant system with SLA surface without microthreads (group A); one with SLA + calcium surface without microthreads (group B); and one with SLA surface with microthreads (group C). The histomorphometric analyses for vertical defect length (VDL), infrabony defect height (IDH), and defect depth (DD) were performed at the buccal and lingual sides of each fixture.

Results

The VDL was lower in group A relative to groups B and C on the buccal and lingual sides. The IDH and DD were higher in group A than group C on the buccal and lingual sides; however, no statistically significant differences were noted between the groups in VDL, IDH, and DD on the buccal and lingual sides of the fixtures.

Conclusions

In this preliminary study, marginal bone resorption pattern in the canine mandible varied according to the neck design of each implant fixture. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm the effect of microthreads and surface roughness on the marginal bone loss at the exposed implant fixture.
Pharmacokinetics of butafosfan after intravenous and intramuscular administration in piglets
Authors: Sun F. , Wang J. , Yang S. , Zhang S. , Shen J. , Xingyuan C.
Published: August 2016

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of butafosfan in piglets were investigated following intravenous and intramuscular administration at a single dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. Plasma concentration–time data and relevant parameters were best described by noncompartmental analysis after intravenous and intramuscular injection. The data were analyzed through WinNolin 6.3 software. After intravenous administration, the mean pharmacokinetic parameters were determined as T1/2λz of 3.30 h, Cl of 0.16 L kg/h, AUC of 64.49 ± 15.07 μg h/mL, Vss of 0.81 ± 0.44/kg, and MRT of 1.51 ± 0.27 h. Following intramuscular administration, the Cmax (28.11 μg/mL) was achieved at Tmax (0.31 h) with an absolute availability of 74.69%. Other major parameters including AUC and MRT were 48.29 ± 21.67 μg h/mL and 1.74 ± 0.29 h, respectively.
Temporal shifts in the interaction between woody resprouters and an obligate seeder tree during a post‐fire succession in Patagonia
Authors: Landesmann Jennifer B. , Gowda Juan H. , Kitzberger Thomas
Published: August 2016

Question

The study of temporal variation of plant–plant interactions has received little attention despite its importance in community dynamics. Successional processes triggered by disturbances such as fire may be determined by changes in key interactions between dominant woody plants. Taking advantage of a 95‐yr‐old post‐fire natural experiment we assessed temporal shifts in post‐fire interactions between woody resprouters and the obligate seeder tree Austrocedrus chilensis. We hypothesized that during the initial post‐fire period, resprouters may facilitate A. chilensis trees' growth, while at advanced time since fire the interaction between A. chilensis trees and resprouters may turn to competition.

Location

Northwestern Río Negro province, Patagonia, Argentina.

Methods

We selected pairs of A. chilensis trees and woody resprouters growing 80 cm apart (growing in association) and both A. chilensis trees and resprouters growing at more than 3 m apart from any individual (controls). We cored all individuals, measured ring widths and calculated basal area increment (BAI) and the relative interaction index (RII).

Results

During mid‐early stages of post‐fire succession, A. chilensis trees' BAI was suppressed for at least 15 yr when growing in association with resprouters, and accordingly displayed a negative RII. Strikingly, during the same period, resprouters associated with A. chilensis trees showed higher BAI than control resprouters, and a positive RII. At advanced time since fire, RII showed a neutral interaction, and according to model estimations, the BAI of A. chilensis trees in association may eventually exceed control BAI whereas resprouters' BAI in association may decline earlier than that of the controls. Interestingly, A. chilensis trees and resprouters' growth was less correlated with climate when growing in association than when growing in isolation.

Conclusions

Competition of resprouters over A. chilensis treess' growth during intermediate post‐fire stages may be slowing the successional process. However, the association appears to be at the same time mutually beneficial as it buffers against adverse climatic conditions. Studying how plant growth varies along the succession is essential to understand community functioning and to predict possible alterations associated with changes in disturbance regimes due to climate change.
Preservation of ancient impact ages on the R chondrite parent body: 40Ar/39Ar age of hornblende‐bearing R chondrite LAP 04840
Authors: Righter K. , Cosca M. A. , Morgan L. E.
Published: August 2016

The hornblende‐ and biotite‐bearing R chondrite LAP 04840 is a rare kind of meteorite possibly containing outer solar system water stored during metamorphism or postshock annealing deep within an asteroid. Because little is known regarding its age and origin, we determined 40Ar/39Ar ages on hornblende‐rich separates of the meteorite, and obtained plateau ages of 4340(±40) to 4380(±30) Ma. These well‐defined plateau ages, coupled with evidence for postshock annealing, indicate this meteorite records an ancient shock event and subsequent annealing. The age of 4340–4380 Ma (or 4.34–4.38 Ga) for this and other previously dated R chondrites is much older than most impact events recorded by ordinary chondrites and points to an ancient event or events that predated the late heavy bombardment that is recorded in so many meteorites and lunar samples.
Lanolin for the treatment of nipple pain in breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jackson Kimberley T. , Dennis Cindy‐Lee
Published: August 2016

Nipple pain and damage are commonly experienced by breastfeeding women and are associated with negative breastfeeding outcomes. Health care providers often recommend the application of lanolin to treat painful/damaged nipples, yet no randomized controlled trial has evaluated the effectiveness of lanolin on nipple pain and breastfeeding outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of lanolin on nipple pain among breastfeeding women with damaged nipples. A randomized, single‐blind, controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Breastfeeding women (N = 186) identified as having nipple pain/damage were randomized to apply lanolin (intervention group; n = 93) or to receive usual postpartum care (control group; n = 93). The primary outcome was nipple pain at 4 days post‐randomization measured by the Numeric Rating Scale. Additional outcomes included nipple pain measured by the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, breastfeeding duration/exclusivity, breastfeeding self‐efficacy, and maternal satisfaction with lanolin treatment versus usual care. The results revealed no significant group differences in mean pain scores at 4 days post‐randomization. Women in both groups experienced clinically relevant decreases in nipple pain by 7 days post‐randomization. Significantly, more women in the lanolin group reported that they were satisfied with treatment compared with those receiving usual care. No significant group differences were found for other secondary outcomes. While more women were satisfied using lanolin, its application to sore/damaged nipples was ineffective for reducing nipple pain or improving breastfeeding outcomes.
Molecular phenotyping of maternally mediated parallel adaptive divergence withinRana arvalisandRana temporaria
Authors: Shu Longfei , Laurila Anssi , Suter Marc J.‐F. , Räsänen Katja
Published: August 2016

When similar selection acts on the same traits in multiple species or populations, parallel evolution can result in similar phenotypic changes, yet the underlying molecular architecture of parallel phenotypic divergence can be variable. Maternal effects can influence evolution at ecological timescales and facilitate local adaptation, but their contribution to parallel adaptive divergence is unclear. In this study, we (i) tested for variation in embryonic acid tolerance in a common garden experiment and (ii) used molecular phenotyping of egg coats to investigate the molecular basis of maternally mediated parallel adaptive divergence in two amphibian species (Rana arvalisandRana temporaria). Our results on threeR. arvalisand twoR. temporariapopulations show that adaptive divergence in embryonic acid tolerance is mediated via maternally derived egg coats in both species. We find extensive polymorphism in egg jelly coat glycoproteins within both species and that acid‐tolerant clutches have more negatively charged egg jelly – indicating that the glycosylation status of the jelly coat proteins is under divergent selection in acidified environments, likely due to its impact on jelly water balance. Overall, these data provide evidence for parallel mechanisms of adaptive divergence in two species. Our study highlights the importance of studying intraspecific molecular variation in egg coats and, specifically, their glycoproteins, to increase understanding of underlying forces maintaining variation in jelly coats.
Population genomic evidence for multiple Pliocene refugia in a montane‐restricted harvestman (Arachnida, Opiliones, Sclerobunus robustus) from the southwestern United States
Authors: Derkarabetian Shahan , Burns Mercedes , Starrett James , Hedin Marshal
Published: August 2016

The integration of ecological niche modelling into phylogeographic analyses has allowed for the identification and testing of potential refugia under a hypothesis‐based framework, where the expected patterns of higher genetic diversity in refugial populations and evidence of range expansion of nonrefugial populations are corroborated with empirical data. In this study, we focus on a montane‐restricted cryophilic harvestman, Sclerobunus robustus, distributed throughout the heterogeneous Southern Rocky Mountains and Intermontane Plateau of southwestern North America. We identified hypothetical refugia using ecological niche models (ENMs) across three time periods, corroborated these refugia with population genetic methods using double‐digest RAD‐seq data and conducted population‐level phylogenetic and divergence dating analyses. ENMs identify two large temporally persistent regions in the mid‐latitude highlands. Genetic patterns support these two hypothesized refugia with higher genetic diversity within refugial populations and evidence for range expansion in populations found outside hypothesized refugia. Phylogenetic analyses identify five to six genetically divergent, geographically cohesive clades of S. robustus. Divergence dating analyses suggest that these separate refugia date to the Pliocene and that divergence between clades pre‐dates the late Pleistocene glacial cycles, while diversification within clades was likely driven by these cycles. Population genetic analyses reveal effects of both isolation by distance (IBD) and isolation by environment (IBE), with IBD more important in the continuous mountainous portion of the distribution, while IBE was stronger in the populations inhabiting the isolated sky islands of the south. Using model‐based coalescent approaches, we find support for postdivergence migration between clades from separate refugia.
A global meta‐analysis of soil phosphorus dynamics after afforestation
Authors: Deng Qi , McMahon Devin E. , Xiang Yangzhou , Yu Chih‐Li , Jackson Robert B. , Hui Dafeng
Published: August 2016

Afforestation significantly affects soil chemistry and biota, but its effects on the potentially growth‐limiting nutrient phosphorus (P) had not to our knowledge been analyzed globally.

We conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis of 220 independent sampling sites from 108 articles to evaluate global patterns and controls of soil P change following afforestation.

Overall, total P concentration decreased by 11% and total P stock by 12% in the top 20 cm of mineral soil following afforestation, with no change in available P. Time since afforestation had no consistent effect on total P, while available P tended to increase with time. Prior land cover was the most influential factor for soil P change after afforestation, with available P increasing on native vegetation but decreasing on cropland. Afforestation increased available P by 22% without decreasing total P on formerly ‘degraded’ land, but depleted total P by 15% at nondegraded sites. Climate also influenced soil P response to afforestation, with larger P loss in the tropics.

Afforestation did not appear to directly induce P limitation, as available P only decreased on cropland. However, substantial declines in total P may drive tropical plantations toward greater P limitation as the capacity to replenish available P decreases.
The road less traveled – defining molecular commensalism with Streptococcus sanguinis
Authors: Kreth J. , Giacaman R.A. , Raghavan R. , Merritt J.
Published: August 2016

The commensal oral microbial flora has evolved with the human host to support colonization of the various intraoral sites without triggering a significant immune response. In exchange, the commensal microbes provide critical protection against invading pathogens. The intrinsic ability of the oral flora to create a symbiotic microbial community with the host can be disturbed, selecting for the overgrowth of a dysbiotic community that can result in dental diseases, such as caries and periodontitis. Although the mechanisms of molecular pathogenesis in oral diseases are well characterized, much less is known about the molecular mechanisms used by the commensal flora to maintain oral health. Here we focus on the commensal species Streptococcus sanguinis, which is found in abundance in the early oral biofilm and is strongly correlated with oral health. Streptococcus sanguinis exhibits a variety of features that make it ideally suited as a model organism to explore the molecular basis for commensalism. As such, this review will describe our current mechanistic understanding of S. sanguinis commensalism and speculate upon its molecular traits that may be exploitable to maintain or restore oral health under conditions that would otherwise lead to disease.
Characteristics of Residual Atrial Posterior Wall and Roof‐Dependent Atrial Tachycardias after Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: MATSUMOTO AKINORI , FUKUZAWA KOJI , KIUCHI KUNIHIKO , KONISHI HIROKI , ICHIBORI HIROTOSHI , IMADA HIROSHI , HYOGO KIYOHIRO , KUROSE JUN , TAKAYA TOMOFUMI , MORI SHUMPEI , YOSHIDA AKIHIRO , HIRATA KEN‐ICHI , NISHII TATSUYA , KONO ATSUSHI
Published: August 2016

Background

Roof‐dependent atrial tachycardia (roof AT) sometimes occurs after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the anatomy of the residual left atrial posterior wall and occurrence of roof AT.

Methods

A total of 265 patients with AF who underwent PVI were enrolled. After the PVI, induced or recurrent roof AT was confirmed by an entrainment maneuver or activation mapping using a three‐dimensional (3D) mapping system. To identify the predictors of roof AT, the minimum distance between both PVI lines (d‐PVI) was measured by a 3D mapping system and the anatomical parameters, including the left atrial (LA) diameter, left atrial volume index (LAVi), and shape of the left atrial roof, were analyzed by 3D computed tomography.

Results

Roof AT was documented in 11 (4.2%) of 265 patients. A multivariable analysis demonstrated that the d‐PVI, Deep V shape of the LA roof, and LAVi were associated with roof AT occurrences (d‐PVI: odds ratio: 0.72, confidence interval [CI]: 0.61–0.86, P < 0.001; Deep V shape: odds ratio: 0.19, CI: 0.04–0.82, P = 0.03; LAVi: odds ratio: 1.05, CI: 1.02–1.07, P = 0.001). A receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis yielded an optimal cut‐off value of 15.5 mm and 55.7 mL/m2 for the d‐PVI and LAVi, respectively.

Conclusion

The shorter d‐PVI at the LA roof, greater LAVi, and Deep V shape were associated with the occurrence of a roof AT.
Direct application of ozone in aquaculture systems
Authors: Powell Adam , Scolding Jacob W.S.
Published: August 2016

Ozone (O3) is a powerful oxidant that has been used in both the aquaculture and water treatment industries to improve water quality and reduce pathogens during pretreatment, treatment of effluent, as a continual treatment during RAS operations, and for bivalve depuration. As ozone can be toxic to aquatic organisms, the technology has also been investigated to destroy invasive or nuisance species, and other research has also highlighted negative effects of residual ozone on water courses. Ozone and ozone‐produced oxidants used in aquaculture operations have therefore typically been removed from water prior to entry into tanks holding stock animals. However, a growing body of research has identified direct application of ozone, here defined as exposure of residual ozone and ozone‐produced oxidants to cultured species of finfish, shellfish and live feeds across various life stages. This approach appears to be increasingly employed as a beneficial technology due to proven enhancement of hygiene and water quality, provided dosages or concentrations are appropriate to maintain animal health and welfare. This review paper concentrates on the observed benefits and drawbacks of direct ozonation, influencing factors and future considerations for standardisation and uptake of the technology.
Early supported discharge following mild stroke: a qualitative study of patients' and their partners' experiences of rehabilitation at home
Authors: Lou Stina , Carstensen Kathrine , Møldrup Marie , Shahla Seham , Zakharia Elias , Nielsen Camilla Palmhøj
Published: August 2016

Background

Early supported discharge (ESD) allows mild‐to‐moderate stroke patients to return home as soon as possible and continue rehabilitation at their own pace in familiar surroundings. Thus, the main responsibility for continued rehabilitation is in the hands of patients and their partners, who must collaborate to adjust to poststroke everyday life. However, couples' joint experiences of stroke, early discharge and rehabilitation at home remain minimally investigated.

Aim

To investigate how mild stroke patients' and their partners' experience and manage everyday life in a context of ESD.

Methods

We conducted qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of 22 ESD patients and 18 partners. Interviews were conducted 3–6 weeks after stroke, and we used thematic analysis to analyse the data.

Findings

The analysis identified three themes. First, ‘Home as a healing place’ involved the couples' experiences of a well‐informed discharge from hospital. They trusted the health professionals' assessment that the patient was ready to go home. They described home as a comforting and calm place, where recovery could meaningfully take place. The second theme, ‘Flow of everyday life’, comprised the experiences of adapting to and continuing everyday life. Most of the interviewees had relatively minor physical and cognitive impairments, and the patients and their partners were hopeful for a full recovery in the foreseeable future. Finally, ‘Professional safety net’ involved the much appreciated stroke team. Although most of the participants only had one visit from the team, knowing that they were an accessible resource was very important to the couples.

Conclusion

ESD was experienced as a meaningful and adequate rehabilitation service that allowed patients and partners to collaboratively reinvent and rebuild their flow of everyday life by jointly adjusting routines, activities and their relationship.
Participatory slum upgrading as a disjunctive process in Recife, Brazil: Urban coproduction and the absent ground of the city
Authors: de Vries Pieter
Published: August 2016

This article engages with the coproduction of urban space by focusing on a slum upgrading project in Recife, Brazil. It argues that the urban situation is essentially inconsistent, unpredictable and unstable. It documents the history of urban planning in Recife, paying special attention to the coexistence of two different planning traditions, one aimed at what city planners call the informal city, which is participatory, bottom up and democratic, yet susceptible to be corrupted by political clientelism, and another aimed at the formal city, which is ‘strategic’, top down, technocratic and neoliberal. It argues that the informal/formal binary operates as a disjunctive synthesis that separates social actors rather than connecting them and provides the coordinates within which processes of coproduction take place. The disjunctive synthesis renders possible all sorts of fantastic imaginations that both disavow and reveal the missing ground of the city. Community leaders play a central role in the coproduction of urban space and function as the symptom of this absent ground. The article concludes that participatory urban development interventions aiming to curtail the role of community leaders end up as veritable tyrannies of participation, which should be seen as evidence of the disjointed character of planning rather than as forms of effective governmentality.