bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of grasslands and conifer reforestations on centipedes (Chilopoda): barriers, semi‐permeable matrices or secondary habitats?
Authors: Lacasella Federica , Zapparoli Marzio
Published: June 2015

Ecotones are frequently associated with habitat fragmentation, one of the main causes of biodiversity loss. Conifer reforestations are assumed to enhance connectivity between forest remnants, buffering negative effects of fragmentation (edge effect). Conversion of agricultural lands into conifer plantations is commonly considered a good practice, although its implications on biodiversity are still unclear.

We compare effects of two matrices (non‐native conifer reforestations and semi‐natural grasslands) on epigeic centipedes of native forests in central Italy. Assemblages were sampled at progressive distances from the edge, both in the matrix and the native forest. Basing on habitat‐matrix similarity, reforestations should show lower edge effects compared to grasslands. Consequently reforestations could act as secondary habitat, while grasslands as barrier or semipermeable matrix.

Several species occurred in both native forest and matrix: 47% of species at the forest–reforestation ecotone, 16% at the forest–grassland ecotone. Both reforestation and grasslands affected forest indicators (Lithobius castaneusandL. tylopus).L. castaneusshowed reforestations had a lower magnitude (0.95) and a greater depth of edge effect (53 m into the forest). Conversely, grasslands had a higher magnitude (1.00) and a lower depth of edge effect (17 m).

Our findings show reforestations can act as secondary habitat, while grasslands as semipermeable matrix. Secondly, grasslands mainly threat forest species by isolation, while conifer reforestations by edge‐effect penetration. In conclusion, the establishment of non‐native conifer reforestation, although enhances connectivity, is not risk free and further comparative studies are due to evaluate positive and negative effects on biodiversity.
Factors related to number of present teeth in Korean elderly adults aged 55–84 years
Authors: Kim H‐N , Ha T‐G , Kim M‐J , Jun E‐J , Jeong S‐H , Kim J‐B
Published: June 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the associations between the number of present teeth (NT) and socio‐economic, demographic and oral health behavioural factors among Korean adults aged 55–84 years.

Methods

The total subjects comprised 3767 individuals who were examined and who answered the questions on socio‐economic status and oral health behaviour from the fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2007 to 2009. The dependent variable was NT, with binary status divided by the median. Socio‐economic and demographic factors included gender, educational level, parent's educational levels, region of residence, household income, type of health insurance and mother's economic activity. Oral health behaviours were as follows: daily toothbrushing frequency, smoking status, recent dental visit and illegal dental treatment. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to explain the associations between NT and other variables.

Results

In a model adjusted by socio‐economic, demographic and oral health behavioural variables, subjects who lived in urban areas were more likely to have larger NT compared to those in suburban areas (OR: 1.22, P = 0.025). Males were more likely to have larger NT (OR: 1.90, P < 0.001), and daily toothbrushing frequency was associated with NT (OR = 1.25, P = 0.023). Non‐smokers (OR: 2.44, P < 0.001) and past smokers (OR: 1.70, P < 0.001) were more likely to have lager NT compared to current smokers. Subjects without illegal dental treatments were more likely to have lager NT compared to those with illegal dental treatments (OR = 2.21, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Interventions aiming to preserve present teeth in elderly adults should consider socio‐economic, demographic and oral health behavioural factors.
Comparison of two contemporary rotary systems in a pre‐clinical student course setting
Authors: Marending M. , Biel P. , Attin T. , Zehnder M.
Published: June 2015

Aim

To assess two contemporary rotary instrumenting systems subjectively and objectively in a pre‐clinical student course setting.

Methodology

Undergraduate dental students (n = 44) prepared mesiolingual canals of 3D‐printed mandibular molar replicas (RepliDens, Zurich, Switzerland). The HyFlex and BioRace rotary systems, both previously unknown to the students, were used according to the manufacturers’ guidelines after a short theoretical introduction. For comparison, a first‐generation rotary system (ProFile .04), which the students knew from their previous education, was then used in a third RepliDens. Questionnaires were issued to note subjective experiences immediately after instrumentation. Objectively, time to instrument to size 40, .04 taper and shaping outcomes were analysed. Categorical data were compared using chi‐square and Fisher's exact tests, numerical data according to goodness of fit to the normal distribution, P < 0.05.

Results

Subjectively, the students liked the file size and sequence designation in the BioRace system significantly (P < 0.05) better than in the HyFlex counterpart, whilst they found better controllability with the HyFlex (P < 0.05), and reported no difference in cutting efficiency. They preferred both systems to the ProFile. Objectively, canal transportation was significantly less with the HyFlex (and the ProFile) systems compared to BioRace (P < 0.05). Both systems under investigation were statistically similar in terms of file fractures (nil), length control, and instrumentation time, which was considerably faster than with the ProFile control system.

Conclusions

HyFlex and BioRace had perceived and quantifiable strengths and weaknesses. Both systems were equally liked by the students and preferred over the ProFile first‐generation rotary system.
Forecast Error: The UK General Election
Authors: Hill Timothy Martyn
Published: June 2015

Pollsters expected a hung parliament, but UK voters instead returned a small Conservative majority. Timothy Martyn Hill reviews the predictions – and the errors – that were made
Finding Errors in Big Data
Authors: Puts Marco , Daas Piet , de Waal Ton
Published: June 2015

Weeding out mistakes hidden among billions of data points seems an impossible task. Marco Puts, Piet Daas and Ton de Waal put forward some solutions
The Reproducibility Crisis in Science: A Statistical Counterattack
Authors: Peng Roger
Published: June 2015

More people have more access to data than ever before. But a comparative lack of analytical skills has resulted in scientific findings that are neither replicable nor reproducible. It is time to invest in statistics education, says Roger Peng
Working Through Some Issues
Authors: Gelman Andrew
Published: June 2015

Psychologists have long wrestled with the problem of replicability. Bayesian inference and a break with the deterministic model of science might offer some respite, says Andrew Gelman
Consent's Been Framed: When Framing Effects Invalidate Consent and How to Validate It Again
Authors: Chwang Eric
Published: June 2015

In this article I will argue first that if ignorance poses a problem for valid consent in medical contexts then framing effects do too, and second that the problem posed by framing effects can be solved by eliminating those effects. My position is thus a mean between two mistaken extremes. At one mistaken extreme, framing effects are so trivial that they never impinge on the moral force of consent. This is as mistaken as thinking that ignorance is so trivial that it never impinges on the moral force of consent. At the other mistaken extreme, framing effects are so serious that their existence shows that consent has no independent moral force. This is as mistaken as the idea that ignorance is so serious that its existence shows that consent has no independent moral force. I will argue that, instead of endorsing either of these mistaken extreme views, we should instead endorse a moderate view according to which framing effects sometimes pose a serious challenge for the validity of consent, just as ignorance does, but one which we can solve by eliminating the effect, just as we can solve the problem of ignorance by eliminating it.
Adenosine Triphosphate Test After Cryothermal Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Creating Contiguous Lesions Is Essential for Eliminating Dormant Conduction
Authors: MIYAZAKI SHINSUKE , TANIGUCHI HIROSHI , NAKAMURA HIROAKI , HACHIYA HITOSHI , ICHIHARA NOBORU , ARAKI MAKOTO , KUROI AKIO , TAKAGI TAKAMITSU , IWASAWA JIN , HIRAO KENZO , IESAKA YOSHITO
Published: June 2015

Dormant Conduction After Cryothermal PVI

Background

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing reveals dormant pulmonary vein (PV) conduction after electrical PV isolation (PVI). This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of latent PV conduction after cryothermal PVI.

Methods

Fifty‐four consecutive paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients undergoing cryothermal PVI were prospectively enrolled. PVI was performed with one 28‐mm second‐generation balloon using a 3‐minute freeze technique, and touch‐up lesions were created by focal cryothermal applications. ATP testing was performed following PVI with a 20‐mm circular mapping catheter placed in each PV.

Results

Of 217 PVs, 205 (94.5%) were isolated using a cryoballoon, and 12 required additional focal ablation. ATP testing was performed in 46 patients for 173 and 8 PVs, which were isolated by cryoballoons and focal ablation, respectively. No dormant PV conduction was provoked in any PVs, which were isolated by cryoballoons, whereas 4 (50.0%) out of 8 PVs requiring focal ablation had transient ATP‐provoked reconnections (0 vs. 50.0%, P < 0.0001) with a median duration of 11.3 (10.7–17.1) seconds. The latent PV conduction site was identical to the residual conduction gap site after cryoballoon ablation in all. All latent conduction was successfully eliminated by 2 (2.0–9.5) additional focal applications. At a mean follow‐up of 7.7 ± 1.6 months, 81.5% of the patients were arrhythmia free after a single procedure.

Conclusions

No dormant PV conduction was provoked in PVs, which were isolated by 28‐mm second‐generation cryoballoons, but was provoked in 50% of PVs, which were isolated by focal cryoablation. These findings suggest that creating contiguous lesions is essential for eliminating dormant conduction in cryothermal ablation.
Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using the Visually Guided Laser Balloon: Results of the U.S. Feasibility Study
Authors: DUKKIPATI SRINIVAS R. , WOOLLETT IAN , McELDERRY H. THOMAS , BÖHMER MARIE‐CHRISTINE , DOSHI SHEPHAL K. , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , HORTON RODNEY , D'AVILA ANDRE , HAINES DAVID E. , VALDERRABANO MIGUEL , MANGRUM J. MICHAEL , RUSKIN JEREMY N. , NATALE ANDREA , REDDY VIVEK Y.
Published: June 2015

Visually Guided PV Isolation

Introduction

Visually guided laser balloon (VGLB) ablation is unique in that the operator delivers ablative energy under direct visual guidance. In this multicenter study, we sought to determine the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of performing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using this VGLB.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic, drug‐refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent PVI using the VGLB with the majority of operators conducting their first‐ever clinical VGLB cases. The primary effectiveness endpoint was defined as freedom from treatment failure that included: Occurrence of symptomatic AF episodes ≥1 minutes beyond the 90‐day blanking, the inability to isolate 1 superior and 2 total PVs, occurrence of left atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia, or left atrial ablation/surgery during follow‐up.

Results

A total of 86 patients (mean age 56 ± 10 years, 67% male) were treated with the VGLB at 10 US centers. Mean fluoroscopy, ablation, and procedure times were 39.8 ± 24.3 minutes, 205.2 ± 61.7 minutes, and 253.5 ± 71.3 minutes, respectively. Acute PVI was achieved in 314/323 (97.2%) of targeted PVs. Of 84 patients completing follow‐up, the primary effectiveness endpoint was achieved in 50 (60%) patients. Freedom from symptomatic or asymptomatic AF was 61%. The primary adverse event rate was 16.3% (8.1% pericarditis, phrenic nerve injury 5.8%, and cardiac tamponade 3.5%). There were no cerebrovascular events, atrioesophageal fistulas, or significant PV stenosis.

Conclusions

This multicenter study of operators in the early stage of the learning curve demonstrates that PVI can be achieved with the VGLB with a reasonable safety profile and an efficacy similar to radiofrequency ablation.
Feasibility of Transseptal Access in Patients With Previously Scarred or Repaired Interatrial Septum
Authors: ARKLES JEFFREY , ZADO ERICA , SUPPLE GREGORY , FRANKEL DAVID S. , CALLANS DAVID , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS , DIXIT SANJAY
Published: June 2015

Challenging Transseptal Access

Background

Many patients (pts) with interatrial septal repair (ASR) and/or multiple prior transseptal puncture (MTSP) are being referred for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We examine the feasibility of repeat TSP in these settings.

Methods

Records were reviewed from a single center from 2001 to 2012. Criteria for MTSP were >2 priorAF ablation procedures and criteria for ASR were prior surgical or percutaneous interatrial septal repair. Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) was used for all procedures. Repeat transseptal puncture (TSP) outcomes were classified as (1) routine, (2) challenging (additional tools, sheaths, multiple attempts), (3) failed, or (4) complicated (adverse event possibly related to TSP). Five hundred pts selected at random over the same time period undergoing 1st AF ablation without history of prior cardiac surgery were used as control.

Results

Two hundred and fifty‐one pts met the criteria (MTSP = 224; ASR = 27). TSP was routinely accomplished in the majority (212 pts [95%] in MTSP; 20 pts [74%] in ASR). In the MTSP group, the number of challenging/failed cases increased proportionately with number of prior AF ablation procedures. There were no complications in the ASR group and 2 (1%) in MTSP. This was not different from that in the control arm (n = 6 [1%]; P = ns). Pericardial effusion was the only complication seen in all groups.

Conclusions

In the majority of pts with scarred and/or repaired IAS, repeat TSP can be routinely accomplished using ICE guidance without any other special tools. Although repeat TSP can be occasionally difficult in pts with MTSP and ASR, it can be accomplished in the majority without serious complications.
Direct Pulmonary Vein Ablation With Stenosis Prevention Therapy
Authors: DeSIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , HOLMES DAVID R. , EBRILLE ELISA , SYED FAISAL F. , LADEWIG DOROTHY J. , MIKELL SUSAN B. , POWERS JOANNE , SUDDENDORF SCOTT H. , GILLES EMILY J. , DANIELSEN ANDREW J. , HODGE DAVID O. , KAPA SURAJ , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: June 2015

Direct Pulmonary Vein Ablation With Stenosis Prevention Therapy

Introduction

The dominant location of electrical triggers for initiating atrial fibrillation (AF) originates from the muscle sleeves inside pulmonary veins (PVs). Currently, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is performed outside of the PVs to isolate, rather than directly ablate these tissues, due to the risk of intraluminal PV stenosis.

Methods

In 4 chronic canine experiments, we performed direct PV muscle sleeve RFA ± postablation drug‐coated balloon (DCB) treatment with paclitaxel/everolimus. Of the 4 PVs, 2 PVs were ablated and treated with DCB, 1 PV was ablated without DCB treatment (positive control), and 1 PV was left as a negative control. Local electrograms were assessed in PVs for near‐field signals and were targeted for ablation. After 12–14 weeks survival, PVs were interrogated for absence of near‐field PV potentials, and each PV was assessed for stenosis.

Results

All canines survived the study period without cardiorespiratory complications, and remained ambulatory. In all canines, PVs that were ablated and treated with DCB remained without any significant intraluminal stenosis. In contrast, PVs that were ablated and not treated with DCB showed near or complete intraluminal stenosis. At terminal study, PV potentials remained undetectable. A blinded, histologic analysis demonstrated that ablated PVs without DCB treatment had extensive thrombus, fibrin, mineralization, and elastin disruption.

Conclusion

Our chronic canine data suggest that direct PV tissue ablation without subsequent stenosis is feasible with the use of postablation DCBs.
Prevalence of Liddle Syndrome Among Young Hypertension Patients of Undetermined Cause in a Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Lin‐Ping , Yang Kun‐Qi , Jiang Xiong‐Jing , Wu Hai‐Ying , Zhang Hui‐Min , Zou Yu‐Bao , Song Lei , Bian Jin , Hui Ru‐Tai , Liu Ya‐Xin , Zhou Xian‐Liang
Published: June 2015

Liddle syndrome, an autosomal dominant form of monogenic hypertension, has been regarded as a rare disorder, which leads to many Liddle syndrome patients being misdiagnosed and experiencing severe complications at an early age. Little is known about the prevalence of Liddle syndrome. In this study, the authors investigated the prevalence of Liddle syndrome confirmed by genetic testing among young hypertension patients of undetermined causes in China. A total of 330 hypertensive patients aged 14 to 40 years after exclusion of common secondary causes of hypertension were enrolled and serum potassium concentrations were measured. Patients with hypokalemia underwent genetic testing of the 13th exon of genes encoding β and γ subunits of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). Diagnosis was established by identification of mutations that destroy the PY motif of ENaC. Five patients were diagnosed with Liddle syndrome (prevalence, 1.52%), as well as 12 of their relatives. These patients with Liddle syndrome presented with an earlier onset of hypertension, a stronger family history of hypertension, and higher blood pressure than those with essential hypertension. All patients had hypokalemia and suppressed plasma renin activity. The results demonstrated that Liddle syndrome is an important etiology of hypertension in this young population. Screening of Liddle syndrome should focus on young hypertension patients, particularly those with early penetrance, hypokalemia, and low renin levels after exclusion of common secondary causes.
European Integration and Outward FDI from Central and Eastern Europe – Is There Any Evidence of Knowledge‐seeking?
Authors: Jindra Björn , Hassan Sohaib S. , Günther Jutta , Cantner Uwe
Published: June 2015

The European Union (EU) Member States in central and eastern Europe (CEE) witnessed a surge in outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) between 2000 and the start of the global financial crisis. This article investigates whether the European integration process altered the relative importance of host country location factors. In particular, we investigate to what extent knowledge‐seeking is a relevant investment motive, which has been documented as a key determinant for OFDI from other emerging economies. We apply a discrete choice approach to model foreign location choice of firms from CEE countries (CEECs) within the EU 27 (1996–2010). We find that the EU integration process is related with increasing importance of market access and less emphasis on labour cost advantages. We find heterogeneity in the valuation of foreign knowledge‐related assets. The location probability within the EU15 is positively associated with knowledge‐seeking. It also plays a role for technology‐intensive industries and larger firms.
Correlation of serum testosterone with insulin resistance in elderly male type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with osteoporosis
Authors: Xia Jin‐wei , Tan Shi‐jin , Zhang Xing‐liang , Jun Tao , Sun Xiao‐kang , Ling Wang
Published: June 2015

Aims/Introduction

The present study was designed to investigate the correlations between the serum testosterone level and insulin sensitivity in elderly male type 2 diabetes patients with osteoporosis.

Materials and Methods

A total of 35 elderly male patients with type 2 diabetes (type 2 diabetes group), 30 elderly male type 2 diabetes patients combined with osteoporosis (DO group) and 30 healthy elderly men (normal control group) participated in the present study. The fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured. The insulin sensitivity index (ISI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and E2/T were calculated. Then, the correlations of serum testosterone level with ISI and HOMA‐IR were analyzed by statistical methods.

Results

The HOMA‐IR, E2 and E2/T of the type 2 diabetes group and DO group were significantly increased, whereas the bone mineral density, ISI, T and sex hormone binding globulin were decreased compared with those of the normal control group. Serum testosterone levels of the type 2 diabetes group and DO group were negatively correlated to the HOMA‐IR (r = −0.496, −0.506; P < 0.05), whereas they were positively correlated to the fasting insulin (r = 0.281, 0.292; P < 0.05) and ISI (r = 0.364, 0.403; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The reduced level of serum testosterone in elderly male type 2 diabetes patients with osteoporosis might promote insulin resistance.
Correlations of serum visfatin and metabolisms of glucose and lipid in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liang Zhaoxia , Wu Ying , Xu Jianyun , Fang Qin , Chen Danqing
Published: June 2015

Aims/Introduction

Visfatin is a newly discovered adipocytokine hormone, which exerts an insulin‐like effect by binding to the insulin receptor‐1. However, the role of visfatin in human gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between serum visfatin and metabolism of glucose and lipid in GDM.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective study. A total of 38 GDM patients and 35 age‐ and body mass index‐matched controls were studied between January 2012 and October 2013. Fasting serum levels of visfatin, fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c and lipid profile were measured. Two‐tailed t‐tests and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.

Results

Perinatal visfatin levels were negatively correlated with fasting plasma glucose, insulin resistance index and triglycerides in controls (r = −0.47, −0.51, −0.57, respectively; P < 0.05), and positively correlated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.32, P < 0.05). A positive correlation with visfatin level only appeared in weight gain and body mass index in women with GDM (r = 0.36, 0.45, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Visfatin appears to be involved in glucose and lipid metabolism regulation and insulin resistance, suggesting a role in GDM pathogenesis.
Viscous relaxation of grain‐scale pressure variations
Authors: Dabrowski M. , Powell R. , Podladchikov Y.
Published: June 2015

In the presence of grain‐scale pressure variations, there will be a natural tendency for deformation to flatten pressure gradients to establish pressure equilibrium. We explore the time‐scale of the survival of pressure variations in the presence of power‐law creep. Such viscous relaxation turns out to be strongly dependent on the exponent in the power‐law creep constitutive relation. For larger exponents, there is the possibility of maintaining pressure variations for the order of a million years, orders of magnitude longer than the viscoelastic relaxation time that is commonly used as a proxy for the pressure relaxation time. Petrologically, this means that while pressure variations may only be transient, their effect may contribute to mineral textural development, even if not preserved in mineral assemblages and mineral compositions.
Characterization of protective immune response elicited by a trimeric envelope protein from an Indian clade C HIV‐1 isolate in rhesus macaques
Authors: Menon Veena , Sneha Priya Rangasamy , Labranche Celia , Montefiori David , Mahalingam Sundarasamy , Kalyanaraman Vaniambadi S. , Pal Ranajit
Published: June 2015

Background

Recent preclinical studies have demonstrated the use of properly folded trimeric HIV‐1 envelope proteins as immunogen for eliciting protecting immune response in macaques.

Methods

Trimeric gp145 protein of Indian clade C HIV‐1 (93IN101) was characterized for antigenicity by evaluating its binding to sCD4, and several monoclonal antibodies to HIV‐1 by bio‐layer interferometry. Ten macaques were immunized four times with purified gp145 in adjuplex adjuvant, and serum antibodies were characterized for binding to gp145 and neutralization. Immunized macaques were subjected to weekly low‐dose vaginal challenge with SHIV1157‐ipEL‐p for 8 weeks.

Results

Env protein elicited strong antibody response in macaques. Following challenge, seven of ten immunized macaques resisted challenge, while six of eight control animals were infected.

Conclusions

Env proteins from a clade C Indian isolate can elicit protective immune response and therefore may be a candidate for inclusion in a multiclade‐based HIV‐1 vaccine.
Systematic Review: Bridging the Gap in RPN‐to‐RN Transitions
Authors: Suva Grace , Sager Shelley , Mina Elaine Santa , Sinclair Nancy , Lloyd Monique , Bajnok Irmajean , Xiao Sarah
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To review the evidence examining the influences of successful education and professional role transition for registered practical nurses (RPNs) pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BScN) and registered nurse (RN) licensure through RPN‐to‐RN bridging programs.

Design

Systematic review of papers published between 1995 and 2014 that evaluated students’ education and professional role transitions from RPN to RN.

Methods

Thirty‐nine papers were selected that observed or studied the change or transition in designation from RPN to RN, or its equivalent, through bridging programs and analyzed thematically according to Meleis, Sawyer, Im, Hilfinger Messias, and Schumacher's transition model.

Findings

Personal, community, and social conditions related to preparation for entry, program enrolment, and postgraduate clinical integration influence successful education and professional role transitions for RPN‐to‐RN bridging students.

Conclusions

Providing key transition supports may enhance the potential for successful student transition into and throughout a bridging program, but further research is necessary to enhance this understanding and to recommend best practices for optimizing students’ success.

Clinical Relevance

The evidence from this review identifies facilitators and barriers to successful education and professional role transition for RPN‐to‐RN bridging students, and identifies important considerations for future research.
Market Power in International Commodity Trade: The Case of Coffee
Authors: Igami Mitsuru
Published: June 2015

This paper studies the impact of market power on international commodity prices. I use a standard oligopoly model and exploit historical variations in the structure of the international coffee bean market to assess the impact of a cartel treaty on coffee prices and its global welfare consequences. The results suggest that the International Coffee Agreement (ICA, 1965–89) raised its price by 75% above the Cournot‐competitive level, annually transferring approximately $12 billion from consumers to exporting countries, and its lapse in 1989 explains four‐fifths of the subsequent price decline, that is, the ‘coffee crisis.’
Asthma phenotyping: a necessity for improved therapeutic precision and new targeted therapies
Authors: Chung Kian Fan
Published: June 2015

Asthma is a common heterogeneous disease with a complex pathophysiology that carries a significant mortality rate and high morbidity. Current therapies based on inhaled corticosteroids and long‐acting β‐agonists remain effective in a large proportion of patients with asthma, but ~10% (considered to have ‘severe asthma’) do not respond to these treatments even at high doses or with the use of oral corticosteroids. Analytical clustering methods have revealed phenotypes that include dependence on high‐dose corticosteroid treatment, severe airflow obstruction and recurrent exacerbations associated with an allergic background and late onset of disease. One severe phenotype is eosinophilic inflammation‐predominant asthma, with late‐onset disease, rhinosinusitis, aspirin sensitivity and exacerbations. Blood and sputum eosinophilia have been used to distinguish patients with high Th2 inflammation and to predict therapeutic response to treatments targeted towards Th2‐associated cytokines. New therapies in the form of humanized antibodies against Th2 targets, such as anti‐IgE, anti‐IL4Rα, anti‐IL‐5 and anti‐IL‐13 antibodies, have shown encouraging results in terms of reduction in exacerbations and improvement in airflow in patients with a ‘Th2‐high’ expression profile and blood eosinophilia. Research efforts are now focusing on elucidating the phenotypes underlying the non‐Th2‐high (or Th2‐low) group, which constitutes ~50% of severe asthma cases. There is an increasing need to use biomarkers to indicate the group of patients who will respond to a specifically targeted treatment. The use of improved tools to measure activity of disease, a better definition of severe asthma and the delineation of inflammatory pathways with omics analyses using computational tools, will lead to better‐defined phenotypes for specific therapies.
MRI Findings in Nonlesional Hypertrophic Olivary Degeneration
Authors: Gu Chris N. , Carr Carrie M. , Kaufmann Timothy J. , Kotsenas Amy L. , Hunt Christopher H. , Wood Christopher P.
Published: June 2015

PURPOSE

Investigate the relative frequency of nonlesional versus lesional hypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) and potential explanations for nonlesional HOD.

METHODS

Our radiology report database was queried for “HOD” in all head MRI reports between 7/1/2002 and 7/1/2013 and identified 138 patients. Specific absence of HOD or cases with lesions within the dento‐rubro‐olivary pathway (DROP) or extending into the inferior olivary nuclei (ION) were excluded (22 in total). For included patients, 19 locations with the anatomic potential to connect to the ION or DROP were reviewed and grouped into embryological categories, along with the use of the drug metronidazole.

RESULTS

A total of 51 of 116 (44%) HOD patients did not have a causative lesion in the DROP. The 27/51 (53%) of these patients had progressive ataxia with palatal tremor (PAPT). The 28/51 (55%) patients had one or more lesions outside of the DROP and one of these 28 patients used metronidazole. The remaining 23/51 (45%; 19% of total HOD cohort) patients had no additional lesions in the brain and 6 of these 23 patients did not have a clinical diagnosis of PAPT.

CONCLUSION

Forty‐four percent of patients with HOD did not demonstrate an MRI‐identifiable lesion in the DROP, and 45% of those patients did not have identifiable brain lesions outside of the DROP. Thus, nearly a fifth of HOD cases may be truly idiopathic. A majority of patients without a DROP lesion had bilateral HOD and two‐thirds were male.
Ecological niche models of invasive seaweeds
Authors: Marcelino Vanessa R. , Verbruggen Heroen
Published: June 2015

Ecological niche models (ENMs) are commonly used to calculate habitat suitability from species’ occurrence and macroecological data. In invasive species biology, ENMs can be applied to anticipate whether invasive species are likely to establish in an area, to identify critical routes and arrival points, to build risk maps and to predict the extent of potential spread following an introduction. Most studies using ENMs focus on terrestrial organisms and applications in the marine realm are still relatively rare. Here, we review some common methods to build ENMs and their application in seaweed invasion biology. We summarize methods and concepts involved in the development of niche models, show examples of how they have been applied in studies on algae and discuss the application of ENMs in invasive algae research and to predict effects of climate change on seaweed distributions.
Composite Quantile Periodogram for Spectral Analysis
Authors: Lim Yaeji , Oh Hee‐Seok
Published: June 2015

We propose a new type of periodogram for identifying hidden frequencies and providing a better understanding of the frequency behaviour. The quantile periodogram by Li () provides richer information on the frequency of signal than a single estimation of the mean frequency does. However, it is difficult to find a specific quantile that identifies hidden frequencies. In this study, we consider a weighted linear combination of quantile periodograms, termed 'composite quantile periodogram'. It is completely data adaptive and does not require prior knowledge of the signal. Simulation results and real‐data example demonstrate significant improvement in the quality of the periodogram.
Biochemical correlates of aggressive behavior in the Siamese fighting fish
Authors: Regan M. D. , Dhillon R. S. , Toews D. P. L. , Speers‐Roesch B. , Sackville M. A. , Pinto S. , Bystriansky J. S. , Scott G. R.
Published: June 2015

The Siamese fighting fish Betta splendens is a facultative air‐breathing freshwater fish often used for studying the physiological bases of agonistic behaviors. The agonistic interactions typical of paired male conspecifics are energetically costly, as indicated by associated increases in whole‐animal metabolic rate. However, little is known about the biochemical responses that underlie metabolism and performance during agonistic encounters. We examined biochemical indices of aerobic and anaerobic energy metabolism in locomotory muscle to ascertain whether they are important correlates of aggressive behavior. Pairs of male B. splendens were allowed to interact aggressively across a glass partition while their behaviors were quantified (striking, opercular flaring, surfacing for air) and the levels of several key metabolites (including lactate, creatine phosphate, free creatine, adenosine triphosphate, free adenosine diphosphate) and activities of enzymes of aerobic (citrate synthase) and anaerobic (pyruvate kinase, lactate dehydrogenase) metabolism were assayed in their muscle at the end of the trial. More aggressive fish (those exhibiting a higher strike frequency) had higher surfacing frequencies (presumably to access aerial oxygen), as well as higher aerobic capacities (as indicated by citrate synthase activity), higher levels of lactate and lower levels of creatine phosphate in the muscle at the end of an encounter. In contrast, the capacity for glycolysis and anaerobic metabolism (as indicated by pyruvate kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities) did not vary with aggression. This suggests that a high capacity for oxidative phosphorylation, either during or in recovery from agonistic encounters, underlies aggressive behavior. Although more actively striking fish make greater use of anaerobic glycolysis, they do so only to a modest extent that is within a capacity that does not vary between individuals with different levels of aggression. Overall, the use of, and biochemical capacity for, aerobic metabolism appears to be an important correlate of fighting performance in B. splendens.
A Markovian–Bayesian Network for Risk Analysis of High Speed and Conventional Railway Lines Integrating Human Errors
Authors: Castillo* Enrique , Calviño Aida , Grande Zacarías , Sánchez‐Cambronero Santos , Gallego Inmaculada , Rivas Ana , Menéndez José María
Published: June 2015

The article provides a new Markovian–Bayesian network model to evaluate the probability of accident associated with the circulation of trains along a given high speed or conventional railway line with special consideration to human error. This probability increases as trains pass throughout the different elements encountered along the line. A Bayesian network, made up of a sequence of several connected Bayesian subnetworks, is used. A subnetwork is associated with each element in the line that implies a concentrated risk of accident or produces a change in the driver's attention, such as signals, tunnel, or viaduct entries or exits, etc. Bayesian subnetworks are also used to reproduce segments without signals where some elements add continuous risks, such as rolling stock failures, falling materials, slope slides in cuttings and embankments, etc. All subnetworks are connected with the previous one and some of them are multi‐connected because some consequences are dependent on previous errors. Because driver's attention plays a crucial role, its degradation with driving time and the changes due to seeing light signals or receiving acoustic signals is taken into consideration. The model updates the driver's attention level and accumulates the probability of accident associated with the different elements encountered along the line. This permits us to generate a continuously increasing risk graph that includes continuous and sudden changes indicating where the main risks appear and whether or not an action must be taken by the infrastructure manager. Sensitivity analysis allows the relevant and irrelevant parameters to be identified avoiding wastes of time and money by concentrating safety improvement actions only on the relevant ones. Finally, some examples are used to illustrate the model. In particular, the case of the Orense–Santiago de Compostela line, where a terrible accident took place in 2013.
Transcriptional regulation of the Chlamydia heat shock stress response in an intracellular infection
Authors: Hanson Brett R. , Tan Ming
Published: June 2015

Bacteria encode heat shock proteins that aid in survival during stressful growth conditions. In addition, the major heat shock proteins of the intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis have been associated with immune pathology and disease. We developed a ChIP‐qPCR method to study the regulation of chlamydial heat shock gene regulation during an intracellular infection. This approach allowed us to show that chlamydial heat shock genes are regulated by the transcription factor HrcA within an infected cell, providing validation for previous in vitro findings. Induction of chlamydial heat shock gene expression by elevated temperature was due to loss of HrcA binding to heat shock promoters, supporting a mechanism of derepression. This heat shock response was rapid, whereas recovery of HrcA binding and return to non‐stress transcript levels occurred more slowly. We also found that control of heat shock gene expression was differentially regulated over the course of the intracellular Chlamydia infection. There was evidence of HrcA‐mediated regulation of heat shock genes throughout the chlamydial developmental cycle, but the level of repression was lower at early times. This is the first study of Chlamydia‐infected cells showing the effect of an environmental signal on transcription factor‐DNA binding and target gene expression in the bacterium.
Targeted mutagenesis of intergenic regions in the Neisseria gonorrhoeae gonococcal genetic island reveals multiple regulatory mechanisms controlling type IV secretion
Authors: Ramsey Meghan E. , Bender Tobias , Klimowicz Amy K. , Hackett Kathleen T. , Yamamoto Ami , Jolicoeur Adrienne , Callaghan Melanie M. , Wassarman Karen M. , van der Does Chris , Dillard Joseph P.
Published: June 2015

Gonococci secrete chromosomal DNA into the extracellular environment using a type IV secretion system (T4SS). The secreted DNA acts in natural transformation and initiates biofilm development. Although the DNA and its effects are detectable, structural components of the T4SS are present at very low levels, suggestive of uncharacterized regulatory control. We sought to better characterize the expression and regulation of T4SS genes and found that the four operons containing T4SS genes are transcribed at very different levels. Increasing transcription of two of the operons through targeted promoter mutagenesis did not increase DNA secretion. The stability and steady‐state levels of two T4SS structural proteins were affected by a homolog of tail‐specific protease. An RNA switch was also identified that regulates translation of a third T4SS operon. The switch mechanism relies on two putative stem‐loop structures contained within the 5′ untranslated region of the transcript, one of which occludes the ribosome binding site and start codon. Mutational analysis of these stem loops supports a model in which induction of an alternative structure relieves repression. Taken together, these results identify multiple layers of regulation, including transcriptional, translational and post‐translational mechanisms controlling T4SS gene expression and DNA secretion.
Localized overexpression of alpha‐internexin within nodules in multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumors
Authors: Nagaishi Masaya , Yokoo Hideaki , Nobusawa Sumihito , Fujii Yoshiko , Sugiura Yoshiki , Suzuki Ryotaro , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Suzuki Kensuke , Hyodo Akio
Published: June 2015

Multinodular and vacuolating neuronal tumors (MVNT) have been recently referred to as a distinctive neuronal tumor entity based on histopathological findings. They are characterized by multiple tumor nodules, vacuolar alteration and widespread immunolabeling for human neuronal protein HuC/HuD. Only 13 cases have been reported in the literature to date and little is known about the histopathology of these tumors. Herein, we report a case of MVNT with additional confirmation of immunohistochemical features. A 22‐year‐old woman presented with a continuous headache. MRI showed a subcortical white matter lesion with multiple satellite nodules in the frontal lobe appearing as T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensities. Histological examination of the resected lesion revealed well‐defined multiple nodules composed of predominant vacuolating tumor cells. The tumor cells exhibited consistent immunolabeling for doublecortin, as well as HuC/HuD, both representative neuronal biomarkers associated with earlier stages of neuronal development. Immunopositivity for oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (Olig2) and S100 was also detected in tumor cells. Additionally, significant overexpression of alpha‐internexin was observed in the background neuropil limited to tumor nodules. Neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), synaptophysin and neurofilament, markers for mature neurons, were either negative or weakly positive. The expression profile of neuronal biomarkers can be distinguished from that of classic neuronal tumors and is the immunohistochemical hallmark of MVNT. In summary, we identified the characteristic tumoral expression of HuC/HuD and doublecortin and the presence of abundant neuropil localized in MVNT tumor nodules, which exhibited widespread alpha‐internexin expression. These results supported the presumption that MVNT is a distinct histopathological entity.
Stoichiometric flexibility in response to fertilization along gradients of environmental and organismal nutrient richness
Authors: Sistla Seeta A. , Appling Alison P. , Lewandowska Aleksandra M. , Taylor Benton N. , Wolf Amelia A.
Published: June 2015

Ecosystems globally are undergoing rapid changes in elemental inputs. Because nutrient inputs differently impact high‐ and low‐fertility systems, building a predictive framework for the impacts of anthropogenic and natural changes on ecological stoichiometry requires examining the flexibility in stoichiometric responses across a range of basal nutrient richness. Whether organisms or communities respond to changing conditions with stoichiometric homeostasis or flexibility is strongly regulated by their species‐specific capacity for nutrient storage, relative growth rate, physiological plasticity, and the degree of environmental resource availability relative to organismal demand. Using a meta‐analysis approach, we tested whether stoichiometric flexibility following nutrient enrichment correlates with the relative fertility of terrestrial and aquatic systems or with the initial stoichiometries of the organism or community. We found that regardless of limitation status, N‐fertilization tended to significantly reduce biota C:N and increase N:P, and P fertilization reduced C:P and N:P in both terrestrial and aquatic systems. Further, stoichiometric flexibility in response to fertilization tended to decrease as environmental nutrient richness increased in both terrestrial and aquatic systems. Positive correlations were also detected between the initial biota C:nutrient ratio and stoichiometric flexibility in response to fertilization. Elucidating these relationships between stoichiometric flexibility, basal environmental and biota fertility, and fertilization will increase our understanding of the ecological consequences of ongoing nutrient enrichment across the world.
The skull and endocranium of a Lower Jurassic ichthyosaur based on digital reconstructions
Authors: Marek Ryan D. , Moon Benjamin C. , Williams Matt , Benton Michael J.
Published: June 2015

Even after 200 years of study, some details of the cranial anatomy of ichthyosaurs, one of the most successful groups of marine vertebrates in the Mesozoic, are still unclear. New information on the braincase, palate and occiput are provided from three‐dimensional scans of an exceptionally preserved ichthyosaur (‘Hauffiopteryx’ typicus) skull from the Toarcian (183–174 Ma, Lower Jurassic) of Strawberry Bank, England. This ichthyosaur has unusual, hollow, tubular hyoid bars. The occipital and braincase region is fully reconstructed, creating the first digital cranial endocast of an ichthyosaur. Enlarged optic lobes and an enlarged cerebellum suggest neuroanatomical adaptations that allowed it to be a highly mobile, visual predator. The olfactory region also appears to be enlarged, suggesting that olfaction was more important for ichthyosaurs than has been assumed. Phylogenetic analysis suggests this ichthyosaur is closely related to, but distinct from, Hauffiopteryx, and positioned within Thunnosauria, a more derived position than previously recovered. These results further our knowledge of ichthyosaur cranial anatomy in three dimensions and provide a platform in which to study the anatomical adaptations that allowed ichthyosaurs to dominate the marine realm during the Mesozoic.
Enhanced Self‐Cleaning Properties on Polyester Fabric Under Visible Light Through Single‐Step Synthesis of Cuprous Oxide Doped Nano‐TiO2
Authors: Gaminian Hamdam , Montazer Majid
Published: June 2015

Nowadays, introducing self‐cleaning properties on various fabrics under daylight irradiation for automotive and upholstery application is in a central point of research. This can be achieved by application of metal‐doped TiO2 nano particles on the textile fabrics. Here, alkali hydrolysis of polyester fabric has been carried out along with synthesis of Cu2O/TiO2 nanoparticles in a single‐step process by using sonochemical technique. CuSO4.5H2O was used as a source of copper in the presence of glucose as reducing and stabilizing agent. Moreover, central composite design based on response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the role of variables (CuSO4.5H2O, glucose and pH) and their effects on the self‐cleaning properties and weight of the fabric. The self‐cleaning property was investigated by degradation of Methylene blue on the surface of the treated fabrics under daylight. Further, the tensile properties, colorimetric measurement, and washing fastness of the treated fabric produced in the optimum conditions were investigated. The morphology of Cu2O/TiO2 nanoparticles was examined using X‐ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The new polyester fabric obtained through in situ synthesis of Cu2O/TiO2 nanoparticles can be used as a desirable stable fabric with high tensile strength and visible‐light self‐cleaning properties.