bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitation among plants as an insurance policy for diversity in Alpine communities
Authors: Cavieres Lohengrin A. , Hernández‐Fuentes Carolina , Sierra‐Almeida Angela , Kikvidze Zaal
Published: August 2015

Positive interactions have started to gain a place as important drivers of community structure and biological diversity. Defined as non‐trophic interspecific interactions that increase the average individual fitness of one species, by definition, the presence of one plant species enhances the chances that another species co‐occur in the same place, indicating that positive interactions may determine biological diversity. However, this has been poorly explored.

The majority of the studies addressing community‐level consequences of facilitation have compared the diversity of the plant assemblages growing within nurses vs. those growing outside them, reporting contrasting results among them. Nonetheless, nurses and their alternative microhabitats (open areas among nurses) are part of the same community. Thus, if nurses allow for the persistence of species that otherwise would be excluded from the community, a net increase in the species diversity at the entire community level will be generated even though nurse plants contained fewer species than open areas.

Here, we conducted a bibliographic search using the ISI Web of Knowledge data base and reviewed the literature conducted on alpine plant communities where assessments of the diversity of plants growing within and outside a nurse species were available. In most cases nurse species substantially increased species richness at the community level, despite the fact that in some cases, they contained lower species numbers than open areas. Nurse species enhanced species richness more in systems with impoverished local diversity, suggesting that facilitative interactions in alpine habitats act as an insurance policy that sustains diversity under very harsh conditions.
Physicochemical and sensory properties of kefir containing inulin and oligofructose
Authors: Glibowski Pawel , Zielińska Ewelina
Published: August 2015

This study concerns the physicochemical and sensory analysis of stirred kefirs made at a laboratory scale, in which one‐third of the skim milk powder (SMP) was replaced by different inulins (long chain, native and oligofructose). The reference kefirs contained 12 g/100 g of SMP or whole milk powder. Rheological analysis showed that the kefirs were viscoelastic materials with thixotropic and shear‐thinning behaviour. Rheological data showed that SMP can be successfully substituted by long‐chain inulin; however, sensory evaluation indicated that substitution of SMP by any other kinds of inulin significantly decreased the consistency of kefirs while not affecting their flavour and odour.
Perinatal outcome after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome in triplet pregnancies
Authors: D'Antonio F , Thilaganathan B , Toms J , Manzoli L , Bhide A , Papageorghiou A , Khalil A
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The introduction of fetoscopic laser surgery of placental anastomoses has led to a significant improvement of perinatal outcome of twin pregnancies affected by twin‐to‐twin‐transfusion syndrome (TTTS). To quantify the perinatal outcome and neurological morbidity in triplet pregnancies complicated by TTTS, which were treated with fetoscopic laser surgery.

Search strategy

Medline, Embase, Cinahl and Cochrane were searched.

Selection criteria

The outcomes observed were: fetal and perinatal survival, preterm birth and abnormal neurological outcome.

Data collection and analysis

Two authors reviewed all abstracts independently. Meta‐analyses of proportions were used to combine data.

Main results

Eight studies (126 triplet pregnancies, 104 dichorionic‐triamniotic [DCTA] and 22 monochorionic‐triamniotic [MCTA]) treated with fetoscopic laser surgery were included in this review. In DCTA and MCTA pregnancies, fetal losses were 18.9% and 28.9%, respectively; perinatal losses were 23.6% and 75.0%; preterm births <28 weeks of gestation were 16.9% and 37.1%; preterm births <32 weeks of gestation were 50.0% and 69.5%; at least one fetus survived in 95.4% and 88.9% of the pregnancies; at least two fetuses survived in 81.8% and 68.3% of the pregnancies; and in 55.9% and 48.4% pregnancies all triplets survived. Finally, the incidence of abnormal neurological outcomes ranged from 0 to 37% in DCTA and from 0 to 50% in MCTA triplets.

Conclusions

Both DTCA and MCTA triplet pregnancies affected by TTTS are at high risk of adverse perinatal outcome.

Tweetable abstract

Both DTCA and MCTA triplet pregnancies affected by TTTS are at high risk of adverse perinatal outcome.
Trends and outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy in China: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cao Jian‐Guo , Tao Feng , Zhou Xiao‐Jun , Wang Xiao‐Gang , Wang Shu‐Sheng , Zhang Han , Lau Wan‐Yee , Yang Tian
Published: August 2015

Aim

The present study examined the status and trends of laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) in China as a developing country and compared its surgical outcomes with open appendectomy (OA).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 12 586 consecutive patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis at nine hospitals in China between 2011 and 2013. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess independent risk factors associated with the development of postoperative complications.

Results

The annual proportion of LA increased from 11.5 per cent to 20.8 per cent to 40.7 per cent in the 3‐year period. In comparison to OA, LA was associated with a lower postoperative complication rate (7.6 per cent vs 9.5 per cent, P = 0.001), a shorter hospital stay (mean: 5.4 days vs 6.5 days, P < 0.001) and a lower 30‐day readmission rate (2.3 per cent vs 3.1 per cent, P = 0.020). Multivariate analysis revealed that LA was independently associated with a decreased postoperative complication rate for all patients [odds ratio (OR): 1.44, P = 0.01], for a subgroup of patients with perforated appendicitis (OR: 4.32, P < 0.01) and for a subgroup of patients with unperforated appendicitis (OR: 1.50, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

The use of LA has increased rapidly in China in recent years. LA has been found to significantly lower the postoperative complication rate, even in perforated appendicitis. The laparoscopic procedure could be the preferred method for the surgical treatment of acute appendicitis in China in the future.
International Evidence on the Matching Between Revenues and Expenses
Authors: He Wen , Shan Yaowen
Published: August 2015

This study investigates the time‐series trend and determinants of matching between revenues and expenses in a sample of 42 countries. We find that the decline in matching documented by Dichev and Tang () is not unique to the United States, but is a worldwide phenomenon. Our results show that matching is weaker in countries with (i) wider use of accrual accounting; (ii) a larger proportion of firms reporting significant special items; (iii) slower economic growth; (iv) more research and development activities; (v) larger service sectors; and (vi) stronger investor protection. We find no evidence that mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards affects matching. Changes in accounting and economic factors collectively explain the downward trend in matching. Overall, the results suggest that both accounting and economic factors are important determinants of matching over time and across countries.
Vaping cannabis (marijuana): parallel concerns to e‐cigs?
Authors: Budney Alan J. , Sargent James D. , Lee Dustin C.
Published: August 2015

The proliferation of vaporization (‘vaping’) as a method for administering cannabis raises many of the same public health issues being debated and investigated in relation to e‐cigarettes (e‐cigs). Good epidemiological data on the prevalence of vaping cannabis are not yet available, but with current trends towards societal approval of medicinal and recreational use of cannabis, the pros and cons of vaping cannabis warrant study. As with e‐cigs, vaping cannabis portends putative health benefits by reducing harm from ingesting toxic smoke. Indeed, vaping is perceived and being sold as a safer way to use cannabis, despite the lack of data on the health effects of chronic vaping. Other perceived benefits include better taste, more efficient and intense effects and greater discretion which allows for use in more places. Unfortunately, these aspects of vaping could prompt an increased likelihood of trying cannabis, earlier age of onset, more positive initial experiences, and more frequent use, thereby increasing the probability of problematic use or addiction. Sales and marketing of vaping devices with no regulatory guidelines, especially related to advertising or product development targeting youth, parallels concerns under debate related to e‐cigs and youth. Thus, the quandary of whether or not to promote vaping as a safer method of cannabis administration for those wishing to use cannabis, and how to regulate vaping and vaping devices, necessitates substantial investigation and discussion. Addressing these issues in concert with efforts directed towards e‐cigs may save time and energy and result in a more comprehensive and effective public health policy on vaping.
Effects of pepper (Capsicum chinense) genotypic diversity on insect herbivores
Authors: Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Berny‐Mier y Terán Jorge C. , Moreira Xoaquín , Durán‐Yáñez Antonio , Tut‐Pech Felipe
Published: August 2015

There is growing interest on the effects of plant genotypic diversity on higher trophic levels. The present study investigated whether genotypic diversity inCapsicum chinensepeppers influenced attack by leaf‐mining fly larvae (Lyriomyza trifolii) and fruit‐eating weevils (Anthonomus eugenii), as well as parasitoid attack associated with weevils.

We established genotypic monocultures (n = 10, two plots/each of five inbred lines) and polycultures (n = 5, random mixtures of three out of the five lines) and conducted weekly surveys of fruit number, leafmines and weevil fruit attack over a 5‐month period. In addition, we collected fruits to rear weevils and estimated parasitism associated with this herbivore.

There was a tendency for a negative effect of diversity on leafminer attack, with polycultures exhibiting a 24% reduction in leafminer attack relative to monocultures. By contrast, diversity did not influence weevil fruit attack or the level of parasitism associated with the weevil.

Our findings show that plant genotypic diversity effects vary among herbivore species, presumably as a result of differences in herbivore traits (e.g. diet breadth, mobility). We also emphasize that manipulating plant genotypic diversity can be an important consideration for pest management in this commercially important crop.
Hypersensitivity to intravenous iron: classification, terminology, mechanisms and management
Authors: Szebeni J , Fishbane S , Hedenus M , Howaldt S , Locatelli F , Patni S , Rampton D , Weiss G , Folkersen J
Published: August 2015

Intravenous (IV) iron therapy is widely used in iron deficiency anaemias when oral iron is not tolerated or ineffective. Administration of IV‐iron is considered a safe procedure, but severe hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) can occur at a very low frequency. Recently, new guidelines have been published by the European Medicines Agency with the intention of making IV‐iron therapy safer; however, the current protocols are still non‐specific, non‐evidence‐based empirical measures which neglect the fact that the majority of IV‐iron reactions are not IgE‐mediated anaphylactic reactions. The field would benefit from new specific and effective methods for the prevention and treatment of these HSRs, and the main goal of this review was to highlight a possible new approach based on the assumption that IV‐iron reactions represent complement activation‐related pseudo‐allergy (CARPA), at least in part. The review compares the features of IV‐iron reactions to those of immune and non‐immune HSRs caused by a variety of other infused drugs and thus make indirect inferences on IV‐iron reactions. The process of comparison highlights many unresolved issues in allergy research, such as the unsettled terminology, multiple redundant classifications and a lack of validated animal models and lege artis clinical studies. Facts and arguments are listed in support of the involvement of CARPA in IV‐iron reactions, and the review addresses the mechanism of low reactogenic administration protocols (LRPs) based on slow infusion. It is suggested that consideration of CARPA and the use of LRPs might lead to useful new additions to the management of high‐risk IV‐iron patients.
Knowing When to Be “Rational”: Flexible Economic Decision Making and Executive Function in Preschool Children
Authors: Lee Wendy S. C. , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: August 2015

Failure to delay gratification may not indicate poor control or irrationality, but might be an adaptive response. Two studies investigated 3.5‐ and 4.5‐year‐old children's ability to adapt their delay and saving behavior when their preference (e.g., to delay or not delay) became nonadaptive. In Study 1 (N = 140), children's delay preference was associated with a risk of losing rewards. In Study 2 (N = 142), children's saving preference was associated with an inability to play an attractive game. Whereas baseline delaying and saving preferences were unrelated to a standardized executive function measure, children who switched to their nonpreferred choice scored higher, suggesting flexibility of decision‐making may be a more meaningful dependent variable than baseline performance in developmental research on self‐control.
Basal cell carcinomas showing histological features generally associated with cutaneous adnexal neoplasms
Authors: Chu Sui Wing Winney , Biswas Asok
Published: August 2015

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the commonest malignant neoplasm in humans. Although a histopathological diagnosis of BCC is straightforward in the vast majority of cases, unusual histological variants can present a diagnostic challenge. A small proportion of BCCs show features which are generally associated with cutaneous adnexal neoplasms. Such changes may involve either the epithelium or the stroma and can mislead the pathologist particularly in small biopsies. Despite the growing evidence which speculate that BCC is a primitive follicular tumor, it is unusual to encounter tumors which actually show definitive signs of adnexal differentiation. This review aims to address this somewhat overlooked aspect of a very common tumor and offers practical guidance to distinguish them from adnexal neoplasms which they might mimic.
Hidradenoma papilliferum associated with pregnancy: a case report
Authors: McClain Colt M. , Deavers Michael T. , Sauls Clifford D. , Diwan A. Hafeez
Published: August 2015

We present the case of a 33‐year‐old female who developed a cystic nodule on the vulva during pregnancy. Immediately following Cesarean section, the lesion was biopsied and histologic examination revealed a dermal tumor composed of glandular structures arranged in a labyrinth pattern. The glandular structures displayed cytoplasmic vacuolization, large atypical nuclei, prominent nucleoli and scattered eosinophilic luminal secretions. Immunohistochemistry showed the tumor cells to be diffusely positive for CK7 and progesterone receptor with focal expression of mammaglobin and GCDFP‐15. The tumor cells were negative for estrogen receptor and CK20. These histologic and immunophenotypic findings were consistent with hidradenoma papilliferum. Our unusual (and to our knowledge first reported) case demonstrates hidradenoma papilliferum in association with pregnancy and raises the possibility of cytologic atypia and lactational change being secondary to hormonal changes in pregnancy.
Granulomatous slack skin‐like clinical findings in Sézary syndrome
Authors: Echeverria Begoña , Vitiello Magalys , Milikowski Clara , Kerdel Francisco
Published: August 2015

Granulomatous slack skin (GSS) is a very rare condition that has been described as a variant of mycosis fungoides. It is characterized by the development of bulky and pendulous skin folds in flexural areas that are histologically formed by atypical T lymphocytes, histiocytes and giant cells. We report the case of a 37‐year‐old African‐American female with history of Sézary syndrome (SS) that while on treatment for the disease and in a space of 1 month developed exorbitant slack folds in the axillae and cervical area mimicking GSS. The absence of giant cells and epithelioid granulomas in the biopsy ruled out this diagnosis. We report this peculiar SS presentation that clinically resembles GSS, but with histopathology that does not show the typical features of this condition. We also review the literature in regard to SS, GSS and granulomatous mycosis fungoides (GMF), particularly the existing criteria to differentiate these various entities.
Transepidermal elimination of mucin is a very common but not yet reported phenomenon in digital myxoid cysts: a study of 35 cases
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel
Published: August 2015

We present a series of 35 cases of digital myxoid cyst in which we specifically looked for transepidermal migration of mucin. We found it in 57.14% of the cases (20/35). In these cases, there were collections of mucin in an intraepidermal bulla as well as multiple intercellular droplets of mucin in many cases. All cases of perforating mucinosis described so far in the literature have presented clinically as papular eruptions. We therefore conclude that (1) perforating mucinoses do not exclusively present as multiple papules but also occur as single lesions; (2) transepidermal elimination of mucin is a very common but not yet reported phenomenon in digital myxoid cysts; (3) the morphological findings suggest real transepidermal migration of the mucin instead of exposure of the mucin to the surface via ulceration.
Clinical praxis for assessment of dry weight in Sweden and Denmark: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Stenberg Jenny , Lindberg Magnus , Furuland Hans
Published: August 2015

Overhydration is an independent predictor of mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. More than 30% of HD patients are overhydrated, motivating the development of new methods for assessing hydration status. This study surveyed clinical praxis and local guidelines for dry weight (DW) assessment in Swedish and Danish HD units, and examined if differences in routines and utilization of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and other assistive technology affected frequency of DW adjustments and blood pressure (BP) levels. Cross‐sectional information on praxis, guidelines and routines, plus treatment‐related data from 99 stratified patients were collected. Qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis and interpreted in convergence with statistical analysis of quantitative data in a mixed‐methods design. Local guidelines concerning DW existed in 54% of the units. A BIS device was present in 52%, but only half of those units used it regularly, and no correlations to frequency of DW adjustments or BP were found. HD nurses were authorized to adjust DW in 60% of the units; in these units, the frequency of DW adjustments was 1.6 times higher and systolic BP pre‐HD 8 mmHg lower. There is a wide variation in routines for DW determination, and there are indications that authorization of HD nurses to adjust DW may improve DW assessment. BIS is sparsely used; its implementation may have been delayed by uncertainty over how to manage the device and interpret measurements. Hence, better methods and guidelines for assessing DW and using BIS need to be developed.
Carnitine deficiency in children receiving continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Sgambat Kristen , Moudgil Asha
Published: August 2015

Carnitine deficiency is known to occur in chronic hemodialysis; however, the effect of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) on carnitine homeostasis has not been studied. We hypothesized that children receiving CRRT are at risk for deficiency because of continuous removal, absent intake, decreased production, and comorbidities related to critical illness. Records of patients with acute kidney injury receiving CRRT at Children's National Health System between 2011 and 2014 were reviewed for total carnitine (TC), free carnitine (FC), feeding modality, severity of illness, and survival outcome. The proportion of carnitine‐deficient patients at baseline, 1, 2, and ≥3 weeks on CRRT were compared by chi‐square, and relationships with other variables assessed by Pearson's correlation and logistic regression. The study group included 42 CRRT patients, age 7.9 + 1.1 years. At baseline, 30.7% and 35.7% of patients were TC and FC deficient. Within 1 week, 64.5% (P = 0.03) and 70% (P = 0.03) were TC and FC deficient, and prevalence of deficiency increased to 80% (P = 0.01) and 90% (P = 0.008) by 2 weeks; 100% of patients were TC and FC deficient after being on CRRT for ≥3 weeks (P = 0.005 and P = 0.01, respectively, vs. baseline). TC and FC levels negatively correlated with days on CRRT (r = −0.39, P = 0.001 and r = −0.35, P = 0.005). Patients with TC and FC deficiency had 5.9 and 4.9 greater odds of death than those with normal levels (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03). Carnitine is significantly and rapidly depleted with longer time on CRRT, and carnitine deficiency is associated with increased mortality. Consequences of deficiency and benefits of supplementation in the pediatric CRRT population should be investigated.
Retiform hemangioendothelioma treated with conservative therapy: report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Nobeyama Yoshimasa , Ishiuji Yozo , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: August 2015

Background

Retiform hemangioendothelioma (RH) is a locally aggressive vascular tumor. Wide surgical excision with tumor‐free margins is the standard treatment strategy. However, surgical excision is not an option for lesions near critical anatomical structures, such as those on the face. We report the case of a patient with retiform hemangioendothelioma that responded to non‐surgical treatments.

Methods

We describe the case of a 72‐year‐old male patient with a retiform hemangioendothelioma on the face that responded to a combination of pulsed dye laser, local corticosteroid injection, and application of imiquimod cream. In addition, we reviewed past case reports of patients with retiform hemangioendothelioma.

Results

Thirty‐five cases that describe the management of RH, including the present case, have been reported. Review of the cases indicate a relatively low disease‐free survival rate in cases that underwent surgical excision as the initial therapy for retiform hemangioendothelioma.

Conclusion

Surgical excision might not be the best therapeutic option. Local control with conservative therapy is an acceptable strategy for lesions in anatomical regions including the face.
Effects of branched‐chain amino acid addition on chemical constituents in lychee wine fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chen Dai , Vong Weng Chan , Liu Shao‐Quan
Published: August 2015

This study investigated the impact of single branched‐chain amino acid addition (L‐valine, L‐leucine, L‐isoleucine) on nonvolatile and volatile constituents in lychee wine fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae MERIT.ferm. The individual addition of branched‐chain amino acids decreased the consumption of proline with significantly different rates. The lychee wine with added L‐leucine and L‐isoleucine had higher odour activity values (OAVs) of isoamyl alcohol, active amyl alcohol and isoamyl acetate. The lychee wine with added L‐valine had higher OAVs of isobutyric acid and isobutyl alcohol (5.55 and 2.98, respectively), which were lower in the wine with added L‐leucine (2.91 and 1.02, respectively) or L‐isoleucine (3.43 and 1.73, respectively) relative to the control wine (4.18 and 1.77, respectively), suggesting interactive effects among the amino acids. These findings demonstrated that lychee wine aroma can potentially be manipulated via the addition of selected branched‐chain amino acids.
For and Against de Régnon: Trinitarianism East and West
Authors: Butner D. Glenn
Published: August 2015

Modern systematic theologians frequently claim that Eastern trinitarianism begins with the persons while Western trinitarianism begins with the divine essence, and fails to truly differentiate the persons. This article explores the origins of this claim in the writing of Theodore de Régnon, noting recent criticism of his paradigm's applicability to the patristic era. In response to these criticisms, I argue first for the limited validity of the de Régnon paradigm by demonstrating its applicability in the Carolingian–Photian dispute surrounding the filioque. I then argue against the deployment of the paradigm as a controlling schema in systematic theology by pointing to problems this narrative has created in the theology of Robert Jenson and John Zizioulas.
Herman Bavinck and the Problem of New Wine in Old Wineskins
Authors: Pass Bruce
Published: August 2015

Recent years have witnessed a flowering in Bavinck studies and a new focus on the synthetic character of Bavinck's theology. Bavinck's epistemology represents a prime example of this synthetic character, as Bavinck recasts the principia of Reformed Orthodoxy in a trinitarian framework, which in turn is used to address a residual problem of post‐Enlightenment philosophy. While ingenious, certain inconsistencies emerge on account of the sheer complexity of Bavinck's principia. This article explores two inconsistencies that have been identified in the secondary literature and the extent to which these inconsistencies threaten the coherence of Bavinck's epistemology as a whole.
Bulgakov's Account of Creation: Neglected Aspects, Critics and Contemporary Relevance
Authors: Gavrilyuk Paul
Published: August 2015

The article focuses on a central, yet neglected dimension of the ‘Sophia Debate’ in twentieth‐century Russian Orthodox theology: Bulgakov's panentheistic account of creation and its critique by Nikolai Lossky. Bulgakov understood the doctrine of creation to be negatively defined as creatio ex nihilo and positively defined as creatio ex Deo. Bulgakov's sophiology seeks to relate God and the world through the intermediate concept of Sophia, balancing an account of God's being in the world with an account of the world's eternal foundation in God. Lossky objected that Bulgakov's account underemphasizes novelty, contingency and the free character of creation. Lossky's objections notwithstanding, Bulgakov's version of panentheism – especially its trinitarian, antinomian and kenotic dimensions – finds significant points of contact with contemporary accounts of creation.
The dichotomy of the modern bioregionalization revival
Authors: Ebach Malte C. , Parenti Lynne R.
Published: August 2015

The modern bioregionalization revival is marked by an abundance of revised biogeographical classifications along with new analyses at both local and global scales. Many of these new regionalizations are based on sophisticated geospatial and species distributional models whereas others focus on the information about area relationships as inferred from the phylogenetic relationships of taxa in the areas. This results in a dichotomy between geospatial and phylogenetic approaches: areas may have the same name, but different composition and relationships. We see an opportunity to move bioregionalizations forward by proposing new regions or revising well‐known regions to reflect the advances that have been made in our understanding of phylogeny, biodiversity and Earth history during the past 50 years. Twenty‐first century biogeographers can adopt the methods of phylogenetic systematics which prescribe how taxa and their characters may be used to infer hierarchical relationships. In an analogous way, natural bioregions may be discovered by treating biotic areas as taxa and finding aggregate patterns of distributional relationships – a general areagram – as specified by phylogenies of the clades that live in those areas. We demonstrate the differences in these two approaches – general areagrams versus distributional models – in bioregionalizations and definitions of the Australian and the Neotropical regions.
Assessing the Impact of Price Promotions on Consumer Response to Online Stockouts
Authors: Peinkofer Simone T. , Esper Terry L. , Smith Ronn J. , Williams Brent D.
Published: August 2015

The recent growth of e‐commerce technologies has disrupted the traditional retail environment, leading to more consumers shopping online. While the manner in which consumers shop is changing rapidly, our understanding of how changing consumer behaviors affect retail supply chain management is lacking. In particular, our understanding of how consumers react to stockouts in an online shopping environment remains unclear. Making the challenge even more difficult is the fact that price promotions are heavily used to attract consumers in an online retail environment where consumer switching costs are low. This research develops a theoretical framework, based on expectation‐disconfirmation theory, to explain the effect of price promotions on consumer expectations of product availability and their reactions to stockouts in an online retail environment. Surprisingly, our findings suggest that consumers are actually less dissatisfied with a stockout of a price promoted item than a nonprice promoted product and are less likely to switch to another retailer's website. These findings may suggest that price promotions actually create a type of switching cost in the online retail environment, leading to interesting implications for researchers and supply chain managers.
Examining the phenotypic heterogeneity of early autism spectrum disorder: subtypes and short‐term outcomes
Authors: Kim So Hyun , Macari Suzanne , Koller Judah , Chawarska Katarzyna
Published: August 2015

Background

Phenotypic heterogeneity among toddlers presenting with ASD symptoms complicates diagnostic considerations and limits our ability to predict long‐term outcomes. To address this concern, we sought to identify more homogeneous subgroups within ASD based on toddlers’ clinical profiles in the second year of life, evaluating diagnostic stability and clinical outcomes within the subgroups 1–2 years later.

Methods

One hundred toddlers referred for suspected ASD underwent comprehensive assessments at 22 months (SD = 3) and 37 months (SD = 4). At 22 months, they were clustered based on symptom severity, developmental skills, and adaptive functioning. Diagnostic stability and clinical outcomes were evaluated within the clusters.

Results

Four clusters characterized by distinct clinical profiles at the time of the first diagnosis were identified. Diagnostic stability was excellent in 3 out of 4 clusters (93%–100%) and was lowest in the initially least affected cluster (85%). Autism symptom severity was stable, except for one group where it increased over time (16% of the sample). A large proportion of toddlers showed significant improvements in verbal and communication skills. Only a small group (17%) exhibited very low levels of functioning and limited gains over time.

Conclusions

Diagnostic stability and developmental progression from the second to third year of life in toddlers with ASD vary depending on their initial early profiles of relative strengths and deficits. Although a small minority of toddlers with more complex clinical presentations may not retain their diagnoses by the age of three, most children continue to exhibit symptoms of autism. Despite limited improvements in symptom severity, many children show significant gains in verbal functioning. Only a small proportion of children (17%) exhibit very limited gains despite intensive intervention. These findings support continued efforts to examine determinants of developmental trajectories including factors mediating and moderating response to treatment.
Multilevel selection theory and evidence: a critique of Gardner, 2015
Authors: Goodnight C. J.
Published: August 2015

Gardner (2015) recently developed a model of a ‘Genetical Theory of Multilevel Selection, which is a thoughtfully developed, but flawed model. The model's flaws appear to be symptomatic of common misunderstandings of the multi level selection (MLS) literature and the recent quantitative genetic literature. I use Gardner's model as a guide for highlighting how the MLS literature can address the misconceptions found in his model, and the kin selection literature in general. I discuss research on the efficacy of group selection, the roll of indirect genetic effects in affecting the response to selection and the heritability of group‐level traits. I also discuss why the Price multilevel partition should not be used to partition MLS, and why contextual analysis and, by association, direct fitness are appropriate for partitioning MLS. Finally, I discuss conceptual issues around questions concerning the level at which fitness is measured, the units of selection, and I present a brief outline of a model of selection in class‐structured populations. I argue that the results derived from the MLS research tradition can inform kin selection research and models, and provide insights that will allow researchers to avoid conceptual flaws such as those seen in the Gardner model.
Evolutionarily advanced ant farmers rear polyploid fungal crops
Authors: Kooij P. W. , Aanen D. K. , Schiøtt M. , Boomsma J. J.
Published: August 2015

Innovative evolutionary developments are often related to gene or genome duplications. The crop fungi of attine fungus‐growing ants are suspected to have enhanced genetic variation reminiscent of polyploidy, but this has never been quantified with cytological data and genetic markers. We estimated the number of nuclei per fungal cell for 42 symbionts reared by 14 species of Panamanian fungus‐growing ants. This showed that domesticated symbionts of higher attine ants are polykaryotic with 7–17 nuclei per cell, whereas nonspecialized crops of lower attines are dikaryotic similar to most free‐living basidiomycete fungi. We then investigated how putative higher genetic diversity is distributed across polykaryotic mycelia, using microsatellite loci and evaluating models assuming that all nuclei are either heterogeneously haploid or homogeneously polyploid. Genetic variation in the polykaryotic symbionts of the basal higher attine genera Trachymyrmex and Sericomyrmex was only slightly enhanced, but the evolutionarily derived crop fungi of Atta and Acromyrmex leaf‐cutting ants had much higher genetic variation. Our opposite ploidy models indicated that the symbionts of Trachymyrmex and Sericomyrmex are likely to be lowly and facultatively polyploid (just over two haplotypes on average), whereas Atta and Acromyrmex symbionts are highly and obligatorily polyploid (ca. 5–7 haplotypes on average). This stepwise transition appears analogous to ploidy variation in plants and fungi domesticated by humans and in fungi domesticated by termites and plants, where gene or genome duplications were typically associated with selection for higher productivity, but allopolyploid chimerism was incompatible with sexual reproduction.
Rural‐Urban Differences in Perceptions of Child Overweight Among Children and Adolescents, Their Guardians and Health Care Professionals in the United States
Authors: Tarasenko Yelena N. , Chen Chen , Smalley K. Bryant , Warren Jacob
Published: August 2015

Research Objective

Children and adolescents residing in rural environments with higher prevalence of an overweight population may develop inaccurate perceptions of a healthy weight. This study examines rural‐urban differences in perceptions of child overweight among overweight (85 ≤ BMI percentile < 95) and obese children (BMI percentile ≥ 95), their guardians and health care providers (HCPs), and children's concomitant weight control.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study was based on the 2005‐2010 NHANES data (1,844 overweight and obese children and adolescents, aged 8‐15 years). Rurality was defined using the 2003 RUCC. The weight status was based on the standardized measures of children's height and weight. Children reported whether they considered themselves overweight and whether they were trying to lose weight. Proxy respondents (ie, guardians) reported whether they considered their child to be overweight and whether an HCP had ever told them their child was overweight. Weighted percentages and predicted probabilities from multivariable logistic regressions were calculated, accounting for the complex, multistage, probability sampling design and nonresponse.

Findings

Rural residents comprised 18.8% of the study population; 41.8% of them were overweight and 58.2% were obese compared to 46.7% and 53.3% of urban peers, respectively. Misperceptions of children's weight status were 11.3 and 6.0 percentage points higher in rural children and their guardians, respectively. Recall of an HCP identification of child overweight was 6.3 percentage points lower among rural versus urban guardians.

Conclusion

Obesity prevention efforts may be fostered by improving accuracy of child overweight perceptions. This may be particularly impactful in rural settings, where weight misperceptions are high.
Factors Associated With the Prevalence of Prostate Cancer in Rural Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Rural Health Study
Authors: Sharma Meenu , Lawson Joshua A. , Kanthan Rani , Karunanayake Chandima , Hagel Louise , Rennie Donna , Dosman James A. , Pahwa Punam ,   the Saskatchewan Rural Cohort Study Group
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canadian males, and it is the third most common cause of cancer‐related deaths in men. Some studies suggest that occupational exposure may be associated with prostate cancer. However, the etiology of prostate cancer is ambiguous. The purpose of this study was to assess the rural occupational exposure, including farming, as a determinant of prostate cancer in rural men. We investigated the prevalence of prostate cancer and its putative relationship between rural exposures in the Saskatchewan province of Canada.

Methods

In 2010, a baseline mailed survey was conducted of 11,982 households located in 4 geographic regions (southwest, southeast, northwest, and northeast) of rural Saskatchewan, Canada. The questionnaires collected information on individual and contextual determinants from a rural population of men. In total 2,938 males older than 45 years were included in the logistic regression analysis.

Findings

The age‐standardized prevalence of prostate cancer was 3.32%. Farm residence was a significant risk factor associated with prevalence of prostate cancer while farming occupation and duration were not. Men who were exposed to insecticides and fungicides together (OR [95% CI] = 2.23 [1.15‐4.33], P = .02) at work showed an increased potential risk compared to the nonexposed. The effect of farm/nonfarm residence on prevalence of prostate cancer differed depending on personal smoking history and family history of cancer.

Conclusion

Workplace exposure to insecticides and fungicides together were statistically significantly associated with prevalence of prostate cancer.
Obliterative portal venopathy without portal hypertension: an underestimated condition
Authors: Guido Maria , Sarcognato Samantha , Sonzogni Aurelio , Lucà Maria Grazia , Senzolo Marco , Fagiuoli Stefano , Ferrarese Alberto , Pizzi Marco , Giacomelli Luciano , Colloredo Guido
Published: August 2015

Background & Aims

Obliterative portal venopathy without portal hypertension has been described by a single study in a limited number of patients, thus very little is known about this clinical condition. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of obliterative portal venopathy and its clinical‐pathological correlations in patients with cryptogenic chronic liver test abnormalities without clinical signs of portal hypertension.

Methods

We analysed 482 liver biopsies from adults with non‐cirrhotic cryptogenic chronic liver disorders and without any clinical signs of portal hypertension, consecutively enrolled in a 5‐year period. Twenty cases of idiopathic non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension diagnosed in the same period, were included for comparison. Histological findings were matched with clinical and laboratory features.

Results

Obliterative portal venopathy was identified in 94 (19.5%) of 482 subjects and in all 20 cases of idiopathic non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension: both groups shared the entire spectrum of histological changes described in the latter condition. The prevalence of incomplete fibrous septa and nodular regenerative hyperplasia was higher in the biopsies of idiopathic non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension (P = 0.006 and P = 0.002), a possible hint of a more advanced stage of the disease. The two groups also shared several clinical laboratory features, including a similar liver function test profile, concomitant prothrombotic conditions and extrahepatic autoimmune disorders.

Conclusion

Obliterative portal venopathy occurs in a substantial proportion of patients with unexplained chronic abnormal liver function tests without portal hypertension. The clinical‐pathological profile of these subjects suggests that they may be in an early (non‐symptomatic) stage of idiopathic non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension.
Protein acetylation dynamics in response to carbon overflow in Escherichia coli
Authors: Schilling Birgit , Christensen David , Davis Robert , Sahu Alexandria K. , Hu Linda I. , Walker‐Peddakotla Arti , Sorensen Dylan J. , Zemaitaitis Bozena , Gibson Bradford W. , Wolfe Alan J.
Published: August 2015

In Escherichia coli, acetylation of proteins at lysines depends largely on a non‐enzymatic acetyl phosphate‐dependent mechanism. To assess the functional significance of this post‐translational modification, we first grew wild‐type cells in buffered tryptone broth with glucose and monitored acetylation over time by immunochemistry. Most acetylation occurred in stationary phase and paralleled glucose consumption and acetate excretion, which began upon entry into stationary phase. Transcription of rprA, a stationary phase regulator, exhibited similar behavior. To identify sites and substrates with significant acetylation changes, we used label‐free, quantitative proteomics to monitor changes in protein acetylation. During growth, both the number of identified sites and the extent of acetylation increased with considerable variation among lysines from the same protein. As glucose‐regulated lysine acetylation was predominant in central metabolic pathways and overlapped with acetyl phosphate‐regulated acetylation sites, we deleted the major carbon regulator CRP and observed a dramatic loss of acetylation that could be restored by deleting the enzyme that degrades acetyl phosphate. We propose that acetyl phosphate‐dependent acetylation is a response to carbon flux that could regulate central metabolism.
Esophagogastric junction distensibility in the management of achalasia patients: relation to treatment outcome
Authors: Smeets F. G. M. , Masclee A. A. M. , Keszthelyi D. , Tjwa E. T. T. L. , Conchillo J. M.
Published: August 2015

Background

Achalasia is characterized by a functional esophagogastric junction (EGJ) obstruction. The functional luminal imaging probe (EndoFLIP) is a method to assess EGJ distensibility. In a homogeneous group of newly diagnosed achalasia patients treated with pneumatic dilation (PD), we aimed (i) to determine whether the assessment of EGJ distensibility has added value in the management of achalasia patients and (ii) to evaluate whether EGJ distensibility differs between achalasia subtypes.

Methods

Twenty‐six newly diagnosed achalasia patients were treated by graded PD (30 and 35 mm) separated by 1 week. EGJ distensibility was measured with the EndoFLIP technique before and after 30 mm PD. Good clinical outcome was defined as an Eckardt score <4 at 1‐year follow‐up. Fifteen healthy controls underwent an EndoFLIP measurement as control group.

Key Results

Newly diagnosed achalasia patients had reduced EGJ distensibility compared to healthy controls (0.9 [0.7–1.5] vs 3.4 [2.7–4.2] mm2/mmHg, p < 0.01), and EGJ distensibility was lower in type II compared to type I patients (0.8 [0.7–1.1] vs 1.5 [0.9–1.9] mm2/mmHg, p = 0.02). EGJ distensibility was increased after PD from 0.9 (0.7–1.5) to 4.2 (3.0–5.7) mm2/mmHg (p < 0.001). No difference was found in EGJ distensibility directly after PD between patients with good and poor clinical outcome at 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions & Inferences

Assessment of EGJ distensibility with the EndoFLIP technique is able to demonstrate the functional EGJ obstruction in newly diagnosed achalasia patients and EGJ distensibility differs between achalasia subtypes. Although PD improves EGJ distensibility, assessment of EGJ distensibility with a limited number of distension steps provides no additional information that is useful for clinical evaluation and management of achalasia patients.
Effect of anesthesia on gastroesophageal reflux in children: a study using BRAVO wireless pH study measurements
Authors: Rodriguez L. , Morley‐Fletcher A. , Souza A. , Rosengaus L. , Nurko S.
Published: August 2015

Background

Adult studies suggest conscious sedation increases gastroesophageal reflux (GER), but the role of anesthesia on GER in children is unclear. Our aim was to study the anesthesia effects on GER and pH study interpretation in children.

Methods

Children undergoing BRAVO wireless pH capsule placement under anesthesia and study duration >36 h were included. We evaluated the pH parameters (number of reflux episodes >5 min, duration of longest reflux episode, time pH <4 and fraction time pH <4) at 1, 2, 6‐h and total study duration blocks using 2 cutoff values (5.3% and 6%) for the worst day, average of both days, and 1st day alone. We compared time blocks to evaluate the effect of anesthesia on GER and the proportions of studies changing interpretation after excluding the 1st hour and 1st 2‐h blocks to evaluate anesthesia effect on study interpretation.

Key Results

A total of 150 children were included. We found a significant increase on the pH parameters in the 1st hour compared to subsequent block times suggesting an effect of anesthesia on GER. We found no significant change in the proportion of studies interpreted as normal vs abnormal, however, excluding the initial 2 h of the study would change the study interpretation from abnormal to normal in up to 5% of patients.

Conclusions & Inferences

We found an effect of anesthesia increasing the GER parameters mainly in the 1st hour and up to the first 6 h of the study that may result in a change in the study interpretation.
Causes and consequences of habitat fragmentation in river networks
Authors: Fuller Matthew R. , Doyle Martin W. , Strayer David L.
Published: August 2015

Increases in river fragmentation globally threaten freshwater biodiversity. Rivers are fragmented by many agents, both natural and anthropogenic. We review the distribution and frequency of these major agents, along with their effects on connectivity and habitat quality. Most fragmentation research has focused on terrestrial habitats, but theories and generalizations developed in terrestrial habitats do not always apply well to river networks. For example, terrestrial habitats are usually conceptualized as two‐dimensional, whereas rivers often are conceptualized as one‐dimensional or dendritic. In addition, river flow often leads to highly asymmetric effects of barriers on habitat and permeability. New approaches tailored to river networks can be applied to describe the network‐wide effects of multiple barriers on both connectivity and habitat quality. The net effects of anthropogenic fragmentation on freshwater biodiversity are likely underestimated, because of time lags in effects and the difficulty of generating a single, simple signal of fragmentation that applies to all aquatic species. We conclude by presenting a decision tree for managing freshwater fragmentation, as well as some research horizons for evaluating fragmented riverscapes.