bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Privatization of a breeding resource by the burying beetleNicrophorus vespilloidesis associated with shifts in bacterial communities
Authors: Duarte Ana , Welch Martin , Wagner Josef , Kilner Rebecca M.
Published: July 2016

It is still poorly understood how animal behaviour shapes bacterial communities and their evolution. We use burying beetles,Nicrophorus vespilloides, to investigate how animal behaviour impacts the assembly of bacterial communities. Burying beetles use small vertebrate carcasses as breeding resources, which they roll into a ball, smear with antimicrobial exudates and bury. Using high-throughput sequencing we characterize bacterial communities on fresh mouse carcasses, aged carcasses prepared by beetles, and aged carcasses that were manually buried. The long-standing hypothesis that burying beetles ‘clean’ the carcass from bacteria is refuted, as we found higher loads of bacterial DNA in beetle-prepared carcasses. Beetle-prepared carcasses were similar to fresh carcasses in terms of species richness and diversity. Beetle-prepared carcasses distinguish themselves from manually buried carcasses by the reduction of groups such as Proteobacteria and increase of groups such as Flavobacteriales and Clostridiales. Network analysis suggests that, despite differences in membership, network topology is similar between fresh and beetle-prepared carcasses. We then examined the bacterial communities in guts and exudates of breeding and non-breeding beetles. Breeding was associated with higher diversity and species richness. Breeding beetles exhibited several bacterial groups in common with their breeding resource, but that association is likely to disappear after breeding.
The quantity of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans: a reanalysis relaxing the assumption of constant mutation rate
Authors: Amos William
Published: July 2016

Few now dispute that a few percent of the DNA of non-African humans is a legacy of interbreeding with Neanderthals. However, heterozygosity and mutation rate appear to be linked such that the loss of diversity associated with humans migrating out of Africa caused a mutational slowdown, allowing Africans to diverge more from both our common ancestor and Neanderthals. Here I use a range of contrasting tests aimed at distinguishing between mutation slowdown and introgression as explanations for the higher rates of base-sharing between non-Africans and Neanderthals. In every instance the mutation slowdown hypothesis fits better. Thus, while some interbreeding likely occurred, as evidenced by the finding of skeletons of admixed individuals, adaptive genes and the apparently large contribution of Denisovan DNA to Oceanian genomes, my results challenge the idea that non-Africans generally carry an appreciable Neanderthal legacy. My analysis shows that inferences about introgression may be unreliable unless variation in mutation rate linked to demographically induced changes in heterozygosity can be excluded as an alternative hypothesis.
A model for the integration of conflicting exogenous and endogenous signals by dendritic cells
Authors: Marcou Quentin , Carmi-Levy Irit , Trichot Coline , Soumelis Vassili , Mora Thierry , Walczak Aleksandra M.
Published: July 2016

Cells of the immune system are confronted with opposing pro-and anti-inflammatory signals. Dendritic cells (DC) integrate these cues to make informed decisions whether to initiate an immune response. Confronted with exogenous microbial stimuli, DC endogenously produce both anti-(IL-10) and pro-inflammatory (TNFα) cues whose joint integration controls the cell's final decision. We combine experimental measurements with theoretical modeling to quantitatively describe the integration mode of these opposing signals. We propose a two step integration model that modulates the effect of the two types of signals: an initial bottleneck integrates both signals (IL-10 and TNFα), the output of which is later modulated by the anti-inflammatory signal. We show that the anti-inflammatory IL-10 signaling is long ranged, as opposed to the short-ranged pro-inflammatory TNFα signaling. The model suggests that the population averaging and modulation of the pro-inflammatory response by the anti-inflammatory signal is a safety guard against excessive immune responses.
EEG functional network topology is associated with disability in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Fraschini Matteo , Demuru Matteo , Hillebrand Arjan , Cuccu Lorenza , Porcu Silvia , Di Stefano Francesca , Puligheddu Monica , Floris Gianluca , Borghero Giuseppe , Marrosu Francesco
Published: July 2016

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is one of the most severe neurodegenerative diseases, which is known to affect upper and lower motor neurons. In contrast to the classical tenet that ALS represents the outcome of extensive and progressive impairment of a fixed set of motor connections, recent neuroimaging findings suggest that the disease spreads along vast non-motor connections. Here, we hypothesised that functional network topology is perturbed in ALS, and that this reorganisation is associated with disability. We tested this hypothesis in 21 patients affected by ALS at several stages of impairment using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) and compared the results to 16 age-matched healthy controls. We estimated functional connectivity using the Phase Lag Index (PLI), and characterized the network topology using the minimum spanning tree (MST). We found a significant difference between groups in terms of MST dissimilarity and MST leaf fraction in the beta band. Moreover, some MST parameters (leaf, hierarchy and kappa) significantly correlated with disability. These findings suggest that the topology of resting-state functional networks in ALS is affected by the disease in relation to disability. EEG network analysis may be of help in monitoring and evaluating the clinical status of ALS patients.
Rewired RNAi-Mediated Genome Surveillance in House Dust Mites
Authors: Mondal MH , Ortolano NA , Scott KE , Taylor CB , Klimov PB , Flynt AS
Published: July 2016

House dust mites are common pests with an unusual evolutionary history, being descendants of a parasitic ancestor. Transition to parasitism is frequently accompanied by genome rearrangements, possibly to accommodate the genetic change needed to access new ecology. Transposable element (TE) activity is a source of genomic instability that can trigger large-scale genomic alterations. Eukaryotes have multiple transposon control mechanisms, one of which is RNA interference (RNAi). Investigation of the dust mite genome failed to identify a major RNAi pathway: the Piwi-associated RNA (piRNA) pathway, which has been replaced by a novel small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs)-like pathway. Co-opting of piRNA function by dust mite siRNAs is extensive, including establishment of TE control master loci that produce siRNAs. Interestingly, other members of the Acari have piRNAs indicating loss of this mechanism in dust mites is a recent event. Flux of RNAi-mediated control of TEs provides a mechanism for unusual arc of dust mite evolution.
Customer-salespeople relationship
Authors: Amyx Douglas , Bhuian Shahid N. , Shows G. David
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– Based on customer value-based and social exchange theories, the purpose of this paper is to hypothesize and examine the relationships between salespeople entrepreneurial behaviors (innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking) and customer trust in, satisfaction with and commitment to the salespeople.

Design/methodology/approach

– The influences of salespeople’s entrepreneurial behaviors on customer trust in, satisfaction with, and commitment to salespeople were examined utilizing a structural equations model with a sample drawn from the newspaper industry.

Findings

– As predicted salespeople entrepreneurial behaviors (treated as a higher order factor) significantly and positively influence customer trust in, satisfaction with, and commitment to the salespeople.

Research limitations/implications

– This study confirms innovative, proactive, and risk-taking practices are useful in fostering customer trust, satisfaction, and commitment in the domain of personal selling. The key limitations are the small sample size, the use of a single company, and the omission of other potential outcomes.

Practical implications

– Entrepreneurial behaviors/activities such as, innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk taking are worthy undertakings for salespeople. Considering these traits in salespeople hiring and/or fostering them in salespeople training should be worth pursuing.

Social implications

– By improving the quality of exchanges through salespeople’s entrepreneurial behaviors and customer-salespeople relationship quality, social exchanges, and in turn social welfare are promoted.

Originality/value

– As per the literature search, this is the first study linking salespeople’s entrepreneurial behaviors and customer-salespeople relationship quality represented by trust in, satisfaction with, and commitment to salespeople drawing insights from customer value-based and social exchange theories.
Effects of maxacalcitol ointment on skin lesions in patients with psoriasis receiving treatment with adalimumab
Authors: Karakawa Masaru , Komine Mayumi , Kishimoto Megumi , Maki Nobuki , Matsumoto Ai , Sugai Junichi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro
Published: July 2016

Adalimumab is a biologic that is very effective for treatment of psoriasis. However, recalcitrant or recurrent lesions sometimes occur during treatment. Maxacalcitol is an active vitamin D3 ointment that is effective in treatment of psoriasis. Topical therapy may be beneficial in treatment of recalcitrant or recurrent lesions during treatment with systemic therapy, but there is little evidence on this topic. We investigated the effect of maxacalcitol on skin lesions during treatment with adalimumab in patients with psoriasis. Twelve patients with psoriasis were randomly assigned to two groups after informed consent – treatment with adalimumab only (n = 6), and treatment with adalimumab and maxacalcitol (n = 6) – and they were evaluated every 4 weeks for 44 weeks. Exacerbation was defined as an increase of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score. The interval between adalimumab treatments was elongated to 3–4 weeks from 2 weeks according to the individual patient's condition. The PASI score was evaluated every 4 weeks, and the frequency of exacerbations was counted. The overall improvement in PASI score was not statistically different between the two groups, but the frequency of exacerbations was significantly less in the maxacalcitol combination group compared with the adalimumab monotherapy group (Mann–Whitney U‐test, P < 0.05). The better control of skin lesions in patients who elongated the interval of adalimumab administration was achieved in the maxacalcitol combination group compared with the adalimumab monotherapy group. Topical maxacalcitol treatment is effective and useful in controlling skin lesions in patients with psoriasis when used in combination with adalimumab.
Solitary cutaneous focal mucinosis: A clinicopathological study of 11 cases of soft fibroma‐like cutaneous mucinous lesions
Authors: Kuo Kang‐Ling , Lee Li‐yu , Kuo Tseng‐tong
Published: July 2016

Cutaneous mucinoses encompass a variety of cutaneous disorders. Cutaneous focal mucinosis (CFM) was originally described as an asymptomatic solitary lesion characterized by abundant focal cutaneous mucin deposits. However, multiple focal mucinous lesions associated with systemic diseases have also been designated as CFM. Our clinicopathological study of 11 cases of solitary lesions confirmed that CFM is a unique primary cutaneous mucinosis unrelated to mucinosis‐associated systemic diseases. We suggest calling this group of CFM lesions “solitary CFM” to distinguish them from multiple CFM associated with mucinosis associated systemic diseases. Our cases showed slight male predominance with a median age of 50 years. They occurred most often on the extremities (45%), presented as asymptomatic solitary, white to erythematous, small, soft, fibroma‐like lesions. None of the clinical impressions were of CFM. We call attention to include solitary CFM in clinical differential diagnosis of polypoid skin lesions.
Symptom prevalence in patients with advanced skin cancer
Authors: Goto Hiroyuki , Yoshikawa Shusuke , Otsuka Masaki , Omodaka Toshikazu , Yoshimi Kosuke , Yoshida Yuichi , Yamamoto Osamu , Kiyohara Yoshio
Published: July 2016

Knowledge of the prevalence of symptoms in patients with incurable cancer in the terminal stage is important for clinicians. However, there has been no report on the prevalence of symptoms in patients with incurable skin cancer. We analyzed the prevalence of symptoms in 224 patients who died due to skin cancer in our center. These data were obtained from medical records compiled by a miscellaneous population of medical staff retrospectively. We evaluated the symptoms at 3 months, 1 month, 2 weeks, 1 week and 3 days before the patients died. Data for symptoms included Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and the presence or absence of the following 13 symptoms: (i) bleeding or exudate; (ii) pain or necessity for an analgesic; (iii) fatigue; (iv) anorexia; (v) nausea; (vi) dyspnea or need for oxygen administration; (vii) bloating; (viii) insomnia; (ix) delirium; (x) drowsiness; (xi) anemia; (xii) spasm; and (xiii) paralysis. The average performance status gradually progressed. Pain and anorexia were the most common symptoms in patients with advanced skin cancer. Dyspnea, anemia and drowsiness also tended to be frequent as death approached despite the fact that the frequencies of these symptoms were not high 3 months before death. We considered that frequencies of prevalence of pain and dyspnea were due to bone and lung metastases. Bleeding or exudate from lesions is a characteristic symptom in patients with skin cancer. Our results regarding the prevalence of symptoms in patients with advanced skin cancer will be helpful for medical professionals to assess patients' conditions and to plan treatment.
Intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide: An undervalued option for refractory alopecia areata
Authors: Seo Jimyung , Lee Young In , Hwang Shinwon , Zheng Zhenlong , Kim Do Young
Published: July 2016

Severe alopecia areata (AA) can have an unpredictable clinical course and become refractory to contact immunotherapy. Novel treatment options include low‐dose interleukin‐2 and Janus kinase inhibitors; however, these treatments are still under investigation. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of intramuscular (i.m.) triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) as a rescue therapy for refractory AA. We retrospectively analysed efficacy, adverse effects and relapse rate of i.m. TAC monthly in 27 patients with refractory AA. We defined AA as refractory if the patient showed an unsatisfactory response to both systemic treatment (not i.m. TAC) and the consecutive diphenylcyclopropenone immunotherapy. The initial systemic treatment of other forms of corticosteroids and/or cyclosporin was used to control extensive AA involving more than 25% of the scalp. Administration of i.m. TAC for 3–6 months resulted in a 63.0% response rate, and all patients showed inactive disease after treatment. Final hair regrowth negatively correlated with initial scalp involvement (Spearman r = −0.595, P = 0.001). All patients showed complete recovery of adrenocortical reserve within 3 months after the last injection. Adverse effects of systemic steroid therapy were observed only in female patients (dysmenorrhea and osteoporosis). i.m. TAC may provide a valuable therapeutic option to manage active hair loss and facilitate hair regrowth in refractory AA, especially in male patients.
Hunting promotes sexual conflict in brown bears
Authors: Gosselin Jacinthe , Leclerc Martin , Zedrosser Andreas , Steyaert Sam M. J. G. , Swenson Jon E. , Pelletier Fanie
Published: July 2016

The removal of individuals through hunting can destabilize social structure, potentially affecting population dynamics. Although previous studies have shown that hunting can indirectly reduce juvenile survival through increased sexually selected infanticide (SSI), very little is known about the spatiotemporal effects of male hunting on juvenile survival.

Using detailed individual monitoring of a hunted population of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in Sweden (1991–2011), we assessed the spatiotemporal effect of male removal on cub survival.

We modelled cub survival before, during and after the mating season. We used three proxies to evaluate spatial and temporal variation in male turnover; distance and timing of the closest male killed and number of males that died around a female's home range centre.

Male removal decreased cub survival only during the mating season, as expected in seasonal breeders with SSI. Cub survival increased with distance to the closest male killed within the previous 1·5 years, and it was lower when the closest male killed was removed 1·5 instead of 0·5 year earlier. We did not detect an effect of the number of males killed.

Our results support the hypothesis that social restructuring due to hunting can reduce recruitment and suggest that the distribution of the male deaths might be more important than the overall number of males that die. As the removal of individuals through hunting is typically not homogenously distributed across the landscape, spatial heterogeneity in hunting pressure may cause source–sink dynamics, with lower recruitment in areas of high human‐induced mortality.
Patterns of age‐related change in reproductive effort differ in the pre‐natal and post‐natal periods in a long‐lived mammal
Authors: Paterson John T. , Rotella Jay J. , Mannas Jennifer M. , Garrott Robert A.
Published: July 2016

Age‐related changes in maternal reproductive allocation for long‐lived species are a key prediction from life‐history theory.

Theoretical and empirical work suggests that allocation may increase with age due to constraint (increases with experience) or restraint (increases with age in the face of declining residual reproductive value), and may decrease among the oldest aged animals due to senescence in reproductive function.

Here, we use a hierarchical modelling approach to investigate the age‐related patterns of change in maternal reproductive effort in the Weddell seal, a long‐lived marine mammal with a protracted period of maternal care during which mothers allocate a large proportion of body mass while feeding little.

We find that maternal allocation increases with age for young mothers during both the pre‐natal and post‐natal periods. In contrast, older mothers demonstrate a senescent decline in pre‐natal allocation but allocate more of their declining resources to their offspring during the post‐natal period. We also find strong evidence for the importance of individual effects in reproductive allocation among mothers: some mothers consistently produce heavier (or lighter) pups than expected.

Our results indicate that maternal allocation changes over a mother's reproductive life span and that age‐specific differences differ in notable ways in pre‐natal and post‐natal periods.
Reduced mycorrhizal responsiveness leads to increased competitive tolerance in an invasive exotic plant
Authors: Waller Lauren P. , Callaway Ragan M. , Klironomos John N. , Ortega Yvette K. , Maron John L.
Published: July 2016

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can exert a powerful influence on the outcome of plant–plant competition. Since some exotic plants interact differently with soil biota such as AM fungi in their new range, range‐based shifts in AM responsiveness could shift competitive interactions between exotic and resident plants, although this remains poorly studied.

We explored whether genotypes of the annual exotic Centaurea solstitialis (yellow starthistle), collected from populations across the native and non‐native ranges, differed in responsiveness to AM fungi in the introduced range and whether range‐based differences in mycorrhizal responsiveness affected how strongly C. solstitialis tolerated competition with the North American native bunchgrass, Stipa pulchra.

Grown alone, C. solstitialis from both ranges derived only weak benefits from AM fungi. However, association with AM fungi was costly to plants when grown in competition with S. pulchra. The magnitude of the suppressive effect of AM fungi was greater for genotypes from native versus introduced populations.

Synthesis. Many exotic invasive species are known to associate weakly with AM fungi, which may be beneficial in disturbed habitats where competition for resources is low. Our results indicate that reduced mycorrhizal associations may also benefit invaders in a competitive environment. Centaurea solstitialis were more strongly suppressed by established S. pulchra plants in the presence versus absence of AM fungi, but exotic genotypes were less suppressed than native genotypes. This suggests that AM fungi may contribute to invasion resistance in established native communities, but range‐based shifts in the way exotic genotypes respond to AM fungal partners may counter such biotic resistance.
Plant secondary metabolites: a key driver of litter decomposition and soil nutrient cycling
Authors: Chomel Mathilde , Guittonny‐Larchevêque Marie , Fernandez Catherine , Gallet Christiane , DesRochers Annie , Paré David , Jackson Benjamin G. , Baldy Virginie
Published: July 2016

A broad and diversified group of compounds, secondary metabolites, are known to govern species interactions in ecosystems. Recent studies have shown that secondary metabolites can also play a major role in ecosystem processes, such as plant succession or in the process of litter decomposition, by governing the interplay between plant matter and soil organisms.

We reviewed the ecological role of the three main classes of secondary metabolites and the methodological challenges and novel avenues for their study. We highlight emerging general patterns of the impacts of secondary metabolites on decomposer communities and litter decomposition and argue for the consideration of secondary compounds as key drivers of soil functioning and ecosystem functioning.

Synthesis. Gaining a greater understanding of plant–soil organisms relationships and underlying mechanisms, including the role of secondary metabolites, could improve our ability to understand ecosystem processes. We outline some promising directions for future research that would stimulate studies aiming to understand the interactions of secondary metabolites across a range of spatio‐temporal scales. Detailed mechanistic knowledge could help us to develop models for the process of litter decomposition and nutrient cycling in ecosystems and help us to predict future impacts of global changes on ecosystem functioning.
Calmodulin‐mediated suppression of 2‐ketoisovalerate reductase in Beauveria bassiana beauvericin biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Yoon Deok‐Hyo , Oh Junsang , Hyun Min‐Woo , Han Jae‐Gu , Sung Gi‐Ho
Published: July 2016

Ketoisovalerate reductase (KIVR, E.C. 1.2.7.7) mediates the specific reduction of 2‐ketoisovalerate (2‐Kiv) to d‐hydroxyisovalerate (d‐Hiv), a precursor for beauvericin biosynthesis. Beauvericin, a famous mycotoxin produced by many fungi, is a cyclooligomer depsipeptide, which has insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and cytotoxic activities. In this report, we demonstrated that Beauveria bassiana 2‐ketoisovalerate reductase (BbKIVR) acts as a typical KIVR enzyme in the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. In addition, we found that BbKIVR interacts with calmodulin (CaM) in vitro and in vivo. The functional role of CaM‐binding to BbKIVR was to negatively regulate the BbKIVR activity in B. bassiana. Environmental stimuli such as light and salt stress suppressed BbKIVR activity in B. bassiana. Interestingly, this negative effect of BbKIVR activity by light and salt stress was recovered by CaM inhibitors, suggesting that the inhibitory mechanism is mediated through stimulation of CaM activity. Therefore, this work suggests that BbKIVR plays an important role in the beauvericin biosynthetic pathway mediated by environmental stimuli such as light and salt stress via the CaM signaling pathway.
The ICEXTD of Azoarcus sp. CIB, an integrative and conjugative element with aerobic and anaerobic catabolic properties
Authors: Zamarro María Teresa , Martín‐Moldes Zaira , Díaz Eduardo
Published: July 2016

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICE) play a major role in aerobic degradation of aromatic compounds, but they have not yet been shown to be involved in anaerobic degradation. We have characterized here the ICEXTD element which endows to the beta‐proteobacterium Azoarcus sp. CIB with the ability to utilize aromatic hydrocarbons. The core region of ICEXTD, which shows a remarkable synteny with that of ICEclc‐like elements, allows its own intracellular and intercellular mobility. ICEXTD integrates at the tRNAGly of the host chromosome, but it can also excise to produce a ready to transfer circular form. The adaptation modules of ICEXTD represent a unique combination of gene clusters for aerobic (tod genes) and anaerobic (bss‐bbs and mbd genes) degradation of certain aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., toluene, m‐xylene and cumene. Transfer of ICEXTD to other Azoarcus strains, e.g., A. evansii, confers them the ability to degrade aromatic hydrocarbons both aerobically and anaerobically. Interestingly, ICEXTD allows Cupriavidus pinatubonensis, a bacterium unable to degrade anaerobically aromatic compounds, to grow with m‐xylene under anoxic conditions. Thus, ICEXTD constitutes the first mobile genetic element able to expand the catabolic abilities of certain bacteria for the removal of aromatic hydrocarbons either in the presence or absence of oxygen.
Toxin‐Antitoxin systems eliminate defective cells and preserve symmetry in Bacillus subtilis biofilms
Authors: Bloom‐Ackermann Zohar , Steinberg Nitai , Rosenberg Gili , Oppenheimer‐Shaanan Yaara , Pollack Dan , Ely Shir , Storzi Nimrod , Levy Asaf , Kolodkin‐Gal Ilana
Published: July 2016

Toxin‐antitoxin modules are gene pairs encoding a toxin and its antitoxin, and are found on the chromosomes of many bacteria, including pathogens. Here, we characterize the specific contribution of the TxpA and YqcG toxins in elimination of defective cells from developing Bacillus subtilis biofilms. On nutrient limitation, defective cells accumulated in the biofilm breaking its symmetry. Deletion of the toxins resulted in accumulation of morphologically abnormal cells, and interfered with the proper development of the multicellular community. Dual physiological responses are of significance for TxpA and YqcG activation: nitrogen deprivation enhances the transcription of both TxpA and YqcG toxins, and simultaneously sensitizes the biofilm cells to their activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that while both toxins when overexpressed affect the morphology of the developing biofilm, the toxin TxpA can act to lyse and dissolve pre‐established B. subtilis biofilms.
Exploring family home food environments: Household resources needed to utilise weekly deliveries of free fruits and vegetables
Authors: Carty Sophie A. , Mainvil Louise A. , Coveney John D.
Published: July 2016

Aim

An adapted ethnographic approach was used to explore household factors that influence family fruit and vegetable consumption when access and cost barriers are removed. ‘Structural’ barriers, such as food affordability and accessibility, are likely to influence fruit and vegetable consumption in disadvantaged households, but households may require additional resources (human and social) to increase consumption.

Methods

Five low‐income and five high‐income households with children (N = 39 individuals) were observed in their home environment for three months. Including both advantaged and disadvantaged families allowed exploration of socioeconomic factors influencing these households. Each household received a free box of fresh fruit and vegetables each week for 10–12 weeks, delivered to their home, and were home‐visited twice a week by a researcher (40+ hours per household). An inductive analysis of rich observational and discussion data revealed themes describing factors influencing household fruit and vegetable consumption.

Results

Household food cultures were dynamic and influenced by available resources. Even when free produce was delivered to homes, these households required human resource (personal drivers influenced by early life exposure and household dynamics) and external social networks to make use of them. When household finances and/or labour were limited, there was greater dependence on external organisations for tangible support.

Conclusions

Even when structural barriers were removed, disadvantaged families needed a range of resources across the life course to improve eating behaviours, including sufficient, motivated and skilled labour and harmonious family relationships. Strategies targeting these households must consider structural, social, cultural and intra‐familial influences on food choice.
Spatial and Temporal Variations in Eastern U.S. Hydrology: Responses to Global Climate Variability
Authors: Feng Dongmei , Beighley Edward , Hughes Randall , Kimbro David
Published: July 2016

Coastal ecosystems are dependent on terrestrial freshwater export which is affected by both climate trends and natural climate variability. However, the relative role of these factors is not clear. Here, both climate trends and internal climate variabilities at different time scales are related to variations in terrestrial freshwater export into the eastern United States (U.S.) coastal region. For the recent 35‐year period, the intensified hydro‐meteorological processes (annual precipitation or evapotranspiration) may explain the observed streamflow variability in the northeast. However, in the southeast, streamflow is positively correlated with climate variability induced by the Pacific Ocean conditions (El Nino‐Southern Oscillation [ENSO] and Pacific Decadal Oscillation) rather than Atlantic Ocean conditions (Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation and North Atlantic Oscillation). The centroid location for volume of terrestrial freshwater export integrated along the eastern U.S. has a positive temporal trend and is negatively correlated with ENSO conditions, suggesting the northward trend in freshwater export to U.S. eastern coast may be disturbed by the natural climate variability, especially ENSO conditions, i.e., the center of freshwater mass moves southward (northward) during El Nino (La Nina) years. The results indicate the spatial and temporal variations in freshwater export from the eastern U.S. are affected by both climate change and inter‐annual climate variability during the recent 35‐year period (1980‐2014).
Oral Methotrexate in split dose weekly versus oral or parenteral Methotrexate once weekly in Rheumatoid Arthritis: a short‐term study
Authors: Dhaon Pooja , Das Siddharth K. , Srivastava Ragini , Agarwal Girdhar , Asthana Akash
Published: July 2016

Objective

To investigate whether methotrexate (MTX) administered orally to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in split doses at 2–3 days’ interval, would result in equal or better efficacy, tolerability and compliance, without increasing toxicity compared to single weekly dose given orally or parenterally.

Materials and methods

One hundred and thirty‐five patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria for RA, on 7.5 mg of MTX weekly orally, with the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) > 11 were enrolled for a 24‐week period. Patients were randomly divided into three groups and were given MTX: Group 1 7.5 mg twice or thrice weekly orally, Group 2 15 mg or 22.5 mg in a single dose weekly orally and Group 3 15 mg or 22.5 mg in a single dose weekly as an intramuscular injection. The primary outcomes were low disease activity (LDA) and mean change in SDAI at week 24, whereas secondary outcomes included remission, adverse events and compliance.

Results

At week 24, adherence to treatment was maximum in Group 1, 69% (P = 0.09). In intention‐to‐treat analysis at 24 weeks, Group 1, 49%, Group 2, 36% and Group 3, 47% achieved LDA (P = 0.4). There was significant difference in mean change in SDAI at week 24 from baseline (P = 0.008) among the groups. Group 3 patients were more uncomfortable with the mode of administration of MTX (P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in adverse events.

Conclusion

Oral split doses of MTX are better than an oral single dose and similar to parenteral MTX in terms of efficacy.
Association of human leukocyte antigen with postherpetic neuralgia in Koreans
Authors: Chung Hye Yoon , Song Eun Young , Yoon Jung Ah , Suh Dae Hun , Lee Sang Chul , Kim Yong Chul , Park Myoung Hee
Published: July 2016

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most frequent complication of varicella‐zoster virus reactivation, is characterized by pain that persists for more than 3 months, often for years after healing of zoster rash. A few studies revealing the association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) with PHN have been reported, but only in the Japanese. The aim of this study was to investigate the primary HLA locus associated with PHN susceptibility in Koreans. We compared HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, and DRB1 genotypes of 66 PHN patients with those of 54 herpes zoster (HZ) patients without developing PHN and 235 healthy controls. Frequencies of HLA‐B*13, B*44, B*15 (B75), DRB1*10:01, and DRB1*12:02 were increased, and those of HLA‐C*01, C*12, and DRB1*01:01 were decreased in PHN patients compared to those in controls (each, p < 0.05). Among these alleles, only the frequency of HLA‐B*44 was significantly increased in PHN patients compared to that in HZ patients and the change was due to HLA‐B*44:03 (PHN vs controls, p = 0.043; PHN vs HZ, p = 0.012). The results suggest that HLA‐B*44:03 or other closely linked gene of the major histocompatibility complex is associated with susceptibility to the development of PHN after HZ, but not with the onset of HZ.
Long‐term treatment with the oncolytic ECHO‐7 virus Rigvir of a melanoma stage IV M1c patient, a small cell lung cancer stage IIIA patient, and a histiocytic sarcoma stage IV patient‐three case reports
Authors: Alberts Pēteris , Olmane Evija , Brokāne Linda , Krastiņa Zanda , Romanovska Māra , Kupčs Kārlis , Isajevs Sergejs , Proboka Guna , Erdmanis Romualds , Nazarovs Jurijs , Venskus Dite
Published: July 2016

Oncolytic virotherapy is a recent addition to cancer treatment. Here, we describe positive treatment outcomes in three patients using Rigvir virotherapy. One of the patients is diagnosed with melanoma stage IV M1c, one with small cell lung cancer stage IIIA, and one with histiocytic sarcoma stage IV. The diagnoses of all patients are verified by histology or cytology. All patients started Rigvir treatment within a few months after being diagnosed and are currently continuing Rigvir treatment. The degree of regression of the disease has been determined by computed tomography. Safety assessment of adverse events graded according to NCI CTCAE did not show any value above grade 1 during Rigvir® treatment. Using current standard treatments, the survival of patients with the present diagnoses is low. In contrast, the patients described here were diagnosed 3.5, 7.0, and 6.6 years ago, and their condition has improved and been stabile for over 1.5, 6.5, and 4 years, respectively. These observations suggest that virotherapy using Rigvir can successfully be used in long‐term treatment of patients with melanoma stage IV M1c, small cell lung cancer stage IIIA, and histiocytic sarcoma stage IV and therefore could be included in prospective clinical studies.
What Drives Young People Into Opposition Parties Under Hybrid Regimes? A Comparison of Hong Kong and Singapore
Authors: Ng Hoi Yu
Published: July 2016

Research on youth participation in opposition parties under hybrid regimes is limited. This article explores and compares the contextual factors influencing young people to join opposition parties in the hybrid regimes of Hong Kong and Singapore. Based on life history interviews with 19 young opposition party members between the ages of 18 and 29 in both polities, this study identified seven significant factors. They are the characteristics of the opposition parties themselves, significant political events, politics‐related university experiences, media influence, voluntary organizations, family influence, and politics‐related secondary school experiences. This suggests that some favorable factors still exist for opposition parties in hybrid regimes to recruit young talents. This study also found that although most factors are shared by participants of both Hong Kong and Singapore, their relative importance and contents can be different, which may reflect the different types of hybrid regimes that these two societies respectively have.
Tried and Tested? Dynastic Persistence and Legislative Productivity at the Philippine House of Representatives
Authors: Panao Rogelio Alicor L.
Published: July 2016

Examining the determinants of legislative success at the Philippine House of Representatives, this study shows empirically why continuous entrenchment by political families can be detrimental to political institutions. Using count regression models, the study analyzes the patterns of law production in the Philippine Lower House beginning from the opening of the first post‐Marcos Congress (8th Congress) in 1987 to the adjournment of the 15th Congress in 2013. The study finds that successive terms in office facilitate the ability of legislators to engage in legislative activities but only up to a point. Neophyte legislators who have yet to gain a foothold in their districts appear to be more proactive in concretizing proposals into actual legislation, at least initially. Over time, when legislative districts have become family turfs, incumbents cease to invest in vote courting activities such as legislation, lending credence to the unhealthy effect of political persistence on accountability.
Placing Race, Culture, and the State in Chinese National Identity: Han, Hua, or Zhongguo?
Authors: Rae James DeShaw , Wang Xiaodan
Published: July 2016

This article unpacks the contemporary relationship among racial, cultural, and civic notions of the concept of the Chinese nation (Zhonghua Minzu 中华民族), specifically examining Han (汉), Hua (华), and Zhongguo (中国) as categories representative of each identity marker. It examines the relationship between Han and Chinese identities and how people from multiple ethnic identities relate to the idea of the Chinese nation. Han identity is often fused with the larger Chinese identity that in the past conflated the two, sometimes leading to Han chauvinism and a problematic relationship with the state for non‐Han people. Government orthodoxy that emphasizes civic harmony and minimizes national distinction is challenged by exclusive ethnic and racial conceptions. A classical cultural understanding of Chinese identity may be more inclusive yet is undermined by the ongoing territorializing of Chinese nationalism and myth making of Chinese identity in ethno‐national rhetoric.
Ideological Understanding and Voting in Japan: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Jou Willy , Endo Masahisa
Published: July 2016

Ideological semantics have long served as a means of political communication and an informational shortcut between voters and political elites. As the usage of ideological labels spread to non‐Western settings, questions have been raised concerning whether and how these concepts can reflect issue dimensions beyond the economic debates that have traditionally defined “left” and “right” in most Western democracies. The present study explores what issue dimensions citizens in Japan associate with ideological labels, and the degree to which ideological orientations and proximity to parties affect vote choice. We use longitudinal survey data covering a quarter‐century to investigate (i) to what extent do citizens understand the ideological space in terms of foreign and security policy at the expense of other issue dimensions, as previous studies have documented; and (ii) whether ideological orientations have remained a relevant guide to voting behavior for four major parties in the past three decades.
Malaysia's 13th General Elections and the Rise of Electoral Reform Movement
Authors: Khoo Ying Hooi
Published: July 2016

This article looks at how an electoral reform movement affected electoral mobilization during the 13th General Elections in Malaysia. The elections are significant because it was the first time an opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat, managed to secure the highest number of parliamentary seats. At the macro‐level, the article argues that political opportunities have emerged from the development of the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), as well as similar groups. A broad set of incentives within authoritarian settings then increases citizens’ participation in movements on a micro‐level. Using the structural‐cognitive model proposed by Karl Dieter Opp and drawing on qualitative evidence through fieldwork observation and interviews, I relate the reform movements to citizens’ proactive electoral mobilization during the 2013 elections.
Fruit biomass availability along a forest cover gradient
Authors: Pessoa Michaele S. , Rocha‐Santos Larissa , Talora Daniela C. , Faria Deborah , Mariano‐Neto Eduardo , Hambuckers Alain , Cazetta Eliana
Published: July 2016

Habitat loss is the main driver of the current high rate of species extinction, particularly in tropical forests. Understanding the factors associated with biodiversity loss, such as the extinction of species interactions and ecological functions, is an urgent priority. Here, our aim was to evaluate how landscape‐scale forest cover influences fruit biomass comparing different tree functional groups. We sampled 20 forest fragments located within landscapes with forest cover ranging from 2 to 93 percent in the Atlantic forest of southern Bahia, Brazil. In each fragment, we established five plots of 25 × 4 m and carried out phenological observations on fleshy fruit throughout 1 year on all trees ≥5 cm dbh. We estimated fruit availability by direct counting of all fruits and derived fruit biomass from this count. We used spatial mixed linear models to evaluate the effects of forest cover on species richness, abundance, and fruit biomass. Our results indicated that forest cover was the main explanatory variable and negatively influenced the total richness and abundance of zoochoric and shade‐tolerant but not shade‐intolerant species. A linear model best explained variations in richness and abundance of total and shade‐tolerant species. We also found that forest cover was positively correlated with the fruit biomass produced by all species and by the shade‐tolerant assemblages, with linear models best explaining both relationships. The loss of shade‐tolerant species and the lower fruit production in fragments with lower landscape‐scale forest cover may have implications for the maintenance of frugivore, seed dispersal service, and plant recruitment.
Disparities in access to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Finger Robert P , Xie Jing , Fotis Kathy , Parikh Sumit , Cummins Rob , Mitchell Paul , Guymer Robyn H
Published: July 2016

Background

Late neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nvAMD) is very common and causes irreversible severe visual loss unless treated swiftly with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors. Although publicly subsidized access to treatment may be inequitable, which is why we assessed treatment provision across Australia.

Design

Secondary analysis of Australian data.

Participants

All Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (including Repatriation PBS) beneficiaries.

Methods

Treatment and incidence data were obtained from Medicare Australia, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, Optometry Australia, the Blue Mountains Eye Study and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Data were mapped using geographical information software, and factors associated with treatment provision were assessed using multiple linear regression models.

Main Outcome Measure

Unmet need (%) for anti‐VEGF treatment for nvAMD.

Results

On average, we estimated 7316 incident cases of nvAMD not to be treated per year from 2010 to 2014 (50.1% of total). Number of ophthalmologists and optometrists (per 1000, β = −0.024; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.041, −0.007) and being located in remote regions (β = 0.186; 95% CI 0.110, 0.262) were associated with percentage of untreated cases. A higher proportion of the population speaking a language other than English at home was associated in univariate analyses only (β = 0.0015; 95% CI −0.0004, 0.0027; P = 0.007).

Conclusion

A large proportion of incident nvAMD is not treated with anti‐VEGF. Not receiving treatment is more likely in regional or remote areas and areas with fewer service providers. Not speaking English at home may further limit access. Service delivery models for more equitable service provision are needed.
The Episodic Nature of Experience: A Dynamical Systems Analysis
Authors: Sreekumar Vishnu , Dennis Simon , Doxas Isidoros
Published: July 2016

Context is an important construct in many domains of cognition, including learning, memory, and emotion. We used dynamical systems methods to demonstrate the episodic nature of experience by showing a natural separation between the scales over which within‐context and between‐context relationships operate. To do this, we represented an individual's emails extending over about 5 years in a high‐dimensional semantic space and computed the dimensionalities of the subspaces occupied by these emails. Personal discourse has a two‐scaled geometry with smaller within‐context dimensionalities than between‐context dimensionalities. Prior studies have shown that reading experience (Doxas, Dennis, & Oliver, 2010) and visual experience (Sreekumar, Dennis, Doxas, Zhuang, & Belkin, 2014) have a similar two‐scaled structure. Furthermore, the recurrence plot of the emails revealed that experience is predictable and hierarchical, supporting the constructs of some influential theories of memory. The results demonstrate that experience is not scale‐free and provide an important target for accounts of how experience shapes cognition.