bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid animal welfare assessment: an archaeological approach
Authors: Schork Ivana Gabriela , Young Robert John
Published: September 2014

The welfare of an individual depends on its capacity to overcome suboptimal conditions in its environment; otherwise, its physical and psychological health becomes compromised. A situation that clearly indicates lack of control of the environment is the expression of abnormal behaviours, such as stereotypies. This study aimed to verify the well-being of police horses using a new rapid form of welfare assessment: an archaeological approach. To this end, we sampled and quantified marks found on the stables, deposited as a result of abnormal behaviour. We cross-referenced these physical marks with veterinary records of diseases, such as colic, known to be associated with stress. A total of 46 horses were sampled and the results showed a significant medium-strength, positive correlation between bite mark frequency on stable doors and the incidence of colic. A weak significant positive correlation was found between length of scratch marks (from pawing) and the incidence of lameness. We conclude that these marks reflect the accumulated expression of abnormal behaviour and can provide rapid insight into the welfare of individual animals.
DNA metabarcoding and the cytochrome
c
oxidase subunit I marker: not a perfect match
Authors: Deagle Bruce E. , Jarman Simon N. , Coissac Eric , Pompanon François , Taberlet Pierre
Published: September 2014

DNA metabarcoding enables efficient characterization of species composition in environmental DNA or bulk biodiversity samples, and this approach is making significant and unique contributions in the field of ecology. In metabarcoding of animals, the cytochrome
c
oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is frequently used as the marker of choice because no other genetic region can be found in taxonomically verified databases with sequences covering so many taxa. However, the accuracy of metabarcoding datasets is dependent on recovery of the targeted taxa using conserved amplification primers. We argue that COI does not contain suitably conserved regions for most amplicon-based metabarcoding applications. Marker selection deserves increased scrutiny and available marker choices should be broadened in order to maximize potential in this exciting field of research.
Philip Geoffrey Saffman. 19 March 1931 — 17 August 2008
Authors: Crowdy Darren , Tanveer Saleh
Published: September 2014

Philip Geoffrey Saffman was born in Leeds on 19 March 1931 and died in Pasadena, California, on 17 August 2008. During an academic career lasting just over 40 years he became a world-renowned fluid dynamicist and applied mathematician. After completing his PhD in 1956, and a brief spell as a lecturer at Cambridge, he joined King’s College, London, as a reader before moving to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1964 as a professor. He was to remain there for the rest of his career, retiring in 1998. His death followed 10 years later, after an extended illness.
Increase or decrease in stability after nucleotomy? Conflicting
in vitro
and
in vivo
results in the sheep model
Authors: Reitmaier Sandra , Volkheimer David , Berger-Roscher Nikolaus , Wilke Hans-Joachim , Ignatius Anita
Published: September 2014

Nucleotomy is a common surgical procedure to treat disc herniations. The potential occurrence of segmental instability after surgery, however, is suspected to necessitate re-operation and fusion. Although
in vitro
studies support the theory of destabilization after nucleotomy, a prior, in-house animal study contrarily revealed an increase in stability after surgery. To identify which structural compartment of the motion segment is decisive for increased stability after nucleotomy
in vivo
, the flexibilities of ovine motion segments were measured after different stepwise reductions at the anterior and posterior spinal column. Different test groups were used in which nucleotomy had been performed during surgery
in vivo
and under isolated
in vitro
conditions, respectively. In accordance with expectations,
in vitro
nucleotomy on ovine motion segments significantly increased flexibility. By contrast, nucleotomy significantly decreased flexibility 12 weeks after surgery. After removal of the posterior structures, however, the differences in flexibility diminished. The present results thus suggest that it might not exclusively be the trauma to the intervertebral disc during surgery which is decisive for post-operative stability, but rather adaptive mechanisms in the posterior structures. Therefore, care should be taken to minimize the damage to the posterior structures in the course of the surgical approach, which more likely compromises stability.
Which muscles compromise human locomotor performance with age?
Authors: Kulmala Juha-Pekka , Korhonen Marko T. , Kuitunen Sami , Suominen Harri , Heinonen Ari , Mikkola Aki , Avela Janne
Published: September 2014

Ageing leads to a progressive decline in human locomotor performance. However, it is not known whether this decline results from reduced joint moment and power generation of all lower limb muscle groups or just some of them. To further our understanding of age-related locomotor decline, we compare the amounts of joint moments and powers generated by lower limb muscles during walking (self-selected), running (4 m s
−1
) and sprinting (maximal speed) among young, middle-aged and old adults. We find that age-related deficit in ankle plantarflexor moment and power generation becomes more severe as locomotion change from walking to running to sprinting. As a result, old adults generate more power at the knee and hip extensors than their younger counterparts when walking and running at the same speed. During maximal sprinting, young adults with faster top speeds demonstrate greater moments and powers from the ankle and hip joints, but interestingly, not from the knee joint when compared with the middle-aged and old adults. These findings indicate that propulsive deficit of ankle contributes most to the age-related locomotor decline. In addition, reduced muscular output from the hip rather than from knee limits the sprinting performance in older age.
Genetic variation reveals large-scale population expansion and migration during the expansion of Bantu-speaking peoples
Authors: Li Sen , Schlebusch Carina , Jakobsson Mattias
Published: September 2014

The majority of sub-Saharan Africans today speak a number of closely related languages collectively referred to as ‘Bantu’ languages. The current distribution of Bantu-speaking populations has been found to largely be a consequence of the movement of people rather than a diffusion of language alone. Linguistic and single marker genetic studies have generated various hypotheses regarding the timing and the routes of the Bantu expansion, but these hypotheses have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we re-analysed microsatellite markers typed for large number of African populations that—owing to their fast mutation rates—capture signatures of recent population history. We confirm the spread of west African people across most of sub-Saharan Africa and estimated the expansion of Bantu-speaking groups, using a Bayesian approach, to around 5600 years ago. We tested four different divergence models for Bantu-speaking populations with a distribution comprising three geographical regions in Africa. We found that the most likely model for the movement of the eastern branch of Bantu-speakers involves migration of Bantu-speaking groups to the east followed by migration to the south. This model, however, is only marginally more likely than other models, which might indicate direct movement from the west and/or significant gene flow with the western Branch of Bantu-speakers. Our study use multi-loci genetic data to explicitly investigate the timing and mode of the Bantu expansion and it demonstrates that west African groups rapidly expanded both in numbers and over a large geographical area, affirming the fact that the Bantu expansion was one of the most dramatic demographic events in human history.
Asticcacaulis endophyticus sp. nov., a prosthecate bacterium isolated from the root of Geum aleppicum
Authors: Zhu Lingfang , Long Mingxiu , Si Meiru , Wei Linfang , Li Changfu , Zhao Liang , Shen Xihui , Wang Yao , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2014

A strictly aerobic, light-yellow-coloured, stalked bacterium, designated strain ZFGT-14T, was isolated from the root of Geum aleppicum Jacq. collected from Taibai Mountain in Shaanxi province, north-west China, and was subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. This novel isolate grew at 7–33 °C (optimum 25–28 °C) and pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum pH 7.0–8.0). Flexirubin-type pigments were not produced. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and motile with a single polar flagellum. The predominant respiratory quinone was Q-10. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0, C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol and glycolipids. The DNA G+C content was 57.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain ZFGT-14T was most closely related to the genus

Asticcacaulis

and had low sequence similarity (95.0–95.9 %) with all species with validly published names within the genus

Asticcacaulis

. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genotypic data, strain ZFGT-14T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Asticcacaulis

, for which the name Asticcacaulis
endophyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ZFGT-14T ( = CCTCC AB 2013012T = KCTC 32296T = LMG 27605T).
Spatiotemporal dynamics of simian immunodeficiency virus brain infection in CD8+ lymphocyte-depleted rhesus macaques with neuroAIDS
Authors: Strickland Samantha L. , Rife Brittany D. , Lamers Susanna L. , Nolan David J. , Veras Nazle M. C. , Prosperi Mattia C. F. , Burdo Tricia H. , Autissier Patrick , Nowlin Brian , Goodenow Maureen M. , Suchard Marc A. , Williams Kenneth C. , Salemi Marco
Published: September 2014

Despite the success of combined antiretroviral therapy in controlling viral replication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, commonly referred to as neuroAIDS, remain a frequent and poorly understood complication. Infection of CD8+lymphocyte-depleted rhesus macaques with the SIVmac251 viral swarm is a well-established rapid disease model of neuroAIDS that has provided critical insight into HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorder onset and progression. However, no studies so far have characterized in depth the relationship between intra-host viral evolution and pathogenesis in this model. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)env gp120sequences were obtained from six infected animals. Sequences were sampled longitudinally from several lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues, including individual lobes within the brain at necropsy, for four macaques; two animals were sacrificed at 21 days post-infection (p.i.) to evaluate early viral seeding of the brain. Bayesian phylodynamic and phylogeographic analyses of the sequence data were used to ascertain viral population dynamics and gene flow between peripheral and brain tissues, respectively. A steady increase in viral effective population size, with a peak occurring at ~50–80 days p.i., was observed across all longitudinally monitored macaques. Phylogeographic analysis indicated continual viral seeding of the brain from several peripheral tissues throughout infection, with the last migration event before terminal illness occurring in all macaques from cells within the bone marrow. The results strongly supported the role of infected bone marrow cells in HIV/SIV neuropathogenesis. In addition, our work demonstrated the applicability of Bayesian phylogeography to intra-host studies in order to assess the interplay between viral evolution and pathogenesis.
MDTraj: a modern, open library for the analysis of molecular dynamics trajectories
Authors: McGibbon Robert T. , Beauchamp Kyle A. , Schwantes Christian R. , Wang Lee-Ping , Hernández Carlos X. , Herrigan Matthew P. , Lane Thomas J. , Swails Jason M. , Pande Vijay S.
Published: September 2014

Summary:MDTraj is a modern, lightweight and efficient software package for analyzing molecular dynamics simulations. MDTraj reads trajectory data from a wide variety of commonly used formats. It provides a large number of trajectory analysis capabilities including RMSD, DSSP secondary structure assignment and the extraction of common order parameters. The package has a strong focus on interoperability with the wider scientific Python ecosystem, bridging the gap between molecular dynamics data and the rapidly-growing collection of industry-standard statistical analysis and visualization tools in Python.

Availability:Package downloads, detailed examples and full documentation are available athttp://mdtraj.org. The source code is distributed under the GNU Lesser General Public License athttps://github.com/simtk/mdtraj.
Genome-wide characterization of RNA editing in chicken: lack of evidence for non-A-to-I events
Authors: Frésard Laure , Leroux Sophie , Roux Pierre-François , Klopp Christophe , Fabre Stéphane , Esquerré Diane , Dehais Patrice , Djari Anis , Gourichon David , Lagarrigue Sandrine , Pitel Frédérique
Published: September 2014

RNA editing corresponds to a post-transcriptional nucleotide change in the RNA sequence, creating an alternative nucleotide, not present in the DNA sequence. This leads to a diversification of transcription products with potential functional consequences. Two nucleotide substitutions are mainly described in animals, from adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) and from cytidine to uridine (C-to-U). This phenomenon is more and more described in mammals, notably since the availability of next generation sequencing technologies allowing a whole genome screening of RNA-DNA differences. The number of studies recording RNA editing in other vertebrates like chicken are still limited. We chose to use high throughput sequencing technologies to search for RNA editing in chicken, to understand to what extent this phenomenon is conserved in vertebrates.

We performed RNA and DNA sequencing from 8 embryos. Being aware of common pitfalls inherent to sequence analyses leading to false positive discovery, we stringently filtered our datasets and found less than 40 reliable candidates. Conservation of particular sites of RNA editing was attested by the presence of 3 edited sites previously detected in mammals. We then characterized editing levels for selected candidates in several tissues and at different time points, from 4.5 days of embryonic development to adults, and observed a clear tissue-specificity and a gradual editing level increase with time.

By characterizing the RNA editing landscape in chicken, our results highlight the extent of evolutionary conservation of this phenomenon within vertebrates, and provide support of an absence of non A-to-I events from the chicken transcriptome.
Systematic Imaging Reveals Features of Localized mRNAs and Their Changing Subcellular Destinations in Development
Authors: Jambor Helena , Surendranath Vineeth , Kalinka Alex T. , Mejstrik Pavel , Saalfeld Stephan , Tomancak Pavel
Published: September 2014

The asymmetric distribution of cytoplasmic components by mRNA localization is critical for eukaryotic cells and affects large numbers of transcripts. How such global subcellular localization of mRNAs is regulated is still unknown. We combined transcriptomics and systematic imaging to determine tissue-specific expression and subcellular localizations of 5862 mRNAs during Drosophila oogenesis. While the transcriptome is stable and alternative splicing and polyadenylation is rare, cytoplasmic localization of mRNAs is widespread. Localized mRNAs have distinct gene features and diverge in expression level, 3'UTR length and sequence conservation. We show that intracellular localization of mRNAs depends on an intact microtubule cytoskeleton and that specifically the posterior enrichment requires the localization of oskar mRNA to the posterior cortex. Using cross-tissue comparison we revealed that the localization landscape differs substantially between epithelial, germline and embryonic cells and the localization status of mRNAs also changes considerably within the oocyte over the course of oogenesis.
A genome‐wide association study reveals a QTL influencing caudal supernumerary teats in Holstein cattle
Authors: Joerg H. , Meili C. , Ruprecht O. , Bangerter E. , Burren A. , Bigler A.
Published: September 2014

Supernumerary teats represent a common abnormality of the bovine udder. A genome‐wide association study was performed based on the proportion of the occurrence of supernumerary teats in the daughters of 1097 Holstein bulls. The heritability of caudal supernumerary teats without mammary gland in this study was 0.604. The largest proportion of the heritability was attributable to BTA 20. The strongest evidence for association was with five SNPs on chromosome 20, referred to as a QTL. The mode of inheritance at this QTL was dominant. These findings reveal that the occurrence of caudal supernumerary teats without mammary gland in Holstein cattle is influenced by a QTL on chromosome 20 and a polygenic part. The data support the high potential of the SNPs in the QTL region as markers for breeding against caudal supernumerary teats.
The Targeting of Indoleamine 2,3 Dioxygenase ‐Mediated Immune Escape in Cancer
Authors: Iversen Trine Zeeberg , Andersen Mads Hald , Svane Inge Marie
Published: September 2014

The era of immunotherapies was unleashed in 2010 with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the first therapeutic vaccine sipuleucel‐T as a standard treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. Next, the first immune‐activating anticytotoxic lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) antibody ipilimumab exhibiting ‘immune checkpoint blockade’ was approved by FDA and European Medical Agency (EMA) for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma. New generations of immune checkpoint blockading antibodies targeting programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) and its ligand (PD‐L1) are now under intense investigation in metastatic melanoma (MM) and non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and impressive clinical results are anticipated. Despite these successes, only a fraction of patients become clinical responders to therapy. Thus, to improve the selection of patients likely to respond, scrutinizing different immune parameters during treatment is essential. In the summary of this PhD thesis, we investigated changes in immune parameters and their possible correlation with clinical efficacy in patients with MM during treatments with the standard chemo‐ and immunotherapies, temozolomide (TMZ) and interferon‐α2b/interleukin‐2 (IFN‐α/IL‐2) immunotherapy. The overall aim was to assess changes in frequency and absolute counts of different immune cell subsets before and after treatment and correlate to clinical benefit. Furthermore, the thesis covers a finalized, clinical phase 1 study in patients with NSCLC testing a peptide vaccination with a HLA‐A2‐restricted epitope derived from indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO). The overall aim in this trial was to evaluate safety and tolerability of IDO as an anticancer vaccine target in patients with NSCLC and to assess whether immunity correlated to clinical response.
p38 MAPK in cardioprotection – are we there yet?
Authors: Martin E D , Bassi R , Marber M S
Published: September 2014

PKs transfer a phosphate from ATP to the side‐chain hydroxyl group of a serine, threonine or tyrosine residue of a substrate protein. This in turn can alter that protein's function; modulating fundamental cellular processes including, metabolism, transcription, growth, division, differentiation, motility and survival. PKs are subdivided into families based on homology. One such group are the stress‐activated kinases, which as the name suggests, are activated in response to cellular stresses such as toxins, cytokines, mechanical deformation and osmotic stress. Members include the p38 MAPK family, which is composed of α, β, γ and δ, isoforms which are encoded by separate genes. These kinases transduce extracellular signals and coordinate the cellular responses needed for adaptation and survival. However, in cardiovascular and other disease states, these same systems can trigger maladaptive responses that aggravate, rather than alleviate, the disease. This situation is analogous to adrenergic, angiotensin and aldosterone signalling in heart failure, where inhibition is beneficial despite the importance of these hormones to homeostasis. The question is whether similar benefits could accrue from p38 inhibition? In this review, we will discuss the structure and function of p38, the history of p38 inhibitors and their use in preclinical studies. Finally, we will summarize the results of recent cardiovascular clinical trials with p38 inhibitors.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Conditioning the Heart – Pathways to Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐8
Peanut avoidance and peanut allergy diagnosis in siblings of peanut allergic children
Authors: Lavine E. , Clarke A. , Joseph L. , Shand G. , Alizadehfar R. , Asai Y. , Chan E. S. , Harada L. , Allen M. , Ben‐Shoshan M.
Published: September 2014

Background

Studies suggest that siblings of children with peanut allergy (PNA) have a higher prevalence of PNA than the general population.

Objectives

The Canadian Peanut Allergy Registry was used to assess the percentage of siblings of registered index PNA children who were 1) never exposed to peanut or 2) reportedly diagnosed with PNA by a physician without either a history of allergic reaction or a confirmatory testing. Sociodemographic and clinical factors that may be associated with either outcome were evaluated.

Methods

Parents completed a questionnaire on siblings' sociodemographic characteristics, exposure and reaction to peanut, confirmatory tests performed and whether PNA had been diagnosed.

Results

Of 932 Registry families, 748 families responded, representing 922 siblings. 13.6% of siblings had never been exposed to peanut, 70.4% (n = 88) of which were born after the index child. Almost 9% of siblings (80) were reported as PNA, but almost half of this group had no history of an allergic reaction to peanut, including five children who also had no testing to confirm PNA. Of these 5, 4 were born after PNA diagnosis in the index child. In a multivariate regression analysis for siblings at least 3 years old, those born after PNA diagnosis in the index child were more likely to have never been exposed to peanut. In a univariate analysis, siblings born after the diagnosis of PNA in the index child were more likely to be diagnosed with PNA without supportive history or confirmatory testing.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These data estimate that more than 10% of siblings of PNA patients will avoid peanut and that siblings born after the diagnosis of PNA in an index child are more likely to have never been exposed. Educational programs and guidelines that caution against unnecessary avoidance are required.
Optimal Protein Segregation Strategies for Wheat Growers
Authors: Miao Ruiqing , Hennessy David A.
Published: September 2014

A technology that can measure wheat grain protein concentration and then segregate grain based on measurements during harvesting is on the horizon. This new technology provides wheat growers with opportunities to segregate grain that can be directed to premium markets. In this article, we identify an individual grower's optimal segregation and blending strategies under non‐uniformly curved price schedules. When price schedules are three‐step shaped, we show that the optimal segregation and blending strategies can be obtained by solving a specified non‐linear programming problem. Based on cash price and protein distribution data for wheat in the U.S. Pacific Northwest region over 1991–2011, an application of our theoretical model shows that on average a Hard Red Winter (respectively, Hard Red Spring) wheat grower should be willing to pay about 17.7 (respectively, 30.8) cents for segregating one bushel of wheat. We also study how growers’ net returns would be affected were the technology to be adopted.
Learning curve for the management of recurrent and locally advanced primary rectal cancer: a single team's experience
Authors: Georgiou P. A. , Bhangu A. , Brown G. , Rasheed S. , Nicholls R. J. , Tekkis P. P.
Published: September 2014

Aim

The study aimed to define the learning curve required to gain satisfactory training to perform pelvic exenterative surgery for recurrent or locally advanced primary rectal cancer.

Method

Consecutive patients undergoing exenterative pelvic surgery for recurrent and locally advanced primary rectal cancer, by one surgical team, between 2006 and 2011 were studied. They were divided into quartiles (Q1–Q4) according to the date of surgery. A risk‐adjusted cumulative sum (RA‐CUSUM) model was used to evaluate the learning curve. The chi‐squared test with gamma ordinal was used to assess the change with time in the four quartiles.

Results

One hundred patients (70 males; median age 61 (25–85) years; 55 primary cancers) were included in the study. Thirty patients underwent abdominosacral resection. The number of patients who underwent plastic reconstruction (n = 53) increased from 12 in Q1 to 15 in Q4 (P = 0.781). The median operation time, intra‐operative blood loss and hospital stay were 8 (3–17) h, 1.5 (0.1–17) l and 15 (9–82) days respectively. There was no significant change with time. Complete resection (R0) was achieved in 78 patients. Microscopic (R1) or macroscopic (R2) residual disease was present in 15 and seven patients respectively. The number of major complications was 20, and minor 30. RA‐CUSUM analysis demonstrated an improvement in any complications after 14, in major after 12 and in minor after 25 operations.

Conclusion

Pelvic exenterative surgery for recurrent or locally advanced primary rectal cancer is complex and requires a minimum of 14 cases for an expert colorectal surgeon to gain the desirable training and experience to improve morbidity.
Laparoscopic excision of retrorectal tumours
Authors: Fong S. S. , Codd R. , Sagar P. M.
Published: September 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to demonstrate a laparoscopic technique for the excision of retrorectal tumours.

Method

A retrospective review of cases identified from a prospectively maintained database was undertaken.

Results

Ten patients (seven female; median age 45 years (range 23–79) underwent successful laparoscopic excision with no significant morbidity or intra‐operative mishaps.

Conclusion

The procedure was deemed to be safe and we include a video to show the operative technique.
Christ‐Centered Concreteness: The Christian Activism of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King Jr.
Authors: Williams Reggie L.
Published: September 2014

Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Luther King Jr. were both pastors and theologians who wrestled with the meaning of Christ‐centered faithfulness for their time. They were advocates of social justice and human rights who resisted the temptation towards a secularizing two‐realms split that makes Christianity a private life religion; they defied contemporary laws and cultural norms, and they faced opposition to their work from many of their fellow Christians. We may learn from their prophetic witness for Christian faithfulness in our contexts by paying attention to their respective interpretations of the way of Jesus.
Why Jesus?
Authors: Cobb John B.
Published: September 2014

Jesus plays potentially a uniquely important role in relation to the world's greatest needs. To respond to the global crisis, we need historical consciousness. The source of historical consciousness is the prophetic tradition. Through Jesus the prophetic tradition became widely available and important. However, this consciousness has been responsible for great evil as well as great good, often bound up with we/they thinking and the use of violence. Jesus’ teaching of love of the enemy in principle overcomes this tendency and points to way forward.
Genetic variants of PLA2G6 are associated with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and triglyceride levels in a Chinese population
Authors: Yan J. , Hu C. , Jiang F. , Zhang R. , Wang J. , Tang S. , Peng D. , Chen M. , Bao Y. , Jia W.
Published: September 2014

Aim

To test the association of PLA2G6 variants with Type 2 diabetes and clinical characteristics in large Chinese population‐based samples.

Methods

A total of 6822 people were recruited. In the first stage, 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms within the PLA2G6 region were selected and genotyped in 3700 Chinese Han people. In the second stage, the single nucleotide polymorphisms that showed a significant association were genotyped in an additional 3122 samples for replication. Genotype–phenotype association studies and meta‐analyses were performed after combining data from the two stages.

Results

In the first stage, we detected rs132984 and rs2284060 as significantly associated with Type 2 diabetes with odds ratios of 1.247 (95% CI 1.074–1.449, P = 0.004, empirical P = 0.047) and 1.173 (95% CI 1.059–1.299, P = 0.002, empirical P = 0.029), respectively. In the second stage, a similar effect of rs132984 on Type 2 diabetes was observed (odds ratio 1.280, 95% CI 1.094–1.497, P = 0.002). The meta‐analysis showed a significant effect of the two single nucleotide polymorphisms on Type 2 diabetes (odds ratio 1.254, 95% CI 1.104–1.451, P = 4.85 × 10‐5 for rs132984; odds ratio 1.120, 95% CI 1.046–1.195, P = 0.003 for rs2284060). Moreover, genotype–phenotype association analysis showed that rs132984 was associated with triglyceride levels (P = 0.022, empirical P = 0.044) and area under the curve for glucose (P = 0.015, empirical P = 0.030).

Conclusions

Our data imply that common single nucleotide polymorphisms within the PLA2G6 region are associated with Type 2 diabetes and triglyceride levels in the Chinese population.
Epidemiologic aspects: Lost in transition
Authors: Beghi Ettore , Camfield Peter R. , Camfield Carol S.
Published: September 2014

Population‐based studies focusing on the long‐term prognosis of childhood‐onset epilepsy show that despite seizure remission in 70–80% of cases, cognitive, behavioral and psychosocial complications are common and will require management and monitoring in adulthood. This type of study design also demonstrates that death is rare in children who are intellectually and neurologically normal and followed for many years, which is the same for the general population. Only those children with neurologic problems sufficiently severe to interfere with activities of daily living have an increased risk of death in childhood. Investigation of potentially remediable complications is paramount, and the use of antiepileptic medications with potential adverse cognitive and behavioral effects should be identified and eliminated or reduced. In addition, education of the family should be improved. As well, identification and control of social and psychiatric complications is necessary and implies a comprehensive management of the patient before and after the transition from childhood into adulthood.
Transition issues for benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, nonlesional focal epilepsy in otherwise normal children, childhood absence epilepsy, and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Camfield Carol S. , Berg Anne , Stephani Ulrich , Wirrell Elaine C.
Published: September 2014

This chapter covers the syndromes of benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), nonlesional focal epilepsy in otherwise normal children (NLFN), and the genetic generalized epilepsies. BECTS is an epilepsy syndrome that always enters terminal remission before the general age of a planned transition of adolescents. This is also the case for the majority (65%) of those with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE). Approximately 15% of patients with CAE who initially remit during their childhood years later develop juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) as teenagers. They will have many issues for continuing medical care and transition, because their seizure disorder generally persists into adulthood. A significant minority of NLFN (~35%) and most patients with JME continue to have active epilepsy into adulthood. In addition, CAE, JME, and NLFN patients are at risk of a number of significant adverse social outcomes that require ongoing advice and counseling.
Pharmacology aspects during transition and at transfer in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Chiron Catherine , An Isabelle
Published: September 2014

Contrary to the treatment concerns regarding drug compliance or pregnancy at transition to adulthood, those directly related to epilepsy remain poorly documented. As an initial step to answer this problem, we reviewed the controlled trials of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) independently performed in adults and children for a given syndrome. Then we reviewed the longitudinal long‐term course in the various epilepsy syndromes. Optimizing AED treatment at adulthood might be beneficial, even after many years of pharmacoresistance. Finally we retrospectively reviewed our personal series of 39 patients with specific pharmacoresistant epilepsy syndromes, who transferred from pediatric to adult care between 2005 and 2012. In 26 of the patients, AEDs were modified and, we reduced seizure frequency in 62% of them, including highly refractory patients. By contrast, AED changes in six controlled patients (for pregnancy anticipation or vigabatrin‐related retinal toxicity) led to severe seizure relapse. Further studies are needed to elaborate guidelines in pharmacoresistant syndromes during transition and after transfer to adult care.
Transition: Driving and exercise
Authors: Nashef Lina , Capovilla Giuseppe , Camfield Carol , Camfield Peter , Nabbout Rima
Published: September 2014

There are many social aspects to consider at the time of transition of adolescents with epilepsy. The role of both pediatric and adult health care providers includes education and guidance within the larger framework of family, society, and country. This section focuses on driving and exercise considerations for those undergoing transition.
Transition into adulthood: Tuberous sclerosis complex, Sturge‐Weber syndrome, and Rasmussen encephalitis
Authors: Thiele Elizabeth A. , Granata Tiziana , Matricardi Sara , Chugani Harry T.
Published: September 2014

Children with tuberous sclerosis complex, Sturge‐Weber syndrome, and Rasmussen encephalitis all have complex but differing needs in the process of transition/transfer to adult care. All three may be associated with long‐term normal intelligence or a varying degree of intellectual disability. In tuberous sclerosis complex, the emphasis of care in adulthood shifts from seizure control and developmental issues to renal and psychiatric disease and other issues. In Sturge‐Weber syndrome, the emphasis shifts from seizure control and rehabilitation to management of disability and migraine. In Rasmussen encephalitis, transition may be particularly complex for those with adolescent onset. Those successfully operated on for childhood onset have a static problem and the potential to do well in life.
Epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spike‐waves during sleep: The need for transition from childhood to adulthood medical care appears to be related to etiology
Authors: de Saint‐Martin Anne , Rudolf Gabrielle , Seegmuller Caroline , Valenti‐Hirsch Maria Paola , Hirsch Edouard
Published: September 2014

Epileptic encephalopathy with continuous diffuse spike‐waves during slow‐wave sleep (ECSWS) presents clinically with infrequent nocturnal focal seizures, atypical absences related to secondary bilateral synchrony, negative myoclonia, and atonic and rare generalized tonic–clonic seizures. The unique electroencephalography (EEG)pattern found inECSWSconsists of continuous, diffuse, bilateral spike‐waves during slow‐wave sleep. Despite the eventual disappearance of clinical seizures andEEGabnormalities by adolescence, the prognosis is guarded in most cases because of neuropsychological and behavioral deficits.ECSWShas a heterogeneous etiology (genetic, structural, and unknown). Because epilepsy and electroencephalography (EEG) abnormalities in epileptic encephalopathy with continuous diffuse spike‐waves during slow‐wave sleep (ECSWS) are self‐limited and age related, the need for ongoing medical care and transition to adult care might be questioned. For adolescents in whom etiology remains unknown (possibly genetic) and who experience the disappearance of seizures and EEG abnormalities, there is rarely need for long‐term neurologic follow‐up, because often a relatively normal cognitive and social evolution follows. However, the majority of patients with structural and possibly “genetic syndromic” etiologies will have persistent cognitive deficits and will need suitable socioeducative care. Therefore, the transition process in ECSWS will depend mainly on etiology and its related features (epileptic active phase duration, and cognitive and behavioral evolution) and revolve around neuropsychological and social support rather than medical and pharmacologic follow‐up.
Soil respiration response to climate change in Pacific Northwest prairies is mediated by a regional Mediterranean climate gradient
Authors: Reynolds Lorien L. , Johnson Bart R. , Pfeifer‐Meister Laurel , Bridgham Scott D.
Published: September 2014

Soil respiration is expected to increase with rising global temperatures but the degree of response may depend on soil moisture and other local factors. Experimental climate change studies from single sites cannot discern whether an observed response is site‐dependent or generalizable. To deconvolve site‐specific vs. regional climatic controls, we examined soil respiration for 18 months along a 520 km climate gradient in three Pacific Northwest, USA prairies that represents increasingly severe Mediterranean conditions from north to south. At each site we implemented a fully factorial combination of 2.5–3 °C warming and 20% added precipitation intensity. The response of soil respiration to warming was driven primarily by the latitudinal climate gradient and not site‐specific factors. Warming increased respiration at all sites during months when soil moisture was not limiting. However, these gains were offset by reductions in respiration during seasonal transitions and summer drought due to lengthened periods of soil moisture limitation. The degree of this offset varied along the north–south climate gradient such that in 2011 warming increased cumulative annual soil respiration 28.6% in the northern site, 13.5% in the central site, and not at all in the southern site. Precipitation also stimulated soil respiration more frequently in the south, consistent with an increased duration of moisture limitation. The best predictors of soil respiration in nonlinear models were the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), antecedent soil moisture, and temperature but these models provided biased results at high and low soil respiration. NDVI was an effective integrator of climate and site differences in plant productivity in terms of their combined effects on soil respiration. Our results suggest that soil moisture limitation can offset the effect of warming on soil respiration, and that greater growing‐season moisture limitation would constrain cumulative annual responses to warming.
Epidemiology and impact of influenza in Mongolia, 2007–2012
Authors: Burmaa Alexanderyn , Kamigaki Taro , Darmaa Badarchyn , Nymadawa Pagbajabyn , Oshitani Hitoshi
Published: September 2014

Background

Mongolia's Health Service began to conduct surveillance for influenza in the 1970s. This surveillance has become more comprehensive over time and now includes 155 sentinel sites in Mongolia. In this study, we analyzed the epidemiological characteristics and impact of influenza using data from influenza surveillance in Mongolia.

Materials and methods

The data were collected by the National Influenza Center, Mongolia (NIC). Incidence rates of influenza‐like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (sARI) were calculated as the proportion of the number of ILI and sARI cases to the total population in the studied areas. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected and tested using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [(rt)‐RT‐PCR]. Selected samples negative for influenza were tested for other respiratory pathogens by multiplex rt‐RT‐PCR.

Results

Averages of 14·0 ILI and 0·8 sARI episodes per 100 population per year were observed during the five influenza seasons. The highest incidences of influenza associated with ILI and sARI were observed among children 0–4 years old. The number of ILI cases showed a clear seasonality, generally peaking between December and February. In contrast, sARI incidence peaked twice during each season. Influenza B was most prevalent during 2007–2008 and 2011–2012, influenza A (H3N2) during 2010–2011, seasonal A (H1N1) during 2008–2009, and A (H1N1) pdm09 during 2009–2010.

Conclusions

Additional data on the epidemiology and impact of influenza including socioeconomic impact and vaccine effectiveness are required to develop a national influenza control policy, including a vaccination strategy. Our results provide useful data for developing such a policy.
The concept of ‘IT artifact’ has outlived its usefulness and should be retired now
Authors: Alter Steven
Published: September 2014

Vastly inconsistent definitions of the term “the IT artifact” in leading journals and conferences demonstrate why it no longer means anything in particular and should be retired from the active IS lexicon. Examples from the literature show why artifact‐cousins, such as the IS artifact, sociotechnical artifact, social artifact, and ensemble artifact should be used with great care, if not retired as well. Any void created by these retirements could be filled through the following approaches: (i) relabeling with simple terms that are immediately understandable; (ii) adopting guidelines for making sense of the whole X‐artifact family; and (iii) sidestepping the IT artifact and focusing directly on IT‐enabled work systems in organizations.
HIV Risk Perceptions, the Transition to Marriage, and Divorce in Southern Malawi
Authors: Grant Monica J. , Soler‐Hampejsek Erica
Published: September 2014

Little is known about whether the timing of marriage is used as a strategy to avoid HIV infection among young people in sub‐Saharan Africa. Analyzing five rounds of longitudinal data from the Malawi Schooling and Adolescent Survey, we do not find support for the hypothesis that young women's perceived chances of future HIV infection are associated with the transition to marriage, but we do find evidence that young married women who see themselves as at risk of future infection have a greater likelihood of divorcing than do women who perceive no chance of future infection. We also use individual‐level fixed‐effects regressions to examine how the transition to marriage affects respondents' expectations of future HIV infection. Respondents are consistently more likely to perceive any chance of future HIV infection in the years following marriage than in the years preceding it. Our findings suggest that young women revise their risk perceptions based on their marital experiences and that divorce may serve as a protective strategy for young married women concerned about their chance of future HIV infection.
The Relationship between Partners' Family‐Size Preferences in Southern Malawi
Authors: Yeatman Sara , Sennott Christie
Published: September 2014

Studies of the relative influence of partners' fertility preferences on behaviors tend to treat preferences as fixed, largely independent traits despite existing theoretical arguments and empirical evidence suggesting that they are moving targets that may be jointly developed within relationships. In this study, we use couple‐level panel data from married and unmarried young adults in southern Malawi to examine the relationship between partners' family‐size preferences. We find evidence of assortative mating: young Malawians are more likely to partner with individuals who have similar family‐size goals. Additionally, although partners' family‐size preferences do not perfectly converge, changes among men's and women's preferences are significantly more likely to be “toward” than “away from” those of their partner. Our findings point to a need for studies regarding the relative influence of partners on reproductive outcomes to consider the interdependence of partners' preferences and the varied ways in which partners can influence shared reproductive behaviors.
An Intervention to Increase the Condom Supply in Rural Zambia
Authors: Seidenfeld David
Published: September 2014

More than US$800 million per year is spent on programs in low‐ and middle‐income countries to increase demand for condoms, yet in rural areas of Africa condoms are often distributed for free only by regional health clinics that may be located far from home. Anecdotal evidence suggests that limited supply, resulting primarily from long travel times to acquire condoms, is a major barrier to use. This study investigates the potential unmet demand for condoms in rural sub‐Saharan Africa. I provide empirical evidence of the importance of supply effects, based on an evaluation of a distribution program in which nine agents were enlisted to sell condoms across 92 rural villages in Zambia. I find that the number of individuals acquiring condoms tripled and the number of condoms distributed rose by more than 250 percent. The study demonstrates that individuals in poor rural areas are willing to pay for condoms and provides a model whereby public health goods can be acquired through market forces without the government incurring large costs and without detracting from public health services.
The association between periodontal disease, tooth loss and bone mineral density in a Korean population
Authors: Tak In‐Hye , Shin Min‐Ho , Kweon Sun‐Seog , Nam Hae‐Sung , Cauley Jane A. , Kim Ok‐Joon , Kim Young‐Joon , Chung Hyun‐Ju , Kim Ok‐Su
Published: September 2014

Objective

We aimed to evaluate whether clinical attachment loss (CAL), a measure of the severity of periodontal disease or number of teeth present is associated with bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

The study population consisted of 5383 people aged 50 years and older who participated in the Dong‐gu Study. BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Oral examination included assessments of the number of teeth present and CAL. Number of teeth present was categorized into three equal categories. CAL values were divided into tertiles in terms of the percentage of sites with CAL ≥4 mm. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the adjusted means of BMD according to the tooth number and the tertiles of CAL.

Results

There was a significant association between the number of teeth present and BMD in men. Compared with men with 22 or more teeth, men with 10 and less teeth had lower BMD. CAL was significantly associated with lower BMD at the lumbar spine in women.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that tooth loss and CAL were associated with low BMD. However, the magnitude of these associations was relatively small and the clinical significance was unclear.