bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine ecosystem regime shifts: challenges and opportunities for ecosystem-based management
Authors: Levin Phillip S. , Möllmann Christian
Published: November 2014

Regime shifts have been observed in marine ecosystems around the globe. These phenomena can result in dramatic changes in the provision of ecosystem services to coastal communities. Accounting for regime shifts in management clearly requires integrative, ecosystem-based management (EBM) approaches. EBM has emerged as an accepted paradigm for ocean management worldwide, yet, despite the rapid and intense development of EBM theory, implementation has languished, and many implemented or proposed EBM schemes largely ignore the special characteristics of regime shifts. Here, we first explore key aspects of regime shifts that are of critical importance to EBM, and then suggest how regime shifts can be better incorporated into EBM using the concept of integrated ecosystem assessment (IEA). An IEA uses approaches that determine the likelihood that ecological or socio-economic properties of systems will move beyond or return to acceptable bounds as defined by resource managers and policy makers. We suggest an approach for implementing IEAs for cases of regime shifts where the objectives are either avoiding an undesired state or returning to a desired condition. We discuss the suitability and short-comings of methods summarizing the status of ecosystem components, screening and prioritizing potential risks, and evaluating alternative management strategies. IEAs are evolving as an EBM approach that can address regime shifts; however, advances in statistical, analytical and simulation modelling are needed before IEAs can robustly inform tactical management in systems characterized by regime shifts.
Crystal structure of (Z)-3-benzyloxy-6-[(2-hydroxyanilino)methylidene]cyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-one
Authors: Ghichi Nadir , Benboudiaf Ali , Merazig Hocine
Published: November 2014

In the title compound, C20H17NO3, the methylidenecyclohexa-2,4-dienone moiety is approximately planar [maximum deviation = 0.0615 (10) Å] and is oriented at diherdral angles of 69.60 (7) and 1.69 (9)° to the phenyl and hydroxybenzene rings, respectively. The amino group links with the carbonyl O atomviaan intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond, forming anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by O—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O and C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture.
Crystal structure of 2-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl 4-(hydroxymethyl)benzoate
Authors: Mamat Constantin , Flemming Anke , Köckerling Martin
Published: November 2014

The title compound, C26H21O3P, was obtained as by-product due to the hydrolysis of the desired tosylated compound. The dihedral angles between the three aromatic rings attached to the P atom lie in the range 78.1 (1)–87.6 (1)°. The hydroxymethyl group is disordered between two conformations in a 0.719 (9):0.281 (9) ratio. The hydroxy H atom is not involved in intermolecular interactions, while the hydroxy O atom serves as a donor for weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, which link the molecules into chains propagating in [0-11].
Crystal structure of 4-amino-1-(4-methylbenzyl)pyridinium bromide
Authors: Sharmila N. , Sundar T. V. , Yasodha A. , Puratchikody A. , Sridhar B.
Published: November 2014

The title molecular salt, C13H15N2+·Br−, crystallized with two independent ion pairs (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. In the cations, the planes of the pyridine and benzene rings are inclined to one another by 79.32 (8) and 82.30 (10)° in ion pairsAandB, respectively. In the crystal, the anions and cations are connected by N—H...Br hydrogen bonds, forming a centrosymmetric tetramer-like unit enclosing anR84(16) ring motif. These units are linkedviaC—H...Br hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.
In situsynchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis of deformation behaviour in Ti–Ni-based thin films
Authors: Wang Hong , Sun Guangai , Wang Xiaolin , Chen Bo , Zu Xiaotao , Liu Yanping , Li Liangbin , Pan Guoqiang , Sheng Liusi , Liu Yaoguang , Fu Yong Qing
Published: November 2014

Deformation mechanisms of as-deposited and post-annealed Ti50.2Ni49.6, Ti50.3Ni46.2Cu3.5and Ti48.5Ni40.8Cu7.5thin films were investigated using thein situsynchrotron X-ray diffraction technique. Results showed that initial crystalline phases determined the deformation mechanisms of all the films during tensile loading. For the films dominated by monoclinic martensites (B19′), tensile stress induced the detwinning of 〈011〉 type-II twins and resulted in the preferred orientations of (002)B19′parallel to the loading direction (∥ LD) and (020)B19′perpendicular to the LD (⊥ LD). For the films dominated by austenite (B2), the austenite directly transformed into martensitic variants (B19′) with preferred orientations of (002)B19′ ∥ LD and (020)B19′ ⊥ LD. For the Ti50.3Ni46.2Cu3.5and Ti48.1Ni40.8Cu7.5films, martensitic transformation temperatures decreased apparently after post-annealing because of the large thermal stress generated in the films due to the large differences in thermal expansion coefficients between the film and substrate.
Synchrotron radiation computed laminography using an inclined detector
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Gang , Yi Qiru , Chen Yu , Gao Zhenhua , Jiang Xiaoming
Published: November 2014

Synchrotron radiation computed laminography (SR-CL) has been in use in three-dimensional non-destructive imaging of flat objects for several years. A new set-up is proposed based on the traditional SR-CL method but with the detector inclined at the same angle as the sample inclination to collect projections. The results of computer simulations and real-sample experiments demonstrate that reconstructions acquired using an inclined detector are of better quality compared with those acquired using ordinary detecting methods, especially for the situation of few projections and small difference of attenuation ratio of the sample. This method could be applied to obtain high-quality images of weak-contrast samples with short measurement time and mild radiation damage.
REVIEW: On the species abundance distribution in applied ecology and biodiversity management
Authors: Matthews Thomas J. , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: November 2014

The species abundance distribution (SAD) is an important concept in ecology, and much work has focused on theSADin a theoretical context. However, less focus has been placed on the utility ofSADs in applied ecology and biodiversity management, which therefore forms the focus of the present article. We illustrate that study of theSADallows inferences beyond those that flow from many simple diversity indices, enabling workers to identify patterns in the commonness and rarity of species in a community.

First, we discuss how incorporatingSADanalyses into the study of ecological communities can generate useful information for the management of biodiversity. In particular, we argue that deconstructing ecological assemblages into various subsets and analysing how each subset contributes to the overallSADcan reveal patterns of interest to managers. Secondly, we review the many applications ofSADs in applied ecological fields, including disturbance ecology, conservation planning and conservation biological control.

Using examples we show that theSADcan be useful in applied ecology as it is visually intuitive, easy to implement in a broad variety of ecological contexts, and does not require substantial species‐specific data. We provide a summary of the various methods available for plotting theSADand illustrate how each method provides information of value for applied ecologists.

Using empirical and simulated data, we show that theSADcan provide early warning of the effects of disturbance on ecological communities and that a number ofSADmodels represent useful tools for comparing communities in a management context.

Synthesis and applications. Applied ecologists require tools that allow for relatively quick assessments of ecosystem health and/or the success of management prescriptions aimed at ameliorating the effects of disturbance. We demonstrate that that the methods reviewed herein provide such tools and that the species abundance distribution (SAD) has additional applied uses beyond traditional applications in disturbance ecology. We hope that this synthesis will provide a catalyst for advancing a more utilitarianSADresearch agenda.
South Africa in world development: Prospects for a human economy (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Sharp John , Hart Keith , Laterza Vito
Published: November 2014

South Africa was once notorious for an extreme system of racial inequality known as apartheid. It is still a world leader in economic inequality, but the racial situation is confused. In the meantime something like apartheid has become universal. The Southern African regional economy has some features that point to a more humane alternative to unequal society, to a “human economy”. The world needs a new free trade movement that would begin to dismantle the institutions of national privilege and insist on movement as a human right.
What am I ‘living’ with? Growing up with HIV in Uganda and Zimbabwe
Authors: Bernays Sarah , Seeley Janet , Rhodes Tim , Mupambireyi Zivai
Published: November 2014

As paediatric HIV treatment has become increasingly available across the world, the global perinatally infected cohort is ageing. However, we know surprisingly little about what it is like to grow up with HIV in resource‐stretched settings. We draw on findings from a prospective, qualitative study with HIV‐positive children, their carers and healthcare workers from four clinics in Uganda and Zimbabwe to examine children's experiences of living with HIV on treatment. We consider how the HIV experience is made in a symbiotic relationship between children, carers and healthcare workers and shaped by broader discourses. Despite the radical development in prognosis for children, their experience of HIV is largely constructed in relation to a language of ‘sickness’ through the promotion of medicalised talk and the recounting of past illness stories. This narrow narrative framework both reflects and reproduces core dimensions of the lived experience of growing up with HIV, which emphasises an absence of resilient healthiness in the face of ongoing vulnerability and risk. The challenges that children encounter in articulating alternative narratives that prioritise the relative buoyancy of their health is indicative of the broader uncertainty that exists around the future for these children at this point in the epidemic.
Forensic Use of A Subtropical Blowfly: The First Case Indicating Minimum Postmortem Interval (mPMI) in Southern Brazil and First Record of Sarconesia Chlorogaster from a Human Corpse
Authors: Vairo Karine P. , Corrêa Rodrigo C. , Lecheta Melise C. , Caneparo Maria F. , Mise Kleber M. , Preti Daniel , de Carvalho Claudio J.B. , Almeida Lucia M. , Moura Mauricio O.
Published: November 2014

Southern Brazil is unique due to its subtropical climate. Here, we report on the first forensic entomology case and the first record of Sarconesia chlorogaster (Wiedemann) in a human corpse in this region. Flies' samples were collected from a body indoors at 20°C. Four species were found, but only Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) and S. chlorogaster were used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). The mPMI was calculated using accumulated degree hour (ADH) and developmental time. The S. chlorogaster puparium collected was light in color, so we used an experiment to establish a more accurate estimate for time since initiation of pupation where we found full tanning after 3 h. Development of C. albiceps at 20°C to the end of the third instar is 7.4 days. The mPMI based on S. chlorogaster (developmental time until the third instar with no more than 3 h of pupae development) was 7.6 days.
Failings of Trauma‐Specific and Related Psychological Tests in Detecting Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder in Forensic Settings
Authors: Kleinman Stuart B. , Martell Daniel
Published: November 2014

Judges and juries tend to be particularly impressed by test data, especially quantitative test data. Psychometric tests specific for assessing the presence of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are commonly employed by forensic mental health evaluators. Most of these instruments, however, have been designed to detect PTSD in treatment or research, and not forensic, settings. Those who rely on these measures without adequate awareness of their often significant limits in correctly identifying malingering may induce finders of fact to inordinately confidently accept the presence of PTSD. This article reviews problematic structural and content components of trauma‐specific and related instruments used to evaluate PTSD and discusses the utility of specific techniques liable to be used in forensic settings to “fool” these measures.
County‐Level Correlates of Terrorist Attacks in the United States
Authors: LaFree Gary , Bersani Bianca E.
Published: November 2014

Research Summary

We develop a set of hypotheses informed by a social disorganization framework and test them using newly available data on nearly 600 terrorist attacks in U.S. counties from 1990 to 2011. Our results show that terrorist attacks were more common in counties characterized by greater language diversity, a larger proportion of foreign‐born residents, greater residential instability, and a higher percentage of urban residents. Contrary to the social disorganization perspective but in keeping with most prior research, terrorist attacks were less common in counties marked by high levels of concentrated disadvantage. More generally, we found steady declines in the number of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil from 1990 to 2011. We discuss the implications of the results for theory, future research, and policy.

Policy Implications

Terrorism, like ordinary crime, is highly concentrated. Of the 3,144 counties in the United States, only 250 (7.95%) experienced a terrorist attack from 1990 to 2011; 5 counties (0.002% of total U.S. counties) accounted for 16% of all attacks. Moreover, counties at greatest risk of terrorist attack have identifying characteristics. Just as random preventive patrol policing has generally been replaced by more targeted strategies, efforts to counter terrorism might benefit from strategies that target certain counties: those with high population heterogeneity and great residential instability that are highly urban. And just as targeting particular neighborhoods raises equity concerns in policing, policies aimed at counties with particular characteristics pose a challenge for countering terrorist attacks. However, unlike the situation in policing ordinary crime, high‐terrorism‐risk counties are generally not characterized by economic disadvantage or a large proportion of racial and ethnic minorities.
The effect of sequential therapy with lansoprazole and ecabet sodium in treating iatrogenic gastric ulcer after endoscopic submucosal dissection: A randomized prospective study
Authors: Ahn Ji Yong , Choi Chang Hwan , Lee Jang Wook , Park Sung Jin , Kim Jeong Wook , Chang Sae Kyung , Han Seung Bong
Published: November 2014

Objective

Ecabet sodium (ES) is a new non‐systemic anti‐ulcer agent belonging to the category of gastroprotective agents. In this study we aimed to compare the efficacy of a combination therapy with lansoprazole (LS) followed by ES with LS alone in treating endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)‐induced iatrogenic gastric ulcers.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with gastric adenomas or early gastric cancer were randomly divided into either the LS group (30 mg once daily for 4 weeks; n = 45) or the LS + ES group (LS 30 mg once daily for one week followed by ES 1500 mg twice daily for 3 weeks; n = 45). Four weeks after ESD, a follow‐up endoscopy was conducted to evaluate the proportions of ulcer reduction and ulcer stages in the two groups.

Results

In all, 79 patients were included in the final analyses. Both treatment modalities were well‐tolerated in most patients, with a drug compliance of over 80%. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the proportions of ulcer reduction (0.9503 ± 0.1215 in the LS group vs 0.9192 ± 0.0700 in the LS + ES group, P = 0.169) or ulcer stage (P = 0.446). The prevalence of adverse events related to drugs and bleeding were also similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

Sequential therapy with LS + ES is as effective as LS alone against ESD‐induced gastric ulcers.
Use of antibiotics in patients with Crohn's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Su Jie Wen , Ma Jing Jing , Zhang Hong Jie
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Some studies have suggested that antibiotic treatment might be efficient for patients with active Crohn's disease (CD). However, the results are conflicting. The aim of this study was to summarize the available evidence on the efficacy of antibiotics, especially ciprofloxacin, in treating patients with CD.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on the PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) for manuscripts published until March 2014. Randomized controlled trials that mainly evaluated the efficacy of antibiotic treatment in patients with CD using clinical remission or response as the key outcome of interest were included. Intention‐to‐treat analyses were used to evaluate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

In all, 15 randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trials involving 1407 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. A pooled analysis revealed that compared with placebo, antibiotics benefited CD patients to a certain extent (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.17–1.51, P < 0.00001). The random‐effects model showed that there was no significant difference between patients treated with ciprofloxacin and placebo (combined RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.92–1.97, P = 0.12). However, ciprofloxacin exhibited significant clinical benefits in patients with perianal fistulas (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.16–2.32, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

The utility of antibiotics was beneficial for patients with CD. Nevertheless, subgroup analyses indicated that treatment with ciprofloxacin alone was significantly efficient for CD patients with perianal fistulas.
Outcome of endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer of conventional and expanded indications: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Peng Li Jun , Tian Shu Ni , Lu Lin , Chen Hao , Ouyang Yang Yang , Wu Yu Jing
Published: November 2014

Objective

Current guidelines for treating early gastric cancer (EGC) with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are being developed with broader criteria. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess the application of expanded indications (EIN) by comparing outcomes between conventional indication (CIN) and EIN groups.

Methods

Literature databases were searched. Short‐term outcomes, including endoscopic resection rates, complications and local recurrence, and long‐term outcomes including gastric cancer‐specific mortality and overall mortality were compared in the two groups.

Results

In all, 13 studies were identified and evaluated. The EIN group had lower rates of en bloc (93.6% vs 97.0%, P < 0.0001), complete (87.8% vs 95.8%, P < 0.00001) and curative resection (82.4% vs 94.0%, P < 0.00001) than the CIN group. The rates of delayed bleeding and perforation were both significantly higher in the EIN group (3.9% vs 2.8%, P = 0.04 and 3.9% vs 1.8%, P < 0.0001). Local recurrence rates were 0.6% in the CIN group and 1.5% in the EIN group (P = 0.03). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the gastric‐cancer specific mortality (P = 0.22) and the overall mortality (P = 0.37).

Conclusions

Long‐term mortality in the EIN group did not significantly differ from those in the CIN group, although the EIN group was associated with more unfavorable short‐term outcomes. Thus, ESD could be recommended as an effective therapy for EGC of EIN.
Early Management of Patients With Acute Heart Failure: State of the Art and Future Directions—A Consensus Document from the SAEM/HFSA Acute Heart Failure Working Group
Authors: Collins Sean P. , Storrow Alan B. , Levy Phillip D. , Albert Nancy , Butler Javed , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Michael Felker G. , Fermann Gregory J. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Givertz Michael M. , Hiestand Brian , Hollander Judd E. , Lanfear David E. , Pang Peter S. , Frank Peacock W. , Sawyer Douglas B. , Teerlink John R. , Lenihan Daniel J.
Published: November 2014

Heart failure (HF) afflicts nearly 6 million Americans, resulting in 1 million emergency department (ED) visits and over 1 million annual hospital discharges. The majority of inpatient admissions originate in the ED; thus, it is crucial that emergency physicians and other providers involved in early management understand the latest developments in diagnostic testing, therapeutics, and alternatives to hospitalization. This article discusses contemporary ED management as well as the necessary next steps for ED‐based acute HF research.
An activity stimulation programme during a child's first year reduces some indicators of adiposity at the age of two‐and‐a‐half
Authors: de Vries AGM , Huiting HG , van den Heuvel ER , L'Abée C , Corpeleijn E , Stolk RP
Published: November 2014

Aim

Obesity tracks from childhood into adulthood. We evaluated the effect of early stimulation of physical activity on growth, body composition, motor activity and motor development in toddlers.

Methods

We performed a cluster randomised controlled single‐blinded trial in Dutch Well Baby Clinics, with seven nurses and 96 children (40% girls) randomised to the intervention group and six nurses and 65 children (57% girls) to the control group. Intervention nurses advised parents on stimulating motor development and physical activity during regular visits at 2 weeks and two, four, eight and 11 months. Baseline characteristics such as birthweight and mode of feeding were comparable. Outcomes at two‐and‐a‐half years included anthropometry, skinfold thicknesses, bioelectrical impedance analyses, motor development and daily physical activity. We used linear mixed models with nurses as cluster.

Results

We evaluated 143 children (89 intervention, 54 control) as 18 dropped out. Skinfolds were significantly lower in intervention children (29.6 ± 4.7 mm) than controls (32.4 ± 6.0 mm), without differences in motor development or daily physical activity. Female interventions showed lower weight, skinfolds, waist and hip circumference.

Conclusion

An activity stimulating programme during the child's first year improved indicators of adiposity when they were toddlers, especially in girls. Further research should determine whether these effects persist.
What factors determine carrying capacity? A case study from pastoral Tibet
Authors: Nyima Yonten
Published: November 2014

Through a case study from Pelgon County, Tibet Autonomous Region in China, this paper aims to enrich the existing literature on why and how applying carrying capacity to rangeland management may not be feasible even though it is claimed to be a scientific approach. The application of carrying capacity to rangeland management based on equilibrium assumptions has been the very essence of state policy on range management and pastoralism in China. Even if the concept of carrying capacity is relevant to rangeland management depending on rangeland ecosystems, a meaningful application depends on how carrying capacity is determined. This case study reveals that the determination of carrying capacity in practice has more to do with political and economic factors than with ecological factors.
Drug−drug Interaction between Losartan and Paclitaxel in Human Liver Microsomes with Different CYP2C8 Genotypes
Authors: Mukai Yuji , Senda Asuna , Toda Takaki , Hayakawa Toru , Eliasson Erik , Rane Anders , Inotsume Nobuo
Published: November 2014

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8*3 allele is associated with reduced metabolic activity of paclitaxel. This study was aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of losartan on paclitaxel metabolism in human liver microsomes (HLMs) and to determine the impact of the CYP2C8*3 polymorphism. HLMs that contained the CYP2C8*1 homozygote (HL60) or CYP2C8*3 heterozygote (HL54) genotype were used for the inhibition study. Losartan, at a concentration of 50 μmol/L, significantly inhibited paclitaxel metabolism by 29% and 57% in the HL60 (p < 0.001) and HL54 (p < 0.01), respectively. When using HL60, losartan and the CYP3A4‐selective inhibitors, erythromycin and ketoconazole, caused a greater inhibition of the paclitaxel metabolism than quercetin, a CYP2C8‐selective inhibitor. This demonstrated that the paclitaxel metabolism was mainly catalysed by CYP3A4 in HL60. There were no significant differences found for the inhibitory effects caused by the four inhibitors of the paclitaxel metabolism in HL54, indicating that both CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 play important roles in paclitaxel metabolism in HL54. These findings suggest that 50 μmol/L of losartan inhibits both CYP2C8 and CYP3A4 in HLMs. In summary, losartan inhibited paclitaxel metabolism, with concentrations over 50 μmol/L in HLMs. The CYP2C8*3 allele carriers are likely susceptible to the interactions of losartan and CYP3A4 inhibitors to paclitaxel metabolism.
Reinterpreting Responsiveness for Health Systems Research in Low and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Pratt Bridget , Hyder Adnan A.
Published: November 2014

The ethical concept of responsiveness has largely been interpreted in the context of international clinical research. In light of the increasing conduct of externally funded health systems research (HSR) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), this article examines how responsiveness might be understood for such research and how it can be applied. It contends that four features (amongst others) set HSR in LMICs apart from international clinical research: a focus on systems; being context‐driven; being policy‐driven; and being closely linked to development objectives. These features support reinterpreting responsiveness for HSR in LMICs as responsiveness to systems needs, where health system performance assessments can be relied upon to identify systems needs, and/or responsiveness to systems priorities, which entails aligning research with HSR priorities set through country‐owned processes involving national and sub‐national policymakers from host countries. Both concepts may be difficult to achieve in practice. Country ownership is not an established fact for many countries and alignment to their priorities may be meaningless without it. It is argued that more work is, therefore, needed to identify strategies for how the responsiveness requirement can be ethically fulfilled for HSR in LMICs under non‐ideal conditions such as where host countries have not set HSR priorities via country‐owned processes. Embeddedness is proposed as one approach that could be the focus of further development.
Why not Commercial Assistance for Suicide? On the Question of Argumentative Coherence of Endorsing Assisted Suicide
Authors: Kipke Roland
Published: November 2014

Most people who endorse physician‐assisted suicide are against commercially assisted suicide – a suicide assisted by professional non‐medical providers against payment. The article questions if this position – endorsement of physician‐assisted suicide on the one hand and rejection of commercially assisted suicide on the other hand – is a coherent ethical position. To this end the article first discusses some obvious advantages of commercially assisted suicide and then scrutinizes six types of argument about whether they can justify the rejection of commercially assisted suicide while simultaneously endorsing physician‐assisted suicide. The conclusion is that they cannot provide this justification and that the mentioned position is not coherent. People who endorse physician‐assisted suicide have to endorse commercially assisted suicide as well, or they have to revise their endorsement of physician‐assisted suicide.
TRPV4 and KCa ion channels functionally couple as osmosensors in the paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Feetham C H , Nunn N , Lewis R , Dart C , Barrett‐Jolley R
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) and calcium‐activated potassium channels (KCa) mediate osmosensing in many tissues. Both TRPV4 and KCa channels are found in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, an area critical for sympathetic control of cardiovascular and renal function. Here, we have investigated whether TRPV4 channels functionally couple to KCa channels to mediate osmosensing in PVN parvocellular neurones and have characterized, pharmacologically, the subtype of KCa channel involved.

Experimental Approach

We investigated osmosensing roles for TRPV4 and KCa channels in parvocellular PVN neurones using cell‐attached and whole‐cell electrophysiology in mouse brain slices and rat isolated PVN neurons. Intracellular Ca2+ was recorded using Fura‐2AM. The system was modelled in the NEURON simulation environment.

Key Results

Hypotonic saline reduced action current frequency in hypothalamic slices; a response mimicked by TRPV4 channel agonists 4αPDD (1 μM) and GSK1016790A (100 nM), and blocked by inhibitors of either TRPV4 channels (RN1734 (5 μM) and HC067047 (300 nM) or the low‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium (SK) channel (UCL‐1684 30 nM); iberiotoxin and TRAM‐34 had no effect. Our model was compatible with coupling between TRPV4 and KCa channels, predicting the presence of positive and negative feedback loops. These predictions were verified using isolated PVN neurons. Both hypotonic challenge and 4αPDD increased intracellular Ca2+ and UCL‐1684 reduced the action of hypotonic challenge.

Conclusions and Implications

There was functional coupling between TRPV4 and SK channels in parvocellular neurones. This mechanism contributes to osmosensing in the PVN and may provide a novel pharmacological target for the cardiovascular or renal systems.
Wood decomposition as influenced by invertebrates
Authors: Ulyshen Michael D.
Published: November 2014

The diversity and habitat requirements of invertebrates associated with dead wood have been the subjects of hundreds of studies in recent years but we still know very little about the ecological or economic importance of these organisms. The purpose of this review is to examine whether, how and to what extent invertebrates affect wood decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. Three broad conclusions can be reached from the available literature. First, wood decomposition is largely driven by microbial activity but invertebrates also play a significant role in both temperate and tropical environments. Primary mechanisms include enzymatic digestion (involving both endogenous enzymes and those produced by endo‐ and ectosymbionts), substrate alteration (tunnelling and fragmentation), biotic interactions and nitrogen fertilization (i.e. promoting nitrogen fixation by endosymbiotic and free‐living bacteria). Second, the effects of individual invertebrate taxa or functional groups can be accelerative or inhibitory but the cumulative effect of the entire community is generally to accelerate wood decomposition, at least during the early stages of the process (most studies are limited to the first 2–3 years). Although methodological differences and design limitations preclude meta‐analysis, studies aimed at quantifying the contributions of invertebrates to wood decomposition commonly attribute 10–20% of wood loss to these organisms. Finally, some taxa appear to be particularly influential with respect to promoting wood decomposition. These include large wood‐boring beetles (Coleoptera) and termites (Termitoidae), especially fungus‐farming macrotermitines. The presence or absence of these species may be more consequential than species richness and the influence of invertebrates is likely to vary biogeographically.
All in the ears: unlocking the early life history biology and spatial ecology of fishes
Authors: Starrs Danswell , Ebner Brendan C. , Fulton Christopher J.
Published: November 2014

Obtaining biological and spatial information of the early life history (ELH) phases of fishes has been problematic, such that larval and juvenile phases are often referred to as the ‘black box’ of fish population biology and ecology. However, a potent source of life‐history data has been mined from the earstones (otoliths) of bony fishes. We systematically reviewed 476 empirical papers published between 2005 and 2012 (inclusive) that used otoliths to examine fish ELH phases, which has been an area of increasing attention over this period. We found that otolith‐based research during this period could be split into two broad themes according to whether studies examined: (i) biological objectives related to intrinsic processes such as larval and juvenile age, growth and mortality, and/or (ii) spatial objectives, such as habitat use, dispersal and migration. Surprisingly, just 24 studies (5%) explored a combined biological–spatial objective by simultaneously exploiting biological and spatial information from otoliths, suggesting much more scope for such integrated research objectives to be answered via the use of multiple otolith‐based techniques in a single study. Mapping otolith analytical techniques across these two approaches revealed that otolith structural analysis was mainly used to investigate biological processes, while otolith chemical analyses were most often applied to spatial questions. Heavy skew in research effort was apparent across biomes, with most (62%) publications specific to marine species, despite comparable levels of species richness and the importance of freshwater taxa (just 15% of papers). Indeed, around 1% (380 species) of a possible 31400+ extant species were examined in our surveyed papers, with a strong emphasis on temperate marine species of commercial value. Potential model species for otolith‐based ELH ecology research are arising, with the eel genus Anguilla (24 studies) and the European anchovy Engraulis encrasicolis (14 studies) attracting more research effort than most other taxa. While there is a preponderance of common techniques (e.g. daily otolith increment counts, increment widths), novel techniques such as transgenerational marking and computed X‐ray tomography, are increasingly being applied in published studies. The application of an integrative approach based on a combination of emerging techniques and traditional methods holds promise for major advances in our understanding of ELH fish ecology and to shine light into the ‘black box’ of fish ecology.
Food security and health in Canada: Imaginaries, exclusions and possibilities
Authors: Wakefield Sarah , Fredrickson Kaylen R. , Brown Tim
Published: November 2014

In recent years, food crises have heightened awareness of food security vulnerabilities even in rich nations. However, the extent to which various issues related to food security (such as consistent access to nutritious food in conditions which maintain human dignity) have been incorporated into Canadian policy and practice is not well documented. This article draws on a number of sources—including policy documents and media reports—to explore how food security is being conceptualized in Canada, particularly at the national level. The article chronicles changes in food security discourse over time, suggesting that recognition of food security as a “Canadian” problem has been partial and contested, and reflects persistent geographic imaginaries of Canada (e.g., as a land of agricultural abundance) and unrelenting social and cultural exclusions (e.g., of Canada's Aboriginal people).
Therapeutic activity of glycoengineered anti‐GM2 antibodies against malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Li Qi , Wang Wei , Machino Yusuke , Yamada Tadaaki , Kita Kenji , Oshima Masanobu , Sekido Yoshitaka , Tsuchiya Mami , Suzuki Yui , Nan‐ya Ken‐ichiro , Iida Shigeru , Nakamura Kazuyasu , Iwakiri Shotaro , Itoi Kazumi , Yano Seiji
Published: November 2014

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and highly aggressive neoplasm that arises from the pleural, pericardial, or peritoneal lining. Although surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and combinations of these therapies are used to treat MPM, the median survival of such patients is dismal. Therefore, there is a compelling need to develop novel therapeutics with different modes of action. Ganglioside GM2 is a glycolipid that has been shown to be overexpressed in various types of cancer. However, there are no published reports regarding the use of GM2 as a potential therapeutic target in cases of MPM. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of the anti‐GM2 antibody BIW‐8962 as an anti‐MPM therapeutic using in vitro and in vivo assays. Consequently, the GM2 expression in the MPM cell lines was confirmed using flow cytometry. In addition, eight of 11 cell lines were GM2‐positive (73%), although the GM2 expression was variable. BIW‐8962 showed a significant antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity against the GM2‐expressing MPM cell line MSTO‐211H, the effect of which depended on the antibody concentration and effector/target ratio. In an in vivo orthotropic mouse model using MSTO‐211H cells, BIW‐8962 significantly decreased the incidence and size of tumors. Additionally, the GM2 expression was confirmed in the MPM clinical specimens. Fifty‐eight percent of the MPM tumors were positive for GM2, with individual variation in the intensity and frequency of staining. These data suggest that anti‐GM2 antibodies may become a therapeutic option for MPM patients.
Low expression of CD39+/CD45RA+ on regulatory T cells (Treg) cells in type 1 diabetic children in contrast to high expression of CD101+/CD129+ on Treg cells in children with coeliac disease
Authors: Åkesson K , Tompa A , Rydén A , Faresjö M
Published: November 2014

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and coeliac disease are both characterized by an autoimmune feature. As T1D and coeliac disease share the same risk genes, patients risk subsequently developing the other disease. This study aimed to investigate the expression of T helper (Th), T cytotoxic (Tc) and regulatory T cells (Treg) in T1D and/or coeliac disease children in comparison to healthy children. Subgroups of T cells (Th : CD4+ or Tc : CD8+); naive (CD27+CD28+CD45RA+CCR7+), central memory (CD27+CD28+CD45RA− CCR7+), effector memory (early differentiated; CD27+CD28+CD45RA− CCR7− and late differentiated; CD27− CD28− CD45RA− CCR7−), terminally differentiated effector cells (TEMRA; CD27− CD28− CD45RA+CCR7−) and Treg (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+CD127−) cells, and their expression of CD39, CD45RA, CD101 and CD129, were studied by flow cytometry in T1D and/or coeliac disease children or without any of these diseases (reference group). Children diagnosed with both T1D and coeliac disease showed a higher percentage of TEMRA CD4+ cells (P < 0·05), but lower percentages of both early and late effector memory CD8+ cells (P < 0·05) compared to references. Children with exclusively T1D had lower median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3) (P < 0·05) and also a lower percentage of CD39+ and CD45RA+ within the Treg population (CD4+CD25+FOXP3+CD127−) (P < 0·05). Children with exclusively coeliac disease had a higher MFI of CD101 (P < 0·01), as well as a higher percentage of CD129+ (P < 0·05), in the CD4+CD25hi lymphocyte population, compared to references. In conclusion, children with combined T1D and coeliac disease have a higher percentage of differentiated CD4+ cells compared to CD8+ cells. T1D children show signs of low CD39+/CD45RA+ Treg cells that may indicate loss of suppressive function. Conversely, children with coeliac disease show signs of CD101+/CD129+ Treg cells that may indicate suppressor activity.
Flexible Lifestyles for Youth (FL3X) behavioural intervention for at‐risk adolescents with Type 1 diabetes: a randomized pilot and feasibility trial
Authors: Mayer‐Davis E. J. , Seid M. , Crandell J. , Dolan L. , Lagarde W. H. , Letourneau L. , Maahs D. M. , Marcovina S. , Nachreiner J. , Standiford D. , Thomas J. , Wysocki T.
Published: November 2014

Aim

To determine the potential effect sizes for the Flexible Lifestyle for Youth (FL3X) behavioural intervention to improve glycaemic control (HbA1c) and quality of life for at‐risk adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Participants [n = 61; age 12–16 years, HbA1c 64–119 mmol/mol (8–13%)] were randomized to FL3X (minimum three sessions) or usual care. Effect sizes (Cohen's d), comparing the mean difference between the groups, were calculated.

Results

Study retention (95%), attendance at intervention sessions (87% attended all three sessions) and acceptability were high (100% of the adolescents and 91% of parents would recommend the programme to others). Overall, 41% of participants in the intervention group and 24% of participants in the control group were ‘responders’ [HbA1c decreased by  >  6 mmol/mol (0.5%); d = 0.37]. HbA1c levels decreased (d = ‐0.18), diabetes‐specific quality of life increased (d = 0.29), but generic quality of life decreased (d = ‐0.23) in the intervention compared with the control group.

Conclusions

The FL3X programme merits further study for improving HbA1c and diabetes‐specific quality of life in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. (Clinical trials registry no.: NCT01286350).
Is Female Visual Signaling to Male Song Socially Regulated in Brown‐headed Cowbirds?
Authors: Dohme Rebekka , King Andrew P. , Meredith Gwendŵr R. , West Meredith J.
Published: November 2014

This research focused on how adult female brown‐headed cowbirds, Molothrus ater, regulate social feedback on a group level to shape the development of male song. Specifically, females produce rapid wing movements in response to male song, termed ‘wing strokes,’ which have been shown to shape male song and predict song quality. These effects have been documented in captive dyads and triads, but not in more naturalistic flocks, where song development actually occurs. Here, we studied wing stroking in small seminatural flocks of differing female‐to‐male ratios. Despite differences in the number of females and their social selectivity, the same pattern of female feedback emerged in seven of eight flocks: One female produced the majority of wing strokes to male song, making her the primary wing stroker in her flock. Previous studies on large flocks have demonstrated females to facilitate male song improvisation and development if they exhibited higher social selectivity by approaching immature males less. Here, we found that primary wing strokers were indeed more socially selective than non‐primary wing strokers. This research is the first to document social stimulation being facilitated at the group level to ensure that more highly selective females deliver the most feedback.
Bilateral leiomyoma in the testes of a horse
Authors: Stoll A. L. , Tucker R. , Witte T. H. , Smith K. C.
Published: November 2014

A 19‐year‐old Hackney pony was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for further investigation of left‐sided scrotal enlargement. Both testes were normally positioned within the scrotum and there was no pain on palpation. Ultrasonography revealed multiple masses of soft tissue echogenicity, located adjacent to the testicular parenchyma. They were hyperechoic when compared to the testicular parenchyma and affected both testes. Surgical excision was performed by closed castration. Gross examination revealed firm, white, nodular masses of varying size on the surface of both testes. The cut surface of individual masses had a dense, whorling, fibrous and somewhat shiny appearance. The histopathological diagnosis was bilateral, multicentric, well differentiated leiomyoma of the tunica albuginea. The smooth muscle origin was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with an anti‐human monoclonal antibody reactive to smooth muscle actin. This is the first report of a bilateral, multicentric, leiomyoma in the testes of a horse confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. This case highlights that neoplasia should be considered as a differential for bilateral testicular enlargement.
Does temporomandibular joint pathology affect performance in an equine athlete?
Authors: Jørgensen E. , Christophersen M. T. , Kristoffersen M. , Puchalski S. , Verwilghen D.
Published: November 2014

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pathology is a rarely reported cause of decreased performance among equine athletes or at least seldom recognised. This case report describes the work‐up of a high level dressage horse with decreased performance. Temporomandibular joint pathology was suspected based on computed tomography (CT) and the horse responded very well to joint treatment.
Association of aldosterone and arginine vasopressin concentrations and clinical markers of hypoperfusion in neonatal foals
Authors: Dembek K. A. , Hurcombe S. D. , Stewart A. J. , Barr B. S. , MacGillivray K. C. , Kinee M. , Elam J. , Toribio R. E.
Published: November 2014

Reasons for performing study

Critically ill foals often present to veterinary hospitals with impaired organ perfusion which can be demonstrated by increased blood L‐lactate concentrations. As a compensatory mechanism to low blood pressure and electrolyte abnormalities, aldosterone and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are released to restore organ perfusion and function. Several studies have investigated the ability of blood L‐lactate concentrations to predict severity of disease and outcome in critically ill human patients, adult horses and foals. However, information on the aldosterone and AVP response to hypoperfusion and its association with L‐lactate concentrations in neonatal foals is limited.

Objectives

To determine the association between clinical hypoperfusion and endocrine markers of reduced tissue perfusion in normo‐ and hypoperfused foals.

Study design

Prospective, multicentre, cross‐sectional observational study.

Methods

Blood samples were collected on admission from 72 clinically hypoperfused, 110 normoperfused (73 hospitalised and 37 healthy) foals of ≤4 days of age. Foals were considered clinically hypoperfused if they had L‐lactate concentrations ≥2.5 mmol/l and one of the 3 following findings: heart rate >120 beats/min, packed cell volume (PCV) >0.44 l/l or azotaemia (increased creatinine and blood urea nitrogen [BUN]). Blood concentrations of aldosterone and AVP were determined by radioimmunoassays.

Results

Aldosterone, AVP, creatinine and BUN concentrations and heart rate, PCV and blood osmolality were higher in clinically hypoperfused compared with normoperfused foals (P<0.05). Risk of hypoperfusion increased with the presence of hypothermic extremities (OR = 5.26) and with each one unit increase in albumin concentrations (OR = 3.5) (P<0.05). The proposed admission L‐lactate cut‐off value above which nonsurvival could be reliably predicted in hospitalised foals was 10.6 mmol/l with 82% of sensitivity and 74% of specificity.

Conclusions

Hyperaldosteronaemia and hypervasopressinaemia as well as hypothermic extremities and increased albumin concentrations are potent predictors of hypoperfusion in hospitalised foals.