bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Size‐related scaling of tree form and function in a mixed‐age forest
Authors: Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J. , McGarvey Jennifer C. , Muller‐Landau Helene C. , Park Janice Y. , Gonzalez‐Akre Erika B. , Herrmann Valentine , Bennett Amy C. , So Christopher V. , Bourg Norman A. , Thompson Jonathan R. , McMahon Sean M. , McShea William J.
Published: May 2015

Many morphological, physiological and ecological traits of trees scale with diameter, shaping the structure and function of forest ecosystems. Understanding the mechanistic basis for such scaling relationships is key to understanding forests globally and their role in Earth's changing climate system.

Here, we evaluate theoretical predictions for the scaling of nine variables in a mixed‐age temperate deciduous forest (CTFS‐ForestGEO forest dynamics plot at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Virginia, USA) and compare observed scaling parameters to those from other forests world‐wide. We examine fifteen species and various environmental conditions.

Structural, physiological and ecological traits of trees scaled with stem diameter in a manner that was sometimes consistent with existing theoretical predictions – more commonly with those predicting a range of scaling values than a single universal scaling value.

Scaling relationships were variable among species, reflecting substantive ecological differences.

Scaling relationships varied considerably with environmental conditions. For instance, the scaling of sap flux density varied with atmospheric moisture demand, and herbivore browsing dramatically influenced stem abundance scaling.

Thus, stand‐level, time‐averaged scaling relationships (e.g., the scaling of diameter growth) are underlain by a diversity of species‐level scaling relationships that can vary substantially with fluctuating environmental conditions. In order to use scaling theory to accurately characterize forest ecosystems and predict their responses to global change, it will be critical to develop a more nuanced understanding of both the forces that constrain stand‐level scaling and the complexity of scaling variation across species and environmental conditions.
Distribution and genetic characteristics of Ephoron shigae (Ephemeroptera: Polymitarcyidae) in Korea
Authors: Sekiné Kazuki , Tojo Koji , Bae Yeon Jae
Published: May 2015

Ephoron shigae is distributed in Far East Russia, Korea and Japan, where it inhabits rivers, streams and lakes. Although this mayfly is a geographically parthenogenetic species, unisex populations have been observed only in Japan. We aimed to answer the following three questions: (i) whether there is a unisex population of E. shigae in Korea; (ii) whether migration and gene flow exists between E. shigae populations in Korea and Japan; and (3) whether E. shigae populations are fragmented in Korea because of mountains running to the north and south. We observed 20 populations across Korea and investigated the sex ratio in 12 populations. Our results showed that all the populations were bisex, and we believe that there is no unisex population of E. shigae in Korea. In addition, we examined the genetic structure of E. shigae in Korea by using the COI gene. The results showed that the Korean populations were clearly divergent from the Japanese populations; the level of genetic distance between the Korean and Japanese populations was interspecific rather than intraspecific. Therefore, parthenogenetic populations of E. shigae probably belong to unisex populations that originated in Japan, while the individuals would have not migrated to Korea. The Korean populations did not show clear fragmentation by geographic barrier, although this mayfly with extremely short adult stage (up to 2 h) could be a comparatively strong disperser across Korea.
Consumer Acceptability of Cucumber Pickles Produced by Fermentation in Calcium Chloride Brine for Reduced Environmental Impact
Authors: Wilson Emily M. , Johanningsmeier Suzanne D. , Osborne Jason A.
Published: May 2015

Fermentation of cucumbers in calcium chloride (CaCl2) brine has been proposed as an alternative process to reduce the environmental impact of traditional, high salt fermentations. The objective of this research was to determine whether consumer acceptability of pickle products would be impacted by fermentation and storage of cucumbers in CaCl2 brine. Cucumbers were fermented and stored with 0.1M CaCl2 or 1M sodium chloride (NaCl) in open‐air, 3000 gal tanks at a commercial facility and processed into hamburger dill chips containing 0.38M NaCl. Cucumbers fermented in CaCl2 required additional desalting to reduce CaCl2 concentrations to that of current products. Consumers (n = 101) showed no significant preference for pickles from different fermentation treatments, whether stored for 2 mo (P = 0.75) or 8 mo (P = 0.68) prior to processing. In contrast, NaCl fermented pickles were preferred over CaCl2 fermented pickles stored for 10 mo and desalted only once (P < 0.01). A series of preference tests indicated that the taste of CaCl2 was not the factor affecting consumer preference, and the 50% detection threshold of CaCl2 in dill pickle chips was found to be 61.8 ± 7.6 mM, indicating that processors could potentially use CaCl2 fermentations with a single desalting step. Consumer liking of flavor (n = 73) was not influenced by fermentation in CaCl2 or by 23 or 35 mM CaCl2 in finished products (P > 0.05), but variability in texture decreased consumer liking (P < 0.05). Although promising, individual fermentation variability and texture quality of CaCl2 fermented products should be further evaluated prior to broad implementation of this process.
The prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people with schizophrenia
Authors: Holt R. I. G.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Primary prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease is an important priority for people with schizophrenia. This review aims to identify lifestyle and pharmacological interventions that reduce diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people with schizophrenia.

Method

PubMed and other electronic databases were searched to identify relevant articles.

Results

Lifestyle interventions that focus on diet and physical activity reduce the incidence of diabetes. Similar programmes in people with schizophrenia have led to significant weight loss and may reasonably be expected to reduce diabetes in the long‐term. Metformin may be considered when lifestyle change is not feasible or effective. Lifestyle interventions, particularly smoking cessation, are likely to be effective in reducing cardiovascular disease in people with schizophrenia. Although cardiovascular prevention trials with statins have not been performed in people with schizophrenia, similar reductions in cholesterol has been seen as in the general population and statins should be considered for those at high risk. Traditional cardiovascular risk prediction models perform well in identifying those at high cardiovascular risk, but bespoke prediction models using data from people with schizophrenia perform better.

Conclusion

Reducing diabetes and cardiovascular disease requires a coordinated and concerted effort from mental and physical health teams working across primary and secondary care.
Extracorporeal Life Support Bridge to Ventricular Assist Device: The Double Bridge Strategy
Authors: Marasco Silvana F. , Lo Casey , Murphy Deirdre , Summerhayes Robyn , Quayle Margaret , Zimmet Adam , Bailey Michael
Published: May 2015

In patients requiring left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support, it can be difficult to ascertain suitability for long‐term mechanical support with LVAD and eventual transplantation. LVAD implantation in a shocked patient is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Interest is growing in the utilization of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as a bridge‐to‐bridge support for these critically unwell patients. Here, we reviewed our experience with ECLS double bridging. We hypothesized that ECLS double bridging would stabilize end‐organ dysfunction and reduce ventricular assist device (VAD) implant perioperative mortality. We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data for 58 consecutive patients implanted with a continuous‐flow LVAD between January 2010 and December 2013 at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Twenty‐three patients required ECLS support pre‐LVAD while 35 patients underwent LVAD implantation without an ECLS bridge. Preoperative morbidity in the ECLS bridge group was reflected by increased postoperative intensive care duration, blood loss, blood product use, and postoperative renal failure, but without negative impact upon survival when compared with the no ECLS group. ECLS stabilization improved end‐organ function pre‐VAD implant with significant improvements in hepatic and renal dysfunction. This series demonstrates that the use of ECLS bridge to VAD stabilizes end‐organ dysfunction and reduces VAD implant perioperative mortality from that traditionally reported in these “crash and burn” patients.
In Vitro Comparative Assessment of Mechanical Blood Damage Induced by Different Hemodialysis Treatments
Authors: Sakota Ranko , Lodi Carlo Alberto , Sconziano Sara Antonia , Beck Werner , Bosch Juan P.
Published: May 2015

Gradual deterioration of red blood cells (RBCs) due to mechanical stress (chronic hemolysis) is unavoidable during treatments that involve extracorporeal blood circulation, such as hemodialysis (HD). This effect is generally undetectable and does not generate any acute symptoms, but it leads to an increase in plasma free hemoglobin (fHb). There are no absolute safety levels for fHb increase, indicating the need for an empirical evaluation using comparative testing. The increase in fHb levels was investigated in vitro by applying double‐needle double‐pump HD (HD‐DNDP), a new modality in which arterial and venous pumps both run continuously. fHb was measured during typical and worst‐case simulated dialysis treatments (double‐needle single‐pump HD [HD‐DNSP], hemodiafiltration [HDF‐DN], single‐needle double‐pump HD [HD‐SNDP], and HD‐DNDP) performed in vitro using bovine blood for 4 h. Hemolysis‐related indices (fHb%; index of hemolysis, IH; and normalized IH) were calculated and used for comparison. The increase in fHb during either HDF‐DN or HD‐SNDP with Artis and AK200 dialysis machines was similar, while the fHb at the maximum real blood flow rate (Qbreal) at the completion of the HD‐DNDP treatment on Artis was higher than that for HD‐DNSP using a Phoenix dialysis machine (fHb% = 1.24 ± 0.13 and 0.92 ± 0.12 for the Artis machine with HD‐DNDP at Qbreal = 450 mL/min and Phoenix with HD‐DNSP at Qbreal = 500 mL/min, respectively). However, the fHb levels increased linearly, and no steep changes were observed. The increases observed during HD‐DNDP were the same order of magnitude as those for widely used bloodlines and treatment modes for delivering dialysis treatments. The observed results matched literature findings, and thus the measured fHb trends are not predicted to have clinical side effects. HD‐DNDP treatment with Artis does not merit any additional concern regarding mechanical stress to RBCs compared with that observed for routinely used dialysis treatments, bloodlines and machines. Although the in vitro measurement of the fHb increase in bovine blood does not allow a prediction of the absolute level of blood mechanical damage or the possible effects in humans, such measurements are valuable for assessing hemolytic harm by performing tests comparing the proposed treatment with existing devices.
Posture Influence on the Pendulum Test of Spasticity in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: de Azevedo Eliza Regina Ferreira Braga Machado , Maria Renata Manzano , Alonso Karina Cristina , Cliquet Jr Alberto
Published: May 2015

The study aims to investigate the influence of different postures on spasticity results by pendulum test in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The setting was at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil. Five individuals with SCI and five individuals in the control group were included. All individuals went through the pendulum test in three different positions: supine, semi‐supine at an angle of 30°, and sitting up at an angle of 60°. An electrogoniometer was attached to the right leg for measurement of knee joint angles. All situations were performed five times. Blood pressure was monitored during tests. Relaxation index (RI), normalized relaxation index (RIn), test duration in seconds, initial flexion angle, and resting angle were analyzed at three different positions. Results were compared between different positions, and statistically no differences were found. In individuals with SCI, RI (1.83 ± 0.2), RIn (1.14 ± 0.13), and test duration values (13.95 ± 4.14), in sitting up position, were similar to the control group results. In sitting up position, patients showed spasticity reduction. However, the other two postures produce pain and increase blood pressure in patients with tetraplegia. Therefore, these postures should be avoided in patients with lesions above T6, due to possible autonomic dysreflexia symptoms.
Health‐related quality of life in children with objectively diagnosed staple food allergy assessed with a disease‐specific questionnaire
Authors: Protudjer JLP , Jansson S‐A , Östblom E , Arnlind M Heibert , Bengtsson U , Dahlén S‐E , Kallström‐Bengtsson I , Marklund B , Middelveld RJM , Rentzos G , Sundqvist AC , Åkerström J , Ahlstedt S
Published: May 2015

Aim

Among Swedish children of 0–12 years old, we investigated various food allergy‐related exposures associated with health‐related quality of life using a food allergy‐specific questionnaire among children allergic to the staple foods cow's milk, hen's egg and/or wheat, and contextualised worse food allergy‐associated health‐related quality of life using a generic questionnaire versus controls.

Methods

In total, 85 children with objectively diagnosed allergy to the staple foods were included as cases, and 94 children matched for age and sex were included as controls. We administered a food allergy‐specific parent‐completed questionnaire originally developed by EuroPrevall to cases only, and a generic health‐related quality of life questionnaire (EuroQol Health Questionnaire, 5 Dimensions; EQ 5‐D); to both cases and controls.

Results

Hen's egg was the most common offending staple food, affecting 76% of cases. Approximately 7% of cases were allergic to all three staple foods. Parent‐reported respiratory and cardiovascular symptoms were associated with worse health‐related quality of life. Elements of disease severity [previous anaphylaxis (p < 0.001); epinephrine autoinjector prescription (p < 0.003)] were negatively associated with health‐related quality of life. Cases had worse health‐related quality of life measured by the EQ‐5D compared to controls (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The use of a disease‐specific questionnaire revealed that disease severity in children with objectively diagnosed allergy to the staple foods cow's milk, hen's egg and/or wheat is associated with worse health‐related quality of life. The use of a generic questionnaire confirmed that cases have worse health‐related quality of life than controls.
A population‐based study of the drug interaction between clopidogrel and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
Authors: Cressman Alex M. , Macdonald Erin M. , Fernandes Kimberly A. , Gomes Tara , Paterson J. Michael , Mamdani Muhammad M. , Juurlink David N.
Published: May 2015

Aims

Clopidogrel and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are commonly co‐prescribed drugs. Clopidogrel inhibits carboxylesterase 1 (CES1), the enzyme responsible for converting prodrug ACE inhibitors (such as ramipril and perindopril) to their active metabolites. The clinical implications of this potential drug interaction are unknown. The clinical consequences of the potential drug interaction between clopidogrel and prodrug ACE inhibitors were examined.

Methods

We conducted a nested case–control study of Ontarians aged 66 years and older treated with clopidogrel between September 1 2003 and March 31 2013 following acute myocardial infarction. Cases were subjects who died or were hospitalized for reinfarction or heart failure in the subsequent year, and each was matched with up to four controls. The primary outcome was a composite of reinfarction, heart failure or death. The primary analysis examined whether use of the prodrug ACE inhibitors ramipril or perindopril was more common among cases than use of lisinopril, an active ACE inhibitor.

Results

Among 45 918 patients treated with clopidogrel following myocardial infarction, we identified 4203 cases and 14 964 controls. After adjustment, we found no association between the composite outcome and use of perindopril (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76, 1.16) or ramipril (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.80, 1.18), relative to lisinopril. Secondary analyses of each element of the composite outcome yielded similar findings.

Conclusions

Following myocardial infarction, use of clopidogrel with ACE inhibitors activated by CES1 is not associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes relative to lisinopril. These findings suggest that the recently described drug interaction between clopidogrel and prodrug ACE inhibitors is of little clinical relevance.
Actions of cAMP on calcium sensitization in human detrusor smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Hayashi Maya , Kajioka Shunichi , Itsumi Momoe , Takahashi Ryosuke , Shahab Nouval , Ishigami Takao , Takeda Masahiro , Masuda Noriyuki , Yamaguchi Akito , Naito Seiji
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To clarify the effect of cAMP on the Ca2+‐sensitized smooth muscle contraction in human detrusor, as well as the role of novel exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) in cAMP‐mediated relaxation.

Materials and Methods

All experimental protocols to record isometric tension force were performed using α‐toxin‐permeabilized human detrusor smooth muscle strips. The mechanisms of cAMP‐mediated suppression of Ca2+ sensitization activated by 10 μm carbachol (CCh) and 100 μm GTP were studied using a selective rho kinase (ROK) inhibitor, Y‐27632, and a selective protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, GF‐109203X. The relaxation mechanisms were further probed using a selective protein kinase A (PKA) activator, 6‐Bnz‐cAMP and a selective Epac activator, 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP.

Results

We observed that CCh‐induced Ca2+ sensitization was inhibited by cAMP in a concentration‐dependent manner. GF‐109203X (10 μm) but not Y‐27632 (10 μm) significantly enhanced the relaxation effect induced by cAMP (100 μm). 6‐Bnz‐cAMP (100 μm) predominantly decreased the tension force in comparison with 8‐pCPT‐2′‐O‐Me‐cAMP (100 μm).

Conclusions

We showed that cAMP predominantly inhibited the ROK pathway but not the PKC pathway. The PKA‐dependent pathway is dominant, while Epac plays a minor role in human detrusor smooth muscle Ca2+ sensitization.
Not Child's Play: Tactics and Strategies inViva CubaandHabanastation
Authors: FEHIMOVIĆ DUNJA
Published: May 2015

Recognition of the national and international contexts in whichViva Cuba(Juan Carlos Cremata, 2005) andHabanastation(Ian Padron, 2011) were made and marketed highlights the coexistence of a pragmatic, tactical approach to filmmaking with the expression of specific, national concerns. Indeed, the two elements are inextricable, since both directors exploit the association of children with universality and the apolitical in order to pursue both personal and national goals, so that these films for children, about children must be seen not as child's play but ascontracandelas: strategic and affective responses to uncertainty and threat.
Asymptotic efficiency of the pseudo‐maximum likelihood estimator in multi‐group factor models with pooled data
Authors: Jin Shaobo , Yang‐Wallentin Fan , Christoffersson Anders
Published: May 2015

A multi‐group factor model is suitable for data originating from different strata. However, it often requires a relatively large sample size to avoid numerical issues such as non‐convergence and non‐positive definite covariance matrices. An alternative is to pool data from different groups in which a single‐group factor model is fitted to the pooled data using maximum likelihood. In this paper, properties of pseudo‐maximum likelihood (PML) estimators for pooled data are studied. The pooled data are assumed to be normally distributed from a single group. The resulting asymptotic efficiency of the PML estimators of factor loadings is compared with that of the multi‐group maximum likelihood estimators. The effect of pooling is investigated through a two‐group factor model. The variances of factor loadings for the pooled data are underestimated under the normal theory when error variances in the smaller group are larger. Underestimation is due to dependence between the pooled factors and pooled error terms. Small‐sample properties of the PML estimators are also investigated using a Monte Carlo study.
MiR‐124 Regulates Apoptosis and Autophagy Process in MPTP Model of Parkinson's Disease by Targeting to Bim
Authors: Wang Huiqing , Ye Yongyi , Zhu Zhiyuan , Mo Liqian , Lin Chunnan , Wang Qifu , Wang Haoyuan , Gong Xin , He Xiaozheng , Lu Guohui , Lu Fengfei , Zhang Shizhong
Published: May 2015

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most prevalent movement disorder characterized by selective loss of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons. MicroRNA‐124 (miR‐124) is abundantly expressed in the DA neurons and its expression level decreases in the 1‐methyl‐4‐pheny‐1, 2, 3, 6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of PD. However, whether the upregulation of miR‐124 could attenuate neurodegeneration remains unknown. Here, we employed miR‐124 agomir and miR‐124 mimics to upregulate miR‐124 expression in MPTP‐treated mice and MPP+‐intoxicated SH‐SY5Y cells, respectively. We found that loss of DA neurons and striatal dopamine in MPTP‐treated mice was significantly reduced by upregulating miR‐124. In addition, we identified a target of miR‐124, Bim that mediated the neuroprotection of miR‐124. Indeed, treatment of miR‐124 agomir in MPTP‐treated mice inhibited Bim expression, thus suppressing Bax translocation to mitochondria. Moreover, impaired autophagy process in MPTP‐treated mice and MPP+‐intoxicated SH‐SY5Y cells characterized as autophagosomes (AP) accumulation and lysosomal depletion were alleviated by the upregulation of miR‐124. Taken together, these results indicate that upregulation of miR‐124 could regulate apoptosis and impaired autophagy process in the MPTP model of PD, thus reducing the loss of DA neurons.
Evaluation of Tone‐Mapping Operators for HDR Video Under Different Ambient Luminance Levels
Authors: Melo M. , Bessa M. , Debattista K. , Chalmers A.
Published: May 2015

Since high dynamic range (HDR) displays are not yet widely available, there is still a need to perform a dynamic range reduction of HDR content to reproduce it properly on standard dynamic range (SDR) displays. The most common techniques for performing this reduction are termed tone‐mapping operators (TMOs). Although mobile devices are becoming widespread, methods for displaying HDR content on these SDR screens are still very much in their infancy. While several studies have been conducted to evaluate TMOs, few have been done with a goal of testing small screen displays (SSDs), common on mobile devices. This paper presents an evaluation of six state‐of‐the‐art HDR video TMOs. The experiments considered three different levels of ambient luminance under which 180 participants were asked to rank the TMOs for seven tone‐mapped HDR video sequences. A comparison was conducted between tone‐mapped HDR video footage shown on an SSD and on a large screen SDR display using an HDR display as reference. The results show that there are differences between the performance of the TMOs under different ambient lighting levels and the TMOs that perform well on traditional large screen displays also perform well on SSDs at the same given luminance level.
Psora‐4, a Kv1.3 Blocker, Enhances Differentiation and Maturation in Neural Progenitor Cells
Authors: Zhou Yu‐Ye , Hou Guo‐Qiang , He Song‐Wei , Xiao Zhuo , Xu Hui‐Juan , Qiu Ya‐Tao , Jiang Sheng , Zheng Hui , Li Zhi‐Yuan
Published: May 2015

Aim

The self‐repair ability of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) has been found to be activated and protected in several therapies helpful in multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS. As a potential therapeutic target in MS, the role of the ion channel Kv1.3 in NPC self‐repair has received limited attention. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a selective Kv1.3 blocker on NPC neuronal differentiation and maturation.

Methods

A small‐molecule selective blocker for Kv1.3, Psora‐4, was added to the differentiation medium of cultured mouse NPCs to assess its effect on NPC differentiation efficiency. Both a polypeptide Kv1.3 blocker and Kv1.3‐specific RNA interference were used in parallel experiments. Further, the maturity of newborn neurons in the presence of Psora‐4 was measured both by morphological analysis and by whole‐cell patch clamping.

Results

Psora‐4 induced a significant increase in the percentage of neurons. Knockdown of Kv1.3 in NPCs also promoted neuronal differentiation. Both morphological and electrophysiological analyses suggested that NPC‐derived neurons in the presence of Psora‐4 were more mature.

Conclusion

Our studies reveal a crucial role for the ion channel Kv1.3 in the regulation of NPC differentiation and maturation, making Psora‐4 a promising candidate molecule for MS treatment.
The influence of CTLA‐4 single nucleotide polymorphisms on acute kidney allograft rejection in Turkish patients
Authors: Ruhi Çağlar , Sallakçi Nilgün , Yeğin Olcay , Süleymanlar Gültekin , Ersoy F. Fevzi
Published: May 2015

Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) is a cell surface protein, which down‐regulates the immune response at CTLA‐4/CD28/B7 pathway. We aimed to investigate the influence of the −318C/T, +49A/G, −1661A/G and CT60A/G, and CTLA‐4 gene polymorphisms on acute rejection of kidney allograft in Turkish patients. The study design was a case–control study that consists of three groups: Group 1 (n = 34) represented the kidney transplant (Ktx) recipients who experienced acute rejection, Group 2 (n = 47) was randomly assigned Ktx recipients without acute rejection, and Group 3 (n = 50) consisting of healthy volunteers to evaluate the normal genomic distribution. The polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism technique was used to determine the polymorphisms. Genotype and allele frequencies among three groups denoted similar distributions for +49A/G, −1661A/G, and CT60A/G. Conversely, −318C/T genotype was three times more frequent in the acute rejection group than in the non‐rejection group (OR = 3.45; 95%CI = 1.18–10.1, p = 0.015) and two times more frequent than the healthy control group (OR = 2.45; 95% CI = 0.98 – 6.11, p = 0.047). Additionally, having a T allele at −318 position was significantly associated with acute rejection (0.147 vs. 0.043, OR = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.13–10.56, p = 0.02). 318C/T gene polymorphism and T allelic variant were found to be associated with increased acute rejection risk in Turkish kidney allograft recipients.
Uterine Transplantation: Ethical Considerations within Middle Eastern Perspectives
Authors: Altawil Zaid , Arawi Thalia
Published: May 2015

The field of reproductive medicine witnessed a breakthrough in September 2014 with the first successful live birth post uterine transplantation. This success represents the culmination of decades' worth of research on infertility and reproductive medicine. This subject of infertility gathers special attention in the Middle East, as childbearing is given paramount importance in the family unit. And as with any new medical advancement, Middle Eastern people look to their religious authorities for guidance. This paper describes the various ethical quandaries related to uterine transplantation, from a perspective of the religious and societal factors that are unique to the Middle East, and embeds them within the conversation of its alternative solutions.
Biomechanical analysis of poly‐L‐lactic acid and titanium plates fixated for mandibular symphyseal fracture with a conservatively treated unilateral condylar fracture using the three‐dimensional finite element method
Authors: Murakami Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Sugiura Tsutomu , Kawakami Masayoshi , Horita Satoshi , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate stress on poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) plates with a thickness of 1.4 mm and titanium plates with a thickness of 1.0 and 1.4 mm placed for mandibular symphyseal fractures with or without conservatively treated, unilateral condylar fractures using finite element analysis. The symphyseal fracture region was defined by the following three conditions: the defect, the callus, and the contact condition. Stress on the plates was analyzed by an applying occlusal force of 478.1 N on the first molar of the non‐condylar fracture side. In the model of isolated symphyseal fracture, the maximal stresses were below the material strength in all plate types and conditions. In the models with condylar fracture, the maximal stresses on these plates were much higher than those in the models of isolated symphyseal fracture, especially for the defect condition. Although the maximal stresses on all types of plates in the contact condition were below the material strengths, some of those in the defect condition were higher than these strengths. These results suggest that a PLLA plate can theoretically withstand stress under good reductions of symphyseal fractures, even for condylar fractures; however, both the PLLA plate and titanium miniplate may be at risk of fracture under poor reduction.
Cooperative processing in primary somatosensory cortex and posterior parietal cortex during tactile working memory
Authors: Ku Yixuan , Zhao Di , Bodner Mark , Zhou Yong‐Di
Published: May 2015

In the present study, causal roles of both the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) were investigated in a tactile unimodal working memory (WM) task. Individual magnetic resonance imaging‐based single‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (spTMS) was applied, respectively, to the left SI (ipsilateral to tactile stimuli), right SI (contralateral to tactile stimuli) and right PPC (contralateral to tactile stimuli), while human participants were performing a tactile‐tactile unimodal delayed matching‐to‐sample task. The time points of spTMS were 300, 600 and 900 ms after the onset of the tactile sample stimulus (duration: 200 ms). Compared with ipsilateral SI, application of spTMS over either contralateral SI or contralateral PPC at those time points significantly impaired the accuracy of task performance. Meanwhile, the deterioration in accuracy did not vary with the stimulating time points. Together, these results indicate that the tactile information is processed cooperatively by SI and PPC in the same hemisphere, starting from the early delay of the tactile unimodal WM task. This pattern of processing of tactile information is different from the pattern in tactile‐visual cross‐modal WM. In a tactile‐visual cross‐modal WM task, SI and PPC contribute to the processing sequentially, suggesting a process of sensory information transfer during the early delay between modalities.
Topological effects of network structure on long‐term social network dynamics in a wild mammal
Authors: Ilany Amiyaal , Booms Andrew S. , Holekamp Kay E.
Published: May 2015

Social structure influences ecological processes such as dispersal and invasion, and affects survival and reproductive success. Recent studies have used static snapshots of social networks, thus neglecting their temporal dynamics, and focused primarily on a limited number of variables that might be affecting social structure. Here, instead we modelled effects of multiple predictors of social network dynamics in the spotted hyena, using observational data collected during 20 years of continuous field research in Kenya. We tested the hypothesis that the current state of the social network affects its long‐term dynamics. We employed stochastic agent‐based models that allowed us to estimate the contribution of multiple factors to network changes. After controlling for environmental and individual effects, we found that network density and individual centrality affected network dynamics, but that social bond transitivity consistently had the strongest effects. Our results emphasise the significance of structural properties of networks in shaping social dynamics.
Testing the Effects of Biogenic Amines and Alternative Topical Solvent Types on the Behavioral Repertoire of Two Web‐Building Spiders
Authors: DiRienzo Nicholas , McDermott Donna R. , Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: May 2015

Investigating the proximate mechanism underlying behavior has long been a primary goal of ethologists. With the recent focus on behavioral correlations (e.g., behavioral syndromes), a fundamental question arises regarding what mechanisms may drive positive relationships between functionally distinct behaviors. Understanding these mechanisms can inform critical questions, such as why distinct behaviors are often correlated, and can also lend insights into how behavioral similarities are conserved across species. Arthropods provide an idea system to study these questions as the biogenic amines, such as octopamine and serotonin, have long been known to mediate a large number of behaviors such as aggression, dominance, escape behavior, and others. Behaviorists have several ways in which they can manipulate these biogenic amines in vivo, including injection, feeding, and topical application. Topical application is potentially an optimal method for manipulating amine concentrations, given that it is minimally invasive and relatively precise. Here, we investigate the role of biogenic amines, octopamine, and serotonin, in mediating a range of similar and often correlated behaviors in two distantly related species of spiders, the western black widow, Latrodectus hesperus, and the funnel‐web spider, Agelenopsis pennsylvanica. Additionally, we investigate the behavioral effects associated with three commonly used carrier solvents: dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and acetone. We demonstrate that biogenic amines are involved both in mediating several behaviors, and also potentially the links between different behaviors. We also show that the same behaviors in different species are not affected by biogenic amines in the same manner, suggesting differences in the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms governing behavior. Furthermore, we discovered large and pervasive effects associated with both carrier solvents, thus calling into question the potential usefulness and interpretability of topical application methods in behavioral research.
Equine glaucoma: Where are we now?
Authors: Thomasy S. M. , Lassaline M.
Published: May 2015

The following article discusses the pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, medical treatment and surgical management of glaucoma in the horse.
Distinct ethanol drinking microstructures in two replicate lines of mice selected for drinking to intoxication
Authors: Barkley‐Levenson A. M. , Crabbe J. C.
Published: May 2015

The High Drinking in the Dark (HDID) mice have been selectively bred for reaching high blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) following the limited access Drinking in the Dark (DID) test. We have shown previously that mice from the first HDID replicate line (HDID‐1) drink in larger, but not longer, ethanol drinking bouts than the low‐drinking HS/Npt control mice when consuming modest amounts in the DID test. Here, we assessed drinking microstructure in HDID‐1 mice during binge‐like levels of ethanol intake using a lickometer system. Mice from both HDID replicates (HDID‐1 and ‐2) and HS mice were also given three DID tests (single‐bottle ethanol, two‐bottle choice and single‐bottle saccharin) using a continuously recording BioDAQ system to determine whether there are selection‐dependent changes in drinking microstructure. Larger ethanol bout size in the HDID‐1 mice than the HS mice was found to be due to a larger lick volume in these mice. HDID‐1 and HDID‐2 mice were also seen to have different drinking microstructures that both resulted in high intake and high BECs. The HDID‐1 mice drank in larger ethanol bouts than HS, whereas HDID‐2 mice drank in more frequent bouts. This pattern was also seen in two‐bottle choice DID. The HDID‐2 mice had a high bout frequency for all fluid types tested, whereas the large bout size phenotype of the HDID‐1 mice was specific to alcohol. These findings suggest that selection for drinking to intoxication has resulted in two distinct drinking microstructures, both of which lead to high BECs and high ethanol intake.
Zirconia Nanostructures: Novel Facile Surfactant‐Free Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Zinatloo‐Ajabshir Sahar , Salavati‐Niasari Masoud
Published: May 2015

Zirconia nanostructures have been prepared via a facile precipitation route using Zirconium (IV) oxynitrate hydrate and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). Here, TEPA was used as novel precipitator to fabricate zirconia nanostructures. The influence of reaction time, dosage of TEPA, and solvent was also examined to control the shape and particle size. Results of this work indicate that these reaction parameters have important impact on the control of shape and grain size of the zirconia. To characterize the as‐synthesized nanostructures, techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were applied. In addition, the formation mechanism of zirconia nanostructures was discussed.
Laboratory diagnosis of von Willebrand disease
Authors: Roberts J. C. , Flood V. H.
Published: May 2015

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is considered the most common inherited bleeding disorder and may also be the most difficult to diagnose. Clinical symptoms of VWD include predominantly mild mucosal bleeding; surgical bleeding may occur with specific challenges and joint bleeding can occur in the most severe forms. A family history either of diagnosed VWD or of bleeding symptoms is typically present. Laboratory diagnosis requires a series of assays of von Willebrand factor (VWF) quantity and function, and factor VIII activity, with no single straightforward diagnostic test available to either confirm or exclude the diagnosis. Newer assays of VWF function are becoming more available and useful in determining the laboratory diagnosis of VWD.
Laboratory testing for platelet function disorders
Authors: Israels S. J.
Published: May 2015

Platelet function testing is both complex and labor intensive. A stepwise approach to the evaluation of patients with suspected platelet disorders will optimize the use of laboratory resources, beginning with an appropriate clinical evaluation to determine whether the bleeding is consistent with a defect of primary hemostasis. Bleeding assessment tools, evaluation of platelet counts, and review of peripheral blood cell morphology can aid the initial assessment. For patients requiring further laboratory testing, platelet aggregometry, secretion assays, and von Willebrand factor assays are the most useful next steps and will direct further specialized testing including flow cytometry, electron microscopy, and molecular diagnostics. Guidelines and recommendations for standardizing platelet function testing, with a particular focus on light transmission aggregometry, are available and can provide a template for clinical laboratories in establishing procedures that will optimize diagnosis and assure quality results. This review outlines an approach to platelet function testing and reviews testing methods available to clinical laboratories.
Polyphosphate, platelets, and coagulation
Authors: Travers R. J. , Smith S. A. , Morrissey J. H.
Published: May 2015

While we have understood the basic outline of the enzymes and reactions that make up the traditional blood coagulation cascade for many years, recently our appreciation of the complexity of these interactions has greatly increased. This has resulted in unofficial ‘revisions’ of the coagulation cascade to include new amplification pathways and connections between the standard coagulation cascade enzymes, as well as the identification of extensive connections between the immune system and the coagulation cascade. The discovery that polyphosphate is stored in platelet dense granules and is secreted during platelet activation has resulted in a recent burst of interest in the role of this ancient molecule in human biology. Here we review the increasingly complex role of platelet polyphosphate in hemostasis, thrombosis, and inflammation that has been uncovered in recent years, as well as novel therapeutics centered on modulating polyphosphate's roles in coagulation and inflammation.
Molecular genetic evaluation of myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Azzato E. M. , Bagg A.
Published: May 2015

The classical myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) consist of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and the non‐CML MPNs, polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Molecular testing plays a crucial role in each of these disease entities. In this review, we discuss the role and caveats of BCR‐ABL1 fusion transcript evaluation in CML diagnosis and monitoring, as well as ABL1 kinase mutation testing in the setting of tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance. We also focus on JAK2, MPL, and CALR mutations in PV, ET, and PMF.
Disorders of erythrocyte volume homeostasis
Authors: Glogowska E. , Gallagher P. G.
Published: May 2015

Inherited disorders of erythrocyte volume homeostasis are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders with phenotypes ranging from dehydrated to overhydrated erythrocytes. Clinical, laboratory, physiologic, and genetic heterogeneities characterize this group of disorders. A series of recent reports have provided novel insights into our understanding of the genetic bases underlying some of these disorders of red cell volume regulation. This report reviews this progress in understanding determinants that influence erythrocyte hydration and how they have yielded a better understanding of the pathways that influence cellular water and solute homeostasis.
Hepcidin and iron disorders: new biology and clinical approaches
Authors: Arezes J. , Nemeth E.
Published: May 2015

Hepatic hormone hepcidin is a principal regulator of iron homeostasis and a pathogenic factor in common iron disorders. Hepcidin deficiency causes iron overload in hereditary hemochromatosis and iron‐loading anemias, whereas hepcidin excess causes or contributes to the development of iron‐restricted anemia in inflammatory diseases, infections, some cancers, and chronic kidney disease. Because of this, hepcidin may become a useful tool for diagnosis and management of iron disorders. Furthermore, a number of strategies that target hepcidin, its receptor, and its regulators are under development as novel therapeutic approaches for diseases associated with iron dysregulation.
The utility of next‐generation sequencing in diagnosis and monitoring of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Duncavage E. J. , Tandon B.
Published: May 2015

Myeloid malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of disorders that share a common biology and are a major source of morbidity and mortality. In the last several years, studies using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) have identified a core set of recurrently mutated myeloid malignancy genes in the majority of patients with AML and MDS, including those with normal cytogenetics. DNA‐level mutations in several of these genes including NPM1, FLT3, and CEBPA in AML and ASXL1, ETV6, EZH2, RUNX1, and TP53 in MDS are associated with changes in patient outcomes and are now tested for in clinical laboratories. In addition to providing prognostic information, these gene mutations can be used to monitor patient disease burden through the use of ultrasensitive detection techniques. In this review, we will focus on the clinical utility of various NGS‐based methods including whole‐genome sequencing, exome sequencing, and targeted panel‐based sequencing in the initial diagnosis and management of AML and MDS and cover recent methodological advances for the molecular monitoring of AML and MDS.
ICSH guidelines for the standardization of bone marrow immunohistochemistry
Authors: Torlakovic E. E. , Brynes R. K. , Hyjek E. , Lee S.‐H. , Kreipe H. , Kremer M. , McKenna R. , Sadahira Y. , Tzankov A. , Reis M. , Porwit A. ,   the International Council for Standardization in Haematology
Published: May 2015

Bone marrow (BM) tissue biopsy evaluation, including trephine biopsy and clot section, is an integral part of BM investigation and is often followed by ancillary studies, in particular immunohistochemistry (IHC). IHC provides in situ coupling of morphological assessment and immunophenotype. The number of different IHC tests that can be applied to BM trephine biopsies and the number of indications for IHC testing is increasing concurrently with the development of flow cytometry and molecular diagnostic methods. An international Working Party for the Standardization of Bone Marrow IHC was formed by the International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) to prepare a set of guidelines for the standardization of BM IHC based on currently available published evidence and modern understanding of quality assurance principles as applied to IHC in general. The guidelines were discussed at the ICSH General Assemblies and reviewed by an international panel of experts to achieve further consensus and represent further development of the previously published ICSH guidelines for the standardization of BM specimens handling and reports.
Sperm ultrastructure in honeycomb (foam) oysters (Mollusca, Bivalvia, Gryphaeidae, Pycnodontinae): comparison with other Ostreoidea and taxonomic implications
Authors: Healy John M. , Mikkelsen Paula M. , Bieler Rüdiger
Published: May 2015

Sperm ultrastructural features of the honeycomb (foam) oysters Hyotissa hyotis, H. sinensis, and H. mcgintyi (Gryphaeidae) are described and compared with other Ostreoidea and more generally with other pteriomorphian Bivalvia. Spermatozoa of H. sinensis and H. mcgintyi (the type species of Parahyotissa Harry 1985) exhibit (1) a broad, low‐conical acrosomal vesicle; (2) subacrosomal material (very electron‐dense granular material and an almost electron‐lucent axial rod); (3) a spheroidal nucleus with a wide anterior invagination (filled with subacrosomal components); (4) a midpiece composed of four spherical mitochondria surrounding a pair of centrioles (rootlet associated with proximal centriole); and (5) a flagellum. Sperm of Hyotissa hyotis (type species of Hyotissa Stenzel 1971) differ markedly from those of H. sinensis and H. mcgintyi, in having (1) a conical acrosomal vesicle showing coarse granular texture anteriorly; (2) a very electron‐dense axial rod; (3) a barrel‐shaped nucleus with a long, narrow anterior invagination (filled with both subacrosomal components) and a basal invagination partly housing the proximal centriole; and (4) five midpiece mitochondria and no proximal centriolar rootlet. Results indicate that H. sinensis should be relocated to another genus, possibly a revised genus Parahyotissa, and also show that the sperm of H. sinensis and H. mcgintyi show many similarities to those of the Ostreidae, with the exception that the ‘axial rod’ component of the subacrosomal material is less electron‐dense than the surrounding substance (more dense in Ostreidae, as in H. hyotis). No family defining sperm features of the Gryphaeidae can be identified.